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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  145B0 

(716)  873-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  HistoricaS  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historSques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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L'Institut  a  microfilmd  le  meilleur  exemplairn 
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une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couieur 


□ 
D 
D 


Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul6e 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

I    t/ Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
I  n/i    Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  polliculdes 

j      I    J?ages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
I  Vt   Pagws  d6color6es,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 


n 

2f 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
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□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachees 

pn^^howthrough/ 
L—J   Transparence 

□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in6gale  de  I'impression 


D 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reiid  avec  d'autres  documents 


I     y^Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 

I  \/    along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 


n 


Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  rilming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  taxte, 
mais,  Icrsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 


|~~|    Includes  supplementary  material/ 


D 
D 


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ate,  ont  6t6  filmdes  d  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


D 


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This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

/ 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


T  .18  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

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Archives  of  Canada 


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g6n6rosit6  de: 

La  bibliothdque  des  Archives 
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conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  film6s  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
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premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  ^*>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  —^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


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different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
film6s  d  dos  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichd,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

I! 


A  hi^fft  fc- 


ILLUS' 
R 


WITH 


THE 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


\n  t 


OF    THE 


WAR    OF    1812 


OR, 


ILLUSTRATIONS,  BY  PEN  AND  PExNCIL,  OF  THE  HISTORY,  BlOli 

RAPHY,  SCENERY,  RELICS,  AND  TRADITIONS  OF  THE 

LAST  WAR  FOR  AMERICAN  INDEPENDENCE. 


BY  BE.NSON  J.  LOSSING. 


WITH  SEVKBAL  HUWDRED  ENGRAVIXGS  ON  WOOD,  KY  LOSSING  AND  BAUIUTT, 
*  CHIEFLY  FROM    ORIGINAL   SKETCH  KS    BY  THE  AUTHOR. 


NEW    YORK: 
HARPER   &   BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS, 

FRANKLIN    SQUARE. 
186  0. 


$A:\ 


nr^ 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 

Hakper    &    BnOTHERS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern 

District  of  New  York. 


li! 


The  Close  of  the  Ri 
the  Public  Debt, 
-3;  Dissolution 
venfion  to  reorgi 
to  form  a  Niition 
lishment  of  a  Na 


Foundations  of  Gov 
the  Indians  and  i 
Hostilities,  40 ;  I- 
Visit  to  the  Place 
demess,  4(J;  St.C 
coived  the  News  t 
ference  of  British 
down  the  Maumcc 


The  national  Policy 
Movements  in  Frai 
the  British  Governi 
the  Public  Debt,  <i^ 
picions,  (iC ;  Progn 
Adams,  (i8;  Demo 
generous  Suspicion 
Parties  formed,  72 
overthrown,  7r, ;  th 
pubUc,  77 ;  Washin 


"  Citizen  Genet"  and 
Enthusiasm  of  the  li 
fies  the  American  G 
Council;"  Aimed  > 
Great  Britain,  S(> ;  ( 
Difficulties  with  Algi 
liness  of  the  French 
Adams  elected  I'resii 
ness  of  Partisans,  !)4 

Action  in  New  York 


Washington  appointed  ( 
traordinary  sent  to  p 
rages;  Obsequiougnej 
in  the  West  Indies,  K 
era!  Party,  106  ;  Intri 
I  f?  ;  State  Suprema< 
r   I  th  of  Washington, 


It 


CHAPTER  I. 

EARLT  DAYS  OF  THE  RErUBLIC. 

The  Close  of  the  'Revolution  ;  the  States  free,  but  not  iiule|iunclent,  18 ;  Wliy?  Articles  of  Confederation,  19 ; 
the  Public  Debt,  20 ;  Attitiule  of  the  States,  21  ;  British  Oidnion  concerning  them,  22 ;  Public  Dangers 
23  ;  DisKoliition  of  the  Hepublic  threiitened,  24  ;  Washington's  Forebodings ;  his  Proposition  for  a  Con- 
vention to  reorganize  (io\eniment,  2't ;  Meeting  of  the  Convention,  20 ;  Proceedings  of  the  Convention 
to  form  a  National  Constitution,  27-82  ;  Katilication  of  the  Constitution  ;  its  Opponents,  !)3 ;  the  Estab- 
lishment of  a  Nation,  34. 

CHAPTER  II. 

EVENTS    IN    THE    NORTHWESTERN   TERRITORY. 

Foundations  of  Government  in  the  Wilderness,  35  ;  the  Northwestern  Territory ;  Settlements  there,  36-87 ; 
the  Indians  and  tlieir  British  Allies,  38;  Councils  with  the  Indians,  39 ;  British  Intrigues  and  Indian 
Hostilities,  40;  Expedition  against  the  Indians  in  the  Ohio  Coiuitry,  41  ;  Battle  on  the  Maumee,  42; 
Visit  to  the  Place  of  C'onflict,  43-44  ;  Expeditions  of  Scott  and  Wilkinson,  45  ;  Forts  built  in  the  Wil- 
derness, 4(i ;  St.  Clair's  Expedition,  47  ;  bis  Battle  with  the  Indians  and  Defeat,  48  ;  how  Washington  re- 
ceived the  News  of  St.  Clair's  Defeat,  49  ;  his  Justice  and  Generosity  ;  Wayne's  Expedition,  50 ;  Inter- 
ference of  British  Officials,  51  ;  the  British  and  Indians  in  armed  Alliance,  52;  Wayne's  Expedition 
down  the  Maumee,  53,  54  ;  Defeat  of  the  Indians  and  treaty  of  Greenville,  55,  56. 

CHAPTER  III. 

ESTABLISHMENT  OP   THE    NATIONAL   GOVERNMENT. 

The  national  Policy  and  Power  indicated,  58 ;  Relations  with  France  and  England,  59 ;  revolntionarj- 
Movements  in  France,  60,  61  ;  diplomatic  Intercoiu'se  with  (Jreat  Britain  and  Spain,  62 ;  Discourtesy  of 
the  British  Government ;  mistaken  Views  (•onceriniig  the  American  Government,  63  ;  Acts  in  relation  to 
the  Public  Debt,  64  ;  Hamilton's  financial  Scheme ;  Currency,  65  ;  Jeft'erson's  Disappointment  and  Sus- 
picions, ()6  ;  Progress  of  the  French  Revolution,  67  ;  the  r>oli;ical  and  religious  Views  of  Jefferson  and 
Adams,  68  ;  Democracy  in  England,  69  ;  Adams's  Scheme  of  Government ;  Jefferson's  Disgust  and  un- 
generous Suspicions,  70;  Paine's  Riijhts  of  Man  ;  a  Newspaper  War,  71  ;  the  Federal  and  Republican 
Parties  formed,  72  ;  Sympathy  with  the  French  Revolutionists,  73 ;  Lafayette,  74 ;  Monarchy  in  France 
overthrown,  75  ;  the  National  Convention  ;  Execution  of  the  King,  76 ;  Minister  from  the  French  Re- 
public, 77  ;  Washington's  Proclamation  of  Neutrality,  78. 

CIIAJ'TER  IV. 

FOREIGN   RELATIONS    ANO    DOMESTIC    POLITICS. 

"  Citizen  Genet"  and  his  Reception  by  his  political  Admirers,  79 ;  his  first  Interview  with  Washingtou ; 
Enthusiasm  of  the  Reiniblicans,  80;  the  American  and  the  French  Revolution  compared,  81  ;  Genet  de- 
fies the  American  (Jovernment,  82  ;  he  is  recalled  ;  his  Successor,  88 ;  Briti-sh  "  Rules"  and  "Orders  in 
Council;"  Anned  Neutrality,  84;  British  Impre.ssmeut  of  American  Seamen,  85;  Jay's  Treaty  with 
Great  Britain,  8(i ;  Opposition  to  the  Treaty,  87 ;  the  Whisky  Insurrection  ;  Democratic  Societies,  88 ; 
Difficulties  with  Algiers,  89  ;  an  American  Novy  recommended,  90;  Constructiori  of  a  Navy ;  Unfriend- 
liness of  the  ^'rench  Directory,  91 ;  Struggle  between  the  Republicans  and  Federalists  for  political  Power; 
Adams  elected  President,  92  ;  open  Rupture  between  F'rarice  and  the  United  States  threatened,  93 ,  Mad- 
ness of  Partisans,  94 ;  Aggressions  of  the  French  Directory,  95 ;  Preparations  for  War  with  France ; 
Action  in  New  York,  96 ;  History  of  the  ^ngs  "  Hail,  Columbia !"  and  "  Adams  and  Liberty,"  97. 

CHAPTER  V. 

WAR   ON  THE    OCEAN. — POLITVCAL    BTRITGGLES. 

Washington  appointed  to  the  Command  of  the  Army;  Hamilton  acting  Gcneral-in-chief,  98;  Envoys  ex- 
traordinary sent  to  France,  99  ;  Bonoparte  in  Power ;  American  War  vessels  afloat,  1 00 ;  British  Out- 
rages ;  Obsequiousness  of  the  Americaii  Government,  102  ;  naval  Engagements,  103  ;  American  (:nii8ers 
in  the  West  Indies,  104  ;  Truxtun's  Victory  ;  Honors  to  the  Victor,  105  ;  Peace;  Divisions  in  the  Fed- 
eral Party,  106  ;  Intrigues  against  Adams ;  Alien  and  Sedition  Laws ;  Nullification  Doctrines  put  forth, 
107;  State  Supremacy  asserted;  Jefferson  elected  President.  1 08 ;  Mortific^ition  of  the  Federalists; 
1> 'Ath  of  Washington,  109 ;  a  public  Funeral,  110 ;  Washington's  Person  and  Character,  111. 


Iv 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


M 


DIFFICUITIES  WITH   THE   lURBARY  POWKH8. — ENQLAND   AI»r>  FRANCE   AT   WAH. 

nonnparte's  Career  uiid  Infliioiu'e,  \\'2  •  (JbseqiiiousneHS  of  Eiiglinhmcn,  II 15;  noginniiig  of  Juff'erRon'H  Ad- 
iiiiiiiHtnitiun  ;  the  Nutioniil  Ciipital,  lU;  ScH'erson's  Tolicy;  puliticul  Proscription,  115;  the  Niivy  re- 
Uuced,  I  Hi  ;  ('Hj)taiu  Kaiiibridgu,  the  l)cy  of  Algiern,  and  the  Sultan,  117  ;  Insolence  and  Exactions  of 
the  Barlmry  Hulnrs,  IIH;  American  Navy  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  its  OperationH,  I  I'J-lliO;  Uoin- 
hardment  of  Tripoli,  121  ;  DeHtruction  of  the  P/ii/iiiU//i/iiu,  '22  ;  Destrnction  of  the  Iittrepid ;  Honors  to 
( 'oinmodo'-e  Preble,  123;  ronimodore  Ilarron's  S(iuaaron  in  the  Mediterranean,  124  ;  Eaton's  Flxpedi- 
tion  in  Northern  Africa ;  Respect  of  the  Uarhary  Powers  for  the  American  Flag,  l2r> ;  Honaparte  and  his 
Kelations  with  England,  12(!;  a  French  Invasion  of  England  threatened,  127;  a  Struggle  for  political 
Supremacy;  Bonaparte  proclaimed  EmjHiror,  128;  Napoleon's  Berlin  Decree,  121). 

CHAPTER  VII. 

EVENTS  WEST  OP  THE   ALLKOHANIKS. — SEARCH   AND  IMPRESSMENT. 

Orginizntion  of  new  States,  liU);  Americans  disturbed  by  the  Retrocession  of  Louisiana  to  France,  131  ; 
the  secret  Designs  of  the  latter,  Iii2  ;  Jetlerson's  Letter  and  Bonai)arte's  Necessity;  Purchase  of  Louisi- 
ana, l.'tH;  Eveiiis  connected  with  the  Purchase  of  Louisiana,  IJi4  ;  the  Duel  of  Hamilton  and  Burr;  the 
Acts  of  Burr's  political  Associates,  l;tr>;  his  ambitious'.  Schemes:  Blennerfinsseti  and  Wilkinson,  130; 
Burr's  Operations,  Trial  for  Treason,  and  Exile,  1 37  ;  American  commercial  Thrift  and  British  Jealousy, 
138;  British  Perlidy  defended  by  British  Writers,  13!) ;  Unpleasant  foreign  Relations,  140;  Memorial 
of  Mcrchnnts  concerning  British  Depreciations,  141  ;  Im|iressment  of  American  Seamen  and  Right  of 
Search,  142;  diplomatic  Correspondence  on  the  Subject,  143;  cruel  Treatment  of  American  Seamen, 
144  ;  farther  diplomatic  Action,  145, 14G  ;  nationi;'  Independence  and  Honor  in  Peril,  147 ;  Minister  ex- 
traordinary sent  to  England,  148. 

CHAPTER  Vin. 

SEARCH   AND   IStPRKSSMKNT. — liMHAROO. — PARTY   SPIRIT. 

Negotiations  concerning  the  Imjjressment  of  jVnierican  Seamen,  14!);  a  Treaty  agreed  to,  but  not  ratified ; 
War  on  tlie  Administration,  1 50,  151  ;  The  t^ontinental  System  of  Napoleon,  1 52 ;  Aggressions  on  Amer- 
ican Conuncrce  and  Neutrality  by  F'rance  and  England,  153;  Napoleon's  Milan  Decree  and  its  Ett'ects, 
154  ;  the  Navy  and  the  (iun-boat  Policy,  155 ;  British  Cruisers  in  American  Waters,  15(i ;  the  Afl'air  of 
the  Chesapmk-e,  157;  the  Outrage  resented,  158;  Action  of  the  American  Government,  159;  Action  of 
the  British  (iovernment,  1(10;  fruitless  Mission  of  a  British  Envoy,  101;  political  Complexion  of  the 
Tenth  Congress;  an  Embargo  established,  102;  its  Effects;  Party  Spirit  violently  aroused,  103;  the 
Embargo  vehemently  denounced,  104  ;  the  British  exact  Tribute  from  neutral  Nations,  105  ;  Dangers  of 
national  Vanity,  166. 

CHAFrER  IX. 

WAR  BETWEEN   THE  UNITED   STATES    AND  GREAT   BRITAIN  THREATErED. 

Provisions  for  strengthening  the  American  Navy,  107 ;  Gun-boats  ;  Opposition  to  a  Navy,  108 ;  British  op- 
position to  the  Orders  in  Council,  100;  Napoleon's  Blow  at  American  Commerce;  Modification  of  the 
Orders  in  Council,  1 70 ;  Actions  concerning  the  Embargo,  171;  Disunionists  in  New  England,  1 72,  1 73  ; 
Embargo  or  War  the  proclaimed  Alternative,  174;  (^otton  supposed  to  be  the  King  of  Commerce,  175; 
Just  Arrangements  for  settling  the  Difficulties  with  Great  Britain,  170;  the  British  Government  repudi- 
ates the  Acts  of  its  Agent,  177;  an  offensive  British  Jiinister  sent  to  America,  278 ;  the  French  Decrees 
and  British  Orders  in  Council,  17!);  England  and  Franco  refuse  to  be  just,  180;  Outrage  by  a  British 
Cruiser,  181  ;  Method  of  signaling,  182,  183;  Action  between  tha  President  and  Little  JJelt,  184;  Tes- 
timony concerning  the  Attuir,  185 ;  Commodore  Rodgers  assailed  and  vindicated,  186. 

CHAPTER  X. 

HOSTILITIES   OF   THE   INDIANS   IN  THE   NORTHWEST. 

The  Indianji  Territory  and  Governor  Harrison,  187;  British  Emissaries  among  the  Indians,  188;  Tecum- 
tha  and  his  Brother  the  Prophet,  18!) ;  Indian  Confederation  proposed ;  Harrison  denounces  the  Projihet, 
1!)0;  the  Mission  of  Josei)h  Barron,  l!)l  ;  Tecumtha  before  Harrison  at  Vincennes,  1!)2;  roving  Plun- 
derers; Tecumtha  alarmed,  1!)3;  Preparations  for  fighting  the  Indians,  li)4;  Jlariison  marches  up  the 
Wabash  with  Troops ;  Deputation  of  friendly  Indians,  1 95  ;  Visit  of  the  Author  to  the  Region  of  threat- 
ened Hostilities,  19(5-200;  Harrison  approaches  the  Projihet's  Town;  the  Indians  alarmed,  201  ;  Har- 
rison's Encampment  near  the  Tippecanoe,  202  ;  the  Prophet's  Teaching,  203  ;  Battle  of  Tiiipecanoe,  204, 
205  ;  The  Prophet  disgraced,  200  ;  Actors  in  the  Battle  of  Tippecanoe,  207  ;  Author's  Visit  to  the  Bat- 
tle-ground, 208,  209. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

A   WAR  SPIRIT   AROrSED. — DECLARATION   OP  WAR   AOAIN8T  GREAT  BRITAIN. 

The  Twelfth  Congress  and  its  Composition,  210 ;  the  President's  feeble  War-trumpet,  21 1 ;  Charges  against 
Great  Britain,  212;  Action  of  the  ("ommittee  on  Foreign  Relations,  213;  Alarm  on  Acc(anit  of  the 
Slaves,  214;  Randolph  and  Calhoun  in  Congress,  215;  Policy  of  the  Federalists,  210;  Patriotism  of 
some  of  their  Lejiders,  21 7  ;  Debate  concerning  the  Navy,  218 ;  the  President  compelled  to  adopt  War 
Measures,  21!) ;  a  British  Emissaiy  in  New  England,  220 ;  his  Revelations  and  Rewards,  221  ;  Action  of 
the  British  Ministry  on  the  Subject,  222  ;  a  new  Embargo  Act,  223 ;  delusive  Hopes  of  Justice,  224 ;  a 
preliminary  War  Measure,  225  ;  Reptjrt  on  the  Causes  of  and  Reasons  for  War,  220 ;  Action  of  Congress 
on  the  Subject,  227 ;  Declaration  of  War,  228 ;  Protest  of  the  Minority  in  Congress  against  the  Meas- 
ure, 229  ;  Organization  of  a  Peace  Party,  230 ;  Measures  for  carrying  on  the  War,  231 ;  public  Acts  in 
opposition  to  the  War,  232. 


'Die  British  Rege 
Frontier,  234  •  ; 
238-240;  Fultoi 
oniments  concer 
tiotnd  Re\ocatioi 
file  Subject  of  S, 
Leaders,  24!),  25( 


Canada  to  ba  invade 
man,  253 ;  A.itho 
regular  and  voluii 
i  apers  captured,  '2 
in  1812,  200;  Il„| 
y>  nr,  204,  L'05 ;  D 
'naw,  208,  209 ;  E 


Alarmmg  Facts  and  F 

invasion,  274  ;  Syn: 

Hoine  at  Brownstoi 

tmin,  278  ;  the  Mar 

J>isaft'ection  of  the  i 

tacking  Detroit,  28^1 

render,  and  refuses, 

surrenders  the  Fort 

Incidents  of  the  Sun 

render,  and  public  It 

Character,  295 ;  the 


The  Author's  Jonmey  f 

chI  Localitiei  at  Ami 

of  Detroit,. 101;  Chic 

3<).'! ;  an  Indian  Raid 

nitions  of  War  and  Li 

Savages— Bravery  of  \ 

Massacre,  311  ;  Mrs  I 

on  Fort  Wayne,  314; 

816 ;  Fort  Harrison  'b« 


WA 

The  Nation  aroused— En( 
Head  of  Kentucky  Vol 
Standard,  324  ;  Fort  M 
commands  the  Northwei 
Re-enforcements  gathei 
through  the  Wilderness, 
thors  Visit  to  the  Theal 
Indians  m  the  IlUuois  Cc 
Soldiers,  337. 


Ilamson  cheerfully  meets 

,f™y-t"- Western  Res. 

of  Colonel  VVad.,worth,  34 

8*4  ;  Services  of  friendly 

near  the  Mississiniwa,  34' 

the  Mnumee  Rapids,  .S50  • 

Winchester  arrives  with  'i 

Frenchtown,355;  Winch, 

manity  of  the  British  Con 

Massacre,  S^,9,  Author's  1 

<K.1,3C2;  Han.,  m  unjust! 


^«»»»»«»IB»i(i>iBayiiiiiiiri  I'iiiMii  iBriiiir  ii 


CONTENTS. 


CIIArTEU  XII. 

BROIlUflNO    OK   THK    WAU    OF    I  SI  2. 

The  British  Kcgoncy — Politiral  Aftnirs  in  Kiiropc,  'J.'i.'l ;  tiie  TiiKipu  and  Fortiflcationn  on  the  Northern 
Frfmtier,  2M  ;  Sea-cotiHt  DefenHeH  of  the  United  StiiteH,  230- '.MH;  Fulton's  Torj>cdoes  imd  their  lines, 
238-240;  Fulton's  Antifipu'ions,  '241  ;  Kttects  of  h  Fear  of  TorjJcdoeH,  242;  the  Action  of  State  Gov- 
eniments  concerning  the  War,  243  ;  i)iil)lic  Feeling  in  Caimda,  244  ;  Signs  of  Pacification,  24.1;  condi- 
tional Revocation  of  the  Orders  in  (Joiuicil,  24(i ;  hauKhty  AKstimptions  of  the  Uriti'.h  tiovenimont  on 
the  Subject  of  Search  and  Imprisoiiraent,  247 ;  War  inevitable  and  justifiable,  24H ;  Choice  of  military 
Leaders,  241),  250. 

CHAPTER  Xlir. 

IltTLl's    CAMl'AION    AOAINRT   CAVAPA. 

Canada  to  he  invaded — Object  of  the  Invasion,  2.')1 ;  Organization  of  an  Army  in  Ohio — an  .ictivc  Frontiers- 
man, 2ri3  ;  Aurhor's  Journey  through  Ohio.  2.14  ;  General  Hull  takes  Ounnumd  of  Ohio  Volunteers,  2rir> ; 
regular  and  volunteer  Triwps  in  the  Wilderness,  2iH];  Hull's  March  to  Detroit,  2.'>7;  his  liaggage  and 
Papers  ca|)tured,  2.18 ;  how  the  ilritish  in  Canada  were  informed  of  the  I  )eclaration  of  War,  2.1".( ;  Detroit 
in  1812,  2(iO;  Hull  invades  ('anada,  2G1,  2(i2  ;  Reconnoissance  toward  Maiden,  203;  first  Battle  of  the 
War,  2(!4,  "Ct'i ;  Distrust  of  General  Hull,  2(!(i ;  first  Blood  shed  in  the  War,  2(i7 ;  curly  Scenes  at  Mack- 
inaw, 2G8,  2tii)i  Events  at  Mackinaw  in  1812,  270;  Kmploynient  of  the  Indians  by  the  British,  271. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

CAMPAIGN   ON   THK   DKTROIT   FRONTIEK. 

Alarming  Facts  and  Rumors,  272 ;  Preparations  in  Canada  for  resisting  Invasion,  273  ;  Alarm  caused  by  the 
Invasion,  274  ;  Symptoms  of  Disloyalty — General  Brock's  Intiuencc,  27.1;  Defeat  of  Americans  under  Van 
Hurne  at  Brfiwnstown,  27(i ;  mutinous  Spirit  evinced  in  Hull's  Army,  277;  Expedition  to  succor  a  Supply- 
train,  278  ;  the  March  toward  the  Kiver  Raisin,  27!t ;  Battle  of  Magiiaga,  280,  281  ;  Disappointment  and 
Disaffection  of  the  American  Troops,  282 ;  Brock  goes  to  Maiden  with  Troops,  283  ;  Preparations  for  at- 
tacking Detroit,  284;  Hull  deceived — an  Ellort  to  reach  a  Sn;)ply-train,  28.1;  Hull  sumnuuied  to  sur- 
render, and  refuses,  28(; ;  the  British  proceed  to  attaik  Detroit,  287;  Scenes  within  the  Fort,  288  ;  Hull 
surrenders  the  Fort,  (Jarrison,  and  Territory,  28!t ;  Feeling  of  tlie  Tnuips— Result  of  the  Surrender,  2!K) ; 
IiU'idents  of  the  Surrender,  2'.ll  ;  British  Occupation  of  Detroit  and  Michigan,  21)2  ;  Account  of  the  Sur- 
render, and  public  Indignation,  2i)3  •  Hull  tried  by  a  Court-martial,  294  ;  a  Consideration  of  Hull's  public 
Character,  2'Ju  ;  the  Government  more  to  blame  than  Hull,  2!)ti. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

MILITARY   EVENTS    IN    THE   THEN    FAR    NORTHWEST. 

The  Anther's  Jonrney  from  Chicago  to  Detroit,  297;  a  Ride  from  Windsor  to  Amherstburg,  298  ;  Histori- 
cal Localities-  at  Amherstburg  or  Maiden,  299,  Windsor  and  "Windsor  Castle," 300;  Pontiac's  Siege 
of  Detroit,  301  ;  (Chicago,  its  Name,  Settlement,  and  I'osition,  302  ;  Trading-house  aiul  Fort  at  Chicago, 
303 ;  an  Indian  Raid,  304  ;  Troubles  at  Chicago,  30.1 ;  Treacher-  of  the  Indians — a  Warning,  306 ;  Mu- 
nitions of  War  and  l-iquor  destroyed,  307  ;  Ma-ssacro  at  ("hicago,  308 ;  Incident  of  the  Confiict  with  the 
Savages — Bravery  of  VVomen,  309  ;  Cruelties  of  the  Indians — their  British  Allies,  310  ;  Survivors  of  the 
Massacre,  311;  Mrs.  Kenzie  and  the  Growth  of  Chicago,  312;  Designs  agaii<st  Fort  Wayne,  313  ;  Attack 
on  Fort  Wayne,  314;  Rjivages  of  the  Indians — Little  Turtle,  31.1;  Treachery  of  Indians  nt  Fort  Wayne, 
316 ;  Fort  Harrison  besieged,  317 ;  brave  Deeds  at  Fort  Harrison,  318 ;  Attack  on  Fort  Madison,  819. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

WAR   WITH  THE   IlRITtSH   AND    INOIANH   IN   THE  NORTHWEST. 

The  Nation  aroused — Enthusiasm  of  the  People,  820 ;  Harrison  and  the  Kentuckians,  321  ;  Harrison  at  the 
Head  of  Kentucky  Volunteers,  322 ;  Departure  for  the  Wilderness,  323 ;  Volunteers  flock  to  Harrison's 
Standard,  324  ;  Fort  Wayne  relieved — Dettruction  of  Indian  Villages,  325  ;  Harrison's  Popularity — he 
commaiuls  the  Northwestern  Army,  32(5 ;  Winchester  met  by  British  and  Indians  in  the  Wilderness,  327 ; 
Re-enforcements  gathering,  328 ;  Harrisoii's  proposed  autumn  Cami)aign,  329 ;  reported  Movement 
through  the  Wilderness,  330 ;  Erection  of  Forts,  331  ;  the  Indians  alarmed  and  humbled,  332  ;  the  Au- 
thor's Visit  to  the  Theatre  of  War,  3.H3 ;  Preparations  for  further  Warfare,  334  ;  Exjiedition  against  the 
Iiulians  in  the  Illinois  Country,  335  ;  Expedition  to  the  Wabash  Region,  830  ;  Sufterings  of  the  Kentucky 
Soldiers,  337. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

WAR   WITH   THE   BRITISH    AND    INDIANS   IN   THE   NORTHWEST. 

Harrison  cheerfidly  meets  Difficulties,  338 ;  Difficulties  of  a  winter  Campaign,  839 ;  Organization  of  the 
Army — the  Western  Reser^-e,  340 ;  Preparations  in  Ohio  against  Invasion,  841  ;  Energy  and  Patriotism 
of  Colonel  VVadsworth,  342  ;  an  Expedition  to  the  Maumee,  343  ;  stirring  Events  at  the  Maumee  Rapids, 
344 ;  Services  of  friendly  Indians,  345  ;  Campbell's  Exjiedition  into  the  Wabash  Region,  346  ;  a  Battle 
near  the  Mississiniwa,  847 ;  Suflerings  and  I)ifflculties  of  Harrison's  Army,  348,  349  ;  Advance  toward 
the  Maumee  Rapids,  310 ;  Frenchtown  on  the  Raisin  River  threatened,  SlT;  Battle  at  Frenchtown,  352  ; 
Winchester  arri"e8  with  Re-enforccments,  853 ;  he  disregards  Warnings  of  Danger,  814  ;  Massacre  at 
Frenchtown,  355 ;  Winchester  compelled  to  surrender  his  Army,  85C ;  Perfidy,  Cowardice,  and  Inhu- 
manity of  the  British  Commander,  857 ;  Massacre  and  Scalping'  allowed  by  him,  358 ;  Incidents  of  the 
Massacre,  359 ;  Author's  Visit  to  Frenchtown,  360 ;  historical  I^)calities  and  Survivors  of  the  War  there, 
361, 362 ;  Hani   'n  unjustly  censured,  363;  his  Army  at  the  Maumee  Rapids,  364. 


$ 


I. 


i 

1 

1 

1 

CONTENTS. 


^1 


CIIArTKU  XVIII. 

EVBKTS   OH   Tire   NOHTIIKIIN    ANIt    NIAOAItA    mONTIERR    IN    1812. 

First  warlike  Measures  on  tlio  Nurtlicrii  Frontier,  ilii.'! ;  the  Mililin  of  the  Stiiii'  of  .New  York,  'Mid ;  KvenM 
on  Lake  Oiiinrio  iiiiil  at  iSackett'H  IliirlHjr,  !lli7 ;  ii  liiiHtile  Hritiuli  .S<|iia(lroii  iitt'  SackottV  Harbor,  'Mix  ;  a 
Skirniinii  iiixl  a  Ufpiilso  of  the  Hritixh — VoMHels  of  War  on  Lake  Ontario,  !t(l!) ;  ()|H(rulioii»  on  the  St. 
LHwrciioe  Frontier,  il70;  liostiie  Si|iiiulruns  on  Luke  Ontario,  ;i7<»;  Opcrntion.'*  neur  Kint(Nton — Cuinino- 
dore  ("haiinccy,  'M'2 ;  (ieneriil  Urown  itent  to  Ogilenxhurg,  .'I7:i ;  tlie  Itritish  attack  OKdenxhrrK,  .'174  ;  St. 
Kegis,  its  captnro  by  the  Ameriiunn,  :t7."> ;  llonorn  to  tlie  Victors  at  Albany,  !l7ti ;  I'.iear.cM'  Williams,  or 
"The  I,ost  l'rinco,'';t77:  the  Author's  Visit  to  St.  KeK's,  !I7H  ;  HuU'iilo  in  1812,  !17!»;  the  Niiigara  Fron- 
tier, ;tHO;  American  Troops  on  the  NiaRiira  F'ronlier,  ItHI  ;  an  Armistice  ami  its  Kil'ects,  U8;t  j  Prepara- 
tions for  an  Invasion  of  ( 'anaila,  .'tH4  ;  |",x|HHlitions  for  captiirin({  Urilish  Vessels,  JtHo  ;  iptnre  of  the 
Atlarin  and  L'a'.edonia  near  Fort  I'^rie,  38(i ;  InciduntM  uf  tlie  Exploit,  3M7  ;  Feelings  nf  the  Americans  and 
BritUh,  BHH. 

f'HAl'TFU  XIX. 

EVKNTIl   ON    TIIK.    NtAtUIIA    FKONTIKR    IN    1812. 

Conduct  of  Cicneral  Smyth,  3W>;  Van  Itensselaor  prepares  to  attack  (jiieenston,  .'190;  nritish  Fim'e  on  the 
Niagara  Frontier,  M!»l  ;  F^xpcdition  against  (iiieenston  delayed,  ;t!)2  ;  military  Ktiipiette — Colonel  Scott, 
.liW  ;  Passage  of  the  Niagara  Hivcr  in  the  Dark,  ili>4  ;  Skirmish  at  Queenston  Village,  iW.'i ;  ( 'olonel  Von 
Ilensseluer  wounded  and  Captain  Wool  in  command,  ;)!>(') ;  the  Americans  scale  Qiieenston  Heights.  3!(7; 
Kr.ttle  on  Qucenstcm  Heights  and  Death  of  (ieneral  Brock,  !J!t8 ;  Passage  of  the  Uiver  by  Ue-enforce- 
ments,  ;i!t!> ;  FXents  on  Qiieenston  Heights,  400  ;  another  Uattle — W(H)1  wounded,  401  ;  bad  Conduct  of 
the  New  York  Militia,  Coloiu-I  Scott  in  Command,  40i!;  Heroes  and  Cowards  made  Prisoners  of  War,  40.1; 
Surrender  of  the  American  Army,  404;  a  triumphal  anil  funeral  Procession,  40.');  Honors  to  (ieneral 
Brock,  400 ;  Colonel  StJomoii  Van  Rensselaer,  407 ;  Kvents  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Niagara  Kiver,  408 ; 
Protection  for  American  Prisoners  of  Wor,  40'J  j  (ieneral  Smyth '»  injurious  I'ride  and  Folly,  410  j  hiit 
silly  Proclamations  ridiculed,  411. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

KVBNT8   ON    TUB   NIAOAKA    tRONTIEH    AND   VICiyiTT    IN    1812. 

The  Autho/s  Visit  to  the  Niagara  Frontier,  412;  Lewiston,  (Jucenston,  and  (jueenston  Heights,  4I,T;  Brock's 
Monununt,  414  ;  an  F^vening  on  Qiieenston  Heights,  41.");  Interview  with  the  Cl.ief  of  the  Six  Nations, 
410;  Journey  from  Qiieenston  to  Niagara,  417;  Fort  (ieorge  and  its  Appurtenances,  418;  Fort  Missis- 
saga — Ueturu  to  Niagani.  F'alis,  41il;  .Journey  from  Niagara  F'lills  to  the  Settlement  of  the  Six  Nations  on 
the  Grand  Kiver,  420;  a  Morning  with  the  Chief  of  tlie  Six  Nations,  421  ;  Indian  Kelics  and  CustiHns, 
422;  the  Mohawk  Church  and  Uiant's  Tomb,  42.H,  424  ;  the  Mohawk  Institute — (yommnnion-phite  from 
Queen  Anne,  42.') ;  British  attack  Black  Rock,  420  ;  Preparations  for  anollicr  Invasion  of  Canada,  427  ; 
1*16  Hritish  forewanuid — Passage  of  the  Niagara  River,  428 ;  Incidents  of  the  attempted  Invasion,  42il ; 
Smyth's  Incompetence  and  Folly,  430 ;  the  Invnsiuu  of  Canada  abandoned,  431 ;  a  Duel,  and  what  come 
of  it — exit  Smyth,  432. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

NAVAL    OPERATIONS    IN    1812. 

Acknowledged  naval  Suj)eriority  of  Great  Britain,  433 ;  ( 'haracter,  Distribution,  and  Condition  of  the  Amer- 
ican War  .Marine,  434  ;  (junniodore  Rodgcrs's  Soiuidron — first  Shot  in  the  War,  435  ;  Rodgers  in  Euro- 
pean waters — British  Squadron  nt  Halifax,  43t) ;  (^^riiise  of  the  Constitution,  437 ;  how  she  eluded  her 
Pursuers,  438  ;  the  tUsex  goes  on  aOuise,  43!) ;  Cruise  of  the  Essex,  440;  how  a  Challenge  was  accepted 
by  Commodore  Porter,  441 ;  the  Coiistitiilioii  off  the  Eastern  Coast,  442 ;  Battle  between  the  Cvnstitutioti 
and  (riierriere,  443,  444 ;  Destruction  of  the  (lucrriere — F2ffect8  of  the  Victory,  44.') ;  Honors  to  Commo- 
dore Hull,  440  ;  F^ft'ect  of  the  Victory  on  the  British  Mind,  447  ;  Hull's  Generosity,  448  ;  (>ui.«e  of  the 
Wasp,  44i> ;  Fight  l)etween  the  Wnsji  and  the  Fro/ir,  4.")0 ;  lioth  Vessels  ca|)tured  by  tho  Poictiers,  451  ; 
Honors  to  Captain  Jones,  452  ;  Lieutenant  Biddle  honored  and  rewarded,  453. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

NAVAL   OPERATIONS   AND   CIVIL   AFFAIRS   IN    1812, 

Commodore  Rodgers's  second  Cruise,  454 ;  Battl;;  between  the  United  State's  and  Macedonian,  455 ;  Cap- 
ture of  the  Macedonian — Decatur  takes  her  to  New  York,  450;  Honors  to  Decatur,  457;  Bainb)-idge  in 
Command  of  a  Sipiadron,  458 ;  his  (^ruise  on  the  Coast  of  Brazil.  459 ;  Battle  between  the  Constitution  and 
Java,  40();  Loss  of  the  Java — Incidents  of  the  Battle,  401  ;  Honors  to  Buinbridge,  402  ;  Ettects  of  the 
naval  Battles  in  Great  Britain,  403 ;  meeting  of  the  Twelfth  Congress,  404  ;  Madison  re-elected — his  Ad- 
ministration sustained,  405 ;  Quince's  Denunciations  and  Clay's  Res[)onse,  400 ;  Mejisiires  for  strengthen- 
ing the  Army  and  Navy,  407  ;  Retaliation — Report  of  the  Committee  on  l''oreign  Relations,  408  ;  Mani- 
festo of  the  Prince  Regent  and  its  Charges,  409 ;  Mediation  of  the  Empei'  r  of  Russia  proposed,  470;  Re- 
joicings over  Napoleon's  Misfortunes — Peace  Commissioners,  471  ;  CabiiKt  Changes,  472. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

EVENTS    ON   THE    MAUMEE    RIVER. 

Contemplated  Expedition  against  Maiden,  473 ;  American  (7amp  at  the  Maiimee  Rapids,  474 ;  Interference 
of  the  Secretary  of  War  with  General  Harrison,  47.S  ;  General  Clay's  march  to  the  Maumi.e,  470 ;  Ilarri- 
.son  assumes  grave  Responsibilities,  477;  British  and  Indian  F^xpedition  against  Fort  Meigs,  478;  the 
Mission  of  Captain  Oliver,  479;  Leslie  Combs  volunteers  for  perilous  Duty,  480;  Incidents  of  his  Voyage 
down  the  Maumee,  481 ;  Preparations  for  an  Assault  on  Fort  Meigs,  482 ;  Attack  on  Fort  Meigs,  483 ; 


critical  Rituati 
Defeat  and  hw 
Fort  Meigs,  48 


Harrison's  Provi: 
ciiniiha  anxiou) 
to  ca|)tiire  Fort 
sumpioncd  to  m 
Incidents  of  tlui 
'■•<>•■■'.  500  J  „I„o 
■ssailed  and  virj 
Constriictioii  oC 
Vewels,  512;  p 
n.  rrison  viuits  I 


1  trry  prepares  for 

acter  of  the  oj)), 

Srpiadroiis— Ope, 

Si'eries  on  Iniard  i 

rence  to  tho  Ni,i, 

tempt  to  Flscape; 

Dead,  .Vtl  ;  sad  1 

''•e  exultant  Amc 

Alliaiue— Predict 

tions  for  unveilii: 

Statue  iinveiled- 

Cll ;  Poiry  and 


:ilH 


h 


in 


Arrangements  for  .., 
540 ;  Proctor,  frig; 
British,  548  ;  the  . 
dians  make  a  Stain 
British  defeated— I 
son  and  Proctor  prr 
thor's  Visit  to  the  T 
leaves  the  Armv-  ^^ 
^<ci')to  Valley,  hoc ; 
Visit  to  Hati'ivia  and 
riage  of  Captain  llui 


EV 

Tlie  Energies  of  Great 

F-zluubothtown— Beta 

captured,  580  ;  the  V 

Prescott,  582  ;  the  C 

tions  for  it,  585  ;   Exi 

tie  York,  588  ;  Explo 

Escape  of  tho  British, 

ronto,  formerly  Little 

at  Toronto,  594  ;   Pa.s( 

(Jeorge— tho  respectiv 

Squadron  and  the  Ian 

retreat  to  the  Beaver  ] 

stroyed  by  themselves- 

Battle  at  Stony  Creek 

are  pursued,  605 ;  De- 


EVENTS  A 

Bntish  Designs  on  Sacke 
608;  Assembling  of  the 
«10;  a  Conflict-Dest) 
Defenses,  014;  the  Au 
toncol  Localities  aromi 
Whittlesey  and  his  Wifi 
at  the  Beaver  Dams.  Oi 
—Fort  George  invested 


CONTKNTS. 


Vil 


rriticttl  Situation  nrtho  Fort  And  Onrriunn,  4KI ;  HnrriHon'it  riniiH  iiK<>>n*t  the  Deiiiegeni,  48,*> ;  Dudley '» 
Defout  ami  mul  Ku.tnltH,  4Htl ;  Arrivitl  of  Ko-enl'iirtTiiiuiitii  for  I'ort  Muig»,  487;  Kfl'ect  of  a  ^iortiu  from 
Fort  MeigH,  480;  thu  Autliur's  Visit  tu  the  Miiiinioo  Valley,  4iM)-4*J;i. 

CIIAITKH  XXIV. 

TlIK    ■>VAU    IM    NORTHKIl.H    OHIO-    <'(»NHTRL'CTIO!f   Of    rFHRT'ft    FI.EBT. 

lIivrrinoii'M  I'rovisioii  for  tho  Frontier  lleft'imes,  4'.t4  ;  Kciitiickiiins  iiniler  Colonel  K.  M.  JohnBon,  4J)r>;  Te- 
c'linithii  anxious  for  hoi'tilo  Action,  4!)(i;  ,Iohnnon'H  Ti-oops  iit  Fort  .Siephonsoii,  I;i7 ;  uiiHuiTesHfiil  Attempt 
to  viipture  Fort  Moi)(ii,  4!(H ;  Foit  Ste|ihen!iiin  mciiiicetl,  4!l!t ;  ('roi;lmn  duterniiiu's  to  h(.ld  it,  rM);  it  id 
RuniiMoned  to  Hiirrenilor,  M\  ;  a  Siege,  MtJ  ;  Fort  StephenHon  utornied,  and  the  Asituilaiits  repuUed,  WKl ; 
Incident)!  of  tho  Night  succec  "  /  the  .Strnggle — Honors  to  Croglian,  'i<14 ;  the  AiithorV  Visit  to  Sandnsky, 
fiO'i,  fiOtl;  also  to  FriMnont  and  Site  of  Fort  .Stephenson,  M)T ;  .Jonrney  to  Toledo— Harrison's  Churaclor 
assailed  and  vindicated,  M)K  ;  Captain  I'erry  sent  to  Lake  Krie,  "i(l!l;  llaihor  of  Krie  or  I'resq'  Isle,  ">!(); 
Constrnction  of  a  Lake  Fleet  bcKiin  there,  ol  I  ;  Ferry's  Services  with  Chaiincey  and  in  secnring  American 
Vessels,  512  ;  Ferry's  earnest  Call  for  Men,  olJI ;  Krie  menaced,  61 1 ;  first  Ci'uiM  of  I'erry'*  Fleet,  615  ; 
Il'rrison  viiiit*  i'erry,  61(i ;  I'erry '»  second  Cruise,  517. 

CIIAl'TKK  XXV. 

THH    BATTI.C   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 

I'trry  prepares  for  Battle,  ."IS  ;  his  final  Instructions — Hritish  Scpindron  in  sight,  519 ;  Names  and  Chnr- 
Hcter  of  tho  opposing  S(|nndrnns,  ^>'2();  CIningo  in  the  Order  of  Hattle,  521  ;  relative  Position  of  the 
Squadrons— Opening  of  the  Hattle,  522 ;  first  Position  of  tho  Vessels  in  the  Fight,  52!);  the  Hattle — 
S<'ones  on  board  tho  Lawrcnve,  524,  525  ;  sad  ( "ondition  of  the  htwreiire,  52(! ;  I'erry  goes  from  the  /^tip- 
rence  to  the  Niaf/nra,  527;  I'erry  breaks  tho  Hritish  Line,  52H ;  his  Victory — Hritish  ,Ships  vainly  at- 
tempt to  Kscape,  52'.);  Ferry's  fauKuii'  Dispatch,  5,')();  Surrender  of  the  Hritish  (MHcers — Hnrial  of  the 
Dead,  531  ;  sad  KlVects  of  the  Hattle,  5!t2 ;  Importance  of  l'err'"s  Victory,  5,'t;t ;  public  Celebrations  by 
the  exultant  Americans,  5;t4  ;  Honors  to  Elliott  and  his  Subordinates,  5i(5  ;  a  I'lei;  for  a  Hritish-Indiaii 
Alliaufo — Prediction  by  Washington  Irving,  5;t(i ;  Author's  Visit  to  Krie  ond  Cleveland,  537  ;  Prepara- 
tions for  unveiling  a  Statue  of  Perry  at  ('leveland,  538  ;  surviving  Soldiers  of  tho  War  of  1812,  53!) ;  the 
Statue  unveiled— a  rcmarkiiblo  Dinner-party,  540;  a  sham  naval  Hattle — early  Uesidents  of  Cleveland, 
541 ;  Perry  and  his  Captives,  542 ;  Kecoiitiou  of  Perry  and  Harrison  at  Krie,  543. 

CIIAPTKU  XXVI. 

ItARRIflON'f)    INVASION    OK  CANAIJA — HI«    IIOMK. 

Arrangements  for  invading  Canada,  544  ;  Army  of  tho  Northwest  in  Motion,  545 ;  it  crosses  Lake  Erie. 
54(J ;  Ptoctor,  frightened,  flees  frimi  Maiden — Tecunitha's  scornful  Itebnke,  547;  vigorous  Pursuit  of  the 
British,  548  ;  the  Armies  in  the  Hiver  'I'liames,  54'.t ;  Destruction  of  Property,  UMi ;  the  Hritish  and  In- 
dians make  a  Stand  for  Hattle,  551  ;  the  Annies  in  battle  Array,  552  ;  Battle  of  the  Thames,  553,  554; 
British  defeated — Death  of  Tecumtha — who  killed  him,  555  ;  Gallnntry  of  Cohmel  Johnson,  55(> ;  Harri- 
son and  Proctor  i)roperly  rewarded,  557,  558  ;  Keturns  to  Detroit — Ktfect  of  the  Victory,  55!) ;  the  Au- 
thor's Visit  to  the  Thames  Battle-ground,  5(i(),  5tJl  ;  Harrison  on  tlic  Noithem  Frontier,  5(i2 ;  Harris;m 
leaves  the  Army — Author's  .loumey  in  t)hio,  5()3 ;  Anti(niities  at  Newark,  5(i4,  505  ;  Columbus  and  the 
Scioto  Valley,  fidO ;  Chiliicutho  and  its  N'icinity,  5(i7,  5(58 ;  (iovernor  Worthington's  Fesidence,  5(!U ; 
Visit  to  Hatavin  and  North  Bend,  570 ;  North  Bond  and  iti'  early  Associations,  571 ;  Conrtsliip  and  Mar- 
riage of  Captain  Harrison  and  Anna  Symmes,  572  ;  Harri.ion'8  Tomb  and  Dwelling,  673 

CHAPTEU  XNVII. 

EVENTS   ON  THE   ST.   LAWUKNCK    FRONTIEK    AND   UPPF.M    CANADA. 

The  Energies  of  (jreat  Britain  displayed,  575 ;  Operations  in  the  St.  Lawrence  Kegion,  576 ;  Attack  on 
Elizabfthtown — Retaliation,  577  ;  Attack  on  Ogdonsburg,  578  ;  Defense  of  the  Town,  57!) ;  Ogdonsburg 
captured,  58(i ;  tho  Village  phmdered  and  Citizens  carried  off,  581  ;  Author's  Visit  to  Ogdensburg  and 
Prescott,  582  ;  the  Canadian  Kebellion,  583 ;  another  Invasion  of  Canada  contemplated,  584  ;  Prepara- 
tions for  it,  585  ;  Expedition  against  Little  York,  580,  587 ;  Americans  land  and  drive  the  British  to  Lit- 
tle York,  588  ;  Explosion  of  a  Powder-magazine  and  Death  of  General  Pike,  58!) ;  Capture  of  York  and 
Escape  of  tho  British,  5!)0;  York  abundonou  Scalp  as  an  0;nament,  51)1  ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  To- 
ronto, formerly  I^ittlo  York,  5!)2 ;  an  Adventu.  among  the  Tortifications,  593 ;  notable  Men  and  Places 
nt  Toronto,  5!)4 ;  Passage  across  Lake  Ontario-  Jouniey  lO  Niagara  Falls,  505 ;  Expedition  against  Fort 
George — the  respective  Forces,  5!)() ;  ('annonaue  between  Forts  (Jeorge  and  Niagara,  597  ;  the  American 
S(iundron  and  the  landing  of  Troops,  5!)8 ;  a  severe  Hattle — Capture  of  Fort  George,  599  ■  tho  Hritish 
retreat  to  the  Beaver  Dams  and  Burlington  Heights,  000;  British  Property  on«the  Niagara  Frontier  de- 
stroyed by  themselves — Expedition  toward  Burlington  Heights,  (iOl  ;  the  Americans  at  Stony  Creek,  002; 
Battle  at  Stony  Creek,  (i03 ;  Capture  of  Generals  Chandler  and  Winder,  004  ;  the  Americans  flee  and 
are  pursued,  605  ;  Destruction  of  Property  at  Sodus — British  Fleet  off  Oswego,  000. 

CHAPTER  XXVIIl. 

EVENTS   AT    SACKETT'S    HARBOR   AND   ON   THE   NIAGARA   FRONTIER   IN    1813. 

British  Designs  on  Snckett's  Harbor — its  Defenses,  007;  General  Brown  in  ('ommnnd  at  Sackett's  Harbor, 
608  ;  Assembling  of  the  Militia — Approach  of  the  British,  609 ;  Position  of  the  Militio — a  Panic  and  Flight, 
610;  a  Conflict — Destructicn  of  Public  Stores,  Oil  ;  the  British  retreat,  612;  Sackett's  Harbor  and  its 
Defenses,  0 1 4  ;  the  Author's  Visit  there — the  Frigate  Neit>  Orleans — a  neglected  Monument,  010;  his- 
torical Ivoealities  around  Sackett's  Harbor — a  Visit  to  Watertown  and  Brownsville,  (fl  7 ;  the  Story  of 
Whittlesey  and  his  Wife,  018 ;  Movements  on  the  Niagara  Frontier,  619 ;  Exi)edition  against  the  British 
at  the  Beaver  Dams.  620 ;  Services  of  a  patriotic  Woman.  021 ;  Defeat  and  Surrender  of  the  Americans 
— Fort  George  invested,  (522 ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  the  Beaver  Dams  Region,  623 ;  a  veteran  Canadian 


WM- 


: - -^JX-^^^U    .tiHiltiniM 


viU 


CONTENTS 


If 


iHi 


I  i  I 


! 


Soldier,  G24 ;  Vfcit  to  Sfonv  Creek  nnd  Ilnmilton,  (>2.") ;  British  and  Indian  Raidit  on  the  Niagara  Fron- 
tier, <)2(! ;  Bnttle  at  Ulnck  IJock,  (!'J7  ;  Kxpcdition  to  Rurliiigton  lleiglits  and  York,  028 ;  Oenrborn  suc- 
ceeded by  Wilkinson,  (i2!> ;  Helations  between  Wilkinson,  A.-iiiatrong,  and  Hampton,  (iUO ;  AlFairs  on  the 
Niagara  Frontier,  V>',i\  ;  Fort  George  menaced  and  Newark  lairnt,  (i;W  :  just  lndigiiati(m  of  the  Hritish — 
Retaliation  proposed,  ()!!.'{ ;  Fort  Niagara  captured — Desolation  of  tliat  Frontier,  <!84  ;  N.Y.  ulilitia  at  Uuf- 
fl'-li.',  C35 ;  liattlii  near  Black  Kock  and  Destruction  of  Buft'alo,  G36  ;  Horrors  of  retaliatory  Warfare,  637. 

CHAl'TKU  XXiX. 

EVENT8  ON   THE   NORTHKRN    FItONTlER    IS    1813. 

Wilkinson  concentrates  his  Forces,  C38 ;  General  Dearborn  moves  into  Canada,  6.39  ;  Repulse  of  the  British 
at  La  Collt — Colonel  Carr,  640  ;  Preparaticns  for  War  on  J^ake  Champlain,  04 1  ;  Movements  of  Hamp- 
ton in  Northern  New  York,  642  ;  Cliauncey  tries  to  engage  Sir  James  Yeo  on  Lake  Ontario,  643  ;  a  Rat- 
tle at  last,  644  ;  Chauncey  again  searchitig  for  his  Foe,  645  ;  an  Expedition  for  the  8t.  Lawrence  against 
Montreal — Disasters,  (i4(l ;  Hampton's  (Operations  in  the  Chateaugay  Region,  647;  Wilkinson's  Expedi- 
tion on  the  St.  Lawrenre,  648  ;  Battle  ofl'  French  Creek — the  Expedition  mover  down  the  .St.  Lawrence, 
64!) ;  the  Flotilla  passes  Frescott,  (i,")0;  (ieneral  Brown  invades  Canada — ■Wilkinsci  in  Peril,  6;")! ;  I'rep- 
arr.tions  for  a  Battle,  6.")2  ;  Battle  of  (Jhryslur's  Field,  (!.")3 ;  the  Americans  go  down  the  .St.  Lawrence, 
6.")4 ;  t'haracter  of  some  of  the  chief  Leaders,  ISH!)  ■  the  Army  in  winter  Qnartet.-  at  French  Mills,  6.')6  ; 
its  Sntferings  there  and  Relenso,  (!.">7 ;  Attempt  to  seduce  American  Soldiers  from  their  Allegiance,  658 ; 
the  Author's  Visit  to  the  St.  Lawrence  Region — Carleton  Island,  65'.),  000 ;  William  Johnson  of  the  Thon-  ' 
sand  Islands,  661  ;  his  Exploits,  Arrest,  and  Imprisonment,  662 ;  his  Services  in  the  War  of  1 81 2,  063  ; 
a  Visit  to  French  MilU  and  Vicinity,  664;  Rouse's  Point— La  CoUe,  665;  a  Visit  to  Cliryulor's  Farm, 
Prescott,  and  Ogdeusbarg,  666. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

PREDATOnY   WARFARE   OF    THE    HtlTISH    ON   THE   COAST. 

Blockade  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  Bays  declared,  667 ;  Operations  of  Blockaders  in  Chesapeake  Bay,  ' 
668;  Attack  on  Lewiston  —  Cockiiini,  the  Marauder,  G'j'J ;  Capture  of  Fronchtown,  670;  Attack  on 
Havre  de  (irace,  671  ;  the  Town  plundered  and  fired,  672  ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  Havre  de  Grace — John 
O'Neill,  (!73;  Cockhurn  plunders  and  destroys  other  Villages,  (!74  ;  stirring  Scenes  in  Hampton  Roads, 
675 ;  a  Britich  Fl^et  enters  the  Roads,  (!76 ;  Craiiey  Island  nnd  its  Deienders,  677 ;  Prejjarations  for 
Buttle,  078;  the  .iritish  attack,  aie  repulsed,  and  withdraw,  6"it ;  they  turn  upon  Hampton,  680;  they 
land  and  mena"-,  it,  (>81  ;  a  Struggle  for  the  Possession  of  Hampton,  68'i  ;  Americans  driven  out,  and  the 
Village  given  up  to  Rapine  and  Plunder,  683 ;  the  Author  visits  Croney  Island  an*".  Norfolk.  684,  C35; 
the  F'ortifications  on  Craney  Island,  68(> ;  a  Visit  to  Hamjito'i,  687  ;  a  Daughter  of  Coinmcxlore  Barron 
— a  Veteran  of  1812 — Hampton  destroyed  by  Virginia  Rebels,  (i88  ;  CocUburn  in  the  Potomac  and  on  the 
Coasts  of  the  C'arolinas  and  (ieorgia,  68i>;  Secret  Organizations  among  the  Slaves,  6iM);  Decatur  nins 
the  Blockade  at  New  York,  6;il  ;  blockading  Scpiadi-on  off  New  London,  <)'.)2;  Alarm  produced  by  Tor- 
pedo Vessels,  693  ;  the  Coast  of  (Connecticut  bliM'kaded — the  local  Militia,  691 ;  Decutur  i;i  the  Thames, 
695 ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  New  London  and  its  Vicinity,  696,  697. 

CHAlTKli  XXXI. 

WAR   ON   THE   OCEAN   IN    1813. 

Bnttio  between  the  ITornel  and  Peacock,  698  ;  Victory  of  the  //erne.'— Prowess  of  the  Americans  respected, 
699;  Honors  to  (^aptain  Lawrence  and  his  Men,  700;  (Yuise  of  the  i'hempeake — her  Character.  701  ; 
Lawrence's  last  official  Letter,  7^)2 ;  Brokc's  Challenge,  703 ;  the  (.%sni>euk€  and  lier  Oew,  794 ;  the 
Chem/ieakr.  goes  out  to  fight,  70."; ;  Battle  between  the  Chesniipuk-c  and  Shannon — Death  of  I^awrence, 
706 ;  Treachery — Capture  of  the  Clicm/ieake — she  is  taken  to  Halifax,  70.'S ;  Exultation  of  the  British, 
709  ;  Honors  to  Captain  Broke,  710 ;  Respect  paid  to  the  Remains  of  Lawrence  and  liia  Lieutenant,  Lud- 
low, 711  ;  funeral  Cerenamies  ai  Salem,  712 ;  funeral  Ceremonies  at  New  York — Monuments,  713;  stir- 
ring Scenes  in  Chesapeake  Bay,  714  ;  Cruise  of  the  Argiix  in  British  Waters,  715  ;  Battle  between  the 
Art/us  :i!id  Pelican,  716;  Battle  between  the  Kitterprise.  and  liorer,  717  ;  Funeral  of  the  Commander  of 
each  at  P^irtland,  718 ;  Honors  to  Burrows  and  M 'Call,  719 ;  last  Cruise  v>f  the  l^nterpnse,  720. 

CHAPTER  XXXIL 

CRUISE   OF   THE    ESSEX. 

Weakness  of  the  American  Na^y,  721  ;  the  Essex  starts  on  a  long  Cniise~a  .Search  for  Bainhridgc,  722  : 
she  .sails  for  the  Pacific  Ocean",  723 ;  her  Search  for  British  whaling  Vessels,  724  ;  by  ca;  tnriiig  and  ann- 
ing  British  whaling  Vc!ssels,  Po"*er  rreafes  a  Squadron,  725  ;  successful  Ouise  among  the  Oallapagos  Isl- 
ands, 72(i ;  Porter  sails  for  th::  *':'i  n^us.'s  Islf.nds,  727  ;  civil  War  in  Nooaheevah,  728  ;  Porter  engages 
in  theWor,  729;  the  Women  of  Nooaheevah,  730;  Incidents  in  the  Harbor  of  Valparaiso,  731  ;  Battle 
between  the  Ksspt  and  two  British  Ships,  732  ;  the  Essex  captured — Porter  returns  Home,  733  ;  Honors 
to  ( .'omm.xlore  Porter — his  subsequent  Career,  734  ;  Rodgers's  long  Cruiae  in  I8i3 — his  Services  to  his 
C-^untry,  735,  736  ;  he  makes  another  Cruise  in  the  President — Honors  to  Rodgers,  737. 

CHAPTER  XXXIIL 

WAR   AGAINST   THK    f'UEKK    INDIANS. 

Insurrectionary  Mo^enlent8  in  Ix)ui<iana,  V38  ;  military  Movements  in  West  Florick,  739 ;  Louisianr.  made 
a  State— Insurrection  in  East  Florida,  740;  Acti(m  of  Cniteci  States  Officials  there — Expedition,  741  ; 
Surrender  of  Mobile  to  the  Americans,  742  ;  Tennessee  Volunteers  on  the  Mississippi,  743 ;  they  return 
to  Nashville,  7*4  ;  Tecunitha  in  the  Creek  Country — he  exh(>rtM  the  (^reeks  to  make  War  on  the  White 
People,  710 ;  the  Creek  Nation  and  their  Position,  74V  ;  Civil  War  among  '.he  Creeks — White  People  in 
Peril,  748 ,  the  .Militia  in  the  Field — Battle  of  Burnt  Com  Creek,  749 ;  Pre|mrali(ins  for  Defense  in  Lower 
Alabama,  750 ;  Fort  Mima  and  its  Uccupauts,  75!  ;  Rumors  of  im])ending  Hostilitieii,  752 ;  Fort  Mims 


crowded  wi 
Massacre  a 
Help,  758  ; 


Jackson  heeds 

lower  (.'reek 

sehatche,  76; 

I'iiited  Itulin 

from  (ieorg. 

■'•''ght,  770; 

Armies  iu  th 

('reek,  775; 

Creek  Counti 

the  subdued  i 


c 

Political  Compos 

— Pcice  I'artv 

■Act  repealed,' 

tires  jiroposcd, 

on  La  Collo  Mi 

Brown,  moving 

Forces  oi,  Uki 

the  War  in  (Jsv 

fvir  Sackett's  H, 

Author's  Visit  t( 

and  the  Invasioi 

«<«;  .S.-ott  prei 

British  Force,  8( 

heartened,  811; 

813;  the  British 


The  British,  re-enfi 

the  British  attacl 

Battery,  «:>(, ;  ^^ 

Americans,  822  • 

^<'<>tt,  woundod.'r 

Battle-grounds  o 

l;^ne,  829;  the  Br 

^••.">J>83I;   the; 

Ene,  834,  835 ;   B: 

Triumph  of  Miller 

Brown,  841;  Hone 

Erie,  843;  (ienera 

American  Troops  , 

Holmes's  Expeditit 

Operations  in  that  i 


llie  Downfall  of  Nap 

Control  of  Lake  Ch, 

J'eiminnent,  858 ;  c 

the  British  advanco 

86.^ ;  the  British  ch( 

."Pening  of  naval  Bni 

icuns  complete,  871- 

"i-itisli  alarmed,  874 

t«)  General  Macomb,  i 

«'•';  the  Autiior's  Vi< 

Ontario,  885;  a  heavj 


The  Blockade  of  Ne*] 
sea-port  Towns  block;., 
Boston,  892;  theBriti 
ctation  sent  to  the  Bi 


CONTENTS. 


rrowded  with  Refugees,  7."^ ;  gathering  of  hostile  Savages  near,  7">4 ;  furious  Assault  on  Fort  Mims,  T'lri ; 
MasKiicre  at  Kort  Mims,  7.")(i ;  Horrors  of  the  Massacre,  7ri7;  J{espoiise  <  '"the  Tcnncssceaua  to  a  Cry  for 
Help,  758 ;  General  Andrew  Jackson  in  the  Field — Mobile  threatened,  but  savtjd,  759, 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

WAR    AGAINST   TUB   CRE<5K    INDIANA. 

Jackson  heeds  a  Cry  for  Help  from  the  Coosa,  7(iO;  the  Army  threatened  with  P'amine — AiTaiis  in  the 
lower  Creek  Coimtrj-,  7(il  ;  Choctaw  Allies  —  Exjieditioii  against  Tailasehatche,  7(i2 ;  Hattle  of  Talla- 
sehatche,  "tJiJ ;  Ji^cksoii  hasten.?  to  the  Kelief  of  tiireatetied  I'osts,  7(i4 ;  Battle  at  Talhulepx,  7(>") ;  the  dia- 
jilrited  Iiidiaiis  sue  for  I'eace,  7(>G ;  Destruction  of  the  HiUabee  Towns,  7(>7  ;  the  Creek  Country  invaded 
from  Georg.a  —  Battle  of  Auttose,  7G8 ;  Kxpoditicn  under  Captain  Dale,  70!) ;  Dale's  terrible  Canoe 
Kight,  770;  Fort  Claiborne  at  Kandon's  Landing,  771;  Battla  of  Kconochaco,  772;  Dissolution  of  the 
Armies  in  the  Creek  Country — new  Voluntsers,  773 ;  I?attle  of  Emucfau,  774 ;  JJattle  on  Enotochopco 
Oeek.  77.">;  Hattle  on  the  Calebee  River,  77(i;  East  Tonnesseeans  and  Choctaw  Allies  on  the  Way  to  the 
Crock  Country.  777;  Battle  of  the  Horseshoe,  77'.);  the  Power  of  the  Creek  Nation  broken  there,  780; 
the  subdui^d  liidians  sue  for  Peace — 'iVeathersford  in  Jackson's  Tent,  781 :  the  Creek  Nation  ruined,  782, 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

CIVIL    AFFAinS   IN   1813 — EVENTS   ON   THE   NORTHERN  FRONTIER   IN   1814. 

Political  Composition  of  Congress — Peace  Commissioners,  783 ;  illicit  Traffic — Change  in  public  Sentiment 
— I'cace  Party,  784  ;  revolutionary  Proposition — new  Embargo  Act,  78,1 ;  Rumors  of  Peace — Embargo 
Act  repealed,  7  8(! ;  Provisions  for  the  increa.se  of  the  Army,  787;  Prisoner.-i  of  War — retaliator}-  Meas- 
nrcs  )>roposed,  788 ;  Campaign  on  the  Northern  Frontier  and  Lake  Cnami)lain,  789;  Wilkinson  marches 
on  I>a  CoUo  Mill,  in  Canada,  790 ;  Battle  of  La  Colle  Mill,  7i)1 ;  end  of  Vvilkinson's  military  Career,  7i>2 ; 
Brown,  moving  toward  the  Niagara  Frontier,  perjjlexed  by  Orders  fr  )m  the  War  Department,  7i)3;  Naval 
Forces  on  Lake  Ontario,  794  ;  the  British  attack  Oswego,  795 ;  they  cajiiure  Oswego,  79(i ;  Survivors  of 
the  War  in  Oswego,  797 ;  Sackett's  Harbor  blockaded,  793 ;  Woolsey  at  Big  Sandy  Creek  with  Stores 
for  Sackett's  Haibor,  799 ;  Battle  at  Big  Sandy  Creek,  8(X) ;  agreat  Cab'e  carriijd  to  Sackett's  Harbor — 
Author's  Visit  to  Big  Sanely  Creek,  801  ;  the  Anny  on  the  Niagara  Fnmtier — Red  .Jacket,  802  ;  Fort  Erie 
and  the  Invasion  of  '^ana(.a,  803  ;  an  Invasion  of  (Canada  from  Black  Uock,  804  ;  Caj)ture  of  Kort  Erie, 
805;  Scott  prepruej  for  battle  at  Street's  tireek,  80G;  preliminary  Fighting,  807;  Scott  advances — the 
British  Force,  808  ;  the  Battle  of  Chippewa,  809,  810;  the  British  driven  from  Chip])ewa — Indians  dis- 
heartened, 811;  the  Armies  inspirited  by  the  Victory,  812 ;  Preparations  to  cross  the  Chippewa  Creek, 
813 ;  the  British  retreat — Brown  marches  for  Fort  Georgo,  814— he  falls  back  to  Chippewa,  81.J. 

CHAPTER  XXXVL 

WAR   ON   THE    NIAGARA    FRONTIER   IN  1314. 

The  British,  re-enforced,  advance  toward  Chippewa,  816;  vScott  discovers  them  near  Niagara  Falls,  817; 
the  British  attack  Scott,  818;  Bro\vii  advantes  from  Chippewa,  819;  C\ilonel  Miller  captures  a  British 
Battery,  820;  A])preciation  of  his  Exploit,  821  ;  desperate  Struggle  in  the  di>rkness — Victory  for  the 
Americans,  822 ;  close  of  the  Battle  of  Niagara  Falls,  823 ;  the  Battie  and  the  Victory  considered,  824 ; 
Scott,  wounded,  proceeds  to  Washington,  825  ;  Honors  awarded  him,  82(1 ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  the 
Battle-grounds  of  Chipj)ewa  and  Niagara  Falls,  827,828;  the  Army  falls  back  and  is  ordered  to  Fort 
Erie,  829;  the  British  again  attack  Black  Rock,  830;  Brown  wounded — Gaines  takes  Command  of  the 
Army,  831  ;  the  American  Trooiis  at  Fort  Erie,  8;'2 ;  tiie  I'ritish  assail  the  Fort,  833 ;  Battle  of  Fort 
Erie,  834,  835  :  Brown  resumes  Command.  830 ;  a  Sortie,  837 ;  brilliant  Success  of  General  Porter,  838 ; 
Triumph  of  Mdler  anil  llpham,  839 ;  the  British  abandon  the  Siege,  840 ;  Honors  awarded  to  General 
Brown,  841 ;  Honors  to  Generals  Porter  and  Ripley,  842  ;  two  remarkable  Survivors  of  the  Battle  of  Fort 
Erie,  84.3 ;  General  l,;ard  sends  Troops  to  the  Niagara  F"roiitier,  844  ;  he  takes  Command  there,  815 ;  the 
American  Troojjs  withdraw  from  Canada,  84(! ;  the  Author  visits  Fort  Erie  and  its  Vicinity,  847,  848 ; 
Holmes's  Expedition  into  Canadu — Battle  of  the  I^ng  Woods,  849 ;  Expedition  to  the  upper  Lakes,  850; 
Operations  in  tliat  Region,  851 ;  M'Arthur's  Raid  in  Canada,  852 — his  Bravery  and  Generosity,  853. 

CHAPTER  XXXVn. 

KVKNlfl   ON    LAKE   CHAMrLAIN   IN    1814. 

The  Downfall  of  Napoleon,  854 ;  English  Troops  released  for  Sen'ice  in  America,  85.5 ;  Struggle  for  the 
Omtrol  of  Lake  Cham])lain,  856 ;  Operations  (m  the  Canada  Border,  857;  alarming  Order  from  the  War 
Department,  858 ;  Concentration  of  Troops  at  Plattstiurg,  859 ;  Position  of  American  Works  there,  8()0; 
the  British  advanco  on  Plattsburg,  8(il  ;  a  Skirmish  at  Beekmantown,  8(12 ;  another  near  I'lattsburg, 
863;  the  British  checked  at  the  Saranac  Bridge,  864  ;  British  land — our  naviU  Forces  in  motion,  865; 
Opening  of  naval  Hattle  ott"  I'lattsburg,  8(16  ;  Battle  of  Lake  Champlain.  867-870 ;  Vi<'tory  for  the  Amer- 
icans complete,  871 ;  Casualties,  872 ;  Movements  of  the  land  Troops  —  Battle  of  Plattsburg,  873 ;  the 
British  alarmed,  874  ;  their  hasty  Flight  into  Canada,  875 ;  Rejjicings  because  of  Victory,  87(i ;  Honors 
to  (Jeneral  Macomb,  877 ;  Honors  to  Commodore  Macdonough,  878 ;  Effect  of  the  Victory  at  Plattsburg, 
879  ;  the  Autiior's  Visit  to  the  Scene  of  War  on  and  near  Lake  Champlain,  880-884 ;  Operations  on  Lake 
Ontario,  885  j  a  hea\7  British  Ship  on  the  Lake,  886;  (dose  of  Hostilitien  on  the  Northern  Frontier,  887. 

CKAl'TER  XXXVIIL 

THE   WAR   ON   THE    NEW    ENGLAND    COAST       I    1814. 

The  Blockade  of  Ne*  London,  888 ;  amphibious  Warfare  on  tht  New  England  Coast,  889 ;  New  England 
sea-port  Towns  blockaded,  890;  Portsmouth  and  Boston  menaced,  891 ;  Preparatioiis  for  the  Defense  of 
Boston,  892;  the  British  Squadron  attacks  Stonington,  893;  Captain  Holmes  and  his  Ciun,  894;  a  Dep- 
utation sent  to  the  British  Commander,  895  ;  the  British  repulsed — impoteucy  of  the  Attack,  896 ;  a 


^  .,w«jir**d;'**ww 


CONTENTS. 


British  Force  on  the  Coast  of  Maine,  8!>7 ;  Operations  in  Penobscot  Hay  and  River,  898  ;  Preparations 
nt  llHmi)den  to  oppose  tlie  British  Invasion,  8'J!t ;  Panic  and  Flight  of  the  Militia,  1)00 ;  the  British  at 
Bangor,  i)(ll  ;  Treatment  of  General  Blake,  UO'J ;  the  British  at  Custine,  903 ;  the  Author's  Visit  to  Places 
on  the  Ne«  Knglund  Coast — Observations  at  Boston,  i'04  ;  at  Salem  and  Marblehead,  90;)-9()7  ;  Journey 
to  the  J'enohscot,  908  ;  Observations  at  Castine,  909  ;  Voyage  up  the  Penobscot,  910;  Hampden,  91 1 ; 
Obserx-ations  at  Bangor,  912;  Visit  to  New  Bedford  and  Providence,  913 ;  Stoniugton  and  Mystic,  914 ; 
Story  of  a  faithful  Daughter,  915. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

THE  CAPTURK  OF  WASHINGTON  CITT. 

Apathy  of  the  Government  while  the  Capital  was  ;..  peril,  91G;  feeble  Preparations  for  its  Defense,  917; 
(jeneral  Winder  in  t:ommand— a  Cull  for  Troops,  918;  Tardiness  of  tlie  Secretary  of  War — Apathy  of 
the  Peoi)le,  1(19;  Appeiirance  of  the  British  in  Ciiesapeake  Bay,  920;  gathering  of  Troops — Destruction 
of  Barncj's  Flotilla,  921 ;  the  Forces  gathered  for  the  Defense  of  Washington  and  Baltimore,  922;  the 
British  move  on  Washington  from  the  Putuxent,  923 ;  Battle  Lines  formed  mar  Bhidunsburg,  024 ;  Ex- 
citement in  the  national  C/'apital,  925 ;  the  British  advance  on  Bladensburg,  92G ;  Arrangements  to  receive 
them,  92G,  927 ;  Dueling-ground  near  Bladensburg,  928 ;  Battle  of  Bladensburg,  929,  930 ;  Barney 
wounded  and  made  Prisoner,  931 ;  the  victorio-js  British  march  on  Washington  City,  932;  Destruction 
of  the  public  Buildings,  933 ;  Destruction  of  the  Navy  Yard,  934  ;  Flight  of  the  President  and  his  Cabinet 
— Patriotism  of  Mrs.  Madison,  935  ;  Object  of  the  Invasion,  930 ;  the  British  retreat  from  Washington, 
937;  Slavery  the  cause  of  the  Disaster  at  Bladensburg,  938 ;  a  British  Fleet  passes  up  the  Potomac,  939 ; 
Alexandria  plundered — Torpedoes,  940 ;  the  British  Squadron  returns  to  Chesapenko  Bay — Visit  to  the 
Battle-ground  a'.  Bladensburg,  941  j  Kaloramu  and  Oak  Ilill  Cemetery,  942;  Congressional  Burial- 
ground — Fort  Washington,  943. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

EVENTS    AT  BALTIMOKK,  PHII-AnELfHIA,  AND   NEW   YORK   IN    1814. 

Tlie  British  in  Cnesapeake  Bay,  944  ;  Exploits  of  Parker  and  Cockbum,  945  ;  Operations  of  the  British 
Fleet  in  Chesapeake  Bay,  94(5;  Baltimore  threatened,  947 ;  I'reparations  for  the  Defense  of  Baltimore, 
948;  Fortifications  and  Troops  for  its  Defense,  949  ;  the  Britisn  land  and  advance  on  Baltimore,  950 ; 
Position  of  tlie  contending  Armies,  951 ;  Battle  of  North  Point — Death  of  the  British  Commander,  952, 
953;  the  British  Fleet  moves  up  to  attack  Fort  M'Henry,  954;  Bombardment  of  the  Fort,  955;  the 
British  Invaders  driven  otf,  95(>;  "The  Star-spangled  Banner,"  957;  the  British  land  Troops  march  on 
Baltimore,  958  ;  they  retire  to  their  Ship:; — the  "Iritish  Programme,  959  ;  Honors  to  Colonel  Armistead, 
960 ;  the  ,\uthor's  Visit  to  Baltimore  and  the  hi  .orical  Localities  around  it,  9fil-905 ;  New  York  and 
Pliilndel|)hia  relieved,  9(;5  ;  the  Volunteer  Comjianies  of  Philadelphia,  96G ;  Orgenizatiou  of  Troops  and 

■  EstiiDiislimeiit  of  (,'amps,  967 ;  Patriotism  of  the  Citizens  of  Philadelphia,  968;  New  York  aroused — Com- 
mittee of  Defense,  9()9  ;  the  Citizens  assist  in  casting  up  Fortifications — "  The  Patriotic  Diggers,"  970 ; 
the  Fortifications  around  New  York,  971-975 ;  a  tloating  Battery  authorized  by  Congress,  976;  the  Steam- 
ship Fulton  the  First,  977. 

CHAPTER  XLL 

NAVAL   WARFARE   ON  THE   OCEAN    IN    1814 — AMERIUAN   PRIVATEERS. 

New  Vessels  for  the  Navy — the  Jo/m  Adams,  978 ;  Cruise  of  the  Wasp — Capture  of  the  Reindeer,  979 ,  the 
Was/i  and  Afnn — Loss  of  the  iVas/i,  980 ;  Fight  between  the  Peacock  and  Fpervier,  981 ;  Barney's  Flo- 
tilla in  Chesapeake  Bay,  982  ;  the  Constitution,  983 ;  Battle  between  the  Constitution,  Cyane,  and  levant, 
984;  the  ConsHlntionand  her  Prizes  —  Honors  to  Commodore  Stewart,  985 ;  Stewart's  Home  in  New 
Jersey.  986  ;  Decatur's  Squadron — he  puts  to  Sea  in  the  President,  987 ;  Battla  between  the  President 
and  kndijmion,  9H8 ;  the  rest  of  Decatur's  Squadron  puts  to  Sea,  989  ;  Battle  between  the  Hornet  and 
Penyuin,  990;  Honors  to  Captain  Biddle,  991  ;  Cruise  of  the  Hornet  and  Peacock — the  Navy  at  the  end 
of  the  War,  91,'2  ;  the  first  Privateers,  993  ;  Cruise  of  the  Rossie,WA;  first  Prize  taken  to  Baltimore  — 
thr  lltobe,  995 ;  Cruise  of  the  Hiyhflyer,  Yankee,  and  Shadow,  99(5 ;  Salem  and  Baltimore  Privateers,  997 ; 
Privateering  at  the  close  of  1812,  998;  remarkable  Cruise  of  theCome/,999;  Cruise  of  the  Chasseur,  Sar- 
atoga, Dol/thin,  Lottery,  and  Yai.kee,  1000 ;  Cruisu  of  the  General  Armstromj,  Ned,  and  Scomye,  1001 ; 
the  Teasel — Capture  of  the  Fa;//e — Cruise  of  the  Decatur,  1002;  Cruise  cf  the  David  Porter,  (lUilie,  and 
Harpy,  1003;  the  Career  of  the  General  Armstrony,  1004;  Honors  toCaptain  Keid — Cnuse  of  thePrince 
de  Neti/chatel,  llM)5  ;  Cruise  of  the  Saucy  Jack  and  Kent]),  1006 ;  Cruise  of  the  Macdonovgh  and  Amelia 
— the  American  Privateers  and  their  Doings,  1007. 

CHAPTER  XLII 

CIVIL   AFFAIRS   IN    1814 — OPEKATIONS   IN  THE   OHLF   REGION. 

Boston  the  Centre  o.  illicit  Trade,  1008;  the  Peace  Faction  assails  the  Government  and  tlie  Public  Credit, 
1009;  Ett'ects  of  the  C^on:ipiracy  against  the  Public  Cradit,  1010;  new  financial  Measures — Revival  of  the 
Public  Credit,  101 1  ;  Measures  for  increasing  the  Army — Discontents  in  New  England,  1012 ;  the  Hart- 
ford (Convention,  1013-1015;  the  Memlxjrs  o>' the  Hartford  Convention,  1016;  Jackson  recalled  to  active 
Service  in  the  Gulf  Region,  1017  ;  the  Baratarians  and  their  Leader,  1018  ;  Jackson  perceives  Miscicief 
at  Pensacola,  1019;  Fort  llowyer  threat^'ued  by  a  British  Squadron,  1020;  the  Fort  attacked  and  the 
Assailants  repidsed,  1021 ;  the  British  at  Pensacola — .lackson  marches  on  that  Post,  10?2 ;  Flight  of  the 
British  and  Indians,  1023;  Jnckson  in  New  Orleans — Appearance  of  the  British,  1024  ;  Preparations  to 
receive  the  Invaders,  1025  ;  Capture  of  the  American  Flotilla  or.  Lake  Borgno,  102(i ;  Jackson's  Review 
of 'lYoops  in  New  Orleans  and  their  Disposition,  1027;  the  British  approach  the  Mississippi,  1028;  they 
march  on  New  Orleans — Kes)H)nse  to  Jackson's  Call  for  Troops,  1029  ;  Events  below  New  Orleans,  1080  ; 
a  night  Battle,  1031 ;  the  British  fall  back,  1032 ;  the  Americans  withdraw,  1034. 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


till 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

DEFENSE    OP   NEW    OHI.EA.N8 PEACE. 

Jackson's  Line  of  Defense,  1034;  a  gloomy  Day  for  the  Invadei-s  —  Arrival  of  General  Pakenham,  lO.'lfi; 
Seat  of  War  in  Louisiana  and  Florida,  lO.'U! ;  severe  Battle  on  the  28th  of  Decemlier,  1037  ;  the  British 
van((uislied — the  American  Lines  of  Defense,  1038  ;  the  British  cast  up  Ledoubts  near  the  American  Line, 
103i);  a  heavy  Battle,  li4i»;  the  British  repulsed  and  then  re-enforcid,  1041 ;  Jackson  prepares  to  receive 
the  increased  British  F>  ices,  1042;  Character  and  Disposition  of  hs  own  Forces — Position  of  his  Army 
on  the  7th  of  Jannaiy,  1043;  a  British  Detachment  crosses  the  Misi-issippi,  1044;  Battle  of  New  Orleans, 
1046-1040;  Disposal  of  the  Dead,  lO.TO;  Attack  on  Forts  St.  I'hilip  and  Bowyer — Jackson's  Army  in 
New  Orleans,  lO'il;  Honors  acc'orded  to  Jackson  and  his  Troops,  1052;  Humors  of  Peace  and  continu- 
ance of  Martial  Law,  10;>3 ;  Incidents  of  Jackson's  Trial  for  Contempt  of  Court,  1054;  the  Author's  Jour- 
ney to  New  Orleans  —  Lexington  and  "Ashland,"  1055  ;  Frankfort  and  its  Cemetery,  105(!;  a  Visit  to 
Nashville  and  the  "  i  i  mitage,"  1  *")7  ;  New  Orleans  and  its  historic  Men  and  Places,  1058  ;  Attack  on 
Fort  Sumter — Uprising  of  the  Peopie,  105!);  Negotiations  for  Peace  and  the  Commissioners,  10(!0;  (Jhent 
and  the  Sympathy  of  its  Inhebitivits  with  the  Americans,  lOCl;  the  Treaty  of  Peace,  1002,  lOfiS;  Kcjoic- 
ings  of  the  American  People,  1064;  Commemorative  Medals — its  Ratification,  1065;  Position  of  the  He- 
public  at  the  ch)se  of  the  War,  1067;  HeiKljustment  of  National  Afl'airs  —  Dartmoor  Prisoners,  1068; 
Prosperity  of  the  Republic  and  its  liclaticnb  to  other  Nations,  106'J  ;  Text  of  tlie  Treaty  of  Peace,  1071. 


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IHumluntort  Prontlsploco. 
Title-page. 

Preface Page  ill 

Couteiits V 

IIlUHtratlunB ziii 

Initial  Letter 17 

First  Great  Seal  of  the  United 

atfttCB 20 

War 22 

nrltaiiula  aroiiaed 22 

Portrait  of  William  Jackson..  20 

Jackson's  Mimumcnt 27 

Portrait  and  Sleuuturo  of  Gou- 

verneur  Morris 28 

Signatures  of  the  Members  of 

the  Cou'ttitutioual  Conven- 
tion   30,81,.32 

Tall-piece 84 

Initial  Letter 36 

Campus  Martlus 37 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Miss 

Ileckewelder 87 

Portrait  and  f'ignaturo  of  Ocn- 

eralSt.Clair .IS 

Signature  of  WInthropSargen*  38 

SignatiTo  of  Lord  Dorchester.  38 

Fort  riarmar 39 

Fort  Washington,  on  the  Site 

of  Cincinnati 41 

Signature  of  Joseph  Harmir. .  41 
The  Mauniee  Ford— Place  of 

Ilarniar's  Defeat 42 

Mip— Ilarmar's  Defeat 43 

Hall's  Crossing-place 4!) 

Apple-tree  ucarllarraar's  Ford  44 
Map— Plan  of  St.  Clair's  Camp 

and  Hattle 47 

Signature  of  Tobi^is  Lear 49 

Lowry's  >'i)i\ument 62 

Map-Pla..  of  Line  of  Wayne's 

Slarch 64 

Signature  of  >.  M'Kce 64 

Map— Hattle  of  the  Fallen  Tim- 
bers    66 

Turkey-foot  llock 66 

Signature    of   Colonel    Ham- 

Iramck 60 

Coloiiel  Ilamtramck's  Tomb. .  60 

Tall-piece —Indian  Implements  67 

Initial  Letter 68 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  T. 

PincKuey 64 

Liberty  Cent 06 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Gen- 
eral Hamilton 00 

Portrait     and     Signature     of 

Thomas  Paine. 09 

A  Bad  Measure 09 

An  Asslgnat 74 

Portrait  of  Louis  XVI 70 

Paine  fitting  Stays 70 

Memorial  Medal 70 

Initial  Utter 79 

TheContrast 81 

Portrait     and     Signature     of 

Thomas  Mifflin 82 

Port"-alt  and  Signature  of  B.  C. 

Genut 88 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  John 

Jay 88 

SIgnalnrc  of  Alexander  M'KIm  89 
Seal  of  the  Republican  Society 

of  Baltimore 88 

Porirait  and  Signature  of  C.  0. 

Plnckney 92 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  John 

Adams 98 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Joel 

Barlow 94 


6S. 

69. 
flo. 
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02. 

Oii. 

04. 
06. 

00. 
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70. 
71. 
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73. 
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77. 

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80. 
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82. 
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84. 
85. 
80. 

87. 

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92. 

98. 
94. 
98. 

90. 

97. 

98. 

90. 
100. 
101. 
102. 
103. 
104. 
108. 
100. 

107. 
108. 
109. 

110. 
111. 
112. 
118. 

114. 
116. 


Siffuntore  o.'  Benjamin  Stod- 

dert Page  90 

Initial  I-ettcr 98 

John  Bull  taking  a  Lunch 99 

Signature  of  Slei-hcn  Decatur  101 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  John    . 

Barry 101 

Commodore    Barry's    Monu- 
ment   101 

Naval  Pitcher 104 

Modal  presented  to  Commo- 
dore Truxtun 108 

Signature  of  Tlionias  Truxtun  108 

Truxtun's  Grave 106 

The  Lutheran  Church  in  Phil- 
adelphia   Ill 

Washington  Medal Ill 

Tail-piece— M'Pherson Blue..  Ill 

Initial  Letter 112 

Portrait    and    Signature    of 

Thomas  Jefferson 114 

Algiers  In  1800 117 

Portrait    and    Signature    of 

Richard  Dale 118 

Dale's  Mimunient 119 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Kd- 

ward  Preble 120 

Tripolitan  Weapon 121 

Trlpjlitan  Poniard 122 

Medal  given  to  Commodore 

Preblo 123 

NavalMonument 124 

SIgnatirre  of  William  Eaton. .  126 

Initial  Letter 130 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  A. 

Burr 135 

Signature  of  John  Adair 130 

Blenuerhassett's  Residence. .  130 
Sigjature  of  Blennerba8i<ett. .  130 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  Hu- 

fUsKIng 143 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Wil- 
liam Plnkney 148 

Initial  Letter 149 

I.ynnhaveu  Bay 150 

Portrait    and    Signature    of 

Commodore  Barron 159 

Portrait    and    3ignature    of 

James  Monroe 101 

Initial  Letter 107 

Gun-boata 108 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Jo- 
slab  Quincy 174 

Portrait    and    Sl^jnaturo    of 

James  Modison 17C 

Fort  or  Battery  Severn,  at  An- 
napolis    181 

Commodore  Eodgers's  Resi- 
dence   182 

8ig:?al»,  No.  1 182 

Signal  Book 182 

Signals,  No.  2 183 

Signals,  No.  3 183 

Signals,  No.  4 1S3 

Signal  Alphabet 183 

Signal   No.  6 184 

Portrait    and    Signature    of 

Commodore  Rodgers 188 

Tail-piece— Gauntlet ISO 

Initial  Letter 187 

Birth-place  of  Tecnmtha  and 

his  Brother 188 

The  Prophet 189 

Joieph  Barron 191 

Indian  Detector 191 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Gen- 
eral Boyd 194 

Signature  of  Peter  FuuK 195 

Fort  UarrUou 197 


116. 
117. 

118. 

119. 

120. 
121. 
122. 
123. 
1'24. 
128. 
120, 

127. 
128. 

129. 

130. 
181. 
182. 
133. 
1.14. 

136. 
130. 
137. 
138. 
189. 

140. 
1^1. 
142. 
143. 
144. 
U5. 
140. 
147. 
148. 

149. 
150. 
181. 
182. 
1,W. 
154. 
168. 

186. 

1.57. 
158. 
169. 
100. 
161. 

102. 
103. 

164. 

105. 
106. 
167. 
168. 
109. 

170. 

171. 
172. 
173. 
174. 
176. 

170. 

il77. 


SIgnat'rc  of  Judge  Naylor  Page  198 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  A.         , 

Wnitlock 199 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Wil- 
liam U.  Harrison 200 

View  at  Tippecanoe  Battle- 
ground   203 

Signature  of  J.  Snellliig 203 

Map— Battle  of  Tippecanoe. .  206 
Vignette  to  a  Mournful  Ballad  '204 
Tippecanoe  Battle-ground...  209 

Tail-piece— Wigwam iW 

Initial  Letter 210 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  II. 

Clav 211 

The  Gmymander 211 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Randolph 215 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

C.  Calhoun 215 

Signature  of  Josiah  Q'.iincy. .  217 
Signature  of  James  Eiuott...  '217 

Signature  of  J.  II.  Craig '220 

Kac-eimile  of  a  Newspaper  Cut  '224 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  Gov- 
ernor Clinton '225 

Governor  I'linton's  Tomb 226 

Caricature- Josiah  "■'■  First.  '228 

initial  Letter '238 

Portrait  of  George  .      Fourth  238 
Signature   of  Jonathan  Wil- 
liams   236 

Fort  Independence 236 

Castle  Williams '287 

Plan  of  Fort  M'Henry 23T 

Torpedo,  Piate  1 238 

Torpedo,  Plate  2 289 

Torpedo,  Plate  3 289 

Torpedo,  Plate  4 '240 

Destruction  of  the  Dorothea..  240 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  Rob- 
ert Fulton 242 

Fulton's  Birth-place '243 

.-Signature  of  Edward  Bayncs.  247 
I'ortrait  of  Henry  Dearborn..  '249 
General  Dearborn's  Residence  250 

■rhe  Parting  Stone 260 

'nitial  Letter 261 

'ortrait  and  Signature  ofWll- 

lam  Hull...; 262 

j'c  rtrait  and  Signature  of  John 

Johnston 263 

Pace  of  Hull's  Rendezvous..  '254 
S  gnature  of  Governor  Meige.  258 

A  few  at  Bloody  Brldire 201 

Colonel  BableV  Residence...  262 
View  at  the  Riviere  aux  Ca- 
nards   264 

Map— Detroit  Frontier 206 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Dun- 
can M 'Arthur 267 

Mackiiiack,ft'om  Round  Island  '207 

Arch  Ri.ok,  Mackinack 268 

FortMacklnack 209 

Tail-piece— t.'anoe 271 

Initial  I.etter 272 

Fort    Niagara,    from    Fort 

George 274 

Portrait  of  Thomas   B.  Van 

Home 275 

Barracks  at  Sandwich 278 

Maguaga  Battle-ground 281 

Tecnmtha '282 

Signature  of  J.  B.  Olegg 288 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  D. 

Noun 292 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Lew- 

IsCass 294 

Tail-piece— Neglected  Grave.  206 


XIV 


ILLUSTKATIONS. 


ITS. 

no. 

180. 

181. 
182. 
183. 
184. 

185. 
1811. 
187. 
188. 
18!). 
I  DO. 

101. 

1!)2. 
193. 

•  1!I4. 
lltB. 

iim. 

191. 

1!)8. 
lOtf. 

200. 

201. 

202. 
203. 
204. 

20,V 
20«. 

20T. 

208. 

209. 

210. 
211. 
212. 
213. 

214. 

215. 
216. 
217. 

218. 
219. 
220. 

221. 
222. 
223. 
224. 
22.^ 
228. 
227. 


229. 

230. 

231. 
232. 
233. 
234. 
236. 

230. 
237. 

238. 

239. 
240. 

241. 
242. 

243. 
244. 
245. 
240. 
247. 
248. 

249. 


Initial  Letter Page  297 

HlKimture  of  Jiio.  H.  I.nu;;ht(>n  298 
View  at  MiihU'U,  Upper  Can- 
ada   209 

BrltlHh  Cannon  at  Detroit :ilKi 

Signature  of  Kobt.  KpynoldH. .  »(KI 

Slsfunture  of  C.  Moran 302 

Kl^ixie    Manflion    and    Fort 

Dearborn 3(i3 

The  Black  Partridge's  Medal.  300 

Map-Site  of  Chicago 308 

Block-house  at  Chftago 312 

Fort  Wayne  in  1h12 81ft 

The  Little  Turtle's  Grave 315 

Bridiie  at  the  Head  of  ihe  Maii- 

mee 310 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Z. 

Taylor 318 

General  Taylor's  Rceldence. .  319 

Initial  Letter 320 

Port  Detlancc 333 

Site  of  Fort  Defiance SXt 

Apple-tree  at  Defiance 334 

Tuil-piecc  — Indians  at  Ruins 

of  a  Village 337 

Initial  Letier 338 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Si- 
mon Perkins 340 

Signature    of    Elijah    Wads- 
worth 340 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  E. 

Whittlesey 341 

Signature  of"  William  Eustis, .  349 
Winchester's  llead-quiirtors. .  351 
Map  —  Movements  at  French- 
town .858 

Ttesidence  of  La  Salle 359 

Monroe,  from    the    Battle- 
ground  301 

Signature  of  Laurent  Dnro- 

cher 302 

Portrait  and  Siguatnre  of  Jaa. 

Knaggs 303 

Tail-piece    -  Tomuhawk    and 

Hcalping-knife 304 

Initial  Letter 305 

Arsenal  Building,  Watertown  300 
Signature  of  Colonel  Benedict  307 
Portrait  of  Captain  William 

Vaughan 308 

Cipher  Alphabet  and  Numer- 
als   .870 

Signature  of  Paul  Hamilton. .  370 
Signature  of  Richard  Dodge. .  373 
Appearance  of  Fort,  Presenta- 
tion in  1812 373 

Design  on  Indian  Pass 374 

Signature  of  (•.  D.  Yonng 370 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Ele- 

azer  Williams .877 

Old  Church  in  St.  Regis 378 

Boundary  Monument 379 

The  Port  of  Ilufl"alo  in  1S13. . .  380 
Remains  at  Fort  Schlosser, ..  380 

Signature  of  II.  Dearborn 3S1 

Map  of  the  Niagara  Frontier.  382 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  Ste- 
phen Van  Rensselaer 384 

Signature   of  William  Howe 

Cuyler 387 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Jes- 
se D.Elliott 3SS 

Tail  -  piece  —  Oar,   Boarding- 

i)ike,  and  Rope 388 

Inllia!  Letter 389 

Signature  of  Alexander  Smyth  389 

Queenston  in  1812 390 

Signature  of  .Tohn  K.  Fenwick  391 
View  from  the  Site  of  Vroo- 

maii's  Battcrv 391 

Signature  of  John  Ohrystie.. .  .892 
Signature  of  James  Collier. . .  393 
Landing-place  of  Ihe  Ameri- 
cans at  Queenston 395 

Russell's  Law  Ufllce 390 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  John 

E.Wool 397 

Signature  of  J.  ^.  Mullanv. ...  399 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  John 

Brant 401 

Brant's  Mcmnment 401 

Signature  of  Joseph  (1.  Totten  403 

Signature  of  J.  Gibson 403 

New  Magazine  at  Fort  George  405 
Signature  of  R.  H.  She;ifl'e. ...  406 
MiMlal  In  Memory  of  General 

Brock 400 

Brock's  Monument 400 


260.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  Sol-  I  318. 

innoii  Van  Rensselaer.. Page  407  .'119. 

261.  Signature  of  John  Lovctt 401  320. 

252.  Tail-piece— Proclumatlon  and  321. 

Sword 411  322. 

253.  Initial  Letter 412 

264.  Brock's  MonumentonQucens-  323. 

t(m  Ilelglits 414 

255.  Monument  where  Brock  fell..  410  .324. 

260.  Signature  of  Solomon  Vron-  326. 

man 417 

'i57.  rrcsentOntllneofFortGeorge  418  .320. 

268.  French    Magazine    at    Fort  327. 

George 418  328. 

2.59.  Distant  View  of  Fort  Missis- 
saga 419  329. 

200.  Interior  View— Fort  Mlssissa-  330. 

pa  in  1800 419 

201.  Mission  house  on  the  Qrand  331. 

River 421  332. 

202.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  O. 

H.  M.  Johnson 41.>1  8.33. 

203.  Ornamental  Tomahawk 421  3:14. 

204.  Deer-shnnk  \Veap(m 422  3,'I5. 

2«i.  Silver  Calumet 422  330. 

20(1.  Ancient  Scalping-knife 422 

207.  Mohawk  IJhurcli,  Grand  Rlv-  337. 

e-,  C.W 423  338. 

208.  Interior  of  Mohawk  Chnrch  .  423  339. 

209.  ronimunion  Plate 426 

270.  General    Porter's    Residence,  .340. 

Black  Rock 420  341. 

271.  Signature  of  George  M'Feely.  420  342. 

272.  Signature  of  Cecil  IMsshopp. .  428  343. 

273.  Signature  of  Samuel  Angus...  ^28  ;144. 
374.  Tall-piece  — Snail   on   Maple-  346. 

leaf 432 

27.1.  Initial  Letter 483  848. 

270.  Signature  of  R.  Bvron 430 

277.  Tlie  Cnmtihitmn  fn  l^illO 430  347. 

278.  Fac-simile  of  Commodore  Por-  H48. 

ter'8  Writing 441  349. 

279.  Portrait    and'   Signature     of  350. 

Cvimmodore  Hull 442 

280.  Hull's  Monument 442  351. 

281.  Portrait  of  James  Richard  Da-  352. 

282.  Hnll's  Mcdni '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  440  363. 

283.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  Cap-  3.'*4. 

tain  Jones. . 449  355. 

284.  Signature  of  Thos.Whinyates  449  360. 

285.  Signatureof  J.  P.  Beresford..  451 

280.  A  Wasp  on  a  Frolic 452  357. 

287.  Medal    awarded    to    Captain  358. 

Jones 462  3,59. 

288.  The  Biddle  Urn 463  300. 

2S9.  Tail-piece-EagIc  bearing  oflf  301. 

the  Trident  of  Neptune. ...  453  302. 

290.  Initial  Letter 454  303. 

291.  Signature  of  John  S.  Carden.  450 

292.  Medal  awarded  to  Decatur. . .  468  .304. 

293.  Portrait    and     Signature     of  305. 

Commodore  Bainbiidge 459  300. 

294.  Bainbridge's  Monument 469  f  57. 

295.  Bainbridge's  New  York  Gold  308. 

Box 402 

290.  Bainbridge's  Albany  Gold  Box  402  .309. 

297.  Bainbridge's  Medal 403  370. 

298.  Bainbridge's  Urn 403 

299.  Tail-picco  —  Napoleon's  Flag  ,371. 

and  Star  descending 472  372. 

.300.  Initial  Letter 473  373. 

301.  Signature  of  C.  Gratiot 474  374. 

302.  Portrait    and    Signature     of  376. 

Green  Clay 470 

303.  View  of  Cincinnati  from  New-  370. 

port  In  1812 470  877. 

304.  Map— Fort  Meigs  and  its  VI-  .378. 

clnttv 477  379. 

.305.  Fac-simile  of  Harrison's  Let-  3so. 

tcr 479  381. 

300.  Portrait    and    Signature    of 

Leslie  Combs 4,80  382. 

307.  Up  tlie  Mauinec  Vallev 481  383. 

308.  Site  of  the   British  Batteries  3S4. 

from  Fort  Meigs 482 

,309.  Portrait  and  Signatare  of  Wm.  386. 

Christv 483  .180. 

310.  Plan  of  fort  Meigs 484  387. 

311.  Signature  of  W.  E.  Boswell...  ''87 

312.  Map— Siege  of  Fort  Meigs 488  383. 

313.  Remains  of  Walker's  Monu- 

ment   4S9  389. 

314.  Portrait  of  Peter  Navarre 490 

316.  Ruins  of  Fort  Miami 491  390. 

310.  Up  the  Maumce  f^'om  Maumee  391. 

City 492  392. 

317.  Well  at  Fort  Meigs 492  393. 


Tail-piece— A  Scalp Pago  498 

Initial  Letter 494 

Signature  of  R.  M.  Johnson  . .  496 

Johnson's  Monument 490 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  O. 

Croghan 490 

View  at  Fremont,  or  Lower 

Sandusky 500 

Plan  of  Fort  Stephenson 603 

Gold  Medal  awarded  to  Gen- 
eral Croghan 60B 

Lower  Castalian  Spring BOO 

Site  of  Fort  Stephenson 607 

Part  of  Short's  Sword-scab- 
bard   607 

Perry's  Residence 609 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Dan- 
iel Dobbins 509 

Wayne's  Block-house  at  Erie  610 
Site  of  French  Fort  and  En- 
trance to  Erie  Harbor 611 

Month  of  Cascade  Creek 611 

Block-house 611 

Map— Eric  and  Presq'  Isle  fiay  614 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  Ush- 
er Parsons 610 

Put-in  Bay 517 

Initial  Letter 518 

Perry's   I,ook-out,  Gibraltar 

Island 618 

Perry's  Battle-fiag 619 

Portrait  of  O.  H.  Perry 621 

View  of  Perry's  Birth-place.. .  621 

Calafalco 621 

Perry's  Monument 621 

The  two  Snuadrons  Just  before 

the  Battle 522 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  8. 

Chainplln 523 

First  Position  in  Ihe  Action. .  623 

Signature  of  J.  J.  Varnall .524 

Second  Position  in  file  Battli  520 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

ChRpman 627 

Signature  of  Thomas  Holdup  628 
Position  of  the  Souadions  at 

the  close  of  the  Battle 529 

Almy's  Sword 529 

Fac-simile  of  Perrv's  Dispatch  ^30 
The  Burial-place,  Put-in  Bay.  532 
Queen  Charlotte  and  Johnny 

Bnll 6.34 

The  Perry  Medal 5;;3 

The  Elliott  Medal 636 

Signature  of  Ascl  Wilkinson.  538 
Portrait  of  Benjamin  Fleming  638 

Perry's  Lantern 5.39 

Perry's  Statue  640 

Portrait  and  bignatiire  of  S. 

Sholes 541 

Cbanii)lin'«  Chair 642 

Perry's  Quarters  at  Erie 643 

Portrait  of  T.  II.  Stevens 643 

Initial  Letter 644 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  C. 

S.Todd 648 

Dolsen's 649 

View  at  the  Mouth  of  M'Greg- 

or's  Creek 660 

M'Grcgor's  Mill 660 

Portrait  of  0«hawahnah 562 

View  cm  the  'I'linines 553 

Map-  Battle  of  the  Thames. .  564 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  S. 

Theobald 660 

The  Harrison  Medal.. 668 

The  Shelby  Medal 658 

Tecumtha's  Pistol 600 

Thames  Battle-ground 501 

Remains  of  an  ancient  Cofflu  604 
The  four  Sides  of  the  Holy 

Stone 504 

Stone  Axes 504 

Sectional  View  ot  a  Pyramid.  604 
Great  Earth-work  near  New- 
ark   805 

The  old  State-honse 607 

General  M 'Arthur's  Residence  808 
F.rtralt  and  Signature  of  T. 

Worthlngton 868 

Adcna,  Governor    Worthlng- 

ton's  Residence 669 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Mrs. 

Harrison 671 

Pl.nieer  Honse,  North  Bend..  87t 
Block-honse  at  North  Bend..  871 

Harrison's  Grave 678 

Sy mmcL's  Monument \ . .  678 


894.  HarrLior 
Bend.. 

396.  Initial  Li 
390.  Block-ho 

397.  Parish's 
898.  Portrait 

W.  t'hi 

399.  Silo  „f  \,\ 

400.  Map-Op 

burg. . 
■101.  Portridt 
York  . . 

402.  Court-hon 

403.  The  battel 
■       404.  Wind -mil 

Prescott 
40.5.  Fort  Weill 
400.  Portrait  ai 

Pike... 

407.  LHlle  York 

408.  Remains  o 

tery. . . 

409.  Pow(ler-n 

410.  Map— Ali:i 

411.  Signatinv 

412.  Renniln-  of 

413.  Old  Kort  ,u  ■ 

414.  View    on    tl 

Lewislori 
416.  Entrance  I, 
410.  Plan  of  o, 
,,,  ^  Mouth  of 
4  T.  A  North  Uiv 
413.  Portrait  and 
II.  Merrltt 

419.  Bnttle-grounc 

420.  Tail -pice,. 
.„,    ,   Store-hous( 

421.  Initial  Letter 

422.  Portrifit  and 

Ann    .<  '^''''  "'■'"vn. 

423.  General  Brow 

424.  Light-house  a 
«6.  Signature  of  ( 
420.  Map— Oporatii 

Harbor... 
427.  Sackett'a  llar'b 
'8.  Mao— Sackoti'i 
,_,  Defenses. 
429.  Signature  of  \\ 
4.10.  The  S'm  Orient 
431  Pike's  Monumt 
4.32.  Remains  of  Vm 

433.  Block-house,  Sa 

434.  Mansion  of  Gen 
4.35.  Whittlesey  Rod 
4.30.  Signature  of  c.( 
43T.  German  Church 

438.  Portrait  and  Sig 
.„„    „ra,Secord... 

439.  Beaver  Dams  1 
...n   „,""'' Surround: 

440.  Si^'iiature  of  .Ian 
44  .  BLsshopp's  Mom 
442.  Interior  of  Port] 
44.1.  SlirnatureofOer 
444.  T,ni-piece-Pnr) 

fire 

446.  Initial  Letter 
440.  Portrait  and  s'io 
^  ,       G.Swift 

447.  Signature   of  ■Tof 

field 

44''.  Signatureof  A.  D 
449.  Portrait  and  Sign, 
„„       crtCarr...... 

4O0.    Portrait  and  Sign 

Wilkinson...^. 

451.  Signature  of  W  I] 

452.  M.i.ith  of  French 

463.  Bald  Island  and 

Flotilla . . . 

464.  Chrysler's  In  18,5(s' 

466.  Signature  of  Rob't 
460.  signature  of  .1.  A 

467.  Signature  of  ,r  w'n 

468.  Map-Cliiysler's  P 

469.  Signature  of  M.Mj 
400.  Place  of  Deharkat 
jft-  T  'Salmon  River. . . 
40i.  Lewis  and  Boyd's 

ters 

462.  Brown's  Head-qua, 

403.  Fac-simile  of  writt 

404.  Remains  of  Fort  Ci 
iw-  J'""'""  Armlet.... 
400.  Light-hou..ekeptb' 
407.  Peel  Island....: 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


XV 


394.  Ilnrrisnn'H  Residence  at  North 

Bend Puge  574 

396.  Initial  Letter M6 

JHI«.  HliKk-liDiise  lit  Brockvllle 5TT 

.197.  I'lirlsh'H  Htore-hoime B7S 

il98.  Portrait  niid  flignnture  of  D. 

W.riiiirch B7S 

.199.  Site  of  Fort  PresenlatloD B79 

400.  Map— Operfttli" "  at  Ogdcna- 

Imrg 5S0 

401.  Portndt  and  Sii;natnre  of  J. 

York 5W 

402.  CIdiirt-honsc,  OifdenBbnrg B80 

4(til.  The  battered  Wind-mill NO 

404.  Wlnil-mll)   and    RiihiH    near 

Prescott &S4 

40.'5.  Fort  Wellington  In  IHiiO 884 

400.  Portrait  and  Slgiinture  of  Z. 

Pike WB 

407.  Utile  York  In  l.s'.it B87 

408.  Remains  of  the  Western  Bat- 

tery   BSS 

409.  Pow(ler-nia«a/.tne  at  Toronto  ft'*'.! 

410.  Map— Attack  <ni  Little  York..  BOO 

411.  Siijimture  of  John  Rons B02 

412.  Remains  of  old  Fort  Toronto.  B!'.") 

413.  Old  Fort  at  Toronto  In  ls«0. . .  BOi; 

414.  View   on    the    Niagara    near 

Lewlston B9B 

415.  Entrance  to  the  Niagara  River  B97 
41(1.  Plan    of  Operations   at    the 

Mouth  of  the  Niagara BOO 

417.  A  North  River  Steamboat.   .  001 

418.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  W. 

H.Merritt 002 

419.  Battle-ground  of  Stony  Creek  003 

420.  Tall  -  piece  —  Destruction    of 

Store-houses COCi 

421.  Initial  Letter 007 

422.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  Ja- 

cob Brown 508 

423.  General  Brown's  Monument. .  COS 

424.  Light-house  at  Horse  Island..  009 

426.  Siy;nature  of  C'apt..\Iulcaster.  010 
420.  Map— 0|)eration9  at  Sackett's 

Harbor 012 

427.  Sackett's  IIarl)or  in  1814 013 

"^S.  Map— Sackett's  Harbor  and  its 

Defenses 014 

429.  Signature  of  Henry  Eckford..  Ol."; 

430.  Tlie  A>w  Orleatm t) I •• 

481.  Pike's  Monument OHl 

432.  Remains  of  Fort  Pike ,  017 

4;t3.  Block-house,  Sackett's  Harbor  017 
434.  Mansion  of  General  Brown...  OIH 
4.3,\  Wblttlesiey  Rock,  Watertowu.  018 

436.  Signature  of  C. «.  BiErjtlcr...  020 

437.  German  Church (120 

438.  Pin-trfllt  and  Signature  of  Lau- 

ra Sccord 021 

4.39.  Beaver  Dams  Battle-ground 

and  Surroundings 624 

440.  Sl<,'nature  of  James  Ulttrlck..  024 

441.  Bissiiojjp's  Monument Il2« 

442.  Interior  of  Fort  Niagara 0,34 

443.  Signature  of  General  A.  Hall.  0,36 

444.  Tall-piece  —  Farm*  house   on 

Are 037 

446.  Initial  Letter 087 

440.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

O.  Swift ■338 

447.  Signature   of  .Toseph   Bloom- 

Held 6.39 

448.  Slgnatnreof  A.  De  Salaberry.  039 

449.  Portrait  and.  Signature  ofRoD- 

ertCarr 640 

460.    Portrait  and  Signature  of  Jas. 

Wilkinson 640 

4,11.  Signature  of  W.  Hampton. . . .  WS 
4B2.  Mo.itb  of  French  Creek 049 

463.  Bald  I.-land  and  Wilkinson's 

Flotilla 060 

464.  Chrysler's  in  18.%B fi,V2 

466.  Signature  of  Rob't  Swartwont  0,N2 

460.  Signature  of  J.  A.  (Joles 053 

4.'>7.  Signature  of.'.  Walbach 06;t 

468.  Map— Chrysler's  Fie'.d 064 

469.  Signature  of  M.  Myers 664 

400.  Place  of  Debarkation  on  the 

Salmon  River 066 

40i.  Lewis  and  Boyd's  Head-quar- 
ters  660 

462.  Brown's  Hend-qiinrtcrs 660 

463.  Fac-slmile  of  written  Placard  068 

464.  Remains  of  Fort  Carleton. ...  659 

406.  Indian  Armlet 660 

46<5.  Light-house  kept  by  Johnston  661 
4<J7.  Peellsland 661 


408. 

469. 
470. 
471. 
472. 
473. 
474. 
476. 
476. 
477. 
478. 

479. 

480. 
4S1. 
482. 
4S3. 
484. 
486. 
4S6. 

4.87. 

1S8. 
489. 

490. 

491. 
492. 
493. 

494. 
I 

496. 

496. 
497. 
498. 

499. 
600. 
BOl. 

B02. 
603. 

604. 
606. 
.'.00. 
.M)7. 

.ws. 
.wo. 

810. 
BU. 

812. 

513. 

614. 
f,\!>. 
ft  16. 
."17. 

ftl8. 
.  1 9. 

820. 

621. 
822. 
62:!. 

824. 

628. 
823. 
527. 

828. 
B29. 
,%30. 
Wl. 

8,32. 

.wa. 

634. 
6i)6. 

.\30. 
637. 
.ftiW. 
839. 

540. 
541. 


Portrait  and  Signature  of  W. 

S42. 

Johnston Page 

662 

MJ. 

.lohiiHtini'.s  Comhilssion 

603 

French  Mills  in  IsiKi 

664 

644. 

Signature  of  James  Campbell 

lUiB 

646. 

The  Block-house  Well 

(UIB 

640. 

Signature  of  Peter  Brousc. . . . 

606 

r'7. 

Victoria  Medal 

mill 

o4S. 

luillal  Letter 

607 

Interior  of  <ild  Fort  Norfolk. . 

608 

649. 

Signature  of  A.  M'Lnne 

608 

B50. 

Signature   of  Admiral  Cock- 

660 

661 

Landing-place  of  the  British  at 

6B2. 

Havre  de  Grace 

671 

nftit. 

The  Prln.'le  House 

672 

864. 

Kpl-'copaf  t'hurch 

072 

668. 

,Iohn  O'Nell's  Sword 

073 

866. 

General  Vltiv  of  Craney  Island  67ft 

Signature  of  .los,  Tarliell 

Ii75 

667. 

Signature  of  J.  Sunders 

076 

.•MW. 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  W. 

5,89. 

B.Shnl)rick 

676 

660. 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Rob- 

801. 

ert  Taylor 

677 

862. 

Signature  of  B.  J.  Neale 

678 

608. 

Portrait  and  Signature    f  Jas. 

604. 

F'tn'kner 

678 

608. 

Plan  of  Operations  at  Craney 

606. 

Island..  

679 

680 

.Vi7 

Signature  of  Josiah  Tattnall. . 

608. 

The  Ceutipfile 

View  at  Hampton   Creek   In 

080 

.V(9. 

670. 

lSfc3.              

681 

571 

Plan  of  Operations  at  Hamp- 

572. 

68!! 

573 

Head- quarters    of   Beckwith 

574. 

and  Cockb.irn 

083 

578. 

British  Consiii's  House 

086 

576. 

Oyster  Fishing 

086 

877. 

Remains  of  Fortifications  on 

578. 

Craney  I-land 

0,86 

579. 

Block-house  on  Crancv  Island  086 

ft8n. 

Magazine  on  Craney  Island. . 

080 

5,81. 

Laiidlug-plnce  of  the  Britisl- 

at  Murphy's 

^     T 

882. 

Kirby  House 

oas 

Soldiers'  Monument  at  Polnl 

SSJt. 

Pleasant  

689 

684. 

Osceola's  Grave 

690 

688. 

Entrance  to  Bcmnventure 

091 

Signature  of  T.  M.  Hardy 

691 

886. 

New  London  in  1813 

692 

587. 

Light-house  at  New  Lon.ion.. 

C 

Signature  of  11.  Burbecl; 

604 

.W8. 

Burbeck's  Monument 

094 

B89. 

Commodore  Rodgerr's  Jlonu- 

5110. 

690 

591 

Ancleut  Block-house  at  Fort 

692. 

Trumbull 

697 

693. 

New    London    Harbor    from 

694. 

Fort  Trumbull 

697 

698. 

The  old  (.'o'lrt-honse 

697 

690. 

Initial  Li.'U-!    

098 

The  Law-eii  ^  ■  Medal 

TOO 

597. 

Hornet  aii'l  j  eacook 

700 

5(18. 

Signature  of  Sam.  Evans 

701 

ft99. 

Fac-slmile  of  Lawrence's  Let- 

(HHI. 

ter 

702 

001 

Fac-slmtle   of  Broke's  Chal- 

002. 

703 
700 

003. 

The  Chemvfokf  disabled 

Portrait  of  Captain  Broke 

004. 

707 

005. 

Hhannon    and   Chcmpmke    al 

006. 

Halifax 

708 

Portrait  and  Signature  cf  Jas. 

607. 

Lawrence 

709 

Signature  of  Admiral  Warren  709 

008. 

Admiral  Warren's  Seal 

709 

609. 

Sliver  Plate  presented  to  Cap- 

610. 

tain  Broke 

710 

SIgiuilurc  of  George  Budd 

711 

611. 

Collins     

712 
712 

61'' 

Lawrence  Memorial 

613. 

Monument  of  Lawrence  and 

614. 

Ludlow 

713 

615. 

Lawrence's  early  Monument. 
Portrait  of  W.  11.  Allen 

713 

010. 

716 

617. 

Lieutenant  Allen's  Monument  710 

618. 

Graves  of  Burrows,  Blyth,  and 

6'9. 

Watf  rs 

718 
719 

6"0 

The  Burrows  Medal 

621. 

The  M'Call  Medal  

720 
721 

6'W 

Initial  Letter 

023. 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  D. 

Porter 

721 

728 

624 

The  mighty  Gattanewa 

025. 

The  Baiiex  and  her  Prizes 

729 

026, 

Marquesas  Drum Page  780 

Buttle  of  the  Kauex,  I'lurbf,  aitd 

Cherub 738 

David  Porter's  Monument 734 

Initial  Letter 738 

Sign  \ture  of  FuiwnrSkipwItb  740 
Signature  of  Hugh  Com|ibell.  740 
Portrait  and  Signature  ofGeu- 

eral  Riibertson 747 

Signature  of  Sum  Dale 749 

Map— Scat  of  War  in  Southern 

A  labama 761 

Fort  Mims 7B8 

Portrait  o^John  Cofl'ee 7ft9 

Initial  Letter 700 

Map— Battle  of  Talladega. ...  708 

Claiborne  Landing 770 

Map-  Seat  of  the  Creek  War 

In  I'pper  Alabama 778 

Mal^^ Bailie  of  the  Horseshoe  780 

Initial  Letter 788 

Signature  of  N.Macon 784 

Embargo—  a  Caricat  lire 780 

Deat'.i  ol  the  Terrapin 787 

Signature  of  J.  Mason 788 

Signature  of  C.  Van  De  Venter  788 
Signature  of  George  Glosgow  788 
Map-Affair  at  La  Colic  Mill.  790 
LaColleMill  and  Block-houi-c  791 

The  dismantled  .Si/j»  rmr 794 

Sir  J.L.Yeo 796 

Attack  on  Oswego 790 

Slgnatnri!  of  A.  Bronson 790 

SlgiMitnre  of  H.  Eugle 797 

Signature  of  M.  M'Nh';- 7<i7 

Fort  at  Oswego  In  1K.55 798 

Place  ofBattle  at  Sandy  Creek  799 
Otis's  Hoiife,  Saiidv  Creek. . .  800 

Signature  of  Alfred  Ely 800 

,  Signature  of  Harmon  Ehle. . .  ,801 
Portrait  of .Tehaziel  Howard. .  801 

Red  Jacket's  .Medal 802 

Portrait  of  Reo  .Jacket 808 

Profile  and  Signature  of  Wil- 
liam .M'Hee  603 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  C. 

K.  Gardner 606 

Signature    jf  General  Hiall. ..  806 

Street's  Ci,ek  Bridge 800 

Remains  of  Tele-de-pont  Bat- 
tery   807 

Signature  ,)f, Toseph  Treat 807 

Street's  (.'reek  Bridge,  looking 

North 808 

General  Towson's  (irave 809 

,  Map  -Battle  of  Chippewa 810 

SlLMiature  of  Worth 812 

WVrth's  Monument 812 

,  Jones's  Mimumeut 81'.J 

Minilh  of  Lyon's  Creek 813 

Initial  Letter 810 

View  at  Lundy's  Lane 818 

,  Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Miller 820 

.  Miller's  Medal 821 

,  Portrait  of  J(din  M'Neil 821 

.  Klagof  IheTwenty-flflh 8'22 

.  Map— Battle  of  Niagara  Falls  ,S'23 

.  Scott's  Medal 620 

.  Signature  of  Winfleld  Scott. . .  820 
.  Signature  of  Jas.  Cummlngs..  8'.'7 
,  Hospital  near  Lundy's  Lane..  S'28 

.  Wooden  Slab 828 

.  Remains  of  Douglass's   Bat- 
tery and  Fort  Erie 830 

,  Portrait  and  Signature  of  E. 

P.  Gaines 831 

Drunimond's  P',!cret  Order 832 

Gaines's  Medal 830 

PiMlrail  and  Slgnatnri    of  P. 

B.  Porter 888 

Porter's  Tomb 8.38 

Map— Sle"e  of  Fort  Erie 839 

Wood's  Monument 840 

Brown's  Medal 841 

Brown's  Gold  Box 841 

Signature  o  '  E.  W.  Ripley ,842 

Porter's  Medal 842 

Seal  of  the  City  of  New  York.  842 
Signature  of  De  Witt  Clinton  842 

Ripley's  Medal 843 

Portrait  of  Robert  White 844 

Fac-slmile  of  White's  Writliig  844 
Portrait  and  Signature  of  O. 

I7.ard 846 

Ruins  of  Fort  Erie 846 

Fort  Erie  Mills 84T 

Signature  of  James  Sloan 84T 


1*: 


T: 


XVI 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


«2T. 

6'iH. 

am. 

630. 
031. 
682. 
,683. 

034. 
C39. 
«3(l. 
AST. 

jm. 

089. 
040. 

041. 

0-ta. 
04:1. 

044. 
045. 
04*!. 
04T. 
648. 

04(1. 
6IMI. 
061. 
flfi'.'. 
"OKI. 
664. 

066. 
060. 
061. 
05.S. 
06!). 
000. 

oni. 

002. 

o«:i. 

004. 
OfiS. 
flOfl. 
fl«7. 
fl«9. 
OG!l. 
070. 
071. 

072. 

073. 
074. 

076. 
070. 
077. 

679. 
67i). 
flSO. 
081. 
082. 
083. 

OSW. 
086. 

6sn. 

687. 
688. 

680. 
000. 
091. 
692. 
093. 

694. 
698. 
600. 
697. 
698. 
699. 
TOO. 

701. 
TO-i. 
703. 
704. 
708. 
700. 
707. 
708. 
709. 
710. 
711. 


8(>lcllcr«'  Mi>numeut Page  848 

Kiley'K  Mimunieiit 849 

Hi);iiaturu  of  U.  M'Uoiiall 860 

Miip— M'Artbiir'a  Kaid 862 

Portrait  of  (leucral  Bcott 863 

Initial  Letter 884 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  T. 

Macdiiuoii^'li 866 

.IiulKe  .Moore's  IIoubo 867 

Signature  of  D.  BInboII 867 

Signature  of  (1.  Prevost 868 

Portrait  and  Sig.  of  B.  M(iocr«  868 
Portrait  and  Stguatiire  uf  A. 

Maoomb 869 

SanipHon'H 869 

Sla|i~FortiflcatlouB  at  Platts- 

biirg 800 

M.  Smltli'H  Monument 801 

lIowe'K  IloiiHC 802 

Pliitt'8  Hiwidpnce 803 

Old  Stone  Mill 804 

The  8ara".ic 808 

Ilenley'H  Medal 808 

CuKsin's  Medal 808 

Portrait  and  Signature  uf  U. 

Paulding 869 

View  from  Cumberland  Uead  870 

Mii|) — Naval  Action 871 

Macdonough'rt  Dispntcb 872 

Portrait  and  SIg.  of  ,1.  Smith  .  S72 

Itattle  of  PlattBburg 873 

Tlie  Saranac  at  Pike's  Canton- 
ment  874 

Huiiis  '-f  Fort  Brown 878 

Arliilcry  Quadriiut 878 

Oeneraf  Moocrw'^  Grave 870 

I'nited  States  Hotel 870 

Macornl)'«  .Monumcut 877 

Macomb's  Mediii 878 

Macdonougli'8  Medal 878 

Macdouougli'B  Farm-house...  879 

Downlc's  Orave 879 

View  iu  Beekmautowu 880 

Soldiers'  Graves aso 

Ma])— Sent  of  War 881 

Siiire-houhes 882 

.Mooers's  House 8S2 

Woolsey's  Hou'<c 8S3 

Ball  In  Mooers's  House 884 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  P. 

Gregory 888 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  M. 

Crane 888 

Crane's  Monument 880 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  I. 

CImuncey 887 

Cbauncey's  Monument 887 

Initial  Letter 888 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

M<mts;iimery 891 

Port  Pickering 891 

Carcass 894 


Ington  F 
C()l)b  Ho 


The  Cobb  House 890 

Denlson'i)  Monument 890 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Sherbrooke 897 

Port  Porter,  Castine 897 

Signature  of  U.  Barrle 898 

General  Blake's  Uotise 898 

Crosby's  Wharf 899 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  C. 

Morris 900 

Morris's  Monument 901 

Town-house,  Hampden 902 

Reed's  Shop 902 

Remains  of  Fort  Georsie 90S 

Signature  and  Seal  of  G.  Qos- 

selin 908 

Yan  kee  Doodle  Upset 904 

Biliel-head  of  CoHxIitution 906 

Port  Pickering,  Salem 900 

Reiaalua  of  Fort  Lee 900 

Marblchead  Harbor iH)7 

Port  Sewall 907 

Portrait  and  Signature  of  Dr. 

Browne 908 

Small  Cannon 909 

View  ft-om  Fort  George 9(Kt 

Remains  of  Port  CafltTnc 909 

Remains  at  Fort  GrifBth 910 

Fort  Point 910 

The  Bacon  Tree 911 

Mouth  of  the  Kendnskeag 911 

Portrait  and  Sig.  of  Van  Meter  912 

Hemains  of  Port  Phojuix 013 

Arsenal  at  Stnnington 914 

Portrait  aud  Sig.  of  J.  Uolmes  914 


712.  Porfalt  and  Signature  of  A. 

I'.  Holmes Page  914 

718.  Dcnlson's  Grave 914 

714.  Tail-piece— Bomb-Bhell 916 

716.  Initial  Letter 910 

710.  Signature  of  1'.  Stuart 910 

717.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  D. 

L.  Clinch 917 

718.  Portr.iit  and  Signature  of  W. 

H.  Winder 018 

719.  Signature  of  H.  Carbery OiJO 

720.  Signature  of  J.  P.  Van  NesB. .  920 

721.  Signature  of  T.K.  Stansbury..  921 

722.  Signature  of  J.  Hterett 921 

723.  Signature  of  W.  Smith 922 

724.  Signature  of  S.  West 922 

7'26.  SignaturoofW.  1).  Boall 922 

720.  Signature  of  VV.  Scott 922 

727.  Signature  of . I.  Tilghmau 922 

728.  Old  Mill,  Bhidensburg 924 

729.  Bridge  at  Bladensburg 927 

730.  Residence  of  J.  C.  Rivee 927 

731.  Dueling-ground,  Bladensburg  928 

732.  Signature  of  J.  Davidson 928 

738.  Map— Battle  of  Bladensburg..  9'i9 
734.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Barney 930 

738.  Barney's  Spring 931 

730.  Bullet 931 

737.  The  t^apltol  iu  1814. 932 

7!I8.  Remains  oftbe  Capitol 988 

739.  RemaiuB   of  the   President's 

House 9it4 

740.  Signature  of  T.  Tlugey 934 

741.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  D. 

Madison 936 

742.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Barker 930 

743.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  O. 

R.GIeig 937 

744.  Signature  of D.Wadsworth...  938 

746.  Fort  Washington 939 

740.  Skatch  of  Torpedo 940 

747,  '".'he  Unknown 942 

745.  Barlow's  Vault 942 

749.  Kaloruina 942 

780.  Cenotaph 943 

751.  (Jerry's  Mimument.. ., 943 

762.  Initial  Letter 944 

75.3.  Portrait  and  Sig.  of  P.  Parker.  940 
784.  Portrait  aud  Sig.  of  8.  Smith  .  947 
768.  Montebello M7 

750.  Rodgers's  Bastion 949 

767.  Methodist  Meeting-house 960 

768.  Portrait  and  Sigimture  of  J. 

Strieker 980 

769.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  D. 

M'Dougall...'. 962 

700.  Battle  of  North  Point 983 

701.  Battle-flag 964 

702.  Signature  of  M.  Bird 964 

70i).  Fort  M'llenry  in  1801 964 

704.  Signature  of. I.  H.  Nicholson..  068 

706.  Signature  of  S.  Lane 988 

700.  Portrait  and  Signa*  .re  of  O. 

Armistead 068 

707.  Signature  of  P.  S.  Key 960 

708.  Star-spangled  Banner 967 

709.  The  .■Vrmlslead  Vase 900 

770.  Armistead's  Mcmument 960 

771.  Signature  of  W.  K.  Armistead  900 

772.  Battle  Monument 901 

773.  TheCity  Spring,  Baltimore...  962 

774.  Portrait  and  Sig.  of  J.Lester.  903 

776.  North  Point  Battle-ground. . .  903 
770.  Monument  where  Ross  fell.. .  964 

777.  Remains  of  Circular  Battery..  900 

778.  State  Penciblc 900 

779.  Signature  of  D.D.  Tompkins.  970 
790.  Signature  of  Morgan  Lewis...  970 
7St.  Fort  Stevens  and  Mill  Rock. .  971 

752.  Tower  at  Hailett's  Point 971 

783.  FortiflcatlouB    around    New 

York 972 

784.  Mill  Rock  PortincatiouB 973 

786.  Fort  Clinton 973 

790.  PortClintonandHarleinRlver  973 

757.  M  'Oowan's  Pass 974 

758.  North  Battery 974 

799.  View  from  Fort  Pish 974 

790.  Courtenay's,  and  Tower 978 

791.  Remains  of  Block-house 976 

792.  M'Oowan's  Pass  In  1800 976 

793.  Signature ofA. and  N.Brown.  970 

794.  Iron-dad  Vossei 970 

798.  Section  of  Floating  Battery. . .  977 

790.  Fiiltnn  the  Fir»t. 977 

797.  Initial  Letter 978 


798.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  J. 

Blukeley Page  9T( 

799.  Blakeley'n  Medal 980 

800.  Portrait  aud  Signature  of  L. 

Warrington 981 

801.  Warrington's  Medal 982 

902.  Blilet-heud  of  Cuaius 988 

WW.  Stewart's  Medal. 986 

MH.  Stewart's  Resideuce 980 

806.  Stewart's  Sworil 986 

800.  Portrait  aud  Signature  of  C. 

Stewart 98T 

807.  Portrait  aud  Signature  of  8. 

Decatur 988 

809.  Decatur's  Monument 989 

909.  Portrait  and  Sig.  of  J.  BIddle    990 

910.  Riddle's  Medal. 991 

si  I.  Privateer  Sclooncr 998 

912.  Signature  of  Admiral  Sawyer    994 

813.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  S. 

C.Reld 1004 

814.  Initial  Letter 1008 

816.  Signature  of  A.  J.  Armstrong  1011 

816.  Portrait  and  Signature  uf  A. 

J.Dailas 1011 

817.  Signature  of  T..Iesup 1018 

819.  Signatures  of  the  Members  of 

the  Hartford  Convention. .  1014 

919.  Caricature 1018 

820.  The  Hermitage 1017 

921.  Portrait  of  W.  C.  C.  Claiborne  1019 

92'2.  Portrait  of  A.  Jackson 1020 

S23.  Map— Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer  1021 
924.  Jackson's  City  Head-quarters  1024 
926.  Portraitof  Major  Plauclii5...  10'24 

920.  Pattcrscm's  Monument 1026 

827.  Mai>— FIglit  of Ouu-boatH  and 

Barges 1026 

828.  Cathedral  in  New  Orleans...  102T 

929.  Fort  .St. John 10'28 

830.  Villcri-'s  .Mansion 1029 

.831.  Portrait  <if  De  la  Honde 1030 

832.  Lacoste's  Mansion 1031 

8,33.  Map -Affiiir  below  N.Orleans  1038 
834.  Portrait  of  De  Lacy  Evans...  1032 

838w  A  Tennessee  Flag 10.H3 

830.  Initial  Letter 1034 

837.  I)e  la  Ronde's  Mansion 1034 

838.  Map— Seat  of  War  in  Louisi- 

ana   1030 

9,39.  Jackson's  Ilead-quarterg 1031 

,940.  Chalmette's  Plantation 1039 

841.  Map— Battle  of  New  Orleans  1040 

812.  Remains  of  a  Canal 1042 

84.3.  Piauchu's  Tomb 1043 

844.  You'sTomb 1048 

848.  Map— Po.iliou  of  Troops 1044 

,840.  Battle  ofNcw  Orleans 104T 

847.  Monument 1048 

848.  Pecan-trees 1080 

S49.  Map— Port  St.  Philip 1061 

560.  Jackson's  Medal 1062 

561.  Jackson's  Draft 1063 

882.  Signature  of  D.  A.  Ilaii 1064 

883.  The  Old  Court-house 1064 

864.  Ashland 1086 

968.  Bod  ley's  Grave 1086 

S80.  Jackson's  Tomb 106P 

867.  Clay's  Monument 1060 

868.  Grave  of  Daniel  Boone 1060 

869.  Kentucky    Soldiers'    Monu- 

ment   106T 

300.  Portrait  and  Signature  of  P. 

Robert8(m 1068 

801.  Portrait  of  A.  Henncr 1068 

802.  .Japan  Plum 1089 

S«3.  Portrait  of  J.  Q.  Adams 1059 

804.  Portraitof  J.  A  Bayard HWO 

806.  Adams's  Homes lOCO 

SOO.  View  of  Ghent 1001 

807.  Cipher  Writing 1061 

808.  Fac-Blmlle  of  MS.  of  Treaty 

ofGhent 1002 

809.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  Gambler. . . .  1002 

870.  Seal  and  SIg.  of  Ooulburn...  1002 
971.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  W.  Adams  . .  1002 
S72.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  J.  Q.  Adams.  1002 

873.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  J.  A.  Bayard  1002 

874.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  U.  Clay 1063 

876.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  J.  Russell . . .  1063 
870.  Seal  and  Sig.  of  A.  Gallatin..  1068 
8T7.  Por't  and  SIg.  of  C.  Hughes.    1068 

878.  Medal  of  Gratitude 1065 

879.  Treaty  of  Peace  Medal 1066 

880.  Allegorical  Picture— Peace..  1000 

881.  Dartmoor  Prison 1068 

882.  Tali-piece  —  Civil  and  Mili- 

tary Power 10T8 


more  tliui 

and  ])oiici 

1812,  fro,, 

deliiieatiiij 

ject,  and  n 

iields  of  tJi 

to  private 

events  of  (1 

wliicli  nugj 

The  resii 

The  narrat 

left  it.    An 

the  Revohit 

and  Indians 

United  Stat( 

Revohitlon  i 

the  fii-st  war 

public  policy 

dliug  of  the 

The  eventi 

published,  ain 

been  overlool 

our  country  f 

War  with  Gr( 


JIE  author  of  this  vohime  saiil  to  the  readcra  of  his  Pictorial 
Field-book  of  tuk  RicvoLunoN,  at  tho  (doso  of  that  work, 
"  Should  time  deal  .SJjcutly  with  us,  we  may  ai^aiii  go  out  with 
,-taff  aad  scrip  together  upon  the  great  higiiway  of  our  coun- 
try's progress,  to  note  the  march  of  events  there."  Tho  im- 
plied promise  has  heon  fultilled.  Tho  author  has  traveled 
more  than  ten  thousand  miles  in  this  country  and  in  the  Canadas,  with  note-book 
and  pencil  in  hand,  visiting  places  of  historic,  interest  connected  with  the  War  of 
1812,  from  the  (Ireat  Lakes  to  the  Gvdf  of  Mexicio,  gathering  up,  recording,  and 
delineating  every  thing  of  sjiccial  value,  not  found  in  books,  illustrative  of  the  sub- 
ject, and  making  himself  familiar  with  the  topograj)hy  and  incidents  of  the  battle- 
fields of  that  war.  Access  to  the  archives  of  govermnents,  state  and  national,  and 
to  private  collections,  was  freely  given  him ;  and  from  the  lips  of  actors  in  the 
events  ot"  that  struggle  he  received  the  most  interesting  information  concerning  it, 
which  might  have  perished  with  them. 

The  results  of  the  author's  researelies  and  labors  are  given  in  this  volume. 
The  narrative  of  historic  events  is  resumed,  where  his  work  on  the  Rexolution 
left  it.  An  account  is  given  of  the  perils  of  the  country-  immediately  succeeding 
the  Revolution ;  the  struggles  of  the  new  nation  with  the  allied  jjowera  of  British 
and  Indians  in  the  Nortliwest ;  the  origin  and  gro\vi:h  of  political  parties  in  the 
United  States,  and  their  relations  to  the  War  of  1812 ;  the  influence  of  the  French 
Revolution  and  French  politics  in  giving  complexion  to  parties  in  tliis  country; 
the  firet  war  with  the  Barbary  Rowers ;  the  effe(!ts  of  the  wars  of  Napoleon  on  tlie 
public  pohcy  of  the  United  States ;  the  Embargo  and  kindred  acts,  and  tho  kin- 
dling of  the  war  in  1812. 

The  events  of  the  war  are  given  in  greater  detail  than  in  any  work  hitherto 
published,  and  the  narrative  brings  to  \dew  actors  in  tho  scenes  whose  deedr-  have 
been  overlooked  by  the  historian.  Tlie  work  is  a  continuation  of  the  history  of 
our  country  from  the  close  of  the  Revolution  in  1783  to  the  end  of  the  Second 
War  with  Great  Britain  in  1815. 


I. 


;  l:r  t 


PouGHKJiErsiE,  New  York,  Jult,  1868. 


fli 


w 


'  Before  the  British  lel 
and  "slushed"  the  pole  fl 
nailing  on  cbets,  and  apj 
flag,  aud  placed  that  of  th 
British  had  a  higher  sign! 
rial  government  not  to  si 
Britain  to  the  absolnte  pr 
thority  in  the  United  Stati 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


09 


THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


CHAPTER  I. 

"  I  Fpp,  I  nee, 
Frecrtom'F  establiehrd  rnlRii ;  clHos,  and  men, 
NumiTous  HH  i<un(l«  upon  the  orcim  Blioro, 
And  (Mn|)lrc8  risin);  where  llic  nun  doncenrts ! 
Tlie  Ohio  soon  bIiuII  ({lldc  by  mniiy  n  towu 
Of  nolo ;  iind  where  the  Mimriniiippi  stream, 
By  forcstB  Hhnded,  now  rinifi  nweepliiR  on, 
NatUniH  Hhnll  grow,  and  stntei*  not  Icsti  in  famo 
Than  Greece  and  Home  of  ohl.    We,  too,  shall  boast 
Our  SolploH,  Soloni,  CatoK,  saKcs,  chlefB, 
That  In  the  lap  of  Time  yet  dormant  lie, 
Waiting  the  joyoui*  hour  of  life  and  light." 

Prniip  Feeneao,  1775. 


LJ5-3' 


UCII  was  the  prophecy  of  an  Amer- 
ican poet  wlion  the  war  for  his 
country's  independence  had  just  been  kindled  ;  and 
similar  were  the  prescient  visions    )f  the  statesmen 
sages  of  that  hoiu',  who,  in  i,l.c  majesty  of  con- 
scious rectitude,  decreed  the  dismemberment  of  a  mighty 
empire  and  the  establishment  of  a  nation  of  freemen  in 
the  New  World.    Their  rebellion  instantly  assumed  the 
dignity  of  a  revolution,  and  commanded  the  respect  and 
sympathy  of  the  civilized  nations.    Their  faith  was  per- 
and  under  its  inspiration  they  contended  gallantly 

^ freedom,  and  won.     We,  their  children,  have  seen  the 

'■0fy^^^^^^^'^^\^^    minstrel's  prophecy  fulfilled,  and  all  the  bright  visions 
i''l.ii^:6^^3^^'^  ^^  g^ory  that  gave  gladness  to  our  fathers  paled  by  a  splen- 

'!Si^t>ij!ii^&'*^'^''    ^^^^  °f  reality  that  makes  us  proud  of  the  title  —  Amkeican 
l/f       Citizen. 

When,  on  the  25th  of  November,  1783,  John  Van  Arsdale,  a 
'■'       sprightly  sailor-boy  of  sixteen  years,  climbed  the  slushed  flag- staff 
in  Fort  George,  at  the  foot  of  Broadway,  New  York,  pulled  down  the 
British  ensign  that  for  more  than  seven  years  had  floated  there,  and  un- 
furled in  its  place  the  banner  of  the  United  States,'  the  work  of  the  Rev- 
olution was  finished.     As  the  white  sails  of  the  British  squadron  that 
bore  away  from  our  shores  the  last  armed  enemy  to  freedom  in  Amer- 

'  Before  the  Britleh  left  Fort  George  they  nailed  their  colors  to  the  summit  of  the  flag-staff,  knocked  oflT  the  cleets, 
and  "slushed"  the  pole  fi'om  top  to  bottom,  to  prevent  its  being  climbed.  Van  Arsdale  (who  died  in  1830)  ascended  by 
nailing  on  cbets,  and  applying  sand  to  the  greased  flag-staff.  In  this  way  he  reached  the  top,  hauled  down  the  British 
flag,  and  placed  that  of  the  United  States  in  its  position.  It  is  believed  by  some  that  the  nailing  of  the  flag  there  by  the 
British  bad  a  higher  gigsiflcanco  than  was  visible  in  the  outward  act,  namely,  a  compliance  with  orders  fi-om  the  impe- 
rial government  not  to  strike  the  flag,  as  in  a  formal  surrender,  but  to  leave  it  flying,  in  token  of  the  claim  of  Great 
Britain  to  the  absolute  proprietorship  of  the  country  then  abandoned.  It  was  believed  that  the  absence  of  British  aa- 
thority  in  the  United  States  would  be  only  temporary. 

B 


« 


18 


I'lCTOUIAL    JblKLU-BOOK 


Th«  bopM  of  the  Amariwiii  not  rMltMd. 


Thajr  ware  f  m,  bat  not  iDitopMidnt. 


i  ! 


W'f  i 


ica  bocninu  inero  Hpocks  upon  tho  Iiorizoii  in  tlio  owning  nun  to  tho  ^training  eyes  of 
cuger  tliousandH  gazing  Heawunl  beyond  tlio  Narrows,'  tho  idea  of  absolute  iiidepend- 
cnco  tool*  posHosNioii  of  llio  mind  and  lioart  of  ovcry  tiiio  iVnioiica;!.  Ilo  saw  tiic  vitii- 
blo  boiidti  of  liritiHli  tlinildoni  fall  at  his  feet,  and  IiIh  pulse  beat  high  with  the  inspira- 
tion of  uotisciouH  freedom,  and  the  full  assm'ance  that  the  power  and  intluence  of  jirit- 
ish  sovereignty  had  departed  from  his  country  forever. 

Alas !  those  natural,  and  generous,  and  patriotic,  and  hopeful  emotions  were  falla- 
cious. They  were  born  of  a  beautiful  theory,  but  derived  no  real  sustenance  from  so- 
ber facts.  They  were  the  poetry  of  that  hour  of  triumph,  entrancing  the  sjtirit  and 
kindling  tho  imagination.  They  gave  unbounded  pleasure  to  a  disenthralled  people. 
But  there  were  wise  and  thoughtful  men  among  them  who  liad  communed  with  tho 
teachers  of  the  I'ast,  and  sought  knowledge  in  the  vigorous  school  of  tho  I'resent. 
They  diligently  studied  the  prose  chapters  of  the  great  volimie  of  current  history  spread 
out  before  them,  and  were  not  so  jubilant.  They  reverently  thanked  God  for  what 
had  been  .'iccomplishcd,  adored  him  for  the  many  interpositions  of  his  providence  in 
their  beliall",  and  rejoiced  because  of  tho  glorious  results  of  the  struggle  thus  far.  I5ut 
they  clearly  perceived  iliat  the  pe.ico  established  by  tho  decrees  of  high  contract- 
ing parties  would  prove  to  bo  only  a  lull  in  tho  great  contest  —  a  truce  soon  to  be 
broken,  not,  perhaps,  by  tho  trumpet  calling  armed  men  to  the  field,  but  by  the  stern 
behests  of  tho  inexorable  necessities  of  tho  new-born  republic.  Tho  revolution  was 
accomplished,  and  the  political  separation  from  Great  Britain  was  complete,  but  abso- 
lute independence  was  not  achieved. 

Tho  experience  of  two  years  wrought  a  wonderful  change  in  the  public  mind.  Tho 
wisdom  of  the  few  prophetic  sages  who  warned  tho  people  of  dangers  became  painful- 
ly apparent.  Tho  Americans  were  no  longer  the  legal  sidyects  of  a  monarch  beyond 
tho  seas,  yet  tho  power  and  influence  of  Great  Britain  were  felt  like  a  chilling,  over- 
shadowing cloud.  In  tho  presence  of  her  puissance  in  all  that  constitutes  tho  material 
strength  and  vigor  of  a  nation,  they  felt  their  weakness ;  and  from  many  a  patriot  heart 
came  a  sigh  to  tho  lips,  and  foimd  exi)rossiou  there  in  the  bitter  words  of  deep  humili- 
ation— We  arc  free,  but  not  iitdepcndoit. 

Why  not  ?  Had  not  a  solenm  treaty  and  the  word  of  an  lionest  king  acknowledged 
the  states  to  bo  free  and  independent  ? 

Yes.  The  Treaty  of  '^eace  had  declared  tlic  confederated  colonies  "  to  be  free,  sov- 
ereign, and  independent  states  ;"  and  that  the  King  of  Great  Britain  would  treat  them 
as  such,  and  relinquish  "all  claims  to  the  government,  propriety,  and  territorial  rights 
of  the  same."-  The  king,  in  his  speech  from  the  throne,"  had  said,  "I  . December n, 
have  sacrificed  &vcYy  consideration  of  my  own  to  the  wishes  and  opinion  "'^''• 

of  my  people.  I  make  it  my  hmnble  and  earnest  prayer  to  Almighty  God  tliat  Great 
Britain  may  not  feel  tho  evils  which  might  result  from  so  great  a  dismemberment  of 
the  empire,  and  that  America  may  bo  free  from  those  calamities  which  liave  formerly 
proved,  in  the  mother  country,  how  essential  monarchy  is  to  the  enjoyment  of  consti- 
tutional liberty.  Religion,  language,  interest,  affections  may,  and  I  hope  will,  yet  prove 
a  bond  of  permanent  union  between  the  two  countries :  to  this  end  neither  attention 
nor  disposition  shall  bo  wanting  on  my  part."' 

'  The  paosnge  from  New  fork  Harbor  to  the  pea,  between  Long  Island  and  Statcn  Idland. 

'  See  Article  I.  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace  between  the  T'nited  States  niu!  (Ireat  Britain,  Kigncd  at  Paris  on  the  8d  of 
September,  1T><3,  by  David  Hartley  in  behalf  of  Orcat  Britain,  and  Benjamin  Franklin,  John  AdamH,  and  John  Jay  for 
the  United  Statef). 

'  This  acknowledgment  was  wrung  from  the  king  He  had  long  detested  the  very  name  of  every  thing  American  ; 
and  this  feeling  was  strengthened  by  his  inteui<c  personal  hatred  of  l)r.  Franklin,  whose  coolness  and  adroitness  hod 
given  him  the  distinction  of  Arch-rebel.  The  king  carried  his  prejudices  so  far  that  Sir  John  Pringle  was  driven  to 
resign  his  place  as  President  of  the  Royal  Society  In  this  wise :  The  king  urgently  requested  the  society  to  publish,  with 
the  authority  of  its  name,  a  controdictton  of  a  scientific  opinion  of  the  rebellious  Franklin.  Pringic  replied  that  it  was 
not  In  his  power  to  reverse  the  order  of  nature,  and  resigned.  The  pliant  Sir  .Toseph  Banks,  with  the  practice  of  a  true 
courtier,  advocated  the  opinion  which  was  patronized  by  his  majesty,  and  was  appointed  President  of  the  Royal  Soci- 
ety.   Sec  Wright's  Engtatid  under  the  Ilotme  nf  Hanover,  11.,  03. 


Ruceptloa  or  J 

This  wa.s 

^V'liy  rioi 

/'oiiited  by 

and  been  re 

Ves.     Joi 

fourtofCJn 

wy  Kngland. 

■"OHtkimlIyi 

t-'nibas.iador  i 
"potentiary  h 
to  tears  by  tl 
the  kiiigdot,,, 
^''all  be  the  I; 
This  recopt 
sincere.     Vet 
^V'/iy  not  ? 
f>e  resjyected; 
nnd  sagacious 
'•-'il  by  the  fjita 
'is,  and  goveri 
t-'nibarrassment 
"lost  important 
waited  with  coi 
ynited  States,  ( 
in  a  state  of  wa 
colonists  of  Grc 
their  literature, 
country,  withoii 
was  added  a  tra 
"iferior  people,' 
^'y  tho  conscious 
c'fiiJ  to  com  man 
sufficiently  impoi 
tions. 

Such  is  a  gei 

pendent  of  Gi-eat 

t"  i^i-.  Franklin  -. 

commenced  in  177 

siiccessfully  close 

J  ho  war  for  ?W^ 

I  nave  remarket 

and  in  tliat  fact  w 

tne  hopes  of  the  v, 

.t'"s,  let  us  take  a 

'"  tho  autumn  of 

of  1787. 

TJie  Articles  of 
adopted  by  the  Co 
'•atification  of  all  tli 
American  League  f 
t-onstitution,  was  st 

'"Even  the  chlmnev-swp 
InglyofthcirsubjecuiuAu 


'o 


OF   TlIK    WAR    OF    18  12. 


10 


Roceptlon  of  John  Adami  In  BnK)*nd.        Why  the  American!  were  not  Independent        Article*  of  Conhderktloa. 

Tills  was  nil  very  kind,  nnd  yot  tlio  Americans  were  not  Independent. 

Why  not?  Iliul  not  the  roprescntiilivo  of  their  indepeiulcnt  sovcreiirnty  been  up- 
pointed  by  the  Congress  to  reNido  as  tho  agent  of  the  lepublio  in  the  IbiliHh  capital, 
and  been  received  with  cordiality? 

VoH.  John  Adams  had  been  appointed*  minister  plenipotentiary  to  tho  •FcbniHryS4, 
Court  oflireat  Ibilain,  and  had  been  ordered  to  leave  sunny  France  for  log-  "'^ 

gy  England.  Tho  Duke  of  Dorset,  tho  Hrilish  embassailor  at  Paris,  had  treated  liim 
most  kindly  at  Auteuil,  and  had  as  kindly  jirescribed  a  gay  court-dress  to  bo  worn  by  the 
embassador  at  his  fust  presentation  to  the  king  on  his  majesty's  birth-day.  That  plen- 
ipotentiary had  been  presented,'' most  graciously  received,  and  afiected  almost  t.j,ine4, 
to  tears  by  these  honest  words  of  good  King  George:  "I  was  the  last  man  in  "*• 
the  kingdom,  sir,  to  consent  to  the  independenco  of  America;  but,  now  it  is  granted,  1 
shall  be  the  last  man  in  tho  world  to  sanction  a  violation  of  it." 

This  reception  was  significant,  and  this  declaration  of  his  majesty  was  explicit  and 
sincere.     Yet  tho  Americans  were  not  independent. 

Why  not?  IJccausc  tlwif  luul  not  formvd  a  nation,  and  therehj  created  a  power  to 
be  respected ;  because  British  statesmen  were  wise  enough  to  perceive  this  weakness, 
nnd  sagacious  enough  to  take  advantage  of  it.  Without  tho  honesty  of  the  king,  mis- 
led by  the  fatal  counsels  of  tho  refugee  loyalists  who  swarmed  in  tho  IJritish  metropo- 
lis, and  governed  wholly  by  the  maxims  nnd  ethics  of  diplomacy,  tho  ministry  cast 
embarrassments  in  the  way  ofthe  Confederation,  neglected  to  comply  with  some  of  the 
most  important  stipulations  ofthe  Treaty  of  Peace,  maintained  a  haughty  reserve,  and 
waited  witli  complacency  and  perfect  faith  to  see  tho  whole  fabric  of  government  in  tho 
United  States,  cemented  by  the  bonds  of  common  interest  and  common  danger  while 
in  a  state  of  war,  crumble  into  fragments,  and  tho  people  return  to  their  allegiance  as 
colonists  of  Great  Britain.  Their  trade  and  commerce,  their  manufactures  and  arts, 
their  literatiu-e,  science,  religion,  and  laws  were  yet  largely  tributary  to  the  parent 
country,  without  a  well-grounded  liope  for  a  speedy  deliverance.  To  this  domination 
was  added  a  traditional  contempt  ofthe  English  for  their  transatlantic  brethren  as  an 
inferior  people,'  and  the  manifestation  of  an  illiberal  and  mifriendly  spirit,  heightened 
by  the  consciousness  that  the  Americans  were  without  a  government  sufliciently  pow- 
erful to  command  the  fulfillment  of  treaty  stipulations,  or  an  untrammeled  commerce 
sufficiently  important  to  attract  the  cupidity  and  interested  sympathies  of  other  na- 
tions. 

Such  is  a  general  statement  of  "easons  why  the  United  States  were  not  inde- 
pendent of  Great  Britain  after  their  total  political  separation  from  her.  These  gave 
to  Dr.  Franklin  and  others  tho  consciousness  of  the  incompleteness  of  the  struggle 
commenced  in  1775.  When  a  compatriot  remarked  that  the  war  for  independence  was 
successfully  closed,  Franklin  wisely  replied,  "  Say,  rather,  the  var  ofthe  Revolution. 
The  war  for  indipendence  is  yet  to  be  fought." 

I  have  remarked  that  our  fathers  had  not  formed  a  nation  on  the  return  of  peace, 
and  in  that  fact  was  the  inherent  weakness  of  their  government,  and  the  spring  of  all 
the  hopes  ofthe  royalists  for  their  speedy  return  to  colonial  dependency.  To  illustrate 
this,  let  us  take  a  v.ipid  survey  of  events  from  the  ratification  of  the  Treaty  Oi  Peace 
in  tho  autumn  of  1784,  to  the  formation  ofthe  National  Constitution  in  the  autumn 
of  1787, 

The  Articles  of  Confederation,  suggested  by  Dr.  Franklin  in  the  summer  of  1775, 
ado|)ted  by  the  Continental  Congress  in  November,  1777,  and  finally  settled  by  the 
ratification  of  all  the  states  in  the  spring  of  1781,  became  tho  organic  law  ofthe  great 
American  League  of  independent  commonwealths,  which,  by  the  first  article  of  that 
Constitution,  was  styled  "  The  United  States  of  America."    In  behalf  of  this  Confeder- 


'  "Even  the  chimney-sweepers  on  the  streets,"  said  Pitt,  In  a  speech  in  the  House  orCommuus  In  1703,  "  talk  boast- 
ingly  of  their  subjucts  in  America." 


11 


! 


1 


20 


riCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  League  of  States. 


The  States  not  sovereign. 


The  Public  Debt. 


;j 


i»  i| 


acy,  commissioners  were  appointed  by  the  Continental  Congress  to  negotiate  for  peace 
with  Great  Britain.    That  negotiation  was  successful,  and,  in  September,  1783,  a  defin- 
•  September  3,     ii^v<i  treaty  was  signed  at  Paris"  by  the  respective  commissioners'  of  the 
1W3.  lyfQ  governments.    It  was  subsequently  ratified  by  the  Co,  gress  and  the 

•  Crown.  In  the  first  article  of  the  treaty  all  the  states  of  the  League  were  named,  for 
the  simple  purpose  of  definitely  declaring  wlut  provinces  in  the  New  World  formed 
"The  United  States  of  America,"  as  there  were  British,  French,  and  Sp-^nish  provinces 
there  not  members  of  the  League ;  and  also  bt  cause  they  were  held  to  be,  on  the  part 
of  the  English,  independent  repiblics,  as  they  had  been  colonies  independent  of  each 
othcr.- 

The  League  now  assumed  a  national  attitude,  and  the  powers  of  the  Confederacy  wore 
speedily  tested.  The  bright  visions  of  material  prosperity  that  gladdened  the  hearts 
of  the  Americans  at  the  close  of  the  war  soon  faded,  and  others  more  sombre  appeared 
when  the  financial  and  commercial  condition  of  the  forming  republic  was  contemplated 
with  candor.  A  debt  of  seventy  millions  of  dollars  lay  upon  the  shoulders  of  a  wasted 
people.  About  forty-four  millions  of  that  amount  was  owing  by  the  Federal  govern- 
ment (almost  ten  millions  of  it  in  Europe),  and  the  remainder  by  the  individual  stater. 
These  debts  had  been  incurred  in  carrying  on  the  war.  Even  while  issuing  their  paper 
money  in  abundance,  the  Congress  had  commeiiced  borrowing;  and  when,  in  1780, 
their  bills  of  credit  became  worthless,  borrowing  was  the  chief  monetary  resource  of 
the  government.  This,  of  course,  could  not  go  on  long  without  involving  the  republic 
in  embarrassments  and  accomplishing  its  final  ruin.  The  restoration  of  the  public  credit 
or  the  downfall  of  the  infant  republic  was  the  alternative  presented  to  the  American 
people. 

•  See  note  2,  page  18. 

*  The  ndvoi'ntes  of  the  mischievous  political  docttlne  known  ns  supreme  state  sovereijnty,  whose  ftindamental  dogma 
is  that  the  states  then  forming  the  Inchoate  republic  'vere  absolutely  iiule,  ^denl  mvfrrigntien,  have  cited  this  nam'ng  of 
the  several  st:  tcs  In  that  treaty  in  support  of  their  vie  vs.  The  states  were  Independent  commonwealths,  bnt  not  sover- 
eiimt'es.  That  teim  im;ilies  no  superior.  The  colonies  and  states  had  never  been  in  that  exalted  position.  They  were 
dependencies  of  Great  Britain  until  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  i)romulgatod,  when  they  immediately  assumed 
the  position  of  equals  in  a  National  Leacne,  acknowledging  the  general  governmert  which  they  thus  established  as  the 
supreme  controlling  power,  having  a  broad  signet  for  the  common  use,  bearing  the  words,  "Seal  of  the  United  States," 


FinST  OBKAT  SEAL  OP  TIIB  tTNITEn  BT.ITEB.* 

ns  Its  insignia  of  authority.  Wuen  a  treaty  of  p;'^cc  was  to  be  negotiated,  the  states  did  not  each  choose  a  commis- 
sioner for  the  purpc  «e,  but  these  agcuts  were  appointed  by  the  General  Congress,  as  representatives  of  the  nationality 
of  the  Confederation,  without  reference  to  any  particular  states.  And  when,  a  few  years  later,  the  people  ("  We  the 
rEoiM-p."  is  the  phrase)  formed  and  ratified  a  yational  Coiistitntum,  they  disowned  all  Independent  state  sovereiitntii,  and 
reserved  to  the  states  only  muuiclpii  rights,  the  exercise  of  which  should  net  be  in  contravention  of  the  organic  law  of 
the  land. 

•  For  a  history  (with  Illustrations)  of  this  first  Qreot  Seal  of  the  United  States,  see  a  paper  In  Harptr's  Magazine,  vol. 
xiU.,  p.  ns,  written  by  the  author  of  this  work. 


Attempts  to  : 

With  a 

put  forth 

preliminai 

of  perm  an 

and,  on  th 

necessary 

lie  credit, 

Jater"  the  ( 

essary  to  t 

the  public 

years,  spec 

others,  tlie 

principal  oi 

to  establish 

j'lg  each  its 

of  duties  or 

article  of  th 

lintil  Accede 

Tiiis  prop 

adopted  by  t 

ing  three  yc 

what  each  s 

were  willing 

Congress  wil 

ject,"  they  s 

This  first  i 

was  a  signal  ; 

twoen  the  sta 

ter,  whose  vii 

tenacious  of  it 

It  was  speed! 

inevitable  rep 

The  League 

tions  with  ot! 

ministry,  unde 

devised  genan 

I'y  engenderec 

nent  Earl  of  C 

Exchequer.    T 

between  that  [ 

for  the  regiilal 

British  West  ] 

open  to  the  en( 

In  this  prop, 

'nony  between 

among  the  stai 

'  Journal  of  Co^ 
had  been  signed,  and 

"'^''«  following  wj 
*3Z,3H ;  Connecticut 
Maryland,  $141,517; 

'  The  resolutions  oi 
publican,"  were  publl 
*  Pattermn,  32  MalUe 


1 
o 


V   . 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


21 


Attempts  to  restore  the  Public  Credit  and  establish  Commercial  Relations. 


Attitude  of  tbe  States. 


With  a  determination  to  restore  that  publii  credit,  the  General  Congress  immediately 
put  forth  all  its  strength  in  efforts  to  produce  such  a  result.  A  few  weeks  after  the 
preliminary  Treaty  of  Peace  was  signed,  the  Congress  declared  that  "  the  establishment 
of  permanent  and  adequate  funds  on  taxes  or  duties,  which  shall  operate  generally, 
and,  on  the  whole,  in  just  proportion,  throughout  the  United  States,  is  indispensably 
necessary  toward  doing  complete  justice  to  the  public  creditoi's,  for  restoring  pub- 
lic credit,  and  for  providing  for  the  future  exigencies  of  the  war."'  Two  montlis 
later"  the  Congress  recommended  to  the  several  states,  as  "  '.udispensably  nee-  •  April  is, 
essary  to  the  restoration  of  public  credit,  and  to  the  pu  ictual  discharge  of  ^^^• 
the  public  debts,"  to  vest  the  Congress  with  power  to  Itvy,  for  a  period  of  twenty-five 
years,  specified  duties  on  certain  imported  articles,  and  an  ad  valorem  dr.  y  on  all 
others,  the  revenue  therefrom  to  be  applied  solely  to  the  payment  of  the  interest  and 
principal  of  the  public  debt.  It  was  also  proposed  that  the  slates  should  be  required 
to  establish  for  tho  same  time,  and  for  the  same  object,  substantial  revenues  for  supply- 
ing each  its  proportion  of  one  million  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  annually,  exclusive 
of  duties  on  imports,  the  proportion  of  each  state  to  bo  fixed  according  to  the  eighth 
article  of  the  organic  law  of  the  League.^  This  financial  system  Avas  not  to  take  effect 
until  Jtcceded  to  by  every  state. 

This  proposition  was  approved  by  the  loading  men  of  the  country,  but  it  was  not 
adopted  by  the  several  states.  They  all  took  action  upon  it  in  the  course  of  the  succeed- 
ing three  years,  but  that  action  was  rather  in  the  form  of  overtures — indications  of 
what  each  state  was  Avilling  to  do — not  of  positive  law.  All  the  states  except  two 
were  willing  to  grant  the  required  amount,  but  they  were  not  disposed  to  vest  the 
Congress  with  the  required  power.  "  It  is  iiioney,  not 2wwc)',  that  ought  to  be  the  ob- 
ject," they  said.  "The  former  will  pay  our  debts,  the  latter  may  destroy  our  liber- 
ties:'^ 

Tins  first  important  effort  of  the  Congress  lO  assume  the  functions  of  sovereignty 
was  a  signal  failure,  and  the  begirning  of  a  series  of  failures.  It  excited  a  jealousy  be- 
tween the  state  and  general  governments,  and  exposed  the  utter  impotency  of  the  lat- 
ter, whose  vitality  depended  upon  the  will  of  thirteen  distinct  legislative  bodies,  each 
tenacious  of  its  own  peculiar  rights  and  interests,  and  miserly  in  its  delegation  of  power. 
It  was  speedily  i.iade  manifest  that  the  public  credit  must  be  utterly  destroyed  by  the 
inevitable  repudiation  of  the  public  debt. 

The  League  were  equally  unfortunate  in  their  attempts  to  establish  commercial  rela- 
tions with  other  governments,  and  especially  with  that  of  Great  Britain.  The  Liberal 
ministry,  under  the  Earl  of  Shelburne  whan  the  preliminary  Ti-eaty  of  Peace  was  signed, 
devised  genarous  measures  toward  the  Americans.  Encouraged  by  a  lively  hope  tlicre- 
by  engendered,  American  commerce  began  to  revive.  William  Pitt,  son  of  the  emi- 
nent Earl  of  Chatham,  then  at  the  age  of  only  twenty-four  years,  was  Cliancollor  of  the 
E.vchequer.  With  a  clear  perception  of  the  value  to  Great  Britain  of  friendly  relations 
between  that  government  and  the  new  republic,  he  introduced  a  bill  into  Parliament 
for  the  regulation  of  commerce  between  the  two  countries,  by  which  trade  with  the 
British  West  India  Islands  and  other  colonial  possessions  of  the  crown  was  thrown 
open  to  the  enterprise  of  the  merchants  of  the  United  States. 

In  this  proposed  measure  was  involved  a  powerful  element  of  solid  peace  and  hnr- 
raony  between  the  two  governments;  but  there  seemed  not  to  be  wisdom  enough 
among  the  statesmen  of  Great  Britain  for  a  practical  perception  of  it.     The  shipping 

'  Jonmal  of  Conjrress,  February  12, 1TS3.  The  last  clause  was  necessary,  because  only  preliminary  articles  of  pence 
had  been  signec!,  and  the  war  might  continue. 

"  The  following  was  the  proposed  aijportlonment :  New  Hampehire,  i|(^2,7flS ;  MnssachnseU?,  $224,427 ;  Khodc  Island, 
$32,31S;  Connecticut,  $192,091  J  New  York,  $128,243 ;  New  Jtrrev,  $83,358  ;  Pennsylvania,  $205, 1S9;  Delaware,  $22,443 ; 
Maryland,  $141,MT:  VIrpinia,  $280,487  j  North  Carolina,  $109,00(1 ;  South  Carolina,  $90,183;  Georgia,  $10,030. 

'  The  resolutions  of  Congress,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  several  State  Legislatures,  with  remarks  thereon  by  "A  Re- 
publican," were  published  In  the  Xev)  York  Gazetteer,  and  afterward  in  pamphlet  form,  in  the  autumn  of  1780,  by  Carroll 
Jk  PcUtcnon,  32  Maldeu  Lane,  New  York. 


22 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


SiMoluiion  of  the  Liberal  Briti»h  Ministry. 


The  new  Cabinet. 


Its  discordant  UlementD. 


interest,  then  potential  in  Parliament,  Avitb  strange  blindness  to  its  own  welfare  and  that 
of  the  state,  successfully  opposed  it ;  and  tiie  Liberal  Shelburne  ministry  did  not  survive 
the  propositii)ii  a  month.  It  was  dissolved,  and,  after  a  ministerial  hiatus  of  several 
weeks,  during  which  time  faction  threatened  the  peace  if  not  the  stability  of  the  throne, 
a  Cabinet  was  formed  of  materials  the  most  discordant  hitherto.  North  and  Fox,  Burke 
and  Cavendisli,  Portland  and  Stormout,  who  had  diftered  widely  and  debated  bitterly 
on  American  affairs,  coalesced,  much  to  the  astonishment  of  the  simple,  the  scandal  of 
political  consistency,  and  the  delight  of  satirists  with  pen  and  pencil.^ 

The  new  Cabinet  listened  to  other  counsels  than  those  of  the  sagacious  Pitt,  and,  in- 
stead of  acting  liberally  towaid  the  United  States,  as  friends  and  political  equals,  they 
inaugurated  a  restrictive  commercial  policy,  and  assumed  the  offensive  hauteur  of  lord 
and  master  in  the  presence  of  vassals  or  slaves.  Echoing  the  opinions  of  the  acrimoni- 
ous Silas  Deanc,  the  specious  Tory,  Joseph  Galloway,  and  Peter  Oliver,  the  refugee 
Chief  Justice  of  Massachusetts,- English  writers  and  English  statesmen  made  public 
observations  which  indicated  that  they  regarded  the  American  League  as  only  alien- 
ated members  of  the  British  realm.  Lord  Sheffield,  in  a  formidable  pamphlet,  gave 
expression  to  the  views  of  the  Loyalists  and  leading  British  statesmen,  and  dcclaied 
his  belief  that  ruin  must  soon  overtake  the  League,  because  of  the  anarchy  andtionfu- 


I 


i  I 


i 
{ 

i 

'•1 

'  The  political  satires  and  caricrtnrcs  of  the  day  Indicate  the  temper  of  the  pr  ople.  Of  these  the  war  in  America  formed 
the  staple  subject  at  the  time  in  question.    The  conduct  of  that  war,  its  cassation  or  continuance,  formed  tlio  topic 

of  violont  "debates  in  Parliament,  caused  rancor 
among  politicians,  was  the  basis  of  new  party  or- 
ganizations, and  a  source  of  great  anxiety  among 
the  i)eopIc.  Among  those  who  employed  carica- 
tures in  the  controversies  Sayer  and  Gillray  were 
the  chief.  The  latter  soon  outstripped  all  com- 
petitors, and  gave  to  the  world  more  thnu  twelve 
luuidred  caricatures,  chiefly  political.  One  of  his 
earliest  productions  was  issued  at  the  period  in 
question,  in  which  the  original  positions  of  the 
diflerent  leaders  of  the  coalition  were  exhibit- 
ed in  compartnients.  In  one,  entitled  "War," 
Fox  and  Burlic,  In  characteristic  attitudes,  are 
seen  tliundering  against  the  massive  Lord  North. 
In  mother  com- 
partment, called  ^"^^ 
"Neither  Pea 
nor  War,"  the  three  orators  are,  in  the 
same  attitudes,  attaciving  the  prelimina- 
ry Treaty  of  Peace  with  the  United  States. 
Under  them  are  the  words  "The  Astonishing  Coa- 
lition." Another  caricature  was  called  "The  Loves 
of  the  Fox  and  the  Badger ;  or,  The  Coalition  Wed- 
ding." Tliib  popular  c.ivicature  was  a  burlesque 
pictorial  history  of  the  sudden  friendship  between 
The  latter  was  commonly  known  in  political  circles  as  "  the 
badger."  In  another  print  Fox  and  North  were  rci)resented  under  one  coat, 
standing  on  a  i  edestal,  and  called  "The  State  Idol."  This  the  king  (who  de- 
tested the  whole  affair)  was  expected  to  worship.  In  another,  the  two  are  seen 
approaching  Brit-inia  (or  the  people)  to  claim  her  sanction.  She  rejects  them, 
and  their  attention  is  directed  to  a  gallows  and  block  in  the  distance  as  their 
proper  destination. 

The  coalition  Anally  became  unpopular,  and  Gillray,  in  a  caricature  entitled 
"  Britannia  Aroused ;  or.  The  Coalition  Monsters  Destroyed,"  represents  her  in 
a  fury,  grasping  one  of  the  leaders  by  the  neck  and  the  other  by  the  leg,  and 
hurling  them  from  her  as  enemies  to  liberty.  I  have  coplnd  from  Wright's  En- 
nland  under  the  House  of  Hanover  the  most  forcible  portions  of  the  two  carica- 
tures named. 

a  Silas  Ttonw  had  been  an  active  supporter  of  the  American  cause,  and  was  sent  to  France,  as  an  agent  of  tlic  Conti- 
nental Congrc.-s,  early  in  1770.  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  he  was  associated  with  Dr.  Franklin  and  Artliiir  Lee  as  com- 
missioners to  the  French  Court.  Deane's  unfitness  for  his  station  was  soon  made  apparent,  and  lie  was  recalled  oi 
the  close  of  1777.    lie  went  to  England  at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  there  vented  his  spleen  against  his  countrymen. 

Joseph  Oalloway  was  a  P(  nnsylvanlan,  who  espoused  the  republican  cause,  and  was  a  member  of  the  P"-st  Congress 
in  1774,  but  soon  afterward  abandoned  his  countrymen  and  went  to  England.  He  llrst  joined  the  royal  army  in  New 
York,  and  did  not  leave  the  country  until  1778.  He  was  a  ready  writer,  and  wrote  much  against  the  American  couee  in 
England,  where  he  died  in  isni). 

Peter  Oliver  was  past  middle  life  when  the  Revolution  broke  out.  He  was  appninlcd  Chief  .Tustice  of  Massachusetts 
in  n(Ki,  when  his  brother-in-law,  Hutchinson,  became  governor  of  that  province.  He  was  impeached  by  the  Massachu- 
setts Assembly  in  1774,  and  soou  afterward  went  to  England,  where  he  died  iu  17»1,  aged  79  years. 


Fox  and  North. 


llBiTANMIA  ABOC8F.I>. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


23 


Expectations  of  British  Statesmen. 


Lord  SlicSSeld'B  Pamplilct. 


British  Legislntiun. 


Public  DangofB. 


sion  in  whicli  they  were  involved  in  consequence  of  their  independence.  He  assumed 
that  tlie  New  England  States  in  particular  would  speedily  become  penitent  suppliants 
at  the  foot  of  the  king  for  pardon  and  restoration  as  colonies.  lie  saw  the  utter  weak- 
ness and  consequent  inefficiency  of  the  League  as  a  form  of  government,  and  advised 
his  countrymen  to  consider  them  of  little  account  as  a  nation.^  "  If  the  American 
states  choose  to  send  consuls,  receive  them,  and  send  a  consul  to  each  state.  Each 
slate  will  soon  enter  into  all  necessary  regulations  with  the  consul,  and  this  is  the 
whole  that  is  necessary."  In  other  words,  the  League  has  no  dignity  above  th.at  of  a 
fifth-rate  power,  and  the  states  arc  still,  in  fact,  only  dislocated  members  cf  the  British 
Empire.^ 

In  considering  the  more  remote  causes  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  the  final  independ- 
ence of  the  United  States  achieved  by  that  war,  that  pamphlet  of  Lord  Sheffield,  which 
gave  direction  to  British  legislation  and  bias  to  the  English  mind  in  reference  to  the 
American  League,  may  be  regarded  as  a  most  important  one.  It  was  followed  by 
Orders  in  CounciP  by  which  American  vessels  were  entirely  excluded  from  the  British 
West  Indies;  and  some  of  the  stapli  ^  reductions  of  the  United  States,  such  as  fish, 
beef,  pork,  butter,  lard,  et  cetera^  Avere  not  permitted  to  be  carried  there  except  in  Brit- 
ish bottoms.  These  orders  were  continued  by  temporary  acts  until  1788,  when  the 
policy  was  permanently  established  as  a  commercial  regulation  by  act  of  Fariiament. 

In  view  of  this  unfriendly  conduct  of  Great  Britain,  the  General  Congress,  in  the 
spring  of  1784,  asked  the  sever.al  states  to  delegate  powers  to  them  for  fifteen  years,  by 
which  they  might  compel  England  to  be  more  liberal  by  countervailing  measures  of 
prohibition.*  Well  would  it  have  been  for  the  people  of  the  young  republic  had  some 
restrictive  measures  been  adopted,  whereby  British  goods  could  have  been  kept  from 
their  ports,  for  in  a  very  short  time  after  the  jjeace  a  most  extravagant  and  ruinous 
trade  with  Great  Britain  was  opened.  Immense  importations  were  made,  and  private 
indebtedness  speedily  added  immensely  to  the  evils  wiiich  the  war  and  an  inadequate 
government  had  brought  upon  the  people.  But  tiie  appe.il  of  the  Congress  was  in  vain. 
The  states,  growing  more  and  more  jealous  of  their  individual  dignity,  would  not  invest 
the  Congress  with  any  such  power ;  nor  would  they,  evQii  in  the  fiice  of  the  danger  of 
having  their  trade  go  into  the  hands  of  foreigners,  make  any  permanent  and  uniform 
arrangements  among  themselves.  Without  public  credit,  with  their  commerce  at  the 
mercy  of  every  adventurer,  without  respect  at  home  or  abroad,  the  League  of  Siates, 
free  wilhoiit  independence,  presented  the  sad  spectacle  of  the  elements  of  a  great  nation 
l)aralyzed  in  the  formative  process,  and  the  coldness  of  political  death  chilling  every 
developing  function  of  its  being. 

Difficulties  soon  arose  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  concerning  the 

'  "  It  will  not  be  ni.  easy  matter,"  he  said  (and  he  no  donht  spoke  the  lan<;iiace  of  the  Enelish  people  In  general),  "to 
bring  the  American  states  to  net  as  a  nation  ;  they  are  not  to  beft'ared  as  mrh  by  im.  It  wl.;  be  a  long  time  before  they 
can  engage  or  will  concur  in  any  material  expenses.  A  stamp  act,  a  tea  act,  or  such  net  that  can  never  again  occur, 
would  alone  unite  them.  Their  climate,  their  staples,  their  manners  arc  different ;  tlieir  Interests  opposite ;  and 
that  which  is  beneliclal  to  one  la  destructive  to  the  other.  We  niiglit  as  reasonably  dread  tlie  effects  of  combinations 
nmong  the  Oermau  as  among  the  American  states,  and  deprecate  tlie  resolves  of  the  Diet  ns  those  of  the  Congress.  In 
short,  every  circumstance  proves  that  It  will  be  extreme  folly  to  enter  into  any  engagements  ft//  xi<hieh  xi'c  may  not  i»i«/i 
t«  he  bound  hereafter.  It  is  Impossible  to  name  any  material  advantage  the  American  states  will  or  cnn  give  us  in  return 
more  than  what  we  of  course  shall  have.  No  treaty  can  be  made  with  the  American  states  that  can  be  l)inding  on  the 
whole  of  tliem.  The  Act  of  Confederntion  does  not  cnnble  Congress  to  form  more  than  general  treaties."— SiiKrKirj.n'B 
ObKfTvations  on  the  Cnmvuree  of  the  Ameriean  StateK,  London,  17S3. 

'  The  estimation  in  which  the  League  was  held  by  the  British  government  may  be  inferred  by  nn  Inquiry  of  the  Duke 
of  Dorset,  In  reply  to  n  letter  f^om  Messrs.  Adnms,  Franklin,  and  Jefferson,  on  the  subject  of  a  commercial  treaty.  In 
March,  USS.  llis  grace  inquired  "whether  they  were  commissioned  by  Congress  or  their  respective  states,  for  it  ap- 
peared to  him  that  eaeh  utate  wao  determined  to  vianaije  it»  oien  mattern  in  its  otrn  tray."  It  could  not  be  expected  that 
England  would  be  in  haste  to  form  any  important  commcrclnl  relations  with  n  government  so  uncertain  in  its  charac- 
ter, for  a  league  of  independent  governments  was  liable  to  dissolution  at  any  moment. 

'  July,  l"S!t.  The  British  Privy  Council  consists  of  an  indetlnite  number  of  gentlemen,  chosen  by  the  sovereign,  and 
having  no  direct  connection  with  the  Cabinet  ministers.  The  sovereign  may,  inider  the  advice  of  this  council.  Issue 
orders  or  proclamations,  which,  if  not  contrary  to  existing  laws,  are  binding  upon  the  subjects.  These  are  for  tempo- 
rary purposes,  .'ind  nrf  r;illed  Orders  in  Council. 

*  See  Joumnl  of  Concress,  April  30, 17S4. 


'■!^ 

i  ^ 

fp 

!■! 

i 
1 

'J 

1 

I 


i|: ; : 


I  i 


24 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Weaknesg  of  the  new  Governmciit  made  manifest. 


Its  DiSBoliitioii  threatened. 


Excaso  for  DIsBatUfactlon. 


iuexecutiou  of  tho  Treaty  of  Peace,  each  charging  the  other  with  infractions  of  that 
treaty,  or  neglect  to  comply  with  its  requirements.^  An  open  rupture  was  threatened, 
•  February  24,  ^^"^  Jolm  Atlams  was  scnt  to  England,*  clothed  with  the  full  powers  of  a 
1780.  plenipotentiary,  to  arrange  all  matters  in  dispute. 

But  Mr.  Adams  could  accomplish  little.  Indeed  his  mission  was  almost  fruitless.  He 
found  tho  temper  of  tho  British  people,  from  the  peasant  up  to  the  monarch,  cold,  if  not 
positively  hostile,  toward  the  United  States.  He  was  never  insulted,  yet  the  chilliness 
of  tho  social  atmosphere,  and  the  studied  neglect  of  his  oflicial  representations,  often 
excited  hot  indignation  in  his  bosom.  But  his  government  was  so  weak  and  powerless 
that  he  was  compelled  to  bite  his  lips  in  silence.  When  he  proposed  to  have  the  naviga- 
tion and  trade  between  all  tho  dominions  of  the  British  crown  and  all  the  territories 
of  the  United  States  placed  upon  a  basis  of  perfect  and  liberal  reciprocity,  the  offer  was 
not  only  rejected  with  scorn,  but  the  minister  was  given  to  understand  that  no  other 
would  bo  entertained  by  the  British  government.  When  ho  recommended  his  own 
government  to  pass  countervailing  navigation  laws  for  the  benefit  of  American  com- 
merce, he  was  met  with  the  fact  that  it  possessed  no  power  to  do  so.  At  length,  be- 
lieving his  mission  to  be  useless,  and  the  British  government  steadily  refusing  to  send 
a  minister  to  the  United  States,  he  asked  and  received  permission  to  return  home. 

Meanwhile  matters  were  growing  infinitely  worse  in  the  United  States.  The  Con- 
gress had  become  absolutely  powerless,  and  almost  a  by-word  among  the  people.  The 
states  had  assumed  tho  attitude  of  sovereign,  each  for  itself;  and  their  interests  were 
too  diversified,  and  in  some  instances  too  antagonistic,  to  allow  them  to  work  in  har- 
mony for  the  general  good.  The  League  was  on  the  point  of  dissolution,  and  the  fair 
fabric  for  the  dwelling  of  liberty,  reared  by  Washington  and  his  compatriots,  was  tot- 
tering to  its  fall.  The  idea  of  forming  two  or  three  distinct  confederacies  took  posses- 
sion of  the  public  mind.  Western  North  Carolina  revolted,  and  the  new  State  of 
Franklin,^  formed  by  the  insurgents,  endured  several  months.  A  portion  of  South- 
western Virginia  sympathized  in  the  movement.  Insurrection  against  the  authorities 
of  Pennsylvania  appeareu  in  tho  Wyoming  Valley.'  A  Convention  deliberated  at  Port- 
land on  the  expediency  of  erecting  the  Territory  of  Muine  into  an  independent  state.* 
An  armed  mob  surrounded  the  New  Hampshire  Legislature,  demanding  a  remission  of 
taxes  ;*  and  in  Massachusetts,  Daniel  Shays,  who  had  been  a  captain  in  the  Continental 
army,  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  a  large  body  of  armed  insurgents,  and  defied  the 
government  of  that  state.''  There  was  resistance  to  taxation  every  where,  and  disre- 
spect for  law  became  the  rule  and  not  the  exception. 

There  was  reason  for  this  state  of  things.  The  exhaustion  of  tho  people  was  great 
on  account  of  the  war,  and  poverty  was  wide-spread.  Tho  farmer  found  no  lemimera- 
tive  market  for  iiis  produce,  and  domestic  manufactures  Avere  depressed  by  foreign 
competition.'    Debt  weighed  down  all  classes,  and  made  them  feel  that  the  burden 


•  Against  Great  Britain  It  was  cliargcd  tliat  elaves  liad  been  carried  away  by  lier  military  and  navai  commanders  pnb- 
pequeut  to  the  Bignlng  of  the  treaty,  and  on  their  dc])arturo  from  the  country."  It  was  aiso  compiained  that  the  Western 
military  posts  had  not  been  Burrcudercd  to  the  United  States  according  to  Article  VII.  of  tho  treaty.  Against  the  United 
Htates  it  was  charged  that  legal  impediments  had  been  interposed  to  prevent  the  collection  of  debts  duo  British  mer- 
chants by  Americans,  and  th.';t  ihe  stipuiatitms  conceniing  the  property  of  Loyalists,  found  in  Articles  V.  and  VI.  of  th<^ 
treaty,  had  not  been  complied  with.  These  criminations  and  recriminiitions  were  fair,  for  it  has  been  justly  rcmarlviMl, 
"America  could  not,  and  Great  Britain  would  not,  because  Amarica  did  not,  execute  tho  treaty."— ii/c  and  Works  ofjuhn 
Adam»,  i.,  424. 

"  See  Ramsey's  IliMnnj  ofTennemee;  Harper's  Magazine  for  March,  1882. 

'  See  Lossing's  firlii-Bnok  nf  the.  Hevolution.  ♦  Sec  WIliiamson'B  History  (^  Maine. 

'  See  C'oolidge  and  Mansfield's  mstnnj  of  Xew  Hampshire. 

^  Sec  Bradford's  History  (\f  Massachusetts ;  Harjier's  Magazine  for  April,  18(!2. 

'  The  idea  was  prevalent,  at  tho  close  of  the  war,  that  the  United  States  ought  to  be  an  exclusively  agricultural  nation, 
and  that  the  old  policy  of  purchasing  all  fabrics  in  Europe,  to  be  paid  for  by  the  productions  of  the  soil,  would  be  the 
wiser  one.  Acting  upon  the  belief  that  this  would  be  the  policy  of  tho  new  government,  the  merchants  imported  largely, 
and,  there  being  very  little  duty  to  bo  paid,  domestic  manufactures  could  not  compete  with  those  of  Great  Britain.  The 
fallacy  of  the  idea  that  exports  would  pay  for  the  imports  was  Boon  made  manifeBt,  and  almost  universal  bankruptcy 


Washington's  V 


*  See  Article  Vn.  of  the  treaty. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


25 


WaBhliigton's  Views  of  Piiblu-  Affairs.    His  SugsestlonB,  and  those  of  Alexander  HamlUon.    Propositions  of  the  latter. 

which  the  tax-gatherer  would  lay  upon  them  would  be  the  "  feather"  that  would  "  break 
the  camel's  back,"  There  was  doubt,  and  confusion,  and  perple.vity  on  every  side ; 
and  the  very  air  seemed  thick  with  forebodings  of  evil.  Society  appeared  to  be  about 
to  dissolve  into  its  original  elements. 

Patriots — men  who  had  labored  for  the  establishment  of  a  wise  government  for  a 
free  people — were  heart-sick.  "  liliberality,  jealousy,  and  local  policy  mix  too  much  in  all 
our  public  councils  for  the  good  government  of  the  Union,"  wrote  Washington.  "The 
Confederation  appears  to  me  to  be  little  better  than  a  shadow  witliout  the  substance, 
■lud  Congress  a  nugatory  body,  their  ordinances  being  little  attended  to.  To  me  it  is 
a  solecism  in  politics;  indeed,  it  is  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  things  in  nature,  that 
we  should  confederate  as  a  nation,  and  yet  be  afraid  to  give  the  rulers  of  that  nation 
(who  are  the  creatures  of  our  own  making,  appointed  for  a  limited  and  short  duration, 
and  who  are  amenable  for  every  action,  and  may  be  recalled  at  any  moment,  and  are 
Subject  to  all  the  evils  they  may  bo  instrumental  in  producing)  sufficient  powers  to 
order  and  direct  the  affiiirs  of  the  same.  By  such  policy  as  this  the  wheels  of  govern- 
ment are  clogged,  and  our  brightest  prospects,  and  that  high  expectation  which  was 
entertained  of  us  by  the  wondering  world,  are  turned  into  astonishment ;  and  from  the 
high  ground  on  which  we  stood  we  are  descending  into  the  vale  of  confusion  and  dark- 
ness. 

"  That  we  have  it  in  our  power  to  become  one  of  the  most  respectable  nations  upon 
earth,  admits,  in  my  humble  opinion,  of  no  doubt,  if  wo  would  but  pursue  a  wise,  just, 
and  liberal  policy  toward  one  another,  and  keep  good  faith  with  the  rest  of  the  world. 
That  our  resources  are  ample  and  increasing,  none  can  deny;  but  while  they  are  grudg- 
ingly applied,  or  not  applied  at  all,  wo  give  a  vital  stab  to  public  faith,  and  shall  sink, 
i'l  the  eyes  of  Europe,  into  contempt."* 

Other  patriots  uttered  similar  sentiments ;  and  there  was  a  feverish  anxiety  in  the 
public  mind  concerning  the  future,  destructive  of  all  confidence,  and  ruinous  to  enter- 
prises of  every  kind.  Already  grave  discussions  on  the  subject  had  occurred  in  the 
library  at  Mount  Vernon,  during  which  Washington  had  suggested  the  idea  of  a  con- 
junction of  the  sever.al  states  in  arrangements  of  a  commercial  nature,  over  which  the 
Congress,  under  the  Articles  of  Confederation,  had  no  control.  The  suggestion  was 
luminous.  It  beamed  out  upon  the  surrounding  darkness  like  a  ray  of  morning  light. 
It  was  the  herald  and  harbinger  of  future  important  action — the  key-note  to  a  loud 
trumpet-call  for  the  wise  men  of  the  nation  to  save  the  tottering  republic.  It  was  the 
electric  fire  that  ran  along  the  paralyzed  nerves  of  the  nation,  and  quickened  into  action 
a  broader  stntesmanship,  like  that  displayed  by  the  youthful  Hamilton,  who,  three  or 
four  ye.irs  before,  had  induced  the  Legislature  of  New  York  to  recommend  tlie  "  assem- 
blhig  of  a  general  Convention  of  the  United  States,  specially  authorized  to  revise  and 
amend  the  Confederation,  reserving  the  right  to  the  respective  Legislatures  to  ratify 
their  determination."^ 

Dccurrcd  among  the  Importing  merchants.  The  imports  from  Great  Britain  during  the  years  17S4  and  1785  amonnted 
iu  value  to  $30,nO(),ono,  while  the  exports  thither  did  not  exceed  $9,000,000. 

'  Letter  to  James  Warren,  October  T,  1786. 

'  So  early  as  1780,  Alexander  Hamilton,  then  only  twenty-three  years  of  age,  thoroughly  analyzed  the  defects  of  the 
Articles  of  Confederation,  in  a  long  letter  to  James  Duane,  member  of  Congress  from  New  York.  It  was  dated,  "  Lib- 
erty Pole,  September  3, 1780."  lie  discussed  the  subject  at  great  length,  gave  an  outline  sketch  of  n  Federal  Constltn- 
tion,  and  suggested  the  calling  of  a  Convention  to  firame  sncli  a  system  of  government.*  During  the  following  year  he 
published  In  the  Neiv  York  Packet^  printed  at  Flshklll,  Duchess  County,  a  series  of  papers  under  the  title  of  The  Connti- 
liitionalUt,  which  were  devoted  chiefly  to  the  discussion  of  the  defects  in  the  Articles  of  Confederation.  They  excited 
ureat  local  interest ;  and  Hamilton  succeeded,  In  the  summer  of  17S2,  In  having  the  suUiect  brought  before  the  Legisla- 
ture of  the  State  of  New  York  while  in  sci'sion  at  Poughkcepsie.  It  was  favorably  received,  and  on  Sunday,  the  2lHt  of 
July,  that  body  nassed  a  series  of  resolntions,  in  the  last  of  which  occurred  the  sentence  above  quoted. 

On  the  1st  •  ipril,  17S3,  Hamilton,  in  a  debate  in  Congress,  expressed  an  earnest  desire  for  a  general  Convention, 
and  the  subject  was  much  talked  of  among  the  members  of  Congress  in  1784.  In  the  same  year  Thomas  Paine  and 
Pclatiah  Webster  wrote  on  that  subject.  In  the  spring  of  1784,  Noah  Webster,  the  lexicographer,  in  a  pamphlet  which 
lie  says  he  "  took  the  pains  to  carry  In  person  to  General  Washington,"  suggested  a  "new  system  of  government,  which 

•  See  The  Works  c/ Alexander  Bavnlton,  1.,  160. 


i ; 


\,'i 


26 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


HI 
\l 


¥  ii 


Convontiun  uf  Uopresentntivcs  of  the  StnteH  at  Auiinpoliii  nud  Phlladclphlu. 

Tliis  recoinmcnclation  liad  been  seriously  pondered  by  thoughtful  men  throughout 
the  League,  but  the  public  nuthorities  were  not  then  ready  to  adoj)!  it.    Washington's 
])roposition  for  a  connnercial  Convention  was  favorably  received,  and  in  September,  the 
•  September  11,    following  year,"  five  states  were  represented  by  delegates  in  such  Convon- 
^''^''-  tion,  held  at  Annapolis,  in  Maryland.'     Already  a  desire  had  been  ex- 

pressed in  many  parts  of  the  country  for  a  Convention  having  a  broader  field  of  consid- 
eration than  commerce.,  only  one  of  the  elements  of  a  nation's  prosperity.  So  thought 
and  felt  members  of  the  Convention  at  Annapolis — a  Convention  that  proved  a  failure 
in  a  degree,  inasmuch  as  only  five  of  the  thirteen  states  were  represented.  They  ad- 
journed after  a  brief  session,  first  recommending  the  several  states  to  call  another  Con- 
vention in  May  following;  and  performing  the  momentous  service  of  preparing  a  letter 
to  the  General  Congress,  in  which  the  defects  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation  were  set 
forth. 

In  Februarj  following,  the  Congress  took  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  into^ 
consideration,  !ind  recommended  a  meeting  of  delcg.-xtes  from  the  several  states,  to  be 
held  at  Philadelphia  on  the  second  Monday  in  the  ensuing  May;  not,  however,  for  the 
regulation  of  commerce,  but  really  for  the  reconstruction  of  the  national  govern- 
ment.^ 

On  the  4th  of  July,  177G,  a  Congress  of 
representatives  of  thirteen  colonies  met  in 
the  great  room  of  the  State  House  in  Phila- 
delphia, since  known  as  Independence  Hall, 
and  declared,  those  colonies  free  and  inde- 
jiendent  states.  On  Monday,  the  14th  of 
]May,  1787,  a  Congress  of  representatives 
of  the  same  colonies,  then  become  free  and 
independent  states,  assembled  in  the  same 
hall  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  the  va- 
lidity and  ])owcr  of  that  declaration,  by  dis- 
solving the  ineflicient  political  League  of 
the  states,  and  constituting  the  inhabitants 
of  all  the  states  one  great  and  indissoluble 
nation. 

There  were  few  delegates  present  on  the 
appointed  day  of  meeting;  and  it  was  not 
until  the  25th  that  rej)resentatives  from 
seven  states  (the  prescribed  quorum)  ap- 
peared. Then  Washington,  a  deleg.ite  from 
Virginia,  was  chosen  i)resident  of  the  Convention,  and  William  Jackson  secretaiy.^    On 

chouUI  net,  not  on  the  Htates,  hut  ilirrrthi  on  iiuhmdunln,  niirt  vest  in  Congress  flill  power  to  earry  its  laws  Into  effect." 
This  pnnii>lilct  ih  entitled,  "Sketelies  of  Anierlenn  rolicy."  TIiuh  thinking  men  nil  lamented  tlic  wcaknesH  of  the  gen- 
enil  government,  and  foresaw  tlie  dangers  of  the  doctrine  of  Bujjremc  wtnte  sovereignty,  wliich  has  wroiiglit  so  mucli 
inipchief  in  imr  day. 

'  Tlie  following  arc  the  names  of  tlic  representatives :  ^'eu>  IVrfc— Alexander  Hamilton,  Kghert  Benson ;  !feiv  JiTsni— 
Abraham  Clarke,  William  C.  Houston  ;  /'.'»)ui;/(rnHii(— Tencho  Coxc,  James  Schnreman  ;  IMaimre — George  Read,  John 
Dickinson,  Richard  Bassett ;  iVi-f/imo— Kdmund  Randolph,  James  Madison,  Jr.,  St.  George  Tucker. 

'  This  action  of  the  Congress  took  jilace  on  the  2l8t  of  February,  1T8T.  The  resolution  (which  was  submitted  by  the 
delegates  from  MassachuscttP)  was  as  follows: 

"  Itemhml,  That  in  the  opinion  of  Congress  it  is  expedient  that,  on  the  second  Monday  in  May  next,  a  Convention  of 
Delegates,  who  shall  have  been  ap|)ointed  by  the  several  states,  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  for  the  sole  and  express  pur- 
pose of  revising  tlie  Articles  oft.'onfederatlon,  and  rei)orting  to  Congress  and  the  Bevernl  Legislatures  such  alterations 
and  provisions  therein  as  shall,  when  agreed  to  In  Congress  and  confirmed  by  the  states,  render  the  Federal  Constitu- 
tion adequate  to  the  exigencies  of  government  and  the  preservation  of  the  Union." 

'  William  .lackson  was  an  eminent  patriot,  and  one  of  Washington's  most  intimate  i)ersonal  friends.  He  entered  the 
Continental  army  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  and  served  his  country  faithfully  during  tie  whole  war  for  independ- 
ence. He  became  an  aid  to  the  comnnmder-in-clilef,  with  the  rank  of  major.  In  17S1  he  accompanied  his  fl-lend, 
Colonel  ilohn  Laurens,  on  a  diplonnitic  mission  to  France.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  visited  Kiirope,  and  on  his  re- 
turn was  appoiutcd,  on  the  uomiuation  uf  Washington,  secretary  to  the  Convention  that  formed  the  National  Coustt- 


Wll  ;.1AM  .lAeKHON. 


William  Jacka 

the  28tb,  h 

business  of 

the  serious 

to  secure  th 

s'ty  ofa  inc 

vention  fift( 

form  a  new 

I  do  not  f 

'"gs  of  that! 

merely  direc 

that  were  ad 

"lation  conce 

men,  whose  c 

The  venerj 

most  conspici 

before  he  had 

"or  the  provi 

success.     Job 

tiitlon.  Hlsprivat. 
of  his  family,  jje 
and  nccom|,nniccl  h 
lie  held  the  offlce  i 
eustoms  there  untf 
tlicn  started  a  daily 
later."  ' 

Major  Jackson  liv, 
I  1  Christ  Cliurch  ya 
ll";eo  f,et  high  mark 
to  the  memory  of  Ma 
ed  this  life  Decemb. 
born  March  the  "Ttl, 
Jackson  was  ninety  v 
I  am  indebted  to  \ 
for  the  portrait  given 
111  her  piLssession,  pi, 
'"  her  failier,  cut  by 
l:il^  Mrs.  General  Win 
The  signature  ofs,. 
"'el;'onstitutlon,onp 
Ediniiml  Kandohll 

yer,andawarmpatrlo 
'Wmui,,.,.,     ,j^^^. 

»  lih>,  and  Washinjit. 
•-'  "H  but,  In  eonsp*'^, 
.lied  1,1  December,  isis 
"  Khodc  Island  was 
Assembly  of  the  state  i 
"lost  intluential  men  in 
"ympatliy  with  the  obj 
might  adopt.    The  foil, 

««««rt<-/(»M,.w«.-_Franc 
f!"""*«"''"'.-Wil|iam 
Aew  1  or*._R„,,e,t  Y« 

l"'m  Clark,  and  Jo„„t,,a 

./'■"''^'/'''«"'V».-Thoma 
<">iivcrneur  Morris,  „,„! 

(f '«"•«'•'■— Oeorge  Rea 
v.."-"''""'— JainesM'Il 
'""."'■«'«— George  Was 
«..d  George  Wythe.    P„tri 
fxyth  Carolina.~nkbn 
•f»MM.    Richard  Caswell 
a'«o  declined  his  appoin, 
^WA   Caro?,>,„.ifr„h„ 
ffr/^7"-^^""'"nPew, 
V,u  ,  ^'J«  Assemblies  did  i 
Englandltwasjudgedtol 


OF  THE   WAU    OF   1812. 


21 


WUliam  Jackson  and  Edmund  Randolph. 


HemberR  of  the  Convention. 


Attltnde  of  Kbodo  Inland. 


tlie  28th,  Edmund  Randolph,  of  Virginia,*  at  the  request  of  his  colleftgues,  opened  the 
business  of  the  Convention  in  a  carefuiiy  considered  speech,  in  which  he  pointed  out 
tlie  serious  defects  in  the  Articles  of  Co/ifcikration,  iWu^tvatcd  their  utter  inadequacy 
to  secure  the  dignity,  peace,  and  safety  of  tlie  republic,  and  asserted  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  a  more  energetic  government.  At  the  close  of  his  s])ecch  he  offered  to  the  Con- 
vention fifteen  resolutions,  in  which  were  embodied  the  leading  principles  whereon  to 
form  a  new  government  according  to  his  views. 

I  do  not  propose  to  consider  in  detail,  nor  even  in  a  synoptical  manner,  the  proceed- 
ings of  that  Convention,  which  occupied  several  hours  each  day  for  four  months.  I  will 
merely  direct  attention  to  the  really  great  men  who  composed  it,  and  the  measures 
that  were  adopted,  and  leave  the  reader  to  seek  in  other  sources  the  interesting  infor- 
mation concerning  the  events  in  the  daily  session"  of  that  remarkable  congress  of  wise 
men,  whose  efforts  bore  noble  fruit  for  the  political  sustenance  of  mankind.^ 

The  venerable  Dr.  Franklin,  then  near  the  close  of  a  long  and  useful  life,  was  the 
most  conspicuous  member  of  that  Convention  next  to  Washington.  Thirty-three  years 
before  he  had  elaborated  a  plan  of  union  for  the  colonies,  to  which  neither  the  crown 
nor  the  provinces  would  listen  ;3  now  ho  came  to  revive  that  plan,  with  full  hope  of 
success.     Johnson,  Rutledgo,  and  Dickinson  had  been  members  of  the  Stamp-act  Con- 

tntion.  His  private  record  of  the  proceedings  and  dcbntca  Is  In  the  hands 
of  hiB  family.  He  became  the  private  secretary  of  President  Washington, 
and  accompanied  hhn  on  his  tour  through  the  Southern  States  lu  17111. 
He  held  the  olflce  of  surveyor  of  the  port  of  Philndi'lphln  and  Inspector  of 
customs  there  until  removed,  for  ])olltlcal  causes,  by  Mr.  Jefferson.  He 
then  started  a  dally  newspaper,  called  "The  Political  and  Commercial  Keg- 
Isler." 

Major  Jackson  lived  n  life  of  nnsullled  honor,  and  at  his  death  was  bnrled 
lb  Christ  Church  yard,  on  Fifth  Street,  Philadelphia.  A  i)laln  slab  about 
three  feet  high  marks  the  si)()t,  and  bears  the  following  inscription:  "Sacred 
to  the  memory  of  Major  William  Jackson :  born  March  the  fith,  175il ;  depart- 
ed this  life  December  the  17th,  18i!S.  Also  to  Elizabeth  Willing,  his  relict: 
born  March  the  'J7th,  17(iS;  departed  this  life  August  the  6tb,  1S68."  Mrs. 
Jackscm  was  ninety  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  death. 

I  am  Indebted  to  Miss  Ann  Willing  Jackson,  daughter  of  Major  Jackson, 
for  the  portrait  given  on  the  preceding  ])age.  It  Is  copied  from  a  mlniaturo 
in  her  possession,  painted  by  Trumbull.  She  also  has  a  silhouette  profile 
of  her  father,  cut  by  Mrs.  Mayo,  of  Ulchmond,  Virginia,  the  mother  of  the 
late  Mrs.  General  Wlulield  Scott. 

The  signature  of  Secretary  Jackson  Is  with  those  of  the  other  signers  of 
the  Constitution,  on  page  S'i. 

'  Edmund  Randolph  was  a  son  of  an  attorney  general  of  Virginia  before  the  Revolution.  He  was  an  eminent  law- 
yer, and  a  warm  j)atrlot  throughout  the  old  war  for  independence.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Continental  Congress  from 
1779  until  17S'J.  He  was  active  lu  the  Convention  that  formed  the  Constitution.  He  was  elected  Governor  of  Virginia 
lu  17SS,  and  Washington  chose  bim  for  his  first  attorney  general  of  the  United  States  In  1781).  He  was  secretary  of  state 
lu  171t4,  but,  in  con.sequence  of  being  engaged  In  an  Intrigue  with  the  French  minister,  he  retired  from  public  life.  He 
(lied  In  December,  1S13. 

'  Rhode  Island  was  not  represented  In  the  Convention.  Ignorant  and  unprincipled  men  happened  to  control  the 
Assembly  of  the  state  at  that  time,  and  they  refused  to  elect  delegates  to  the  C(mventlon.  Bnt  some  of  the  best  and 
most  influential  men  in  Rhode  Island  jolued  In  sending  a  letter  to  the  Convent'on,  In  which  they  expressed  their  cordial 
sympathy  with  the  objects  of  the  movement,  and  promised  their  accpiiescence  In  whatsoever  measures  the  majority 
might  adopt.    The  following  were  the  names  of  the  delegates  from  the  several  states: 

Xew  Jtmvpaltire,— John  Langdon,  John  Pickering,  Nicholas  Oilman,  and  Benjamin  West. 

Afa«»nr/i»M('f/»._Francls  Dana,  Elbrldge  Gerry,  Nathaniel  Gorhani,  Rufus  King,  and  Caleb  Strong. 

Coniuvtieiit — William  Samuel  Jobnsou,  Roger  Sherman,  and  Oliver  Ellsworth. 

A'cio  I'ori.— Robert  Yates,  John  Lansing,  Jr.,  and  Alexander  Hamilton. 

..Vcic./<'r»7/.— David  Brcarley,  William  Churchill  Houston,  William  Paterson,  John  Nellson,  William  Livingston,  Abra- 
ham Clark,  and  Jonathan  Dayton. 

/Vii)wn/?rn»iM.— Thomas  Mifflin,  Robert  Morris,  George  Clymer,  Jarcd  Ingersoll,  Thomas  Fitzslramons,  James  WUeon, 
(iouverneur  Morris,  and  Benjamin  Franklin. 

/Jcfnicnrc— George  Read,  Gunning  Bedford,  Jr.,  John  Dickinson.  Richard  Bassett,  and  Jacob  Brown. 

3/ii);//rt»(/.— James  M'Henry,  Daniel  of  Ht. Thomas  Jenifer,  Daniel  Carroll,  .John  Francis  Mercer,  and  Lnther  Martin. 

rir.(;ini«.— George  Washington,  Patrick  Henry,  Edmund  Randolph,  John  Blair,  James  Madison,  Jr.,  George  Masrtn, 
and  George  Wythe.   Patrick  Henry  having  declined  bis  aiipointment,  James  M'Clurc  was  nominated  to  snpi)iy  his  place. 

North  Carodna.— Richard  Caswell,  Alexander  Martin,  William  Richardson  Davie,  Richard  Dobbs  Spaight,  and  Willie 
Jones.  Richard  Caswell  having  resigned,  William  Blount  was  appointed  as  deputy  in  his  place.  W'illie  Jones  having 
also  declined  his  appointment,  his  jdace  was  supplied  by  Hugh  Williamson. 

South  Carolina — John  Rutledge,  Charles  Pinckney,  Charles  C.  PInckney,  and  Pierce  Butler. 

Ofor.Tia.— William  Few,  Abraham  Baldwin,  William  Pierce,  GeorgeWalton,  William  Houston,  and  Nathaniel  Pendleton. 

»  "  The  Assemblies  did  not  adopt  It,"  said  Franklin,  "as  they  all  thought  there  was  too  much  iirfTojatit'c  In  It;  and  lu 
England  It  was  judged  to  have  too  much  of  the  demoeratic." 


JAOKSOM'S  UO.Nl'JII'.NT. 


f  ( 


28 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Leading  Members  of  the  Convention. 


lU  Objecta. 


Its  Proceedinge. 


Oonveruenr  Morris. 


Signing  the  Co 


>■„ 


gress  in  1705,  and  tho  last  two  had  been  compatriots  of  Washington  in  the  Congress 
of  1774,  Livingston,  Siierman,  Read,  and  Wythe  had  siiared  the  same  honors.  The 
last  two,  with  Franklin,  Sherman,  Gerry,  Clymer,  Morris,  and  Wilson,  had  signed  the 
Declaration  of  Independence.  Tiio  Continental  army  was  represented  by  Washington, 
Mifflin,  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  and  Hamilton.  Tho  yonnger  members,  who  had 
become  conspicuous  in  public  life  after  tho  Declaration  of  Independence,  were  Hamilton, 
Madison,  and  Edmund  Randolph.  Tho  latter  was  then  Governor  of  Virginia,  having  suc- 
ceeded Patrick  Henry,  the  "trumpet  of  sedition"  when  the  states  were  British  provinces. 
The  Convention  was  marked  by  long  and  warm  debates,  and  with  dignity  suited  to 
tho  cccasion.  Tiio  most  prominent  speakers  were  King,  Gnrry,  and  Gorham,  of  Massa- 
chusetts; Hamilton  and  Lansing,  of  New  York ;  Ellsworth,  Johnson,  and  Sherman,  of 
Connecticut;  Paterson,  of  New  Jersey ;  Franklin,  Wilson,  and  Morris,  of  Pennsylvania; 
Dickinson,  of  Delaware ;  Martin,  of  Maryland  ;  Randolph,  Mason,  and  Madison,  of  Vir- 
ginia ;  Williamson,  of  North  Carolina,  and  the  Pinckneys,  of  South  Carolina. 

Such  wore  the  men,  all  conspicuous  in  tho  history  of  tho  republic,  who  assembled  for 
tho  purpose  of  laying  the  broad  foundations  of  a  nation.  They  had  scarcely  a  prece- 
dent in  history  for  their  guide.  The  great  political  maxim  established  by  the  Revolu- 
tion was,  that  the  original  residence  of  all  human  sovereignty  is  in  the  people:  it  "was 
for  these  founders  of  a  great  state  to  parcel  out  from  the  several  commonwealths  of 
which  the  new  nation  was  composed,  so  much  of  their  restricted  power  as  tho  peo- 
ple of  the  several  states  should  be  willing  to  dismiss  from  their  local  political  insti- 
tutions, in  making  a  strong  and  harmonious  republic  that  should  be  at  tho  same  time 
harmless  toward  reserved  state  rights.  This  was  the  great  problem  to  be  solved.  "At 
that  time,"  says  a  recent  writer,  "  the  world  had  witnessed  no  such  spectacle  as  that  of 
the  deputies  of  a  nation,  chosen  by  the  free  action  of  great  communities,  and  assembled 
for  the  purpose  of  thoroughly  reforming  its  Constitution,  by  the  exercise  and  with  the 
authority  of  the  national  will.  All  that  had  been  done,  both  in  ancient  and  in  modern 
times,  in  forming,  mouldhig,  or  modifying  constitutions  of  government,  bore  little  re- 
semblance to  the  present  undertaking  of  tho  states  of  America.  Neither  among  the 
Greeks  nor  the  Romans  was  there  a  precedent,  and  scarcely  an  analogy."' 

Randolph  suggested  the  chief  business  of  the  Convention  in  his  proposition  "that  a 
NATIONAL  government  ought  to  be  established,  consisting  of  a  supi-eme  legislative,  ex- 
ecutive, and  judiciary."  L^pon  this  broad  proposition  all  future  action  was  based  ;  and 
they  had  not  proceeded  far  before  it  was  clearly  perceived  that  the  Articles  of  Confed- 
eration were  too  radically  defective  to  be  the  basis  of  a  stable  government.  Therefore, 
instead  of  trying  to  amend  them,  the  Convention  went  diligently  at  work  to  form  an 

entirely  new  Constitution.  In  this  they  made  slow 
progress,  opinions  were  so  conflicting.  Plans  and 
amendments  were  oflfered,  and  freely  discussed.  Day 
after  day,  and  week  after  week,  the  debates  contin- 
ued, sometimes  with  great  courtesy,  and  sometimes 
with  great  acrimony,  until  the  10th  of  September, 
when  all  plans  and  amendments  which  had  been 
adopted  by  the  Convention  were  placed  in  the  hands 
of  a  committee  for  revision  and  arrangement  .^    By 

'  Curtls's  Uialory  of  the  Origin,  Formation,  and  Adoption  n*  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  United  States. 

'  This  committee,  appointed  on  the  8th,  consisted  of  Messrs.  Madison, 
Hamilton,  King,  Johnson,  and  Gonvemeur  Morris.  They  were  directed 
to  "  revise  the  style  of,  and  arrange,  the  articles  agreed  to  by  the  House." 
They  placed  the  matter  In  the  hands  of  Qouvemcur  Morris  for  the  pur- 
pose. In  language  and  general  arrangement,  the  National  Constitution 
was  the  work  of  that  eminent  man.* 

•  Qouvemeur  Morris  was  bom  near  the  Westchester  shore  of  the  Harlem  River,  New  York,  at  the  close  of  January, 
176!!.    He  was  educated  at  King's  (now  Columbia)  College,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  studied  law  under  the  eminent 


this  commii 
considered 
the  15th  it 
copy  on  pai 
far  more  im 
ence,  eleven 
In  tho  pe 
part  of  a  few 
— so  seiioiis 
utter  failure, 
adopted,  and 
bers  wished 
ively,  but  wit 
desire  of  Dr 
and  biing  ab( 
Morris,  that 
words :  "  Don 
sci-ibed,"  etc. 
Hamilton  p 
ment  did  not 
government, 
own ;  but  is  it 
the  chance  of  | 
The  appeals 
secured  the  si 
Mason  and  Ra 
tion.*    While 
occupied  by  W 
have  often  and 
fears  as  to  its  i 
whether  it  was 
rising  sun." 

The  Conventi 
the  new  Constil 

William  Smith,  of  tha 

the  Continental  Cong 

on  a  diplomatic  missi 

flunlly  appointed  min 

Senate  of  the  United  S 

'  For  a  full  account  1 

lion,  and  Adoption  oft) 

ia  two  volumes :  New 

»  George  Mason  was 

those  of  his  associates 

was  octive  in  the  Conv 

Virginians  have  nlwayi 

state  sovereignty— the 

Patrick  Henry,  he  oppc 

ment  for  converting  tl 

autHmnofl792,  atthea 

'  We  shall  have  occi 

United  States  in  1812. 

♦The  names  of  the  d 
are  given  \n  om  fac-sin 
parlmcnt  at  Washingfo 
York  (Yates  and  Lansi 
offlclally  represented. 
j)ortant,  and  In  the  place 
llton,  of  New  York."  i 
This  is  owing  to  the  pa 
would  have  done.  Thes( 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812, 


29 


Signing  the  Constitution.        Hesitation  on  the  part  of  aome.        Patriotic  Course  of  Franklin,  Hamilton,  and  otherR. 

this  committee  a  Constitution  was  reported  to  the  Convention.  It  was  taken  up  and 
considered  clause  by  clause,  discussed,  slightly  amended,  and  then  engrossed.  On 
the  loth  it  was  agreed  to  by  the  delegates  of  all  the  states  present.  On  the  17th  a  fair 
copy  on  parchment  was  brought  in  to  receive  the  signatures  of  the  members — an  act 
far  more  important  in  all  its  bearings  than  the  signing  of  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ence, eleven  years  before.' 

In  the  performance  of  that  act,  as  in  the  former,  there  was  some  hesitation  on  the 
part  of  a  few.  There  had  been  serious  differences  of  opinion  during  the  whole  session 
— so  serious  that  at  times  there  seemed  a  probability  that  the  Convention  would  be  an 
utter  failure.  There  were  still  serious  differences  of  opinion  when  the  instrument  was 
adopted,  and  delicate  questions  arose  about  signing  it.  A  large  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers wished  it  to  go  forth  to  the  people,  not  only  as  the  act  of  the  Convention  collect- 
ively, but  with  the  individual  sanction  and  signature  of  each  delegate.  This  was  the 
desire  of  Dr.  Franklin,  and,  with  pleasant  words,  ho  endeavored  to  allay  all  irritation 
and  bring  about  such  a  result.  It  was  finally  agreed,  on  the  suggestion  of  Gonverneiir 
Morris,  that  it  might  be  signed,  without  implying  personal  sanction,  in  these  closing 
words :  "  Done  by  consent  of  the  states  present.  In  testimony  whereof,  we  have  sub- 
scribed," etc. 

Hamilton  patriotically  seconded  the  efforts  of  Franklin,  notwithstanding  the  instru- 
ment did  not  have  his  approval,  because  it  did  not  give  power  enough  to  the  national 
government.  "  No  man's  ideas,"  he  said,  "  are  more  remote  from  the  plan  than  my 
own ;  but  is  it  possible  to  deliberate  between  anarchy  and  confusion  on  one  side,  and 
the  chance  of  good  on  the  other?" 

The  appeals  of  Franklin  and  Hamilton,  and  the  example  of  Madison  and  Pinckney, 
secured  the  signatures  of  several  dissatisfied  members ;  and  all  present,  excepting 
Mason  and  Randolph,  of  Virginia,^  and  Gerry,  of  ^Massachusetts,^  signed  the  Constitu- 
tion.* While  this  important  work  was  in  progress,  Franklin  looked  toward  the  chair 
occupied  by  Washington,  at  the  back  of  which  a  sun  was  painted,  and  observed,  "  I 
have  often  and  often,  in  the  course  of  the  session,  and  the  vicissitudes  of  my  hopes  and 
fears  as  to  its  issue,  looked  at  that  sun  behind  the  President  without  being  able  to  tell 
whether  it  was  rising  or  setting :  at  length  I  have  the  happiness  to  know  that  it  is  a 
rising  sun." 

The  Convention,  by  a  carefully  worded  resolution,  recommended  the  Congress  to  lay 
the  new  Constitution  before  the  2)eople  (not  the  states),  and  ask  them,  the  source  of  all 

William  Smith,  of  that  city,  and  was  licensed  to  practice  in  1771.  He  was  an  active  patriot  durin;;  the  war,  serving  in 
the  Continental  Congress,  on  committees  of  safety,  etc.  He  resided  some  time  in  Philadclpliia.  He  was  scut  abroad 
on  a  diplomatic  mission,  and  resided  for  a  while  in  Paris.  He  afterward  went  to  London  on  public  business,  and  was 
flually  appointed  minister  plenipotentiary  at  the  French  Court.  He  returned  to  America  in  17118,  was  elected  to  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  was  active  In  public  and  i)rivate  life  until  his  deatli  in  ISlfl. 

1  For  a  full  account  In  detail  of  all  the  proceedings  in  relation  to  the  Constitution,  see  the  Uixtor;/  of  the  Origin,  Forma- 
tion, and  Adoption  of  the  Cotutitution  of  the  United  States,  with  Notices  of  its  I^rincipal  FramerSfhy  GeoTgo  TIcknor  Curtis, 
la  two  volumes :  New  York,  Harper  &  Brothers. 

'  George  Mason  was  Washington's  neighbor  and  early  personal  friend.  He  was  a  statcsffinn  of  the  first  order  among 
those  of  his  associates  In  Virginia,  and  a  thorough  republican.  He  was  the  fi-amer  of  the  Constitution  of  Virginia,  and 
was  active  in  the  Convention  that  formed  the  National  Constitution.  He  was  so  Imbued  with  the  state  pride  for  which 
Virginians  have  always  been  noted,  that  he  would  not  agree  to  that  Constitution  because  It  did  not  recognize  individual 
state  sovereignty— the  very  rock  on  which  the  new  republic  was  then  in  danger  of  being  wrecked.  In  conjunction  with 
Patrick  Henry,  he  opposed  its  adoption  In  the  Virginia  Convention,  professing  to  believe  that  it  would  be  the  instru- 
ment for  converting  the  government  into  a  monarchy.  He  died  at  his  seat  on  the  Potomac  (Gunston  Hall)  in  the 
autumn  of  1702,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years. 

'  We  shall  have  occasion  to  consider  the  public  character  of  Mr.  Gerry  hereafter.  He  was  Vice-President  of  the 
United  States  in  1812. 

*  The  names  of  the  delegates  have  been  given  in  note  2,  page  27.  The  names  of  those  who  signed  the  Constitution 
are  given  in  our  facsimiles  of  their  signatures,  which  have  been  engraved  from  the  original  parchment  in  the  State  De- 
partment at  Washington.  It  will  be  seen  that  Alexander  Hamilton's  name  stands  alone.  His  colleagues  from  New 
York  (Yates  and  Lansing)  had  left  the  Convention  in  disgust  on  the  1st  of  July,  and  New  York  was  considered  not 
officially  represented.  Bnt  Hamilton,  who  had  not  swerved  from  duty,  was  there.  The  weight  of  his  name  was  im- 
portant, and  In  the  place  that  should  have  been  filled  with  the  names  of  delegates  from  his  state  was  recited,  "  Mr.  Ham- 
ilton, of  New  York."  It  will  be  observed  that  the  hand-writing  of  all  seems  defective,  the  lines  appearing  irregular. 
This  is  owing  to  the  parchment  on  which  their  names  are  written,  which  did  not  receive  the  Ink  as  freely  as  paper 
would  have  done.  These  irregularities  have  all  been  carefully  copied,  so  as  to  give  a  perfect /ac-simifc  of  the  originals. 


»i         I 


i|ifi!lf 


,l,n 


#f-^  I 


.    V' 


30 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


If 

ii 
I 


j  i; 

«    1 


Ji'' 


*  ?     '    N 


Signntttreg  to  tho  Nntiuiml  Constitution. 


^ 


sA^-ey^^ 


(>^.^Cy^ 


^,X     (y'i^  •'<  ^  I 


{/^cA^c^  f^l^.^^^    \ 


-^fc 


RetolatJoiK  Mm 

'■'■Itesolvm 
witli  tho  res 


OP  THE  WAR   OF   1819. 


31 


RMolatloiii  nent  to  the  State  LeKl*l*t>>rei. 


BlKnntnrea  to  the  NRttonoI  Conilltntlon. 


sovereignty,  to  tfttify  or  reject  it.    Tho  viows  of  thu  great  majority  of  tlio  luumbers  of 
Congress  wore  coiiuurrciit,  ami  on  tiie  28lli  of  September  that  body 

^^Jiesolvcd  ununimousli/fThiit  tlic  said  report  [of  the  Convention  to  the  Congress], 
witli  tho  rcsolutics  and  letters  accompanying  thu  same,  bo  transmitted  to  tho  several 


J-^i^rrL^  ^/'ffi^^^\ 


/c<n 


^t^T^t^  ,/fi.a.^O^  9*^ 


t!7 


di 


I 


89 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


ConvoDtloiu  of  tho  Ponpl*. 


Tb«  Fcdenllft. 


fliirniitnroi  to  th«  National  OonatUatloo. 


LegiHiaturi's,  in  ordei*  to  be  niihmittrd  to  n  Cotivention  of  JMvfjntfs  chnnen  in  enrh  state 
iiY  TiiK  i>Kori.K  TiiKKKUF,  iu  coulbrtuity  to  tlio  resolves  ot'tbo  Convoutioa  made  ami 
provided  in  tliat  case." 

Conventions  of  tliopw;)/^  were  accordingly  licld'in  tlio  several  states  to  confiider  tlie 
Constitution.  Lonj?  ami  stirring  debates  occurred  in  these  Conventions,  and  at  every 
piihllo  gathering  and  private  lioartli-stono  in  the  land.  Hamilton,  Madison,  Jay,  and 
others  fed  ihe  public  understanding  witli  able  essays  on  government  and  in  favor  of 
the  now  Constitution.'    That  instrument  was  rood  and  discussed  every  whore.     IJut  it 


e^Aj 


c^^/^ 


BIQNATtlRES  TO  TIIE  OONBTITCTIOS. 


'  The  essays  of  Hamilton,  Madison,  and  Jay  were  published  mid'T  the  pcncral  title  of  The  FederalM.  It  was  origin- 
ally designed  to  comprise  the  eerles  within  twenty,  or,  at  moBt,  twenty-five  numhcrs,  but  they  extended  to  elghty-flve. 
Of  these  llamilton  wrote  sixty-live.    The  first  nnmber,  written  by  Hamilton  in  the  cabin  of  a  Hudson  Elver  sloop,  was 


Ratlflrntlon  of  tli 

was  nine  mo 
ratified  it — t 
ninth  state  w 
i-'lst  of  J  line, 
adopted  nieas 
tho  first  Wet 
Uovernment  s 
tho  Constituti 
Theso  met  on 
chief  ni.igistr; 
was  inaiigurat( 
of  all  the  state) 
After  oarno! 
ment  involvini 
I       advantages  an 
fairly  tried,  it  \ 
order  to  form 
provide  for  the 
of  Liberty  to  oi 
lor  the  United  S 

pnbllshed  on  tho  27th 

They  were  publlHh(Ml  i 

III  AngiiBt,  I  (MS:  "vvIk 

appeared,  that  work  I J 

lirluclples  of  freedom  o 

lift  connected  In  civil  so 

'  That  state  was  Rhn 

Constitution  in  tlie  fol 

cumber  18,  UST;  (Jeorgi 

April  28,  UHS;  South  Ci 

•-'11, 17S8;  North  Caroiln 

tumn  of  1781),  President 

Ktate,  he  avoided  It. 

■^  The  Constitution  wo 
pr  ance  to  a  state  as  para 
ll  wa»  Intended  to  d.  th 
os|)ecialiy,  such  a  result 
state  in  the  League,  and 
to  the  breaking  out  of  th 
feeling  was  somewhat  nn 
Yet  much  of  the  old  pri(i 
thought  of  hnvln^i  the  " 
sovereignty.  The  new  Ic 
Henry  violently  denonnci 
stood  its  character  when, 
to  speak  the  language  '»' 
valor,  I  would  have  a  reaf 
cause,  as  he  asserted,  it  " 
eruments." 

Tlie  opposition  In  sever 

tlie  Constitution  were  assi 

wrote:  "Their  strength,  a 

to  inflame  the  passions  ar 

lu-guments,  or  fair  and  imp 

ify  and  debase  tlic  characi 

The  papers,  tiy  Colonel 

sense  of  superiority  to  all 

Imne  of  progress  and  natlo 

(,'iiiiiing.    In  the:<e  papers 

their  worship  and  behavlo: 

rcijarded  as  demoralizing. 

York  had  not  more  favor. 

reformers.    New  Jersey,  ii 

were  not  tolerated  to  exerc 

The  merlM  of  Penn  were  i 

nhoais,"  they  had  the  virtut 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


33 


Katifl 


Oppoiltlon  to  It. 


TbaanUlyrad 


oftha  VirgtnlMM. 


was  nino  moiitlis  nftcr  its  adoption  by  the  Convention,  before  the  people  of  nine  states 
latiHc'd  it — tlwit  ntinibor  hcini;  necessary  to  make  it  the  organic  law  of  the  iaixl.  That 
ninth  state  was  New  IlainpHliire,  ami  the  nioinentona  act  of  the  people  occurred  on  I'lo 
2l8t  of  June,  1788.  The  (General  Congress  was  then  in  session,  and,  on  the  2d  of  July, 
adopted  measures  "for  putting  the  said  Constitution  into  operation."  They  appointed 
the  first  Wednesday  of  the  ensuing  March  as  the  day  when  the  fimctions  of  the  new 
tjovcrnnient  should  commence  their  action.  The  people  in  the  states  that  had  ratified 
the  Constitution  chose  tl'eir  presidential  electors  in  cimiplianco  with  its  provisions. 
These  met  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  February,  17H0,  and  elected  George  Washiugtoft 
chief  m.ngistrate  of  the  new  republic,  and  John  Adams  Vicc-IVesident.  Washington 
was  inaugurated  on  the  30th  of  April,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  the  inhabitants 
of  all  the  states  but  one  had  mtified  the  National  Constitution.* 

After  earnest  delibevaMon — after  the  free  discussion  of  every  principle  of  govorn- 
inont  involving  state  rights  and  state  sovereignty — after  a  careful  comparison  of  the 
advantages  and  disadvantages  of  a  consolidated  nation  and  the  confederacy  they  had 
fairly  tried,  it  was  solemnly  declared  that  "We,  tfie  Pkople  of  the  United  States,  in 
order  to  form  a  more  perfect  Union,  establish  Justice,  insure  domestic  Tranquillity, 
provide  for  the  conunon  defense,  promote  the  general  Welfare,  and  secure  the  blessings 
of  Liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  Posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish  this  Constitution 
for  the  United  States  of  America."^ 


published  on  tho  2Tth  of  October,  IT'^T,  a  little  moro  thun  a  month  nftcr  the  ndjonrnmcnt  of  the  Nntlonal  Convention 
Thoy  were  published  fonr  tlmc8  n  week  In  n  New  York  daily  paper.  Of  these  cpfays  Wn»hln(;ton  wrote  to  Ilamlltou 
ill  Angimt,  liHH:  "When  tho  tnuifilont  clrcnmstnncen  and  fiijjitlvc  performnnce.i  ^hlch  nltend  this  crisis  shall  have  dl»- 
nppcared,  that  work  IThe  FeiieralM]  will  merit  the  notice  of  posterity,  becanso  In  It  are  candidly  and  nhly  discussed  the 
principles  of  ft-cedom  and  tho  topics  of  government,  which  will  bo  always  Interesting  to  mankind,  so  hniff  as  they  shall 
be  connected  In  civil  society." 

1  That  state  was  ]{hode  Island,  which  held  out  nntll  the  spring  of  1790.  Tho  people  In  the  several  states  ratlflcil  the 
Constitution  In  tho  following  order:  /Mnirarc,  December  7,  ITST ;  Pennsylvania,  December  12,17X7;  New  .Jersey,  Do- 
f ember  18,  1787 ;  Ocorffln,  January  2,  1788 ;  Connecticut,  January  ft,  1788 ;  Massachusetts,  February  ti,  1788 ;  Maryland, 
April  28,  1788;  South  Carolina,  May  2a,  1788;  New  Hampshire,  .Tunc  21, 1788;  Virginia,  June  2C,  1788;  Now  York,  July 
•Jtl,  1788 ;  North  Carolina,  November  21, 1788  ■  Rhode  Island,  May  2t>,  17ftO.  During  tho  recess  of  Congress,  in  the  au- 
tumn of  178!),  President  Washington  visited  the  New  England  States.  As  Rhode  Island  yet  remained  a  kind  of  foreign 
state,  he  avoided  It. 

1  The  Constltutl(m  was  violently  assailed  by  tho  "  State  Rights"  or  state  sovereignty  men— men  who  regarde-^  allc- 
i;  ance  to  a  state  as  paramount  to  that  dno  to  the  national  government.  Their  chief  objection  was  that  It  destroyed  (as 
II  was  intended  to  dv  Ihc  alleged  sovereignty  of  the  several  states,  and  constituted  a  consolidated  nation.  In  Virginia, 
csi)eclally,  such  a  result  was  looked  upon  by  the  proud  aristocracy  with  great  disfavor.  Virginia  was  then  the  niling 
state  in  the  League,  and  her  political  power  wan  swayed  by  a  few  flimlllea.  These  were  exceedingly  proud,  and,  down 
to  the  breaking  out  of  tho  war  for  Independence,  they  looked  with  disdain  upon  the  people  of  tho  other  colonieu."  This 
feeling  was  somewhat  modlfleu  by  the  operatiims  of  the  war,  and  new  men  were  found  at  the  helm  of  the  vessel  of  state. 
Yet  much  of  the  old  pride  remained,  and  the  leading  Virginians,  with  n  few  honorable  exceptions,  could  not  bear  tho 
thought  of  having  the  "Old  Dominion,"  as  they  were  proud  to  call  the  coinmonweailh,  stripped  of  her  independent 
sovereignty.  The  new  lenders  sei/.cd  ujion  this  dominant  state  pride  and  made  It  subservient  to  their  wishes.  Patrick 
Henry  violently  denounced  the  Constitution  because  of  Its  destructive  effects  upon  state  sovereignty.  Ho  clearly  under- 
stood its  character  when,  with  n  loud  voice,  in  the  Virginia  Convention,  he  demanded,  "  Who  anthorlxed  the  Conventlcm 
to  speak  the  language  'We,  the  people,'  instead  ot'We,  the  atatesl'  Even  from  that  illnstrions  man  who  saved  us  by  his 
valor,  I  would  have  a  reason  for  his  conduct."  George  Mason,  In  the  same  Convention,  denounced  the  Constitution  be- 
cause, ns  he  asserted,  it  "changed  tho  confederation  of  states  into  a  consolidation,  and  would  annihilate  the  state  gov- 
ernments." 

The  opposition  in  several  other  states  was  very  powerful,  for  various  reasons,  and  the  Constitution  and  the  friends  of 
the  Constitution  were  assailed  with  the  most  outrageous  misrepresentations.  Of  the  opponents  In  Virginia  Washington 
wrote :  "Their  strength,  as  well  as  those  of  the  same  class  in  other  states,  seems  to  lie  in  misrepresentation,  and  a  desire 
to  inflame  the  passions  and  alarm  the  fears  by  noisy  declamation,  rather  than  to  convince  the  understanding  by  sound 
lu-guments,  or  fair  and  impartial  statements.  BafBed  in  their  attacks  upon  the  Constitution,  they  liave  attempted  to  vil- 
ify and  debase  the  characters  who  formed  it,  but  I  trust  they  will  not  succeed." 

The  papers,  by  Colonel  Byrd  (who  was  a  member  of  the  Colonial  Council),  above  referred  to,  afford  a  glimpse  of  the 
nense  of  superiority  to  all  the  other  colonists  entertained  by  the  leading  families  In  Virginia,  which  was  always  the 
Ijnne  of  progress  and  national  feeling,  and  made  large  numbers  of  tho  politicinns  of  that  state  dlsnnlonists  from  the  be- 
giiuiing.  In  the;<o  papers  the  New  Englnnders  were  spoken  of  as  "a  puritanical  sect,  with  Pharisaical  peculiarities  In 
their  worship  and  behavior."  Trade  was  an  unfit  calling,  and  a  trade  eluding  laws,  though  pnmounced  void,  was  Justly 
regarded  as  demoralizing.  Such,  thoy  charged,  was  much  of  the  trade  of  the  Eastern  provinces.  Tho  dwellers  ot  New 
York  had  not  more  favor.  The  Dutch  were  also  traders— a  "  slippery  people"— intrndcrs  on  Virginia— encroachors  and 
reformers.  New  Jersey,  In  a  religious  aspect,  was  not  less  obnoxious,  peopled  by  "a  swarm  of  Scots  Quakers,  who 
were  not  tolerated  to  exercise  the  gifts  of  the  spirit  In  their  own  country ;"  by  "  Anabaptists,"  too,  and  some  "  Swedes." 
The  merits  of  Penn  were  equivocal- he  was  not  immaculate  ;  but,  though  "Quakers  had  flocked  to  Pennsylvania  In 
shoals,"  they  had  the  virtues  of  "  diUlgence  nnd  frugality,"  and  the  "  prudence"  which  became  non-combatants.    Mary- 


l! 


.  *  See  Byrd'B  We»towr  Paptrt. 
C 


34 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Diasolntion  of  the  Continental  CongreBB. 


Its  Character,  and  that  of  the  new  Oovemment. 


I   :i:|i' 


i  ip 


I  M 


■iii  'r' 


'.% 


I 


With  the  birth  of  the  nation  on  the  4tli  of  March,  1789,  the  Continental  Congress, 
the  representative  of  the  League,  expired.  Its  liistory  is  one  of  tlio  most  remarkable 
on  record.  It  was  first  an  almost  spontaneous  gathering  of  patriotic  men,  chosen  by 
their  fellow-citizend  in  a  time  of  great  perplexity,  to  consult  upon  the  public  good. 
They  represented  different  provinces  extending  a  thousand  miles  along  the  Atlantic 
coast,  v.'ith  interests  as  diversified  as  the  climate  and  geography.  With  boldness  un- 
equaled  and  faith  unexampled,  they  snatched  the  sceptre  of  rule  over  a  vast  dominion 
from  imperial  England,  of  whose  monarch  they  were  subjects,  and  assumed  the  func- 
tions of  sovereignty  by  creating  armies,  issuing  bills  of  credit,  declaring  the  provinces 
free  and  independent  states,  negotiating  treaties  with  foreign  governments,  and,  finally, 
after  eight  long  years  of  struggle,  wringing  from  their  former  sovereign  his  acknowl- 
edgment of  the  independence  of  the  states  which  they  represented.  The  career  of  the 
Congress  was  meteor-like,  and  astonished  the  world  with  its  brilliancy.  It  was  also 
short.  Like  a  half-developed  giant  exhausted  by  mighty  efforts,  it  first  exhibited  lassi- 
tude, then  decrepitude,  and  at  last  hopeless  decay.  Poor  and  weak,  its  services  forgot- 
ten by  those  who  should  have  been  grateful  for  tliera,  it  lost  the  respect  of  all  mankind, 
and  died  of  politica'  marasmus. 

Out  of  its  remains,  phocnix-like,  and  in  full  vigor  and  grand  proportions,  arose  a 
nation  whose  existence  had  been  decreed  by  the  will  of  true  sovereignty — the  people 
— and  whose  perpetuity  depends  upon  that  will.  It  immediately  arrested  the  profound 
attention  of  the  civilized  woj-ld.  It  was  seen  that  its  commerce,  diplomacy,  and  dignity 
were  no  longer  exposed  to  neglect  by  thirteen  distinct  and  clashing  legislative  bodies, 
but  were  guarded  by  a  central  power  of  wonderful  energy.  The  prophecy  of  Bishop 
JJcrkeley  was  on  the  eve  of  fulfillment.^  England,  France,  Spain,  and  Holland  placed 
their  representatives  at  the  seat  of  the  new  government,  and  the  world  acknowledged 
that  the  new-born  nation  was  a  power — positive,  tangible,  indubitable. 

land  was  a  commodious  retreat  for  Papists,  for  whom  "England  was  too  hot,"  and  to  whom,  as  a  neighbor,  Virginia 
was  a  little  cold.  The  Carol!~ia8,  left  "derelict  by  the  French  and  Sapaniards,"  were  the  regions  of  pines  and  serpents 
—dismal  in  their  swamps,  and  deadly  in  their  malaria.  "Thus,  in  the  eyes  of  her  favored  few,"  says  a  late  writer, 
"  Virginia  was  the  paradise  of  the  New  World."  For  a  farther  illustrntiou  of  this  subject,  see  Ilintnry  of  the  Itrpublic  a/ 
the  United  States  o/Amerira,  astraeal  in  the  WritinriK  of  Alexander  Hamilton  and  Ar»  Contemporarien,  by  John  C.  Hamilton. 
•  When  inspired  with  his  transatlantic  mission,  Bishop  Berkeley  wrote  his  six  "Verses  on  the  Prospect  of  Plantintr 
Arts  and  Learning  in  America,"  in  which  he  predicted  the  rising  greatness  of  the  New  World,  and  employed  the  oft- 
quoted  line, 

"  Westward  the  course  of  empire  takes  its  way." 


Fonndations  of 


dents  ap])ear  ujx 
tjie  preceding  cl 
tri-eat  Britain  w.i 
"ear.    TJie  war 
arms. 

While  statcsnK 
people  wei-e  layin 

fishinent  of  mater 
wdcr  of  tilings,  a, 

gun  to  comijrehen 
I  lie  treaty  limits  ( 
'lad  already  obtaii 
tlie  fertile  regions 
■''tretch,  pai-allcl  wi 

(legi-ees  oflatitude 
'I'eir  cabin  fires  fro 
Mississippi.  Alreai 
ous  highway  for  ai 
^^^'go  the  supremo 
Ah  ady  peace  and 
"zalion  had  been  pre 
l^ytlie  ethics  of  the 

reduced  to  less  than  seven  1 

rtin  farther  reduced '.twet 

«t  West  Point  and  ..h,,r,^" 

i  c«ce  wag  negotiated  wli 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


35 


Fonodations  of  Ooverament  laid  by  the  People. 


Tbey  compreheod  the  Value  of  the  Oreat  Wilderness. 


CHAPTER  n. 

'  Old  burial-places,  once  sacred,  are  plnndered, 

Aud  thickly  with  bones  is  the  fallow  field  strown  i 
The  bond  of  coutderate  tribes  has  been  sundered— 

The  long  council  hall  of  the  brave  overthrown. 
The  Sac  and  Miami  bowmen  no  longer 

Preserve  at  the  door-posts  unslumbcring  guard ; 
We  fought,  but  the  pale-browed  invaders  were  stronger; 

Our  knife-bludes  too  blaut,  and  theii  bosoms  too  hard." 

W.  H.  C.  HOSMEB. 


ga^ 


S  have  seen  thr.  development  of  weak,  isolated  commonwealths 
into  a  powerful,  consolidated  nation,  and  are  now  to  observe 
the  growth  of  that  nation  in  resources  and  strength  until,  by 
an  exhibition  of  its  powers  in  vindication  of  its  rights  before 
the  world,  it  became  absolutely  independent,  and  was  re- 
spected accordingly. 

That  assertion  and  vindication  Avere  made  by  the  moral 
forces  of  legislation  and  the  patriotism  of  the  people,  co- 
working  with  the  material  forces  of  army  and  navy.  In 
this  view  is  involved  the  whole  drama  of  the  contest  known 
in  history  as  the  War  of  1812,  or  the  Second  Straggle  for 
Independence — a  drama,  many  of  whose  characters  and  inci- 


dents appear  upon  the  stage  simultaneously  Avith  the  persons  and  events  exhibited  in 
the  preceding  chapter.  Looking  back  from  the  summer  of  1812,  when  war  against 
Great  Britain  was  formally  declared,  the  causes  of  the  conflict  appear  both  remote  and 
near.  The  war  actually  began  years  before  the  Pi-esident  proclaimed  the  appeal  to 
arms. 

While  statesmen  and  politicians  were  arranging  the  machinery  of  government,  the 
people  were  laying  bi'oad  and  deep  the  visible  foundations  of  the  state,  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  material  interests  and  the  shaping  of  institutions  consonant  with  the  new 
order  of  things,  and  essential  to  social  and  political  prosperity.  They  had  already  be- 
gun to  comprehend  the  hidden  resources  and  immense  value  of  the  vast  counti-y  within 
the  treaty  limits  of  the  United  States  westward  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  They 
liad  already  obtained  i)rophetic  glimpses  of  a  future  civilization  that  should  flourish  in 
the  fertile  regions  watered  by  the  streams  whose  springs  are  in  those  lofty  hills  that 
stretch,  parallel  with  the  Atlantic,  from  the  Lakes  almost  to  the  Gulf,  across  fourteen 
degrees  of  latitude.  Pioneers  had  gone  over  the  grand  hills  and  sent  rp  the  smoke  of 
their  cabin  fires  from  many  a  fertile  valley  iri'igated  by  the  tributaries  of  ♦.he  Ohio  and 
]\Iississippi.  Already  they  had  learned  to  regard  the  Father  of  Waters  as  a  great  aque- 
ous highway  for  an  immense  inland  commerce  soon  to  be  created,  and  had  begun  to 
urge  the  supreme  authority  of  the  land  to  tre.it  with  Spain  for  its  free  navigation. 
All  ady  ])e,ice  and  friendship  with  the  savage  tribes  on  the  remote  frontiers  of  civil- 
ization had  been  promised  by  treaties  made  upon  principles  of  justice  and  not  fashioned 
l)y  the  ethics  of  the  sword.' 

•  Necessity,  if  not  conscience,  recommended  this  policy,  for  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution  the  "  regnlar  army"  had  been 
reduced  to  less  than  seven  hundred  men,  and  no  officer  was  retained  above  the  rank  of  captain.  This  force  was  soon 
ftHl  farther  reduced  •  >  twenty-flvc  mcu  to  guard  tiie  military  stores  at  Pittsburg,  and  flfty-flve  to  perform  military  duty 
!it  West  Point  and  nhyr  magazines. 

Peace  was  negotiated  with  most  of  the  tribes  which  had  taken  part  against  the  United  States  in  the  late  war.    A 


36 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Indian  Treaties. 


Anti-slavery  Hovements. 


Tlie  Ordinance  of  1T8T. 


First  Settlements  in  Ohio. 


I 


iii:,  ii 


By  treaty  with  the  chief  tribes  between  the  Ohio  River  and  the  Gi'eat  J.itkes,  and 
the  cession  by  Virginia'  to  the  United  States  of  all  claims  to  lands  in  that  region,  the 
general  government  became  absolute  possessor  of  a  vast  counti-y,  out  of  which  several 
flourishing  states  have  since  been  foi-med.^ 

While  the  National  Convention  was  in  session  at  Philadelphia  in  the  summer  of 
1787,  the  Continental  Congress,  sitting  at  New  York,  feeble  and  dying,  with  only  eight 
states  represented,  took  up  and  disposed  of  in  a  satisfactory  manner  a  subject  second 
ooly  in  importance  to  that  under  discussion  in  the  capital  of  Pennsylvania.  They 
•  jniyis,     adopted,*  by  unanimous  vote,  "An  Ordinance  for  the  government  of  the  Tei- 

™''-  ritory  of  the  United  States  northwest  of  the  Ohio."^  In  anticipation  of  this 
action,  extensive  surveys  had  been  made  in  the  new  territory.  Soon  after  the  passiige 
of  the  ordinance  above  mentioned,  a  sale  of  five  millions  of  aci'cs,  extending  along  the 
Ohio  from  the  Muskingum  to  the  Sciota,  were  sold  to  the  "  Ohio  Company,"  which 
was  composed  of  citizens  of  New  England,  many  of  whom  had  been  officers  of  the  Con- 
tinental army.*  A  similar  sale  was  made  to  John  Cleve  Symmes,  of  New  Jersey,  for 
two  millions  of  acres,  in  the  rich  and  beautiful  region  between  the  Great  and  Little 
Miami  Rivers,  including  the  site  of  Cincinnati. 

These  were  the  fii-st  steps  taken  toward  the  settlement  of  the  Northwestern  Terri- 
toi-y,  in  which  occurred  so  many  of  the  important  events  of  the  War  of  1812.  Hitherto 
New  England  emigration  had  been  chiefly  toVermoui  Noi-  ■  -n  New  Hampshire,  and 
the  Territory  of  Maine.     Now  it  poured,  in  a  vast  and  i  ,     *  stream,  into  the  Ohio 

countiy.  Genei'al  Rufus  Putnam,  at  the  head  of  a  colony  fi  oin  Massachusetts,  founded 
a  settlement*  (the  first,  of  Europeans,  in  all  Ohio,  if  we  except  the  Moravian  missionary 
stations^)  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum  River,  and  named  it  Marietta,  in  honor  of 


Campus  Martiua 

Maria  Antoi 
Campus  Mai 
Jy  comnienc 
against  the 
the  autumn 
party   of  se 
selves  upon 
and  founded 
mouth  of  the 
Washington 
Ijuilt  a  short 
the  site  of  Cii 
It  has  been 
in  the  yeai-s  ] 
twenty   thous 
and  children  w 
in  boats,  to  be 
growth  of  emp 

Soon  after 
St.  Clair,2an  ^ 
Revolution,  wa 
president.     He 
•i  great  measui-. 
where  duty  to  i 


treaty  was  conclnded  at  Fort  Stanwix  (now  Rome,  New  Yorlc)  in  October,  1TS4,  with  the  Six  Nations.  Another  was  con- 
cluded at  Port  M'lutosh  in  January,  1786,  with  the  Wynndots,  Bclawnres,  Clilppewas,  and  Ottawas;  and  another  with 
the  Cherokees,  at  Hopewell,  in  November  the  same  year.  Dissatisfaction  having  arlcen  concerning  remuneration  for 
lands,  two  new  treaties  were  made  at  Fort  Ilannar,  on  the  Musltingum,  Ohio,  at  the  beginning  of  1789,  by  which  allow- 
ances were  made  for  ceded  lands.  By  treaty,  the  Indian  titles  to  lands  extending  along  the  northern  bank  of  the  Ohio 
and  a  considerable  distance  inland,  as  far  west  as  the  Wabash  Hivcr,  were  extinguished.  This  tract  comprised  about 
9eve"teen  millions  of  acres. 

'  The  deed  of  cession,  signed  by  Virginia  commissioners,  wit.i  Thomas  Jefferson  at  their  head,  was  executed  on  the 
first  day  of  March,  1784.  It  stipulated  that  the  territory  ceded  should  be  laid  out  and  formed  into  states,  not  less  than 
one  hundred  nor  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  square ;  that  the  states  so  formed  should  be  "distinct  repub- 
lican states,"  and  admitted  as  members  of  the  National  Union,  having  the  same  rights  of  sovereignty,  etc.,  as  the 
older  states. 

After  the  cession  was  executed  the  Congress  referred  the  matter  to  a  committee,  of  which  Mr.  Jeffer«i»  was  chairman. 
That  committee  reported  an  ordinance  containing  a  plan  for  the  government  of  the  whole  West'  '■  ory  north  and 

south  of  the  Ohio,  from  the  thirty-flrst  degree  of  north  latitude  to  the  northern  boundary  of  th  ;  .. ..  :  tales,  it  being 
supposed  that  other  states  owning  territory  south  of  the  Ohio  would  follow  the  example  of  Vir,;  '  -  ■  Ian  proposed 

to  divide  the  great  Territory  into  seventeen  states,  and  among  the  conditions  was  the  remarkable  u,  ofiertheycnr 

1800,  there  shall  be  neither  slavery  nor  Involuntary  servitude  In  any  of  the  said  states,  other    i.i  •  ^|r   'shment  of 

crimes  whereof  the  parly  shall  have  been  duly  convicted."    This  provision  did  not  get  the  voti'  oi  '.'      ,,  the  num- 

ber necessary  to  adopt  it.  New  York,  New  jersey,  and  Pennsylvania,  with  the  four  New  England  S' .  .oted  for  It ; 
North  Carolina  was  divided;  Delaware  and  Georgia  were  unrepresented;  aIb'tI." 'id,  Virginia,  and  South  <.'c  il.na  voted 
against  it.  (See  Journal  of  Congress,  April  19, 1784.)  After  expunging  this  proviso  the  report  was  adopted,  but  the 
subject  was  not  deflnltoly  acted  upon. 

»  Ohio,  Michigan,  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Wisconsin. 

'  This  ordinance  was  reported  by  a  committee,  of  which  Mr.  Dane,  of  Massachusetts,  was  chairman.  It  contained  Mr. 
JclTerfon's  anti-slavery  proviso,  with  a  clause  relative  to  the  renditiou  of  fugitive  slaves,  similar  in  form  to  the  one  incor- 
porated In  the  National  Constitution  a  few  weeks  later. 

«  This  company  was  formed  In  Boston,  and  Rev.  Manasseh  Cutler,  and  Winthrop  Sargent  wore  the  authorized  agents 
of  the  association  to  make  the  contract  with  the  United  States  Treasury  Board.  Among  the  associates  were  Oeiiornls 
Parsons  and  Rufus  Putnam,  of  Connecticut ;  General  Varnum  and  Commodore  Whipple,  of  Rhode  Island ;  General  Tup- 
per,  of  Massachusetts,  and  men  of  lesser  note  in  public  life. 

»  Putnam  and  his  party  landed  on  the  site  of  Marietta  on  the  7th  of  April,  1788.  Tlie  (.•■ 
not  yet  arrived,  so  they  established  temporary  laws  for  their  own  government.  These  wer<. 
and  nailed  to  a  tree.  Return  J.  Meigs,  afterward  governor  of  the  state,  was  appointed  to 
was  the  beginning  of  government  in  the  State  of  Ohio. 

6  These  devoted  missionaries  were  the  first  white  inhabitants  who  took  up  their  abode  w. 
State  of  Ohio.  The  Rev.John  Frederick  Post  and  Rev.  John  Ileckcwoldcr  bad  penetrated  the  Vv  llderncss  In  this  direction 
before  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution.  Their  first  visit  was  as  early  as  1701.  Others  followed,  and  they  estab- 
lished three  stallons,  or  villages  of  Indian  converts,  on  the  Tuscarawas  River,  within  the  limits  of  the  present  county  of 
that  name.   These  were  named  Schocnbnin,  Onadenhutten,  and  Salem.    The  latter  was  near  the  present  village  of  Port 


emor  of  the  territory  hurt 

'dished  by  being  written 

I  .ainiater  the  laws.    Such 

[.e  pr  jsent  limits  of  the 


Washington.    There  ] 

welder  resided  for  somj 

and  there  his  daught. 

nanna  Maria  was  born  ( 

«thofApril,nsi.  Shew 

first  white  child  born  in 

nndlsyet  living  tlSrt?]  at 

'ehcm.  Pennsylvania,  ii 

posse.jsionofherment« 

"Itlcs.    She  has  been  de 

a  number  of  years,  aud 

;"  alate  in  conversation. 

hand  is  firm,  and  she  w 

with  vigor,  as  her  signal 

'■irefullycopiedintheen 

>"ig,  made  at  the  close  of] 

"■'<••«(«.    Itwasappende 

an  autograph   note   to 

'"ler.  The  portrait  was  1 

en  by  the  Daguerrelan  , 

''■S8  at  that  time.   In  a  dl 

kept  by  (he  younger  pu: 

-;f  the  Bethlehem  Load 

Hhool,  where  Miss  H,.,. 

welder  was  educated,  u„, 

date  of  December  zV  "' 


a- 


"ith  gateways  through  thr 
Ar,.hur8t.01alrw'„s„ 

Port  rT"'?"  '"  """•  "nd  ^ 
fortLigonler.inPcnnsvIvi 
^■.Woneli„,hecontiuent«r 
settled  in  Pennsylvania.  I 
governor  of  the  newly-oJf 
^'vived  his  mlsforln'nes^ 
'rw"!},;"'"-'"  August.  Ifi 
Wim8mB.Qiie8,nmem 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


37 


Campus  Martius  aod  Fort  Waahlngton. 


Hiss  Heckewelder. 


General  St.  Clair. 


Maria  Antoinette,  the  queen  of  Louis  the  Sixteenth,  of  France.    A  stockade  fort,  called 
Campus  Martius,  was  immediate-  -,i^^_.       -  t; 

ly   commenced,  as   a   protection  -      -~ 

against  the  hostile  Indians.'  In 
the  autumn  of  the  same  year  a 
l)arty  of  settlers  seated  them- 
selves upon  Symmes's  purchase, 
and  founded  Columbia,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Little  Miami.  Fort 
Washington  was  soon  afterward 
built  a  short  distance  below,  on 
the  site  of  Cincinnati. 

It  has  been  estimated  that  with- 
in the  years  1788  and  1789,  full 
twenty    thousand   men,  women,  ^ 

and  children  went  down  the  Ohio 
in  boats,  to  become  settlers  on  its  banks, 
growth  of  empire  beyond  the  Alieghanies! 

Soon  after  the  organization  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  Major  General  Arthur 
St.  Ciair,2  an  officer  in  the  old  French  War,  and  in  the  Continental  army  during  the 
Revolution,  was  appointed  its  governor  by  the  Congress,  of  which  body  he  was  then 
president.  He  accepted  the  position  with  reluctance.  "The  office  of  governor  was  in 
a  great  measure  forced  on  rae,"  he  said,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend.'  Yet,  ever  ready  to  go 
where  duty  to  his  country  called  him,  he  proceeded  to  the  Territory  in  the  summer  of 


OAUPUg  HABTICB. 


Since  then,  how  wonderful  has  been  the 


y ! 


Wn8hlnp;ton.  There  Ilecke- 
wclder  resided  for  some  time, 
nm\  there  hia  daughter  Jo- 
hanna Maria  was  born,  on  the 
0th  of  April, 17S1.  She  was  the 
first  white  child  born  inOhIo, 
iind  isyel  living  tlStiT]  ntBeth- 
lehem.  Pennsylvania,  In  full 
l>»s8P:Sslon  of  her  mental  fac- 
ulties. She  has  been  deaf  for 
a  number  of  years,  and  uses 
ii  slate  in  conversation.  Ilcr 
hand  is  tlrm,  and  she  writes 
with  vigor,  as  her  signature, 
carefully  copied  In  the  engra- 
ving, madeatthcclosc  of  1869, 
attests.  It  was  appended  to 
an  autograph  note  to  the 
writer.  The  portrait  was  tak- 
en by  the  Daguerrelan  pro- 
cess at  that  time.  In  a  diary 
kept  by  the  younger  pupils 
of  the  Bethlehem  boarding- 
school,  where  Miss  Ilecke- 
wcldcr  was  educated,  under 
date  of  December  23,  1788 


(the  year  when  Marietta  was 
founded),  occurs  the  follow- 
ing sentence :  "  Little  Miss 
Tolly  Ilcckewelder's  papa  re- 
tumc''  from  Fort  Pitt,  which 
occasioned  her  and  us  great 
joy."  See  Bethlehem  Souve- 
nir, 1858,  p.  67. 

'  This  fort  was  a  regular 
parallelogram,  with  an  exte- 
rior Hue  of  seven  hundred 
and  twenty  feet.  There  was  a 
strong  block-house  at  each 
corner,  surraonntcd  by  a  tow- 
er and  sentry-box.  Uetwcen 
them  were  dwe'.llng-honses. 
At  the  outer  corner  of  each 
block  -  house  was  a  bastion, 
standing  on  four  stout  tim- 
bers. There  were  port-holes 
for  musketry  and  artillery. 
These  buildings  were,  all 
made  ot  gwkvcd  timbers. 
Twenty  feet  in  aihance  of 
these  was  a  row  of  very 
strong   and   large   pickets. 


-<2-5>-^-?-t  A> 


oc^z^  e^^^c 


^.(y^ec>>  d'M^, 


with  gateways  through  them,  and  a  few  feet  outside  of  these  was  placed  a  row  of  abati*. 

'  Arthur  St.  Clair  was  a  native  of  Edinbnrp,  in  Scotland,  where  lie  was  born  in  1734.  lie  came  to  America  with  Admi- 
ral BoBcawen  In  17,TO,  and  served  imder  Wolfe  as  a  lieutenant.  After  the  peace  In  1763  he  was  placed  in  command  of 
Fort  Ligonier,  In  Pennsylvania.  When  the  Revolution  broke  out  he  esponecd  the  patriot  cause,  and  was  appointed  a 
(olonel  In  the  Continental  army  In  .Tannary,  1776.  He  was  active  most  of  the  time  during  that  war,  and  after  its  close 
fettled  in  Pennsylvania.  He  was  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  in  1787,  and  the  following  year  was  appointed 
governor  of  the  newly-organlaed  Northwestern  Territory.  Ills  services  in  that  region  arc  recorded  in  the  text.  He 
survived  his  mlsforlnnes  there  almost  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  then  died,  In  poverty,  at  Laurel  Hill,  lu  Western 
Pennsylvania,  In  August,  1818,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years. 

'  William  B.  Giles,  a  member  of  Cougresa  from  Virginia. 


38 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Temper  of  the  WeBtera  Indians.     The  Brltieh  tampering  with  them.     Lord  Dorchester.     Frontier  Troops  and  Posts. 


Council  at  Fort  IJ 


i 


rss. 


1788,  and  t'^ok  up  his  abode  in  Campus 
Mai'tius,"  with  Winthrop  Sargent  as 

8I0NATCBK  OF  WINTHROP  BAKGENT. 

secretary  or  deputy,  who  acted  as  chief  mag- 
istrate during  the  absence  of  the  governoi*. 

St.  Clair  at  once  instituted  inquiries,  in  ac- 
coi'dance  with  his  instructions,  concerning  the 
temper  of  the  Indians  in  the  Territory.  They 
were  known  to  be  exceedingly  uneasy,  and 
sometimes  in  frowning  moods ;  and  the  tribes 
on  the  Wabash,  riumbering  almost  two  thou- 
sand warriors,  who  had  not  been  parties  to 
any  of  the  treaties,  were  decidedly  hostile. 
They  continued  to  make  predatory  incursions 
into  the  Kentucky  settlements,  notwithstand- 
ing chastisements  received  at  the  liands  of 
General  George  Rogers  Clarke,  the  "  father 
of  the  Northwest,"  as  he  has  been  called  ;  and  they  were  in  turn  invaded  and  scourged 
by  bands  of  retaliating  Kentuckians.  These  expeditions  deepened  the  hostile  feeling, 
and  gave  strength  and  fierceness  to  botli  parties  when,  in  after  years,  they  met  in 
battle. 

It  soon  became  evident  that  all  the  tribes  in  the  Territory,  numbering  full  twenty 
thousand  souls,  were  tampered  with  by  British  emissaries,  sent  out  from  the  frontier 
forts,  which  had  not  been  given  up  to  the  United  States  in  compliance  with  treaty  stip- 
ulations. Sir  John  Johnson  (son  of  Sir  William,  of  the  Moliawk  Valley,  and  tlie  im- 
placable enemy  of  the  United  States')  was  the  Inspector  General  of  Indian  Affairs  in 
America,  and  had  great  influence  over  the  savages;  and  Lord  Dorchester  (formerly 


e<i^u^ 


to  wai".  These  cii-cumstan- 
ces  gave  rise  to  the  opinion 
that  the  British  govern- 
ment, which  yet  refused  to 
send    a    representative   to 


Sir  Guy  Carleton)  was  again 
governor  general  of  those 
provinces,^  and,  by  speeches 
at  Quebec  and  Montreal,  di- 
rectly instigated  the  savages 
the  United  States,  and  treated  the  new  republic  with  ill-concealed  contempt,  was  pi'e- 
paring  the  way  for  an  effort  to  reduce  the  members  of  the  League  to  colonial  vas- 
salage. 

The  Confederacy  was  but  feebly  pi'epai'cd  to  meet  hostilities  on  their  northwestern 
frontier.  The  military  force  at  the  time  the  Territory  was  formed  consisted  of  only 
about  six  hundred  men,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Ilarmar.^  Of  these  there 
were  two  companies  of  artillery,  formed  of  volunteers  wlio  enlisted  to  put  down  Shays's 
Rebellion  in  Massachusetts.  The  fi-ontier  military  stations  Avere  Pittsburg,  at  the  forks 
of  the  Ohio,  Fort  M'Intosh,  on  Beaver  Creek,  and  Fort  Franklin,  on  French  Creek, 
near  old  Fort  Venango,  in  Pennsylvania;  Fort  Ilarmai-,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mu> 

>  Sir  John  was  the  heir  to  the  title  and  fortune  of  Sir  William,  and  was  at  the  head  of  the  Loyalists  in  the  Mohawk 
Valley  at  the  boginninR  of  the  Revolution.  He  had  lived  some  time  in  England,  and  returned  to  settle  in  Canada  in 
1786.  lie  had  suflcred  in  person  and  estate  at  the  hands  of  the  republicans,  havltiK  been  expelled  from  his  home,  his 
property  confiscated,  and  his  family  exiled.  These  circumstances  made  him  a  bitter  and  relentless  foe,  and  ready  tn 
strik  a  blow  of  retaliation.  Ilia  losses  were  made  up  by  the  British  povernment  by  grants  of  land.  He  died  at  Mont- 
real ■  11  issn,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight  years.  For  a  detailed  account  of  his  career  during  the  old  war  for  independence, 
see  Lr/»sing's  Field-liook  of  the  Revobttlm,  vol.  i. 

'  Sir  Guy  Carleton  was  Governor  of  Canada  when  the  old  war  for  independence  broke  out,  and  contluaed  there  until 
its  close.    lie  was  acquainted  with  all  the  affairs  of  the  Indians,  and  had  great  influence  over  them. 

'  Appointed  brigadier  generil  on  the  81st  of  July,  1787. 


l^inguni  River; 

ville;  and  Fort  ' 

Early  in  1^8 0 

chiefs  and  sachei 

leading  men  of  t 

Sacs.     With  all  t 

t'7  from  the  Mol. 

inents  were  confi 

Nations  (or,  rathe 

not  rcpi-osented) 

eiicefl  by  BritisJi  e 

ity  of  the  treaty  i 

council  at  Fort  IL- 

of  Virginia  and  K( 

Nearer  the  Gull 

the  wily  Spaniards 

'ive  temptations  tc 

'^eague  and  join  fc 

the  time  in  questioi 

M'Gillivr.ay,  a  lialf- 

with  the  Spaniards, 

In  view  of  all  these 

war  was  gatherino- 

.,',''''''"  .'■"rt  was  commcnc 
Major  John  Doughty.  It  „ 
''onorofCoIoneLToslahlla; 
"fthe  kind  erected  within  tl 
ofan  acre  IJ„i,e,,  states  f 
'he  site  of  Cincinnati.  Dui 
*;"«!  after  the  treaty  of  o" 
f,,,, '",'"«  8""«t  council  at  F 
following  reason  for  their  r, 

le  Six  Nations,  who  seduce 
olaw„res,Otta,vas,andPot 


I  t      I 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


39 


Conncll  at  Fort  Hikrmar. 


Little  Turtle's  Opposition. 


Uneasiness  of  the  Indians  of  the  Gulf  Region. 


rOKT    nAllMAR. 


» January  9. 


kingum  River ;  Fort  Stcnben,  on  the  Ohio  Rivei',  now  Jeffcrsonville,  opposite  Louis- 
ville ;  and  Fort  Vincennes,  on  the  Wabash  River. 

Early  in  1789*  Governor  St.  Clair  held  a  council  at  Fort  Ilarmar"  with 
chiefs  and  sacher,:?  of  tlie  Six  Nations.  He  also  held  a  council  with  the 
leading  men  of  the  Wyandots,  Delawares,  Ottawas,  Chippewas,  Pottawatomies,  and 
Sacs.  With  all  these  representatives  of  thousands  of  Indians,  scattered  over  the  coun- 
try from  the  Mohawk  Valley  to  that  of  the  Wabash,  he  made  treaties,  when  old  agi'ee- 
ments  were  confirmed,  and  remunerations  and  boundaries  were  specified.  The  Six 
Nations  (or,  rather,  five  of  the  six  nations,  for  the  Mohawks,  who  were  in  Canada,  were 
not  represented)  were  faithful  to  the  treaty ;  but  the  gi'eat  body  of  the  others,  influ- 
enced by  British  emissaries  and  unscrupulous  traders,  refused  to  acknowledge  the  valid- 
ity of  the  treaty  made  by  their  warriors  and  rulers.^  Within  a  few  weeks  after  the 
council  at  Fort  Harniar,  parties  of  them  were  out  upon  the  war-path  on  the  frontiers 
of  Virginia  and  Kentucky. 

Nearer  the  Gulf,  the  Creeks  and  Cherokees,  brought  into  immediate  contact  with 
the  wily  Spaniards  in  Florida  and  at  New  Orleans,  who  were  already  preparing  seduc- 
tive temptations  to  the  settlei's  in  the  trans-Alleghany  valleys  to  leave  the  American 
League  and  join  fortunes  with  tho  children  of  Old  Spain,  became  first  uneasy,  and  at 
the  time  in  question  were  assuming  a  hostile  attitude.  The  Creeks,  led  by  the  talented 
M'Gillivr.ay,  a  lialf-breed,  whose  father  was  a  Scotcliman,  had  formed  a  close  alliance 
with  the  Spaniards,  and  through  them  miglit  receive  arms  and  other  military  supplies. 
In  view  of  all  these  circumstances,  tlie  portentous  cloud  of  a  threatened  general  Indian 
war  was  gathering  in  the  western  horizon  at  the  close  of  17   ' 

'  This  fort  was  commenced  In  the  autumn  of  1T85,  by  a  detachment  of  United  States  troops  under  the  command  of 
Major  John  DouRhty.  It  was  on  the  right  baiilt  of  the  Muskinijum,  at  Its  Junction  with  the  Olilo,  and  was  named  in 
lionor  of  Colonel  Joslah  Hamiar,  to  whose  regiment  Major  Doughty's  corps  was  attached.  It  was  the  first  military  post 
of  the  kind  erected  within  the  limits  of  Ohio.  Tho  outlines  formed  a  regular  pentagon,  embracing  about  three  fourths 
iif  an  acre.  United  States  troops  occupied  it  mitil  17!)0,  when  they  left  It  to  construct  and  occupy  Fort  Washington,  on 
the  site  of  Cincinnati.  During  the  Indian  wars  that  succeeded  it  was  occupied  by  a  few  troops,  and  was  Anally  aban- 
doned after  the  treaty  of  Greenville  In  1795. 

'  In  the  great  council  at  Fort  Greenville  in  ITflB,  Little  Turtle,  the  most  active  of  the  chiefs  In  the  Northwest,  gave  the 
following  reason  for  their  refusal  to  comply  with  the  treaties :  "  You  have  told  me,"  he  said,  "  that  the  present  treaty 
"hould  be  founded  upon  that  of  Muskingum.  I  beg  leave  to  observe  to  you  that  Ihat  treaty  was  effected  altnu'cther  by 
the  Six  Nations,  who  seduced  some  of  our  young  men  to  attend  It,  together  with  a  few  of  the  Chipi)ewas,  Wyandots, 
Delawares,  Ottawas,  and  Pottawatomies.  I  beg  leave  to  tell  you  that  I  am  entirely  Ignorant  of  what  was  done  at  that 
treaty." 


i;  s  •    ! 


f       I 


40 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Evidences  of  BritUb  latrlgnes.       Fropoeed  Western  Boundary  of  the  United  States.       Indian  Warriors  on  the  Ohio. 


ill 


I 


i 


'i 


y>i 


Yet  nioro  threatening  was  tlie  aspect  of  affairs  on  the  Western  frontier  in  the  spring 
of  1790,  Serious  trouble  was  evidently  brewing.  Major  Hamtranick,  a  small  Cana- 
dian Freuchiuan,  and  a  spirited  officer  in  the  United  States  army,  was  in  command  of 
the  military  post  at  Vincennes,  an  important  point  on  the  Wabash,*  surrounded  by 
F"encli  families,  whose  long  residence  made  them  influential  among  the  .^.idians.  Many 
of  the  latter  spoke  their  language,  and  some  had  embraced  the  Roman  Catholic  relig- 
ion. Taking  advantage  of  this  intimate  relationship,  Hamtramck  sent  out  Antoine 
Gamelin,  with  speeches  to  the  Wabash  and  Miami  Indians  from  Governor  St.  Clair,  of- 
fering them  peace  and  friendship.  In  the  course  of  his  tour  Gamelin  obtained  positive 
evidence  of  the  influence  of  the  British  at  Detroit  over  the  savage  mind  in  the  West. 
He  traversed  the  country  from  Post  Vincennes  along  the  Wabash,  and  eastward  to  the 
Miami  village,  where  the  conjunction  of  the  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Joseph's  Rivers  forms 
the  Maumee,  or  Miami  of  the  Lakes,  at  the  present  city  of  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana.  He 
made  speeches  himself,  and  oft'ored  them  St.  Clair's ;  but  he  was  every  where  met  with 
the  reply  that  they  could  do  nothing  definitely  until  they  could  hear  from  Detroit. 
"  You  invite  us  to  stop  our  young  men,"  said  the  Kickapoos.  "  It  is  impossible  to  do 
it,  being  constantly  encouraged  by  the  British."  "  We  are  all  sensible  of  your  speech, 
and  pleased  with  it,"  said  Blue  Jacket,  chief  warrior  of  the  Shawnoese;  "but  we  can 
not  give  you  an  answer  without  hearing  from  our  father  at  Detroit."  "We  can  not 
give  a  definite  answer  without  consulting  the  commandant  at  Detroit,"  said  Le  Gris, 
the  great  chief  of  the  Mianiis.  "  The  English  commandant  at  Detroit  is  our  father 
since  he  threw  down  our  French  father,"  said  the  Shawnoese.^  And  so,  on  all  occa- 
sions, they  were  unwilling  to  accept  proflers  of  peace  with  the  United  States  without 
first  consulting  the  commandant  at  Detroit,  with  whom  Johnson  and  Carleton  were  in 
constant  communication.  Instigated  by  these  men,  these  Western  tribes  insisted  on 
the  establishment  of  the  Ohio  River  as  the  boundary  between  the  Indians  and  the 
United  States,  and  would  listen  to  no  other  terms.^ 

Hamtramck  was  so  well  satisfied  of  these  machinations  of  the  British  that  he  assured 
Governor  St.  Clair  that  a  permanent  peace  with  the  savages  was  an  impossibility.  The 
governor,  meanwhile,  had  received  accounts  of  the  depredations  of  the  Inditms  along 
the  Ohio  from  the  Falls  (Louisville)  to  Pittsburg.  They  infested  the  banks  in  such 
numbers,  Avaylaying  boats  and  plundering  and  wounding  the  voyaging  emigrants,  that 
an  utter  cessation  of  the  navigation  of  the  river  seemed  inevitable. 

The  principal  rendezvous  of  the  marauders  was  near  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto,  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  Ohio,  and  to  that  point  two  hundred  and  thirty  Kentucky  volunteers 
and  one  hundred  regular  troops  were  sent,  under  General  Ilarmar.  They  assembled 
at  Fort  Washington,*  then  not  quite  completed,  and  marched  from  thence  to  the  Scioto. 

>  Vincennes  was  so  nnmcd  by  the  French  traders,  who  cstahliphed  a  trnding-post  there  as  early  as  1730.  The  name  is 
in  honor  of  the  Sicur  de  Vincennes,  an  officer  sent  to  the  Miamis  as  early  as  1705,  and  who  commanded  the  post  on  the 
Wabash,  after^vard  called  by  his  nam".  It  was  alternately  in  possession  of  the  Americans  and  British  during  the  Rcvd- 
lutlon,  while  the  hoad-qnarters  of  the  latter  were  at  Detroit.  It  is  on  the  bank  of  the  Wabash,  one  hundred  miles  from 
Its  mouth,  and  Is  the  capital  of  Knox  County,  Indiana. 

«  Gamclln's  Journal,  cited  by  Dillon,  in  his  History  of  Indiana,  p.  220. 

'  This  curtailment  of  the  boundaries  of  the  United  States,  so  as  to  prevent  their  control  of  the  upper  lakes  and  the 
valuable  ftir  trade  of  the  country  around  them,  was  a  favorite  scheme  of  British  statesmen.  It  was  even  proposed  ns  ii 
rine  qua  noii,  at  one  time,  by  the  British  commissioners  who  negotiated  the  Treaty  of  Peace  in  1814,  that  the  Indians 
inhabiting  a  portion  of  the  United  States  within  the  limits  establiehed  by  the  Treaty  i..  1783  should  be  included  as  the 
allies  of  Great  Britain  in  the  projected  paciflcatiou ;  and  that  definite  boundaries  should  be  settled  for  the  Indian  lorri- 
tory.  upon  a  basis  which  would  have  operated  to  surrender  to  a  number  of  Indians,  not  probably  exceeding  a  few  tlioii- 
sands,  the  rights  of  sovereignty  as  well  as  of  soil,  over  nearly  one  third  of  the  territorial  dominions  of  the  United  Statcf, 
inhabited  by  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  of  its  citizens.* 

«  Fort  Washington  was  built  on  the  site  of  a  block-house  erected  by  Ensign  Luce  within  the  limits  of  the  present  oilv 
of  Cincinnati,  which  was  first  named  Losantivllle  by  a  pedantic  settler,  from  the  words  If  on  anti  viW;  which  he  interpreted 
as  meaning  "the  village  opposite  the  mouth"— mouth  of  Licking  River.  Luce  was  at  North  Bend  with  a  detachment  of 
troops,  charged  with  selecting  a  site  for  a  block-house.  Judge  Symmes  wished  it  to  be  built  there,  but  Luce,  accordiu); 
to  the  judge,  was  led  to  Cincinnati,  as  Losantivllle  was  then  called,  on  account  of  his  love  for  the  beantifnl  wife  of  a  set- 
tler, who  went  there  to  reside  because  of  the  attentions  to  her  of  Ibe  ensign  at  the  Bend.  Luce  followed,  and  erected  the 


IJ 


Fort  Washlngtt 

The  Indian 
approach,  a 
tio'i  return 
coriplishing 
A  more  f 
dition,  to  pe 
ami  country 
ined  upon, 

•  1790.     ^^  Se 
eral 

Washington 

teen    hiindre 

moved  towai 

tlie  hostile  I 

around  the  I) 

the  Maumee. 

obedience    tc 

from  Presiden 

had  proviousl 

ter''  to  the  B 

tliat  the  e.xpc. 

He  added  that 


•  See  American  State  Papert,  Ix.,  832  to  421,  Inclusive. 


realized. 

Ilarmar  reac 

dian  town  the  i 

din,  with  some 

into  an  arabusc 

(an  eminent  Mi; 

Goshen  state  ro 

gun,  while  the  r 

tain  Armstrong, 

ages  dance  in  fr£ 

Harinar  move 

block-house  there;  am 
stnicture,  and  stood  npc 
Streets,  east  of  Eastern 
traveler,  Mrs.  Trollope, 
composed  of  a  number 
Some,  better  (Inishcd  thi 
ofgronnd,withastron(i 
ground  on  which  the  foi 
autumn  of  ITflO,  Governc 

little  viUage  of  Cinclnna 

the  West,  as  It  has  been 

'  These  consisted  of  th 

ed  light  troops,  and  two 

'  This  has  been  mistal, 

tribes  of  the  Shawnoese, 

Shawnoese.    There  was 

jIteofXonia.    There  w,i 

fort,  In  Ross  County.    Tl 

within  the  present  limits 


1    ( 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


41 


Furt  Washington,  on  the  Site  of  Clucinnatt. 


Harmar'B  Expedition  againat  the  Indlani. 


»  ITOO. 


rOBT  WABUINOTON,  ON  TUF.  BITE  OV  CINOINIiATI. 


The  Indians  fled  on  their 
approach,  and  the  expeui- 
tin  returned  without  ac- 
complishing any  thing. 

A  more  fonnidablo  expe- 
dition, to  penetrate  the  Mi- 
ami country,  was  determ- 
ined upon,  and,  at  the  close 
of  September,"  Gen- 
eral Ilarinar  left  Fort 
Washington  with  over  four- 
teen hundred  troops,'  and 
moved  toward  the  heart  of 
tlie  hostile  Indian  country 
around  the  head  waters  of 
the  Maumee.  St.  Clair,  in 
obedience  to  instructions 
from  President  Washington, 
had  previously   sent   a  let- 

ter"*  to  the  British  commandant  at  Detroit,  courteously  informing  him 
that  the  expedition  had  no  designs  upon  any  possessions  of  the  crown. 
He  added  that  he  had  every  reason  to  expect,  after  such  a  candid  explanation,  that  the 

commandant  would 
neither  countenance 
nor  assist  the  tribes 
in  their  hostilities. 
Of  course  this  ex- 
pectation was  net 
realized. 

Ilarmar  reached  the  Maumee  at  the  middle  of  October.  As  he  approached  an  In- 
dian town  the  inhabitants  fled,  leaving  it  to  be  burned  by  the  invaders.  Colonel  Har- 
din, with  some  Kentucky  volunteers  and  thirty  regulars,  was  sent  in  pursuit.  He  fell 
into  an  ambuscade  of  one  hundred  Indians,  under  Mish-i-kin-a-kwa,  or  Little  Turtle 
(.an  eminent  Miami  chief),  about  eleven  miles  from  the  site  of  Fort  Wayne,  where  the 
Goshen  state  road  crosses  the  Eel  River.  The  frightened  militia  fled  without  firing  a 
gun,  while  the  regulars  stood  firm  until  twenty -two  of  their  number  were  slain.  Cap- 
tain Armstrong,  who  escaped,  stood  in  mud  and  water  up  to  his  chin,  and  saw  the  sav- 
ages dance  in  fmntic  joy  because  of  their  victory. 
Harmar  moved  about  two  miles  to  Chillicothe'^  and  destroyed  it;  then,  after  being 


>>  September  19. 


i?:?'. 


y^. 


^i^-^-^^^^^Po    ^^^--9^^ 


block-house  there ;  and  In  1T90  Major  Donghty  built  Fort  Washington  on  the  same  spot.  It  was  a  nide  but  strong 
Btnicturc,  and  stood  upon  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  town  as  originally  laid  out,  between  the  prci^ont  Third  and  Fourth 
streets,  east  of  Eastern  Row,  now  Broadway,  which  was  then  a  "two-pole  alley."  The  celebrated  EnsiUsh  writer  and 
traveler,  Mrs.  Troilope,  resided  in  Clucinnatt  for  a  while,  and  had  a  noted  bazar  on  the  site  of  the  fort.  That  work  wai 
composed  of  a  number  of  stronjily-built  hcwn-log  cabins,  a  story  and  a  halM''  height,  arranged  for  soldiers'  barracks. 
Some,  better  finished  than  the  majority,  were  used  by  the  officers.  They  formed  a  hollow  square,  inclosing  about  an  acre 
of  ground,  with  a  strong  block-house  at  each  angle.  One  of  these  was  Lnre's.  These  were  built  of  the  timber  from  the 
grouud  ou  which  the  fort  stood.  In  1792  Congress  reserved  fifteen  acres  around  it  for  the  use  of  the  garrison.  In  the 
autumn  of  1790,  Governor  St.  Clair  arrived  at  Fort  Washington,  organized  the  County  of  Hamilton,  and  decreed  that  the 
little  village  of  Cincinnati,  commenced  around  the  fort,  should  be  the  connty  seat.  Thus  commenced  the  Queen  City  of 
the  West,  as  it  has  been  called. 

'  These  consisted  of  three  battalions  of  Virginia  militia,  one  battalion  of  Pennsylvania  militia,  one  battalion  of  monnt- 
ed  light  troops,  and  two  bcttalions  of  regulars— in  all,  1463.    Of  these,  !120  were  regulars. 

»  This  has  been  mistaken  for  the  present  Chillicothe  on  the  Scioto.  ChiiUcothe  was  the  name  of  one  of  the  principal 
tribes  of  the  Shawnoese,  and  was  a  favorite  name  for  a  village.  There  were  several  of  that  name  in  the  country  of  the 
Shawnoeso.  There  was  Old  Chillicothe,  where  Boone  was  a  captive  for  some  time.  It  was  on  the  Little  Miami,  on  the 
site  of  Xenla.  There  was  another  on  the  site  ofWestfnll,  in  Pickaway  County ;  and  still  another  on  the  rite  of  Frank- 
fort, In  Ross  Connty.  There  was  an  Indian  town  of  that  name  on  the  site  of  the  present  Chllllcotbo,  All  these  were 
within  the  present  limits  of  Ohio.    It  ejguifled  "  the  town,"  or  principal  one. 


■ll 


^ 


1   » 


43 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  near  Fort  Wayne,  and  Unrmar'H  Defeat. 


The  Diaaster  and  Ita  Coni)0(iuonre». 


•  October  21, 

IT'.M). 


menaced  by  the  Indians,  ho  turned  hia  face  toward  Fort  Washington,* 
That  night  was  a  starry  one,  and  Hardin,  who  was  full  of  fight,  proposed 
to  Ilarniar  a  surprise  of  tiie  Indians  at  the  head  of  the  Mauniee,  where  they  had  a  vil- 
lage on  one  side  of  the  river  and  an  encampment  of  warriors  on  the  other  side.  Har- 
mar  reluctantly  complied,  and  four  hundred  men  were  detached  for  the  purpose.'  Six- 
ty of  them  were  regulars,  under  Major  Wyllys.  They  marched  in  three  columns  (the 
regi'.lars  in  the  centre),  and  pushed  forward  as  rapidly  as  possible,  hoping  to  fall  upon 
the  Indians  before  dawn.  But  it  was  after  sunrise  before  they  reached  the  bank  of  the 
Maumee.  A  j)lan  of  attack  was  soon  arranged.  Major  Hall,  with  a  detachment  of  mi- 
litia, was  to  pass  around  the  village  at  the  bend  of  the  Maumee,  cross  the  St.  Mary's 
and  the  St.  Joseph's,  gain  the  rear  of  the  Indian  encampment  unobserved,  and  await 
an  attack  by  tiie  main  body  of  the  troops  in  front.  These,  consisting  of  Major  M'Mul- 
lin's  l)attalion.  Major  Fontaine's  cavalry,  and  the  regulars  under  Major  Wyllys,  were  to 
cross  the  Maumee  !}',  and  near  the  usual  ford,  and  tliua  surround  the  savages.  The  game 
was  sj)oilcd  by  the  imprudence  of  Major  Hall,  who  fired  prematurely  xipon  a  solitary 
Indian  and  alaniu ..  the  encannjment.    The  startled  Miamis  Avere  instantly  seen  flying 

in  difterent  directions.  The 
militia  under  M'Mullin  and 
the  cavalry  under  Fontaine, 
who  had  crossed  the  river, 
started  in  pursuit,  in  disobe- 
dience of  orders,  leaving  the 
regulars  under  Wyllys,  who 
had  also  crossed  the  Mau- 
mee, unsupported.  The  lat- 
ter were  attacked  by  Little 
Turtle  and  the  main  body 
of  the  Indians,  and  driven 
back  with  great  slaughter, 
llichardvillc,  a  half-blood 
and  successor  to  Little  Tur- 
tle, who  was  in  the  battle, 
and  Mho  died  at  Fort  Wayn(> 
in  ]  840,  often  asserted  that 
the  bodies  of  the  slain  Were 
BO  numerous  in  the  river  at 
the  ford  that  he  could  have  crossed  over  the  stream  upon  them  dryshod.* 

While  this  conflict  was  going  on  at  the  ford,  M'Mullin  and  Fontaine,  in  connection 
with  Hall,  were  skirmishing  with  parties  of  Indians  a  short  distance  up  the  St.  Jo- 
se})h's.  P'ontaine,  with  a  number  of  his  followers,  fell  at  the  head  of  his  mounted 
militia,  in  making  a  charge.  He  was  shot  dead,  and,  fallhig  from  liis  horse,  was  imn'.o- 
diately  scalj)ed.  The  remaindfr,  with  those  under  Hall  and  M'Mullin,  fell  back  in 
confusion  toward  the  ford  of  the  Maumee,  and  followed  the  remnant  of  the  regulars 
in  their  retreat.     The  Indians,  having  suffered  severely,  did  not  pursue. 

General  Ilarmar  was  informed  of  the  disaster  by  a  liorseman  who  had  outstripped 
the  rest.  A  detachment  of  militia  was  immediately  ordered  to  the  assistance  of  the 
retreating  parties;  but  such  mortal  fear  had  taken  possession  of  these  raw  recruits 
that  only  thirty,  willing  to  go,  could  be  found  among  them.  On  his  arrival  at  camp 
Hardin  urged  Ilarmar  to  proceed  with  his  whole  force  to  the  Maumee.  The  latter, 
having  lost  all  confidence  in  the  militia,  refused ;  and,  as  soon  as  prepa- 
rations could  be  made,  tlie  whole  army  took  up  its  march*"  for  Fort  Wash- 


TUE  MACMEE  KORD — PLACE  OF   IIAHMAB'S   DEFEAT. 


'  October  28. 


>  Harmar'i!  haltlnpt-plnco  wnR  on  Nlne-mllo  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Maumee,  nine  miles  eonth  of  Fort  Wnyne. 
'  Statement  of  ,Iohn  P.  Hedges,  of  Fort  Wayne,  to  the  author. 


III! 


Scene  of  Ilarnmi 

ington,  whi( 
4th  of  Nove 

I  visited 

ter  at  the 

the  close  ot 

came  up   th 

Defiance  on 

and,  aftcT  vi^ 

ic  interest  t 

ing    (of   wh 

write),  I  ro(l( 

upon  the  Toll 

way,  a    dist: 

miles.     It  w! 

but  the  jouri 

onous,  because 

ble  forests  cov 

over  which  w 

at  the  flourish 

the  afternoon, 

made  fiunous  I 

Hon.  F.  P.  Kiln 

We  crossed  th 

stream  to  the  | 

tlie  confluence 

then  fordable  t 

water  four  feet 

ford  was  alons  i 

>  o 

m  whose  pre.sen 
.iiid  were  made 


'  Harmar  loBt,  In  thU  i 
The  loss  of  the  Indians  V 
crow  out  of  this  cxpcditi 
resigned  his  commigslon 
lution,  and  was  a  brave  s 
come  Shawnoese  while  o 
ty  In  each  of  the  states  of 


mmlm 


■naswiiM.- 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


43 


Scene  of  Harmar'e  Defeat. 


Visit  of  the  Anthor  to  the  Places  of  Conflict. 


Bite  of  the  Miami  Village. 


y\NaMAfi^ 


ington,  which  they  reached  on  the   K' 
4th  of  November.* 

I  visited  the  scene  of  the  disas- 
ter at  tlie  Miiuniee  P^ord  toward 
the  close  of  Sej)teniher,  1860.  I 
came  np  the  Alanmee  Valley  to 
Defiance  on  tlic  night  of  the  24th, 
and,  after  visiting  places  of  histor- 
ic interest  tliere  the  next  morn- 
ing (of  whicli  I  shall  hereafter 
write),  I  rode  on  to  Fort  Wayne 
npon  the  Toledo  and  Wabash  Hail- 
way,  a  distance  of  forty  -  three 
miles.  It  was  a  delightful  day. 
but  the  journey  was  very  monot- 
onous, because*  alnuist  iuteunina- 
ble  forests  covered  the  flat  country 
over  which  we  ])assed.     I  arrived 

at  the  flourishing  city  of  Fort  Wayne,  the  shire  town  of  Allen  County,  Indiana,  late  in 
the  afternoon,  and  by  twilight  had  visited  the  fords  of  the  Maumee  and  St.  Joseph's, 
made  famous  by  the  events  of  the  22d  of  October,  1700.  I  was  accompanied  by  the 
Hon.  F.  P,  liandall,  tiie  mayor  of  the  city,  who  kindly  offered  his  services  as  guide. 
We  crossed  the  great  bridge  at  the  head  of  the  MauTiiee,  and  rode  first  down  that 
stream  to  the  place  yet  known  as  "ITarmar's  Ford."  li  is  about  half  a  mile  below 
the  confluence  of  the  St.  ]Mary's  and  St.  Josepli's  at  I'ort  Wayne.  The  river  was  not 
then  fordablo  there,  a  dam  having  been  built  about  half  a  jnile  below,  making  the 
water  four  feet  deep  at  the  old  crossing-place.  Tlie  road  that  led  to  and  crossed  the 
ford  was  along  the  margin  of  the  Manniee,  which  was  skirted  by  the  same  forest-trees 
in  whose  presence  the  battle  was  fought.  Tliey  had  grown  to  be  grand  and  stately, 
and  were  made  exceedingly  picturesque  by  the  trailing  grape-vines. 

W^e  returned  to  the  bridge  and  rode  up 
the  St.  Joseph's  to  the  place  where  Major 
Hall  and  his  detachment  forded  it.  It  is 
abon.  half  a  mile  above  the  bridge.  Tiiere 
the  St.  Joseph's,  with  its  banks  fringed 
with  a  variety  of  graceful  trees,  swept  in 
gentle  curves,  and  presented  to  the  eye 
pictui'es  of  great  beanty.  Near  the  spot ' 
here  represented,  on  the  cast  bank  of  the 
St.  Jose])h's,  was  once  a  stocka<le,  built 
by  the  French,  and  occupied  by  the  En- 
glish in  Pontiac's  time. 

Tlie  land  of  the  point  between  the  St. 
Joseph's  and  the  Maumee,  on  which  Little 
Turtle  was  encamped  and  the  ])rincipal 
Miami  village  was  situated,  is  a  level  bot- 
tom, and  known  as  the  Cole  Farm.  Much 
of  it  was  covered  with  Indian  corn  of  lux- 


IIALL  H   0K1>t«Hi>Q-l>I.A0I-;. 


•  Ilarmnr  loBt,  In  this  expedition,  18,1  killed  and  31  wounded.  Amonc  the  killed  were  Majors  Wyllys  and  Fontaine. 
The  loss  of  the  Indians  was  supposed  to  be  about  equn)  to  that  of  the  white  people,  i^rimlnatlons  and  recriminations 
crew  out  of  this  expedition.  Harmar  and  Hardin  were  both  tried  by  court-martial  and  both  were  acquitted.  Harmor 
resigned  his  commission  on  the  1st  of  .January,  1TO2.  Hardin  had  been  a  lieutenant  in  Morgan's  rifle  corps  lu  the  Revo- 
lutiun,  and  was  a  brave  soldier.  He  was  a  Virginian  by  birth,  but  settled  In  Kentncky  after  the  war.  He  was  killed  by 
some  Shawnoepc  while  on  a  mission  of  jieace  to  tliom  in  170)2,  when  be  was  in  the  thirty-ninth  year  of  his  age.  A  coun- 
ty in  each  of  the  states  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky  bears  his  name,  in  his  honor. 


1" 


A 


ill.     I-1 


44 


riCTOniAL    IIELD-BOOK 


A  Tcnerable  Iltttortcal  Apple -tree. 


Chief  Richardvllle. 


The  TwlKhtweeit. 


Their  Ornelty  to  Prlioners. 


]•  w,t 


APri.E-TnEK  NKAll  lIAiaiAUS  Koni). 


uriant  growtli;  aiul  T  was  told  that  there  in  evidence  that  a  similar  crop  lias  been 
raised  iVoni  it  year  after  year  for  ahnost  a  century,  and  yet  tlie  soil  was  l)hu'k,  rich, 
and  apparently  inexhaustible.  Here,  it  is  said,  was  the  place  where  the  Mianiis 
were  accustomed  to  bum  their  prisoners.' 

^ __. About  three  hundred  yards  westward 

frtm  Ilarmar's  Ford,  on  the  site  of  the  In- 
dian camp,  was  a  venerable  ai>ple-tree,  full 
of  fruit,  its  trunk  measuring  fifteen  feet 
in  circumference.  Under  this  tree  Chief 
Riehardville,  to  whom  allusion  has  been 
made,  was  born  a  little  more  than  a  hund- 
red years  ago.^  It  was  a  fiiiit- bearing 
tree  then,  and  is  supposed  to  have  grown 
from  a  seed  dropped  by  some  French 
trader  among  these  Twightwees,  as  the 
Miamis  were  called  in  early  times.'  In 
the  sketch  of  the  ajiple-tree  the  city  o  f 
Fort  Wayne  is  seen  in  the  distance.  The 
spires  on  the  left  are  those  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Cathedral. 

We  returned  to  Fort  Wayne  at  twi- 
light, and  I  spent  the  evening  profitably 
with  Mr.  Hedges,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  intelligent  of  the  inhabitants  of  that 
town.*  lie  was  there  in  the  spring  of  1812,  while  the  old  stockade  was  yet  standing, 
and  before  a  garrison  of  United  States  troops  from  Harrison's  army  arrived.  He  has 
seen  the  city  bloom  out  into  its  present  form  and  beauty  from  the  folds  of  the  dark 
forest,  and  its  history  and  traditions  are  as  familiar  to  him  as  those  of  his  own  biog- 
raphy. We  chatted  on  the  events  of  the  past  until  a  late  hour,  and  parted  with  an 
agreement  to  visit  the  historic  scenes  together  in  the  morning.  The  air  toward  mid- 
night was  as  mild  as  early  June,  but  a  dajipled  sky  prophesied  a  storm.  At  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning  I  was  aroused  by  heavy  thunder-peals,  and  the  dawning  of  the 

I  We  have  mentioned  Mr.  Onmelln's  pence  mission,  on  page  40.  lie  was  nt  this  place,  and  only  three  days  after  he 
left  (about  the  let  of  May,  ITOO),  the  wavages,  as  if  in  derision  of  the  United  States  anthority,  brought  an  American  prit- 
iiner  there  and  burned  him.— See  Dillon's  UMimj  of  Indiana. 

About  seventy  j-cars  ago  n  white  man  was  bound  to  the  stake  at  this  place.  The  mother  of  Chief  Elchardvllle,  men- 
tioned in  the  next  note,  and  a  woman  of  great  influence,  had  made  fruitless  attempts  to  save  him.  The  torch  was  ap- 
))lled.  Richardvllle,  then  quite  young,  had  been  designated  as  their  future  chief.  She  appealed  to  him,  and,  placing  a 
knife  in  his  hand,  bade  him  assert  his  chieftainship  and  cut  the  cords  that  bound  the  prisoner.  He  obeyed,  and  the  pris- 
<raer  was  relenyd.  The  kind-hearted  Miami  woman  s('creted  the  prisoner  and  sent  him  down  the  Mauniec  in  a  canoe, 
covered  with  firs  and  peltries,  iu  charge  of  some  friendly  Indians.  Many  years  afterward  Richardvllle  stopped  at  a 
town  In  Ohio.  \  man  came  to  him  and  threw  his  arms  affectionately  around  his  neck.  It  was  the  rescued  prisoner.— 
Lecture,  before,  tl  ■  Congregatum  of  the  Firnt  Prenbi/terian  Church,  Fnrt  Waijrw. 

'  PiH-he-iea  (Wildcat),  or  .lean  Bnptlste  Richardvllle,  was  born  In  1759.  Ills  father  was  Joseph  Drouet  de  Richard- 
vllle, a  Frenchman,  who  traded  at  Ke-ki-on-ija*  (Fort  Wayne)  from  1760  to  1770.  He  was  elected  chief  of  the  Mlnmis,  on 
the  death  of  Liitle  Turtle,  In  1811.  He  was  a  large,  flnc-looking  man,  of  quite  light  complexion,  and  spoke  English  well. 
Richardvllle  left  a  fortune  at  his  death  In  1840.  I  was  told  by  an  old  resident  of  Fort  Wayne,  who  knew  him  well,  that 
he  had  received  large  sums  of  money  and  immense  tracts  of  land,  from  time  to  time.  In  consideration  of  his  signing 
treaties ;  and  that,  at  his  death,  he  had  $200,000  buried  where  no  one  but  his  daughter  could  find  it.  He  was  a  temperate 
man,  with  acquisitiveness  largely  developed.    He  was  burled  In  Fort  Wayne. 

"  The  Twightwees  once  formed  a  powerful  confederacy  of  tribes,  and  claimed  to  be  the  possessors  of  a  vast  territory. 
At  the  treaty  with  Wayne  at  Greenville,  which  we  shall  notice  presently.  Little  Turtle  thus  dcflncd  the  ancient  bound- 
ary of  the  Twightwees  or  Miamis :  "  It  Is  well  known  by  all  my  brothers  present  that  my  forefather  kindled  the  first  fire 
nt  Detroit ;  from  thence  he  extended  his  lines  to  the  head  waters  of  the  Scioto ;  from  thence  to  Its  mouth  ;  from  thence 
down  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wabash ;  and  from  thence  to  Chicago,  on  Lake  Michigan."— .4 TOcri'can  State  Papers, 
i:,  570.    This  comprises  about  one  half  of  Ohio,  the  whole  of  Indiana,  and  a  part  of  Sonthem  Michigan. 

*  .lohn  P.  Hedges  was  employed  In  the  commissary's  department,  under  John  H.  Piatt,  of  Ohio,  the  contractor  for  the 
army  of  the  Northwest,  commanded  by  General  Harrison.  He  was  active  In  that  department  during  the  whole  of  the 
war,  and  became  familiar  with  all  the  territory.  He  was  with  General  M'Arthur  in  his  campaign  In  Western  Canada, 
and  was  with  Harrison  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames.  He  was  at  the  treaty  with  the  Indians  at  Greenville  in  1814,  and 
distributed  pruvieions  to  the  savages  on  that  occasion. 

*  Ke-ki-on-ga  in  the  language  of  the  Hiamis,  and  Kee-ki-ogue  in  that  of  the  Pottawatomies. 


II 


laJlan  IIoBtilltlcs  ( 

28th  was  made 
alone,  and  nuulc 
the  grave  of  Li 
Wayne  in  1 H 1 2, 
Although  Ha 
'  verely,  and  Han 
Vermilion  River 
west  were  not  ca 
and  sometimes  a 
of  the  British  coi 
ened,  and  life  an 
ginia  Legislature 
government,  awa 
for  the  same  j)ii] 
authorities  beyo. 
United  States,"  s 
quire."!     Under  t 
mounted  men,  cro 
large  village  ofO 
lage  of  Lafayette, 
amj)lc  evidence  oi 
Detroit,     Scott  dt 
desolated  the  coui 
figure,"  and  took  fi 
On  the  Ist  of  i 
Washington)  with 
by  a  different  rout( 
the  French  called  . 
present  Loganspon 
around  as  far  as  1 
stretch  aAvay  towai 
times  plunged  arm 
Kickapoo  vill.ige  of 
hundred  and  fifly  i 
August.* 

The  misfortune  thi 
quiet  them.  The  Br 
by  assuring  them  th 
tribes  and  take  posst 

'  Instructions  of  the  Secret 

'  Scott's  ofBcial  report  to  tl 

'  Fort  Ouiatenon,  a  stockai 

*  "  I  have  destroyed,"  he  s; 

of  the  kini?.    I  have  burned  a 

chiefly  in  the  milk.    The  Oni 

employ  to  subsist  their  eqnaw 

CTn/r,  .^UL'Ust  24, 1701. 

»  The  most  active  of  these  B 
Tories  during  the  Revolution 
charged  to  these  men  while  tl 
frontier  >vith  a  high  hand,  ani 
massacres,  the  British  governr 
oughly  Identified  with  the  savi 
the  British  Indian  Departmen 
meet  Elliott  again.  Qlrty  wa. 
redeeming  quality.  He  was  tl 
was  nurtured  among  the  warli 
who,  with  him,  had  been  Impri 


OF  THE  -WAR   OF  1812. 


45 


Indian  HoBtllttlos  conttnned.         Expeditions  of  Oenerala  Scott  and  Wiildnaon.        Ueatructlon  of  VlllaK<»  and  Cropa. 

2Rth  wiiH  inatlo  dreary  by  a  cold  diuzzlc  dinfliiig  uj)on  a  iiortheaHt  wind.  I  went  out 
alone,  and  made  the  sketches  at  the  two  fonls  and  other  di-awings,  and,  after  visiting 
the  grave  of  Little  Turtle,  depai'ted  in  tlie  midday  train  for  Indianapolis.  Of  Fort 
Wayne  in  1H12,  and  of  Little  Turtle  and  his  grave,  I  shall  hei-eafter  write. 

Although  Ilarmar  in  his  expedition  had  jjunishcd  the  Miamis  and  Shawnoese  se- 
'verely,  and  Ilamtramck  meanwhile  had  been  up  the  Wabash  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Vermilion  liiver  and  destroyed  some  deserted  villages,  Indian  hostilities  in  the  North- 
west were  not  even  checked.  The  settlers  along  the  Ohio  were  continually  lonaced 
and  sometimes  attacked  by  the  savages,  back  of  whom  was  distinctly  heard  the  voice 
of  the  British  commandant  at  Detroit.  Western  Virginia  and  Kentucky  were  thi-eat- 
ened,  and  life  and  property  on  the  frontiers  wore  in  jeopardy  every  hour.  The  Vir- 
ginia Legislature  adopted  measures  for  the  protection  of  the  settlers,  and  the  national 
government,  awake  to  the  importance  of  the  subject,  put  forth  all  its  available  strength 
for  the  same  pui-pose.  General  Knox,  the  Secretary  of  War,  issued  orders  to  proper 
authorities  beyond  the  mountains  "  to  impress  the  Indians  with  the  power  of  the 
United  States,"  and  "  to  inflict  that  degree  of  punishment  which  justice  may  re- 
quire."* Under  these  instructions.  General  Scott,  of  Kentucky,  with  eight  hundred 
mounted  men,  crossed  the  Ohio,"  and  penetrated  the  WabaSh  country  to  the  .  j(„y  43^ 
large  village  of  Ouiatenon,  situated  about  eight  miles  below  the  present  vil-  ""*• 
lage  of  Lafayette,  Indiana,  where  several  French  families  resided.  There  he  found 
ample  evidence  of  the  Indians'  connection  with  and  dependence  on  the  British  at 
Detroit.  Scott  destroyed  the  town,  and  several  villages  in  the  neighborhood,  and 
desolated  the  country.  He  killed  thirty-two  Indians,  "chiefly  warriors  of  size  and 
figure,"  and  took  fifty-eight  prisoners,  without  losing  any  of  his  own  mcn.^ 

On  the  1st  of  August  Brigadier  Genei-al  James  Wilkinson  left  Cincinnati  (Fort 
Washington)  with  five  hundred  and  twenty-five  men,  and  penetrated  the  same  region, 
by  a  difterent  ronte,  to  the  important  Ouiatenon  village  of  lie-na-pa-coni-a-qua,  which 
the  French  called  L'Anguille  (The  Eel),  on  the  Eel  Uiver,  about  six  miles  from  the 
present  Logansport,  Indiana.^  He  destroyed  that  village,  desolated  the  country 
around  as  far  as  Tippecanoe,  and  then  pushed  forward  to  the  great  prairies  that 
stretch  away  toward  Lake  Michigan.  But  deep  morasses,  into  which  he  was  some- 
times plunged  armpit  deep,  compelled  him  to  return.  He  then  destroyed  another 
Kickapoo  village  of  twenty  houses,  desolated  all  the  crops,  and,  after  a  march  of  four 
hundred  and  fifty  miles,  reached  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio  (Louisville)  on  the  21st  of 
August.* 

Tlie  misfortune  that  befell  the  Indians  under  the  lash  of  Scott  and  Wilkinson  did  not 
quiet  them.  The  British  emissaries  stimulated  their  courage  to  a  point  of  desperation 
by  assuring  them  that  the  grand  object  of  the  United  States  was  to  exterminate  the 
tribes  and  take  possession  of  their  lands.*   Thus  two  most  powerful  incentives  to  war 


>  luBtrnctions  of  the  Secretary  of  War  to  Brigadier  General  Scott,  of  Kentucky,  March  9, 1T91. 

'  Scott'B  ofBclal  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Jnne  28, 1791. 

3  Fort  Ouiatenon,  a  stockade  built  by  the  French,  was  near  the  present  :ity  of  Lafayette,  Indiana. 

*  "I  have  destroyed,"  he  said,  "the  chief  town  of  the  Ouiatenon  nation,  and  made  prisoners  of  the  Bona  and  slatera 
of  the  kin?.  I  have  burned  a  respectable  Kickapoo  village,  and  cut  down  at  least  four  hundred  and  thirty  acres  of  corn, 
chiefly  in  the  milk.  The  Guiatenons,  left  without  houses,  home,  or  provislocs^  r.inst  cease  to  war,  and  will  find  active 
employ  to  subsist  their  squaws  and  children  during  the  impending  winter."— Wilkinson's  Official  Report  to  OovemorSt. 
Clair,  Aaewit  2i,mn. 

5  The  most  active  of  these  British  emissaries  were  Simon  Girty,  Andrew  M'Kee.  and  Mathew  Elliott,  three  malignant 
Tories  during  the  Bevolntion.  The  two  latter  were  natives  of  Path  Valley,  Pciin  »ylvnnia.  Many  a  murder  was  Justly 
charged  to  these  men  while  the  old  war  for  independence  was  in  progress.  They  carried  on  their  depredations  on  the 
frontier  with  a  high  hand,  and,  for  their  faithfulness  in  inciting  Indian  hostilities  during  that  war  that  led  to  frighttVl 
massacres,  the  British  government  rewarded  them  with  official  station.  They  married  Indian  women,  and  became  thor- 
oughly identified  with  the  savages.  At  the  time  we  are  now  considering  Elliott  and  M'Kee  were  subordinate  agents  in 
the  British  Indian  Dei)artmcnt,  and,  with  Girty,  had  homes  near  Maiden,  in  Canada,  on  the  Detroit  Hiver.  We  shall 
meet  Elliott  again.  Qlrty  was  an  unmitigated  scoundrel.  More  brutal  than  the  most  savage  Indian,  he  had  not  one 
redeeming  quality.  He  was  the  offspring  of  crime.  Ills  father,  an  Irishman,  was  a  sot ;  his  mother  was  a  bawd.  He 
was  nurtured  among  the  warlike  Senecas,  and  his  Innate  crnclty  had  free  scope  for  growth.  With  Elliott  and  M'Kee, 
who,  with  him,  had  been  imprisoned  at  Pittsburg  in  1778,  he  aroused  the  Indians  in  the  Northwest  with  the  same  cry 


1:^^  'I 


IP 


w 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD. 


i 


i 


|h 


»    I 

3 


Mfbrti  to  rorm  an  lodtan  ConlMarscy.      BulldInK  of  FurU  to  tha  Indian  Conntrjr.      A  Camp  deep  In  the  Wllderneia. 

were  jircHcnted — Hclf-prcHcrviitioji  and  jtiitrioliHin.  In  (IfffiiHC  «if  life  and  roiuitry  they 
iVHolvi'd  to  fight  to  the  lawt.  Litlk- Turtle,  of  tlio  MiaiiiiH,  IJlui' Jucki't,  of  the  Sliaw- 
nocH(>,  and  lJiick-ong-a-hi'lo»,  of  the  Dehiwarew,  j)ut  fortli  all  their  eiierj^ieH  in  the  Hum- 
mer of  1701,  as  Pontiac  had  done  thirty  yearn  before,  to  confederate  all  the  Western 
triheH  in  an  effort  to  drive  every  European  from  the  Hoil  north  of  the  Ohio.  The 
protestations  of  St.  Clair  that  peace,  friendship,  and  justice,  not  war,  Hubjujjation,  and 
rohliery,  were  the  desire  (jf  the  ])eople  and  f^overnment  of  the  United  States,  were  of 
no  avail ;  and  he  was  compelled,  for  the  sake  of  the  national  lil'e  on  the  frontier,  to 
attempt  to  convince  them,  by  the  stern  argument  of  arms,  that  they  were  governed 
by  bad  counselors  at  Detroit. 

It  was  determined  to  establisli  a  strong  military  post  in  the  heart  of  the  Miami 
country,  on  the  site  of  the  present  city  of  Fort  Wayne,  Congress  authorized  the 
raising  of  sufficient  troops  for  the  purpose,  and  during  tlio  spring  and  summer  of 
1791,  St.  Clair  was  jmtting  forth  strong  ertbrts  in  that  direction,  but  with  indittercnt 
success.  Enlistments  were  slow,  and  it  was  not  until  the  beginning  of  September 
that  he  had  collected  a  sufiicient  force  to  attempt  the  enterj)rise  with  an  appearance 
of  safety.  These  had  been  collected  in  the  vicinity  of  Cincimiati,  and  j)laccd  under 
the  immediate  command,' in  camp,  of  Major  Ilamtramck,  who  was  remarkable  as  a 
tactician  and  disciplinarian,'  St.  Clair  took  the  field  as  commander-in-chief.  Major 
General  Richard  Butler,  of  Pennsylvania,  Avas  his  second  in  command,  and  Winthrop 
Sargent,  Secretary  of  the  Territory,  was  appointed  adjutant  general. 

An  army  little  more  than  two  thousand  strong,  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  liutler,  and  accomjjanied  by  General  St,  Clair,  moved  forward  on  the  5th  and 
6th  of  September,"  On  the  bank  of  the  Great  Miami,  little  more  than  twen- 
ty miles  from  P'ort  Washington,  they  halted  and  built  Fort  Hamilton,  on  the 
site  of  the  present  village  of  Ilamiltor  Forty-two  miles  farther  on,  at  a  point  about 
six  miles  south  of  Greenville,  in  the  \t  Darke  County,  Ohio,  they  built  Fort  Jef- 

ferson.   When  they  moved  from  the  he  24th  of  October,  they  began  to  encoun- 

ter the  subtle  foe  in  small  parties.  It  was  evident  that  dusky  scouts  were  hanging 
upon  their  flanks,  and  they  became  hourly  more  cautious  and  vigilant.  The  nights 
were  frosty,  but  serene.  The  days  were  genial  and  brilliant.  The  summer  warmth 
had  been  difTused  over  the  whole  of  Sei)tember ;  and  now  the  forests  Avere. arrayed  in 
all  the  gorgeous  beauty  of  autumnal  splendors  peculiar  to  thein. 

At  length,  when  darl:  clouds  Averc  overhead,  and  falling  leaves  were  thick  in  their 
path,  the  invading  army  halted  and  encamped  upon  the  borders  of  an  nnknoAvn 
stream,  which  proved  to  be  a  chief  tributaiy  of  the  Upjicr  Wabasli,  They  were 
ninety-seven  miles  from  Fort  Washington,  deep  in  the  wilderness.  A  liglit  fall  of 
snow  lay  upon  the  ground — so  light  that  it  appeared  like  hoar-frost.  Over  a  piece 
of  rising  ground,  timbered  with  oak,  ash,  and  hickory,  the  encampment  was  spread, 
with  a  fordable  stream,  forty  feet  in  width,  in  front.  The  army  lay  in  two  lines,  sev- 
enty yards  apart,  with  four  pieces  of  cannon  in  the  centre  of  each.  Across  the  stream, 
and  beyond  a  rich  bottom  land  three  hundred  y.irds  in  width,  was  an  elevated  plain, 
covered  with  an  open  forest  of  stately  trees.  There  the  militia — throe  hundred  and 
fifty  independent,  half-insubordinate  men,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Oldham,  of  Ken- 
tucky— were  encamped. 

Eight  weary  miles  through  the  Avoods  the  soldiers  had  marched  that  day,  and  when 
the  camp  was  arranged  the  sun  Avas  low  in  the  cloudless  sky  of  the  west,  Ttie  tired 
soldiers  early  sought  repose,  Avithout  suspicion  of  danger  near.     All  around  them 


St.  Clalr-a  Trooii, 


'  im. 


that  now  alarmed  them :  "  The  Americans  want  to  take  yonr  lives  and  your  lands."    For  more  than  twenty  years  the 
women  and  children  of  the  Ohio  country  turned  pale  when  his  name  was  mentioned. 

'  Hamtramck  was  a  poor  rider.  "  He  was  crooked  like  a  frog  on  horsehack,"  said  the  venerable  Major  AVhltlock,  of 
Crnwr.irdevlllc,  to  me,  who  knew  him  well,  and  had  served  under  him.  He  had  the  faculty  of  Inspiring  the  men  with 
self-confidence,  and,  notwithstanding  he  was  a  most  rigid  disciplinarian,  the  troops  all  loved  hira,  for  he  was  kind- 
hearted,  generoue,  and  brave. 


y/'  i 


were  evidences 
seen  by  vigilant 
witJi  their  follov 

They  Avere  ne 
the  Shawnoese  i 
cruel  Girty  and  c 
thousand  fierce  \ 
ments  for  several 
a  bolt  from  the  c 

The  morning  o; 
mosphere,  and  ui 


'  This  sketch  of  St.  CIi 
by  his  grandson,  Winthr 

Explanation a,  Butl 

company  J //.cavalry;  ^ 
flank  guards;  o2,plckett 
Ing;  the  crooked  stream, 
'  The  late  Colonel  Job 
could  obtain,  the  Indlant 
others  at  three  Uiousand 
dots,  Ottawas,  and  a  few  i 
'  winthrop  Sargent's  11 


OF  TUE  WAU   OF   18 13. 


47 


8t.  Clair*!  Troopi  and  the  IndUni. 


BtClalt'iCamp. 


The  TribM  nprMwntMl  by  the  Warrlon. 


PLAN  or  BT.  CLAIB's  OAMP  AND   nATTI.E.' 


were  evidences  of  old  and  recent  Indian  camps,  and  a  few  lurking  savages  had  been 
seen  by  vigilant  eyes ;  but  no  one  knew  whether  Little  Turtle  and  his  confederates, 
with  their  tbllowers,  were  near  or  far  away. 

They  were  near.  Only  a  few  miles  distant  the  great  Miami  leader,  Blue  Jacket 
the  Shawnoese  chief,  and  Buck-ong-a-hclos,  the  leader  of  the  Delawares,  with  the 
cruel  Girty  and  other  white  men  in  the  British  interest,  were  lying  in  wait,  with  two 
thousand  fierce  warriors  at  their  beck.^  These  had  been  watching  St.  Clair's  move- 
ments for  several  days,  and  were  waiting  for  .the  proper  moment  to  fall  upon  him  like 
a  bolt  from  the  cloud. 

The  morning  of  the  4th  dawned  brilliantly.  "Moderate  northwest  wind,  serene  at- 
mosphere, and  unclouded  sky."^    All  night  long  the  sentinels  had  been  firing  upon 

>  This  sketch  of  St.  Clair's  encampment  Is  from  Wlnthrop  Sargent's  MS.  Jonrnal  of  the  Campaign,  kindly  lent  to  me 
by  his  grandson,  Wiuthrop  Sargent,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia.    It  Is  a  fac-mmile  of  Mr.  Sargent's  sketcli. 

Explanation — a,  Butler's  battalion  ;  h  h,  artillery ;  c,  Clarke's  battalion ;  d,  Patterson's  battalion  ;  c,  Faulkner's  rifle 
company ;  //,  cavalry ;  g,  detachment  of  U.  8.  Second Begiment ;  ft,  Oalther's battalion ;  j,  Beddinger's battalion  \bnp, 
flank  guards ;  o  2,  pickets ;  s,  swamp ;  nt,  camp  guard.  'The  numerous  crosses  represent  the  enemy ;  z  z,  troops  retreat- 
ing; the  crooked  stream,  a  tributary  of  the  Wabash. 

»  The  late  Colonel  John  Johnson,  of  Doyton,  mentioned  hereafter.  Informed  me  that,  tram  the  best  information  he 
could  obtain,  the  Indians  numbered  about  two  thousand.  Some  have  estimated  their  number  at  one  thousand,  and 
others  at  three  Uiousand.  The  principal  tribes  engaged  in  the  battle  were  the  Miamis,  Delawares,  Shawnoese,  Wyan- 
dots,  Ottawae,  and  a  few  Cbippewas  and  Fottawatomjes. 

3  Wlnthrop  Sargent's  MS.  Journal,  November  4, 1791. 


48 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


St.  Clnir'fl  Battle  with  the  Indians  and  hin  Dcfoat. 


Flight  of  the  vanqnlahed  Army. 


A  fleet-footed  Woman. 


^^,^1! 


Iii- 


^1  M 


prowlini?  Indians,  and  the  men,  by  order  of  the  commandhig  general,  had  slept  upon 
their  urins. 

The  troops  had  been  early  mustered  and  dismissed  from  pnrade.  They  were  pre- 
paring for  breakfast,  when,  half  an  hour  before  sunrise,  a  body  of  Indians,  witl\  yells 
that  wakened  horrid  echoes  miles  away  through  the  forest,  fell  suddenly  uptin  the 
militia.  The  assailed  camp  was  immediately  broken  up,  and  the  frightened  soldiers, 
most  of  whom  had  never  been  in  battle,  rushed  wildly  across  the  bottom  and  the 
creek  into  the  lines  of  the  regulars,  producing  alarm  and  confusion  there.  The  In- 
dians closely  follow  :h1,  and  fell  upou  the  regulars.  The  savages  Avere  several  times 
repulsed,  but  soon  rallied,  and  directed  their  most  effective  shots  upon  the  artillery  in 
tlic  centre.  Every  officer  there  was  prostrated,  and  the  cannon  were  silenced.  The 
carnage  among  the  Americans  was  terrible,  yet  they  withstood  the  enemy  with  great 
gallantry  for  ahnost  three  hour.s.  Finally,  when  full  one  half  of  the  army  had  fallen, 
St.  Clair  ordered  a  retreat  to  an  old  Indian  road  or  trail.  Tliis  was  accomplished  after 
a  furious  charge  as  if  to  turn  the  enemy's  flank.'  The  militia  then  led  the  van  in  the 
precipitate  retreat,  which  soon  became  a  flight.^  The  fugitive  army  was  well  covered 
by  Major  Clarke  and  his  battalicm;  and  the  Indians,  after  following  about  four  miles, 
tunied  back,  wonderfully  elated  with  their  victory.  Little  Turtle  was  in  chief  com- 
mand. 

St.  Clair  behaved  gallantly  during  the  dreadful  scene.  lie  was  so  tortured  with 
gout  that  he  could  not  mount  a  horae  without  assistance.  lie  was  not  in  uniform. 
His  chief  covering  was  a  coarse  cappo  coat,  and  a  three-cocked  hat  from  under  which 
his  white  hair  was  seen  streaming  as  he  and  Butler  rode  up  and  down  the  lines  during 
the  battle.  He  had  throe  horses  killed  under  him.  Eight  balls  passed  through  his 
clothes.  He  finally  mounted  a  pack-horse,  and  upon  this  animal,  which  could  with 
difficulty  be  si)urred  into  a  trot,  he  followed  in  the  retreat. 

The  fugitive  army  did  not  halt  until  safely  within  the  palisades  of  Fort  Jefferson. 
The  panic  was  terrible,  and  the  conduct  of  the  army  after  quitting  the  ground  was 
most  disgraceful.  Arms,  ammunition,  and  accoutrements  were  almost  all  throwi. 
away  ;  and  even  ofHeei*s,  in  some  instances,  threw  away  their  arms,  "  thus  setting  an 
example  for  the  most  precijiitate  and  ignominious  flight."-'  Tliiy  left  the  damp  at 
nine  o'clock  in  ;he  morning,  and  at  seven  o'clock  that  evening  they  were  in  Fort  Jef 
ferson,  twenty-nine  miles  distant.  That  evening  Adjutant  General  Sargent  wrote  in 
his  diary,  'The  troops  have  ail  been  defeated;  and  though  it  is  impossible,  at  this 
time,  to  ascertain  our  loss,  yet  there  can  be  no  manner  of  doubt  that  more  than  half 
the  army  are  cither  killed  or  wounded."* 

'  There  T^ere  qnltp  a  large  number  of  the  wonndcd  bo  maimed  that  they  could  not  walk  or  sit  npon  a  horse,  and  their 
compnnfonH  were  CDmpelled  to  leave  them  upon  the  field.  "  When  they  knew  they  must  be  left,"  says  Sargent,  "tliey 
ehnri;eil  tlirl.  i)ieoe»  with  i\  dollheratlon  and  courage  which  reflects  the  highest  honor  upon  them ;  and  the  firing  of  muc- 
Uctry  in  the  camp  after  we  had  qi-itted  it  leaves  little  doubt  that  their  latest  efforts  were  profcoslonally  brave,  and  where 
they  conid  pull  a  trigger  they  avenged  themselves."— JfA'.  Jimrnal. 

During  the  e::;'agcment,  tjie  Indians,  as  opportunity  offered,  plundered  and  scalped  their  victims.  They  also  disfig- 
ured the  bodies  of  tn^  .'lam.  Having  been  taught  by  the  British  emissaries  that  the  Americans  made  war  upon  them 
for  their  lands,  they  crammed  clay  and  sand  into  the  eyes  and  down  the  throats  oC  the  dying  and  dead.— Dillon's  //ii- 
tiirij  of  Imliaim,  p.  'JJ*:).  Among  tlic  slain  was  Major  General  Bntler ;  and  it  has  been  authoritatively  asserted  that  the 
miscreant,  Slnvm  flirty,  instigated  a  savage  warrior,  while  the  general  was  yet  alive  on  the  field,  to  scalp  him,  and  take 
out  his  heart  for  distribution  among  t'le  tribes  I 

»  The  whole  nninber  of  effective  trooi)9  in  the  battle,  according  to  Sargent's  return,  was  1748. 

5  Sargent's  MS.  .Tonrnal.  There  were  almost  two  hundred  female  camp-foliowers,  chiefly  wives  ot'the  soldiers.  Of 
these,  fifty-six  were  k  lied  ;  most  of  the  remainder  were  In  the  flight.  One  of  them,  Mrs.  Catharine  Miller,  who  died  in 
Cincinnati  about  the  year  l^iW,  w.is  sc  fleet  afoot  that  she  ran  ahead  of  the  army.  She  had  a  great  quantity  of  l<nig  red 
hair,  tliat  strenmed  lieliind  her  as  ilio  ran,  and  formed  the  oriflamme  which  the  soldiers  followed — Statement  of  Major 
Whitlock,  of  Crawfordsviile,  Indiana. 

*  MS..I()urnal,  Friii  ly,  November  4, 1701.  Mr.  Sargent  was  slightly  wonndcd.  Ace,  rdlng  to  his  report,  afterward  miidc 
out  carefully,  thirty •^i3c  offices  were  killed  and  thirty  'Uuded;  and  BTO  privates  were  killed  and  missing,  and  v'14 
wounded.  lie  did  not  think  many  Indians  were  lost  ~prL  >ably  not  mure  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed  and  wound- 
ed. Several  pieces  of  cannon,  and  all  the  baggage,  ammunition,  and  provisl(  is  were  left  o'l  the  field,  and  oecame  spoil 
for  the  saMige  vict:)i>  The  value  of  public  property  .)st,  according  to  the  report  of  the  Secretary  of  War  toward  the 
dune  of  1792,  waB$il'i,SlU  T5.    The  signature  of  the  Adjutant  Oeneral,  of  which  a/ac-aiviiU  is  given  on  page  39,  was  cup- 


Effect  of  St.  Clalr'f 

At  P'ort  Jc 

army,  about 

remnant  of  S 

they  arrived  ; 

Intelligence 

ill  the  West,  e 

parts  of  the  V 

tion  of  the  Oh 

St.  Clair  wa 

and  the  indinfn 

to  Tobias  Lear, 

"yes,  HERE,  on 
leave  of  him. 
!iiid  honor.    Y( 
tions,  I  said,  fi( 
War.    I  had  a  si 
will  add  but  oik 
mrprisef    I  re] 
U.S.     He  went  o 
.yet!!  to  suffer 
surprise— the  ve 
;i  murderer !     II 
liiin — tlu!  curse  < 
The  tone  of  W 
liis  lips.    "ItAva 
lie  hurled  iini)rc, 
I'l't'iitliless  silence 
"The  roused  c 
seemed  conscious 
gan  to  subside. 


led  from  his  report.    Tn  1 
Mstions  campaign. 

Ammig  the  slain,  as  w( 

held  the  rank  of  colonel  i 

(luarter.    Jle  was  \  nundf 

the  camp,  ran  uj)  and  torn 

United  States.    Among  tl 

avenge  the  death  of  Itutl( 

thwarted  his  bloody  purjH 

'  Th!s  event  was  the  the 

on  a  broadside,  and  enibel 

II  Miami  village,  an  Indian 

dy,"and  j)rofe«.>ies  to  give, 

leriuestofthe  friends  ofti 

count,"  the  battle  W.IS  foug 

at  Miami  Village,  near  Fo 

writer  may  be  Imagined  af 


There  was  a  famou.s  song 
liiusiuformsue,  byoueoft 


This  song  may  b;  found  ii 

'  This  Interview  was  cm  II 

liostofl'lttsbnrg.   Thence  h 

'he  sympathies  and  co-opera 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


40 


Effect  of  St.  Olalr'B  Defeat  on  tho  Public  Mind. 


Expression  of  President  Washington's  Indignation. 


At  Fort  Jefferson  tho  flying  troops  found  the  First  lleginient  of  the  United  States 
iirniy,  about  thri'e  hundred  strong.  Leaving  a  well-provisioned  garrison  there,  the 
i-eninant  of  St.  Clair's  force  made  their  way  to  Fort  Washington,  where  .  November, 
thoy  arrived  at  noon  on  the  Bth."  ^^''*' 

Intelligence  of  St.  Clair's  defeat  produced  the  gieatest  alarm  among  all  tlie  settlers 
in  the  West,  even  as  far  eastward  as  Pitt^uurg.  It  cast  a  gloom  over  society  in  all 
])arts  of  the  Union,  and  checked  for  a  short  time  the  tide  of  emigration  hi  the  direc- 
tion of  tho  Ohio.i 

St.  Clair  was  condemned  in  unmeasured  tenns  by  men  of  all  classes  and  ])arties, 
and  the  indignation  of  President  Washington  was  exceedingly  hot.  "Here,"  lie  said 
to  Tobias  Lear,  his  private  secretary, 
"  yes,  iiERK,  on  this  very  spot,  I  took 

leave  of  him.     I  wished  him  success  ^^Ol/^l 

;iiid  honor.  You  have  your  instruc- 
tions, I  said,  from  the  Secretary  of 
War.  I  had  a  strict  eye  to  them,  and 
will  a(hl  but  one  word — beware  of  a 

surjyrise!  I  repeat  it — bkwakk  of  a  surprise!  Yon  know  how  the  Indians  fight 
us.  lie  went  off  with  that,  as  my  last  solemn  warning,  thrown  into  his  ears.^  And 
j'et ! !  to  suffer  that  army  to  he  cut  to  pieces,  hacked,  butchered,  tomahawked,  by  a 
surprise — the  very  thing  I  guarded  him  against ! !  O  God,  O  (lod,  lie  is  worse  than 
a  murderer!  How  can  he  answer  it  to  his  country?  The  blood  of  the  slahi  is  upon 
hiin — the  curse  of  widows  and  orphans — the  curse  of  Heaven  !" 

The  tone  of  Washington's  voice  was  a])paHing  as  these  vehement  sentences  escaped 
liis  lips.  "It  was  awful !"  said  Mr.  Lear.  "iMore  than  once  he  threw  his  hands  uj)  as 
lie  hurled  imprecations  upon  St.  Clair."  Mr.  Lear  remauied  speechless — awed  into 
breathless  silence. 

"  The  roused  chief,"  says  the  chronicler,  "  sat  down  on  the  sofa  once  more.  lie 
seemed  conscious  of  his  passion,  and  uncomfortable.  He  was  silent;  his  wrath  be- 
iian  to  subside.     He  at  length  said,  in  an  altered  voice, 'This  must  not  go  beyond 

ied  from  hia  report.  In  Howe's  Ilialurieal  CoUtvHona  of  Ohio  may  be  found  ninny  particulars  and  anecdotes  of  this  dig- 
estions canipiiinn. 

Anioiii;  tlio  slain,  as  we  have  obser\'cd,  was  Major  Ocncnil  Butler,  a  highly  esteemed  officer  from  Pennsylvania.  lie 
lidd  the  rank  of  cploiiol  in  the  Continental  army.  In  17S7  ho  was  sent  to  the  Ohio  ns  a^cnt  for  Indian  ntTuirs  in  that 
quiirtor.  lie  was  \  imnded  early  in  tlic  iirtion,  and  before  his  wounds  could  be  drop,  .-d,  an  Indian,  wlio  had  penetrated 
llio  camp,  ran  up  and  toninhnwl<ed  and  s-calped  him.  Butler  was  much  beloved  l)y  tlie  Indians  who  were  friendly  to  tho 
United  States.  Anion;;  tliosc  who  loved  him  most  was  Big  Tree,  a  Seneca  chief  In  the  Genesee  Valley.  He  vowed  to 
avenge  tho  death  of  Butler  by  killing  three  of  the  hostile  Indians.  Because  tho  treaty  of  peace  at  Greenville  in  I'ilS 
tliwnrted  his  bloody  purpose,  Big  Tn  i  com  nitted  suicide. 

'  This  event  was  llie  theme  for  oratory,  the  pulpit,  poetry,  art,  ant".  Bong.  Ihave before  me  a  dirge-like  poem,  printed 
on  a  broadside,  and  embelllslied  witli  rude  wood-cuts  representing  forty  coffliis  at  the  head,  a  iiortrait  of  General  Butler, 
II  Miami  village,  an  Indian  with  a  l)i)w,  and  the  hideous  skull  and  cross-bones.  It  is  entitled  "The  Columbian  Trage- 
tly,"aiid  professes  to  give,  iu  verse,  "a  particular  and  official  account"  of  tho  affair.  It  was  published  "  by  the  earnest 
leqnesl  of  the  friends  of  the  deceased  worthies  who  died  in  de'-'v..  of  their  country."  According  to  this  "official  ac- 
( mill,"  the  battle  was  fought  bc^twccu  two  thousand  United  St,:tCB  i  lops  "  and  near  four  thousand  wild  Indian  savages, 
:it  Miami  Village,  near  Fort  WasWngtou  !"  .  pious  tone  runs  thrv-"~'..  tho  mournful  ballad,  and  the  feelings  of  the 
writer  may  be  imagined  aftei  the  perusal  of  thi;i  single  verse : 

"  My  tremlillng  hand  can  scarcely  hold 
My  faint,  devoted  quill, 
To  Write  the  actions  of  the  Bold, 
Their  Vuhr  and  their  fikill." 
There  was  a  famons  song  'hat  was  sung  for  many  years  afterward,  entitled  "Sinclair's Defeat,"  written,  as  the  author 
;  mis  informs  us,  by  one  of  the  soldiers : 

"  To  mention  our  brave  officers  Is  what  I  write  to  do; 
No  sous  of  Mars  e'er  fought  more  brave,  or  with  more  courage  true. 
To  Captai'i  Bradford  I  belonged.  In  his  Artillery  ; 
He  fell  that  ("ay  among  the  slain— a  valiant  man  was  he." 
Tills  song  may  b'>  found  in  Howe's  Ilistnrirnt  CiillfctmiiD  of  Ohio.  p.  V.H. 

a  This  interview  was  on  the  2Sth  of  March,  ITal,  the  day  when  St.  <;lalr  left  Plilladelphla  and  proceeded  to  tho  frontier 
piis;  of  Pittsburg.  Thence  he  wont  to  Kentucky,  and  afterwanl  to  Fort  WashlDgton,  every  where  eudeaToring  to  enlist 
ilie  sympathies  and  co-openitlon  of  the  inhabitants  for  the  campaign. 

D 


50 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Washington's  Kindness  to  St.  Clair.      Kesignation  of  the  latter.       His  later  Days.       General  Wayne  and  his  Troops. 

tliis  room.'  Another  pause  followed — a  longer  one — when  he  said,  in  a  tone  quite 
low, '  General  St.  Clair  shall  have  justice.  I  looked  hastily  through  the  dispatches — 
saw  the  whole  disaster,  but  not  all  the  particulars.  I  will  hear  him  without  preju- 
dice; he  shall  have  full  justice.' 

"  He  was  now,"  said  Mr.  Lear,  "  perfectly  calm.  Half  an  hour  had  gone  hy ;  the 
storm  was  over,  and  no  sign  of  it  Avas  afterward  seen  in  his  conduct  or  heard  in  his 
conversatiori."' 

Washington  was  both  generous  and  just,  and  St.  Clair  found  in  him  a  most  faithful 
friend.  "  Tl\e  first  interview  of  the  President  with  the  unfortunate  general  after  the 
fatal  4th  of  November,"  says  the  late  Mr.  Custis,  who  was  present, "  was  nobly  im- 
pressive. St,  Clair,  worn  down  by  age,  disease,  and  the  hard8hij)s  of  a  frontier  cam- 
paign, assailed  by  the  press,  and  with  the  current  of  popular  opinion  setting  liard 
against  him,  repaired  to  his  chief  as  to  a  shelter  from  the  fury  of  so  many  elements. 
AVashington  extended  his  hand  to  one  who  appeared  in  no  ncAV  character,  for,  during 
the  whole  of  a  long  life,  misfortune  seemed  'to  have  marked  him  for  her  own.'  Poor 
old  St.  Clair  hobbled  up  to  his  chief,  seized  the  oflfered  hand  in  both  of  his,  and  gave 
vent  to  his  feelings  in  an  audible-manner."^ 

St.  Clair's  case  was  investigated  by  a  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
and  he  Avas  honorably  acquitted.  But  public  sentiment  had  set  against  him  in  a  cur- 
rent too  strong  to  be  successfully  resisted,  and  he  resigned  his  commission.^  General 
Anthony  Wayne,  whose  impetuosity  exhibited  during  the  old  war  for  independence 
had  gained  him  the  title  of  "Mad  Anthony,"  was  appointed  to  fill  his  place.  Wayne 
was  then  in  the  prime  of  manhood,  and  Congress  and  the  people  had  confidence  in 
his  intelligence,  courage,  and  energy.  Congress  authorized  an  increase  of  the  regu- 
lar army  to  a  little  over  five  thousand  men,  and  a  competent  part  of  this  force,  to  be 
called  the  Legion  of  the  United  States,  was  to  be  assigned  to  Wayne  for  an  expedi- 
tion against  the  Indians  in  the  Northwest.  He  took  post  at  Pittsburg  early  in  tlu> 
following  June,"  and  appointed  that  place  as  the  rendezvous  of  his  invading 
army.  It  was  soon  perceived  that  it  was  easier  to  vote  troops  in  the  halls  of 
Congress  than  to  draw  them  out  and  muster  them  in  the  camp ;  and  it  Avas  not  until 
near  the  close  of  November  that  Wayne  had  collected  a  sufficient  number  to  Avarrant 
his  moving  forAvard.  He  then  Avent  doAvn  the  Ohio  only  about  tAventy  miles,  and  there 
hutted  his  soldiers  in  a  Avell-guarded  camp,  Avhich  he  called  Legionville.  There  he 
was  joined  by  Lieutenant  William  Henry  Harrison,  afterward  the  distinguished  gen- 
eral in  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  and  the  ninth  President  of  the  republic.     The 

•  Washirtfiton  in  Doviestic  Life,  by  Richard  Rush,  p.  OT. 

'  llrmllcctinns  and  Private  iVWnoi'rs  of  Washinittoii .  liy  his  'idopted  son,  O.  W.  P.  C'istis,  p.  419. 

'  The  late  Hon.  Elishn  WhitDescy,  of  Ohio,  Firt',  Auditor  of  the  United  States  Treasury  during  a  portion  of  the  first 
term  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  administration,  and  a  veteran  eoidier  of  ISlSi,  furuished  me  with  the  following  interesting  account 
of  his  interview  with  St.  Clair  three  years  hefore  his  death : 

"  In  May,  1816,  four  of  us  called  upon  him,  on  the  top  of  Chestnut  Ridge,  easlwardly  eight  or  ten  mile?  from  Orecii?- 
bnrg,  Westmoreland  County,  Pennsylvania.  We  were  traveling  on  horpcback  to  Connecticut,  and  being  Informed  tlml 
General  St.  Clair  kept  tavern,  we  decided  to  cal'  for  entertainment  during  the  night.  We  alighted  at  his  recidence  late 
in  ihc  afternoon,  and,  on  entering  his  log  house,  we  saw  an  elderly,  neat  gentleman,  dressed  in  black  broadclotli,  silk 
stockings,  and  small-clothes,  shining  shoes  whi'se  straps  were  secured  by  large  silver  buckles,  his  hair  clubbed  and  pow- 
dered. On  closing  his  book  he  rose,  received  fs  most  kindly  and  gracefiilly,  and  pointing  lis  to  chairs,  he  asked  us  to  bo 
seated.  On  being  asked  for  entertainment,  h';  said, '  Gentlemen,  I  perceive  yon  are  traveling,  and  although  I  should  be 
gratified  by  your  custom,  it  is  my  duty  to  inform  you  I  have  no  hay  nor  grain.  I  have  good  pasture,  but  If  hay  and  graiu 
are  essential,  I  can  not  furnish  them.' 

"  There  stood  before  us  a  major  general  of  the  Revolution— the  friend  and  confidant  of  Washington— late  governor  of 
the  Territory  northwest  of  the  River  Ohio— one  of  natnrc's  noblemen,  of  high,  dignified  bearing,  whom  misfortune,  nor 
the  ingratitude  of  his  cotuitry,  nor  poverty  could  break  down  nor  deprive  of  self-respect— keeping  a  tavern  In  a  loi; 
house,  but  could  not  ftirnish  a  bushel  of  oats  nor  a  lock  of  hay.  We  were  moved  principally  to  call  upon  him  to  hear  hirii 
converse  abont  the  men  of  the  Revolution  and  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  and  our  regret  that  he  could  not  entertain 
us  was  greatly  Increased  by  bearing  him  converse  abont  an  h(.ur.  The  large  estate  he  sacrificed  for  the  cause  of  the 
Revolution  was  within  a  sliort  distance  of  tlic  top  of  Chestnut  Ridge,  if  not  in  sight.  After  he  was  governor  he  jicti- 
tioned  Congress  for  relief,  but  died  before  It  was  granted."* 

*  During  the  last  two  years  of  his  life  General  St.  Clair  received  a  pension  of  sixty  dollars  a  month  iVom  his  govcni- 
ment,  and  his  latter  days  were  made  comfortable  thereby.  About  ISOO,  Senator  Orodhead,  of  Peuusylvanio,  procured 
from  Congress  an  appropriation  for  the  heirs  of  General  St.  Clair. 


•  1T92. 


AVayne  in  the  Ind 

young  Virgil 

her  of  Iiis  mi: 

Wayne  ivi 

Jiroeeeded  to 

remained  all  i 

and  encamped 

vilJe.     His  ar 

men,  exclusive 

under  the  emii 

While  the  a 

best  endeavor 

without  more 

tijp  pious  IleeJ 

i'lieiulship  with 

''i''-,n92.   At 

3Liiimee  (or  M 
lJaj)ids  to  hold 
Guasutha,  and  c 
Seci'etary  of  W 
eonsultation,  del 
edge  any  claim 
In  the  spring 
hostile  tribes.2 

and  favorable  to 
>[iagara,  a  post  i 
pitalily  entertain 
grand  council  at 
were  informed  bj 
"atl vised  the  Ind 
commissioners  ca 
i;eplied,"It  i.  oft 
*oi-  his  advice  on 
sioners;  and  Jiis  j 
"  the  j)rinciple  of 
ousof  ulterior  de,' 
At  Niagara,  aiu 
.Ida,  the  commissit 
ficcoinplished.     IJi 
eouncil  j)lainly  tol 
Ilarniar,  and  claim 
'lome,  as  they  avoi 
commissioners,  aftc 
.iT'ist.     It  was  evid 
"latter,  and  to  arnin 
We  left  Wayne  a 
Ion,  on  the-  23d  of  C 
'""I"  his  stores.     Aln 


'  The  sentiments  of  the  Ii 

™«t  given  by  Cornplnnter, 

,,"■■'   "lo  snlii.  pointiiiu-  to  t 

U'lween  the  Americans  and 

^  The  commission  conslsi 

'^"'c  of  commissioners  t< 
'Heply  of  Lieutenant  Gov 


tt 
il 

ite 
tt 


u 


OF   I'lIE    WAR    OF    1812. 


51 


Wayne  in  the  Indian  Country. 


A  grand  Council. 


Interference  of  Britisli  Officials. 


young  Virginian  soon  exhibited  qualities  which  caused  Wayne  to  make  him  a  mem- 
ber of  his  military  family  as  his  aid-de-camp. 

Wayne  remained  at  Legionville  until  the  close  of  April,  ]  793,  when  liis  whole  force 
proceeded  to  Cincinnati  in  boats,  and  took  post  near  Fort  Washington.  There  they 
remained  all  the  summer  and  until  the  7th  of  October,  when  Wayne  moved  forward 
and  encami)ed''  six  miles  in  advance  of  Fort  Jefferson,  on  the  site  of  Gi'een- 

.  ■  October  23. 

ville.     His  army  tlien  numbered  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty 

men,  exclusive  of  a  small  body  of  friendly  Indians  from  the  South,  chiefly  Choctaws, 

imder  the  eminent  warrior.  Humming-bird. 

While  the  army  was  mnking  these  tardy  movements,  the  government  was  using  its 
best  endeavors  to  eiT'ect  a  pacification  of  the  tribes,  and  to  establish  a  solid  jjcace 
without  more  bloodshed.  These  eflTorts  promised  success  at  times.  With  the  aid  of 
the  pious  Ileckewelder,  the  Moravian,  General  Putnam  made  a  treaty  of  peace  and 
iViemlship  with  the  Wabash  and  Illinois  tribes,  at  Vincennes,  on  the  27th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1792.  At  about  the  same  time  great  numbers  of  the  tribes  on  the  Miami,  the 
]\Iaumee  (or  Miami  of  the  Lakes),  and  Sandusky  Rivers,  assembled  at  the  j\Iaumec 
Rapids  to  hold  a  grand  council,  at  which  Red  Jacket,  Cornplanter,  Big  Tree,  the  aged 
Guasutha,  and  other  representatives  of  the  Six  Nations  appeared,  at  the  request  of  the 
Secretary  of  War.  Simon  Girty  was  the  only  Avhite  man  present.  The  savages,  on 
consultation,  determined,  in  conformity  with  the  advice  of  the  British,  not  to  acknowl- 
edge any  claim  of  the  United  States  to  lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River.^ 

In  the  spring  of  1793  a  commission  was  sent  by  the  President  to  treat  with  the 
hostile  tribes.'*  Lieutenant  Governor  Sinicoe,  of  Canada,  professing  to  be  friendly, 
and  favorable  to  a  pacification  of  the  tribes,  the  commissioners  went  by  the  way  of 
Niagara,  a  post  yet  held  by  the  British.  Simcoe  received  them  courteously,  and  hos- 
l)itably  entertained  them  for  five  or  six  weeks,  while  the  Indians  were  holding  another 
grand  council  at  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee.  While  tarrying  there,  the  commissioners 
were  informed  by  a  MohaAvk  Indian  from  the  Grand  River  that  Governor  Simcoe  had 
"advised  the  Indians  to  make  peme,  6?<<  not  to  give  up  any  of  their  lands.^^'^  The 
commissioners  called  Simcoe's  att  ution  to  this.  He  did  not  deny  the  allegation,  but 
replied,  "  It  U  of  that  nature  that  ii  can  not  be  i  rue,"  as  the  Indians  had  not  "  applied 
for  his  advice  on  the  subje-  "'  Tliis  subterfuge  was  Avell  understood  by  the  commis- 
sioners; and  his  admissic  ;it,  "ever  since  the  conquest  ot  (';  ida,"  it  had  been 
"the  principle  of  the  British  _  >verument  to  Wf/'fc  the  Americ  li  dians"  was  omin- 
ous of  ulterior  designs. 

At  Niagara,  and  at  Captain  ElliottV,  near  the  mouth  f  the  Detroit  River,  in  Can- 
ada, the  commissioners  held  councils  with  tae  Iinlians,  but  nothing  satisfactory  was 
accomplished.  British  influence  was  more  powerful  than  ev  •,  and  the  savages  in 
council  j)lainly  told  the  commissioners  that  if  they  insisted  upon  ihe  treaty  at  P^ort 
IIarm;vr,  and  claimed  lands  on  the  nortliern  side  of  i  lo  Ohio,  they  might  as  well  go 
home,  as  they  would  never  agree  to  any  other  bo  iidary  than  that  river.  So  the 
commissioners,  after  several  months  of  fruitless  labor,  turned  liomeward  late  in  Au- 
gust. It  was  evident  that  the  might  of  arms  must  imki  •  final  settlement  of  the 
matter,  and  to  arms  the  United  States  resorted. 

We  let\  Wayne  and  his  army  near  Fort  Jefferson,  (  miles  from  Fort  Washing- 

ton, on  the  23d  of  October.     He  was  then  einbaiTassed  iiy  a  lack  of  suflicient  convoys 
for  his  stores.     Already  a  party  detailed  for  this  purpose  had  been  attacked  and  se- 

'  The  PcntlmentH  of  the  Indians,  even  the  friendly  ones,  concerning  the  bonndary,  may  be  Inferred  from  the  following 
liinst  Riven  by  Corniilantcr,  at  the  tabic  of  General  Wayuo,  at  I.eiilonvllie,  in  the  spring  of  ITK! :  "My  mind  is  upon  that 
river,"  he  sald.poiiuiiiL:  to  ttio  Ohio.  "May  that  water  ever  ccmtlnue  to  run,  and  remain  the  boundary  of  lasting  peace 
lotwecn  the  Americans  and  Indians  on  the  opposite  shore."— IIai.i.'h  Mnnmr  nf  \¥.  II.  Ilnrrimn,  p.  31. 

=  The  commission  consisted  of  l)cn.|amin  Lincoln,  Beverly  Iiaiid(dph,  and  Timothy  Pickering. 

'  Note  of  commissioners  to  Lientenant  Governor  Simcoe,  7th  .Innc,  17!«). 

I  Roi)ly  of  Lieutenant  Governor  SImcre  to  American  commissioners,  Tth  June,  ITSfl. 


52 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Hostile  Intentions  of  the  Britisli  revealed. 


Allied  Indians  and  British  in  Arms, 


Battle  at  Fort  Recovery. 


f 


i 

-!i 


verely  handled  by  a  strong  band  of  Indians  under  Little  Turtle  near  Fort  St.  Clair. 
Lieutenant  Lowry  and  fourteen  of  his  companions  were  killed,^  and  all  the  horses  at- 
tached to  the  wagons  wore  carried  off. 

The  season  was  now  too  far  advanced  to  enter  upon  a  campaign,  so  Wayne  set  his 
army  to  building  a  very  strong  fort  on  the  spot  where  he  Avas  encamped.  It  was 
made  impregnable  against  the  Indians.  There  they  went  into  winter-quarters.^  Sul- 
ficient  garrisons  were  placed  in  the  forts  at  VincenUes,  Cincinnati,  and  JMarietta;  and 
the  return  of  spring  was  waited  for  with  anxiety,  for  it  was  obvious  that  hostilities 
with  the  savages  could  not  be  long  delayed. 

A  European  war,  to  which  we  shall  soon  have  occasion  again  to  refei',  was  now 
having  its  eifect  upon  the  L^nited  States,  complicating  the  difficulties  which  natu- 
rally attend  the  arrangement  of  a  ncAV  system  of  government.  Ill  feeling  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Bi'itain  was  increasing,  and  evidences  were  not  wanting 
that  the  latter  was  anxious  for  a  pretense  to  declare  hostilities  against  the  former. 
Taking  advantage  of  this  state  of  things,  Loi-d  Dorchester  ^formerly  Sir  Guy  Carle- 
ton),  the  Governor  of  Canada,  onconraged  the  Indians  in  maintaining  their  hostile  at- 
'  February  10,  titude.  At  a  council  of  warriors  f'"...i  the  West,  held  at  Qnebec  early  in 
1T04.  1794,"  Dorchester,  in  a  speech,  said,  ^^  Children,  since  my  return  I  find 

no  appearance  of  a  line  remains;  and  from  the  ni.Mmer  in  which  the  people  of  the 
states  push  on,  and  act,  and  talk  on  this  side,  and  from  vhat  I  learn  of  their  conduct 
toward  the  sea,  J  shall  not  be  surprised  if  ice  are  at  war  icith  them  in  the  course  of  the 
present  year  ;  and  if  so,  a  line  must  then  be  drawn  by  the  warriors." 

This  was  a  suggestion  for  the  savages  to  prepare  for  war.  It  was  followed  by  an 
order  from  Dorchester  to  Lieutenant  Governor  Simcoe  to  establish  a  British  military 
post  at  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee,  fifty  miles  within  the  Indian  country  and  the  treaty 
limits  of  the  United  States.  At  the  very  time  when  this  menacing  attitude  was  as- 
sumed, the  government  of  the  new  republic  was  exhibiting  the  most  friendly  feelings 
toward  that  of  Great  Britain  by  a  position  of  strict  neutri;lit}^ 

Wayne  was  compelled  to  wait  until  late  in  the  summer  ot'lTOi  before  he  felt  strong 
enough  to  move  forward.  Meanwhile  the  Indians  appeared  in  force.  On  the  30th  ol' 
June,  about  a  thousand  of  them,  accoiniianied  by  a  number  of  British  soldiers  and 
French  Canadian  voluntcrs,^  made  ♦heir  appearance  before  Fort  Hecoveiy  (mention- 
ed in  note  2  below),  and  during  the  <lay  assailed  the  garrison  several  times.  During 
these  assaidts  the  Americans  lost  fifty-seven  men  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  and 
two  hundivd  and  twenty-one  horses  The  Indians  lost  more,  they  said,  than  in  their 
battle  with  St.  Clair. 
"July  20,        Ijfii^s  than  a  month  aft>r  this  engagement,  Wayne  was  johied'' by  Major 

1794.  General  Scott,  with  sixteen  hundred  mounted  volunteers  from  Kentucky ; 
« July  28.     and  two  days  afterward"  he  moved  forward  with  his  whole  force  toward  the 


Wayne's  Expcditic 


•  Fort  St.  Clair  was  it  a  point  about  a  mile  fVom  the  site  of  Enton,  in  Preble  Comi- 
ty, Ohio.  Between  it  ai.-i  Eaton  is  a  email  cemetery,  and  therein,  uiion  one  of  those 
ancient  artificial  moumls  onnimon  in  Ohio,  a  neat  monument  of  Hutland  niarhli . 
twelve  fc(^t  in  height,  waa  erc-'ted  by  the  citizens  in  commemoration  of  the  plain  m 
Fort  Recovery.  Lowry  and  his  (,.;r.'.;;..iiionB  were  hurled  In  Fori  St.  Clair.  His  re- 
mains were  removed  to  the  little  cemetery  on  the  4th  of  July,  1S22,  and  there  rclii- 
torrcd  with  the  honors  of  war.   They  were  afterward  hurled  In  the  mouiul. 

-  This  was  called  Fort  Oreenvillc,  and  covered  a  large  part  r)f  the  site  of  the  prcv 
out  village  of  Greenville.  The  foldlcrs  hnllt  pcveral  hundred  log  huts,  in  which  thcv 
wintered  comfortably.    Each  hut  was  occupied  by  six  persons. 

From  Fort  Orcenvflle  Wayne  sent  out  eight  companies,  and  a  detachment  of  artil- 
lery to  take  |)ossosslon  of  and  fortify  the  place  where  St.  Clair  was  defeated.    They 
arrived  o!i  the  ground  on  Chrlstnuis-day,  and  i)rocecded  to  build  a  strong  Ktockndc 
They  named  It  Fort  Ticcovery,  In  commemoration  of  the  fact  that  they  had  recuv 
cred  the  territory  lost  by  St.  Clair,  a^     I'll  as  .ill  but  one  of  the  cannon  which  he  was  compelled  to  leave  behind.   A  com- 
pany each  of  artillery  and  rifli'men  m     e  left  there  as  n  garrison. 

'  Burnet,  In  his  notes,  asserts  upon  .rood  authority  that  there  were  "a  considerable  number  of  BritWh  soldiers  and  Dc 
trolt  militia  with  the  Indians."  Fr*  iidly  Choctaws  and  Chickasaws  with  Wiiync,  who  had  been  sent  on  a  scout  a  lev 
days  before,  saw  a  largo  body  of  luu.iue,  among  whom,  they  asserted,  were  many  white  men  with  their  faces  palnleil. 


I.OWRV'S    MONrMF.NT. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


53 


Wa3me'g  Expedition  down  tlic  Maumec. 


HiB  Offers  of  Peace  rejected. 


Conduct  of  Little  Turtle. 


Maumec.  Admonished  by  the  fate  of  St.  Clair,  he  marched  cautiously  and  slowly 
— so  slowly  and  stcaltliily  that  the  Indians  called  him  The  Ulacksnake.  Little  Turtle 
was  again  upon  the  alert,  with  two  thousand  warriors  of  his  own  and  neighboring 
tribes  within  call.  The  vigilant  Wayne  well  knew  this.  He  had  faithful  and  com])e- 
teiit  scouts  and  guides,  and  by  unfrequented  Avays  and  with  perplexing  feints,  he 
moved  steadily  onward,  leaving  strength  and  security  in  his  rear. 

Tweiity-tivc  miles  beyond  Fort  Recovery  he  built  a  stockade  on  the  bank  of  the 
St.  Mary's,  and  called  it  Fort  Adams.  From  this  point  he  moved  Ibrward  on  the  4th 
of  August,  and  at  the  end  of  four  days  encamped  on  a  beautiful  i)lain  at  the  conflu- 
ence of  the  An  Glaize  and  Maumec  Rivers,  on  the  site  of  the  present  village  of  Defi- 
ance. There  he  found  a  deserted  Indian  town,  with  at  least  a  thousand  acres  of  corn 
growing  around  it.^  There,  as  elsewhere  on  liis  march,  the  alarmed  savages  fled  at 
liis  approach.  He  tarried  there  a  week,  and  built  a  strong  fortification,  which  he 
culled  Fort  Defiance.  Of  this  fort,  and  the  appearance  of  its  remains  when  I  visited 
it  in  the  autumn  of  1 800, 1  shall  hereafter  write. 

Wayne  was  now  at  the  nir  .         )ortant  and  commanding  point  in  the  Indian  coun- 
try.  "  We  have  gained  the  g  md  emporium  of  the  hostile  Indians  of  the  West  without 
loss  of  blood,"  ho  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War.*    And  there  he  gained    •  August  i4, 
full  and  positive  hiformation  concerning  the  character,  strength,  and  ])osi-         ^""■*- 
tion  of  the  British  military  post  at  the  foot  of  the  Maumec  Rapids  already  alluded  to.^ 

Once  more  peace  and  reconciliation  were  oflVred  to  the  Indians.  Notwithstanding 
lie  was  in  possession  of  full  power  to  subjugate  and  destroy  without  fear  of  the  Rrit- 
ish  intruders  below,  Wivyne,,  unwilling  to  shed  blood  unnecessarily,  sent  a  message  to 
the  Indians  down  the  Maumee  Avith  kind  words.  "  Be  no  longer  deceived  or  led 
astray,"  he  said,  "  by  the  false  promises  and  language  of  bad  white  men  at  the  foot  of 
the  Rapids ;  they  have  neither  the  power  nor  the  inclination  to  i)rotect  you."  He  of- 
fered them  peace  and  traiuiuillity  for  themselves  and  their  families,  and  invited  tliem 
to  send  deputies  to  meet  him  in  council  without  delay.  His  overtures  were  rejected, 
mid  by  craftiness  they  endeavored  to  gain  time.  "  Stay  where  you  are,"  they  said, 
"  for  ten  days,  and  we  will  treat  with  you ;  but  if  you  advance  we  will  give  you  bat- 
tle." 

This  defiance  was  contrary  to  the  advice  of  the  sagacious  Little  Turtle,  who  coun- 
seled peace.^  For  this  he  was  taunted  with  accusations  of  cowardice.  The  false 
charge  enraged  him,  and  he  was  foremost  in  the  conflict  that  immediately  ensued. 
Tiiat  conflict  was  unavoidable.  The  vigilant  Wayne  perceived  that  nothing  but  a 
severe  blow  would  break  the  spirit  of  the  t  vibes  and  end  the  war,  and  he  resolved  to  in- 
flict it  mercilessly.  For  this  ])urpose  his  L'gion  moved  forward  on  the  15th  of  August, 
and  on  the  18th  took  post  at  Roche  de  Bout,  at  the  liead  of  the  Rapids,  near  the  pres- 
ent town  of  Waterville,  and  there  established  a  magazine  of  supplies  and  baggage, 
with  protecting  military  works,  which  they  called  Fort  Deposit.  There,  on  the  19th, 
Wayne  called  a  council  of  war,  and  ado])ted  a  plan  of  march  and  of  battle  submitted 
l)y  his  young  aid-de-camp.  Lieutenant  Harrison,  Avho,  nineteen  years  afterward,  as  a 
L,a'neral-in-cliief,  performed  gallant  exploits  in  that  portion  of  the  Maumee  Valley.* 


1  "The  very  extensive  and  highly  cultivated  fields  and  gardens  chow  the  work  of  many  hands.  The  margin  of  those 
lioiuitil'ul  rivers,  the  Miami  of  tlie  Lnlies  (pronounced  Maumee]  and  An  Glaize,  appear  like  one  continued  village  for  a 
iiumher  of  miles  hoth  above  and  below  this  place;  nor  bave  I  ever  before  behold  such  immense  fields  of  corn  in  any 
piirt  of  America  from  Canada  to  Florida.  —Wayne's  Letkr  to  the  Seerrtartj  of  Warfrmn  Fort  DfflanK,  August  14,  IJIM. 

3  It  was  a  strong  work  of  earth  and  logs,  mounting  four  tl-pnundors,  two  large  howit/.ers,  six  O-poundcrs,  and  two 
swivels.    The  garrison,  under  Major  Campbell,  a  testy  Scotchman,  consisted  of  280  British  regulars  and  200  militia. 

'  "  We  have  beaten  the  enemy  twice,  under  separate  commanders,"  said  Little  Turtle,  in  n  speech.  "  Wc  can  not  ex- 
jicct  the  same  good  fortune  always  to  attend  us.  The  Americans  arc  now  led  by  a  chief  who  never  Bleei)s.  The  night 
1111(1  the  d.iy  arc  alike  to  iiim ;  and  during  all  the  time  that  he  has  been  marching  upon  our  villages,  notwithstanding 
ihe  watchfulness  of  our  young  men,  we  have  never  been  able  to  surprise  him.  Think  well  of  It.  There  is  something 
whispers  me  it  w<nild  be  ))rudent  to  listen  to  the  offers  of  peace." 

»  1  nm  Ini'ebled  to  the  Hon.  John  Francis  Ilamtramck  Claiborne,  of  Mississippi,  for  the  plan  of  the  line  of  march  and 
urilcr  uf  battle  given  in  the  text.    lu  a' letter  to  -^c,  covering  the  drawings,  dated  "  Bay  St.  Louis,  MisslBsippl,  August 


i  1^ 


ii-V 


ft4 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  of  the  Fallen  TImhorR. 


Dcvastntloiig  around  Fort  Miami. 


The  Punishment  ofM'Kce. 


The  British  and  Ii 


i 
i 


On  the  moniing  of  the  20th,  at  eight  o'clock, 
Wayne  advanced  with  his  whole  army  accord- 
ing to  the  adopted  plan  of  march,  having  for 
his  subordinate  general  officers  Major  General 
Scott,  of  the  Kentucky  volunteei's,  and  Brig- 
adier Generals  Wilkinson,  Todd,  and  Barber. 
Tiioy  had  pi'oceeded  about  five  miles  when 
the  advanced  corps,  under  Major  Price,  were 
terribly  smitien  by  heavy  volleys  from  the 
concealed  foe,  and  were  compelled  to  fall  back. 
The  legion  was  immediately  formed  in  two 
lines,  i)rincipally  in  a  dense  wood  on  the  bor- 
ders of  a  wet  prairie,  where  a  tornado  had 
prostrated  a  large  number  of  trees,  making 
the  oper^jtions  of  cavalry  very  difficult.  This 
fallen  timber^  afforded  an  admirable  covert 
for  the  enemy,  who,  full  two  thousand  sti'ong, 
and  composed  of  Indians  and  Canadian  volun- 
teers,^  were  posted  in  three  lines,  within  sup- 
porting distance  of  each  other.  Wayne's 
troops  fell  upon  the  foe  with  fearful  energy, 
and  made  them  flee  toward  Fort  Miami  like 
a  herd  of  frightened  deer  to  a  covert.  In  the 
course  of  an  hour  the  victory  was  complete. 
Tiie  mongrel  horde  were  di-iven  more  than  two  miles  through  the  thick  woods,  and  left 
forty  of  tiieir  number  dead  in  the  i)athway  of  their  flight.  By  the  side  of  each  body 
lay  a  musket  and  b.'iyonet  from  British  armories.* 

Three  days  and  three  nights  the  victorious  army  remained  below  the  Rapids,  wield- 
ing the  besom  of  destruction  in  defiance  of  the  threats  of  the  commandant  of  Fort 
Miami,  within  view  of  whose  guns  Wayne  pitched  his  tents.  On  the  site  of  the 
present  Maumee  City,  tioncd,  and  chief  iiisti- 

near  Fort  Miami,  Colo-  ^y    y^C^Cc^  ,Jl^y^     ^^    gator  of  the  w.'ir,  had 

nel  M'Kee,  the  Brit-  •^^...^■■■■'y^'/r^^' •y^t^'^^'-'^'''''^  extensive  store -houses 
ish  agent  already  men-  and   dwellings,  for  ho 

was  carrying  on  a  most  lucrative  ti-ade  with  the  Indians.  These,  Avith  their  contents, 
were  committed  to  the  flames,  while  every  ])roduct  of  the  field  and  garden  above 
and  below  the  British  fort  was  utterly  destroyed.^     Wayne's  men  sometimes  ap- 


PLAN   or  TlIK   LINE   OP  MARCH.' 


I'l.AX    OF   TUB  UAllI 


!fi 


20,  ISCn,"  Mr.  Claiborne  remnrks:  "This  c'ny,  sixty-six  years  ago,  wna  fought  the  cr<'nt  Battle  of  the  Rapids.  I  send  you 
the  original '  Plan  of  the  Line  of  March'  and  of  the '  Order  of  liattlc.'  I  fonnd  tho-sc  diagrams  among  the  papers  of  my 
father,  the  late  General  C'aiborne,  who  was  in  the  battle,  a  lieutfuant  and  acting  adjutant  in  the  First  Regiment  United 
States  Infantry,  Colonel  J.  F.  Humtramck.  I  found  them  in  a  package  of  letters  from  Harrison  to  my  father,  the  'Plan 
of  the  Line  of  March'  indorsed,  In  my  father's  hanawriting, 'Lieutenant  Harrison's  Plan,  adopted  in  council,  August 
19,  '04.' 

"Wayne,  It  appears,  called  a  council  of  war  on  the  Iflth,  and  the  plan,  drawn  up  by  Harrison,  then  a  young  man  of 
twenty-one  years,  was  adopted  by  the  veteran  olTlcers  the  momeut  it  was  submitted— an  homage  to  skill  and  talent  rarely 
awarded  to  a  subaltern." 

'  ExiM.ANATioN  OK  THE  Pi.AN.  -A  A,  two  squadrous  of  expert  woodmen  ;  B  B,  two  squadrons  of  light  dragoons;  K  E. 
two  companies  of  infantry  fr(mt  and  rear ;  G  G,  one  trooj)  of  light  dragoons  on  enrh  flank ;  H  H,  one  company  of  infan- 
try on  each  flank ;  1 1,  one  squadron  of  dragoons  on  each  tlank  :  J  .1,  two  companies  of  riflemen  on  each  flank ;  K  K,  ex- 
pert woodmen  on  the  extreme  of  each  flank.  F  F  F  P  represent  the  main  army  in  two  columns,  the  legion  of  regular 
troops  on  the  right,  commanded  by  General  Wilkinson,  and  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  under  Scott,  on  the  left. 

»  This  conflict  is  often  called  in  history  .ind  tradition  the  Battle  of  the  Fallen  Timbers. 

'  There  were  about  seventy  white  men,  including  a  corps  of  volunteers  (Vom  Detroit  under  Captain  Caldwell. 

♦  Among  the  ofllccrs  mentioned  by  Wayne,  In  his  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  whose  services  demanded  special 
mention,  were  WilUinson  and  Hamtramck;  his  alds-de-camp  De  Butt,  Lewis,  and  Harrison;  Mills,  Covington  of  the 
cavalry,  Webb,  Slough,  Prior,  Smith,  Van  Rensselaer,  Rawlins,  M'Kenney,  Brook,  and  Duncan.  His  loss  in  killed  and 
wounded  was  1.1.1.  Of  these,  113  were  regulars.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  not  ascertainfid.  lu  their  flight  they  left 
forty  of  their  dead  in  the  woods. 

'  Wayne's  dispatch  lo  the  Secretary  of  War  fj-om  Fort  Deflitnce,  August  28, 1704. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


65 


Tbo  British  aud  Indians  humbled. 


Death  of  Turkey-foot. 


Scenes  at  the  Place  of  his  Death. 


l'I.\>    Uf   TIIK  UA'llLK  UF  TUE  FALLEN    TIMUKUS. 


proached  within  pistol-shot  of  Fort  Miami,  but  its 
guns  prudently  kept  silence.  Major  Campbell,  the 
commandant,  contented  himself  with  scolding  and 
threatening,  while  Wayne  coolly  defied  him  and 
retorted  with  vigor.  Tlieir  correspondence  was 
verj'  spicy,  but  harmless  in  its  effects. 

Among  the  brave  warinors  in  the  battle  who  was 
the  last  to  flee  before  Wayne's  legion,  was  Me-sa- 
sa,  or  Turkey-foot,  an  Ottawa  chief,  who  lived  on 
lilanchard's  Fork  of  the  Au  Glaize  River.  He  was 
greatly  beloved  by  his  people.  His  courage  was 
conspicuous.  When  he  found  the  line  of  the  dusky 
warriors  giving  way  at  the  foot  of  Presque  Isle 
Hill,  he  leaped  upon  a  small  boulder,  and  by  voice 
and  gesture  endeavored  to  make  them  stand  firm. 
He  almost  immediately  fell,  pierced  by  a  musket 
ball,  and  expired  by  the  side  of  the  rock.  Long 
years  afterward,  Avhcn  any  of  his  tribe  passed  along 
tlie  Maumee  trail,  they  would  stop  at  that  rock,  and  linger  a  long  time  with  mani- 
festations of  sorrow.  Peter  Navarre,  a  native  of  that  region,  and  one  of  General  Har- 
rison's most  trusted  scouts  during  the  War  of  1812,  who  accompanied  me  to  the 
spot  in  the  autumn  of  1800,  told  me  that  he  had  seen  men,  women,  and  children  gather 
around  that  rock,  place  bits 

of  dried  beef^  parched  peas  ^^  i.    ^^^c^  :~r::^  "  = .     -<,.--: 

and    corn,    and   sometimes  _x:abtf^3K;^":v^"  y   S^zJ---^-':  - 

some  cheap  trinket  upon  it,  -  ' 

and,  calling  frequently  u])on 
the  name  of  the  beloved  Ot- 
tawa, weep  piteously.  They 
carved  many  rude  figures  of 
a  turkey's  foot  on  the  stone, 
as  a  memorial  of  the  English 
name  of  the  lamented  Me-sa- 
sa.  The  stone  is  still  there, 
by  the  side  of  the  highway 
at  the  foot  of  Presque  Isle 
Hill,  ^vithin  a  few  rods  of 
the  swift -flowing  Maumee. 
Many  of  the  carvings  are 
still  quite  deep  and  distinct, 
while  others  have  been  ob- 
literated by  the  abrasion  of 
the  elements.'  Of  this  locality,  so  famous  in  the  chronicles  of  the  War  of  1812,1  shall 
have  more  to  say  hereafter. 


TDBKBV-FOOT  8  EOC'K. 


'  The  above  view  of  Tiirketi-fiwen  lioch  is  nt  the  foot  of  the  Maumee  Rnplds,  looking  up  the  fifream.  It  is  seen  in  the 
foreground,  on  the  rifht,  and  over  it  the  road  passing  over  Presque  Isle  Ilill.  It  was  hero,  and  farther  to  the  right,  that 
the  Indians  were  )>osted  among  the  fallen  trees.  On  the  left  Is  seen  the  Maumee,  which  here  sweeps  In  a  graceful  cnr^•e. 
Tlie  point  across  the  Maumee  at  the  bend  is  the  river  termination  of  a  plain,  on  which  General  Hull's  army  was  encamp- 
ed while  on  its  march  toward  Detroit  in  the  summer  of  1S12.    There  the  army  crossed  the  Maumee. 

Turkey-foot  Rock  is  limestone,  about  five  and  a  half  feet  in  length  and  three  feet  in  iieiu'ht.  It  is  about  three  miles 
above  Maumee  City.  In  allusion  to  the  event  whi.^h  the  rock  commemorates,  Andrew  Oofflnberry,  of  Perrysburg,  in  a 
poem  entitled  "The  Forest  Ranger,  a  Poetic  Tale  of  the  Westeia  Wilderness  of  1794,"  thus  wrote,  after  giving  an  ac- 
count of  Wayne's  progress  up  to  this  time : 

.    "  Yet  at  the  foot  of  rer.  Presque  Isie 
Brave  Me-sa-sa  was  warring  (till : 


tjf       !'      If 


f^ 

■■f 

1 

1 

1 

1 

) 

' 

m 


!?! 


I 


66 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Troops  bnlld  Port  Wayne. 


Colonel  Uamtramck, 


The  hnmbled  .udlans  sne  for  Peace. 


Having  thoroughly  accomplished  his  work,  Wayne  returned  with  his  army  to  Fort 
•  Angust  '2T,     Defiance,"  while  the  Indians,  utterly  defeated  and  disheartened,  retired  *o 

^^^-  the  borv'jrs  ofMaumec  Bay,  in  the  vicinity  of  Toledo,  to  brood  over  tlieir 
misfortunes  and  ponder  upon  the  future.  At  the  middle  of  September  the  victors 
moved  from  Defiance  to  the  head  of  the  Maumee,  and  at  the  bend  of  that  river,  just 
below  the  confluence  of  the  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Joseph's,  which  form  it,  they  built  a 
strong  fortification,  and  named  it  Fort  Wayne.  It  was  completed  on  the  22d  of  Oc- 
tober, and  was  immediate- 
ly garrisoned  with  infan- 
try and  artillery,  under 
Colonelllamtramck.'  This 
accomplished,  the  remain- 
der of  the  troops  left,  some 
for  Fort  Washington,  to  be 
discharged  from  the  serv- 
ice, and  tlie  others  for  Fort 
Greenville,  where  AVayuc  made  his  head-quarters  for  the  winter.     Thither  deputa- 


tions from  the  various  tribes  with  whom  he  had  been  at  war  came  to  Wayne,  and 
agreed  upon  preliminary  terms  of  peace.  They  well  remembered  his  assurance  that 
the  British  had  neither  the  power  nor  the  inclination  to  help  them — an  assurance 
verified  by  the  silence  of  Fort  Miami's  guns.  They  promised  to  meet  him  in  council 
early  in  the  ensuing  summer,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  definitive  treaty  of  j)eace 
between  the  United  States  and  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  Northwest.  Faithful  to  their 
promise,  chiefs  and  sachems  began  to  reach  Fort  Greenville  early  in  June.  A  grand 
council  was  opened  there  on  the  16th  of  that  mouth,  and  was  continued  until  the  10th 

He  stood  upon  a  lurge  rongh  stone, 
Still  denlint,'  random  blows  alone  ; 
But  bleeding  fast— glazed  were  his  eyes, 
And  feeble  grew  his  battle-cries ; 
Too  frail  his  arm,  too  dim  his  sight, 
To  wield  or  aim  his  axe  aright; 
As  still  more  frail  and  faint  he  grew, 
UU  body  on  the  rock  he  threw. 
As  coursed  his  blood  along  the  ground, 
In  feeble,  iow,  and  hollow  sound, 
Mingled  with  frantic  peals  and  strong. 
The  dying  chief  poured  forth  his  song." 
Here  follows  "The  Death-song  of  the  Sagamore." 

>  John  Francis  Hamtramck  was  a  most  faithful  and  nsefiil  officer.  He  was  a  resident  of  Northern  New  York  when  the 
Revolution  broke  out,  and  was  a  captain  In  the  Continental  army.  He  was  appointed  a  major  iu  the  regular  army  of  the 
United  States  In  September,  ITS!),  and  was  promoted  to  be  lieutenant  colonel  commandant  of  the  first  sub-legion  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1793.  He  commanded  the  left  wing  under  General  Wayne  In  the  battle  of  the  Maumee,  In  August,  17»4,  and  held 
the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel  in  the  First  Infantry  in  1790.  He  was  retained  as  colonel  on  the  reduction  of  the  army  in 
April,  1802,  and  on  the  11th  of  April  the  following  year  he  died  and  was  buried  at  Detroit. 

While  in  Detroit,  in  the  autumn  of  ISOO,  I  visited  the  grave  of  Colonel  Ham- 
tramck,  and  made  the  accompanying  sketch.  It  is  in  the  grounds  attached  to 
St.  Anne's  Orphan  Asylum,  and  between  that  Institution  and  St.  Anne's  Cliurch, 
both  belonging  to  the  Roman  Catholirs.  The  monument  over  his  grave  and 
the  grounds  around  it  were  much  neglected.  The  former  was  dilapidated,  the 
latter  covered  with  weeds  and  brambles.  The  monument  Is  composed  of  !i 
light  freestone  slab,  grown  dingy  from  the  effects  of  the  elements,  lying  upon 
a  foundation  of  brick.    It  bears  the  following  luscriptlon  : 

"Sacred  to  the  memory  of  John  Fkanois  Hamtbamok,  Ksq.,  Colonel  of  the 

First  United  States  Regiment  of  Infantry,  apd  Commandant  of  Detroit  and  iti^ 

dependencies.    He  departed  this  life  on  the  11th  of  April,  1803,  aged  46  years, 

7  months,  and  27  days.    True  patriotism,  and  zealous  attachment  to  national 

liberty,  joined  to  a  laudable  ambition,  led  him  Into  military  service  at  an  early 

period  of  his  life.    He  was  a  soldier  even  before  he  was  a  man.    He  was  an 

active  partlclpa    -  in  all  the  daniii  <  ■<,  difficulties,  and  honors  of  the  Revoiu. 

ttonary  War;  and  his  heroism  and  uniform  good  conduct  procured  him  the 

attention  and  personal  thanks  of  the  immortal  Washington.     The  United 

States,  in  him,  have  lost  a  valuable  officer  and  good  citizen,  and  society  a 

nseftil  and  pleasant  member.    To  his  family  his  loss  is  incalculable,  niul  his  friends  will  never  forget  the  memory  of 

Haratramck.    This  humble  monument  is  placed  over  his  remains  by  the  officers  who  had  the  honor  to  serve  under  his 

command:  a  small  but  grateful  tribute  to  hU  merit  and  bis  worth." 


HAMTRAMCK  8  TOMB. 


Treaty  with  the  In 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


67 


Treaty  with  tbo  Indians  at  UreecvUle. 


Pooco  secured. 


of  August.  Almost  eleven  hundred  Indians  were  present,  rejjresenting  twelve  tribes.' 
A  definitive  and  sat! ■'factory  treaty  was  signed  by  all  parties  on  the  3d  of  August, 
!ind  the  paeifieation  of  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest  was  thereby  made  comph'te.'- 
Hy  the  operations  of  a  8j)eeiul  treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Great  liritain, 
the  Western  military  posts  were  speedily  evacuated  by  the  British,  and  for  fifteen 
years  the  most  remote  frontier  settlements  were  safe  from  any  annoyance  by  the  In- 
dians. This  security  gave  an  immense  imi)etus  to  emigration  to  the  Northwestern 
Territory,  and  the  country  was  raj)idly  filled  with  a  hardy  population. 


1  Wyandots,  Dchnvares,  Shawuocsc,  Ottawoe,  Chlppcwas,  Pottawatomlos,  Mlamis,  Weas,  K'ckapoos,  Piaiikc8hawi<, 
KaKkanklnx,  and  Kol  River  Indians. 

2  After  the  treaty  had  been  twice  read  to  the  Indhuip,  and  every  eection  explained  by  Ocneri,!  V/aync,  that  nflloer 
said:  "HnitherH,— All  you  natlurs  now  present,  listen!  Yon  now  have  had,  a  cecond  time,  the  proposed  articles  of 
treaty  read  and  explained  to  you.  It  Is  now  time  for  the  ne^jotlatlon  to  draw  to  a  conclusion.  I  shall,  therefore,  ask 
each  nation  Individually  If  they  approve  of  and  are  i)repared  to  sign  those  articles  In  their  i.icsent  form,  that  they  may 
be  Immediately  enjj;rossed  for  that  purpose.  I  shall  begin  with  the  Chlppcwas,  who,  with  the  others  who  approbate  the 
measure,  will  si)j;nify  their  assent.  You,  Chlppcwas,  do  you  approve  of  these  articles  of  treaty,  and  are  you  prepared  to 
sign  themf  [A  nnanimons  answer— yes.]  You,  Ottawas,  do  yon  agree?  [A  unanimous  aiiswer— yes.J  You,  Potta- 
watomiesf  [A  unanimous  answer— yes.]  You,  Wyandots,  do  yon  agree?  [A  unanimous  answer— yes.]  Yon,  Dcla- 
warcs?  [A  unanimous  answer— yes.]  Yon,  Shawnoese?  fA  unanimous  answer -yes.]  You,  Miamis,  do  you  agree? 
[A  unanimous  answer— yes.)  Y'on,  Weas?  I A  unanimous  answer— yes.]  And  you,  Kickaiioos,  do  you  agree?  [A 
unanimous  answer— yes.]  The  treaty  shall  be  enatrossed ;  and,  as  it  will  require  two  or  three  days  to  do  It  properly  on 
l):irrhment,  we  will  now  part,  to  meet  on  the  2d  of  August.  In  the  Interim,  we  will  cat,  drink,  and  rojolco,  and  thank 
tlie  Great  Spirit  for  the  happy  stage  this  good  work  has  arrived  at." 

After  the  treaty  was  signed,  a  co|)y  of  it  on  paper  was  given  to  the  representative  of  each  nation,  and  then  a  1  rge 
quantity  of  goods  aiul  many  small  ornaments  were  distributed  among  the  Indians  i)rcsent.  On  the  Kith,  at  the  close  of 
the  council,  General  Wayne  said  to  them :  "  Brothers,  I  now  fervently  pray  to  the  Great  Spirit  that  the  jicacc  now  es- 
tablished may  be  permanent,  and  that  It  may  liold  us  together  in  the  bonds  of  friendship  until  time  shall  be  no  more. 
I  also  pray  that  the  Great  Spirit  above  may  enlit'liten  your  minds,  and  open  your  eyes  to  your  true  happU.ess,  that  your 
children  may  learn  to  cultivate  the  earth  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of  jjcace  and  Industry.  As  it  is  probable,  my  children, 
tliut  we  shall  not  soon  meet  again  in  public  council,  I  take  this  opportunity  of  bidding  you  all  an  afToctlonate  farewell, 
and  of  wishing  yon  a  safe  and  happy  return  to  your  respective  homes  and  families." 

By  this  treaty  the  Indians  ceded  about  twenty-tlve  thousand  square  miles  of  territory  to  the  United  States,  besides 
sixteen  se|)aratc  tracts,  including  lands  and  forts.  In  consideration  of  those  cessions,  the  Indians  received  goods  from 
tiie  United  States,  of  the  value  of  4f2i\UflO,  as  presents,  and  were  promised  an  annual  allowance,  valued  ut  $i)500,  to  be 
equitably  distributed  among  all  tlie  tribes  who  were  parties  to  the  treaty. 


lii 


58 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Orgnulzatlon  of  the  uow  aavernmont. 


Iti  Policy  Indicated. 


Its  Power  manlfKated. 


1  = 


CHAPTER  m. 

"What  coustltutcB  n  state f 

Mfn,  who  their  duties  know, 
But  know  their  ri^'htH,  and,  knowing,  dare  maintain; 

Prevent  the  loiiK-ahncd  blow, 
And  crush  the  tyrant  while  they  rend  the  chain— 

These  constitute  a  state," 


Sm  WlLLIAll  J0ME8. 


"  There's  a  warfare  where  none  hut  the  morally  brave 

Stand  nobly  and  tirmly,  their  country  to  save. 
,   'TIh  the  war  o{  ojiininn,  where  few  can  be  found. 

On  the  mountain  of  principle,  guarding  the  ground ; 

With  vlgilunt  eyes  ever  watching  the  foes 

Who  are  prowling  around  them,  and  aiming  their  blows." 

Mas.  Dana. 

IITLE  the  arm  of  military  power  was  removing  the  remains  of  a 
lioary  barbarism  from  the  beautiful  region  west  of  the  Allegha- 
nies,  preparatory  to  the  fouiuling  of  great  eommonwealths  there, 
the  new  national  goviniment  Avas  summoning  its  functions  into 
energetic  and  beneficent  action.  Men  were  never  called  upon 
to  perform  duties  of  greater  importance  and  momentous  conse- 
quences. They  were  charged  with  the  estalilishment  of  the  for- 
eign and  domestic  policy  of  a  nation,  "not  for  a  day,  but  for  all 
time."  The  President  and  the  Legislature  felt  the  responsibility,  and  in  solemn  earn- 
estness they  elaborated  schemes  for  the  future  prosperity  of  the  republic.  • 

The  earliest  efforts  of  Congress,  after  its  organization,  Avere  directed  to  the  arrange- 
ment of  a  system  of  revenue,  in  order  to  adjust  the  wretched  financial  affairs  of  the 
country.  Mr.  JNIadison,  the  tacitly  acknowledged  leader  in  the  House  of  Re])resenta- 
tives,  ])re8ented  the  plan  of  a  temporary  tariff  upon  foreign  goods  imported  into  the 
United  States,  with  provisions  favorable  to  American  shipping ;  also  a  scheme  of  ton- 
nage duties,  in  which  great  discriminations  were  made  in  favor  of  American  vessels, 
as  well  as  those  of  France,  Holland,  Sweden,  and  Prussia,  the  only  nations  having 
treaties  of  commerce  Avith  the  United  States.  An  efficient  revemie  system  was  speed- 
ily adopted  and  put  in  motion,  for  the  consolidated  government  possessed  inherent 
power  to  do  so. 

Tills  first  practical  exhibition  of  sovereignty  by  the  central  government  of  the 
United  States  opened  the  eyes  of  British  merchants  and  statesmen  to  the  fiict  that 
the  Americans  had  suddenly  made  a  stride  toward  absolute  independence — that  their 
commerce  was  no  longer  subjected  to  the  caprice  of  foreign  powers,  nor  neglected 
because  of  the  disagreements  and  jealousies  of  thirteen  distinct  Legislatures.  They 
perceived  that  its  interests  were  guarded  and  its  strength  nurtured  by  a  central 
poAver  of  Avonderful  energy,  and  that  the  ncAV  republic  had  taken  its  place  among 
the  family  of  nations  Avitli  just  claims  to  the  highest  respect  and  consideration.  Other 
nations  yielded  the  same  recognition,  and  its  future  career  Avas  contemplated  Avith 
peculiar  interest  throughout  the  civilized  Avorld. 

Wliile  the  House  of  Representatives  Avas  engaged  on  the  subject  of  revenue,  the 
Senate  was  occupied  in  arranging  a  judiciary  system.  A  bill  for  the  purpose  Avas 
offered  in  that  body  by  Oliver  EllsAvorth,  of  Connecticut.  Afler  undergoing  several 
amendments,  it  was  concurred  in  by  both  houses  of  Congress,  and  a  national  judiciary 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   18  12. 


59 


Tbe  Judiciary.         AmeiidmciiU  to  tho  Constltntlon.         Cabinet  MlulHteri.         Relntloiis  with  Franco  and  England. 

was  established  similar  in  all  its  essential  features  to  that  now  in  operation.  It  con- 
sisted of  one  chief  justice  and  five  associate  justices,  who  were  directed  to  hold  two 
sessions  annually  at  the  seat  of  the  national  j^overnment.  Circuit  and  district  courts 
were  also  established,  which  had  jurisdic^tion  over  certain  specified  cases.  Each  state 
was  made  a  district,  as  were  also  the  two  Territories  of  Kentucky  and  Maine.  The 
districts,  excepting  the  two  Territories,  were  jir()>iped  hi>  as  to  form  three  circ\iits.  A 
nnirsiial  and  district  attorney  were  appointed  for  each  district  by  the  President.' 

Tiie  subjects  of  revenue  and  judiciary  being  well  disposed  of,  Congress  next  turn- 
ed its  attention  to  the  organization  of  executive  departments.  Only  three — Treas- 
ury, War,  and  Foreign  Relations — were  established.  The  heads  of  these  were  styled 
Secretaries  instead  of  Ministers,  as  in  Europe.  The  President  of  the  United  States 
was  clothed  witli  power  to  ai)|)oint  or  dismiss  them  at  his  pleasure,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  the  Senati'.  Tliey  were  designed  to  constitute  a  cabinet  council,  ever  sub- 
ject to  the  call  of  the  President  for  consultation  on  public  affairs,  and  bound  to  give 
him  their  opinions  in  writing  ■when  required. 

The  attention  of  Congress  Avas  next  turned  to  the  amendments  of  the  Constitution 
proposed  by  the  peojde  of  the  several  states,  which  amounted,  in  the  aggregate,  to 
one  hundred  and  forty-seVv?n,  besides  separate  Bills  of  Rights  ])roposcd  l)y  Virginia 
and  New  York,  Sixteen  of  the  amendments  were  agreed  to,  and  twelve  of  them  were 
subsequently  ratified  by  the  people  and  became  a  part  of  tlie  organic  law  of  the  na- 
tion. The  profound  wisdom  of  the  framers  of  the  Constitution  and  its  own  perfection 
are  illustrated  by  the  faet  tliat,  of  tliese  twelve  amendmci  is,  not  one  of  them,  judged 
by  subsequent  experience,  was  of  a  vital  character. 

Before  the  adjournment  of  Congress  on  the  20th  of  Sejitember,"  the  Presi- 
dent had  appointed  Ids  Cabinet,^  and  the  new  government  was  fairly  set  in 
motion.  Its  foreign  relations  were,  <m  the  whole,  satisfactory,  and  only  in  England 
were  otlier  than  friendly  feelings  toward  the  Ignited  States  manifested.  Tiiesc  were 
met  b'  corresponding  ill  feeling  toward  England  on  this  side  of  tlie  Atlantic.  The 
reser'  ts  caused  by  the  late  long  Avar  were  blunted,  but  by  no  means  deprived  ot 

the'  iigth;  and,  finally,  the  fact  that  tlie  British  government  still  held  possession 

of  ^\  estern  military  posts  Avithin  the  boundary  of  the  United  States,  and  that  from 
these  had  gone  out  influences  Avhich  iiad  involved  their  country  in  a  bk)ody  and  ex- 
])L'nsive  Avar  Avith  the  Indians,  ])roduce(l  much  irritation  in  the  American  mind.  This 
was  intensified  by  the  Avounds  given  to  their  national  pride  by  the  British  govern- 
menf,  in  so  long  refusing  to  negotiate  a  connnercial  treaty  Avith  them,  and  declining 
to  reciprocate  the  friendly  advances  of  the  United  States  by  sending  a  minister  to  re- 
side at  the  national  capital. 

With  their  old  ally,  France,  the  most  ])erfect  friendship  still  existed,  but  it  Avas 
destined  to  a  speedy  interruption.  Events  in  that  country,  and  the  position  assumed 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States  in  relation  to  them,  caused  violent  animosity  to 
take  the  place  of  cordial  good  Avill,  and  Avere  among  the  causes  Avhich  gave  liirth  to 
j)arties  in  America  Avhose  collisions,  for  several  years,  shook  the  republic  to  its  centre, 
and  at  times  threatened  its  existence.  Tlie  animosities  of  these  parties,  and  the  col- 
lateral relations  of  national  policy  and  events  in  France  and  England  to  them,  Avill  be 
found,  as  Ave  proceed  in  our  narrative,  to  have  played  an  important  part  in  the  great 
drama  Ave  are  considering,  at  the  period  immediately  preceding  and  duruig  the  prog- 
ress of  the  War  of  1812. 


'  1T8». 


1  John  Jay,  of  New  York,  was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States ;  and  John  Rutledfre,  of  South  Carolina, 
Jamea  AVllson,  of  Pennsylvania,  AVIlllam  Cashing,  of  Massachusetts,  Robert  H.  Harrison,  of  Maryland,  and  John  Blair, 
of  A'Irfrinia,  were  appointed  associate  judges. 

'  Alexander  namilton  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Treasury ;  Henry  Knox,  Secretary  of  AVar ;  and  Thomas  Jeffer- 
son, Secretary  of  Foreign  Affairs,  the  duties  of  which  were  the  same  as  now  porforinod  by  the  Secretary  of  State,  or 
prime  minister.  The  Navy  Department  was  not  created  until  17!>S.  Naval  affairs  were  under  the  control  of  the  Secre- 
tiiry  of  War.  At  that  time  the  Attorney  General  and  Postmaster  General  were  heads  of  departments,  but  were  not,  as 
now,  Cabinet  offlcers.    Edmund  Randolj)!!  was  appointed  Attorney  General,  and  Samuel  Osjjood  Postmaster  General. 


60 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Revolutionary  Movemeuta  In  France. 


LoAiyette  the  Leader. 


Kzcltement  In  Parla. 


National  Auembly. 


Kxcltement  In  I 


At  tlii^  vt'iy  time  wlicn  the  fruits  oftlie  Aiiiericaii  Uevoliition  were  exhiliitinj,'  tlioir 
ripeiu'SH  iu  tlie  lorm  of  a  free  ami  vigorous  nation  full  of  promise,  tlie  i^^mjiiie  (_)f 
France,  made  unsound  to  the  core  by  social  and  political  corruptions  most  foul,  was 
HJiakcn  by  a  moral  cartli(iuake — a  revolution  severe  at  tlie  beginning,  and  terril)!e  in 
its  subse(iuent  ct)urse.  The  Fn  iich  monarch  was  weak,  his  advisers  were  wicked, 
and  the  dominant  classes,  through  lu.vury  and  concomitant  vices,  were  exceedingly 
corrupt.  The  good  and  the  brave  of  the  kingdom  hail  long  jierceived  the  abyss  of 
woe  ui»oii  the  brink  of  which  tlu'ir  country  was  j)oise<l,  and  with  a  heroism  which  in 
the  light  of  history  appears  almost  divuie,  they  resolved  to  Hound  the  trumpet  of  po- 
litical reform,  and  arouse  king,  nobles,  and  people  to  a  sense  of  solemn  duty  as  nu'ii 
and  |iatriots. 

At  the  head  of  these  brave  men  was  Lafayette,  seconded  chiefly  by  the  Duke  de 
Rochefoucauld  and  M.  Condorcet.  They  wished  to  obtain  for  France  a  Constitution 
similar  to  that  of  Fngland,  which  they  regarded  as  the  most  jK-rfect  model  of  human 
government  then  known.  They  loved  their  king  because  of  his  many  virtues,  and 
would  have  advised  him  wisely  had  their  voices  been  permitte<l  audience  in  the  Tui- 
leries;  but  they  loved  France  more  than  their  king,  and  desired  to  see  her  crowned 
with  true  glory,  basi'd  upon  the  welfare  and  prosj)erity  of  her  people.  To  accomplish 
this,  they  ])laced  their  hopes  on  a  virtuous  constitutional  monarchy. 

For  a  long  time  Lafayette  and  his  coadjutors  had  been  elaborating  their  scheme. 
At  length,  in  the  Assembly  of  Notables,  in  Ajiril,  1789,  that  champion  of  rational  lib- 
erty stood  up  in  his  place  and  boltlly  demanded  a  series  of  reforms  in  the  name  of 
the  2>coi)le,  one  of  which  Avas  a  representative  National  Assembly.  "What!"  ex- 
claimed the  Count  D'Artois,  one  of  the  king's  bad  advisers,  "do  you  make  a  motion 
for  the  States  General?"  "  Yes,  and  even  nu)re  than  that,"  (piickly  resj)onded  Lafay- 
ette. That  more  Avas  a  charter  from  the  king,  by  Avhich  the  pul)lic  and  individual 
liberty  should  be  acknowledged  and  guaranteed  by  the  future  States  General.  The 
proj)osition  was  received  Avith  unbounded  enthusiasm.  The  measure  Avas  carried. 
Early  in  May  a  session  of  the  States  General  Avas  opened  at  Versailles,  and  they  con- 
stituted themselves  a  National  Assembly. 

NoAV  Avas  the  golden  opportunity  for  King  Louis.  Slight  concessions  at  that  mo- 
ment might  have  secured  blessings  for  himself  and  his  country,  But  he  lieeded  the 
counsels  of  venal  men  more  than  the  supjjlicatioiis  of  his  real  friends.  lie  opposed 
the  ])opular  Avill,  and  took  the  road  to  ruin,  lie  ordered  the  liall  of  the  National  As- 
sembly to  be  closed,  and  ])laced  a  cordon  of  mercenary  German  trooj)S  around  Paris 
to  overaAve  the  peo])le.  From  that  time  until  early  in  July  the  French  cajiital  Avas 
dreadfully  agitated.  Passion  ruled  the  hour.  The  city  Avas  like  a  seething  caldron. 
Every  one  felt  that  a  terrible  storm  Avas  about  to  burst. 

The  National  Assembly  Avas  iioav  sitting  in  Paris,  and  thoroughly  sustained  by  the 
})cople.  They  called  for  the  organization  of  forty-eight  thousand  armed  militia. 
Within  tAVO  days^tAVo  hundred  and  seventy  thousand  citizens  Avere  enrolled.  A  state 
mayor  Avas  a])i)ointed  by  the  tOAvn  assembly,  and  the  Marquis  La  Salle  Avas  named 
commander-in-chief. 

Court  dispatches  Avere  intercepted  by  the  people  by  the  arrest  of  royal  couriers. 
Then  they  demanded  arms.  An  immense  assemblage  Avent  to  the  Hos])ital  of  the 
Invalids  on  the  10th  of  July,  and  demanded  from  the  governor  the  instant  delivery  to 
them  of  all  Aveapons  there.  He  refused,  and  they  seized  thirty  thousand  muskets  and 
tAventy  pieces  of  cannon.  Then  they  visited  the  shops  of  the  armorers  and  the  de- 
pository oftlie  Garde-meuble^awA.  seized  all  the  arms  found  there. 

Higher  and  lijgher  rose  the  tide  of  revolution.  The  girdle  of  soldiers  around  Paris 
Avas  the  chief  cause  for  present  irritation.  The  National  Assembly  sent  a  deputation 
to  the  king  at  Versailles  to  ask  him  to  remove  them.  His  good  heart  counseled  com- 
pliance, but  his  Aveak  head  boAved  to  the  demands  of  bad  advisers.     "  I  alone  have 


OK   THE   WAK    OF    1812. 


n 


Kxcltnninnt  In  I'arla. 


Purmiitlon  of  u  Natlunnl  Utiunl. 


Troachory  at  tbe  BmUIo. 


ThM  Mwm  dMinqrtd. 


tilt!  rii^lit  to  judpfo  of  tho  necessity,  and  in  that  respect  I  can  make  no  ctiiinj:;©,"  was 
till'  iiiuii^lity  iUiHWor  oftlio  iiini^  liorrio  l)iick  to  llic  AsHonilily.  Tiiis  answer,  and  tho 
ilixinissiil  of  ^l.  Nofkcr,  the  eoiitrolh'r  oftiie  treasury,  and  utiier  patriotic  ministers 
wlio  llivorcd  rt'f'onii,  produced  a  crisis. 

I'aris  was  eoniparaliveiy  (luict  on  the  nijj;ht  of  tl\e  13th  of  July.  It  was  the  omin- 
ous hill  before  tin-  burstini;  of  tlie  tempest.  The  streets  were  barricaded.  The  ]ieople 
formed  themselves  into  a  National  (Juard,  and  chose  Lafayette  as  their  commaiidiT. 
(iiui,  sabre,  scythe,  ami  whatever  weapon  fell  in  their  way  was  seized.  Multitudes 
of  nu'ii  of  tlu!  same  opinion  embraced  each  other  in  the  streets  as  brothers,  and,  in 
an  instant  almost,  a  National  (iuard  of  one  hundred  thousand  determined  men  was 
forn\ed. 

The  inr)rninLC  of  the  14th  was  serene.  The  sky  was  cloudless.  Rut  storms  of  |ias- 
siou  were  swcpintj  over  Paris.  The  people  were  in  motion  at  an  early  hour.  Their 
steps  wert!  toward  the  I5astile,  a  hoary  state  prison,  which  was  rci^arded  as  the  slroni^- 
hold  of  despotism.  They  stood  before  it  in  imnu'use  numbers.  A  ])arley  ensued. 
The  {fates  were  opened,  and  ibrty  leadincj  ■■itizens,  as  representatives  of  the  |)opn- 
laee,  were  allowed  to  enter.  The  bridi^es  were  then  suddeidy  drawn,  and  volleys 
of  musketry  soon  tohl  a  tak  of  treachery  most  foul.  They  were  all  murdered! 
That  moment  marks  the  openim;  of  the  terrible  scenes  of  the  Freiu-h  devolution. 
With  demoniac  yells  the  exasperated  ])o|)ulace  draLjijed  heavy  cannon  before  the 
tjates,  and  threatened  the  destruction  of  the  Hastile.  The  terrified  governor  displayed 
a  white  flai;,  and  invited  a  second  deputation  to  enter  the  gates.  These  shared  tho 
fate  of  the  former!  The  furious  multitude  would  no  loniijer  listen  to  words  of  |)eace. 
They  were  treacherous  all.  A  breach  was  soon  made  in  the  walls.  The  !.^overiu)r 
and  other  officers  were  draijijed  to  execution,  and  their  heads  were  paraded  upon 
pikes  through  the  streets.  The  great  iron  key  of  the  Bnstile  was  sent  to  the  City 
Hall.'  The  National  Assembly  decreed  the  demolititm  of  the  hated  jirison,  and  very 
soon  it  was  leveled  to  the  ground.''  Upon  its  site,  now  the  I'ltice  do  Jiantile,  stands 
the  Colnnin  of  Juhj^  erected  by  Louis  l'hili|)pe  to  commemorate  the  devolution  in 
18;?0,  which  placed  hini  on  the  throne.  Laliiyette  sent  the  key  of  the  JJastile  to 
Washington,  who  placed  it  in  the  broad  passage  at  Mount  Vernon,  where  it  still 
hangs. 

The  National  Assembly  elected  Lafayette  commander- in -chief  of  the  National 
(tuard  of  all  France,  a  corps  of  more  than  four  millions  of  armed  citizens.  They 
voted  him  a  salary  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  a  year,  but,  imitating  Washington,  he 
refused  to  accept  any  remuneration  for  his  services.  The  humbled  king  approved  liis 
appointment,  and  the  monarch,  deserted  by  his  evil  counselors,  threw  himself  upon 
the  National  Assembly.  "lie  has  been  deceived  hitherto,"  Lafayette  proclaimed  to 
the  public,  "but  he  now  sees  the  merit  and  justice  of  the  popular  catise."  The  over- 
joyed people  shouted  "  Long  live  the  king  I"  and  for  a  moment  the  Kevolution  seemed 
to  be  at  an  end  and  its  purposes  accomplished. 

But  Lafayette,  who  comprehended  the  labors  and  the  dangers  yet  to  be  encoun- 
tered, was  filled  with  ajiprehension.  The  wily  Duke  of  Orleans,  who  desired  the  de- 
struction of  the  king  for  the  base  purpose  of  his  own  exaltatitm  to  the  thnme,  was 
ijusied  in  sowing  the  seeds  of  distrust  am'oiig  the  people.^  The  d\ike  incited  them  to 
demand  the  monarch's  presence  at  the  Tuileries.  Louis  went  voluntarily  from  Ver- 
saijles  to  Paris,  followed  by  sixty  thousand  citizens  and  a  hundred  deputies  of  the 

'  For  a  picture  and  description  of  this  key,  see  LosslnR'a  FirUI-liook  of  the  Revnlution,  !i.,  2fli). 

'  A  picture  of  the  Bastilo  may  he  found  In  LoHsin^'s  H'lvie  of  \Va«hiniiton  ami  ita  AmoriatioiiH,  p.  221. 

'  "  lie  does  not,  Indeed,  i)o»6cs8  talent  to  carry  Into  execution  a  trrcat  project,"  said  Lafayette  to  John  Trumhull,  who 
•.vas  ahout  to  leave  Paris,  "blit  he  i)opsesses  Immeni'C  wealth,  and  France  ahoundf  in  marketable  talents.  Every  city 
and  to^vn  has  young  men  eminent  for  abilities,  particularly  In  the  law— ardent  in  character,  eloquent,  amhiticms  of  dis- 
tinction, but  poor."  Many  of  these  were  tho  men  who  composed  the  leaders  lu  the  Heign  of  Terror,  and  reddened  the 
streets  of  Paris  with  human  blood.  < 


u 


I 


C2 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


i  M 


European  Wur  expected.         Orent  Britain  and  Spain  in  lll-hamor. 


Attempt  to  extort  Jnetice  ftrom  Oreat  Britain. 


Assembly,  and  there  formally  accepted  the  Declaration  of  the  Rights  of  Man,  which 
was  presented  to  him.  The  people  were  satisiied,  and  the  duke  was  disapj)ointed. 
Order  reigned  in  Paiis  and  throughout  the  kingdom.  The  brjaring  of  these  events 
upon  our  suhjeot  will  be  obsei-ved  i»resently. 

At  this  timo  a  general  Euro])ean  war  seemed  inevitable.  A  long-pending  contro- 
versy between  Great  Hritain  and  Spain  renuiineil  unsettled.  It  was  believed  that 
Fi-ance,  with  her  traditional  hatred  of  Great  Britain,  would  side  with  Spain.  This 
alliance  would  menace  England  with  mu.'h  danger.  At  the  same  thne,  Spain,  a  de- 
clining power,  would  necessirily  be  much  embarrassed  by  war.  Viewing  this  situa- 
tion of  affairs  in  Western  Europe  with  the  eye  of  a  statesman,  Washington  concluded 
that  it  was  a  favorable  time  to  urge  npon  Si)ain  the  claims  of  the  United  States  to 
the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi,  concerning  which  negotiations  had  been  for 
some  time  pending,  and  also  to  press  upon  Great  liritain  tiie  necessity  of  complying 
with  the  yet  unfulfilled  articles  of  the  Treaty  of  1783.  Mr.  Carmichael,  the  American 
Charge  des  Affaires  at  the  Court  of  Madrid,'  Avas  instructed  not  only  to  press  the 
point  concerning  the  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  with  earnestness,  but  to  endeavor 
to  secure  to  the  United  States,'  "  cession,  Jie  island  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Floi-idas, 
offering  as  an  equivalent  the  abiding  fri'indship  of  the  new  republic,  by  which  the 
territories  of  Sj/ain  west  of  the  Mississippi  might  be  secured  to  that  government. 
At  the  same  time,  Gouverneur  Morris,  then  in  Paris,  was  directed  by  Washington  to 
repair  to  London,  and,  with  sincere  professions  of  a  desire  on  the  part  of  the  United 
States  "  to  promote  iiarmouy  and  mutual  satisfaction  between  the  two  countries," 
sound  the  British  mhiistry  on  the  subject  of  a  full  and  immediate  execution  of  the 
Treaty  ofl78.G.2 

Morris  had  a  formal  interview  with  the  Duke  of  Leeds,  the  Secretary  of  Foreign 
Affairs,  near  the  close  of  March,  1790.  He  was  received  with  cordiality,  and  was 
a.ssni'ed  of  the  earnest  desire  of  (4reat  Britain  to  cultivate  friendly  i-elations  with  the 
United  States,  and  the  determination  of  the  king  to  send  a  minister  to  America.  E  it 
when  Morris  attempted  to  hold  explicit  conversation  on  the  subject  of  his  semi-offi- 
cial mission  he  was  met  with  evi'.sion  and  reticence.  It  was  immediately  made  evi- 
dent to  \\'.  n  that  there  was  real  rehictance  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain  to  fulfill  the 
stipulations  of  the  Treaty  of  1783,  or  to  make  a  fair  commercial  arrangement,  and  that 
there  was  a  disposition  to  procrastinate  while  the  difficulties  between  Gi-eat  Britain 
and  Spain  remained  unadjusted.  He  found  great  misapjtrehensions  existing  in  En- 
gland concerning  the  real  character  of  the  Americans  and  their  government,  even 
among  the  best  informed.  They  overrated  the  importance  to  Americans  of  friendship 
with  them.  They  believed  thnt  trade  with  Great  Britain  was  of  vital  consetpience 
lO  vhe  Americans,  and  that  the  latter  would  make  an  international  commercial  treaty 
u])Ou  almost  any  terms  to  secure  it.  With  this  belief,  a  committee  of  Parliament,  to 
whom  had  been  referred  the  revenue  acts  of  the  United  States,  acting  under  the  ad- 
vice of  the  merchants  of  leading  maritime  towns  of  Great  Britain,  reported  early  in 
1 790,  in  favor  of  negotiating  a  commercial  treaty  with  the  Americans,  but  with  the 
explicit  declaration  that  the  commissioners  shoul<l  not  "  submit  to  treat"  for  the  ad- 
mission of  American  vessels  into  any  of  the  British  islands  or  colonial  ports.  They 
actually  believed  that  the  necessities  of  the  I'^nited  States  would  make  them  acqui- 
esce in  an  arrangement  so  ungenerous  and  partial. 

While  war  with.  Spain  seemed  .impending,  the  British  ministers  listened  compla- 
cently to  what  Moi-ris  had  to  say  about  the  frontier  inilitaiy  ))OSts,  the  inqji'cssment 
of  American  seamen  into  tlu!  British  naval  service  under  the  [»lea  that  they  Avere  sub- 

'  William  Carmichael  went  to  Spain  with  Minister  John  Jay,  ns  secretary  of  legation,  In  1779,  and  when  that  ftinctioii- 
ory  left,  Mr.  Carmichael  rcinaiued  as  Charge  (ten  Affaircn.  After  the  Treaty  of  Peace  was  ulcncrl  hi  ns.1,  the  Spanish  {tm- 
ernment  reuieed  to  acknowlciljje  him  e-i  bucIi,  bnt  lliiiilly,  tbroujjh  the  agency  of  Lafayette,  they  lelnctanlly  cont-enled 
to  do  BO. 

»  Washington's  letter  to  Qouvcnieur  Morris,  October  1.1, 1789. 


Dlsconrtesy  of  the  1 


MIMk- 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


63 


DlBConrtesy  of  tho  Hrltieh  Government. 


The  Americans  supposed  to  be  dependent. 


A  Change  of  Views. 


jccts  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  proj)riety  of  Beiuling  a  full  minister  to  the  United 
States.'  It  was  evident  that  the  British  were  willing  to  ruiow  their  relations  Avith 
tlie  Americans  to  remain  unchanged  until  they  should  have  a  definite  perce{)tion  of 
the  course  European  afi'airs  were  likely  to  take.  This  evidence  became  more  and 
more  manifest  in  the  a\itumn.  T!ie  French  government,  embarr."  *sed  by  its  own 
troubled  alfairs,  was  disinclined  to  take  part  with  Spain  in  its  quarrel,  and  the  latter, 
unable  alone  to  cope  with  Great  Britain,  yielded  every  ])oint  in  the  controversy,  and 
the  dispute  was  settled.  Relieved  of  this  burden  of  perplexity,  and  regarding  France 
as  hopelessly  crippled  by  her  internal  difficulties.  Great  Britain  showed  marked  indif- 
I'orenee  concerning  her  relations  with  the  United  States.  Nothing  more  was  said 
about  sending  a  minister  to  America,  and  Mr.  Morris  was  treated  with  neglect,  if  not 
with  positive  discourtesy. 

At  tho  close  of  the  year  Mr.  Morris  left  England.  He  had  been  there  about  nine 
months,  I'ndeavoring  to  obtain  a  positive  answer  to  the  simple  questions,  Will  you 
execute  the  Treaty  ?  will  you  make  a  treaty  of  commerce  with  the  United  States  ? 
At  the  end  of  that  time  the  real  views  of  the  British  government  were  as  hidden  as 
at  the  beginning.  Ungenerous  dijdomacy  had  been  employed  all  the  time  by  the 
Ihitish  ministry,  while  the  American  government  was  anxious  to  establish  ])eaceful 
relations  with  Great  Britain  and  all  the  world  upon  principles  of  exact  justice.  Its 
agents  w  ere  unskilled  in  the  low  cunning  of  diplomatic  art  which  at  that  time  dis- 
tinguished every  court  in  Europe,  and  they  lost  the  game.  Both  the  government  and 
people  of  the  United  States  felt  aggrieved  and  indignant  at  the  course  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, and  self-respect  would  not  allow  them  to  farther  press  the  subject  of  diplomatic 
intercourse  or  treaty  relations.  They  therefore  resolved  to  pause  in  action  until  the 
republic  should  become  strong  enough  to  speak  in  decisive  tones,  and  prepared  to 
maintain  its  declarations  by  corresponding  vigor  of  action. 

Great  changes  are  wrought  by  time.  The  march  of  stirring  events  in  Europe 
now  became  majestic,  for  a  new  and  important  era  was  daAvning ;  and  the  dignity 
and  importance  of  the  republic  beyond  the  sea  was  too  ajiparent  to  the  workl  to 
allow  the  British  government  to  maintain  its  indifterence  much  longer  without  evil 
consequences  to  itself  Already  France,  Holland,  and  Spain,  the  real  enemies  of  En- 
gland, had  placed  '•cprcsentatives  at  the  seat  of  our  national  government,  and  British 
jiride  was  compelled  to  yield  to  expediency.  In  August,  1791,  George  Hammond  ar- 
rived in  Philadelphia,  clothed  with  fidl  ministerial  powers  as  the  representative  of 
Great  Britain,  presented  his  credentials,  and  was  formally  received.  In  December 
following,  diplomatic  relations  between  the  two  goveniments  were  established  by  the 

1  Great  Britain  evidently  apprehended  an  alliance  of  the  United  States  with  Spain,  In  the  event  of  ii  war  between  the 
former  and  the  latter  power.  Dorchester,  the  Governor  of  Canada,  was  employed  to  ascertain  tho  disposition  of  the 
United  States  on  that  point.  lie  accordinply  asked  permission  to  pass  through  New  York  on  liis  way  to  Enjjland  :  and 
when  it  was  readily  granted,  as  he  expected,  he  sent  his  aid-de-camp,  Major  Feckwlih,  to  the  seat  of  the  United  States 
jrovcmment,  under  the  pretext  of  makinR  a  formal  acknowledgment,  but  really  to  seek  information  upon  the  subject  In 
(luestion.  He  flrst  approached  Mr.  Ilnmilton,  the  .Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  Afler  exprcssinj;  the  thanks  of  Lord  Dor- 
chester, he,  with  apparent  unconcern,  remarked  that  his  lordship  had  reason  to  fear  that  the  delays  which  Mr.  Morris 
experienced  in  England  wonld  be  attributed  to  a  lack  of  desire  on  the  part  of  the  British  ministry  to  adjust  every  mat- 
ter in  dispute  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.  In  behalf  of  his  lordship  he  was  Instructed  to  say,  that 
there  could  be  no  doubt,  not  only  of  tho  friendly  feeling  of  Great  Britain,  but  of  a  desire  on  her  part  for  an  alliance  \vith 
the  United  States.  Major  Beckwith  then  spoke  of  the  rupture  bet^veen  Great  Britain  and  Spain,  and  expressed  his  pre- 
s'lmptlon  that.  In  the  event  of  war,  the  United  States  would  And  It  to  their  interest  to  take  part  with  Great  Britain.  He 
then,  in  the  name  of  Dorchester,  disclaimed  any  inflnence,  under  British  authorities,  over  the  Indian  tribes  In  the  West. 
The  President  laid  the  matter  before  his  Cabinet,  and  it  was  agreed  to  draw  (Uit  from  the  ma|or  as  much  Information 
as  possible  by  treating  him  and  his  communicaticm  very  civilly.  But  he  obtained  no  Information  of  importance.  The 
matter  was  so  transparent  that  no  one  was  deceived.  "  What  they  [the  ministers]  are  saying  to  you,"  .Teflersnn  WTOte 
to  Morris  In  August,  "  they  are  saying  to  us  through  Quebec ;  but  so  informally  that  they  may  disavow  it  when  thev 
please.  .  .  .  Through  hini  fMaJnr  Beckwith]  they  talk  of  a  minister,  a  tr'-aty  of  commerce,  and  alliaiw.  If  the  object 
of  the  latter  be  honorable.  It  is  useless;  If  dishonornble,  inadmissible.  These  tamperlngs  prove  that  they  view  war 
II"  possible ;  and  some  symptoms  indicate  designs  against  the  Spanish  possessions  adjoining  us.  Tho  consequences  of 
llu'ir  ac(|Uiring  all  the  country  on  our  frontier  from  the  St.  Croix  to  the  St.  Mary's  are  too  obvious  to  yon  *-.  need  devel- 
ispaient.  You  will  readily  sec  the  dangers  which  would  then  environ  us.  .  ,  .  Wo  wish  to  be  neutr".;  „ud  we  will  be  so, 
t/lhi'u  wiU  execute  the  Treaty  fairl'j  and  altenijtt  no  conqtifals  mljainuKi  m." 


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64 


PICTOlilAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Effort)!  for  the  Establlnhinciit  of  the  Public  Credit.       Ilnmitton's  Protest  against  tuiiiperiiig  witli  tliu  Natiouul  Honor. 


appointment  ofTliom- 
a.s  Pinckney,  of  South 
Carolina,  as  Aniorican 
niinister  to  tlie  Court 
of  St.  James.' 

At  about  this  time 
two  violently  antaj^- 
onistic  parties  had  as- 
sumed definite  sluipe 
and    forniidahle    i)ro- 
portions  in  the  United 
States,  the   aeknowl- 
edged  heads  of  which  Aj 
AV"ero  Alexander  I fam- 
ilton  and  Thomas  Jef- 
ferson,   members '  of 
Washington's     Cabi- 
net.   On  the  former, 
!is  Seer 
Treasui 
the  ini})ortant  duty 


iT.^'devoivcui  Oh4/yi^c^  ou^o^y^jz. 


^ 


the  establishment  of 
the  public  credit.'^  Ow- 
ing to  long  delay,  and 
doubts  and  discour- 
agements in  the  minds 
of  the  original  holdeis 
of  the  eviilences  of  the 
public  debt,  they  had 
fallen  into  the  liand,s 
of  speculators  at  one 
sixth  of  their  nominal 
value.  It  was  there- 
fore argued  that,  in 
the  licjuidation  of  these 
claims,  there  should  be 
a  scale  of  depreciation 
adopted,  thereby  mak- 
ing a  saving  to  the 
public  treasury. 

Hamilton  wotdd 
listen  favorably  to 
no  suggestions  of 


to  arrange  a  plan  for 

tliat  kind.  With  the  sagacity  of  a  statesm.an,  the  shicerity  of  an  honest  man,  and  the 
ti-ue  lieart  of  a  patriot,  he  planted  his  foot  firmly  upon  the  ground  of  justice  and 
honor,  and  declared  that  public  credit  couhl  only  be  established  by  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  public  obligations  in  strict  conformity  to  the  terms  of  the  contract.  These 
debts  were  originally  due  to  officers  and  soldiers,  farmers,  mechanics,  and  patriotic 
caj)italists,  and  were  sacred  in  the  estimation  of  honest  men;  and  it  was  no  just  ])lea 
for  their  whole  or  j)artial  repudiation  that  speculators  would  jirofit  by  the  honesty  of 
tile  government.  It  was  not  for  the  debtor  to  inquire  into  whose  hands  his  written 
promises  to  pay  were  lodged,  nor  Iioav  they  came  there.^  Upon  this  lofby  foundation 
of  principle  Hamilton  stood  before  hosts  of  his  frowning  countrymen,  ct)nscious  of  the 
importance  of  financial  honor  and  integrity  to  the  infant  republic,  and  determined  to 
secure  for  it  the  dignity  which  justice  confers,  at  whatever  cost  of  personal  popularity. 
•Jnuuaryu,  Hl'  accordingly  presented  to  Congress,"  in  an  able  rei)ort,  a  scheme  "for 
^''■"*'  the  support  of  the  public  credit,"  whose  principal  feature  was  the  funding 

of  tlie  public  debt — a  plan  proposed  by  him  to  Kobert  Morris  as  early  as  1782.  He 
also  proposed  tlie  assumj)tion  by  the  general  govermnent  of  the  state  debts  incurred 
during  the  war,  amounting,  in  prhieipal  and  interest,  to  over  twenty  millions  of  dol- 

'  Tluimnf"  Pinclinpy  wnf  born  in  Chnrlpston,  Sonth  C'nrolina,  23<1  of  October,  1750.  He  was  edncnted  in  Enplnnd. 
Wlien  Itie  Hcvulution  brolie  onl  he  entered  the  military  kci  vice,  and  was  active  until  Oates's  defeat  near  Cnmrten,  in 
AuirUKt.  17S(I,  when  he  wax  made  a  prisoner,  lie  was  Gates's  aid.  He  was  chosen  Governor  of  South  Carolina  In  17>T. 
In  17!I2  he  went  as  minisler  to  Enirland.  In  17(14  lie  was  sent  in  the  same  cajiacity  to  Spain,  to  treat  concerning  the  nav- 
igation of  the  Mississippi.  At  the  becinnincr  of  ispi  the  President  appointed  him  to  the  command  of  the  Southern  divi- 
sion of  tlie  army,  .\fter  the  war  General  Pinckney  retired  to  private  life.  He  died  on  the  iid  of  November,  1828,  ajjied 
seventy-eiu'lit  years. 

=  The  Impoverished  condition  of  the  country,  and  the  wants  of  the  public  treasury  at  that  time,  may  be  compreheudcil 
by  the  fact  that,  at  the  close  ofl7Sil,  the  Attorney  General  and  several  members  ^f  Cimgccss  were  iiidi'lited  to  the  pri- 
vate credit  of  the  Secretnry  of  the  Treasury  to  dis eharfre  their  personal  expenses.  Even  the  President  of  the  I'niteil 
States  was  oblitred  to  pass  his  note  to  his  jirivate  secretary,  Mr.  I.ear.  to  meet  his  iKUisehold  expi uses,  which  was  dis- 
counted at  the  rate  of  two  per  cent,  a  month.  Members  of  Congress  were  paid  by  due-bills,  which  the  collectors  were 
ordered  to  receive  in  payment  of  duties. —Hamilton's  TJintnTii  of  tin'  Hrjtvhh'r  nf  On:  United  SlaUK^  lv.,4S. 

■'  Hamilton  arjrued  that,  besides  motives  of  political  expediency,  there  were  reasons  In  favor  of  his  view  "which  reft 
on  the  iminutable  principles  of  moral  obllfratlon ;  and,  in  proportion  .as  the  mind  is  disposed  to  eoiitem|)late,  iu  llic 
order  of  Providence,  an  ultimate  connection  lietwcen  puliiic  virtue  and  pnldic  linpiiiness,  will  be  its  repnimance  to  a  vio- 
lation of  those  jirlnciples.  This  relied  ion  derives  additiimal  strent'th  from  llie  nature  of  the  debt  of  the  United  State.". 
Tt  was  thk  iMuen  ok  i.iiiF.nTv.  The  faith  of  America  has  been  repeatedly  i)ledged  for  it,  and  with  soionnitics  that  give 
(leculior  force  to  the  obligation." 


IIarallton'8  Finauci 


lars.    Ilis  sclu 

from  taxation. 

This  scheme 

est  vehemence 

assumption  of 

fearfully  agita 

to  the  prineipl 

sitions,  especii 

with  alarm  by 

because  of  the 

to  the  general 

and  as  being  al; 

scheme  great 

might  lead  to  i 

areliy.     These 

regarded  the  Bi 

centralization  o 

shafts  of  person 

and  abused  as  a 

of  opinion  was  f 

Wliile  Washi 

niaiided  his  liigl 

for  restoring  tlie 

dieted  great  ant 

Confidenee  was 


'  At  that  time  the  wh| 

I'ca,  estahlLshed  in  Phila 

York  City ;  and  the  Ha 

term  of  twenty  years,  w 

intrusted  to  twenty-live 

Thesnliject  ofcurrenc 

fCDted  an  able  report  on 

of  all  the  states.    Starti 

money;  Ten  units  to  be 

jiresent  currency) ;  and  t 

ported  a  table  iu  17s(,  in 

etrike  four  coins,  namely 

a  hundredth  of  a  dollar  i 

our  cfiit,  (iitnf,  dollar,  an 

the  subject  was  taken  in 

afterward  the  operation) 

Confrress  long  debates  w 

The  Senate  proposed  thi 

should  occupy  the  chair 

the  head  of  Liberty  was 

llfry  of  the  President— lei 

tlnally  adopted.    Durluj; 

called  "  specimens,"  now 

connoisseurs,  were  struc 

kuown  as  the  "  LIberty-c 

session.  The  mint  was  fli 

=  "  The  public  paper  si 

which  Individuals  acquire 

•  Robert  Morris  had  coi 
ley,  of  noston,  an  English 
money.  In  November  Mi 
preparation  of  machinery 
try  blacksmith,  named  W 
fiire  any  machinery  was  p 
on  the  2d  of  April,  178.%  M 
silver  coin,  being  the  first 
mint,  having  charge,  also, 
Hail  &  Sellers,  the  printei 
mint,  and  Mr.  Dudley,  ofte 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


65 


nnrailton's  FInauclal  Scheme  ansailed. 


Bunking  Capital  In  the  United  States. 


A  Decimal  Currency  adopted. 


lars.  His  scheme  ineludccl  tlic  establishment  of  a  national  bank,'  a  system  of  revenue 
from  taxation,  internal  and  external,  and  a  sinking  fund. 

This  scheme — just,  patriotic,  necessary,  and  beneficial — was  assailed  with  the  great- 
est vehemence,  and  the  discussions  which  it  elicited,  especially  ujjou  the  subject  of  the 
assumption  of  the  state  debts,  in  Congress,  in  the  public  j)ress,  and  in  private  circles, 
fearfully  agitated  the  nation,  and  created  tiie  first  regular  and  systematic  opposition 
to  the  principles  on  Avhich  the  affairs  of  the  republic  were  administered.  Its  propo- 
sitions, especially  the  one  relating  to  the  assumption  of  state  debts,  were  regarded 
with  alarm  by  the  late  opponents  of  the  Constitution  and  a  consolidated  govermnent, 
because  of  their  tendency  to  a  centralization  of  power,  as  giving  an  undue  influence 
to  the  general  government  by  placing  the  purse  as  well  as  the  sword  in  its  hands, 
and  as  being  also  of  doubtful  constitutionality.  Many  believed  that  they  saw  in  this 
scheme  great  political  evils,  because  it  secured  the  financial  union  of  the  states,  and 
might  lead  to  the  establishment  of  a  government  as  absolute  as  a  constitutional  mon- 
archy. These  suspicions  Avere  strengthened  by  the  well-known  fi^ct  that  Hamilton 
legardcd  the  British  government  as  a  model  of  excellence,  and  had  advocated  greater 
centralization  of  power,  in  the  Convention  of  1787.  He  Avas  made  the  target  for  the 
shafts  of  personal  and  political  malice,  and  his  financial  system  was  misrepresented 
and  abused  as  a  scheme  for  enriching  a  few  at  the  expense  of  the  many.''  The  war 
(if  oi)inion  Avas  fierce  and  uncompromising. 

While  Washington  took  no  part  in  the  discussion  of  Hamilton's  scheme,  it  com- 
manded his  highest  admiration,  as  the  most  perfect  that  human  wisdom  could  devise 
for  restoring  the  public  credit  and  laying  the  foundation  of  national  policy.  He  ])re- 
(licted  great  and  lasting  good  from  its  adoption,  and  his  prophecies  Avere  fulfilled. 
Confidence  was  revived,  and  that  acted  like  magic  upon  industry ;  and  then  com- 


r 


'■'l  f. 


m' 


'  At  that  time  the  whole  banking  cnpitfil  of  the  United  States  was"  only  $2,000,000,  inveflted  in  the  Bant  o/.Aor^/lm^- 
ii-o,  established  in  Philadelphia  by  Robert  Morris,  chiefly  as  a  government  fiscal  agent ;  the  Dank  nf  Sew  Ytrrk,  in  New 
York  City;  and  the  Hank  o/ Ma>isaclmnrtt!i,  in  Boston.  In  January,  ITOl,  Congrcw  chartered  a  national  bank  for  the 
term  of  twenty  years,  with  a  capital  of  $10,000,000,  to  be  located  In  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  its  management  to  be 
intrusted  to  twenty-five  directors.    It  did  not  commence  business  operations  in  corporate  form  until  In  February.  1794. 

The  subject  of  currency  bad  occupied  the  attention  of  the  old  Congress  as  early  asl7S2,  when  Gouvenieur  Morris  pre- 
sented an  able  report  on  the  subject,  written  at  the  request  of  Robert  Morris.'  lie  proposed  to  harmonize  the  nuineys 
of  all  the  states.  Starting  with  one  ascertained  fraction  as  a  unit,  for  a  divisor,  he  proposed  the  following  table  of 
money :  Ten  units  to  be  equal  to  one  penny ;  ten  pence  to  one  bill ;  ton  l)ills,  one  dollar  (about  seventy-five  cents  of  our 
present  currency);  and  ten  dollars,  one  crown.  Mr.  JefTerson,  as  chairman  of  a  committee  on  the  subject  of  coins,  re- 
jjorted  a  table  in  Usi,  In  which  he  adopted  Morris's  decimal  system,  but  entirely  changed  its  details,  lie  proposed  to 
i-trike  four  coins,  namely,  a  golden  piece  of  tiie  value  of  ten  dollars,  a  dollar  in  silver,  a  tenth  of  a  dollar  in  silver,  and 
a  hundredth  of  a  dollar  in  copper.  This  report  was  adopted  by  Congress  the  following  year,  and  this  was  the  origin  of 
our  cent,  dime,  dollar,  and  eaijle.  The  establishment  of  a  mint  for  coinage  was  delayed,  and  no  legislative  action  on 
the  subject  was  taken  until  early  in  April,  1702,  when  laws  were  enacted  for  the  preparation  of  one.  For  three  years 
afterward  the  operations  of  the  mint  were  chiefly  experimental,  while  In 
Congress  long  del)ates  were  had  concerning  the  devices  for  the  new  coins. 
The  Senate  proposed  the  head  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  who 
"hould  occupy  the  chair  of  state  at  the  time  of  the  coinage.  In  the  House, 
the  head  of  Lil)erty  was  suggested,  as  being  less  aristocratic  than  the  ef- 
figy of  the  President— less  the  stamp  of  royalty.  The  head  of  Uiierly  wifs 
finally  adopted.  During  that  interval  of  three  years,  several  of  the  coins 
called  "  specimens,"  now  so  rare  In  cal)inet8,  and  so  much  sought  afler  by 
ccmnoisseurs,  were  struck.  Of  these  the  rarest  is  a  small  cojjper  coin, 
known  as  the  "  Lilierty-cap  cent."  The  engraving  is  from  one  In  mv  pos- 
scf.sion.  The  mint  was  first  put  into  full  operation,  in  Phil.ulelphla,  In  170,'i. 

=  "The  public  paper  suddenly  rose,  and  was  for  a  short  time  above  par,"  savs  Marshall.  "The  immense  wealth 
which  individuals  acquired  by  this  unexpected  appreciation  could  not  be  viewed  with  indifference." 


LInERTY   CENT. 


•  Robert  Morris  had  considered  the  subject  for  more  than  n  year.  As  early  as  July,  17S1,  he  wrote  to  Benjamin  Dud- 
ley, of  Boston,  an  Englishman,  requesting  him  to  come  to  Philadelphia,  that  he  mlL'ht  consult  him  about  the  colnace  of 
money.  In  November  Mr.  Dudley  was  employed  iji  assaying.  Mr.  Morris  keiit  him  engaged  in  experiments,  and  in  the 
lireparatlon  of  machinery  for  a  mint.  In  tliese  Mr.  Dudley  C(msnlled  Dr.  Rittenhouse  and  Francis  llopkinson.  A  conn- 
try  blacksmith,  named  Wheeler,  was  employed  to  make  the  rollers  for  the  mint,  and  it  was  July  the  fcdlowlng  year  bc- 
f  ire  any  machinery  was  perfected.  Mr.  Morris  labored  hard  to  get  the  mint  in  operalbm,  but  without  success.  Finally, 
iin  the  2d  of  April,  1783,  Morris  was  enabled  to  write  in  ills  diary,  "  I  sent  for  Af  r.  Dudlev,  who  delivered  nie  a  piece  of 
tilver  coin,  being  the  first  that  has  been  atrnck  as  an  American  coin."  Mr.  Dudley  was  installed  superintendent  of  the 
mint,  having  charge,  also,  of  the  preparation  of  the  paper  moulds,  etc.,  in  the  manufacture  of  the  currency  printed  by 
Hall  &  Sellers,  the  printers  of  the  Continental  mo.iey.  Finallv,  In  .Tiilv,  Mr.  Morris  gave  -  the  idea  of  estubllghlng  a 
mint,  and  Mr.  Dudley,  after  dcUvering  up  the  dies  to  him,  left  his  gervlce.-RonuBT  MoBHis'sWurj/. 

E 


'n 


5,-' 


W' 


-I 


III  ^i 


!| 


iif 


I 


•tl 


66 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Mr.  Jeffersou  In  France.  Uls  Reception  In  Now  York.  His  Suspiclona  of  former  Colleagues  and  Compatriots. 


monced  that  wonderful 
development  of  material 
wealth  which  has  gone  on 
with  few  hitermissions 
until  the  present  time. 

While  these  discus- 
sions were  at  their  height, 
Jefterson  arrived  at  the 
seat  of  government,  to  as- 
sume the  duties  of  Secre- 
tary of  State.  He  had 
but  lately  returned  from 
France,  where  he  had  la- 
bored for  several  years 
m  the  di[)lomatic  service 
of  his  country.     lie  had 


witnessed  the  uprising  of 
the  people  there  at  the 
bidding  of  Lafiiyctte  and 
others  a  few  months  be- 
fore. The  example  of  his 
own  country  was  the  star 
of  hope  to  the  French 
revolutionists,  and  as  the 
author  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence^  he  was 
regarded  as  an  oracle,  and 
courted  by  the-leaders  of 
the  constitutional  party 
there.  Fresh  from  the 
fields  of  political  excite- 
ment in  the  French  cajii- 


tal,  and  his  inherent  democratic  principles  and  ideas  intensified  and  enlarged  by  these 
experiences,  he  came  home  full  of  enthusiasm,  expecting  to  find  every  body  in  his  own 
country  ready  to  speak  a  sympathizing  word  for,  and  to  extend  a  helping  hand  to  the 
people  of  France,  the  old  ally  of  Americans  in  their  efl:brts  to  establish  for  themselves 
a  constitutional  government. 

But  Mr.  Jeiferson  was  disappointed.  When  ne  arrived  in  New  York,  after  a  tedi- 
ous journey  of  a  fortnight  on  horseback,  he  was  warmly  welcomed  by  the  leading 
families  of  the  citj%  and  became  the  recipient  of  almost  daily  invitations  to  social  and 
dinner  parties.  The  wealthier  and  more  aristocratic  classes  in  New  York,  Avho  gave 
dinner  jiartics  at  that  time,  were  mostly  Loyalists'  families,  who  remembered  the 
pleasant  intercourse  they  had  enjoyed  with  the  British  officers  during  the  late  Avar, 
and  had  always  regard"d  the  British  form  of  government  as  the  most  perfect  ever 
devised.  Free  from  political  restraint,  their  conversation  was  open  and  frank,  ami 
their  sentiments  were  expressed  Avithout  reserve.  Mr.  Jefferson  was  continually 
shocked  by  the  utterance  of  opinions  repugnant  to  his  faith,  and  in  contrast  Avith  his 
recent  experience.^ 

Mr.  Jefterson,  who  was  sensitively  and  even  painfully  alive  to  the  evils  of  despotism 
and  the  dangers  of  a  goveniment  stronger  than  the  people,  took  the  alarm,  and  lie 
became  morbidly  suspicious  of  all  around  him.  The  conservatism  of  Washington  and 
his  associates  in  the  government,  and  their  lack  of  enthusiasm  on  the  subject  of  the 
French  Revolution,  Avhich  so  filled  his  OAvn  heart,  Avere  construed  by  him  as  indiftei- 
ence  to  the  diflfusion  of  democratic  ideas  and  the  triumph  of  republican  principles,  for 
which  the  patriots  in  the  Avar  for  independence  had  contended.  He  had  scarcely 
taken  his  seat  in  the  Cabinet  before  he  declared  that  some  of  his  colleagues  held  de- 
cidedly monarchical  vieAvs,  and  it  became  a  settled  belief  in  his  mind  that  there  Avas  a 
party  in  the  United  States  constantly  at  Avork,  secretly  and  sometimes  openly,  for  tlic 
overthroAV  of  republicanism.  This  idea  became  a  sort  of  monomania,  and  haunted 
him  until  his  death,  more  than  thirty  years  afterward. 

Events  in  France  soon  began  to  make  vivid  impressions  upon  the  public  mind  in 
America.  The  fears  of  Lafayette  were  realized.  The  lull  that  succeeded  the  tempest 
of  1789,  was  only  the  precni-sor  of  a  more  terrible  storm  in  1791,  that  shook  European 
socirty  to  its  deepest  foundations,  and,  like  the  great  earthquake  of  1755,  was  felt  in 
alm<   t  «very  part  of  the  globe. 

•  "I  can  net  describe  the  wonder  and  mortification  with  which  the  table  conversation  filled  me,"  Mr.  Jcflierson  wrote. 
"PoIfttB  W8»  the  drief  topic,  and  a  prcfff-iice  for  a  klnsjly  over  republican  govornmont  was  evidently  the  favorite 
■enttmcA.  An  apraatate  I  could  not  be,  nm  yet  a  hypocrite :  and  I  found  mynelf,  for  the  most  part,  the  onl-  advocate 
on  the  nuBblican  mde  of  the  (i"  ■'Hon,  unless  animii;  the  imettB  there  chanced  to  he  some  member  of  that  party  from 
Uie  leglMMtre  housee."    Thi!'      i  Uc  first  mention  that  we  ui.  y  where  find  of  a  VciHiblicon  Party  In  this  couLiry, 


Formation  of  the. 

Long  befor 
Avliose  ieelint 
their  attenda^ 
as  an  imj)ost 
circumstance 
folloAved  tlie 
lliey  noAv  j)u 
Avhose  design 
spirit  of  revolt 
^tate.     Their 
church  Avas  p( 
National  Guar 
Disgusted  AS- 
of  the  National 
exceedhigly  po 
abroad.     The  \ 
classes.    Tlie  fli 
Avas  arrested  aii 
(tuards.     He  e: 
insults  in  the 
strife. 

Tile  populace 

and  member  of 

tioned  for  the  <1 

ui)on  them,  and  i 

yet  the  popularii 

The  Constitut 

ami  solemnly  sw 

the  kingdom,  and 

the  Carmagnole 

dered  along  the  1 

TJiere  Avas  Avi( 

I'lovements  in  Fr 

like  patriotism. 

tiile  of  social  life 

ant.igonistic  part' 

crystallizations,  j. 

rotary  of  State,  :u 

ance  in  their  view 

each  other.     Jofib 

of  political  strife  :i 

giiarantees  of  lihc 

and  desired  to  ini] 

tlie  funding  systeii 

cise  laAv — creation 

'  "lam  exposed  to  the 
ever  acts  or  means  wrong 
-nil  parties  against  me,  a 
lip  to  all  the  madncBs  ofli 
the  constitntionai  channel. 

'  Upon  a  tree  planted  on 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   18  12. 


67 


Formation  of  the  Jacobin  Club  In  Paris.    Demornliziition  of  the  National  Guard.    A  Constitution  granted  to  the  People. 

Long  before  the  meeting  of  the  States-general  at  Versailles,  forty  intelligent  men, 
whose  feelings  were  intensely  democratic,  Avho  avowed  their  hatred  of  kuigs  and 
their  attendant  titles  and  privileges,  and  who  ridiculed  and  contemned  Christianity 
as  an  imjiosture,  liswl  met  in  the  hall  of  the  Jacobin  monks  in  Paris,  and  from  that 
circumstance  were  called  the  Jacobin  Club.  In  the  commotions  that  attended  and 
followed  the  destruction  of  the  Bastile,  this  club  had  gained  immense  popularity, 
llicy  now  published  a  ncwspa])er,  whose  motto  was  Liheuty  and  Equality,  and 
whose  design  Avas  to  disseminate  ultra  democratic  doctrines,  irreligious  ideas,  and  a 
spirit  of  revolt  and  disaffection  to  the  king.  They  became  potential — a  power  in  the 
state.  Their  influence  was  every  where  seen  in  the  laxity  of  public  morals.  The 
cliurch  Avas  polluted  with  the  contagion.  A  refractory  spirit  a])peared  among  the 
National  Guards,  and  the  king  and  his  family  were  insulted  in  public. 

Disgusted  with  these  evidences  of  demoralization,  Lafayette  resigned  his  command 
of  the  National  Guard,  but  resumed  it  on  the  solicitation  of  sixty  battalions.  He  Avas 
exceedingly  popular,  yet  he  could  not  AvhoUy  control  the  spirit  of  anarchy  that  Avas 
abroad.  The  king,  alarmed,  fled  in  disguise  from  Paris.  Terror  prevailed  among  all 
classes.  The  flight  of  the  monarch  Avas  construed  into  a  crime  by  his  enemies,  and  he 
Avas  arrested  and  brought  back  to  Paris  imder  an  escort  of  thirty  thousand  National 
Guards.  He  excused  his  moAcment  Avith  the  plea  that  he  Avas  expo  ed  to  too  many 
insults  in  the  capital,  and  only  wished  to  live  quietly,  aAvay  from  the  scenes  of 
strife. 

The  populace  were  not  satisfied.  Led  by  Robespierre,  a  sanguinary  demagogue, 
and  member  of  the  Constituent  Assembly,  they  met  in  the  Elysian  Fields,  and  peti- 
tioned for  the  dethronement  of  Louis.  Four  thousand  of  the  National  Guard  fired 
upon  them,  and  killed  several  hundred.  The  exasperation  of  the  people  Avas  terrible, 
yet  the  ])opularity  of  Lafayette  held  the  factious  in  check.' 

Tlie  Constitution  Avas  completed  in  [September.  The  trembling  king  accepted  it, 
and  solemnly  SAVore  to  maintain  it.  Proclamation  of  the  fact  Avas  made  throughout 
tlie  kingdom,  and  a  grand  fete,  whereat  one  hundred  thousand  people  sang  and  danced 
tiic  Carmagnole  in  the  Elysian  Fields,  Avas  held  at  Paris,  and  salvos  of  cannon  thiiii- 
deied  along  the  banks  of  the  Seine.^ 

There  Avas  Avide-spread  sympathy  in  the  United  States  with  these  revolutionary 
movements  in  France.  The  spirit  of  faction,  vicAved  at  that  great  distance,  appeared 
like  patriotism.  Half-formed  and  half-understood  political  maxims,  floating  upon  the 
tide  of  social  life  in  the  ncAV  republic,  began  to  crystallize  into  tenets,  and  assumed 
antagonistic  party  positions.  The  galvanic  forces,  so  to  speak,  Avhich  produced  these 
crystallizations,  proceeded  from  the  President's  Cabinet,  Avhere  Mr.  Jefferson,  the  Sec- 
retary of  State,  and  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  were  at  direct  vari- 
ance in  their  vicAVS  of  domestic  public  measures,  and  Avere  making  constant  war  upon 
each  other.  Jefterson,  beli  jving,  with  Thomas  Paine  (AA-ho  noAV  appeared  in  the  field 
of  political  strife  abroad),  that  a  Aveak  goA-ernment  and  a  strong  people  were  the  best 
jin.irantees  of  liberty  to  the  citizen,  contemj)lated  all  executive  power  Avith  distrust, 
and  desired  to  impair  its  vitality  and  restrain  its  operations.  He  thought  he  saAV  in 
the  funding  system  arranged  by  Hamilton,  and  in  the  LTnited  States  Bank  and  the  ex- 
lise  hiAV — creations  of  that  statesman's  brain — instruments  for  enslaving  the  people  ; 

1  "  I  am  exposed  to  the  envy  and  attacks  of  nil  parties,"  he  wrote  to  Wsshinpton,  "  for  this  single  reason,  that  who- 
ever acts  or  means  wrong  finds  mo  an  insuperable  obstacle.  And  there  appears  a  kind  of  phenomenon  in  my  situation 
-nil  parties  against  me,  and  a  national  popularity,  which,  in  spite  of  every  effort,  has  remnined  unchanfjed.  .  .  .  fliven 
lip  to  nil  the  madness  of  license,  faction,  and  popular  rage,  I  stood  alone  in  defense  of  the  law,  and  turned  the  tide  into 
the  constitutional  channel." 
s  Upon  a  tree  planted  on  the  site  of  the  Bastile  a  placard  was  placed,  in  these  words:  •-      ■•;     • 

"  Here  Is  the  epoch  of  Liberty ; 
'        ••         1. .     .;  Wo  dance  on  the  niins  of  despotism !        '  .'i 

■:>''■  The  Constitution  Is  flnished—  .  i^    .      -    - 

Long  live  patriotism  I"  .»■  ,  .  .  ■ 


:''\ 
■i 


ll 


^ihf 


I? 


!'  i^ 


68 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Jefferson  makes  War  upon  his  Opponents.     His  religions  Views.    Jefferson  and  John  Adams  Antagonists  in  Opinion. 

aiul  lie  affected  to  believe  that  the  rights  of  the  states  and  liberties  of  the  citizens 
wore  in  danger. 

Hamilton,  on  tlie  other  hand,  rega'-ded  the  National  Constitution  as  inadequate  in 
strength  to  perform  its  required  functions,  and  believed  weakness  to  be  its  most  rad- 
ical defect;  and  it  was  his  sincere  desire  and  uniform  practice  so  to  construe  its  pro- 
visions as  to  give  strength  and  efficiency  to  the  Executive  in  the  administration  of 
public  affiiirs. 

Not  content  with  an  expression  of  his  opinions,  Jefferson  charged  his  political  op- 
ponents, and  especially  Hamilton,  with  corrupt  and  anti-rep  blican  designs,  selfish 
motives,  and  treacherous  intentions;  and  thus  was  inauguratrd  that  system  of])er- 
sonal  abuse  and  vitu])eration  which  has  ever  been  a  disgrace  to  tlie  press  and  political 
leaders  of  this  country. 

An  unfortunate  blunder  made  by  John  Adams,  the  Vice-President,  at  about  this 
time,  confirmed  Jefferson  in  his  opinions  and  fears.  These  men,  compatriots  in  the 
events  out  of  which  the  nation  had  been  evolved,  cherished  dissimilar  political  ideas, 
and  held  widely  differing  religious  sentiments.  Mr.  Jefi'erson  was  always  a  free- 
thinker, and  his  latitudinarianism  was  greatly  expanded  by  a  long  residence  among 
the  contenmers  of  revealed  religion  in  France.  He  admired  Voltaire,  Rousseau,  and 
D'Alembcrt,  whose  graves  Avere  then  green ;  and  one  of  his  most  intimate  compan- 
ions was  the  Marquis  of  Condorcet,  wlio  "  classed  among  fools  those  who  had  the 
misfortune  to  believe  in  a  revealed  religion."'  He  sympathized  with  the  ultra  Ke- 
publicans  of  France,  was  their  counselor  in  the  early  and  later  stages  of  the  revolu- 
tionary movement  of  1789,  and  opened  iiis  house  to  them  for  secret  conclave.  He 
was  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  a  nation  of  entlmsiasts. 

Mr.  Adams,  on  the  contrary,  was  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  political  and  reli- 
gious principles  of  New  England  Puritanism.  He  discovered  spiritual  life  in  every 
page  of  the  Bible,  and  accepted  the  doctrines  of  revealed  religion  as  an  emanation 
from  the  fountain  of  Eternal  Truth.  His  mind  was  cast  in  the  mould  of  the  Englisli 
conservative  writers,  whom  he  admired.  He  detested  the  principles  and  practices  of 
tlie  P"'rench  pliilosophers,  whom  Jefferson  revered ;  and,  from  the  outset,  he  detected  in 
the  revolutionary  movements  in  France  the  elements  of  destructiveness  which  Avere 
so  speedily  developed.  These  views  were  indicated  in  a  letter  to  the  Ilcv.  Dr.  Price, 
of  England,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  a  printed  copy  of  his  famous  discourse  on 
tlie  morning  of  the  anniversary  dinner  of  the  English  Revolution  Society  in  1789,  in 
which  the  preacher,  acce])ting  the  French  Revolution  as  a  glorious  event  in  the  his- 
tory of  mankind,  said,  "  What  an  eventful  period  is  this !  I  am  thankful  that  I  have 
lived  to  see  it ;  and  I  could  almost  say, '  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in 
peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation.'  ...  I  have  lived  to  see  thirty  millions 
of  people  indignantly  and  resolutely  spurning  at  slavery,  and  demandhig  liberty  with 
an  irresistible  voice." 

To  this  Adams  replied,  "  I  know  that  encyclopedists  and  economists — Diderot  and 
D'jVlembert,  Voltaire  and  Rousseau — have  contributed  to  this  great  event  even  more 
than  Sidney,  Locke,  or  Hoadley ;  perhaps  more  than  the  American  Revolution :  and  I 
own  to  you  I  know  not  what  to  make  of  a  republic  of  thirty  millions  of  atheists.  .  .  . 

'  Cnpeflgnc,  11.,  R2.  Mr.  Jefferson's  religions  views,  at  that  lime,  may  be  Inferred  from  the  contents  of  n  letter  written 
at  Purls  on  the  Iflth  of  August,  IT'S",  to  Peter  Carr,  a  young  relative  of  his  In  Virginia,  wherein  he  lays  down  Home 
maxiiuH  for  his  future  guidance.  lie  enjoins  him  to  exalt  reason  above  creeds.  "Question  with  boldne^'S,"  he  my, 
"even  the  existence  of  a  God;  because,  If  there  be  one,  he  must  more  approve  the  homage  of  reason  than  of  blindfold 
fear."  He  then  advises  him  to  read  the  niblc  as  he  would  Livy  or  Tacitus.  "The  facts  which  are  within  the  ordinary 
course  of  nature  you  will  believe  on  the  authority  of  the  writer,  as  you  do  those  of  the  same  kind  in  Llvy  or  Taclli.f." 
lie  then  cautions  him  against  a  belief  in  statements  in  the  Bible  "which  contradict  the  laws  of  nature."  Conccmini,' 
the  New  Testament,  he  said,  "  It  Is  the  history  of  a  personage  calljd  Jesus.  Keep  In  yonr  eye  the  opposite  pretension?, 
1,  of  those  who  say  he  was  begotten  of  Ood,  bom  of  a  virgin,  suspended  and  reversed  the  laws  of  nature  at  will,  ami 
ascended  bodily  into  heaven ;  and,  2,  of  those  who  say  he  was  a  man  of  Illegitimate  birth,  of  a  benevolent  heart,  enthuf^i- 
astlc  mind,  who  set  out  with  pretensions  to  divinity,  ended  in  believing  them,  and  was  punished  capitally  for  sedltlou 
by  being  gibbeted  according  to  the  Roman  law." 


An  English  Democ 

Too  many  Fn 
person  and  ju 
the  advocates 


'  See  Letter  to  Bl 

nichard  Price,  V.. 

lug-house  in  Old  Je 

he  wrote  his  famon 

with  the  French  Rei 

that  so  terrified  Eur( 

The  discourse  abc 

hurled  James  the  Sci 

time,  the  Earl  of  Sta; 

hers,  an<l  was  subset] 

changed  for  the  doni 

lie  encouraged,  all  yi 

been  In  vain.    liehol 

from  their  opjjressors 

kindled  Into  a  blaze  t 

Tlie  Society,  at  that 

"their  congratulatior 

and  the  discourse  of 

formed  in  various  pai 

mingham.   Monarcliit 

the  Liberal  party,  inak 

the  hierarchy  raised  a 

Dissenters.    To  the  ai 

never  heard  before  fro 

there  was  no  such  tlii 

terms,  as  discontented 

tluns  rest  there.    lie  p 

tator,  and  he  brought  t 

In  Paris  the  whole  ]>o\ 

"  Reflections  on  the  Fn 

Istry,  and  the  Tory  pari 

fense  of  their  policy,  wl 

ation.    It  called  forth  n 

ley,  the  elegant  Jlackii 

words,  and  pen,  and  tyi 

lads  and  clever  carlcatu 

Thomas  Paliic,  who  h 

the  revolutionary  seem 

ai)pearcd,  and  he  lost  n 

liights  of  Man."    The  t 

liroduccd  great  disturbai 

l>roportion  to  Us  success 

was  ample  food  for  the 

Sheridan,  who  were  tlic 

among  the  leaders  of  the 

ley  and  Paine.    In  May, 

eutltled"  The  Rights  of 


A    U.vn   MKA 

au  exciseman  as  much  lonj 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


09 


An  EngllHh  Uemocrat'B  Dlecourse.  Burke's  Kcllectlons  on  tho  B'rcnch  Rcvolutiun.  Palue'g  "liighU  ufMan." 

Too  many  Frenchmen,  after  the  example  of  too  many  Americans,  pant  for  equality  of 
person  and  property.  The  impracticability  of  this,  God  Almighty  has  decreed,  and 
the  advocates  for  liberty  who  attempt  it  will  surely  suffer  for  it,"' 

•  Sec  Letter  to  Richard  Price,  April  10, 1790,  In  the  Life,  and  Worku  of  John  Adamx,  ix.,  663. 

Richard  Price,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  was  au  eminent  English  Dissenting  minister,  and  at  this  time  was  preacher  at  the  meet- 
ing-house in  Old  Jewry,  Loudon.  He  was  then  quite  venerable  In  years,  and  with  a  mind  as  vigorous  as  when,  In  17T(J, 
he  wrote  his  famous  "Observations  on  the  War  in  America."  lie  was  an  ultra  democrat,  and  sympathized  strongly 
with  the  French  Revolution.  lie  did  not  live  to  sec  that  Revolution  assume  its  huge  proportions  and  hideous  Tisagc 
that  BO  terrified  Europe,  for  he  died  in  the  spring  of  ITitl. 

The  discourse  above  alluded  to  was  preached  on  the  anniversary  of  the  Revolution  in  1C88  (4th  of  November)  which 
hurled  James  the  Second  from  the  throne.  Dr.  Price  was  an  active  member  of  the  "Revolution  Club,"of  which,  at  that 
time,  the  Earl  of  Stanhope  was  president.  The  discourse  "  On  the  Lovi^  of  our  Country"  was  preached  before  the  mem- 
bers, and  was  subsequently  printed.  After  alluding  to  the  Revolution  in  France,  he  said,  "  I  see  the  dominion  of  kings 
changed  for  the  dominion  of  laws,  and  the  dominion  of  |)rle»ts  giving  way  to  the  dominion  of  reason  and  conscience, 
lie  cucoiiragcd,  all  ye  friends  of  freedom  and  writers  in  its  defense  !  The  times  are  auspicious.  Your  labors  have  not 
been  In  vain.  Behold  kingdoms,  admonished  by  you,  starting  from  sleep,  breaking  their  fetters,  and  claiming  justice 
from  their  oppressors  1  Beliold  the  light  you  have  struck  out,  after  settiug  America  free,  reflected  to  France,  and  there 
kindled  into  a  blaze  that  lays  desjjotism  iu  ashes,  and  warms  and  illuminates  Europe  1" 

The  Society,  at  that  meeting,  on  motion  of  Dr.  Price,  agreed,  by  acclamation,  to  send,  In  the  shape  of  a  formal  address, 
"  their  congratulations  to  the  National  Assembly  on  the  event  of  the  late  glorious  Revolution  In  France."  This  action 
and  the  discourse  of  Dr.  Price  produced  the  greatest  agitation  throughout  England.  Auxiliary  clubs  were  speedily 
formed  in  various  parts  of  the  kiiigdom,  encouraged  by  men  like  Dr.  Priestley,  the  eminent  Unitarian  minister  at  Bir- 
niiugham.  Monarchist  and  Cliurchman  were  greatly  alarmed.  The  king  was  Inclined  to  deny  any  more  concessions  to 
the  Liberal  party,  making  the  Revolution  iu  France  a  suftlcient  argument  against  reform  in  England,  while  the  clergy  of 
the  hierarchy  raised  a  cry  that  the  Church  was  in  danger  fr(mi  the  revolutionizing  and  destructive  machinations  of  tho 
Dissenters.  To  the  astonishment  of  all  men,  Edmund  Hurke  raised  his  voice  In  the  House  of  Commons  in  cadences 
never  heard  before  from  his  lips.  lie  had  ever  been  the  eloquent  advocate  of  the  rights  of  man.  Now  he  declared  that 
there  was  no  such  thing  as  natural  rights  of  men,  and  he  condemned  the  whole  body  of  Dissenters  in  the  strongest 
terms,  as  discontented  people,  whose  principles  tended  to  the  subversion  of  good  government.  Nor  did  his  demincia- 
tions  rest  there.  He  professed  to  regard  Dr.  Price's  sermon  with  holy  horror,  and  its  author  as  a  most  dangerous  agi- 
tator, and  he  brought  to  the  task  of  disabusing  the  public  mind  of  England  concerning  the  real  character  of  the  revolt 
in  Paris  the  whole  jiowers  of  his  mighty  intellect.  In  an  almost  incredible  short  space  of  time  he  wrote  his  famous 
"  Reflections  on  the  French  Revolution,"  the  publication  of  which  produced  a  most  powerful  cfl'ect.  The  king  aud  min- 
istry, and  tlie  Tory  party,  expressed  unbounded  admiration  of  this  splendid  de- 
fense of  their  policy,  while  all  Just  men  agreed  that  It  was  a  monstrous  exagger- 
ation. It  called  forth  many  opposing  writers— among  them  the  powerful  Priest- 
ley, the  elegant  Mackintosh,  and  the  coarse  but  vigorous  Paine.  The  war  of 
words,  and  pen,  and  type  was  waged  furiously  for  a  long  time,  and  satirical  bal- 
lads and  clever  caricatures  jilnyed  a  conspicuous  part  In  the  contest. 

Thomas  Paine,  who  had  been  in  Paris  some  time,  and  participated  in  some  of 
the  revolutionary  scenes  there,  had  lately  returned  when  Burke's  "Reflections" 
appeared,  and  he  lost  no  time  in  preparing  an  answer,  which  he  entitled  "The 
Rights  of  Man."  The  first  part  was  published  on  the  Ist  of  February,  1791,  and 
]}roduced  great  disturbance.  It  was  sought  after  with  the  greatest  avidity,  and  in 
jiroportion  to  Its  success  was  the  alarm  and  indignation  of  the  Tory  party.  There 
was  ample  food  for  the  caricaturists,  and  Oillray's  pencil  was  active.  Fox  and 
Sheridan,  who  were  the  leaders  of  the  opposition  Id  Parliament,  were  classed 
among  the  leaders  of  the  Revolution  Clubs,  and  appei'red  in  pictui-es  with  Priest- 
ley and  Paine.  In  May,  1791,  Gillray  bnrles(iued  Paine  Ir.  n  caricature  which  he 
cutitled  "The  Rights  of  Man;  or,  Tmnmy  Paine,  the  Amnti.  an  Tailor,  taking  the 

Measure  nf  the  Crown  for  a  new 
pair  of  Revolution  Breeches." 
Piilne  is  seen  with  the  conven- 
tional type  of  face  given  by  tho 
caricaturists  to  a  French  demo- 
crat. His  tri- colored  cockade 
bears  tho  inscription,  "I'tt'e  la 
liberty.'"  and   from  his   mouth 

proceeds  an  Incoherent  soliloquy,  as  iffl-om  a  man  half  drunk.*  This 
was  In  allusion  to  his  well-known  Intemperance.  Paine  was  Anally 
l)rosecuted  by  the  government  for  liV'l  on  account  of  some  remarks  in 
his  "  Rights  of  Man,"  and  was  com\.elled  to  flee  to  France,  where  he  was 
^'^^^)J  iiS^P''''Vii    ^^^~>x  \\  "^\WN      warmly  received  by  the  revolntlonists.    A  Tory  mob  destroyed  Dr. 

V»J V^  «!!lP^~-^}V         ^^  •!  n\  Wl      Priestbi^  church  in  Birmingham,  and  his  dwelling  and  flne  library  a 

short  distance  in  the  country ;  also  ho  aud  his  family  barely  escaped 
with  their  lives. 


•  The  following  Is  a  copy  of  the  soliloquy :  "Fathom  and  a  half!  fath- 
om and  a  half  I  Poor  Tom  !  ah  !  mercy  upon  me  !  that's  more  by  half 
than  my  poor  measure  will  ever  be  able  to  reach !  Lord  !  Lord  I  I  wish 
I  had  a  bit  of  the  stay-tape  lallushm  to  Paine's  former  business  of  stay- 
niakerl  or  buckram  which  1  nsed  to  cabbage  when  I  was  a  'prentice,  to 
lengthen  it  out.  Well,  well,  who  would  ever  have  thought  it,  that  I, 
A  u.m  MEASURE.  who  have  served  seven  years  as  an  apprentice,  and  afterward  worked  fonr 

years  as  a  journeyman  to  a  master  tailor,  then  followed  the  business  of 
nu  Gxclsemnn  as  much  longer,  should  not  b«!  able  to  take  the  dimension  of  this  bawblc  1  f  jr  what  Is  a  crown  but  a  bawble, 


vl  I 


70 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Adanu'B  "DUcuursea  on  Davila." 


Ills  Opinions  ou  OoverumeDt. 


•Tefferson'B  Disgait  and  Alarm. 


Mr.  Adams  had  discerned  with  alarm  tlie  contagion  of  revohition  which  went  ont 
from  Paris  in  the  autumn  of  1780.  lie  saw  it  attecting  Enghmd,  and  menacing  the 
existence  of  its  govennnent;  and  lie  ])erceived  its  rapid  diffusion  in  his  own  country 
with  surprise  and  j)aiii.  It  was  so  different  in  form  and  substance  from  that  which 
had  made  his  own  people  free,  that  he  was  deeply  impressed  with  its  dangers.  With 
a  j)atriotic  spirit  he  sought  to  arrest  the  calamities  it  might  bring  upon  hisi  country, 
and  with  that  view  he  wrote  a  series  of  articles  for  a  newspaper,  entitled  "Discourses 
on  Davila."  These  (contained  an  analysis  of  Davila's  History  of  the  Civil  War  in 
France^  in  the  sixteenth  century.  Tiie  aim  of  Mr.  Adams  was  to  ])oint  out  to  his 
countrymen  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  from  factions  in  ill-balanced  forms  of  gov- 
ernment. In  these  essays  iie  maintained  that,  as  the  great  spring  of  human  activity, 
especially  as  related  to  public  life,  was  self-esteem,  manifested  in  the  love  of  superior- 
ity, and  the  desire  of  distinction,  aj)plause,  and  admiration,  it  was  important  in  a  pop- 
ular government  to  provide  for  the  moderate  gratification  of  all  of  them.  lie  there- 
fore advocated  a  liberal  use  of  titles  and  ceremonial  honors  for  those  in  office,  and  an 
aristocratic  Senate.  To  counteract  any  undue  influence  on  the  part  of  the  Senate,  he 
proposed  a  popular  assembly  on  the  broadest  democratic  basis ;  and,  to  keap  in  check 
encroachments  of  each  upon  the  other,  he  recommended  a  j)owerful  Executive.  lie 
thought  liberty  to  all  would  thus  be  best  secured.-  From  the  premises  which  formed 
the  basis  of  his  reasoning,  he  argued  that  the  French  Constitution,  which  disavowed 
all  distinctions  of  rank,  which  vested  the  legislative  authority  in  a  single  Assembly, 
and  which,  though  retainhig  the  office  of  king,  divested  him  of  nearly  all  actual  power, 
must,  in  the  nature  of  things,  prove  a  failure.  The  wisdom  of  this  assumption  has 
been  vindicated  by  history. 

The  publication  of  these  essays  at  that  time  was  Mr.  Adams's  blunder.^  His  ideas 
were  presented  in  a  form  so  cloudy  that  his  political  system  was  misunderstood  by 
the  many  and  misinterpreted  by  the  few.  lie  was  charged  with  advocating  a  mon- 
archy and  a  hereditary  Senate ;  and  it  was  artfully  insinuated  that  he  had  been  se- 
duced by  Hamilton  (whose  jealous  opponents  delighted  in  pointing  to  him  as  the 
arch-enemy  of  republican  gova^niment)  from  his  loyalty  to  those  noble  principles 
which  he  had  exhibited  before  he  wrote  his  "  Defense  of  the  American  Constitu- 
tions," published  in  London  three  years  before. 

Those  essays  filled  Jefterson  with  disgust,  and  he  cherished  the  idea  that  Hamilton, 
Adams,  Jay,  and  others  were  at  the  head  of  a  party  engaged  in  a  conspiracy  to  over- 
throw the  republican  institutions  of  the  United  States,  and  on  their  ruins  to  construct 
a  mixed  government  like  that  of  England,  composed  of  a  monarchy  and  aristocracy.^ 

'  DclV  Istoria  delle  Ouerre  Chili  di  Fram-ia,  bj'  Ilcnrlco  Cnterino  Davila. 

«  Tills  was  only  an  ampliflcation  of  tlie  tliouglit  thus  expressed  in  his  Defense  of  the  American  Constitutimis :  "It  is 
denied  that  the  people  are  the  best  keepers,  or  any  Iseepers  at  all,  of  their  own  liberties,  when  they  hold  collectively,  or 
by  representative,  the  executive  and  judicial  power,  or  the  whole  uncontrolled  legislntnre."  lie  did  not  believe  in  tlio 
efficiency  or  safety  of  a  government  formed  upon  the  simple  plan  of  M.  Thurgot  and  other  clear-minded  men  of  France, 
in  which  all  power  was  concentrated  In  one  body  directly  representing  the  nation.  That  was  the  doctrine  and  the  prac- 
tice of  the  French  revolutionists,  enforced  by  the  logic  of  Condorcet  and  the  eloquence  of  Mirabeau.  Mr.  Adams  wished 
a  system  of  chcclts  and  balances,  which  experience  has  proved  to  be  the  wisest. 

'  They  were  published  in  the  Gazette  of  the  United  Slaten,  at  Philadelphia,  then  the  scat  of  the  national  government. 
Their  more  imracaiatc  object  was  a  reply  to  Condorcet's  pamphlet,  entitled  Quatre  Mtre»  d'u7i  Bourgeois  de  XewJIai'eii, 
sttr  rUniti  de  la  Legislation.  Mr.  Adams  soon  perceived  that  Ills  essays  were  fiirnishing  the  partisans  of  the  day  with 
too  much  capital  for  immediate  use  in  the  conflict  of  opinion  then  raging,  and  ceased  writing  before  they  were  com- 
pleted. Twcnly  years  later,  when  a  new  edition  was  published,  Mr.  Adams  wrote,  "  This  dull,  heavy  volume  still  excites 
the  wonder  of  Its  author— first,  that  ho  could  find,  amidst  the  constant  scenes  of  business  and  dissipation  in  which  ho 
was  enveloped,  time  to  write  It;  secondly,  that  he  bad  the  courage  to  oppose  and  publish  his  o^vn  opinions  to  the  uni- 
versal opinion  of  America,  and  indeed  of  all  mankind.  Not  one  man  in  America  then  believed  him.  He  knew  not  one, 
and  baa  not  he".rd  of  one  since,  who  then  believed  him.— J.  A.,  1812." 

♦  "  The  Tory  paper,  Feuno's,"  he  wrote  to  Mr.  Short,  In  Paris,  "  rarely  admits  any  thing  which  defends  the  present  form 

which  we  may  see  In  the  Tower  for  sixpence  apiece  f  Well,  althongh  It  may  be  too  large  for  a  tailor  to  take  measnrc 
of,  there's  one  comfort— he  may  make  mouths  at  it,  and  call  it  as  many  names  as  he  pleases  1  And  yet.  Lord !  Lord !  I 
should  like  to  make  it  a  Yankee-doodle  night-cap  and  breeches,  if  it  was  not  so  d— d  large,  or  I  had  stuff  enough.  Ah ! 
if  I  could  once  do  that,  I  would  soon  stitch  up  the  mouth  of  that  barnacled  Edmund  from  making  any  more  Reflections 
upon  the  Flints.    And  so,  Flints  and  Liberty  forever,  and  d— n  the  Dungs !    Huzza  I" 


Effect  of  Palne'H  " 

To  thwart  tin 
lution  wliich  J 
government  ii 
Thomas  Pain( 
called  "The  1 
essay,  original 
Jefterson,  and 
from  him. 

This  ajij)are 
President  and 
a  good  deal  of 
Dorchester,  air 
suri)rise;  but  s 
lion,  and  that  I 
Hoon  sm(  othed 
cerned.' 

The  political 
tense  every  hoi 
of  the  former,  w 
ures  of  the  adiii 
(  rnment  policy, 
M-as  greatly  exc 
with  alarm  and 
ened  to  be  destr 
anxiously  sough 


of  government  in  ojipo 

high  names  here  in  fav 

soys  nothing;  the  thin 

sui)port  their  projects, 

the  President's  life ;  l)u 

'  "  Vou  will  have  hei 

peril  into  which  the  Fr 

crnmcnt  which  heaps  ii 

I  still  hope  the  French 

that,  and  that  a  failure 

=  See  note  1,  i)nge  03. 

'  The  political  scntim 

body  of  the  American  r 

His  ofllclal  position  cau 

ton  gave  a  copy,  said,  i 

and  I  most  sincerely  reg 

nent  citizen,  a  man  so  th 

Umne  of  Washimjton,  nr . 

The  note  alluded  to  ii 

owner  ofPaine's  pamph 

dryness  of  the  note,"M 

his  satisfaction  that  som 

sprung  up."    To  the  ast 

Mr.  Jefl'crson  acknowlod 

produced  a  temporary  cs 

Warm  discussions  aro 

series  of  articles  in  reply 

were  attributed  to  Johii 

They  were  written  by  Ii 

champions,"  Jefferson  wi 

♦  Philip  Freneau,  a  pi.,- 

lork,  where  he  was  edit! 

son.    A  new  paper,  called 

ireneau  was  made  its  ed 

unjust  to  believe  that  the 

son  ;  yet,  when  the  Secret 

l>y  them,  it  was,  as  Mr.  Ir 

the  barking  cur  in  his  em 

istrailon. 


K».i»«»«n»)8Kfc«,.. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


71 


Eflect  of  Palue'n  "KlghtgofMan.' 


Feud  between  Jeb'eraon  and  llnmilton. 


Newspaper  War. 


To  tlnviirt  tlioHo  fiincied  desigiis,  and  to  inculcate  tlio  doctrines  of  the  French  Rcvo- 
hition  which  lie  ho  much  adniireil,  and  on  which  lie  grounded  liis  hopes  of  a  stable 
ij;overnmeiit  in  his  own  country,'  Jetl'erson  hastened  to  have  jirinted  and  circulated 
Thomas  Paine's  famous  reply  to  Burke's  " Iteflections  on  the  French  Ke volution," 
called  "The  Rights  of  Man,"  which  had  just  been  receive<l  from  England.  That 
essay,  originally  dedicated  "To  the  President  of  the  United  States,"  was  admired  by 
Jcflerson,  and  it  was  issued  from  the  Philadeli)liia  press,  with  a  complimentary  note 
from  him. 

Tills  apparent  indorsement  of  the  essay  by  the  government,  in  the  persons  of  the 
Presiilent  and  Secretary  of  State,  was  very  oftensive  to  (4reat  JJritain,  and  i)roduced 
a  good  deal  (>f  stir  in  the  United  States.  Major  Beckwith,  the  aid-de-camp  of  Lord 
Dorchester,  already  mentioned,*  was  in  Philadelphia  at  that  time,  and  exi)ressed  his 
surjirise;  but  subsecpient  assurances  that  the  President  knew  nothing  of  the  dedica- 
tion, and  that  Mr.  Jefferson  "neither  desired  nor  expected"  to  have  the  note  printed, 
soon  smoothed  the  ripple  of  dissatisfaction  so  far  as  the  British  government  was  con- 
cerned.' 

The  political  and  personal  feud  between  Jefferson  and  Hamilton  became  more  in- 
tense every  hour.  Freneau's  United  States  Gazette,  believed  to  be  under  the  control 
of  the  former,  was  filled  with  bitter  denunciations  of  Hamilton  and  the  leading  meas- 
ures of  the  administration;  and  Fcnno's  JVational  Gazette,  the  supporter  of  the  gov- 
miment  policy,  Avas  made  sjticy  by  Hamilton's  vigorous  retorts.*  The  j)ublic  mind 
was  greatly  excited  thereby,  and  Washington  Avas  comj)elled  to  perceive  (as  he  did 
with  alarm  and  mortification)  that  there  was  a  schism  in  his  Cabinet,  which  threat- 
ened to  be  destructive  of  all  harmony  of  action,  and  jierilous  to  the  public  good.  He 
anxiously  sought  to  end  the  strife  by  assuming  the  holy  office  of  peace-maker,  but  ui 


i     'I 


of  {government  In  opposition  to  his  desire  of  subverting  It,  to  mnke  wny  for  n  king,  Lords,  and  Commons.  There  nre 
high  names  here  In  favor  of  this  doctrine  .  .  .  Adams,  .Jay,  Hi'milton,  Knox,  and  many  of  the  Cincinnati.  The  second 
siiys  nothing ;  the  third  is  open.  Both  arc  dangerous.  They  pant  after  union  with  Kngland,  as  the  power  which  Is  to 
pupport  tlieir  projects,  and  are  most  determined  Anti-Gallicans.  It  is  prognosticated  thot  onr  republic  iu  to  end  with 
the  President's  life :  but  I  believe  they  will  tlnd  themselves  all  head  and  no  body." 

1  "  Von  will  have  heard,"  Mr.  Jefferson  wrote  to  Edward  Rutledge  in  August,  ITOl,  "  before  this  reaches  yon,  of  the 
peril  into  which  the  French  Hevolution  is  brought  by  the  flight  of  their  king.  Such  arc  the  fruits  of  that  form  of  gov- 
ernment which  heaps  importance  on  Idiots,  and  which  the  Tories  of  the  present  day  are  trying  to  preach  into  oi.r  favor. 
I  still  hope  the  French  Hevolution  will  Is.sue  ha|)i)ily.  I  feci  that  the  permanence  of  our  own  leans  in  some  degree  on 
that,  and  that  a  failure  tliere  would  be  a  powerful  argument  to  prove  that  there  must  be  a  failure  here." 

2  See  note  1,  page  03. 

'  The  political  sentiments  ot  Vainc'a  liightu  of  Man  were  In  accordance  with  the  feelings  and  opinions  of  the  great 
body  of  the  American  pcoiile.  The  author  sent  tlfiy  cojiies  to  Washington,  who  distributed  them  among  his  friends. 
His  offlclal  position  cautioned  him  to  be  prudently  silent  concerning  the  work.  Richard  Henry  Lee,  to  whom  Washing- 
ton gave  a  copy,  said,  in  his  letter  acknowledging  the  favor,  "  It  is  a  performance  of  which  aiiy  man  might  be  proud ; 
and  I  most  sincerely  regret  that  our  country  could  not  have  offered  sufflcient  Inducements  to  have  retained,  as  a  perma- 
nent citizen,  a  man  so  thoroughly  republican  in  sentiment  and  fearless  in  the  expression  of  his  opinions."  See  Lossing's 
llmnf  nf  n'axliinijloii,  or  Mount  Vernon  and  its  Assnriafitmii,  p.  202. 

The  note  alluded  to  in  the  text  was  from  Mr.  .loffersou  to  a  stranger  to  him  (.Jonathan  Bayard  Smith),  to  whom  the 
owner  of  Paine's  pamphlet,  who  lent  It  to  the  Secretary  of  .State,  desired  him  to  send  It.  "To  take  off  a  little  of  the 
dryness  of  the  note,"  Mr.  Jefferson  made  some  complimentary  observations  concerning  the  pamphlet,  and  expressed 
his  satisfaction  that  something  public  would  be  said,  by  its  publication,  "  against  the  i)olitical  heresies  which  had  lately 
sprung  np."  To  the  astonishment  of  Mr.  .leffcrson,  this  private  note  was  ])rinted  with  the  pamphlet  the  next  week. 
Mr.  Jefferson  acknowledged  that  his  remarks  in  it  were  aimed  at  the  author  of  the  DUcouraea  on  Davila,  and  the  affiair 
jirnduced  a  temporary  estrangement  between  him  and  Mr.  Adams. 

Warm  discussions  arose,  soon  after  the  publication  of  Paine's  pamphlet,  on  the  doctrines  which  it  promulgated.  A 
scries  of  articles  iu  reply  to  the  "Rights  of  Man"  appeared  in  the  Boston  Ccntind,  over  the  signature  oWubUmlu,  which 
were  attributed  to  John  Adams,  and  were  reprinted  in  London,  In  pamphlet  form,  with  his  name  on  the  title-page. 
They  were  written  by  his  son,  the  late  John  Quincy  Adams.  They  were  answered  by  several  writers.  "A  host  of 
champions,"  Jefferson  wrote  to  Paine,  "entered  the  arena  Immediately  in  your  defense." 

«  Philip  Freneau,  a  poet  of  some  pretensions,  and  a  warm  Whig  writer  during  the  Revolution,  was  called  from  New 
York,  where  he  was  editing  a  newspaper,  to  fill  the  post  of  translating  clerk  In  the  State  Department  under  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son. A  new  paper,  called  The  Xalional  Oamtte,  opposed  to  the  leading  measures  of  the  administration,  was  started,  and 
Freneau  was  made  its  editor.  It  was  understood  to  be  Mr.  .Jefferson's  "  organ,"  but  it  would  be  both  ungenerous  and 
unjust  to  believe  that  the  bitter  attacks  made  upon  all  the  measures  of  the  administration  were  ai)provcd  by  Mr.  Jeffer- 
son ;  yet,  when  the  Secretary  well  knew' that  the  President,  whom  he  professed  to  revere,  was  greatly  hurt  and  annoyed 
by  them,  it  was,  as  Mr.  Irving  justly  remarks  (Li/e  o/  Washiivjton,  v.,  104),  "  rather  an  ungracious  determination  to  keep 
the  barking  cur  in  his  employ."  Fcnno  published  the  UniUd  States  Gazette,  the  supporter  of  the  measures  of  the  admin- 
istration. 


i : 


.1 


72 


PICTOUIAL   FIP:LD.nOOK 


.1 


Wh 


PederallBtg  mid  Kcpublicani. 


Tholr  Ulfferencu. 


Popular  Sentiment. 


Europe  aKaliiBt  Frnnce. 


vain.^  Tlio  aiitagoninms  of  the  S(>eretario8  liad  become  too  violent  16  be  easily  recon- 
ciled. Their  jmrtiHans  were  nuiiierotiH  and  powerful,  and  had  become  arninRed  in 
tanfjible  battle  order,  tjnder  the  resj)eetive  nanus  oi'  l^edcra  lists  and  Jiijiublirdus — 
nan)eH  whieh  for  many  years  were  sifjnilieant  of  opposing  opinions:  tirwt, concerning 
the  administration  of  the  national  government;  se(  piidly,  on  the  question  of  a  neutral 
policy  toward  the  warrinjj;  nations  of  Europe;  and,  thirdly,  on  the  subject  of  the  war 
with  Great  Britain  declared  in  1H12. 

i'he  Federalists,  called  the  "  British  party"  by  their  opjjoncnts,  were  in  favor  of  a 
strong  central  government,  and  were  very  conservative.  They  were  in  favor  of  main- 
tahiing  a  strict  neutrality  concerning  the  affairs  of  European  nations  during  the  ex- 
citing  period  of  Washington's  administration,  and  were  opposed  to  the  War  of  1H12. 
The  Kcpublicans,  called  the  "French  ))arty,"  were  favorable  to  a  strong  people  and  a 
weak  government,  symi>athized  warmly  with  tire  French  revolutionists,  and  urged 
the  government  to  do  the  same  by  public  expressions  and  belligerent  acts  if  necessary, 
and  were  favorable  to  the  War  of  1812  when  it  became  an  aj»ii;irent  national  neces- 
sity. J'edernl  mul  Jivpubliccai  were  the  distinctive  names  of  the  two  great  political 
parties  in  the  l^^nited  States  during  the  first  (piarter  of  a  century  of  the  national  ex- 
istence, when  they  disa))peared  from  the  j)oliiician's  vocabulary.  New  issues,  grow- 
ing out  of  radical  changes  in  the  condition  of  the  country,  produced  coalitions  and 
amalgamations  by  which  the  identity  of  the  two  old  parties  was  s])eedily  lost. 

Tie  ;il  of  the  opposing  parties  was  intensified  by  events  in  Europe  duriiig  the 
sum.  md  autumn  of  1V92  ;  and  at  the  opening  of  the  last  session  of  the  second  Con- 
gress, 111  November,  the  party  divisions  Avere  perfectly  distinct  in  that  body. 

All  Europe  was  now  effervescing  with  antagonistic  ideas.  The  best  and  wisest 
men  stood  in  wonder  and  awe  in  the  midst  of  the  upheaval  of  old  social  and  i>()litical 
systems.  Popular  sentiincDt  in  the  United  States  Avas  mixed  in  eliaracter,  and  yet 
crude  in  form,  and  for  a  while  it  was  difHcult  to  discern  precisely  in  what  relation  it 
stood  to  the  disturbed  nationalities  of  Europe.  The  blood  of  nearly  all  of  them 
coursed  in  the  veins  of  the  Americans;  and  notwithstanding  a  broad  ocean,  and  ])er- 
haps  more  than  a  generation  of  time,  separated  the  most  of  them  from  the  Old  World, 
they  experienced  lingering  memories  or  pleasant  dreams  of  Fatherland. 

France,  the  old  ally  and  friend  of  the  United  States,  was  the  centre  of  the  volcanic 
force  that  was  shakhig  the  nations.  The  potentates  of  Eurojie,  trembling  for  the 
stability  of  their  thrones,  instinctively  arrayed  themselves  as  the  implacable  enemies 
of  the  new  power  that  held  the  sceptre  of  France,  and  disturbed  the  jjolitical  and 
dynastic  equilibrium.  They  called  out  their  legions  for  self-defense  and  to  utter  a 
solemn  protest.  T\\g  people  were  overawed  by  demonstrations  of  power.  The  gleam 
of  bayonets  and  the  roll  of  the  drum  met  the  eye  and  ear  every  where,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1792  nearly  all  Europe  was  rising  in  arms  against  France. 

Revolution  had  done  its  work  nobly,  wisely,  and  successfully  in  the  United  States, 
and  the  experiment  of  self-government  was  working  well.  The  memory  ofFrencli 
anns,  and  men,  and  money  that  came  to  their  aid  in  their  struggle  for  liberty,  filled 
the  hearts  of  the  Americans  with  gratitude,  for  they  were  not,  as  a  people,  aware  of 


'  Aiimiet  23, 
17»2. 


1  Both  mlnistcrB  discharged  their  respective  duties  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  President,  and  he 
felt  preatly  disturbed  by  their  nntagoDlsmp,  now  become  public.  To  Jefferson  he  wrote,*  after  refcrrint,' 
to  the  Indian  hostilities,  and  the  possible  Intrigues  of  forelfjners  to  check  the  i)rosperlty  of  the  rnilcd 
States,  "  IIow  unfortunate,  and  how  much  to  he  regretted  is  It,  that  while  we  arc  encompassed  on  all  sides  by  armed  en- 
emies and  insidious  friends,  Internal  dlsscnKlnns  should  be  harrowing  and  toariiiB  our  \'itttls,  .  .  .  My  eanicwt  wish  and 
my  fondest  hope,  therefore,  is  that.  Instead  of  wounding  suspicions  and  Irritating  charges,  there  may  be  liberal  allow- 
ances, mutual  fl)rbearances,  and  temporizing  ylcldin'gs  on  all  sides.  Under  the  exercise  of  these,  matters  will  go  on 
smoothly,  and,  If  possible,  more  prosperously.  Without  them,  every  thing  must  rub ;  the  wheels  of  government  will 
clog,  our  enemies  will  triumph,  and,  by  throwing  their  weight  Into  the  disaffected  scale,  may  accomplish  the  mln  of  the 
goodly  fabric  we  have  been  erecting." 

Washington  wrote  to  Hamilton  In  a  similar  strain,  and  from  both  he  received  patriotic  replies.  But  the  feud  was  too 
deep-seated  to  be  healed.  Jefferson  would  yield  nothing.  lie  harbored  an  Implacable  hatred  of  Hamilton,  whom  he 
had  scourged  into  active  retaliation,  and  whose  lash  be  felt  most  Iceenly. 


WaahlnKton'i  Wisdom  and 


the  Utterly  selfish  i 

really  contributed  t 

while  enjoying  the 

those  yet  in  tlie  toil 

P'nince,  who  were  1 

testat  ion,  hcightenec 

friendliness,  they  sav 

people  in  tlieir  ])r<>f 

ment  like  that  of  En 

But  there  were  w 

Grreat  Biit.iin,  who  h 

their  daily  reading,  ^ 

ill  Aiiierica  and  Frai 

benefit  and  ])rosperil 

of  the  Federal  or  eoi 

the  dawning  of  whal 

iiing,  his  own  s.agacit 

to  time  in  his  letters 

expres.sed  an  eariies 

never  breathed  a  ho} 

he  perceived  the  bio 

departure  of  its  eour 

ette  and  his  compatr 

reins  of  executive  an 

States  should  stand  .i 

Jefferson  and  his  | 

revolutionists,  and  bi 

luunbers  than  the  F 

every  man  and  meas 

trenerosity  that  appei 

that  lawless  violence 

Even  the  dispatches 

needless  alarm,  if  not 

But  "  the  inexorab 

States  those  terrible 

incnt  recoil  with  hori 

obin  Club  reigned  su 

tution,  and  were  det( 

Paris,  one  hundred  t 

refused  to  sanction  ii 

iinother  for  the  establ 

to  the  Tuileries"  witl 

entrance.     The  gates 

many  of  them  the  vil 

and  compelled  the  kii 

cap  of  liberty,  upon  h 

Lafayette  Avas  the 

Department  of  the  Ni 


ii 


'  Qouvemenr  Morr' 
informed  of  the  scenes 
"pecHng  the  future  of  ti. 
Kevolntion,  Mr.  Jefferson, .  .  n 
from  him,  spoke  of  Morris  as  ' 
wishes,  and  believing  evory  th 


OP  THE  WAP;    O  F   18  12. 


13 


WMblnKton'i  Wlisdom  and  Prudence. 


Sympathy  wltl  i  the  Freuch  Mcvolutlonlsti. 


Annrchy  lii  Krancc. 


the  Utterly  selfiHh  motive  of  the  Bourbon  in  p;iving  that  nid,  and  how  little  it  had 
really  eontribiiti'd  to  tlicir  suecess  in  that  Htrujcgle;  and  tluir  own  zeal  for  frcvdoiii, 
while  eiijoyinu;  the  fruition  of  their  effortn,  awakened  their  warineHt  Hyinjiathiis  for 
those  yet  in  tlie  toils  of  slavery.  Without;  iiu'iuiriii}^,  they  eheered  on  the  jteoplu  of 
Franco,  who  were  first  led  by  the  beloved  Laliijette;  and  with  eorresiiondinj^  de- 
testation, heightened  by  the  memory  of  ol  d  wv-onj;s  and  the  irritations  of  present  un- 
friendlin(-!H,  they  saw  Great  Britain,  so  boa.stful  of  lilnrty,  arrayed  aj^ainst  the  French 
people  in  tlieir  j)rofessed  struggle  for  thti  establishment  of  a  constitutional  govern- 
ment like  that  of  England. 

But  there  were  wise,  Jind  thoughtful,  a  nd  ])rudent  men  in  the  United  States  and  in 
Great  Brit.iin,  who  had  made  the  science  <  )f  govermnent  their  study  and  human  nat  ure 
their  liiily  rcatling,  who  clearly  perceivc(  I  the  vast  difi'erence  between  the  revolutions 
in  America  and  France,  and  tiiought  the  y  oV)served  in  the  latter  no  hope  for  the  real 
henetit  and  jn-osperity  of  the  people.  Ti  lese,  in  the  United  States,  formed  the  leaders 
iif  the  Federal  or  c<mservative  party.  AVashington  had  liiiilcd  with  great  satisfaction 
tlie  dawning  of  what  he  hojted  to  be  the  day  of  liberty  in  France,  but,  from  tiie  begin- 
ning, his  own  sagacity,  and  the  gloomy  f(  trebodings  manifested  by  Lafayette  from  time 
to  time  in  his  letters,  made  him  doubtful  of  the  success  of  the  movement.  lie  often 
expressed  an  earnest  wish  that  republicanism  might  be  established  in  France,  but 
never  breathed  a  hope,  because  he  neve  r  felt  it.  And  when,  in  the  summer  of  IVOl', 
he  perceived  the  bloody  and  ferocious  character  of  the  French  Revolution,  and  the 
departure  of  its  course  from  the  high  ai  id  honorable  path  marked  out  lor  it  by  Lafay- 
ette and  his  compatriots,  he  and  the  coi  iservative  party,  then  fortunately  holding  the 
reins  of  executive  and  legislative  power,  resolved  that  the  government  of  the  United 
States  should  stand  aloof  from  all  entai  iglements  with  European  politics. 

Jefferson  and  his  party,  on  the  other  hand,  deei)ly  sj-mpathized  with  the  French 
revolutionists,  and  bore  intense  enmity  toward  Great  Britain.  They  were  greater  in 
numbers  than  the  Federalists,  and  th'?ir  warfare  was  relentless.  They  denounced 
every  man  and  measure  opposed  to  their  own  views  with  a  fierceness  and  lack  of 
tjenerosity  that  ap])ear8  almost  incredi  hie,  and  they  shut  their  ears  to  the  howling  of 
that  lawless  violence  that  had  comm  enced  drenching  the  soil  of  France  in  blood. 
Even  the  dispatches  of  government  agents  abroad  were  sneered  at  as  instruments  of 
needless  alarm,  if  not  something  worse-.^ 

But  "  the  inexorable  logic  of  event;s"  soon  revealed  to  the  people  of  the  United 
States  those  terrible  aspects  of  the  F  reneh  Revolution  which  made  them  for  a  mo- 
ment recoil  with  horror.  Anarchy  had  seized  unhappy  France,  and  the  ferocious  Jac- 
obin Club  reigned  supreme  in  Paris.  Tliey  were  the  enemies  of  the  king  and  Consti- 
tution, and  were  determined  to  overthrow  both.  Incited  by  them,  the  populace  of 
Paris,  one  hundred  thousand  in  number,  professedly  i"censed  because  the  king  had 
refused  to  sanction  a  decree  of  the  National  Assembly  against  the  priesthood,  and 
another  for  the  establishment  of  a  camp  of  twenty  thousand  men  near  Paris,  marched 
to  the  Tuileries*  with  pikes,  swords,  muskets,  and  artillery,  and  demanded  .junc20 
entrance.  The  gates  were  thrown  open,  and  forty  thousand  armed  men,  i^"'-- 
many  of  them  the  vilest  sans-cidottes  of  the  streets  of  Paris,  went  through  the  palace, 
and  compelled  the  king,  in  the  presence  of  his  family,  to  put  the  bo7inet  roiige,  or  red 
CAp  of  liberty,  upon  his  head. 

Lafayette  was  then  at  the  head  of  his  army  at  Maubcugc,  a  fortified  town  in  the 
Department  of  the  North,     He  hastened  to  Paris,  presented  himself  at  the  bar  of  the 

'  Gouverncur  Morr'  Imd  been  appointed  minister  to  Prance  after  .TcfTerBon  left,  kept  Washington  continuttlly 

informed  of  the  scenes  --hy  and  licentiousness  in  the  French  capital,  and  presented  gloomy  prognostications  re- 

upccting  the  flitiiro  of  tu  .ry.    Becansc  of  this  faithfulness,  and  his  testimony  against  the  tendency  of  the  French 

Revolntion,  Mr.  Jefferson, .  .  iiis  blind  devotion  to  that  cause,  and  his  nngenerons  judgment  concenilng  all  who  dlfTcred 
from  him,  spoke  of  Morris  as  "ns  a  high-flying  monarchy-man,  shuttlnc;  his  eyes  and  hi?  faith  to  every  fact  against  hlB 
wishes,  and  believing  evijry  thing  he  desired  to  be  true." 


!      31 


Ill 


74 


PICTORIAI.-    FIELD-BOOK 


Lafayottc  ]yeU>n  the  Nntlonal  AM«mbl7. 


He  t  lem.  indit  the  Punlnhmeiit  orTrttltor*. 


French  PaptrHBOMy. 


ILAKATION  (IRCOMPEIfSE 
I,H     D]  1170  NCIATEPR  . 


d[HlSlSl51515ip 


National  Assembly,  and  in  the  name  of  the  army  demanded  the  punishment  of  those 
who  had  insulted  the  king  and  his  family  in  the  palace  and  violated  the  Constitution. 
But  Lafayette  was  powerless.    Paris  was  drunk  Avith  passion  and  uui'estramed  liceucie. 


Mon»rchjrinFr«nce  ovi 

Tlic  doom  of  royi 

mandi'd  the  depo 

nent  until  order  i 

iilarm-licll,  was  si 

tion,    TJie  Htrcots 

"•ore  attacked  by 

AsHembly  for  prot 

areh  CHcjiped  unhi 

aiithorily."    J\[,)na 

and  the  eonstituti 

tJio  arrest  of  th(i  i 

!is  a  temporary  re 

They  were  arrestc 

Austrian  diuigeon 

lii)l(h'n<,'  the  uncert 

Tlie  Jacobins  we 

ft'lt  unsafe  Avhile  h 

mii,'Iit  Hymj)athize 

Kther  Husj)ected  jjci 

ily.    Their  jjrisons 

|»i»]iulac((  were  seiil 

'lawn,  at  k'ast  eight 

The  consj)irators 

l>ly,  and  constitutet 

was  their  meeting-j: 

I'outive  powers  of  go 

France  a  republic/ 

motion  scliemes  of  ( 

tlie  deliverers  of  tlu 

aid  of  ])aper-money 

ton  and  Jiis  fellow-n 

invaded  Belgium  ai 

ofthe  Marseilles  Ily 

tiocked  to  tlie  stand; 


'  The  king  wrote  a  touchiu 
iug  Is  a  copy : 

"My  brother,  I  nm  no  long 

most  unfortunate  of  husbandi 

Irnhle  mystery  of  Iniquity.   T 

been  (i.coycd  by  gtratngem  fa 

tie  queen,  my  children,  and  y 

"lean  no  longer  doubt  the 

"iroko  which  Is  most  insuppoi 

my  memory  by  publishing  hoi 

they  have  done  me,  and  tell  th 

This  letter  was  sent  In  a  bl 

Conenponrience  o/Loum  XVl.,  I 

'  This  papcr-moncy,  a  specli 

Msis  for  ita  credit  was  the  pro 

intended  for  sale.   For  t;iree  y< 

like  our  own  Continental  mon 

nmnunt  that  was  Anally  put  In 

important  a  part  in  the  history 

found.    The  engraving  repres'e 

'  in  the  National  Conventloi 

tnat "  the  principle  of  leaving  c 

so  far  modifled  that  we  should 

Onf  kinn  would  be  nifflcient  to  ei 

promoting  o  general  imurreetio 

wd  the  people,  and  professed  t 

111  sentiment,  and  Dr.  Priestley 


II  • 


■i? 


nnss- 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1813. 


m 


Miinnn-hy  In  Kriinoe  overthrown. 


Lafkrette  Imprlwraed. 


The  N»tluD«l  Convention  eitahllnhcd. 


Till'  (Idoiii  of  i-Dyulty  \V!iH  (locrci'd.  The  |i()j)uliU'o  ami  niciiibiTH  of  tlio  AsKcinbly  dc- 
iiiiindi'd  the  doj)()Hitioii  of  Louis,  The  sittings  of  tlu^  AHMi'iiihly  wero  dcc^larcd  inTiiia- 
riciit  until  order  nhould  be  restored.  At  inidiiij^Jit"  tlit^  dreadful  toesiii,  or  •Auciibio, 
iiliirni-liell,  was  sounded,  and  the  drums  beat  tJi..'  yt.itcrak  in  every  direo-  '''^■ 

tion.  The  streets  wore  filled  with  the  mad  jiojiulaee,  and  in  the  morniii}^  the  TuilericH 
ttere  attacked  by  them.  The  kinj,^,  attended  by  the  Swiss  (luard,  fled  to  the  National 
Assemlily  for  j)roteetioii.  Nearly  every  man  of  the  i;uard  was  butchered.  The  mon- 
areh  escaped  unhurt,  but  the  overawecl  Assembly  decreed  the  Husjx'usion  of  the  r<jyal 
authority.'  IMonarchy  in  Franco  waH  virtually  overthrown,  and  with  it  fell  Lafayt'tte 
iind  the  constitutional  party.  The  Jacobins  of  the  Assend)ly  prot  ured  a  decree  for 
the  arrest  of  the  manpiis.  He  and  a  iiiw  friends  turned  their  faces  toward  Holland 
as  a  temjiorary  ref\if;e  from  the  fitorm  until  they  could  escape  to  the  United  States, 
They  were  arrested  on  the  way,  and  for  three  years  Lafayette  was  entombed  in  an 
Austrian  dungeon  at  Olniutz,  while  pretended  rej)ublicans,  with  bloody  hands,  were 
lioldini;^  the  uncertain  and  slippery  reins  of  anarchical  ])ower  in  his  beh)ved  France. 

The  Jacobins  were  not  satisfied  with  tin*  susjienslon  of  the  kinj^'s  .".utbority.  They 
felt  unsafe  while  he  lived.  They  conspired  ajjainst  his  life  and  the  live^  of  all  who 
might  sympathize  with  him.  They  filled  the  prisons  with  priests  and  nobles,  and 
(rther  susjiected  persons.  These  men  were  dangerous  while  their  pulses  beat  health- 
ily.   Their  prisons  became  human  slaughter-houses.    Thither  the  demoniac. 

"  *•  1702 

populace  were  sent  on  the  evening  of  tho  2d  of  September,'*  and  before  the 
tlawn,  at  least  eighteen  hundred  persons  were  slain ! 

The  conspirators  now  took  bolder  steps.  They  abolished  the  Constituent  Assem- 
bly, and  constituted  themselves  a  National  Convention,  Tlio  Hall  of  iIjC  Tui'ories 
was  their  mecting-])lace,  and  there,  in  the  ])alace  of  the  kings,  tliey  assuTued  the  vx- 
ccutive  powers  of  goverimient.  They  decreed  the  abolition  of  royalty,  and  j)roclaimcd 
France  a  republic,"  With  wonderful  energy  they  devised  and  put  in  » septemhcr  23, 
motion  schemes  of  conquest  and  propagandism,     Tliey  assumed  to  bo  ^''^'^' 

tlio  deliverers  of  tho  people  of  Eur();><>  from  kingly  rule.  Frontier  armies,  with  the 
aid  of  paper-money  alone,^  were  speedily  put  in  motion  to  execute  the  decree  of  Dan- 
ton  and  his  fellow-regicides  that  "  there  nnist  be  no  more  kings  in  Europe,"  They 
invaded  Belgium  and  Savoy,  and  conquered  Austrian  Netherlands,  At  the  sound 
of  the  Marseilles  Hymn,  sung  by  these  knights-errant  of  the  new  chivalry,  the  people 
flocked  to  the  standards  of  revolt.^ 


'  The  king  wrote  a  touching  letter  to  his  brother,  dated  "  August  12, 1TD2,  ■<•  p  Vclock  In  the  morning."  The  follow- 
ing is  a  copy ; 

"My  brother,  I  am  no  longer  king :  the  public  voice  will  make  known  jisi  tho  most  cruel  catastrophe.  I  am  the 
most  unfortunate  of  husbands  and  of  fathers.  I  am  the  victim  of  n-.y  o\>>.  .soodncss,  of  fear,  of  hope.  It  is  an  impcne- 
Irable  mystery  of  iniquity.  They  have  bereaved  me  of  every  tning.  They  have  niHssacrcd  my  faithful  subjects.  1  have 
been  d.ooyed  by  stratagem  far  fi-om  my  palace,  and  they  now  accuse  me !  I  am  a  cni)tlvc.  They  drag  me  to  prison,  and 
the  queen,  my  children,  and  Madame  Elizabeth  [his  sister]  share  my  fate. 

"I  can  no  longer  doubt  that  I  am  an  object  odious  In  the  eyes  of  the  French,  led  astray  by  prejudice.  This  is  tho 
stroke  which  is  most  insupportable.  My  brother,  but  a  little  while,  and  I  shall  exist  no  longer.  Itemember  to  avenge 
my  memory  by  publishing  how  much  I  loved  this  ungrateftil  people.  Kccall  one  day  to  their  remembrance  the  wrongs 
they  have  done  me,  and  tell  them  I  forgave.    Adieu,  my  brother,  for  the  last  time." 

This  letter  was  sent  In  a  bit  of  bread  to  a  friend  of  the  king.  It  was  Intercepted,  and  never  reached  his  brother. — 
Conenpomlence  0/ Loidit  XVI.JratuiUiti'd  h;i  IIflkn  Maria  Williams,  111.,  45. 

'  This  paper-money,  a  specimen  of  which  Is  given  on  page  74,  was  called  Assignnt.  It  was  first  Issued  in  ITS!),  and  the 
basis  for  Its  credit  was  the  property  of  the  clergy  and  the  emigrants,  which  the  government  had  seized,  and  which  was 
intended  for  sale.  For  t'.iree  years  it  held  n  market  value  of  over  ninety  per  cent.,  but  in  U92  it  began  to  depreciate,  and, 
lilic  our  own  Continental  money,  soon  became  worthless.  The  first  Issue  was  to  the  amount  of  about  $200,000,(100.  Tho 
nmnunt  that  was  finally  put  In  circulation  was  about  ,$1,760,000,000.  This  paper-money,  which  for  a  seaeon  played  so 
important  a  part  In  the  history  of  the  world,  was  productive  of  the  greatest  evils.  Specimens  of  it  are  now  rarely  to  be 
found.    The  engraving  represents  one  In  the  author's  possession. 

'  In  the  National  Convention,  on  the  28th  of  September,  Danton  declared,  amid  the  loud  applauses  of  the  assembly, 
that "  the  principle  of  leaving  conquered  peoples  and  countries  the  right  of  choosing  their  own  constitutions  ought  to  be 
to  far  modified  that  we  should  expressly  forbid  them  to  give  themselves  kings.  There  muxt  be  no  more  kinjH  in  Europe. 
One  king  would  be  mifflcienl  to  endanger  general  libertij;  and  I  request  that  a  committee  be  established  for  the  purpose  of 
promoting  a  general  iiuurrection  among  all  people  againitt  kinge."  They  thus  made  a  distinction  between  the  monarchs 
ami  the  people,  and  professed  to  be  the  deliverers  of  the  latter.  The  Revolution  Clubs  of  England  affiliated  with  them 
in  sentiment,  and  Dr.  Priestley  and  Thomas  Puine  were  elected  members  of  the  National  Convention.    Priestley  de- 


n 


mm 


IJMI 


il' 


!i| 


I 


Hi 


iff 


5?  i    sl^' 


p.. 


>5i; 


7d 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Egotism  of  the  French  lievolntionistB. 


Paine  In  France, 


Execution  of  Louis  XVI. 


Success  gave  the  revolu- 
tionists jj/estiffe,  and,  with 
egotism  luiparallcled,  the 
National  Convention,  by 
acclamation,  declai-ed  that, 
"in  the  name  of  tlie  French 
nation,  they  Avould  grant 
fraternity  and  assistance  to 
all  those  peoples  who  wish- 
ed to  procure  liberty  ;"  and 
they  charged  the  executive 
power  "  to  send  orders  to  the 
generals  to  give  assistance 
to  ouch  people,  and  to  de- 
fend citizens  who  had  suifer- 
ed,  and  were  then  suft'ering 
in  the  cause  of  liberty." 


■"^fCy 


Tlic  revolutionists,  flush- 
ed with  victories,  and  em- 
boldened by  th'j  obedi- 
ence which  their  reign  of 
terror  inspired,  soon  exe- 
cuted a  long  -  cherished 
plan  of  the  Jacobins,  and 
murdered  their  king  in  the 
])resence  of  his  subjects.' 
They  declared  war  against 
Enffliind  and  Hoi-  .„  .  , 

,  •Fen.  1, 

land,''  and  soon  af-     17»3. 
terward      against  >>  u^ch 
Spain,''    and    with      ^• 
the  battle-cry  o^ '''■Liberty 
and  jtJqiiuUt!/"   they  de- 
fied  all   Europe.     For  a 


moment  England  a\  as  alarmed,  for  she  h.id  numerous  enemies  in  her  own  Jiousehold, 
and  the  civilized  world  looked  upon  the  sanguuuiry  tragedy  on  the  (Jallic  stage  with 
dismay  and  horror. 

The  contagion  of  that  bloody  Eevolutiou  had  so  poisoned  the  eirculatinn  of  tlif 
social  and  j)olitical  system  of  the  United  States,  that,  strange  as  it  may  appi'ar  to  us, 
when  the  ])roclamation  of  the  French  Republic,  .vith  all  its  attendant  horrors  of 
August  and  September,  was  made  known  here,  followed  speedily  by  intelligence  of 

cliued,  but  Pnine  accepted,  went  over  to  Prance,  and 

tooli  liis  sent  In  tlint  blood-tlilrsty  n?si.'mbly.    This  eall- 

od  forth  s(inihs  and  caricatures  In  abuudauci'.    In  one 

of  tlio  liHtor,  entitled  "FaRhion  for  Eiifc;  or,  a  Good 

Constitution  (-acriflced  for  a  l-'antiistic  Form,"  Paine  is 

rei)rcsented  fitting  Bri'>innia  w  iili  a  new  pair  of  stays,  in 

allusion  to  the  occu'-ation  of  hi»  early  life.  Over  a  cottage 

door  on  one  side  \v  is  a  sign,  "Thomas  Paine,  Stay-nnilier, 

from  Tlietford.    Puris  Modes  liy  i:xpress."   Paine  nevei- 

ventareil  to  return  to  England.   His  popularity  in  France 

was  brief.    In  the  National  Conventimi  he  offended  the 

ferocious  Jncol)ins  by  ndvornting  lenicno;    towaril  the 

king.    He  incurred  their  hi-.tred,  niu\  Hobespierre  and 

his  associates  cast  him  into  prison,  where  he  composed 

his  "Age  ofReason."   He  was  saved  from  the  m  illotinc 

by  accident,  escaped  u,  tlie  United  States,  and  spent 

much  of  his  time  iiu  ri',  until  his  death,  in  coa  se  abuse 

of  men  and  measures  in  that  country  and  England. 
'  They  wcnr  through  the  fiipv     of  a  trial.    The  liing 

was  acciiKci!  of  treason  to  the  ['  "i-lc  and  the  C'oiistltu- 

tion,  and  was  found  guilty,  of  course.   Weak  in  intcUof't, 

and  dissipated  in  habits  as  he  was,  Louis  v.  >s  innocent 

of  the  crinu!8  alleL'ed  ,\;,'ainBt  him.   He  was  Ijelicided  by 

the  guillotine.    When  standing  bef,  re  the  iustruinent  of  death,  and  looking  upon  the  people  with  Honignlty,  lie  said, 

"  I  f.irglve  my  enemies ;  may  Goil  forgive  tliem,  i:in'  not  lay  my  innocent  blood  to  the  charge  of  the  m.lion  !    Ood  Mess 

my  neop;<' '"    He  was  cut  short  by  ai-.  order  to  ,ieat  the  drums  and  sound  the  trumpets,  when  the  brutal  oflicer  lo 

charge  called  out  to  him,  "  -V»  tpfeches !  cimw,  n<>  n/xmhen .'" 

The  deiitli  of  Louis  was  sincerfly  mourned.  He  was  weak,  but  not 
vicked.  He  was  ■\ii  :!mlable  iran,  and  loved  his  country.  His  fr'iid 
dared  rmt  make  any  public  de.ionstratious  of  g>-ief,  or  even  of  ntiarli- 
menl.  A  small  ct]niuieuioratl\e  medal  ofbrass  was  struck,  and  seir.ily 
circulated.  The.«e  were  cherished  by  tlie  !,oyallsts  for  a  generation  wiib 
threat  alTectioil.  Ou  one  side  li<  a  head  of  Louis,  with  the  usual  insciiii- 
tion— i.cp.  -vi.  stx  oAi.i..  imi  obatia.  On  the  other  'ide  is  a  mciiio- 
rlal  urn,  with  "uifis  xvi."  npoii  It,  and  a  fallen  crown  and  sceptre  a; 
Its  base.  Beneath  is  the  date  of  his  death,  and  over  i!  the  slgniUcnn' 
words,  SOI,  Bi'.osi  AiiiiT  "The  enn  of  the  kingdom  has  departed."  The 
engraving  is  from  a  copy  in  the  mithOi-'a  possession.* 


•AINE    rmiSO   8TAV8. 


MKMOIIHI.    .MrOAI.. 


Antoinette,  of  Austria. 


•  Louis  was  Dorn  on  the  28d  of  Mcrch,  UN  and  In  ITi'O  married  Kiiiii! 
lie  ascended  the  throne  of  France,  en  th';  death  of  his  grandfather,  in  ITT-t. 


Forgetfulness  of  Holla 

the  conquest  of 

popular  feeling 

They  were  bliiu 

Franco.     They  \ 

^  friendship  far  iik 

'true  liberty  whic 

the  persecuted  fo 

cities  celebrated 

spirit  the  death  o 

in  the  United  St.- 

France  awfikened 

icans,  ai-oused  old 

letter  and  spirit  o 

These  demonsti 

was  styled,-''  as  mi 

frigate,  and  landec 

«as  all  tiiat  his  a 

weeks  by  land  froi 

tion.     He  ^vas  a  i 

«.'is  frank,  lively, 

iiiiMsion.     Ho  mint 

trhies,  scorned  ail  < 

States  of  the  unboi 

hcan  leaders  hailed 

favorable  to  iinmec 

its  impending  .struc 

iiiomeiit,  would  not 

Iliat  might  Jiave  pr 

It  was  fortunate 

selors,  M-ere  at  the  1 

with  courage  stiffic 

the  declaration  of  v 

was  at  Moiuif  Vern( 

or  their  system  of  <; 

wrote  to  Governor 

foes  the  country  ha-. 

Perceiving  the  pr 

,?reat  anxiety,  and  1 

terrible  evils  which 


'  There  was  n  grand  fete  1 

nted  with  ribbons,  and  pl,i< 

ill-playcd  from  the  horns  of 

loaves  of  bread  and  two  hog, 

ofthree  hunrlred,  with  Kaaiii 

Ci^.iBul,  jat  down  to  a  dinner 

wore  presented,  stamped  vit 

Inthejaii  for  debt  were  paid 

t!ie  French  .illlauce,  mpntio.i 

Mifliin  presided.    At  the  he,,. 

Aniericau  ttags  lutoruvliied  i 

".".  treaty  of  alllan-e.nien 

ruary,  ITTS,  by  -.vhict,  t[ie  for 

mcrce  executed  at  i;,e  same 

tbn'se  of  the  enemies  of  Friiiu 

'  The  French  Jacobins  aflV- 

joe  term  r^then  was  nniversi 

He  was  called  "Citizen  Capet 

cwiveiitional  coBtumo  of  that 


■"''*Wfi*«'?S'!?'^*&VsHi-»-.ww'i- 


OF  THE   WAU    «F    1812. 


11 


Forgetfiiluess  of  Ilulland's  Friendship. 


Arrival  of  -  '  'Itizen  Genet" 


Washington's  Wisdom  and  Prudence. 


the  conquest  of  Austrian  NetherkawiB  by  a  French  army,  there  was  nn  outburst  of 
popular  feeling  in  favor  of  the  fTalBe  camm  that  swmetl  to  be  almost  universal. 
They  were  blind  to  the  total  difference  betwwen  tWir  own  Revolution  and  that  in 
France.  They  were  forgetfnl  of  the  friendship  of  Holland  during  that  struggle — a 
friendship  far  more  sincei'  than  thul  of  the  Frt-nch ;  forgetful  also  of  the  spirit  of 
true  liberty  which  for  ceiiiiries  had  prevailed  m  Holland,  and  made  it  an  asylum  for 
the  persecuted  for  conscient*'  sake  in  all  lands ;  and  the  people  in  several  towns  and 
cities  celebrated  these  events  with  demonstrations  of  great  joy.^  With  a  similai' 
spirit  the  death  of  the  Freuz-h  king  was  hailed  by  the  leaders  of  the  Republican  party 
ill  the  United  States ;  and  the  declaration  of  war  against  England  and  Holland  by 
Fiance  awakened  a  most  rrmarkable  entliusiasm  in  favor  of  the  old  ally  of  the  Amer. 
icans,  aroused  old  liatreds  toward  England,  and  called  loudly  for  compliance  with  the 
letter  and  spirit  of  the  treaty  of  1778.^ 

These  dcnionsti  '  ons  were  fwon  followed  by  the  arrival  of"  Citizen  Genet,"  as  lie 
was  styled,^  as  minister  of  the  French  Republic  to  the  United  States.  He  came  in  a 
frigate,  and  landed  at  Charleston,  Soutli  Carolina,  early  in  April.  His  reception  there 
was  all  that  his  ambition  could  have  demanded;  and  his  journey  of  three  or  four 
weeks  by  land  IVom  there  to  Philadelphia,  the  national  cai>ital,  was  a  continued  ova- 
tion, lie  was  a  man  of  culture  and  tact,  spoke  the  English  language  fluently,  and 
was  frank,  lively,  and  communicative.  lie  was  precisely  the  man  for  Ids  peculiar 
iiiiMsion.  He  niingleil  familiaily  with  the  people,  proclaimed  wild  and  stirrhig  doc- 
trines, scorned  all  dijilomatic  art  and  reserve,  and  assured  tlie  citizens  of  the  United- 
States  of  the  unbounded  affection  of  his  countrymen  for  the  Americans.  The  Repub- 
lican leaders  hailed  his  advent  with  delight ;  and  a  large  portion  of  the  iieople  were 
favorable  to  immediate  and  active  participation  by  their  government  with  France  in 
its  impending  struggle  against  armed  Europe.  Many,  in  the  Avild  enthusiasm  of  the 
luomeiit,  would  not  have  hesitated  an  instant  hi  precijiitating  their  country  into  a  war 
tliat  might  have  proved  its  utter  ruin. 

It  Avas  fortunate  for  the  country  that  a  man  like  Washington,  and  his  wise  coun- 
selors, Avere  at  the  helm  and  iialliards  of  the  vessel  of  state  at  that  time,  and  endoAA-ed 
with  courage  sufficient  to  meet  the  dangerous  popular  gale.  W^heii  intelligence  of 
the  declaration  of  war  between  France  and  other  nations  reached  him,  the  IVesident 
was  at  Mounf  Vernon.  He  had  no  confidence  in  the  self-constitvld  rulers  of  Frai.ce 
or  their  system  of  government.  "They  are  ready  to  «^ear  each  other  in  pieces,"  he 
wrote  to  Governor  Lee,  of  Virginia,  "and  Avill,  more  than  probably,  iirove  the  worst 
foes  the  country  has." 

Perceiving  the  proclivity  of  the  public  mind  in  his  vavii  country,  the  President  felt 
great  anxiety,  and  he  made  immediate  preparations  to  arrest,  as  fnr  as  possible,  the 
terrible  evils  Avhich  a  free  course  of  the  popular  sympathy  for  the  French  might  have. 


1  There  wns  n  j;rnnrt  fete  held  In  Bopton  on  the  24th  of .Jnnnary,  ITDB.  An  ox  was  roasted  whole.  It  was  then  dcco- 
ntoil  with  ribhoiis,  and  (ilacnd  upon  a  car  drnwn  by  fixicfn  horpoi*.  ^'^e  tings  of  the  United  States  and  I'nuice  were 
(llsiilnyod  from  the  horns  of  the  ox.  Jt  was  i)ariidijd  throu(,-h  the  streets,  followed  by  >_  -Is  bearing  sUtctMi  lunidred 
loaves  of  bread  and  two  liogshf-nds  of  p'lnch.  These  were  di'-tribnttd  among  the  people ;  and  at  the  same  time  a  party 
of  thre'-  hnndred,  with  Samuel  .Vdams,  then  Lieutenant  Governor  of  MasHaclii'setts,  nt  their  head,  .i"sistcU  by  tlie  French 
co.isul,  jat  down  to  a  dinner  U\  Faneuil  Hall.  To  the  children  ol  ull  the  schools,  v\'ho  were  paraded  in  tlie  streets,  cukes 
were  presented,  stampcil  vith  the  words  "lilHTti/  aud  Kiiuiilitii."  !))■  public  eubscription,  the  sums  owed  liy  prisoners 
ill  the  jali  for  debt  were  paid,  und  the  victims  of  that  barbnr  uis  law  were  f  et  free.  In  Philadelphia  the  anniversary  of 
I'.ic  Flench  '1111111100,  nient'.oiied  in  tlie  .  libjolned  not',',  wns  comniemornted  by  a  public  dinner.  Governor  (Int.i  General) 
Mifllin  presided.  At  the  head  of  tlu^  table  a  pike  was  flxcd,  bearing  npoii  Its  eiUit  the  himitft  roiif/c,  with  the  French  and 
American  fiags  lutertwlucd  in  fesioons,  and  the  whole  .-nmionnted  b;  «  dove  M'ld  olive  branch. 

-  A  treaty  of  alllan'e,  fiiendfhlp,  and  commerce  was  enterc'  into  by  the  I'n'led  States  and  France  on  the  Cth  of  Feb- 
mui> ,  1T7S,  by  which  the  fornier  was  bound  to  guarantee  the  French  iiossesslon.j  In  Amerh  a ;  and  by  a  treaty  of  com- 
nicrie  executed  at  tl.e  same  time,  French  privateers  and  priaes  -verr  entitled  to  shelter  In  the  American  ports,  while 
Iho'ic  of  (he  enemies  of  Frii nee  ihouldhc  dxclnded.  -See  Arliclfi  XVII.  of  the  Trenty. 

'  The  French  Jacobins  aflVcted  the  simplicity  of  (he  republics  of  Greece  and  Rome.  All  titles  were  abolished,  and 
the  term  nfhfii  was  universally  applied  t;)  men.  AVneii  'l.e  klni'  was  spoken  of,  his  fr.mily  name  of  Capiat  was  used, 
lie  was  called  "  Citlr.cii  Capet"  or  "  Louis  (  tipet,"  They  naV'ctcd  to  rc.'aid  liberty  as  a  ■liviiilty,  and  a  coiirtesan,  ia  the 
ccuveiitionul  coBtumc  of  ttiat  dl\  Imty,  w  r>s  fiaraded  lu  a  ;ur  th~ougb  the  streets  ae  the  Goddess  of  Liberty. 


: 


m 


IB 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Waabington'8  Proclamation  of  Meutrnllty. 


Aesaulta  upon  It  and  its  Author. 


'  April  li2, 

nu3. 


He  sent*  a  most  unwelcome  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  State.  "War,"  he 
wrote,  "liaving  actually  conmienced  between  France  and  Great  Britain,  it 
behooves  the  govennnent  of  this  country  to  use  every  means  in  its  power  to  prevent 
the  citizens  thereof  from  embroiling  us  with  either  of  those  powers,  by  endeavorini;: 
to  maintain  a  strict  neutrality."  He  required  Mr.  Jefferson  to  give  the  subject  his 
careful  thought,  and  lay  his  views  before  liim  on  his  arrival  in  Philadelphia.  A  sim- 
ilar letter  was  sent  to  the  head  of  every  oth.er  department. 

Washington  reached  Philadelphia  on  the  I7th  of  April,  and  on  the  19th  held  a 
Cabinet  council.  It  was  agreed  that  the  President  sliould  issue  a  proclamation  of 
neutrality,  warning  citizens  of  the  United  States  not  to  take  part  in  the  kindliiig  war. 
At  the  same  meeting  it  was  agreed  that  the  minister  of  the  French  Republic  should 
be  received.' 

The  President's  proclamation  of  neutrality  Avas  issued  oii  the  22d  of  April,  and  Avas 
.■■^wled  Avith  the  greatest  vehemence  by  the  "P'rench  party,"  as  the  llepublicaii.s 
H'«  i"c  called,  lieverence  for  the  President's  character  and  p»\sition  Avas  forgotten  in 
the  sto.'-m  of  passion  that  eiriued.  The  proclamation  Avas  styled  a  "  roj'al  edict,"  a 
"  daring  and  iniAvarrantable  assumption  of  executive  poAver,"  and  was  pointed  at  as 
an  open  manifestation  by  the  President  and  his  political  friends  of  partiality  for  En- 
gland, a  ')itter  foe,  and  hostility  to  France,  a  Avarm  friend  and  ancien*  ally.  It  is  fair 
to  infer,  Irora  the  tone  of  his  private  letters  at  that  time,  that  the  Secretary  of  State 
(Avho  voted  very  reluctantly  in  the  Cabinet  for  the  proclamation),  governed  by  his 
;u."'^st  fanatical  hatred  of  Hamilton,  and  his  sympathies  Avith  the  French  regicides, 
secretly  promoted  a  public  feeling  hostile  to  the  administration.^ 

'  The  followinR  Is  n  copy  of  the  President's  proclamation : 

"  Whereas  it  appears  that  a  state  of  war  exists  between  Austria,  Prussia,  Sardinia,  Great  Britain,  and  the  United  Nutli- 
erlands  on  the  one  part,  and  France  on  the  other,  and  the  duty  and  interests  of  the  United  States  require  that  llirv 
should,  with  sincerity  and  good  faith,  adopt  and  inirsue  a  conduct  friendly  and  impartial  toward  the  belligerent  powers : 

"I  have  therefore  thought  fit,  by  these  i)iesents,  to  declare  the  disposition  -if  the  United  States  to  observe  the  conduct 
aforesaid  toward  those  powers  respectively,  and  to  exhort  and  to  warn  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  carefully  to 
avoid  all  acts  and  proceedings  wluitsoevcr  which  may  in  any  manner  tend  to  contravene  snch  disposition. 

"And  I  do  hereby  make  known,  that  whosoever  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  shall  render  himself  liable  to  ])iiii- 
ishmeut  or  forfeiture  under  the  law  of  nations,  by  cimiinitting,  aiding,  or  ubetting  hostilities  against  any  of  the  taiil 
powers,  or  by  carrying  to  any  of  them  those  articles  which  arc  deemed  contraband  l)y  the  modern  usage  of  nations,  will 
not  receive  the  protection  of  the  United  States  against  such  punishment  or  forfeiture ;  and  farther,  that  I  have  given 
instruction.i  to  those  officers  to  whom  it  belouga  to  cause  i)rosecutions  to  be  instituted  against  all  persons  who  sliull. 
within  the  cognizance  of  the  courts  of  the  United  Sti  'es,  violate  the  laws  of  nations  with  respect  to  the  powers  at  war. 
or  any  one  of  them.    In  testimony  whereof,  etc  .  etc.  Signed,  Oeokoe  Washinuto.n-." 

J  It  is  an  unpleasant  dnty  to  arraign  men  whom  the  nation  delights  to  honor  as  tried  patriots,  on  a  charge  of  com- 
plicity with  those  who  at  one  time  would  have  wrecked  the  governinent  upon  the  rocks  of  anarchy,  not  designedly,  pcr- 
liaps,  bnt  nevertheless  efTcctually.  llut  historic  truth  sometimes  demands  it,  as  iu  the  case  before  us.  Mr.  .Tctlerson 
was  openly  opposed  to  the  policy  of  AVashington's  administration.  This  was  manly.  But  it  was  not  manly  lO  be  a 
covert  enemy,  lie  always  denied  any  complicity  witli  Freueau,  his  translating  clerk,  in  his  coarse  abuse  of  Washlngtoi] 
and  his  politifal  friends,  while  Jefferson  was  Secretary  of  State  ;  hut  the  very  mlimtes  niac'.e  by  Mr.  .Jefferson  hiuisolf. 
and  printed  in  his  Anas,  BufflcienHv  indicate  his  relative  positi<ni  to  Freueau  at  that  time.  He  says  that  at  a  Ciihiiii't 
council  Wanhinglon  spolte  harshly  of  Frcneau,  who  impudeutly  sent  him  three  copies  of  his  paper  every  day,  tilled  vvitli 
abuse  of  the  administration.  "He  c(.uld  see  nothing  in  it,"  .Icfl'erson  recorded,  "but  an  impudent  design  to  insult  him: 
he  ended  in  a  hifh  tone."  Again  Jefferson  says.  "lie  [tlie  Picsldeut]  adverted  to  a  piece  in  Freiiean's  paper  of  yester- 
day. He  said  he  des))lsed  all  their  attacks  on  hlin  personally,  but  that  there  had  never  been  an  act  of  tlie  government, 
not  meaning  in  tbr  executive  line  only,  bnt  In  any  line,  which  that  paper  had  not  abnsed.  ...  lie  was  evidently  sore 
and  warm,  and  I  i.  ik  his  Intention  to  be,  that  i  should  interjiose  in  some  way  with  Freueau,  perhaijs  wlthdr"".'  his  ap- 
polntmcnt  of  translating  cle.k  In  my  office.  But  I  will  not  do  it.  His  paper  has  saved  our  Constitution,  whi  h  w  as  gal- 
loping fast  into  monarchy,  and  has  been  checked  by  uo  one  means  so  powerfully  as  by  that  paper.  It  is  well  and  iinl- 
versaily  known  that  it  has  been  thai  paper  which  has  checked  the  career  of  ihc  monocrats."— */cmoir  and  Corrmiuiutl- 
ence  nfjeffermn,  Loudon  edition,  'v.,  4(17.  But  the  evidence  against  Mr.  Jefferson  In  this  matter  Is  not  entiicl.v  clrciuii- 
stantial.  The  late  Dr.  John  W.  Francis,  of  New  York,  who  was  Frenenn's  physician  in  the  latter  j'cars  of  his  life, 
informed  the  author  that  It  was  one  of  the  most  polginint  griefs  of 'hat  Journalist  that  he  had  seemed  to  be  an  cnciiu 
of  AA'ashiugtim.  He  assured  Dr.Prancis  that  the  Sarutnal  (Inzfile  was  entirely  under  the  control  of  Mr.  .Jefferson,  aii^l 
that  the  Secretary  iHrtatetl  m  ti^ole  Ihr  mttHt  rioh'nt  attarkn  n»  Washington  and  liw  political  fricnilii.  The  only  e.'scUfc  Hi 
the  conduct  of  Mr.  JefiVrsou  at  that  lime  Is  iHilillcal  mouonianiu. 


Genet's  Hcceptlon  in  8<mtl 


1 


of  the  proclamation, 
from  Charleston,  wit 
ilopredatc  on  British 
One  of  these  priva 
sliores.    She  went  pr 
a  fine  British  nierch; 
Avhen  she  proceeded 
•vas  greeted  by  a  i 
"When  the  British  t 
F.eiich  flying  above 
licr  foremast,  and  hev 
t'(\  white  burgees,  Avi 
National  Convention 
L^ Embiiscade  Avas 
|ihia  fourteen  days  1 
Mict  him  at  the  Schu 
roar  of  cannon  and  tl 
:iiid  the  citizens  at  iai 
itlol,  that  he  AA'as  hivil 
President  of  the  Unit 
At  that  presentatio 
touched,  and  his  hoj)i 


'  General  AVlIUan  Moultrie, 
Jay  wrote : 


'  From  her  foremast  were  ^ 
"  Prceraeu,  wo  nro  your  friends 
inau."  V EnybuiKxiik  saluted  Iht 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


79 


Genet's  Reception  in  South  CnroUiin.   Privateers  commissioned,    /irrlvnl  and  Reception  of  one  of  tliem  at  Pliiladclphla. 


ciiAPTEti  rv. 


"  While  France  her  huge  limbs  bs  the  <  recumbent  in  1)10011, 
And  society's  base  throats  with  wide  (IcHolation, 
May  Peace,  lilic  the  dove  who  i  eturned  from  the  Hood,  -  ,        ■;, 

I'iud  an  ark  of  aliode  in  our  mild  Constitution.  .    . 

But  though  peace  is  I  lur  aim,  <• 

Yet  the  lioon  we  disc  laim  .       -  : 

If  bought  by  our  Sovereignty, .  Fuslicp,  or  Fame ; 
For  ne'er  shall  the  sons  of  ( .'ohimbia  be  slaves 
While  the  earth  bears  a  plajit,  or  the  sea  rolls  its  waves." 

RooEBT  Tbe.it  Paine. 

HE  Avisclom  and  timolLioss  of  "Waslihigton's  proclamation  of  nen- 
trality  was  soon  made;  manifest.  Genet  came  Avitli  blank  com- 
missions for  naval  und  military  service,  and  proceeded  to  lit  out 
two  privateers  at  Cb  arleston.  He  was  also  empowered  to  give 
authority  to  every  French  consul  in  the  United  States  to  consti- 
tute himself  a  court  of  admiralty,  to  dispose  of  prizes  captured  by 
French  cruisers  and  brought  into  American  ports.  In  defiance' 
lit' the  proi'lamation,  his  privateers,  manned  principally  by  American  citizens,  sailed 
from  Charleston,  with  the  consent  and  good  wishes  of  the  governor  and  citizens,  to 
ilepredale  on  British  commerce.^ 

One  of  these  privateers  m  .  ,s  .V EmhuHcade,  the  frigate  that  brought  Genet  to  our 
shores.  She  went  prowling  up  the  coast,  seizing  several  vessels,  and  at  last  captured 
a  fine  British  merchantman,  named  The  Grange,  within  the  Capes  of  the  Delaware, 
when  she  proceeded  to  Philadelphia  in  triumphant  attitude."  Her  arrival  .  jtay  2, 
vas  greeted  by  a  great  assemblage  of  people  on  the  brink  of  the  river.  *^"3- 
•'  AVhen  the  British  colors  were  seen  re  versed,"  Jefferson  wrote  to  Madison,  "  and  the 
FiOiK'h  flying  above  them,  the  people  liurst  into  peals  of  exultation."  Upon  her  liead, 
her  foremast,  and  hev  stern,  liberty-caps  were  conspicuous;  and  from  her  masts  float- 
id  white  burgees,  with  words  that  ochoed  the  egotistic  proclamation  of  the  French 
Xational  Convention.^ 

VEinbuscade  was  the  precursor  of  the  French  minister,  who  arrived  at  Philadel- 
)>hia  fourteen  days  later. '^  Accordinti;  to  preconcert,  a  number  of  citizens 
met  him  at  the  Schuylkill  and  escor  ed  him  to  the  city,  in  the  mirlst  of  the 
roar  of  cannon  and  the  rhigiug  of  bell':.  There  he  rtceived  addresses  from  societies 
:uid  the  citizens  at  large;  and  so  an-vious  were  his  ailmirers  to  ])ay  homage  to  their 
idol,  that  he  was  invited  to  a  p.iblic  diimer  before  hf  presented  his  credentials  to  the 
President  of  the  United  States! 

At  that  presentation,  which  occurred  on  the  10th,'^thc  minister's  pride  was 
touched,  and  his  hopeful  ardor  was  chilled.    Ho  found  himself  in  an  atmos- 


"■  May  10. 


May. 


1  Geucral  William  Moultrie,  the  heroic  patriot  of  the  Kevolutlon,  was  then  Oovemor  of  Sonth  Carolina.  A  wit  of  the 
J«y  wrote : 

"  On  that  blest  day  whun  first  we  came  to  land, 
Oreat  Mr.  Moultrie  look  us  by  the  hand; 
Surveyed  Iho  ships,  ndm'.tfd  the  motley  crt-w, 
Aud  o'er  the  envoy  ft-iendship's  maiitle  threw; 
Rcceive.d  the  Bam-rMlotle  with  soft  embrace, 
And  bade  him  welcome  with  the  kindliest  grace." 

'From  her  forcniKst  were  displayed  tho  ivords,  "  Knemles  of  ei|nailty,  reform  or  tremble;"  from  her  mnlnmafti, 
"Prceraeu,  wo  are  y<iur  friends  and  brethren  ;"  moim  the  mlzten-mast.  "Wo  arc  armed  for  the  defense  of  the  righti  of 
raau."  U Embimcckie  saluted  the  V(i at  crowd  wUUtSAcoii  '^ms,  and  was  responded  to  on  shore  by  cheers,  and  g<iu  for  gun. 


m  rKi'tffUlAJ.    -TEI..D.BOOK 

Oeuot  im  tke  Presence  of  WaibhigtolSl'  TtStifffidfi—.  jj  -u^  PuUttcal  Friends. 


Democratic  Societies 


i 


phorc  of  the  most  profound  diarrrf^y  in  tl  !<■  ^'  trnce  of  ^\'a8hinc:ton ;  and  he  was  made 
to  realiw  hi«  own  littleness  while  standi  n^  bofvro  thiit  nohle  i\  presentative  of  the  best 
m<'n  and  the  soundest  principles  of  tJie  A)  ,  rican  ]<-  )iiiMU\  lie  withdrew  from  the 
audience  aba^tlved  and  subdued.  He  had  heard  seiitn.,*  ris  of  sincere  regard  for  the 
F'renoii  nation  tl»at  touched  the  sensil)ilities  of  his  Jieart,  and  he  liad  fell,  in  the  genu- 
ine courtesy  and  severe  simplicity  and  frankness  of  the  President's  manner,  wholly 
free  from  effervescent  enthusiasm,  a  withering  rebuke,  not  only  of  the  adulatois  in 
puV)lic  places,  but  also  of  his  own  pretenl  ious  aspirations  and  ungenerous  duj)licity,' 

Genet  affected  to  !><•  shocked  by  the  evidences  of  monarchical  sympathies  in  the 
President's  house.^  He  was  supremely  happy  when  lie  was  j>ermitted  to  escape 
from  the  frigidity  of  truth,  virtue,  and  dignity  into  the  fervid  atmosphere  of  a  ban- 
■Mi>y23,     quet-hall  filled  with  his  "friends."*     There  his  ears  were  greeted  with  the 

iT!t3.  stirring  Marseilles  Hymn,  an  '>de  in  French,  composed  for  tlie  occasion,^  and 
toasts  bfifflful  of  "Liberty  and  Equality."  There  his  eyes  were  delighted  with  a 
•'trfte  of  lifxk-rty"  upon  the  table,  and  the  fags  of  the  two  nations  in  fraternal  enfold- 
'm%*.  There  his  iieart  was  mada  glad  by  having  the  red  cap  of  libeity  placed  ujion 
Hfi*  nrvm  Jiead  first,  and  then  upon  the  head  of  each  guest,  while  the  wearer,  under  the 
IfiKpiration  of  its  i^ymbcJism — 

"  That  siicrsd  Cap,  whlcti  fools  in  order  sped 
In  grand  rotation,  round  from  head  to  head"— 

uttered  some  patriotic  i^iwWwwwS,  There  hirt  hopes  of  success  were  made  to  bud  anew 
ns  ho  saw  the  officers  and  sailo/w  ///'  \\\ii  piiviiteer  receive  a  "fraternal  embrace"  fn  in 
eiu  li  gin'sl,  (i/id  bear  away  to  the  robber  the  /(/igH  o/'lhc  (  ho  )ii, lions  amid  the  cheeiH 
of  the  convivialists. 

Genet's  prescnco  intensified  (he  party  spirit  of  the  Republicans.  "  llelilifiiriilii 
Societies,"  in  imitation  of  Ihe  Jacobin  Clubs  of  France,  were  formed,  secret  in  their 
proceeduigs,  and  disloyal  in  the  extreme  in  their  jjractice  at  that  time.  In  servile 
imitation  of  their  jjrototypes,  they  adopted  the  peculiar  phrases  of  the  populace  of 
Paris;'  and  a  powerful  fiiction  was  soon  visible,  more  Fi'euch  than  American  in  tluii 
habits  of  thought  and  political  principles.  By  some  strange  iiifjvt  nation,  sensible  ami 
patriotic  men  were  drawn  into  the  toils  of  the  charmer,  and  they  sanctioned  and  j)!ii- 
ticipated  in  scenes  which  composed  a  most  astounding  and  humiliating  farce.'' 

'  Genet's  address  to  Wachlngton  was  full  of  friendly  profesFlon?.  "It  wan  impopsible,"  Jefferson  wrote  to  Madison, 
"for  any  thing  to  be  more  affectionate,  more  mngnanimons  than  the  purport  of  Genets  mission.  ...  He  offers  eviTv 
thing,  and  asks  nothing."  And  yet,  while  making  thc.«e  professions,  he  had  secret  instrnctions  in  his  pocket  to  foment 
discord  helween  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  to  set  the  American  government  at  dcflunce,  ii  neo('s^Mv,  in 
the  execution  ;)f  his  designs.  lie  had  already  openly  insulted  that  government  by  his  acts  nt  C'harlcsfon— a  city  wl.iili. 
on  that  occasion  as  on  subsequent  ones,  earned  the  "bad  crainencc"  of  standing  alone  in  the  attitude  of  disloyally  \>' 
the  national  government. 

'  He  was  "astonished  and  indignant"  at  seeing  a  bust  of  Louis  XVI.  in  the  vcstllml",  and  romp'nined  of  It  to  hi? 
"friends"  as  an  "  Insult  to  France. "  lie  was  eiiually  "astonished"  by  discovering  in  the  President's  parlor  "ccrtniii 
medallions  of  Capet  and  his  family ;"  r.nd  lie  was  "  shocked  to  le?  rn"  that  the  Marquis  Dc  NoaiUcs  (n  relative  of  Madnnn' 
lafayeltc)  and  other  emigrant  Frenchmen  had  lately  been  admitted  to  Ihc  presence  of  Washington.  Indeed  he  found 
most  things  disagreeable  outside  of  the  charmed  circle  of  his  "  f'icnds." 

■'  This  was  written  by  "Clll/en  Duponceau,"of  rhiladclphin,  n  worthy  French  gentleman,  ,. ho  came  to  America  with 
the  Baron  Oe  Steuben,  and  w.is  for  many  years  n  distinguished  citizen  of  Pennsylvania.  The  ode  was  translated  into 
English  at  the  table  by  Frcncau,  Ihe  translating  clerk  of  the  Sccreiary  of  State,  and  then  sung  again. 

<  "The  title  6f  c?Yi>™,"says  Orlswold,  "became  as  common  In  Phlladi'lphia  as  lnPari.»,  and  in  the  newspapers  it  w;i« 
the  fashion  to  announce  marriages  as  partnerships  L.tHeen  ('itizen  Brow:i,  Sniilh,  or  Jones  and  the  cifowi  who  had  hc?u 
wooed  to  such  an  association."— /Jfjiiib/iVnii  Cmiri,  p.  ilCiO. 

■■•  "  At  a  dinner  at  which  Governor  MIfllin  was  present,  a  roasted  pig  recel'or'  the  name  of  the  mnrdered  French  kin:'. 
and  the  head,  severed  fi-om  the  body,  was  carried  lonnd  to  each  of  the  guests,  who,  after  placing  the  liberty-cap  on  lii^ 
own  bciid,  ))ronouncea  the  word  '  tyrant,'  and  proceeded  to  mangle  with  bis  knife  that  of  the  luckless  creature  donnioil 
to  be  served  for  so  unworthy  a  company.  One  of  Ihe  IVmorratIc  lavcnis  dlsplaycfi  as  a  sign  a  revolting  picture  oftlic 
mutilated  and  bloody  corpse  of  Marie  Ant.iinetto."*— /(c;)ii6(ic(i»  Pnurt,  p.  '(.Vl.  Stninge  as  It  may  seem, .'  'fferson  was  jo 
Influenced  by  his  prejudices  ..t  that  time  that  he  shnt  his  cyos,  apparently,  to  all  passing  events,  and  could  write  to  Mad- 

•  Marie  Antoinette,  the  nnhappy  queen  of  Louis  X^1.,  became  the  victim  of  Jacobin  mnlignlty,  and  was  t)e!ieaded  on 
the  Irtlh  (ifOctoljer,  nwi.  .She  was  n  danghter  of  the  Kmpetor  of  Austria,  and  Is  represented  as  a  beantihil  and  accom- 
plished woman.  Iler  murdcers  accused  and  convicted  l,"r  of  crimes  of  wblch  tbey  knew  she  was  Innocent.  She  wn? 
taken  to  the  scaffold  on  a  cart.  I|i  t  body  was  cast  into  the  Magdalen  churchyard,  and  luimedialely  consumed  nitli 
qulck-hmc !    The  fiends  denied  her  a  grave. 


Enthusiasm  for  the  F 

But  the  ludic 

dignified  act. 

liundred  inerchs 

the  soundest  loy 

scnted  to  Presid 

Similar  enthu 

other  ])Iaces,  but 

to  the  governme 

Democratic  soci, 

temperate  heat,  t 

The  governme 

forward  in  the  ] 

owners,  and  tJie  j 

sent  to  the  colleci 

fitted  out  as  priv 

sols,     Americans 

and  indicted  for  .1 

of  grand  juries  to 

with  respect  to  ar 

These  measures 

He  protested ;  ami 

reiterated  the  opji 

priv/i/eecs,  he  had 

I'ccied  finil  '/'//,,  ii 

would  leave  th<i  4 

Isou,  afltj  ,.,|„,,„^|„^,,,i, 

two  of  the  Cabinet  [Mean 
1,'rcat  antipathy  to  run  fou 
'  A  dance,  with  singing, 
"  ''''"'>«=  societies  and  th'( 
"li'lioiilo  their  owh,  as  eq 
belter  counsels  kept  their 
Hevolutlong. 


The  aspect  of  dignltv,(lr, 
was  wholl"  wanting  in  Uiat  i 
'ipenly  advanced  In  Ihv  Con 
cnrurcc  a  political  creed  up,,, 

when  Ibehold  the  hand  of  ra 
tliusu  citl/ens  and  Ibeir  anci 
and  cool  delibenitlon  ought  t 
what  was  the  cause  of  Amerli 
''*'■'•'."  WI8  graphically  ijhislr 


OP  TllE  WAR  OF  1812. 


81 


Entbuoiaam  for  the  French  Cause.     The  Americaa  and  French  Kevulutlonn  contrasted,     tienct  rebuked  by  Jefferson. 


But  the  ludicrous  picture  of  Genet's  reception  in  Philiulcl]iliia  was  relieved  by  a 
dignified  act.  On  the  day  of  his  arrival  in  that  city,  an  address,  signed  by  three 
hinidred  merchants  and  other  substantial  men  of  that  city,  in  which  was  expressed 
the  soundest  loyalty  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  his  proclamation  of  neutrality,  was  pre- 
sented to  President  Washington. 

Similar  enthusiasm  for  the  French  cause  was  manifested  in  New  York  and  a  few 
other  places,  but  the  citizens  were  never  obnoxious  to  the  charge  of  overt  disloyalty 
to  the  government.  Although  the  Carmagnole^  was  sung  hourly  in  the  streets,  and 
Democratic  societies  fanned  the  zeal  for  the  Jacobin  system  of  government  into  in- 
temperate heat,  the  citizens,  as  such,  remained  loyal  to  the  Constitution  and  the  laws.* 

Tlie  government,  unawed  by  the  storm  of  passion  that  beat  upon  it,  went  steadily 
forward  m  the  path  of  right  and  duty.  27ie  Grange  Avas  restored  to  its  British 
owners,  and  the  privateers  were  ordered  to  leave  the  American  waters.  Orders  were 
sent  to  the  collectors  of  all  the  ports  of  the  United  States  ibr  the  seizure  of  all  vessels 
iitted  out  as  privateei-s,  and  to  prevent  the  sale  of  any  prizes  captured  by  such  ves- 
sels. Americans  from  one  of  the  privateers  fitted  out  at  Charleston  were  arrested 
and  indicted  for  a  violation  of  law;  and  Cliief  Justice  .T.ay  declared  it  to  be  the  duty 
of  grand  juries  to  jjresent  all  i>ersons  guilty  of  such  violation  of  the  laws  of  nations 
with  respect  to  any  of  the  belligerent  powers. 

Tiiese  measures  greatly  irritated  tlie  French  minister  and  his  American  partisans, 
lie  protested ;  and  tlie  Secretary  of  State,  soon  finding  him  to  be  a  troublesome  friend, 
reiterated  the  opinitms  of  the  President,  and  plainly  told  him  that,  by  commissioning 
|trivii(('er«,  he  had  violated  the  sovereignty  of  the  United  States,  and  that  it  Avas  ex- 
|ie('l('d  Ihal  '/'///'  IJi  nit  and  IJJi^nibvscade  (the  two  privateers  fitted  out  at  Charleston) 
would  leave  tho  American  wat'      *'orthwith. 


isiiii,  iilliM  i!»)((/i«i'lli(j  hl«  opinion  thni  Gcnei  h  inagnnnimous  offers  would  not  be  received,  "It  Is  evident  thnt  one  or 
two  of  the  C!ablnei  Hueiiniii);  llnmiiton  and  Knoxi,  at  least,  under  pretcnRe  of  avoldiuj^  war  ou  the  one  side,  have  no 
(jrciit  antipathy  to  run  foul  of  it  on  the  otlur,  and  to  make  a  jiart  in  the  confederacy  of  princes  against  human  liberty." 

1  A  dance,  with  slngiiifr,  performed  in  the  mi     ts  of  I'aris  during  the  French  Revolution.    See  page  GO. 

■  Those  societies  and  the  newspapers  In  theii  iiterest  attempted  to  deceive  the  people  by  comparing  the  Freuch  Rev- 
olution to  their  invli,  us  equallyju.xlitled  and  holy.  Jlany,  totally  ignorant  of  the  fai-ts,  believed ;  but  enlightenment  and 
tictlcr  counsels  kept  their  passions  in  check.  The  informed  and  thoughtful  saw  no  just  comparison  I'otweeu  the  two 
licvolutlous. 


TllF   <^ONTRART. 

The  aspect  of  dignity,  dccomm,  gravity,  order,  and  rcllglonn  solemnity  so  conspicuous  in 
was  wholl"  wanting  in  that  of  the  French.  "  When  I  llnd,"  IlnmlUon  wrote  to  Washington, 
ii|ipiil,v  advanced  in  the  Convention,  and  heard  with  loud  applauses ;  when  I  sec  the  sw.  -d 
ouforce  a  political  creed  upon  citizens  who  were  invited  to  submit  to  the  arms  of  FraMs  ii« 
when  I  behold  the  hand  of  rapacity  outslcetched  to  prostrate  and  ravish  the  monuments  uf  re 
llwai'.  cliliiens  and  their  ancestors ;  when  T  iicrceive  passion,  tumult,  and  vlolcn  -e  nsurpi..;: 
;niii  cool  deliberation  ought  to  preside— I  acknowledge  that  I  am  glad  lo  believe  there  Is  r.o 
what  was  the  canse  of  America  and  what  is  the  cause  of  France."  The  difference  between  .< 
UkrVj  was  graphically  illustrated  by  a  print  cnJled  T)w  CoMrmt,  of  which  our  engraving  Is  a 


the  American  Revolntion 
"  (he  doctrines  i>f  atheism 
if  fanaticism  extended  to 
the  barblnpera  of  liberty; 
!1'-lo!!S  worship  erected  by 
liisse  seatK  where  reiion 
real  resemblance  between 
tneriean  liberty  and  Frtnth 
reduced  copy. 


82 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


i  r 


Persixteoce  of  the  French  Minister. 


Ui8  "FlIibUBtorlDg"  Schemes. 


Dis  Attempt  to  create  a  Rebellion. 


A  Reaction. 


sf  'lil 


.\   IW 


il 


ri' 


Geiiot,  with  ofFensive  pcrtin.ifity,  de- 
nounced this  doctrine  as  contrary  to 
riglit,  Justice,  and  tlie  law  of  nations, 
and  threatened  "  to  appeal  from  tlie 
President  to  tlic  jn'ople."  Tiic  Re- 
publican papers  sustaiiu'd  hiiu  in  his 
course.  1  The  Democratic  societies  be- 
came more  bold  and  active ;  and  (ienet, 
niistakinLT  the  |)opular  clamor  in  his  fa- 
vor for  the  deliberate  voice  of  the  na- 
tion, actually  undertook  to  fit  out  as  a 
privateer  at  I'hiladelphia,  during  the 
absence  of  the  President  at  Mount  Ver- 
non, under  the  very  eyes  of  the  national 
government,  a  British  vessel  that  liad 
been  cajitured  and  brought  in  there  by 
VEnibuscade,  and  which  he  named  in 
French  The  Little  iJernocrat.  MilHin, 
tlic  Democratic  Governor  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, interfered,  and  threatened  to 
seize  the  vessel  if  Genet  persisted  in 
his  course.  The  minister  refused  to  listen.  Jefterson  begged  liiin  to  desist  until  the 
return  of  the  President.  Genet  spurned  his  kind  >  jrds,  and  raved  like  a  uindmaii. 
He  declared  his  deterinination  to  send  The  Little  Democrat  to  sea,  complained  that  he 
had  been  thwarted  in  all  his  undertakings  by  the  government,  denounced  the  Presi- 
dent as  unfaithful  to  the  \i'ishes  of  the  people,  and  resolved  to  press  him  to  call  the 
Congress  together  to  act  upon  the  subjects  in  dispute.^ 

Genet's  othcial  and  private  conduct  became  equally  offensive ;  and  when,  on  Wash- 
ington's return  to  the  seat  of  government,  it  was  recited  to  him,  his  indignation  was 
arous  d.  "Is  the  minister  of  the  French  Kepublic  to  set  the  acts  of  the  government 
at  deliarice  \i^ith  impunity  f^h^i  asked.  Ilis  Gabinet  answered  No.  Forbearance  to- 
ward ll'..!  insolent  minister  was  no  longer  retpiired  by  the  most  exacting  courtesy, 
and  it  \tas  agreed  in  Cabinet  council  that  the  French  government  should  be  requested 
to  recall  him  because  he  Avas  offensis  e  to  that  of  the  United  States.  Jefferson  had 
become  disgusted  with  liim,  and  the  tone  of  popular  sentiment  soon  became  more 
sensible  and  patriotic.  His  reiterated  threat  of  appealing  from  the  President  to  the 
people — in  other  words,  to  excite  an  insurrection  for  the  j)urpose  of  overthrowing  the 
government — had  shocked  the  national  pride ;  and  many  considerate  Republicans, 

'  A  writer  in  Frenenu'8  Onzrttr  paid,  "  I  hope  the  niinisler  of  France  will  act  with  flrmnefs  and  c pirit.  The  ])en])le  are 
his  frirnfls,  or  the  friends  of  France,  a:.(l  lie  will  have  nothinf;  to  apiirchcnd;  for,  nu  yrt,  the  people  are  the  fiovercifiiis 
of  the  United  States.  Too  much  complacency  is  an  injury  done  to  his  l■all^'l' ;  for,  as  every  advantage  is  already  taken 
of  Franco  (not  by  the  ]>e(q>h),  farther  condescension  may  lead  to  farther  abuse.  If  one  of  the  leadinsj  features  of  (air 
government  is  pusH'.animity  when  tlie  Dritish  lion  shows  his  teeth,  let  Franco  and  her  minister  act  as  becomes  the  dig- 
nity of  her  cayse,  a'j  i  the  honor  and  faith  of  nations." 

Fronean's  paper,  at  that  time,  was  assisted  in  its  attacks  npon  the  jjovernment  by  the  Oeneral  Advertiner  (aftenvard 
known  as  the  A^irora),  edited  by  B.  F.  Bache,  a  grandson  of  Dr.  Franlilin,  who  had  been  educated  in  France.  It  was 
even  more  violent  and  abusive  than  its  colleague,  and  even  charged  Washington  with  an  intention  of  joining  in  the 
league  of  kings  and  priests  against  the  French  Republic  I 

'  (Jenel  was  intrusted  by  his  government  witli  bolder  schemes  than  the  fitting  out  of  privateers.  lie  was  to  organize 
what  are  called  in  our  day  "  filibustering  cxpcdillcms,"  on  an  extensive  scale,  against  the  Spanish  dominions,  the  objcrl 
beinf;  no  less  than  the  seizure  of  Florida  and  New  Orleans.  An  expedition  against  the  ""ormer  was  to  he  organL.i'd  in 
South  Carolina,  and  against  the  latter  in  Kentucky.  The  one  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  was  to  be  led  by  General  (icorp 
Rdgern  Clarke,  the  conqueror  of  tic  Northwest,  to  whom  was  given  the  magniloquent  title  of  "  Major  Oeneral  In  iho 
Armlei-  ^)f  France,  and  Commander-in-chief  of  the  French  Revolutionary  I.eiiions  on  the  Mississippi."  Funds  for  car- 
(■jlng  on  Cicse  expeditions  were  to  be  derived  from  the  payment  to  the  mli'ister,  by  the  I'nited  Slates,  of  a  portion  of  the 
iwitjonaj  Jubt  due  to  France.  French  emissaries  were  employed  in  South  Carolina  and  Kentucky,  and  in  the  latter  (lb- 
Bict|the  pnlillo  mind,  irritated  by  the  Spanish  obstructi(ms  to  the  navigation  of  the  Mi-ssissippl,  was  very  favorable  t" 
l))e  movement.  The  failure  of  Oenet's  missicm  put  an  end  to  these  schemes  of  conquest,  uot,  however,  until  they  haJ 
jiroijllccd  'iinoylng  effects  npon  the  national  government. 


who  had  been 

in   the   cause 

lievolution  in 

|)aiised  while  li 

to  the  audaciou 

i>f  a  foreigner  w 

Slimed  to  dicti 

course  of  contl 

be  pursued  by 

loved  Wasliin 

Tlie  tide  turned 

soon  there  wen 

onstrations     th 

out  the  LTiiion  of 

ment  with  the  ] 

niation   of  netit 

wliich  the  partis; 

Genet  never  drt 

of,  and  a  8tron< 

irresistible  react 

favor  of  the  na 

government     sjx 

manifested     itsel 

every  hand. 

Genet'  was  rcc; 
and  M.  Fouchet,  s 
equally  indiscreet 
ment  against  Gre 
two  countries,  to 
and  a»conciliatorj 
was  pursuing  a  st 
gland  dejjlored. 
armed  neutrality 

'  Mr.  CJenet  never  retu 

conntry,  and  ho  thought  1 

Slate  of  New  York,  and  b 

of  the  I'rench  Jacobin  --o 

ties.    At  the  time  of  his 

born  In  January,  lT(i3.     I 

nttached  to  the  emba.ssie. 

t»  the  Emperor  of  Russi, 

X'VI.,  he  became  a  favorit 

nilui.^tor  to  Holland,  and  , 

America  as  minister  and  ( 

first  Postmaster  General  i 

aloiied  by  bis  attendance 

I'lospect  Hill,  near  Greciib 

L'aniiian,  and  another  wa« 

the  wisdom  of  Wasbingl. 

in  America,  and  reJoic<Ml  i, 

'  During  the  American  I 

'  Genet  was  burled  iii  i 

pl,iced  over  his  remains  Is 

Under  this  humble  stoi 

poientlary  and  Consul  Gen 

l""-i»hof.St.Lonls,InFran 

"Driven  by  the  storms  c 
wliere  he  cherished  the  lov 
am  he  devoted  Ids  time  to 
and  trne  Christian  phllosoi 
V'lth  radiant  splendor  bejo 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


83 


A  Reaction. 


Oenct  recnilcd. 


Ilig  Successor. 


Biographical  Sketcli  of  Genet. 


wlio  liiul  been  zoaloiiH 
in  the  cause  of  the 
Kevohition  in  France, 
j)ausc(l  whiles  liMtenins^ 
to  tlic  iiiidiicious  v'ordh 
of  a  foreigner  who  prc- 
sniiieil  to  (lictatc  the 
course  of  conduct  to 
be  i)urRued  by  the  be- 
loved Wa  s  lii  n  g  t  o  n. 
Tiie  tide  turned.  Very 
soon  there  were  dcra- 
onstnitions  tlii'ough- 
out  tlie  Union  of  agree- 
ment with  the  procla- 
mation of  neutrality, 
wliich  the  partisans  of 
Genet  never  dreamed 
of,  and  a  strong  and 
irresistible  reaction  in 
favor  of  the  national 
govern  inent  speedily 
manifested  itself  on 
every  hand. 

Genet'  was  recalled, 
and  M.  Fouchet,  a  man 
equally  indiscreet,  was 


appointed  bis  success- 
or. At  the  close  of 
the  year,  Mr.  Jetlcr- 
son,  whose  views  of 
French  aftliirs  had  be- 
come much  moditicd 
by  the  course  of  events 
at  home  and  aliroad, 
left  the  Cabinet  and 
retired  to  ])rivato  life, 
much  to  the  regret 
of  Washington,  who 
found  in  him  an  able 
minister  of  state.  Jef- 
ferson was  a  patriot, 
but,  for  several  years, 
his  jealousy  and  ha- 
tred of  Hamilton  and 
his  friends  maile  him 
a  political  monoma- 
niac. 

While  the  goveni- 
ment  of  the  United 
States,  unswayed  by 
the  popular  sentiment 
in  favor  of  Fi-ancc, 
and    national    resent- 


ment against  Great  Bi'itain,  had  hastened,  on  the  breaking  out  of  war  between  those 
two  countries,  to  adopt  a  strictly  neutral  policy,  thereby  showing  great  nmgnanimity 
and  atconeiliatory  spirit  toward  the  late  enemy  in  the  licld,  that  enemy,  inimical  still, 
was  ])ursuing  a  se'iish  and  ungenerous  course,  which  the  wisest  and  best  men  of  En- 
gland deplored.  Keganlless  of  the  opinions  of  Europe  expressed  in  the  treaty  for  an 
armed  neutrality  in  1780,^  she  revived  the  rule  of  war  laid  down  by  herself  alone  in 

1  Mr.  Genet  never  returned  to  Franc;.  At  about  'hu  time  of  liia  recall,  a  change  of  faction  had  taken  place  in  his 
country,  and  he  thouglit  it  prudent  not  to  return.  Ho  remained,  married  n  dauj,'hter  of  (Jeorge  Clinton,  (Jovcrnor  of  the 
Slate  of  New  York,  and  became  an  ornament  to  American  society.  It  is  cmly  of  his  official  conduct,  while  the  minister 
of  tl>e  I'rcnch  Jacobin  government,  that  Americans  have  reason  to  romplain  of  him.  He  was  a  man  of  eminent  abili- 
ties. At  the  time  of  his  arrival  in  the  United  States,  he  was  a  few  months  more  than  thirty  years  of  age,  having  been 
burn  in  January,  17(13.  He  was  a  precocious  boy,  and  from  childhood  was  engaged  in  public  employments.  He  was 
iit'iiclied  to  the  emliassies  at  Berlin,  Vienna,  Loudon,  and  St.  Petersburg.  Because  of  a  spirited  letter  which  he  wrote 
lo  the?  Emperor  of  Hussia,  ludignautly  protesting  against  his  expulsion  from  his  dominions  after  the  deatli  of  Louis 
XVI.,  he  became  a  favorite  of  the  French  revolntlonists.  lie  was  made  adjutant  general  of  the  armies  of  France  and 
iiilui-tcr  to  Holland,  and  was  employed  in  revolutionizing  (ienevn  and  annexing  it  to  France.  He  was  finally  sent  to 
America  as  minister  and  consul  general.  He  was  twice  married.  His  second  wife  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Osgood,  the 
ilrst  Postmaster  General  under  the  Constitution.  He  took  great  interest  in  agriculture,  and  his  last  lllneas  was  occa- 
sioned by  his  attendance  at  the  meeting  of  an  agricultural  society  of  which  he  was  president.  He  died  at  his  seat  on 
I'riispect  Hill,  near  Oreenbnph,  opposite  Albany,  on  the  14th  of  .Inly,  ISM.*  One  of  his  sisters  was  the  celebrated  Madame 
Cainpan,  and  another  was  Madame  Anguie,  molher-in-Iaw  of  the  distinguished  Marshal  Ney.  Mr.  Genet  often  spoke  of 
Ihc  wisdom  of  Washington  and  his  administration,  the  folly  of  his  own  countrymen  at  that  time  and  of  their  admirers 
in  America,  and  rejoiced  that  the  proclamation  of  neutrality  defeated  his  wild  schemes. 

»  During  the  American  Kevoluti(ni  the  superior  maritime  power  of  Great  Britain  was  able  to  damage  the  commerce 

•  Genet  was  burled  lli  the  prave-ynrd  of  the  Koformed  Dutch  Church  at  Greenbnsh.  Upon  a  plain  marble  tablet 
placed  over  his  remains  Is  the  following  inscription  : 

"Under  this  humble  stone  are  Interred  the  rennilns  ofEnMiTKnCiiAni.KBOENKT,  late  Adjutant  General,  Minister  Pleni- 
Iinicntlary  and  Consul  General  from  the  French  Hepubllc  to  the  United  States  of  America.  He  was  born  at  Versailles, 
liarlsh  of  St.  Louis,  in  France,  January  S,  17CI!,  and  died  at  Prospect  Hill,  town  of  Oreenbusb,  July  14,  ISM. 

"  Driven  liy  the  sfoi  ms  of  the  Uevolutton  to  the  shades  of  retirement,  he  devoted  his  talents  to  his  adopted  country, 
where  he  cherished  the  love  of  liberty  and  virtue.  The  pursuits  of  literature  and  science  enlivened  his  peaceful  solitude, 
.ind  he  devoted  his  time  to  usefulness  and  benevolence.  His  last  moments  were  like  his  life,  an  example  of  fortitude 
and  true  Christian  philosophy.  His  heart  was  love  and  fUcudshtp's  sun,  which  has  set  on  this  transitory  world,  to  rise 
with  radiant  splendor  bejond  Ihc  grave." 


i) 


84 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


If 


il 


'i 


Brlttah  "  Rules"  and  Orders  la  Council.       Their  Injustice.        The  Armed  Neutrality.       Feeling  In  the  United  Stutoo. 

1766,'  and  first  by  a  "proviHioiial  order  in  conneil,"  as  it  was  called,  issued  in  June, 
•  November  fl  ^  7!).'!,-  and  tlicn  by  another  order  in  council,  issued  in  November  following,' 
iTua.  ;j,ni  secretly  pronndi^ated,  she  struck  heavy  blows  at  her  antaj^onist,  re- 

gardless of  the  fact  that  they  fell  almost  as  heavily  upon  those  who  favored  her  by 
neutrality.  Citizens  of  the  United  States  were  then  carrying  on  an  extensive  trade 
with  the  French  West  India  Islands,  whose  ports  had  been  opened  to  neutrals  for  the 
same  reasons  as  in  1 7  "Xi,  and  felt  no  apprehension  of  interference  from  any  source. 
But  (treat  Britain  had  determined  to  again  aj)ply  her  starvation  nu!asures  against  her 
old  enemy,  and  a  secret  order  in  council  was  issued,  and  silently  circulated  among  the 
British  cruisers,  without  the  least  notice  or  intimation  to  the  American  merchants, 
directing  all  vessels  engaged  in  trading  with  any  colony  of  France  to  be  taken  into 
British  ports  for  adjudication  in  the  courts  of  admiralty.^ 

This  lawless  invasion  of  neutral  rights,  conducted  secretly  and  treacherously,  pros- 
trated at  one  blow  a  great  portion  of  American  commerce.  The  property  of  Amer- 
ican merchants  to  the  amount  of  many  millions  of  dollars  was  8wei)t  from  the  seas 
into  British  ports  and  lost.  This  was  regarded  as  little  better  than  higliway  robbery, 
judged  by  the  law  of  nations  and  common  justice. 

When  intelligence  of  this  high-handed  measure  reached  the  United  States,  it  pro- 
duced the  hottest  indignation  throughout  the  land.  Politicid  strife  instantly  ceased, 
and  both  parties  Avere  etiually  zealous  in  denunciations-  of  the  treachery  and  aggres- 
sions of  Great  Britain,  for  which  she  offered  no  other  excuse  than  expediency,  grow- 
ing out  of  her  evident  determination  to  mahitain  her  boasted  position  of"  mistress  of 
the  seas,"  regardless  of  the  rights  of  all  the  rest  of  the  world.  Congress  was  then  in 
session,  and  measures  were  proposed  for  retaliation,  such  as  reprisals,  embargoes,  sc- 

of  other  Europenn  nations  immensely.  Tlie  British  government  revived  the  rule  of  nsfi,  liclow  mentioned,  nnd  infrinirod 
largely  upon  neutral  connncrce.  To  rc»iHt  these  encroachments,  and  to  protect  uciitrnl  marllinie  ri^lits,  Kussia,  Swe- 
den, Ueninarli,  and  Holland  formed  a  treaty  of  alliance,  which  they  denominated  The  Armed  Neutrality,  l)y  which  tlicy 
pledged  themselves  to  support,  at  the  hazard  of  war,  if  necessary,  the  following  principluN:  1.  That  it  shonld  he  lawful 
for  any  ships  to  sail  freely  from  one  port  to  another,  or  along  the  coast  of  the  powers  at  war.  2.  That  all  merchanrtito 
and  effects  belonging  to  the  subjects  of  the  belligerent  powers,  and  shipped  in  neutral  bottoms,  should  be  entirely  free ; 
that  is,  free  ships  make  free  goods,  ii.  That  no  place  should  be  considered  blockaded  e.\cept  the  assailing  pAver  had 
taken  a  station  so  as  to  expose  to  imminent  danger  any  ship  attempting  to  sail  iu  or  out  of  such  ports.  4.  That  no  neu- 
tral ships  should  be  stopped  without  material  and  well-grounded  cause ;  and,  in  such  cases.  Justice  should  lie  done  llicni 
without  delay."  The  British  navy  triumphed  over  all  opposition,  the  designs  of  the  armed  neutrality  were  defealcil, 
and  Holland  was  made  a  party  to  the  war  with  tlie  Americans  and  France.  A  similar  attempt  to  restrict  the  maritime 
power  of  Great  Britain  was  made  in  the  yesr  ISOO,  which  resulted  iu  the  destruction  of  the  Danish  fleet  before  Copen- 
hagen in  April,  ISOl.  Soon  after  thij  The  Armed  Neutrality  was  dissolved,  and  the  dominion  of  the  seas  was  accordcil 
to  England. 

1  When  the  war  between  Great  Britain  nnd  France  was  formally  declared  In  17S6,  the  former  power  announced,  as  n 
principle  of  national  law.  "that  no  other  trade  should  be  allowed  to  neutrals  with  the  colonies  of  a  belligerent  in  tinio 
of  war  than  wuit  is  allowed  by  the  parent  state  in  time  of  peace."  This  was  in  direct  opposition  to  the  law  of  natioiiH 
promulgateii  l)y  Frederick  the  Great,  of  Prussia,  namely,  "  the  goods  of  an  enemy  can  not  be  taken  from  on  board  tlic 
ships  of  a  frieud ;"  and  also  in  direct  violation  of  a  treaty  between  England  and  Holland,  in  which  it  was  stipulated  ex- 
pressly that  "free  ships  make  free  (,ood8"— that  the  neutral  should  enter  saf>  ].,  and  unmolested  all  the  harbors  of  tlio 
belligerents,  nnless  they  were  blockaded  or  besieged.  England  not  only  violated  the  treaty,  hut,  having  the  might,  ex- 
ercised the  right  of  invading  the  soveieignty  of  Holland,  andcnpturinc  its  vessels  whose  cargoes  might  be  useful  forlicr 
navy.  This  assumption— this  dictation  of  law  to  the  nations  to  suit  her  own  self.sh  purposes— turned  against  England 
the  denunciations  of  the  civilized  world,  and  which  for  more  than  a  cont\n-y  she  has  never  ceased  to  receive.  At  that  time 
her  "law"  v.as  aimed  directly  at  France,  then  much  the  weaker  nava!  power.  Unable  to  maintain  her  accustomed 
trade  with  her  West  India  Islands,  she  opened  their  ports  to  neutrals.  It  was  to  destroy  the  trade  by  neutrals,  so  lucra- 
tive to  them  and  so  beneflcial  to  France,  that  Great  Britain  introduced  that  new  principle  of  national  law. 

2  This  order,  intended  as  a  starvation  measure  against  France,  declared  th.it  all  vessels  laden  wholly  or  in  part  with 
breadstuiTs,  hound  to  any  port  of  France,  or  places  occni)ied  by  French  armies,  should  be  carried  into  England,  ami 
their  cargoes  either  disposed  of  there,  or  security  given  that  they  should  be  sold  only  iu  i)orts  of  a  country  in  frlendshij) 
with  Great  Britain.    This  order  was  Issued  on  the  8th  of  June,  1T93. 

3  The  following  is  n  copy  of  the  order: 

"  George  R. :  Additional  Instructions  to  all  ships  of  war,  privateers,  etc.  : 

"That  they  shall  stop  and  detain  all  ships  laden  with  goods  the  produce  of  any  colony  belonging  to  France,  or  con- 
veying provisions  or  other  supplies  for  the  use  of  such  colonies ;  and  shall  bring  the  same,  with  their  cargoes,  to  legal 
acUudicatlon  in  our  courts  of  admiralty.    By  his  majesty's  command.  Signed,  Dusuas. 

"November  0,1733." 

So  secretly  was  this  order  issued  that  the  first  account  of  its  existence  reached  the  London  Exchange  with  the  detail- 
of  several  captures  which  It  authorized  and  occasioned.  And  Mr.  Plnckney,  the  American  minister,  was  unable  to  pro- 
cure a  copy  of  it  until  the  26th  of  Ueccmbcr,  more  than  six  weeks  after  it  was  Issued.  —PiiKkiuy'a  letter  to  hia  governmetil, 
Dtcember  28, 1798. 


British  Impressment 

<]iiestrations,  an 

excitement  was 

iiig  the  Jiand  of 

Another  and  i 

consideration,  ar 

tilitics  between 

into  tJie  Ikiti.sh  i 

(ii-cat  Britain  fo 

fions"  to  suit  liei 

•langer,  to  be  foi 

British  seamen  tt 

naval  ])ower  by  t 

jwtriate  Jiimself- 

triiie  that  in  time 

and  that,  at  the  ct 

loturii  and  tight  t 

laniation  was  issi 

ships  of  war  to  m 

l>ntisJi-l)orn  seam 

foreign  state.     Un 

while  in  niid-ocear 

(treat  Britain  alon 

Knglish  and  Anieri 

their  scrutiny,  nati 

vessels,  and  kej)t  iu 

tilting  grievance. 


J^A 


Oy 


'""<nvhig,j\ir.Jaysai 

The  French  "Ii,.p„ 

I'ecausc  of  tlie  virtu- 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   18  12. 


85 


OrltiDh  Iroprcssmont  orAmcricun  Seamen. 


War  threatened. 


John  Jay  a  ppccinl  Minister  to  Engiand. 


questrations,  and  even  war.  The  whole  country  was  violently  agitated ;  and  the 
cvcitenuMit  was  increased  hy  events  on  the  Indian  frontier,  already  mentioned,  show- 
ing the  hand  of  British  influence  in  the  l)loody  battles  in  the  Northwest. 

Another  and  more  serious  element  of  discord  between  the  two  nations  came  up  for 
consideration,  and  which,  in  after  years,  was  one  of  the  immediate  causes  ofopen  hos- 
tilities between  the  two  countries.  This  was  the  impressment  of  American  seamen 
into  the  British  service.  In  eftbrts  to  maintain  her  i)<)siti()n  of"  mistress  of  the  seas," 
(treat  Britain  found  herself  uiuler  the  necessity  of  announcing  another  "  law  of  na- 
tions" to  suit  her  particular  case.  High  wages,  humane  treatment,  and  security  from 
danger,  to  be  found  in  the  Aimrican  merchant  service,  had  attracted  a  great  many 
British  seamen  to  it.  Their  govenunent,  alarmed  at  the  threatened  weakening  of  its 
naval  j)Ower  by  this  drain,  planted  itself  upon  the  theory  that  a  subject  can  not  ex- 
|)atriatc  himself — once  an  Englishman,  always  an  Englishman ;  proclaimed  the  do^!- 
trine  that  in  time  of  war  the  govenunent  had  a  right  to  the  services  of  every  subject ; 
and  that,  at  the  command  of  their  sovereiixn,  every  luitural-born  sidyect  was  bound  to 
rt'turn  and  tight  the  battles  of  his  counti  , .  In  accordance  witli  this  doctrine  a  proc- 
lamation was  issued,  by  which  authority  Avas  given  to  the  commanders  of  British 
shijjs  of  war  to  make  up  any  deficiency  in  their  crews  by  ])ressing  into  their  service 
British-born  seamen  wherever  found,  not  Avithin  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  any 
tiu'oign  state.  Under  this  authority  many  American  merchant  vessels  were  crippled, 
while  in  mid-ocean,  by  British  seamen  being  taken  from  them.  Nor  were  subjects  of 
(4rcat  Britain  alone  taken.  It  was  somefimes  diflicult  to  discover  the  nationality  of 
English  and  American  seamen;  and  as  the  British  comm.anders  were  not  very  nice  in 
their  scrutiny,  native-born  Americans  were  frc(piently  dragged  on  board  British  war 
vessels,  and  kept  in  servitude  in  the  royal  navy  for  years.  This  was  a  great  and  irri- 
tating grievance. 

War  with  Great  Britain  now  seemed  in- 
evit.Tble.  To  avert  it  was  Washington's 
most  anxious  desire.  To  do  so,  and  main- 
tain strict  neutrality,  was  a  diflicvdt  task. 
He  resolved  to  try  negotiation.  He  well 
knew  that  the  temper  of  his  countrymen 
would  oi»pose  it.  With  a  moral  heroism 
commensurate  with  tlie  occasion,  he  nom- 
inated John  Jay,  the  Chief  Justice  of  the 
United  States,  as  envoy  extraordinary  to 
the  Court  of  Great  Britain,  to  negotiate 
for  a  settlement  of  all  matters  in  dis])Ute 
between  the  two  governments.  The  proj)- 
osition  Avas  met  Avith  a  storm  of  indigna- 
tion. It  Avas  scouted  as  pusillanimous. 
The  Democratic  societies  and  Democratic 
newspapers  Averc  aroused  into  nnconmion 
activity.  The  tri-colored  cockade  Avas 
seen  on  every  side,  and  the  |)artisans  of 
the  French  regicides  ruled  the  hour. 
Better  counsels  jirevailed  in  the  Senate, 
and  on  the  lOth  of  April-'  that  body 
confirmed  the  nomination  by  a  vote 
of  eighteen  to  eight.  On  the  12th  of  May 
liillowuig,  Mr.  Jay  sailed  from  Ncav  York  for  London. 

The  French  "  liei)ublic,"  meanwhile,  had  become  ofP.^nded  with  the  United  States 
liecausc  of  the  virtual  dismissal  of  Genet,  and  demanded  the  recall  of  Mr.  Morris. 


i 


86 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


Tho  Fall  of  the  French  Jacobtni. 


Mlndter  Monroe  In  Parlf. 


Jay'i  Treaty  with  Great  lirltaln. 


i: 


::  U 


Washingtoi)  priKU-iifly  cnnipliod,  ami  appoiiitod  Juincs  MoiinH'  in  liis  jdaci'.  I'lic 
•AiiRiiHt,     liittcr  iinivt'd  ill  Fruiice  at  an  auspicious  moi'ieiit."     lnU'llii;t'iice  of  tlu' 

Uin  j^.^y  Amerifan  misHion  to  Eiii^laiul  iiad  aroust-il  the  most  bitter  enmity  to- 
ward the  United  States  aiiioiifj;  (he  violent  leaders  of  the  National  Convention.  I'mt 
their  bloody  rule  was  at  an  end.  J{obesi»ierre  and  his  fiendish  associjites  had  fallen. 
For  some  time  they  had  been  hated  in  the  Convention.  At  leiif^th  Uillaud  Varennes 
mounted  the  trihune,  and,  in  a  speech  full  ot  invective,  (b-noiinced  IJobespierre  as  a 
'July  20,     tyrant.''    The  accused  attempted  to  speak.    "Down  Avith  the  tyrant!"  burst 

nu4.  from  many  a  lip,  and  he  and  his  guilty  coUeagucH  were  dragged  to  execu- 
tion amid  the  shouts  t)f  the  poi)ulace,  who  had  huz/aed  as  loudly  when  the  king  was 
murdered.  With  their  fall  the  dreadful  Keign  of  Terror  ended.  The  Jacobin  society 
was  Buppressed.  Reason  and  conscience  were  asserting  their  sway  in  tho  Conven- 
tion. The  nation  breathed  freer,  and  the  curtain  fell  on  one  of  the  bloodiest  tragedies 
in  the  history  of  the  human  race. 

Monroe  was  received  with  great  cordiality.  lie  sent  a  judicious  letter  to  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  Convention.  Its  sentiments  were  consonant  with  the  feelings  of  the 
hour.  When  lie  afterward  entered  the  hall  of  the  Convention  the  presiilent  i  iii- 
braced  him  aftectionately.  It  was  decreed  that  the  flags  of  the  two  nations  should 
be  entwined  and  hung  up  there,  in  token  of  international  union  aiul  friendship;  and 
Monroe,  with  reciprocal  courtesy,  presented  the  banneuof  his  country  to  the  ('onvin- 
tion  in  the  name  of  the  American  peoj)le.  The  Convention,  in  turn,  resolved  to  pre- 
sent their  national  flag  to  the  President  of  flie  United  States. 

Jay's  mission  to  England  was  partially  successful.  He  found  many  obstacles  to 
contend  with.  He  entered  upon  the  business  in  June,  witli  Lord  Grenville,  and  on  the 
19th  of  November  following,  the  contracting  parties  signed  a  treaty  of  amity,  com- 
merce, and  navigation.  Although  Mr.  Jay  accomplished  much  less  than  his  instruc- 
tions directed  him  to  ask  for,  the  treaty  Avas  a  long  step  in  the  direction  of  right, 
justice,  and  national  prosperity,  and  led  to  the  execution,  to  a  great  extent,  of  the 
Treaty  of  1783.  It  also  laid  the  solid  foundation  of  the  commercial  policy  of  the 
United  States.' 

Jay's  treaty  was  doomed  to  a  severe  trial,  and,  with  it,  the  administration,  the 
Constitution,  and  even  the  republic  itself.  The  Democrats  had  resolved  to  oppose  h, 
whatever  might  be  its  provisions,  especially  if  it  should  remove  all  pretexts  for  a  war 

'  The  treaty  provided  for  the  estnbllshnient  of  commissions  to  determine  the  eastern  boundary  of  tlie  I'nlted  Slates, 
then  in  dispute ;  the  amount  of  losses  incurred  by  British  subjects  by  iniiiedlments  beln;;  thrown  In  the  way  of  colleit- 
inj;  debts  in  the  United  States  incurred  before  the  Revolution ;  and  to  ascertain  and  esthnate  the  losses  of  the  Americuiis 
by  irrefjulnr  and  illegal  captures  by  British  cruisers,  such  losses  to  be  paid  by  the  Uritlsh  Roveniment.  It  was  i)rovideJ 
that  the  Western  military  posts  should  be  t;iven  up  on  the  1st  of  .Tune,  1790,  In  consideration  of  the  adjustment  of 
the  ante-Kevolutlonary  del)ls.  The  Indian  trade  was  left  open  to  both  nations,  the  British  being  allowed  to  enter 
nil  American  harbors,  with  the  right  to  ascend  all  rivers  to  the  highest  ])ort  of  entry.  This  was  not  reciprocated  in 
full.  Americans  were  not  allowed  free  navigation  of  the  rivers  in  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company's  possessions,  nor  thoee 
of  others  of  the  British  cohmial  possessions  in  America,  except  afcot'c  the  highest  ports  of  entry.  Tlic  citizens  or  subjecte 
of  each  government  holding  lands  in  the  dominions  of  the  other  government  were  to  continue  to  hold  them  without 
alienage,  nor  were  conflscntions  of  the  property  of  such  persons  to  be  allowed.  In  a  word,  the  existing  conditions  of 
property  jhould  not  be  disturbed.  Such  are  the  substantial  provisions  In  the  first  ten  articles  of  the  treaty,  which  were 
declared  to  be  |)erpetual.  The  remaining  eighteen,  having  special  reference  to  commerce  and  navigation,  were  limited 
in  their  operations  to  two  years  after  the  termination  of  the  war  in  which  Great  Britain  was  then  engaged.  American 
vessels  were  allowed  to  enter  the  British  ports  in  Europe  and  the  East  Indies  on  equal  terms  with  tho^e  of  British  vce- 
sels,  while  partlci|)atlon  in  the  East  India  consting-trade,  and  trade  between  European  and  Kritish  East  Indian  portp, 
was  left  to  the  contingency  of  British  permission.  The  British  were  permitted  to  meet  the  dl^f  rimiiuitlon  In  the  Amer- 
ican tonnage  and  import  duties  by  countervailing  measures.  American  vessels  not  exceeding  seventy  tons  were  all""  pd 
to  trade  to  the  British  West  Indies  on  condition  that  they  should  not,  during  the  continuance  >f  the  treaty,  triiii-  ri 
from  America  to  Europe  any  of  the  principal  colonial  products.  British  vessels  were  to  be  admitted  into  Auicnran 
ports  on  terms  equal  to  the  most  favored  nations.  There  were  provisions  made  favortihle  to  neutral  i)ropertT  mi  tho 
high  seas,  and  that  a  vessel  entering  a  blockaded  port  should  not  he  liable  to  capture  unless  previously  notified  (f  the 
blockade.  There  were  satisfactory  arrangements  made  concerning  enlistments ;  of  courti^sy  between  ships  of  war  and 
privateers  of  the  two  countries;  to  prevent  the  arming  of  privateers  of  any  nation  at  war  with  the  two  ccmtracting  par- 
ties, and  the  capture  of  goods  in  the  hays  iiiid  harbors  of  the  parties.  In  the  event  of  war  between  the  two  conntrie?, 
the  citizens  or  subjects  of  eitlier  should  not  he  molested,  if  peaceable ;  and  fugitives  from  justice,  charged  with  hii-'li 
crimes,  to  be  mutually  given  ui).* 

*  The  Treaty  In  full  may  be  found  In  the  Statesmun's  Manual,  Iv.,  298. 


Violent  Oppodtioii  ( 

uith  Great  J5r 

.■it(!  were  not  c 

Cahiiiet  ininiHt 

tcr  to  warrant 

raised  in  the  I) 

The  Senate  1 

Then  the  oppof 

gets  for  their  si 

(ore  the  Ifevolu 

for  their  negnx 

States,  aixl  the  | 

iiize  man  as  pro 

The  author  o) 

dent  personally, 

natioMiil  coward 

"Id  ally.    Bold  J 

iiig  if.     Public 

language  and  ,sei 

paraded  in  the  s 

lioston  denonnci 

the  Ignited  State 

at  a  public  meet 

South  Ciirolinian 

flag  in  (li(!  (111.    ( 

••onsiil;  wIiilo\ii 

evils,  offered  thei 


'  The  following  is  a  sj 
M'ven  years'  war  with  II 
iillies,  now  contr'nding  f 
kimi  0/ 1 leatii  with  j,  po; 
republicanism.  The  Un 
iirch?  Treaties  lend  lo  1 
ii  government  congenial 
difference  bordering  on 
''taiid  or  fall  together." 

'  The  Semite,  on  volin. 
cntlonofthe  treaty  itself, 
"f  the  order  of  the  8th  of 
the  rules  of  the  Senate,  o 
it  to  the  Aurora  newsp.q 
the  2d  of  July.    A  poet  ol 


'  In  1(107  an  English  coi 
TO'/  aim  beinij  iiiiiiteln,  the, 
lided  that  "so  soon  as  n  i 
breathe  in  Englnml."  n, 
the  kindling  of  the  Revoi 
^'^rr  *ef,  a  native  of  Afri 
wht  ,10  H-ns  Induced  to  n 
'  That  of  Jay  boi-c  n  pnii 
I'repondcrnted,  "liritinh  ,jo 
!mi  mil  rnTinlri,'." 

'  "These  nrehnrdargui 
"Edward  Livingston,"  saj 
t'ode),  was,  I  nm  inf.irmed, 
«  "Notice  Is  herebv  give 
nlarch-lr.iltor,  John  .lav, 
•■Vssembly  „f  Virginia  althi 
emment  o.'one  hundred  th 
"1"S.  A.sltlsthe  wish  i 


OF  TIIK   WAR    OF    18  12. 


87 


vioioni  oppuDitioiitafttvVlmMsh 


ItM  FrlciiilH  nxKalled. 


SeceMlon  propnied  by  VlrglnUiw. 


witli  Grt'iit  ISritiiin.     It  rcachod  tlic  Prt'Hidont  early  in  March,*  hut  the  Sen-    .  j,g„h  ^ 
iitc  were  not  convened  to  eoiisider  it  until  .Tune>    Meanwliile  an  unfaithful         """• 
Cahiiiet  minister  (Mr.  Handolph,  of  Virjfiiiia)  revealed  enouyh  of  its  ciiaracv     "•'"»<"*• 
ter  to  warrant  attaiks  u])on  it.     The  mad,  si'ditioiis  cry  of  faction  was  immediately 
raised  in  the  Democratic  societies  and  Hj)rcad  among  the  people.' 

Tiie  Senate  finally  voted  to  ratify  the  treaty,  and  it  was  jmhlished  to  the  world." 
Tlieii  tlie  opjiosition  oj)ened  upon  it  their  heaviest  liatt«'ries  »)f  ahuse.  The  chief  tar- 
gets for  their  shot  were  its  provisions  for  the  jjayment  of  honest  dehts  contracted  he- 
fore  tlu!  Hevolution,  and  the  omission  to  ])rovide  for  the  remmieration  of  sl.-iveholders 
for  tlieir  nej^roes  e!\rricd  away  dnrinij  that  war.  As  the  Constitution  of  the  I'liited 
States,  and  the  puhiic  sentiment  and  judicial  decisions  of  (ireat  Hritaht  di<l  not  recog- 
nize man  as  jjroperty,''  the  claim  relating  to  slaves  in  tlie  old  treaty  was  i)assed  over. 

Tlic  autiior  of  the  treaty,  the  approving  senators,  the  administration,  and  tlie  Presi- 
dent ])ersonally,  were  violently  assailed.  The  treaty  A\as  declared  to  he  a  token  of 
nation.il  cowardice;  an  insult  to  the  American  peojile;  a  covert  hlow  at  France,  their 
old  ally.  Hold  attempts  were  made  to  intimidate  the  President  ami  ])revent  his  sign- 
ing it.  Puhiic  meetings  were  held  all  over  the  country,  at  which  the  most  violent 
language  and  seditious  suggestions  and  menaces  were  made.  A  moh  in  Pliiladeli»hia 
|)aradcd  in  the  streets  with  effigies  of  Jay  and  the  ratifying  senators.*  A  meeting  in 
Koston  denounced  the  treaty  as  containing  not  one  article  "honorahle  or  henetteial  to 
the  Pnited  States."  Hamilton  and  other  si)eakers  in  favor  of  the  treaty  were  stoned 
at  a  i)ulilic  meeting  in  New  York,  not  only  l)y  a  low  moh,  hut  hy  decent  people.' 
South  Carolinians  called  Jay  a  "traitor,"  longed  for  a  guillotine,  trailed  the  Hritish 
flag  in  the  (he  of  the  streets  of  Charleston,  and  Imrned  it  at  the  door  of  the  British 
consul;  while  \  nginians,  ever  ready  with  the  grand  panacea  of  disimioti  for  political 
evils,  offereil  their  prescription  in  emphatic  if  not  elegant  language." 

'  The  fdUowliiK  Is  ft  spocimcn  of  tlioKC  fnctious  cries;  "AniprlcniiH,  awako  !  Kemcml)er  wlint  you  suffered  through  a 
fi'veii  years'  war  witli  llie  satellites  of  George  the  Third  (and  I  hope  the  last).  Kecollect  the  services  rendered  l>y  your 
allies,  now  contending  for  liberty,  niush  to  think  that  America  should  dcfjradc  herself  so  much  ns  to  enter  Into  any 
kimi  0/  Ireatij  with  a  iiowcr,  now  tottering  on  the  brink  of  ruin,  whose  principles  are  directly  contrary  to  the  spirit  of 
republicanism.  The  United  Slates  are  a  republic.  Is  it  advantageous  to  a  republic  to  have  a  connection  with  u  mon- 
iirch?  Treaties  lead  to  war,  and  war  Is  the  bane  of  n  republican  govenimont.  .  .  .  France  is  our  natural  ally  :  she  has 
a  u'overument  congenial  with  our  own.  .  .  .  The  nation  on  whom  nur  jmlitkal  existetxee  dcpcnih  we  have  treated  « ith  lu- 
(liirerence  bordering  on  contempt  .  .  .  Citizens,  your  security  depends  ou  France.  .  .  .  Let  us  uni'c  with  France,  and 
ctuud  or  fail  together." 

"  The  Senate,  on  voting  to  recommend  the  ratification  of  the  treaty,  removed  the  seal  of  secrecy,  but  forbade  the  pHl)li- 
rition  of  the  treaty  Itself,  for  prudential  reasons  connected  with  measures  for  ascertaining  the  construction  liy  the  Knglish 
"f  the  order  of  the  Sth  of  .Tunc,  ITtl.T  (see  page  S4),  which,  it  was  rnmorcd,  had  just  been  renewed.  Regardles.'i  alike  of 
the  rules  of  the  Senate,  of  offldul  decorum,  and  of  personal  honor,  Senator  Thomson  Mason,  of  Virginia,  sent  a  copy  of 
it  to  the  Aiimra  newspaiier,  the  bitter  enemy  of  the  administration,  aud  a  full  abstract  of  it  was  published  therein  on 
the  !!d  of  July.    A  poet  of  the  day  thus  Ironically  addressed  Mr.  Mason : 

"  Ah,  Thomson  Slason  !  long  thy  fame  shall  riee 
With  Democratic  incense  to  the  skies  1  * 

Long  shall  the  world  admire  thy  manly  sonl, 
Which  scorned  the  haughty  Senate's  base  control  J 
Came  boldly  forward  with  thy  weighty  name, 
Aiul  gave  the  treaty  up  for  public  game'."— ^Ae  Echo. 

'  In  1(107  nn  English  court  decided  that "  negroes  being  usunlly  bought  and  sold  among  merchants  an  merchandise, 
mill  aim  beimj  ixutleh,  there  might  be  a  property  In  them  sufllclent  to  maintain  trover."  In  1i02  Chief  Justice  Holt  de- 
cided that  "so  socm  as  «  negro  lands  in  England  he  is  free."  T'l  this  Cowper  alluded  when  he  said,  "Slaves  can  not 
breathe  In  England."  Holt  also  decided  that  "there  Is  no  such  thing  as  a  slave  by  the  law  <if  England."  Jnst  before 
the  kindling  of  the  Revolution  these  decisions  were  renfflmied  by  «ilef  Justice  Lord  Man-tleld  in  the  case  of  .lames 
Slim  «et,  a  native  of  Africa,  who  had  been  carried  to  Vlr;,inin,  sold  as  a  slave,  and  taken  to  England  by  his  master, 
wlu      lie  was  Induced  to  assert  his  freedom. 

'  That  of  Jay  bo''e  a  pair  of  scales:  one  was  labeled  "Amrriran  liherlti  aiul  i  nilfjrndrnce"  and  the  other,  which  greatly 
lireponderated,  "British  gold,"  From  the  month  of  the  figure  proceeded  the  words,  "  Cortu  up  to  mp price,  and  1  trill  tell 
roll  my  rovntri;." 

'  "  "These  are  hard  nrgnments,"  said  Hamilton,  who  was  hit  a  glancing  blow  upon  the  forehead  hy  one  of  the  stones. 
"Edward  Livingston,"  says  the  late  Dr.  Francis,  in  his  0/i(  nml  Xew  Yark  ("afterward  so  celebrated  for  his  Louisiana 
Cnde),  was,  I  am  informed,  one  of  the  violent  young  men  by  whom  the  st(Uies  were  thrown." 

«  "  Notice  Is  hereby  given,"  said  a  Richmond  paper  (July  31, 1705),  "  that  in  ease  the  treaty  entered  Into  hy  that  dnmn- 
c'.l  arch-traitor,  John  .lay,  with  the  British  tyrant  should  be  ratified,  a  petition  will  be  presented  to  the  next  General 
.\88embl\  of  Virginia  at  the  ne-^ct  session,  praying  that  thi'  s:iid  state  may  recede  ttom  the  Uulon,  and  be  under  the  gov- 
ernment Oi'one  hundred  thousand  free  and  Independent  Virginians. 

"I'.8.  As  It  is  the  wish  of  the  people  of  the  said  slate  to  enter  into  a  treaty  of  amity,  commerce,  and  navigation  with 


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88 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


WasblBgton'g  Calmness  and  Faith. 


The  "Whisky  Insurrection"  quelled. 


The  "Democratic  Societies." 


None  of  these  things  moved  Wasliington.  He  signed  the  treaty,  and  awaited 
calmly  to  see  the  storm  pass  by.  It  did  so,  and  the  foundations  of  the  government 
were  found  to  be  stronger  than  ever.  It  was,  says  Lyman,  "  the  first  act  of  the  gov- 
ernment that  proved  the  stability  of  the  Federal  Constitution.  It  was  a  severe  trial, 
and  the  steadiness  with  which  the  shock  was  borne  may  be  attributed,  in  some  de- 
gree, to  the  ])ersonal  character  of  the  President."'  In  after  years,  when  the  republic 
was  menaced  by  internal  factions  and  external  foes,  the  result  of  the  conflict  over 
"Jay's  Treaty"  was  pointed  to  as  a  warrant  for  faith  and  hope. 

While  these  unpleasant  relations  with  Great  Britain  and  Franco  were  exciting  the 
people  of  the  United  States,  the  government  was  sorely  perjilexed  by  other  events  at 
home  and  abroad.  At  home  there  had  been,  for  a  long  time,  much  discontent  on  ac- 
count of  excise  laws  which  levied  a  duty  on  domestic  distilled  liquors.  These  discon- 
tents were  fanned  into  a  flame  by  the  Democratic  societies,  and,  in  the  summer  of 
1794,  the  inhabitants  of  some  of  the  western  counties  of  Pennsylvania  arrayed  them- 
selves in  armed  opposition  to  the  authority  of  the  national  government.  A  formidable 
insurrection  prevailed.  Buildings  were  burned,  mails  were  robbed,  and  government 
ofllicers  were  insulted  and  abused.  At  one  time  there  were  nearly  seven  thousand  insur- 
gents in  arms,  many  of  them  being  the  militia  of  the  country,  wlio  had  assembled  at  the 
call  of  rebel  leaders.    The  insurgent  spirit  also  infected  the  border  counties  of  Virginia. 

The  President  perceived  with  alarm  this  imitation  ofthie  lawlessness  of  French  pol- 
itics, then  bO  assiduously  propagated,  and  took  immediate  steps  to  crush  the  growing 
•  Augtist  7  and  luouster.  He  first  issued  two  warning  proclamations.*  They  were  un- 
September  25.  heeded.  After  exhausting  all  peaceable  means  for  the  restoration  of 
order,  he  sent  a  large  body  of  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  Virginia,  and  Maryland 
troops,  under  General  Henry  Lee  (then  Governor  of  Virginia),  into  the  disaffected  dis- 
trict. This  argument  was  effectual ;  and  very  soon  the  outbreak,  known  in  history  as 
the  "  Whisky  Insurrection,"  like  that  of  Shays's  in  Massachusetts  a  few  years  earlier, 
was  subdued  and  thoroughly  allayed.  This  alarming  insurrection  was  ended  without 
the  shedding  of  a  drop  of  blood — a  result  chiefly  due  to  the  prompt  energy  and  pru- 
dence of  Washington.  The  government  wa  amazingly  strengthened  by  the  event. 
Every  good  citizen  expressed  his  reprobation  of  violent  resistance  to  law,  and  the 
Democratic  societies,  the  chief  fomenters  of  the  rebellion,'*  after  that  showed  symp- 
toms of  a  desire  to  become  less  conspicuous.' 

any  other  state  or  states  of  the  present  Union  who  are  averse  to  returning  npaln  under  the  gallini^  yoke  of  Groat  Britain, 
the  printers  of  the  (at  present)  United  States  are  requested  to  publish  the  above  uotiflcntlnn." 

I  Lyman's  Diplmnacy  of  the  United  States,  I.,  208. 

»  "Th.it  the  self-constituted  societies,"  Washington  wrote  to  John  Jiiy,  "which  hn\e  spread  themselves  over  this 
country,  have  been  laboring  Incessantly  to  sow  the  seeds  of  dietnist,  jealousy,  and  of  course  discontent,  thereby  hoping 
to  effect  some  revolution  In  the  government.  Is  not  uniinown  to  you.*  That  they  have  been  the  fomenters  of  the  West- 
em  disturbanc  if,  admits  of  no  loubt  in  the  mind  of  any  one  who  will  examine  their  conduct," 

"  I  consider  (his  hisurrcction,"  he  wrote  to  General  Henry  Lee  on  the  2(!th  of  August,  "  as  the  first  formidable  fruit  of 
the  Democratic  societies,  brought  forth,  I  believe,  too  prema'urcly  for  their  own  views,  wliloh  may  contribute  to  the  an- 
nihilation nf  them." 

'  I  have  before  me  the  certificate  of  membership  granted  to  Captain  (afterward  Commodore,  Josha".  Barney  by  the 

*  At  that  time  there  ciisted  In  the  city  of  New  York  a.i  association  called  the  Tammanji  Soeiettj,  or  Columbian  Order. 
It  was  formed  by  William  Mooney,  an  upholsterer,  residing  in  New  York  ^luring  the  administration  of  Washington.  Its 
first  meeting  was  on  the  lath  of  Miy,  ITSn.  It  took  its  name  from  the  Indian  chief  Tammany,  of  whom  It  was  said  "ho 
loved  liberty  more  than  life."  Its  ofliccra  were  (omposed  of  a  grand  sachem  and  thirteen  sachems,  representing  tlic 
President  and  the  governors  of  the  thirteen  states.  Besides  these  there  was  a  grand  council,  of  which  the  sachems  vere 
members.  It  was  a  very  i)opular  society,  and  its  nienil)crship  Included  most  of  the  best  men  of  New  York.  Its  anni- 
versary on  the  12th  of  May  came  to  be  regarded  as  a  holiday.  No  party  politics  were  tolerated  in  its  meetings.  Hut 
when  Washington  denounced  "  self-constituted  societies"  for  reasons  above  named,  nearly  all  of  the  members  left  It,  ho- 
lleving  their  society  to  be  Included  In  the  just  reproof.  Mooney  and  others  adhered  to  the  organization,  and  from  that 
time  it  became  u  iiolitical  organization,  and  took  part  with  ilelTerson  and  the  Democratic  party.  It  Is  still  in  existence, 
and  Is  known  as  a  centre  of  Democratic  organization,  In  the  political  sense  of  that  name.  Its  head-quarters  ire  Tam- 
many Hall,  fronting  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  City  Hall  Park,  at  the  junction  of  Nassau  Street  and  Park  Row.  They 
met  at  first  at  Martling's  Long  Rooir-,  on  the  southeast  comer  of  Nassau  and  Sprace  Streets.  In  the  year  1800  they  de- 
termined to  build  a  "  wigwam."  Tammany  Hall  was  accordingly  erected  by  them.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  the 
twenty-second  anniversary  of  the  society,  In  May,  ISll,  and  was  finished  the  following  year.  Of  the  original  comnilttoo 
of  thirteen  appointed  at  the  meeting  In  1800  to  carry  out  the  design  of  erecting  a  building,  only  one  uow  (180T)  survives : 
that  Is  the  venerable  Jacob  Barker,  of  Now  Orleans. 


Difficulty  with  Algie 

The  new  dil 
southern  coast 
of  Algiers,  had 
by  suffered  imj 
to  find  their  w; 
tliese  sea-robbe 
where  they  wei 
of  the  national 
Secretary  Jeffei 
American  inter 
Americans  had 
for  a  long  time 

Portugal  was 
fined  t.",c  cruise 
1793,  by  British 
France.  Portuj 
aid  in  procuring 
was  instructed  t 
act  in  its  behalf^ 
treaty  was  intro 
should  not  affori 
immediate  in  its 
to  other  powers. 

The  effect  oft 
ing  the  British  i 
very  evident  tha 
Americans,  or  at 
And  such  was  tli 
European  coasts, 
to  Portugal  and 
sairs  of  Tunis  jo 
formed.' 


Democratic  or  Hepnbllc 

written.    The  following 

"To  all  other  Soclct; 

VRRANCE. 

"We,  thu  Members  ol 
oties,  and  to  all  Republl 
Society,  and  that,  from  ! 
him  this  our  certificate 


This  certificate  is  da( 
Stalei  and  tlie  establish 

'  The  maritime  force 
f  iiir  frigates,  with  an  ai 
trees  to  the  upper  yardi 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


89 


Difficulty  with  Algiers. 


British  Interference. 


Algerlne  Corsairs  let  loose  npon  American  Commerce. 


The  new  difficulty  abroad  was  with  Algiers,  one  of  the  Barbary  Powers,  on  the 
southern  coast  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  The  corsairs  of  those  states,  and  especially 
of  Algiers,  had  long  depredated  upon  commerce  in  that  region,  and  had  grown  bold 
by  suffered  impunity.  When,  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  American  vessels  began 
to  find  their  way  within  the  Pillars  of  Hercules,  they  frequently  became  the  prey  of 
'  these  sea-robbers,  who  appropriated  their  cargoes  and  sold  tlieir  crews  into  slavery, 
where  they  were  held  for  ransom-money.  President  Washington  called  the  attention 
of  the  national  government  to  these  piracies  as  early  as  ITOO ;  and,  in  an  able  report, 
Secretary  Jefferson  laid  before  Congress  important  details  touching  the  position  of 
American  interests  in  that  part  of  the  globe.  Little,  however,  could  bo  done,  as  the 
Americans  had  no  navy;  and  the  commerce  of  the  United  States  in  that  quarter  was 
for  a  long  time  dependent  on  tlie  Portuguese  fleet  for  protection. 

Portugal  was  at  war  with  Algiers  for  several  years,  and  the  fleet  of  the  former  con- 
fined t.\e  cruisers  of  the  latter  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  This  barrier  was  broken  in 
1793,  by  British  instrumentality  acting  secretly,  for  the  avowed  purpose  of  damaging 
France.  Portugal  was  then  seriously  dependent  on  Great  Britain,  and  had  asked  its 
aid  in  procuring  a  peace  with  Algiers.  The  British  agent  at  the  Court  of  the  Dey 
was  instructed  to  do  ao,  and,  without  due  authority  being  given  him  by  Portugal  to 
act  in  its  behalf,  life  concluded  a  truce  between  the  belligerents  for  one  year.  In  that 
treaty  was  introduced  the  extraordinary  stipulation  that  the  Portuguese  government 
should  not  afford  protection  to  any  nation  against  Algerine  cruisers!  This  truce  was 
immediate  in  its  operations,  and  the  robbers  were  released  without  notice  being  given 
to  other  powers. 

The  effect  of  this  measure  was  disastrous  to  American  commerce.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  British  ministry  disclaimed  any  intention  to  injure  the  United  States,  it  was 
very  evident  that  it  was  a  part  of  a  scheme  to  cripple  the  growing  commerce  of  the 
Americans,  or  at  least  so  to  alarm  it  as  to  prevent  its  carrying  supplies  to  France. 
And  such  was  the  result.  The  corsairs  spread  themselves  over  the  Atlantic  near  the 
European  coasts,  and  captured  a  large  number  of  American  vessels  making  their  way 
to  Portugal  and  other  parts  of  the  Continent,  unsuspicious  of  any  danger.  Tlie  cor- 
sairs of  Tunis  joined  those  of  Algiers,  and  thus  a  powerful  fleet  of  pirate  ships  was 
formed.^ 

Democratic  or  Bepnblican  Society  of  Baltimore,  with  the  snal  of  the  society  attached,  by  the  side  of  which  his  name  Is 
ivritten.    The  following  Is  a  co»-y  of  the  certificate  and  seal : 
"To  all  other  Societies  cstnblished  on  principles  of  Liheety  and  E(juai,i'»y,  Union,  Patkiotio  ViKTtir;,  and  Pebse- 

VEKANOE. 

"Wc,  thu  Members  of  the  Republican  Society  of  Baltimore,  certify  and  declare  to  all  Republican  or  Democratic  Soci- 
eties, and  to  all  Republicans  individually,  that  C'.tizen  Josuca  Bahnky  hath  been  admitted  and  now  is  a  member  of  our 
Society,  and  that,  from  his  known  zeal  to  promote  Republican  principles  and  the  rightb  of  humanity,  we  have  granted 
him  this  our  certificate  (which  he  hath  signed  in  the  margin),  and  do  recommend  him  to  all  Republicans,  that  they  may 
receive  him  with  fraternity,  which  we  offer  to  all  those  who  may  come  to  us  with  sim- 
ilar credentlalu. 
.■f^^'^^"^^*^^^^  "  In  testimony  whereof,  etc.  Signed,       Alexameeb  M'Ei.m, /Vesufen^. 

"  Geoboe  Sears,  .^fcivtari/." 


This  certificate  is  dated  the  "twelfth  day  of  August,  and  In  the  nineteenth  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United 
States  and  the  establishment  of  the  Amcrleaii  Republic,"  or  ITitR. 

I  The  maritime  force  of  Algiers  at  that  time,  according  to  O'Brien  (see  Am-rkan  folate  Papm,  x.,  n2.3),  consisted  of 
f  iiir  frigates,  with  nn  aggregate  of  124  guns ;  one  polacca  (a  vessel  with  three  chort  niasts,  without  tops,  caps,  or  cross- 
trees  to  the  upper  yards),  with  18  guns;  one  brig  of  20;  four  xebecs  (a  small  thrce-masteo  vessel  used  In  the  Mcditer- 


1l 

1 

j 
1 

■     ■            i   ' 

! 

5 

i  I 


I  !1 


00 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Pride  and  Avarice  of  the  Dey  of  Algiers.       An  Americau  Navy  recommended.       First  Steps  toward  its  Creation. 

The  Americans  felt  justly  indignant  toward  Great  Britain  because  of  the  important 
part  she  liad  played  in  letting  those  robbers  out  of  the  Mediterranean.  But  the  gov- 
ernment was  powerless  to  act.  David  Humphreys,  who  had  been  appointed  commis- 
sioner for  the  United  States  to  negotiate  with  the  Dey  of  Algiers,  had  been  treated 
with  contempt  by  the  haughty  semi-barbarian,  who  was  as  avaricious  as  he  was 
proud.  "  If  I  were  to  make  peace  with  every  body,"  he  said,  "  what  should  I  do 
with  my  corsairs  ?  What  should  I  do  with  my  soldiers  ?  They  would  take  off  my 
head  for  the  want  of  other  prizes,  not  being  able  to  live  on  their  miserable  allow- 
ance !" 

Such  logic  was  unanswerable  by  words,  and  Humphreys  Vv-rotc  to  his  government 
at  the  close  of  1793,  at  the  suggestion  of  Captain  Richard  O'Brien,'  "If  we  mean  to 
have  a  commerce,  we  must  have  a  navy  to  defend  it."  With  the  same  recognition 
of  the  necessity  for  nautical  power,  Washington,  in  his  message  at  the  opening  of  Con- 
gress early  in  December,*  said,  when  alluding  to  the  war  in  Europe,  and  the  deli- 
cate international  questions  arising  out  of  the  frontier  relations  of  the  republic, 
"  There  is  a  rank  due  to  the  United  States  among  nations,  which  will  be  withheld,  if 
not  absolutely  lost,  by  the  reputation  of  weakness.  If  we  desire  to  avoid  insult,  we 
must  be  able  to  repel  it ;  if  we  desire  to  secure  peace,  one  of  the  most  powerful  '^^ 
strunients  of  our  prosperity,  it  must  be  known  that  we  arc  at  all  times  readj  lo, 


•1793. 


war. 


■>  Jannary  2. 


'  March  20, 
1T94. 


The  President's  Avise  counsels  prevailed.  In  January,'' IT 94,  a  commit- 
tee was  appointed,  with  instructions  to  report  the  amount  of  force  neces- 
sary to  protect  American  commerce  against  the  Algcrine  pirates,  and  the  ways  and 
means  for  its  support.-  Tliis  measure,  and  the  general  subject  of  British  aggressions, 
elicited,  as  we  have  seen,  long  and  warm  debates,  and  party  lines  were  very  distinctly 
drawn.  The  feeling  against  Great  Britain  became  intense,  and  in  March' 
an  embargo  for  a  limitf^d  period  Avas  laid,  chiefly  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
structing the  supply  of  provisions  for  the  British  ileet  in  the  West  Indies.^  Then 
followed  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Jay  as  minister  extraordinary  to  Great  Britain,  al- 
ready noticed. 

There  was  a  powerful  and  detennined  opposition  to  the  creation  of  a  navy.  Witli 
strange  ideas  of  national  honor  and  national  independence,  some  advocated  the  pur- 
chase of  a  peace  with  the  Dey  of  Algiers,  and  the  future  security  of  his  forbearance, 
by  r.'^nsora  and  tribute  money,  rather  than  prepare  for,  and  thus,  as  they  believed, 
provoke  a  war.  And  these  cowardly  counsels  had  great  influence;  for  when, finally, 
d  March  11,  *  ^^^^  ^^'^8  passcd''  providing  for  the  construction  of  six  frigates,  it  was  eii- 
^™'*-  cumbered  with  a  clause  commanding  a  suspension  of  labor  upon  them  in 
the  event  of  a  peace  with  Algiers  being  secured.  For  the  purchase  of  such  peace  a 
million  of  dollars  were  appropriated.  ^Vn  act  was  also  passed  for  the  fortification  of 
the  harbors  of  the  republic*  These  were  the  first  steps  toward  the  creation  of  tlic 
navy,  army,  and  fortifications  of  the  United  States  under  the  National  Constitution. 

ranenn),  vnth  an  aggregate  of  108  guns ;  a  brig  on  the  etocks  of  20  gnns ;  three  galliotns,  with  4  guns  each  ;  and  sixty 
gnii-boats.  The  vcspbIb  were  all  ranr.ned  at  the  rate  of  twelve  men  for  each  guu.  TnuU  had,  at  the  same  time,  twenty- 
three  corsairB,  mounting  from  4  to  24  gnns  each. 

'  Letter  of  O'Brlep.  to  Humphreys,  dated  "  Algiers,  November  12, 1703."— See  American  State  Papers,  Boston  edition, 
1S17,  x.,319. 

a  This  was  the  first  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  ever  appointed  by  the  Congress,  questions  of  that  sort  havlnj; 
been  hitherto  referred  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.    It  was  an  opposition  measure. 

'  First  for  thirty  days,  and  afterward  for  sixty.  At  the  end  of  that  time  the  embargo  expired  by  limitation,  but  a 
temporary  act  authorized  the  President  to  renew  it  at  any  time  before  the  next  session  of  Congress. 

*  The  naval  bill  provided  that  four  of  the  six  frigates  should  carry  44  guns  each,  and  the  other  two  30  gnns  each. 
About  $700,000  were  appropriated  for  the  purpose.  In  the  matter  of  harbor  defenses,  the  President  was  authorized  to 
commence  fortiflcutions  at  Portland,  Portsmouth,  Gloucester,  Salem,  Boston,  Newport,  New  London,  New  York,  Philn- 
delphltt,  Baltimore,  Annapolis,  Alexandria,  Norfolk,  Ocracoke  Inlet,  Wilmington,  Cope  Fear  River,  Georgetown,  8.  ('., 
Charleston,  Savannah,  and  St.  Mary's.  B'lt  the  whole  amount  of  money  appropriated  for  this  purpose  was  the  paltry 
Bom  of  $136,000.  Tnie,  this  was  only  for  the  eomni'mmntent  of  the  fortifications.  The  President  was  anthorip.c-d  to  par- 
ch;. «.o  two  hundred  cannon,  and  artillery  munitions  for  the  forts,  for  which  $flfl,000  wee  appropriated.  For  the  cstnh- 
Itsbment  of  arsenals  and  armories  $81,000  were  appropriated,  and  $340,000  were  provided  for  the  purchase  of  arms  and 


Building  of  Frigate 

Perceiving  i 
government, 
their  keels  we 
on  briskly,  wh 
of  peace"  with 
of  dollars  with 
was  suspende( 
tection  in  the 

At  the  begin 
ful.     The  Indif 
Britain  prevai 
French  govern 
.)f  enmity  towa 
section  of  tlie  p 
the  Directory 
United  States  a 
be  recalled,  to 
gence  was  recei 
for  the  due  exc 
Frencli  ships  of 
themselves  to  b 
lean  ships  were 


military  stores.    The  I 
year. 

'  These  were  Portsn 
ceedcd  to  appoint  the  I 


Captains  and 


John  Ban 
Samuel  N 
Silas  Tall 
Richard  I 
Thomas  1 
James  Se\ 


'The  relations  of  thoi 
nations  who  suffered  th 
f  rn  shores  of  the  Medlt( 

The  (list  contact  of  th^ 
llie  United  States,  and  c 
the  diplomatic  agents  ol 
mine  of  wealth,  and  he  i 
llsh  a  precedent  that  wo 
rins,  established  in  ancli 
solicitation  ofMr.  Jeffer 
took  to  procure  a  releast 
suits.  The  Dey  refUse  J 
Americans  to  remain  in 
Jones,  and  then  Mr.  Ban 
Algiers,  and  the  busines 
was  at  about  the  time  wl 
fleet  was  then  upon  the  . 
lured  by  them,  and  over  ( 
passport  to  Algiers.  Th 
any  American  embassiidi 
ated  about  .•<  million  of  il 
Europe,  v.'ith  Mr.  Donalc 
that  government,  Donalc 
sum  of  money,  and  an  at. 
amount  to  be  paid  dowi 
worth  one  hundred  thou 
treaty  was  hnmlllating  tt 
not  then  be  avoided. 

'  The  Directory  was  Ir 
November,  1796,  and  wae 
ruled  In  connection  wlt^ 


ii 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


91 


Building  of  Frigates.         Tribute  to  the  Dey  of  Algiers.         Release  of  Captives.         The  French  Directory  offended. 

Perceiving  an  urgent  necessity  in  the  aspect  of  foreign  affairs  in  relation  to  liis  own 
government,  the  President  resolved  to  have  the  six  frigates  built  iinmeaiately,  and 
their  keels  were  soon  I'cspcctively  laid  in  six  different  ports.'  The  Avork  was  going 
on  briskly,  when  it  was  suspended,  at  the  closo  of  1795,  by  the  conclusion  of  a  treaty 
of  peace"  with  the  African  robber,  which  cost  the  government  a  million  •  Novcmi'er  28, 
of  dollars  Avithout  ultimate  advantage.^     Tiie  v/ork  on  the  six  frigates  *™^- 

was  suspended,  and  the  mercantile  marine  of  the  United  States  lost  all  hope  of  pro- 
tection in  the  event  of  a  war  with  any  foreign  government. 

At  the  beginning  of  1 790  tlic  aspect  of  the  foreign  affairs  of  the  republic  was  perice- 
ful.  The  Indian  war  in  the  West  had  ceased ;  a  better  understanding  with  Great 
Britain  prevailed  than  had  been  known  since  the  close  of  the  Revolution ;  and  the 
French  government,  then  in  the  hands  of  a  Directory,^  showed  no  special  symptoms 
,)f  enmity  toward  that  of  the  United  States.  But  clouds  soon  began  to  ai^poar  in  that 
section  of  the  political  horizon.  The  ratification  of  Jay's  treaty  gave  such  offense  to 
the  Directory  that  they  declared''  the  alliance  between  France  and  the  » February  is, 
United  States  at  an  end,  and  that  Adet,  the  successor  of  Fouchet,  should  ^™"" 

be  recalled,  to  make  room  for  a  special  minister.  In  July,"  when  intelli-  '  "^"'y  *■ 
gence  was  received  that  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  had  made  an  appropriation 
for  the  due  execution  of  Jay's  treaty,  the  Directory  issued  a  secret  order  authorizing 
French  ships  of  war  to  treat  neutral  vessels  in  the  same  manner  as  they  had  suffered 
themselves  to  be  treated  b;,  the  English.  Under  this  authorization,  numerous  Amer- 
ican ships  were  seized  in  the  West  Indies  by  French  cruisers.     This  was  followed  in 


military  stores.    The  importation  of  arms  for  two  years  was  to  he  free,  and  no  arms  were  allowed  to  bo  exported  for  a 
year. 

I  These  were  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  and  Norfolk.    The  President  also  pro- 
ceeded to  appoint  the  following  officers,  constructors,  and  navy  agents: 


CapUini  and  SuperintendeiiU. 

Navnl  Coaitructora. 

Navy  Agen  fl. 

For  Shlpn  lo  be  buill  at 

John  Barry. 
Samuel  Nicholson. 
Silas  Talbot. 
Richard  Dale. 
Thomas  Tmxtun. 
James  Sever. 

Joshua  Hnmphreys. 
George  Cleghom. 
Formau  Cheesman. 
John  Morgan. 
David  Stodcrt. 
James  Uackett. 

Isaac  Coxc. 
Henry  Jackson. 
John  Blagge. 
W.  Pcnnock. 
Jeremiah  Ylllott. 
Jacob  Sheaffc. 

Philadelpuia. 

Boston. 

New  York. 

Norfolk. 

Baltimore. 

Portsmouth. 

3  The  relations  of  those  African  sea-robbers  to  the  commerce  of  the  world  at  that  time  was  a  disgrace  to  the  civilized 
nations  who  suffered  themselves  to  be  made  tributary  to  the  piratical  rulers  of  the  semi-barbarian  states  on  the  soutb- 
f  ra  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 

The  first  contact  of  those  i)owers  with  the  Americans  was  in  17S5,  when  Algeriue  corsairs  captured  two  vessels  trom 
the  United  States,  and  consigned  their  crews,  twenty-one  In  number,  to  slavery.  Measures  were  immediately  taken  by 
the  diplomatic  agents  of  the  United  States  in  Europe  fur  their  release.  The  rapacious  Dey  believed  he  had  found  a  new 
mine  of  wealth,  and  he  asked  an  enormous  price  for  their  ransom.  The  American  government  determined  not  to  estab- 
lish a  precedent  that  would  be  followed  by  more  exorbitant  demands.  In  France  was  a  religious  order,  called  Mathu- 
rins,  established  in  ancient  times  for  the  pnrpose  of  redeeming  Christian  captives  in  the  hands  of  the  infidels.  On  the 
solicitation  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  then  minister  of  the  United  States  at  the  French  Court,  the  principal  of  this  order  under- 
took to  procure  a  release  of  the  American  captives.  He  was  unsuccessful.  Others  made  similar  attempts,  with  like  re- 
sults. The  Dey  refVised  to  lower  his  demands,  believing  that  the  United  States  would  pay  any  price  rather  than  allow 
Americans  to  remain  in  bondage.  Finally  our  government  appropriated  $40,000  for  their  ransom,  and  first  John  Paul 
Jones,  and  then  Mr.  Barclay,  were  appointed  commissioners  to  negotiate  for  their  release.  Each  died  before  he  reached 
Algiers,  and  the  business  was  placed  In  the  hands  of  Colonel  David  Humphreys,  American  minister  at  Lisbon.  This 
was  at  about  the  time  when  the  truce  between  Portugal  and  Algiers,  already  mentioned,  was  concluded.  The  Algeriue 
fleet  was  then  npon  the  Atlantic,  and,  within  a  month  after  the  truce  was  agreed  upon,  ten  American  vessels  were  cap- 
tured by  them,  and  over  one  hundred  American  seamen  consigned  to^lnvery.  Colonel  Humphreys  asked  the  Dey  for  n 
|)as8port  to  Algiers.  The  elated  ruler  said  that  he  would  not  make  peace  with  the  Americans  on  any  terms,  nor  allow 
liny  American  embassador  to  come  to  his  cepltal.  Humphreys  hastened  to  the  United  States,  when  Congress  ai)propri- 
ated  about  .'■  million  of  dollars  to  be  applied  to  the  release  of  the  captives.  In  the  spring  of  17fl5  Humphreys  sailed  fbr 
Europe,  v.ith  Mr.  Donaldsjn,  consul  for  Tunis  and  Tripoli.  While  the  former  remained  in  France  to  obtniii  the  aid  of 
that  government,  Donaldson  mada  a  treaty  with  the  Dey.  Tne  captives  were  finally  released  oa  the  payment  of  a  largo 
»nm  of  money,  and  an  agreei  lent  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  to  pay  to  the  Dey  of  Algiers  an  annual  tribute.  Ttn" 
amount  to  be  paid  down  .vi  ?  $800,000,  and,  in  addition,  the  United  States  agreed  to  present  the  Dey  with  n  frigate 
worth  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  amount  of  annual  tfibute-money  was  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  This 
treaty  was  humiliating  to  the  UTilted  States,  but  it  wag  In  accordance  with  the  usages  of  European  nations,  and  could 
not  then  be  avoided. 

'  The  Directory  woe  install' d  at  the  LuxemlSonrg  at  Paris,  under  a  new  constitution  of  government,  on  the  1st  of 
November,  1795,  and  was  '•fpointed  to  hold  executive  power  for  f.)ur  years.  It  was  composed  of  five  members,  and 
ruled  in  connection  with  the  Chambers,  namely,  the  Council  of  Ancients  and\he  Council  of  Five  Hundred. 


'! 


It  I  I 


m 

1]  ■ 

r 

*  - 


92 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


American  Servility. 


Close  ofWashlDgton's  AdmloiBtratiun. 


Attacks  on  his  Ctiaractcr. 


America  by  Minister  '  iet's  famous  "  cock- 
ade proclamation,"  calling  upon  all  French 
residents  in  the  United  States,  in  the  name 
of  the  Directory,  to  mount  on  their  hats  a 
tri-colorod  cockade.  The  call  was  loyally 
responded  to,  and  many  American  Demo- 
crats, also,  were  seen  with  this  token  of 
their  devotion  to  the  French  Republic. 

Mr.  Monroe,  having  failed  to  please  either 
the  French  Directory  or  his  own  govern- 
ment, was  superseded  by  Charles  Cotes- 
worth  Pvnckney,  of  South  Carolina.  That 
gentleman  embarked  as  minister  to  France 
in  September,  bearing  with  him  Monroe's 
letters  of  recall. 

Washington's  second  administration  was 
now  drawing  to  a  close,  and  he  resolved  to 
^^       ^  retire  to  private  life.     In  September  he  is- 

Y     "T^    ^^  _^  sued  his  admirable  Farewell  Address  to  his 

^JL©  _^J^  ^^  ^'^t-'^^  C'^n^'i-^^  countrymen — a  political  legacy  of  inestima- 
ble value.  At  the  same  time  the  first  great 
struggle  of  the  Federal  and  Democratic  parties  for  power  was  going  on,  in  the  can- 
vass for  Washington's  successor.  The  candidates  were  Adams  and  Jeiferson ;  and 
every  appeal  -sthich  party  spirit  or  party  rancor  could  invent  was  made  to  the  people 
all  over  the  land.  Adet,  with  unparalleled  impudence,  issued  an  inflammatory  appeal 
to  the  people,  containing  a  summary  of  alleged  violations  of  friendship  to  France  on 
the  part  of  the  United  States  government.  It  was  chiefly  intended  to  arouse  the 
feelings  of  the  Americans  against  Great  Britain.  Other  partisans  of  Jefferson,  in  their 
zeal  to  injure  the  Federal  party,  made  outrageous  assaults  upon  Washington's  char- 
acter, charging  him  with  using  the  public  money  for  private  use,  and  of  being  a  trai- 
tor to  his  counti-y.*  The  notorious  Thomas  Paine,  lately  released  from  a  French 
prison,  with  his  moral  sensibilities  all  blunted  by  habitual  dissipation,  wrote  a  scur- 
rilous letter  to  Washington,  from  under  the  roof  of  Monroe  in  Paris,  in  the  summ.er 
of  1790.  This  was  published  in  the  United  States  for  the  »iurpose  of  promoting  Jef- 
ferson's election.  But  Adams  was  successful.  The  attack  on  Washington  strength- 
ened the  Federal  party,  and  the  last  growl  of  the  opposition  toward  him  personally 
was  given  by  a  Avriter  in  the  Atirora  on  the  first  President's  retirement  from  oflicc 
at  the  beginning  of  March,  1797,  and  on  the  eve  of  his  departure  for  Mount  Vernon.* 
When  Washington  retired  from  public  life  the  clouds  of  diflUculty  between  the 
United  States  and  France  were  thickening.  French  cruisers  were  inflicting  great 
•  FebninrysT,  wrongs  ou  American  commerce,  and  near  the  close  of  the  session  of  the 
""'f-     '    Congress  of  1 796,  '97,  the  Secretary  of  State  laid  before  tliat  body*  a  full 

'  "If  ever  a  nation  has  Ijpon  dehnhchecl  by  a  man," said  a  writer  in  the  Aurora,  "tiic  American  nation  has  been  de- 
bauched by  Washington.  If  ever  a  nation  was  deceived  by  a  man,  the  American  nation  hat  been  deceived  by  Washinp- 
tou.  Let  his  conduct,  then,  be  an  example  to  future  ages.  Let  it  serve  to  he  a  warning  that  no  man  may  be  an  Idol. 
Let  the  history  of  the  Federal  government  instruct  mankind  that  the  mask  of  patriotism  may  he  '„  jm  to  conceal  the 
foulest  designs  against  the  liberties  of  the  iieoplc." 

-'  "  '  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation,' "  said  this  politici.nn. 
"If  ever  there  was  a  time  that  would  license  the  reiteratioii  of  the  exclamation  of  the  pious  Simeon,"  he  said,  "that 
time  is  now  arrived ;  for  the  man  who  Is  the  source  of  a'.i  the  misfortunes  '•f  onr  conntry  is  this  day  reduced  to  a  level 
Avith  his  fellow-citizens,  and  Is  no  longer  possessed  of  power  to  multiply  evils  upon  the  United  States.  .  .  .  When  a  ret- 
rospect is  taken  of  the  Washingtonian  administration  "or  eight  years,  it  is  a  subject  of  the  greatest  astonishment  that  n 
single  individual  should  have  cankered  the  principles  of  republicanism  in  an  enlightened  people  just  emerged  from  the 
gulf  of  deBi)otism,  md  should  have  carried  his  designs  against  the  public  liberty  so  fur  as  to  have  put  in  jeoi)ardy  itp 
very  existence.  Such,  however,  are  the  facts,  and,  with  them  stariug  us  in  the  face,  this  doy  ought  lo  be  a  jubii.ee  lu  the 
I'uited  States !" 


President  Adams. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


93 


President  Adams. 


Aspoct  of  Public  Affttl™. 


Treatment  of  an  American  Minister. 


The  French  Directory. 


exhibit  of  them.  From  that  communication  it  appeared  that  not  only  were  American 
vessels  captured,  but  their  crews  were  treated  with  great  indignity,  and  even  cruelty. 
Many  bitter  complaints  were  made  against  Commodore  Joshua  liarney,  then  in  the 
French  service,  in  command  of  two  frigates  in  the  West  Indies,  Avho  was  accused  of 
treating  his  own  captive  countrymen  with  indiftcrence  and  neglect.  He  was  also 
charged  with  having  insulted  the  American  flag  by  hoisting  it  union  down.  And  yet, 
when  he  arrived  in  Chesapeake  Bay  to  learn  and  carry  away  to  France  the  result  of 
the  Presidential  election,  though  he  boasted  of  Laving  in  his  pocket  the  orders  of  the 
French  Directory  to  capture  American  vessels,  and  declared  that,  if.Teflerson  Avere 
not  elected,  war  would  be  proclaimed  by  France  Avithin  three  months,  he  was  not  the 
less  on  that  account  honored  and  feasted  by  infatuated  politicians  who  read  .the 
Aurora  and  believed  Washington  to  be  a  traitor  I^ 

Adams*  came  into  oflice  with  a  power- 
ful party  opposed  to  him — a  party  which 
lacked  only  two  votes  of  giving  the  elec- 
tion to  Mr.  Jefferson,  his  rival,  who  be- 
came Vice-President.  An  open  rupture 
with  France  was  becoming  more  and 
more  imminent.  The  accession  of  Spain 
to  their  alliance,  and  the  victories  of 
young  Napoleon  Bonaparte  in  Italy,  gave 
the  Directory  strength,  and  their  bearing 
toward  other  governments  became  more 
and  more  insolent.  Their  corsairs  were 
depredating  upon  American  commerce, 
and  in  their  pride  they  declared  that,  un- 
til the  United  States  had  redressed  cer- 
tain alleged  grievances  of  which  they 
complained,  no  minister  of  the  republic 
would  be  received  by  them.  Pinckney, 
who  had  never  been  officially  received  as 
minister,  was  ordered  to  leave  France. 
He  retired  to  Holland,  after  sending  a  nar- 
rative of  his  bad  treatment  to  his  govern- 
ment, and  there  awaited  farther  orders. 

The  conduct  of  the  French  Directory  soon  wrought  a  great  change  in  the  public 
mind  in  the  United  States.  Disappointed  by  the  failure  of  Jefferson  to  be  elected 
President,  the  Directory  determined  to  punish  the  people  who  dared  to  thwart  their 
plans.  They  issued  a  decree*  which  was  almost  tantamount  to  a  declaration  .  M„y  in^ 
of  war.  It  not  only  authorized  the  capture  of  American  vessels  under  cer-  ^''■*'^- 
tain  conditions,  but  declared  that  any  American  found  on  board  of  a  hostile  ship, 
though  placed  there  without  his  consent  by  impressment,  should  be  hanged  as  a 
pirate.  American  seamen,  continually  liable  to  impressment  by  the  British,  were  to 
be  subjected  to  a  pirate's  fate  by  the  French  !    Strange  to  say,  the  eminent  American, 

'  nildreth'B  HUtonjCffthe  United  States,  Second  Series,  1.,  703. 

>  John  Adams  was  bom  at  Qulncy,  Mossaohusette,  October  13, 1735.  He  was  educated  at  Harvard  University,  and  at 
the  age  of  twenty-two  years  commenced  the  practice  of  the  law.  lie  was  brought  prominently  Into  public  life  by  his 
defense  of  Captain  Preston  at  Boston,  who  was  engaged  in  the  so-called  "massacre,"  in  the  spring  of  1770.  lie  became 
a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Le-'ielature,  and  in  1774  was  sleeted  to  the  Continental  Congress.  He  was  one  of  the 
most  active  men  In  that  body  until  sent  on  diplomatic  missions  to  Europe.  He  was  the  representative  of  the  new  re- 
pabllc  abroad  for  many  years,  and  was  one  of  the  negotiators  for  peace  In  1783.  In  1789  he  was  chosen  Vice-President 
o'tho  United  States,  and  In  1797  was  elevated  to  the  seat  of  the  President,  as  Washington's  successor.  He  served  one 
term,  and  retired  to  Qulncy  in  ISOl.  He  engaged  but  little  In  public  life  afterward.  He  and  Jefferson  died  on  the  same 
day,  July  4, 1828,  Just  fifty  years  after  they  voted  for  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  Mr.  Adnms  was  then  ninety-one 
years  of  age.    The  abova  portrait  was  painted  by  Stuart  at  about  the  time  Adams  was  elected  President. 


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PICTORIAL    FIELD-nOOK 


Joel  Barlow  a  French  Democrat. 


Hadneai  of  PartUana. 


"God  «ave  the  Uulllotlnc." 


Joel  Barlow,  at  that  time 
ii  resident  in  Paris,  coolly 
wrote  to  a  friend  concern- 
ing this  barba  'ous  decree, 
"  The  government  here  is 
deteniiined  to  fleece  you 
to  a  suflicient  degree  to 
bring  yon  to  your  feel- 
ing in  the  only  nerve  in 
whicli  your  sensibility 
lies,  which  is  your  pe- 
cuniary interest."' 

President  Adams  had 
called  an  extraordinary 
session  of  Congress  at  the 
middle  of  May.  The  re- 
action every  where  had 
greatly  strengthened  the 
dispute  between  the  United  States  and  France. 


administration  party,  and 
many  Itepublicans  talk- 
ed with  complacency  of  a 
war  with  France.  15ut  a 
majority  of  tlie  Cabinet 
favored  farther  attempts 
at  negotiation.  John  Mar- 
shall, a  Federalist  (after- 
ward Chief  Justice  of  the 
United  States),  and  El- 
bridge  Gerry,  a  Dem- 
ocrat (afterward  Vice- 
President),  were  appoint- 
ed envoys  extraordinary 
to  proceed  to  Europe^ 
join  Mr.  Pinckney,  and 
attempt  to  settle  by  di- 
plomacy all  matlcrs  in 
After  a  session  of  little  more  than 


six  weeks,  during  which  time  provision  was  made  for  a  small  loan  for  calling  out 
eighty  thousand  militia,  and  creating  a  small  naval  force,  and  acts  against  privatccr- 
•  July  10,  ^"g  y^'CYC  passed.  Congress  adjoui-ned*  in  time  to  escape  the  yeliow  fever  that 
ravaged  Philadelphia  that  season.^ 


1T9T. 


1  Letter  to  his  brotlier-in-lnw,  Abrnhnm  Bnltlwln,  of  Georgia.  Bnrlow,  who  went  to  France  with  n  communlcatl,...  m 
the  National  Convention  from  a  Bympathiziug  society  In  England,  was  made  a  French  citizen.  By  some  commercial 
oj)crations  he  accnmulnted  a  large  fortune,  lived  in  sumptuous  style  in  Paris,  and,  being  a  thorough  French  Democrat, 
was  the  bitter  enemy  of  the  administrations  of  Washington  and  Adams.  While  at  Hamburg,  In  1793,  he  was  invited  to 
11  Jacobin  festival,  and  he  furnished  for  the  occasion  a  co])y  of  the  following  song,  written  by  Thelwall,  a  celebrated  En- 
ijllsh  Jacobin.  It  was  sung  on  that  occasion,  and  has  been  generally  considered  a  composition  by  Mr.  Barlow  hlmsdt 
It  was  entitled  Qod  save  the  Guilhtine,  ana  is  a  parody  of  the  English  national  song*  God  save  the  King: 
"  God  save  the  gnillottnc  I  Shall  in  the  basket  roll, 

Till  England's  king  and  queen  Let  mercy  then  control 

Her  power  shall  prove ;  The  guillotine. 

Till  each  anointed  knob  „  ^v^en  all  the  sceptred  crew 

Affords  a  clipping  job,  y^^^      jj  (,,^1,  homage  due 

Let  no  rude  halter  rob  ^he  guillotine. 

The  guillotine.  l^j  Freedom's  flag  advance 

"  France,  let  thy  trumpet  sound—  Till  all  the  world,  like  France, 

Tell  all  the  world  around  O'er  tyrants'  graves  shall  dance, 

How  Capkt  fell ;  '  And  peace  begin." 

And  when  great  Georoe's  poll 
»  At  about  this  time  a  letter  written  by  Jefferson  to  Philip  Mazzei,  an  Itallat  republican,  who  had  lived  near  him  In 
Virginia  for  a  while,  was  published  In  the  Federal  newspapers,  and  made  a  great  stir.  The  letter  was  written  a  ycnr 
before,  and  was  translated  and  published  by  Mazzei  in  a  Florentine  journal.  It  contained  a  virtual  Indorsement  of  nil 
the  charges  made  against  Washington  anr'  ,'olitlcal  friends.  Its  publication  brought  to  an  end  the  friendship  be- 
tween Jefferson  and  the  late  President,  ^efferson  was  placed  in  such  an  unpleasant  dilemma  by  it  that  he  prudently 
kept  silence.  It  was  used  with  great  effect  at  the  time,  and  was  again  brought  up  against  hira  at  the  Presidential  cnn- 
vass  In  the  year  ISOO.    It  was  made  tlio  subject  of  a  caricature  called  Tue  Providential  Detection.    At  a  place  for 

•  It  may  not  be  out  of  place  here  to  remark  that "  God  save  the  King,"  In  words  and  air,  did  not  originate  with  Ilau- 
del  In  the  time  of  George  the  First,  as  is  generally  supposed,  but  Is  almost  a  literal  translation  of  a  cantiqw  which  was 
always  sung  by  the  maidens  of  St.  Cyr  when  Louis  the  Fourteenth  entered  the  chapel  of  that  establishment  to  hear  the 
morning  prayer.  M.  De  Brinon  was  the  author  of  the  words,  i  nd  the  music  was  by  the  eminent  Lulli,  founder  of  the 
French  opera.    The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  words : 

"  Grand  Dicn  gauve  le  Roi  I 
Grand  DIeu  venge  le  Rol ! 

Vive  le  Roi ! 
Que  tonjours  glorieux, 
Louis  vlctorieux! 
Voye  ses  ennemi 

Toujoura  soumisi 
Grand  DIeu  eauve  le  Roi ! 
Grand  Dien  venge  le  Rol ! 
Vive  le  Rol  1" 
This  air  Ib  etUl  snng  by  ihe  vlne-dreseers  in  the  eonth  of  France.— See  Memoirs  ofWadame  (?■  '^reqvp. 


Pride  of  the  Frcnc 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


98 


Pride  lit  the  French  Directory.    Attempt  to  extort  Tribnte  ftom  the  AmericMii.    Plncknejr'i  neply.    A  French  Decree.' 


Darker  and  durker  aj>|)Oiiro<l  tlic  Htorin-cloiuls  of  Etiropoaii  |)oliti('s,  and  llio  imittiT- 
lii<'  of  their  tliiiiidcrs  shook  tho  social  fahric  in  Aiiu-rica  with  soiiu'  ai;irm.  Kiijihtiid, 
for  a  nionieiit,  soenu'd  t  Jttoriiis;  to  its  fall.  Its  financial  jiowcr  was  sorely  smitten  by 
the  suspension  of  spceie  payments  by  the  Hank  of  Knuland,  and  its  naval  strength 
;iiid  supremacy  seemed  menaced  by  a  great  mutiny  at  tin*  Nore.  IJonajtart"  was 
inakin'(  his  splendid  conquering  Uiarches  in  the  direction  of  the  Danube,  and  tlie  Car- 
patliian  Mountains  beyond,  and  Austria  Iiad  already  been  compelled  to  make  j)eace 
with  his  government.  Success  waited  on  French  arms  iinil  Freni  h  diplomacy  every 
where;  and  when  the  three  American  envoys  reached  I'aris  in  October,"  t October -i, 
and  asked  for  an  audience  with  the  Directory,  thej-  met  with  a  haughty  i'"^- 
refusal,  unless  they  should  first  pay  into  the  deficient  French  treasury  a  large  sum  as 
an  equivalent  for  friendship.  Overtures  for  this  purpose  were  made  by  unofficial 
agents,  and  the  sum  demanded  was  two  hutidred  iind  forty  thousand  dollars,  besides 
an  arrangement  for  purcluising  from  the  French  government  a  large  amount  of  Dutch 
securities,  which  had  been  wrung  from  the  Hollanders  as  'he  price  of  peace.  Threats 
were  made  that,  if  these  conditions  Avere  not  complied  with,  the  envoys  might  be  or- 
dered to  leave  France  at  any  time  with  oidy  twenty-fotir  hours'  notice,  and  that  the 
coasts  of  the  United  States  would  be  ravaged  by  French  vessels  from  St.  Domingo. 

Delay  followed  delay.  The  envoys  Mere  firm ;  and  the  occasion  was  given  for 
Piiickney  to  utter  the  noble  sentiment, "  Millions  for  defense,  but  not  one  cent  for 
tribute  !"  At  length  the  envoys,  having  presented  a  list  of  grievances  of  which  their 
government  complained,  asked  for  their  passports  if  they  could  not  be  recognized  as 
ministers.  These  were  finally  granted''  to  the  federal  envoys,  but  nnder  cir-  t  March, 
cumstances  of  insult  and  indignity  which  amounted  to  virtual  expulsion  from  i'"**- 
the  country.  Gerry,  the  Democrat,  who  had  held  interviews  with  Talleyrand,  the 
French  premier,  without  the  knowledge  of  his  colleagues,  and  who  doubtless  encour- 
aged him  to  believe  that  the  "  French  party"  in  America  were  sufficiently  numerous 
to  avert  a  war  with  France,  and  insure  a  partial  if  not  full  compliance  with  her  de- 
mands, was  directed  to  remain  in  the  character  of  an  accepted  minister.^  lie  did  so, 
and  received  the  severest  censures  from  his  indignant  countrymen.  After  being 
treated  with  mingled  'nsolence  and  contempt  by  Talleyrand  and  his  asso-  c  j„iy,i7og. 
ciates,  Gerry  also  en'ibarked  for  the  Fnited  States."  t  jamnry  is, 

Mcanwhiie  the  French  Directory  had  issued  a  decree*  concerning  neu-  iws. 

trals  on  the  ocean,  more  outrageous  than  any  yet  put  forth,  and  calculated  to  effect- 
ually destroy  American  commerce  in  European  waters.^  This  action,  the  indecent 
treatment  of  the  envoys,  and  the  continued  depredations  of  the  French  cruisers, 
aroused  a  violent  war  spirit  in  the  United  States.  It  had  been  manifested,  in  a  de- 
gree, at  the  opening  of  the  Fifth  Congress,  and  it  increased  with  every  fresh  item  of 
intelligence  from  France. 

The  President,  in  his  first  annual  message,'^  had  recommended  prepara-  .  November  23, 
tions  for  war ;  and  in  Congress  the  administration  grew  stronger  every  ^™^- 

hour.  At  length,  .at  the  middle  of  March,  dispatches  came  from  the  envoys  giving  a 
history  of  the  uifamous  jjroceedings  of  the  French  Directory.^    A  general  outburst 

burnt  sacrifice  CBlled  the  "Altar  of  French  Despotism,"  before  which  Jefferson  Is  kneeling,  a  flame  Is  seen,  fed  by  pa- 
pcru  marked  Age  of  Reason,  Godtcin,  Aurora,  Chronicle,  J.  J.  liotisHean,  Voltaire,  Kvine  of  Volneij,  Ilclretim,  etc.  Around 
tlip  altar  lie  sacks  for  consumption,  marked  American  Spolxatiorts,  Dutch  Restitution,  Sardinia,  Flanders,  Venice,  Spain, 
Plunder,  etc. 

'  Gerry  was  much  petted  while  In  France,  while  his  collenp;uca  were  neglected.  At  o  ball  given  by  Talleyrand  as 
early  as  .January,  ITflS,  at  which  General  and  Madame  Bonaparte  were  present,  Mr.  Gerry  appeared.  His  brother  envoys 
uot  having  been  invited,  he  at  first  rcfnsed,  but  ilnally  attended,  he  said,  In  compliance  with  the  dictates  of  policy. 

'  It  proclaimed  that  all  vessels  having  merchandise  on  board,  the  production  of  England  or  her  colonics,  whoever  the 
owTicr  of  the  merchandise  might  be,  were  liable  to  seizure  as  good  prizes ;  and  any  vessel  which  at  any  previous  part  of  her 
Toynge  had  touched  at  any  English  port  or  possession  was  forbidden  to  enter  any  French  port.  Just  before  tlie  issnlnf; 
of  this  decree  nn  American  at  Nantes  wrote  to  his  friends  at  home  that  no  less  than  sixty  privateers  were  fitting  out  In 
that  port  alone  to  prey  upon  American  commerce. 

'  The  Directory  at  that  time  were  Barras,  Moulius,  Sieyes,  Gcbicr,  and  Roger  Dncos.   All  but  Barras  were  soon  after- 


iall 


'  ■ 


,1 

I 

'''  i 

II! 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


lD(lt){na(l»n  of  the  Am«rlc«<M. 


PrapiratloD*  Ibr  War  with  Franm. 


Pniceedlnga  In  New  York  Cltjr. 


of  iiuli^nation  followed.  Tlic  people  of  the  United  StatcH,  as  a  nation,  fi-lt  deeply  in- 
fliilted,  and  I'inekiiey'H  jiatriutio  Heiitiinent  was  rt'in-ated  in  every  part  of  the  n'pnhlii-. 
And  yet  there  were  those  Hluvish  enough  to  justify  France  and  criminate  their  own 
government.  In  thin  cowardly  course  the  Aurora  took  the  lead.  Uy  some  disloyal 
hand  it  was  placed  in  poKsession  of  Talleyrand's  rejoinder  to  the  complaints  of  the 
envoys,  and  published  it  before  it  reached  the  j^overninent  of  the  United  States,  for 
whom  alone  it  was  intended.  It  was  argued  that  it  would  be  better  to  e<mi|>ly  with 
the  demands  of  tho  Directory  for  money  than  to  incur  the  risk  of  a  war — better  to 
])urchase  peace  by  humbly  paying  trbute,  than  to  vindicate  the  claims  of  the  nation 
to  independence  by  asserting  and  maintaining  its  rights  at  all  ha/.ards ! 

Such  logic  did  not  suit  the  character  nor  temper  of  the  American  people  at  t'nat 
time.  The  rampant  war  spirit,  fed  on  every  hand  by  fresh  aggressions  and  patriotic 
•  March  19,  appeals,  was  not  to  be  ai)peased.  The  President  issued  a  Hi)ecial  message,'' 
1TK8.  calling  upon  Congress  to  make  provisions  for  hostilities.  His  appeal  was 
responded  to  with  alacrity.  Means  for  administering  chastisements  for  injuries  re- 
ceived, and  for  repelling  those  which  Averc  threatened,  were  provided  without  hesita- 
tion. Provision  was  made  for  tho  organization  of  a  regular  provisional  army,  in  mag- 
nitude sufficient  for  the  exigencies  of  the  case,  and  the  employment  of  a  volunteer 
force.  Measures  were  also  taken,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 
for  strengthening  the  navy,  and  making  it  a  power  to  be  respected  on  the  high  seas,' 

To  a  great  extent  party  spirit  disappeared  in  the  National  Legislature.  Their  jiro- 
ceedings  were  approved  by  the  great  majority  of  the  people,  and  the  President  re- 
ceived addresses  from  all  parts  of  the  Union,  warmly  commending  his  course,  and 
overflowing  with  the  most  fervid  patriotism.''  The  young  Federalists,  with  a  spirit 
of  defiant  response  to  the  Democrats,  Avho  still  wore  the  badge  of  devotion  to  French 
politics  ordered  by  Adet,  mounted  a  black  cockade,  such  as  was  worn  by  oflicers  in 
the  Revolution  y'  and  between  the  wearers  of  these  opposing  decorations  there  was 

wnrd  driven  from  office ;  and  when,  In  the  nutnmn  of  1T99,  Bonaparte  usurped  tho  government,  he  expelled  from  France 
the  first  two  above  named  as  utterly  corrupt. 

'  After  much  manasuvrlng  on  the  part  of  the  opposition  to  prevent  ihe  adoption  of  these  measures  to  meet  any  hostilities 
on  the  part  of  France,  the  men  who  tu  17!)4 — only  four  years  befo.e— were  eager  for  war  with  England,  and  voted  for  prep- 
arations for  It  with  alacrity,  were  now  as  vehement  for  peace— an  Inconsistency  which  many  of  llielr  partisans  throughont 
the  country  pointed  at  with  scorn.  Congress  authorized  a  reg\>lar  provisional  army  of  about  twenty  thousand  men,  and 
gave  the  Preshent  authority  to  appoint  officers  for  it ;  also  to  receive  and  organize  volunteer  corps,  who  should  be  ex- 
empted from  ordinary  militia  duty.  The  sum  of  $800,000  was  oppropriated  for  the  purchase  of  cannon,  arms,  and  military 
stores.  Provision  was  made  for  fortifying  the  harbors  of  the  United  States — a  labor  already  commenced— and,  for  the 
farther  security  of  ports,  the  purchase  and  equipment  often  galleys.  The  President  was  also  authorized  to  cause  twelve 
ships  of  not  less  than  82  guns  each,  Department,  the  duties  of  which  the 

twelve  of  not  loss  than  20  nor  exceed-        y^  ^  Secretary  of  War  had  hitherto  pcr- 

Ing  24  guns  each,  and  six  not  exceed-     /VTV  y/rX^J^  n       y    f"'"™^'''  """  created,  and  on  the  SOtli 

ing  18  gnns  each,  besides  galleys  and  l/t/CM.  %yUr~-CC^  U'i/7  of  ^pril,  lTft8,  Benjamin  Stoddert,  of 
revenue  cutters,  to  bo  built.    A  Navy  Georgetown,  In  tho  District  of  Colum- 

bia, was  appointed  the  first  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  and  took  his  seat  In  the  Cabinet. 

»  The  city  of  New  York  %vas  greatly  excited  by  the  prospect  of  a  war  with  France.  Its  commerce  had  suffered  mnch 
by  the  depredatfons  of  French  cruisers,  and  the  mercantile  classes  were  greatly  exasperated.  The  Republicans  or  Dem- 
ocrats had  a  debating  association,  whose  meetings  were  i)ublic,  called  "The  Society  of  Free  Debate."  A  meeting  wa? 
called  for  the  27th  of  April,  1798,  to  discuss  the  question,  "Would  it  he  better  policy,  under  existing  circumstances,  to 
lay  an  embargo  [a  scheme  proposed  by  some  as  a  less  dangerous  measure],  than  to  arm  In  defense  of  our  carrying- 
trade  f"  The  Federalists  went  to  the  meeting  in  great  numbers,  and,  by  an  ovenvhelming  vote,  elected  Jacob  Morton 
chairman.  By  ten  to  one  they  voted  for  arming.  They  expressed  by  resolntlons  full  approbation  of  the  conduct  of  the 
government,  and  their  determination  to  support  it.  They  appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of  Colonel  Jacob  Morton, 
Colonel  Ebenezer  Stevens,  Nicholas  Evartson,  John  Cozlne,  and  Joslah  Ogden  Hoffman,  to  draft  an  address  to  the  Pres- 
ident and  Congress,  expressive  of  their  satisfaction  with  tho  course  pursued  toward  France.  After  the  adjournment  a 
Quaker  addressed  the  multitude. 

On  the  Bth  of  May  a  meeting  was  held,  and  addressed  by  the  late  Chief  Justice  Samuel  Jones.  Nino  hundred  youns! 
men  present  pledged  themselves  to  be  In  readiness,  at  a  moment's  warning,  to  offer  their  services  to  their  coimtry 
against  the  French. 

On  the  Bth  of  June  the  New  York  Chamber  of  Commerce  took  action  concerning  the  defenses  ofNewYork,  They 
appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  military  authorities  and  the  Corporation.  A  conference  was  held  the  rext 
day  at  the  Tontine  Coffee-house,  and  It  was  resolved  to  call  a  public  meeting  of  citizens  who  might  bo  ready  to  defend 
an  "Insulted  country"  and  the  " defenseless  port."  The  call  was  made,  and  an  Invitation  was  given  for  such  citizens  to 
enroll  themselves  as  an  artillery  corps,  It  having  been  ascertained  that  Colonel  Stevens,  an  experienced  artillerist  of 
tho  Revolution,  was  willing  to  take  the  direction  of  them  and  to  give  them  Instructions. 

»  This  gave  them  tho  name  of  "Black-cockade  Federalists,"  which  was  a  term  of  repi-oach  tintll  ten  years  after  the 
Warofl812-'15. 


I>ttriotic  8<ing*. 

intense  Iiatrei 


■  \\A\ 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   181z. 


Pitrlotlc  H<in|irii. 


Ulitorj  of  UaO,  CohmMa  I  ud  ititeiM  and  Ubirty. 


intense  hatrctl,  which  Nomctimt'H  lod  to  porHonal  collistoiiH.  In  the  streets  of  cities 
opitosiiig  i)r()ct'H«ion«  wtro  seen;  niul  uU  ovi-r  the  Iiiiul  tlie  new  soiijjw  otJlail,  Colum- 
bia! luiil  .1(1(11118  and  JJherty,  were  wung  with  unhoum'.ed  ii|i|ihuiHe.'  The  exritenient 
a"ains<t  some  of  the  opjiosition  leaders  in  Congrews  Hoon  heciune  intense,  and  the  most 
obno.\ion«  of  them,  from  Virginia,  souglit  pernonal  safety  in  tliglit,  nnder  tlie  pretense 
of  attention  to  tlieir  private  atfairs  at  liome. 

1  Tho  hUtory  of  the  oriKin  ami  fate  of  thcuo  two  aonga  Is  cnrlniiH.  The  form  .ilmont  totally  ilrstltuto  of  poeilc 
merit,  I"  'till  HiiiiKi  and  In  rogarded  an  a  iialloiial  aoii);;  the  liittvr,  fill)  of  gpniilnc  pootrr,  hnit  hern  ri)r(;ottru.  Hail, 
lUumbia!  was  written  In  the  wprlng  of  ITIW,  when  the  war  uplrit  of  the  na'lou  wan  aroimcd  hy  the  IrrilutluK  news  Oora 
France.  Mr.  Fox,  a  yoani;  Hinder  and  actor  In  the  I'lilladclphia  Theatre,  wan  to  have  a  hcnctlt.  There  was  to  l.ttle 
novelty  at  the  play-houno  that  he  anticipated  a  failure.  ()|i  the  niornlnt!  prevloux,  he  called  upon  JoKeph  Hopklnnon, 
and  said,  "  Nvt  a  ulnijlc  box  huM  been  taken,  and  I  fear  there  will  he  a  thin  houHe.  If  you  will  write  nic  some  pali  iotic 
vcrnes  to  the  tnne  of  the  '  I'rcnldent'8  March,'  I  feel  euro  of  a  t\i\\  houxe.  Hevcrul  people  about  the  theatre  have  attiinpt- 
eil  It,  but  they  have  come  to  the  ronclunlou  that  It  cat-  not  be  dime.  Yet  I  think  you  may  succeed."  nopkhiKon  retired 
to  hl«  study,  wrote  the  first  verso  and  chorus,  and  submitted  them  to  Mrs.  Ilopklnson,  who  sanjj  them  with  a  harps'chord 
accompaniment.  The  time  and  words  harmonized.  The  sont;  was  soon  flnlshed,  an<l  the  youn^;  actor  recclvci'  It  the 
fame  evening.  The  theatre  placards  the  next  morning  announced  that  Mr.  Fox  would  slntj  a  new  patriotic  son^'.  The 
house  was  crowded— the  song  was  sung— the  audience  were  wild  wlih  delight ;  for  It  touched  the  public  heart  with  elec- 
trical effect  at  that  moment,  and  eight  times  the  singer  was  called  out  to  repeat  the  song.  When  It  was  sung  tte  ninth 
lime  the  whole  audience  arose  and  Joined  In  the  chorus.  On  the  following  night  (April  nn,  17«f*)  the  President  and  his 
wife  and  some  of  the  headu  of  departments  were  present,  and  the  singer  was  called  out  time  after  time.  It  waj  re|>eat- 
uJ  ulgbt  afier  uight  iu  the  tbeutros  of  Pblludelphlu  uud  other  places,  and  it  became  the  uulversal  uuug  of  the  biys  lu  the 
dtrccts.  On  one  occasion  a  crowd  thronged  the  strnot  In  front  of  the  anther's  rosldeuce,  nnd  suddenly  "Hall,  Colum- 
bia !"  from  tlvo  hundred  voices  broke  the  stillness  of  the  midnight  air. 

In  June  following  Robert  Treat  Paine  was  rc(iuested  to  write  a  song,  to  be  snng  at  the  anniversary  of  tha  "Massa- 
chnsctts  Charitable  Fire  Society."  lie  wrote  a  political  song  adapted  to  the  temper  of  the  times,  and  called  It  "Adams 
nnd  Liberty."  At  the  house  of  Major  Russell,  editor  of  the  Donlon  Centinel,  the  author  showed  it  to  that  gentleman.  "It 
Is  lm|)erfc(t,"  said  Russell,  "  without  the  name  of  Washington  in  It."  Mr.  Paine  wos  about  to  take  some  'vine,  when 
Hn.'sell  politely  and  good-natnrcdly  interfered,  saying,  "You  can  have  none  of  my  wine.  Mr.  Paine,  unt'l  y<m  have 
written  another  stanza,  with  Washington's  name  iu  It."  Paine  walked  back  and  forth  a  few  moments,  calk  d  for  a  pen, 
aud  wrote  the  finest  verse  In  the  whole  poem— a  verso  which  forms  the  epigraph  of  the  chapter  on  the  next  pat'e.  This 
rong,  lu  nine  stanzas,  became  Immensely  popular.  It  was  sung  nil  over  the  country.  In  theatres  and  public  places,  in 
workshops  and  drawing-rooms,  aud  by  the  boys  In  tho  streets.  The  sale  of  It  on  "broadsides"  yielded  the  author  a 
lirottt  or$7S0.  The  temper  of  the  large  majority  of  the  American  people  at  that  time  is  expressed  In  the  following 
verses  of  the  ode : 

"  While  France  her  huge  limbs  bathes  rccnmhont  In  blooJ, 
And  Society's  base  threats  with  wide  dissolution ; 
May  Peace,  like  the  dove,  who  returned  from  the  flood, 
Find  an  ark  of  abode  lu  our  mild  Constitution. 
But  though  Peace  Is  our  aim. 
Yet  the  boon  we  disclaim. 
If  oonght  by  our  Sov'relgnty,  Justice,  or  Fame. 

"  'TIs  the  flro  of  the  fliiit,  each  American  warms; 
Let  Rome's  haiis^hty  victors  beware  of  collision, 
Let  them  bring  nil  the  vassals  of  Europe  In  arms— 
We're  a  world  by  ourselves,  and  disclaim  a  division. 
While  with  patriot  pride 
To  onr  laws  we're  allied, 
No  foe  can  subdue  us,  no  faction  divide. 

"  Our  mountains  arc  crowned  with  imperial  oak, 

Whose  roots,  like  onr  liberties,  ages  have  nourished; 
But  long  ere  onr  nation  submits  to  the  yoke, 
Not  a  tree  shall  be  left  on  the  field  where  it  floorlshed. 
Should  Invasion  Impend, 
Every  grove  would  descend 
From  the  hlU-tops  they  shaded,  onr  shores  to  defend. 

"  Let  our  patriots  destroy  Anarch's  pestilent  worm, 

Lest  our  Liberty's  growth  should  be  checked  by  corrosion ; 
Then  let  clouds  thicken  roand  us,  wo  heed  not  the  storm. 
Our  realm  fears  no  shock  but  the  earth's  own  explosion. 
Foes  assail  ns  in  vain. 
Though  their  fleets  bridge  the  main, 
For  our  altars  and  laws  with  our  lives  we'll  maintain. 
For  ne'er  shall  the  sons  of  Columbia  be  slaves 
While  the  earth  bears  a  plant,  or  the  sea  rolls  its  waves." 

6 


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08 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


I'rapintlonk  for  War.     WuhiDirton  Invited  tn  commm  t1  the  Army. 


He  •ccxptn. 

w- 


Hamtlton  acting  0«Derat-ln-ctileC 


CHAPTER  V. 

"  Should  the  tempert  of  va  overahadow  onr  land, 

It«  bulla  could  ne'er  rend  Frecdom'a  temple  aeundor ; 
Fur,  uninovod,  at  Itx  portal,  would  Wnaliington  atand, 
Aud  rcpuke  wllli  his  breast  tlio  Oiiaaulti  of  the  thunder  t 
IIlx  nword  froui  the  Bleep 
or  Us  Bcabbard  would  leap. 
And  conduct  with  Ita  |)o!nt  ev'ry  flaah  ^o  the  deep  I 
For  ne'er  shall  the  aona  of  ColumWn  i,.       -vea 
While  the  earth  bears  a  plant,  or  the        a'uu  Iti  waves." 

RouEBT  Tbeat  Paini. 

AVING  resolved  on  war,  if  necessary,  for  the  dignity  of  tlic 
nution,  tlio  question  arose  spontaneously  in  the  hearts  of  the 
American  people,  Who  shall  command  our  armies  at  this  hn- 
portant  crisis  ?  All  minds  instinctively  turned  toward  Wash- 
ington as  the  only  man  who  could  command  the  respect  of  the 
whole  nation  and  keep  a  dangerous  faction  in  check.'  "In 
such  a  state  of  public  affairs,"  Hamilton  wrote,  "it  is  impossi- 
ble not  to  look  up  to  you,  ...  In  the  event  of  an  open  rupture 
witli  France,  the  public  voice  Avill  again  call  you  to  couimand 
the  armies  of  your  country.  .  .  .  All  your  past  labor  may  demand,  to  give  it  efficacy, 
this  farther,  this  great  sacrifice."^  "  We  must  have  your  name,  if  you  will  in  any 
case  permit  us  to  use  it,"  President  Adams  wrote  to  him  on  the  22d  of  June.  "  There 
will  be  more  efficiency  in  it  than  in  many  an  army."  And  four  days  later,  James 
M'Hcnry,  the  Secretary  of  War,  wrote  to  him, "  You  see  how  the  storm  thicken.H,  and 
that  our  vessel  may  soon  require  its  ancient  pilot.  Will  you — may  we  flatter  our- 
selvefj  that,  in  a  crisis  so  awful  and  important,  you  will  accept  the  command  of  all 
our  armies  ?  I  hope  you  will,  because  you  alone  can  unite  all  hearts  and  all  hands, 
if  it  is  possible  that  they  can  be  united." 

These  intimations  were  followed  by  corresponding  action.  On  the  7th  of  July 
President  Adams,  with  the  consent  of  the  Senate,  appointed  Washington  Lieutenant- 
general  and  commander-in-chief  of  all  the  armies  raised  and  to  be  raised  for  the 
service  of  the  United  States.  The  venerated  patriot,  then  sixty-five  years  of  age,  in- 
stantly obeyed  the  call  of  his  country.  "  You  may  command  me  without  reserve," 
he  said  to  President  Adams,  qualifying  the  remark  only  by  the  expressed  desire  that 
he  should  not  be  called  into  active  servico  until  the  public  need  should  demand  it. 
His  friend,  Mr.  Hamilton,  then  forty-one  years  of  age,  was  appointed  fi»st  major  gen- 
eral, and  placed  in  active  supreme  command ;  and  in  November,  Washington  held  a 
conference  at  Philadelphia  with  all  the  general  officers,  when  arrangements  were 
made  for  the  complete  <  ganization  of  a  provisional  army  on  a  war  footing. 

Washington  all  this  .vhile  had  looked  upon  the  gathering  tempest  with  perfect 
confidence  that  the  clouls  would  pass  by,  and  leave  his  country  unscathed  by  thu 

•  It  was  the  settled  convlcMon  of  many  of  the  wisest  men  of  that  day  that  the  leaders  of  the  opposition  wished  to 
overthrow  the  Constitution.  "  It  Is  more  and  more  evident,"  Hamilton  wrote  to  Washington  late  In  May,  1708,  "Ihat 
the  poworfcl  faction  which  has  for  years  opposed  the  government  Is  determined  to  go  all  lengths  with  France.  I  am 
sincere  In  declaring  my  ftill  conviction,  as  tlie  result  of  a  long  course  of  observation,  that  they  are  ready  to  new  model  onr 
Constitution  under  the  influence  or  coercion  of  France,  to  form  with  her  a  perpetual  alliance,  offenaive  and  defensive,  and  to 
give  her  a  monopoly  over  trade  by  pecttHor  and  exchiaite  privileges.  This  would  be  In  substance,  whatever  It  might  be 
in  name,  to  make  this  conntry  s  province  of  Prance.  Neither  do  I  doubt  that  her  standard,  displayed  In  this  country, 
would  be,  directly  or  Indirectly,        jded  by  them,  In  pursuance  of  the  projeci  I  have  mentioned." 

>  Hamilton  to  Washington,  M.^y  19, 1798. 


The  Pride  of  the  Dl 

liphtiiii'g  and 

Directory  wai 

thoughtful  nu'i 

war  witJi  Fran< 

•Jritain  with  ii 

ohject  being  to 

pit',  and  restore 

teniptod  after  t 

qiiishcd  by  Nel 

scattered  a  Frei 

Hurgents  there; 

prowess.  * 

Those  8uccos8( 

appointmint  of 

'States,  made  the 

rami  began  to  th 

retaryofJt'gatior 

gotiation  that  the 

be  received  by  tl 

were  communicai 

Hague,  who  transj 

Without  consu] 

Adams  nominated 

Mtounded.     It  car 

nition.    The  Cabin, 

overtiii-es  Jiad  been 

friends,  who  regarc 

to  a  half-relenting 

they  were  estrangi 

three  envoys  extra 

matters  in  dispute  J 

the  Senate  at  near  t 

a  conviction  that  a  i 

CorMr.Adamshadi 

the  two  envoys  yet  a 


'OttS  DtlLt  TAKINO  . 

htore  of  "Bonaparte  In  Eg.p, 
I  ^Henry  declined  the  non 
I  „"''''«  portion  ofthlsVotebr^e 


OP  THE  WAU   OF   1812. 


00 


The  Pridt  of  the  Directory  bumbled. 


A  MInliter  Plonlputentlar;  to  Frante  appointed. 


lightnirg  and  the  Imil.  Events  soon  justified  his  faith.  The  pride  of  the  haughty 
Diret!tory  waH  speedily  humbled,  and  the  fears  of  England,  toward  whom  many 
thoughtful  men  in  America  had  looked  ;ih  a  possible  friend  and  aid  in  the  event  of  a 
war  with  France,  were  allayed.  The  victorious  IJonaparte,  who  had  threatened  Great 
Britain  with  hivasion,  had  gone  off  to  Egypt  on  a  romantic  expedition,  his  avowed 
object  being  to  march  in*o  Palestine,  take  possession  of  Jerusalem,  rebuild  the  Tem- 
ple, and  restore  the  Jews  to  their  beloved  city  and  land.  This  he  unsuccessfully  at- 
tempted after  the  battle  of  the  Nile,  in  which  the  proud  Toulon  fleet  had  been  van- 
quished by  Nelson."  A  few  weeks  later  Sir  John  Bor'.use  Warren  had  •AuKimti, 
scattered  a  French  fleet**  ihat  hovered  on  iho  coast  of  Ireland  to  aid  in-  """• 
»urgents  there;  and  many  minor  victories  were  accorded  to  English  'October  12. 
prowess.' 

These  successes  of  the  English,  intelligence  of  the  war  feeling  in  Am.erici,  and  the 
appointment  of  Washington  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United 
States,  made  the  hitoxicated  Directory  pause  in  their  mad  career.  The  wily  Talley- 
rand began  to  thuik  of  conciliation.     In  letters  to  Pinchon,'  French  sec- 

/.  1         .•  .1      TT  1      •    .•        .     1  ,1  -1  i.  "  AuBUiit  2S  and 

retary  01  legation  at  the  Hague,  he  mtimated  that  any  advances  lor  nc-  September  28, 
gotiation  that  the  government  of  the  United  States  might  make  would  '^' 

be  received  by  tlio  Directory  in  a  friendly  spirit.  These  intimations,  as  intended, 
were  communicated  to  William  Vans  Murray,  the  United  States  minister  at  the 
Hague,  who  transmitted  them  to  his  government. 

Without  consulting  his  Cabinet,  or  taking  counsel  of  national  dignity,  President 
Adams  nominated  Mr,  Murray  minister  plenipotentiary  to  France,  The  country  was 
astounded.  It  came  upon  the  Cabinet,  the  Congress,  and  the  people  withoiu  premo- 
nition. The  Cabinet  opposed  it,  and  the  Senate  resolved  not  to  confirm  it.  No  direct 
overtures  had  been  made  by  the  French  government ;  and  some  of  Mr.  Adams's  ])e8t 
friends,  who  regarded  war  as  preferable  to  dishonor,  deprecated  a  cowardly  cringing 
to  a  halt-relenting  tyrant,  and  warmly  remonstrated  with  him,  lie  persisted,  and 
they  were  estranged.  He  finally  so  far  yiolded  to  public  opinion  as  to  nominate 
three  envoys  extraordinary,  Mr.  Murray  being  \e,  to  negotiate  a  settlement  of  all 
matters  in  dispute  between  the  United  States  and  France,  These  were  confirmed  by 
the  Senate  at  near  thi  close  of  the  session,  in  February,  1799,  not  willbigly,  but  from 
a  conviction  that  a  refusal  to  do  so  might  endanger  the  existence  of  the  Federal  party, 
for  Mr.  Adams  had  many  and  powerful  supporters.  It  "was  stipulated,  however,  that 
the  two  envoys  yet  at  Lome  (Chief  Justice  Oliver  Ellsworth  and  Patrick  Henry^)  should 


>  England  had  for  eome  time  trembled  violently  before  the  won- 
derful operations  of  Bonaparte  on  the  Continent.  For  a  while  lu- 
Tasion  of  the  island  seemed  Imminent.  But  when  the  cloud  disap- 
peared in  the  autumn  of  1T98,  and  scarcely  a  day  passed  without 
bringing  intelligenco  of  some  new  success  of  the  British  navy,  the 
feeling  of  exultation  was  intense.  The  pencil  of  Gillray,  the  great 
caricaturist,  was  exceedingly  active,  and  in  quick  succession  he 
brought  out  several  prints  illustrating  John  Bull  as  being  surfeited 
with  his  immense  captures.  In  one  of  these,  entitled  "John  Bull 
taking  a  Luncheon ;  or,  British  Cooks  cramming  Old  Qrumble-glz- 
zard  with  Bnyiiu  CMre,"  the  representative  of  English  nationality,  u 
burly  old  fellow  is  seen  sitting  in  a  chair  at  a  well-ftimlshed  table, 
while  the  naval  cooks  are  zealous  in  their  attentions.  The  hero  of 
the  Nile  offers  him  a  "  fricassee  h  la  Nelson,"  consisting  of  a  large 
dish  of  battered  French  ships  of  the  line.  Another  admiral  offers 
him  a  "  fricando  h  la  Howe,"  "  dessert  k  la  Warren,"  "  Dutch  cheese 
u  la  Duncan,"  et  cietera.  John  Bull  is  deliberately  snapping  up  a 
frigate  at  a  mouthful,  and  Is  evidently  fattening  on  his  diet. 
"What!"  he  exclaims,  "more  fiicasseesf  Where  do  you  think  I 
shall  And  room  to  stow  all  you  bring  inf"  By  his  side  is  an  im- 
mense jug  of  brown  stout  to  wash  them  down.  Behind  him  Is  a 
I  flctnre  of  "  Bonaparte  in  Egypt"  suspended  against  the  wall,  nearly  concealed  by  Nelson's  hat,  which  Is  huug  over  It.* 
'  Mr.  Henry  declined  the  nomination  because  of  bis  advanced  age  and  Increasing  Infirmities.    Oovemor  WilUitm  R. 

'  The  porUon  of  this  celebrated  carlcatore  here  given,  with  the  description,  la  copied  from  Wright's  England  tmitr  the 

I  Bbiim  0/ ffanorw,  11.,  298. 


JOHN  OUI.L  TAKINO  A  ll.UI)Oa. 


Is 


in 


i  I 


r 


ii 


100 


riCTOllIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Three  KiivoyR  lont  to  Franco.        Bonnparto  Fimt  Conaul.        Nnval  Wnrfnro  botwcoii  the  Americans  and  the  Frciich. 

not  omlmrk  for  Eiirojic  until  autlientic  and  nutisfactory  assunuicca  should  be  nivcii  us 
to  their  ivirption.  Such  asgurauei  h  wore  reeeived  by  tlie  governuieiit  in  October  Col- 
lowinj;,  and  in  November  EUsworlli  aiul  W.  U.  IJavio  (the  latter  having  taken  ]\Ir. 
Henry's  place)  sailed  for  Kurope.  Fortunately  for  all  parties,  when  the  envoys 
reached  Franco  a  ehango  had  taken  place  in  the  governnu'nt  of  that  country.  'I'lic 
Directory  was  no  more.  Honaj)arto  iiad  suddenly  returned  from  the  Eas*.  after 
grt^at  and  brilliant  movements  with  various  results,  and  was  hailed  as  the  good 
genius  of  tli^  Uepublic.  Tie  found,  as  ho  expected,  his  country  rent  by  political  dis- 
sensions, and  the  Directory  in  disrepute  among  the  most  nowerful  classes.  With  the 
assistance  of  u  strong  party,  supported  by  bayonets,  ho  dissolved  tin  Assembly  of 
•NovpmborS,  Keproiieutativos  and  took  the  government  into  his  own  hands,"  with  the 
^™'-  title  of  First  Consul,  which  was  at  first  conferred  upon  him  for  ten  years, 
and  afterward  ftn*  life. 

The  audacity  and  energy  of  Honaparto  saved  Franco  from  anarchy  and  ruin.  To 
please  the  })eople  ho  prodaimeil  a  pacific  polii^y,  and  o|)C(iod  correspondence  with  the 
"  March  2     pwwors  tluMi  at  war  with  (ho  Hepublic  with  professions  of  j)eacofnl  desires, 

isiw.  it  ^yjis  jvt  this  auspieiotis  moment  that  tho  American  envoys  arrived''  at 
Paris. 

While  these  political  niover.ients  were  in  progress,  and  preparafions  were  iiiakiiif,' 
in  tho  United  States  for  a  French  invasion,  war  between  the  two  nations  actuiiily 
conimenced  on  the  ocean,  although  hostilities  had  not  been  proclaimed  by  either.  On 
tho  /th  of  July,  nos,  Congres,4  declared  tho  old  treaties  with  Franco  at  an  end,  and 
two  days  at'terwanl  passed  a  law  autiiori/.ing  American  vessels  of  war  to  captun 
French  cruisers  Avherever  they  might  bo  found.  On  tho  11th,  a  now  marine  ;'orps  of 
nearly  nine  hundred  men,  rank  and  file,  commanded  by  a  nnijor,  was  established  by 
law,  and  a  total  of  thirty  active  criiisers  Avas  j)rovided  for. 

Wo  have  observed  that  some  movements  for  strengthening  the  navy  were  begun 
early  m  1707.  The  frig.'Ues  United  States^  44,  C'cpstitKtioji,  44,  and  (kmstellatiou,  H8,' 
wore  launched,  and  ordered  to  be  ])ut  in  commission  that  year.  Tho  I/nited iStatis  first 
reached  the  water,  and  was  the  begimiing  of  the  American  navy  created  after  the  ado])- 
tion  of  tho  National  Constitution.  She  was  lauiudied  at  rhiladel])hia  on  tho  ICth  of 
.Tuly,'=  and  was  followed  in  September  by  tho  Consti'l/afion  and  Constitution. 
The  former  was  sot  afloat  on  the  7th  of  that  month,  at  Baltimore,  and  the  lat- 
ter on  tho  20th,  at  Boston  ;*  yet  none  of  these  Avere  ready  for  sea  when,  in  the  spring 
of  1708,  war  with  Franco  seemed  inevitable. 

An  Indiainan,  called  tho  Gatiifcs,  was  armed  and  cquipj)ed  at  Philadelphi.T.  as  a 
24-poundcr,  and  pliued  in  the  conmiand  of  Captain  Richard  Dale.  She  sailed  on  the 
22d  of  May,  to  crui.  along  tho  coast  from  tlu'  east  end  of  Long  Island  to  the  ( 'apes  of 
Virginia,  to  watch  tlio  approach  of  an  enemy  to  the  ports  of  New  York,  Philadeli>liia, 
and  Baltimore.  On  tho  12th  of  Juno  Captain  Dale  received  instructions  off  the  CajHs 
of  Delaware  to  seize  French  cruisers  and  capture  pny  of  their  prizes  that  might  fall 
in  his  way. 

The  Co7istcllation,  iiSyfirf^t  Avent  down  the  Patapsco  on  the  morning  of  the  0th  of 
April,''  and  early  in  June  Avent  to  sea  under  the  command  of  Captain  Thomas 
Tiuxtun,  in  company  Avith  the  Ddatcare,  20,  Captain  Decatur,'  each  having 


'  1708. 


Dnvio,  of  North  Carolina,  was  appointed  In  Henry's  pV^ce.  Tho  commission  then  stood:  Murray,  of  Maryland :  Ells- 
worth, of  Connectlcnt ;  and  Davie,  of  North  Carolina.  Mr.  Murray,  still  ot  the  Hague,  was  Instructed  ',o  inform  Talley- 
rand of  the  appointment. 

>  These  numbers,  -44, 3S  etc.,  refer  to  the  number  of  guns  en;  rlcd  by  each  vessel,  or,  rather,  the  number  they  were  rated 
at.    TUe  Rrmament  of  vessels  sometimes  varies  fl-om  th^  rate. 

»  The  ConstiUalioti  wap  constrocted  by  Dnvid  Stodcrt. 

'  Stephen  Decatur  was  born  it  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  In  ITBl.  He  commanded  several  privateers  durlns  tho  Reviv 
Intlon,  and  captured  ceveral  English  ships.  He  received  a  commission  as  captain  In  the  United  States  navy  In  1"!>s,  ami 
served  with  distinction  during  the  hostilities  with  the  French  cm  ^rs.  In  1800  he  commanded  a  squadron  of  thirteen 
sail  on  the  Ouadaloupe  station,  his  flag-ship  being  the  I'hiiadditltta,  38.    Ue  left  the  eenlce  in  ISOl,  wd  engaged  in 


Cnpluro  of  i«  Crojj 

orders    Himil.-i 

Diile's.    When 

a  few  days  ou 

oatiir  fell  In  y\ 

Piiiladcljdiia  ui 

States  n.'ivy  wi 

.wit  William  ]}.• 

of'!)H,"su  callc 

States. 


sy^'^i^^f'-i^  , 


mmnicrcliW  purs'ills  In  Pl, 
llie  memory  of  |,M,l|„t|„j, 
capiniii  nn,I  his  wife,  who 
'  ■'"!'"  ^^•■^'"'y  was  born  1 
i»  I'W.  lie  came  to  Amo 
In  1.T5  he  entered  the  na 

I'a  iHnpnicd  point  whelh( 
maaders  who  got  to  sen  a 
live  service  during  the  whi 
"ftlic  new  navy  In  imbe 
"iwhWi  station,  In  c„„„„„ 

'-nlhel-ithofScpiiMnber,  :■ 
H»  died  childless,  at  i|,„„,,, 
Ominiodore  Harry's  cnnil 
■'melcryofst.  Mary's  lion,, 
•'•^ffel,  Philadelphia.  The  I 
Kriptlon: 

"Let  the  patriot,  the  soidh 
itiwc  mansions  of  the  dead 
Wt.  Beneath  are  deposlte 
If  >rn»  born  in  tho  County 
•tmerlca  was  me  object  of  his 
'■■wfulness  and  honor.  In  l 

;»WI«hed  tho  independence 
>  amission  of  a  captain 
mra,  became  commnn,ler-i, 
«  bled  in  the  cause  of  free 
J;^M  lesson  in  time  the  pel 

it  n„,T■''''^'"■"''y"'''^fr^' 
.yfened  his  soul  Into  ,1,0  nm, 

fMln„atowldo<v  hath  cause 
'•'•"eased  to  be  the  living  re 

'Her  first  lieutenant  was  D. 


OF  THE   WAU    OF   18  12. 


101 


Capture  of  he  (Jrayable. 


Tho  UniM  Statu  and  thi?  Conttitntion. 


Life  mill  Sorvl-es  of  < '•  mimodure  Burry, 


(2>/^*«i^^^^ 


ordcre  similar  to 
Diilo's.  When  only 
11  few  (lays  out,  De- 
catur fell  in  with  the  French  corsuir  Lc  Ci'oyahl,  14,  captured  her,  and  went  lier  to 
Piilliidel,)hiii  fis  a  jjrize.  Hho  was  condemned  hy  the  prize  court,  added  to  th«>  United 
States  navy  with  the  name  oi  Retaliation,  mmX  jylaeed  under  the  coninmiid  ofLieuteji- 
.uit  William  ]}ainl)ridge.  Bhe  was  the  first  vessel  captured  during  tlie  "  French  War 
of '98,"  HO  called,  and  was  tho  first  vessel  taken  by  tho  present  navy  of  the  United 

Stiites. 

Early  in  July  the  United  States,  44,  Cap- 
tain John  IJarry,'  went  to  sea,  and  cnused 
eastward.  She  (ii.-ried  among  her  officers 
several  young  men  who  afVerward  hecame 
distinguished  in  the  annals  of  naval  Avar- 
fare.'*  The  goveniment  socm  afterward  de- 
termined to  send  a  loice  to  the  West  Indies, 
where  American  commerce  Avas  most  ex- 
j)osed,and  Captain  Hairy  was  ordered  there 
with  a  small  squ.adron,  consisting  of  the 
United  /States,  44,  Delaware,  20,  and  Jler- 
old,  I H. 

The  Constitniion  (yot  in  the  service)  wont 
to  sea  in  July,  in  command  of  Caj»taiii  Sam- 
uel Nicholson,  and,  in  coiepany  with  four 
revenue  vessels,  sailed  in  August  to  cruise 
off  tho  coast  southward  of  tliO  Virginia 
(.■apes.  One  of  these  vessels  Avas  in  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  (afterward  Commodore) 
Prel)le. 

In  Augi'.at  tho  Constitution,  Captain  Trux- 


k7c^A^3^    A/a^i^^ — 


1 


O'lmmordiil  purs'.ilts  In  Phllni'clpliln,  whom  ho  dlpd  In  ISfl"*.  A  plain  8lah,  near  thu  nohlc  granite  monnmcnt  ornctcd  to 
till'  moniory  of  \\\*  dlHtlnnulHlu  '1  son  In  St.  I'clcr'H  (Episcopal)  Church  l)uryl;ig-(;rouud,  markB  the  f,tK  c  of  the  gallant 
laptain  aiul  his  wife,  who  died  In  1S12. 

>  .lolin  Barry  was  horn  in  Ireland,  ("onnty  of  Wexford, 
ill  li45.  lie  came  to  America  In  Ills  yonth,  as  a  seaman. 
In  Ul.'i  he  entered  the  nav;il  service  of  Congress,  and  it 
Isc  difpated  point  whether  he  was  the  llrst  of  the  com- 
manders who  got  to  sea  at  that  i)erlod.  Ho  was  In  ac- 
tive service  during  tho  whole  war.  In  tho  estahllshment 
iif  tlic  new  navy  In  171)4  he  was  named  the  senior  ofHcer, 
ill  which  station.  In  command  of  tho  ITnitfd  Slates,  he  died 
iinMieHth  of  September,  :so;i,ln  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 
Ill'  died  childless,  at  the  age  of  ftfly-elght  years. 

Commodore  Harry's  tomb  Is  near  the  entrance  to  the 
icmctory  of  HI.  Mary's  Roman  Catholic  Church,  on  Fourth 
STfct,  riilladclphlo.  Tho  following  la  ii  co]>y  of  tho  In- 
"Tiption : 

"  let  the  patriot,  the  soltMcr,  and  tho  Christian  who  visit 
;hpic  mansions  of  tho  dead,  view  this  monument  with  re- 
'pct.  Beneath  are  deposited  the  remains  of.IonNlUiiiiv. 
lie  was  born  in  the  County  of  AVexford,  In  Ireland,  ..ut 
.\nierlca  was  i  ne  object  of  his  patrUitism,  and  the  thentre  of 
hi'usefulncss  and  honor.  In  the  Revolutionary  AVar,  which 
cstiblished  tho  Indepcndenco  of  the  t'nited  States,  he  bore 
ibe  commission  of  a  captain  In  their  infant  navy,  and  aft- 
rnnitfl  bccamo  commander-in-chief.   II(!  fonght  often  and 

npc  bicd  In  tho  cause  of  freedom  Rut  his  habits  of  war 
iid  not  lessen  In  time  the  peaceful  virt  '^s  which  adorn  private  life.  Ho  was  gentle,  'Kind,  ,in«t.  and  charitable ;  and  not 
'«'« beloved  by  family  and  friends  than  by  his  grateful  country.  In  a  full  belief  In  the  d.ictrines  of  the  Oospel,  he  calmly 
rtfijncd  his  sonl  Into  tho  arms  ..f  his  Redeemer  on  the  lilth  of  September,  isna,  In  tho  flfly-nlnth  year  of  hli-  age.  Ills 
ifetimiate  wldo-v  hath  caused  this  marble  to  bo  erected,  to  perpelnato  his  name  after  the  hearts  of  his  fellow-cltlzens 
iiwe  ceased  to  be  the  living  record  of  his  pnbllc  and  private  vlriios." 

'  Her  first  lieutenant  was  David  Ross,  who  was  last  seen  on  tbi  80th  of  November,  ITOO ;  John  Mullowny,  who  died  In 


couumioBB  iiauiiy's  jioni;,ment. 


i.iyi.M'.'W'U 


mmimammm 


M., 


if 


102 


PICTORIAI    FIELD-BOOK 


British  Outrages.        The  Obsequiousness  of  the  American  Qovernment.        lustmctlonR  of  the  Secretory  of  the  Nuvy. 

tun,  and  the  Baltimore,  20,  Captain  Phillips,  performed  signal  service  by  safely  con- 
voying sixty  American  merchant  vessels  from  Havana  to  the  United  States,  in  the 
face  of  several  French  cruisers  lying  in  that  port.  Both  the  British  and  French  au- 
thorities in  the  West  Indies  were  surprised  at  the  appearance  of  so  many  American 
cruiserc  in  that  region.  At  the  close  of  the  year  1798  the  American  navy  consisted 
of  twenty-three  vessels,  with  an  aggregate  armament  of  four  hundred  and  forty-six 
guns. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  the  first  of  the  series  of  most  flagrant  outrages  upon  the 
American  flag,  which  finally  aroused  the  people  of  the  United  States  to  vindicate 
their  honor  and  independence  by  an  appeal  to  arms,  was  committed  by  a  British 
commander.  The  American  ship  Saltimore,  Captain  Phillips,  sailed  out  of  Havana 
on  the  morning  of  the  16th  of  November,  1 798,  in  charge  of  a  convoy  bound  to  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina,  and  in  sight  of  Moro  Castle  met  a  British  squadron.  At  that  time 
the  governments  of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  were  on  friendly  terms,  and 
Phillips  bore  vq  to  the  Camatick,  the  flag-ship  of  his  majesty's  squadron,  to  speak  to 
the  commander.  To  his  surprise,  three  or'  the  convoy  were  cut  off"  from  the  rest  and 
captured  by  the  British  vessels.  By  invitation  Phillips  went  on  board  the  Camatick, 
when  he  was  informed  that  every  man  on  board  the  Baliimore  who  had  not  a  regular 
American  protection  should  be  transferred  to  the  British  flag-ship.  Captain  Phiilijis 
protested  agamst  the  outrage,  and  declared  that  he  would  formally  surrender  his 
ship,  and  refer  the  matter  to  his  government.  His  protest  was  of  no  avail.  On  re- 
turning to  the  Baltimore,  he  found  a  British  ofiicer  mustering  his  men.  lie  immc- 
tli''tely  ordered  that  gentleman  and  those  who  accompanied  him  to  walk  to  the  lee- 
ward, and  then  sent  his  men  to  their  quarters.  After  consultation  with  a  legal  gen- 
tleman on  board  his  ship,  he  determined  to  formally  surrender  her  if  his  men  wore 
taken  from  him.  Fifty-five  of  them  were  transferred  to  the  Camatick,  and  the  colors 
of  the  Baltimore  were  lowered.  Only  five  of  her  crew  were  retained  by  the  British 
captain.  These  were  pressed  into  the  service  of  the  king.  Tlie  remainder  were  sent 
back,  and  the  Baltimore  was  released.  Tlie  British  squadron  then  sailed  away  with 
the  five  captive  seamen,  and  the  three  merchant  vessels  as  prizes. 

The  Baltimore  hastened  to  Philadelphia,  and  her  case  was  laiJ  before  the  govern- 
ment. At  that  time  the  trade  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  was  ex- 
tremely profitable  to  American  merchants ;  and  the  mer  antile  interest  was  such  a 
power  in  the  state  that  almost  any  indignity  from  the  "  mistress  of  the  seas"  would 
have  been  submitted  to  rather  than  provoke  hostilities  with  that  government.^  The 
American  Cabinci,  in  its  obsequious  deference  to  the  British,  had  actually  instnicted 
the  commanders  of  American  cruisers  on  no  account — not  even  to  save  a  vessel  of 
their  own  nation — to  molest  those  of  other  nations,  France  excepted.*  The  govern- 
ment dismissed  Captain  Phillips  from  the  navy  without  trial  because  ho  surrendered 
without  a  show  of  recistance ;  but  the  outrage  of  the  British  commander  was  passed 
by  unnoticed! 

At  about  the  time  of  this  occurrence  near  Havana,  a  small  American  squadron  wa? 

1801,  was  her  second  lieutenant ;  her  third  was  James  Bairon,  afterwt.-d  commodore ;  and  her  fourth  was  Charles  Stew- 
art, the  venerable  commodore,  yet  (1862)  living.  Among  the  midshipmen  were  Decatur,  Somcrs,  and  Caldwell,  who 
distinguished  themselves  at  Tripoli.  Jacob  Jones  and  William  M.  Crane  Jolu-;d  her  soon  afterward,  both  of  whom  \k- 
came  commodores. 

'  The  country  had  just  entered  upon  a  career  of  great  commercial  proaperlty,  notwithstanding  many  perils  and  hta- 
derances  beset  that  branch  of  nat'onal  Industry.  American  tunnage  liad  doubled  in  ten  years.  American  agricultural 
products  found  u  ready  marltet.  The  exports  had  increased  from  nineteen  millions  to  plmost  ninety  millions,  and  .it 
imports  in  about  the  same  proportion ;  and  the  amount  of  revenue  fl-om  Imports  greatly  exceeded  tLo  most  san^ioc 
anticipations. 

»  "The  vessels  of  every  other  nation  (Prance  excepted"),  ran  the  Instructions  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  "  are  on  tis 
aeeovnt  to  be  mnlesteu ;  and  I  wish  particularly  to  Impress  on  yonr  mind  that,  should  you  ever  see  an  American  vcfsel 
captured  by  the  armed  ship  of  any  nation  at  war  with  whom  we  are  at  peace,  you  can  not  lawfully  Interfere  to  prevent 
the  capture,  for  it  is  to  be  taken  for  granted  that  such  nation  will  compensate  for  such  capture  if  it  shall  prove  to  haro 
been  illegally  made." 


Naval  Engagement 

cruising  ofl!"  G 

Retaliation,  oi 

cruisers,  and  n 

and  perceived 

French  frigate 

The  Insurgenti 

on  the  ocean. 

were  pressing 

with  the  officer 

ca.sJe,     The  /;; 

armaments  ?"  tl 

twelves  and  twi 

forces,  and  start 

gente,  and  iinme 

obeyed.     The  A 

only  a  few  curse 

first  cruiser  take 

The  strength  < 

vessels  were  lau 

tiimn.    At  the  b 

uted  into  four  stj 

in  command  of  tt 

whose  general  rt 

sels,  under  Comi 

and  cruised  to  lee 

cruised  between  ( 

vessels,  watched  t 

captured  many  Fj 

At  meridian  oa 

off  Nevis,  a  large 

chase,  and  brough 

an  hour  and  a  qu 

and  surrendered. 

just  mentioned  as 

Frenchman  did  not 

seventy  men,  killed 

fd.    Tlie  prize  wat 

and  at  the  end  of  tl 

Kitt's'  (St.  Christop 

This  victory  proc 

elared  to  be  equal 

luen;  the  ConsteUai 

great  skill  and  brav 

tun.    He  received  c 

Woyd's  Coflfee-houso 

||ollars,  on  which  a  i 

tives  were  loud  in  pi 

'  Cooper's  Ai,raJfffrt<^„^ 

.        I  am  sorry,"  Captain  Bai 

tacterlzeamanofhono,, 
hWl  make  it.  duty  to  pub; 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


108 


Karal  Engagements. 


Increase  of  the  Navy. 


Victory  of  the  ConsteUaHon  ovei'  the  InturgenU. 


cruising  off  Guadaloupe.  One  of  the  vessels  was  the  captured  Ze  Croyable,  now  the 
lietaliation,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Bainhridge.  They  discovered  some  French 
cruisers,  and  mistook  them  for  English  vessels.  The  Retaliation  reconnoitered  them, 
and  perceived  her  mistake  too  iate  to  avoid  trouble.  She  was  attacked  by  two 
French  frigates  (the  Volontaire  and  Insurgente),  and  was  compelled  to  surrender. 
The  Insurgente,  to  whom  the  lietaliation  was  a  prize,  was  one  of  the  swiftest  vessels 
on  the  ocean.  She  immediately  made  chase  after  two  of  the  American  ships,  who 
were  pressing  all  sail  in  flight,  Bainbridge  was  a  prisoner  on  the  Volontaire,  and, 
with  the  officers  of  that  vessel,  witnessed  the  chase  with  great  interest  from  the  fore- 
cab. le.  The  Insurgente  continually  gained  upon  the  fiigitives.  "What  are  their 
armaments  ?"  the  commander  of  the  Volontaire  asked  Bainbridge.  "  Twenty-eight 
twelves  and  twenty  nines,"  he  quickly  responded.  This  false  statement  doubled  their 
forces,  and  startled  the  commander.  He  was  the  senior  of  the  captain  of  the  Insur- 
gente, and  immediat^^ly  signaled  him  to  give  up  the  chase.  The  order  was  reluctantly 
obeyed.  The  American  vessels  escaped,  ar.d  Bainbridge's  deceptive  reply  cost  him 
only  a  few  curses.  In  this  aiFair  the  lietaliation  gained  the  distinction  of  being  the 
first  cruiser  taken  by  both  parties  during  the  war. 

The  strength  of  the  navy  was  considerably  increased  during  the  year  1799.  Many 
vessels  were  launched,  and  most  of  them  were  commissioned  before  the  close  of  au- 
tumn. At  the  beginning  of  the  year  the  active  force  in  the  West  Indies  was  distrib- 
uted into  four  squadrons.  Commodore  Barry,  the  senior  oflicer  in  the  service,  was 
in  command  of  ten  vessels,  with  an  aggregate  of  two  hundred  and  thirty-two  guns, 
whose  general  rendezvous  was  St.  Rupert's  Bay.  Another  squadi'on  of  five  ves- 
sels, under  Commodore  Truxtrn,  in  the  Constellation,  rendezvoused  at  St.  Kitt's, 
and  cruised  to  leeward  as  far  as  Porto  Rico.  Captain  Tingey,  with  a  sn.aller  force, 
cruised  between  Cuba  and  St.  Domingo ;  and  Captain  Decatur,  with  some  revenue 
vessels,  watched  the  interests  of  American  commerce  off  Havana.  These  squadrons 
captured  many  French  vessels  during  the  year. 

At  meridian  on  the  9th  of  February,"  while  the  Constellation  was  cruising 
off  Nevis,  a  large  vessel  was  discovered  at  the  southward.  Truxtun  gave 
chase,  and  brought  on  an  engagement  at  little  past  three  in  the  afternoon.  It  lasted 
an  hour  and  a  quarter,  when  the  antagonist  of  the  Constellation  struck  her  colors 
and  surrendered.  She  was  the  famous  French  frigate  Insurgente,  Captain  Barreault, 
just  mentioned  as  the  captor  of  the  lietaliation  a  few  weeks  earliei.  The  gallant 
Frenchman  did  not  yield  i  ntil  his  fine  ship  was  dreadfully  shattered,  and  he  had  lost 
seventy  men,  killed  and  wounded.  The  Constellation  had  lost  only  three  men  wound- 
ed. Tlic  prize  was  put  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  (afterward  Commodore)  Rodgers, 
and  at  the  end  of  three  days  of  tempest,  danger,  and  suffering,  she  was  taken  into  St. 
Kitt's'  (St.  Christopher),  and  received  a  salute  from  the  fort. 

This  victory  produced  great  exultation  in  the  United  States,  and  the  navy  was  de- 
clared to  bo  equal  to  any  in  the  world.  The  Insurgente  carried  40  guns  and  409 
men;  the  Constellation  only  32  guns  and  309  men.  The  battle  was  fought  with 
great  skill  and  bravery  on  both  sides.  The  press  was  filled  with  eulogiums  of  Trux 
tun.  He  received  congratulatory  addresses  from  all  quarters,  and  the  merchants  of 
Lloyd's  Coffee-house,  London,  sent  him  a  8.;rvice  of  plate  worth  over  three  thousand 
dollars,  on  which  a  representation  of  the  action  was  elegantly  engraved. '^  The  cap- 
tives were  loud  in  praises  of  Truxtun'a  courtesy  and  kindness  ;^  and  for  a  long  time  a 


•1800. 


1  Cooper's  Natal  Hittory  of  the  Unitrd  States,  1.,  291 ,  Tmxtnn's  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

'  IrVyatl'p  OmcraUi  and  Cammodorfii  of  the  American  Army  andXamj,  p.  197. 

'"  I  am  sorry,"  Captain  Barreault  wrote  to  Tnixtm,  "  that  onr  two  nations  arc  at  war ;  bnt  since  I  nnfortnnately  have 
t<en  vanquished,  I  felicitate  myself  and  crew  upon  b.^lng  prisoners  to  yon.  Yon  have  united  all  the  qualities  which 
tharacterlze  a  man  of  honor,  courage,  and  hnroaolty.  Receive  from  mo  the  most  sincere  thanks,  and  be  assured  I 
AM  make  It  a  duty  to  publish  to  all  my  feaow- countrymen  the  geuerocs  conduct  which  yon  have  observed  to- 
ward UB." 


\ 


it 


h\ 


104 


PICTORIAL   FTELD-BOOK 


American  Craiscrs  iu  the  West  Indies. 


Contest  between  the  Corutellatioti  nnil  La  Vmgeance. 


song,  called  "  Truxtun's  Victory,"  was  sung  every  where,  in  private  and  at  public 
gatherings.' 

During  the  remainder  of  the  year  nothing  of  importance  was  performed  by  or  bc- 
•  November  8,  ff'H  our  cruisers.  In  November  Commodore  Barry  sailed  from  Newport^ 
1701).  fyp  France  in  the  United  States,  having  Messrs,  "VVolcott  and  Davie,  the 

two  envoys,  on  board.  He  '  -et  with  no  adventures,  and  performed  his  errand  with 
satisfaction.  Meanwhile  our  cruisers  were  busy  in  the  West  Indies,  watching  the 
interests  of  American  commerce  there,  and  making  the  French  corsairs  exceedingly 
cautious  and  circumspect.  At  length  another  victory  gave  lustre  to  the  American 
navy,  rendering  it  very  popular,  and  causing  many  leading  families  of  the  country  to 
place  their  sons  in  the  service.^ 

The  victory  was  again  by  Truxtun,  in  the  Constellation.  Early  on  the  morning 
of  the  1st  of  February,  1800,  Avhile  off  Guadaloupc  seeking  for  the  largo  French  frigate 
Za  Vengeance,  said  to  be  in  those  waters,  he  discovered  a  sail  to  the  south  which  he 
took  to  be  an  English  merchantman.  He  ran  up  English  colors,  but  receiving  no  re- 
sponse, he  gave  chase.  The  stranger  pressed  sail,  and  it  was  almost  fifteen  hours 
before  the  Constellation  came  within  hailing  distance  of  her.  It  was  then  dincovercd 
that  she  was  a  large  French  frigate.  Truxtun,  unabashed,  prepared  for  action.  It 
was  opened  by  the  Frenchman,  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  by  bl'ots  from  the 
stem  and  ipiarter  guns.  A  desperate  engagement  at  pistol-shot  distance  ensued.  It 
lasted  until  one  in  the  morning,  the  combatants  all  the  while  running  free,  ^.ide  by 
side,  and  pouring  in  broadsides.  The  French  frigate  suddenly  ceased  firing,  and  dis- 
appeared so  completely  in  the  gloom  that  Truxtim  believed  slie  had  gone  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  sea.  At  that  moment  it  was  discovered  that  the  Constellation'' s  shrouds 
had  been  nearly  all  cut  aAvay,  and  that  the  mainmast  was  ready  to  fall.  A  heavy 
squall  came  on,  and  the  mast  went  by  the  board,  carrying  with  it  a  midshipman  and 
several  topmen  who  were  aloft.  The  stranger,  dreadfully  crippled,  made  her  way  to 
b  Febniary,     Cura9ao,  Avhcrc  she  arrived  on  the  6th.''    She  was  the  sought-for  frigate 

1800.  Xa  Vengeance,  carrying  54  guns  and  400  men,  including  passengers.  Cap- 
tain Pitot,  her  commander,  acknowledged  that  he  had  tAvice  struck  his  lag  during 
the  engagement.  She  would  have  been  a  rich  prize  for  the  Cotistellation,  It  was 
lost  only  by  the  utterly  helpless  condition  of  that  vessel's  mainmast.  Truxtun  bore 
away  for  Jamaica,  and  it  was  seme  time  before  he  knew  the  name  and  character  of 
his  antagonist,  and  the  prize  he  had  lost.' 


•  The  song  wns  not  poetry,  bnt  tonched  a  chord  of  popular  sentiment  which  responded  with  great  animation.   Tbe 
following  is  a  single  verso  of  the  song,  which  contains  eight : 

"  On  board  the  Ccmatellation  from  Baltimore  we  cnmc  j 
We  had  a  bold  commander,  and  Trnxtnn  was  his  name : 
Our  ship  she  mounted  forty  guns, 
And  on  the  main  so  swiftly  runs. 
To  prove  to  France  Columbia's  sons 
Are  brave  Yankee  boys." 

»  "The  Navy"  became  a  favorite  t  met  at  public  meetiugp,  nnd  pictures  of  na- 
val battles  and  doggerel  verses  called  "naval  songs"  were  .«old  in  the  shops  and 
streets.  An  enterprising  crockery  merchant  had  some  pitchers  of  different 
sizes  made  in  Liverpool,  commemorative  of  the  navy.  One  of  them,  before  me, 
that  belougL-d  to  the  late  W.  J.  Davis,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  is  a  white  pitcher, 
about  a  foot  in  height.  Under  the  spout,  in  a  wreath,  are  the  words,  "Scooesb 
TO  THK  Infant  Navy,"  and  below  this  the  Americon  eagle,  iu  form  like  that  on 
the  great  seal  of  the  lluited  States.  On  one  side  is  a  picture  of  a  full-rigged  vessel 
of  war,  and  some  naval  emblems  in  tbe  foreground.  On  tbe  other  side  is  a  map 
of  the  United  States,  having  on  one  side  Washington  and  Liberty,  in  fpll-lengtli 
tlgures.  Fame,  with  trumpet  and  wreath,  above  it;  and  on  the  other  side  Frank- 
lin sitting  making  a  record,  and  a  helmeted  female,  representing  America,  near 
which  stands  Justice.  This  device  was  npon  pitchers  made  at  about  the  time  of 
Washington's  iuaugnration  as  the  first  President  of  the  United  States. 

'  La  Venficanre.  had  on  board  the  Governor  of  Ouadalonpc  and  his  family,  and 
two  general  otBcers,  returning  to  France.  She  had  also  a  full  cargo  of  sugar  and 
coffee,  and  a  very  largo  amount  of  specie.  She  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  one 
hundred  and  sixty-two.    The  CottshlUUion  lost  fourteen  men  killed  anu  tweuty- 


This  secon 
abroad,  and  t 
3Lirch,  1800,  { 
the  late  actioi 


KAVAI.  PITOUEK. 


Ave  wounded.  Eleven 
commanded  the  men  li 
"Then  we  must  go  wit 
jouiigJarvis,  "whogI( 
'  This  medal  is  repre 
in  relief,  with  the  Icgen 
(the  French  a  two-decl 

FbiUATE  Co.NSTKI.r.ATIOS 
riFTV-FOTTB  OTJ.NS,  IsT  OF 

Thomas  Truxtun  was 

Island,  on  the  ITth  of  Fe 

to  sea  at  the  age  of  twel 

.ippreaticeshiphewaslii 

l8h  service,  but  was  soo 

manded  a  vessel  In  1775 

wable  powder  to  the  c 

lie  was  engaged  in  prlv 

iltlphla  during  the  whole 

Barclay,  consul  general 

France,  he  had  a  succes 

Brilish  nan-of-war.    Ii,  ] 

Washiuftou  one  of  the  sij 

the  CoiMdtation  wns  bull 

I'Dce  nt  B.iltimore.    nis  e^ 

in  the  text.    The  cruise  m 

feat  of  La  Vengeance  was  i 

ordered  to  the  command 

fir  the  Mediterranean.   B( 

fornmaud  his  (liig-shli),  h 

His  letter  to  this  effect  was 

■WTerson  .-.s  a  resignation 

■I'lil  the  Ameiican  navy  wa 

Irighlest  ornaments.    H"  r 

from  Philadelphia,  where  h< 

"1  ISId,  when  the  citizens 

M  him  high  sheriff,    ne 

.rears,  and  died  on  the  6th  f 

i);-seveuthyearofhlsnge. 

Church-yard,  Fifth  Street,  1 

plain  tjpright  slab  of  whiten 
'"■which  is  Hte  following" 
'he  memory  of  Commodore 
^•^"^"■e  United  States 

he  little  sketch  of  Truxtun' 

hisiipposed  to  be  standing, 
Street  looking  east. 


1 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


106 


Trnxlnn'8  Victory  welcomed. 


He  is  honored  by  Congreas. 


Ilifi  public  Porvlcea. 


This  second  victory  over  a  superior  foe  gave  Truxtun  great  renown  at  home  and 
abroad,  and  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  hy  action  approved  on  the  29th  of 
March,  1800,  authcrized  the  President  to  present  him  a  gold  medal  "  emblematical  of 
the  late  action,"  \/ith  the  thanks  of  the  nation.' 


MKPAL  rilERENTEn  TO  OOMMOnOB".  TRUXTUN. 


live  wounded.  Eleven  of  the  latter  died  of  their  wounds.  Among  the  lost  wns  Midshipmau  Jnrvts,  of  New  York,  who 
commanded  the  men  in  the  top.  lie  was  warned  by  an  old  seaman  that  the  mast  wonld  soon  fall.  lie  gallantly  sa'.d, 
"Then  we  must  go  with  it."  They  did  so,  and  only  one  man  was  saved.  Congress,  by  vote,  recognized  the  bravery  of 
joung  JarviB,  "  who  gloriously  preferred  certain  death  to  an  abandonment  of  his  post." 

1  This  medal  is  represented  in  the  ingraving,  the  exact  size  of  tb  riglnal.  On  fine  side  is  a  protllo  bust  of  Truxtnn 
tn  relief,  with  the  lepend,  "Patki.k  patrf.b  filio  piono  Thomas  Ti  ^  itn."  On  the  reverse  are  teen  two  ships  of  war 
(the  French  a  two-decker),  both  bhattered,  and  the  rigging  of  both  much  cut  up.  Legend:  "The  Umtkd  Statk« 
Fbioate  Constki.i.atiox,  ok  thirtv-eioht  0US8,  pcuscEB,  attacks,  and  vanqcishkb  the  French  Ship  La  Vknoeanoe,  ok 

rlFTV-rOI'B  GTNS,  IST  OF  FEimUARV,  1800." 


Thomas  Truxtnn  was  born  at  Jamaica,  1/ong 
Island,  on  the  17th  of  February,  176B.  He  went 
to  sea  at  the  age  of  twelve  years.    During  his 
apprenticeship  he  was  impressed  into  the  Brit- 
ish service,  but  was  soon  released.    He  com- 
rannded  a  vessel  in  1775,  and  bronght  consid- 
criible  powder  to  the  colonies  at  that  time, 
lie  was  engaged  in  privateering  froi.i  Phila- 
(klphla during  the  whole  war.    While  carrylngMr. 
Barclay,  consul  general  of  the  United  States,  to 
Frnnce,  he  had  a  succesaftii  engagement  with  a 
Dritish  uan-of-war.    Ii.  1794  he  was  appointed  by 
Wiishinflou  one  of  the  six  naval  commanders,  and 
ihe  CoiMdtation  was  bnilt  under  his  superiutend- 
onco  nt  Baltimore.    His  exploits  In  her  are  related 
in  the  text.    The  cruise  which  resulted  in  the  de- 
feat of  i^n  Vengeance  was  his  last.    In  1802  he  was 
ordered  to  the  command  of  a  sqnadrot  destined 
fur  the  Mediterranean.   Being  denied  a  captain  to 
commiuid  his  flag-ship,  he  declined  the  service. 
His  letter  to  this  eflfcct  was  construed  by  President 
Jefferson  .-.s  a  resignation,  which  was  acccpteo, 
aud  the  Ameiican  navy  was  deprived  of  one  of  its 
hrjijhtest  ornaments.    He  retiroti  to  a  farm  not  far 
from  Philadelphia, where  he  remained  in  qn'et  un- 
til 181(1,  when  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia  elect- 
ed him  high  sheriff.    He  held  that  ofBce  three 
years,  and  died  on  the  Bth  of  Maj-,  1S22,  in  the  six- 
ty-seventh year  of  hia  age.  Ho  was  burled  in  Christ 
Chnrch-yard,  Fifth  Street,  Philadelphia,  where  a 
plain  upright  slab  of  white  marble  marks  his  grave, 
on  which  is  the  following  inscript'on :  "Sacred  to 
Ihe  memory  of  Commodore  Thomas  Truxtun,  for- 
itiorly  of  the  United  States  Navy,  who  died  May 
Wh,  1822,  aged  sixty-seven  years."    In  considering 
the  little  sketch  ofTruxtnn's  grave,  the  spectator 
Is  supposed  to  be  standing  nth  his  back  to  Fifth 
Street  looldng  east. 


TBUZTOK  a  ttltAVl. 


^IfPSBBSn 


m 


I' 


ill 


f  I 


t'  ! 


106 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Peace.      Tronbles  among  the  Federallste.     Character  of  Preeident  Adamg.      Opposition  to  Adams  in  bis  own  Party. 

Other  victories  of  less  magnitude  were  won  by  the  American  cruisers  during  the 
earlier  months  of  the  j  ear  1800,  and  contributed  to  make  the  little  navy  of  the  United 
States  a  subject  for  praise  and  wonder  in  Europe.  But  its  services  were  now  less 
needed,  and  efforts  to  Increase  the  navy  were  sensibly  relaxed  during  the  summer  of 
that  year.  Active  negotiations  for  peace  and  amity  were  in  progress  between  the 
United  States  and  the  Fii-st  Consul  of  France,  which  led  to  a  settlement  of  difficulties. 
The  American  envoys  were  cordially  received,  and  three  plenipotentiaries,  with  Joseph 
Bonaparte  at  their  head,  were  appointed  to  treat  with  them.  Many  difficulties  arose, 
and  sometimes  an  utter  failure  of  the  effort  seemed  inevitable.  Finally  a  convention 
was  concluded,'  peace  was  established,  the  envoys  returned  home,  and  the  provisional 
army  of  the  Unites!  States  was  disbanded. 

Allusion  has  beuu  made  to  the  divisions  in  the  Federal  party  on  account  of  Presi- 
dent Adams's  course  in  the  appointment  of  diplomatic  agents  for  negotiations  with 
the  French  government  before  that  government  had  officially  signified  its  willingness 
to  receive  them.  The  instant  dissatisfaction  caused  by  that  act  only  gave  intensity 
to  feelings  already  existing.  Mr.  Adams  was  an  honest  patriot,  of  much  ability,  but 
totally  unfitted  by  temperament  and  disposition  for  the  leadership  of  a  great  politi- 
cal party.  He  was  excessively  vain,  and  correspondingly  sensitive  and  jealous.  His 
vivid  and  feometimes  eccentric  imagination  seldom  yielded  obedience  to  judgment. 
His  prejudices  were  violent  and  inexorable,  ani  his  frankness  made  him  indiscreet  in 
his  expressions  of  opinion  conceming  men  and  measures.  He  held  resentment 
against  Hamilton  as  relentless  as  did  Jefferson,  and  he  openly  accused  him  of  British 
proclivities,  and  hostility  to  the  National  Constitution.  Because  Wolcott,  and  Pick- 
ering, and  Ames,  and  M'Henry,  and  other  leading  Federalists  coul  ^  not  agree  with 
him  concerning  public  policy,  the  President  regarded  them  as  personal  enemies,  actu- 
ated by  selfish  objects,  and  desirous  of  defeating  his  most  earnest  wishes,  namely,  a 
re-election  to  the  seat  he  then  occupied.  Cunning  Democrats  fanned  the  flame  of 
discord ;  and  they  strengthened  Adams's  political  aspirations  by  assuring  him  that  lie 
might  unite  the  moderate  and  virtaous  men  of  both  parties,  and  thus  crush  the  oli- 
garchy of  radical  Federalists,  to  whom  all  national  troubles  should  be  attributed.  ^ 

It  was  not  long  before  confidence  among  the  members  of  the  Federal  party  was  al- 
most destroyed.  Such  were  their  divisions  in  the  House  of  Representatives  that,  not- 
withstanding they  had  a  decided  majority  there,  they  were  not  able,  as  Jefferson  ex- 
ultingly  wrote,  to  carry  a  single  measure  during  the  session  of  1799-1800.  The  sim- 
ple truth  appears  to  be  that  Adams  would  not  be  controlled  by  the  leaders  who 
claimed  to  have  elevated  him  and  his  party  to  power.  He  exercised  his  own  judg- 
ment as  President  without  regard  to  party.  His  most  ardent  political  partisans, 
now  become  his  opponents,  reciprocated  his  own  suspicions,  and  believed  that  his 
conduct  was  prompted  by  jealousy  of  Hamilton,  and  a  disposition  to  secure  his  own  re- 
election at  whatever  sacrifice  of  principle,  or  at  whatever  risk  to  the  Federal  party.^ 

These  suspicions  created  zealous  action.  The  most  influential  Federal  leaders,  two 
of  whom  (Timothy  Pickering  and  James  M'Henry)  were  in  Adams's  Cabinet,  adopted 
a  scheme  for  quietly  preventing  his  re-election  to  the  Presidency,  which  he  ardently 
desired.    Tlie  method  of  choosing  the  President  and  Vice-President,  at  that  tune,  was 


1  This  conrentlon  was  signed  at  I'nris  on  the  30th  of  September,  1800,  by  Oliver  Ellsworth,  William  K.  Davie,  and  Wil- 
liam Vans  Murray,  oi  .ne  part  of  the  United  States,  and  Joseph  Bonaparte,  Charles  P.  E.  Flenrieu,  and  Pierre  L.  Re- 
derer,  in  behalf  of  Prance.  It  provided  that  the  old  treaties  should  remain  inoperative  nntil  a  new  negotiation  should 
decide  concerning  them  as  well  as  indemnities  mutually  claimed.  It  provided  for  the  mntnal  restoration  of  captured 
'public  ships  and  property  not  already  condemned ;  for  the  mutual  payment  of  all  debts  due  by  the  reflpectlvc  govern- 
ments and  individuals  thereof;  for  reciprocal  commercial  relations  to  be  equal  to  those  of  the  most  favored  nations,  and 
for  security  of  American  commerce  against  the  vexations  pretensions  of  French  cruisers.  The  convention  also  declared 
thatAee  aMps  ,houU  make  fret  ffooda,  thus  affirming  the  doctrine  of  Frederick  the  Great  flfly  years  eariier,  and  denying 
that  of  England  In  her  famous  rule  of  1756,  revived  lnlT03.-8ee  the  convention  In  ftill  in  the  Statomu.no  «^»"««'J^- 
ggg  *  a  Oliver  Wolcott  to  Fisher  Ames,  Dec.  20, 1799. 

» Hlldretb's  Uigtory  of  Ow.  VnUed.  Slalet,  Second  Series,  li.,  3B8. 


I'lonaofFedoraiiste 

for  two  person 

were  respectiv 

decJai-ed  Presi( 

scheme  of  Mr. 

resolved  to  plai 

the  same  tickoi 

of  votes,  and  th 

where  Mr.  Pine 

for  the  foe  was 

sensions  would  ( 

pei-sonal  charac 

niiE-bt  have  imp 

aware  of  the  inti 

the  scheme ;  yet 

dismiss  them  froi 

ful  Middle  States 

which  brought  st 

ocratic  caucus  pi 

Burr,  but  with  tl 

President. 

The  Alien  and  { 
to  excite  the  peop 
use  was  made  pov 
the  year  1800.3 

'  ^"^  ""e  young  reader, 
eiplanatlon  here  may  be  t 
In  eacli  state,  in  number  i 
and  delegated  with  full  po 
what  Is  termed  the  Klector 
the  people  are  always  vot 
President.  In  the  event  o 
ried  to  the  House  ofRenrt 
lion  1.  '^ 

» The  action  of  Virginian 
(lay,  in  their  influeii-e  npor 
warrant  the  introdu.'M.^"  Ii< 

In  the  year  1798,  vhr-wa 
erament  against  iut", -J.,,  fo 
vras  limited  to  two  years,  th 
daageronstothepeaceaiid) 
oran  actual  invasion,  all  res 
kicnt  issued  according  to  hii 

ne  President  never  had  occi 
at  them,  speedily  left  the  con 
^•"'oftheSoilandClimateq 
upon  h  8  character,  with  the 

InJu'y,1798,an8ctwa8pa 
not  to  exceed  $6000,  imprison 
court  for  any  persons  unlaw 
"  !"«■"?''»&  to  prevent  go, 
rid  d  for  the  fining  or  impri, 
,7'''"f''«'"'«'tthegoveran 
ThV?'"''^'"""'''g"'emi 
The  laws  brought  out  the  h 
Federalists.    The  wise  Hamil 

.«ed,ate.ywroteaharriTd 
I'lf^f'^'averydilTeren 

PMh  things  to  the  extreme,  • 
iN^hngcontHbatedmorep;, 

J^e  Alien  and  Sedition  Law 

pe  dent  and  supreme  state  so, 
Uimed  by  Jefferson  and  othe 

werelgn  states  aa  mtes,  each 
Mon  but  Its  own:  that  the  1 
own  powers,  and  that  oil  its  i^ 


OF  THE  WAR  OP  1813. 


lor 


IMaoB  of  Federalists  for  defeating  Adams. 


TnctlcB  of  the  Democrats. 


The  Allen  and  Sedition  Laws. 


for  two  persons  to  bo  voted  for  without  distinction  as  to  the  office  for  which  they 
were  respectively  intended ;  and  liio  one  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes  was 
declared  President,  and  the  other  Vice-President.'  This  plan  gave  facility  to  the 
scheme  of  Mr.  Adams's  opponents.  A  caucus  of  the  Federal  members  of  Congress 
resolved  to  place  Mr.  Adams  and  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  of  South  Carolina,  on 
the  same  ticket,  with  the  understanding  that  both  shou'd  receive  the  same  number 
of  votes,  and  thus  cause  the  election  to  be  carried  to  the  House  of  Representatives, 
where  Mr.  Pinckney  would  have  a  considerable  majority.  Caution  was  necessary, 
for  the  foe  was  vigilant,  and  ever  ready  to  take  advantage  of  the  weakness  which  dis- 
sensions would  create  in  the  Federal  camp.  Open  opposition  to  Adams,  whose  high 
personal  character  was  appreciated  every  where,  and  especially  in  New  England, 
rai^ht  have  imperiled  the  success  of  the  party.  Mr.  Adams,  on  the  other  hand,  was 
aware  of  the  intrigues  ag  inst  him,  and  that  members  of  his  Cabinet  were  leaders  in 
the  scheme ;  yet  for  once  he  was  discreet  enough  not  to  denounce  them  openly,  nor 
dismiss  them  from  his  council,  for  he  was  doubtful  of  his  own  strength  in  the  power- 
ful Middle  States  where  they  were  popular,  and  where  the  Alien  and  Sedition  LaAvs, 
which  brought  such  odium  upon  his  administration,  were  lieartily  detested.  A  Dem- 
ocratic caucus  pursued  a  similar  course,  and  selected  Thomas  Jeffisrson  and  Aaron 
Burr,  but  with  the  understanding  that  the  former  was  the  choice  of  the  party  for 
President. 

The  Alien  and  Sedition  Laws  just  alluded  to  were  used  adroitly  by  the  Democrats 
to  excite  the  people  against  Adams's  administration  and  the  Federal  party,  and  that 
use  was  made  powerful  in  se.  "ring  the  election  of  Mr.  Jefferson  to  the  Presidency  in 
the  year  1800.2 


For  the  yonng  reader,  or  a  foreigner  to  whom  the  workli  g  of  onr  political  system  in  detail  may  not  be  familiar,  an 
explanation  here  may  be  useful.  The  President  of  the  Unit  id  States  is  not  iroted  for  directly  by  the  people.  Persons 
In  each  state,  in  number  equal  to  thp  r?npective  senators  and  representatives  in  Congress,  are  elected  by  the  people, 
and  delegated  with  full  powers  to  moose  a  President  and  Vice-President.  These  meet  at  a  specified  time,  and  form 
what  is  termed  the  Electoral  College.  Although  the  electors  may  vote  for  whom  they  please,  the  candidates  named  by 
the  people  are  always  voted  for  in  the  college,  so  that  practically  the  people  do  vote  directly  for  President  and  Vice- 
President.  In  the  event  of  an  equal  number  of  votes  being  cast  ii  the  college  for  both  candidates,  the  election  is  car- 
ried to  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  National  Constitution,  Article  ii.,  eec- 
llon  1. 

s  The  action  of  Virginia  and  Kentucky  politicians  In  the  matter  were  so  powerful  at  the  time,  and  remote,  even  to  our 
(lay,  In  their  influeu.ie  upon  public  opinion  in  a  portion  of  the  republic  concerning  the  theory  of  our  government,  as  to 
warrant  the  introdu.'M  j"  here  of  the  following  brief  history  of  the  affair : 

In  the  year  1798,  vhe  •  war  with  France  seemed  to  be  unavoidable.  Congress  passed  acts  for  the  security  of  the  gov- 
ernment against  iut".  -im  foes.  By  the  first  act  alien  enemies  could  not  become  citizens  at  all.  Py  the  second,  which 
was  limited  to  two  years,  the  President  was  authorized  to  order  out  of  the  country  all  aliens  whom  he  might  Judge  to  be 
dangerous  to  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  v  nited  States.  By  a  third  act.  In  case  of  war  declared  against  the  United  States, 
or  an  actual  Invasion,  all  resident  aliens,  natives  or  citizens  of  the  hostile  nation,  might,  upon  a  proclamation  of  the  Pres- 
ident Issued  according  to  his  discretion,  b)  apprehended,  and  secured  or  removed.  These  were  known  as  AUeii  Latve. 
The  President  never  had  occasion  to  emplc  y  them,  but  several  prominent  Frenchmen,  who  felt  that  the  laws  were  aimed 
at  them,  speedily  left  the  country.  Amon;-  them  was  the  celebrated  French  writer,  M.  Volney,  who,  in  the  preface  to  his 
View  0/ the  Soil  and  ClimaU  qf  the  United  Stxtes  of  America,  comp^aitiei  bitterly  of  the  "violent  and  public  attacks  made 
npon  his  character,  with  the  connivance  or  instigation  of  a  certain  eminent  iiersonoge,"  meaning  President  Adams. 

In  July,  1798,  an  act  was  passed  for  the  punishment  of  sedition.  It  made  it  a  high  misdemeanor,  puulshable  by  a  fine 
not  to  exceed  $6000,  imprisonment  fhim  six  months  to  five  years,  jnd  bIndlU;?  to  good  behavior  at  the  discretion  of  the 
court,  for  any  persons  milawfally  to  combine  in  opposing  measures  of  th>i  government  properly  directed  by  authority, 
or  attempting  t.i  prevent  government  officers  executing  their  trusts,  or  inciting  to  riot  or  insurrection.  It  also  pro- 
tided  for  the  fining  or  imprisoning  any  person  guilty  of  printing  or  publishing  "  any  false,  scandalous,  and  malicious 
writings  againrt  the  government  of  the  United  States,  or  either  House  of  Congress,  or  the  President,  with  intent  to  de- 
fiime  them,  or  to  bring  them  into  contempt  or  disrepute."    This  was  called  the  Sedition  Late. 

The  laws  brought  out  the  heaviest  batteries  of  denunciation  fi'om  the  opposition,  and  were  deplored  by  many  of  the 
Federalists.  The  wise  Hamilton  perceived  the  dangers  that  n;ight  arise  from  the  enactment  of  the  Sedition  Law,  and 
immediately  wrote  a  hurried  note  of  warning  to  Wokott  on  tha  29th  of  June,  saying,  "  Let  cs  not  ESTAiiusn  a  tvban- 
»T.  Energy  is  a  very  different  thing  fi-ora  violence.  If  we  take  no  false  step,  we  shall  be  essentially  united ;  but  if  we 
pnah  things  to  the  extreme,  wo  shall  then  gi\8  to  faction  bodu  and  solidity."  The  fnars  of  Hamilton  were  realized. 
Xothing  contributed  more  powerfully  to  the  speedy  downfall  of  the  Federal  party  than  these  extreme  measures. 

The  Allen  and  Sedition  Laws  aroused  individual  resentments,  and  led  to  the  public  avowal  of  the  doctrine  of  inde- 
pendent and  supreme  state  sovereignty  in  its  most  dangerous  form.  The  right  of  "  nullification"  was  as  distinctly  pro- 
tliimed  by  Jefferson  and  others  as  it  ever  was  by  Calhoun  or  Hayne.  In  a  series  of  resolutions  drawn  up  under  the 
seal  of  secrecy  as  to  their  authorship,  Mr.  Jefferson  declared  the  National  Ctmstitution  to  he  a  mere  compact  made  by 
sovereign  states  at  *late»,  each  having  the  sole  right  of  interpreting  for  itself  the  "compact,"  and  bound  by  no  interpre- 
I  tttion  but  its  own ;  that  the  general  government  has  no  final  right,  in  any  of  its  branches,  to  interpret  the  extent  of  its 
ovn  powers,  and  that  all  its  acts  not  considered  constitutional  by  a  state  may  be  properly  nullified  by  such  state  within 


i 

•V 


III 


!  I 


(08 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Uetbod  of  Chooilag  Blectors. 


Oetm  uf  a  new  Party. 


Jefferson  elected  Prealdent  of  the  United  States. 


Most  of  tlio  Presidential  electors  at  that  time  were  chosen  by  the  respective  State 
Legislatures,  and  not  by  the  people,  as  now,  and  the  contest  was  really  commenced 
in  the  election  of  members  to  those  bodies.  New  York  was  regarded  as  the  cuHto- 
dian  of  the  balance  of  political  power,  and  the  election  of  that  state  which  occurred 
at  the  close  of  April,  1800,  was  looked  to  with  great  anxiety  by  both  parties.  A  rad- 
ical change  had  taken  place.  Burr,  the  most  unscrupulous  intriguer  of  the  day, 
worked  incessantly,  and  New  York,  which  the  year  before  gave  the  Federalists  five 
hundred  majority,  now  gave  almost  as  great  a  majority  for  the  Democrats.  The  lat- 
ter Avere  jubilant — the  former  were  alarmed. 

At  this  time  the  germ  of  a  new  party  was  distinctly  visible  in  Virginia  and  the 
states  south  of  it,  which  was  born  of  slavery  and  the  doctrine  of  independent  state 
sovereignty.  Virginia  Avas  its  sponsor  and  it  allied  itself  to  the  Democratic  party. 
And  yet,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  Mr.  Adams  at  this  time  looked  to  ti.o  Southern 
States  for  his  forlorn  hope  in  the  coming  election  contest.  Believing  Pickering  and 
M'llenry  to  be  unpopular  there,  he  abruptly  called  upon  them  to  resign.  M'llenry 
instantly  complied,  but  Pickering  refused.  Adams  dismissed  him  with  little  cere- 
mony.' The  event  caused  much  excitement,  and  had  considerable  influence  in  redu- 
cing the  Federal  vote.  Bitter  animosities  prevailed.  Criminations  and  recrimina- 
tions ensued. 

The  open  war  in  the  Federal  party  against  Mr.  Adams  was  A/aged  by  a  few  leaders, 
several  of  Avhom  resided  in  Essex  County,  Massachusetts,  the  early  home  of  Picker- 
ing, and  on  that  account  the  irritated  President  called  his  assailants  and  opposers  the 
"  Essex  Junto."  He  denounced  thera  as  slaves  to  British  influence,  some  lured  by 
monarchical  proclivities,  and  others  by  English  gold.  Severe  retorts  followed ;  and  a 
pamphlet  from  the  pen  of  Hamilton,  whom  Adams  had  frequen<^'y  assailed  in  conver- 
sation as  a  British  sympathizer,  and  an  enemy  to  the  National  Constitution,  damaged 
the  President's  political  prospects  materially. 

The  result  of  tiie  canvass  Avas  the  triumph  of  the  Democratic  party.  Jefferson  Avas 
elected  President  of  the  United  States,  and  Aaron  Burr  Vice-President,'^  to  the  great 
joy  of  their  partisans,  who  chanted,  in  effect, 

"  The  Federalists  are  down  ot  last  1 
The  Monarchists  completely  cast  I 
The  Aristocrats  are  stripped  of  power- 
Storms  o'er  the  British  /action  lower. 
Soon  we  Hepublicans  shall  bcc 
Columbia's  sons  fl-om  bondage  tree. 
Lord  1  how  the  Federalifts  will  stare 
At  Jeffeeson  in  Auamb'  chiiirl"— r/ie  Echo, 


its  own  boundaries.  These  resolutions  were  offered  to  the  Kentucky  Legislature ;  but  the  one  avowing  the  absolute 
right  of  nullification  was  modified,  or  rather  substituted  by  another,  before  the  whole  were  put  upon  their  passage.  This 
action  was  in  November,  1798.  Within  a  month  afterward  John  Taylor,  of  Caroline,  an  avowed  secessionist,  introduced 
into  the  Virginia  Legislature  a  series  of  resolutions  drawn  by  Mr.  Madison,  similar  in  spirit,  but  more  cautious  in  ex- 
pression. "They  were  adopted,  and,  with  a  plea  in  their  favor,  were  sent  to  the  various  State  Legislatures.  In  some  of 
them  they  were  handled  roughly,  and  all  that  responded  condemned  them  as  unwarrantable  and  mischievous,  excepting 
already-committed  Kcntucliy.  These  were  the  famous  "  Resolutions  of 'OS,"  on  which  nullification  in  1S32  and  secefsiou 
in  ISOl  planted  themselves  and  looked  for  justification.  The  whole  movcc-ut  was  of  a  local  and  temporary  nature. 
Jefferson  and  Madison  were  wielding  dangerous  weapons  in  their  sturdy  warfare  for  political  power  (for  that  was  He 
animus  of  the  whole  matter) ;  but  they  trusted  the  people,  and  believed,  as  Jefferson  said  lu  his  inaugural,  that  great 
errors  may  be  tolerated  when  reason  is  left  free  to  combat  them.  That  nulliflere  and  secessionists  have  no  warrant  for 
their  doctrines  in  the  action  of  the  Virginia  Legislature  at  that  time  Mr.  Madison  distinctly  declared  more  than  thirty 
years  afterward.  "  The  tenor  of  the  debates,"  he  said,  "  which  were  ably  conducted,  and  are  understood  to  have  been 
revised  for  the  press  by  most,  if  not  all  of  the  speakers,  discloses  iu>  reference  whatever  to  a  constitutional  right  in  an  indi- 
vidual state  to  arrest  by  force  the  ojKratimi  of  a  law  of  the  United  Slates."— See  letter  to  Edward  Everett,  August,  1S30,  in 
fleleetions  from  the  Private  Correspondence  qf  James  Madison,  published  by  J.  C.  M'Qulre,  of  Washington  City,  for  private 
distribution. 

I  John  Marshall,  who  was  soon  afterward  appointed  Chief  Justice  c^the  United  States,  took  Pickering's  place  as  Sec- 
retary of  State,  and  Samuel  Dexter  was  called  to  M'llenry's  seat  in  the  Cabinet  as  Secretary  of  AVar. 

'  The  Electoral  College  met,  and  their  vote  stood  as  follows:  Jefferson,  73 ;  Burr,  78 ;  Adams,  OBj  Pinckney,  (M:  John 
Jay,  t.  The  votes  for  Jefferson  and  Burr  being  equal,  the  election,  as  provided  by  the  Constitntion,  was  carried  Into  the 
House  of  Representatives.  The  occasion  presented  exciting  scenes.  On  the  first  ballot  eight  states  voted  for  Jefferson, 
six  for  Burr,  aud  two  (Vermont  and  Maryland)  were  divided.  Two  or  three  members  were  so  sick  that  they  were  brought 
to  the  House  on  beds.  For  seven  days  the  members  were  occnpied  in  balloting.  The  Federalista  all  voted  for  Bun, 
as  the  least  offensive  of  the  two  candidates,  but  the  n-lends  of  Jefferson  were  stronger  than  they. 


Horltflcatlon  of  the 

The  mortifl 

soon  mingled 

John  Quincy  j 

idcncy  was,  uj 

slave  represent 

Democracy  ov( 

wan  the  Avhole 

ated  at  the  trii 

After  an  exii 

Federal  party  i 

chinery  of  the  ; 

and  Avhich  still 

—machinery  w 

-I'G  in  the  mir 

eaipe  into  powei 

Vrhig  out  ofph 

c.TCmplified.2 

While  the  nal 

tempests  of  Avar 

the  vessel  of  stat 

faction  and  anan 

— Avithout  prem  > 

placed  the  finger 

National  Congres 

18th  of  Decembe 

steed  dashed  up  t 

private  secretary: 

Tlie  President  Avai 

Mr.  Adams,  Avho  r 

the  death  of  the  ^ 

twcen  tdh  and  ele^ 

There   was  grit 

when  John   Mars 

TJiere  was  grief  in 

ligence  went  from 

courier.     There  w£ 

in  cities  and  villag( 

"•as  grief  in  Europe 
Contment.     Lord  I 

l^  We  <if  William  n„ 


'Tobias  Lear. 

•ThelateQ.w.P.Cnstls. 
ke  was  at  school,  on  the  12th 
^mericanarmy,8aid,"Leta 

'Dated  "Mount  Vernon,  D. 


a 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


109 


Mortification  of  the  FuderalUta. 


Idb  and  Out«. 


Annonncvment  of  the  Death  of  Wanhlngton. 


It!  Effect. 


The  mortification  of  the  defeated  party  was  intense,  and  now  elements  of  strife 
goon  mingled  with  the  old  causes  of  contention  between  the  two  parties.  At  these 
,Iohn  Quincy  Adams  hinted  when  he  said,  "  The  election  of  Mr.  Jeft'erson  to  the  Pres- 
idency was,  upon  sectional  feelings,  the  triumph  of  the  South  over  the  North,  of  the 
slave  representation  over  the  free.  On  party  grounds,  it  was  the  victory  of  professed 
Democracy  over  Federalism,  of  French  over  British  influence.  The  party  overthrown 
was  the  Avhole  Federal  party.  The  whole  Federal  party  was  mortified  and  humili- 
ated at  the  triumph  of  Jeiferaon.* 

After  an  existence  of  eight  years  as  a  distinct  political  organization,  the  original 
Federal  party  fell,  never  to  rise  again  into  power.  Its  noble  monument  is  the  ma- 
chinery of  the  national  government,  which  its  wise  men  devised  and  set  in  motion, 
and  which  still  performs  its  functions  with  admirable  steadiness  and  increased  power 
—machinery  which  the  opposition  declared  to  be  weak  and  dangerous  when  they 

ji-o  in  the  minority,  but  which  they  adopted  as  sound  and  secure  as  soon  as  they 
caire  into  power.  The  saying  of  English  politicians,  tliat  a  Tory  in  place  becomes  a 
Vt'hig  out  of  place,  and  a  Whig  when  provided  with  a  place  becomes  a  Tory,  was 
exemplified.'^ 

While  the  nation  was  thus  agitated  by  contending  factions  and  menaced  by  the 
tempests  of  war,  the  great  light  of  the  republic,  by  whose  steady  planetary  gleams 
the  vessel  of  state  had  been  long  guided,  and  saved  from  the  rocks  and  quicksands  of 
faction  and  anarchy,  suddenly  went  out.  In  the  darkness  that  fell  without  twilight 
— without  prem  )nition — every  discordant  voice  Avas  for  a  moment  hushed,  for  awe 
placed  the  finger  of  silence  upon  the  lips  of  political  partisans  of  every  kind.  The 
National  Congress  was  then  in  session  at  Philadelphia.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the 
18th  of  December* — a  cold,  crisp,  winter  morning — a  courier  with  smoking 
steed  dashed  up  to  the  Presidential  mansion,  and  delivered  a  letter  from  the 
private  secretary'  of  the  great  leader,  who  had  already  been  called  Pater  Patih^.* 
Tlie  President  was  at  breakfast.  The  seal  was  black  wax.  It  was  broken  hastily  by 
Mr.  Adams,  who  read,  "It  is  with  inexpressible  grief  that  I  have  to  announce  to  you 
the  death  of  the  great  and  good  General  Wasiiingtox.  He  died  last  evening,  be- 
tween tdh  and  eleven  o'clock,  after  a  short  illness  of  about  twenty-four  hours.''* 

There  was  grief  in  the  President's  household.  Tliere  was  grief  in  Congress 
when  John  Marshall  announced*"  "Our  Washington  is  no  more." 
Tliere  was  grief  in  the  streets  of  the  national  capital  when  the  sad  intel- 
ligence went  from  lip  to  ear  all  over  the  city  within  an  hour  after  the  arrival  of  the 
courier.  There  was  grief  throughout  the  nation  when  the  knell  of  the  funeral  bells 
in  cities  and  villages,  with  chilling  monotone,  fell  upon  the  ears  of  the  people.  There 
was  grief  in  Europe  when,  forty  days  afterward,  it  was  known  in  England  and  on  the 
Contment.     Lord  Bridport  lowered  to  half  mast  the  flags  of  his  great  English  fleet 


'  Sec  Life  of  William  Plummer,  p.  810. 

'  A  London  paper  in  1813  contained  the  following  poetic  Tersion  of  the  maxim,  under  the  head  of  DtfinUion  of 
PtiTtlea; 

"WHIQB  NltVKB  TO. 

A  Whig  is  never  In  t    How  strange  the  sto'^ ' 
Turn  in  a  Whig— be  turns  in  a  Tory  I 

TOBIES  NKTEB  OCT. 

a  Tory's  never  out  I    Strange  whirligig ! 
Torn  ont  a  Tory— bo  tnms  oat  a  Whigl 

INS  AND  OUTS. 

Why  then  turn  all  onr  brains  with  senseless  rontf 
Tory  and  Whig  are  merely  In  and  Our." 
'  Tobias  Lear. 

•  The  late  G.  W.  P.  Cnstis,  the  adopted  son  of  Washington,  in  a  letter  to  his  foster-father  written  at  Annapolis,  where 

he  was  at  school,  on  the  12th  of  July,  1798,  after  congratulating  his  guardian  on  his  appointment  to  the  commond  of  the 

American  army,  said,  "Let  an  admiring  world  again  behold  a  Cincinnatus  springing  up  horn  rural  retirement  to  the 

tonqnest  of  nations :  and  the  future  historian,  in  recording  so  great  a  name,  insert  that  of  the '  Father  of  hia  Country.' " 

'  Dated  "Mount  Vernon,  December  IB,  1799." 


PWWHBi 


]i 


!' 


^Pl 


'! 


ih 


no 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Action  of  CuogreaBun  tbo  Death  of  Wuhlngton.     Marks  of  Keapect  In  Europe.    Funeral  Uunon.    M'Phorson  BIuki. 

of  sixty  vessels  then  lying  in  Torbay ;  and  Bonaparte,  just  made  First  Consul  of 
Frant'c,  paid  a  beautiful  tribute  to  the  virtues. of  the  beloved  man  in  an  order  of  the 
day  to  the  French  army,  and  in  directing  a  funeral  oration  to  be  pronounced  before 
him  and  the  civil  and  military  authorities.'  The  Congress  of  his  own  country,  by 
•  December  S8  joint  resolutions,  decreed"  that  a  marble  monument  should  bo  erected  to 
17W.  his  memory  at  the  new  Capitol  on  the  Potomac ;  that  there  should  be 

a  funeral  procession  from  Congress  Hall  to  the  German  Lutheran  Church,  where  an 
oration  should  bo  pronounced  by  one  of  the  members  of  Congress;  that  the  citizens 
of  the  United  States  should  wear  crape  on  their  left  arm  as  mourning  for  thirty  days; 
and  that  the  President  should  send  a  letter  of  condolence  to  Mrs.  Washington,  and 
request  that  her  husband^s  remains  might  be  interred  at  the  Capitol  of  the  nation.^ 
They  also  recommended  the  people  of  the  Unite  "1  States  to  assemble  on  the  next  an- 
t  February  22,  nivcrsary  of  Washington's  birthday,''  "  to  testify  their  grief  by  buitablc 
eulogies,  orations,  and  discourses,  or  by  public  prayers." 

General  Henry  Lee,  the  per- 


1800. 


TUE  LUTUBBAN  OnVBOH  IM  PIULADELFniA. 


Bonal  friend  of  Washington,  and 
son  of  that  "Lowland  Beauty" 
whom  the  great  patriot  loved  in 
his  early  youth,  was  the  chosen 
orator.  With  rare  eloquence  he 
charmed  the  vast  audience  that 
thronged  the  Lutheran  Church, 
the  largest  in  Philadelphia.'  The 
M^Pherson  Blues,*  an  elegant 
military  corps  of  three  hundred 
yonng  men,  were  there  as  a  guard 
of  honor,  and  fired  the  accustom- 
ed military  salute.  On  the  ensu- 
ing 22d  of  February  fiineral  ora- 
tions were  pronounced  in  many 
places  throughout  the 'country; 
and  memorials  of  many  kinds 
were  speedily  prepared,  to  per- 
petuate, by  visible  objects,  the 
recollection  of  Washington's  vir- 


'  This  oration  was  delivered  by  Lonls  Fontaine  in  the  Temple  of  Mars,  at  Paris,  on  the  8th  of  February,  1800.  In  al- 
lusion to  the  young  general  and  chief  ruler  of  France  before  him,  the  orator  said,  in  his  peroration,  "Yes,  thy  counselj 
shall  be  heard,  O  Washington !  O  warrior  1  O  legislator !  O  citizen  without  reproach  1  He  who,  while  yet  young,  rlvali 
thee  in  battles,  shall,  lilce  thee,  with  his  triumphant  hands,  heal  the  wonnds  of  hie  country.  Even  now  we  have  his  dii- 
positton,  his  character  for  the  pledge ;  and  his  warlike  genius,  unfortunately  necessary,  shall  soon  lead  sweet  peace  into 
this  temple  of  war.  Then  the  sentiment  of  universal  Joy  shall  obliterate  the  remembrance  of  oppression  and  injustice. 
Already  the  oppressed  forget  their  Ills  in  looking  to  the  future.  The  acclamations  of  every  age  will  be  offered  to  the 
hero  who  gives  happiness  to  France,  and  seeks  to  restore  it  to  a  cmtending  world." 

»  Mrs.  Washington  consented  to  the  removal  of  her  husband's  remains  to  the  National  Capitol.  But  they  have  never 
been  taken  from  his  beloved  Mount  Vernon.  They  never  should  be.  That  home  of  the  illustrious  patriot  Is  now  the 
property  of  the  patriotic  women  of  America,  and  shonld  ever  be  consecrated  by  the  presence  of  his  tomb.  The  iioiu 
and  TOHD  of  our  beloved  friend  should  be  inseparable,  and  these  words  of  Lnnt  shonld  ezpreaa  the  sentiments  of  ever; 
American : 

"  Ay,  leave  him  alone  to  sleep  forever, 

Till  the  strong  archangel  calls  for  the  dead, 
By  the  verdant  bank  of  that  gushing  river 
Where  first  they  pillowed  his  mighty  head." 

'  That  German  Lutheran  Church  is  yet  standing  on  Fourth  Street,  Philadelphia,  above  Arch  Street.  Lee's  oration  was 
hastily  prepared,  but  was  an  admirable  production.  In  it  he  used  those  memorable  words,  "First  in  wab,  first  in 
PBAOE,  FiBST  IN  TUB  iiKABTS  OF  iiiB  ootTNTBTMBN."    This  orfttion  may  be  found  in  Cnstis's  Re/rolUetions  of  Washington. 

*  This  corps  was  composed  of  the  elite  of  Philadelphia  society.  TJie  costume  is  represented  in  an  engraving  in  Los- 
sing's  Home  of  Wiuhincilan,  or  Mmmt  Vernon  and  it»  A  a$oeiationt.  Six  of  those  who  were  present  on  that  occasion  were 
y*t  living  in  January,  1862,  and  all  were  residents  of  Philadelphia,  namely,  Samuel  Breck,  aged  ninety ;  S.  Palmer,  aged 
eighty-one ;  8.  F.  Smith,  aged  eighty-one ;  Charles  N.  Bancker,  aged  eighty-five ;  Qnintan  Campbell,  aged  eighty-flve, 
and  Roljert  Carr,  aged  eighty-four.    John  F.  Watson,  the  annalist  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  and  who  died  in  De- 


Medal  in  Honor  of  < 

tucs  and  illus 
logy." 


cember,  1S60,  was  a  m( 

Kinad  who  flrcd  the  vi 

I  Among  many  othei 

of  respect  published 

time  was  a  silver  medi 

tic  larger  and  thicker  t: 

Spanish  quarter  of  a 

Ouo  of  these  is  in  the 

slon  of  the  writer,  and  ii 

seated  In  the  engraviu 

one  side  Is  a  profile  of 

Ington,  inclosed  in  a  wn 

lanrel,  and  surrounded 

words,  "im  ,h  ,„  qlob 

WOBLD  IN  THARB."     Qu  I 

Terse  Is  a  memorial  uri 

(trsvcd  and  publlnhed,  Ir 

chanlc  and  engraver.    Ij 

'  A  contemporary  wro 

"GENERAL  WA8HII 

eyes  were  of  a  bluish  ca 

remarkably  lively.    H|g 

nance  grave,  composed, « 

nt  once  secured  for  him  p 

llclal  capacity  he  recelvec 

kindness,  as  that  each  ret 

^andlng;  a  correct,  discc 

^rfect  control;  ajudgme 

honorable  In  his  dealings  • 

cerity,  moderation,  and  si 

ed,  he  was  capable  of  diet 

husband,  a  faithful  fi-lcnd 

temperance,  ftnd  Industry' 

'OB-    The  intermediate  ho 

religion  was  not  forgotten 

«t  stated  seasons,  retired  ti 

for  bis  strict  observation  o 


OP  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


Ill 


Medal  In  Uonor  of  WashinKton. 


Skotch  of  Waibtngton'i 


MHI  ChanKtcr. 


tucs  and 

logy.' 


illustrious  deeds.'    Tlio  faithful  history  of  those  deeds  is  his  best  eu- 


'  nil  glory  fllla  the  land— the  plain, 

The  moor,  the  mountain,  and  the  mart  I 
More  Arm  than  column,  urn,  or  fane, 
IIIb  monument— the  human  heart. 
The  C'hrlntlau— patriot— hero— BBgo  1 

The  chief  from  heaven  In  mercy  sent ; 
Ills  deeds  are  written  on  the  age- 
Ills  country  Is  big  monument." 

OlOBOIt  P,  MOBRII. 


cembcr,  ISflO,  wns  a  member.    Colonel  Carr,  who  was  an  ofBccr  In  the  War  of  1812,  Inlbrmod  me  that  he  was  one  of  the 
tqaad  who  flred  the  volleys  on  that  occasion.    The  costume  of  the  H'Pherson  Blues  Is  seen  In  the  tiguro  below. 


>  Among  many  other  tokens 
of  respect  published  at  that 
lime  was  a  silver  medal,  a  lit- 
tle larger  and  thicker  than  the 
Spanish  quarter  of  a  dollar. 
Ouo  of  these  Is  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  writer,  and  is  repre- 
sented In  the  engraving.  On 
one  side  is  a  profile  of  Waeb- 
iugton.  Inclosed  lu  a  wreath  of 
Isnrel,  and  surrounded  by  the 
words,  "  iiR  IB  IN  OLonr,  tur 

WOBLD  IN   TKAHS."     Ou  thC  rC- 

Tcrse  Is  a  memorial  urn,  and 


WAHIIINOTON   MEllAi. 


around  It,  forming  two  circles, 
are  nhbrovlatioiis,  seen  In  the 
engraving,  slgnifylug  "Born 
February  11, 1732;  Ucncral  of 
the  American  Army,  1776;  re- 
signed 1783 ;  President  of  the 
I'nited  States  of  America, 
1789;  retired  inlTBO;  Oener.il 
of  the  Armies  of  the  United 
States,  171)8;  died  December 
14, 1700."  This  medal  was  de- 
signed by  Dudley  A.  Tyng,  the 
collector  of  customs  at  New* 
buryport  at  that  time,  and  en- 


jp'svcd  and  publinhed,  immediately  after  the  death  of  Washington,  by  Jacob  Perkins,  the  well-known  Ingenious  me- 
chanic and  engraver,    lie  cut  dies  for  this  design  of  two  sizes. 

>  A  contemporary  wrote  as  follows  concerning  Washington's  person  and  character: 

"GENERAL  WASHINGTON  lu  bis  person  was  tall,  upright,  and  well-made ;  In  manner  easy  and  unaffected.  His 
eyes  were  of  a  bluish  cast,  not  prominent.  Indicative  of  deep  thoughtfliluess,  and,  when  in  action  on  great  occasions, 
remarkably  lively.  Ills  features  strong,  manly,  and  commanding;  his  temper  reserved  and  serious;  his  counte- 
nance grave,  composed,  and  sensible.  There  was  In  his  whole  appearance  an  nnneual  dignity  and  graceftilness  which 
nt  once  secured  for  bim  profound  respect  and  cordial  esteem.  He  seemed  born  to  command  his  fellow-men.  In  his  of- 
Hcial  capacity  ho  received  applicants  for  favors,  and  answered  their  requests  with  so  much  ease,  condescension,  and 
kindness,  as  that  each  retired  believing  himself  a  favorite  of  his  chief.  lie  had  an  excellent  and  well-cultivated  under- 
standing ;  a  correct,  discerning,  and  comprehensive  mind ;  a  »"emory  remarkably  retentive ;  energetic  passions  under 
perfect  control ;  a  Judgment  sober,  deliberate,  and  sound.  He  .ras  a  man  of  the  strictest  honor  and  honesty ;  fair  and 
honorable  in  his  dealings ;  punctual  to  his  engagements.  I"  -  •Uspositlon  was  mild,  kind,  and  generous.  Candor,  sin- 
fcrlty,  moderation,  and  simplicity  were,  in  common,  prominent  f0tti.,re8  in  his  character ;  but,  when  an  occasion  call- 
ed, ho  was  capable  of  displaying  the  most  determined  bravery,  firmness,  and  Independence.  He  was  an  affectionate 
hosband,  a  faithfiil  friend,  u  humane  master,  and  a  father  to  the  poor.  He  lived  in  the  unvarying  habits  of  regularity, 
temperance,  hnd  Industry.  He  steadily  rose  at  the  dawn  of  day,  and  retired  to  rest  usually  at  nine  o'clock  In  the  even- 
Idi;.  The  intermediate  hours  all  had  their  proper  business  assigned  them.  In  his  allotments  for  the  revolving  hours 
religion  was  not  forgotten.  Feeling,  what  be  so  often  publicly  acknowledged,  bis  entire  dependence  on  God,  he  dally, 
At  stated  seasons,  retired  to  his  closet  to  worship  at  His  footstool,  and  to  ask  Ills  divine  blessing.  He  was  remarkable 
fur  his  strict  observation  of  the  Sabbath,  and  exemplary  in  bis  attendance  on  public  worship." 


it 


f 

! 

I 


f 


1 


112 


PICTOUIAL  FIELD-IJOOK. 


I'eiicorul  PromlNi.         Th«  AchlevtOMliU  of  BoMpuK. 


Ill*  Iiifluoiice  In  Kurnpa, 


llntrod  of  Urett  UriUln. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

"The  Pejr  of  AlRlem,  not  afraid  of  bin  enni, 

Hi'iU  lo  Joiittthiin  once  for  aoine  tribnie : 
'  Ho!  lie)  1'  Hiiyn  Ihp  Doy,  •  If  tho  rnHcul  don't  pay, 

A  cn|»r  or  two  I'll  exhibit. 
I'm  thi'  Dcy  of  Alulcm,  wlih  a  l)cnrd  a  yiird  long ; 
I'm  a  MiinHulninn,  loo,  and  of  coufko  very  utronij; 
Kor  tlilit  Ih  my  mnxim,  dlnpute  It  wlio  can, 
That  u  mail  of  etout  niuiiclo'ij  u  vtout  Musiiuluian.' " 

EFFERSON'S  adminiHtration  commenced  imdcr  favorable  aus- 
piccH."  Tliere  wore  omens  of  peace  abroad,  and  these  .  jinrchi 
jtromiscd  calmness  and  prosperity  at  home.  The  ^'""■ 
league  of  England  and  the  Continental  powers  against  IJona- 
partc  had  failed  to  impede  his  progress  in  the  path  toward  uni- 
versal dominion ;  on  the  contrary,  he  had  brought  nearly  all 
Europe  trembling  at  his  feet.  Within  the  short  space  of  two 
years  ho  made  himself  master  of  all  Italy,  and  humbled  ]>roiul 
Austria  by  a  series  of  the  most  splendid  victories  on  record.  Within  the  oirdc  of 
another  two  years  he  had  returned  from  his  Oriental  camjiaigns  to  receive  the  hom- 
age of  France,  and  accept  its  sceptre  in  republican  form  as  First  Consul.  With  the 
absolute  power  of  an  emperor,  which  title  he  speedily  assumed,  he  prepared  to  bring 
to  France  still  more  wealth,  territory,  and  glory,  by  extending  her  sway  from  Africa 
to  the  North  Cape — from  tho  Atlantic  to  the  Ural  Mountains.  Old  thrones  shook; 
and  when  Bonaparte  Avhispered  peace  all  Europe  listened  eagerly,  for  they  were 
words  of  hope  for  dynasties  and  nationalities. 

Tho  preliminary  Treaty  of  Liineville,^ ''  affirming  that  of  Campo-For- 
mio,2  made  four  years  earlier,"  rendered  a  reconstruction  of  the  map  of 
Europe  necessary,  for  kings  and  princes  had  allowed  the  successful  soldier 
to  change  the  geographical  lines  of  their  dominions.  Great  Britain  was 
left  alone  in  armed  opposition  to  tho  conquering  Corsican.  Even  her  late  allies 
against  him,  always  jealous  of  her  maritime  superiority,  were  now  his  foes.  Tlie 
league  of  Northern  powers,  known  as  the  Armed  Neutrality,^  was  re-established  by 
"  December  10,  treaty*"  at  the  instigation  of  the  Emperor  Paul,  of  Russia,  and  from  their 
1800.  council  went  forth  the  spirit  of  Cato's  words  concerning  the  offending 

African  city :  Delenda  est  Carthago — "  Carthage  must  be  destroyed."  Tliey  resolved 
to  contradict  by  force  her  doctrine  concerning  the  freedom  of  neutrals,''  and  naval 
armaments  were  put  afloat.  At  the  same  time  Bonaparte  was  threatening  Great  Brit- 
ain with  invasion,  and  her  rich  East  India  possessions  with  the  tread  of  the  conqueror. 
Although  burdened  with  taxation  to  a  degree  before  unknown,  and  wearied  with 
her  long  contest  Avith  France  and  the  Irish  rebellion  under  her  own  roof,^  Britain 

'  The  peace  conclnded  at  LnnevlUe  between  the  French  Republic  and  the  Emperor  of  Germany,  after  confirming  the 
Treaty  of  Cnmpo-Pormlo,  etipnlated  that  the  Rhine  to  the  Dutch  Territories  phould  form  the  boundaries  of  France,  and 
recoj)^lzinj;  the  Independence  of  the  Bavarian,  Helvetic,  Llgnrian,  and  Cigalpine  Republics, 

«  In  the  'Treaty  of  Campo-Formlo,  between  France  and  Austria,  the  latter  yielded  the  Low  Countries  and  the  lonlai 
Islands  to  the  former,  and  Milan,  Mantua,  and  Moden:<  to  the  Cisalpine  Republic  which  Bonaparte  bad  estabilBtaed  in 
Italy.  By  a  secret  article,  the  Emperor  of  Austria  took  possession  of  the  Veuitlan  dominions,  in  compensation  for  tbe 
Netherlands.  '  See  note  2,  on  pafe  88.  «  See  note  1,  page  84. 

'  The  Roman  Catholics  and  the  Protestant  Dissenters  in  Ireland  were  snbjected  to  cmel  and  insulting  disabilities  b;  j 
tho  English  in  regard  to  both  civil  and  religious  privileges.    In  1701  a  society  was  formed,  chiefly  under  the  direction  of 
Wolfe  Tone,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  Parliamentary  reform  In  this  matter.    Tbey  were  called  "United  Irishmen." 
They  were  also  animated  by  republican  sentiments,  and  a  hatred  of  England  as  on  oppressor.    Inspired  by  evente  in  j 


•>  Febmary  9, 
1801. 

«  October  IT, 
ITOT. 


Great  Britain  Irlumpt 

once  more  put 
Danish  fleet  at 
the  other  powei 
withdrew  from 
lime,  two  hundn 

or  chanting,  with 


Knpland  was  w 

A  peace  ministry, 

in  the  spring  of  | 

which  had  so  long 

Continental  powei 

in  March,  1 802,''  b 

technical  friends,  n 

who  would  not  trii 

his  object  to  be  res 

formidable  blows  f 

to  the  greater  faith 

was  sunlight  abroi 

j)cace  was  about  to 

tor.    England  blaz( 

and  sermons ;  fe.ast* 

her  literature  with  j 

lennium.     Forgetfu: 

(rimes,  Englislimert  i 

ried  back  with  ther 

Tlie  sly  Corsican,  ch 

'lesigns,  treated  the 

and  received  in  turn 

bhishcd  with  shame. 

Tlie  niaohinery  of 

France, these" United  Irlshm 
lablish  a  republican  form  of.. 
Jcntlvc  directory  In  ITOT.  Th 
covered  and  denounced  by  n  n 
Jonly  developed  all  over  the  t 
anticipation  of  an  invasion  by 
■  France  concluded  a  treaty 
'nvarln,  August  24;  with  Por 
December  r. 

'This  was  a  treaty  between 
ihe  1st  of  October,  1801.    The 

t>«nce:Azara,  for  Spain,  and 
'Among  those  who  went  ov 
l-rey,  and  other  leading  men 
ratures  from  his  brain  were  sp 

I  kine,  are  seen  stooping  low  be 

(en^appMrsasaflneladylnft 

Noy  at  the  meeting  in  wan^ 
I  f«Klag  person,  and  to  seal  on 

I  aonelenr,yonareatmlywell 
I  »fKlng George  and  Bonaparte, 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


113 


OfMt  Britain  trtnmpbMt. 


Frtradly  RnUttoni  with  Bonapart*. 


TIm  loddan  Ctauiiie  rtdlcaled. 


once  more  put  forth  hor  Htrvngth  on  the  ocean.     I'lirkcr  and  NolHon  dcHtroyod  the 
Danish  tii'ct  at  ('ojicnhatjcn,*  and  brought  that  jjovcrnnu'tit  to  HiihnuHHion ;     •Aprils, 
tlu'  otluT  powiTM  of  the  k'amu',  ularniod,  and  di'siTtod  by  J'.iurH  siicoi'Mnor,        '^"• 
witli<liH'W  from  the  unequal  contoHt,  and  h'ft  England  Htill  bouHthig,  u»  in  VVallfrV 
tiiiu',  two  hundred  years  ago,  that  lier  nliipH  were 

"Riding  without  »  rival  ou  the  iiea;" 

or  chanting,  with  the  faitli  of  TlioniHon,  a  liundred  ycarH  later, 

"When  Britain  flrnt,  st  Henvcn'H  command, 
,  Arcwc  from  out  thu  azurn  main, 

Thin  woa  the  charter  of  the  land, 

And  K>i»rdlnn  an);clii  kuhk  the  etrain: 
liulu  Britannia ;  Britannia  rules  the  wave*  I 
BrltouH  never  shall  bo  alavca." 

England  was  willing  to  have  peace,  but  not  with  the  loss  of  an  iota  of  her  power. 
A  jK'ace  ministry,  with  Mr.  Addington  at  its  head,  assumed  the  reins  of  govern. aent 
ill  the  spring  of  1801.  It  looked  witli  favor  upon  the  dispersion  of  the  war-clouds 
which  had  so  long  brooded  over  Europe.  During  that  year  one  after  another  of  the 
Continental  powers  wheeled  into  the  line  of  amicable  relations  with  Bonaparte,'  and 
in  March,  1 802,''  by  treaty  at  Amiens,^  he  and  (4eorgo  the  Third  became 
ii'clmical  friends,  much  to  the  disgust  of  a  powerful  war  party  hi  England, 
w  ho  would  not  trust  the  word  of  the  ambitious  Corsican  for  an  hour,  'f  hey  believed 
his  object  to  be  rest  and  gaining  of  time,  while  he  should  make  prejjaralions  for  mor*^ 
t'orniidable  blows  for  the  subjugation  of  Europe.  But  they  were  comj)cilcd  to  yiel.. 
to  the  greater  faith,  or  the  greater  needs,  of  the  government  and  the  majority.  There 
was  sunlight  abroad,  and  a  bow  of  promise  in  the  sky.  It  seemed  as  if  universal 
peace  was  about  to  be  established  in  Europe,  and  Bonaparte  was  hailed  as  a  i)acifica- 
tor.  England  blazed  with  bonfires  and  illuminations ;  was  resonant  with  speeches 
and  sermons ;  feasted  in  public  halls  in  testimony  of  her  faith  and  joy,  and  enriched 
iior  literature  with  addresses  and  poems  on  the  apparent  dawning  of  a  political  mil- 
leniiium.  Forgetful  of  the  past  deeds  of  Bonaparte,  which  they  had  denounced  as 
i-rimes,  Englishmert  flocked  to  Paris  to  bow  before  the  rising  sun  of  power,  and  car- 
ried back  with  them  French  fashions  in  abundance,  as  tokens  of  their  satisfaction. 
Tlie  sly  Corsican,  chuckling  over  their  obsequiousness,  and  their  blindness  to  his  real 
designs,  treated  the  most  distinguished  of  his  English  admirers  with  marked  respect, 
;ind  received  in  turn  such  fulsome  adulation  that  right-minded  men  m  Great  Britain 
blushed  with  shame,^ 

Tlie  machinery  of  government  was  all  adjusted  for  the  easy  management  of  the 

Kraace,  these  "United  Irishmen,"  whose  society  extended  nil  over  the  kingdom,  resolved  to  strike  for  liberty  and  es- 
labllsh  a  republican  form  of  government  for  Ireland.  In  this  they  received  the  aid  of  France.  They  nominated  an  ex- 
OTtive  directory  In  1T9T.  Their  plans,  carried  on  with  the  utmost  secrecy,  were  ripe  for  execution,  when  they  were  dls- 
tiwered  and  denounced  by  a  government  spy.  Many  of  the  leaders  were  arrested,  bnt  an  open,  ai  .jed  rebellion  was  sud- 
denly developed  all  over  the  kingdom  In  May,  1T98.  Great  Britain  put  forth  Its  military  power,  then  strong  at  home.  In 
Mtlclpotion  of  an  Invasion  by  the  armies  In  France,  and  the  Insurrection  was  crushed  in  the  course  of  a  few  m-mths. 
•  France  concluded  a  treaty  of  peace  with  Naples  March  18, 1801 ;  with  Spain,  March  21 ;  with  the  Pope,  July  IB ;  with 
I'.ivarin,  August  24 1  with  Portugal,  September  29  j  with  Russia,  October  4 ;  with  Turkey,  October  9;  and  with  Algiers, 
December  7. 

>  This  was  a  treaty  between  Great  Britain,  Holland,  France,  and  Spain.  The  preliminary  treaty  had  been  signed  on 
the  Ist  of  October,  1801.  The  definitive  treaty  was  signed  by  Lord  Comwallis,  for  England;  Joseph  Bonaparte,  for 
France;  Azara,  fur  Spain,  and  Srhimmelpennlnck,  for  Holland. 

>  Among  those  who  went  over  at  that  time  were  Charles  Jame^i  Pox  and  his  nephew,  Lord  Holland,  Lords  Erskine, 
(irey,  and  other  leading  men.  These  visits  excited  the  ridicule  of  satirists.  Gillray's  pencil  was  active.  Several  cari- 
catures from  his  brain  were  speedily  published.  He  ridiculed  the  visit  of  Fox  and  his  fHcnds  in  a  caricature  entitled 
'Introdttction  qf  Citizen  Volprone  aiui  SuUt  at  Parit,"  In  which  Fox  and  his  wife,  I^rd  and  Lady  Holland,  and  Grey  and  Er- 

I  !klne,  are  seen  stooping  low  before  the  new  ruler  of  Prance.  One  of  the  most  popular  of  his  caricatures  was  entitled  "  The 
irtt  Kim  this  ten  yearn,  or  llie  meeting  of  Britannia  and  Citizen  Franfoia."  Britannia,  who  has  suddenly  become  corpu- 
lent, appears  as  a  flue  lady  In  full  dress,  her  shield  and  spear  leaninf;  neglected  against  the  wall.  The  citizen  expresses 
his  joy  at  the  meeting  in  warm  terms.  "  Madame,"  he  says,  "  permltter  me  to  pay  my  profound  esteem  to  your  en- 
jiging  person,  and  to  seal  on  your  divine  lips  my  everlasting  attachment ! !  I"  The  lady,  blushing  deeply,  replies, 
"Sonslenr,  you  are  a  tmly  well-bred  gentleman ;  acd  though  you  make  me  blush,  yet  you  kiss  so  delicately  I  can  not 
reftue  yon,  though  I  wag  sure  yon  would  deceive  me  again  1"  On  the  wall  Just  behind  these  two  figures  are  portrait* 
otKlng  George  and  Bouaparte  scowling  at  each  other.— See  Wright's  England  under  the  Houte  of  nanover,  U.,  891. 

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114 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Beginning  of  Jeffei'itou's  AdmlnistrattoB.       Appearnnce  and  Condition  of  the  National  Capital.       Thomas  Jefferson. 

new  President  of  the  United  States.  The  treasury  had  never  been  so  full,  nor  the 
revenue  so  abundant  as  at  that  time,  and  he  was  enabled  to  signalize  the  conimencc- 
raent  of  his  administration  and  to  strengthen  it  by  the  repeal  of  the  excise  and  othor 
obnoxious  acts,  which  were  necessary  at  the  beginning.  Commerce,  and  all  the  in- 
dustrial interests  of  the  country,  were 
flourishing,  and  the  pathway  of  the  now 
chief  magistrjite  of  the  republic  seemed 
plain,  flowery,  and  luminous. 

The  seat  of  government  had  just  been 
removed  to  the  city  of  Washhigton,  the 
new  capital  of  the  nation,  and  then  an  in- 
significant village  on  the  bank  of  the  Poto- 
mac, on  the  verge  of  a  Maryland  forest,'  in 
the  District  of  Columbia.^  There,  in  one 
of  the  wings  of  the  half-finished  Capitol, 
the  last  session  of  Congress  had  been 
held;  and  there,  on  the  4th  of  March,  1801, 
Chief  Justice  Marshall  administered  to 
Mr.  Jefferson  the  oath  of  office,  and  he 
became  the  third  President  of  the  United 
States.  3 

Although  Jefferson  was  a  radical  Re- 
publican, he  made  no  special  changes  in 
the  inaugural  ceremonies  used  by  his  pre- 
decessors. He  abolished  public  levees  at 
the  Presidential  mansion,  and  sent  mes- 
sages in  writing  to  Congress,  instead  of 

'  "  There  is  one  good  tavern  about  forty  rods  from  the  Capitol,  and  several  other  houses  are  bnllt  or  erecting,"  Oliver 
Wolcott  wrote  to  a  friend  !u  the  autumn  of  ISOO;  "but  1  don't  see  how  the  members  of  Congress  can  possibly  fociire 
lodgings  unless  they  will  consent  to  live  like  scholars  In  a  college  or  monks  In  a  monastery,  -crowded  ten  or  twcp'y  in 
one  house.  The  only  resource  for  such  as  wish  to  live  comfortably  will  be  found  In  lieorgetown,  three  miles  distant, 
over  as  had  n  road  in  winter  as  the  clay  grounds  jear  Hartford.  .  .  .  There  are,  In  fact,  but  few  houses  In  nny  one 
place,  and  most  pf  them  small,  miserable  huts  which  present  an  awful  contrast  to  the  public  buildings.  The  people 
are  poor,  and,  as  far  as  I  can  Judge,  they  live  1ik>  fishes,  by  eating  each  other.  .  .  .  You  may  look  in  almost  ony  direc- 
tion, over  an  extent  <if  ground  nearly  ns  large  as  the  city  of  New  York,  wlthou^eeclng  a  fence  or  any  object  cicept 
brick-kilns  and  temporary  huts  for  laborers.     .  .  There  Is  no  Industry,  society,  or  business." 

Mrs.  Adams,  wife  of  the  President,  wro'e  in  November,  ISflO :  "  Woods  are  all  you  see  from  Baltimore  until  yo  ■  rench 
the  citi/,  which  's  only  so  in  name.  Here  nnd  there  Is  a  small  cot,  without  a  glass  >vlndow,  intsrspersed  amou);  the  for- 
ests, through  which  you  tra-.el  miles  without  seeing  a  human  being."  Concerning  the  President's  hou;>e,  which  she 
speaks  of  as  "  npou  a  grand  and  superb  scale,  requiring  about  thirty  servants  to  attend  !\iid  keep  the  apartments  in 
propel  order,  and  perform  the  ordinary  business  of  the  house  and  stables,"  she  said,  "  If  they  will  put  me  up  sonic  bells 
—there  Is  not  one  hung  through  the  whole  house,  and  promises  are  all  you  can  obtain— ami  let  me  have  wood  enough 
to  keep  fires,  I  design  to  be  pleased.  I  could  content  myself  almost  any  where  for  three  months ;  but,  surrounded  with 
forests,  can  you  believe  thot  wood  Is  not  to  be  had,  because  people  can  not  be  found  to  cut  and  cart  it !  Brleslcr  entered 
into  a  contract  with  a  man  to  supply  him  with  wood  :  a  small  part^-n  few  cords  only— has  he  been  able  to  get.  Most  of 
that  was  expended  to  dry  the  walls  rf  the  house  before  we  came  in,  and  yesterday  the  man  told  him  It  was  impo.sfiWc 
to  procure  it  to  be  cut  and  carted.  lie  has  had  recourse  to  cods,  but  we  can  not  get  grates  made  and  set.  We  have, 
Indeed,  come  Into  a  nne  country" 

'  The  District  of  Columbia  was  a  tract  ten  miles  square,  lying  on  each  side  of  the  Potomac,  and  ceded  to  the  United 
States  by  the  States  of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  for  the  residence  of  the  national  government.  The  portion  lylug  in^'ir 
ginia  v/as  retroccded  to  ihat  state  a  few  years  ago.  The  city  of  Wfishington  was  laid  out  there  in  17511,  and  the  crocliuii 
of  the  Capitol  was  commenced  In  170,%  when,  on  the  ISth  of  AprO  President  Washington  laid  the  comer-stone,  witli  ma- 
sonic ceremonies.  The  two  wings  were  completed  in  1808.  "  .  government,  which  had  resided  ten  years  In  Phlludil- 
phia,  moVed  to  Washington  in  the  autumn  of  18(10. 

'  Thomas  JefTcrsou  was  born  at  Shadwell,  Albemarle  County, Virginia,  on  the  13th  of  April,  1743.  He  was  educated 
at  William  and  Mary's  College,  studied  law  with  the  eminent  George  Wythe,  and  wab  .Jmitted  to  the  bar  while  yet  n  very 
yuung  man.  lie  was  a  member  of  the  Virgiiiia  Assembly  before  the  RevolntloU;  ond  won  fame  as  a  vigorous  thinlicr 
and  writer.  He  was  elected  to  the  Continental  Congress  in  1776,  and  in  1770,  at  the  request  of  a  committee  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  he  drew  up  the  neclarati<m  of  Independence.  He  wos  offered  an  embassy  to  France,  but  declined  it 
on  account  of  feeble  health.  In  1779  he  was  elected  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  In  1780  retired  from  public  life,  nnd  de- 
voted his  time  chiefly  to  literary  and  scientific  pursuits.  He  was  sent  to  France  In  I'S,"),  to  join  Adams  and  Fr,qnklin,a> 
representative  of  his  country,  and  in  1785  snceeded  Franklin  as  minister  at  the  French  Court.  He  remained  thereun- 
til 1789,  when  he  returned,  and  entered  Washington's  Cabinet  as  Secretary  of  State.  He  remained  in  that  positiuu  until 
1793.    He  was  elected  Vlce-PrcBldent  of  the  United  States  in  1700,  and  in  ISOl  was  elected  to  the  Presidency.    He  wn^ 


Mr.  JefTcrson  foresbac 

delivering  speec 
in  form.' 

A  small  militj 

he  read  his  inaii 

looked  for  with  s 

It  was  patriotic, 

his  political  oppo 

principle.     We  )i 

are  all  Federalist 

In  this  s]nrit  M 

of  public  abuses, 

of  public  offices  u 

(I'ss  his  forecast,  i 

would  not  disturb 

most  vehement  de 

Mr.  Jefferson  eo 

been  elevated  to 

lustful  for  office. 

acquiescence  in  th 

iially  filled  many  c 

for  whose  accomn 

Washington  and  re 

iiig  proportions  th: 

which  iias  worked  i 

oraments  from  that 

Wtter  pr.rtisanship. 


wg  the  advantage 
istratioi)  as  sooii^as 
mere  game  of  politi( 


rc-clected  fn  180S,  and  In  ISO!) 

.Montlcelloonthe4th.>fJuIy 

iti!  Declaration  oflndcpend. 

vitcplatemadelnaiuatiuta 

ncniber  of  Congress  from  18( 

I  J„™'l7''""''"PP''nrance^ 

Win«m  Plumer,  United  .Stat^ 

President,  accompanied  by  s( 

came  Into  the  room.    He  wa 

I  ''"*"/  "'I'ch  soiled,  woolen  1 

pnsed  me  by  announcing  that 

1    'InalcttertoNatha-uelMs 

I    l-cvees  arc  done  away  wit 

«>«|«KC,  to  which  no  answer 

rtstcrs.    4.  The  compensa.l, 

1  "haste  reformation,    fl  The 

»  every  department  will  be  re 

wndation  has  been  given  to  t 

I  lis  offices."  fe'>tuioii 

;^ethe«„/<.^«,„.,^„„„„, 

racy  General.    He  retained^ 

-bertGallatlnwasappolntecU 
I  M  ivas  now  wholly  so 

IWnDicklnsoD,  two  days  aft 

I  "ch,  nothing  ehall  be  want! 
I  *  republican  g„ve™^;„7 

|fpeo|leofothcrcouufries.'' 

Ill    ■!'  7"  K'^'"  "">c  for  a 

l^o'e  who  have  desired  the  glv 

"tr'""''''"«'-I>"bllcans, 

I'lkepttbllc  affaire  of  the  State 


!,  patr: 
lor 
llrip 
t  ran 


P 
■li 
,  iin 
nnou 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


115 


Mr.  JefTersou  furesbadowa  hla  Policy.       His  Popularity.       >  National  Party  desired.       Political  Proacriptiou  begun. 

delivering  speeches  in  person,  because  he  considered  these  customs  too  monarchical 
in  form.' 

A  small  military  and  civic  escort  conducted  Mr.  Jefferson  to  the  Capitol,  and  ♦here 
he  read  his  inaugural  address  to  a  large  crowd  of  delighted  H^steners.  It  had  been 
looked  for  with  an.\iety,  as  it  would  foreshadow  the  policy  of  the  new  administration.^ 
It  was  patriotic,  conservative,  and  conciliatory,  and  allayed  many  apprehensions  of 
Ills  political  opponents.  "  Every  d'.fference  of  opinion,"  he  said,  "  is  not  a  difference  of 
principle.  We  have  called  by  r'lfferent  names  brethren  of  the  same  principle.  We 
lire  all  Federalists — we  are  all  Republicans. "' 

In  this  spirit  3Ir.  Jefferson  commenced  his  adr.iinisi-ration.  He  set  about  the  reform 
of  public  abuses,  treated  every  body  with  kindness,  and  left  most  of  the  incumbents 
of  public  offices  untouched  for  a  while.*  His  political  enemies  were  compelled  to  con- 
fess his  forecast,  Avisdom,  and  faithfulness ;  and  many  Federalists,  believing  that  he 
would  not  disturb  their  friends  in  office,  joined  the  Republican  party,  and  became  the 
most  vehement  denunciators  of  their  old  partisans  and  their  principles.' 

Mr.  Jefferson  eoou  discovered  that  he  Avas  not  wholly  his  6wn  master.  He  had 
been  elevated  to  power  by  a  party  whose  leaders,  like  those  of  all  parties,  were 
lustful  for  office.  He  was  compelled  to  listen  to  their  clamors,  and  finally  to  yield 
acquiescence  in  their  doctrine  that  "  to  the  victor  belongs  the  spoils."^  He  grad- 
ually filled  many  of  the  most  important  offices  in  his  gift  with  his  political  friends, 
tiir  whose  accommodation  faithful  men,  a  Inrge  proportion  of  them  appointed  by 
Washington  and  retained  by  Adams,  Avore  removed.  Tlius  Avas  developed  in  alarm- 
ing  proportions  that  system  of  proscription  commenced  by  the  second  President, 
which  has  Avorkcd  mischicA^ously  in  the  administration  of  our  general  and  state  gov- 
ernments from  that  time  u'ltil  the  present.  It  bore  immediate  fruit  in  the  form  of 
bitter  pr.rtisanship.  liie  Federalists,  noAV  become  the  opposition,  and  thereby  hav- 
ing the  ad\  antage  in  controversy,  began  a  relentless  Avarfare  upon  the  ncAv  admin- 
istration as  soon  as  its  proscriptive  policy  Avas  manifested.  With  that  Avarfare,  as  a 
mere  game  of  politics,  Ave  have  nothing  to  do,  except  so  fivr  as  it  had  a  bearing  upon 

rwlccted  in  1808,  and  in  1809  retired  to  private  life,  from  which  he  was  never  again  drawn.  He  died  at  his  residence  at 
Monlicelio  on  the  4th  of  July,  1S20,  in  the  84th  year  of  his  age.  Like  Adams,  he  departed  on  the  Hftieth  anniversary  of 
ihc  Declaration  of  Independence.  The  profile  of  Mr.  JefTcrson,  given  on  page  114,  is  from  an  impression  from  a  pri- 
vate plate  made  in  ariiiatinta  aboiit  the  year  1804,  and  presented  by  the  President  to  the  Hon.  D.  C.Vcrplanck,  who  was  a 
mtmber  of  Congress  from  1803  until  1800. 

1  The  personal  appearance  of  President  Jefferson  at  this  period  may  be  imagined  from  the  following  description  by 
WiDism  Plnmer,  United  States  senator  from  New  Hampshire  In  1S02:  "The  next  nay  after  my  arrival  I  visited  the 
President,  accompanied  by  some  Democratic  members.  In  a  few  moments  after  our  arrival  a  tali,  high-boned  man 
umc  Into  the  room.  He  was  dressed,  or  rather  '.mdressed,  in  an  old  browii  coat,  red  waistcoat,  old  coidnroy  smali- 
cloilica  much  soiled,  woolen  hose,  and  Rlii)pers  without  heels.  I  thonght  him  a  servant,  when  General  Varnnm  sur- 
prised me  by  announcing  that  it  was  the  President."— Sec  Life  of  it'illiam  Plumer,  p.  242. 

'  In  a  letter  to  Natha'iiel  Macon,  of  North  Carolina,  on  the  14th  of  May,  Mr.  .Tcfferson  indicated  his  policy  as  follows : 
"1.  Levees  are  done  away  with.  2.  The  first  communication  to  the  next  Congress  will  be,  like  all  snljsequent  pncs,  by 
message,  to  which  no  answer  will  be  expected.  3.  The  diplomatic  establishment  In  Europe  will  be  reduced  to  three 
ministers.  4.  The  compensation  of  collectors  depend.,  on  you  [Congress],  and  not  on  me.  5.  The  army  Is  uniiergoing 
J  'haste  reformation.  0.  Tlie  navy  wiil  be  reduced  to  the  legal  establishment  by  the  last  of  this  month.  T.  Agencies 
ill  every  department  will  be  revised.  8.  AVe  shall  iwsh  yon  to  the  uttermost  In  economizing,  fl.  A  very  early  recom- 
I  niciuliitlnn  has  been  given  to  the  Postmaster  General  to  employ  no  printer,  foreigner,  or  Revolutionary  Tory  in  any  of 
I  M»  offices." 

'See  the  Slatfsman'n  Manual,  1.,  242,  There  the  President's  inaugnral  measagn  Is  printed  In  full. 

'Mr.  Jefferson  appointed  James  Madison  Secret  try  of  State,  Henry  Dearborn  Secretary  of  War,  and  Levi  Lincoln  At- 
I  loracy  General.  He  retained  Mr.  Adams's  Secretaries  of  the  Treasury  and  Navy  until  the  following  autumn,  when 
I  .ilberl  Gallatin  was  appointed  to  the  first,  and  Robert  Smith  to  the  second.  These  were  both  Republiains,  and  his  Cabi- 
I  ift  W.1S  now  wholly  so. 

'  Mr.  .lefferson  dreamed,  patriotically,  of  a  consolidated  national  party  and  a  brilliant  administration.  In  a  letter  to 
I  John  Dickinson,  two  days  after  his  Inauguration,  he  wrote,  "I  hope  to  see  shortly  a  perfect  consolidation,  to  effect 
»hlch,  nothing  shall  he  wanting  on  my  part  short  of  the  abandonment  of  the  principles  of  the  Revolution.  A  just  and 
I  Mlid  republican  government  maintained  here,  will  be  a  standing  monnment  and  example  for  the  aim  and  Imitation  of 
I  lie  people  of  other  countries."  Yet  he  early  resolved  on  rewards  to  friends.  To  Colonel  Mor,-oc  he  wrote  on  the  7th 
'(March, "To  give  time  for  a  perfect  conaolldotlon  seems  i)rndent.  I  have  firmly  refuecd  to  follow  tiie  connsels  of 
Jibose  who  have  desired  the  giving  of  offlces  to  some  of  the  Federalist  leaders  In  "rder  to  reconcile.  I  have  given,  on 
I'illcivc,  only  to  Republicans,  under  existing  circumstances." 

'  This  doctrine  was  first  announced  In  these  words  by  the  late  William  L.  Marcy  when  he  assumed  the  adraUilglratiou 
I  tlhe  public  affairs  cf  the  State  of  New  York  as  governor  In  ISS;' 


i 


) 

■  :      M 

f 

116 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


'  March, 
1801. 


Reason  for  giving  a  Uiatory  of  Parties.       The  Mavy  reduced.      Unwise  Economy.      Tribute  to  the  Barbary  Powers. 

public  events  during  the  few  years  immediately  preceding  the  War  of  1812,  and  held 
relationship  thereto. 

It  seems  proper  at  this  point  in  our  narrative  to  say,  that  the  sketch  of  the  rise  and 
progress  of  the  two  great  political  parties  which  existed  in  the  United  States  at  the 
beginning  of  the  present  century,  and  whose  animosities  and  aspirations  had  much  to 
do  in  bringhig  about  a  war  in  1812,  has  been  given  for  the  purpose,  first,  to  afford  our 
general  subject  that  much-needed  elucidation,  and,  secondly,  to  connect  by  depondoiit 
links  of  historic  outlines  the  events  of  the  Fibst  with  those  of  the  Second  War  foi; 
Independence. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Adams's  administration,"  Congress  passed  a  law'  au- 
thorizing the  President  to  place  the  navy  on  a  rigid  peace  footing,  by  retain- 
ing only  thirteen  frigates,'^  and  only  six  of  these  to  be  kept  in  active  service.  The 
act  authorized  him  to  dismantle  and  sell  all  others,  and  lay  up  seven  of  the  thirteen 
in  a  way  in  which  they  might  be  carefully  preserved.  It  also  authorized  him  to  re- 
duce the  complement  of  officers  and  men,  by  retaining  in  the  service,  in  time  of  peace, 
only  nine  captains,  thirty-six  lieutenants,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  midshipmen,  in- 
cluding those  employed  on  the  six  frigates  kept  in  active  service,  and  to  discharge  the 
remainder.  Under  this  authority,  and  in  accordiince  with  his  own  judgment  concern- 
ing rigid  economy  and  the  prospect  of  universal  peace,  Mr.  Jeflferson  sold  all  but  the 
thirteen  frigates  named,  laid  up  seven  of  these,  and  discharged  all  the  officers  and 
men  in  excess  after  placing  the  service  on  a  peace  footing.  And  yet,  in  the  matter 
offeree,  nearly  four  fifths  was  retained,  for  the  vessels  sold  were  mostly  inferior,  and 
only  fourteen  of  them  had  been  built  expressly  for  the  government  service.  The  Pres- 
ident also  suspended  work  on  six  ships  authorized  by  Congress  in  1798.  So  little  did 
the  American  people  then  seem  to  apprehend  the  value  of  a  competent  navy  fcr  the 
protection  of  their  commerce  every  where,  as  avcU  as  the  honor  of  the  nation,  that  a 
majority  of  them  applauded  these  measures,  while  many  Federalists  assailed  them 
only  for  political  eifcct.  That  strong  arm  of  the  government  which  had  so  protected 
commerce  as  to  enable  the  Americans  to  sell  to  foreign  countries,  during  the  difficul- 
ties with  I'rance,  surplus  products  to  the  amount  of  $200,000,000,  and  to  import  suf- 
ficient to  yield  the  government  a  revenue  exceeding  $23,000,000,  was  thus  paralyzed 
by  an  unwise  economy  in  public  expenditure. 

The  conduct  of  the  Barbary  Powers  soon  made  the  want  of  an  efficient  navy  pain- 
fully apparent.  The  government  of  the  United  States  had  purchased,  by  the  pay- 
ment in  full  of  a  stipulated  sum  of  money,  the  friendship,  or  rather  the  forbearance  of 
the  Bey  of  Tripoli,  while  to  the  Dey  of  Algiers  and  the  13ey  of  Tunis  tribute  in  money, 
military  and  maritime  stores,  and  other  presents  was  annually  paid.^  The  su^'inis- 
sion  of  all  the  Christian  nations  of  Europe  to  these  exactions  made  those  pirate-kings 
exceedingly  insolent,  and  finally,  in  the  spring  of  1801,  the  President  resolved  to 
humble  the  pride  and  the  power  of  those  commercial  marauders,  release  Amerioaii 
commerce  from  their  thrall  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  assert  the  dignity  of  his  coun- 
try by  ceasing  to  pay  tribute  to  another.     This  resolution  was  strengthened  by  tlio 


1  Approved  March  S,  1801. 

'  Theec  were  the  United  Statfs,  ConsHtutinn,  fhrenident,  Chtsaprakf,  Philadelphia,  Conatellaliim,  Congress,  A'eic  I'orit,  fl»<-l 
ton,  Essex,  Adams,  John  Adams,  aud  Qeneral  Greene.  These  had  an  aggregate  amiament  of  884  guns.  The  vessels  boUI 
were  the  George  Washington,  Ganges,  I'ortsmoxtth,  Merrimack,  Comtecticut,  of  li4  gunB  eacli ;  the  Baltimore,  Ddawan;  aujf 
Montezuma,  of  '20  guns  each ;  the  Maryland,  Patapseo,  He^ild,  TrumlmU,  Warren,  Norfolk,  Richmond,  and  Pineknqi,  of  lj| 
guns  each ;  the  Eaule,  Augusta,  and  Scamnel,  14  gnns  each  ;  the  Experiment,  9  guns,  and  nine  galleys.— CoorKit,  i.,  XH- 

3  Colonel  Ebenezer  Steveiid,  an  active  and  eminent  merchant  of  New  Yorlc,  and  who  had  been  a  meritorious  artlllcrj 
officer  during  the  Revolution,  was  employed  by  the  government  as  its  factor  in  forwarding  the  stores  to  Tunis.  II 
May,  1801,  Secretary  Madison  wrote  to  Mr.  Stevens  on  the  subject,  saying,  "  It  Is  desirable  that  the  remalninc  cnrgf 
of  maritime  and  military  stores  due  to  the  Regency  of  Tunis  should  be  provided  and  shipped  without  loss  of  time  Tli 
powder  will  be  given  to  yon  from  the  public  magazines,  and  the  Navy  Department  will  give  orders  to  its  agent  at  Xel 
Yorit  or  elsewhere,  as  may  be  most  convenient,  to  supply  the  cannon  and  such  other  articles  as  yon  may  want  and  c«f 
be  spared."— W.S'.  letter.  How  much  cheaper  and  more  dignified  it  would  have  been  to  have  sent  the  materials  In  stiia 
of  war,  ta]]y  prepared,  as  they  might  have  been,  to  Itnock  the  capitate  of  those  semi-barbaric  mlers  aboat  their  canj 
and  alnlc  their  corsalt-'  In  the  deep  waters  of  the  Mediterranean  t 


BalDbrldge  at  Algler 

insolent  trcatn 
year.    In  May, 
out  with  the  us 
tal  in  Septembe 
about  to  leave 
the  Court  of  the 
when  the  haugh 
you  become  mv 
The  guns  of  the 
without  their  pei 
yield  to  the  fore 
circumstances,    I 
assured  by  Mr.  0 
en,  once  a  capf  I , , 
then  American  co 
there,  that   if  he 
tempted  to  leave 
harbor,  the  guns  of 
eastio,  heavy  and  w 
manned,  would   o 
upon  his  vessel  w 
destructive  effect 
ship  would  be  seis 
and  used  for  the  p 
pose,  and  war  won 
ensue.  To  avoid  the 
calamities  Bainbrid 
bowed     submissive 
to    the    humiliatioi 
and  he  even  complie 
with  the  haughty  m 
the  main,  and  that 
Algiers  an  obedient 
freeman,  he  bore  the 
to  the  Secretary  of  t 
unless  I  am  authorize 
Under  other  circu 
have  been  a  desirabl, 
stnpes  for  the  first 
and  his  great  officers 
States;  but  when,  .;t 
beyond  the  great  sea, 
romantic  rumors,  Bair 
Turkish  admiral  becan 
Algiers  in  January  tl 
Imce  there.     The  Suit 
t^om  this  visit  of  a  ba 
ttie  two  nations  must  ( 
On  his  return  to  Al 
other  errand  to  Consta 

%  flew  into  a  rage,  t 
;■»  ence.  Bainbridge  , 
i«nb-like,  and  obsequio 


OF  THE  WAIi    OF   1812. 


117 


Bainbridge  at  Algiers  and  Constantinople.         His  Treatment  at  each.         Oood  Effect  of  his  Visit  to  Constantinople. 

insolent  treatment  of  Commodore  Bainbridge  by  the  Dey  of  Algiers  the  previous 
year.  In  May,  1800,  BainVjridge,  in  command  of  the  George  Washington,  24,  went 
out  with  the  usual  tribute  to  the  Algerine  ruler.  He  arrived  in  the  port  of  his  capi- 
tal in  September,  performed  with  courtesy  the  duties  enjoined  upon  him,  and  was 
about  to  leave,  when  the  Dey  commanded  him  to  carry  an  Algerine  embassador  to 
the  Court  of  the  Sultan  at  Constantinople.  Bauibridge  politely  refused  compliance, 
when  the  haughty  and  offended  Dey  said  sternly, "  You  pay  me  tribute,  by  which 
you  become  mv  slaves,  and  therefore  I  have  a  right  to  order  you  as  I  think  proper." 
The  guns  of  the  castle  were  looking  out  vigilantly  upon  Bainbridge's  frigate,  and 
without  their  permission  he  could  not  pass  out  of  the  harbor.  He  was  compelled  to 
yield  to  the  force  of 
circumstances,  being 
assured  by  Mr.  O'Bri- 
en, once  a  capt  i  and 
then  American  consul 
there,  that  if  he  at- 
tempted to  leave  the 
harbor,  the  guns  of  the 
castle,  heavy  and  well- 
manned,  would  open 
upon  his  vessel  with 
destructive  effect,  his 
ship  Avould  be  seized 
and  used  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  war  would 
ensue.  To  avoid  these 
calamities  Bainbridge 
bowed  submissively 
to  the  humiliation ; 
and  he  even  complied 

with  the  haughty  ruler's  farther  requisition,  that  he  should  carry  the  Algerine  flag  at 
the  main,  and  that  of  the  United  States  at  the  fore.  He  spiled  out  of  the  port  of 
Algiers  an  obedient  slave,  and  then,  placing  his  own  flag  in  the  position  of  honor  as  a 
freeman,  he  bore  the  Algerine  embassador  to  the  Golden  Horn.  "  I  hope,"  he  wrote 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, "  I  shall  never  again  be  sent  to  Algiers  with  tribute, 
unless  I  am  authorized  to  deliver  it  from  the  mouth  of  our  cannon." 

Under  other  circumstances  this  trip  to  the  ancient  city  of  Constantinople  would 
have  been  a  desirable  one,  for  Bainbridge  had  the  honor  of  displaying  the  stars  and 
?tripes  for  the  first  time  before  that  famous  seat  of  Ottoman  empire.  The  Sultan 
and  his  great  ofiicers  of  state  were  astonished.  They  had  never  heard  of  the  United 
States ;  but  when,  ;;t  length,  they  were  made  to  comprehend  that  it  was  a  country 
beyond  the  great  sea,  discovered  by  Columbus,  of  which  they  had  heard  vague  and 
romantic  rumors,  Bainbridge  was  received  with  the  greatest  courtesy.  He  and  the 
I  Turkish  admiral  became  warm  friends ;  and  when  Bainbridge  was  about  to  return  to 
Algiers  in  January,  the  latter  gave  hi.n  a  firman  to  protect  him  from  farther  inso- 
I  Icnce  there.  The  Sultan,  whose  flag  bore  the  crescent  moon,  drew  a  favorable  omen 
from  this  visit  of  a  banner  bearing  its  neighbors,  the  stars  of  heaven.  He  believed 
I  the  two  nations  must  ever  be  friends,  and  so  they  have  been. 

On  his  return  to  Algiers^  the  Dey  requested  Bainbridge  to  go  on  an-    .  ja„nnry  21, 
[other  errand  to  Constantinople.     Bainbridge  peremptorily  refused.     The  **"^- 

I  Dey  flew  into  a  rage,  threatened  war,  and  finally  menaced  the  captain  with  personal 
jviolence.  Bainbridge  quietly  produced  \\i^ firman,  when  the  fierce  governor  became 
llimb-like,  and  obsequiously  offered  to  the  man  he  had  just  looked  upon  as  his  slave, 


ALOIEBS   IN  1800. 


1 

! 

!      ; 


■y\  j 


1 
1 
i 

^  if 

1    * 

118 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Dcy  of  Algiers  humbled. 


Insolence  of  the  Bey  of  Tnnls. 


Commodore  Dale  In  the  Hediterraneun. 


friendship  and  service.  Taking  advantage  of  this  change,  Bainbridgo  assumed  the 
air  of  a  dictator,  and  demanded  the  instant  release  of  the  French  consxil  and  fifty  or 
sixty  of  his  countrymen,  who  had  lately  been  imprisoned  by  the  Dey.  When  Bain- 
bridge  left  he  carried  away  with  him  all  the  French  in  Algiers.  His  compulsory  visit 
to  Constantinople  resulted  in  great  good  to  his  fellow-men. 

The  IJey  or  Bashaw  of  Tripoli,'  not  content  Avith  the  gross  sum  that  had  been  paid 
him  by  the  United  States,  when  he  learned  that  liis  neighbors  had  received  larger 
bribes  than  he,  demanded  tribute  in  the  autumn  of  1800,  and  threatened  war  if  his 
demand  was  not  satisfied  withhi  six  months.  Accordingly,  in  May,  1801,  he  ordered 
the  flag-staff  of  the  American  consulate  to  be  cut  down,  and  proclaimed  war.  In  an- 
ticipation of  these  events,  Commodore  Dale  had  been  sent  with  a  small  squadron,  con- 
sisting of  the  President,  44,  Captain  James  Barron ;  Philadelphia^  38,  Captain  Samuel 
Barron;  Essex,  32,  Captain  Bainbridge,  and  Enterprise,  12,  Lieutenant  Commandant 
Sterrett.  The  President  was  Dale's  flag-ship.  The  squadron  sailed  fromHamptonlioads, 
and  reached  Gibraltar  on  the  1st  of  July,     Dale  soon  proceeded  eastward  in  company 


with  the  Enterprise, 
and  appeared  off'Trip- 
oli  and  Tunis,  to  the 
great  astonishment  of 
the  rulers  of  those 
states.  On  the  way 
the  Enterprise  fell  in 
with,  attacked,  and 
captured  a  Tripoli- 
tan  corsair  called  the 
Trijjoli,  reducing  he:* 
in  *  ihe  course  of  an 
engagement  of  three 
hours,  almost  to  a 
wreck,  and  killing  and 
wounding  twenty  of 
her  men,  without  the 
loss  of  a  single  man  on 
her  side.^  Meanwhile 
the    Philadelphia    was 


of  Gibraltar,  to  pre- 
vent two  Tripolitaii 
corsairs  which  were 
found  there  going  out 
uwon  the  Atlantic ; 
and  the  Essex  sailed 
aloniT  the  northern 
shores  of  the  Medi- 
terranean, to  convoy 
American  merchant 
ships.  Dale  contin- 
ued to  cruise  in  the 
Mediterranean  until 
autumn,  and  his  pres- 
ence exercised  a  most 
wholesome  restraint 
over  the  corsairs.^ 
Another  expedition 
was  sent  to  the  Medi- 
terranean in  1 802,  under 
Commodore  Richard  Y. 


cruising  in  the  Straits 
Morris,  It  was  a  relief  squadron,  and  consisted  of  the  Chesapeake,  '<8,  Lieutenant 
Chauncey,  acting  captain ;  Constellation,  38,  Captain  Murray ;  iVew  York,  30,  Cap- 
tain James  Bairon;  Jbhti  Adams,  28,  Captain  Rodgers;  Adams,  28,  Captain  Cani])- 
bell,  and  Enterprise,  12,  Lieutenant  Commandant  Sterrett,  Morris  hoisted  his  broad 
pennant  on  board  the  Chesapeake.  The  squadron  did  not  go  in  a  body,  but  pro- 
ceeded one  after  another  from  February  until  September.     Meanwhile  the  Boston, 

'  This  was  Jiissuf  Carnmnlll.    lie  was  a  third  son,  and  had  obtained  the  seat  of  power  by  violence.    He  murderoJ 
his  father  and  elder  brother,  and  deposed  his  next  brother,  Ilamet,  the  rightful  heir,  who  at  this  time  was  an  exile  in  • 
Egypt,  whither  he  fled  to  save  his  life,  followed  by  quite  a  large  number  of  adherents. 

>  The  raU  or  commander  of  the  Tripoli  was  Mahomet  Sous.    Three  times  during  the  engagement  the  Tripoli  strucl;  | 
her  colors,  and  as  often  treacherously  renewed  the  combat,  when  Lieutenant  Sterrett  determined  to  sfnlj  her.    She  wa^ 
too  much  of  a  wreck  to  be  taken  into  port — indeed,  according  to  iustmctlons,  she  could  not  be  mai'     >  prhe— and  six  , 
was  dismantled  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  David  Porter.    When  her  commander  reached  Tripoli,  wounded  niitl  | 
heart-broken,  he  was  subjected  to  great  Indignity.    lie  was  placed  upon  a  jackass,  paraded  through  the  streets,  and  aft- 
erward received  the  bastinado. 

'  Richard  Dale  was  bom  near  Norfolk,  Virginia,  on  the  0th  of  November,  ITM.  He  went  to  sea  at  the  age  of  twcivcl 
years,  and  continued  In  the  merchant  service  until  17TB,  when  he  became  lieutenant  of  a  Virginia  cruiser.  He  was  aiil 
active  officer  during  the  whole  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  with  Paul  Jones  In  his  gallant  action  with  the  Sprnjjijilnl 
September,  17T9.  lie  was  then  only  about  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  was  a  great  favorite  with  Jones,  and  the  latlprl 
presented  to  Dale  the  elegant  gold-monntcd  sword  which  Jones  received  from  the  King  of  France.  It  Is  now  In  the  p<)f-f 
Mission  of  his  grandson,  Richard  Dale,  of  Philadelpbin,  where  I  saw  it  in  November,  1801.    The  handle,  guard,  and  bntil 


Tripoli  and  Its  Cnil 

commanded  b 

lutionary  nav' 

conveying  Ho 

of  Tripoli  was 

stellation.     TJn 

others,  and  not 

Tripolitan  gun. 

shore,  with  her 

The  Chesapei 

tain  Bainbridge 

the  Adams  Jate 

cruise  along  the 

commerce.     Fin 

rendezvous  at  3J 

1803,  and  during 

fcctually  restrah 

May.     She  had  a 

and  land  batteriei 

in  killed  and  won 

next  day,  and  in  . 

the  Americans  to 

the  John  Adams 

politan  corsair  lyi 

sair  soon  afterwai 

,  her.     The  ships  ti 

home.     He  arrivct 

the  Mediterranean 

cidcd  that  he  had  n 

and  the  President, 

the  service  witlioiii 

TJie  United  State 

Barbary  Powers,  ai 

andthc  mountings  of  the  s( 
iflilly-wrought  devices  on  i 
lowing  Inscription:  tini.,c 

VEBATOB    STRENCO    VfRTCTI - 

valiant  nsserter  Of  the  freed 
Dale  left  the  service  i„  i 

one  of  the  sU  naval  captain 
commodore  In  1801  bv  beinn 
ran,  and  the  following  year" 
competency,  and  spent  then 
Phia,  where  he  died  in  isjc 

^.TJ^/^^e  of  Commodore  I 
^hS'^t,  Philadelphia  J 
with  the  following  Ine^criptlo 
R.™.,H„  Da,.k.  born  Noven 
V,  ■    '^"  """"est  man,  an  Im 

tons  conciliating  unlvers 
?"  Ic,  he  departed  this  Ilf„  i„ 

".nTh7r""'tt^'^" 

f.t;rn;^em"f^r/cir: 

■-y.whodiedlnDecemr;," 
SeeI,osHlng's;^Wrf.a„„i' 

'Richard  Valentine  Morris, 

1  r^'    ""  ^'"'  re'Jilned  as 
«er  been  considered  8  hlgh-ha 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


110 


Tripoli  uid  its  Cruisers  blockaded. 


Abandonment  of  ihe  Barbary  Coast. 


Commudorea  Morris  and  Dale. 


commanded  by  the  eccentric  Captain  M'Neill  (son  of  Hector  M'Neill,  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary navy),'  was  cruising  in  the  Mediterranean  in  an  independent  way,  after 
conveying  Robert  R.  Livingston,  the  United  States  minister,  to  France.  The  port 
of  Tripoli  was  blockaded  by  her  early  in  May,  where  she  was  joined  by  the  Con- 
stellation. The  latter  vessel  was  soon  left  alone,  as  M'Neill  avoided  tlic  company  of 
others,  and  not  long  afterward  she  had  a  severe  contest  with  a  flotilla  of  seventeen 
Tripolitan  gun-boats.  She  handled  theui  severely,  as  well  as  some  cavalry  on  the 
siiore,  with  her  great  guns. 

The  Chesapeake  reached  Gibraltar  on  the  25tli  of  May,  and  found  the  JEsaex,  Cap- 
tain Bainbridge,  still  blockading  the  two  Tripolitan  cruisers  there.  The  arrival  of 
the  Adams  late  in  July  enabled  the  Chesapeake,  in  company  with  the  Enterprise,  to 
cruise  along  the  north  shore  of  the  Mediterranean  for  the  protection  of  American 
commerce.  Finally  orders  were  given  for  the  different  vessels  of  the  squadron  to 
rendezvous  at  Malta.  They  collected  there  in  the  course  of  the  month  of  January, 
1803,  and  durhig  the  spring  appeared  off  the  ports  of  the  Barbary  Powers,  and  ef- 
fectually restraining  their  corsairs.  Tripoli  was  blockaded  by  the  John  Adarns  in 
May.  She  had  a  severe  engagement  toward  the  close  of  the  month  with  gun-boats 
and  land  batteries.  These  suffered  severely,  and  the  Americans  lost  twelve  or  fifteen 
in  killed  and  wounded.  An  unsuccessful  attempt  to  negotiate  a  peace  was  made  the 
next  day,  and  in  June  the  movements  of  the  Algerine  and  Tunisian  corsairs  induced 
the  Americans  to  raise  the  blockade.  But,  before  leaving,  Commodore  Rodgcrs,  of 
the  John  Adams  (then  in  chief  command),  Avith  the  Enterprise,  attacked  a  large  Tri- 
politan corsair  lying  in  a  sheltered  bay,  and  drove  her  people  to  the  shore.  The  cor- 
sair soon  afterward  blew  up,  Avith  a  large  number  of  persons  who  had  returned  to 
her.  The  ships  then  all  left  the  Barbary  coast,  and  Commodore  Morris  returned 
liomc.  He  arrived  toward  the  close  of  November,  1803.  The  conduct  of  affaii's  in 
the  Mediterranean  under  his  direction  was  not  satisfactory.  A  court  of  inqui-^,  de- 
cided that  he  had  not  "  discovered  due  diligence  and  activity  in  annoying  the  enemy," 
and  the  President,  with  a  precipitation  diflicult  to  be  defended,  dismissed  him  from 
the  service  without  trial. '^ 

The  United  States  government  had  determined  to  act  with  more  vigor  against  the 
Barbary  Powers,  and  in  May,  1803,  Commodore  Preble  was  appointed  to  the  com- 

andthe  monntings  of  the  scabbard  are  solid  gold,  with  beaii- 
liftiUy-wronght  devices  on  them.  Upon  the  blade  is  the  fol- 
lowing Inscription:  vindioati  maris  i.iiniviocs  xvi.  rkmu- 
NEBATOR  STUKNi'o  viRTCTi  —  "Louls  XVI.  rawardcr  of  the 
valiant  nsserter  of  the  freedom  of  the  sen." 

Dale  left  the  service  in  17S0.  In  ir94  he  was  appointed 
one  of  the  six  naval  captains  by  Washington.  He  was  mndo 
commodore  in  ISOl  by  being  placed  in  command  of  a  squad- 
ron, and  the  following  year  he  resigned.  He  retired  with  a 
competency,  and  spent  the  remainder  ofhis  days  in  Philadel- 
phia, where  he  died  in  1826,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of  his 
age. 

The  grave  of  Commodore  Dale  is  in  Christ  Chnrch-yard,  on 
Fifth  street,  Philadelphia.  His  monument  is  a  marble  slab, 
with  the  folloAving  Inscription:  "In  memory  of  Commodore 
Richard  Dai.k,  born  November  C,  1750,  died  February  24, 
Wid.  An  honest  man,  an  incorruptible  patriot,  in  nil  his  re- 
i.ilions  conciliating  universal  love.  A  Christian  without 
i.Tille,  he  departed  this  life  in  the  wcU-fonnded  and  triumph- 
ant hiiiic  of  that  blessedness  which  awaits  all  who,  like  him, 
die  in  the  Lord."  On  the  same  slab  is  an  inscription  com- 
memorative of  the  virtues  of  his  wife,  who  died  In  Septem- 
lier,  1S32,  at  the  age  of  sixty-flve  years.  Very  near  this  tomb 
ii  a  handsome  marble  cross,  erected  to  the  memory  of  Montgomery,  a  son  of  Commodore  Dale,  also  of  the  United  State; 
navy,  who  died  in  December,  1S62,  at  the  age  of  flfty-flvo  years. 

'  See  Losslng's  Field-Book  (\f  the  Revolution,  ii.,  040. 

'  Richnrd  Valentine  Morris  was  the  youngest  son  of  Lewis  Morris,  of  Morrlsania,  New  York,  one  of  the  signers  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence.    He  entered  the  senlco  in  early  life,  and  in  June,  ITOS,  he  wns  commissioned  a  captain  In 
llie  imvy.    He  was  retained  as  fifth  in  rank  at  the  reduction  of  the  navy  In  1801.    His  dismissal  from  the  service  has 
j  ever  been  considered  a  high-handed  political  m  jasnre.    He  died  while  attending  the  Legislature  nt  Albany  In  1814. 


DALE  8   UONUHENT. 


^H«!82^ 


120 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


/^i^^^^2<??^ 


^ 


Squadron  ander  Preble  in  the  Mediterranean.    Settlement  of  DIflcalties  wltli  Morocco.     Capture  of  the  PMUulelphia. 

mand  of  a  equadron,  consisting  ,of  the 
Constitution,  44,  Philadelphia,  38,  Ar- 
ffua  and  Siren,  16  each,  and  Nautilus, 
Vixen,&r\^Enterprise,\2  each.  Preble 
sailed  in  the  Constitution  at  the  middle 
of  August,  and  the  other  vessels  follow- 
ed as  fast  as  they  were  made  ready. 
The  Philadelphia,  Captain  Bainbridgc, 
had  sailed  in  July,  and  on  the  26th  of 
August  captured  the  Moorish  frigate 
Meshboha,  found  holding  in  possession 
an  American  merchant  vessel  which 
she  had  taken  as  a  prize.  It  was  dis- 
covered that  her  commander  was  act- 
ing under  the  orders  of  the  Moorisli 
Governor  of  Tangiers  to  cruise  for 
American  vessels.  The  Philadelphia 
returned  to  Gibraltar  with  her  prize. 

On  the  arrival  of  Preble  he  determ- 
ined to  sail  for  Tangiers  and  make  in- 
quiries respecting  the  hostile  proceed- 
ings of  the  Moors.  He  was  accompa- 
nied by  Commodore  Rodgers,  and  on 
the  6th  of  October  the  Constitution, 
New  York,  John  Adams,  and  Nautilus  <, 
entered  the  Bay  of  Tangiers.  Preble 
had  an  interview  with  the  Emperor  of  Morocco,  who  disavowed  the  act  of  the  Gov- 
<)rnor  of  Tangiers,  and  expressed  a  desire  to  remain  at  peace  w'th  the  United  States, 
The  difficulty  with  Morocco  being  settled,  Rodgers  sailed  for  home,  and  Preble 
made  energi'tic  preparations  to  bring  Tripoli  to  terms,  A  serious  disaster  soon  oc- 
curred. On  the  morning  of  the  31st  of  October  the  Philadelphia  chased  a  Tripolitan 
ship  into  the  harbor  of  Tripoli.  In  endeavoring  to  beat  off  she  struck  on  a  rock  not 
laid  down  in  any  of  the  cliarts.  Every  effort  to  get  her  off  failed,  and  she  was  at- 
tacked and  finally  captured  by  the  Tripolitans.  Bainbridge  and  his  officers  and  men 
were  made  prisoners,  and  two  days  afterward  the  ship  was  extricated  and  taken  into  the 
harbor.  The  officers  were  treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  but  the  crew  were  made  slaves. 
Bainbridge  found  means  to  report  his  misfortune  to  Preble  at  Malta,  and  to  sug- 
gest the  destruction  of  the  Philadelphia,  which  was  being  fitted  for  sea.  Preble  had 
recently  appeared  off  Tripoli  for  the  first  time.  On  the  23d  of  December  the  Mit&'- 
prise.  Lieutenant  Decatur,  sailing  in  company  with  the  flag-ship,  captured  a  ketch 
called  the  Mastico,  then  belonging  to  the  Tripolitans,  and  bound  to  Constantinople 
with  a  present  of  female  slaves  for  the  Sultan.  Heavy  storms  arose,  and  Preble  and 
Decatur  sailed  into  Syracuse,  where  the  ketch  was  appraised  and  taken  mto  the 
service,  with  the  name  of  the  Intrepid. 

Decatur  had  formed  a  plan  for  cutting  out  or  destroying  the  Philadelphia.  It  was 
approved  by  Preble ;  and  on  the  3d  of  February,  1 804,  he  left  Syracuse  with  orders 
and  preparations  to  destroy  her.  Tlie  Intrepid  was  chosen  for  the  service,  and  sev- 
enty-four determined  young  men  sailed  in  her  for  the  port  of  Tripoli,  accompanied  by 
the  brig  Siren,  Lieutenant  Stewart.  Heavy  storms  delayed  their  operations  until  the 
16th,  when,  in  the  evening,  the  young  moon  shining  brightly,  the  Intrepid  sailed  into 
the  harbor,  and  was  warped  alongside  the  Philadelphia  without  exciting  suspicion, 
she  having  assumed  the  character  of  a  vessel  in  distress.  Most  of  the  officers  and 
men  were  conce&led  until  the  ketch  was  placed  alongside  the  Philadelphia.    Then, 


De8trnctlonofthe/>A,; 


for  the  first,  th( 

other  officers  spi 

the  turbaned  del 

immediately  set 

teries  and  cap  Je, 

guns  of  the  Phila 

imminent  danger 

men  was  killed,  a 

Intrepid,  by  the  i 

with  their  strong 

ant  breeze  both  v 

people  of  the  towi 

roic  act  Decatur  i 

companied  him  wc 

>T\m  bold  act  gr 

ade  of  his  port  by 

•  1804.    ^^  *''°  ^'^se 
anchored  th 
tection  lay  in  heav^ 
teen  gun-boats,  a  bi 
land-soldiers,  and  a 
not  dismay  Preble. 
a  heavy  cannonade 
get  near  enough  ft 
place,  and  finally  L 
lay  his  vessel  alongs 
and  captured  her  af 
other,  when  he  had 
Tripolitan  captain. 
finally  killed  by  De( 
captured.  2    After  a 
of  the  enemy's  gun-bi 
aheavy  loss  of  life  ha( 
it  prudent  to  withdrj 
The  second  attack 
'AnguBt.    »fte'-noonof 
passed  into 
captured  on  the  3d,  a: 
with  it  her  command 
sey.and  eight  of  her 
cleared  away  her  bow 
ert  T.  Spence  and  elev 
with  which  she  was 
gun  at  the  enemy,  and 
men  in  boats,  for  the 
gone  to  the  bottom. 
I    Again,  after  inflictin] 
drew,  but  renewed  thf 

I  >»',r"'  ^"P"""  Decatur  was 
I    .*c  was  as  bravely  emulati, 

.Irak  Decatur  on  the  forehead 
Itjntly.   HewastbeonlyAmer, 
'Decatur  attacked  the  Tripoli^ 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


121 


DestroctioD  of  tbe  Philadelphia, 


Tripoli  bombarded. 


A  hand  to  hand  Fight. 


Gallantry  of  Decatnr. 


•1804. 


for  the  first,  the  Tripolitans  suspected  them.  At  the  same  moment  Decatur  and 
other  officers  sprang  on  board  the  frigate,  followed  by  their  men.  In  a  few  minutes 
the  turbaned  defenders  of  the  vessel  were  all  killed  or  driven  into  the  sea.  She  was 
immediately  set  on  lire,  in  the  midst  of  the  roar  of  cannon  from  the  Tripolitan  bat- 
teries and  caf  Je,  and  from  two  corsairs  near.  The  scene  was  magnificent ;  and  as  the 
iruns  of  the  Philadelphia  became  heated  they  were  discharged.  The  Intrepid  was  in 
imminent  danger  from  the  flames,  but  she  escaped.  Not  one  of  the  gallant  Decatur's 
men  was  killed,  and  only  four  were  wounded.  In  the  light  of  the  conflagration  the 
Intrepid,  by  the  aid  of  oars,  swept  out  of  the  harbor,  where  the  boats  of  the  Siren, 
with  their  strong  sweeps,  were  in  readiness  to  aid  in  towing  her  ofi".  Before  a  pleas- 
ant breeze  both  vessels  sailed  for  Syracuse,  where  the  American  squadron  and  the 
people  of  the  town  welcomed  them  with  strong  demonstrations  of  joy.  For  this  he- 
roic act  Decatur  was  promoted  to  captain,  and  several  of  the  other  officers  who  ac- 
companied him  were  advanced. 

sThis  bold  act  greatly  alarmed  the  Bey  or  Bashaw  of  Tripoli,  and  the  ensuing  block- 
ade of  his  port  by  Commodore  Pi-eble  made  him  exceedingly  circumspect.     Finally, 
at  the  close  of  July,"  Preble  entered  the  harbor  of  Tripoli  with  his  squadron,  and 
anchored  the  Constitution  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  walled  city,  whose  pro- 
tection lay  in  heavy  batteries  mounting  one  hundred  and  fifteen  cannon,  nine- 
teen gun-boats,  a  brig,  two  schooners,  and  some  galleys,  twenty-five  thousand 
land-soldiers,  and  a  sheltering  reef  of  dangerous  rocks  and  shoals.    These  did 
not  dismay  Preble.    On  the  3d  of  August,  at  three  in  the  afternoon,  he  opcjied 
a  heavy  cannonade  and  bombardment  from  his  gun-boats,  which  alone  could 
(jet  near  enough  for  effective  service.     Conflict  in  closer  range  soon  took 
place,  and  finally  Lieutenant  Decatur,  commanding  gun-boat  Number  Four, 
lay  bis  vessel  alongside  one  of  the  largest  of  those  of  the  enemy,  and  boarded 
and  captured  her  after  a  df  .perate  struggle.  ^    He  immediately  boarded  an- 
other, when  he  had  a  most  desperate  personal  encounter  with  the  powerful 
Tripolitan  captain.     The  struggle  was  brief  but  deadly.     The  captain  was 
finally  killed  by  Decatur  at  a  moment  of  fearful  peril,  and  the  vessel  was 
captured.'^    After  a  general  conflict  of  two  hours,  during  which  time  three 
of  the  enemy's  gun-boats  were  sunk  in  the  harbor,  three  of  them  captured,  and 
aheavy  loss  of  life  had  been  suffered  by  the  Tripolitans,  the  Americans  thought 
it  prudent  to  withdraw,  but  to  renew  the  conflict  four  days  afterward. 
Tlie  second  attack  on  Tripoli  commenced  at  lialf  past  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  7th.''     An  hour  afterward  a  hot  shot  from  the  town 
'AngM.    pjjgggj  into  the  hull  of  gun-boat  A^wmfier  iVmc,  one  of  the  prizes 
captured  on  the  3d,  and  fired  her  magazine.    The  vessel  was  destroyed,  and 
with  it  her  commander.  Lieutenant  Caldwell,  of  the  Siren,  Midshipman  Dor- 
sey,  and  eight  of  her  crew.     Six  others  were  wounded.     When  the  smoke 
cleared  away  her  bow  only  was  above  water.    On  it  were  Midshipman  Rob- 
ert T.  Spence  and  eleven  men,  busily  engaged  in  loading  the  long  24-pounder 
with  which  she  was  armed.     They  gave  three  loud  cheers,  discharged  the 
gun  at  the  enemy,  and  a  moment  afterward  were  picked  from  the  water  by 
men  in  boats,  for  the  wreck  on  which  they  stood,  with  its  great  gun,  had 
gone  to  the  bottom. 
Again,  after  inflicting  some  damage  upon  the  enemy,  the  Americans  with- 


drew,  but  renewed  the  attack  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month.     This  was  wkaton. 

'  While  Captain  Decatur  was  thus  gallantly  nssalling  the  enemy,  his  younger  brother  James,  flret  lieutenant  of  the 
Ami/dHc,  was  as  bravely  emulating  his  example.  In  command  of  gun-boat  Xumber  Tim.  He  had  caused  the  surrender  of 
die  of  the  enemy's  largest  vessels,  and  was  boarding  her  to  take  possession,  when  the  captain  of  the  surrendered  vessel 
treacherously  shot  him  and  escaped.  The  miscreant's  pistol  was  loaded  with  two  balls  connected  by  a  wire.  The  wire 
ilnick  Decatur  on  the  forehead,  and  bending,  the  two  balls  entered  hie  temples,  one  on  each  side,  and  killed  him  in- 
Htntly.    He  was  the  only  American  officer  killed  in  this  engagement. 

■  Decatur  attacked  the  Tripolitan  captain  with  a  pike.    The  assailed  seized  It  and  turned  It  npon  his  assailant.   Deco- 


J^ 


■i 

J 

1 

t-  =s 


111 


i  I 


122 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Trlixilt  bombarded  the  Fifth  Time. 


A  floating  Mine. 


Ita  Explosion  in  the  Harbor  of  Tripoli, 


brief,  and  without  any  important  rcBults.  But  on  the  29th  a  fourth  and  more  formi- 
dable attack  was  made  by  the  American  gun-boats,  commencing  at  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  The  conflict  continued  until  daylight,  with  great  fury  on  both  sides,  when 
the  Constitution  ran  toward  the  harbor,  under  heavy  fire  from  the  Bashaw's  castle 
and  Fort  English.  She  signaled  the  gun-boats  to  withdraw,  correctly  supposing  their 
ammunition  to  be  nearly  exhausted.  This  was  done  under  the  fire  of  the  Constitution, 
which,  with  grape  and  round  shot,  greatly  damaged  the  gun-boats  of  the  enemy  and 
caused  them  to  retreat.  She  then  ran  in,  and  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  the  town,  bat- 
teries, and  castle.  She  soon  silenced  the  guns  of  the  castle  and  two  batteries,  sunk  a 
Tunisian  vessel,  damaged  a  Spanish  one,  severely  bruised  the  enemy's  galleys  and 
gun-boats,  and  then  withdrew,  without  having  a  man  hurt. 

The  American  squadron  lay  at  anchor  off  Tripoli  until  the  2d  of  September  repair- 
ing damages.  It  then  sailed  for  the  harbor,  where  it  arrived  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
3d.  The  enemy,  profiting  by  experience,  had  adopted  new  tactics.  The  change  coin- 
pelled  Preble  to  modify  his  own  plan.  At  half  past  three  in  the  afternoon  the  bonj)- 
ketches  opened  the  conflict  by  bombarding  the  town.  The  Constitution  ran  down  to 
the  rocky  reef  and  opened  a  heavy  fire,  at  grape-shot  distance,  upon  the  castle  and  the 
city.  She  poured  in  eleven  eflective  broadsides,  while  the  smaller  vessels  were  car- 
rying on  the  conflict  at  other  points.  The  general  engagement  lasted  an  hour  and  a 
quarter,  when,  the  wind  rising  freshly,  the  commander,  in  the  exercise  of  prudence, 
gave  a  signal  for  the  squadron  to  withdraw. 

The  ketch  Intrepid,  used  in  the  destruction  of  the  Philadelphia,  had  been  converted 
into  a  floating  mine,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  enemy's  cruisers  in  the  harbor 
of  Tripoli.  One  hundred  barrels  of  gunpowder  were  placed  in  a  room  below  deck, 
and  mimediately  above  them  a  large  quantity  of  shot,  shell,  and  irregular  pieces  of 
iron  were  deposited.  In  other  parts  of  the  vessel  combustibles  were  placed,  and  slie 
was  made  in  every  way  a  most  disagreeable  neighbor.  On  the  night  succeeding  the 
fifth  bombardment  of  Tripoli  she  was  sent  into  the  harbor  on  her  destructive  mission, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Soniers,  who  had  behaved  gallantly  during  the  recent 
attacks  on  the  town.  He  was  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Wadsworth,  of  the  Constitution, 
and  Mr.  Israel,  an  ardent  young  oflicer,  who  got  on  board  the  ketch  by  stealth.  These, 
Avith  a  few  men  to  work  the  Intrepid,  and  the  crews  of  two  boats  employed  in  towing 
her,  composed  the  expedition. 

At  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  Intrepid  entered  the  harbor  on  her  perilous  mis- 
sion. The  night  was  very  dark,  and  she  soon  disappeared  in  the  gloom.  Many  eager 
eyes  were  turned  in  the  direction  where  her  shadowy  form  was  last  seen.  All  hearts 
in  the  squadron  beat  quickly  with  anxiety.  Suddenly  a  fierce  and  lurid  light  streamed 
up  from  the  dark  bosom  of  the  waters  like  volcanic  fires,  and  illuminated  with  its 
horrid  gleams  the  rocks,  forts,  flotilla,  caiitle,  town,  and  the  broad  expanse  of  the  har- 
bor, followed  instantly  by  .an  explosion  that  made  all  surrounding  objects  tremble. 
Flaming  masts  and  sails  and  fiery  bombs  rained  upon  the  waters  for  a  few  moments, 

tnr  dre^v  his  cntloss  and  attempted  to  cnt  off  the  head  of  the  pike,  when  his  weapon  snapped  ot  the  hilt,  and  he  was  left 
apparently  at  the  mercy  of  the  Turk.  He  parried  the  thrnst  of  the  Tripolltan,  ond  sprang  upon  and  clutclicd  him  by  the 
throat.  A  trial  of  strength  ensued,  ond  they  both  fell  to  the  dc  '  "^he  Tripolitan  attempted,  as  they  iny,  to  draw  a 
small  ponlnrd  from  his  sash.  Decatur  perceived  the  movement,  grabpea  ^he  hand  that  held  the  deadly  steel,  and  drew 
from  his  own  pocket  a  small  pistol,  which  he  passed  round  the  body  of  his  antagonist,  pointed  it  inward,  and  shot  him 
dead.  During  the  affi-ay,  Reuben  James,  a  quarter-gunner,  performed  a  most  self-sacrificing  act.  One  of  the  Tripolitan 
crew,  seeing  the  perilous  condition  of  his  commander,  aimed  a  sabrc-blow  at  Decatur's  head.  James,  with  both  firing 
disabled  from  wounds  and  bleeding  profusely,  rushed  between  the  Tripolitan  and  his  commander,  and  received  tlic  i 


sabre-stroke  upon  his  own 
head.  The  blow  was  not  fa- 
tal. Decatur  took  the  dirk 
from  his  foe,  and  afterward 
presented  it  to  Captain 
(now  [1807]  the  venerable 


TBirOLITAN   I'ONIABD. 


Vice-Admirai)  Charles  Stew- 
art—fi-om  which  the  annexed  j 
drawing  was  made.  One  of  the 
weapons— a  powerful  though  I 
not  large  sort  of  a  sword  or  J 
long  knife,  in  a  shark- skin [ 


Deatmction  of  the 

when  all  was 
and  ears  hcnt 
imtil  the  daw 
man  of  that  pt 
an  accident  or 
a  patriotic  han 
into  the  hands 
the  matter  has 
Lack  of  pow( 
modoro  Preble 
maintenance  of 
10th  of  Septeml 
Barron.     He  ret 
highest  regards 
Congress  voted 
Oa  PrcbJo  they 


'Waldo,  in  his  £,/»„/ ft,, 
Hat  as  the /n«rfp«  moved  t 
men  In  each,  captured  the" 
their  fate  to  be  miserable  ca 
elevcD  months,  considered  d 
pression  a  newspaper  writer 


scabbard— which  was  taken  trom  the  enemy  by  Decatur  at  that  time,  Is  delineated  in  the  engraving  on  page  121.  It  | 
U  in  the  possession  of  F.  J.  Dreer,  Esq.,  of  Pbiladclpbia.— See  Waldo's  Li/e  qfjheatur,  page  132, 


'Edward  Preble  was  born  1 

"(i  engaged  in  the  merchant 

'''i<'7''fd  became  Ileutena 

Wepeudence.    He  was  the  fir 

ITO  cruises  in  the  brig  a"L 

»Wch  he  sailed  to  the  East  ?n 


nio  likeness  of  Preble  given, 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


1S8 


Deatructlun  of  tho  Intrtpid. 


Honora  to  Commodura  Preble. 


Biographical  Sketch. 


when  all  was  again  silence  and  darkness  three-fold  greater  than  before.  Anxious  eyes 
and  ears  bent  in  the  direction  of  the  dreadful  explosion.  Tho  boats  were  waited  for 
until  the  dawn  with  almost  insupportable  impatience.  They  never  came,  and  no 
man  of  that  perilous  expedition  was  heard  of  afterward.  Whether  the  explosion  was 
an  accident  or  a  sacrifice — whether  a  shot  from  the  enemy,  or  a  brand  dropped  from 
a  patriotic  hand  to  prevent  the  ketch  and  its  freight  of  men  and  powder  from  falling 
into  the  hands  of  the  Tripolitans — can  never  be  known.  For  more  than  sixty  years 
the  matter  has  been  shrouded  in  impenetrable  mystery.* 

Lack  of  powder  and  the  approach  of  the  stormy  season  of  the  year  induced  Com- 
modore Preble  to  cease  operations  on  the  dangerous  Barbary  coast,  other  than  the 
maintenance  of  the  blocVado  of  Tripoli.  Not  another  shot  was  fired ;  and  on  the 
10th  of  September*  Preble  was  relieved  by  the  arrival  of  Commodore  Samuel 
Barron.  He  returned  home  late  in  February,  1805,  bearing  expressions  of  the 
highest  regards  from  his  officers,  and  received  the  homage  of  the  nation's  gratitude.'^ 
Congress  voted  thanks  to  the  commodore,  and  all  who  had  served  under  his  orders. 
On  Preble  they  bestowed  a  gold  medal  bearing  appropriate  devices  and  inscrip" 


UEDAL  GIVEN  TO  flO3IM0DOBE  PBKOLE. 


1  WaUlo,  in  his  Li/e  o/  Decatvr,  page  14C,  says  that  an  eye-witness  informed  him  that  the  evening  was  unusually  calm ; 
that  as  the  Intrepid  moved  silently  into  the  inner  harbor,  two  of  the  enemy's  heaviest  galleys,  with  more  than  n  hundred 
men  in  each,  captured  the  "  Infernal,"  wholly  unconscious  of  her  cl)aracter.  The  impression  was  that  Somcrs,  knowing 
ihcir  fate  to  be  miserable  captivity  if  taken  prisoners  into  the  city,  where  Bainbridge  and  his  men  had  then  suffered  for 
eleven  months,  considered  death  preferable,  and  with  his  own  hand  flred  the  magazine  of  the  Intrepid.  Under  this  im- 
prewion  a  newspaper  writer,  after  alluding  to  the  capture,  wrote  with  more  feeling  than  poetry— 

"  In  haste  they  board :  see  Somcrs  stand, 
Determined,  cool,  formed  to  command, 
The  match  of  death  in  his  right  hand, 

Scorning  a  life  of  slavery. 
And  now  behold !  Jhe  match  applied, 
The  mangled  foe  the  welkin  ride : 
Whirling  aloft,  brave  Somers  cried, 
'  A  glorioas  death  or  liberty  1' " 
'Edward  Preble  was  born  in  Portland,  Maine,  on  the  16th  of  August,  1761.    He  early  evinced  a  passion  for  the  sea, 
and  engaged  in  the  merchant  service.    He  became  a  midshipman  in  the  naval  service  in  1779  in  the  state  ship  Protector. 
lie  afterward  became  lieutenant  of  the  sloop-of-war  Winthrop,  and  remained  in  her  during  the  remainder  of  the  war  fbr 
iDdependence.    He  was  the  first  lieutenant  appointed  in  the  new  naval  establishment  in  1TO8,  and  soon  afterward  made 
l»o  cruises  in  the  brig  Pickerinii  ns  commander.    In  1800  he  was  made  captain  and  placed  in  command  of  the  E»sex,  in 
which  he  sailed  to  the  East  Indies  to  convoy  American  vessels.    On  account  of  ill  health  he  withdrew  from  active  serv- 
ice until  1808,  when  he  went  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea.    After  his  succcssfVil  operations  there  he  again  withdrew  ft-om 
Ihe  service.    In  1800  ho  suffered  severely  troxa  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  from  which  he  never  recovered.    lie 
died  on  the  26th  of  August,  ISOT,  at  the  age  of  forty-six  years.    To  his  memory  a  friend  wrote  In  1807— 
"  Lamented  chief!  though  death  be  calmly  past. 
Our  navy  trembled  when  he  breathed  his  last  I 
Our  navy  mourns  him,  but  it  mourns  in  vain : 
A  Preble  ne'er  will  live— ne'er  die  again  1 
Yet  hope,  desponding,  at  the  thought  revives — 
A  second  Preble— a  Deoatdr  lives  1" 
I  The  likeness  of  Preble  given  on  page  120  is  flrom  a  portrait  of  him  in  Fancoil  Hall,  Boston. 


■'w 


i     ( 


ram 


11 


124 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Commodore  Barmti's  Sqimtlron  In  the  Mediterranean,    The  Naval  Monument  at  Annapolli.    DeTlcen  and  Inacrlpttonn. 

tions.'  Officers  of  tho  navy  afterward  caused  a  white  marble  monument  to  be  erected 
at  tlie  government  dock-yard  near  the  National  Capitol  in  memory  of  their  brother 
officers  who  fell  at  Tripoli,'^ 

Commodore  Barron  found  himself  in  command  of  a  much  greater  naval  force  thd.ii 
the  Americans  had  ever  put  afloat  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  It  consisted  of  tlie 
Prm</('w<,  44,  Captain  Cox;  6'o>t«<t<M<ion,  44,  Captain  Decatur;  C'o7iffrea8,  SS,  Ci\])Uun 
Itodgers ;  Constellation^  38,  Captain  Campbell ;  JCiisex,  32,  Captain  J.  Barron ;  >Sm'«, 
16,  Captain  Stewart ;  Arrpis,  10,  Captain  Hull ;  Vixen,  12,  Captain  Smith ;  Enterjmse, 
12,  Lieutenant  Commandant  Robinson,  and  Nautilus,  12,  Lieutenant  Commandant 
Dent,  The  John  Adanis,  28,  Captain  Chauncey,  and  the  Hornet,  12,  Lieutenant  Com- 
mandant Evans,  with  two  bombs  and  twelve  gun-boats,  were  expected  to  join  the 
Mediterranean  squadron.  It  will  be  perceived  that  in  this  squadron,  in  actual  com- 
mand, were  many  of  those  who  attained  to  great  distinction  during  the  War  of  1812. 


'  The  engraving  on  the  preceding  page  shows  tho  exact  bIzc  of  the  medal, 
dore,  with  the  legend,  "Ki>waiiiio  Pukiilk,  duoi  btrenco  oo.mitia  AM^:Ill<^\NA." 
barding  tho  town  and  forts  of  Tripoli;  legend,  "  vinuioi  oommbboii  aheiiioam. 


On  one  side  Is  a  bnst  of  tho  comrno- 
On  tho  rcvcmc,  the  American  fleet  bom- 
Exergue— \tiiK  tbipoli,  18(W." 

>  The  picture  repreeenls  tho  monu- 
ment as  It  appeared  when  first  erected. 
It  Is  of  whlto  marble,  and  with  Its  pres- 
ent  pedestal  (not  seen  In  the  engrnv- 
Ing)  Is  about  forty  feet  In  height.  It 
was  mutilated  when  tho  navy  yard  at 
Washington  was  burned  In  1S14.  It 
was  afterward  repaired,  and  removed 
t<j  the  west  front  of  tho  Capitol  In 
\\'a8blngton,  where  It  was  placed  upon 
a  spacious  brown-stone  base  In  an  oval 
reservoir  of  water.  (The  monuir.snt, 
with  this  base,  was  removed  to  Annap- 
olis, In  Maryland,  in  ISCfl,  and  xct  up 
there  In  tho  grounds  of  the  Naval 
Academy.  In  consequence  of  the  Great 
Robelllou,  In  1801,  that  academy  wn« 
removed  to  Newport,  Rhode  Island. 
The  monument  was  left.  "It  is  sltn- 
ated,"  wrote  Mr.  William  Yorke  Alice 
to  tho  author  In  January,  1802,  "on  a 
bill  in  the  northwestern  portion  of  the 
naval  school  grounds.  It  is  in  a  state 
of  good  preservation,  and  adds  uot  a 
little  to  the  beauty  of  the  grounds." 

The  shaft  Is  surmounted  by  the 
American  eagle,  bearing  the  shield. 
On  Its  sides  the  representations  of  the 
bows  of  vessels  are  seen  projecting, 
and  by  its  pedestal  is  an  allegorical 
figure  otFame  In  the  attitude  of  alight- 
ing, with  a  coronal  of  leaves  in  one 
hand  and  a  pen  in  the  other.  The 
form  of  the  pedestal  has  been  altered. 
On  one  side  of  the  base,  in  relief,  is  a 
view  of  Tripoli  and  the  American 
squadron ;  on  the  other  the  names  of 
the  heroes  In  whose  memory  the 
monument  was  erected.  On  three 
sides  of  tho  base  are  statues  rep- 
resenting Mercury  (Commerce),  ll\»- 
tory,  and  America,  the  latter  In  the 
form  of  an  Indian  girl  with  a  feather 
head-dress,  half  nude,  and  two  chil- 
dren near.  On  the  brown  sandstone 
sub-base  on  which  this  monument  now 
stands  are  the  following  InscriptionE, 
upon  three  sides : 

1.  "Erected  to  the  memory  of  Captain  Richard  Somers,  Lieutenants  James  Caldwell,  James  Decatur,  Henry  Wads- 
worth,  Joseph  Israel,  and  John  Dorsey,  who  fell  in  the  different  attacks  made  on  the  city  of  Tripoli  in  tho  year  of  our 
Lord  1804,  and  in  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States." 

2.  "The  love  of  country  Inspired  them.  Fanx  has  crowned  their  deeds.  Jlftstorj/ records  the  event.  TheCAjWrenii/ 
Columbia  admire,  and  Commerce  laments  their  fall." 

S.  "  As  a  small  tribute  of  respect  to  their  memory,  and  admiration  of  their  valor,  so  worthy  of  Imitation,  their  brother 
officers  have  erected  this  monnmeul." 


HAVAL  1I0^D1IE.^T. 


Alliance  with  Ilame 

Barron's  flu/, 

meiiacini,'  AIooj 

1804-6.  ■"  Mean 

against  Tripoli 

ciitcd  under  th 

tainWilliiiniEa 

army,  then  cons 

We    Ji,ave    al 

Ilaniet  Caranial 

of  the  beyship  o 

iukes.     It  Was  < 

brother,     Accor 

Kgypt"  to  conie 

and  the  Viceroy 

He  left  the  Man 

Alexandria,  wlio 

nations.    Early  i 

Imndred  and  nine 

the  great  Desert 

tcrranean  for  a  tli 

American  vessels, 

After  two  success 

ed  the  capital,  coi 

when,  to  the  mort 

of  Ilamet,  they  we 

pared  before  Trij 

Ba.shaw.i 

Thus  ended  the  1 

and  Commodore  W 

qiienceofthe  failin 

the  I  St  of  August, 

to  the  United  State 

The  power  of  the 

the  barbarians  of  tl 

neaii  Sea  was  relievi 

ieans  had  done  mon 

powers  of  Europe  u 

navy  in  the  Mediter 

'"It  had  been  an  adi 

value  of  the  lessons 

the  war  with  Great 

While  these  event 

part  of  the  American 

eommenced  in  Europ 

cessity  of  strengthen! 

We  have  observed 

and  that  England  pj 

thousands  of  Englishi 

I  .'"P""' "  was  agreed  that  «flO 
!ta«hamillatIngTerm«fortr' 
»lfe  and  children.    HelostTvi 
Wlon  for  his  services!^? 


n  it 


OF   THE   WAU   OF    18  12. 


196 


y^^^^ii^^^^T^^^ 


Alliance  with  lUmet  Caramalll.    March  acroM  Northern  AMc*.    Peace  with  Tripoli.    The  Bwbarjr 

HarroirH  fliig-Hhip  waH  the  l^e«ident,  Lt-aving  Bomo  of  his  force  to  overawe  the 
mcnucing  Moorn,  lie  kept  up  tlie  blockade  of  Tripoli  during  the  autumn  aixl  winter  of 
1804-6.  Meanwhile  a  land  inovenient 
ajjainst  Tripoli  was  conceived  and  exe- 
cuted under  the  management  of  Cap- 
tain William  Eaton,  of  the  United  States 
army,  then  consul  at  Tunis. 

We  have  already  observed  tliat 
Ilainet  Caramalli,  the  right  possessor 
of  the  beyship  of  Tripoli,  had  fled  to  Egypt.  lie  had  taken  refuge  with  the  Mame- 
lukes. It  was  determined  to  make  common  cause  with  him  against  his  usurping 
brother.  Acc:ordingly  Captain  Eaton,  with  three  American  officers,  set  out  for 
Egyjtt*  to  confer  with  him.  Ilamct  joyfully  accepted  their  alliance,  .  November  20, 
aiui  the  Viceroy  of  Egypt  gave  him  permission  to  leave  the  country.  ^*'^- 

He  left  the  Mamelukes  with  about  forty  followers,  and  joined  Eaton  westward  of 
Alexandria,  who  was  at  the  head  of  a  small  number  of  troops,  composed  of  men  of  all 
nations.     Early  in  March*"  the  allies,  with  transportation  consisting  of  one    t.  Mnroh  o, 
hundred  and  ninety  camels,  started  for  Tripoli.    They  traversed  portions  of        ^*"^- 
the  great  Desert  of  Barea,  and  the  wild  regions  along  the  African  coast  of  the  Medi- 
terranean for  a  thousand  miles.     Late  in  April,"  in  conjunction  with  two    «  April  2T. 
American  vessels,  they  captured  the  Tripolitan  sea-port  town  of  Dernc.     d  May  is  and 
After  two  successful  engagements''  with  Tripolitan  troops  they  approach-       "'""''  ^^• 
ed  the  capital,  confident  of  success,  for  their  followers  had  become  very  numerous, 
when,  to  the  mortification  of  Captain  Eaton  and  the  extinguishment  of  all  the  hopes 
of  Ilamet,  they  were  apprised  that  Tobias  Lear,  consul-general  on  that  coast,  had  ap- 
peared before  Tripoli  in  the  £Jssex,  and  made  a  treaty"  with  the  terrified 
Bashaw.' 

Thus  ended  the  four  years'  M'ar  with  Tripoli.  The  mlcr  of  Tunis  was  yet  insolent, 
and  Commodore  Rodgers,  who  had  become  commander  of  the  squadron  in  conse- 
iiuence  of  the  failing  health  of  Barron,  anchored  thirteen  vessels  beft)re  liis  capital  on 
tiie  Ist  of  August.  The  haughty  Bey  was  speedily  humbled,  and  sent  an  embassador 
to  the  United  States. 

The  power  of  the  American  government  was  now  acknowledged  and  feared  by  all 
the  barbarians  of  the  northern  shores  of  Africa,  and  the  commerce  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean Sea  was  relieved  of  great  peril.  Pope  Pius  the  Seventh  declared  that  the  Amer- 
icans had  done  more  for  Christendom  against  the  North  African  pirates  than  all  the 
powers  of  Europe  united.  The  cruising  and  belligerent  operations  of  the  American 
navy  in  the  Mediterranean  had  not  only  accomplished  this  great  good  for  the  w(»rld, 
but  had  been  an  admirable  school  for  the  military  marine  of  the  United  States.  The 
value  of  the  lessons  taught  in  that  school  was  manifested  a  thousand  times  durhig 
the  war  with  Great  Britain  that  ensued  a  few  years  later. 

While  these  events  in  the  Mediterranean,  connected  in  the  practical  service  on  the 
part  of  the  Americans  with  the  "War  of  1812,  were  transpiring,  political  changes  had 
commenced  in  Europe  which  speedily  aroused  the  United  States  to  a  sense  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  strengthening  the  naval  arm  of  the  government. 

We  have  observed  that  the  beginning  of  1802  saw  a  general  pacification  of  Europe, 
and  that  England  paid  obsequious  court  to  Bonaparte,  whose  fascinations  allured 
thousands  of  Englishmen  to  France.     Tliis  "JFirst  Kiss  in  Ten  Years,"  celebrated  by 

'  This  treaty  was  not  creditable.  Althongb  it  was  etipnlated  that  the  United  States  shonld  pay  no  more  tribute  to 
Tripoli,  It  was  agreed  that  $aO,(K)fl  should  be  paid  for  captives  then  in  possession  cf  the  Bashaw.  Altogether  better  and 
\m  humiliating  terms  for  the  United  States  raight  have  been  obtained.  All  that  Hamet  gained  was  the  release  of  his 
iflfe  and  children.  He  lost  every  thing  else.  He  afterward  came  to  the  United  States,  and  applied  to  CongreBS  for  re- 
maneration  for  his  eervices  In  tavor  of  the  AmericaLS.  His  petition  was  denied,  but  $2400  were  voted  for  his  temporary 
relisf. 


I  ,        -1^' 


1  \ 


139 


riCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


BoBtparte  daclkr.d  Contul  for  LIAs. 


III!  Imolence  toward  the  Enifllib. 


War  declared  BKalnit  Franrr. 


iho  oftricatnriwtH,  was  tho  last  for  more  than  that  space  of  time.  First  jealousy,  thou 
HiiHpicion,  and,  finally,  intonno  hatrod  of  Franco  and  her  ruler  took  poHsenHion  of  the 
English  mind.  These  feelings  were  intensified  by  tin;  act  of  the  French  Senate,  who 
•  AnjTO«t8,     declared  Honapartc  consul  for  life,"  a  declination  speedily  sanctioned  hy  the 

*  •  votes  of  three  millions  of  Frenchmen.  This  was  jealously  regarded  us  it 
cautious  step  toward  more  absolute  power,  which  Englaml  feared ;  and  when,  im- 
"  AuKuntis.  mediately  afYerward,  first  tho  Islaml  of  Elba,''  flu'n  Piedmont,"  then  the 
'  September  11.  Ducliy  of  Parma,''  were  incorporated  into  the  dominionH  of  France,  no 
'October.  Qup  doubted  that  the  First  Consul  wouhl  speedily  set  armies  in  motion 

for  the  greater  aggrandizement  of  hiinself  and  the  country  of  his  adoption. 

England  professed  to  sec  in  this  accession  of  territory  infringements  of  tho  Treaty 
of  Amiens.  Honapartc  retorted  by  accusing  Great  liritain  of  violating  the  sp'rit  of 
treaties  and  endeavoring  to  disturb  tho  peace  of  Europe,  for  which  he  was  laboring, 
and  assumed  toward  Rlngland  a  haughty  and  dictatorial  tone  that  wounded  her  sens- 
itive pride.  lie  evinced  a  disposition  to  possess  Malta;  required  England  to  drive 
royal  French  emigrants  froir^  her  shores,  where  they  had  taken  refuge  ;  demanded  a 
suppression  of  the  liberties  of  the  English  pn  ,48  in  its  criticisms  on  French  affairs,  be- 
cause it  was  regarded  as  liis  most  dangerous  enemy ;  and  actually  asked  for  a  modifi- 
cation of  the  English  Constitution.'  He  was  charged  with  inciting  another  rebellion 
in  Ireland,  and  distributing  liis  secret  emissaries,  under  the  guise  of  consuls,  all  along 
the  British  coasts.'' 

The  cup  of  Bonaparte's  iniquity  was  finally  made  full  to  English  comprehension 
when,  at  the  beginning  of  March,  1 803,  lie  declared,  in  an  official  note  to  Lord  Whit- 
worth,  the  British  embassador  in  Paris,  that  England,  alone,  can  not  now  encountor 
France."  That  announcement,  assuming  tho  shape  of  a  menace,  raised  a  storm  of 
patriotic  indignation  all  over  England,  which  found  a  loud  echo  in  t'le  House  of  Lords 
on  the  9th  of  March.  That  indignation,  not  unmixed  with  alarm,  became  more  in- 
tense when  intelligence  reached  London  that  a  Senatua  Consultiim  on  the  21  st  of 
March  had  placed  one  Imndred  and  twenty  thousand  conscripts  at  the  command  of 
the  French  ruler.  Still  professing  a  desire  for  peace,  the  Addington  ministry  contin- 
ued negotiations  with  Bonaparte.  Finally,  in  May,  the  British  minister  iit  Piiris,  who 
had  been  personally  insulted  by  the  First  Consul,  and  who  had  repeatedly  wii  med  his 
government  that  the  negotiations  on  the  part  of  the  French  ruler  Avere  deceptive,  and 
contrived  only  to  give  time  for  hostile  preparation,  was  ordered  to  leave  the  Frencii 
capital.  The  British  government  immediately  ordered  the  French  minister  to  leave 
London,  and  on  the  1 8th  of  May  formally  declared  Avar  against  France,  and  put  in 
immediate  operation  an  embargo  upon  all  French  vessels  in  English  ports.  In  retal- 
iation, crowds  of  English  visitors  in  the  French  dominion  were  seized  and  held  as 
prisoners  of  war.'  Immense  bodies  of  troops  were  sent  to  the  French  coast,  and  men- 
aced England  with  immediate  invasion.  Bonaparte  superintended  the  preparations 
in  person,  established  his  head-quarters  at  Boulogne,  on  the  roads  to  which  finger- 
posts marked  '"''To  LondorC  were  erected,  and  every  possible  means  were  used  to  in- 


>  The  English  Constltntion  Is  not  a  pemanent  Instmment  embodying  the  foundations  of  all  laws,  like  that  of  the 
United  States,  but  comprehends  the  whole  body  of  English  laws  enacted  by  Parliament,  and  by  which  the  British  peo- 
ple are  governed.  The  Constitution  of  tho  United  States  is  superior  to  the  Congress  or  National  Legislature ;  the  Par- 
liameul  or  National  Legislature  of  England  is  superior  to  the  Constitution.  What  Parliament  declares  to  be  the  Coneti- 
tution  of  England  is  the  Constitution  of  England:  what  the  Parliament  enacts  the  monarch  must  bo  governed  by,  and 
the  courts  can  not  adjudge  to  be  unconstitutional  and  void.  Sheridan  comprehensively  said,  "The  King  of  England  \t 
not  seated  on  a  solitary  eminence  of  power ;  on  the  contrary,  he  sees  his  eqvaU  in  the  coexisting  branches  of  the  Legis- 
lature, and  he  recognizes  his  mtperior  in  the  law." 

'  The  latter  charge  was  proven  by  the  seizure  of  the  papers  of  the  French  consul  at  Dublin,  in  whoso  secret  Instmc- 
tions  were  the  following  passages :  "  You  are  required  to  furnish  a  plan  of  the  ports  of  your  district,  vlth  a  specification 
of  the  soundings  for  mooring  vessels.  If  no  plan  of  the  ports  can  be  procured,  yon  are  to  point  out  with  what  vriui  vee- 
sols  can  come  in  and  go  out,  and  what  Is  the  greatest  draught  of  water  with  which  vessels  can  enter  the  river  deeply 
laden." 

3  About  twelve  thousand  English  subjects  of  all  ages  were  committed  to  ctutody. 


TbeXnirllih  Paopl*  e 

flame*  the  resei 

C'liann(>i. 
In  England  o 

its  ruler.  Inmn 
over  the  land,  s< 
counts  of  his  bar 
which  had  bowe 
triotism  and  cou 
able,  and  yet  wit 
and  ridicule  agai 

to  look  UJMMlbofJl 

HiiL^tling  of  hoyH 
nioiricnt  was  niaJ 
year  1 80.3  was  on 
n()iirl»on  Royalist 
less,  the  most  ini] 
('onsj)irators  again 
the  throne  from  w 
!i  few  years  before. 

'  Bonaparte  was  somotli 
Innghedat.    One  mornluB 
"t  Mr.  Bull's  Menagerie,  iH 
iloiiapnrto.    He  has  been 
clupmfa  would  otfur  In  the 


Or  boastful  ballads  la  woi 


The  theatres  were  resonon 
"The  Wand."  began  wi"hth 


Olllray  and  other  earlcatnrN 
Same  of  these  caricatures,  whl( 

live  to  any  thing  lilte  ridicule 
on  BtUhazzar't  Peant,  by  Gllira 

Consul  and  Josephine,  his  wife 

I  V"^' ?''/?'•'' '»s'"ck  Into  St 

»?,^1^1"""S'"««  bumper, 

I  "',««'•  of  King  George.    Above 

«lgh«  down  the  red  cap  tndu 
Uiree  afterward  princesses  of  th 

«lvenlnfulllnvrright'8/w" 

"operated  the  p4con3 
Onthe2MofJuIytheger^ 
"t,  an  eminent  barrister,  wh™ 
^selves  so  unworthy  of  hims 
Wicltlow  Mountains.  He  mltrht 
"5  him  to  linger.    n.'^X 


OF   THE   WAR   '^w    i  g  I  2. 


127 


The  Entfllih  People  excited  aKatnit  Frane*.  Invidon  i>r  (Irrnt  IlrttulD  by  the  French  expected.  WIttlclimt. 

flntno  thu  rcHenttnontB  of  Freuchiiieii  ugiiinHt  their  KngliHh  neighbors  ticruss  tho 
Clmiiiu'l. 

In  Kiigland  ovory  nrt  wns  also  employed  to  cxcito  tlio  ^jpoplo  ftgninst  Franco  and 
itH  ruU'r.  Iinnu'iiHc  immbcrH  of  "loyal  pajxTs"  and  "  loyiil  tracts"  were  Hcattcred 
over  the  land,  Homo  being  atroeioiiH  liheln  on  Honaj)arte  ami  his  family,  tiotitiouft  ac- 
coimtH  of  hiH  barbaritioH,  and  exaggerated  pit^tiires  of  Iuh  treatment  of  those  countries 
which  had  bowed  to  his  power;  others  were  calm  and  dignified  a|)peals  to  the  pa- 
triotism and  courage  of  tho  nation.  It  was  evident  to  all  that  an  invasion  was  prob- 
able, and  yet  wits,  and  satirists,  and  vulgar  libelers  hurled  j)erpetual  volleys  of  abuse 
aiitl  ridicule  against  Bonaparte  and  France,  aflecting,  witli  ill-ilisguised  trepidation, 
to  look  upon  both  with  contempt.'  This  apj)arent  gayety  and  unconcern  was  like  tho 
wiiistling  of  boys  in  the  dark  to  keep  their  courage  up.  The  government  at  the  same 
iiioment  was  making  immense  jirejiarations  io  repel  the  expected  invasion,  and  the 
vciir  1803  was  one  of  alarm  and  terror  for  all  England.'  She  was  the  asylum  of  the 
iJoiirbon  Royalists,  who  were  tho  traditional  enemies  of  all  popular  liberty  and  prog- 
ri'Hs,  the  most  implacable  foes  of  tho  French  ruler,  and  the  sleepless  and  relentless 
conspirators  against  the  lives  of  all  who  should  stand  in  the  way  of  their  recovery  of 
tlic  throne  from  which  the  best  of  their  lineage,  Louis  the  Sixteenth,  had  been  driven 
a  few  years  before.     These  Royalists  were  petted  by  the  English  government  and  pit- 

>  nmmpflrte  wnn  Homctimeii  compared  to  n  wild  boant,  at  other  times  to  n  pigmy,  and  at  alt  tlmcB  an  a  hlnstercr  to  bo 
liuighcd  at.  Olio  moniiiig  London  would  be  amused  by  n  large  placard  announcing  mi  exhibition  thUH:  "Junt  arrived 
lit  Mr.  Bull's  Menagerie,  In  Brltlflh  Lane,  the  moat  renowned  and  sagoclouH  Sfun-tiiier  or  Qrano-outang,  called  Napoleon 
lluiiapnrte.  He  hiix  been  exhibited  In  Holland,  Switzerland,  and  Italy,  nnd  lately  In  Egypt,"  etc.  Another  murulug 
chapmca  would  offer  in  the  great  thoroughfares  songs  with  words  like  these : 

"  Come,  I'll  sing  yon  a  song.  Just  for  want  of  some  other, 
About  a  nrmll  thing  thnt  has  made  a  great  pother : 
A  mere  in»eet—n  iti(pnij.    I'll  tell  yon,  my  hearty, 
'TIs  tho  C'orslcan  hop-o'-my-thumb,  Buouapart)." 
Or  boastful  ballads  In  words  lllio  those : 

"  Arm,  nelghboi  j,  at  length, 
And  pnt  forth  yonr  strength 
Perfldlons,  bold  France  to  resist  t 
Ten  Frenchmen  will  fly, 
To  shun  n  black  eye. 
If  one  Englishman  doubles  his  flnt  1" 
The  theatres  were  resonant  with  patriotic  songs.    One  of  the  most  popular  of  those  sung  in  the  play-houses,  called 
"The  Inland,"  began  with  this  stanza: 

"If  tho  French  have  a  notion 
Of  crossing  tho  ocean. 

Their  luck  to  be  trying  on  land. 
They  may  come  if  they  like  i 
But  we'll  soon  make  'em  strike 
To  tho  lads  of  tho  tight  little  Island  ! 
Huzza  for  tho  boys  of  the  Island ! 
The  brave  volnnteerg  of  the  Island  1 
The  fraternal  embrace. 
If  foes  want  In  this  place, 
We'll  present  all  tho  arms  in  the  Island !" 
GUIray  and  other  earicafnrlsts  were  exceedingly  active  at  this  time  in  ridiculing  all  parties,  bat  especially  Bonaparte. 
Some  of  these  caricatures,  which  were  grossly  personal,  annoyed  the  Corsican  exceedingly,  for  he  was  extremely  scnsl- 
livc  to  any  thing  like  ridicule  against  himself  and  family.    Tho  one  which  gave  him  niost  offense  was  a  broad  parody 
on  BeUhazzar'g  Femt,  by  Oiilray,  which  appeared  in  August,  1803,  entitled  "  The  llandwriting  on  the  Wall."    The  First 
Consul  and  Josephine,  his  wife  (the  latter  represented  of  enormous  bulk),  and  other  members  of  his  family  and  court, 
>re  seated  at  table  devouring  tho  good  things  of  England  as  a  dessert.    When  Bonaparte  flnt  discovers  the  mysterions 
hand,  his  fork  is  stuck  into  St.  James's,  seen  on  his  plate.    Another  is  swallowing  the  Tower  of  London,  while  Jose- 
phine is  drinking  largo  hampers  of  wine.    On  a  plate  bearing  tho  Inscription  "  Oh  do  roast  beef  of  Old  England  1"  is  seen 
ahead  of  King  George.    Above  the  fcasters  a  hand  holds  the  scales  of  Justice,  In  which  the  legitimate  cro^vn  of  Frarco 
weighs  down  tho  red  cap  and  its  attendant  chain— Despotism  under  the  name  of  Liberty.    Behind  Josephine  stand  tho 
three  afterward  princesses  of  the  imperial  family— Borghesc,  Louise,  and  Joseph  Bonpparte,    A  copy  of  this  caricature  Is 
given  in  ftill  in  Wright's  History  of  the  Howie  of  Hanover,  illustrated  by  Caricatures  aiui  Satires.    It  is  said  to  have  greatly 
eiiwperated  the  First  Consul  and  his  fk'iends. 
'  On  the  iSi  of  July  the  germ  of  another  rebellion  In  Ireland  ap|}eared  at  Dublin.    The  chief  leader  was  Robert  Em- 
met, an  eminent  barrister,  who  was  implicated,  with  his  brother,  In  the  rebellion  there  in  1T98.    His  followers  proved 
Iheraeelves  so  unworthy  of  himself  and  the  couse  (which  was  the  independence  oflreland)  that  ho  fled  in  despair  to  the 
1  fficklow  Mountains.    Ho  might  hove  evaded  pursuit,  but  his  love  for  his  betrothed,  the  daughter  of  the  famous  Cnrran, 
ami  him  to  linger.    He  was  arrested,  tried  for  and  found  guilty  of  treason,  and  hanged  on  the  20th  of  September  fol- 
lowiui!. 


'"! 

i 

m^ 


1' 

i                  i 

1 

1     '    :, 

!    '  ■ 

128 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


'  May  3. 


Effects  of  the  British  Declaration  of  War.    Fight  for  the  Championship.    Bonaparte  proclaimed  £mperor.    His  Plans. 

ied  by  the  English  people ;  and  thia  offense,  above  all  others,  exasperated  Bonaparte, 
for  he  regarded  England  as  the  aceoriplice  of  the  conspirators  against  himself  and 
human  freedom. 

The  British  declaration  of  war,  said  Meneval  (who  was  always  at  the  elbow  of  the 
First  Consul),  changed  his  whole  nature.'  lie  had  been  planning  vast  beneficent 
schemes  for  France  under  the  serene  skies  of  universal  peace,  when  England,  of  all  the 
nations  loudest  in  her  professions  of  concord  and  sentiments  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence, Avas  the  first  to  disappoint  him — the  first  to  again  disturb  the  peace  of  Europe 
by  brandishing  high  in  air  the  flaming  sword  of  war,  instead  of  the  green  olive- 
branch  of  amity  and  good  will.  Compelled  to  accept  the  challenge,  he  resolved  to 
gi/e  her  war  to  her  heart's  content. 

Each  party  charged  the  other  Avith  acts  of  flagrant  wrong  against  the  peace  and 
well-being  of  the  world,  and  the  record  of  impartial  history  implies  that  both  spoke 
the  truth.  It  is  not  our  business  to  act  as  umpire  on  the  question,  or  to  delineate  the 
events  of  the  great  war  that  ensued.  We  will  simply  consider  the  resulting  effeetK 
of  these  international  strifes  on  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  United  States.  The 
war  was  waged  by  both  parties  Avith  an  utter  disregard  of  the  rights  of  all  other 
nations  or  the  settled  maxims  of  international  comity.  France  and  England  entered 
the  lists  for  the  champion's  belt — for  the  supremacy  in  the  political  affairs  of  the 
Avorld — and  t}iey  fought  Avith  the  science,  the  desperation,  and  the  brutality  of  ac- 
complished pugilists. 

On  the  18th  of  May,  1 804,  Bonaparte  Avas  proclaimed  Emperor  of  the  French,  in 
accordance  Avith  a  decee  of  the  Senate*  and  the  Aotes  of  the  people.  To 
give  more  eminent  sanction  to  the  deed,  the  Pope  Avas  invited  to  perform  the 
coronation  ceremony.  lie  consented,  and  on  the  2d  of  December  folloAving  Bona- 
parte Avas  anointed  by  his  holiness,  at  the  great  altar  of  Notre  Dame,  "The  High  and 
Mighty  Napoleon  the  First."  The  republics  Avhich  he  had  established  by  his  SAvord 
Avere  speedily  changed  into  kingdoms,  on  the  thrones  of  Avhich  members  of  his  own 
"  May  20     family  Avere  placed.     In  May,  the  folloAving  year,''  he  Avas  solemnly  anointed 

isos.  King  of  Italy  at  Milan.  Then  he  cast  his  eyes  significantly  over  Europe,  and 
contemplated  a  thorough  reconstruction  of  its  map.  England,  Kussia,  Austria,  and 
Sweden,  alarmed  and  provoked,  coalesced  against  the  "  usurper,"  as  Napoleon  Avas 
called.  Prussia  Avas  kept  from  the  league  only  by  a  bribe.  Napoleon  having  ofterod 
Hanover,  Avhich  he  had  stolen  from  England,  as  the  price  of  the  king's  friendship. 
Very  soon  a  French  army  one  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  strong  Avas  upon  tlie 
Rhine.  On  the  2d  of  December  the  strength  of  the  Corsican  Avas  tested.  Against 
hiiU;  iiear  Austerlitz,  appeared  two  great  armies,  each  led,  like  his  OAvn,  by  ar  em- 
peror. They  met  in  deadly  conflict.  Napoleon  Avas  the  victor.  The  Continental 
PoAvers  AvithdrcAV  from  the  contest.  Prussia  received  Hanover  as  her  reward,  and 
England  Avas  left  to  fight  the  Emperor  of  the  French  single-handed.  Napoleon  pro- 
ceeded to  distribute  croAvns  and  ducal  coronets  among  his  friends  and  favorite  gen- 
erals Avith  a  lavish  hand,  and  induced  no  less  than  fourteen  German  princes,  Avho 
ruied  over  sixteen  millions  of  people,  to  form  a  league,  under  the  supremacy  of 
France,  knoAvn  as  the  Confederacy  of  the  Rhine. 

Early  in  1800  the  English  government,  under  the  premiership  of  Charles  Fox. 
opened  Avith  Napoleon  negotiations  for  peace,  the  restoration  of  Hanover  being  oiu 
of  the  proposed  conditions.  Napoleon  considered  it,  and  on  that  account  the  Kini: 
of  Prussia,  alarmed  and  offend'^d,  joined  the  coalition  of  the  Northern  PoAvers  against 
liira.  TIk  exasperated  emperor  marched  upon  Prussia,  and,  after  slaying  moiv  than 
"  October  28,  tAventy  tliousand  of  the  king's  subjects  in  arms,  he  entered  Berlin,'  liii- 
capital,  in   triumph.     MeauAvhile  the   Russians   had  been  beaten   hack 

Second 


through  Pola 
huriiing  Avith 
the  Prussian 
Berlin  Decree 
minions  in  a  si 
the  ocean  to 
the  United  Sta 

1  The  following  is  i 

"Napoleon,  Eniper 
"1.  That  EiiKland 
"1  That  she  dcclni 
oners  of  war  not  only 
same ; 

"3.  That  she  extcii 
right  of  conquest,  whi 
"■1.  That  she  extern 
reason  and  the  usages 
"5.  That  she  declnrc 
l)e  considered  blockad< 
elic  declares  even  i)Iac 
ffhiile  eini)ire. 

"0.  That  this  iincqna 

different  nations,  and  U 

"7.  That  this  heini;  tl 

tliat  design,  and  becoini 

"S.  That  this  conduc 

of  other  nations; 

"».  That  It  being  righ 
of  justice  and  every  libei 
"Wc  have  resolved  to 
"The  present  decree  s 
tlie  riijhts  of  war  are  the 
liersons  who  are  not  mi 
competent  forces.  1 

"Art.  I.  The  British  Isl 
"Art.  i.  All  commerce 
Engl.iMd,  or  lo  an  English 
seized. 

"Art.  3.  Every  Indlvidn 

p!o(l  l)y  onr  troops  or  thos 

"Art.  4.  Every warchoui 

"Art.  6.  One  half  of  the 

tliall  (JO  to  Indemnify  mere 

"Art.  tf.  No  vessel  com  1 1 

ilccree,  shall  be  admitted  Ii 

"Art.  T.  Every  vessel  thi 

ud  carijo  confiscated  as  Ei 

"Art.  8.  [This  article  sU 

arise  In  the  Empire  and  in 

"Art.  9.  Commtmicalion 

^rnlllcs  whose  subjects  as 

"Art.  10.  Our  ministers  0 

With  a  partiality  toward  t 
lerferc  with  \merlcan  vese 
Ik  Ciiu«ea  nut  Co)uiequeiteM 
■ml  Cmnvtertx  of  Avifrim,  s 
ibo  French  privateers  interft 
llianintime  of  profound  pc 
liecB  doubled,  and  oven  trcb 


1806. 


1  IlMor;i  of  the  Sea»\d  War  betaeen  the  United  States  of  America  and  Great  Britain,  by  Charles  J.  Ingersoll. 
Series,  i.,  200. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


129 


The  Berlir  Decree. 


through  Poland,  and  he  was  in  possession  of  Warsaw.  Strong,  bold,  and  defiant,  and 
Ininiing  with  a  desire  to  humble  "  pei-fidious  Albion,"  he  issued  from  his  camp  at 
tiie  Prussian  capital"  the  famous  manifesto  known  in  history  as  the  .November 21 
Herlin  Decree,^  which  declared  the  ports  of  the  whole  of  the  British  do-  i*"*- 

iniuions  in  a  state  of  blockade,  while  a  French  vessel  of  war  scarcely  dare  appear  on 
the  ocean  to  enforce  it.  This  brings  us  to  the  immediate  consideration  of  events  in 
the  United  States,  and  the  effects  of  the  strife  abroad  upon  American  alfairs. 

1  The  fuUowlng  ia  a  copy  of  the  decree: 

"Imperial  Camp,  Berlin,  November  21, 1800. 

"Napoleon,  Eiiperor  of  the  French  and  King  of  Italy,  considering: 

"1.  That  England  does  not  admit  the  right  of  natlouB  as  nnlvcrsally  acknowledged  by  all  civilized  people ; 

"2.  That  she  declares  as  an  enemy  every  Individual  belonging  to  an  enemy  state,  and,  In  consequence,  makes  pris- 
oners of  war  not  only  of  the  crews  of  armed  vessels,  but  those  also  of  vierchaiU  vessels,  and  even  the  supercar;,'oe8  of  the 
same ; 

"3.  That  she  extends  or  applies  to  merchant  vessels,  to  articles  of  commerce,  and  to  the  property  of  ludlvlduala  the 
right  of  conquest,  which  can  only  be  applied  or  extended  to  what  belongs  to  an  enemy  state ; 

"4.  That  she  extends  to  ports  not  fortified,  to  harbors  and  mouths  of  rivers,  tlie  riijht  of  btockadt,  which,  according  to 
reason  and  the  usages  of  civilized  natiiuis,  is  applicable  only  to  strong  or  fortified  ports; 

"B.  That  she  declares  places  blockaded  bofore  which  she  has  not  a  single  vessel  of  war,  although  a  place  ought  not  to 
be  considered  blockaded  but  when  it  is  so  invested  that  no  approach  to  It  can  be  made  without  Imminent  hazard  ;  that 
ihc  declares  even  places  blockaded  which  her  united  forces  would  be  incapable  of  doing,  such  as  entire  coasts  and  a 
whole  empire. 

"C.  That  this  uneqnaled  abuse  of  the  right  of  blockade  has  no  other  object  than  to  intemipt  the  communication  of 
different  nations,  and  to  extend  the  commerce  and  industry  of  England  upon  the  ruin  of  those  of  the  C'onllnent ; 

"T.  That  this  being  the  evident  design  of  England,  whoever  deals  ou  the  Continent  in  English  merchandise  favors 
tiat  design,  and  becomes  an  accomplice ; 

"8.  That  this  conduct  in  England  (worthy  only  of  the  first  stages  of  barbarism)  has  benefited  her  to  the  detriment 
ofothernations; 

"9.  That  It  being  right  to  oppose  to  an  enemy  the  same  arms  she  makes  nse  of,  to  combat  as  she  does  when  all  ideas 
otjiiKtice  and  every  liberal  senii  nent  (the  result  of  civilization  among  men)  are  disregarded, 

"We  have  resolved  to  enforce  against  England  the  usages  which  she  hns  consecrated  in  her  maritime  code. 

"The  present  decree  shall  be  considered  as  the  fundamental  law  of  the  Empire  until  England  shall  acknowledge  that 
tlic  ritjhts  of  war  are  the  same  on  land  as  at  sea ;  that  they  can  not  be  extended  to  any  private  property  whatever,  nor  to 
|)or»nns  who  are  not  military,  and  until  the  right  of  blockading  be  restrained  to  fortified  places  actually  invested  by 
competent  forces. 

"Art.  1.  The  British  Islands  are  In  a  state  of  blockade. 

"Art. 2.  All  commerce  and  correspondence  with  them  is  prohibited;  consequently,  all  letters  or  packets  written  in 
Engi.md,  or  to  an  Englishman  tcritlen  in  the  Engliuli  laiujtiage,  shall  not  be  dispatched  from  the  post-oftlces,  and  shall  be 
•fired. 

"  Art.  3.  Every  Individual  a  subject  of  Great  Britain,  of  whatever  rank  or  condition,  who  Is  found  In  countries  occu- 
fietl  by  our  troops  or  those  of  our  allies,  shall  be  made  prisoner  of  war. 

"  Art.  4.  Every  warehouse,  all  merchandise  or  property  whatevc ;  belonging  to  nii  Englishman,  are  declared  good  pi  Ize. 

"Art.  5.  One  lialf  of  the  proceeds  of  merchandise  declared  to  be  good  prize  and  forfeited,  as  In  the  preceding  articles, 
stiali  go  to  indemnify  merchants  who  have  suft'cred  losses  by  the  English  oiuisers. 

"Art. «.  No  vessel  coming  directly  from  England  or  her  colonies,  or  having  been  there  since  the  publication  of  this 
ilccree,  shall  be  admitted  into  any  port. 

"  Art.  7.  Every  vessel  that  by  a  false  declaration  contravenes  the  foregoing  dlBpositiou  shall  be  seized,  and  the  ship 
mil  cari;o  confiscated  as  English  property. 

"Art.!*.  [This  article  slates  that  the  Councils  of  Prizes  at  Paris  and  at  Milan  shall  have  recognizance  of  what  may 
arise  in  the  Empire  and  in  Italy  under  the  present  decree.] 

"Art.  9.  Communications  of  this  decree  shall  be  made  to  the  Kings  of  Spain,  Naples,  Holland,  Etmria,  and  toouroth- 
»r  allies,  whoso  subjects  as  well  as  ours  are  victims  of  the  Injuries  and  barbarity  of  the  Engll«h  maritime  code. 

"  Art.  10.  Our  ministers  of  foreign  relations,  etc.,  are  charged  with  the  execution  of  the  present  decree. 

"  Napoi.kon." 

With  a  partiality  toward  the  Americans  that  was  practical  friendship,  the  French  cruisers  did  not,  for  o  whole  year,  in- 
;irferc  with  \merlcan  vessels  trading  with  Oreat  Britain.    On  this  point  Alexander  F.arlne,  M.P.,  in  his  Inquinj  into 

■hr  Camea  Old  CoitHequencen  <\f  the  Orders  in  Coiiwil,  atui  an  Examination  of  the  Cnniliiet  of  Great  llrilain  toward  the  Xeit- 

i'  Commerce  of  Ameriea,  said:  "Xo  cnndemnntion  of  an  Amei  ran  vr»»el  had  ever  taken  plaee  tinder  it;  and  so  little  did 

;iio  French  privateers  Interfere  with  the  trade  of  America  with  this  -^ountry,  that  the  iniwrance  on  It  was  very  little  higher 

Ihan  111  time  of  profound  peace  ;  while  that  of  the  American  trade  with  the  Continent  of  Europe  has  at  the  same  time 

liecn  doubled,  and  even  trebled,  by  the  conduct  of  o  ir  cruisers." 


tii-tivi; 


I        5 


5fc 


J, 


1 

t 
) 

. 

■j 

a 

'-  f 

;  ■ 

i 

ii   I  i  \    ■': 


130 


PICTOKIAL   i'lELO-BOOK 


Prosperity  of  American  Commerce. 


Germs  of  new  States  appearing  In  the  Organization  of  Territories, 


CHAPTER  VII. 

"  Shall  that  arm  which  haughty  Britain 

In  its  grlsl'e  fonnd  too  strong—  • 

That  l)y  which  her  foes  were  smitten— 

Shall  that  arm  be  palsied  long? 
See  cur  sous  of  ocean  kneeling 

To  a  tyrant's  stripes  and  chains ! 
Partimn!  hast  thou  no  feeling 

When  the  hardy  tar  complains? 
See  the  British  press-gang  seize  him, 

Victim  of  relentless  power ! 
Stout  his  heart  is,  but  must  fail  him 

In  this  evil,  trying  hour." 

TuE  IjirunssEn  Seaman's  Appeal. 

NCOURAGED  by  promises  of  continued  peace  in  Europe,  and  the 
relaxation  r>f  the  "  rule  of  1756"  by  Great  Britain,^  the  commcrco 
ant  '.env.  '  'nisiness  of  the  United  States  enjoyed  a  season  of  uii- 
cxa-  ■'  .1  .  ■  jjperity.  The  social  and  political  power  of  the  ip- 
public  rapidly  augmented.  The. Indians  on  the  frontiers  Aveiv 
peaceful;  and  the  causes  for  irritation  on  the  part  of  the  inhabit- 
ants west  of  the  mountains  toward  the  Spaniards,  who  contiGlled 
the  Lower  IMississippi,  Avere  in  a  fair  way  of  being  speedily  re- 
moved. The  germs  of  new  states  were  appearing  in  the  late  wilderness.  That  vast 
domain  northwest  of  the  Ohio,  west  of  a  line  drawn  from  the  mouth  of  the  Kentucky 
River  to  Fort  Recovery  on  St.  Clair's  battle-field,  and  thence  due  north  to  Canada,  was 
ei'ected  into  a  Territory,*  and  named  Indiana.  William  Henry  Hariis-on, 
Wayne's  efficient  aid  in  1794  (who  had  been  out  of  the  army  since  1798),  vps 
appointed  governor  of  the  germhial  state,  and  established  his  capital  at  Vincenncs, 
on  the  Lower  Wabash. 
At  about  the  same  time  the  Mississippi  Territory,  organized  in  1 798  by  Winthrop 
Sargent,  St,  Clair's  efficient  secret".ry  in  the  government  of  the  Ohio  country, 
was  allowed  a  representative  a  ■;  laMy,''  and  its  political  machinery  was  put 
in  motion. 

In  the  spring  of  1802  the  United  Sta  -  t  t.e  into  possession,  by  act  of  Georgia,  of 
one  bundled  thousand  square  miles  )t  ,  ic  ',  now  constituting  the  State  of  Ala- 
bama. It  was  inhabited  by  the  Creek  ai.  aeiokee  Indians  toward  the  east,  and 
the  Choctaw  and  Chickasaw  tribes  toward  the  a  est.  With  those  philanthropic  im- 
pulses Avhich  marked  the  chai'acter  of  Jeiferson,  he  recommended  measures  for  the 
well-being  of  those  tribes,  and  for  securing  to  them  equal  and  exact  Justice. 
Late  in  the  same  year  the  inhabitants  within  the  present  domain  of  Ohio,  in  repre- 
sentative convention  held  at  Chilicothe,  adopted  a  State  Constitution,' 
and  the  Territory,  called  Oiiio,  became  a  peer  among  the  states  of  the 
republic. 

But  these  political  organizations  on  soil  within  the  domains  of  the  United  States, 
and  over  which  a  civilized  popnlat.  was  rapidly  spreading,  were  of  small  account 
when  compared  with  the  importanr  fa  great  acquisition  of  territory  and  politieal 
power  which  speedily  followed.  L  >  iana,  which  once  comprehended  the  vast  and 
undeiinable  region  of  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  domain  Avatered  by  its 

_ — __ — _ — __ . a ■ 

1  See  note  1,  page  84. 


•  May  7, 
18(12. 


'  May  10. 


'  November  29. 


Lonisiana  retroced( 

tributaries,  fn 
ward  to  the  P 
France  by  rig 
honor  of  the  G 
Inl763Frai 
except  Florida 
render  of  othei 
dicated  territoi 
While  the  n 
abroad  that  Sp 
of  Louisiana  in 
known  as  East 
gressive  power 
to  exercise  an 
and  permanent  i 
much  uneasiness 
mediately  instru 
of  cession  was  a( 
1802. 

President  Jeffi 

and  who  desired 

an  caniest  letter 

the  subject.     W: 

ter  in  all  its  beari 

lepublic  which  F] 

would  completely 

nnd  would  form  a 

atioii,  France  is  tj 

lould  have  any  coi 

eaH.ses  we  Jiave  ev 

could  have  occasio 

misfortunes  ours. 

natural  and  habitu 

eighths  of  our  terr 

yield  more  than  hal 

ants.    France,  plac 

Spain  might  liave  i 

state  would  induce 

place  would  be  Jian 

circumstance  might 

thing  of  more  wortl 

"^^^ot  so  can  it  ev 

energy  and  restlessr 

and  our  character,  w 

I'igh-minded,  de8i)isi 

and  energetic  as  an' 

fniiice  and  the  Unit 

ble  a  position.  .  . 

seuteiico  which  is  tc 

"ni<iii  of  two  nationi 

wean.    From  that  m 

'^e  must  turn  all  our 

on  very  high  ground 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


131 


I/)nlsinna  retroceded  to  France.       The  Americans  disturbed  by  the  Act.       President  Jefferson's  View  of  the  Subject. 

tributaries,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  forty-ninth  parallel  of  latitude,  and  west- 
ward to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  or  "  South  Sea,"  as  it  was  then  called,  was  a  possession  of 
France  by  right  of  discovery  by  secular  and  religious  explorers,  and  was  named  in 
lionor  of  the  Gallic  king  Louis. 

In  1763  France  ceded  to  England  the  whole  of  that  region  east  of  the  Mississippi 
except  Florida,  and  to  Spain  all  west  of  that  river.  By  these  cessions  and  the  sur- 
render of  others,  eifected  by  compulsion  at  the  end  of  a  seven  years'  war,  France  ab- 
dicated territorial  dominion  in  North  America. 

Wliile  the  negotiations  of  the  Treaty  of  Amiens  were  in  progress,  a  rumor  went 
abroad  that  Spain,  by  secret  treaty,  had  retroceded,  or  would  retrocede,  to  France  all 
of  Louisiana  in  her  possession,  and  possibly  the  domain  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico 
known  as  East  and  West  Florida,  thus  giving  to  that  now  rising,  ambitious,  and  ag- 
gressive power  the  entire  control  of  the  navigation  of  the  Mississippi,  and  a  position 
to  exercise  an  influence  over  the  political  affairs  of  the  United  States  more  potent 
luul  permanent  than  had  ever  been  attempted.  This  gave  the  government  and  people 
nuieh  uneasiness,  and  the  American  ministers  in  London,  Paris,  and  Madrid  were  im- 
mediately instructed  to  endeavor  to  defeat  the  measure.  It  was  too  late.  The  act 
of  cession  was  accomplished,  and  the  fact  was  made  known  to  the  President  early  in 
1802. 

President  Jefferson,  who  loved  liis  country  and  republican  institutions  intensely, 
and  who  desired  its  prosperity  and  grandeur  with  a  patriot's  warm  devotion,  wrote 
an  earnest  letter  to  Mr.  Livingston,*  the  American  embassador  at  Paris,  on  .  April  is, 
tiie  subject.  With  worderful  sagacity  he  clearly  comprehended  the  mat-  *^''^- 
ter  in  all  its  bearings,  immediate  and  prospective,  and  perceived  the  great  evils  to  the 
republic  which  French  occupation  of  the  outlet  of  the  Mississippi  would  inflict.  "  It 
would  completely  reverse,"  he  said,  "  all  the  political  relations  of  the  United  States, 
and  would  form  a  new  epoch  in  our  political  career.  Of  all  nations  of  any  consider- 
ation, France  is  the  one  which  hitherto  has  oflTered  the  fewest  points  on  which  we 
could  have  any  conflict  of  right,  and  the  mos*^  points  of  common  interest.  From  these 
causes  we  have  ever  looked  to  her  as  our  natural  friend,  as  one  with  whom  we  never 
could  have  occasion  of  difference.  Her  grow-th,  therefore,  we  viewed  as  our  own,  her 
misfortunes  ours.  There  is  on  the  globe  one  single  spot  the  possessor  of  which  is  our 
natural  and  habitual  enemy.  It  is  New  Orleans,  through  which  the  produce  of  three 
eighths  of  our  territory  must  pass  to  market ;  and,  from  its  fertility,  it  will  ore  long 
yield  more  than  half  of  our  whole  produce,  and  contain  more  than  half  of  our  inhabit- 
ants. France,  placing  herself  in  that  door,  assumes  to  us  the  attitude  of  defiance. 
Spain  might  have  retained  it  quietly  for  years.  Her  pacific  dispositions,  her  feeble 
state  would  induce  her  to  increase  our  facilities  there,  so  that  her  possession  of  the 
place  would  be  hardly  felt  by  us,  and  it  would  not  perhaps  be  very  long  before  some 
circumstance  might  arise  which  might  make  the  cession  of  it  to  us  the  price  of  some- 
thing of  more  worth  to  her. 

"Not  so  can  it  ever  be  in  the  hands  of  France;  the  impetuosity  of  her  temper,  the 
energy  and  restlessnos.',  of  her  character,  pliced  in  a  point  of  eternal  friction  with  us 
and  our  character,  which,  though  quie*,and  loving  peace  and  the  pursuit  of  Avealth,  is 
high-minded,  despising  Avealth  in  competition  with  insult  or  injury.  Enterprising 
and  energetic  as  any  nation  on  earth,  these  circumstances  render  it  impossible  that 
France  and  the  United  States  can  long  continue  friends  when  they  meet  in  so  irrita- 
ble a  position.  .  .  .  The  day  that  Fratice  takes  possession  of  New  Orleans  fixes  the 
sentence  which  is  to  restrain  her  forever  within  her  low-water  mark.  It  seals  the 
union  of  two  nations  who,  in  conjunction,  can  maintain  exclusive  possession  of  the 
ocean.  From  that  moment  wo  must  marry  ourselves  to  the  British  fleet  and  nation. 
We  must  tuni  all  our  attentions  to  fv  maritime  force,  for  Avhich  our  resources  place  us 
on  very  high  ground ;  and,  having  formed  and  connected  together  a  power  which 


t''\.^   \ 


mfmmm 


i 


^4 


■iJ' 


132 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Proposition  for  the  Cer "Ion  of  LoDlsiana.        The  secret  Designs  of  France.        Talloyraud.       Atrocious  Suggestions    ^1  ^*"  o' J^ffe^on's  i 


may  render  re-enfcrfieraent  of  lier  settlements  here  impossible  to  France,  make  the 
first  cannon  which  shall  be  fired  in  Europe  the  signal  for  tearing  up  every  settlement 
she  may  have  made."^ 

Mr.  Jeiferson  suggested  that  if  France  considered  the  possession  of  Louisiana  "in- 
dispensable for  her  views,"  she  might  be  willing  to  cede  to  the  United  States,  for  a 
consideration,  the  Island  of  New  Orleans,  and  the  Floridas,  and  guarantee  the  free 
navigation  of  the  Mississippi  by  both  nations,  thus  removing,  in  a  degree, "  the  causes 
of  jarring  and  irritation"  between  the  parties.^ 

Although  the  President's  letter  to  Mr.  Livingston  was  private,  Mr,  Jefterson  chose 
to  consider  it  as  supplemental  to  the  official  instructions  which  were  sent  to  tlie  em- 
bassador, and  ho  desired  him  to  urge,  on  proper  occasions,  with  the  proper  persons 
and  in  a  proper  manner,  the  considerations  and  suggestions  which  the  letter  con- 
tained. As  we  have  already  observed,  it  was  too  late  to  prevent  the  cession.  That 
act  had  been  accomplished  by  secret  treaty  eighteen  mouths  before.^ 

Nothing  now  remained  for  the  Americans  to  do  to  prevent  the  threatened  evils  of 

French  occupation  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  but  to  negotiate  for  the  purchase 

of  territory  there.     Such  negotiations  were  speedily  entered  into.     Mr.  Livingston 

took  important  preliminary  steps  in  that  direction,  and  in  January,  1 803," 

^    ■     James  Monroe  was  appointed  to  assist  him  in  the  negotiation.    Tlioir  in- 

>  Letter  to  Robert  R.  Livingston,  April  18, 1802. 

»  France  had  no  really  peaceful  and  friendly  feelings  toward  the  United  States  at  that  time.  Among  the  dreams  of 
glory  which  filled  the  mind  of  Bonaparte  was  the  re-establishment  of  the  ancient  colonial  Empire  of  Fnmce.  His  lirst 
essay  was  in  8t.  Domingo ;  his  next  was  to  be  in  Louisiana.  What  would  have  been  his  instrumentnllties  there  in  ej. 
tending  his  sway  over  the  country  west  of  the  Allcghanies,  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  extract  of  a  memorial 
whose  inspiration  was  supposed  to  be  the  First  Consul,  and  Talleyrand  the  writer.  This  documeut  was  puhll  ..-^i  in 
pamphlet  form  in  Philadelphia  in  1803,  but  was  suppressed  because  of  negotiations  then  pending  for  the  purchnse  ot 
Louisiana  from  France.  It  vindicates  the  wisdom  and  sagacity  of  Jefferson  exhibited  in  the  above  letter  to  Mr.  Living- 
ston.   On  the  forty-tlflh  page  of  the  pamphlet  it  is  observed : 

"  There  is  still  another  mean,  however,  by  which  the  fury  of  the  statks  may  be  held  at  pleasure— by  an  enemy  placed 
on  their  Western  frontiers.  The  only  aliens  and  enemies  within  their  borders  are  not  the  blackx.  They,  indeed,  are  tht 
most  inveterate  in  their  enmity ;  but  the  Indians  are,  in  many  respects,  more  dangerous  inmates.  Their  mvaije  iijm- 
ratice,  (heir  undisciplined  passiang,  their  reallem  and  warlike  habitg,  their  notions  of  ancient  rights,  make  them  thefitUil 
tools  imaginable  for  disturbing  tub  states.  In  the  territory  adjacent  to  the  Ohio,  Mississiiipl,  and  Missouri  there  are  ! 
more  than  thirty  thousand  men  whose  trade  is  hunting,  and  whose  delight  is  war.  These  men  lie  at  the  mercy  of  «nv 
civilized  nation  who  live  near  them.  Such  a  neighbor  can  gain  their  fUendship  or  provoke  their  enmity  with  cqnnl  eafo. 
He  can  make  them  inactive,  or  he  can  rouse  them  to  fury ;  he  can  direct  their  movement  in  any  way  he  pleases,  and  \ 
make  it  mischievous  or  harmless,  by  supplying  their  fury  with  arms  and  with  leaders,  or  by  withholding  that  supply. 

"The  pliant  and  addressfUl  spirit  of  the  French  has  always  given  them  an  absolute  control  over  these  savages.   The 
office  which  the  laziness  or  the  insolence  of  the  British  found  impracticable  was  easily  performed  by  us,  and  will  be  etill  | 
easier  hereafter,  since  we  shall  enter  on  the  scene  with  more  advantages  than  formerly. 

"We  shall  detach  within,  a  sufficient  force  to  maintain  possession  against  all  the  efforts  of  the  states,  should  they, 
contrary  to  all  their  interests,  proceed  to  war  with  or  without  provocation.    We  shall  Hud  in  the  Indian  tribes  an  army 
permanently  cantoned  in  the  most  convenient  stations,  emUneed  with  skill  ami  tntiper  best  adajttetl  to  the  nature  aitd  tht  | 
scene  of  the  war,  and  armed  and  Impelled  with  far  less  trouble  and  expense  than  an  equal  number  of  our  own  troops. 
We  shall  find  a  terrible  militia,  infinitely  more  destructive  while  scattered  through  the  hostile  settlements  than  an  e^uatforo  I 
of  our  own.    We  shall  And  in  the  bowels  of  tuk  states  a  mischief  that  only  wants  the  touch  of  a  well-directed  sjxirk  lo  in- 
volve in  its  explosion  the  utter  ruin  of  half  their  nation.    Such  will  be  the  power  we  shall  derive  from  a  military  station 
and  a  growing  colony  on  the  Mississippi.    These  will  be  certain  and  immediate  effects,  whatever  distance  and  donbi 
there  may  be  in  the  remoter  benefits  to  France  on  which  I  have  so  warmly  expatiated.    As  a  curb  on  a  nation  whose  | 
ftiturc  conduct  in  peace  and  war  will  be  of  great  Importance  to  us,  this  province  will  be  cheaply  purchased  at  ten  times 
the  cost  to  which  it  will  subject  us." 

The  ^vriter  made  Bonaparte  say :  "  My  designs  on  the  Mississippi  will  never  be  officially  announced  till  they  arc  exe- 
cuted. Meanwhile  tlie  world,  if  it  pleases,  may  fear  and  suspect,  but  nobody  will  be  wise  enough  to  go  to  war  to  pre- 
vent them.    I  shall  trust  to  the  folly  of  Knglund  and  America  to  let  me  go  my  way  In  my  own  time." 

When  the  war  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  broke  out  in  181'.',  British  writers  urged  the  governmeni  | 
to  employ  the  savages,  with  all  their  known  blood-thirstiness  andcrueltv.  as  allies.   One  writer  soundly  berated  the  gov- 
ernment for  its  apparent  apathy  toward  their  "Indian  friends,"  and  cii    i  the  above  atrocious  suggestions  ofthcFrcndi  j 
minister  as  the  true  programme  of  action  for  the  British  to  pursue  in  tlie  war  with  the  Americans  I— See  the  Sew  Quar- 
terly Review  ami  British  Colonial  Register,  No.  4 :  J.  M.  Ricliardeon,  Cornhill,  London. 

'  There  had  been  for  some  time  indications  of  spcc'c  hostilltle;.  'letv/een  the  United  States  and  Spain,  growing  out  I 
of  the  territorial  relations  of  the  two  countries  (m  the  Oulf  of  Mexii:ci.    By  a  t-eaty  with  Spain  In  179B  that;  overnmeiii  i 
had  granted  to  the  United  States  the  right  of  de\>osit  at  New  f/rleans  lor  three  years,  after  which  the  privilep  i  was  either  I 
to  be  continued,  or  an  equivalent  place  assigned  on  another  purt  of  th  3  banks  of  the  MlBsissippl.    The  Spanii  rds  consid- 
ered themselves  masters  of  the  province  while  It  was  unoccupied  by  the  French,  even  after  tlie  cession  w  \s  con?uni- 
mated.    The  prlvilego  of  deposit  at  New  Orleans  had  been  continued;  bnt  suddenly,  in  October,  1802,  the  Si^nnish  Id- j 
tendant  or  governor  declared  by  proclamation  that  the  right  of  deposit  at  Now  Orleans  no  longer  existed,    ^hit ; 
duced  great  excitement  in  the  Western  country,  ond  the  Americans,  when  certified  of  the  treaty  of  cession,  did  noi  doubt  J 
that  the  Spanish  inteudant  acted  under  orders  IVom  the  French  government. 


jtnictions  only 
.Mississippi  shot 
within  the  ten- 
river. 

To  the  snrj)ri! 
naparte,'  offerc( 
ileiiberation,"  sa 
season.     I  renou 
whole  colony,  w 
bve  sufficiently 
ilinlomatic  act  \ 
I  tlie  greatest  reg 
tiate  this  affiiir 
The  sagacious 
i  path  of  safety  fo 
glnnd  against  hir 
I  tiiat  were  again  1 
I  dominion  to  fade 
le  was  more  in  ^^ 
Monroe  arrived 
commenced.     Th( 
Livingston  and  ]V. 
before.     Every  tl: 
J  signed  by  which 
I  extent,  undefined 
souls  and  forty  th 
long,"  said  Mr.  Li 
treaty,  "  but  this  i 
just  signed  has  no 
I  contracting  parties 
the  United  St 
I  glish  lose  all  exclu 
Bonaparte,  who 
lekl  similar  opinio 
J  tiation  does  not  le: 
I  lion  that  will  not 
nnexpected  capital 
J  accession  of  territc 
I  the  United  States ; 
or  later,  humble  her 


'  Marbois  was  secretary  i 
I  hjhow  at  the  head  of  the 
'  Tonssaint  L'Ouverture, 
I  ofFrance,  in  January,  1801, 
Itolored  population  of  Quad 
I  mracnt  in  October,  1801. 
ji«-l»w,LeClerc,  to  qnell  it 
I  people.  A  new  civil  war  CI 
J  Md  soldiers  perished,  and 
lnomentary  peace  ensued. 
I  lioD  to  excite  another  insui 
|e«abllsheil  in  Onadaloupo  ( 
I  '"Ircquire  a  great  deal 
Iwmmcnce  with  new  contri 
I  raited  States,  the  indemnit 
I  plaofd  of  making  o  sale.  B 
'  The  invasion  of  Englam 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812, 


188 


Efcct  of  JefTcrson's  Letter  and  Bonaparte'f)  Neceneity. 


Purchase  orLouieiaua. 


Blow  at  England. 


stnictions  only  asked  for  tlio  cession  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Floridas,  and  that  the 
Mississippi  should  be  divided  by  a  line  that  should  put  the  city  of  New  Orleans 
nithin  the  territory  of  the  United  States,  thus  securing  the  free  navigation  of  that 
river. 

To  the  surprise  of  the  American  negotiators,  M.  Marbois,  the  representative  of  Bo- 
naparte,' offered  to  treat  for  the  sale  of  the  ichoh  of  Louisiana.  "  Irresolution  and 
ileliberation,"  said  the  First  Consul  in  his  instructions  to  Marbois,  "  are  no  longer  in 
season.  I  renounce  Louisiana.  It  is  not  only  New  Orleans  that  I  will  cede,  it  is  the 
whole  colony,  without  any  reservation.  I  know  the  price  of  what  I  abandon,  and  I 
liave  sufficiently  proved  the  importance  that  I  attach  to  this  province,  since  my  first 
I'inlomatic  act  Avith  Spain  had  for  its  object  the  recovery  of  it.  I  renounce  it  with 
the  greatest  regret.  To  attempt  to  retain  it  would  be  folly.  I  direct  you  to  nego- 
tiate this  affair  with  the  envoys  of  the  United  States." 

Tlie  sagacious  Bonaparte — the  Man  of  Expediency — saw  clearly  which  was  the 
path  of  safety  for  him.  Jefferson's  covert  menace  of  an  American  allianc  with  En- 
jlaiid  against  him,  his  ill  success  against  St.  Domingo,^  and  the  storm-clouds  of  war 
that  were  again  lowering  darkly  over  Europe,  caused  the  gorgeous  dream  of  colonial 
dominion  to  fade  from  the  mind  of  the  First  Consul.  He  needed  troops  at  home,  and 
lie  was  more  in  want  of  money  than  far-off  possessions  held  by  doubtful  tenure.' 

Monroe  arrived  at  Paris  on  the  12th  of  April,  1803.  The  negotiations  immediately 
I  commenced.  The  intercourse  between  the  three  commissioners  was  very  pleasant. 
Livingston  and  Marbois  had  known  each  other  intimately  more  than  twenty  years 
t  before.  Every  thing  went  on  smoothly ;  and  in  less  than  a  fortnight  a  treaty  was 
signed  by  which  the  United  l^tates  came  into  the  possession  of  a  vast  and,  to  some 
I  extent,  undefined  domain,  containing  a  mixed  free  population  of  eighty-five  thousand 
j  souls  and  forty  thousand  negro  slaves,  for  the  sum  of  $15,000,000.     "  We  have  lived 

ng,"  said  Mr.  Livingston  to  Marbois,  as  he  arose  from  his  seat  after  signing  the 

I  tivaty, "  but  this  is  the  noblest  work  of  our  whole  lives.     The  treaty  Avhich  we  have 

just  signed  has  not  been  obtained  by  art  or  force ;  equally  advantageous  to  the  two 

contracting  parties,  it  will  change  vast  solitudes  into  flourishing  districts.    From  this 

day  the  United  States  take  their  place  among  the  powers  of  the  first  rank ;  the  Eu- 

I  jlish  lose  all  exclusive  influence  in  the  affairs  of  America/' 

Bonaparte,  who  had  watched  the  progress  of  the  negotiations  with  intense  interest, 

held  similar  opinions.     "  It  is  true,"  he  said  to  Marbois  a  few  hours  later,  "  the  nego- 

I  tiation  does  not  leave  me  any  thing  to  desire ;  sixty  millions  [francs]  for  an  occupa- 

I  tion  that  will  not  perhaps  last  for  a  day !  ,  I  would  that  France  should  enjoy  this 

ncxpected  capital,  that  it  may  be  employed  in  works  beneficial  to  her  marine.*  This 
I  accession  of  territory,"  he  continued  exultingly,  "  strengthens  forever  the  power  of 
the  United  States;  andl  have  just  given  to  England  a  maritime  rival  that  will,  sooner 
I  or  later,  humble  her  pride.'''' 

'  Marbois  was  secretary  t(i  the  French  cmbaBsy  to  the  United  States  during  a  portion  of  the  American  Revolution,  and 
I  »i!  nov/  at  the  head  of  the  French  Treasury  Department. 

'  Toussaint  L'Onverture,  an  able  and  courageo'-s  negro,  seized  the  Spanish  part  of  St.  Domingo,  and  made  It  a  colony 
I  olFronce,  in  January,  180t.  He  was  declared  ''  'ent  for  life.  This  example  was  epeedlly  followed  by  the  black  and 
I  tolorpii  population  of  Ouadaloupe.  They  seized  thv-  ijoven  or  scut  out  by  Bonaparte,  and  established  a  provisional  gov- 
I  trnmont  in  October,  1801.  Meanwhile  an  insurrection  had  broken  out  in  St.  Domingo,  and  Bonaparte  sent  his  brother- 
litlaw.Lc  Clerc,  to  quell  It.  Toussaint  regarded  the  army  as  an  Instrument  for  the  enslavement  of  himself  and  bis 
Jtrnple.  A  new  civil  war  ensued,  while  the  French  army  was  completely  decimated  by  fever  and  sword.  Twenty  thou- 
liind  BOldicrs  perished,  and  sixty  thousand  white  people  of  the  island  were  massacred  by  the  InAiriated  negroes.  A 
I  Bomentary  peace  ensued.    Toussaint,  who  deprecated  these  acts,  was  treacherously  seized  on  the  false  charge  of  inten- 

D  to  excite  another  insurrection,  taken  to  France,  and  died  in  prison  there.  By  direct  act  of  Bonaparte  slavery  wag 
|islal)llshe(l  in  Ouadaloupe  (where  his  army  was  more  successful),  and  the  slave-trade  was  opened. 

' "  I  require  a  great  deal  of  money,"  the  First  Consul  said  to  Marbois,  "  to  carry  on  this  war,  and  I  would  not  like  to 
Itommcnce  with  new  contributions.  If  I  should  regulate  my  terms  according  to  the  value  of  those  vast  regions  to  the 
I  roiled  States,  the  Indemnity  would  have  no  limits.  I  will  be  moderate,  in  consideration  of  the  necessity  in  which  I  am 
l^crd  of  making  a  sale.    But  keep  this  to  yourself." 

'  Tlie  luvaBiou  of  England  and  the  prostration  of  her  maritime  superiority  was  then  Bonaparte's  favorite  project 


I 


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184 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Secesetun  proposed  by  New  England.     Condemned  by  Ilamiltun.     Affuirs  In  the  Suutliwest.     Transfer  of  Loululnnn. 

Notwithstanding  the  acknowledged  national  advantages  to  be  gained  by  the  acqui- 
sition  of  Louisiana,  the  Federal  politicians,  especially  those  of  New  England,  perceiv- 
ing that  it  would  strengthen  the  South,  into  whose  hands  the  government  had  fiillen 
raised  a  loud  outcry  against  it  as  the  work  of  the  Southern  Democrat  '.  Tliey  pro- 
fessed to  regard  the  measure  as  inimica'  ^o  the  interests  of  the  North  and  East ;  and 
having,  while  in  power,  become  familiar  with  the  prescription  of  disunion  of  the 
states,  always  put  forth  by  the  Southern  political  doctors  as  the  great  remedy  for 
apparently  incurable  political  evils,  they  resolved  to  try  its  efficiency  in  the  case  in 
question.  All  through  the  years  1803  and  1804  desires  for  and  fears  of  a  dissolution 
of  the  Union  were  freely  expressed  in  what  arc  now  the  free-labor  states  east  of  the 
Alleghanies ;'  and  a  select  Convention  of  Federalists,  to  be  held  at  Boston  in  the 
autumn  of  1 804,  to  consider  the  question  of  disunion,  was  contemplated  early  in  tlmt 
year.  Alexander  Hamilton  was  invited  to  attend  it,  but  his  emphatic  condemnation 
of  the  whole  plan,  only  a  few  months  before  his  death,  seems  to  have  disconcerted  the 
leaders  and  dissipated  the  scheme.  "  To  his  honor  be  it  spoken,"  said  Dewitt  Clinton 
in  the  Senate  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  1809,  "it  was  rejected  by  him  with  abhor- 
rence and  disdain." 

The  acquisition  of  Louisiana  by  the  United  States  was  distasteful  to  the  Spaniards, 
It  brought  the  restless  and  enterprising  Americans  too  near  the  Spanish  provinces  in 
Mexico  to  promise  quietude  to  the  latter.  Yrugo,  the  Spanish  minister  at  AVasIiinc- 
ton,  therefore  entered  a  solemn  protest  against  the  entire  treaty.  Questions  concern- 
ing the  true  boundary  of  Louisiana  were  speedily  raised,  and  serious  complications 
were  threatened.  Tlie  Spaniards  were  disposed  to  cling  to  all  the  territory  east  of 
the  Mississippi  included  in  West  Florida,  and  thus  hold  possession  of  New  Orleans. 
This  disposition  opened  afresh  the  animosity  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  West  against 
the  occupants  of  the  Lower  Mississippi,  and  the  United  States  contemplated  the  ne- 
cessity of  taking  possession  of  New  Orleans  by  the  force  of  arms.  Troops  under 
GeneralJamcs  Wilkinson,  consisting  of  a  few  regulars,  several  companies  of  Mississip- 
pi volunteers,  and  a  considerable  number  of  Tennessee  militia,  marched  from  Nasli- 
ville  to  Natchez. 

But  a  peaceful  transfer  of  the  territory  took  jjlace.  Lausat,  the  commissioner  of 
France  to  receive  Louisiana  from  the  Spaniards  imder  the  cession  treaty,  performed 
that  duty,  and  a  few  days  afterward  he  formally  delivered  the  island  and  city  of  New 
Orleans  to  General  Wilkinson  and  William  C.  C.  Claibonie,  the  commissioners  appoint- 
ed for  the  purpose  by  the  United  States.  The  Spaniards  were  left  in  possession  of 
the  country  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to,  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  known  aa  The  Floridas, 
lying  south  of  the  thirty-first  degree  of  north  latitude,  and  east  of  a  Hue  nearly  cor- 
responding with  the  present  boundary  between  Mississippi  and  Louisiana  on  the 
Pearl  River. 

Upon  the  soil  thus  acquired,  and  which  was  an  important  step  in  the  direction  of 
absolute  independence  of  Great  Britain  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  some  of  the 
most  stirring  events  of  the  War  of  1812  occurred,  and  thereon  was  fought  the  last 
and  most  decisive  battle  of  the  Second  War  for  Lidependence. 

The  acquisition  of  Louisiana  created  in  the  minds  of  adventurers  visions  of  personal 
and  national  aggrandizement  tho  influence  of  which  it  was  difficult  to  resist.    Anion;,' 
those  who  formed  schemes  of  operation  in  that  direction  was  Aaron  Burr,  the  Vice- : 
President  of  the  United  States,  who  in  1804,  by  the  failure  of  his  political  aspirations,  \ 
the  general  distnist  of  his  political  and  personal  integrity,  the  exposure  of  his  immoral 
character,  his  hopeless  financial  embarrassments,  and,  above  all,  his  cruel  murder  m 

'  Jefferson,  who  was  a  strict  constrnctlonlst  of  the  Constitntlon,  was  a  little  embarrassed  by  this  treaty.   The  aciinlsl- 
tion  of  territory  he  thonght  unconstitutional,  and  he  proposed  an  amendment  of  that  instrument  so  as  to  sanction  thi'  j 
important  act.    But  nothing  of  the  kind  was  done.    All  parties  coincided  in  the  measure,  and  on  the  20th  of  Octiilier. 
1803,  the  Senate  ratified  the  treaty  by  n  vote  of  twenty-four  to  seven.    The  purchase  of  Louisiana  became  a  precedent, 
and  its  accession  was  one  of  the  glories  of  Jlr.  JelTerBon's  administration. 


Aaron  Burr.    Ills  Mur( 


=ii 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


135 


Aaron  Burr.    His  Murder  of  Ilamilton.    Vtrginians  honor  him  for  It.    Specially  houored  by  Jefferson  and  his  Friends. 

the  great  and  honored  Hamilton  in  a  duel,  liad  become  a  desperate  man,  and  a  fugi- 
tive from  society  and  from  justice,  moral  and  legal.  When  the  correspondence  be- 
tween Burr  and  Haniihon  immediately  preceding  the  duel  was  published,  it  was  evi- 
dent that  the  former  liad  committed  a  murder  by  forcing  the  combat  upon  his  victim.' 
The  public  indignation  ivas  hitense — so  intense  that  Burr  fled  before  its  fury  to  Gcor- 
ffia  by  sea,  "  merely,"  as  he  wrote  to  his  daughter  Theodosia,  a  planter's  wife  in  South 

arch-foe  of  dcmocra- 
cy."'*  Attended  by  d 
retinue  of  Democrats 
he  visited  the  thea- 
tre in  the  evening, 
where  the  audience 
rose  and  received 
him  with  cheers.' 
At  Washington  City 
he  was  received  with 
great  deference.  The 
"  President  (Jefter- 
son)  seems  to  have 
been  more  complai- 
sant than  usual;"* 
and  at  Burr's  re- 
quest General  Wil- 
kinson was  appoint- 
ed Governor  of  Lou- 
isiana, and  Dr.  Brown  secreta- 
ry. These  Avere  the  Vice-Pres- 
ident's warm  friends. 

At  the  close  of  his  oflicial  a.- 


m 


.j^<z^ 


Carolina, "  to  give  a 
little  time  for  pas- 
sion to  subside,  not 
from  any  apprehen- 
sions of  the  final  ef- 
fects of  proceedings 
in  courts  of  law." 

Burr   found    him- 
self in   a   congenial 
iitmosphere    in    the 
South.  He  was  ietcd 
and    caressed ;    and 
when,     finally,     he 
made   liis    way    to- 
ward     Washington 
City,  to  take  his  seat 
as  President  of  the 
Senate  by  virtue  of 
his    oflice,   he    Avas 
treated  to  ovations.     A  public 
dinner  was  given  him  at  Pe- 
tersburg, in  Virginia,  to  hon- 
or him  as  "  the  destroyer  of  the 
reer  in  the  spring  of  1805,  Burr  was  a  ruined  man,  socially,  politically,  and  pecuniari- 

'  The  political  Intrlgnes  and  social  immoralities  of  Burr  had  become  so  generally  known  in  ISM  that  his  fiitnre  euc- 
te«8  in  any  political  schemes  was  extremely  doubtful.  lie  offered  himself  as  an  indcpeudent  candidate  for  Governor 
ofthe  State  of  New  York  in  the  spring  of  1804,  and  was  defeated,  as  he  believed,  through  the  powerful  influence  of  Alex 
jndcr  Hamilton,  who  was  convinced  that  he  was  unfit  for  any  Important  place  of  honor  or  profit.  That  failure  Imbit- 
Icred  lilm.  This  feeling  was  intensified  by  the  consciousness  that  he  was  suspected  and  distrusted  every  where.  Ham- 
ilton, whom  he  regarded  as  his  arch-enemy,  was  at  the  same  time  honored  and  trusted.  His  Integrity  was  not  doubted 
by  his  most  nncompromising  political  enemies.  This  contrast  was  like  glowing  embers  upon  the  head  of  Burr,  and  he 
was  resolved  to  destroy  his  antagonist.  A  pretext  for  action  to  that  end  was  not  long  wanting.  A  zealons  partisan  of 
Barr's  competitor  in  tlie  late  election,  in  his  zeal  during  the  canvass,  declared  in  print  that  Hamilton  had  snid  that  the 
Vice-President  was  a  "  dangerous  man,  who  ought  not  to  be  trusted  with  the  reins  of  government."  Again  ho  wrote, 
'I  could  detail  yon  a  more  despicable  opinion  which  General  Hamilton  has  expressed  of  Burr." 

Tlicse  alleged  expressions  were  made  the  basis  of  a  challenge,  on  the  part  of  Burr,  to  mortal  combat,  namiltou  per- 
ceived at  the  beginning  that  Burr  was  determined  to  force  him  to  fight,  against  his  own  convictions  ofthe  wrongfulness 
ot  dueling  and  the  necessities  ofthe  case.  He  took  honorable  means  to  avoid  a.  meeting.  His  malignant  enemy  could 
not  be  appeased.  At  length,  compelled  by  the  wretched  custom  of  society  then  prevailing,  called  "  the  code  of  honor," 
be  accepted  the  challenge,  met  Burr  on  the  western  shore  ofthe  Hudson  near  Weehawken  early  on  the  morning  ofthe 
Utli  of  July,  1S04,  and  received  a  mortal  wound.  He  declared  his  intention  not  to  fire  at  Burr,  and  adhered  to  his  reso- 
lution, while  the  murderer  took  deliberate  aim,  and  accomplished  his  errand  to  the  field  of  blood.  Hamilton  was  con- 
veyed across  the  river  to  the  house  of  a  friend,  w'  .ere  he  died  after  suffering  for  twenty-four  hours.  The  coroner  retunied 
averdict  of  willftil  murder.  A  bill  of  Indictment  for  that  crime  was  found  against  him  in  New  Jersey,  williin  the  juris- 
diction of  which  the  duel  was  fought,  and  the  Grand  Jury  of  New  York  found  bills  against  him  and  his  seconds  for  being 
concerned  In  a  duel,  the  punishment  for  which,  by  a  recent  act  of  that  state,  was  dlafranchlsement  and  Incapacity  to 
bold  office  for  twenty  years.    Burr  fied  to  Philadelphia,  and  from  thence  to  Georgia. 

'  Parton's  Life  o/Aarmi  Burr,  page  3T2.  '  ITic  same. 

•  The  same,  page  373.  Senator  Plnmcr  wrote  In  November,  1804,  "Mr.  Jefferson  has  shown  him  more  attention,  and  In- 
vited him  oftcner  to  his  house  within  the  last  three  months,  than  he  ever  did  for  the  same  time  before.  Mr.  Gallatin  [Sec- 
retary of  the  Treasury]  has  waited  upon  him  oftener  at  his  lodgings,  and  one  day  was  closeted  with  him  more  than 
two  honrs.  Mr.  Madison,  formerly  the  intimate  fl-iend  of  Hamilton,  has  taken  his  murderer  Into  his  carriage,  and  ac- 
rompnnied  him  on  a  visit  to  the  French  minister.  .  .  .  The  Democrats  of  both  houses  are  remarkably  attentive  to  Burr. 
Wliat  office  they  can  give  him  Is  uncertain.  Mr.  Wright,  of  Maryland,  said  in  debate, '  The  first  duel  I  ever  rend  of  was 
ihal  of  David  killing  Goliath.  Our  little  David  of  the  Republicans  has  killed  the  Goliath  of  Federalism,  and  for  this  I 
am  willing  to  reward  him.'  "-See  Life  of  William  Plvmer,  by  bis  eon,  page  328. 


l! 


?! 


'  1, 


130 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Burr's  Nchemes  for  hlH  own  Prollt.     BIcnnerbanBett  and  his  Home.     Burr  decoivcB  Andrew  JackHon  and  John  Adnlr. 

ly.  Every  legitimate  avenue  to  a  retrieval  of  his  character  and  fortune  seemed  to  be 
closed,  and  he  became  desperate.  His  ambition  was  as  intense  as  over,  and  ho  sought 
new  fields  for  the  exercise  of  his  powera.  He  spent  the  ensuing  summer  in  the  Wost. 
It  was  for  him  a  season  of  wide  observation  of  men  and  things,  having  a  bearing  upon 
some  grand  enterprise  which  he  had  conceived.  As  he  went  leisurely  down  tlio 
Ohio  he  visited  Harman  Blennerhassett,  a  wealthy  and  cultivated  Irishman,  who,  witli 
a  beautiful  and  equally  cultivated  wife,  had  formed  for  themselves  a  sort  of  terrestrial 
paradise  upon  an  island  in  the  Ohio  River  a  short  distance  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Muskingum.  Husband  and  wife  were  equally  charmed  by  Burr.  He  fired  tlieir 
imaginations  with  glimpses  of  his  schemes  of  personal  grandeur  for  all  who  should 
co-operate  with  him.  He  filled  their  minds  with  dreams  of  immense  Avealth  and 
power;  and  when  he  left  their  home  the  sunshine  of  their  sweet  domestic  felicity  J:ad 
departed  forever.  Blennerhaseett  was  a  changed  man.  He  had  placed  his  wealth 
and  reputation  in  the  keeping  of  an  unprincipled  profligate,  and  lost  both. ' 

At  that  time  the  bravo  and  incorruptible  Andrew  Jackson  was  in  command  of  the 
Tennessee  militia.  In  May*  Burr  appeared  at  the  door  of  his  mansion,  a  few- 
miles  from  Nashville,  and  was  received  as  an  honored  guest.  To  that  stem 
patriot  he  talked  of  the  establishment  of  a  splendid  empire  in  the  Southwest,  Avhcre 
the  Spaniards  then  ruled ;  and,  before  he  departed,  he  had  Avon  Jackson's  confidence, 
and  his  promises  of  co-operation.  He  met  Wilkinson  at  St.  Louis,  and  divulged  some 
of  his  schemes  to  that  weak  man.  He  won  the  friendship  of  other  influential  persons, 
among  them  General  win   to   his   service 

Adair,  of  Kentucky ;  j-y^  .//  '  dissatisfied  military 

and  in  the  autumn 
he  returned  to  Wash- 
ington, and  sought  to 


•1806. 


^ 


^t?^C<yt^^V'"~^ 


and  naval  officei-s. 
He  talked  enigmat- 
ically,  and,   to   the 


>  Blennerbassett's  was  in- 
deed a  beautiful  and  happy 
home.  It  was  the  creation  nf 
wealth,  taste,  and  love.  The 
mansion  was  clcgaut.  Tlie 
gardens  were  laid  out  and 
planted  with  care.  Conserv- 
atories were  rich  In  exotics. 
Science,  music,  paintinj;,  farm 
culture,  and  social  pleasures 
made  up  a  great  portion  of 
the  sum  of  daily  life  in  that 
elegant  retreat.  It  became 
the  resort  of  the  best  minds 
west  of  the  mountains.  The 
lately  rude  island  smiled  with 
perpetual  beauty.  To  the  sim- 
ple settlers  upon  the  neigh- 
boring shore  the  house  seem- 
ed like  a  palace,  and  the  way  of  living  there  like  that  of  a  prince.  Into  that  paradise  the  wily  serpent  crept,  and  polluted 
it  with  its  slime. 

Harman  Blennerhassett  was  a  descendant  of  an  ancient  Irish  family,  whose  seat  was  Castle  Conway,  in  Kerry.  His 
education  was  thoroughly  given  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin,  and  he  graduated  at  the  same  time  with  his  friend  and 
kinsman,  Thomas  Addis  Emmett.  He  loved  and  studied  science.  On  the  death  of  his  father  in  1798  he  inherited  n  lurgo 
fortune.  Having  become  Involved  in  political  troubles,  he  sold  his  estate,  went  to  England,  and  married  the  bcantifnl 
and  accomplished  Miss  Agnew,  granddaughter  of  oue  of  the  British  generals  killed  at  the  battle  at  Germantown,  near 
Philodclphia.   Th^  came  to  America, 


ULKNyKKUAHSElTb   BEttlllKMUr:. 


Journeyed  to  the  West,  purchased  the 
island  in  the  Ohio  which  still  bears 
his  name,  made  their  home  there,  and 
for  five  years  before  Burr's  appearance 
they  had  enjoyed  perfect  happiness 
and  repose.  A  fine  library,  pictures, 
scientific  apparatus  c^ave  them  imple- 
ments for  mental  culture,  and  they  improved  the  opportunity.  When  Burr's  mad  schemes  failed  Blennerbassett's  para- 
dise was  laid  waste.  He  beojime  a  cotton-planter  in  Mississippi,  but  finally  lost  his  fortune.  He  and  his  wife  flnallr 
returned  to  England,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  tixty-one  years.  His  widow  came  .,i  America  to  seek  ffom  Concires 
some  remuneration  for  his  losses.  While  the  matter  was  pending  she  sickened  and  died  in  poverty  in  New  Ynrlc,  in 
August,  1842,  and  was  buried  by  the  Sisters  of  Charity. 


i^:^^ 


Military  Preparations 

cars  of  some,  di 

union  of  the  Wc 

To  General  Eat( 

ality  of  a  rcvolu 

for  himself  the  c 

was  apprised  of 

of  a  desperate  p( 

In  the  summei 

into  the  inner  so 

hassett's  liome  w 

flotilla  was  forme 

and  large  luimbe 

but  believuig  the 

Saxon  einj)ire  in 

prise.     Wilkinson 

tjagcd  in  intriguei' 

Union,  he  was  \w\ 

But  in  Kentuck 

I'cmarkable  charac 

field  of  Tippecanoe 

He  believed  Burr  t 

Henry  Clay  defend 

his  guilt.     Jacksoi 

the  West  from  the 

wrote  to  Governoi 

(luced ;  but  I  wouh 

disunited !"    Wilki 

also  denounced  him 

Meanwhile  the  g 

the  whole  country, 

preparations,  the  pe 

piilcis  politicians  \\ 

ideiit  to  take  measu 

(lid  not  choose  to  g 

Burr's  designs,  what 

ill  a  scheme  for  "  inv 

Boats  at  Marietta, 

pcdition,  were  seizec 

troops.    In  February 

the  Tombigbee  Rive 

(afterward  Major  Gc 

I  and  t.'-ere  tried  on  a 

court.    Burr  was  acq 

history  of  events  in  tl 

gaged  in  a  wicked  coi 

«liich,  in  some  form,  ] 

roiv,and  his  fears  of  f{ 

for  several  weeks  ami 

I  Edwards.    He  remain 


*re,  he  would  turn  Congress 
ad  declare  himself  the  protect 
I  ™'™'  page  39(U00,  inclusive. 


;  i  I 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


187 


Mllitai7  Preparattona  on  the  Ohio  River.     Burr  anspected  of  Treaaon  and  denonuced.     Ills  Arreat  and  Trial.    Kxtle. 

cars  of  some,  disloyally.  Now  he  Hpoke  of  an  expedition  against  Mexico,  tlien  of  a 
miion  of  the  Western  States  and  Territories  into  a  glorious  independent  government. 
To  General  Eaton  he  talked  of  usurpation — of  taking  possession,  by  the  instrument- 
ality of  a  revolution,  of  the  national  capital  and  archives,  and,  Cromwell-like,  assuming 
for  himself  the  character  of  a  protector  of  an  energetic  govomraent.'  The  President 
was  apprised  of  these  things,  but  he  regarded  Buit's  language  and  schemes  as  those 
of  a  desperate  politician  too  weak  to  be  dangerous.'* 

In  the  summer  of  1806  Burr  was  again  in  the  West,  engaged  in  his  grand  scheme, 
into  the  inner  secrets  of  which  he  had  not  allowed  any  man  to  penetrate.  Blenner- 
hassett's  home  was  his  head-quarters,  and  a  military  organization  was  his  w>..fk.  A 
flotilla  was  formed  at  Marietta,  on  the  Ohio,  laden  with  provisions  and  military  stores ; 
and  large  numbers  of  leading  men  in  the  West,  ignorant  of  the  real  designs  of  Burr, 
but  believing  the  great  central  plan  to  be  the  construction  of  a  magniticent  Anglo- 
Saxon  empire  in  Mexico,  in  whose  glories  they  all  might  share,  joined  in  the  enter- 
prise. Wilkinson  was  made  the  arch-conspirator's  willing  tool.  Having  been  en- 
cragcd  in  intrigues  with  the  Spaniards  in  a  scheme  that  would  have  dismembered  the 
Union,  he  was  now  a  fitting  instrument  for  Burr's  disloyal  designs. 

But  in  Kentucky  there  was  a  man  not  to  be  deceived  by  Aaron  Burr.  It  was  that 
remarkable  character,  Colonel  Joe  Daviess,  wlio  gave  his  life  to  his  country  on  the 
field  of  Tippecanoe.  He  Avas  then  the  United  States  District  Attorney  for  Kentucky. 
He  believed  Burr  to  be  engaged  in  treasonable  plans,  and  procured  his  arrest.  Young 
Henry  Clay  defended  the  prisoner,  and  he  was  acquitted ;  but  Daviess  never  doubted 
liis  guilt.  Jackson  too  had  become  convinced  that  Burr  was  preparing  to  separate 
tiie  West  from  the  rest  of  the  ITr.lon,  and  he  denounced  him.  "  I  hate  the  Dons,"  he 
wrote  to  Governor  Claiborne,*  "and  would  delight  to  see  Mexico  re-  .November  12 
(luced ;  but  I  would  die  in  the  last  ditch  before  I  would  see  the  TJ  nion  ^'''**'- 

disunited !"    Wilkinson,  alamied  at  the  aspect  of  affairs,  turned  traitor  to  Burr,  and 
also  denounced  him. 

Meanwhile  the  government  had  become  alarmed.  The  whole  West,  and  indeed 
the  whole  country,  was  agitated  by  Burr's  operations;  and  the  magnitude  of  his 
preparations,  the  persons  involved  in  his  toils,  and  the  known  disposition  of  unscru- 
pulous politicians  west  of  the  mountains  to  set  up  for  independency,  caused  the  Pres- 
ident to  take  measures  to  arrest  what  seemed  to  be  treason,  in  the  bud.  Jefferson 
did  not  choose  to  give  it  that  complexion,  and,  in  a  proclamation  for  the  arrest  of 
Burr's  designs,  whatever  they  might  be,  he  warned  all  persons  against  participating 
in  a  scheme  for  "  invading  the  Spanish  dominions." 

Boats  at  Marietta,  on  the  Ohio,  loaded  for  New  Orleans  with  materials  for  the  ex- 
pedition, were  seized,  and  Blennerhassett's  Island  was  occupied  by  United  States 
troops.  In  February,  1807,''  Burr  was  arrested  near  Fort  Stoddart,  on  ^ 
tl\e  Tombigbee  River,  in  the  present  State  of  Alabama,  by  Lieutenant 
(afterward  Major  General)  E.  P.  Gauies.  He  was  taken  to  Richmond,  in  Virginia, 
and  t'ere  tried  on  a  charge  of  treason.  Chief  Justice  Marshall  presided  over  the 
court.  Burr  was  acquitted  ;  but,  from  that  day  to  this,  no  intelligent  student  of  the 
history  of  events  in  the  West  during  the  years  1 805  and  1 806,  doubts  that  lie  was  en- 
gaged in  a  Avicked  conspiracy  to  dissever  the  Union,  and  establish  a  government  over 
which,  in  some  form,  he  should  be  the  ruler.  His  escape  from  conviction  was  so  nar- 
row, and  his  fears  of  farther  prosecution  were  so  great,  that,  after  remaining  concealed 
tor  several  weeks  among  his  friends,  he  sailed  for  Europe  under  the  name  of  G.  H. 
Edwards.     He  remained  in  exile  and  poverty  for  several  years. 


'  "He  Bald  If  he  conld  gain  over  the  marine  corps,  and  secnre  the  naval  commanders  Truxtun,  Preble,  Decatur,  and 
I  olhere,  he  would  turn  CongreoB  neclj  and  heels  out  of  doors,  assassinate  the  President,  seize  on  the  treasury  and  navy, 
»nd  declare  himself  the  protector  of  on  energetic  government."— Deposition  of  General  William  Eaton.    Bee  Life  <\f 
I  JSiifm,  page  390-400,  incloalve.  >  The  same,  page  401. 


n 


IN 


i 

hill 


1  I 


138 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Thu  "  Hule  (>r  1760"  niuditled.     Cummerdal  Thrift  In  the  United  Btatea.     The  Jcalimny  of  Uritlah  Morchunti  aruuKea. 

Wliili!  tlio  |){'<)j)le  of  tlio  Uniti'd  StiUeH  were  violoiitly  ftf^itiitoil  by  thoHO  evi'iitH  in 
thu  West  thu  war  in  Europu  waH  progruHHiiig,  and  Franuo  and  England  liad  com. 
munuud  tlieir  duspuratu  game  for  Buiirunmcy  at  the  oxpunso  of  the  commurcial  pros- 
])urity  of  tlio  world. 

For  a  long  tiinu  tliu  commercial  thrift  of  the  United  States,  fostered  hy  a  modKica- 
tion  of  thu  IJrit'.'th  "rule  of  1750,"'  had  been  the  envy  of  English  merchants.  Thiit 
modification  had  been  madu  solely  for  thu  supposed  benefit  of  IJritish  commercial  in- 
terests.  Kelying  upon  the  faith  of  that  governniunt,  tacitly  pludgcd  in  the  fonnal 
exposition  of  the  terms  of  that  modification  l)y  the  law  officer  of  the  crown,  tlio 
American  ship-owners  commenced  and  carried  on  a  most  extensive  and  profitubic 
trade.2  American  vessels  became  thu  cliiuf  carrierH  of  thu  products  of  the  colonies  of 
France  and  Holland ;  also  of  Spain  after  her  accession  to  the  French  alliance.  Swe- 
den, Denmark,  and  the  Ilansu  Towns'  wure  then  the  only  neutral  maritime  powers, 
and  these,  in  common  with  thu  United  States,  were  fast  growing  rich.'' 

First  the  envious  British  merchants  complained;  then  the  privateersmen  and  navy 
officers,  who  declared  that,  as  there  were  no  moru  prizes  to  take,  their  occupation  was 

'  Sec  note  1,  pnge  84. 

»  On  the  accession  of  Alexander  to  the  throne  of  RasBta,  after  the  anaanslnntlon  of  the  Emperor  PanI  In  March,  1801, 
the  most  friendly  relations  were  eatnbllshed  between  that  country  and  Great  Britain.  On  the  17th  of  June,  ISOl,  a  treaty 
was  concluded  between  the  two  f;nvcrnmcntH  "to  settle,"  as  the  preamble  expressed  It,  "an  Invariable  detcrnilimllDn 
of  the  principles  of  the  two  Kovernmeiits  npo.i  the  rights  of  neutrality."  In  that  treaty  not  only  the  "  rule  of  IT.'W"  was 
not  recognized,  but  the  right  of  the  lu'utral  to  trade  with  the  colonies  of  belligerents,  n  '  from  his  own  country  in  tlu' 
produce  of  those  coloiiies  to  the  mother  country,  was  expressly  stipulated.  As  this  wa-  avowedly  the  "settled  princi- 
ple" of  the  Rovemmcnt  of  Great  llrltain,  American  commerce  had  no  more  fears.  But  Its  sense  of  security  was  soon 
disturbed,  but  Immediately  quieted  by  the  prompt  action  of  Mr.  King,  the  American  minister  at  the  British  court.  Karlj 
In  1801  he  was  Informed  that  a  decree  of  the  Vice- Admiralty  Conrt  at  Nassau,  New  Providence,  had  condemned  the  carj,'i) 
of  an  American  vessel  going  from  the  United  States  to  a  port  In  the  Spanish  colonies,  the  cargo  consisting  of  artidos 
the  growth  of  old  Si)ain.  Mr.  King  imtncdlately  presented  a  respcctflil  remonstrance  to  the  British  government  ngalust 
tills  infringement  of  the  rights  of  neutrals.  The  matter  was  referred  to  tlic  king's  advocate  general  (Lord  nawkeHl)iirj). 
who  rcjiorted,  on  the  Iflth  of  March,  ISOl,  In  the  following  words,  the  doctrine  of  England  at  that  time'  concerniilg  tlic 
rights  of  neutrals: 

"  It  is  now  distinctly  nnderstood,  anil  1ms  been  repeatedly  sp  decided  by  the  High  Conrt  of  Appeals,  that  theprodm 
of  the  colonien  nftbe  enemji  may  be  impnrted  by  a  neutral  into  hi»  o\m  country,  ami  may  be  exjmrted  Jfroitn  thenre,  ram  to  Ihe 
muther  country  of  such  colony;  and,  in  like  vianner,  the.  proihiec  ami  vianufactures  of  the  motlier  country  may,  in  this  rir- 
cnitou»  mode,  legally  find  their  may  to  the  rolmiies.  The  direct  trade,  however,  between  the  mother  country  and  Its  colo- 
nies has  not,  I  apprehend,  been  recognized  as  legal,  cither  by  his  majesty's  goveniment  or  by  his  tribunals."  He  tlien 
explained  what  rule  should  govern  the  carrying  of  goods  tq  cause  them  to  avoid  a  faii-  definition  of  "  direct  trade"  and 
be  In  conformity  to  the  modlHcatlon  of  the  "  rule  of  1760,"  above  mentioned,  by  saying,  "  that  lauding  the  goods  and  pay- 
ing the  duties  in  the  neutral  country  breaks  the  continuity  of  the  voyage,  and  is  snch  an  Importation  as  legalizes  tlic 
trade,  although  the  goods  be  reshlpped  in  the  same  vessel,  and  on  account  of  the  same  neutral  proprietors,  and  bo  for- 
warded for  sale  to  the  mother  country  or  the  colonies." 

On  the  30th  of  March  the  Duke  of  Portland  (the  principal  Secretary  of  State)  sent  the  above  extracts  from  the  report 
of  the  advocate  to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  with  a  letter  in  which  tie  said,  "  I  have  the  honor  to  sig- 
nify to  your  lordships  the  king's  pleasure  that  a  communication  of  the  doctrine  laid  down  In  the  said  report  should  be 
immediately  made  by  your  lordships  to  the  several  judges  presiding  In  them,  setting  forth  what  Is  held  to  be  the  law 
upon  the  subject  by  the  superior  tribunals  for  their  future  guidance  and  direction."— Letters  from  Messrs.  Monroe  and 
PInckney  to  Lord  Howick,  August  20,  ISOO. 

^  Lul)cck,  Hamburg,  and  Bremen.  Tliese  are  all  that  remain  of  the  ancient  Hanseatic  League,  a  commercial  union 
of  a  number  of  Gennan  port-towns  In  support  of  each  other  against  the  piracies  of  the  Swedes  and  Danes,  formed  lu 
1104,  and  formally  signed  in  1241.  At  one  time  the  league  comprised  sixty-six  cities,  and  possessed  great  political  power. 
They  were  reduced  by  various  canscs  to  their  present  number  more  than  two  hundred  years  ago.  The  Congress  at  Vi- 
enna In  1S15  guaranteed  the  freedom  of  these  cities. 

•  The  following  table  exhibits  the  export  trade  of  the  United  States  for  fonr  yearn; 


Veabh. 

FoHBlolr. 

DouisTic. 

TOTAL- 

180H 

13,604,000 
30,231,000 
6,1,170,000 
00,283,000 

42,200,000 
41,408,000 
42,3'i7,000 
41,263,000 

66,800,000 

77,cno,ooo 

06,500,000 
101,6!li>,00f 

180-1 

1806 

1800 

103,287,000 

107,314,000 

830,001,000 

This  exhibit  was  made  peculiarly  annoying  to  the  English,  because  the  foreign  articles  were  principally  productions 
of  the  colonies  of  the  enemies  of  Great  Britain. 

•  Montesquieu,  writing  ten  years  before  the  English  "rule  of  1760"  in  regard  to  the  rights  of  neutrals  was  promnl- 
gated,  said,  concerning  the  spirit  of  that  people,  "  Supremely  Jealous  with  respect  to  trade,  they  bind  themselves  but  lit- 
tle by  treaties,  and  depend  only  on  their  own  laws.  Other  nations  have  made  the  Interests  of  commerce  yield  to  those 
of  politics;  the  English,  on  the  contrary,  have  ever  made  their  political  Interests  give  way  to  those  of  commerce."— See 
r/ie  Spirit  of  Laws,  11.,  8. 


Reuaertton  of  the 

greatly  interf 
iiuTchant  vus; 
the  neutral  fia 
maritime  foes 
175(1,"  it  was  I 
Tlieso  com  J) 
to  suggestions 
cases,  a  mere  i 
early  in  the  su 
(Ired  measures 
intimation  that 
gated,  was  the 
Courts  of  Ainc 
writers  put  fort 
the  old  j)ractice 
have  been  emph 
and  elaborate  cs 
Neutral  Flags," 
he  said,  "  the  net 
its  partial  appli( 
inies  of  England 
"  AVar  in  Disg 
merchant,"*  and 
answered  in  Eiiir 

O 

I  In  May,  1806,  the  dec 

cliallng  English  cruisers. 

It  had  already  been  decl 

Iheimyment  of  duties,  th 

CourtofAppeals,  In  thei 

says  Alexander  Baring  (i 

not  actually  been  paid  in 

.\mcrica  excepting  that  li 

Baring,  "and  In  the  cou 

crowded  our  jjortg  for  tria 

'  Sec  page  S4. 

'  This  assumption  was  ( 

lions ;"  and  having  the  po 

able  maritime  nation— ev 

it;"  as  If  a  wroiui  unresenu 

"Armed  Neutrality"  of  17f 

|)osed  the  assnmption.   Fr 

10  Lord  Lyons,  the  British 

doctrine  concerning  the  pr 

accoinitofthecaseofthe,! 
'  Madison. 

'  The  eminent  English  n 
ment),  put  forth  a  pamphlet 
"',  etc.  It  was  published  i 
and  sophisms  of  this  essay, 
potent  canscs  of  the  war  bet 
the  outrages  of  the  British  I 
orders  in  council,  and  delin 
Ihe  author  of  War  in  tHsgui 
grec  incredible." 

War  in  Disgutue  was  follov 
one  entitled  The  Pregent  Clai 
and  was  published  In  Londo 
the  following  memorandum 
olatlon  broke  ont  In  1776,  an 
"  Jnne  6th,  Cth,  7th,  and  8t 
the  consideration  of  my  capi 
10  exerci.-.e.  Inmofoplaioi 
less  to  their  hostile  threats,! 
Of  the  French  colonies  to  the 
IfTOwing  Insolence  of  the  Am 
"Read 'War  In  Disguise,' 


OF   THE  WAIt    OF   18  12. 


130 


Reueertlon  of  the  "Rule  oflTSO." 


BrItUb  Perfldy  defended  by  Britlih  Writers. 


Barliig't  Bxpoinre. 


(fivatly  intorfori'd  witli.  Tlio  ciK'tnics  of  Great  Britain,  luiviiisr  full  use  of  lu'utral 
mcrcliant  vesHols,  had  none  of  tlii-ir  own  on  the  oci-aii.  Ariiu'tl  Nliii)H,  j)roto<'U'(l  by 
the  ni'iitral  flag,  jiorfornied  all  the  duties  of  jiractieal  conuncrcc,  and  the  trade  of  the 
maritime  foes  of  Kngland  was  l)ut  little  interrupted  by  existing  war.  The  "  rule  of 
1750,"  it  was  alleged,  was  wholly  evaded. 

These  complaints  were  lieeded.  The  Courts  of  Admiralty  began  to  listen  willingly 
to  suggestions  that  this  allegation  of  neutral  ju'operty  was  in  many,  if  not  in  most 
cases,  a  mere  fraud,  intended  to  give  to  belligerent  goods  a  neutral  character;  aiul 
early  in  the  summer  of  1806  the  "rule  of  1750"  was  revived  in  fidl  force.'  Like  kin- 
dred measures  on  previous  occasions,''  it  was  put  into  oj)cration  secretly;  and  the  first 
intimation  that  the  maritime  law  laid  down  by  the  king's  advocate  in  1801,  was  abro- 
gated, was  the  seizure  by  British  cruisers  and  condemnation  by  Britisli  Admiralty 
Courts  of  American  vessels  and  their  cargoes.  At  the  same  time  English  public 
writers  ])Ut  forth  specious  defenses  of  the  action  of  their  government  in  its  revival  of 
the  old  practice.  One  of  these  was  James  Stephens,  a  lawyer  of  ability,  supposed  to 
have  been  employed  for  the  purpose  by  the  government.  He  wrote*  an  able  .  octoiier 
and  elaborate  essay,  under  the  title  of"  War  in  Disguise,  or  the  Frauds  of  the  ^^*''- 
Neutral  Flags,"  in  which,  taking  the  "  rule  of  1 756"  as  tlie  law  of  nations, "  to  which," 
he  said,  "  the  neutral  powers  have  all  assented,  in  point  of  principle,  by  submitting  to 
its  partial  application,"^  he  argued  that  the  immense  trade  carried  on  with  the  ene- 
mies of  England  under  the  Americ.in  flag  was  essentially  war  against  Great  liritain. 

"  War  in  Disguise"  was  "  written  in  the  s\nrit  of  a  lawyer  stimulated  by  tliat  of  a 
merchant,"*  and  was  full  of  dogmatic  assertions  and  bold  sophistries.  It  was  ably 
answered  in  England  by  Alexander  Baring,*  and  in  America  by  James  Madison,  then 

1  In  Mny,  ISOB,  the  decision  Bf  the  Lords  of  Appeal  on  the  cnso  of  the  cnrgo  of  the  American  ship  Essex  unchained  the 
ohatliig  English  cnilscrs.  It  was  necessary,  for  the  sake  of  decency,  to  give  to  the  world  a  fair  excuse  for  that  decision. 
It  had  already  been  decided  that  when  goodH  had  been  made  a  common  stock  of  America  by  a  fair  Importation  and 
theiHiyment  of  duties,  they  might  he  re-exported  from  thence  to  any  part  of  the  world.  To  evade  this  decision,  the 
Court  of  Appeals,  In  the  case  above  alluded  to,  established  the  Illegality  of  the  neutral  trade,  "  founded  on  a  discovery," 
mya  Alexander  Baring  (see  note  B,  below),  "now  made  for  the  first  time,  that  the  duties  on  the  cargo  Imported  had 
uot  actually  been  paid  in  mottej/,  but  by  l)ond  of  the  importer."  This  decision  contracted  the  whole  foreign  trade  of 
.\mcrica  excepting  that  In  her  own  produce.  "  It  circulated  rapidly  among  our  cruisers  and  privateers,"  continues  Mr. 
Baring,  "  and  In  the  course  of  a  fortnight  the  seas  were  cleared  of  every  American  ship  they  could  find,  which  now 
crowded  our  ports  for  trial."— See  Baring's  Inquiry  into  the  Causes  mut  Ctmmquencea  n/  the  Orders  in  Council,  pages  81,  82. 

2  See  ])age  S4. 

'  This  assumption  was  characteristic.  Kngland,  on  her  own  motion,  promulgated  the  "  rule  of  1750"  as  a  "  law  of  na- 
tions;" and  having  the  power  to  enforce  It  for  half  a  century  In  the  face  of  the  most  vehement  protests  of  every  respect- 
able maritime  nation— even  armed  protests— her  statesmen  and  publicists  agreed  that  those  nations  had  "assented  to 
it;"  as  if  a  toronfi  unresented  on  account  of  the  weakness  of  the  sulTerors  became  a  riijht  1  It  was  never  assented  to.  The 
"Armed  Neutrality"  of  1T80  and  isnn  were  marked  protests  against  It,  and  the  American  principle  and  policy  always  op- 
|)Osed  the  assumption.  From  the  first  protest  against  it  In  1793  until  the  close  of  ISCl,  when  Secretary  Seward,  in  a  letter 
to  Lord  Lyons,  the  British  minister  at  Washington,  In  the  case  of  the  San  Jacinto  and  Trent,  reiterated  the  American 
doctrine  concerning  the  protecting  powers  of  a  neutral  flag,  the  Americans  have  opjjosed  the  "rule  of  1760."  For  a  full 
account  of  the  case  of  the  San  Jacinto  and  Trent,  see  Losslng's  Pictorial  History  of  the  Civil  War. 

<  Madison. 

»  The  eminent  English  merchant,  Alexander  Baring  (afterward  Lord  Ashburton,  and  at  that  time  n  member  of  Parlia- 
ment), put  forth  a  pamphlet  In  February,  1808,  entitled  .1 1>  Inquiry  into  the  Causes  and  Conscqttences  of  the  Orders  in  Coun- 
ril,  etc.  It  was  published  In  February,  1808,  and  contains  a  most  searching  exposure  of  the  mischievous  exaggerations 
and  sophisms  of  this  essay.  It  Is  not  extri:  vagant  vo  say  that  that  essay.  In  Its  Injurious  Influence,  was  one  of  the  most 
potent  causes  of  the  war  between  the  tJnltcii  states  md  Oreat  Britain  in  1812,  because  It  justified  in  a  semi-ofllclal  manner 
the  outrages  of  the  British  government,  t  irough  ltd  navy,  on  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  under  the  sanction  of 
orders  In  council,  and  deluded  the  Englls)!  mind  vlth  a  semblance  of  justice.  Speaking  of  some  of  the  statements  of 
tlie  author  of  War  in  Disguise,  Mr.  Baring  said,  "  Via  appears  Ignorant  of  every  thing  relative  to  American  trade  to  a  de- 
gree incredible." 

War  in  Disguise  was  followed  by  other  pamphlets  of  lesser  note  on  the  same  side.  Among  the  most  noted  of  these  was 
one  entitled  The  Present  Claims  and  Complaints  of  A  mcrica  Briefly  ami  Fairli  Considered.  It  was  an  echo  of  War  in  Disguise, 
and  was  published  In  London  at  the  close  of  May,  1800.  On  the  back  of  the  title-page  of  the  copy  in  my  possession  Is 
tlic  following  memorandum  in  manuscript  by  Brooke  Watson,  who  was  an  eminent  Canadian  merchanv  when  the  Bev- 
olation  broke  out  In  1775,  and  was  a  violent  partisan  of  the  crown  ; 

"June  5th,  Cth,  7th,  and  8th,  1800.  Read  this  pamphlet  with  all  the  attention  In  my  power  to  give  It,  and  under  all 
tlic  consideration  of  my  capacity,  accompanied  with  as  much  disinterestedness  as  the  nature  of  the  subject  will  permit 
to  exercise.  I  am  of  opinion  that,  should  this  conntry  give  way  to  the  solicitations  of  the  American  States,  and  much 
less  to  their  hostile  threats,  they  will,  by  so  doing,  that  Is,  by  allowing  the  Americans  to  be  the  carriers  of  the  produce 
of  tiie  French  colonies  to  the  mother  country,  sacrifice  the  deepest  interest  of  this  nation  to  the  views  of  France  and  the 
growing  Insolence  of  the  Americans.— East  Sheen,  8th  June,  1806.  Bbooke  Watbom. 

"  Head  '  War  In  Disgnise,*  Lord  Sheffield,  etc."  .    . 


«lll|p! 


wmmm 


i 

i  i 

I  ■ 

1       '\  \ 

'  ,|; 

,  - 

i      i' 

'li 

^  •  1 

1     ''   mI^ 

-    , 

\     iiH 

140 


.iCTOIlIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Amwer  to  "  War  In  DUgnlM." 


Foiwlgn  Aalattoni  napronlaing. 


ExpMtcd  DlfflcnltlM  with  QrMt  Britain. 


tho  Socrotftry  of  Stato.  In  that  answer,  rofcrrinpj  to  monacoH  in  l\[r.  Htophcns's  OH«ay, 
Madison  utti'n'<l  tho  following  nohlo  words,  propiictio  of  Hoon-coniinji;  doeds  tliat  vin- 
dicated tlio  jtowtT  lHhin<l  them:  "Thi^  hicHHinj?  of  (4od  on  our  first  contest  in  amis 
made  tliis  nation  sovercij^n,  free,  and  independent.  Our  citizens  feel  tlieir  lionoral>l(> 
condition,  and,  whatever  may  be  their  opinion  on  (piestions  of  national  i)olicy,  %cill 
firmly  nuj>port  the  national  rights.  Our  government  must  therefore  ho  permitted  to 
judge  for  itself  No  minister,  however  s]>lendid  his  talents,  no  prince,  however  great 
his  jiower,  must  dictate  to  the  IVesident  of  the  United  States."' 

The  foreign  relations  of  the  United  States  at  the  opening  of  tho  year  1 800  were 
unpromising.  Tho  conduct  of  tho  Spanish  goveniment  in  reference  to  Louisiajia 
seemed  to  render  war  with  that  nation  inevitahle.  Forbearance  on  the  i)art  of  the 
•January  8,     Americans  was  exhausted,  and  a  select  committee  of  Congress  reported" 

18(H).  ^im^  j),p  aggressions  of  Spain  afforded  am])le  cause  for  war.  But  as  the 
policy  of  the  conntry  was  always  a  peaceful  one,  it  was  ])roposed,  while  prepariiiir 
for  hostilities,  to  endeavor  to  avert  them,  and  settle  all  matters  in  dispute  l)y  the 
purchase  of  a  part  or  the  whole  of  the  Floridas  from  Spain.  Action  to  that  end  was 
taken,  but  the  war-cloud  soon  passed  away. 

Not  80  with  the  harbingers  of  a  storm  that  was  evidently  brewing  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain.  The  depredations  of  British  cruisers  and  priva- 
teers on  American  commerce,  commenced  under  the  most  absurd  and  frivolous  ])rc- 
texts,'*  and  fully  sanctioned  by  the  British  government,  produced  the  most  intense 
indignation  througuuiit  the  country ;  and  when  the  Ninth  Congress  had  assembled  at 
Washington  in  December,  1805,  the  subject  was  speedily  presented  to  their  notice. 
Mr.  Jefferson  had  been  re-elected  President  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Democrntie 
party,  of  which  he  was  the  founder  and  head,  had  an  overwhelming  majority  the 
National  sjislature.  Its  power  became  somewhat  weakened"  by  the  defect  on  of 
John  R  di,  of  Roanoke,  one  of  its  leaders,  a  quarrelsome  and  ambitious  man  of 

varied  ^v  solid  attainments,  who  carried  with  him  several  of  his  Virginia  col- 

leagues, and  filled  tho  halls  of  legislation  during  tlie  entire  session  with  unprofitahle 
bickerings. 

On  account  of  British  depredations,  memorials  from  the  merchants  of  nearly  all  of 
the  maritime  towns  of  the  United  States  north  of  the  Potomac,  argumentative  and 
denunciatory  in  substance,  and  numerously  signed,  were  presented  to  the  President ; 
and  on  the  17th  of  January  these,  with  a  special  message  on  the  subject,  were 
laid  before  Congress  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  together  with  parts  of  the  diplomatic  corre- 


>  This  reply  to  Mr.  Stephens  was  published  anonymonsly  in  Fcbmary,  1906,  with  the  title  otAn  Aiuutr  to  "War  in 
DisgvUe;"  or.  Remarks  on  the  A'dc  Doctrine  0/ England  concerning  Neutral  Trade. 

After  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian  by  Decatur  in  the  autumn  of  1812,  the  following  epigram  appeared  in  Cobbott's 
Political  Register,  an  English  pablication  : 

"WAR  IN  DISGinSK;  OR, 

AN   AFOI.OST  FOB  IIIB  MAJESTY'S  NATT. 

"  One  Stephens,  a  lawyer,  and  once  a  reporter, 
Of  war  and  of  taxes  n  gallant  supporter. 
In  some  way  or  other  to  Wllburforce  kin. 
And  a  member,  like  him,  of  a  borough  bonght  in, 
Who  a  Master  in  Chancery  since  has  been  made. 
Wrote  a  pamphlet  to  show  that  Jonathan's  tkadb 
Was  a  '  War  in  Disauisn ;'  which,  though  strange  at  flrst  sight. 
Events  have  since  proved  may  have  been  but  too  right ; 
For  when  Garden  the  ship  of  the  Yankee  Decatur 
Attacked,  without  doubting  to  take  her  or  beat  her, 
A  FBioATE  she  seemed  to  his  glass  and  his  eyes ; 
But  when  ^oitpn  himself,  liow  great  his  surprise 
To  find  her  a  sevintt-foub  in  disqcise  I 

"  If  Jonathan  thns  has  the  art  of  disguising, 
That  he  captures  our  ships  is  by  no  means  surprising; 
And  it  can't  be  difgracel^il  to  strike  to  an  elf 
Who  Is  more  than  a  match  for  the  devil  himself.— Puss." 

>  Baring's  Inquiry,  etc.,  page  96. 


Mtmorialaorifan 

.spondence  on 

i«h(!ourt.     Tl 

insist  on  righi 

The  mentor 

it  is  a  notai)l( 

it  is  destructi\ 

eall((d  eamcNtl 

and  navy,  if  u 

AnuM'ican  intei 

1'hero  were 

Philadelphia,  a 

pectation  tliat 

Tho  Boston 

proinjjtly  adopi 

mpport  the  diyn 

The  merchan 

and  an  aj)j)oal  t( 

position  to  decl 

Relying  on  tho 

(t-'cl  no  hesltatioi 

which  may  be  aa 

The  merchants 

of  the  governmei 

New  Haven  calle 

the  rights  of  net 

give  aid  and  sui 

object." 

The  New  York 

their  country  that 

tion  of  the  authoi 

of  a  Hsurj)ation  w 

by  saying,  "  We  pi 

vindicate  and  seen 

The  merchants  c 

sistcnt  with  honor 

arms  might  be  nee 

"  whatever  may  be 

These  memorials 

eigners  doing  busir 

greatly  from  the  vai 

greatly  aggravated 

American  commerce 

errors,  and  were  com 

and  sent  in  every  vt 

Here  encouraged  by 

with  cargoes  wholly 

I  daily  practice  of  taki 

Cor  one  or  two  hundr 

says  Mr.  Baring,  "th( 

against  the  captors,  v 

essarily  excited.    The 


OV  THE  WAR   OF  1819. 


141 


XMDorfaUa  of  MtrchanU  ou  th«  Hnl^ect  of  Britlib  Uoprodatloni. 


Conduct  of  the  Brttlih  OrniMn, 


Hpotulencc  on  the  saniu  topio  by  Mr.  Monroo,  tlio  lliiitcd  States  ininiwtor  nt  the  Hrit- 
wh  court.  Tho  Prt'siduiit  iiHsiirod  Coiigivnn  tluit  Mr.  Monroe  liuil  liccii  inHtructttl  "  to 
insist  on  rij^htH  too  evident  and  too  important  to  \w  Hurrendored.' 

Tho  memorials  from  tlic  merchants  were  generally  drawn  witli  great  ability ;  and 
it  is  a  notable  I'act  that  these  nu>n,  who,  as  a  class,  naturally  deprecate  war  becanso 
it  is  destructive  to  commerce,  and  are  willing  to  nuike  great  concessions  to  avoid  it, 
ciilU'd  earnestly  upon  the  government  to  i)Ut  forth  the  stronij  powers  of  the  army 
ftiul  navy,  if  necessary,  in  defense  of  tho  rights  of  neutrals  and  tho  protection  of 
American  interests. 

There  were  nu-morials  from  Uoston,  Salem,  Nowbury])ort,  NeM'  Haven,  New  York, 
Philadelphia,  and  JJaltimore,  and  all  tailed  loudly  lor  i-edress,  under  the  evident  ex- 
pectation that  to  insist  npon  it  would  cause  war. 

Tho  Boston  merchants  said  that  they  fvilly  relied  tl)at"such  measures  would  be 
promptly  adopted  as  would  tend  to  disembarrass  commerce,  aaaerC  our  rights,  and 
support  the  dignity  of  the  l/tdted  States," 

The  merchants  of  Salem  said, "  If,  however,  conciliation  can  not  effect  tho  purpose, 
and  an  appeal  to  arms  be  the  last  and  necessary  protection  of  honor,  they  feel  no  dis- 
position to  decline  the  common  danger  or  shrink  from  tho  common  contribution. 
Relying  on  tho  wisdom  and  firmness  of  the  general  government  on  this  behalf,  they 
teel  no  hesitation  to  pledge  their  lives  and  properties  in  the  support  of  tfie  measures 
which  mag  be  adopted  to  vindicate  thejtublic  rights  and  redress  the  public  lorongs," 

The  mercl'.tnt8  of  Nowburyport  relied"  with  confidence  on  the  firmness  and  justice 
of  the  government  to  obtain  for  them  compensation  ami  protection ;"  and  those  of 
New  Haven  called  upon  that  government "  firmly  to  resist  every  encroachment  upon 
the  rights  of  neutral  nations."  They  tendered  "  assurances  of  their  <lisposition  to 
give  aid  and  support  to  every  measure  calculated  to  uccomplish  this  important 
object." 

Tho  Now  York  merchants  declared  their  firm  "  reliance  npon  tho  government  of 
their  country  that  their  rights  woidd  not  bo  abandoned,  and  (referring  to  the  assump- 
tion of  the  author  of  "War  in  Disguise,"  see  page  139)  that  no  argument  in  favor 
of  a  usurpation  would  ever  bo  derived  from  their  acquiescence."  They  concluded 
by  saying, "  Wo  pledge  our  united  support  in  favor  of  all  the  measures  adopted  to 
vindicate  and  secure  tho  just  rights  of  our  country." 

The  merchants  of  Philadelphia  suggested  that  when  every  peaceable  means  con- 
sistent with  honor  had  been  tried  to  recover  redress,  and  failed,  that  a  resort  to 
arms  might  be  necessary.  "  If  such  measures  should  prove  ineftectual,"  they  said, 
"  whatever  may  be  the  sacrifice  on  their  part,  it  would  bo  met  with  submission." 

These  memorials  Avere  signed  by  merchants  of  every  shade  of  politics,  and  by  for- 
eigners doing  business  in  these  ports.  For  more  than  ton  years  they  had  suffered 
ffrcatly  from  the  varying  but  always  aggressive  policy  of  Great  Britain,  a  policy  now 
greatly  aggravated  by  the  latitude  tacitly  given  to  the  British  cruisers  in  respect  to 
American  commerce.  These  were  in  little  danger  of  being  made  answerable  for  any 
errors,  and  were  consequently  not  disposed  to  make  nice  distinctions.  They  detained 
and  sent  in  every  vessel  they  met  under  the  most  frivolous  pretenses,  in  which  they 
were  encouraged  by  the  expectation  of  actual  war.  They  captured  American  vessels 
with  cargoes  wholly  of  American  produce ;  and  the  owners  of  privateers  were  in  the 
daily  practice  of  taking  in  valuable  cargoes  and  offering  immediately  to  i  "lease  them 
for  one  or  two  hundred  guineas,  and  sometimes  a  larger  sum.  "  In  these  instances," 
says  Mr.  Baring,  "the  judge  decreed  the  restitution  of  the  ship  and  cargo,  and  costs 
against  the  captors,  with  expressions  of  indignation  Avhich  so  lawless  an  outrage  nec- 
essarily excited.    The  latter  had,  in  the  face  of  this  censure,  the  audacity  to  enter  ap- 

1  Statannan't  Manual,  1.,  278. 


ip 


f!i    •    i 


I 


ilij 


p*   , 

.  _.^ii||m|«jiMLi. 

142 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


ImpreBBment  of  American  Seamen  into  the  British  Service.    The  Klght  of  Search  asserted.    Protest  of  the  Americans. 

peals,  and  the  American  was  obliged  either  to  compromise  or  leave  to  the  captor  the 
option  of  bringing  forward  his  appeal  within  a  twelve-month,  with  the  possible  ad- 
vantage of  an  intervening  v/ar  securing  to  him  his  prize.  ^  The  London  merchant,"  ho 
said, "  is  either  obliged  to  acquiesce  in  this  iniquitous  robbery,  or  let  his  correspondent 
suffer  the  more  expensive  vexations  which  it  is,  unfortunately,  in  the  power  of  these 
peopl'3  to  inflict.  If  these  are  the  maritime  rights,"  exclaims  the  honest  and  indig- 
nant Eng'ishman,  "for  which,  Ave  are  told,  with  a  pompous  ambiguity  that  always 
avoids  coming  to  the  point,  '  our  ancestors  fought  and  bled,'  and  for  which  '  \vi' 
crushed  the  Northern  Confederacy,'^  I  am  strangely  mistaken."^ 

Another  and  most  serious  subject  of  complaint  against  Great  Britain  was  now 
considered  in  connection  with  the  depredations  upon  American  commerce.  It  Avas 
the  impressment  into  the  British  naval  service  of  seamen  taken  Avithout  leave  from 
American  vessels,  and  Avho  Avere  sailing  iinder  the  protection  of  the  American  flasj. 
To  this  subject  Ave  have  already  referred.*  It  had  been  a  topic  of  complaint  and  ne- 
gotiation from  the  beginning  of  the  national  government  in  1789,  and  impressment 
in  general  Avas  a  system  against  Avhich  humane  British  publicisti?  and  statesmen  had 
declaimed.  But  the  British  government,  not  ahvays  the  exponent  of  the  English 
mind  and  heart,  governed  by  expediency  rather  than  justice,  and  having  the  prece- 
dents of  more  than  four  hundred  years  to  support  its  policy  in  this  respect,'  had  then 
for  half  a  century  chosen  to  exercise  that  poAver  in  procuring  seamen  for  its  navy, 
and  to  utterly  disregard  other  hoary  precedents  Avhich  would  have  justified  it  1 1 
abolishing  the  nefarious  system."  It  Avas  too  useful  in  time  of  Avar,  in  the  replenis'.i- 
ment  of  the  navy,  to  be  relinquished.  Upon  it  had  been  ingrafted  another  more  uni- 
A'crsally  offensive.  It  Avas  that  of  searching  neutral  vessels  for  British  seamen,  and, 
seizing  them  Avithout  other  criteria  of  their  nationality  than  the  presumptive  evi- 
dence Avhich  similarity  of  language  afforded,  impressing  them  into  the  British  naval 
service.  In  the  course  of  fifteen  years  thousands  of  native  Americans  had  thus  been 
made  to  serve  a  master  whom  they  detested.  There  being,  no  maritime  poAver  stronj; 
enough  to  resist  these  aggressions,  it  Avas  assumed  by  ,reat  Britain,  as  in  the  case  of 
the  "  rule  of  1756,"  that  it  Avas  for  her  an  established  '  maritime  right." 

From  the  beginning  of  its  career  the  government  of  the  United  States  protested 
against  the  right  of  search  and  the  impressment  of  seamen  taken  from  under  tlic 
American  flag.  In  his  instructions  to  the  United  States  minister  in  London,  in  tiic 
summer  of  1792,  Mr.  Jefferson  directed  him  to  call  the  attention  of  the  British  minis- 
try to  the  subject.  That  government  not  denying  that  American  seamen  hal  been 
impressed,  had  made  the  degrading  proposition  that,  for  their  protection  against  suoli 
"accidents,"  such  seamen  should  carry  Avith  them  a  certificate  of  citizenship!  "This 
is  a  condition,"  said  Mr.  Jefferson,  "  never  yet  submitted  to  by  any  nation.'"  The 
right  to  enter  an  American  vessel  Avithout  leave,/or  any  pretense,  Avas  then,  and  al- 
Avays  has  been,  strongly  denied  by  the  governmenc  of  the  United  States.  The  War 
of  1812  with  England  Avas  a  solemn  protest  against  the  assumption  of  that  right  by 
the  British  government ;  and  such  a  requirement  of  American  sailors  Avould  operate 
practically  as  a  Avarrant  to  British  cruisers  for  stripping  almost  every  American  ves-- 
sel  of  its  seamen,  for  the  habits,  calling,  and  vicissitudes  of  the  sailor  are  sucJi  that 
most  of  them  would  soon  lose  their  "  certificates."  Tlie  proposition  had  been  unhes- 
itatingly rejected  as  inadmissible  by  an  independent  nation. 

In  October  of  the  same  year  Mr.  Jefferson  again  called  the  attention  of  the  embas- 
sador to  the  subject,  "  so  many  instances"  of  impressment  having  been  complained 


»  Inqulnj,  c     ,  pagt  94.  »  Armed  Ncntrallty.    See  note  2,  page  83. 

«  See  page  Sb.  ' 

'  The  still  .tc  of  2  Richard  II.  sp<)ak»  of  Impressmert  beinR  well  known  as  caily  aslBTS. 

«  Impressment  wfix  rtuclni.Ml  to  be  illppnl  hy  the  British  government  in  1C41. 

'  Mr.  JciTcrson  to  Mr.  Piuckney,  June  11, 1T92. 


Baring's  Tnqniry,  pages  95, 96, 97. 


1 


Correspondence  on 

of;'  and  in  No 

to  make  the  B 

venting  the  fu 

In  1790  Tim 

Pickering,  then 

retary  of  Stat 

his  instruction 

Mr.   King,   An 

can  minister  at 

Court  of  Lond 

spoke  of  "  tlic  1 

and     fruitless 

tempts    tliat 

heeii  made  to 

tcct  American 

men    from   Brit 

impress,"   and 

rccted  him  to  do 

in  his  poAver  to  . 

^  able  the  Americ; 

•Jag     to     "prote 

those  of  wJiateVi 

nation  Avho  sail 

derit."*    InanotI 

cr  dispatch  the  s 

■illudes   to    the 

British  governmei 

so  far  as  not  to  "  r 

those  rights,  is  an 

to  our  riglits,  any  i 

will  even  facilitate 

A  little  later  he 

and  other  foreigner 

times  impressed  Fr 

these  foreigners  fro 

American  vessels  o 

giicse,  as  seize  and  d 

American  vessels. "" 

During  the  follow 

seamen  Avere  made 


Mr.Jeffe.oontoKr.PlncI 
The  same  to  the  same,  Nf 
Riifiis  King  was  born  In  i 

I  ^'"■'"'''ingoiitofthewarf, 
'Mean  al>ie practitioner.  II 
«t  appearance  was  in  oppoH 

I  ^on  became  known  and  app, 
National  Convention  of  :TS7h 

«,amUhc  next  year  was  el, 

."'.^"'"NcwYork.andinl 

Mho  was  a  member  of  the! 

^;e».Iary,b„t  in  health  c„mp 

^  Mr.  Pickering  to  M..  King, 
The  same  to  the  same,  Sept 
The  same  to  the  same,  Octo 


i\ 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


143 


Correspondence  on  the  Subject  of  Impressmeuts. 


Rufu8  King. 


His  Airalgnmei  I  of  the  British  Oovernment. 


of-'  and  in  November  he  expressed  to  Mr.  Pinckney  the  hope  tliat  he  might  "  be  able 
to  make  the  British  ministry  sensible  of  the  necessity  of  punishing  the  past  and  pre- 
venting the  future.'"''' 

In  1796  Timothy  ry  on  board  their 

Pickering,  then  Sec-  zs^^'^Slifct.  sliips  for  American 

retary  of  State,  in  J^f  9|^n  seamen,"  and  there- 

his  instructions  to  l^Blk  jif^^-'^^BB  •  ^"^^"^  "  ^^'^"  doom  is 

Mr.   King,   Ameri-  3B9^^^       /■*  fixed  for  the  war. 

can  minister  at  the  "^W^^^         [M  Thus,"  he  said, "  the 

Court  of  London,^  ^^^     \MmL  rights   of  an   inde- 

spoke  of "  the  long  ^^  jmr^^.  ^^"        pendent  nation  are 

and    fruitless     at-  ^:^^        J^f^^^^^^    ,  -  to  be  sacrificed  to 

tempts    that    have  f^  \^^^M^^^^B^  British     dignity, 

been  made  to  pro-  A.  .^V^-^fl^^^^^^lfeL.  Justice   requires 

tcct  American  U^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  ^VLch.  inquiries 

men  from  British  ' '  ■  {  ' r^^^i-^^^^^^^^^^^^^K^  and  examinations 
impress,"    and     di-  -  ^  ^^^K^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^    ^(^   made,  because, 

rcctcd  him  to  do  all  K:  j^^^e|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  the   lib- 

his  power  to  en-       ^^j^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I^P^  ^^  ^^^^ 

able  the  American      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B/K^^^        xi\(tr\    will    be 
Hag     to     "protect   '' ^ff^^^^^^^^^K^^^KK^^^^^         possible.     For   the 
those  of  whatever       ^^K^^K^^^EBBK^^iw^ ^-^^^  British     govern- 

nation  Avho  sail  un-         '^^^^^^B/^^^^^'^^f '<^  raent  then  to  make 

der  it."*    In  anoth-  -^-^-^^     ^^^ — ^'  professions    of   re- 

cr  dispatch  the  same  year  he    ^^  ppcct  to  the  rights  of  our  cit- 

alludes  to  the  fact  that  the  (Jf.  -{jjyi  /X»->->^  izens,  and  Avillingness  to  re- 
British  government  had  gone  /  rj  lease  them,  and  yet  deny  the 
so  far  as  not  to  "  permit  inqui-  only  means  of  ascert.aining 
those  rights,  is  an  insulting  tantalism.  If  the  British  government  have  any  regard 
to  our  rigiits,  any  respect  for  our  nation,  and  place  any  value  on  our  friendship,  they 
will  even  facilitate  to  us  the  means  of  releasing  our  oppressed  citizens."^ 

A  little  later  he  wrote, "  The  British  naval  officers  often  impress  Swedes,  Danes, 
!\nd  other  foreigners  frpm  the  vessels  of  the  United  States.  They  have  e\  en  some- 
times impressed  Frenchmen !  ,  .  .  They  can  not  pretend  an  inaljility  to  distinguish 
these  foreigners  from  their  own  subjects.  They  may  with  as  much  reason  rob  the 
American  vessels  of  the  property  or  merchandise  of  the  Swedes,  Danes,  or  Portu- 
guese, as  seize  and  detain  in  their  service  the  subjects  of  those  nations  found  on  board 
American  vessels."^ 

During  the  following  year  very  many  complaints  concerning  impressed  American 
seamen  were  made  to  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and  cases  of  absolute 


'|:t 


,i 


I  Mr.  Jeffei  oon  to  Mr.  Plncltney,  October  12, 1T02. 

'  Tlie  same  to  the  same,  November  fl,  1792. 

'  Riifiis  King  was  born  in  Scarborough,  Mainp,  in  the  yoarlTBB.  He  was  a  student  In  Harvard  College  in  1778,  when 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  for  independence  suspended  that  institution.  He  chose  the  law  for  his  profession,  and  be- 
f«me  an  able  practitioner.  He  was  In  Sullivan's  army  in  Rhode  Island  In  177S,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1780.  His 
ilrst  appearance  was  In  opposition  to  his  great  instructor,  Theophilus  Parsons,  of  Newburyport.  His  oratorical  talents 
won  became  Icnowu  and  appreciated,  and  in  1|S4  he  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts.  In  the 
National  Convention  of  ".7S7  he  was  an  efficient  member,  and  nobly  advocated  the  ratification  of  the  Constitution  there 
iilopted.  Having  married  the  daughter  of  an  opulent  merchant  of  New  York,  Mr.  King  made  that  city  his  residence  in 
IM,  and  the  next  year  was  elected  to  a  seat  In  the  Legislature  of  New  York.  lie  was  one  of  the  first  United  States  sen- 
ilore  from  New  York,  and  in  1790  was  appointed  minister  to  Oreat  Britain.  He  returned  home  In  1803.  From  1813  to 
I'iChc  was  a  member  of  the  United  States  Senate.  At  the  close  of  his  term  ho  was  sent  to  England  as  minister  pleni- 
potentiary, but  111  health  compelled  him  to  relinquish  his  post  and  return  home  after  a  residence  of  about  a  year  there. 
He  died  at  his  home  near  .lamaica,  Long  Island,  on  the  29th  of  April,  1S27,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 
Mr.  Pickering  to  M,.  King,  June  s,  179(1. 

'  The  same  to  the  same,  Septeuiher  10, 1796. 

'  The  same  to  the  same,  October  20, 1796. 


-sasfs 


saa 


i  ;    i 


144 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Cruel  Treatmeut  of  American  Seamen  in  the  British  Navy. 


Secretary  Marshail  to  MlniBter  King, 


cruelty  exercised  toward  and  hardships  endured  by  American  seamen  thus  impressed 
were  reported.' 

The  United  States  government,  always  inclined  to  peace,  frequently  urged  upon 
that  of  Great  Britain  the  necessity  of  a  convention  which  should  settle  the  questions 
of  impress  and  neutrality,  but  without  success,  for  the  British  government  ])rac- 
tically  assumed  the  right  to  be  a  law  unto  itself.  Early  in  1799  Mr.  King  made  an 
earnest  representation  on  the  subject  to  Lord  Grenville,  denying,  as  he  had  on  former 
conferences,  any  right  of  the  kind  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  and  suggesting  that 
Americun  ships  of  war,  by  permission  of  their  government,  might  with  equal  rii»hi 
pursue  the  same  practice  toward  British  merchantmen.  He  pi'otested  against  the  in- 
discriminate seizure  onboard  of  American  vessels  of  seamen  of  several  nations,  ami 
pressed  him  for  some  definite  assurance  of  a  change.  But  Grenville,  as  usual,  was 
evasive,  and  the  conference  ended  without  a  prospect  of  satisfaction.  Grenville;  as- 
sured Mr.  King  that  all  Americans  so  impressed  should  be  discharged  on  application 
for  that  purpose ;  but  the  American  minister  very  properly  considered  that  offer  far 
short  of  satisfaction.    "Indeed,"  he  said,  "to  acquiesce  in  it  is  to  give  up  the  right.""- 

Late  in  the  year  1 800,  John  Marshall,  then  Secretary  of  State,  wrote  an  able  and 
eloquent  letter  to  Mr.  King  hi  London  on  the  subject  of  the  impress.  "  Tlie  impress- 
ment of  our  seamen,"  he  said,  "  is  an  injury  of  very  serious  magnitude,  which  deeply 
affects  the  feelings  and  the  honor  of  the  nation.  .  .  .  They  are  dragged  on  board 
British  ships  of  war  with  evidences  of  citizenship  in  their  hands,  and  forced  by  vio- 
lence there  to  serve  until  conclusive  testimonials  of  their  birth  can  be  obtained.  .  .  , 
Although  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  uniformly  direct  their  discharge  on  the  produc- 

1  Investigation  rcveaied  the  following  facts :  on  the  4th  of  July,  1T94,  Captain  Silas  Talbot,  of  the  United  States  Knvr. 
wrote  from  Kingston,  Jamaica,  to  Secretary  Pickering,  that  Admiral  Sir  Hyde  Parker  had  "  issued  a  general  order  to  nil 
captains  and  commanders  of  ships  and  vos'jels  of  war,  directing  them  not  to  obey  any  writ  of  hahtaa  corptm,  nor  suffer 
any  men  to  leave  their  ships  in  consequeiici  of  such  writ."  This  order  was  issued  because  Talbot  had  made  tucco!>!-ful 
applications  to  the  civil  authorities  on  thai  island  for  the  release  of  enslaved  Americans  on  board  British  vessels.  Tal- 
bot, however,  persevered  in  his  humane  efforts,  and  he  wrote  that,  while  all  the  writs  which  he  hud  obtained  were 
served,  n(me  ol  them  were  obeyed.  The  naval  ofBcers  on  that  station  set  the  civil  authority  at  doiuiucc,  and  Talbot 
wrote,  "The  laws  in  this  island,  it  seems,  can  not  be  administered  for  the  relief  of  American  citizens  who  are  held  in 
British  slavery,  many  of  whom,  as  they  write  me  from  on  board  Captain  Otway's  ship,  have  been  brought  to  the  gangitay 
and  ichipi>ed  for  toritiny  to  their  agent  to  get  them  discharged !" 

William  Cobbett,  an  Englishman,  wrote  afterward  in  his  Political  Register,  saying,  "Onr  ships  of  war,  wlion  they  meet 
an  American  vessel  at  sea,  board  her  and  take  out  of  her  by  force  any  seamen  whom  onr  officers  assert  to  be  l)i  itish 
subjects.  There  is  no  rule  by  which  they  are  bound.  They  act  at  discretion;  and  the  consequence  is  that  great  numbers 
of  native  Americans  have  been  impressed,  and  great  numbers  of  them  are  now  in  our  navy.  .  .  .  That  many  of  these 
men  have  died  on  board  our  ships,  that  many  have  been  wounded,  that  many  have  been  killed  in  action,  and  that  many 
have  been  worn  out  in  the  service  there  can  be  no  doubt.  Some  obtain  their  release  through  the  application  of  the 
American  consul  here  ;  and  of  these  the  sufferings  have  in  many  instances  been  very  great.  There  have  been  instancee 
where  men  have  thuB  got  free  after  having  been  flogged  thrmigh  the  fleet/or  desertion.'  But  it  has  been  asked  whether  we 
are  not  to  t  ake  our  sailors  where  we  find  them  t  To  which  America  auswers,  '  Yes.' .  .  .  She  wishes  not  to  have  in  her 
ships  ai'y  Uritish  sailors,  and  she  is  willing  io  give  llicm  up  whenever  the  fact  of  their  being  British  sailors  can  be 
proved;  but  let  not  men  be  seized  in  her  ships  upon  tlie  hiirh  seas  (and  sometimes  at  the  mouths  of  her  own  rivers), 
wherj  there  is  nobody  to  judge  between  the  parties,  and  where  the  British  officer  going  on  board  is  at  once  acccbie, 
WITNESS,  JUDOK,  and  c.\PTon  1" 

a  M.-.  King  to  Mr.  Pickering,  March  16, 1799. 

*  There  is  ample  testimony  to  prove  the  cniel  treatment  experienced  by  impressed  American  seamen  on  board  Britlph 
Tessels,    Richard  Thompson,  a  native  of  New  Paltz,  Ulster  County,  New  York,  testified  at  Poughkcepsic  on  the  17th  of 
April,  1793,  that,  while  on  the  sea  in  a  merchant  vessel,  he  was  impressed  on  board  the  British  vessel  of  war  iVnwt  in 
1810.    He  was  not  allowed  to  write  to  his  friends.    When  he  and  two  other  impressed  American  seamen  heard  of  the 
declaration  of  war  in  1S12,  they  claimed  to  be  considered  prisoners  of  war,  and  refused  to  do  duty  any  longer.   They 
were  ordered  to  the  quarter-deck,  put  in  irons  for  twenty-fonr  hours,  then  taken  to  the  gangway,  stripped  naked,  "tied 
and  whipped,  each  one  dozen  and  a  half  lashes,  and  put  to  duty."    When  the  Peacock  went  into  action  with  the  llnml 
they  asked  the  captain  to  be  sent  below,  that  they  might  not  flght  against  their  countrymen.   The  captain  called  a  mid- 
shipman and  told  him  to  "  do  nis  duty."    That  duty  was  to  hold  a  pistol  at  the  head  of  Thompson  and  threaten  to  hloff 
his  brains  out  if  he  and  his  companions  did  not  do  service.    They  were  liberated  on  the  capture  of  the  Peacock  by  the  ; 
Ilornet.    Another  seaman  from  Ulster  County,  named  .Tames  Tompkins,  testified  to  greater  cruelties  inflicted  on  hiragelf  j 
and  three  others,  who  v.ere  impressed  on  board  the  British  ship  Aetemi  in  April,  1S12.    When  they  refused  to  do  duty 
they  were  whipped  "five  dozen  lashes  each."    Two  days  afterward  they  received  four  dozen  lashes  each.    They  still 
refused  to  do  duty,  and,  after  the  lapse  of  another  two  days,  they  received  two  dozen  lashes  each.    They  still  reftisej, 
and,  after  being  whipped  again,  they  were  put  in  irons,  where  they  were  kept  three  months.    On  their  arrival  in  London  J 
they  heard  of  the  capture  of  the  Onerriere.    With  a  shirt  and  handkerchiefs  they  made  strijies  and  stars  for  Americsn  j 
colors,  hung  it  over  a  guo,  and  gave  three  cheerR  for  the  victory.    For  this  ODtburst  of  patriotism  they  received  tivoj 
dozen  lashes  each. 


Argument  against  1 

tion  of  this  tes 

sidcrable  time 

of  a  friendly  ni 

prevent  tJie  coi 

of  the  injured,  t 

past,  and  ho  se 

lively  that  thoi 

elsewhere,  shall 

naturalized  or  n 

iiied.  .  .  ,  Alier 

to  be  equally  ex 

them,  and  have  .' 

I'ontracted  to  be 

their  service.     1 

and  an  injury.     ; 

alluding  to  the  f 

iillow  retaliation 

that  something  ii 

shall  concludes  b 

I'ectual  measures  ' 

wrong,  to  excite 

force  our  governi 

tare  ?"' 

These  suggestio 
.■ilightest  visible  ef 
on  vigorously ;  but 
the  Peace  of  Amicj 

in  excess  of  the  den 
imtaught  by  past  ( 
Vincent  ^  ill  ],^.  \,^^ 
pre.ssmeiii  of  our  se 
'v  ill  the  yeai 
'""itted  to 
liu-  ot  iKsertor?!,  « 
hilt  to  exci'|it  '  .„{j 
iState,said,  "It  up,,,, 
|mt>nts."3  The  Sec. 
■  all  consequences,  thai 
tilings  not  to  be  entc 
ji'cted  to  it  because 
I  'M.'"  TJie  Secrctai 
article  [the  seventh  h 
It  IS  utterly  inadmissi 
"lion  the  broad  princi 
'loHii  at  the  begimiini 
™I  of  that  sanctity.''' 
I  JVheiniostilities  bei 

MlverWoIcotttolhePresId 

l^n  at  eir  """"""■•  "'«^«  he: 
r"' »'  t^a".  "-ere  aliens. -Ltaia 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


145 


Argument  against  ImpressmentB.    The  Brltlgh  Govcruraent  refnsce  to  listen.    Its  Proposition  on  the  Subject  rejected. 

tion  of  this  testimony,  yet  many  must  perish  unrelieved,  and  all  are  detained  a  con- 
siderable time  in  lawless  and  injurious  confinement.  It  is  the  duty  as  well  as  a  right 
of  a  friendly  nation  to  require  that  measures  be  taken  by  the  British  government  to 
prevent  the  continued  repetition  of  such  violence  by  its  agents.  .  .  .  The  mere  relecee 
of  the  injured,  after  a  long  course  of  serving  and  suffering,  is  no  compensation  for  the 
past,  and  no  security  for  the  future.  .  .  .  The  United  States,  therefore,  require  posi- 
tively that  their  seamen  who  are  not  British  subjects,  whether  born  in  America  or 
elsewhere,  shall  be  exempt  from  imi)ressinent.  The  case  of  British  subjects,  whether 
naturalized  or  not,  is  mftre  questionable ;  but  the  right  even  to  impress  them  is  de- 
nied. .  .  .  Alien  seamen,  not  British  subjects,  engaged  in  our  merchant  service,  ought 
to  be  equally  exempt  with  citizens  from  impressments.  We  have  a  right  to  engage 
them,  and  have  a  right  to  and  an  interest  in  their  persons  to  the  extent  of  the  service 
contracted  to  be  performed.  Britain  has  not  a  pretext  of  right  to  their  persons  or 
their  service.  To  tear  them,  then,  from  our  possession  is  at  the  same  time  an  insult 
and  an  injury.  It  is  an  act  of  violence  for  whi^i  there  exists  no  palliative."  Afler 
alluding  to  the  fact  that  the  principles  of  the  United  States  government  would  not 
allow  retaliation  by  impressments  from  the  British  merchant  ships,  and  suggesting 
that  something  in  that  way  might  be  done  by  recruiting  from  that  sei'vice,  Mr.  Mar- 
shall concludes  by  saying, "  Is  it  not  more  advisable  to  desist  from,  and  to  take  ef- 
fectual measures  to  prevent  an  acknowledged  wrong,  than,  by  perseverance  in  that 
wrong,  to  excite  against  themselves  the  well-founded  resentment  of  America,  and 
force  our  government  into  measures  which  may  possibly  terminate  in  open  rup- 
ture?'" 


These  suggestions  were  all  submitted  to  the  British  ministry,  bu. 
slisrhtest  visible  effect.     While  the  war  continued,  the  nefarious  practici 


■  Febroary  4. 


Ithout  the 
IS  carried 

on  vigorously ;  but  Avhen  the  general  pacification  of  Europe  took  plac  1801,  and 
the  Peace  of  Amiens  gave  a  respite  to  British  ships  of  war — when  their  m  .imen  wore 
in  excess  of  the  demand — impressments  ceased,  and  the  American  minister  in  Lonlon. 
untaught  by  past  experience  and  observation,  wrote,  "I  am  in  hopes  that  Lord  St. 
Vincent  will  be  inclined  to  attend  to  our  reiterated  remonstrances  against  tlii'  im- 
pressment of  our  seanh  a  and  the  vexations  of  ottr  trade."^  Vain  expectation  ! 
<:\\  ill  the  year  1800*  Mr.  Liston,  the  British  minister  in  the  I'nit. 
vbmitted  tn  President  Ada  in  pposition  for  the  rec'iirocal  d( 

livii  oi  '  ert'  so  u  <irded  as  to  -  tii  m  impressment  on  board  ofprirife  vessels, 
kt  to  exupf  iblii  ships  of  war.'"  It  was  rejected.  Pickerhig,  the  >>  rotary  of 
State,  said,  "  li  app  ars  utterly  ladmissilde,  unless  it  would  put  an  end  to  impress- 
ments."^ The  Seciv  tar\  of  the  Xuvy  "aid,  "It  is  better  in  have  no  arti<le,  and  meet 
all  consequences,  than  not  to  enumom  uiorchapt  vessels  on  the  high  seas  among  the 
things  not  to  be  entered  in  search  of  deserters.'''  The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  ob- 
jected to  it  because  it  did  '  t  "provide  against  the  impressment  of  American  sea- 
men,"' The  Secretary  of  ■  ar  objected  to  it  on  the  same  ground,  saying, "  If  this 
article  [the  seventh  in  ]\[r.  ListitiTs  proposition]  means  what  it  is  apprehended  it  does, 
I  it  is  utterly  inadmissible.""  The  V  ident  and  his  Cabinet,  thus  planting  themselves 
jii|ion  the  broad  principles  of  n.  rights  and  the  sanctity  of  the  national  flag  laid 

.ilown  at  the  beginning,  would        ^n  to  nothing  short  of  a  recognition  of  those  rights 
I  and  of  that  sanctity.'' 
When  hostilities  between  Great  Britain  and  France  were  revived  in  1803,  the  im- 

'  Marshftll  to  Kinp,  September  20, 1800.  »  Mr.  Kiiig;  to  the  Secretory  of  Siatp,  I'^ebninry  2S,  1801. 

'Pickering  to  the  President,  Fcbrunrv  20,  IROO.  ♦  Benjamin  Stoddert  to  the  Precldpnt,  Kc')rniiiy  2fl,  1800. 

'  Oliver  Wolcott  to  the  President,  April  20, 1800.  «  James  M'Honry  to  the  President,  April  10,  ISOO. 

■  From  June,  IWT,  nntll  the  beglnninc  of  1801,  no  less  than  2059  applications  for  seamen  Imprt^ssed,  inclndlni;  many 
liide  previously  by  Mr.  King  and  Mr.  Plnckney,  were  made.  Of  these,  only  102  were  British  snblects— less  than  one 
lltectiotli  of  the  whole  impressed.  Eleven  hundred  and  forty-two  were  discharged  as  not  being  British  subjects,  and 
I^*.nioro  than  one  half,  were  held  for  farther  proof,  while  there  existed  strong  presumption  that  the  whole,  or  a  greater 
liert,  at  least,  were  aliens.  — Ltm an'b  Diplomaci'  qf  the  United  States,  11.,  lii,  note. 

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146 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Doctrine  concerning  Neutral  Tdghts  held  by  the  United  States  and  Oreat  Britain.       The  latter  arraigned  by  Mndisoii. 

press  was  again  put  into  active  operation.  The  American  minister  in  London,  Mr. 
Monroe,  following  up  previous  cftbrts  made  by  Mr.  King  Avlien  that  gcntlenian  per- 
ceived that  war  was  uievitablo,'  used  every  lawful  endeavor  to  make  a  mutually  sat- 
isfactory arrangement  concerning  it.  In  a  letter  of  instructions  to  that  minister  early 
5  '"  1804,"  Mr.  Madison,  then  Secretary  of  State,  alily  and  lucidly  reviewed 
the  whole  subject  of  the  impress  and  the  rights  of  neutrals.  His  letter 
opened  with  the  following  clear  enunciation  of  the  doctrines  of  the  two  nations: 

"  We  consider  a  neutral Jiar/  on  the  high  seas  as  a  safeguard  to  those  sailing  under 
it.  Great  liritain,  on  the  contrary,  asserts  a  right  to  search  for  and  seize  her  own  sub- 
jects ;  and  under  that  cover,  as  can  not  but  happen,  are  often  seized  and  taken  off  citi- 
zens of  tJie  United  States,  and  citizens  or  subjects  of  other  neutral  cotmtries  navigating 
the  high  seas  wider  the  protection  of  the  American  flag.^'' 

After  brief  and  cogent  argument,  Mr.  Madison  said,  "Were  it  allowable  that  Brit- 
ish subjects  should  be  taken  out  of  American  vessels  on  the  high  seas,  it  migiit  at 
least  be  reqxnred  that  the  jiroof  of(g,heir  allegiance  should  lie  on  the  British  side. 
This  obvious  and  just  rule  is,  however,  reversed.  And  any  seaman  on  board,  thougli 
going  from  an  A'-^rican  port,  sailing  under  an  Amerie.ia  ilag,  and  sometimes  even 
speaking  an  idiom  proving  him  not  to  be  a  British  subject,  is  presumed  to  be  such 
unless  proved  to  be  a>.  American  citizen.  It  may  be  safely  affirmed  that  this  is  an 
outrage  which  has  no  precedent,  and  which  Great  Britain  would  be  among  the  last 
nations  in  the  world  to  suffer,  if  offered  to  lier  own  subjects  and  her  own  flag.* 

Ic^lclciltiltiltilcilciieil: 

"Great  Britain  has  the  less  to  say  on  the  subject,  .is  it  is  in  direct  contradiction  to 
the  principles  on  which  she  proceeds  in  other  cases.  While  she  claims  and  seizes  on 
the  liigh  seas  her  own  subjects  voluntarily  serving  in  American  vessels,  she  has  con- 
stantly given,  when  she  could  give,  as  a  reason  for  not  discharging  from  her  service 
American  citizens,  that  they  had  voluntarily  engaged  in  it.  Nay,  more ;  while  she 
impresses  her  own  subjects  iVom  the  American  service,  although  they  have  been  set- 
tled, and  married,  and  naturalized  in  the  United  States,  she  constantly  refuses  to  re- 
lease fro  n  hers  American  seamen  pressed  into  it  whenever  she  can  give  for  a  reason 
that  they  are  either  settled  or  married  Avithin  her  dominions.  Thus,  when  the  volun- 
tary i^o'iscnt  of  the  mdividual  favors  her  pretensions,  she  pleads  the  validity  of  that 
consent.  When  the  vohmtary  consent  of  the  individual  stands  in  the  Avay  of  her 
preteuf  ions,  it  goes  for  nothing.  When  marriage  or  residence  can*  be  pleaded  in  her 
favor,  she  avails  herself  of  the  plea.  When  marriage,  residence,  and  naturalization 
are  against  her,  no  respect  whatever  is  paid  to  either.  She  takes  by  force  her  own 
subjects  voluntarily  serving  in  our  vessels.  She  keeps  by  force  American  citizens 
involuntarily  serving  in  hers.     More  flagrant  inconsistencies  can  not  be  imagined." 

No  trguments,  no  remonstrances,  no  appeals  to  justice  or  the  demands  of  interna- 
tional ccniity,  could  induce  the  British  government  at  that  time,  when  waging  war 
with  all  itt:  powers,  to  relinquish  so  great  an  advantage. 

'  In  the  spring  of  iSflS  Mr.  King  made  a  dtlermlned  effort  to  prevent  a  revival  of  the  practice  of  Impreesmcnt.  On  thf 
7th  of  May  he  submlttti  the  following  article  to  the  British  ministry:  "No  person  shall  he  Impressed  or  taken  onthi 
high  sens  out  of  any  ship  >-r  -.Coel  belonging  to  the  subjects  or  citizens  of  one  of  the  parties  by  the  public  or  private 
armed  ships  or  men-of-war  belonging  to  or  in  the  service  of  the  other  party."  Lord  St.  Vincent,  the  First  Lord  of  the 
Admiralty,  and  Lord  Hawkesbury,  the  Secretary  of  State  for  Foreign  Affairs,  at  tlrst  nsspnted  to  this  article ;  but,  after 
oonsnltatlon  with  Sir  William  Scott,  an  exception  was  required  in  favor  of  the  narrmr  sen*.  This  proposal  was  rejected 
by  Mr.  King.  It  was  regarded  as  a  subterfuge.  The  government,  at  the  opening  of  another  war,  was  detcrniiucd  nol 
to  relinquish  the  practice  of  impressments  from  American  vessels,  and  this  revival  of  an  obsolete  claim  of  Enj»l»ncl  to 
exclusive  jurisdiction  over  the  seas  surrounding  the  British  Isles  as  far  south  as  Cape  Finlstcrrc  and  north  to  a  \m\K 
(ni  the  coast  of  Norway,  which  it  was  known  the  Americans  would  reject,  was  done  as  an  excuse  for  terminating  tlic  ue- 
gotlation  on  the  practice  of  the  Impress. 

5  Hooper,  in  his  yaval  IliMory  of  the  United  States,  11.,  fi4,  says  :  "On  the  12th  of  June  [1806]  No.  T  [gun-boat]  fell  In 
wltli  the  fleet  of  Admiral  Colllngwood  off  Cadiz,  and,  while  Mr.  Lawrence  was  on  board  one  of  the  British  ship?,  a  boat 
was  sent  and  took  three  men  out  of  No.  T,  under  the  pretense  that  they  were  Englishmen.  On  his  return  to  his  own  ve§- 
sol  Mr.  Lawrence  hauled  down  his  ensign,  but  no  notice  wai  taken  of  the  proceeding  by  the  British.  It  is  a  fitting  com- 
mentary on  this  transaction  that  in  the  published  letters  of  Lord  Colllngwood,  when  he  speaks  of  the  Impressment  of 
Americans,  he  says  that  England  would  not  submit  to  such  an  aggression  for  au  hour." 


Kttional  Iudei)eudenre 


OP   THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


147 


>'i(ioniil  ludepdudeiire  and  Honor  imperiled.       Memorlais  to  Congreee  for  decided  Action.     Hesitation  uf  Congress. 

Day  after  day  proofs  were  received  of  the  sufferings  of  American  citizens  on  ac- 
count of  tlic  impreiis;  and  so  flagrant  and^frecjiient  were  these  outrages  toward  the 
close  of  1805,  that,  ir.  the  memorials  presented  to  Congress  on  the  subject  of  British 
depredations  upon  American  commerce,  already  alluded  to,  tlie  impressment  of  Amer- 
ican seamen  was  a  prominent  topic.' 

Action  in  Congress  on  these  subjects,  so  vital  to  the  interests  of  the  people  and  the 
dignity  of  the  nation,  was  prompt.  It  was  felt  that  a  crisis  was  reached  when  the  in- 
dependence of  the  United  States  must  be  vindicated,  or  the  national  honor  be  imper- 
iled. There  was  ample  cause  for  most  vigorous  retaliatory  measures  toward  Great 
jJritain,  ay,  even  for  war.  But  the  admhiistration  itself,  and  the  host  of  its  oppo- 
nents, were  willing  to  bear  a  little  longer  than  take  the  responsibility  of  an  open  rup- 
ture witli  Great  Britain.  A  resolution  offered  in  the  United  States  Senate,  declaring 
that  the  depredations  upon  American  commerce  under  tlie  sanction  of  the  British 
government  Avere  "  unprovoked  aggressions  upon  tlie  property  of  the  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  violations  of  their  neutral  rights,  and  encroachments  upon  their  na- 
tional independence,"  was  adopted  by  unanimous  vote ;"  but  when,  four  .  Febmnry  lo, 
days  afterward,''  another  resolution  was  offered  requesting  the  President 
to  "demand  the  restoration  of  the  property  of  those  citizens  captured  and 
condemned  on  the  pretext  of  its  being  employed  in  a  trade  with  the  enemies  of  Great 
Britain,  indemnification  for  past  losses,  and  some  arrangement  concerning  the  impress- 
ment of  seamen,"  there  was  hesitation.  To  obtain  the  redress  sought,  there  were 
only  four  modes — namely,  negotiation,  non-intercourse,  embargo,  and  war.  The  first 
had  been  tried  in  vain ;  the  second  and  third  would  be  menacing  and  oft'ensive ;  and 
(he  fourth,  all  parties  at  that  time  depi'ecated.  There  was  a  division  in  the  vote. 
There  Avas  unanimity  hi  denunciation,  but  differences  when  the  test  of  positive  action 
was  applied.     There  were  twenty  votes  in  the  affirmative,  and  six  in  the  negative. 

It  was  resolved  to  try  negotiations  once  more.     William  Piiikney,^  of  Maryland, 
who  had  considerable  diplomatic  experience,  was  finally  appointed  a  minister 
extraordinary  to  England,'  to  become  associated  with  Monroe,  the  resident 


1800. 
*•  February  14. 


■  May. 


'  "Tlie  impressment  of  onr  seamen,  notwithstanding  clear  proofs  of  citizenslilp,  the  violation  of  our  jurisdiction  by 
cipturos  at  the  mouths  of  our  harbors,"  and  insulting  treatment  of  our  ships  on  the  ocean,  arc  subjects  worthy  the  se- 
rious cousidcration  of  our  national  councils."— .S'nlcm  Memorial. 

"The  constancy  and  vc'or  of  the  seamen  of  the  United  States  are  justly  themes  of  patriotic  exultation.  From  their 
connection  with  us,  v,e  consider  their  cause  as  our  cause,  their  rights  as  our  rights,  their  interests  as  our  interests.  Onr 
Mings  are  Indignant  at  the  recital  of  their  wrongs."— A'cm  York  Memorial,  signed  by  John  Jacob  Astor  and  others. 

"That  our  seamen  should  bo  exi)08ed  to  meanest  insults  and  most  wanton  cruelties,  and  the  fruits  of  their  Indnstr- 
and  enterprise  fall  a  prey  to  the  profligate,  can  not  but  excite  both  feeling  and  indignation,  and  call  loudly  for  the  aid 
and  protection  of  government."- PAf feuftlp/iia  Memorial.  The  New  Haven  and  Baltimore  memorials  expressed  similar 
fenliments. 

"  William  Pinkney  was  bom  at  Annapolis,  Maryland,  on  the  lith  of  March,  1T64.  His  father  was  a  Ix)yall8t,  but  Wil 
Iiain,n8  he  approached  manhood,  toward  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  espoused  the  cause  of  his  country.  At  the  age  of 
wcnly-two  years  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Harford  County,  Mary- 
land, where  he  married  the  sister  of  (afterward)  Commodore  Rodgers.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Kxccutlvo  Council  of 
Marjlnnd  in  1702,  and  In  1706  was  chosen  to  the  Legislature.  The  next  year  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  commissioners 
imder  the  provisions  of  Jay's  treaty,  and  proceeded  to  England.  He  remained  there  until  1805,  when  ho  returned,  and 
made  Baltimore  his  residence.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  legal  learning  and  eloquence,  and  was  immediately  ap- 
pointed Attorney  General  of  Maryland.  He  was  sent  to  England  for  the  object  mentioned  in  the  text,  in  1800,  where  he 
remained  until  isil,  when  he  returned  home.  He  fought  bravely  in  the  battle  near  Bladensburg  in  1814,  and  was  soon 
ancrward  elected  to  Congress.  In  1810  he  was  appointed  minister  to  Russia.  I!c  remained  there  until  1820,  when  he 
letnriii'd,  and  was  chosen  to  a  seat  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  In  that  body,  and  In  the  United  States  Ciiurts,  he 
libored  Intensely  until  IS'il,  when  his  health  suddenly  gave  way.  He  died  on  the  26lh  of  February,  1S22,  In  tlie  flfty- 
alnlh  year  of  his  age. 

'  Th'-  had  been  done  repeatedly.  The  American  waters  were  almost  continually  plowed  by  British  craisers  at  this 
lime.  A  few  weeks  later  an  event  occurred  which  aroused  the  greatest  indignation  throughout  the  country.  A  small 
fowling  vessel,  navigated  by  Captain  John  Pearce,  of  New  York,  running  for  Sandy  Hook,  was  fired  into  by  the  B;  itish 
fniiser  Leander,  Captain  Whitby.  Captain  Pearce  was  killed.  It  was,  morally,  a  gross  act  of  piracy.  The  act  itself  called 
forth  bitter  denunciations  at  a  meeting  held  at  the  Tontine  Coffee-house,  in  New  York,  on  the  following  day  (April  20, 
1S(I6).  A  resolution  proposed  by  a  committee,  of  which  RufUs  King,  late  minister  to  England,  was  chairman,  declared 
iliat  an  administration  that  would  enffer  foreign  armed  ships  to  "  impress,  wound,  and  murder  citizens"  was  "not  en- 
titled to  the  confidence  of  a  brave  and  free  people."  The  public  indignation  was  Increased  when  It  became  known  that 
Captain  Whitby,  who  was  brought  to  trial  in  England  for  the  murder  of  Captain  Pearce,  and  his  guilt  fairly  proven  by 
evldenco  dispatched  thither  by  the  United  States  government,  was  honorabli/  acquitted  I 


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146 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Minister  Extraordinary  sent  to  BngUnd.  The  old  Party  Llnea  again  eatabllshed. 


War  and  AntUwar  Piirilc*. 


minister,  in  negotiating  a  treaty  tliat  should 
Bcttlo  all  disputes  between  tlie  two  govern- 
ments. It  was  thought  expedient,  at  tlic 
same  time,  to  use  the  second  metliod  pros- 
pectively, as  an  auxiliary  to  tlie  American 
ministers,  for  it  would  appeal  potentially  t(] 
the  commercial  interest  of  Great  Britain, 
then,  as  ever,  the  ruling  power  in  the  state. 
Accordingly,  after  long  and  earnest  dehatos, 
the  House  of  Representatives  passed  an 
act"  prohibiting  the  importation  .M„r,,|,2s 
into  the  United  States  of  a  great  i^"«. 
variety  of  the  most  important  manufactures 
of  Great  Britain.  It  passed  the  Senate  on 
the  10th  of  April,  and  on  tlie  18th  beoanic 
a  law.'  To  give  time  for  the  negotiations, 
the  commencement  of  the  prohibition  was 
l)ostponed  until  the  middle  of  the  foUowini; 
November. 

In  the  debate  upon  the  Non-importatii)ii 
Act  in  Congress,  and  in  its  discussion  among 
the  people,  the  old  party  lines,  which,  to 
some  extent,  had  appeared  faint  when  great 
national  questions  were  fnirly  discussed, 
became  perfectly  distinct.  The  measure 
was  regarded  by  the  jealous  opponents  of  Jeiferson  and  his  Cabinet  as  a  display  ot 
that  hostility  to  Great  Britain  because  of  love  for  France,  which  the  President  and 
his  Secretary  had  so  frequently  manifested  during  the  administrations  of  Washington 
and  Adams.  It  was  regarded  as  a  measure  calculated  to  lead  the  country  into  a  Avar 
with  Great  Britain.  The  administration  party,  on  the  contrary,  cliarged  the  Feder- 
alists, because  they  were  unwilling  to  support  the  measure,  with  being  friendly  tn 
their  country's  oppressor.  The  old  political  war-cries  were  sounded,  and  "  Frciieli 
party"  and  "  British  party"  became  familiar  words  again  on  the  lips  of  partisans. 
The  Federalists  affected  to  regard  Great  Britain  in  her  wars  with  France,  and  cs])e- 
cially  in  the  current  one  with  Napoleon,  as  the  champion  of  the  liberties  of  the  world 
against  an  audacious  aspirant  for  universal  empire ;  while  the  Democrats  aifectcd  to 
consider  the  Emperor  of  the  French  as  a  great  regenerator,  wlio  was  destined  to  bene- 
lit  the  world  by  prostrating  tottering  thrones,  effacing  corrupt  dynasties,  purifying  the 
political  atmosphere  of  Europe,  and  giving  new  life  and  vigor  to  the  people.  Sueii 
M^ere  the  antagonistic  ideas  then  distinctly  developed.  The  Non-importation  Act 
was  passed  by  a  strictly  party  vote — ninety-three  Democrats,  against  thirty-two  Fed- 
eralists and  "Quids,"  as  John  Randolph  and  his  six  secessionists  were  called.  The 
heat  of  tb  \t  debate  in  the  first  session  of  the  Ninth  Congress  developed  the  germ  of 
the  War  and  Anti-^ear  parties,  so  strong  and  implacable  just  previous  to  and  durin<; 
the  War  OF  1812. 

'  The  following  is  a  list  of  articles  prohlMted :  All  articles  of  which  leather,  silk,  hemp  or  fiax,  and  tin  and  brain  (lin 
cheets  excepted)  were  the  materials  of  dilcf  value ;  woolen  cloths  ivhofo  Invoice  prices  sliould  exceed  five  shillings  ilor-  ; 
ling  a  yard:  woolen  hosiery  of  all  kinds;  window-glass,  and  all  the  mannfuctures  of  glass;  silver  und  plated  wnre;  pa- 
I)cr  of  every  description ;  nails  and  spikes;  mate,  and  clothing  ready  made ;  millinery  of  all  kinds;  playing-cards ;  beer, 
ale,  and  porter ;  and  pictures  and  prints. 


Iliipes  created  by  a  ne 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


U9 


no|ie!<  rrcatoil  by  a  new  BritlHh  Ministry.  DiHappotntmcnt.  Ncgotiatiung  rcupcnod.  CharUw  .IniiicM  Fux. 


!1 


CHAPTER  Vin. 

"  You  nil  remember  well,  I  guess, 
The  Chemjtmkc  disaster, 
When  Brltdus  durod  to  kill  nnd  press, 
To  please  their  royal  master." 

Bono — Rodoebs  amd  VioioaT. 

"  Prom  the  deep  we  withdraw  till  the  tempest  be  past. 
Till  our  Hag  can  protect  each  American  carj^o ; 
While  British  ambition's  dominion  shall  last, 
Let  us  Join,  heart  and  hand,  to  support  the  KHUAsao: 
For  Emiiaikio  and  Peacik 
Will  promote  our  iucreaBC ; 
Then  embargoed  we'll  live  till  injustice  shall  cease : 
For  ne'er,  till  old  Ocean  retires  from  his  bed, 
Will  Columbia  by  Europe's  proud  tyrants  be  led." 

Sosd — EiiDAitoo  AND  Peace. 

IIILE  the  debate  on  tlie  Non-importation  Act  was  at  its  heiglit 
in  Congress,  intelligence  came  of  a  cliange  in  tlic  British  minis- 
try that  promised  a  speedy  adjustment  of  all  matters  in  dis- 
pute between  tlie  two  countries.  William  Pitt  died  in  Janua- 
ry," and  at  the  beginning  of  February  a  new  Cabi-  'January  28, 
net  was  formed,  known  in  English  history  as  "  All-  ^^"''• 

the-talents  Ministry,"  of  which  the  peaceful,  humane,  and  lib- 
eral Charles  James  Fox  was  the  most  influential  member,'  as 
Secretary  of  State  for  Foreign  Affiiirs. 

Under  the  impression  that  the  new  ministry  would  be  more  ready  to  act  justly  to- 
ward the  Americans  than  the  old  one,  Mr.  Pinkney  sailed  for  England.  He  was  soon 
mideceived.  England's  policy  in  the  conduct  of  the  tremendous  war  in  which  she 
was  engaged  was  too  firmly  established  to  be  disturbed  by  the  private  opinions  and 
wishes  of  individuals,  and  Mr.  Fox  appears  to  have  imbibed  the  views  of  his  prede- 
cessors in  office  concerning  the  complaints  of  the  Americans  on  the  subject  of  the 
impress  and  neutral  rights. 

Before  Pinkney's  arrival  Fox  had  expressed  to  Monroe  some  sensibility  at  the 
passage  of  the  Non-importation  Act.  lie  declared  that  it  embarrassed  him,  because 
it '.vould  place  him  in  the  position  of  treating  under  seeming  compulsion.  Monroe 
wave  a  satisfactory  explanation,  and,  on  the  arrival  of  Pinkney,  Lords  Holland  and 
.\uckland  were  appointed  to  negotiate  with  the  American  envoys. 

Tlie  negotiations  commenced  in  August.''  As  the  American  commis- 
>icner8  were  instructed  to  make  no  treaty  which  did  not  secure  the  vessels 
of  their  countrymen  on  the  high  seas  against  visitations  from  press-gangs,  this  topic 
naturally  occupied  the  early  and  earnest  attention  of  the  negotiators.  The  American 
roraraissioners,  under  instructions,  contended  that  the  right  of  impressment  existing 
by  municipal  law  could  not  be  exercised  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  Great  Britain,  and, 
consequently,  upon  the  high  seas.    In  reply,  the  British  commissioners  recited  the  old 

'  Fox  and  Burke  stood  side  by  side  in  the  opposition  to  Lord  North  in  the  long  struggle  before  and  during  the  Amer- 
ican Revolution.  He  was  always  on  the  liberal  side  in  politics,  of  the  Whig  school,  and  was  intensely  bated  l)y  the  king. 
Si  oiie  time,  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  the  nation  appeared  to  be  divided  into  parties,  one  known  as  the  liing's,  and 
the  other  as  Fox's.  On  one  occasion  Dr.  Johnson  said,  "  Fox  is  an  extraordinary  man ;  here  is  a  man  who  has  divided 
aliingdom  with  Cffisar,  so  that  It  was  a  doubt  which  the  nation  should  be  ruled  by— the  sceptre  of  George  TIT.  or  the 
longuc  of  Fox."  He  was  always  nn  advocate  for  a  peace  policy,  and  his  accession  to  power  in  1800  gave  the  thinkini; 
men  of  England  hopes  of  a  cessation  of  the  wasting  war  with  the  all-conqnerlng  Napolecm.  To  that  end  he  labored, 
and  had  well-nigh  accomplished  measures  for  pacificutiou  wheu,  on  the  13tb  of  September,  1800,  he  died. 


'  August  2. 


M 


1   1    ■ ' 

i 

X-      i  i 

H 


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ill 


St 

{■■    i 


III 


r 


i 
1 

■*"'■ 

ISO 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


ProgresB  and  Character  uf  Nogotlatlons. 


Treaty  agreed  to. 


The  Berlin  Decree  consldcreil. 


doctrine  that  no  subject  of  the  king  could  expatriate  himself— "  once  an  EngliHhinan 
always  an  Englishman" — and  argued  that  to  give  up  that  right  would  make  evory 
American  vessel  an  asylum  for  Uritish  seamen  wishi:  g  to  evade  their  country's  si-rv- 
ice,  and  even  for  deserters  from  British  ships  of  war.  They  were  sustained  in  tliis 
view  by  the  law  officers  of  the  crown  and  the  lioard  of  Admiralty,  and  would  not 
yield  the  poiiit.  Here  tl.c  American  commissioners  might  have  terminated  the  nego- 
tiation, because  the  vital  object  of  their  appointment  could  not  bo  obtained. 

At  length  this  impressment  question  was  placed  in  an  attitude  to  allow  negotiations 
upon  other  topics  to  go  on.  While  the  British  commissioners  declared  that  their  gov- 
ernment would  not  relinquish  by  formal  treaty  the  right  of  impressment  on  the  liigh 
seas,  they  agreed  that  special  instructions  should  be  ^iven  and  enforced  for  the  ob- 
servance of  great  caution  against  subjecting  any  American-born  citizens  to  molesta- 
tion or  injury.  They  gave  the  American  commissioners  to  understand,  althougl.  it 
was  not  expressed  in  terms,  that  the  intention  of  the  British  government  Avas  not  to 
allow  impressments  from  American  vessels  on  the  high  seas  except  under  extraordi- 
nary circumstances,  such  as  having  on  board  knoAvn  deserters  from  the  British  navy, 
•  November  8,  ^^^  ^^^^  gradually  to  abandon  the  practice.  This  proposition  was  put  in 
1800.  Avriting,"  and  the  negotiations  on  other  topics  proceeded. 

The  terms  of  a  treaty  considered  in  many  respects  more  favorable  to  the  Americans 
than  that  of  Jay  in  1794,  to  continue  for  ton  years,  were  soon  agreed  to.  The  trade 
between  the  United  States  and  the  European  possessions  of  Great  Britain  were  placed 
on  a  footing  of  perfect  reciprocity,  but  no  concessions  could  be  obtained  as  to  tiie 
trade  of  the  West  Indies ;  while  in  the  matter  of  the  East  India  trade  terms  as  fovoi- 
able  to  the  Americans  as  those  of  Jay's  would  not  be  granted.  The  provisions  in 
that  treaty  concerning  blockades  and  contraband  were  adopted,  with  an  additional 
provision  that  no  American  vessels  were  to  be  visited  or  seized  within  five  miles  of 
the  coast  of  the  United  States. 

In  regard  to  the  carrying-trade,  in  which  American  vessels  were  so  largely  con- 
cerned, the  modification  of  the  "  rule  of  1756"  (stipulated  in  the  treaty  with  Russia  in 
1801,  already  alluded  to)^  was  agreed  to,  but  to  operate  only  during  the  current  war, 
by  Avliich  such  vessels  could  transport  to  any  belligerent  colony  not  blockaded  by  a 
British  force,  any  European  goods  not  contraband  of  war,  providing  such  goods  were 
American  property,  and  the  continuity  of  the  voyage  had  been  broken  by  their  hav- 
ing been  previously  landed  in  the  United  States,  and  a  duty  paid  of  at  least  one  per 
cent,  above  the  amount  drawn  back  on  re-exportation.  In  like  manner  the  produce 
of  the  colony  might  be  carried  back,  and  taken  into  any  port  in  Europe  not  blocjj- 
aded. 

At  this  point  in  the  negotiation,  intelligence  of  the  issue  of  the  Berlin  Decree,^  whicli 
we  shall  consider  presently,  reached  the  commissioners.  It  produced  hesitation  on 
the  part  of  the  British  negotiators.  They  required  assurances  that  the  United  States 
would  not  allow  their  trade  with  Great  Britain,  and  in  British  merchandise,  to  be  in- 
terrupted and  interfered  with  by  France  without  taking  measures  to  resent  it.  This 
assurance  the  American  commissioners  refused  to  give,  as  they  were  not  inclined  to 
pledge  their  government  to  quarrel  with  Franco  for  the  benefit  of  English  trade. 
Holland  and  Auckland  waived  the  point  and  signed  the  treaty,  at  the  same  time  pre- 
senting a  written  protest  against  the  Berlin  Decree,  reserving  to  the  British  govern- 
ment the  right,  should  that  decree  be  actually  carried  into  force  as  against  neutrals, 
and  be  submitted  to  by  them,  to  take  such  measures  of  retaliation  as  might  be  deem- 
ed expedient. 

Had  this  ./eaty  not  been  based  in  a  degree  upon  contingencies  and  promises,  leav- 
ing American  commence  still,  in  the  absence  of  positive  treaty  stipulations,  at  the 


TTMtjr  withheld  from 


1  See  note  2,  page  133. 


•  See  page  189. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


151 


Treaty  withheld  from  the  Senate. 


War  on  the  Administration. 


Blockade  of  the  European  L'oaiit  declared. 


mercy  of  BritiHli  policy,  it  migJit  have  been  considered  so  advantageous  to  the  mer- 
chants of  the  United  States,  being  an  advance  in  the  right  direction,  as  to  have  re- 
ceived the  favor  of  tlie  administration,  liut  it  was  too  loose  in  its  actual  guarantees, 
and  the  experience  of  the  past  was  too  admonitory  to  allow  such  a  treaty  to  be  ac- 
cepted as  a  satisfactory  settlement  of  difficulties  between  the  two  governments.  It 
also  failed  to  secure  the  most  vital  advantages  contemplated  in  the  appointment  of 
the  commission,  namely,  the  abolition  of  the  impress  from  American  vessels  and  re- 
linquishment on  the  ])art  of  Great  Britain  of  its  claims  to  a  right  of  search.  Such 
l)eiiig  its  character,  the  President,  at  the  risk  of  being  charged  with  usurpation,  did 
not  even  lay  the  treaty  before  the  Senate,  but,  on  his  own  responsibility,  seconded  by 
tlic  co-operation  of  Mr.  Madison,  his  Secretary  of  State,  he  refused  to  ratify  it.  That 
refusal  destroyed  all  hope  of  negotiating  another  treaty  so  favorable  to  the  Amer- 
i  vns,  for,  long  before  it  reached  the  Jiritish  government  in  official  form,  the  Fo.\  and 
Grenville  ministry  had  disaj)peared.  It  had  been  superseded"  by  one  in  which  ,  March, 
Liverpool,  Percival,  and  Caiuiing,  all  disciples  of  the  more  warlike  Pitt,  were  ^^^''■ 
tlie  leading  spirits.  The  remains  of  Fox  had  lain  in  Westminster  Abbey  six  mouths 
when  this  change  in  the  administration  took  place.' 

As  might  have  been  expected,  Jefterson  was  vehemently  assailed  by  the  opposi- 
tion ;  and  the  merchants,  as  a  class,  misled  by  the  deceptive  clamor  of  politicians, 
swelled  the  voice  of  denunciation.  The  Federalists,  ever  suspicious  of  the  President, 
their  arch-enemy  in  former  crises  of  the  government,  charged  him  with  insincerity 
when  he  protested  his  earnest  desire  for  an  honorable  adjustment  with  England ;  and 
they  were  inclined  to  regard  the  rejection  of  the  treaty  as  a  deliberate  mancEuvre  to 
rherish  popular  passion,  and  thus  to  strengthen  the  party  hold  of  the  President  and 
his  destined  successor,  Mr.  Madison.^ 

The  war  against  the  administration  was  waged  unrelentingly.  Another  great 
struggle  between  the  Democrats  and  Federalists  for  the  prize  of  the  Presidency  and 
national  nile  now  commenced,  and  some  leading  men  of  the  opposition  who,  when  in 
power,  had  bitterly  denounced  the  course  of  the  British  government  because  of  its 
course  on  the  impress  and  neutral  rights,  now  became  either  silent  spectators  or  vir- 
tual apologists  for  England.  Yet  the  Democratic  party  steadily  gained  in  numbers 
and  influence  even  in  New  England,  and  the  war  feeling  became  more  and  more  in- 
tense and  positive  among  the  people. 

We  have  already  alluded  to  the  seizure  of  Hanover  by  the  Prussians  at  the  insti- 
lation  of  Napoleon.^  This  offense  against  the  Crown  of  England  was  immediately 
resented ;  or,  rather,  it  was  made  the  pretext  for  employing  against  France  a  measure 
which,  as  in  1756  and  1792,  was  calculated  to  starve  the  empire.  By  orders  in  Coun- 
cil, issued  on  the  ICth  of  May,  1806,  the  whole  coast  of  Europe  from  the  Elbe,  in  Ger- 
many, to  Brest,  in  France,  a  distance  of  about  eight  hundred  miles,  was  declared  in  a 
state  of  blockade,  when,  at  the  same  time,  the  British  navy  could  not  spare  from  its 
other  fields  of  service  vessels  enough  to  enforce  the  blockade  over  a  third  of  the  pre- 
scribed coast.  It  was  essentially  a  "  paper  blockade,"  then  valid  according  to  En- 
glish "  laws  of  nations" — laws  of  her  own  enactment,  and  enforced  by  her  own  mate- 
rial power.  The  almost  entire  destruction  of  the  French  and  Spanish  fleets  oflp  Tra- 
falgar, a  few  months  before,*"  had  annihilated  her  rivals  for  the  sovereign-  6  October  21, 
ty  of  the  seas,  and  she  now  resolved  to  control  the  trade  of  the  world,  by  ^®**- 
ffhich  she  might  procure  pecuniary  means  to  carry  on  the  war. 

The  British  oi'ders  in  Council  somewhat  startled  American  commerce,  and  by 
some  was  considered,  so  far  as  that  commerce  was  concerned,  as  not  only  a  counter- 
vailing measure  in  view  of  the  Non-importation  Act  of  the  American  Congress,  but  a 
positively  belligerent  one.     But  its  effects  were  slight  in  comparison  with  the  pros- 


I  8oe  page  128. 

>  Uildreth'B  History  of  the  United  States,  Second  Series,  ii.,  6C3. 


• 

1 

>  See  page  123. 


w 


'i! 


158 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


n»  Berlin  Decree. 


The  "Coutlnental  Hyitem." 


Amerlcani  the  only  Neutral*. 


Their  Kkpevtattoni. 


trating  blow  inflicted  upon  the  American  fihippinp  interest  when,  fVom  the  "  Imperial 
Camp  lit  IJcrliii"  on  tlie  2lHt  of  November,  I HOO,  Napoleon  isHued  the  fumoiiH  (lecitc 
whi<^h  (leciiired  the  Uritish  Iwhinds  in  a  state  of  blockade,  forl)ade  all  eorrespondeiKc 
or  trade  with  England,  defined  all  articles  of  Kiiglish  manufacture  or  j)roduce  as  con- 
traband, and  the  property  of  all  Hritinh  nubjectH  as  lawful  prize  of  war.' 

llcHting  for  moral  support  upon  Kngland's  cherished  "  law  of  nations,"  Napoleon 

made  this  declaration  of  a  practically  universal  blockade  when  he  had  scarcely  a  sliip 

at  liis  command  to  enforce  it ;  for  Lord  Nelson,  as  we  have  just  observed,  had  ahiiosi 

.  octoiinr  21,     demolished  the  wliole  French  and  part  of  the  Spanish  fleet  oft"  Trafalgar 

IHUB.  jjj^j  thirteen  months  before.* 

On  land  the  power  of  Napoleon  was  scarcely  bounded  by  any  river  in  Euro|ic', 
Within  his  grasp  was  seemingly  the  sceptre  of  universal  empire,  of  which  he  dreaincMJ 
with  the  ambition  of  an  Alexander.  State  after  state  had  been  added  to  his  doinin- 
ions,  and  brother  after  brother  had  been  placed  upon  thrones  of  his  own  construction, 
amid  the  ruins  of  old  dynasties.  He  now  endeavored,  by  the  ))ractice  of  Englaiul's 
logic,  to  dispute  with  her  in  a  peculiar  way  the  sceptre  of  the  seas.^ 

This  was  the  beginning  of  what  was  afterward  called  the  Continental  System ,  com- 
menced avowedly  as  a  retaliatory  measure,  and  designed  primarily  to  injure  and,  it 
possible,  to  destroy  the  commercial  prosperity  of  England.  Najtoleon  adhered  to  it 
for  several  years  as  a  favorite  scheme,  to  the  delight  and  profit  of  smugglers  created 
by  the  system,  and  the  immense  injury  of  the  commerce  of  the  world.  He  compelleil 
most  of  the  states  of  Europe  to  become  partners  in  the  league  against  Great  Britain. 
A  refusal  to  join  it  was  considered  a  just  cause  for  war.  Yet  England,  with  suih 
powers  against  her,  and  such  an  injurious  system  impinging  heavily  upon  her  inaii- 
time  and  trading  interests,  defied  Napoleon  and  his  allies,  and  exhibited  a  moral  and 
material  energy  which  commands  our  wonder  and  highest  res])ect. 

America  was  at  this  time  really  the  only  neutral  in  the  civilized  world.  Ilcr  iso- 
lation enabled  her  to  maintain  that  position,  and  enjoy  prosperity  while  Europe  was 
resonant  with  the  din  of  battle,  clouded  with  the  smoke  of  camps  and  nr  1  towns, 
and  wasted  by  the  terrible  demands  of  moving  armies.     But  her  secui  1  pros- 

perity were  likely  to  be  disturbed  by  this  unrighteous  decree  from  i  Imperial 
Camp."  It  Avas  so  broad  in  its  application,  that  it  would  be  equally  injurious  to  neu- 
trals and  belligerents.  The  commercial  world  perceived  this  Avith  its  keen  eye,  and 
American  commerce  was  convulsed  by  a  thrill  of  apprehension.  Rates  of  insurana' 
ran  up  to  ruinous  heights  at  the  beginning  of  1807,  and  commercial  enterprises  of 
every  kind  were  suspended. 

This  panic  was  somewhat  allayed  by  a  letter  from  John  Armstrong,  American  min- 
ister at  Paris,  who  believed  the  operations  of  the  decree  would  be  only  municipal, 
and  was  assured  by  the  French  Minister  of  Marine  that  the  existing  commercial  re- 
lations of  the  United  States  and  the  French  Empire,  as  settled  by  the  Convention  of 
1800,3  would  not  be  disturbed.*  This  assurance  was  subsequently  strengthened  by 
the  fact  that  the  decree  was  not  enforced  against  America'n  vessels  until  about  a  year 
afterward,*  Napoleon  doubtless  hoping  the  United  States,  growing  every  day  more 
and  more  hostile  toward  England  because  of  her  injustice,  would  be  induced  to  join 
the  league  against  that  power.  Tlie  Americans  were  also  taught  to  rely  upon  the 
traditional  policy  of  France  concerning  the  rights  of  neutrals,  so  plainly  avowed  in 
the  Armed  Neutrality  Treaty  in  1 780,  earnestly  proclaimed  ever  since  by  the  French 

'  See  note  1,  page  12<>. 

'  Napoleon  at  this  time  had  been  compelled  to  abandon  his  achemes  for  the  Invasion  of  England.  He  had  lost  St.  Do- 
mingo, and  all  prestige  in  the  West  Indies,  and  had  no  means  of  annoying  bis  most  potent  enemy,  on  the  sea. 

'  See  twelfth  and  fourteenth  articles  of  that  Convention  In  Stalesman'ii  Manual,  iv.,  .142,  i543. 

♦  On  the  lOlh  of  December,  Minister  Armstrong  asked  for  an  explanation  of  the  Berlin  Decree.  Monsieur  Dccrcs,  tho 
Minister  of  Marine,  replied  on  the  24th  that  he  cimsidered  the  decree  as  in  no  way  modifying  "the  regulations  at  pres- 
ent observed  in  France  with  regard  to  neutral  navigators,  nor,  consequently,  of  the  (Jonventlon  of  the  3nth  of  September, 
1800,  with  the  United  States  of  America."  '  Baring's  Inquiry,  etc.,  page  116,  cited  in  note  1,  page  123. 


Change  Id  the  Polli 

rulers,  and  rei 
decree  under  i 
The  promisi 
Decree  were  > 
of  1807.      The 
duties  in  the 
coasts  of  Euro 
tein  into  activ( 
on  the  contrarj 
ter  of  Justice,  ' 
nies,  by  whonb 
Ainericiins  wer 
with  the  intent 
operation  with 
lihertics  of  that 
interpretation  of 
liiirs,  coolly  repi 
'inly  not  issued  ji 
t(»  make  it  eft'ecti 
gations  in  the  m: 
maritime  powers, 
to  make  common 
Xapoleon  in  enfoi 
hut  really  agains 
stipulations  regar 
the  American  sliii 
violation  of  every 
under  liegnier's  d 
niercliandiso  of  Hri 
precedent  for  the  i 
property. 

Almost  simultan 
of  the  Berlin  Deere 
more  destructive  at 
ed  by  either  party 
"1  the  17th  of  Nov 
iiidess  through  Grei 


'This  was  a  treaty  of  pea 
tolhe  Prussian  monarch  ont 
,  Hon  of  Napoleon's  three  bru 
I  pballa. 

'  Letter  to  the  Imperial  Al 

'"Allthedlfflcultloswhicl 

rthease  If  the  government 

look,  with  the  whole  Contlm 

I  tar  an  entire  disregard  for  tl 

On  this  point  the  interest  ol 

Kplomaeii  of  the  United  Slate, 

This  was  all  very  trne,  but 

I  milrely  Inconsistent  with  th( 

IiiyoflTSn.    The  Berlin  Dec 

I  igalnst  which  tho  Americana 

wnoed  "monstrous  and  Ind 
I  'Mr.  Baring,  In  his  able  I,u 

oftlio  extremely  lengthvdocu 
J  All  trade  directly  from  Ar 
I  Msh  flag  Is  excluded.  Is  tot 
I  ff/ofSartll'ila,  Is  include 
I  Mt  Of  the  colonies  re-exporte 


3 


OF   THE   VVAK    OJf    1812. 


158 


Cbiuii;e  In  the  Policy  of  the  French. 


SeUnre  of  American  Bhipa. 


Britlih  Orderi  In  Conoell. 


lulds,  1111(1  ri'itcratctl  in  tlic  diargca  agaiiwt  Eiiglaiul  in  the  pi-eamblc  to  the  famoun 
(licnu  luider  fonHJili'iiition. 

Tiio  promiHcs  of  accurity  to  Ainoricaii  coiniiu'rco  fiom  the  operatioiiH  of  the  llt-rlin 
Decree  wviv.  sooii  broivcn.  Tin;  j)o\vorH  of  that  dt'CToo  wt-re  jtut  forth  in  tlio  aiituiiui 
of  1807.  Till'  IVaco  of  Tilnit'  liad  ifloaHcd  a  liiigc  iiumlu'r  of  Freiicii  noldiors  from 
duties  in  tiie  camp  and  tield,  and  these  were  employed  at  varions  ports  along  the 
coasts  of  Knrope  in  strictly  enfon^ing  tlie  l»lt)(;kade  and  putting  tlie  (Jontiiienta)  Sys- 
tem into  active  opei'atif)ii.  Even  American  commerce  did  not  remain  undisturbed ; 
on  the  (contrary,  it  was  directly  threatened  l)y  a  decision  of  Kegiiier,  tlie  Kreiich  Min- 
ter  of  .f  ustice,  who  declared  that  all  merchandise  derived  from  ICngland  and  her  colo- 
nies, by  whomsoever  owned,  was  Habit!  to  seizure  even  on  lioard  neutral  vessels.-  Ah 
Aincricaiis  were  then  the  only  neutrals,  this  decision  was  aimed  directly  at  them, 
with  the  intention,  no  doubt,  of  forcing  the  United  States  into  at  least  a  passive  co- 
opoiiitioii  with  JJonaparte  in  his  (U-adly  designs  against  Uritish  commerce  and  the 
liberties  of  that  people.  When  Minister  Armstrong  made  in(|uiries  concerning  this 
interpretation  of  the  HeiTin  Decree,  t'hampagny,  the  French  Minister  for  Foreign  At- 
tiiirs,  coolly  replied  that  the  prhicipal  jiowcrs  of  Europe  for  eleven  nu)nths  liad  not 
(inly  not  issued  any  protest  against  the  decree,  but  had  agreed  to  enforce  it,  and  that 
to  make  it  eft'ectual  its  execution  must  be  complete,  lie  disposed  of  the  treaty  obli- 
gations in  the  matter  by  saying  that,  since  England  had  disregarded  the  rights  of  all 
maritime  powers,  the  interests  of  those  powers  were  coinmon,  and  they  were  bound 
to  make  common  ciuisc  against  her;'  that  is  to  say,  any  nation  that  woidd  not  join 
Xapolcon  in  enforcing  his  iniquitous  Continental  System,  ostensibly  against  England, 
Init  really  against  the  commerce  of  the  Avorld,  forieited  its  claim  to  have  its  treaty 
stipulations  regarded !  This  doctrine  was  speedily  followed  up  by  practice,  Avheii 
the  American  ship  Horizon,  stranded  upon  the  French  coast,  was,  with  her  cargf),  in 
violation  of  every  principle  of  humanity,  confiscated  in  the  French  j)rize  court,  acting 
under  Kegnier's  decision,*  on  the  ground  that  that  cargo  consisted  of  •  November  lo, 
merchandise  of  British  origin.     This  decision  and  confiscation  became  a  *^'"' 

precedent  for  the  speedy  seizure  and  sequestration  of  a  large  amount  of  American 
property. 

Almost  simultaneously  with  this  practical  illustration  of  Regnier's  interpretation 

of  the  Berlin  Decree  in  the  case  of  the //orizox,'' Great  Britain  made  a    ,^, 

-  .  1  1        •    1  o  1      »  November  10. 

more  destructive  assault  on  the  rights  oi  neutrals  than  any  yet  attempt- 
ed by  cither  party.     By  orders  in  council,  adopted  on  the  11th  and  promulgated 
n  the  I7th  of  November,  all  neutral  trade  was  prohibited  with  France  or  her  allies 
unless  through  Great  Britain.*     This  avowed  measure  of  retaliation  for  the  issue  of 

1  This  was  a  treaty  of  pence  concluded  between  France  and  Hiissia  on  the  Tth  of  June,  180T,  when  Napoleon  restored 
to  the  PniBBlau  monarch  one  half  of  hU  territories,  and  Knssln  recognised  the  Confederation  of  the  Rhine,  and  the  eleva- 
tion of  Napoleou'H  three  brothers,  Joseph,  Louis,  and  Jerome,  to  the  thrones  respectively  of  Naples,  Holland,  aud  West- 
phalia. 

'  Letter  to  the  Imperial  Attorney  General  for  the  Conncll  of  Prizes,  September  18,  IfiOT. 

'  "All  the  difflcultlea  which  have  given  rise  to  your  reclamations,"  said  Champagny  to  Armstrong,  "  would  be  removed 

wltheuse  If  the  government  of  the  United  States,  after  complaining  In  vain  of  the  Injustice  and  violations  of  England, 

i  loolt,  with  the  whole  Continent,  the  part  of  gnarantccing  Itself  therefrom.    England  has  Introduced  Into  the  maritime 

»«ran  entire  disregard  for  the  rights  of  nations :  it  is  only  In  forcing  her  to  a  peace  that  It  Is  possible  to  recover  them. 

"  I  this  point  the  Interest  of  all  nations  is  the  same.    All  have  their  honor  and  Independence  to  defend."— Lvman'h 

[  Oiplmnaen  o/Ihe  United  Slateit,  1.,  411. 

Tills  was  all  very  trne,  but  the  terms  on  which  the  United  States  were  Invited  to  join  that  Continental  league  were 
I  (ntirely  Inconsistent  with  their  principles  concerning  blockades— principles  Identical  with  those  of  the  Armed  Neutral- 
ity of  nsfl.    The  Berlin  Decree  asserted  principles  the  very  reverse  of  these,  and  In  an  extreme  degree— prlnclplc<i 
igainst  which  the  Americans  had  ever  protested— principles  which  the  French  minister,  only  a  year  before,  had  pro- 
I  wuticed  "monstrous  and  Indefensible." 

'  Mr.  Baring,  In  his  able  Inquiry  into  the  Causes  and  Consequences  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  gives  the  following  analysis 
I  of  the  extremely  lengthy  document: 

"All  trade  directly  from  America  to  every  port  and  country  of  Europe  at  war  with  Great  Britain,  or  from  which  the 
I  British  flag  is  excluded,  is  totally  prohibited.  In  this  general  prohibition  every  part  of  Europe,  with  the  exception  at 
|)ree«nt  of  Sardinia,  Is  Included,  and  no  distinction  whatever  la  made  between  the  domestic  produce  of  America  and 
I  itiat  of  the  colonies  re-exported  from  thence. 


^  ! 


^^ 


liUUL™^... 


(! 


i  ilii  i 


164 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Mapoleon'ii  Mllnii  Dccrev, 


lU  BflbcU  on  Amertcnn  Commerce. 


British  Crulinra  In  American  Wutcm, 


\m 


the  Horlin  Decree  was  only  a  pretext  for  pampering  the  greed  of  the  nritish  cdloriiii! 
mert'liants  and  Hlii{H>wner8.  Ah  the  AiiiericmiH  were  tlie  only  neutralw,  it  wan  a  di- 
rect blow  against  their  coininercc,  of  which,  for  ten  ye;irs,  the  Uritiwh  hud  been  ex- 
ceedingly jealous.  The  eflect  was  to  deprive  American  vesselH  of  all  the  advantages 
of  neutrality. 

In  O'taliation  for  the  issuing  of  these  orders,  Bonaparte  promulgated  another  de- 
cree, dated  "At  our  Palace  at  Milan,  December  17,  1H07,"  which  extended  and  niudo 
more  vigorous  that  issued  from  lierlin.  It  declared  every  vessel  which  should  kuIi- 
mit  to  be  searched  by  British  cruisers,  or  shoidd  pay  any  tax,  duty,  or  license-money 
to  the  British  government,  or  should  be  found  on  the  high  seas  or  elsewhere  bound 
to  or  from  any  Jiritish  jjort,  denationalized  and  forfeit.'  With  their  usual  servilitv 
to  the  dictates  of  the  coiKjueror,  Hpain  and  Holland  immediately  issued  similar  de- 
crees. Thus,  within  a  few  months,  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  carried  on  in 
strict  accordance  with  the  acknowledged  laws  of  civilized  nations,  was  swept  from 
the  ocean.  Utterly  unable,  by  any  power  it  then  possessed,  to  resist  the  robbers  upon 
the  great  highway  of  nations,  the  independence  of  the  republic  had  no  actual  record. 
It  had  been  theoretically  declared  on  parchment  a  quarter  of  a  century  before,  but 
the  nation  and  its  interests  were  now  as  much  subservient  to  British  orders  in  cotni- 
cil  and  French  imperial  decrees  as  when  George  the  Third  sent  governors  to  the  col- 
onies of  which  it  Avas  composed,  and  Beaumarchais,  in  behalf  of  Louis  the  Sixteenth, 
Kuj)plied  their  feeble,  rebellious  hands  with  weapons  wherewith  to  fight  for  liberty 
and  independence. 

While  the  commerce  of  the  world  was  thus  becoming -the  sport  of  France  and  En- 
gland— traditionary  enemies  and  implacable  duelists  for  a  thousand  years — unscru- 
pulous gamesters  for  power — an  event  occurred  whicli  excited  in  the  United  States 
the  most  intense  animosity  toward  Great  Britain,  and  created  a  powerful  war  party 
among  legislators  and  jieople. 

To  give  efficiency  to  the  Orders  in  Council,  the  British  government  kept  a  naval 
force  continually  hovering  along  the  American  coast.  They  frequently  intruded  into 
American  waters,  and  were  a  great  vexation  and  annoyance  to  navigators  and  mer- 
chants. They  were  regarded  as  legalized  plunderers  employed  by  a  strong  nation  to 
despoil  a  weaker  one.^  Every  American  vessel  was  liable,  on  leaving  poit,  to  he  ar- 
rested and  scizeil  by  this  marine  police,  sometimes  under  the  most  untenable  pretexts, 
and  sent  to  Engl;ind  as  a  prize.  The  experience  of  the  Zean(?er,  already  mentioned 
(see  page  147),  was  the  experience  of  hundreds  of  vessels,  excepting  the  murder  of 
their  commanders;  and,  as  we  have  seen,  remonstrances  and  negotiations  were  of  no 
avail.     A  crisis  was  at  length  reached  in  the  summer  of  1807. 

"The  trade  from  America  to  the  colonies  of  nil  nations  remains  unaltered  by  the  present  orders.  America  may  ex- 
port the  produce  of  her  own  country,  but  that  of  no  other,  directly  to  Sweden. 

"With  the  above  exception,  all  articles,  whether  of  domestic  or  colonial  produce,  exported  by  America  to  Europ«, 
must  be  landed  in  this  country  [England],  from  whence  it  is  intended  to  permit  their  re-exportation  under  such  regula- 
tions as  may  hereafter  be  determined. 

"By  these  regulations  It  is  understood  that  duties  are  to  be  imposed  on  all  articles  so  re-exported ;  but  it  is  intimated 
that  an  exception  will  be  nr.ade  in  favor  of  such  as  are  the  produce  of  the  United  States,  that  of  cotton  excepted. 

"Any  vessel  the  carijo  whereof  shall  be  accompanied  with  certificates  of  French  coiisuls  abroad  of  its  origin,  shall, 
together  with  the  cargo,  be  liable  to  seizure  and  confiscation. 

"  Proper  care  shall  be  taken  tfiAt  the  operation  of  the  orders  shall  not  commence  nntil  time  Is  aflforded  for  their  behig 
Itnown  to  the  parties  interested."— See  Inqvin/,  etc.,  page  IB. 

When  Introducing  this  analysis  of  the  orders  of  the  llth  of  November,  Mr.  Baring  remarks  that  "they  are  so  mncli 
enveloped  In  official  Jargon  as  to  be  hardly  Intelligible  out  of  Doctors'  Commons,  and  not  perfectly  so  there."  In  a  note 
he  says,  "  I  beg  to  disclaim  any  intention  to  expound  the  titnal  text ;  it  seems  purposely  intended  that  no  person  should 
profane  It  with  his  comprehension  withou';  paying  two  guineas  for  an  opinion,  with  an  additional  benefit  of  bemg  able 
to  obtain  one  directly  opposed  to  it  for  two  more." 

>  "These  measures,"  said  the  fourth  article  of  the  Milan  Decree,  "which  are  resorted  to  only  in  Just  retaliation  of  the 
barbarous  system  adopted  by  England,  which  assimilates  in  its  legislation  to  that  of  Algierti,  shall  cease  to  have  any 
effect  with  respect  to  all  nations  who  shall  have  the  firmness  to  compel  the  English  government  to  respect  their  flaj,'.'  i 
It  declared  that  the  provisions  of  the  present  decree  should  be  null  as  soon  as  England  should  "  abide  again  by  the  j 
principles  of  the  law  of  nations  which  regulate  the  relations  of  civilized  states  in  a  state  of  war."  j 

'  Privateers  with  French  commissions  were  guilty  of  depredations  upon  American  commerc;,  but  the  occasions  were  ] 
rare. 


RearKiulxBtlon  of  t 

Notwithstai 

creaning  menai 

tlio  efficiency  ( 

war  with  the  1 

•■illy  reduced,  b 

IH,  and  brig  JJ 

IV  ar,  were  bean 

In  the  spring 

portance  was  cc 

fion  of  gun-boa 

these  vessels.     . 

the  war  with  Ti 

(brded  coninumt 

States  in  1 806,  t 

Imrs  and  rivers. 

much  <li.scu,ssed  i 

Toward  tlie  ch 

in  niimbei-)  "  auti 

might  he  put  in 

Sea  was  there  a  f 

cruiser  miglit  be  i 

vessels  to  the  amc 

worthy  of  the  nan 

and  Biitish  orders 

our  coininerce. 

hi  the  s])ring  o 

Lynnhaven  Bay,<  j 

liigates  wl^ch  had 

of  the  British  vesse 

among  the  crew  of 

the  navy  yard  at  V 

British  minister,  w] 

successor  of  Liston, 

H-ithout  any  warrai 

t«'o  governments. 

Monroe  and  Pinkne 

to  abandon  the  pra( 

ph'shed. 

The  United  States 
instituted  inquiries  c 

,  .'%  an  act  of  Congress  In 
jmsht  deem  necessary,  but  Ilr 
I  Mrteen,  that  of  the  masters 
tells  and  resignations  there 
I  The  names  of  the  captains  n 
I  Mn  Rodgers,  Edward  Preble 

I 'J'?;i^J»'-le8  Stewart,  Isaac  He 

I  I'l'e  names  of  the  masters  81 
honD„v,„  Porter,  John  cars" 
J     1  ne  act  of  Congress  for  "  fr 

iP'oved  on  the  21st  of  April,  18fl 

I  (;«».""' ^'^'"='"'«ef  under 
llhh''''^r'''"^^«P«Charl 
IBrtiish  bore  down  upon  them  a 
l«rewlthin  sight  of  each  other 

l««ladlagram,eeeLos8lng'8« 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1818. 


16S 


Ili>ori;uilMtlan  of  the  Naval  H«rvlc«. 


Th«  "Qun-boat  Policy." 


DMarten  from  BrItUh  Bhipt. 


NotwithNtaiidiiip  the  m.iny  doprodations  upon  American  pommorco  and  the  in- 
cri'iising  nii'inu't's  oftlic  l)olli}j;orc'iits  in  Kuropi-,  vi-ry  littlu  had  bocn  done  to  iiicrcaso 
the  cfficioncy  of  the  navy  of  the  United  StateH  Hince  its  reduction  at  the  cloBe  of  the 
war  witli  the  Harbary  StateH.  Tlie  Hquadron  in  the  Mediterranean  had  been  gradu- 
:jlly  reduced,  but  several  •  mall  veHHcls  had  been  built.  Two  of  thcNC,  the  Hliip  Wasp, 
IH,  and  briff  Jloruet,  18,  <  niHtructed  ailer  Freiuih  models,  and  ranking  as  sloops-of- 
ttiir,  were  beautiful,  stanch,  and  fast-sailing  crafl. 

In  the  spring  of  1800  the  naval  service  was  reorganized,'  yet  nothing  of  great  im- 
portance was  c()ntem|)latcd  to  increase  its  material  strength  excepting  the  construc- 
tion of  gun-boats.'  The  President  had  imbibed  very  strong  jjiejudices  in,  favor  of 
these  vessels.  A  flotilla  of  them,  obtained  from  Naples,  had  been  used  eftectively  in 
the  war  with  Tripoli  in  1804,  and  they  were  favorites  in  the  service  because  they  al 
t'oiJi'd  commands  for  enterprising  young  officers.  A  lew  were  built  in  the  United 
States  in  1805,  their  chief  contemplated  use  being  the  defense  and  protection  of  har- 
liors  and  rivers.  Then  was  inaugurated  the  "  gun-boat  policy"  of  the  government,  so 
imicli  discussed  for  three  or  four  years  afterward. 

Towanl  the  close  of  1800  the  President  officially  announced  that  the  gun-boats  (fifty 
in  number)  "authorized  by  an  act  of  the  last  session"  wore  so  far  advanced  that  they 
might  be  put  in  commission  the  following  season.^  Yet  only  in  the  Mediterranean 
St'U  was  there  a  foreign  station  of  the  navy  of  the  United  States  where  an  American 
cruiser  might  be  seen  at  the  beginning  of  1807,  notwithstanding  American  merchant 
vessels  to  the  amount  of  1,200,000  tons  were  afloat.  Nor  was  there  a  home  sipiadron 
worthy  of  the  name  ;  while  British  and  Fren.^h  cruisers  were  swarming  on  our  coasts, 
;iml  Hritish  orders  and  French  decrees  were  wielding  the  besom  of  destruction  against 
imr  conuncrce. 

In  the  spring  of  1807  a  squadron  of  British  ships  of  war,  whose  rcndczvons  was 
Lynnhaven  Bay,''  just  within  Cape  Henry,  in  Virginia,  were  watching  some  French 
frigates  wl^jcli  had  been  for  some  time  blockaded  at  Annapolis,  in  Maryland.  One 
of  the  British  vessels  was  the  Melampus,  .38.  Three  of  her  men  deserted,  and  enlisted 
among  the  crew  of  the  United  States  frigate  Chesapeake,  then  being  fitted  for  sea  at 
tlie  navy  yard  at  Washington  to  join  the  Mediterranean  squadron.  Mr.  Erskine,  the 
British  minister,  who  had  been  sent  to  Washington  by  Fox  to  supersede  Merry,  the 
successor  of  Liston,  made  a  formal  request  of  the  President  for  their  surrender,  but 
without  any  warrant  found  in  the  laws  of  nations,  or  in  any  agreement  between  the 
two  governments.  A  proposition  to  deliver  up  British  deserters  had  been  made  by 
Monroe  and  Pinkney  during  the  late  negotiations,  as  an  inducement  for  the  British 
to  abandon  the  practice  of  impressment,  but  nothing  on  that  point  had  been  accom- 
plished. 

The  United  States  government,  willing  to  be  just,  and  anxious  for  honorable  peace, 
j  instituted  inquiries  concerning  the  deserters.     They  were  actually  enlisted  for  service 

I  By  an  act  of  Congress  in  April,  1800,  the  President  was  anthrrlzcil  to  employ  as  many  of  the  pnbllc  vessels  as  he 

I  misht  deem  necessary,  bnt  llmitiug  the  number  of  offlcers  and  scnmen.    The  list  of  captains  was  increased  by  the  act  to 

Airteen,  that  of  the  masters  and  commanders  to  nine,  and  that  of  the  lieutenants  to  seventy-two.    In  consequence  of 

I  Mils  and  resignations  there  were  many  promotions,  and  sixty-nine  midshipmen  were  raised  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant. 

The  names  of  the  captains  under  the  new  law  were  as  follows :  Samuel  Nicholson,  Alexander  Murray,  Samuel  Barron, 
I  John  Hodgers,  Edward  Preble,  James  Barron,  William  Balnbridge,  Hugh  Q.  Campbell,  Stephen  Dccatnr,  Thomas  Tin- 
I  »*,  Charles  Stewart,  Isaac  Hull,  John  Shaw,  and  Isaac  Chauncey.  Of  these  Commodore  Stewart  is  now  (IStiT)  the  only 
I  ,m'ivor. 

The  names  of  the  masters  and  commanders  were  as  follows:  John  Smith,  George  Cox,  John  H.  Dent,  Thomas  Bobin- 
I  Kn,  David  Porter,  John  Carson,  Samuel  Evans,  and  Charles  Gordon.    Not  one  survives. 

'  The  act  of  Congress  for  "  fortifying  the  Ports  and  Harbors  of  the  United  States  and  for  building  Gnn'boats"  was  ap- 
I  proved  on  the  21st  of  April,  ISftfl.    It  provided  for  the  con.itrnction  of  fifty  gnn-boats. 

'  Annual  message,  December  2, 1800.— See  Statfsmati'it  Manual,  I.,  282. 

'  Hero  the  Frenqh  fleet  under  the  Count  de  Grasse  lay  early  In  September,  1T81,  when  the  English  fleet  nnfier  Admiral 
I  liraves  appeared  off'  Cape  Charles,  entering  the  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  French  prepared  for  conflict,  and  pn  t  to  sea.  The 
I  British  bore  down  upon  them,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  6th  of  September  a  partial  action  took  place.  1.''he  two  fleets 
litre  within  sight  of  each  other  for  Ave  consecutive  days,  but  hud  no  other  engagement.  For  an  account  of  these  eventa 
I  ud  a  diagram,  see  Lossing's  Field-book  of  the  Revolution,  11.,  300,  latest  edition. 


'.Jf    ..-« 


156 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


l\ 


IM 


ti!!! 


I.V.NMIAVKS    ItAV. 


The  Deserers  Amerkan  Citizens.  '''huirSurrcudcr  refused.  The  Chesapeake  wutched  by  a  BritisU  Squadron 

Oil  board  the  Chem- 
peake  ;  but  it  Avas  es- 
tablished by  conipo- 
teiit  testimony  tliat 
one  was  a  native  of 
the  Eastern  Shore  of 
Maryland,  that  anoth- 
er was  a  colored  man 
and  a  native  of  Mas- 
saehusetts,  and  in  tlic 
ease  of  the  third  there 
was  strong  cireuni- 
stautial  evidence  of 
liis  being  a  native- 
born  citizen  of  Mary- 
land.i  Under  tliese 
circumstances,  as  tlie 
claims  of  British  citi- 
zenship could  not  1)0 
established,  and  as  the 
government  was  not 
disposed  to  surrender  any  seamen  who  claimed  its  protection,  a  refusal  in  respectful 
terms  was  communicated  to  Mr.  Erskine.  No  more  was  said  upon  the  subject ;  but 
it  appears  to  have  stimulated  Vice-Admiral  Berkeley,  on  the  Halifax  station,  under 
whose  command  Avas  the  squadron  inLyimhaven  Bay,  to  the  assumption  of  authoritv 
which  led  to  much  trouble. 

At  about  the  beginning  of  June  the  Chesapeake  sailed  from  Washington  to  Nor- 
folk, and  on  the  10th  she  was  reported  to  Commodore  James  liarron,  the  ajyjiointed 
flag-officer  of  the  Mediterranean  squadron,  as  ready  for  sea.  She  dropped  down  tn 
Hampton  Poads,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  _'2d  of  June — a  bright,  beautiful,  hot 
morning — at  about  eight  o'clock,  she  weighed  anchor,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
(lordon,  and  bearing  the  broad  pennant  of  Commodore  Barron.  She  was  armed  with 
twenty-eight  18-pounders  on  her  gun-deck,  and  twelve  carronades'^  above,  makiiift  a 
total  of  forty  guns.  She  Avas  a  vessel  of  ordinary  character,  and  bore  a  ciew  luiin- 
berinf  three  hundred  and  seventy-iivc. 

•June,  ^»  tl>o  evening  of  the  21st,*  the  British  squadron  in  Lynnhaveu  Ray. 
1S07.  <;Iiiirged  with  the  double  duty,  it  seems,  of  watching  the  French  frigates 
and  the  Chesapeake,  consisted  of  the  Bellona,  74;  the  Melanipiis,  .38;  the  LeopanJ, 
30 ;  and  another  wliose  name  was  not  mentioned.  T\\g  Leopard,  Captain  Humphreys, 
was  charged  with  the  duty  of  intercepting  the  Cuesapeake.  She  was  a  small  two- 
decker,  and  is  said  to  have  mounted  fifly-six  guns.  She  preceded  the  Chesapeake  tu 
sea  several  miles,  her  sails  bent  by  a  gentle  northwest  breeze. 

The  Leopard  kei)t  in  sight  of  the  Chesapeake  until  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
when  the  former  bore  down  upon  the  latter  and  hailed,  informing  Commodore  Barron 
that  she  had  a  dispatch  for  him.  The  Chesapeake  responded  by  lying-to,  when  some 
of  her  officers  discovered  that  the  I^eopard^s  ports  Avere  triced  up — an  evidence  of 
belligerent  intent — but  they  did  not  mention  the  fact  to  Captain  Gordon  or  the  com- 

'  The  nftmen  of  the  deserters  were  William  Ware,  who  had  heen  pressed  from  an  American  vessel  (m  hoard  the  \U- 
tampug  In  the  Bay  of  Biscay ;  Daniel  Martin,  colored,  pressed  at  the  same  time  and  place ;  and  .Tohn  Strachan,  prcfscil 
on  board  the  same  vessel  fi-om  an  EnjiHsh  Onineaman  off  '.'ape  Finlsterre.  Ware  and  Strachan  had  protections,  bin 
Mariin  had  lost  his.— See  Commodore  Barron's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  April  2, 1S07.  It  Is  proper  lii 
Htatc  that  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  British  consul  at  Norfolk,  made  repeated  ofllcial  demands  for  these  three  seamen  and  an- 
other, and  was  as  often  rcfiiscd  by  the  oftlcera  of  the  Chrmpeake,  acting  nndcr  sovernnient  orders. 

3  A  carronade  is  a  short  piece  of  ordnance,  having  a  large  calibre,  and  a  chamber  for  the  powder  like  a  mortar.  It  itc- 
riveB  its  uame  f^om  CBtron,  In  Scotland,  where  it  was  first  made.— Ifoftnter. 


The  Chempeakt  boardad 

modore.    A  Briti 

received  by  Barrc 

he  was  in  search 

the  authority  of 

Berkeley.     Those 

tall  in  with  the 

orders,  and  "  to  pi 

commander  of  tin 

search  for  deserte 

nations  on  terms 

from  Captain  Hun 

re.'specting  the  de 

sistiiig  between  tli 

Barron  was  just 

tions  of  Berkeley. 

to  the  British  nav 

practice  had  been  ; 

and  twice  alreadj 

miisers  and  denou 

the  kind  had  cause 

manders  of  nationa 

own  officers.     He 

of  no  deserters  on  1 

not  to  enlist  Britis 

iie  mustered  except 

While  the  lieute 

peake,  suspicious  01 

She  had  left  port  a 

countering  an  enei 

I'ither  in  the  tirillii 

and  lumbered  by  vi 

When  the  lieutei 

stration  miglit  foil 

silently  called  to  qi 

received  a  trumpet 

aware  that  the  ordt 

ilid  not  understand. 

from  the  Leopard  a 

liy  another,  and  as  q 

iii'Ipless  friga1;e.     0 

and  when  one  broat 

a  small  quantity  wa 

a  shot  could  be  roti 

lance,  and  in  smootl 

ins;  three  men  and  1 

standing  in  the  jraii^ 

liwiuently  expresset 

'  VIce-Admlral  EcrUclovV 
ilie  Itriiish  Navy,  had  doert 
"mke,  and  had  openly  paia 
!li«'  magistrates  of  the  town  i 
uflhc  ships  to  which  they  bi 

'  See  the  account  of  ontra 
loat  overhauled  by  one  of 
made  for  the  formiir  outrage 


OF  THE   WAli    OF    1812. 


157 


The  Chfsapeake  boarded. 


The  Demand  for  the  Deserters  refused. 


The  Leopard  flres  into  the  Cheeapeake. 


modore.  A  British  boat  came  alongside,  and  the  lieutonant  in  command  was  politely 
received  by  Barron  in  tlie  cabin  of  the  Chesapaake.  He  informed  the  commodore  that 
he  was  in  search  of  deserters,  and,  giving  their  names,  he  demanded  their  release,  on 
the  authority  of  instructions  issued  at  Halifax  on  the  1st  of  June  by  Vice-Admiral 
Berkeley.  Those  instructions  directed  all  captains  under  his  command,  should  tliey 
fall  in  with  the  Chesapeake  out  of  the  waters  of  the  United  States,  to  show  their 
orders,  and  "  to  proceed  and  searcli"  for  sucli  deserters ;  at  the  same  time,  should  the 
commander  of  the  Chesapeake  make  a  similar  demand,  tliey  were  to  allow  liim  to 
search  for  deserters  from  the  American  service, "  according  to  the  usages  of  civilized 
nations  on  terms  of  peace  and  amity  with  each  other,'"  He  also  presented  a  note 
from  Captain  Humphreys  of  the  Zeo/jor^?,  expressing  a  liope  that  every  circumstance 
respecting  the  deserters  might  "be  adjusted  in  a  manner  that  the  harmony  sub- 
sisting between  the  two  countries  niiglit  remain  undisturbed," 

Barron  was  justly  astonished  at  the  impertinence  of  Humphreys  and  the  assump- 
tions of  Berkeley,  The  "  customs  and  usages"  referred  to  by  the  latter  were  confined 
to  the  British  navy,  and  were  subjects  for  complaint  by  "  civilized  nations."  The 
practice  had  been  advocated  only  in  the  British  Parliament  and  by  the  British  press ; 
and  twice  already  the  "usage"  had  been  applied  to  American  vessels  by  British 
cruisers  and  denounced  as  outrageous.^  Barron  knew  well  that  the  first  outrage  of 
the  kind  had  caused  the  issuing  of  a  standing  order  from  his  government  to  the  com- 
manders of  national  vessels  never  to  allow  their  crews  to  be  mustered  except  by  their 
own  officers.  He  tlierefore  made  a  short  I'eply  to  Humphreys,  telling  him  he  knew 
of  no  deserters  on  board  tlie  Chesapeake,  that  he  had  instructed  his  recruiting  ofliccrs 
not  to  enlist  British  deserters,  and  explicitly  assuring  him  that  his  crew  should  not 
be  mustered  except  by  their  own  officers. 

While  the  lieutenant  was  Avaiting  for  Barron's  answer,  the  officers  of  the  Chesa- 
peake, suspicious  of  some  mischief  brewing,  were  busy  in  clearing  the  ship  for  action. 
She  had  left  port  all  unprepared  for  conflict.  Without  the  least  expectation  of  en- 
countering an  enemy,  she  had  gone  to  sea  without  preparation  for  hostile  service, 
cither  in  the  drilling  of  her  men  or  in  perfecting  her  equipments.  She  was  littered 
and  lumbered  by  various  objects,  and  her  crew  had  been  mustered  only  three  times. 

When  the  lieutenant  left,  Barron  seems  to  have  imagined  that  some  hostile  demoYi- 
stration  might  follow  liis  refusal  to  allow  a  search  for  deserters.  His  men  were 
silently  called  to  quarters,  and  the  ship  was  regularly  prepared  for  action.  He  soon 
received  a  trumpet  message  from  Humphreys,  saying,  •'  C-onmiodore  Barron  must  be 
anare  that  the  orders  of  the  vice-admiral  must  be  obeyed."  Barron  replied  that  he 
did  not  understand.  The  hail  was  several  times  repeated,  and  then  a  shot  was  sent 
from  the  Xeo/iflJY?  athwart  the  bows  of  the  Chesapeake.  This  was  speedily  followed 
by  another,  and  as  quickly  the  remainder  of  the  broadside  was  poured  into  the  almost 
iielpless  frigate.  Owing  to  obstructions  it  was  difficult  to  get  her  batteries  ready ; 
and  when  one  broadside  was  ready  for  action  there  was  no  priming-powder.  When 
a  small  quantity  was  brought,  there  Avere  no  matches,  locks,  nor  loggerheads,  and  not 
a  shot  could  be  returned.  IMeanwhile  the  Leojmrd,  at  not  more  than  ])istol-shot  dis- 
tance, and  in  smooth  water,  poured  several  broadsides  upon  the  imresisting  ship,  kill- 
ins;  three  men  and  wounding  eighteen,  Barron  and  his  aid  (Mr.  Broome),  who  were 
>tanding  in  the  gangway  Avatching  the  assailant,  Avere  slightly  hurt.  The  commodore 
fre(iuently  expressed  a  desire  that  one  gun,  at  least,  might  be  fired  before  he  should 

'  Vlco-Admlral  Eerkclcy's  rirculnr  order  recited  that  many  peamcn,  Buh.lectn  of  ht«  Britannic  majeaty,  and  serving  in 
ihe  liritisliNavy,  hud  dcertcd  from  several  British  ships,  which  he  named,  and  had  enlisted  on  hoard  the  frigate  Ches- 
I'pniAT,  and  had  openly  paraded  the  BtreetH  of  Norfollt,  in  slfjht  of  their  ofllrers,  nnder  the  American  colors,  protected  by 
;h(>  magistrates  of  the  town  and  the  recniltinc  oflicer,  who  refused  to  give  tliem  up,  either  on  demand  of  the  commanders 
lit  the  ships  to  which  they  belonged  or  on  that  of  the  British  consnl. 

'  See  the  account  of  outrage  in  case  of  the  llallinwre,  <^:aptalii  Phillips,  on  page  102,  and  that  of  the  American  gun- 
Iwat  overhauled  by  one  of  Admiral  Colllngwood's  vessels  in  the  Mediterranean,  note  2,  page  140.  An  apology  was 
made  for  the  former  outrage,  but  the  latter  was  passed  by. 


</■:« 


(.    .     1 


mm 


^1 


1!^^ 


158 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


!   I 


m 


w 


\> 


i 


:    ! 


i 

Surrenclcr  of  the  Cltenapeake. 


The  Deserters  carried  away. 


JThe  Outrage  retented. 


strike  liis  flng,  for  he  perceived  tlmt  a  surrender  would  be  necessary  to  save  the  ship 
from  utter  destruction.  He  was  gratified.  Just  as  tlie  colors  in  their  descent  touched 
the  tailrail,  Lieutenant  Allen,  who  had  made  ineffectual  attempts  to  use  a  logirerhead,' 
ran  with  a  live  coal  between  his  lingers  and  touched  off"  one  of  the  guus  of  the  second 
division  of  the  ship,  of  whidi  he  was  commander. 

The  Leopard  liad  kept  up  her  cannoiuide,  witliout  any  response,  for  about  twelve 
iijinutes.  Twenty-one  of  her  round  shot  had  hulled  the  Chesapeake,  and  her  grajjc 
had  made  considerable  havoc  with  the  victim's  sails  and  rigging.  When  the  Amer- 
ican ensign  was  lowered,  two  Kritish  lieutenants  and  several  midshipmen  went  on 
board,  mustered  the  crew,  arrested  the  three  deserters  from  the  Melampus,  dragged 
from  his  concealment  in  the  coal-hole  the  fourth,  named  John  Wilson,  who  had  desert- 
ed from  the  IJalifax,  and  bore  them  all  away  to  the  Leopard.  Barron,  meainvliile. 
had  informed  Humphreys  by  note''*  that  tlie  Chesapeake  was  his  prize;  but  that  com- 
mander refused  to  receive  her,  saying,  "  My  instructions  have  been  obeyed,  and  I  de- 
sire nothing  more."  Tie  then  expressed  regret  because  of  the  loss  of  life,  and  offered 
any  assistance  the  crippled  ship  might  recpiirc.  His  proffered  sympathies  and  aid 
were  indignantly  rejected ;  and  the  Chesapeake,  with  mortified  officers  and  crew, 
made  her  way  sullenly  back  to  Norfolk. 

The  unfortunate  deserters  were  taken  to  Halifax,  tried  by  a  court-martial,  and  sen- 
tenced to  be  hung.  The  three  Americans  were  repiievcd  on  condition  that  thev 
should  re-enter  tlie  British  service,  but  Wilson,  the  English  subject,  was  hanged. 

When  Canning,  tlie  British  JMinister  for  Foreign  Affairs,  heard  of  the  outrage,  lie 
ex[)ressly  disavowed  the  act  in  behalf  of  his  government,  and  informed  Monroe  and 
Pinkney  tliat  orders  had  been  sent  out  for  the  recall  of  Berkeley  from  his  command, 
Humphreys  also  suffered  tlu;  dis})leasure  of  his  government  because  he  had  exceeded 
his  instructions,  and  he  was  never  again  employed  in  service  afloat.  One  of  the 
Americans  remanded  to  slavery  in  the  liritish  navy  died  in  captivity;  the  others, 
•June  13,     after  five  years  of  hard  service,  were  restored"  to  the  deck  of  the  ship  from 

1812.  which  they  had  been  taken.  Provision  was  also  made  for  the  families  of 
the  slain. 

Tlie  attack  on  the  Chesapeake  created  the  most  intense  excitement  and  indignation 
tlu'oughout  the  United  States,  and  for  a  time  all  local  politics  were  forgotten,  and  all 
parties,  Federalists  and  Democrats,  natives  and  foreigners,  were  united  in  a  firm  re- 
solve that  Great  Britain  sliould  make  reparation  for  the  Avrong,  or  bo  made  to  feel 
the  indignation  of  the  insulted  republic  in  the  power  of  war.  Public  meetings  were 
held  in  all  the  ]nincipal  cities  from  Boston  to  Norfolk,^  in  Avhich  the  feelings  of  the 
people  were  vehemently  ex])ressed.  "  It  is  an  act  of  such  consummate  violence  and 
wrong,"  said  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia,'  "and  of  so  barbarous  and  murderous  char- 
acter, that  it  would  debase  and  degrade  any  nation,  and  much  more  so  a  nation  of 
freemen,  to  submit  to  it."    Such  were  the  sentiments  every  where  expressed,  and  there 

'  A  logfrerhend  is  a  spherical  mass  of  iron  heatcfl  and  uspcI  in  place  of  a  match  in  firing  cannon  in  the  navy. 

s  Barron's  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  June  '.'il,  I'^OT ;  Cooper's  .Vnidl  llintor;/  of  the  Uniteil  Slates,  ii.,  91-114: 
IliUlrcth'e  Hintorti  of  the  United  ,Slate»,  Second  Series,  ii.,  07s ;  Perlsins's  llintory  of  the  Late  War,  papc  22. 

5  On  the  return  of  the  Chrmpeake  to  Norfollt  a  ])ul)lic  meetlnp  was  held  there,  when  it  was  resolved  that  no  inter- 
course of  any  kind  »hiiuld  he  held  witli  the  ISrltish  squadron  in  the  vicinity  nnlll  the  pleasure  of  the  President  should 
be  known,  t'aptnin  Doujjias,  the  commander  of  the  squadron,  made  some  insolent  threat*,  when  t'ahell,  Governor  of 
Virginia,  ordered  detachments  of  militia  to  Norfolk  and  Hampton.  Pou(;Ias,  flndinc;  his  threats  to  be  working  misctiief 
for  himself,  became  as  obsei)uious  as  he  was  l)ef()re  insolent,  and  withdrew  from  a  menacing  position  in  Hampton  Road? 
to  Lynnhaven  Bay.  Decatnr,  then  in  command  of  the  Amcricon  naval  force  at  Norfolk,  was  ordered  not  to  molest  him 
while  he  remained  there.  Home  rather  spicy  correspondence  with  Erskine,  tlie  British  minister,  ensned,  in  the  coarre 
of  which  he  asked  indemnification  for  some  water-casks  belonging  to  the  British  fleet  destroyed  by  the  Indignant  peo- 
ple of  Hampton  after  the  return  of  the  i  Imapeake  I  In  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  State  from  Montlrello,  conccrninL- 
this  demand  under  such  eircumstauees,  President  Jefferson  wrote :  "  It  will  be  very  diftlcnit  to  answer  Mr.  Erskinc's  de- 
mand respecting  the  water-casks  in  a  tone  proper  for  snch  a  demand.  I  have  heard  of  one  who,  having  broken  his  nw 
over  the  head  of  another,  demanded  payment  for  his  cane.  This  demand  might  well  enough  hove  made  part  of  nn  offer 
to  pay  the  damages  done  to  the  Chempeake,  and  to  deliver  up  the  anihora  of  the  murders  committed  ou  board  her." 

*  Jnly  1,  IHOT.  The  secretary  of  the  meeting,  who  drafted  the  resolutions,  was  Joseph  IIopkinsoD,  Eeq.,  a  leading  Fed- 
cr.illst,  and  author  of  Wiii7,  Columbia  t 


British  Vessels  ordcrec 


75-. 


.  U 


OF  THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


160 


British  Veseclg  ordered  to  leave  American  Waters. 


Harbors  to  be  defcudcd. 


Punlehment  of  Barron. 


was  a  {jeiieral  desire  for  an  immediate  declaration  of  war  against  Great  Britain  to  re- 
dress all  wrongs  and  grievances.  ]{ut  the  President  and  his  Cabinet,  averse  to  war, 
preferred  a  pacific  course,  and  determined  to  allow  Great  Britain  an  opportunity  for 
a  disavowal  of  the  act,  and  to  make  reparation  of  the  wrong.  The  former,  as  we  have 
observed,  Avas  promptly  done  by  Mr.  Canning ;  the  latter,  embarrassed  by  intricate 
negotiations,  was  accomplished  more  l.irdily. 

In  response  and  submission  to  the  popular  will,  the  President  issued  a  proclamation 
on  the  2<l  of  July,  in  which  he  complained  of  the  habitual  insolence  of  the  P>ritisli 
cruisers,  expressed  his  belief  that  the  present  outrage  was  unauthorized,  and  ordered 
all  British  armed  vessels  to  leave  the  waters  of  the  United  States  immediately.  As 
his  government  possessed  no  power  to  compel  compliance  Avith  this  order,  he  directed 
that,  in  case  of  their  refusal  to  leave,  all  intercourse  with  them,  their  otticers  and 
crews,  should  be  at  once  suspended.  He  forbade  all  persons  affording  such  vessels 
iiid  of  any  kind,  unless  in  the  case  of  a  ship  in  distress  or  charged  with  public  dis- 
patches. I'rejjarations  for  defense  were  also  made.  IMpst  of  the  gun-boats  in  com- 
mission were  ordered  to  New  York,  Charleston,  and  New  Orleans;  military  stores 
were  purchased ;  one  hundred  thousand  militia  wore  ordered  to  be  detached  by  the 
different  states,  but  without  pay,  and  volunteers  were  invited  to  enroll  themselves. 

Commodore  Barron  was  made  to 
feel  the  nation's  indignation  most  se- 
verely. He  was  accused  of  neglect 
of  duty,  and  was  tried  by  a  court- 
martial  on  specific  charges  of  that 
nature.  The  navy,  government,  and 
nation  appear  to  have  predeterm- 
ined his  guilt.  The  Avotuided  na- 
tional ])ride  needed  a  palliative,  and 
it  was  found  in  the  supposed  de- 
limpieucies  of  the  unfortunate  com- 
modore. He  was  found  guilty,  and 
sentenced  to  five  years'  suspension 
from  the  service,  witJiout  pay  or 
emoluments.*  Captain  Gordon  was 
tried  on  the  same  charge,  but  his  of- 
fense was  so  slight  that  he  was  only 
privately  reprimandeil.  Such  also 
was  the  fate  of  Captain  Hall,  of  the 
marines ;  while  the  gunner,  for  neg- 
lect in  having  priming-powder  sufH- 
cicnt,  was  cashiered. 

It  was  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Cooper 
tliat  these  officers  were   made   the 


'  Jamca  Barron  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1T6S,  and  commenced  his  scrvlccfl  In  the  nn\'y  nnder  his  fntlirr,  who  was 
"commnrtore  of  all  the  armed  veasels  of  the  Commmnvpalth  of  Virfrliiin"  during  the  Kcvoliitlon  and  the  I'onfed'Tatlon. 
lie  was  cumnilHs'.oucd  a  lieutenant  under  Barry  In  IISS,  and  the  following  year  was  promoted  to  the  highest  grnde  then 
known  to  the  navy,  namely,  captain.  With,  and  pnbordliiate  to  his  brother  Samnel,  he  sailed  to  the  Mediterranean  that 
renr,  where  he  soon  Hequlred  fame  for  his  skill  In  seamnnship.  He  was  one  of  the  best  offlrcvs  and  disriplinariaiis  in 
Ihe  navy.  The  afTair  of  the  Chempeake  and  its  effects  njion  nlmself  cast  ii  shadow  over  his  fntnre  life.  lie  was  restored 
loofflciftl  position,  bnt,  somewhat  broken  in  spirit,  he  never  afterward  entered  the  service  afloat.  In  lS2(t  he  and  Ueca- 
larhad  a  correspondence  on  the  affair  of  tlic  Clirmitcakr,  which  resulted  in  a  duel,  the  particulars  of  which  will  he  given 
bprcafter.  The  duel  was  fought  near  Bladensburg,  four  miles  from  Washington  City.  Both  were  badly  wounded.  De- 
fatur  (lied ;  Barron  recovered  after  months  of  Intense  suffering. 

Barron  held  several  Important  commands  in  the  service  on  shore,  and  at  Ihe  time  of  his  death,  on  the  21st  of  April, 
1S51,  he  was  the  senior  ofllcer  of  the  United  States  Navy,  lie  died  at  Norfolk,  in  Virginia,  and  was  buried  in  St.  Paul's 
Chiirch-yard  there,  with  military  and  civic  honors,  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  April.  A  fimeral  sermon  was  preached 
in  the  venerable  nnd  venerated  church  by  Rev.  William  Jackson.  It  was  a  beautiful  tribute  to  the  worth  of  a  brave  and 
illroqulted  patrl"t. 


^fwmt^^mam 


i| 


• 


■nil] 


160 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Keparation  de-mande  '.  of  JSugland. 


Failure  to  obtniu  It. 


Iloynl  Proclamation  concemlDg  British  8camcu, 


scapc-j^oats  of  the  government,  where  divided  jjowcr  is  too  often  not  only  irrespons- 
ible but  inefficient.  "It  may  well  be  cjuestioned,"  he  says,  "if  any  impartial  person, 
who  coolly  examines  the  snbject,  will  not  arrive  at  the  conclusion  that  the  real  de- 
liiupients  were  never  put  on  their  trial."  He  then  adveits  to  the  fact  that  four 
mouths  had  been  consumed  in  fitting  this  single  vessel  for  sea,  under  the  innnediatc 
eye  of  the  government,  at  a  time  when  there  was  pressing  necessity  for  her  service; 
that  she  did  not  receive  all  her  guns  until  a  few  days  before  she  sailed ;  that  her 
crew  were  coming  on  board  until  the  last  hour  before  her  departure ;  that  hei-  jieoplc 
had  been  quartered  only. three  days  before  she  put  to  sea,  and  that  she  was  totally 
unfitted  for  active  service  when  she  was  ordered  to  leave  port.  "  When  it  was  ibund 
that  the  nation  had  been  disgraced,"  continues  Mr.  Cooper, "  so  unsound  was  the  state 
of  lioj)ular  feeling  that  the  real  delinquents  were  overlooked,  while  their  victims  be- 
came objects  of  popular  censure."' 

The  President's  proclamation  was  followed  by  the  dispatch  of  the  armed  schooner 
Mevcnffc  to  England  with  instructions  to  the  American  ministers  (Monroe  and  Pink- 
ney)  to  demand  reparation  for  insults  and  injuries  in  the  case  of  the  Chesaj)eakc^M\A 
to  suspend  all  other  negotiations  nntil  it  should  be  granted.  Unfortunately  for  the 
success  of  the  special  negotiations,  these  instructions  also  directed  them,  in  addition 
to  a  demand  for  an  apology  and' indemnity  to  the  families  of  the  killed,  to  insist,  by 
way  of  security  for  the  future,  that  the  visitation  of  American  vessels  in  search  of 
British  subjects  should  be  totally  relinquished.  This  was  inadmissible.  The  Priiisli 
government  refused  to  treat  upon  any  other  subject  than  that  of  reparation.  A  dis- 
avowal f)f  the  act  had  already  been  made,  and  every  disposition  to  be  just  and  friendly 
had  been  shown.  The  ministry  even  placed  their  government  in  the  position  of  an 
injured  party,  inasmuch  as  the  proclamation  c<Micernhig  British  shij)S  of  Avar  in  Amer- 
ican waters  was  evidently  an  act  of  retaliation  before  a  demand  for  reparation  had 
been  made,  or  the  disposition  of  the  British  Cabinet  had  been  ascertained. 

Monroe  and  Pinkney  had  already  proposed  to  reopen  negotiations  for  a  treaty  on 
the  basis  of  the  one  returned  from  their  government  nnratified,^  and,  Avith  these  new 
instructions,  they  pursued  the  subject  with  so  much  assiduity  that  Mr.  Canning  made 
« October  22,     to  them  a  formal  and  final  reply''  that,  while  he  was  ready  to  listen  to  any 

1807.  Ruggeslions  with  a  view  to  the  settlement  of  existing  difficulties,  he  would 
not  negotiate  anew  ofl  the  basis  of  a  treaty  concluded  and  signed,  and  already  reject- 
ed by  one  of  the  parties.  Indeed  there  was  a  decided  aversion  to  treating  at  all  on 
the  subject  of  impressments ;  and  the  views  of  the  government  on  that  topic  were 
plainly  manifested  when,  by  royal  proclamation,''  all  British  mariners,  in 
Avhatever  service  engaged,  were  required  to  leave  it  forthwith  and  hasten 
to  the  aid  of  their  native  country,  then  menaced  and  imperiled,  and  her  "maritime 
rights"  called  in  question.  It  authorized  all  commanders  of  foreign  ships  of  war  to 
seize  British  seamen  on  board  foreign  merchant  vessels  (but  without  undue  violence), 
and  take  them  to  any  British  port.  It  also  demanded  from  all  foreign  ships  of  war 
the  delivery  of  all  British  mariners  on  board  of  them ;  and  that  in  case  of  a  re- 
fusal to  give  them  up,  proper  notice  should  be  communicated  to  the  British  minister 
resident  of  the  nation  to  which  such  contumacious  vessel  and  cor">.mauder  might  be- 
long, that  measures  for  redress  might  be  employed. 

Mr.  Monroe  formally  objected  to  this  proclamation,  as  shutting  the  door  against  all 
future  negotiations  on  the  subject  of  impressments.'     Canning  replied  that  it  was 


"  October  IT. 


Special  Envoy  to  the  I 


1  Cooper'fl  Kaval  lUatmni  nf  the  United  StalfJt,  il.,  110.  '  See  page  151. 

'  .luiiicK  Monroe  was  horn  In  Westmoreland  County,  In  VIrglnIn,  on  the  2d  of  April,  ITBO.  Ills  vonth  wap  epciit  nmonp 
polittrnl  excitements  when  the  old  war  for  independence  was  kindling.  lie  left  the  College  of  William  and  Mary  for 
the  cnnip,  and  enrolled  himself  a  soldier  for  freedom.  lie  was  severely  wounded  in  the  van  of  battle  at  Trenton,  mid 
was  promoted  to  captain.  In  other  battles  be  was  conspicuous  for  bravery ;  and  after  that  of  Monmouth  he  left  the  array, 
aud  commenced  the  study  of  law  with  Mr.  Jefferson.  When  Arnold  and  Cornwallis  Invaded  Virginia  In  IW,  he  again 
took  np  arms  as  a  volunteer.  lie  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Virginia  Legislature  in  1782.  He  was  promoted  tollif 
Executive  Council,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-live  was  elected  to  u  scat  In  the  Nationol  Congress.    lie  remained  iu  iiublic 


II 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


161 


Special  Envoy  to  the  United  States. 


IIU  MUsion  frultleea. 


Critical  Sltnatlon. 


only  a  declaration 
of  existing  law,  and 
necessary  for  the  in- 
tbrmation  of  British 
commanders  who 
might  be  placed  in  a 
situation  similar  to 
that  of  Captain  Ilum- 
jilireys,  of  the  Leop- 
ard. 

It  Avas  evident  to 
both  parties  tliat  the 
topic  of  that  outrage 
0011  Id  not  be  satis- 
tiictorily  treated  in 
London,  because  the 
American  ministers 
oouM  not  se]iarate  it 
tViini  that  of  impress- 
ment. The  British 
u'overnment  re- 
solved therefor 
to  send  a  sp>'cial 


minister  to  Washing- 
ton, provided  with 
instructions  to  bring 
the  unhappy  dispute 
to  an  honorable  con- 
clusion. II.  G.  liose, 
a  son  of  one  of  the 
ministers,  was  ap- 
pointed for  the  deli- 
cate duty,  and  ar- 
rived ""  Anna}»olis  in 
January,  1808.  His 
mission  was  fruit- 
less. He  was  instruct- 
ed not  to  treat  of  the 
attair  of  the  Chesa- 
peake while  the  re- 
cent proclamation  of 
the  President  was  in 
force,  nor  to  connect 
^^_^  thesubjectwith 
^^L^  that  of  impress- 
ments from  pri- 


vate vessels.  As  the  proclamation  had  reference  to  the  conduct  of  British  armed 
vessels  in  American  Avaters  from  the  beginning  of  the  current  European  war,  the 
President  refused  to  withdraw  the  document,  and  Rose  returned  in  the  same  vessel 
that  bore  him  to  our  shores.  Meanwhile  Monroe  had  returned  home,  leaving  Pinkney 
resident  minister  in  London.  All  hopes  of  settling  existing  difficulties  with  England 
were  at  an  end,  and  from  the  beginning  of  1808  the  political  relations  between  the 
two  governments  foreboded  inevitable  hostilities  at  no  distant  day. 

Tlie  critical  condition  of  foreign  relations  induced  the  President  to  call  the  Tenth 
Congress  together  as  early  as  the  25th  of  October.  The  administration  ])arty  had  an 
nverwhelming  majority  in  that  body,  and  was  daily  increasing  in  strength  through- 
nut  the  country.  The  confidence  of  the  Democrats  in  Jeft'erson's  wisdom,  sagacity, 
and  patriotism  was  nnboumled.  In  the  United  States  Senate  there  were  only  six 
Federalists,  and  one  of  them,  John  Quincy  Adams,  soon  left  their  ranks  and  joined 
those  of  the  dominant  party.'  A  new  Democratic  member  appeared  at  about  the 
same  time,  and  began  a  career  as  a  national  legislator  which  forms  a  wonderful  chap- 
ter in  the  history  of  the  government.  It  was  Henry  Clay,-  who  had  been  ai)])ointed 
to  till,  for  a  single  session,  the  seat  made  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  General  John 

lifc.f  J(l,  with  Patrick  Ilcury  and  others  of  his  state,  he  opposed  the  ratification  of  tlic  National  Constitntion.  He  was 
i  line  of  the  flrst  United  States  senators  from  Virginia  under  it.  lie  was  sent  to  France  as  embassador  in  lT!i4,  and  was 
recalled  by  Washington  In  1780.  In  liflS  Ik'  was  elected  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  three  years  afterward  Mr.  .Tcfferson 
fent  lilin  to  Paris  to  assist  in  ne<r<)tiatious  for  the  purchase  of  Louisiana.  He  was  then  transferred  to  the  British  court 
1!  co-laborer  in  diplomacy  with  Mr.  Pinkney.  In  isil  he  was  again  elected  Governor  of  Virginia,  but  was  soon  railed  to 
ihc  Cabinet  of  Mr.  Madison  as  Secretary  of  War.  In  181C  he  was  elected  President  of  the  United  States,  and  held  that 
office  eight  years,  when  he  retired  from  public  life.  He  lived  In  Virt'lnia  until  1S31,  when  he  took  up  his  residence  with 
Ms  Bon-in-law  In  the  city  of  New  York.  He  died  there  on  the  4th  of  July  of  that  year,  at  the  age  of  little  more  than  sev- 
I  fnlv^)ne  years. 

'  Mr.  Adams  was  then  forty  years  of  age,  and  had  been  in  the  Senate  since  isn.n.  "lie  ie  a  man  of  much  Information," 
I  wrote  his  contemporary  and  friend,  Senator  Plnmcr,  of  New  Ilampshlre,  in  April,  ISIW,  "  a  correct  and  animated  speaker, 
I  itEtrong  passions,  and  of  course  subject  to  strong  prejudices,  but  a  man  of  strict,  nndevlating  Integrity.  He  is  not  the 
|!l«voofparty,  nor  influenced  by  names,  hut  free,  independent,  and  occasionally  eccentric." 

'"Tals  day  rl)cceml)er  W,  1S0C"1,  wrote  Senator  Plnmor,  "Henry  Clay,  the  successor  of  John  Adair,  was  qualified, 
I  ad  took  bis  soat  in  the  Senate.  He  Is  a  young  lawyer.  His  stature  is  tall  and  slender.  I  had  much  conversation  with 
I  bim,  and  it  afforded  me  much  pleasure.  He  is  lutelllgent,  and  .■'pi)ears  frank  and  candid.  His  address  is  good,  and  his 
I  Biiwers  easy."— LC'c  n/iVi/mcr,  page  a51. 


</    ; 


11; 


! 


I   ! 


:m  I  ^i'* 


11^ 


162 


riCTORIAL    FIEID-BOOK 


Political  Complexion  of  tlio  Tenth  Congreee. 


Tlie  PreBident'g  Measage. 


An  Bml>nrgo  CBtabllslicd. 


Adair,  then  under  a  cloud  because  ot'his  recent  participation  with  Aaron  Burr  in  his 
schemes  in  tlic  Valley  of  the  Mi88issij)pi. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  the  Democratic  party  hud  about  the  same  avoiaitc 
majority  as  in  the  Senate.  Tiic  opposition,  even  with  the  "Quids" — John  Kandoijili 
and  his  Vii'<i;inia  seceders — could  not  command  at  any  time  more  than  tweiity-eif»iit 
votes.  Their  chief  leaders  wei-e  Samuel  W.  Dana,  of  Connecticut,  who  had  been  a 
member  since  I19(i ;  the  late  Josiah  Quincy,  of  Massachusetts,  who  took  his  seat  in 
1 805  ;  Barent  Gardinier,  of  New  York,  and  Philip  Barton  Key,  of  Maryland.  Anioiitj 
the  iiew  administration  members  was  Richard  M.  Johnson,  of  Kentucky.  Thus  sus- 
tained by  tiie  National  Legislature  and  the  people,  the  policy  of  the  President  and 
his  Cabinet  became  the  policy  of  the  country. 

•  October  2T,  ^'^  ''i*^  scvcntli  airual  messaut  '  the  President  called  the  attention  of 
1807.  Congress  to  several  \  cry  important  subjects.  He  gave  a  narrative  of  un- 
successful eiforts  to  settle  with  (Ireat  Britain  all  difficulties  concerning  search  and 
impressments;  considered  the  affair  of  the  Chesapeake,  the  refusal  of  the  British  com- 
manders to  obey  the  ordei-s  of  his  proclamation  to  leave  American  waters,  the  ordcis 
in  Council  and  Decrees,  the  subject  of  national  defenses,  the  uneasiness  of  the  In- 
dians on  the  fi'ontiers,  aiul  the  relations  with  other  foreign  governments.  lie  alsd 
expressed  great  dissatisfaction  at  the  acquittal  of  Burr,  through  erroneous,  if  not  mis- 
chievous uiterpretation  of  law,  as  lie  evidently  believed ;  and  he  pressed  upon  the 
attention  of  Congress  the  propriety  of  so  amending  the  law  as  to  prevent  the  (In- 
struction of  the  government  by  treason.' 

Having  been  officially  informed'' of  the  new  interpretation  of  the  Rei- 
lin  Decree,^  and  unofficially  apprised  of  the  almost  simultaneously  issud 
British  orders  in  Council,  the  I'residcnt  communicated  to  Congress"  the 
facts  in  his  possession,  and  recommended  the  passage  of  an  Embargo  Act — "  an  in- 
hibition of  the  departure  of  our  vessels  from  the  ports  of  the  United  States. "^  Tlu' 
Senate,  with  closed  doors,  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  subject,  and,  aftoi-  a 
session  of  fonr  liours  and  n  departure  from  ordinary  rules,  passed  a  bill ' 
laying  an  embargo  on  all  8hij)ping,  foi'eign  and  domestic,  in  the  poi-ts  of 
the  United  States,  with  specific  exceptions.  The  minority  made  a  feeble  opposition 
to  the  measure.*  They  asked  for  delay,  but  it  was  not  granted,  and  the  act  was 
l>assed  by  a  strictly  party  vote — ayes  twenty-two,  noes  six.  John  Quincy  Adams 
thus  signified  his  adherence  to  the  dominant  party  by  voting  Atith  tlieni.  In  tlu 
House,  which  also  sat  with  closed  doors,  the  passage  of  the  act  was  pressed  with 
equal  zeal  by  the  friends  of  the  admhiistration,  and  was  as  warmly  opposed  by  the 
Federalists  and  "Quids."  The  bill  was  debated  for  three  days  in  Committee  oftlio 
Whole,  the  sittings  continuing  far  into  each  night.  The  bill  Avas  passed  on  Monday, 
the  21st,  at  almost  midnight,  by  a  vote  of  eighty-two  to  forty-four,  and  became  a  law 
by  receiving  the  signature  of  the  President  on  the  following  day.  It  prohibited  all 
vessels  in  the  ports  of  the  United  States  from  sailing  for  any  foreign  port,  except  for- 
eign shijjs  in  ballast,  or  with  cargoes  taken  on  board  before  notification  of  the  act; 
and  coastwise  vessels  were  required  to  give  heavy  bonds  to  land  their  cargoes  hi  the 


'  December  11. 
December  18. 


''  December  18. 


'  "The  framers  of  onr  Constitntlon,"  sulci  the  President,  "  certainly  supposed  they  had  guarded  as  well  Uicir  govern- 
ment against  destruction  by  treason,  as  their  citizens  against  oppression  nnder  pretense  of  it ;  and  if  these  ends  are  not 
attained,  it  is  of  importance  to  inciuiro  by  what  means  more  effectual  they  !nay  be  secured."— Stafcxman's  Maimal,  I.,  '.W. 
.Tcflerson,  lilfe  many  other  sagacious  men,  felt  at  that  time  that  the  Union  had  barely  escaped  dissolution  from  the  in- 
fan»)us  machinations  of  Burr  and  his  dupes. 
5  Sec  page  V.'it.  '  Special  Message  to  Congress,  December  is,  isni 

»  The  President  was  charged  with  having  recommended  an  embargo  before  receiving  positive  information  of  the  Ber- 
lin Decree  and  the  Orders  in  Council.    Ihts  was  a  mistake.    Of  the  former  he  had  been  informed  for  a  weelc  prevlDUsly  , 
to  his  commnnicatioa  to  Congress  on  the  subject  by  an  ofiicial  letter  from  Mr.  Armstrong ;  and  on  the  morning  of  the  i 
dny  on  which  the  message  was  ni'nt  in,  the  Nationnl  IniMiqencer,  of  Washington  City,  contnlued  a  paragraph  Ihim  a 
London  paper  of  the  10th  of  November,  announcing  the  Orders  In  Council  "awaiting  his  majelity's  signature."  Private  j 
letters  had  also  reached  him,  by  which  ho  wiw  satisfied  that,  by  the  combined  action  of  the  belligerents,  the  foreign  com- 
merce of  the  United  States  was  utterly  destroyed. 


Eftctsof  (he  Eml)arg( 

I'nited  States, 
of  the  orders  an( 
The  Embargo 
an  cvj)eriment  n 
cotirse  from  all  t 
them  to  respect  i 
tossed  objects  we 
neutral  conimerc( 
lint  it  accoinplis 
their  Continental 
I  hail  upon  France 
at  stake,  and  belie 
iiifliet  in  both  con 
nnder  the  pressure 
came  prophetic. 
Iiargn  poh'cy  be  a 
voked,  and  we  lea 
those  iiations.  . 
cnce  on  another  as 
line  of  policy."! 

Opposition  to  th( 

topic  was  made  a  (• 

iiiinciatory  shot  a^i 

ilie  ])co])l{'  were  st: 

iirtioii.    TJie  Presid. 

:iieeofthe  United  ! 

liatred  by  the  Dcni« 

liistory  of  six  years 

■il'jects.2    The  Nev 

1  ilio  result  of  a  comb 

liiionwealths;  and  cv 

I  ill  tlie  service  of  the 

[  traction,  and  real  di> 

'Irtiiiinant  party  that 

[itw  months  later,  the 


Speech  in  Congress  on  the 
Unthe  course  of  debate  on 
ilienholeafTairasasIy,  cumii 
JTofettle  that  point,"  he  sai( 
iBfantotnke  part  with  the' O 
»i'lo  the  car  of  the  imperial  cf 
"The  commercial  portion  of 
|mi;niithe2flthof,rannarv 
lidil'Mnsdom  and  patriotism, 
jilej  supposed,  as  I  do,  that  it 

iwnor  to  pull  down  the  power 
■b.' the  provinces  of  the 'empei 
V'Kreatly  regret  the  retalinti 
Jnllyetbeurgedby  theProsi, 
ikonld  have  pursued  our  onii,, 
Iraisers.   This  would  have  om-i 

Nnlvmmtary  spirit  pervadin 
t-  ""''stance,  we  should  be  tr 

I  This  remarkable  letter,  now  b 
F 'k.  8  cited  to  show,  first,  hov 

Kl""'';f«''''<'l-V,howmncJ 
f  treat  Britain.    "While  BHtn 

f-pelled  that  servile  spirit.        ' 


OP  TH^.  WAR  OF   1812. 


103 


EffcctmiftlK'  Kinlmr(,'(>. 


Prophecy  nf  Juninh  Qiilucy. 


Party  Spirit  violently  iiroused. 


ITnitt'cl  States.     Wliat  little  Hie  was  left  in  American  commerce  under  the  pressure 
of  the  orders  and  decrees  of  the  helligerents  was  utterly  crushed  out  by  this  act. 

The  Embargo  Act,  universal  in  its  ai)plication  and  unlimited  in  its  <luration,  was 
;in  experiment  never  belbre  tried  by  any  nation — an  attem})t,  by  withholding  inter- 
course from  all  the  world,  to  so  operate  upon  two  belligerent  nations  as  to  compel 
iliem  to  respect  the  rights  and  accede  to  the  claims  of  an  injured  neutral.  Its  pro- 
I'osscd  objects  were  to  induce  France  and  England  to  relax  their  practical  hostility  to 
neutral  commerce,  and  to  preserve  and  develop  the  resources  of  the  United  States, 
lint  it  accomplished  neither.  The  French  government  viewed  it  as  timely  aid  to 
tlicir  Continental  System,  and  far  more  injurious  in  its  efiects  upon  Great  Britain 
than  upon  France ;  while  England,  feeling  that  her  national  character  and  honor  were 
at  stake,  and  believing  that  she  could  endure  the  privations  which  the  measure  would 
inflict  in  both  countries  longer  than  America,  proudly  refused  to  yield  a  single  point 
iiiifler  the  pressure  of  this  new  method  of  coercion.  The  words  of  Josiah  Quuicy  be- 
inmo  prophetic.  "  Let  us  once  declare  to  the  world,"  he  said,  "  that,  before  our  em- 
lijiiffo  policy  be  abandoned,  the  French  decrees  and  the  British  orders  must  be  re- 
voked, and  we  league  against  us  whatever  spirit  of  honor  and  pride  exists  in  both 
those  nations.  .  .  .  No  nation  will  be  easily  brought  to  acknowledge  such  a  depeml- 
iiicc  on  another  as  to  be  made  to  abandon,  by  a  withholding  of  intercourse,  a  settled 
Ihip  of  policy."' 

Opposition  to  the  measure,  in  and  out  of  Congress,  was  violent  and  incessant.  The 
topic  was  nuvde  a  strong  battery  from  Avhicli  the  Federalists  hurled  their  hottest  de- 
nunciatory shot  against  the  administration.  Old  party  cries  wei'e  again  heard,  and 
the  people  were  startled  by  the  bugbear  of  French  influence  in  the  councils  of  the 
iiltion.  The  President  was  charged  with  secret  hitrigues  with  Bonaparte  for  an  alli- 
;iicc  of  the  United  States  and  France  against  Great  Britain,  the  traditional  object  of 
hatred  by  the  Democratic  party.  The  suggesti<m  alarmed  intelligent  men,  for  the 
history  of  six  years  had  taught  them  that  the  allies  of  the  Corsican  soon  became  his 

il)jects.2  The  New  England  people  were  taught  to  believe  that  the  Embargo  was 
ihc  result  of  a  combination  of  Western  and  Southern  states  to  ruin  the  ICasteni  com- 
!  monwealths ;  and  every  art  which  party  tactics  could  command  was  brought  to  bear 
1  ill  the  service  of  the  opposition,  who,  as  politicians,  hoped,  by  means  of  the  alarm,  dis- 
1  traction,  and  real  distress  which  then  prevailed,  to  array  such  numbers  against  the 
ihimiiiant  party  that,  in  the  election  for  President  of  the  United  States  to  be  held  a 
I  few  months  later,  they  might  fill  the  Executive  chair  with  one  of  their  own  number. 

■  Speech  in  Conijresa  on  the  siipplemcntnry  Embargo  Act,  Fcbrnary,  1S08. 

1  In  the  course  of  debate  on  a  supplementary  Embargo  Act  in  Congress,  on  the  2flth  of  Fcbrunry,  Qardinicr  denonnced 

llhertole  affair  as  a  sly,  cnnnlnj';  measure  to  aid  France.    "Is  the  nation  prepared  for  this?"  lie  vehemently  exclaimed. 

To  settle  that  point,"  he  said  to  the  defenders  of  the  measure,  "tell  the  people  what  your  object  is ;  tell  them  that  yon 

a  to  take  part  with  the  '  Great  Pacificator.'    Else  stop  your  present  course.    Do  not  go  on  forging  chaiiis  to  fasten 

|i'  to  the  car  of  the  imperial  conqueror !" 

"The  counnerclal  portion  of  the  United  States  (!  mean  from  Pennsylvania  to  New  Ilampshire"),  wrote  Timothy  Plck- 
imni:  on  the  26th  of  January,  ISOS,  "are  in  general  yet  patient,  because,  from  their  unlimited  confidence  in  the  Presi- 
lient'B  wisdom  and  patriotism,  they  believe  that  some  mighty  state  secret  induced  him  to  recommend  the  Embargo.  If 
libey  supposed,  as  I  do,  that  it  originated  in  the  influence  of  France— perhaps  in  a  concert  with  that  government,  the 
liooncr  to  pull  down  the  power  of  Britain— the  public  indignation  would  be  rooBCd,  and  our  country  saved  from  becom- 
Ite  ihc  provinces  of  the  '  emperor  and  king.' 
"iRreatly  regret  the  retaliating  order  of  Great  Britain ;  for,  though  it  really  ftimishes  no  ground  for  the  Embargo,  it 
till  vet  be  urged  by  the  President's  friends  to  justify  it.  The  path  of  interest  and  common  policy  was  plain.  We 
fconidhave  pursued  our  ordinary  commerce  with  all  Uio  British  dominions,  and  armed  our  vessels  against  French 
(raisers.  This  would  have  offended  Bonaparte.  No  'natter.  Whilt  Britain  maiiitainn  lier  own  imlcjyemknre  mint  trill  be 
If  she  fall  (which  I  do  not  believe  wld  happen),  our  condition  would  not  be  worse.  With  arras  in  our  hands,  and 
kniinly  military  spirit  pervading  our  country,  we  should  be  rerfpectcd  by  the  conqueror;  but  tamely  crouching,  without 
V  resistance,  we  should  be  treated,  as  we  should  deserve,  with  contempt,  and  all  the  indignities  due  to  voluntary 
iites."— Jf.S.  lA'tier  to  General  Ebenezer  SlevetK,  dated  "City  of  Washington,  January  26, 1808." 

1  This  remarkable  letter,  now  before  me,  from  a  senator  of  the  United  States  to  n  leading  merchant  of  the  city  of  New 
fori;,  Is  cited  to  show,  first,  how  powertiilly  partisan  feolinga  may  operate  upon  the  opinions  and  judgment  of  a  true 
ptriot,  and,  secondly,  how  mnch  the  leading  men  of  the  country  at  that  time  considered  the  United  States  a  dependent 
« Oreat  Britain.  "  While  Britain  maintains  her  own  independence  ourt  will  be  safe !"  The  war  that  speedily  followed 
li'pelleit  that  servile  spirit.  /• 


n 


i  ! 


■    I 


I    I 


164 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


IncunBisteucy  of  Politlclana.      ViulntlooB  of  the  Embargo.       Sapplemontnry  Acts.       A  young  Poet's  Deuunclntiona. 

That  section  of  the  Federalists  known  as  tlic  "Essex  Junto"  were  the  most  uncom- 
promising opponents  oftlie  administration  and  tlie  Embargo ;  and  many  of  those  wlio 
only  two  years  before,  liad  vehemently  denounced  Great  Britain  because  of  lier  i)cr- 
sistent  assaults  upon  the  rights  of  neutrals,  were  now,  in  the  heat  of  party  zeal,  the 
apologists  of,  and  sympathizers  with  that  goverr.ment,  whose  aggressions  had  ((mi- 
•  Febniary,     Btantly  increased.     In  the  very  montli"  when  that  eminent  British  incr- 

i^'"*'  chant,  Alexander  Baring,  declared  bi'forc  the  world  that  "it  would  l)c  n,, 
exaggeration  to  say  that  upward  of  three  fourtlis  of  all  the  merchants,  seanuii,  ctc,^ 
engaged  in  commerce  or  navigation  in  America,  have,  at  some  time  or  other,  siiH'cnil 
from  acts  of  our  [Britisli]  cruisers,"'  a  leading  Federal  politician  (wlio,  two  yearn  ho. 
'  Fciminry  10,  fovQ,^  declared,  by  his  vote  in  the  National  Senate,  that  the  conduct  of 
isou.  Great  Britain  was  "an  unprovoked  aggression  upon  the  property  of  the 

citizens  of  the  United  States,  a  violation  of  their  neutral  rights,  and  an  encroachinint 
upon  their  national  independence"),  wrote  to  a  friend  that,  "althougli  England,  witli 
lier  thousand  ships  of  war,  could  have  destroyed  our  commerce,  she  has  really  doHt 
it  no  essential  injuri/."^ 

It  was  soon  discovered  that  the  Embargo  Act  was  frequently  violated  by  enrolkd 
coasting  vessels  carrying  cargoes  to  the  West  Indies,  and  it  became  necessary  to  pass 
supplementary  acts  to  prevent  such  evasions  of  the  law.  It  was  chiefly  in  the  (1(>. 
bates  upon  these  acts  that  the  acrimony  already  noticed  apjieared.  Gardinicr,  (if 
New  York,  made  the  most  sweeping  charges  of  corruption,  and  affiliation  Avitli  the 
"French  usurper"  against  the  majority  in  Congress.  His  violence  and  abuse  clicitiMl 
some  personal  attacks,  and  one  of  them  so  incensed  him  that  he  challenged  his  assail- 
ant (Campbell)  to  mortal  combat.  They  met  at  Bladensburg.  Gardinier  was  slidt 
through  one  side  of  his  body,  but,  after  weeks  of  suffering,  lie  recovered  and  came 
back  to  Congress,  not  a  whit  subdued.  Disputes  ran  liigli  throughout  the  countiv, 
and  public  speeches,  newspapers,  and  pamphlets  teemed  with  the  most  vehcnu'ut  as- 
saults upon  the  dominant  party.^    Many  men,  dreading  the  liorrors  of  a  Avar  with 


'  Baring's  Inqmrii,  etc. 

>  Timothy  Pirliering  to  James  Sullivan,  Governor  of  New  Hampshire,  February  10,  ISOS. 

'  Among  the  few  political  pamphlets  of  that  j)erio(l,  now  extant,  is  a  rcmnrkalile  one  before  me,  entitled  The  IMm- 
(to;  or,  Sketcheit  nfthe  Th>iei<:  a  Satire.  It  is  a  poem,  and  was  written  by  Wii.i.iam  Ciixen  Huvant,  then  a  lat'  only  nboni 
thirteen  years  of  age,  who  is  still  (1807)  in  active  political  life,  and  holds  a  front  ranlc  among  the  literary  celcliritifs  of 
the  age.  In  rhythm,  vigor  of  thought,  and  force  of  expression,  tliis  production  of  his  early  years  gave  ample  as«iiri\ii(. 
of  the  fntnre  distinction  of  the  author  as  a  poet  and  political  writer.*  But  politics  were  seldom  the  theme  for  his  mnse  ] 
after  this  early  effusion  of  that  nature. 

In  the  preface  he  spolce  of  the  "terrapin  policy"  of  the  administration— the  policy  designed  1)y  the  Embargo  nf  slim- 
ting  the  nation  up  in  its  own  Bholl,  as  it  were,  lilte  the  terrapin.    His  epigraph,  from  Pope's  i'osai/  oti  Satire,  coulaliifd  | 
the  Biguiflcant  line, 

"  When  private  faith  and  public  trust  are  sold." 

He  assailed  the  President  and  his  supporters  as  vigorously  as  if  his  weaixm  had  been  wielded  by  the  hand  of  long  ei-  j 

perience.    Seriously  believing  that  his  country  was  in  great  peril,  he  wrote— 

"  Ill-fated  clime  I  condemned  to  feel  th'  extremes 
Of  a  weak  ruler's  philosopliic  dreams ; 
Driven  headlong  on  to  niin's  fateful  brink. 
When  will  thy  country  feel,  when  will  she  think  f " 

Of  the  Elnbargo  he  wrote— 

"  Curse  of  our  nation,  source  of  countless  woes, 
Prom  whoso  dark  womb  unreckoned  misery  flows, 
Th'  Embargo  rages,  like  a  sweeping  wind- 
Fear  lowers  before,  and  Famine  stalks  behind." 

Influenced  by  the  common  opinion  of  the  opposition,  he  said  to  his  countrymen— 

"  How  foul  a  blot  Columbia's  glory  stains ! 
How  dark  the  scene!    Infatuation  reigns! 
For  Frencti  intrigue,  which  wheedles  to  devour, 
Threatens  to  fix  us  in  Napoleon's  power. 


*  In  a  notice  of  the  second  edition,  with  other  poems,  printed  in  1809,  tbc  Mimthly  Antliohmi  for  June  of  that  yearr 
"If  the  young  l)ard  has  met  with  no  assistance  in  the  composition  of  this  poem,  lie  certainly  liids  fair,  siimild  hecoDl 
timie  to  cultivate  his  talent,  to  gain  a  respectable  station  on  the  Parnassian  Mount,  and  to  reflect  credit  on  the  literntirt 
of  his  country." 


\n  Insulting  Proposl 

England,  wliicl 

(loin  to  the  coi 

menaced  it,  rati 

l)iit  patriotic  si 

States  as  of  fiir 

tlic  most  string 

.March"  the  suj)f 

At  about  the 

0(1  an  act,''  as  ii 

Sncden)  to  trad 

ve.sscls  engarred 

and  tulce  out  a  I 

wit!)  as  much  ii 

"Pay  mo  tributi 

yoii."    This  was 

iininent  would  n 

cffieiciitiy  resenti 

weeks  later,"  in  tli 

the  Iialf-demented 

('(1  to  induce  Ame 

administration  res 

whicli  a  free  peoj 

ilie  British  ministi 

ivahn.2 

Evasions  of  the 
tiie  navigation  of  i 
1111(1  more  bitter  do 


Ihave  cited  the  above  as 
politically  opposed  to  .Toffcr 

'  This  was  essentially  ,i  tr\ 
Jroiiscd  the  American  colon! 
fommcrce  was  required  by  t 
Mmely,  cotton  and  tobacco 
Hl,800,  would  be  snl)jected 
«  To  this  would  be  ad 
iioiislieads  would  be  subject 
riKS.OOfl.    It  was  projiosed 

The  following  is  „  copy  o 

OeorgeR..Iu„r„cti„,-^l 

'■;li<IayofApriI,is08,intlie 

Oiir  will  and  pleasure  is  tl 

,  ».vof  our  colonies,  islands,  oi 
W™.7,««dno^,«7A«te„^,.,   ',,, 

Ml  1)0  met  with,  and  l)cin- 
»f  more  of  tlie  principal  pane, 
""ted.   And  in  case  any  ve 

«t8  aforesaid,  snch  vessels 
^^  may  be  legally  exported! 
"i"ies,ornnyfhturehostlIitie 

A  «rltl8h-bom  writer  oftlie 
«  potent  monarchs  in  the  i 
fflmlstm  had  perpetrated  the 
He  laws  of  their  country,  and  ( 


ii 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


165 


An  liirolting  PropoBltlon  by  Oreat  Britain. 


Tribute  exacted  from  Neutral  NatlooB. 


Eiiu'i'ii'li  which  tlipy  boliovcd  the  Embargo  Act  would  evoke,  preferred  to  give  free- 
dom to  the  coniiiu'rce  of  the  country,  iu'd  K't  it  j)r()vide  itself  against  the  risks  that 
menaced  it,  ratlier  than  to  kill  it  outright.  Such  was  the  feeling  of  many  merchants; 
Init  ])atriotic  statesmen,  holding  the  dignity  and  the  inde])endence  of  the  United 
States  as  of  far  more  conse(iuence  than  the  temj)orary  interests  of  trade,  advocated 
the  most  stringent  execution  of  the  Embargo  Act,  and  at  the  middle  of  .  March  12 
March"  the  supplementiiry  enactments  became  law.  i****- 

At  about  the  same  time  tlie  British  Parliament,  with  an  air  of  condescension,  pass- 
0(1  an  act,*"  as  a  favor  to  neutrals,  i>ermitting  them  (United  States  ant' 

•  Mnrcu  26 

Sweden)  to  trade  with  France  and  her  dependenciies,  on  the  condition  that 
vessels  engaged  in  such  trade  should  first  enter  some  Hritish  port,/J«»/  a  transit  duty, 
andtulce  out  a  license!'^     In  other  words,  the  United  States  were  told  by  England, 
witli  as  much  insolence  and  hauteur  in  fiict  as  the  Dey  of  Algiers  ever  exhibited, 
"Pay  me  tribute,  and  my  cruisers  (or  corsairs)  will  be  instructed  not  to  plunder 
vou."    This  was  properly  regarded  as  a  flagrant  insult — one  which  the  IJritisli  gov- 
uinment  would  never  have  offered  except  to  a  nation  siii)posed  to  be  incapable  of 
tfticieiitly  resenting  it.     When  to  this  insult  was  added  a  positive  injury,  a  few 
weeks  later,"  in  the  form  of  instructions  issued  by  ministers,  in  the  name  of 
tlic  half-demented  king,  to  the  British  naval  commanders,  ex])ressly  intend- 
ed to  induce  Americans  engaged  in  commercial  pursuits  to  violate  the  blockade,  the 
administration  resolved  to  plant  itself  firmly  u]ion  that  dignity  and  independence 
which  a  free  people  ouglit  always  to  assert.     Those  instructions,  so  disgraceful  to 
the  British  ministers,  were  severely  condemned  by  every  honest  man  in  the  British 
reahn.2 

Evasions  of  the  Embargo  continued,  and  another  supplementary  act,  applying  to 
tlie  navigation  of  rivers,  lakes,  and  bays,  increased  its  stringency,  and  awakened  new 
and  more  bitter  denunciations  of  the  measure.    But  the  government  was  immovable. 

Oh  ne'er  coiiPcnt,  ol)sc(i\il(ins,  to  advniico 
The  willvKj  vanml  of  iinporloua  Krnnce ! 
Correct  that  snffrnne  you  niisuscrt  before, 
And  lift  your  voice  above  a  Congress  roar. 

Rise,  then,  Columbia  1  heed  not  France's  wiles, 
ITer  bullyin};  mnndales,  her  seductive  smiles ; 
Seud  home  Napolccm's  slave,  and  hy  him  say 
Ko  art  can  lure  us,  and  no  threats  dismay , 
Determined  yet  to  war  with  whom  we  will. 
Choose  our  allies,  or  dare  be  neutral  still." 
I  liave  cited  the  above  as  nn  example  of  the  intensity  of  feeliuf;  against  the  ad\ninIstratlon  at  that  time  among  those 
pcliticnlly  opposed  to  .Tctrcrsou  and  his  party— a  feeling  that  made  even  boys  politicians. 

'  Tills  was  essentially  a  tribute  in  the  form  of  a  ilutu,  more  odious  in  principle  and  application  than  the  stamp  tax  that 
iroiiJed  the  American  colonists  In  1766.  The  effect  may  be  illustrated  l)y  showing  the  amountof  tribute  which  American 
commerce  was  required  by  the  act  to  pay  upon  only  two  of  the  many  articles  spccitled,  with  the  jiercentage  of  the  tariff, 
namely,  cotton  and  tobacco.  The  amount  on  a  cargo  of  cotton,  at  the  then  current  prices,  costing  at  New  Orleans 
^43,500,  would  be  subjected  to  a  tax  in  some  English  port,  before  it  would  be  allowed  to  depart  for  a  French  port,  of 
JffiOfl.  To  this  would  be  added  about  $2000  more  on  account  of  other  charges.  A  cargo  of  tobacco  of  four  hundred 
hocsheads  would  be  subjected  to  a  tribute  of  about  $13,000.  The  estimated  annual  tribute  upon  tobacco  alone  was 
Ji.iir.S.OoO.  It  was  i)roposed  to  tax  a  great  variety  of  American  productions  in  the  same  way. 
"  Tlie  following  Is  a  copy  of  the  instructions : 

"Oeorge  R. :  Instructions  to  the  commanders  of  our  ships  of  war  and  privateers.    Given  at  our  Court  at  Windsor,  the 

mil  (lay  of  April,  1S0.S,  in  the  4Sth  year  of  our  reign : 

"Our  will  and  pleasure  is  that  you  do  not  interrupt  any  neutral  vessel  laden  with  lumber  and  provisions,  and  going  to 

.my  of  our  colonies.  Islands,  or  settlements  In  the  West  Indies  or  South  America,  to  whomnnefer  the.  prirpertii  may  a])pear  tn 

yimy,  and  nolmlhstandint)  utich  vessel  via;/  not  have  refliilar  clcaranees  and  diieuments  on  board.    And  in  case  any  vessel 

^hall  1)0  met  \vlth,  and  being  on  her  due  course  to  the  alleged  port  of  destination,  an  indorsement  shall  be  made  on  one 

I  or  more  of  the  principal  papers  of  such  vesnel,  specifying  the  destination  alleged  and  the  place  where  the  vessel  was  so 

risitert.    And  in  case  any  vessel  so  laden  hhall  arrive  and  deliver  her  cargo  at  any  of  our  colonies,  islands,  or  settle- 

[  mciits  aforesaid,  such  vessel  shall  be  permitted  to  receive  her  freight  and  to  depart,  cither  in  ballast  or  with  any  goods 

that  may  lie  legally  exported  In  such  vessel,  .ind  to  proceed  to  any  unblockaded  port,  notwithstanding  the  present  hog- 

lilities,  or  any  ftitnre  hostilities  which  may  taVe  place.    And  a  passjmrtfnr  such  vessel  may  be  granted  by  the  governor,  or 

I  tlhtr  person  having  the  chief  civil  cmnmand  i\f  s.ich  colnny,  island,  nr  settlement." 

.4  British-bom  writer  of  the  day,  after  dcclai  ng  that  this  order  war,  n  sufficient  cause  of  war,  sold,  "  What  1  one  of  the 
I  most  potent  monarchs  in  the  world,  rather  than  do  justice  to  an  unoffending  nation,  on  which,  for  fourteen  years,  his 
I  ninisters  had  perpetrated  the  most  flagrant  outrages.  Invites,  and  tempts,  and  affords  facilities  to  Us  citizens  to  violate 
I  Ihe  laws  of  their  couutry,  and  openly  pursue  the  infamous  trade  of  smuggling."— J/ot/iew  Carey. 


«'    5 


M^ 


wmmm 


I'i 


*  ! 


ii ,  .  ! 


fii 


lee 


PICTOBIAL   FIELD-UOOK 


The  Embargo  douounced  aa  miicldnl. 


DiiiiKerB  of  Natiunal  Vuuity. 


A  notable  Illn«trution 


It  was  (leaf  to  tlic  [iraycrs  for  a  repeal  made  in  petition  after  petition  tlmt  poured 
into  t'ongress,  OHpccially  from  N(!W  England.  A  propowition  for  repeal,  and  to  allow 
merchant  vesBcls  to  arm  and  take  caro  of  themHelvoH,  was  voted  down  l)y  a  large 
majority;  and  the  oidy  glimpse  of  light  was  seen  through  an  authorization  given  to 
the  President  to  suspend  the  Embargo  Act,  according  to  his  discretion,  in  ease  of 
peace  in  Europe,  or  sueh  changes  in  the  jjolicy  of  the  belligerents  as  might,  in  his 
judgment,  make  the  navigation  of  the  seas  safe  to  American  vessels.  It  was  in  tin 
debate  on  this  proposition  that  Josiiili  Quincy,  Avho  had  then  taken  a  place  anioni^r 
the  acknowledged  leaders  of  the  Federal  party,  used  the  language  already  quoted  on 
page  163,  He  denounced  the  whole  ]M)licy  as  fallacious  and  mischievous.  "The 
language  of  that  policy  i:i,"  he  said,  "  '  Rescind  your  decrees  ami  your  orders,  or  wo 
will,  in  our  wrath,  abandon  the  ocean !'  And  suppose  Great  Britain,  governed  by 
the  spirit  of  mercantile  calculation,  should  reply,  'If  such  be  your  mode  of  venge- 
ance, indulge  it  to  your  heart's  content !  It  is  the  very  thing  we  wish.  You  are  our 
commercial  rivals,  and,  by  driving  you  out  of  the  market,  we  shall  gain  more  than  we 
can  lose  by  your  retirement.'  .  .  . 

"  It  is  to  1)0  feared,"  continued  Mr.  Quincy,  "  that,  having  grown  giddy  with  good- 
fortune,  attributing  the  greatness  of  our  prosperity  to  our  own  wisdom,  rather  than 
to  a  course  of  events  over  which  u  c  have  had  no  influence,  we  are  now  entering  that 
school  of  adversity,  the  first  blessings  of  which  is  to  chastise  our  overweening  cdiiceit 
of  ourselves.  A  nation  mistakes  its  relative  importance  and  consequence  in  tliinkini; 
that  its  countenance,  or  its  intercourse,  <n'  its  existence  is  all-important  to  the  rest  of 
mankind.  An  individual  who  should  retire  fnni  intercourse  with  the  world  foi' the 
purpose  of  taking  vengeance  on  it  for  some  real  »r  imaginary  wrong,  would,  notwitii- 
standing  the  delusions  of  self-flattery,  be  certaiidy  taught  that  the  world  moved 
along  just  as  well  atler  his  dignified  retirement  as  before.  Nor  would  the  case  ot';i 
nation  which  should  make  a  similar  trial  of  its  consequence  be  very  different.  Tin 
intercourse  of  human  life  has  its  basis  in  a  natural  reciprocity,  which  always  exists, 
however  national  or  personal  vanity  may  often  suggest  to  inflated  fancies  that,  in  the 
intercourse  of  friendship,  civilities,  or  business,  they  give  more  than  they  receive." 

These  were  words  of  wisdom — words  as  wise  ami  siixnificant  now  as  they  were 
then.  They  combated  a  great  error — an  error  fully  exemplified  in  our  day  in  the 
assumption  of  a  single  class  of  our  citizens,  namely,  the  cotton-growers.  These, 
knowing  the  value  of  their  great  staple  and  its  consequence  to  the  civili/ed  world, 
believed  or  asserted,  before  the  late  Civil  War,  that  it  gave  them  power  to  (li<iaii 
certain  Ihies  of  policy  to  the  governments  of  the  earth.  In  the  madness  of  their 
error  they  proclaimed  cotton  a  king  too  potent  for  all  other  kings.  Believing  that 
the  producers  of  the  raw  material  have  the  consumers  of  it  always  in  their  j)Ower, 
and  may  bring  the  latter  to  terms  at  any  time  by  cutting  off  the  supply,  they  forgot 
the  great  fact  that  dependence  is  reciprocal,  and  that,  in  commercial  conflicts,  the 
producer,  being  the  poorer  party,  is  always  the  first  to  succumb.  The  events  and 
'•esults  of  the  late  Civil  War  laid  bare  that  radical  error  to  the  full  comprehension  of ! 
all,  as  well  as  to  acute  political  economists. 

So  it  was  with  the  Embargo.     Those  who  expected  to  sec  great  national  triumplis  j 
follow  that  measure,  which  was  expected  to  stai've  the  English  manufacturing  oper- 
atives and  the  West  India  slaves,  were  bitterly  disappointed.     The  evils  brought 
upon  their  own  national  industry  in  various  forms  were  far  greater  than  those  in- 
flicted upon  England  or  France.     It  had  one  good  effect,  namely,  the  encouragement  1 
and  establishment  of  various  manufactures  in  the  United  States,  which  have  everj 
been  important  elements  of  our  national-indejiendence.* 

'  When  war  was  declared  asaliiPt  Great  Britain  in  1812,  tlie  manufactnre  of  ciitton  was  carried  on  extensively  in] 
Rhode  Island.  A  writer  in  1S13  ei>tlniatcd  the  number  of  cotton  factories  bnilt  and  in  coarse  of  erection  at  tliat  lioii;,] 
eastward  of  the  Delaware  River,  at  live  hundred. 


rrovialoos  for  strei 


The  measure  was 
passed  by  a  vote  ( 
I'll  of  $l,ooo,OOC 
eoast  and  harbor 

'liaseofanns,  and 

upon  the  goverrioi 

liiindred  thousand 

ness  to  march  at  a 

was  also  .-luthorize 

,  *200,OOO  was  place 

\  .the  whole  body  of 

;ippropriated  to  pa 

iniraent  appropriat 

Efforts  were  mac] 

men  already  in  the 

on  board  the  gun-h 

ber"  the  President  I 

•'ight  additional  gu 

liundred  and  fifty-gc 

•The  formation  of  new  re 

.iTifc'adler  general.  Amon 
,  '''ii'evoort,ofNewYork  ai; 
j-nViufleld  Scott  and  Zae^': 

I  fr.'J^"  ^''J^'^^'^S  on  the  fol 
framdrawmgspresentedtoi 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


167 


I'ruvlaluns  fur  strenKthiliinu  the  Ann;  and  Navy. 


Increase  In  the  Nnmber  ofOnn^boati. 


CTIAI^ER  IX. 


"  Let  trnltonj,  who  foci  uot  tho  patrloiv  ftnmo, 

Talk  of  ylcldlnij  our  honor  to  Enjjllshmcii'?  sway; 
No  vnch  blpmlnh  xhiill  Kiilly  our  coiiiitrj'H  fair  famv:  • 

We've  uo  cluliiiH  to  Kurieiidcr,  nor  tribute  to  puy. 
Then,  though  foc«  gather  round, 
We're  ou  Liberty's  );round, 
Both  too  wIhu  tu  be  trapp'd,  and  too  strong  to  bo  bunnd." 

SoNu— Kmuaiiuo  AMU  Peaob. 

"  Where  are  ycni  from?"  hold  Rodgers  cried, 

Which  made  the  llrltlch  wonder: 
Then  with  a  (jun  Ihey  quick  replied. 

Which  made  a  nolce  like  thunder. 
Like  lljjhlnlng  we  returned  the  joke. 

Our  matches  were  bo  handy; 
The  Yankee  bull-do^'n  nol.ly  npokc 

The  tune  of  Uoodlc  Dandy." 

SONO— RODOEBS  ASD  VlOTOIlY. 

lA^JM^r'"  RESIDENT  JcffcrHoii's  policy  liad  been  to  keep  the  army  und  navy 
uf)()ii  tlie  clieuj)est  footing  compatible  with  a  due  regard  to  the 
public  good.  It  was  now  evident  that  these  arms  of  the  public 
service  must  be  materially  strengthened,  in  order  to  secure  the 
national  safety,  and  the  I 'resident  asked  Congress  to  augment 
the  number  and  efficiency  of  the  regular  army.  They  did  so. 
'Die  measure  was  opposed  by  the  Federalists,  but  a  bill  to  raise  seven  regiments* 
passed  by  a  vote  of  ninety-eight  to  sixteen.  Other  provisions  for  war  followed.  The 
ini  of  11,000,000  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  President  for  the  erection  of 
coast  and  harbor  defenses.  Another  sum  of  #300,000  Avas  appropriated  for  the  pur- 
chase of  arms,  and  $150,000  for  saltpetre.  The  President  was  also  authorized  to  call 
upon  the  governors  of  the  several  states  to  form  an  army,  iu  the  aggregate,  of  one 
liuiulred  thousantl  militia,  to  be  immediately  organized,  equipped,  and  "  held  hi  readi- 
iii'ss  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning"  when  called  for  by  the  Chief  Magistrate.  He 
was  also  authorized  to  construct  arsenals  and  armories  at  his  discretion;  the  sum  of 
«'200,OOO  was  placed  at  his  disposal  for  providing  arms  and  military  equipments  for 
.the  whole  body  of  the  militia  of  the  republic;  and  about  a  million  of  dollars  were 
appropriated  to  ])ay  the  first  year's  expenses  of  the  seven  new  regiments.  The  gov- 
cmnient  appropriated  altogether  about  $.5,000,000  for  war  purposes.' 

Efforts  were  made  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  navy  by  adding  to  the  few  sea- 
men already  in  the  service  twelve  hundred  and  seventy-two  additional  men,  to  put 
on  board  the  gun-boats  then  ompleted  or  in  process  of  construction.  In  Decem- 
ber' the  President  had  been  authorized  to  procure  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
eight  additional  gunboats  by  purchase  or  construction,  making,  in  all,  two 
hundred  and  fifty-seven.^    Mr.  Jeflerson's  idea  appears  to  have  been  to  liave  these 

'  The  formation  of  new  reclments  brought  Into  the  service  several  men  who  became  consplcnons  in  the  War  of  1812. 
.\moug  them  was  Wade  IIani])tou,  of  South  Carolina,  who  had  been  In  the  army  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  now  made 
1  brit'adlcr  general.  Among  the  colonels  were  Smythe  and  Parker,  of  Virginia,  and  Boyd,  of  Massachusetts.  Peter 
(iiisevoort,  of  New  York,  also  of  the  Continental  army,  was  made  a  brigadier.  Zebulon  Pike  was  promoted  to  major, 
iD'l  Wlufleld  Scott  and  Zacbary  Taylor  both  took  ofHces  in  the  army,  the  former  as  a  captain,  and  the  latter  as  a  lien- 
ifuant. 

'  The  engraving  on  the  following  page  shows  the  different  forms  of  the  gun-boats  at  that  time.  The  group  Is  made 
tram  drawings  presented  to  me  when  visiting  the  navy  yard  at  Gosport,  opposite  Norfolk,  In  Virginia,  in  the  spring  of 


•  1807. 


^   ! 


•    ■.«'  I  lllllilllpl 


■  I 


ii^ 


l!ii||>^ 


168 


I'lCTOKlAL    ilKLU-UOOK 


Otu-boMi  ridleaUd. 


Vluleot  Ituitllltjp  to  •  Mavr. 


ItoMaillwi. 


boats  in  readiness,  properly  (listributorl,  but  not  netuiilly  manned  until  necessity 
should  call  for  tluir  beiiii;  put  into  eoniuiissiou.  This  proposition  excited  iniicji 
ridicule,  not  only  among  i»aval  otlicers,  but  anionj^  the  people  at  hirj^e.'  Tlu'  wlioli 
gun-boat  system  was  (IcouMced  as  "  wasteful  imitecility,  called  by  the  nanu-  ofccnn. 
omy,"  and  JetVerson  was  pointed  at  as  a  dreaminit  phili.so'her  without  a  whit  of  mil 
itaiy  knowledge,  as  eviiuied  when  (Jovernor  of  Virginia  iii  1781.^ 

Tlu  re  seeme<l  to  be,  for  reasons  (juite  inexplicable,  a  most  violent  hostility  to  u 
navy,  especially  at  the  South.  A  mendier  (Mr.  Williams)  from  South  Carolina  siiid 
that  he  "  was  at  a  loss  to  find  tere.:s  sutliciently  expressive  of  his  abhorrcnci"  of  a  navv, 
He  would  go  a  great  deal  fartlu'r  to  see  it  burned  than  to  extinguish  the  fire.  Ii 
was  11  curse  to  the  country,  and  luid  lu-ver  been  a.iy  thing  else.  Navies  had  deceiviij 
tlu-  hopes  of  every  country  which  hail  relied  upon  them."  lie  artirmed  that  the  |mii- 
pie  were  willing  to  give  comuuMce  all  the  protection  in  their  power,  "  but  they  coiiM 
not  provide  a  navy  for  that  purpose."  Others  opposed  a  navy  because  it  might  lie  a 
measure  for  increasing  Executive  patronage;  und  no  act  was  passed  or  appropriation 


?nade,  either  for  the  employment  of  more  men,  or  for  the  placing  in  commission  am- 
additional  vessels,  until  January,  1809,  when  the  President  was  directed  to  etpiip  tln' 

1863.  I  nm  iTidoljtcd  to  Mr.  JnmeH  Jnrvls  for  them.  The  drnwIiiRS  were  made  by*bno  who  asslBted  In  their  construe- 
tion,  and  who  was  then  cngnRcd  in  Horvlcc  at  Gopport. 

'  Anionj;  those  who  ridicuied  the  Riin-boat  pysteni  wan  Colonel  .lohn  TnimhHll,  the  artist.  According  to  that  syslpm. 
he  Bald,  "Wlicnevcr  danger  shall  menace  any  harbor,  or  any  foreign  ship  shall  Inmiit  us,  Homebody  is  to  inform  the  ijov 
cruor,  and  the  govenior  is  to  desire  the  marshal  to  call  npon  the  captains  of  militia  to  call  upon  the  drr.nimcrs  to  li(';;i 
to  arms  and  call  the  militia-men  together,  from  whom  are  to  be  drafted  (not  Impressed)  a  snfflcient  number  to  go  mi 
board  the  gun-boats  and  drive  tlie  hostile  stranger  away,  unless,  during  this  long  ceremonial,  he  should  have  takcubim- 
self  off.— TRrMiici.i.'s  Reminincencen  nfltix  oirn  Timfn,  page  262. 

>  In  the  political  poem  quoted  from  on  page  104,  the  author  thus  alhules  to  Mr.  Jefferson  at  that  time : 

"  And  thou,  the  scorn  of  every  patriot  name. 
Thy  country's  ruin,  and  her  councils'  shame! 
Poor,  servile  thing  I  derision  of  the  brave  I 
Who  erst  from  Tarleton  lied  to  Carter's  cave ; 
Thou,  who,  when  menaced  by  perfidious  Oaul, 
Didst  prostrate  to  her  wiiisliercd  minion  fall ; 
And  when  our  cash  his  empty  bags  supplied. 
Did  meanly  strive  the  foul  disgrace  to  bide. 
Oo,  \vretch,  resign  the  Presidential  chair. 
Disclose  thy  secret  measures,  foul  or  fair ; 
Go  search  with  curious  eye  for  horned  frogs 
'Mid  the  wild  wastes  of  Louisiana  bogs ; 
Or  where  Ohio  rolls  his  turbid  stream, 
Dig  for  huge  bone.«,  thy  glory  and  thy  theme." 


.fanioii  Hadiion  elect( 


OF   THE  WAR    OK   1812. 


160 


juMtMaOwn  alMMd  PrMldmt. 


ElTei't  (if  IlnrliiK'x  Imiuiry. 


UpiMMltlou  to  the  nrllUh  OrlMftte  OWHMU. 


(fnited  StatiM,  4  t,  IW.aiii,  nt,  1 1,  l'Xii\,\  :!•.>,  and  John  A(lant«,  24,  the  latter  vcuol  hav- 
iiiir  Ik'CII  ••lit  down  from  n  trij^iitc  to  ii  Mloop  of  war.' 

Tlu"  <'ounlry  w.-is  now  iijiitatnl  ])y  an  upproachintj  election  for  I*n'Hident  nnd  Vice- 
I'rt'sident  of  the  I'nited  Staten,  and  for  a  time  tiie  political  ealdnm  neetlied  violently. 
Ivirly  i"  I^"^  'I  Demoeratie  eaiienH  of  members  of  ("onifress  nominated  JaineH  Madi- 
Mill  liir  President,  ami  (Jeor^je  Clinton  for  Vice-President  of  the  repuhlie.  Tliere  was 
ilicu  a  schism  in  the  Democratic  pai'ty,  cansed  hy  the  amhition  i»f  Iciiders.  ,Mail- 
i^dii,  .Monroe,  and  Clinton  were  each  candidates  for  the  Chief  Majjistrate's  chair; 
;iii(l  the  Fetleralists,  pereeivini;,  as  they  thonuht,  some  chance  for  success  in  the  can- 
vass, nominated  C.  ('.  Pinckney,  of  (South  Carolina,  for  I'resident,  ami  Kuliis  Kins', 
(if  New  York,  for  Vice-ProHideiit.  The  result  was  the  election  of  Madison  and 
Clinton. 

.Meanwhile  events  wore  transpiring  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  apparently  tend- 
inis to  a  jj;en(M'al  aliandonment  of  the  p  >licy  of  the  Orders,  Decrees,  and  Kmharifo. 
Tlie  aide  lin/iiir!/  of  .Mr.  Marini;  concerninLi;  the  orders  in  Council,  already  cited,  made 
;i  iMiwcrful  impression  u]t<m  the  mercantile  classes  of'KnijjIand.  lie  had  fully  exposed 
till'  iiii'Xpediency  and  injustice  of  the  mciisures,  and  nobly  vindicated  the  character 
111(1  lopiluct  of  the  Americans.  Some  ol'the  late  (.'abinet  associates  of  Mr.  I'ov  de- 
iiiniiued  those  orders  as  both  inexpedient  and  unjust;  and  ])etitions  for  their  repeal, 
iiuiiu'roiisly  sijxned  by  the  merchants  and  i;;;>niifacfurers  of  Hull,  .\fanchester,  Liver- 
midl,  and  London,  were  jiresi'Uted  to  the  House  of  Lords  on  the  17lh  and  iilHt  of 
Miurli,"  while  a  bill  aflirminu;  the  action  of  the  Privy  CoutK'il  in  the  matter  was 

*  1809 

iicMiliiiii;.  Henry  Hrounh;im,  iin  eminent  barrister,  was  the  advocate  of  the 
|iditiiiners,  and  was  heard  with  profound  attention,  on  the  (ith  of  April,  in  that  body 
,it' peers  of  the  realm  of  which,  a  little  more  than  twenty  years  afterward,  he  became 
iidistiiiijuished  member.-  iMready,  in  t)ie  month  ofMiirch,  resolutions  moved  aj^ainst 
iln'iii  by  Lords  Krskine,  St.  John,  Holland,  and  Lauderdale,  and  a  protest  sif^ncd  by 
ilu'  Karls  of  Lauderdale,  Kintf,  an<l  Albermarle,  iuid  prepared  the  way  for  1?rout?hain'8 
:ii!junient.  These  documents  contained,  within  their  bi'ief  limits,  (dose  and  sound  ar- 
.niiiicnts  on  the  whole  subject.  The  motion  of  Erskine  discussed  the  illesralily  of  the 
new  Hystein  in  a  constitutional  view.  Lord  St.  John's  treated  of  its  repuj^iumce  to  the 
law  of  nations.  Lord  Holland's  set  forth  with  threat  clearness  its  eifects  nj)on  1?ri*ish 
intercourse  whh  foreign  nations;  and  J^ord  Lauderdale's  motion  showed  its  prejudi- 
cial tendency  to  IJritish  comme-.-ce  in  general.  The  jirotest  of  the  three  peers  natned 
ilisi'ussed  more  particularly  the  consequi'uces  on  the  cf)tton  trade. ■•  lint  tiie  '.fforts 
nf  these  statesmen  and  the  array  of  facts  set  forth  in  the  minutes  of  evidence  taken 
lit  the  bar  of  the  House  of  Lords,  before  a  Committee  of  tlie  whole  House,  on  the 
siihjc'ct  of  the  orders,'  were  i'lsultieient  to  move  the  majority,  and  the  ministry  tri- 
umphed. The  bill  athrming  *,!  j  iction  of  the  Council  and  making  it  jiermanent  was 
|i!issed,  and  Parliament  fixed      o  amount  of  tribute  in  the  form  of  "  transit  duties," 


'Tills  vessel  was  hiillt  ns  a  c-naii  i;.,(Bte  of  24  In  Charleston,  South  Carolina.  She  was  cnt  down  to  a  sloop,  then 
ra!?e(l  to  a  frl^'ate  ;  Anally  cnt  down  to  n  slooj)  i\t;n\n,  and,  about  tho  yearlSSO,  was  entirely  rebuilt  as  a  flrst-closs  ship. 
-Cdoi'Kii'N  yaml  lliHturn  nf  the  I'liiled  Staten,  11.,  lltl. 

'  Thin  was  the  now  (is«7)  venerable  Lord  Broui^ham.  Up  had  recently  made  London  his  residence,  having  practiced 
law  hi  ills  native  city  of  Edlnburi;  nntll  ISOT.  He  entered  Parliament  as  a  Whltf  in  islft,  and  was  a  coworker  with  Clark- 
•111,  Willicrforce,  and  (Iranvillc  Hliarpe  in  favor  of  the  noi;ro  slave.  He  was  the  vindicator  of  Qneen  Caroline  at.'iiiiiBt 
'lie  pcrseciilion  of  her  InfamonH  hiinband,  Khif;  Oeorjre  the  Fonrth.  His  voice  and  pen  were  ever  on  the  side  of  reform 
111(1  hiimaiiity.  In  1S.10  he  became  a  peer,  and  Lord  Chancellor  of  England.  He  has  ever  held  a  biijh  place  In  literature, 
lii»  tli'st  rdiitrlbutlons  havinc;  appeared  in  the  Edinlmrfi  Itevietp,  at  its  commencement  in  l"!fli!.  In  his  several  depart- 
aifiits  of  labor  as  philosopher,  law  reformer,  statesman,  and  critic,  he  has  ever  stood  pre-eminent.  He  has  resided 
mudi  ut  Cannes,  in  France,  duriiij;  his  later  years,  on  account  of  ill  health. 

Durln);  the  late  Civil  War  in  America,  Lord  Brougham  wrote  and  s)ioke  in  favor  of  the  Insurgcnta,  who  were  fljthtlni; 
tor  the  perpetuation  of  the  slave  system  which  he  had  opposed  all  hU  life,  and  against  the  government  whose  most  zeal- 
ous adherents  were  avowed  Abolitionists. 

-According  to  the  statement  of  that  protest,  the  amount  of  cotton  wool  exported  to  England  from  the  United  States 
inisn-vvn«"2l)(l,n0flbags,  auKUinting,  at  i:i2  per  bag,  to  the  value  of  Xil, 000,000. 

I  Prlatcd,  with  the  motioua  and  protest  alluded  to,  and  au  abstract  of  Brougham's  speech,  In  a  thin  volume  of  about 
:  mo  huudred  pages. 


*»»mjBwa;ayau. 


m 


I 


■I 


f 


170 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Napoleon  in  Spain. 


The  Bayoune  Decree. 


ModiticationB  of  tlio  British  Orders  In  t'ouucll. 


just  referred  to,  v/lvich  neutrals  must  pay  to  England  for  permission  to  navigate  the 
ocean  without  fear  of  sea-robbers. 

Napoleon,  inspired  by  the  keenest  sagacity,  expressed  his  approbation  of  tlie  Em- 
bargo, lie  AV.ns  then  in  Spain,  ostensibly  for  the  purpose  of  crusliing  royal  intrigues 
for  the  good  of  the  people,  but  really  in  preparing  a  throne  for  his  brother  Joscpli. 
3Iurat,  with  a  conijietent  force,  occupied  Madrid  in  March,*  and  in  June  Joscjili 
was  declared  by  the  Emperor  to  be  King  of  Spahi.  From  Bayonne,  in  Miucli, 
Napoleon  issued  a  decree  directing  the  seizure  and  confiscation  of  all  American  ves- 
sels in  France,  or  which  miglit  ai'rive  there;  and  wlien  Minister  Armstrong  remon- 
strated, he  was  .;iven  to  unilerstaiid  that  tlie  Emj)eror  expected  the  Embargo  to  be 
full  andperfevt.  "  No  American  vessel,"  said  the  French  minister  craftily,  "  can  be 
laiofulhj  abroad  since  the  passage  of  the  Embargo  Act;  and  those  ])retending  to  be 
such  must  be  either  English,  or,  if  American,  vessels  wliicli  come  under  the  ban  ot'tlic 
Milan  Decree  because  of  subserviency  to  the  British  orders.  The  Emperor  well  knew 
that  there  were  a  large  number  of  American  vessels  afloat  which,  under  the  tempta- 
tion of  immense  profits,  Avere  sailing  under  British  licenses;  and  others  were  evadiii!: 
French  prohibitions  by  forged  documents,  which  indicated  that  they  had  come  di- 
rectly from  America.  This  leak  in  liis  Continental  System  Napoleon  was  determLw.l 
to  stop,  and  for  that  purpose  his  Bayonne  Deci'ee  was  effectual. 

The  Spaniards  resisted  the  attempts  of  Napoleon  to  place  his  brother  on  tlicii 
throne,  and  there  Avas  a  general  uj)rising  of  the  Dons.  Tiie  Avhole  Spaiiisli  Peninsuiii 
and  the  Spanish  colonies  in  Central  and  South  America  were  thrown  open  t<>  IJiitisii 
commerce,  and  by  so  much  weakened  the  effect  of  the  American  Embargo  on  that 
commerce.  A  repeal  of  the  ordei's  in  Council  as  ihey  related  to  Spain,  and  iilso  to 
Portugal,  whose  royal  family  had  lately  fled  td  Brazil  and  opened  a  vaMf  <'oimliy 
there,  immediately  followi d.  On  the  receipt  of  intelligence  concerning  these  facts, 
])etitions  from  si'veial  maritime  towns  in  the  United  States  were  sent  to  the  Presi- 
dent, pi'aying  for  a  su.-ipension  of  the  Embargo  Act  as  to  Spain  an<l  Portugal ;  but  lie 
declined,  saying,  "To  have  submitted  our  rightful  commerce  to  prohibitions  and  trib- 
utary exactions  from  others  would  have  been  to  surrender  our  independence.  Td 
resist  them  by  arms  was  war,  without  consulting  tlie  state  of  things  or  ihe  choice  of 
the  nation."  He  contended  that  the  Embargo,  "  besides  saving  to  our  citizens  their 
property,  and  our  mariners  to  their  country,"  gave  time  for  the  belligerent  natioiistd 
revise  a  conduct  as  contrary  to  their  interests  as  it  was  to  our  rights.  As  to  Sjiaiii, 
he  wisely  suggested  that  her  resistance  might  not  prove  (as  it  did  not)  eft'cctual. 

But  the  President  had  already  taken  some  measuiTs  in  tiie  ilirection  of  repeal.  A'^ 
early  as  the  idose  of  Auiil''  lie  had  si'nt  instructions  to  Pinkncv  in  Loiidnii. 
and  Armstrong  in  Paris,  authorizing  them  to  otter  a  repeal  of  the  Embart 


on  certain  conditions.  To  England  such  re))eal  was  ottered  on  condition  of  her  recall- 
ing her  orders  in  Council.  To  France  Arnisti'ong  appears  to  have  ottered,  in  ad<liticiii 
to  a  repeal  oftlio  Embargo  Act,  a  declarati<Hi  of  war  against  Great  Britain  in  the 
event  of  her  not  recalling  her  offV'nsive  orders  after  the  Emperor  should  have  witii 
drawn  his  Berlin,  Milan,  and  B.iyonne  decrees.' 

Canning  spoke  for  his  government  ir  a  very  courteous  but  extremely  sarcastii 
note,  .issui'ing  Mr.  Pinkiiey  of  the  kindly  feeling  of  his  majesty  toward  the  T^iitei! 
States,  but  expressing  his  unwillingness  to  change  the  policy  involved  in  those  oider>. 
under  the  present  aspect  of  the  case.     lie  could  not  see  the  impartiality  of  the  Km- 


'  ArmsironR's  Inptnictloop  cntd,  "  31:  ,ra1d  Bhc  fPrnnrel  set  tho  example  nj  ■•ovocntlon, Oreat  Britain  wonld  1)p  obliged, 
either  liy  follii\vlii>>  it,  to  restore  to  Friinoc  the  ftill  bi'iietif  nf  iiciitrni  Irado  which  hIic  neertH,  or,  by  persevering  inhfr 
obnoxloua  orders  after  llie  pretext  for  them  had  cca^od,  to  i.ndor  colliKitm  with  the  I'nltpc'.  States  inevitable." 

P  nl::iey's  In.'t'urtionH  s.iid,  "Should  Ihe  Krcneh  vovcrnmnnt  revr/ke  no  niiieh  of  itK  deerncs  as  violate  our  nciitr.il 
rtiihiK,  or  kIvc  exptaii.ilion!"  and  nKHiriincCh  huvinn  the  like  effi'i  t.  and  eiitltllnir  it.  therefore,  to  a  rninnvfll  of  (he  Em- 
l!,irj{o  as  It  applies'   o  Kr'iiire,  It  will  be  inipoMlblc  to  view  «  (K'r,"Overn"nre  of  Ovcat  Britain  In  her  retaliatory  orders  io  ; 
any  other  light  than  that  of  w:ir,  without  •  vwn  the  pretext  now  assiim.'d  l)y  her." 


tanning's  offeoaiv. 


-'"    "Hill 

I"  the  Eastern  Sta 


©F   THE    WAR   OF    1812. 


IVI 


i.annlng's  offenolve 


Plukney'H  Opinion  of  Ac  Knbargo.     Silence  ofNapulcon.     Oppui<itiuu  to  the  Embargo. 


Idirgo  wiueh  Mr.  Pfaikney  claini*^;'  nor  (Ji«J  his  majesty  feel  inclined  to  recall  his 
orders  wkde  the  pirwlunrntion  of  the  President  concerning  the  interdiction  of  British 
ships  of  war  in  AaLfe-rican  waters  reniaineil  in  full  force.'*  lie  alluded  to  the  timeli- 
neK8  of  the  tanbargo  in  assisting  France  in  her  blockade  of  Europe,  hut  expressed  an 
unwillingness  to  believe  that  the  Anierii-aiiH  intended,  or  co  Ud  have  any  interest  in 
the  Hmifversym  ff  the  British  jiower."^  TIk^  htter  concluded  Avith  a  hope  that  a 
perfect  underMtaft'^Tng  I*  •  ween  the  two  goverrnnents  might  be  maintained.  liut  its 
torn-  was  so  ironic  disingenuous  and  uncandid — so  fidl  of  the  spirit  of  a  selfish 

-!i   i\'j  niri     in  his  -s  with  a  weak  one,  that  it  irritated  tiie  American  minister 

1,,  wliiM.      ;  wa>  .  c'd,  and  the  administratiou  that  made  the  overtui'c,  not  a 

little. 

Mr.  Pinkn».'y  expressed  his  views  strongly  against  a  repeal  of  the  Embargo  Act  in 
I  letter  to  Mr.  Madist)n.     "The  spirit  of  monopoly,"  he  sai<l,  ''iias  seized  the  people 
juii  government  of  this  country.     We  shall  not,  under  any  circumstances,  be  toler- 
-  1  as  rivals  in  navigation  and  trade,  .  .  .  If  we  persevere  we  must  gain  our  pur- 
at  last.     By  comj)lying  with  the  policy  of  the  moment  we  shall  be  lost.     By  a 
and  systematic  adliereiKc  to  principle  we  shall  find  tiie  end  of  our  difficulties. 
Knibargo  and  the  hws  of  our  trade  are  deeply  felt  here,  and  will  be  felt  with 
,■  severity  every  day.     Tlie  wheat  harvest  is  likely  to  be  alarmingly  short,  and  the 
state  of  the  Continent  will  augment  the  evil.     The  discontents  among  their  manufac- 
turers arc  only  qtiieted  for  a  moment  by  temporary  causes.     Cotton  is  rising,  and 
will  soon  be  scarce.     Unfixvorable  events  on  the  Continent  will  subdue  the  temper, 
unfriendly  to  wisdom  and  justice,  which  now  prevails  here.    But,  above  all,  the  Avorld 
will,  I  trust,  be  convinced  that  onr  firmness  is  not  to  be  shaken.     Our  measur:.  have 
not  been  without  effect.     They  have  not  been  decisive,  because  Ave  have  not  been 
tliovight  capable  of  persevering  in  self-denial — if  that  can  be  called  self-denial  which 
is  no  more  than  prudent  abstinence  from  destruction  and  dishonor." 

The  French  P]mperor  inaintauied  an  ominous  silence  on  the  subject.  Ho  made  no 
response  to  Armstrong's  proposition,  and  this  reticence  Avas  quite  as  offensiA'c  as  Can- 
ning's irony.  "We  have  somewhat  overrated  our  means  of  coercion,"  Armstrong 
wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  State.*  "Here  it  is  not  felt;  and  in  England,  .Ancustsi 
amid  the  more  recent  and  intei'csting  events  of  the  day,  it  is  forgotten.     I  **"*• 

hope,  unless  France  shall  do  us  justice,  avo  shall  raise  the  Embargo,  and  make,  in  its 
stead,  the  experiment  of  an  armed  commerce.  Shoiild  she  adiierc  to  her  Avicked  and 
foolish  measures,  there  iit'  ninch  more  besides  that  Ave  can  do;  and  we  ought  not  to 
limit  doing  all  we  can,  because  it  is  believeel  hero  that  Ave  can  not  do  much,  and  even 
that  we  will  not  do  Avhat  little  we  ca".' 

At  home  the  Embargo  Act  met  Avith  the  most  violent  opposition  in  various  forms. 
It  was  tiilked  against  and  acted  agahist,  especially  by  the  leaders  of  the  opposition 
in  the  Eastern  States,     They  excited  a  very  strong  sectional  feeling  by  calling  it 


'  " if  consiriereil  ns  a  measure  of  Impartlnl  hoctlHty  ntrninBt  both  belligerents,"  wrote  Mr.  Canning,  "the  Embargo 
appcnrs  to  htM  mnjci'ty  to  have  been  manlfcKtly  niiJHHt,  us,  iiccorclin','  to  every  |)rinclple  of  justice,  the  redrens  ought  to 
bavc  been  first  sought  from  the  parly  oilginatiug  llic  wrong.  And  ills  majesty  can  not  consent  to  buy  offlhat  hostility, 
«hich  Ameri<:a  ought  nol  lo  have  extended  to  him,  at  the  expense  of  a  coucesglon  made,  not  to  America,  but  to 
Franfc." 

"  Alliiding  to  Ihe  faihiro  of  Rose's  mission  In  regard  to  the  affair  of  the  Cltcmpeake,  Mr,  Canning,  with  singular  nn- 
lainicw,  reinhficod,  speaking  of  tin  President's  proclamation  wlilcli  tliat  iiffalr  drew  forth  comeniing  Hritish  vessels  of 
tar,  "The  continuance  of  an  interdiction  which,  n  .  '."r  such  circumstances,  nmountb  so  nearly  tu  direct  hostility,  after 
llip  willingness  profei-sc',  and  tao  attempt  made  by  his  nia.|e8ty  to  remove  tlie  cause  on  which  that  nionsure  iind  '.)eeu 
orleinally  founded,  would  afford  but  im  inaus|)icious  wm 'ii  (or  the  comni'inteinent  of  a  system  of  mutual  conciliation  ; 
'lid  the  omission  (^f  any  niAice  of  thai  mCMsure  in  che  proposal  which  Mr.  Pinkney  has  been  instructed  to  bring  tor- 
ward,  woidd  have  been  of  itself  a  material  defect  in  the  overture  of  the  President." 

'  "By  some  icifortnn.ite  concurrent  e  of  c inumstunces," said  Mr.  Canning  sarcastically,  "without  any  hostile  inteu- 
'te,  the  American  Smbarfo  ilM  come  in  aid  of  the  '  blockade  of  the  I'"Mroi.ean  Continent'  precisely  at  the  very  moment 
nlien,  if  tlmt  bUickade  could  have  sucecded  at  all,  this  Interposition  of  the  American  government  would  most  effectual- 
l.vhiive  contrlbnte'l  to  lis  sncces-."  * 

These  words  of  v'annln.'  were  caught  up  by  the  opposition  in  America  ns  additional  evidence  that  the  admlnlstrntlop 
«orc  plnying  into  ths  haiu'.i"  of  Napoleon,  and  the  old  cry  of  "  French  parly"  w.ia  vigorously  revived  for  a  while. 


i 


■■ 


n 


,  I 


172 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


!  i^ 


IM^' 


iJlii|iN 


im 


Infractions  of  the  Gmbnrgu. 


Attempts  to  make  it  Odious. 


Dinuuioiiists  in  New  lint,'lnii(l. 


sometimes  a  "Virginia  measure,"  at  otliers  a"Sout1ieni  measure,"  and  at  all  times  a 
"subserviency  to. French  dictation."  Tliey  declared  that  it  was  a  blow  aimed  inten- 
tionally at  the  prosperity  of  New  England,  slie  liaving  greatly  the  preponderance  in 
commercial  and  navigating  interests ;  and  that,  while  the  whole  country  felt  the  in- 
jury  inflicted  by  the  Embargo  Act  more  than  England  or  France,  that  injury  i'ell 
mostly  upon  the  Eastern  States.  This  deceptive  statement, made  chiefly  for  political 
effect,  was  contradicted  by  the  commercial  statistics  of  the  United  States.' 

Infractions  of  the  Embargo  were  open  and  frequent  all  along  the  New  England 
coast,  for  the  magistrates  winked  at  them ;  and  smuggling  became  so  general,  es- 
pecially by  way  of  Lake  Cham])lain,  that  the  first  active  services  of  the  newly-cio- 
ated  army  were  enforcements  of  the  laws  on  the  Northern  frontier,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Wilkinson,  while  gun-boats  were  sent  into  "cveral  of  the  Eastern  ports  for 
the  same  j)urj)ose.  The  leaders  of  the  opposition,  ho])ing  to  break  down  the  Denxi- 
cratic  party,  made  the  Embargo  Law  as  odious  as  jiossible,  cast  obstacles  in  the  way 
of  its  execution,  and  used  every  means  to  induce  England  to  believe  that  it  was  so 
im])opular  that  it  would  be  speedily  re  icaled  in  the  face  of  the  contimmnce  oflicr 
orders  iii  Council.  "They  are  now  playing  a  game,"  the  President  wrote,  "of  tlic 
most  mischievous  tendency,  M'ithout  perhaps  being  themselves  aware  of  it.  They  are 
endeavoring  to  convince  England  tliat  we  sufier  m(>re  from  the  Embargo  than  thcv 
do,  and  if  they  will  but  hold  out  a  while  we  m'>st  .'ilvnulon  it.  It  is  true,  the  time  will 
come  wlien  we  must  abandon  it.  But  if  this  is  before  the  repeal  of  the  orders  in 
Council,  wc  must  abandon  it  only  for  a  state  of  war.  The  day  is  not  distant  when 
that  will  be  preferable  to  a  longer  continuance  of  the  Einbai-go.  But  we  can  .>e\('r 
remove  that,  and  let  our  vessels  go  out  and  be  taken  under  these  orders,  Avithnut 
making  reprisals.  Yet  this  is  the  very  stat>'  of  things  which  these  Federal  monarcii- 
ists  are  endeavorhig  to  bring  about ;  and  in  this  it  is  but  too  possible  they  may  suc- 
ceed. But  the  fact  is,  if  we  have  war  with  England,  it  will  be  solely  produced  by 
these  mana'uvres."2 

An  "Anglican  party,"  a  mere  political  myth  in  former  years,  was  now  a  practiciil 
reality.^ 

Another  form  of  oj)positioii  to  the  Embargo  Avas  a  declaration  of  several  eminent 
lawj'ers  of  Massach\isetts  t/iat  it  was  unconstitutional ;  and  very  soon  the  doctrine  (if 
the  Virginia,  nullifiers,  as  ])ut  forth  in  the  Kentiu'ky  and  Virginia  resolutions  <if  lyn^*. 
so  decidedly  condenmed  by  the  Federalists  as  tending  directly  to  disunion,  was  speed- 
ily proclaimed  by  that  same  party  all  over  New  England  as  being  orthodox.  Wlien 
it  was  know.i  that  the  l)arty  was  defeated,  and  that  ]\Ia<lis(in  v,:is  elected  President, 
the  unpatriotic  cry  of  disunion  was  heard  throughout  New  England,  in  the  decej)ti\e 
accents  of  proclavmitions  that  a  state,  as  such,  has  a  right  to  declare  void  any  act  of 
the  National  Congress  that  might  be  deemed  unconstitutional.  That  doctrine  was 
as  boldly  proclaimed  in  the  Eastern  States  as  it  had  been  in  Virginia  and  the  South 
ten  years  before.*    The  arguments  used  by  tlm  Virginia  nullifiers  and  secessionists  in 

«  According  to  official  tiiblcc,  tiie  vnlne  of  tlie  exports  of  tlie  United  States  from  ITnl  to  1S13  was  $1,343,04;,0U0.  Of 
this  umount  tlic  cxjiorts  of  the  Eastern,  Middle,  and  Soiitliern  States  were  in  value  a«  follows: 

Five  Eastern  States $'2!>ft,l!l2,n(10 

Fi)ur  Middle  States B31,Tii(i,onO 

Six  Southern  States  and  District  of  Columbia 60li,08',i,000 

or  for  the  New  England  States  loss  llian  imo  fnurtli  of  the  whole  amouut. 

»  JeO'erson  to  Dr.  Mel),  of  l'hllndoli)hia,.Iiim-  2!t,  ISdS. 

'  The  following'  clause  in  a  resolution  adojited  at  a  public  meetlus  In  Topsfleld,  Massachusetts,  on  the  l.lth  nf  .Iaii:i. 
ary.  I -.07,  expressed  the  sentiments,  r.ud  illuwirated  the  actlims  of  a  larjre  class  of  Am  'vicaus  at  that  time:  "Thlsnswm. 
blv  cnn  not  refrain  from  exprcssinir  Its  cunviclloM  that  neither  the  himor  nor  the  perninnent  iutcrCHta  of  the  ruiloil 
States  require  that  we  "hould  drive  (4real  Britain,  If  it  were  in  our  power,  to  the  Kurreuder  of  those  claims  jrltrht  (it 
search,  impress,  and  coiiliscatlonl  so  essential  to  her  in  the  miirhty  coulllct  in  which  she  is  at  present  engnccd-a  con- 
f.lct  interesting  t'l  humanity,  to  morals,  to  religion,  and  the  last  strnu'gle  of  liberty." 

*  A  memorial  from  the  town  of  Hath,  in  Maine,  lo  the  Massachusetts  Legislature,  dated  December  27,  ISOS,  contalnoil 
the  following  resolution  :  "That  li  respectful  address  be  forwarded  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  tlds  town  to  the  Lciii- 
lature  of  this  commuuwealtb,  stating  to  them  the  wrongs  and  grievaucoj  we  alreaJy  suffer,  and  the  painful  uiipielii'u 


The  dangerous  Wei 

1 798  agiiinst  t 

the  P^inbai'go 

conflict  of  j)ari 

just  ch.'irity,  d 

at  lieart  than  i 

the  ]ie()]>le,  ven 

acy,  feeling,  as 

.safety  in  tolera 

The  second  f 

bcr,"  and,  at  tin 

oj)ened  their  b; 

motions  for  a  r 

ilebafes  ensued. 

iiig  tlie  measure 

])asscd  by  the  ] 

•/urn,  the  Carol] 

sioii  of  tJie  que). 

commerce  was  t 

conversation. 

Tlie  history  of 

at  that  time,  bea 

lime,  form  a  vcr\ 

•  if'ourliistory.    C 

j)iirely  ])artisan  ct 

.siiocdily  caiiserl  v 

The  policy  of  tl 

enforcing  the  PJni 

such  .opposition  a 

in  State  Legislatu 

union  sentiment.s, 

of  the  longitude  o" 

j)ossil)le,i'fnot  ine 

Congress  were  dis 


fioBs  we  experience  of  sp 
laws;  expressing  to  them 
ihfia  to  take  such  other  ii 
comnierclal  states,  as  thee 
111  Oioucesler,  M,  .snclui 
talk  for  counsel,  protectloi 
Tbc  people  of  Boftou,  In 
Hire  (ifour  state,  to  whom 
:'mt'riinient:  that  yoi.r  po' 
The  opposition  press  mi 
.Veiihiiryport  which  nmtai 
-l/vtcb  forth  his  hand  and 
''f<i.a.,  andofyour  couiitr 
-•■■m  of  your  Independence' 
"«c  know,"  said  the«<„ 
aiKt  restrictions  at  defiance 
"It  Is  better  to  suffer  ih< 
"""""^'"■''''c,  "thanto'osj 
'.'■kept  Wherefore  docs  .:|, 

•I'dnfourfathers,  and  will 
"ThlspcriJelualEmbjiP',, 
kisimtboumil.irnmrriit'  I, 
"•'r-mil  I.,x4  nner  vnttevtak. 
K"l'lc  "light  to  immedia(,.|v 
h'Jit- Is ':.'iH«orcrrij,„  „,„,,■,;, 

"le  above  passages  have  I 
^'Wli'idthepntrlolisni  „| 
»rrnimmsn„ciu,mo„ft..,„H 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


173 


The  iliiiigcrotiB  WeapDiis  of  Party  Strife. 


State  Sovcrelguty  proclaimed  In  New  En),'lau(l. 


An  Enforcing  Act. 


1798  aijiiinst  the  Alien  and  Sedition  laws  svcrc  used  in  New  England  in  1808  against 
tlio  Embargo  laws.  Happily  we  are  far  enough  removed  from  the  din  of  that  old 
conflict  of  i)artie8  to  view  tlie  contest  disjiassionatdy,  and  jierccive  that  we  can,  with 
just  ciiarity,  declare  tliat  these  New  England  leaders  were  no  more  real  disnnionists 
at  heart  than  Avcre  Jeft'erson  and  Madison,  and  that  hoth  parties,  having  confidence  in 
tlu'  ])e()])le,  ventured  to  use  dangerous  weapons  in  their  i)artisan  strife  for  the  sujirem- 
lU'V,  I'eeling,  as  Jeiierson  said  in  his  inaugural  address,  already  cited,  tliat  there  was 
siii'ety  in  tolerating  a  great  error  "  when  reason  is  left  free  to  combat  it." 

Tlie  second  session  of  the  Tenth  Congress  was  coinmenced  on  the  1th  of  Novem- 
ber,-' iuul,  at  the  earliest  jiossible  moment  after  tiie  organization,  the  opi)ositi(m 
opened  their  batteries  upon  the  Embargo  in  various  forms.  In  both  houses 
motions  for  a  rej)eal  or  modification  of  the  act  were  i)resented,  and  long  and  Avarm 
ilcbiites  ensued.  l>ut  in  botii  houses  tlierc  was  a  decided  majority  in  I'avor  of  sustain- 
ing tiic  measure,  and  these  Avere  sujjported  by  resolutions  in  favor  of  the  Embargo 
passed  by  the  Legislatures  of  New  Hampshire,  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Yir- 
cliiiiii,  the  C'aroiinas,  and  Georgia.  Tlie  wiiole  country  was  agitated  by  the  discus- 
sion of  the  question,  aiul  in  private  and  ])ublic  assemblies  the  great  incubus  upon 
commerce  was  the  topic  Avhich  occupied  all  minds,  and  shaped  the  tenor  of  general 
conversation. 

The  history  of  parties,  their  tactics  and  manoeuvres,  their  struggles  and  animosities 
at  that  time,  bearing  as  they  do,  more  or  less  directly,  ui)on  tlie  subject  of  this  vol- 
iniu',  form  a  very  interesting  chapter  in  the  chronicles  of  the  nation  for  the  student 
of  our  history.  Our  plan  and  sjiaee  do  not  admit  of  even  an  outline  narrative  of  those 
purely  ])artisan  conflicts,  and  we  must  jiass  on  to  a  rapid  consideration  of  events  which 
speedily  caused  war  between  the  United  States  and  Great  liritain. 

The  policy  of  the  administration  being  fully  sustained,  more  stringent  measures  for 
enforcing  the  Embargo  Avere  adopted.  The  Enforcing  Act,  as  it  Avas  called,  caused 
such  :>pposition  and  exasperation  in  New  England,  that  action  among  the  p.eoitle  and 
in  State  Legislatures  assumed  the  aspect  of  incipient  rebellion.  Then  it  Avas  that  dis- 
union sentiments, just  alluded  to,  Avere  freely  uttered  in  nearly  all  the  region  eastward 
iif  the  longitude  of  tlie  Hudson  Kiver.  3[any  Avise  men  began  to  regard  civil  war  as 
possible,  if  not  inevitable.  Some  Aveak-kneed  members  of  the  administration  ]iarty  in 
Congress  Avere  disturbed  by  the  muttevings  of  the  thunder  indicating  an  approaching 


fioDswc  experience  ofppeedlly  having  our  calamity  Increased  by  tlie  addition  of  still  more  restrictive  mid  arlillrary 
laws;  cxpresshif;  to  them  our  apjirobatlon  of  the  men'sures  they  have  already  adopted  upon  the  Huliject,  and  renuectluf; 
ihfiu  to  take  piu-h  other  Immediate  cteps  for  relieving  the  people,  either  by  themselves  alone  or  in  concert  with  other 
fommerclal  etatcB,  as  the  cxtraordiimry  circumstances  of  our  situation  require." 

In  Giouce.iler,  M.'  snchusetts,  a  town  mcethi!,'  resolved,  on  the  I'.'th  of  January,  ISOO,  "  that  to  our  state  gotxrmnent  we 
IcKik  for  c<iuiiBel,  protection,  and  relief  at  this  awful  period  of  jreueral  calamity." 

The  people  of  Boflou,  in  a  memorial  dated  ,Iaiiaary  'iH,  isnii,  said :  "  Our  hope  and  consolation  rest  with  the  Lcplsla- 
liirc  of  our  state,  to  whom  It  i.*  competent  to  devise  means  of  relief  at;aiust  tlie  uiicoiistitutional  measures  of  the  (leueral 
i-overnnient;  that  yoi.r  power  is  adequate  to  this  object  Is  evident  from  the  orgnnization  of  the  (-anfedoracy." 

The  opposition  press  uttered  many  violent  and  inflamnuitory  apiieals  to  the  people.  A  haud-liill  was  circulated  in 
N'owlinryport  which  contained  the  'oUowlnn  sentences ;  "  Let  every  man  who  holds  the  name  of  America  dear  to  him 
ftretch  forth  his  hand  and  put  this  accnrsed  lliinj;,  the  Emiiaiioo,  from  him.  He  resolute  ;  act  lilie  the  sons  of  liberty, 
iitOoi),  and  of  your  country ;  nerve  y.iur  arms  with  vk.nokanci:  ai;alni<t  the  iiKsi'oT  who  would  wrest  the  ineetiniable 
.Tin  of  your  independence  fl-inn  you,  and  you  shall  be  emuiverorit !" 

•We  know,"  said  the  HoHtun  Uiixrtutii,  "  if  the  Emliarero  lie  not  removed,  our  citizenB  will  ere  long  set  ItB  penalties 
;iiil  rc^lrictlons  at  detlance.    It  beh  loves  us  to  uprak,  for  ntrike  we  mnst  if  speaklnp  docs  not  answer." 

"It  is  better  to  suffer  the  amputation  of  a  liir.b  Imeanin;,'  the  severance  of  New  England  from  the  tinion'],  said  the 
Rrtfuii  Gnzetti;  "  than  to  lose  tlm  whole  body.  AA'e  must  prepare  for  the  operation.  AVlierefore,  then,  is  New  England 
i>lfepf  Wherefore  does  jihe  niihnit  to  'he  nitineiuriiin  nfoxemien  in  the  Smith  t  Have  wo  no  Moses  who  l8  Inspired  by  the 
liiKlnfour  fathers,  and  will  Imil  i(«  nut  »f  Kpnjitt" 

"This  periietual  KmharKO,"  said  Kussi  II,  in  the  nonton  CctUineU  "  bciu);  nneonstltullonal,  every  man  will  perceive  that 
hi  u  imt  Imund  tn  rrtmrri  it,  but  may  nend  kin  priilvce  irr  merrhandixe  to  afiircvjn  inarkei  in  the  navie  manner  an  i/  the  fwr- 
mmmtt  had  never  vnderlah'n  to  jyynhihil  it.  If  the  pe'ltions  do  not  produce  n  relaxation  >  ir  removal  of  the  Embarijo,  the 
liodlilc  mii?ht  to  immediately  r.ssume  a  higher  tone.  The  government  of  Massachusetts  has  also  a  dnty  to  perform.  The 
'l»l«  Is  '■'.ill  mrereiijn  ami  indcitemlent." 

The  above  pasBiiges  have  been  cited  to  give  nn  Idea  of  the  state  of  public  feeling  nnder  the  iiressnre  of  the  Embargo. 
Never  had  the  pntrlollsm  of  the  jieoplo  greater  temptations  than  at  the  gloomy  per'  .i;  ,  f  utter  •Dmiucrdal  staguatioD 
[  otralnous  lluciuallon  h'om  ISOS  to  ISlli,  iuclusive  of  those  years. 


\rM 


PICTOlilAL   IIELD-BOOK 


I  ■!  II 


■ed  Alteraathre. 


Qnincy  luhea  the  War  Party. 


Effects  of  hU  Denunciations. 


t<  ^  aai^fcrtftfi  purpose  of  pacifying  the  discontented  people,  the  majority  passed 

Mtaet*  ii^)pointing  the  hist  Monday  in  May  following  as  the  tune  for  the 
^^''-         MdHiAfia^  of  the  new  Congress,  when  a  repeal  of  the  Embargo  woald 
oe<>!)|iy,  and  w  alti-mative  nf  war  with  (Ireat  Britain  be  accejjted. 

This  postponement  of  the  repeal  and 


the  expressed  intention  of  going  to  war 
called  forth  from  Quincy,^  the  Federal 
leader  in  the  lower  House,  a  most  witii- 
ering,  denunciatory  speech  —  a  speech 
that  stung  the  dominant  party  to  tlie 
quick,  and  rankled  like  a  thorn  for  a 
long  time.  lie  treated  their  assertion 
that  Avar  would  be  the  alternative  (if  re- 
peal witli  the  most  bitter  scorn.  He  liad 
heard  enough  of  that  "  etenial  clamor," 
he  said,  and,  if  he  could  help  it,  tlie  old 
women  of  the  country  shoiild  no  longer 
be  frightened  by  the  unsubstantial  bui;- 
bear.  He  taunted  them  with  cowardiec . 
and  declared  his  conviction  that  no  in- 
sult, however  gross,  that  might  be  offer- 
ed by  France  or  Great  J}ritain,  could 
force  the  majority  into  a  declarati'Pii  of 
war.    '  To  use  a  coarse  but  'common  ex 


prcssion,"  hi'  said,  "they  could  not  be 


i/'      r  <  ^-TL   c^e^-C^*^      j^.^j^^^i  .^^^^^  ^  ^^,^^^„     jj^    ficeljircd  that 

— ^  (ill  ihe  o(Hc(MH  for  the  iicw  nrmy  were 
imrtisans  of  the  administration.  "II  llic  llililinmi  IkhI  been,"  he  said,  "  to  Kfiili  (In 
nation  as  one  man  against  a  foreign  enemy,  is  nol  IIiIk  (he  IiihI  jioliey  wliich  any  ad 
ministration  ought  ever  to  have  adopted?  Is  not  a  party  army  (he  iiiuhI  dreadful 
and  detestable  of  all  engines,  the  most  likely  to  awaken  suspicions  and  to  inspire  div 
content?"  lie  then  sneered  at  the  idea  of  going  to  war  with  Kngland — the  great 
maritime  power  of  the  world — with  "but  one  frigate  and  five  sloops  in  commission," 
while  the  administration  had  not  "  resolution  enough  to  meet  the  expenses  of  the 
paltry  littla  navy  rotting  in  the  Potomac  !" 

Quincy's  lash  stirred  u]>  a  strong  Avar  feeling  throughout  the  Democralic  jiarty, 
and  stimulated  the  administration  to  more  vigorous  efforts  for  increasing  the  army 
and  navy.     The  Southern  members,  Avith  Williams,  of  South  Carolina,  at  their  head, 


1  .losinh  Qnincy  was  born  In  Boston,  Massnolineetts,  on  tlie  4th  ofFebmnry,  1772.  He  was  eilncated  at  Harvard  Uni 
versify,  in  Cambridge,  wljerc  ho  was  sraduated  in  171)0.  He  entered  upon  the  pracMce  of  the  law  ';i  Boston.  In  InW  he 
was  oicctcd  to  a  teat  in  the  National  Congrps?,  and  held  that  position  eight  sncco^<sivp  years.  In  1SI3  he  declined  a  re- 
election. He  was  chosen  a  senator  from  Suffolk,  and  was  a  representative  in  the.\ippc'r  Honse  of  the  Lei;lslature  ot 
MassaclinseUs  for  fonr  succesalvo  years.  He  was  speaker  of  the  lower  House  in  IS2n,  and  the  following  year  was  a|i- 
pointed  judge  of  tiio  Municipal  I'ourt  of  Jloston.  In  1S2.1  he  was  chosen  mayor  of  tl;at  city,  and  held  the  offlco  .six  (-(in- 
sccutive  years,  when  he  declined  a  re-election.  He  was  chosen  President  of  Harvard  I'ni\erplty  In  1?I2!»,  and  held  that 
honorable  position  until  his  resignation  in  1845,  fror  which  time  he  enjoyed  leisure  in  private  life,  but  always  actlvel.v 
alive  lo  events  around. 

Mr.  (Juir.cy  was  an  author  of  reputation,  his  most  considerable  works  being  A  Ulntnrii  nfllarrnrd  V^nivnmtii,  in  twn 
voiunw^,  with  illustrations  by  his  daughter;  Memoir  of  his  father  (.losiah  Quhicy)  and  others;  A  Memorial  llulortj  ni 
nimlun,  etc.  Mr.  Qnincy  lived  until  Ihe  -.'d  day  of  .Inly,  lH(i4,  when  ho  died  at  his  country  seat  in  Qnincy,  Massai  hancttf. 
in  the  ninetj -third  year  of  his  age.  He  and  the  late  Lord  T,>nidhurgt  {son  of  Copley,  the  painter)  were  born  ii.  llu.'toii 
on  the  same  night,  and  the  same  physician  attended  both  mothers. 

Tiie  writ"r  visited  him  when  he  w.is  In  hi.'!  ninetieth  year,  and  had  the  pleasure  and  prortt  of  his  conver.  :ition  con- 
cerning past  days;  and  when  he  spoke  of  having  a  distinct  recollection  oi  being  carried  out  of  Boston  by  way  oftho 
British  fortifications  on  the  Neck  In  1V76,  anil  undergoing  a  iinriflcatirm  by  sulphur  vapor  on  account  of  sniall-pos  in 
the  elty,  I  seemed  lo  be  talking  with  a  patriarch  Indeed — n  man  wh((se  metiK  rw  embraced  the  stirring  events  of  nnich 
of  the  two  centuries.  He  W!i8  boni  at  the  i>iiening  nf  the  jnst  rebellion  of  a  ■_"  ?"t  people  against  real  tyranny,  andllveil 
to  speak  patriotic  words  in  condemn;'.tion  of  a  most  nnrighteoi^s  rebellion  of  few  demagogues  agaiugt,  a»  one  of  their 
nu;ul)cr  had  but  recently  said,  "  lue  mosi;  boueflceut  governme     on  the  face  oi  ilio  earth." 


Cotton  supposed  to  I 

vehemently  opj 

the  shallowness 

biitthatof  eo«( 

neutral  inercliai 

of  Ills  ire  and  as 

zlcd  by  the  inci 

the  King  of  Cor 

or  courtiers.    "' 

any  tAvo  others, 

e.\portation  alto 

ions,  and  noAvhoi 

sijin])tion  of  the 

of  Avar!    All  the 

of  ships,  Avant  of 

from  standing  ai 

teraptible  coAvard 

Yet,  AvJien  Jose 

flip,  a  Aviser  fore^ 

-ailing  fi'igates  foi 

ind  the  support  o 

»as  to  be  found  f 

and  Williams  decl 

ti)r  abandoning  th 

"ittoii-groAvers,  he 

U'hile  urging  the 

forcing  a  ivider  ni 

HISS  about  the  sel/ 

niitruthful  and  uiin 

''.V  iin'     ipulous  (i( 

"'iiiit        .nd  cspeci 

The  outride  pros 

''•0  great  for  resist; 

"iinter    liling  nica 

i"  iitrals,  a  IVon-inte 

opened  to  all  the  av, 

of  war  Avere  equally 

lienounced  by  tJie  oj 

It  Avas  declared  to  h 

liates— an  attempt  i 

for  the  benefit  ofK- 

lliis  Gallic  mask  of  dt 

ivo.and  the  country 

'""tinued.     The  win 

licoanse  its  imaginati 

belief  soon  came 

the  administration, ', 

I  tt'iidcd  j)ui-j)oses,  had 

!  i^ter  resident  at  WasI 

mmii>iits,  an<l  Mr.  M-i 

liyMr..Teff(.rson,Avith 
I  would  be  signalized  L 

■  I 


I' 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


116 


Collon  supposed  to  be  King  of  Commerce. 


Non-intercourse  Act. 


Signs  of  Kuconciliation. 


vehemently  opposed  every  cxpenditimi  for  the  navy.  That  violent  scctionalist,  with 
the  shallowne.ss  and  selfishness  ofhis  class,  could  perceive  no  other  American  interest 
but  that  of  cotton  worth  fighting  for  or  preserving.  Tlic  "  transit  duty"  imposed  upon 
neutral  merchandise  by  a  late  action  of  the  British  goveriunent  was  the  chief  object 
ofhis  ire  and  assault,  and  because  of  that  naeasure  he  was  eager  to  go  to  war.  Daz- 
zled by  the  increase  of  the  cotton  trade,  lie  believed  that  product  of  Carolina  to  be 
the  King  of  Commerce,  around  Avliich  all  other  interests  sliould  revolve  as  satellites 
or  courtiers.  "  The  great  staple,"  he  said,  "  of  the  country — cotton — worth  more  than 
;uiy  two  others,  is  coerced  into  Great  Britain,  and  is  aiisolutely  prohibited  from  re- 
importation altogether.  .  .  .  You  are  to  raise  cotton  to  carry  to  the  British  domin- 
ions, and  nowhere  else !  What  does  this  amount  to  ?  Any  thing  short  of  the  as- 
sumption of  the  sovereignty  of  the  soil  ?  And  yet  gentlemen  can  not  see  any  cause 
of  war!  All  the  objections  made  to  war  with  Great  Britain — want  of  revenue,  want 
of  ships,  want  of  objects  of  attack,  destruction  of  commerce,  danger  to  our  liberties 
tiom  standing  armies — are  nothing  but  disguises  for  want  of  patriotism,  and  con- 
tiuiptible  cowardice." 

Yet,  when  Joseph  Story,  the  afterward  eminent  jurist,  with  a  broader  statesman- 
lii|i,  a  wiser  forecast,  and  a  true  national  ])atriotisni,  suggested  a  fleet  of  fifty  fast- 
-iiiling  frigates  for  the  protection  of  all  the  industrial  interests  of  the  United  States, 
iMil  tlie  support  of  the  dignity  and  independence  of  the  government,  scarcely  a  man 
uas  to  be  found  from  the  region  southward  of  the  Delaware  to  second  his  views; 
;nul  Williams  declared  that  if  the  rights  of  America  were  only  so  to  be  saved,  he  was 
for  abandoning  them  at  once.  "Impatient  as  ho  was  to  fight  for  the  rights  of  the 
nittoii-growers,  he  had  not  the  least  idea  of  going  to  war  for  the  rights  of  ship-owners. 
While  urging  the  navigating  interest  to  submit  (piictly  to  destruction,  in  hopes  of 
forcing  a  "Avider  market  for  cotton,  he  declaimed  with  the  most  perfect  unoonscious- 
iiiss  about  the  self-sacrijice  of  the  iSoicth  and  the  selfishness  of  the  JVorthP^ — a  most 
untruthful  and  ungenerous  assertion,  which  has  been  constantly  repeated  ever  since 
liv  un  ipulous  demagogues  for  selfish  purposes,  to  the  material  hijury  of  the  wliole 
count        .nd  especially  of  the  slave-labor  states. 

The  outside  pressure  upon  the  administration  against  the  Embargo  Act  became 
too  great  for  resistance,  and  on  the  1st  of  jVIareh,  1800,  it  was  repealed.  As  a  pacific 
counter  liling  measure,  to  induce  the  European  belligerents  to  respect  the  riglits  of 
neutrals,  a  N<m-intercourse  Act  w:is  passed,  by  whir-h  the  commerce  of  Americji  M'as 
opened  to  all  the  world  except  to  Pwiigland  and  P^-ance,  and  British  and  French  ships 
(if  war  were  equally  excluded  prospectively  from  American  ports.  This  measure  was 
ilonounced  by  the  opposition  with  more  bitt  noss,  if  possible,  than  the  Embargo  Act. 
It  was  declared  to  be  ai'tual  war  in  disguise — a  cowardly  obedience  to  French  man- 
ilatcs — an  attempt  to  produce  hostilities  with  Great  Britain  at  the  instigation  and 
for  the  benefit  of  Napoleon.  Strange  as  it  may  appear  to  us,  this  foolish  bugbear — 
tills  Gallic  mask  of  demagogues  for  disturbing  the  nerves  of  the  timid — was  still  eftect- 
ivp,  and  the  country  was  so  agitated  by  the  alarmists  that  the  j,aralysis  of  industry 
continued.  The  wings  of  partially-released  commerce  fluttered  timidly  in  liarbors, 
l)cOiiusc  its  imagination  pictured  whole  bevies  of  war-hawks  abroad. 

Helief  soon  came,  and  the  doves  of  peace  whitened  the  horizon.  For  some  time 
the  administration,  persuaded  of  the  incompetence  of  the  Embargo  to  effect  its  in- 
lAuded  purposes,  had  been  unofticiaiiy  negotiating  witli  IVIr.  Erskine,  the  British  min- 
ister resident  at  Washington,  for  a  settlement  of  the  disputes  between  the  two  gov- 
craments,  and  Mr.  Mndison  took  tlie  Presidential  chair  on  the  4th  of  Marcli,  vacated 
liyMr.  Jefferson,  with  a  sanguine  expectation  that  the  beginning  ofhis  administration 
would  be  signalized  by  some  promise  of  peace  and  prosperity  for  his  country.^ 


>  UIldreth'B  Uuilory  of  the  r:iii.xl  ShUa,  Sucond  Seiiee,  ill.,  136. 


iSfSSBSi- 


ssmtBs^s 


! 

)     i- 


J 
II 


ill 


176 


PICTORIAL    FJELD-BOOK 


Mr.  Erskine'a  Proposition. 


A  Juat  Arrnngemeiit. 


General  Satisfaction, 


Disappearance  of  Party  Strife, 


<5^^*--«» 


^^  (U^  ^^^  4^*%^ 


•1809. 


Mr.  Erskinc  had  made  hucIi  reprofiontatioiis 
to  liis  govonimont  that  Mr.  Canning  instniot- 
cd  liiiii  to  otter  to  |»roi)ose  to  tlie  Anicricinis 
a  reciprocal  /epeal  of  all  the  proliibitorv 
laws  upon  certain  conditions.  But  tliosf 
conditions  Avere  so  partial  to  England — re- 
quiring the  Americans  to  submit  to  the  Av- 
tested  "rule  of  1750,"  and  to  allow  IJritisli 
cruisers  to  capture  all  American  vessels  at- 
tempting to  trade  with  Fraiicc — that  tlioy 
were  rejected.  But  an  arrangement  was 
:il)eedily  made,  hy  which,  upon  the  orders  in 
Council  being  recalled,  the  I'resident  shoiiM 
issue  a  proclamation  declaring  a  restoration 
of  commercial  intercourse  with  Great  Ihit- 
ain,  but  leaving  all  restrictive  laws  ayaiiM 
France  in  full  force.  Mr.  Erskinc  ottered. 
in  addition,  reparation  for  the  insult  and  in- 
jury in  the  case  of  the  Chesajteake,  and  alsn 
assured  the  American  government  that  Great 
Britain  would  immediately  send  over  an  en- 
voy extraordinary  "  invested  with  full  jiow- 
ers  to  conclude  a  treaty  on  all  points  of  the  relations  between  the  two  governments," 
This  arrangement  Svas  completed  on  the  18th  of  Apr i'.''  On  the  followiiK.' 
day  the  Secretary  of  State  received  a  note  from  Mr.  Erskinc,  saying,  "I  am 
authorized  to  declare  ^'  .it  ins  nuijesty's  orders  in  Council  of  January  and  NovendxT. 
1807,  Avill  have  been  withdrawn,  as  respects  the  United  States,  on  the  tenth  day  ^l' 
June  next."  On  the  same  day  President  Madison  (only  forty-four  days  after  his  in- 
auguration) issued  a  proclamation''  declaring  that  trade  Avith  Great  Britain 
might  be  renewed  after  the  tenth  day  of  the  following  June.' 
This  proclamation  was  hailed  »vith  the  greatest  joy  throughout  the  United  States 
as  an  omen  of  brighter  days.  The  voice  of  partisan  strife  was  hushed,  and  President 
Madison  was  lauded  as  the  representative  of  the  whole  American  jjcople,  and  not  dt 
a  i)arty  only.  He  was  toasted  and  ])raised  by  the  Federalists,  invited  to  their  feasts. 
and  hailed  as  a  Washingtonian  worthy  of  all  confidence.  The  foolish  idea  of"  Freiitli 
influence"  was  dispelled,  and  every  body  indulged  in  millennial  anticipations,  En- 
gland was  lauded  for  her  generosity  and  magnanimity,  and  in  the  House  of  Bejin- 
sentatives  John  Randolph  offered  the  following  resolution  on  the  2d  of  May :  "/iV 
so^yerf.  That  the  promptitude  and  frankness  with  which  the  President  of  the  United 
States  has  met  the  overtures  of  the  rjovernment  of  (Tivat  IJritain  toward  a  restoration 
of  harmony  and  freer  commercial  intercourse  between  the  two  nations  meet  the  ap- 
probation of  this  House."  The  warmest  Federalists  su|)ported  the  resolution,  and  a 
contemporary  says  that  the  praise  of  the  President  by  his  former  political  enemies 
was  so  universal  that  "the  Democrats  grew  jealous.  They  were  afraid  of  losing  the 
attachment  of  the  President,  whose  election  they  had  made  such  exertions  to  sccmT." 
The  joy  of  the  Americans  was  brief.  On  the  ;}lst  of  July  Mr.  Erskine  coininmii- 
cated  to  the  President  the  mortifying  fact  that  his  government  had  refused  to  affirm 
his  arrangement.    This  refusal  was  made  ostensibly  because  the  minister  had  exceed- 

'  After  the  nsnal  prcninblo  citing  the  action  lictween  the  frovernmont  and  "the  Ilonorahle  David  Montniric  Erfkine. 
his  majcsty'B  envoy  extraordinary,"  he  said,  "Now,  t'lercforc,  I,  Inmes  Miulison,  President  of  the  United  Stntc.«.  do 
hereby  proclaim,  that  the  orders  In  Council  afor  'said  will  li.ivc  I)een  withdrawn  on  the  eald  tenth  day  of  Jinic  iicsi; 
nfier  ivlilch  day  the  trade  of  the  I'nl'ed  States  with  Great  Britain,  as  cnspciidcd  liy  the  act  of  Congress  aiiovo  nicntioDcJ. 
an  net  laying  an  embargo  on  all  ships  n.id  vc.'sels  In  the  purts  and  liartxirs  of  the  United  States,  and  the  several  acts  j 
Biipplemciitary  thereto,  maybe  renewed." 


"  April  19. 


Krekluc's  Arraogemer 

ed  ills  instructit 

cliiirged  that  th 

jieHectly  just  t( 

.States.     To  Ani^ 

mciit  for  tlie  oiii 

ilir  advantages 

Kiurse  ()etw(!en  1 

•lie  disavowal  of 

'le  llritish  gove 

ne  of  the  letters 

;iitIi,  who  liad  ah 

ilioreoent  violent 

hiiibai'go  Act  dec 

immont  M'ould  bi 

England's  restrict 

true  rwison  for  tl 

would  interfere  in 

netioiial  antagoni.s 

Two  yeai-s  later  it 

iredited  agent  in  : 

|iosiii<r  the  oppositi 

liceii  the  true  i-easo 

t'd  the  ollve-braii?Ii 

31r.  Erskine  was  ret 

'l:ited  Oth  of  Angus 

ill  regard  to  Great 

I  from  caj.tiiro  such  1 

I  the  Pi-esident's  proc 

The  blessings  of  t 

tlie  blossoms  of  May 

■iii'l  at  tJie  season  of 

tliat  Madison  and  h; 

"liiiie;  that  they  knc 

j  iw  expectation  oftlu 

Itliat  the  whole  aftaii- 

^.tntinued  restriction 

iiritish  niini.stry.     Tj, 

I-'raiicis  James  Jacl 

'>!iwve(le(]  m.  ErskiiK 

illuityiu  the  unwarra 

N'Deninark  in  early  St 

SocrelnrynobertSiimMir 
Ifeitait  10  state  that,  while  h 
I  «l.le  of  the  Justice  muluM 
^efrom  his  nrliannlc  majesty 
i;:"""f'»"''°f'l'ismatt, 
J  M.  Erskine  was  the  eldest  s 
l-«:'lilorof(!oneral.IohnCadH 
|'«.™ert  Thomas  Americs  a 
|«l »?»!».    This  win,  died   „ 

^™«  Cnlrterwood  Durham 
filler's  titles  in  1S2.T     n„  '  ., 
l-aslicBcrvice.    He  w„«  bhh 

kZi'T™''"'-' ""■'"'''■- 

III"!  British  govomment  stro 
Knf '""."">•'"■"'«  con,,,, 
rf,  *"■.«  "••"•"f-re  sent  a  f„ 
Mate  with  the  Danish  gover 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812 


17: 


ErFklnt'''*  Arrangemeiitii  repudiated  by  his  Oovcrnment.         The  Buppoaed  Reasons.         Party  Rancor  a^ain  revived. 

,.,1  IiiH  instructions,  and  was  not  authorized  to  make  any  such  arrangement.  It  was 
(liinLtctl  tliiit  this  was  not  the  true  reason,  because  the  arrangement  as  made  was 
ncitictly  just  to  Loth  i)arties,  and  more  I'lvonihle  to  P^ngland  than  to  the  United 
>t;ittH.  To  America  it  ofl'ered  simj)ly  a  rejieal  of  tlie  orders  in  Council  and  atonc- 
nit'iit  for  tlic  outrage  on  the  Chesapeake ;  to  England  it  ottered  a  restoration  of  all 
ill,   advantages  of  a  vast  and  valuable  commerce,  and  a  continuance  of  non-inter- 

iiiiso  hetween  the  United  States  and  France.  The  most  plausible  conjectures  for 
luMlisavowal  of  an  arrangement  so  desirable  were,  iirst,  that  the  inijdied  censure  of 

0  IJritish  government  respecting  the  conduct  of  vVdmiral  IJerkeley,  contained  in 
n'  of  the  letters  of  the  Secretary  of  State  to  Jlr.  Erskine,'  so  irritated  the  old  mon- 
;ireli,  who  had  always  hated  the  Americans,  that  he  refused  his  assent;  secondly,  that 
iho  recent  violent  ])roceedings  in  New  England  in  relation  to  the  enforcement  of  the 
Ijiibargo  Act  deceived  the  British  ministry  into  the  belief  that  the  American  gov- 
tnmu'nt  woidd  be  compelled  by  popular  clamor  to  repeal  the  Embargo,  and  leave 
Knglaiurs  restrictive  policy  unimpaired.  To  the  coinpiehension  of  the  writer,  the 
line  reason  for  the  rtyection  may  be  found  in  the  fact  that  such  an  arrangenu'iit 
woiilil  interfere  hi  a  deep-laid  scheme  to  break  uj)  the  American  Union,  by  fomenting 
H'l'tional  antagonisms  based  chiefly  ujjou  the  clashing  of  apparently  diverse  interests. 
Two  years  later  it  was  discovered  that  the  British  autliorities  in  Canada  had  an  ac- 
iivdited  agent  in  Boston  for  that  ]»ur])ose,  the  Jiritish  government  ignorantly  sup- 
liosinjj;  the  opposition  of  the  Federalists  to  be  real  disloyalty.''^  Whatever  may  have 
lirtii  the  true  reason  for  the  rejection,  the  historical  fact  renuiins  that  England  s])iirn- 
t.ltlio  olive-branch  so  confidingly  offered.  The  orders  in  Council  stood  uni'cpealed, 
Mr.  Erskine  was  recalled,^  and  a  proclamation  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
ibitc'J  !)th  of  August,  1809,  dechired  the  Non-intercourse  Act  to  be  again  in  full  force 
ill  regard  to  Great  Britain.  The  British  government  also  issued  orders  to  ])rotect 
I'niiii  cajiture  such  American  vessels  as  had  left  the  United  States  in  consequence  of 
the  President's  proclamation  of  April  preceding. 

The  blessings  of  the  opj)osition,  so  freely  showered  upon  the  administration  when 
the  blossoms  of  May  and  the  leaves  of  June  were  unfolding,  returned  to  their  bosoms, 
and  at  the  season  of  the  liarvest-moon  curses  flowed  out  as  freely.  It  was  charged 
I  that  Madison  and  his  Cabinet  were  acquainted  Avith  Caiming's  instructions  to  Er- 
skine ;  that  they  knew  the  latter  liad  exceeded  his  instructions,  and  that  there  was 
I  III)  expectation  of  the  arrangement  being  continued  by  the  British  govermnent ;  and 
iliiit  the  whole  affair  was  a  pitiful  trick  of  the  administration  to  cast  the  odium  of 

intinued  restrictions  upon  commerce  from  their  own  shoulders  upon  that  of  the 
I  jiritish  ministry.     The  partisan  Avar  was  soon  revived  in  all  its  rancor. 

Francis  James  Jackson,  Avho  had  been  the  British  minister  at  Copenhagen  in  1807, 
jiiaveded  Mr.  Erskine.     lie  was  an  unscrupulous  diplomat,  and,  because  of  his  com- 

licity  in  the  unAvarrantable  attack  by  British  land  and  naval  forces  upon  the  capital 
liifDeiiinark  in  early  September,  1807,  he  was  knoAvn  as  "  Copenhagen  Jackson."*    The 

■  !i«crctnry  Robert  Smith,  In  n  letter  to  Mr.  Erpklnc  on  the  17th  of  April,  sold,  "  I  have  it  in  express  charge  from  the 
Ihesideiit  to  state  that,  while  he  forbears  to  Insist  on  a  farther  punishment  of  the  offending  ofllcer,  he  Is  not  the  less 
Ikh'IIiIc  of  the  Justice  and  utility  of  such  an  example,  nor  the  less  persuaded  that  It  would  best  comport  with  wliat  Is 
J(i(rrom  his  Britannic  majesty  to  his  own  honor." 
•  For  an  account  of  this  matter,  see  Chapter  XI.  of  this  work. 

'  Mr.  Erskine  was  the  oldest  son  of  the  cel(0)rated  Enplish  orator  and  lord  chancellor.    In  the  year  isoo  he  married  the 

|f!ii;hlcr  nf  (icncral  .lohn  Cadwalader,  of  I'hiladelphia,  with  whom  he  lived  until  ISM,  when  she  died.    Ills  eldest  son 

ll- named  Thomas  Amerlcus,  and  Is  still  living',  I  believe,  the  successor  to  his  father's  title.    In  1S4S  Lord  Erskine  mar- 

|trf  a<!»iii.    This  wife  died  in  April,  ISM,  and  he  ai;aln  married  In  December,  1S52.    Ills  last  wife  was  the  widow  of 

bmns  Calderwood  Durham,  Esq.,  of  Larsro  and  Palton.    lie  had  children  only  by  his  first  wife.    He  succeeded  to 

kiifalher's  titles  in  lS2n.    He  war.  educated  for  the  law  at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  but  was  much  of  his  life  in  dip- 

liiulic  pcrvlce.    He  was  nrillsh  envoy  at  AVashlnsiton  fi'om  I'^nti  to  I'^io,  and  afterward  represented  his  country  at  the 

rjri'of  WurtemlierK  and  Ilavarla.    In  ISi,"!  he  retired  from  public  life,  and  died  on  the  liUh  of  March,  l'^^5. 

I  'Tlio  British  povoniment  strongly  suspected  that  Di^imark  would  acquiesce  In  the  dictates  of  the  French  emperor, 

dtiecome  the  ally  of  the  conqueror.    If  so,  the  Danish  fleet  would  fall  into  his  hands,  and  Knfrland's  life  mlfrlit  be  im- 

Tiled.   She  therefore  sent  a  formidable  armament  to  the  Italtic,  accompanied  by  Jackson  as  envoy  extraordinary,  to 

k'  illntc  with  the  Danish  government,  the  basis  of  which  was  au  English  protectorate  of  Danish  neutrality,  on  condi- 

M 


^^^■■■gp 


!  illi 


r' 


I;' 


^li 


178 


nCTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


» March. 


"  Copenhagen  Jackson"  and  hlH  Minconduct.     Proposed  Uevucatlon  of  the  French  Uocrees.    Napoleon  on  ArnmlrDnL', 

infUiny  of'tliiit  afl'air  made  every  person  connected  witli  it  odious  to  the  people  ot'tlic 
United  States.  It  was  a  foul  Mot  upon  the  boasted  civilization  and  Christianity  of 
Great  Britain;  and  the  sendinf;;  of  Jackson,  who  had  been  a  cons|)i(uions  actor  in  tlif 
tragedy,  as  minister  to  Washington  wiiile  causes  foi-  serious  irritation  between  tlic 
two  governments  existed,  was  regarded  as  a  meditated  insult  by  the  extreme  mem- 
bers of  die  dominant  party. 

Jackson  was  received  with  cool  courtesy,  but  his  deportment  soon  excited  tlu 
thorough  dislike  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  lie  was  insolent,  irritable 
and  quarrelsome.  He  had  an  unbounded  admiration  of  the  greatness  of  the  |ic(i|i|(. 
he  represented,  and  a  corresponding  contempt  ibr  the  people  he  had  been  scut  in. 
He  regarded  the  Americans  as  an  inferior  people,  and  treated  the  officers  of  goviin. 
ment  with  the  hmitenr  which  he  had  practiced  toward  weak  and  bleeding  Dcinnaik 
when  he  negotiated  with  her  at  the  moutiis  of  British  cannon.  His  manners  wiii;  su 
offensive  that,  after  the  second  verbal  conference  with  him.  Secretary  Smith  rcfuKwl 
any  farther  correspondence  except  in  Avriting.  The  insolent  diplonuit  was  otHiKkd^ 
and  wrote  an  impudent  letter  to  the  secretary.  He  was  soon  informed  that  no  far- 
ther connnunications  Avould  be  received  from  him.  Disappointed  and  angry,  he  left 
Washington,  with  every  meudjer  of  his  diplomatic  family,  and  retired  to  New  York.' 
Tlie  American  goveruuu'ut  recpii  i  d  his  ricall,  and  early  in  1810  he  was  sunuiKnieil 
back  to  England.  But  his  govern,  iient  manifested  the  greatest  indifference  as  to  its 
relations  with  the  United  States.  Tha  rcr nest  for  liis  recall  Avas  received  with  tin 
most  perfect  coolness,  and  no  other  minister  was  sent  to  Washington  until  early  in 
1811.  » 

In  the  early  part  of  181 0,"  the  President  received  intimatimis  from  abroail 
that  a  way  was  j)r()bal)ly  opened  for  a  repeal  of  the  restrictive  orders  ainl 
decrees.  IM.  de  Chamj)agny  (Duke  de  Cadore),  the  French  jVIinister  of  Foreijfii  Al- 
tiiirs,  in  a  letter  to  jMinister  Armstrong,  said  that  if  Englaiul  would  revoke  her  block- 
ade against  France,  the  latter  would  revoke  her  Berlin  Decree.^  Minister  Pinknev, 
.still  in  London,  on  receiving  this  information,  approached  the  British  piiuistryon  tin 
subject,  and  he  expressed  to  his  own  gm-ernment  his  hope  that  the  restrictive  wwx- 
ures  of  the  belligerents  would  be  speedily  removed.^  To  aid  hi  negotiations  to  that 
effect,  Congress,  nn  the  1st  of  May,  1810,  repealed  the  Non-intercourse  and  Non-im- 
portation laws,  and  substituted  an  act  excluding  both  Britisli  and  French  armed  ves- 
sels from  the  waters  of  the  United  States.  It  farther  provided  that,  in  case  eitlior 
Great  Britain  or  France  should  so  revoke  or  modify  its  acts  before  the  3d  of  March, 

tion  that  its  fleet  shonld  be  deposited  in  British  ports  nutll  tlie  termination  of  the  wnr  with  France.  The  naiiisli  i:ov- 
ernnient  rejected  this  de^radlnK  proposal,  and  claimed  the  rights  of  a  neutral,  independent  nation,  whereupon  the  lirii-  | 
ish  armament  of  twenty-seven  sail  of  the  line,  and  twenty  thousanc!  In  nd  troops,  under  the  respective  commniids  of  M- 
miral  Gambler  and  Lord  Cathcart,  attacked  Copenhagen.  The  spU-iiJid  cathedral,  many  public  buildings  and  |)rlvaie 
houses,  were  destroyed,  and  with  them  two  thousand  lives.  The  city  was  on  Are  from  the"  2d  until  the  6th  of  SopicmlKr. 
A  great  part  of  the  city  was  consumed,  when  a  flag  of  truce  was  displayeil  by  the  Banish  commander.  The  lliiiiisli  fl«i  \ 
and  a  large  quantity  of  naval  stores  were  surrendered.  Hut  the  IndignantDanish  goveniment  refused  to  ratil.  tlie  fa- 
pitulation,  and  issue<l  a  declaration  of  war  agr'nst  England.  Russia,  Indignant  at  the  shameful  treatment  of  Denmark. 
also  declared  war  against  England,  and  issued  i  manifesto  on  the  aoth  of  October  ordering  the  destruction  of  allBrilkli 
fhips  and  property. 

'  Jackso'i  found  a  residence  In  the  city  too  uncomfortable,  on  account  of  the  detestation  In  which  he  was  held,  and  lif  I 
took  up  his  abode  at  Claremout,  the  seat  of  the  Post  family,  at  the  present  Manhattanvllle,  now  Jones's  Ilotcl,  n  fash-  [ 
lonable  place  of  resort. 

a  See  letter  of  Armstrong  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  January,  ISIO,  In  American  Stale  Papfrn.  The  manner  of  the  cor- 1 
respondeuce  of  Minister  Armstrong  with  the  French  government  at  this  time  appears  .o  have  excited  the  hot  dis|iloa-- 
ure  of  the  Emperor,  who  wrote  lo  M.  de  Champagny  on  the  I!»th  of  January,  ISin,  as  follows: 

"  MoNsiKun  Di;kf.  de  Cahobk,— You  must  see  the  minister  from  America.  It  is  beyond  all  rldicnlous  that  he  wTitejI 
of  things  that  one  does  not  comprehend.  I  prefer  that  he  should  write  in  English,  but  at  length,  and  in  a  manner  thai  I 
we  can  understand.  How  is  it  that  '.n  aflfalm  so  Important  he  contents  himselfwith  writing  letters  of  four  liuesf  SpoakJ 
to  the  secretary  who  is  here ;  speak  also  to  tli'>  secretary  who  Is  about  arriving  from  \merica.  Send  by  a  courier  extra- 1 
ordinary  n  dispatch  In  cipher  to  make  then\  understand  that  that  government  is  not  represented  here ;  that  its  miiiii'ter| 
don't  understand  French— is  a  morose  man,  with  whom  one  can  not  deal ;  that  all  obstacles  would  be  removed  if  we  liajl 
an  envoy  to  talk  with.  Write  in  detail  on  the  matter.  Let  me  know  what  effect  the  letter  from  Altenburg  has  liailiil 
the  United  States— what  has  been  done,  nn(.  what  is  proposed.  Write  to  America  in  snch  manner  that  llie  Prcfidraq 
may  know  what  a  fool  has  been  sent  here.  NArmtus."  i 

'  Letter  of  PInkuey  to  the  Secretory  of  State,  February  28, 1810,  In  American  State  Paiycra. 


Tlic  Berlin  and  Mllai 


1811,  as  that  tli 

ami  if  the  otiici 

voke  or  niodifv 

Iaw8  should,  at 

iccting  or  refusi 

Wlien  this  ac 

addressed  a  noti 

ill?  that  "  the  d 

"t'tllC  folio winrr 

ill  conscfpu-nce  c 
and  renounce  tin 
or  that  the  Unite 
upcctcd  by  the  I 
sincere.  Therefo 
lie  issued  a  procl 
Kiviich  decrees,  a 
of  all  commercial 
same  day  tlie  Sec 
tonis  to  act  in  coi 
Enj,di.sh  war  vessi 
I'd  of  the  followir 
ceivcd  by  the  Pre^ 
The  United  Stat 
mint  at  M'hat  seen 
restri<'ti\-e  acts,  Boi 
ves-sels  and  their  c; 
"hen  notified  that 
viirorous  protest,''  a 
«mimorce  Iiad  suffc 
iiiiirencrously  resjio 
the2;Sd  of  March,  ] 
ter  French  port.s,  oi 
tfred."  Under  this 
crty  were  seized.  ]] 
2dofXovember  wo 
tlic  contrary,  the  Fn 
Prize.s'^  until  Februa 
■'^tatcn  would  enforce 
;"«•  At  the  same  ti; 
i|"iii  government  wit 
'ion  of  former  edicts 
tlic  Duke  of  Cadore  ( 
G'cat  Britain  tool 
«iiid  her  orders,  on  t 
ilwrees  had  been  resc 

^n.v  edict  for  this  rev( 
I'licit  declaration,  on 
"^  «'t'll  as  a  general  oi 
'oms'  not  to  apply  tl, 
!('"tcring  French  ports 
''w'aratioiis  of  the  F 
Joidd  have  been  for  ( 
Awees  from  the  same 


OF   Tllli;  WAR   OF   1812. 


179 


The  Berlin  anil  MIIbu  Decrees  rovuked. 


The  BrltiBh  Orders  In  Council  maintained. 


1811,  as  that  they  Hhoiild  cease  to  violate  the  neutral  commerce  of  the  Ignited  States, 
and  if  the  otlicr  iiatinn  Hliouid  not,  witliin  tiiree  nioiitlis  tliereaftiT,  in  Wkv  manner  re- 
viiiic  or  modify  its  edicts,  the  provisions  of  the  Xon-intercourse  ami  Non-importution 
liiwH  sliouhl,  at  tlie  expiration  of  the  three  months,  be  revived  agauist  the  nation  iieg- 
liH'tiiig  or  refusing  to  comply. 

Wlicn  tliis  act  Avas  communicated  to  the  Frencli  government,  M.  de  Cliampagny 
ailihvssed  a  note  to  Minister  Armstrong,  ih'ited  5th  of  August,  1810,  officially  declar- 
iim  that  "the  decrees  of  Berlin  and  IMilan  are  revoked,  and  that  after  the  first  day 
(]fthe  following  November  they  will  ce.-ise  to  have  effect;  it  being  understood  that, 
in  consequence  of  this  declaration,  the  Englisli  sliall  revoke  their  ordi'rs  in  Council, 
and  renounce  tlie  new  principles  of  blockade  which  they  have  wished  to  establish, 
(iitliiit  the  United  States,  conformably  to  their  law,  will  cause  their  rights  to  be  re- 
siKcti'l  by  the  English."  This  was  explicit,  and  the  I'resident  doubted  not  it  was 
sincere.  Therefore,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  the  1st  of  ^Fay, 
he  issued  a  proclainaiion  on  the  2d  of  November  announcing  thi>'  revocation  of  the 
FniH'h  decrees,  and  declaring  the  discontinuance,  on  the  j)art  of  tiie  United  States, 
iif  all  commercial  restrictions  in  relation  to  France  and  her  dependencies.  On  the 
same  day  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  issued  an  order  to  all  collectors  of  the  cus- 
toms to  act  in  ci'iformity  with  the  Prt.  ident's  proclamation,  but  to  enforce  against 
Kniilish  war  ves  ils,  and  against  her  commerce,  the  law  of  May*  after  the  .Mayi, 
•jd  of  the  following  February,  unless,  meanwhile,  information  should  be  re-  ^*'^'>- 
(cived  by  the  President  of  the  revocation  of  her  ordei-s  in  Council. 

The  United  States  had  been  made  to  doubt  Gallic  faith.  Professing  to  be  indig- 
iiimt  at  what  seemed  *to  be  partiality  shown  to  England  by  the  Americans  in  their 
restrictive  acts,  Bonaparte  had  caused  the  seizure  and  confiscation  of  many  American 
vessels  and  their  cargoes.  Armstrong  remonstrated  from  time  to  time,  and  finally, 
when  notified  that  a  large  number  of  these  vessels  Avere  to  be  sold,  he  presented  a 
vi<'oious  protest,''  and  recapitulated  the  many  aggressions  which  American 

.  .  March  10 

commerce  had  suftered  from  French  cruisers.     This  just  remonstrance  Avas 
imsencrously  responded  to  by  a  decree,  issued  by  the  Emperor  from  Rambouillet  on 
the  23d  of  March,  1810,  Avhich  declared  that  "  all  American  vessels  Avhich  should  en- 
ter French  ports,  or  ports  occui)ied  by  French  trooi)s,  should  be  seized  and  seques- 
tered."   Under  this  decree,  many  American  vessels  and  millions  of  American  ])rop- 
erty  were  seized.    But  it  Avas  supposed  that  the  proclamation  of  the  President  on  the 
2(1  of  November  would  annul  these  hostile  proceedings,  and  release  the  vessels.     On 
the  contrary,  the  French  government  simply  suspended  the  causes  in  the  Council  of 
Prizes'^  until  February,  1811,  in  order  to  ascertain  Avhether  the  United 
States  would  enforce  the  proclamation  of  November  against  Great  Brit- 
I  iiin.    At  the  same  time  the  French  government  abstained  from  furnishing  the  Amer- 
[  an  government  Avith  formal  official  evidence  of  any  decree  relating  to  the  revoca- 
jtion  of  former  edicts,  and  the  Avhole  matter  rested  upon  the  simple  letter  of 
the  Duke  of  Cadore  (Champagny)  to  Mr.  Armstrong.'' 

Great  Britain  took  advantage  of  this  fact,  and  resisted  the  application  to  re- 
I  soind  her  orders,  on  the  ground  that  she  was  furnished  with  no  evidence  that  the 
Jilccrees  had  been  rescinded,  because  the  French  government  had  never  pronuilgated 
laiiy  edict  for  this  revocation.  But  she  had  the  evidence  of  the  French  minister's  ex- 
I  Illicit  declaration,  on  Avhich  the  action  of  the  United  States  government  Avas  based, 
lis  well  as  a  general  order  of  the  French  government  to  the  Director  General  of  Cus- 
jlonis'  not  to  apply  the  Berlin  and  IMilan  Decrees  to  American  vessels 
lentering  Fri'ncli  ports  after  the  1st  of  November,  1810.  These  official 
iWarations  of  the  French  government  Avere  sufficient  for  the  United  States,  and* 
lAoidd  have  been  for  Great  Britain,  fi)r,  if  faith  could  not  luue  been  placed  in  them, 
ik'crees  from  the  same  source  Avould  have  had  little  value.     But  France  and  England 


'  December  26. 


''  August  5. 


t    ( 


II 


I'i 


II 


mli 


li! 


180 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


EiiKlflud  and  Franco  retwrr  t> 


iiiat. 


Friendly  Propoaltlon  of  the  United  Btstes  unheeded. 


were  pliiyiiii?  siicli  u  (leHi)eriite  ^iniio,  that  tlicy  not  only  right  fully  HUH|tePt»'(l  oadi 
otiior  of  diiplieity  continually,  luit  dimhted  the  tiiiiccrity  of  the  I'nited  States,  al- 
though that  government  had  never,  in  the  smallest  degree, broken  its  faith  witli  ci- 
ther. EngliMid  refuHed  to  reeall  her  orders  in  Council;  IJonaparte  refused  to  iiiuki 
any  indemnity  for  the  seizureH  under  the  Hayoiuie  and  IJamboiuUut  Decrees,  ami 
American  cominerco  was  left  hi  a  state  of  the  most  i)ainful  suspense. 

Having  exhausted  all  arguments  in  endeavoring  to  convince  the  British  ministry 
of  the  reality  of  the  French  revocation,'  and  to  effect  a  recall  .  i'the  orders,  INfr.  I'ink- 
ney  left  England  and  returned  home,  satisfied  that,wliile  she  could  sustain  herself  in 
the  jiroseciition  of  the  war,  she  would  never  yield  an  iota  of  her  power  to  ojijiress  the 
weak.  At  this  very  time,  spurned  as  they  had  been,  the  United  States  proceeded  tn 
open  another  door  of  reconciliation,  by  an  act  of  Congress  jiroviding  that,  in  case  at 
any  time  "Great  Britain  should  revoke  or  modify  her  edicts,  as  that  they  shall  cease 
to  violate  the  neutral  commerce  of  the  United  States,  the  President  of  the  Uiiitiii 
States  sliould  declare  the  fact  by  proclamation,  and  that  the  restrictions  previously 
imposed  should,  from  the  date  of  such  proclamation,  cease  and  be  discontinued. "- 

To  this  friendly  proj)osition  England  was  deaf.  She  would  listen  to  no  apjieals  tu 
her  justice  or  her  magnanimity.  For  long  years  she  had  been  the  aggressor  and  tin 
oppressor,  and  yet  she  refused  to  heed  the  kindly  voice  of  her  best  friend  when  it 
pleaded  for  simple  justice.  At  that  very  time  she  Mas  exercising, by  the  might  of 
her  navy,  the  most  despotic  sway  upon  the  ocean,  and  committing  incessant  injiniis 
upon  a  friendly  poAver.  She  liad,  at  that  time,  impressed  from  the  crews  of  iVnierican 
merchant  vessels,  peaceably  navigating  the  high  seas,  not  less  than  six  xiitu  sand 
MARINEUS  who  claimed  to  bo  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  M'ho  were  denied  all 
o])j)ortunity  to  verify  their  claims.  She  had  seized  and  confiscated  the  conimorcial 
property  of  American  citizens  to  an  incalculable  amount.  She  had  united  in  iIk 
enormities  of  France  in  declaring  a  great  proportion  of  the  terraqueous  globe  ••  ;i 
state  of  blockade,  efFectually  chasing  the  American  merchant  from  the  ocean.  > 
had  contemptuously  disregarded  the  neutrality  of  the  American  territory,  ami  tin 
jurisdiction  of  the  American  laM's  within  the  Avaters  and  harbors  of  the  United  Statis. 
She  was  enjoying  the  emoluments  of  a  surreptitious  trade,  stained  Avith  every  spccio 
of  fraud  and  corrruption,  Avhieh  gave  to  the  belligerent  poAvers  the  advantage  of  a 
peace,  Avhile  the  neutral  poAvers  Avere  involved  in  tlie  evils  of  Avar.  She  had,  in  short, 
usurped  and  exercised  on  the  Avater  a  tyranny  similar  to  that  Avhich  her  great  antai;- 
onist  had  usurped  and  exercised  on  the  land.  And,  amid  all  these  proofs  of  ambition 
and  avarice,  she  demanded  that  the  victims  of  her  usurpations  and  her  violence  should 
revere  her  as  the  sole  defender  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  mankind  !^ 

At  about  the  time  Avheii  Mr.  Pinkney  left  England,  Augustus  J.  Foster,  Avlin  liad 
•  Febnmryis,     l>Pen  Secretary  to  the  British  legation  at  Washington,  Avas  appointoil' 
1811.  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  United  States,  .charged  Avith  the  settleniont 

of  the  affair  of  the  Chesapeake  and  other  matters  in  dispute  betAvccn  the  two  gov- 
ernments.'' He  had  just  fairly  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  peaceful  mission,  Avhen 
an  event  occurred  that  produced  great  complications  and  ill  feelings. 

1  The  British  ministry,  in  their  refusal  to  rescind  the  orders,  made  a  Btrong  point  of  the  fuel  that  one  of  the  condition!  i 
in  Champngny's  letter  was  the  renouucing  by  the  English  what  were  called  the  "  new  British  principles  of  bidcknde," 
namely,  the  blockading  of  all  commercial  uufortitied  towns,  coasts,  harbors,  and  months  of  rivers.    Bonai)«rte  clainicil 
that  it  onght  to  be  confined  to  fortified  places.    Great  Britain  would  not  relax  an  lota  of  her  pretensions  in  this  matter. 

»  Act  of  Congress,  passed  2d  of  March,  ISll. 

3  See  Dallas's  Exposition  of  the  Cannes  and  Character  if  the  late  War. 

*  In  announcing  this  appointment,  the  British  ministry  assured  Mr.  Pinkney  of  the  most  pn'  '  feelings  of  their  gov- . 
ernment  toward  that  of  his  own,  and  that  the  delay  In  filllns;  the  place  cause  I  liy  the  recall  of  ....iksou  was  not  becmisel 
of  any  indisposition  to  keep  np  friendly  diplomatic  relations,  but  from  a  desir.-  to  make  a  satisfactory  appointment,  awl  J 
also  from  late  interruptions  to  ofllcial  business  owine  to  the  mental  disability  of  the  king  and  the  establishment  ofsj 
regency.  The  king  had  shown  signs  of  insanity  in  1"S«.  and  a  Regency  Bill  was  submitted  to  Parliament  in  l>rpmhcr| 
of  that  year.  The  king  recovered,  and  In  February  following  it  was  withdrawn.  In  1810  the  physicians  of  the  kincj 
announced  his  confirmed  Insanity,  and  on  the  6th  of  February,  ISll,  his  eon,  the  Prince  of  Wales,  afterward  George  thej 


Ontrage  by  s  BrltUI 

Since  the  In 

American  eoa^ 

.Vincrican  vess 

Vork;'  and  ca 

ruiv,  ( '.iptain  I 

and  a  young  m 

into  the  Britisli 

resolved  to  seiii 

of  the  coast  tra 

The  I'l-eshkm 


''I'.in'iig  the  broad 
The  commodore  aa 
PnsuknCs  saiIin<T. 
'■'ill  were  at  Wasli 
;"i  I'oard  t!ie  frigat 
ill  the  afternoon  o; 
sloop-of-war  Avf/us 
tant,  sailing  at  tJie 
Hying,  denoting  tin 
tor-deck.  Ho  j7ad  r 
"'search  of  the  ofi( 

Foiirtli,  went  before  the  Pri 

»W   the  death  of  his  father 
'  Hildreth,  Second  Series 

•-Although  the  sen  was  nil 

"f  frigate,  and  assured  the  { 

TO,  "Ail  that  may  be  so,  be 

Ihe  American  navy  then 

'"^^i-.JohnAilanifi'U.   Wa 

»n  large  flotilla  of  g„n.b„: 

*-Ooopor,ii.,  lis 

'The  present  Port  or  Batt, 

'te^me  name,  erected,  with 

»e.trei,gthe„edatthebe" 

l^ary  work,  Us  principal,'^ 

fin^eofthe  naval  arsenal  seh 

»»  he  breaking  out  of  he  civ 

"■'""/"'."nd  delight  the  eves 

■^'"viSih :  tr%"t's^"Tf ' 

I  lar    Tt  ,'""'•    It  stood  at  n 

W^    It  will  be  referred  to  ap 
I   'letter  from  an  officer  on  be 


OF   THE   WAU   OF    1812. 


181 


Ontrsge  b<r  a  Brltiiib  Cruller. 


Commodore  Rodgera. 


The  Frigate  PrtiMmt  ordered  to  8ea. 


Since  the  fnvornble  arranpemont,  with  France,  British  cnuHers  hoverinj?  upon  the 
Aimiiciin  coast  liiid  become  more  and  more  annoyinj;  to  commerce.  A  riehly-Iaileii 
American  vessel  bonml  to  France  bad  been  eaptiired  within  tiiirty  inib's  of  Now 
York;'  and  early  in  the  montii  of  May  a  Ib'itisii  frij^ate,  supposed  to  be  the  (iuer- 
mw,  t  aiitain  Daeres,  stopped  an  American  bri<r  only  eighteen  miles  from  New  York, 
and  a  youni^  man,  known  to  be  a  native  of  Alaine,  was  taken  from  her  and  impressed 
inti)  the  British  service.'-  Similar  instances  had  lately  occurred,  and  the  government 
resolved  to  send  out  one  or  two  of  the  new  frigates^  immediately  for  the  protection 
iit'tlic  coast  traile  from  the  ih'predators. 

Tiie  I'reskktil,  Captain  Ludlow,  was  then  anchored  off  Fort  Severn,''  at  Annapolis, 


rOBT  OR   IIATTEHY   BKVKRN,  AT   ANNArol.IS. 

lioaring  the  broad  pennant  of  Commodore  Ilodgers,  the  senior  officer  of  the  navy. 
The  commodore  was  with  his  family  at  Havre  de  Grace,  seventy  miles  distant;'  the 
Presidoit^ti  sailing-master  was  at  IJaltimore, forty  miles  distant;  her  purser  ami  chap- 
lain were  at  Washington,  an  equal  distance  from  their  posts,  and  all  was  listlessness 
III)  board  the  frigate,  for  no  sounds  of  war  were  in  the  air.  Suddenly,  at  three  o'clock 
ill  tln'  afternoon  of  the  7th  of  I\Iay,  while  Captain  Ludlow  was  dining  on  board  the 
>loop-of-war  Argus,  '>''"»  "C'li*  the  President,  the  ,.;ig  was  seen,  about  five  miles  dis- 
tant, sailing  at  the  rate  of  ten  miles  an  liour,  witii  the  commodore's  broad  pennant 
Hying,  denoting  that  he  was  on  board."  Ilodgers  was  soon  on  the  President'' s  quar- 
ter-deck. He  had  received  orders"  from  his  government  to  put  to  sea  at  once  •  jjny  o 
ill  search  of  the  offending  British  vessel,  and  on  the  10th  he  weiglied  anchor       i^"- 

Fnartti,  wont  before  the  Privy  Council  In  great  stute,  nnd  was  sworn  In  as  regent  of  the  kingdom.    lie  held  that  office 
antll  the  ilcnth  of  his  father  In  18'J(i,  whtu  he  became  king. 
I  liililrctli,  Second  Series',  ill.,  245. 

» .Mlhouu'h  the  cea  was  nmnlng  high,  the  captain  of  the  Spitfire  (the  arrested  brig)  went  with  the  young  man  on  board 
the  frifjate,  and  ansured  the  conimander  that  he  had  known  him  from  boyhood  as  a  native  of  Maine.  The  Insolent  reply 
KiV,  "All  that  may  be  so,  but  he  has  no  protection,  and  that  is  enough  for  me."— .Vcip  York  lleraM,  May  11, 1S11. 

'  The  American  navy  then  in  active  service  consisted  of  the  President,  Cnnxtittitiim,  and  Uni'ed  Stativ,  44  each ;  the  B«- 
«, 3'2;  Jiilin  AdaniK,'24i  Wan]'  and  Hornet,  IS  each;  Arywi  and  Siren,  10  each;  Xautilus,  Entirjirinr,  and  Vixen, \2  each; 
.10(1  a  large  flotilla  of  gun-boats,  commanded  principally  by  sailing-masters  selected  from  the  officers  of  merchant  veg- 
Kls.-Cooper,  ii.,  lis. 
'  The  present  Fort  or  Battery  Severn,  composed  of  a  circular  base  and  hexagonal  tower,  Is  upon  the  site  of  a  f  irt  of 
the  same  name,  erected,  with  other  fortifications,  in  1770.  It  was  then  little  more  than  a  ,';ronp  of  breast- works.  These 
wre  strengthened  at  the  beginning  of  the  war  in  1R12.  The  present  fort,  seen  In  the  picture,  is  r.ither  a  naval  than  a 
military  work,  its  principal  use  being  for  a  practice-battery  for  the  students  in  the  Naval  Academy  there,  and  for  the  de- 
fense of  the  naval  arsenal,  school,  and  ofllcers'  quarters.  That  academy  (which  was  removed  to  Newport,  Rhode  Island, 
on  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war  in  the  spring  of  ISOl,  and  its  buildings  at  Annapolis  used  for  hospital  purposes  dur- 
insthe  conflict)  was  to  the  navy  wliat  the  We.^t  Point  Academy  l»  to  the  army.  The  grounds  ab(mt  Fort  Severn  are  very 
bfaalifiil,  and  delight  the  eyes  of  all  visitors.  In  addition  to  the  Naval  Monument  there,  already  m.ntloned  (page  124), 
I  «e  others,  both  elegant  and  cipensive. 

'  The  residence  of  Commodore  Rodgers  at  Ilavre  de  Orace,  at  that  time,  was  yet  standing  when  I  visited  that  town  iu 
I  November,  ISOl,    It  stood  at  neai-  the  juiicti(ni  of  W.ashlngton  and  St.  .lohn  Streets,  and  was  occupied  by  William  Pop- 
I  l«r.  It  was  a  two-story  brick  honse,  siilislantially  built,  and  well  preserved,  as  seen  in  the  engraving  on  the  ue.\t 
I  [«ce.   It  will  be  referred  to  again.  In  an  account  of  my  visit  to  Ilavre  de  Orace  above  alluded  to. 
'  Letter  from  an  officer  on  board  the  PresideiU  in  the  JVeio  York  Herald,  June  3,  ISll. 


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182 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  President  on  a  Cruise. 


She  diecoverg  a  strange  Vessel. 


Signals. 


Method  of  SignalUig. 


and  proceeded  down  the  Chesapeake,  with 
the  intention  of  cruising  oft'  New  York  as 
an  inquirer  concerning  the  impressment. 
He  stopped  on  his  way  down  the  bay  for 
munitions,  and  on  the  14th  passed  the  Vir- 
ginia capes  out  upon  the  broad  ocean.  Ho 
lingered  there  as  an  observer  for  a  dav 
or  two,  and  at  about  noon  on  the  10th, 
Cape  Henry  bearing  southwest,  and  dis- ,. 
tant  about  forty  miles,  he  discovered  a 
strange  sail  on  the  eastern  horizon.  The 
squareness  of  her  yards  and  symmetry  of 
her  sails  proclaimed  her  a  war  vessel.  SIic 
^vas  bea.ing  toward  the  President  under 
a  heavy  press  of  sail.  Thinking  she  niiglit 
be  the  offender,  the  President  stood  for  the 
stranger,  and  at  two  o'clock  displayed  her  broad  penna.it'  and  ensign.  Tlie  stran- 
ger made  several  signal.^      Thene  were  unanswered,  and  she  bore  away  southward.^ 

'  A  pennant  is  a  streamer  made  of  a  long,  naTow  piece  of  bunting,  worn  at  the  mast-heads  of  vessels  of  war.  A 
broad  pennant  is  a  square  piece  of  the  same  material,  placed  at  the  mast-head  of  the  commodore's  flag-ship.  It  is  gome- 
times  spelled  pemiant  and  pennon.  The  latter  is  not,  strictly,  a  streamer.  It  is  a  shorter  flag,  split  at  the  eid,  and  ueed 
on  merchant  vfessels.  In  the  Middle  Ages  it  was  carried  by  luights  at  the  heads  of  their  lances.  It  is  somc'.imes  used 
poetlcal'y  for  a  streamer  or  banner. 

»  "Made  the  signal  !iI6,  anu  finding  It  not  answered,  conclndea  she  was  an  American  (^•igate,"  wrote  the  commnndci 
of  that  vessel  to  hlE  suncilor  on  the  2l8t  of  May.  Each  nation  has  a  system  of  naval  signals  of  its  o^vn,  unknown  to  »ll 
others,  and  changed  frejueutly,  and  for  that  reason  Con-modore  Rodgcrs  could  not  answer.  These  signals  comprise  a 
system  of  telegraphic  signs,  by  which  ships  communicate  with  each  other  at  a  distance  an('  convey  information,  or  mako 
known  their  wants.  This  is  aone  by  means  of  a  certain  number  of  flags  and  pennants  of  d'.fTcreut  colors,  peculiarly  ar- 
ranged, which  indicate  the  dlflferent  numerals  ttom  1  to  0.  Particular  flags  or  pennants  are  also  used  for  specific  pur- 
poses ;  for  example,  one  pennant  Is  called  the  interrogative,  and,  when  hoisted,  signifies  that  a  guestiou  is  aslicd ;  wliilo 
another  flag  signifies  aflirmative,  negative,  etc.  To  correspond  with  the  flags,  slgnal-bookc  are  formed,  with  sentences 
or  ■words  which  these  flags  represent.  These  books  contain  a  list  of  the  most  common  words  in  the  language,  witu  a 
table  of  such  geographical  names  as  arc  likely  to  be  needed  at  sea,  and  also  a  list  of  the  ships  belonging  to  the  navy  of 
the  country.*— jVeio  American  Cyclopcedia,  article  Signals. 

To  give  the  reader  a  practical  idea  of  the  working  of  naval  signals,  I  Introduce  graphic  and  explanatory  descriptions 
ftom  Rodgers  and  Black's  Semaphoric  Signal-look,  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  J.  Y.  Mason,  in  1S47.  These 
signals  are  composed  of  nine  flags  and  five  short  pennants, 


OOMMODOEE  BODOEBB's   REBIDliNOE. 


capable  of  making  100,000  signals.^  These  fln-its  and  pen- 
nants are  seen  in  the  engraving,  i  o.  1.  J'hele  are  three 
colon,  namely,  red,  white,  and  blue.  The  red  and  blue  are 
represented  by  shading,  the  lines  of  the  former  being  per- 
|)cudicular,  and  of  the  latter  horizontal.  Each  of  the  flags 
has  the  same  signlflcation  as  the  number  above  it. 

The  pennants  are  used  for  dupllcat'ng  or  repeating. 
They  arc  Intended  as  substitutes  for  the  numbers  of  such 
flags  as  are  already  In  use ;  for  example,  in  the  signal  num- 
ber 2326  the  figure  2  occurs  twice.  Having  but  one  fiag  to 
represent  that  figure,  another  Is  substituted  to  answer  Its 
purpose,  and  this  is  done  by  using  a  pennant  termed  du- 
plicate. The  four  pennant.)  In  the  lower  section  of  engrav- 
ing No.  1  lopresent  1st,  2d,  3d,  and  4th  duplicates  In  the 
order  of  common  enumeration.  The  first  duplicate  always 
repeats  the  numbti  of  the  upper  or  first  fiag  (the  counti:>g 
Is  always  downward)  of  the  signal  with  which  It  is  hoist- 


MP^|&I$ 


r^i^ 


H1U.>AI.H.— MU.  1. 


MOMAL-BOOK. 


*  These  signal-books,  when  prepared  for  actual  service  at  sen  are  cot- 
ercd  with  canvas,  containing  a  pinte  of  lead  on  each  side  sufficient  to  sink 
them.  This  is  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  them,  by  throwing  them 
into  the  sea  when  a  vessel  Is  compelled  to  strike  her  colors,  to  prevent 
their  falling  Into  tl.e  bands  of  the  enemy.  The  annexed  picture  of « 
signal-book  so  covered  and  leaded  Is  IVom  a  drawing  of  one  before  m 
which  was  used  by  Commodore  Barney.  It  It  about  nine  inches  In  length. 
The  lead  is  stitched  Into  the  canvas  cover.  It  was  found  among  Barney'* 
papers,  which  that  Indefatigable  antiquary  ofPhlladolDhla,  John  A.  M'AI- 
ilslcr,  secured  from  destruction,  and  deposited  for  safe  keeping  with  the 
collections  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society.  Those  papers  were 
kimily  placed  at  my  disposal  by  Mr.  M'Allister,  and  ttom  them  I  gleaneil 
much  valuable  material  used  In  the  preparation  of  a  portion  of  this  work. 


A  Chase  by  the  Preside 

Anxious  to  spea 
and  at  three  in  1 

ed;  the  2d  duplicate  re 

2d,  hoisted  singly.  Is  A'o 

uant,  hoisted  singly,  is  , 

Engraving  No.  2  shows 

ampli'8  of  the  use  of  the 

in  all  of  which  the  dupllc 

used.   By  attention  to  th 

explanations,  the  operat 

be  readily  unlerstood.   ', 

section  of  the  cngravin 

represents  the  number  2 

posito  which.  In  the  signt 

ivill  be  found  the  wordt 

commodore  wishes  to  sci 

The  second  section  rep 

Ilie  number   2.329  — "c« 

-p-ire  a  compass  f "  In  th( 

ihe  1st  duplicate  is  used, 

ing  the  number  of  the  fli-»| 

lierllag.    In  the  third  sec 

represented  number  6404- 


HKJ.VAI.B.— .\ 


from  the  President,  then  ly- 
iogin  Hampton  Roads,  rec- 
iimmending  a  change   in 
Ihe  naval  signals,  several 
.wrs  having  elapsed  since 
tlie  system  of  day  signals 
then  In  use  had  been  Intro- 
tod.   He  thought  It  had 
'■■'orae  known  to  the  Brit- 
navy.    In  that  letter, 
<     "Ted  In  the  Depart- 
,  »•      at  Washington,  he 
OTt  a  drawing  made  in  ac- 
tordance  with  the  proposed 
"Mge.    His   suggestions 
t  '"'*  adopted,  and  the  sig- 
I  Mil  delineated  in  the  en- 
I  Wing  No.  6,  on  the  next 

we.  copied  from  Rodgers's  I 

I  we  those.. dcd  during  the  M 

I    *  "^,<"«">'  change  In  the  . 

"'Iliesignal  flags  Is  necessary 

hfi^ons    Thecodeofsignalg 

rnlted  States  Navy  Juet'pre, 

Weolvll  war  was  prepared  b] 

*™  consisting  of  commod 

rand  Lavalette,  and  Commi 

ttodandStcedman.    It  was 

««vyDep„rtmentInm 

^''""^o'offieers  tested  ar 

2»"  "'Bht  signals  Invon 

•«,I88I,  they  were  adopted  In 

M^Uearmy.    A  new  system  of 

r,r   M„''""y''"'J»»vywas 

L;„?.i^  '■*•'*'■'""  the  chl 
I  "Mt  of  the  army. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


183 


A  Chase  by  the  Premdent. 


Signaling. 


A  Chungp  In  Signals. 


Anxious  to  speak  with  her,  Rodgers  gave  chase.     Tlie  President  gamed  upon  her, 
and  at  three  in  the  afternoon  was  so  near  that  her  hull  was  seen  upon  the  horizon ; 

edi  the  2d  duplicate  reiieats  the  weond  flag,  and  bo  on.  The  first  duplicate,  hoisted  singly,  is  anmnering  pennant ;  the 
id  hoisted  singly,  is  No;  the  3d,  hoisted  singly.  Is  Vea;  and  the  4th,  hoisted  singly,  la  numeral  signal.  0,  or  cipher  pcn- 
ianl,  hoisted  singly.  Is  alphabetical  sir/ii, a. 
Engraving  No.  2  shows  four  ex- 
amples of  the  use  of  the  signals, 
in  all  of  which  the  duplicates  are 
u«ed.  By  attention  to  the  above 
eiplanatlons,  the  operation  ivlll 
be  readily  unlerstood.  Theflrst 
fcction  of  the  engraving  No.  2 
fopreseuts  the  number  22flB,  op- 
posite which,  in  the  signal-book, 
irlll  be  found  the  words,  "The 
commodore  wishes  to  see  you." 
Tlie  second  section  represents 
the  number  2.129  — "Can  you 
•pare  a  compass  ?"  In  these  two 
ihc  1st  duplicate  is  used,  repeat- 
ing the  number  of  the  flvst  or  up- 
licrllag.  In  the  third  section  Is 
rpprescntcd  number  0404—"  Prepare  for  action 


SIGNALS. — NO.  2. 


In  the  fourth  section,  number  7220 — "  Strange  sail  on  the  starboard." 
In  these  two  the  second  duplicate  repeats  the  number  of  the  second 
C.ig  hoisied.  The. recipient  of  the  information  conveyed  by  the  sig- 
nals >^Tlte8  d..wn  the  numbers  on  a  slate,  and  then  readily  finds  the 
meaning  by  referring  to  the  corresponding  number  iii  the  signal-book. 
In  a  calm  the  signals  are  displayed  on  a  more  horizontal  line,  as 
seen  In  engraving  No.  3,  which  represents  number  130T— "Is  be- 
calmed, and  rcq-ircs  a  steam-boat  to  tow." 

The  same  flags  and  pennants  are  also  nsed  for  alphabetical  signals, 
to  spell  a  word  or  name.  The  0,  or  cipher  signal,  is  hoisted  singly,  as 
the  preparatory  signal,  after  which  the  0  or  cipher  signal  is  placed 
above  or  below  the  flags  where  required,  as  seen  in  engraving  No.  4, 
and  indicated  in  the  alphabet  below. 

During  the  autumn  and  winter  of  ISll  and  1812,  when  wor  with  En- 
gland seemed  to  be  Inevitable,  the  attention  of  Commodore  Rodgers 
wa.s  much  occupied  with  the  subject  of  land  telegraphs  for  ormy  pur- 
HiGNAi »  —.NO  .>  poses,  and  naval  signals.    He  invented  a  telegraph  which  was  adopt- 

ed.   On  the  Sltjt  of  April,  1S12,  he  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy 

(rora  the  President,  then  ly- 
ing in  Hampton  Roads,  rec- 
ommending a  change   in 

the  naval  signals,  several 

vears  having  elapsed  since 

tlie  system  of  day  signals 

then  in  use  had  been  Intro- 

daced.   He  thought  It  had 

■■'■orae  known  to  the  Brlt- 
navy.    In  that  letter, 

i     Tved  In  the  Depart- 

mt      at  Washington,  he 

sent  a  drawing  made  In  ac- 
cordance with  the  proposed 

change.    His   suggestions 

were  adopted,  and  the  sig- 
nals delineated  in  the  en- 

pravlng  No.  5,  on  the  next 

page,  copied  ftom  Rodgers's  manuscripts, 

were  those  i  .sed  dnrlng  the  War  of  1812. 
A  tjrequent  change  in  the  arrangement 

ofthe  signal  flags  is  necessary,  for  obvious 

reasons.    The  code  of  signals  used  In  the 

Tnited  States  Navy  just  previous  to  the 

lite  nivll  war  was  prepared  by  a  board  of 

oficers  consisting  of  Commodores  M'Can- 

l*y  and  lavalette,  and  Commanders  Mar- 
[  (liind  and  Stcedman.  It  was  adopted  by 
!  'ic  Navy  Department  In  186T.    In  1SB9  an- 

ntlicr board  of  oflicers  tested  and  approved 

•ijitem  uf  night  signals  Invented  by  B.  F. 

Coston,  ofthe  United  States  Navy.  InOcto- 

IWilSOl,  they  were  adopted  In  the  United 
I  Sutcs  army.    A  new  system  of  signals  for 

■"til  the  army  and  navy  was  arranged  by  Major  (afterward  Colonel)  Albert  J.  Mycr,  which  was  used  throughout  the 

w>r.  Major  Myer  was  the  chief  signal  ofBcer  during  all  that  time,  and  Is  now  (1807)  at  the  head  of  the  signal  depart- 

Bentofthearmy. 


r.iuwLS. — NO.  4. 


A 

B 

3 
C 

4. 

D 

5 

e 
F 

7 

G 

H 

9 
I 

10 

20 

K 

i^O 

M 

50 

60 

O 

10 

P 

80 

Q 

90 

R 

01 

S 

02 

T 

03 

17 

04 

V 

03 

oe 

07 

Y 

08 

z 

09 

FiDith 

» 


* 

i 


' 


I 


4      ! 


184 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Purener  and  the  Pursned  in  Conflict. 


The  President  aud  the  Little  Belt  the  Combatants. 


BlU.\.VI.ti. — NO.  5. 


but  the  breeze  slackened,  and  night  fell  upon  the  waters 
before  the  two  vessels  were  near  enough  to  each  other 
to  discern  their  respective  characters. 

At  twenty  minutes  past  eight  in  the  evening  the  Pres- 
ident  bi'ought-to  on  the  weather-bow,  or  a  little  forward 
of  the  beam  of  the  stranger,  and,  when  witliin  about  ;i 
hundred  yards  of  her,  Rodgers  hailed,  and  asked  "Wlnu 
ship  is  that  ?"     No  answer  was  given,  but  the  question 

.  , was  repeated  from  the  stranger,  word  for  Avord.    After  ;i 

^ilH[    HHB   iIbI       pause  of  fifteen  or  twenty  seconds  Kodgers  reiterated  liis 
IJBrfB    W^MR    [/_ — '       inquiry,  and,  before  he  could  take  his  trumpet  from  his 

\ ^  'j&gy^       1"'"'^---^       mouth,  was  answered  by  a  shot  that  cut  off  one  of  the 

I  ^_J    ^p^   l^"^^      main-top-backstays  of  his  vessel,  and  lodged  in  her  maiii- 
°      "^      "*"  mast.     He  was  about  to  order  a  shot  in  return,  wlicii  a 

gun  from  the  second  division  of  his  ship  was  fired.'  At 
almost  the  same  instant  the  antagonist  of  the  President 
fired  three  guns  in  quick  succession,  and  then  the  rest  of 
her  broadside,  with  musketry.  This  provocation  causci! 
the  President  to  respond  by  a  broadside.  "  Equally  determined,"  said  Rodgers, "  not  h> 
be  the  aggressor,  or  suffer  the  flag  of  my  country  to  be  insulted  with  impunity,!  gave 
a  genei'al  order  to  fire."^  In  the  course  of  five  or  six  minutes  his  antagonist  was  si 
lenced,  and  the  guns  of  the  President  ceased  firing,  the  commander  having  discovered 
that  his  assumed  enemy  was  a  feeble  one  in  size  and  armament.  But,  to  the  surprist' 
of  the  Americans,  the  stranger  opened  her  fire  anew  in  less  than  five  minutes.  Tlii- 
was  again  silenced  by  the  guns  of  the  President,  when  Rodgers  again  deniancUil 
"What  ship  is  that?"  Tlie  wind  was  blowing  freshly  at  the  time,  and  he  was  abk' 
to  hear  only  the  Avords, "  His  majesty's  shij^ — "  but  the  name  he  could  not  understand. 
He  immediately  gave  the  name  of  his  own  vessel,  displayed  many  lights  to  show  his 
whereabouts  in  case  the  disabled  ship  should  need  assistance,  and  bore  aAvay. 

At  dawn  the  President  discovered  her  antagonist  several  miles  to  the  leeward,  and 
immediately  bore  down  upon  her  to  offer  assistance.  Lieutenant  Creighton  was  sent 
in  a  boat  to  learn  the  names  of  the  vessel  and  her  commander,  to  ascertain  the  extent 
of  damage,  offer  assistance,  and  to  express  the  regret  of  the  commodore  that  necessity 
on  his  part  had  led  to  such  results.  Lieutenant  Creighton  brought  back  the  informa- 
tion that  the  ship  was  the  British  sloop-of-war  Little  Belt,  1 8,  Captain  A.  E.  Bingliam, 
who  had  been  sent  to  the  Avaters  off  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  in  search  of  the  Gucr- 
riere,  and,  not  finding  her,  Avas  cruising  northAvard  for  the  same  purpose,  according  to 
his  instructiops.^  Captain  Bingham  politely  refused  aid,  because  he  did  not  need  it, 
and  sailed  aAvay  to  Halifax,  Avhere  he  reported  to  "Herbert  SaAvyer, Esq., Rear-admi- 
ral of  the  Rod,"  the  commander-in-chief  on  the  American  station.''  The  I^'esident  pro- 
ceeded on  her  voyage  toAvard  NeAV  York,  and  "  off  Sandy  Hook,"  on  the  2.3d,' 
Commodore  Rodgers  wrote  the  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  fioni 
which  the  foregoing  facts  haA'e  been  draAvn. 
The  reports  of  the  occurrence  by  Rodgers  and  Bingham  Avere  utterly  contradictory 

'  Two  English  seamen,  who  professed  to  have  been  deserters  from  the  President,  testified  at  Halifax  that  ihis  gnn  was 
discharged  by  accident.— London  Tinws,  December  7, 1811. 

»  Rodgers's  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  May  23,  IRll. 

3  These  instructions  were  dated  at  "  Bermuda,  this  191h  day  of  April,  ISll,"  signed  by  H.  N.  Somerville,  by  comraniiil 
of  Admiral  Sawyer,  and  addressed  to  "Arthur  Batt  Bingham,  Esq.,  commander  of  his  majesty's  sloop  Little  Belt."  h 
the  instructions  he  was  enjoined  to  be  "  particularly  careful  not  to  give  any  just  cause  of  off  ice  to  the  govcriiraeut  or 
subjects  of  the  United  States  of  America ;  and  to  give  very  particular  orders  to  this  effect  to  the  offlcers  you  may  hnve 
occasion  to  send  on  board  ships  under  the  Anifriean  flag," 

'  Bingham  reported  his  vessel  m:ich  damaged  !n  her  masts,  sails,  rigging,  and  hull ;  many  shot  through  lictwcoii 
wind  and  water,  and  many  shot  Imb.'tded  in  her  side  and  all  her  upper  works,  with  the  starboard  pump  shot  nwa.v. 
lie  told  Creighton  that  he  had  all  necessary  materials  on  board  for  making  sufficient  repairs  to  enable  him  to  rescii 
Halifex. 


•May, 
ISll. 


Contradictory  Stater 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


185 


'ISII. 


Contradictory  Statements  of  Rodders  and  Bingham.  The  Testimony.  Indignation  of  the  American  People. 

in  respect  to  the  most  essential  fact,  namely,  as  to  the  aggressor,  liodgcrs  stated 
positively  tliat  he  hailed  twice,  and  his  words  wore  repeated  by  the  stranger;  that 
she  first  tired  one  shot,  which  struck  his  vessel,  then  three  shots,  and  imniediatoly 

afterward  the  remainder  of  her  broad- 
side, before  he  opened  his  guns  upon 
her,  except  the  single  one  which  one  of 
the  deserters  declared  was  discliarged 
by  accident.  This  account  was  fully 
corroborated,  before  a  court  of  inquiry, 
by  every  officer  and  some  of  the  sub- 
ordinates who  were  on  board  the  Pres- 
ident, under  oath.  On  the  contrary. 
Captain  Bingham  reported  that  he 
!)ailed  first,  and  that  his  Avords  were 
twice  repeated  from  the  President, 
when  that  vessel  tired  a  broadside, 
which  the  Little  Belt  immediately  re- 
turned. This  statement  was  fully  cor- 
roborated before  a  court  of  inquiry, 
held  at  L-lifax  on  the  20th  of 
May,"  by  tlie  officers  of  the  Lit- 
tle Pelt,  and  two  deserters  from  the 
President,  under  oath.  Binghani  and 
his  supporting  deponents  declared 
that  the  action  lasted  from  forty- 
five  minutes  to  one  hour ;  Avhih; 
Rodgers  declared  that  it  lasted  al- 
together, including  the  intermis- 
sicms,  not  more  than  fifteen  min- 
utes.^ Bingham  also  intimated  in  his  dispatch  that  he  had  gained  the  advantage  in 
the  contest. 2 

When  intelligence  of  this  affair  went  over  the  land  it  pi'odiiced  intense  excitement. 
Desires  for  and  dread  of  war  with  England  were  stimulated  to  vehement  action,  and 
conflicting  views  and  expressions,  intensified  by  party  hate,  awoke  spirited  conten- 
tions and  discussions  in  every  community.  The  contradictions  of  the  two  command- 
ers were  in  due  time  made  known,  and  added  fuel  to  the  fires  of  party  strife.  Each 
government  naturally  accepted  the  report  of  its  own  servant  as  the  true  one.  Not 
so  with  all  the  people  of  the  United  States.  The  opposition  politicians  and  news- 
papers, with  a  partisanship  more  powerful  for  a  while  than  patriotism,  took  sides  with 
the  British;  and,  eager  to  convict  the  administration  of  belligerent  intentions,  wdiile 
at  the  sarae  time  they  inconsistently  assailed  it  because  of  its  alleged  imbecility  and 
want  of  patriotism  in  not  resisting  and  resenting  the  outrages  and  insults  of  Great 

1  John  Rodgers  was  bom  at  Havre  do  Grace,  In  Maryland,  In  HTl.  lie  entered  the  navy  as  lientenant,  on  the  !)th  of 
March,  ITiiS,  and  was  the  executive  ofHcer  of  the  Constellation,  under  Commodore  Tnixtun,  when  the  [.minjente  wa!< 
taken.  See  page  103.  lie  was  appointed  captain  in  March,  ITOO,  and  he  was  in  active  pervice  during  the  naval  opera- 
lions  in  the  Mediterranean  until  180B.  He  was  the  oldest  officer  in  rank  in  the  navy  at  the  time  of  the  oc  urrence  narrated 
in  (lie  text.  He  was  the  first  to  start  on  a  cruise  with  a  squadron  after  the  declaration  of  war  in  1S12.  Kis  efficient  serv- 
ices during  that  war  will  be  found  detailed  In  future  pages.  From  Aj  ril,  ISIS,  until  December,  IS"-!,  he  served  as  presl- 
ilent  of  the  board  of  Navy  Commissioners,  and  from  1824  until  1327  he  vas  in  command  of  a  squadri^ti  in  the  Mediterra- 
nean. On  his  return  in  182T  he  resumed  his  place  at  the  board,  and  h>  Id  It  for  ten  years,  when  he  relinquished  it  on 
account  of  failing  health.  lie  died  at  Philadelphia  in  Angnst,  18a8.  The  portrait  above  given  was  copied  fVom  an  orig- 
inal painting  in  the  Navy  Department  at  Wnelilngton. 

'  "The  action  then  V  .'cnme  general,  and  continued  so  for  about  th-ie  quarters  of  an  honr,  when  he  [the  American] 
ceas-ed  tiring,  and  appeared  to  be  on  tire  about  the  main  .lutchwny.  lie  then  filled.  I  was  obliged  to  desist  ftom  firing, 
«« llie  ship  falling  off,  no  gun  would  bear,  and  had  no  after-sal'  to  keep  her  to."— Dispatch  to  Admiral  Sawj-er,  May 

8i,i5n. 


{dyyW'^/T^c^ 


( 

i 

\    ■ 

^MMB^ 


■P^P 


186 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


m  M 


The  domurallxluK  Kffecta  of  Party  PoIIiIck. 


Commodore  Hod|{eri  BBWilled, 


KodKcra  vlndlcalcd 


Britain,  or  inakiiit;  ofticient  |)rt!|)anitioiis  for  such  resistance  and  resentment,  cireulatuil 
a  rejiort,  witli  the  fiercest  denunciations,  tliat  llodgers  had  sailed  with  orders  fnnii 
Wasliinjjton  to  rescue  by  force  tlie  young  man  lately  impressed  from  a  I'ortlaml 
Itrig.'  They  cxultingly  drew  a  comparison  between  the  late  and  present  Denioc  latic 
administration,  the  formci'  denying  the  right  of  the  Jjeojmrd  to  take  a  seaman  hy 
force  from  the  Chesaj)eake,  the  latter  ordering  Rodgers  to  do  what  Captain  Hum- 
phreys had  been  condenmed  by  the  Americans  and  punished  by  his  own  goveniinciit 
for  doing.  Kodgers  himself,  who  had  behaved  most  prudently,  gallantly,  and  mjicr. 
uanimously  in  the  matter,  received  his  full  share  of  personal  abuse  from  the  opponents 
of  the  administration ;  and,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  when  the  question  was  reduced 
to  one  of  simple  veracity  on  the  part  of  the  two  coraraander8,si  large  number  of  his 
countrymen,  even  with  the  OAcrwhelming  testimony  of  all  the  officers  and  many  ot 
the  subordinates  of  th'.  l^esident  against  that  of  five  officers  and  two  deserters  pro- 
duced by  Captain  Bingham,  were  so  misled  by  party  zeal  as  to  express  their  beliif 
that  the  British  commander  uttered  nothing  but  truth,  and  that  Rodgers  and  his  j)eo- 
pie  all  committed  perjury  !  But  these  ungenerous  and  unpatriotic  assaults  soon  lost 
their  chief  sustenance  when  the  Secretary  of  State  officially  declared  that  no  orders 
had  been  given  for  a  forcible  rescue  of  the  impressed  American ;  and  the  satisfaction 
of  Mr.  Foster,  the  British  minister  at  Washington  (who  liad  requested  an  inquiry  into 
the  conduct  of  Rodgers),  that  the  statements  of  that  commander  were  substantially 
true,  was  manifested  by  the  fact  that  the  subject  was  droj)ped  in  diplomatic  circles, 
was  never  revived  there,  and  the  aifair  of  tlie  ChesapeaJe  was  settled  in  accordance 
with  the  demands  of  the  government  of  the  United  States. 

But  while  the  two  governments  tacitly  agreed  to  bury  the  matter  in  official  obliv- 
ion, the  people  of  the  respective  countries,  highly  excited  by  the  event,  would  not  let  it 
drop.  It  increased  the  feeling  of  mutual  animosity  Avhich  had  been  growing  rapidly 
of  late,  and  widened  the  gulf  of  separation,  whicli  every  day  became  more  and  more 
difficult  of  passage  by  kindly  international  sentiments ;  and  when  the  Twelfth  Con- 
•  November  4,  grcss  assembled,  a  month  earlier  than  usual,*  the  administration  party  in 
^^^^-  and  out  of  th.at  body  was  found  to  be  decidedly  a  war  party,  while  the 
Federalists,  growing  weaker  in  numbers  every  day,  were  as  decidedly  opposed  to 
war. 


1  The  charge  was  apparently  Justified  by  the  tenor  of  a  letter,  already  referred  to,  purporting  to  have  been  written  by 
an  offlcer  on  board  the  fi-esident  on  the  14th  of  May,  bnt  whose  name  was  never  given.  He  wrote :  "  By  the  ofBcers  who 
came  from  Washington  we  learn  that  we  are  sent  in  pursuit  of  the  British  frigate  who  had  Impressed  a  passenger  from 
a  coaster.  Yesterday,  while  beating  down  the  bay,  we  spoke  a  brig  coming  up,  who  informed  us  that  she  saw  the  British 
frigate  the  day  before  oft"tl:c  very  place  where  we  now  are ;  but  she  is  not  now  in  sight.  We  have  made  the  most  complelp 
preparations  for  battle.  Every  one  wishes  it.  She  is  exactly  our  force,  but  we  have  the  Arffua  with  us,  which  uoue  of 
us  arc  pleased  with,  as  we  wish  a  fair  trial  of  courage  and  skill.  Should  we  see  her,  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  an  en- 
gagement. The  commodore  will  demand  the  person  impressed  ;  the  demand  will  doubtless  be  refused,  and  the  battle 
will  instantly  commence.  .  .  .  The  commodore  has  called  in  the  boatswain,  gunner,  and  carpenter.  Informed  them  of 
all  circumstances,  and  asked  if  they  were  ready  for  actiou.  Beady  was  the  reply  of  each."— iVeto  York  Ucrald,  June  3, 1811. 


Tta  Indiina  Territiir 


>on,  then  an  enei-gei 

^™or.    He  liad  res 

for  a  few  years  Jiad 

islature  was  organiz 

and  Vincennes,  an 

HaiTison  was  popuL 

managed  the  public 

h^fmany  difficulties 

Jians,  and  the  machi 

contend  against  in  tl 

siite  people,  especia 

J    %  a  succession  o 

?uished  Indian  titles 

ana.    Every  thing  hf 

]and,hadthegoverno 

I  lave  had  cause  to  cor 

I  in  many  cases,  the  pe 

I  Jans,  were  intensified 

leasts  of  the  forest,  t 

|»d  tioated  them  witl 

|»»  old  chief  to  Harris, 

lod  r!!A°i,'""  ''^"e^e."  wrote  G, 
l«Hlrrt  the  quantity  of  whisky 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


187 


The  Indlsn*  Territory. 


narrison  Us  Qovernor. 


Ill*  wise  Admlnlitration. 


CHAPTER  X. 

"On  Wnbnxli,  when  the  siiu  wlthtlrcw, 
And  chill  Nuvemhcr's  tenipOHt  blew, 
Dark  rolled  thy  wiivf»,  TI|i|)ccaiioc, 
Amhbl  thut  lonely  .'lolltiidc.  ""^ 

But  Wiibiish  Bnw  another  night  \ 
A  martial  hoHt,  in  armor  bright, 
Kncanii)cd  upon  the  hhore  that  night. 
And  lighted  up  hor  Bccncry." 

8o;;o— TlPPEflA^0E 

"  Bold  Boyd  led  on  his  steady  band, 

With  bristling  bayonets  burnished  bright.  ,   ' 

\Vhat  could  their  dauntless  charge  withstand  ? 
What  stay  the  warriors'  matchless  might  ? 
Rushing  amain,  they  cleared  the  field  ; 
The  savage  foe  constrained  to  yield 
To  Harrison,  who,  near  and  far. 
Gave  form  and  spirit  to  the  war." 

Battle  of  Tippeoanoe. 

UTILE  the  nation  was  agitated  by  political  contentions,  and  the 
low  mutterings  of  the  thunder  of  an  oncoming  tempest  of  war 
wei'e  heard,  heavy,  dark,  and  ominous  clouds  of  troulile  were 
seen  gathering  in  the  northwestern  horizon,  where  tha  Indians 
were  still  nui.ierous,  and  discontents  had  made  them  restless. 

In  tlie  year  1800,  as  we  have  seen  (page  IGO  ),  the  Indiana 
Territory  (then  including  the  present  States  of  Indiana,  Illinois, 
^-  and  Wisconsin)  was  established,  and  the  late  President  Harri- 
son, then  an  energetic  young  man  of  less  than  thirty  years  of  age,  was  appointed  gov- 
imor.  He  had  resigned  his  commission  of  captain  in  the  IFnited  States  anny,  and 
for  a  few  years  had  been  employed  in  civil  life.  In  the  year  1805  a  Territorial  Leg- 
islature was  organized,  much  to  the  discontent  of  the  French  settlers  on  the  Wabash, 
and  Vincennes,  an  old  town  already  spoken  of  (page  40),  was  made  the  capital. 
Harrison  was  popular  among  all  classes,  and  particulurly  with  the  Indians ;  and  he 
managed  the  public  affairs  of  the  Territory  with  prudence  and  energy  in  the  midst 
I  uf  many  difficulties  arising  out  of  land  speculations,  land  titles,  treaties  with  the  In- 
ilians,  and  the  machinations  of  traders  and  the  English  in  Canada.  He  had  much  to 
1  contend  against  in  the  demoralization  of  the  Indians  by  immediate  contact  Avith  the 
white  people,  especially  effected  by  whisky  and  other  spirituous  liquors.* 

By  a  succession  of  treaties.  Governor  Harrison,  at  the  close  of  1805,  had  extin- 
I  suished  Indian  titlea  to  forty-six  thousand  acres  of  land  witliin  the  domain  of  Indi- 
ana.   Every  thing  had  been  done  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  exact  justice, 
and,  liad  the  governor's  instructions  been  fully  carried  out,  the  Indians  would  never 
liavc  had  cause  to  complain.    But  settlers  and  speculators  came,  bringing  with  them, 
I  in  many  cases,  the  peculiar  vices  of  civilized  society,  which,  when  copied  by  the  In- 
J  ilians,  were  intensified  fourfold.     Regarding  the  natives  as  little  better  than  the  wild 
jlteasts  of  the  forest,  they  defrauded  them,  encroached  upon  their  reserved  domain, 
land  treated  them  with  contempt  and  inhumanity.    "You  call  us  your  children,"  said 
jan  old  chief  to  Harrison  one  day,  in  bitteniess  of  spirit — "  you  call  us  your  children 

'"  I  do  not  believe,"  wrote  General  Harrison  In  1805,  "  that  there  are  more  than  sli  hundred  warriors  on  the  Wabash, 
luul  ret  the  quantity  of  whisky  brorght  here  annually  for  their  consnmption  Is  said  to  amount  to  six  thousand  gallons." 


<  f 


M 


SSSBHI 


\  t 


;ii  ■  ' 


liii 


188 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bncroachmonts  on  the  Indlnus. 


British  EmtsBarles  again  at  Work. 


Tecuintha  and  hlrt  Famllr 


— why  do  you  not  make  us  happy,  as  our  fathers,  tlie  French,  did  ?  They  never  took 
from  us  our  lands;  indeed,  tliey  were  conmion  between  us.  They  j»lanted  where  they 
pk'ased,  and  they  cut  Avood  where  tliey  pleased,  and  so  did  we.  But  now,  if  a  jioor 
Indian  attempts  to  take  a  little  bark  from  a  tree  to  cover  liim  from  rain, \i]>  comes  u 
white  man  and  threatens  to  shoot  him,  claiming  the  tree  as  his  own."'  And  so,  with 
ample  reason,  they  murmured  on.  Emissaries  sent  out  by  the  British  authorities  in 
Canada  fanned  the  flame  of  discontent;  and  Elliott,  the  old  onemj'  of  the  Ameripans, 
still  living  near  Maiden,  observing  symptoms  of  impending  war  between  the  Uiiitid 
States  and  Great  Britain,  was  again  wielding  a  potent  influence  over  the  chiofs  of  the 
tribes  in  the  Nortliwcst.  Their  resources,  as  well  as  privileges,  were  curtailed.  Na- 
poleon's Conthiental  System  touched  even  the  savage  of  the  wilderness.  It  eloumd 
and  almost  closed  the  cliief  markets  for  liis  furs,  and  the  prices  were  so  low  that  hi- 
dian  hunters  found  it  difficult  to  purchase  their  usual  necessaries  from  the  traders. 
At  the  beginning  of  181 1  the  Indians  were  ripe  for  any  enterprise  that  i)romised  tlicm 
relief  and  indepei;dence. 

A  powerful  warrior  had  lately  become  conspicuous,  who,  like  IMetacomet,  the  Warn- 
panoag,  and  Pontiac,  the  Ottawa,  essayed  to  be  the  savior  of  his  people  from  tin 
crushing  footsteps  of  the  advancing  white  man.  He  was  one  of  three  sons  born  of  a 
Creek  mother  (Mcthoataske)  at  the  same  time,  in  a  cabin  built  of  sapling  logs  un- 
hewn, and  chinked  with  sticks  and  mud,  near  the  banks  of  the  Mad  River,  a  fvw 
miles  from  Springfield,  Ohio.    They  were  named  respectively  Tecumtha,  Elkswatawn, 

and  Kamskaka.  Tc- 
cumtha^  was  the  war- 
rior alluded  to.  His 
name  signifies,  in  tin 
Shawnoese  dialect, "  n 
flying  tiger,"  or  "a 
wild-cat  springhig  on 
its  prey."  He  was  a 
well-built  man,  about 
five  feet  ten  inches 
in  height.^  Elkswata- 
wa,  "  the  loud  voice," 
also  became  famous 

or,  more  properly  speaking,  notorious ;  but  Kumskaka  lived  a  quiet,  retired  life,  anc 
died  in  ignoble  obscurity. 

As  early  as  1805,  Elkswatawa,  pretending  to  have  had  a  vision,  assumed  to  be  .i 
prophet,  and  took  the  name  of  PemsquataAvah,  or  "  open  door."  Up  to  that  pcrioil 
he  had  been  remarkable  for  nothing  but  stupidity  and  intoxication.  He  waa  a 
cunning,  unprincipled  man,  whose   c  ^untenance  was   disfigured  by  the  loss  of  an 


UlRTllPLACE  OF  TEOI^ITUA  AND  UIS  IIROTIIESB. 


'  Governor  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

'  The  late  Colonel  John  Johnston,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  who  was  Indian  Agent  among  the  Shawnoese  and  nelghborin:  j 
tribes  for  many  years,  and  knew  Tecumtlia  well,  informed  me  that  the  proper  way  to  spell  that  waiTlor's  name,  accord- 
ing to  the  native  pronunciation,  is  as  I  have  given  it.    On  such  authority  I  have  adopted  the  orthography  in  the  text,  j 
From  Colonel  Johnston,  whose  name  will  be  frequently  mentioned  in  the  course  of  our  narrative,  I  obtained  much  val- 
uable information  concerning  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest  from  the  year  ISOO  to  1812,  during  a  visit  with  him  in  the 
autumn  of  1800. 

The  birthplace  of  Tecumtha  and  his  brothers  was  at  the  Piqua  village,  about  five  miles  west  from  Springfield.*  The  j 
engraving,  copied  by  permission  from  Howe's  Historical  Collectium  tjifOhio,  shows  the  place  of  hla  birth  as  it  appeared! 
a  few  years  ago.  It  is  on  the  north  side  of  the  Mad  River.  A  small  hamlet,  called  West  Boston,  now  occupies  the  fiioi 
of  the  Piqua  village.  The  Indian  fort  at  that  place,  consisting  of  a  rude  log  hut  surrounded  by  pickets,  stood  upon  tbe| 
hill  seen  on  the  left  of  the  picture.  '  Colonel  Johustou. 

*  This  was  ancient  Piqua,  the  seat  of  the  Piqua  clan  of  the  Shawnoese,  a  name  which  signifies  "  a  man  formed  out  ofl 
the  ashes,"  and  siguiflcant  of  their  alleged  origin.  See  Howe's  Hintoriml  Collections  of  Ohio,  page  302.  Modern  Flmu,j 
oftentimes  confounded  with  that  of  the  ancient  one  in  speaking  of  Tecumtha,  is  a  flourishing  village  on  the  Great  MiaJ 
mi  Kiver,  Miami  County.  Upper  Piqua,  three  miles  above  the  village,  is  a  place  of  considerable  historical  interest.  Tbej 
reader  is  referred  to  Mr.  Howe's  valuable  work  for  interesting  details  concerning  the  events  which  made  it  famous. 


The  Prophefa  VIgloi 

eye'     While  J 
liLs  j)ipc  one  ( 
fell  to  the  eart 
(lead.    Prepar 
Here  made  for 
rial.   Wlienliis 
Hcre  about  to  r 
liiin,  he  opened  h 
and  said, "  Be  nc 
(ill.  I  have  been 
Land  of  the  Bl 
Call  the  nation  t< 
er,  that  I  may  tell 
"hat  I  have  seei 
lieard.".  His    p, 
were  speedily  a 
''led,   and    agaii 
-poke,  saying,  " 
lieaiitiful  young 
uere  sent  to  me  b' 
Great  Spirit,  who ; 
The   Master    of 
veighed  against  d 
10  do  Avith  tJie  pa 
every  imitation  of 
tlia,  possessed  of  a 
•ill  this  imposture. 
the  Northwestern 
iishing  the  wonder 
The  PropJiet's  he 
est  degree,  and  for 
H-as  almost  omnip( 
iiini,  but  the  people 
acquired  power  for 
"iser  and  judge,  an, 
charge  of  witchcraf 
vine  mission  was  re< 
liistances  to  see  the 
Their  numbers  beca 
Tecumtha's  deep 

■The  portrait  of  the  Prop 
11808.  He  made  a  sketch 
"«beclnls«,„„dbywh«n 
"'ring  partly  to  hi.  cxcessin 
l^ll^^-^  Book  ^ the  India, 
,    , /he  Prophet  was  without 

rille,  in  Ohio,  where  Wayne 
,  "on  of  Tecumtha,  no  doubt, 
rophecy  that  the  earth  was 

.Alarm  caused  many  to  flock! 

I  »« large  number,  his  plans  f, 

I   :'7-    H'«11scipIesVeV 

»«ofthe  ground  as  lar-e  as 

l^rendabeliefthatthebody. 

•    said  that  so  great  a  numb 

f  were  quite  depopulated 

te  »„e  third  -ver  returned,  1 

iT'coresupo,    heir  weary  pii 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


189 


The  Prophet's  Vision. 


Teeunuhn's  Craft. 


Ills  Inspiration. 


The  siipt-rptltioiis  Indians  excited. 


•HIE  ruopaET. 


is  ivngry  with  you  all. 
IIo  will  ik'stroy  you 
uiiloss  you  rolVain  IVoiii 
(Irunkenuess,  lying, 
stealing,  and  witch- 
craft, and  turn  your- 
selves to  him.  Unless 
the  red  men  shall  do 
this,  they  shall  never 
see  the  beautiful  place 
you  are  now  to  he- 
hold."  lie  was  then 
taken  to  a  gate  which 
opened  into  the  spirit- 
land,  but  he  was  not 
permitted  to  cnter.- 

Sueh  was  the  proph- 
et's story.  lie  imme- 
diately entered  upon 
his  mission  as  a  pro- 
fessed preacher  of 
righteousness.    lie  in- 


cvc'  While  lighting 
Ills  pipe  one  day,  he 
toll  to  the  earth,  as  if 
(lead.  Preparations 
were  made  for  his  bu- 
rial. When  his  friends 
were  about  to  remove 
him,  he  opened  his  eyes 
iiiul  said, "  lie  not  fear- 
tiii.  I  have  been  in  the 
l,aiid  of  the  Blessed. 
Call  the  nation  togeth- 
cr, that  I  may  tell  them 
what  I  have  seen  and 
heard." ,  His  people 
were  speedily  assem- 
bled, and  again  lie 
>poke,  saying,  "Two 
lieautiful  young  men 
were  sent  to  me  by  the 
Great  Spirit,  who  said, 
Tlie   Master    of  Life 

veighed  against  drunkenness  and  witchcraft;,  and  warned  his  people  to  have  nothing 
to  do  with  the  pale-fac?«,  their  religion,  their  customs,  their  arms,  or  their  arts,  for 
every  imitation  of  the  intruders  was  oft'ensive  to  the  great  Master  of  Life.  Tecum- 
tha,  possessed  of  a  master  mind  and  a  statesman's  sagacity,  was  tlie  moving  spirit  in 
all  this  imposture.  It  was  a  part  of  his  grand  scheme  for  obtaining  influence  over 
tlie  Northwestern  tribes  for  political  purposes,  and  he  went  from  tribe  to  tribe  pub- 
Hshiiig  the  wonders  of  his  brother's  divine  mission. 

The  Propliet's  harangues  excited  the  latent  superstition  of  the  Indians  to  the  high- 
est degree,  and  for  a  while  his  sway  over  the  minds  of  the  savages  in  the  Northwest 
was  almost  omnipotent.  The  chiefs  and  leading  men  of  his  own  tribe  denounced 
him,  but  the  people  sustained  him.  Success  made  him  bold,  and  he  used  his  newly- 
acquired  power  for  the  gratification  of  private  and  public  resentments.  He  was  ac- 
cuser and  judge,  and  he  caused  the  execution  of  several  hostile  Delaware  chiefs  on  a 
charge  of  Avitchcraft.  A  terrorism  began  lo  prevail  all  over  the  region  where  his  di- 
vine mission  was  recognized.  The  credulous — men,  women,  and  children — came  long 
distances  to  see  the  oracle  of  the  Great  Spirit,  who,  they  believed,  wrought  miracles.* 
Their  numbers  became  legion,  and  the  white  settlers  Avere  alarmed. 

Tecumtha's  deep  scheme  worked  admirably.    In  the  great  congregation  were  lead- 

'  The  portrait  of  the  Prophet  is  from  a  pencil  sketch  made  by  Pierre  he  Drn,  a  yonng  French  trader,  at  Vincennes, 
11 1S08.  lie  made  a  sketch  of  Tecnmtha  at  abont  the  same  time,  both  of  which  I  found  In  possession  of  his  son  at 
Quebec  In  1848,  and  by  whom  I  was  kindly  permitted  to  copy  them.  That  of  Tccumtha  will  be  found  in  Chapter  XIV. 
Offing  partly  to  hip  excessive  dissipation,  the  Prophet  appeared  much  the  elder  of  Tecumtta. 

'  Drake's  Book  of  the  Iiidians,  page  624. 

'  The  Prophet  was  without  honor  In  his  own  country,  and  he  leftPlqua  and  settled  In  a  villnpe  of  his  own  at  Green- 
ville, in  Ohio,  where  Wayne  held  his  great  treaty  in  1TO6,  on  lands  already  ceded  to  the  United  States.  At  the  lusUga- 
lion  of  Tccumtha,  no  doubt,  he  sent  emissaries  to  the  tribes  on  the  Lakes  and  on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  to  declare  his 
prophecy  that  the  earth  was  abont  to  be  destroyed,  except  In  the  Immediate  residence  of  the  Prophet  at  Greenville. 
Alarm  caused  many  to  flock  thither  as  a  place  of  refuge,  and  this  gave  Tecnmtha  an  opportunity  to  "divulge  with  case 
10  a  large  number,  his  plans  for  a  confederacy.  The  Prophet  made  many  predictions  concerning  the  future  glory  of  the 
todians.  His  disciples  spread  the  most  absurd  tales  about  his  wonderful  power— that  he  cori;d  make  pumpkins  spring 
oat  of  the  ground  as  large  as  wlgwsms,  and  that  his  corn  grew  so  large  that  one  ear  would  feed  a  dozen  men.  They 
I  fpread  a  belief  that  the  body  of  the  Prophet  was  invulnerable,  and  that  he  had  all  knowledge,  past,  present,  and  future. 
It  is  said  that  so  great  a  number  flocked  to  Greenville  to  sec  him,  that  the  southern  shores  of  Lakes  Suiwrior  and  Mich- 
I  igan  were  qnlte  depopulated.  The  traders  were  obliged  to  abandon  their  business.  Of  these  deluded  fanatics  not  more 
that  une  third  -ver  returned,  having  died  in  consequence  of  the  privations  of  hanger,  cold,  and  fatigue.  They  perished 
by  scores  iipoL  their  weary  pilgrimage.— J/S.  Life  and  Timen  of  Tecamteh,  by  Henry  Onderdonk,  Jr.,  1S42. 


1    it 

f       ■ 

m 


i'  i 


rmtSt%  «,rmnm 


:t     ] 


|i!'!|  W 


■    1: 

i  : 

1 

j      , 

1               : 

190 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Tecnrathii'g  Project  of  u  Confedcrntlon. 


HarrlRon  deDoiinceii  the  Prophet. 


Tecumtha'ii  Bolilucsii 


ing  mon  from  all  the  Burrounding  trilwB,  even  from  the  Upper  MiBsisHippi,  and  lie  liad 
a  rare  opportunity  to  confer  with  them  together  on  the  subject  of  his  darling  ijrojcci, 
a  grand  confederation  of  all  the  tribes  in  the  Northwest  to  drive  the  white  in.ui 
across  the  Ohio,  and  reclaim  their  lands  which  they  had  lost  by  treaties.  He  declaieil 
to  assembled  warriors  and  sachems,  whenever  opportunity  ottered,  that  the  treaties 
concerning  those  lands  northward  of  the  Ohio  were  fraudulent,  and  therefore  void; 
and  he  always  assured  his  auditors  that  ho  and  his  brother,  the  Prophet,  \\  ould  resent 
any  farther  attempts  at  settlement  in  that  direction  by  tlie  white  people. 

Governor  Harrison  perceived  danger  in  these  movements,  and  early  in  1808  he  ad- 
dressed a  speech  to  the  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  Siiawnoese  tribe,  in  which  he  de- 
nounced the  Prophet  as  an  impostor.  "  My  children,"  he  said,  "  this  business  nnist 
be  stopped.  I  will  no  longer  suffer  it.  You  have  called  a  number  of  men  from  tin 
most  distant  tribes  to  listen  to  a  fo(»l,  who  speaks  not  the  words  of  the  Great  Spirit, 
but  those  of  the  Evil  Spirit  and  of  the  British  agents.  My  children,  your  conduct  lias 
much  alarmed  the  white  settlers  near  you.  They  desire  that  you  will  sewl  awiiv 
those  people;  and  if  they  wish  to  have  the  impostor  with  them  they  can  carry  liim. 
Let  him  go  to  the  Lakes ;  he  can  hear  the  British  more  distinctly." 

This  speech  exasperated  and  alarmed  the  brothers.  The  Prophet  and  his  follow- 
ers, frowned  upon  by  the  Shawnoese  in  general,  who  listened  to  the  governor,  t(;(ik 
up  their  abode  in  the  spring  of  1808  on  the  banks  of  the  Wabash,  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Tij)pecanoe  liiver.  Tecumtha  was  there  too,  when  not  on  his  political  journcvs 
among  the  neighboring  tribes,  but  he  was  cautious  and  silent.  The  Proj)het,  more 
directly  aimed  at  in  Harrison's  speech,  hastened  to  deny  any  complicity  with  the 
British  agents,  or  having  hostile  designs.  He  visited  Vincenncs  in  August  to  con- 
fer in  person  with  the  governor,  and  to  give  him  renewed  and  solemn  assurances  tliat 
he  and  his  followers  wished  to  live  in  harmony  with  the  white  people.  So  specious 
w'cre  the  words  of  the  Avily  savage,  that  Harrison  suspected  he  had  misjudged  the 
man,  and  he  dismissed  the  Prophet  Avith  friendly  assurances. 

The  governor  soon  had  reason  to  doubt  the  fidelity  of  the  oracle.  There  avcu 
reported  movements  at  the  Prophet's  town  on  the  Wabash,  half  religious  and  half 
warlike,  that  made  him  suspect  the  brothers  of  unfriendly  designs  toward  the  Ameri- 
cans. He  charged  them  with  having  made  secret  arrangements  with  British  agents 
for  hostile  purposes,  and  jiressed  the  matter  so  closely  that,  at  a  conference  between 
the  governor  and  the  Prophet  at  Vinceimes  in  the  summer  of  1 809,  the  latter  acknowl- 
edged that  he  had  received  invitations  from  the  British  in  Canada  to  engage  in  a  war 
with  the  United  States,  but  declared  that  he  had  rejected  them.  He  renewed  his 
vows  of  friendship,  but  Harrison  no  longer  believed  him  to  be  sincere. 
'  September  30,  Soon  after  this  interview  Harrison  concluded  a  treaty  at  Fort  Wayne' 
1S09.  ^yjjij  Delaware,  Pottawatomie,  Miami,  Kickapoo,  Wea,  and  Eel  Ilivcr  In- 

dians, by  which,  in  consideration  of  $8200  paid  down,  and  annuities  to  the  amount  of 
$2350  in  the  aggregate,  he  obtained  a  cession  of  nearly  three  millions  of  acres  of  land 
extending  up  the  Wabash  beyond  Terre  Haute,  and  including  the  middle  waters  of 
the  White  River.  ^  Neither  Tecumtha,  nor  his  brother,  nor  any  of  their  tribe  had  any 
claim  to  these  lands,  yet  they  denounced  those  who  sold  them,  declared  the  treaty 
void,  and  threatened  to  kill  every  chief  concerned  in  it.  Tecumtha  grew  bolder  ami 
bolder,  for  he  was  sanguine  of  success  in  his  great  scheme  of  a  confederation,  and  the 
arrest  of  the  white  man's  progress.  He  had  already  announced  the  doctrine,  opposoil 
to  state  or  tribal  rights,  that  the  domain  of  all  the  Indians  belonged  to  all  in  common, 
and  that  no  part  of  the  territory  could  be  sold  or  alienated  withont  the  consent  ot 
all.  This  was  the  ground  of  the  denunciations  of  the  treaty  by  Tecumtha  and  his 
brother,  and  the  justification  of  their  threats  against  the  offending  chiefs — threats  the 

1  The  Weag  nnd  Klckapoos  were  not  represented  nt  the  conncll,  but  the  former,  in  October,  and  the  latter,  in  Decem- 
ber, confirmed  the  treaty  at  Fort  Wayne. 


SIgna  of  Indian  KoatI 

more  alarming, 

whom  all  the  tr 

k'coine  the  aliii 

hi  the  spring 

i)fho.stility.     TJ 

ttho  took  it  to  t 

i)f  hostility  cans 

lirothcr.     Finall 

known  to  and  re 


JUHcru  u. 

I'iimtha  appeared  at 
ty  warriors  with  hii 
grove  on  the  outskii 
»ere  startled  by  thi 

'Statement  of  Mr.  Barron. 
Dews  employed  by  Ilnrrlso 
iiMnd  very  interesting  In  CO 
JMOD  a  prominent  nose,  sn 

w„  iabaclf.  Ilewnsafac, 
fnmslc,  and  played  the  Indit 
tel88ipp.  In  1S37  he  accord 
ibe  same  tribe  in  1838  to  thei 

;"ciedim,es8,diedonlhe31a 
I  Uneiire  with  the  Eei  River. 
J  Mr.  Bnrron  was  at  the  battle 
I  operated  the  Inulans  again, 
jScMraportantdidtheyconsid, 
I  W«  of  trees,  and  Bent  them 
I  ta.  One  of  these  was  for  son 
jwiedtoGermanybyaCatho 
I W,  was  preserved  a  long  tlm 
taz  a  private  soldier  at  Mac; 
I'flMl  sent  me  a  tracing  of  It 

l-i   the  information  concerLim 
lM^f'!!'""^"'«  Portrait  o 

■w  Md  Wiliiam  Prince,  were  li 
■"messengers  to  the  Indians. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


101 


sigat  of  Indian  HotUUli**. 


The  MiMlon  of  Joieph  Barron. 


Hii  hoatllu  Recrptlon  by  the  Prophet. 


more  alarniinjj,  bi't-auso  the  warlike  Wyaiidots,  on  the  Houtlurn  shurea  of  Lake  Erie, 
whom  all  the  tribes  ho  feared  ami  reKi)eeteil  that  they  ealled  them  uncles,  had  lately 
iK'Ooine  the  allies  of  these  Shawaiioese  brothers. 

In  the  spring  of  lolO  the  Indian^^  at  the  Prophet's  town  gave  unmistakable  Higns 
iit'liostility.  They  n'fused  to  reeeive  the  "annuity  salt,"  and  insulted  the  boatmen 
who  took  it  to  them  by  ealling  them  "  American  dogs."  These  and  other  indications 
(if  iiostility  caused  llarri;  on  to  send  frecpient  messengers  to  the  l*roj)het  and  his 
lirotiier.  Finally,  iii  July,  i  e  sent  a  letter  to  them  by  Joseph  l?arron,  a  Frenchman, 
known  to  and  respected  by.dl  the  Indian  tribes  in  that  region  as  a  taithful  and  kind- 
hearted  interpreter,  lie  was  instructed  to  in- 
vite the  brothers  to  meet  the  governor  in  coun- 
cil !»t  Vineemies,  and  lay  their  alleged  griev- 
ances before  him.  Harron  was  received  by  the 
Prophet  in  a  most  unfriendly  spirit.  The  ora- 
cle was  surrounded  by  several  Indians,  aiul 
when  the  interpreter  was  formally  presented 
his  single  eye  kindled  and  gleamed  with 
fiercest  anger.  Gazing  upon  the  visitor  in- 
tently for  several  minutes  without  speaking, 
he  suddenly  exclaimed, "  For  what  purpose  do 
>/oit  come  here  ?  Bronillette  was  here ;  he  was 
a  spy.  Dubois  was  here ;  he  was  a  spy.  Now 
>/0H  liave  come.  You,  too,  are  a  spy."  Then, 
pointing  to  the  ground,  lie  said,  vehemently, 
"  There  is  your  grave,  look  on  it !"  At  that 
moment  Tecumtha  api)eared,  assured  Uarron 
of  his  pc'.sonal  safety,  heard  the  letter  of 
Governor  Harrison,  and  promised  to  visit  Vin- 
cennes  in  the  course  of  a  few  days. ' 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  August  Te- 
iiimtha  appeared  at  Vincenncs.  Ho  had  been  requested  to  bring  not  more  than  thir- 
ty warriors  with  him ;  he  came  with  four  hundred  fully  armed,  and  encamped  in  a 
grove  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  The  inhabitants,  most  of  whom  Avere  unarmed, 
were  startled  by  this  unexpected  demonstration  of  savage  strength,  and,  partly  on 

•  statement  of  Mr.  Barron,  qnotod  by  Dtl'ion  in  his  Uimry  of  Indiana,  page  441.  Mr.  Barron  was  a  native  of  Detroit . 
He  was  employed  by  Harrison  H8  interpreter  abont  eighteen  years.  lie  was  an  uneducated  man,  of  much  natural  abll- 
I  itr,  and  very  interesting  in  conversation.  lie  was  slender  In  form,  about  a  medium  height,  had  black  eyes,  sallow  com- 
lileiion,  a  prominent  nose,  small  month,  and  wore  his  hair  in  a  cue,  <i  (a  aborigine,  with  a  long  black  ribbon  dangling 
down  his  back.  He  was  a  facetious,  pleasant,  social,  and  entertaining  man,  fiill  of  anecdotes  and  Imn  mots  He  was  fond 
of  music,  and  played  the  Indian  flutes  with  skill.  Barron  was  acquainted  with  most  of  the  Indian  dialects  east  of  the 
Mlsjlsslppi.  in  isa7  he  accompanied  emigrating  Pottawatomles  to  the  West.  He  also  accompanied  another  party  of 
Ike  same  tribe  In  1838  to  their  lands  beyond  the  Mississippi.  He  afterward  returned  to  the  Wabash,  and,  after  a  pro- 
iraciert  Illness,  died  on  the  31st  of  July,  1843,  at  an  advanced  age,  at  the  residence  of  his  son  on  the  Wabash,  near  Its  con- 
I  Incnce  with  the  Eel  Klver. 

Mr.  Barron  was  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  with  Harrison,  and  this  circumstance  greatly 
I  fsajpcrated  the  Indians  against  him.  They  were  very  anxious  to  capture  and  torture  him. 
I  Si)  important  did  they  consider  him,  that  they  made  rude  ekctches  of  his  features  on  the 
harks  of  trees,  and  sent  them  among  the  varlons*  tribes,  that  they  might  know  and  catch 
I  him.  One  of  these  was  for  some  time  in  possession  of  Mr.  Compret,  of  Fort  Wayne.  It  was 
lorried  to  Germany  by  a  Catholic  priest  as  a  great  curiosity.  Another,  on  a  piece  of  beech 
I  kirk,  was  preserved  a  long  time  at  Fort  Dearborn,  and  in  1830  was  in  possession  of  James 
I  Hertz,  a  private  soldier  at  Mackinaw,  IVom  whom  a  friend  procured  it,  and  In  the  antumu 
|oIls«I  sent  me  a  tracing  of  it.    The  sketch  is  a  fac-simlle  on  a  reduced  stale. 

George  Winter,  Ksq.,  an  artist  of  Lafayette,  Indiana,  painted  a  portrait  of  Mr.  Barron  in 
|l<li.  He  kindly  furnished  me  the  copy  from  which  the  above  engraving  was  made;  also 
Iwit tlie  information  concerbing  the  famous  interpreter  contained  In  this  note.  Mr.  Winter 
Ins  the  painter  of  the  portrait  of  Frances  Slocnm,  the  lost  child  of  Wyoming.— See  Lossing's 
|ftU-lMoifc  (ffthe  Revolution,  I.,  300. 

Bronillette  and  Dubois,  mentioned  above,  with  Pnncis  VIgo,  Pierre  La  Plante,  John  Con- 
Inn,  and  William  Prince,  were  influential  men,  and  were  frequently  employed  by  Uarrisou 
li!  messengers  to  the  Indians. 


JUHKPU  UABBOK. 


I.Nm.V.>    UKTHUXEB. 


f  \ 


i  I 


i-i 


t 


I 


Ih'  Ml  J#MI 


103 


riCTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


TMomtb*  kt  VlneannM. 


Bis  Arrogauce. 


Uarrlion's  Hpcech. 


Iloitlle  DcmnDitratloni  by  the  ludUni. 


account  of  their  foarK,  and  partly  becaiifc  of  tlie  fume  of  Tociuntlia  aa  an  ora'or,  they 
flocki'tl  to  the  govcrnor'H  house.  Seats  liad  heen  i>rej)are<l  for  those  wlio  were  to  par 
tiei]>ato  in  tiie  council  under  the  portico  of  the  governor's  residence;  but  when  'IV 
cuintha,  after  jilacing  the  great  body  of  his  warriors  in  camp  in  the  shade  of  a  grove 
near  by,  advanced  with  about  thirty  of  his  followers,  he  refused  to  enter  tlie  area  wiili 
the  white  j)eople,  saying, "Houses  were  built  for  you  to  hold  councils  in;  Indiiuis 
hold  theirs  in  the  open  air."  He  then  took  a  position  under  some  trees  i'l  front  of 
the  house,  and,  unabashed  l)y  the  large  concourse  of  people  before  him,  opened  the 
business  with  a  spee(  !i  marked  by  great  dignity  and  native  eloipience.  When  lie  liml 
concluded,  one  of  the  governor's  aids,  through  Havron  the  interpreter,  said,  to  tlie 
chief,  ])ointing  to  a  chair,"  Your  father  retpiests  you  to  take  a  seat  by  his  side."  The 
chief  drew  his  mantle  around  him,  and,  sWuiding  erect,  said,  with  scornful  tone, "My 
father!  The  sun  is  my  father,  and  the  earth  is  my  mother;  on  her  bosom  I  will  re- 
l)0sc,"  and  then  seated  himself  upon  the  ground.  • 

Tecumtha's  speeches  at  this  council  Avere  bold,  arrogant,  and  sometimes  insolent. 
He  avowed  the  intention  of  himself  and  brother  to  establish,  by  a  confederacy  of  tin 
tribes,  the  principle  of  common  interest  in  the  domain  as  intended  by  the  Great  Siiir- 
it,  and  to  not  only  i)revent  any  other  sale  or  cession  of  lands,  but  to  recover  what  hml 
been  lately  ceded  by  the  treaty  at  Fort  Wayne.  He  declared  Ids  intention  to  kill  all 
the  "  village  chiefs"  who  had  made  the  sale  if  the  lands  were  not  returned,  because 
be  was  authorized,  he  said,  by  all  the  tribes  to  do  so.  "  Return  those  lands,"  he  saiij, 
"and  Tecumtha  will  be  the  friend  of  the  Americans.  He  likes  not  the  English,  who 
are  continually  setting  the  Indians  on  the  Americans."' 

Governor  Harrison,  in  his  reply,  ridiculed  the  idea  that  the  Great  Spirit  had  intend- 
ed the  Indians  to  be  one  j)eople.  "  If  such  had  been  Ins  intention,"  he  said, "  he  woulil 
not  have  put  six  dilferent  tongues  into  their  heads,  but  would  have  taught  them  all 
to  8j>eak  one  language."  As  to  the  lands  in  dispute,  the  Shawnoese  had  nothing  to 
do  with  it.  The  Miamis  owned  it  when  the  Shawnoese  were  living  in  Georgia,  (ml 
of  which  they  had  been  driven  by  the  Creeks.  The  lands  had  been  purchased  fioni 
the  Miamis,  who  were  the  true  owners  of  it,  and  it  was  none  of  the  Shawnoese's  busi- 
ness. When  these  asseverations  were  interpreted,  Tecumtha's  eyes  flashed  witii  an- 
ger. He  cast  ofl'  his  blanket,  and,  with  violent  gesticulations,  pronounced  the  goveni- 
or's  words  to  be  false.  He  accused  the  United  States  of  cheating  and  imposing  upon 
the  Indians.  His  warriors,  receiving  a  sign  from  him,  sprang  to  their  feet,  seized  tluir 
war-clubs,  and  began  to  brandish  their  tomahawks.  The  governor  started  from  his 
chair  and  drew  his  sword,  while  the  citizens  seized  any  missile  in  their  way.  It  was 
a  moment  of  imminent  danger.  A  military  guard  of  twelve  men,  who  were  under 
some  trees  a  short  distance  ofl',  were  ordered  up.  A  friendly  Indian  cocked  his  pis- 
tol, Avhich  he  had  loaded  stealthily  while  Tecumtha  was  speaking,  and  Mr.Winans,  a 
Methodist  minister,  ran  to  the  governor's  house,  seized  a  gun,  and  placed  himself  in 
the  door  to  defend  the  family.  The  guard  wei-c  about  to  fire,  when  Harrison,  perfect- 
ly collected,  restrained  them,  and  a  bloody  encounter  was  prevented.  When  the  in- 
terpreter told  him  the  cause  of  the  excitement,  he  pronounced  Tecumtha  a  bad  man, ! 
and  ordered  him  to  leave  the  neighborhood  immediately.  Tecumtha  retired  to  his 
•  AiKTiat  20     camp,  the  council  was  broken  up,"  and  no  sleep  came  to  the  eyelids  of  the  j 

1810.         people  of  Vincennes  that  night,  as  they  expected  ar  attack  from  the  savages.  I 

On  the  following  morning,  Tecumtha,  with  seeming  sinceri'y,  expressed  his  regret! 
because  of  the  violence  into  which  he  had  been  betrayed,  ile  found  in  Harrison  ai 
man  not  to  be  awed  by  menaces  nor  swayed  by  turbulence.  "With  respectful  words! 
he  asked  to  have  the  council  resumed.  The  governor  consented,  and  then  placed  twol 
companies  of  well-armed  militia  in  the  village,  for  the  protection  and  encouragementf 
of  the  inhabitants.     Tecumtha,  always  dignified,  laid  aside  his  insolent  manner,  am| 

'  Onderdonk'g  MS.  Life  of  Tecumteh. 


l/giiK '-fMfttI  Attntfit 


OF  TOE  WAU  OF  1  8  1  S. 


103 


irgiii<  r<"«nil  Attempt!  to  conclllit*  Ttcamtb*. 


Roving  Plnoderen. 


TMnmtha's  Feara  Mid  Pnplldtjr, 


iiiiblicly  (liHnvowod  any  intention  of  uttnckinjj  tho  governor  and  his  friends  <»n  the 
precodiiiij  day.  Wlieii  asked  wlietlier  lit;  intended  to  perHist  in  liis  opponitioii  to  tho 
lute  treaty,  lie  replied  tinnly  that  he  Hhould  "adhere  to  tho  <)I>1  l)<)nndary."  Chiefs 
t'roin  five  different  tribes  iininedintely  arose,  and  deelared  tlieir  intention  to  support 
Tcc'umtha  in  tlie  stand  lio  liad  taken,  and  their  determination  to  establish  tho  pro- 
posi'd  confederacy. 

Harrison  well  knew  the  great  ability  and  influence  of  Tecumtha,  and  was  very  anx- 
ii)us  lo  conciliate  him.  On  tlie  fallowing  day,  accompanied  only  by  Mr.  Barron,  ho 
visiti'tl  the  warrior  in  his  camp,  and  liad  a  long  and  frietully  interview  with  liim.  Ho 
told  Tecumtlui  that  his  principles  and  liis  claims  would  not  l;o  allowed  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  and  advised  him  to  rclinquisli  them.  "  Well,"  said  the 
warrior,  "  as  tho  (4reat  Chief  is  to  determine  the  matter,  I  )\opo  the  Grd&t  Spirit  will 
put  sense  enough  into  his  head  to  induce  him  to  direct  you  to  give  up  this  land.  It 
is  true,  he  is  so  far  off  ho  will  not  be  injured  by  the  war.  He  may  sit  still  in  his  town 
and  drink  his  wine,  while  you  and  I  will  have  to  iiglit  it  out."'  The  conference  end- 
1,1  l)y  the  governor's  promising  to  lay  the  matter  before  the  President. 

War  with  the  followers  of  Tecumtha  and  the  Prophet  now  seemed  probable,  and 
Harrison  commenced  measures  to  meet  it.  A  small  detachment  of  United  States 
troops,  under  Captain  Cross,  stationed  at  Newport,  Kentucky,  were  ordered  to  Vin- 
cennc's,  there  to  join  three  companies  of  militia  infantry  and  a  company  of  Knox  Coun- 
ty dragoons,  in  the  event  of  an  attack  from  tho  savages.  The  governor  had  paid  par- 
ticular attention  to  drilling  the  militia,  and  now,  when  their  services  were  likely  to 
1)0  needed,  they  felt  much  confidence  on  account  of  their  discipline. 

The  Indians  on  the  Wabash,  grown  bold  by  tho  teachings  of  their  great  military 
leader,  the  oracular  revelations  of  the  Prophet,  and  the  active  encouragement  of  the 
I  British  in  Canada,  began  to  roam  in  small  marauding  parties  over  the  Wabash  region 
1  in  the  spring  of  1811,  plundering  the  houses  of  settlers  and  tho  wigwams  of  friendly 
j  Indians,  stealing  horses,  and  creating  general  alarm.     Tecumtha  was  exceedingly  ac- 
tive, at  the  same  time,  in  efforts  to  perfect  his  confederacy  and  inciting  the  tribes  to 
or;  and,  early  in  the  summer,  the  movements  of  the  Indians  were  so  menacing  that 
Governor  Harrison  sent  Captain  Walter  Wilson,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Barron,  with  an 
Itnergctic  letter  to  the  Shawnoe  brothers.*     He  assured  them  that  he  was    •jnnc24, 

lly  prepared  to  encounter  all  the  tribes  combined,  and  that  if  they  did  not       ^'*"- 
[put  a  stop  to  the  outrages  complained  of,  and  cease  their  warlike  movements,  he 
lihould  attack  them. 

Tecumtha  was  alarmed.  lie  received  the  messengers  very  courteously,  and  prom- 
lisod  to  see  the  governor  in  person  very  soon,  when  he  would  convince  him  that  he 
Ibl  no  desire  to  make  war  upon  the  Americans.  Ho  accordingly  appeared  at  Vin- 
jcennes  on  the  27th  of  July,  accompanied  by  about  t  ee  hundred  Indians,  twenty  of 
Itliem  women.  The  inhabitants  were  alarmed.  It  w.  believed  that  the  wily  savage 
Ikad  intended,  with  these  warriors  at  hand,  to  compel  the  governor  to  give  up  the  Wa- 
Iksh  lands.  But  when,  on  the  day  of  his  arrival,  he  saw  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
pellarmed  militia  reviewed  by  the  governor, ho  exhibited  no  haughtiness  of  tone  and 
anner.  He  was  evidently  uneasy.  He  made  the  most  solemn  protestations  of  his 
fondly  intentions  and  desires  to  restrain  tho  Indians  from  hostilities,  yet  he  eamest- 
rbut  modestly  insisted  upon  a  return  of  the  lands  ceded  by  the  treaty  at  Fort 
fayne.  His  duplicity  was  perfect.  He  left  Vincennes  a  few  days  afterward  with 
Tenty  warriors,  went  down  the  Wabash,  and,  as  was  afterward  ascertained,  visited 
!  Southern  Indians — Creeks,  Chocta\7s,  and  Chickasaws — and  endeavored  to  bring 
m  into  his  league  against  the  white  people.  The  remainder  of  his  followers  from 
Bie  Prophet's  town,  astonished  at  the  military  display  at  Vincennes,  returned  to  their 
plezvous  on  the  Tippecanoe,  filled  with  doubt  and  alarm. 

>  Dawson's  Life  of  Ilarrison,  page  S9 ;  Drake's  Book  of  the  North  American  Indians. 

N 


(, 

■"1:1 

1  ■ 

lifii 


:'  r 


^^^^^^^^^jS^SESSSSSSasassBf 


!  'i 


'H;  !!ll 


:?  i; 


104 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Preparations  for  fighting  the  Indiand. 


Colonel  John  P.  Boyd. 


Reeponse  to  a  Call  for  Volanieen. 


c^J^fLA./P/^. 


The  government  had  suggested  to  Harrison 
tlie  propriety  of  seizing  Tecumtha  and  the 
Prophet,  and  holding  them  as  hostages  for  tho 
good  behavior  of  their  followers.    The  gov- 
ernor,  in  turn,  suggested,  as  a  better  method 
of  obtaining  peace  and  security,  an  increase  of 
the  military  resources  of  the  Territory,  and  the 
establishment  of  a  military  post  high  up  the 
Wabash  toward  the  Prophet's  town.    The  wis- 
dom  of  this  suggestion  was  conceded.    T'  . 
Fourth  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry, 
under  Colonel  J  ohn  P.  Boyd,'  was  ordered  from 
Pittsburg  to  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio,  now  Lou- 
isvill  i ;  and  Governor  Harrison  was  author- 
ized'' to  employ  these  troops  and  call    .  j,,,^ .. 
out  the  militia  of  the  Territory  for  the       wi 
purpose  of  attacking  the  hostile  savages  on 
the  Tippecanoe,  if  he  should  deem  it  advisable. 
This  authorization  gave  the  inhabitants  about 
Vincennes  great  relief    They  had  already,  be- 
fore the  arrival  of  the  order,  appointed  a  com- 
mittee at  a  public  meeting''  to  ask  the    "July 31, 
government  to  uirect  the  dispersion  of  the  hos- 
tile bands  at  the  Prophet's  town,^ 
The  government  was  anxious  to  preserve  peace  with  the  Indians,  and  Harrison's  I 
orders  gave  him  very  little  discretionary  powers  in  the  matter  of  levying  war  upon 
the  savages.     They  Avere  sufficient  for  his  pui-pose.    He  determined  to  push  forward, 
build  a  fort  on  the  Wabash,  make  peaceful  overtures,  and  if  they  were  rejected,  open  j 
war  vigorously.     He  called  Colonel  Boyd  to  Vincennes  with  his  detachment,  consist- 1 
ing  of  a  part  of  the  Fourth  Regiment  and  some  riflemen,  and  asked  for  volunteers.! 
The  response  was  quick  and  ample.     Revenge  because  of  wrongs  suffered  at  tliej 
hands  of  the  Indians  north  of  the  Ohio  slumbered  in  many  bosoms,  especially  in  Ken-j 
tucky ;  and  when  the  voice  of  the  popular  Harrison  called  for  aid,  it  was  like  the! 
sound  of  the  trumpet.     Old  Indian  warriors  in  Kentucky  like  General  Samuel  Weiisj 

'  John  Parke  Boyd  was  bom  in  Newbnryport,  Massachiisetta,  Uccember  il,  1704.    His  father  was  from  Scotland,  nnd 
his  mother  was  a  dcsoendnnt  of  Trietam  Coffin,  the  flrpt  of  tht>t  family  who  emigrated  to  America.    He  entered  i!iJ 
army  In  1780,  ae  ensign  In  the  Second  Regiment.    With  a  spirit  of  adventnre,  he  went  to  India  in  17S!),  having  BrJ 
touched  at  the  Isle  of  France.    In  a  letter  to  his  father  from  Madras,  in  lunc,  1790,  he  says,  "  Having  procured  recomi 
meudatory  letters  to  the  English  consul  resii'Mj  at  the  conrt  o'  'lis  highness,  tue  Ni/am,  I  proceeded  to  his  capital, IlrJ 
drabad,  460  miles  from  Madras.    On  my  arrival,  I  was  presente  i  lo  h"s  highness  in  form  by  the  English  consul.   Myref 
ceptlon  was  as  favorable  as  my  inoet  sanguine  wishes  had  anticipated.    After  the  usntl  ceremony  was  over,  he  presenll 
od  mo  with  the  command  of  tvi-o  kansolars  of  Infantry,  each  of  which  consists  (  i  600  inen."    His  commission  and  mI 
were  in  accordance  with  his  commii:u{.    He  describes  the  army  of  the  Nizam,  which  had  taken  the  Held  agalii°t  TIpixii 
Saltan.    It  consisted  of  160,000  infantry,  00,000  cavalry,  and  600  elephants,  each  elephant  supporting  a  "  castle"  cimuiil 
Inc  a  nabob  and  i   rvants.    He  remained  in  India  several  years,  in  n  sort  of  guerrilla  service,  and  obti;'.ied  much  famj 
He  was  in  Paris  early  In  1808,  and  at  home  in  the  autumn  of  that  y2ar,  when  he  wag  appointed  (October  2)  colonela 
the  Fourth  Regiment  of  the  U.  8.  Army.    He  was  in  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  in  November,  3811,  and  on  the  ronime"M 
ment  of  war  with  Great  Britain  he  was  appointed  (August  20)  a  brigadier  general.    He  held  that  rank  thronghuni  ilj 
w.ir.    He  was  at  the  capture  of  Fort  George,  and  in  the  battle  of  Chrysler's  Field,  or  Williamsburg,  in  Canada,   lie  1( 
the  army  in  1816,  and  the  following  year  he  went  to  England  to  obtain  indemnity  for  the  loss  of  a  valuable  car^o  (il  il 
petre,  capturcd*by  an  English  cmiser  while  on  its  way  from  the  East  Indies.    He  procured  only  a  single  I'lstallmenlf 
$30,000.    President  Jackson  appointed  him  Naval  Officer  at  Boston  ia  1830.    lie  died  there  the  same  year,  on  the4lb1 
October,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six  years.  I 

General  Boyd  was  a  tall,  well-formed,  and  handsome  man ;  kind,  courteous,  and  genevous.    I  am  indebted  to  l| 
courtesy  of  the  Hon.  William  Willis,  of  Portland,  Maine,  for  the  materials  of  the  above  brief  sketch  and  the  profile  c 
general. 

'  The  committee  consisted  of  Samuel  T.  Scott,  Alexander  Dcvln,  Luke  Decker,  Ephraira  .Jordan,  Daniel  M'l'lm 
Walter  Wilson,  and  Francis  Vigo.  In  a  letter  dated  August  3, 181 1,  and  addressed  to  the  President,  they  said,  "In  ll 
part  of  the  country  we  have  not,  as  yet,  lost  any  of  our  fellow-citizens  by  the  Indians ;  but  depredations  upon  the  pra 
eity  of  those  who  live  upon  the  fl-imtlers,  and  Insults  to  the  families  tliat  are  left  unprotected,  almost  daily  occur.^ 
Dillon's  Uiatory  nf  fndiana,  page  460. 


BuriBou'a  March  up 

and  Colonel  Ov 

eloquent  Kentu 

tain  Peter  Funl 

Chum,  Edwardi 

ville.    All  of  tJi 

Oil  the  2et'i  ( 

abx/Ut  nine  huiui 

October  halted  < 

village,  >\here  tli 

in  Indian  traditic 

tiveen  tribes  of 

had  named  the  sr 

erection  of  a  quat 

and  the-e  the  go\ 

(lians,  wJio  a8sure( 

III  war-speeches  t 

Americans ;  and  t 

tthen  some  prowli: 

sent-nels,     Ilarrist 

sage  to  the  impo8t< 

to  their  respective 

horses  in  lijs  posse 

the  Indiana  and  111 

The  fort  was  cor 

or  forty  feet  above 

ol'its  completion  it 

Harrison,  in  honor 

Standing  over  the  g 

^'™^"^''thename^ 

j  Ill's  Fort  Harrison  " 

sol-^ier,  standing  ne: 

vhisky  in  that  way- 

wd  that  littk-  fort 

paylor,  which  we  shs 

'    I  visited  Terrellau 

8«0.«    I  had  spent 

fetching  the  grave  c 

l^i^wt^that^histori 

I  'lam  Indebted  to  Mr  D^ 
"if  by  him  fVom  the  li',!.'   , 

IB.^      .    lertlle  farm  eiirnt 

Ibklnr,,,    "r""""  descent.    I] 

Ua.h."X%rn^«xt, 

^-•UUwr„re'rt    -;"■ 
I '™»t.Lonl»ini8fl2  ~L\i 

tifr'"''5.«inF^r 

;;«  Knox  was  erected  by  M, 


OF  THE  T/AU    OF   1812. 


196 


Bairlsou'a  March  up  the  Wabash  with  Troops. 


Fort  Httrrison  built. 


Deputations  of  fhendl;  ludiaus. 


and  Colonel  Owen  instaiitly  obeyed.  They  hastened  to  the  field,  accompanied  by  the 
eloquent  Kentucky  lawyer,  Joseph  Hamilton  Da'dess,  Colonel  Frederick  Geiger,  Caj)- 
tain  Peter  Funk*  at  the  head  of  a  company  of  cavalry,  and  Croghau,  O'Fallon,  Shipp, 
Chum,  Edwards,  and  other  subalterns,  who  had  been  mustered  by  Geiger  near  Louis- 
ville.   AH  of  these  have  praisers  for  bravery  in  the  annals  of  their  country. 

Oil  the  20th  of  September  Governor  Harrison  left  Fort  Knox,'^  at  Vincennes,  with 
alK*ut  nine  hundred  eft'ective  men,  marched  u]>  the  W  abash  Valley,  and  on  the  3d  of 
October  halted  on  the  eaatern  bank  of  the  river,  about  two  miles  above  an  old  Wea 
village,  where  the  town  of  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  now  stands.  It  was  a  spot  famous 
inhuliun  tradition  as  the  scene  of  a  desperate  battle,  at  some  time  far  in  the  past,  be- 
tween tribes  of  the  Illinois  and  Iroquois.  On  this  accor.nt  the  old  French  settlers 
iiad  named  the  spot "  Battaille  des  Illinois."  There  they  immediately  commenced  the 
erection  of  a  quadrangular  stockaded  fort,  with  a  block-house  at  three  of  the  angles  ; 
and  thee  the  governor  received  deputations  from  friendly  DelaAvare  and  Miami  In- 
dians, who  assured  him  that  the  hostility  and  strength  of  the  Proj)het  was  increasing. 
In  war-speeches  to  them  he  had  declared  that  the  hatchet  was  lifted  up  against  the 
Americans;  and  this  information  was  affirmed  on  the  night  of  the  10th  of  October, 
when  some  prowling  Shawnoese,  who  had  come  d<iwn  the  Wabash,  wounded  one  of  the 
sentinels.  Harrison  sent  a  deputation  of  Miamis  to  the  Prophet's  <^own  with  a  mes- 
sage to  the  impostor,  requiring  the  Indians  on  the  Tippecanoe  to  disperse  immediately 
to  their  respective  tribes.  It  also  required  the  Prophet  to  restore  all  the  stolen 
horses  in  his  possession,  and  surrender  the  men  who  had  murdered  white  people  on 
the  Indiana  and  Illinois  frontiers.     The  messengers  never  returned  with  an  answer. 

The  fort  was  completed  on  the  28th  of  October.  It  was  built  upon  a  bluff  thirty 
or  forty  feet  above  the  Wabash,  and  covered  about  an  acre  of  ground.  On  the  day 
of  its  completion  it  was  named,  by  the  unanimous  request  of  the  officers  present,  Fort 
Harrison,  in  honor  of  the  governor.  Colonel  Daviess  made  a  speech  on  the  occasion. 
Standing  over  the  gate,  and  holding  a  bottle  of  whisky  in  his  hand,  ho  said,  in  conclu- 
sion, "  In  the  name  of  the  United  States,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  I  christen 
this  Fort  Harrison."  He  then  broke  the  bottle  over  the  gate,  when  a  whisky-loving 
soldier,  standing  near,  exclaimed,  wHh  the  usual  expletive, "  It  is  too  bad  to  waste 
whisky  in  that  way — water  would  have  done  just  a:  well."  Less  than  a  year  after- 
I  ward  that  littk  fort  became  the  theatre  of  heroic  exploits  under  Captain  Zachary 
I  Taylor,  which  we  shall  consider  hereafter, 

I  visited  Terre  Haute  and  the  site  of  Fort  Harrison  late  in  September, 
1 1860."    I  had  spent  the  previous  day  at  Fort  W  ayne,  in  visiting  and 
I  sketching  the  grave  of  Little  Turtle,  the  great  Miami  chief,  and  other  places  of  inter- 
lest  about  that  historic  city.     A  storm  had  Just  ended,  and  the  sky  was  still  murky 

I I  am  iudnbted  to  Mr.  D.  R.  Poignard,  of  Tnylcrsville,  Kentucky,  for  a  very  interesting  nar.-tive  of  this  cam|)aiKD, 
luLen  by  him  from  the  lip-^  of  Captain  Funlt  in  iStti,  then  aged  eighty  years,  and  enjoying  good  health  of  mind  and 
1  body  on  his  fertile  farm  eight  milts  from  Louisville.  Mr.  Funk  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  where  he  was  bom  in  1782. 
IHewM  of  German  descent.  His  narrative  is  dear,  and  exceedingly  interesting,  and  I  have  availed  myself  of  its  valna- 
iMc  infi)ruiution  in  compiling  the  account  of  this  memi.rable  campaign. 

I  Captain  Fimk  says  that  Governor  Ilarrison  was  in  LoniBvillc  In  August,  1R11,  when  the  narrator  was  in  command  of 
litompany  of  militia  cavalry  there.  At  Harrison's  personal  request  lie  hastened  to  Govcnior  Scott,  and  obtained  per- 
|iiHioii  to  raise  a  company  of  cavalry  to  Join  the  forces  of  the  Governor  of  Indiana  at  Vincennes,  for  an  expedition  up 

Sandusky  ;  but,  before  leaving 
Lonisville,  he  concluded  that 
Funk's  cavalry  would  be  quite 
BUfncient-  Captain  Funk  raised 
his  company  in  the  course  of  a 
lew  days,  and  early  in  September 
At  Ibis  place  they  found  Colonel  Joseph  H.  Da- 


'  September  26. 


^^ 


"0^^ 


|ik  Wabash.    Harrison  also  call 

I  fur  a  company  of  Infantry,  to 
« raised  by  Captain  James  Hunt- 
In,  who  was  afterward  second  in 

mmand,  under  Colonel  Crog- 

11,  at  Fort  Stephenson,  on  the 
plneil  Colonel  Bartholomew's  regiment,  then  marching  on  Vincennes, 

«*,  with  two  other  volunteers  (James  Mead  and  Hen.  Saunders)  from  Lexini;,.on  the  colonel's  then  place  of  residence. 

kere  were  with  him,  also,  four  young  gentlemen  from  Louisville,  namely,  Geor;,„  Croghan,  John  O'Fallon,  a  miUion- 

■fofSt.  Louis  In  1802, Moore,  afterward  a  captain  in  the  U.  8.  .^rmy,  "nd Hynes. 

[lie  signature  of  Captain  Funk  (then  bearing  the  title  of  Major),  above  given,  is  copied  from  a  note  to  me  from  him, 

Ttlilfn  In  September,  1801. 

]<Furt  Knox  was  erected  by  Mi\Jor  Hamtramck  in  178T,  and  named  In  honor  of  General  Henry  Knox,  the  liecretar; 

>War. 


I    / 


ifl  I 


■.1  1 

\%i  i 

!    t:            1 

1 

W> 

196 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  Night  at  Peru. 


A  Political  Campaign. 


Uopleagant  Experience  at  Indianapoiu. 


when  we  left,  at  two  in  the  afternoon,  for  Indianapolis.  We  arrived  at  Peru,  a  little 
village  on  the  Wabash  fifty-six  miles  west  of  F^ort  Wayne,  at  sunset.  The  dull  clouds 
had  lifted  the  space  of  a  degree  from  the  horizon,  and  allowed  the  last  rays  of  the  sun 
to  give  glory  to  the  thoroughly  saturated  country  for  a  few  minutes,  before  the  lu- 
minary disappeared  behind  the  forests  that  skirted  a  wide  prairie  on  the  west. 

At  Peru,  a  railway  leading  -outhward  to  the  capital  of  Indiana  connects  with  the 
Toledo  and  Wabash  Road,  over  which  we  had  traveled.  But  there  was  no  evening 
connection,  and  we  were  compelled  to  remain  among  the  Peruvians  until  morning. 
Theirs  is  a  small  village.  Town  and  taverns  were  filled  with  people,  drawn  t'.iithcr 
by  the  two-fold  attraction  of  a  county  fair  and  a  desire  to  go  to  Indianapolis  in  tlie 
morning,  where  the  late  Judge  Douglas,  one  of  the  candidates  for  the  Presidency  nf 
the  United  States,  was  to  speak.  I  found  a  crowd  of  railway  passengers  around  tlie 
register  of  the  inn  where  I  stopped,  all  anxious  to  secure  good  lodgings  for  the  niglit. 
The  applicants  were  many,  and  the  beds  proportionately  few.  I  was  fortunate  enough 
to  have  for  my  room-companion  for  the  night,  Judge  Davis,  of  Bloomington,  Illinois 
a  gentleman  of  great  weight  in  the  West,  and  an  ardent  personal  friend  of  the  late 
President  Lincoln.  He  declared  that,  if  his  triend  should  be  elected,  he  would  be 
found  to  be  "  the  right  man  in  the  right  place. '  Judge  Davis  is  now  (1867)  one  of 
the  Associate  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

Having  half  an  hour  to  spare  before  supper  and  the  approaching  darkness,  I  strolled 
around  the  village,  that  lies  »ipon  a  rolling  plain  and  along  the  banks  of  the  beauti- 
ful Wabash — beautiful,  indeed,  because  of  variety  in  outline,  greenness  of  verdure, 
and  its  fringes  of  graceful  trees  and  shrubbery.  Many  of  the  trees  were  more  ancient 
than  the  dominion  of  the  w.iite  man  there,  and  others  were  as  young  as  the  town 
near  by,  so  lately  sprung  up  from  the  shadows  of  the  wilderness.  A  canal,  with 
muddy  banks,  dug  along  the  margin  of  the  river,  somewhat  marred  the  beauty  of 
the  scene.  It  was  quite  dark  when  I  retired  to  the  inn,  having  called  on  the  way  at 
the  house  of  Mr,  Grigg,  whose  wife  is  a  daughter  of  the  Little  Turtle.  They  were 
absent,  and  I  missed  the  anticipated  pleasure  of  an  interview  with  one  whose  father 
bore  such  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  history  of  the  Northwest. 

I  left  Peru,  in  company  Avith  Judge  Davis,  at  six  o'clock  the  following  morning, 
and  reached  Indianapolis  at  ten.  It  was  a  sunny  day.  The  town  was  rapidly  filling 
with  people  pouring  in  by  railways  and  common  roads  from  all  directions.  Flags 
were  flying,  drums  were  beating,  marshals  were  hurrying  to  and  fro,  and  the  ciowdsj 
were  flowing  toward  the  "  Bates  House,"  the  common  centre  of  attraction,  wherei 
Judge  Douglas  was  receiving  his  friends  in  a  private  parldr,  and  waiting  for  the  ap- 
pointed hour  when  he  should  go  out  and  speak  to  the  people  on  the  political  topics 
of  the  day.  Over  the  broad  street  a  splendid  triumphal  arch  was  thrown,  and  evei 
avenue  to  the  hotel  was  densely  thronged  with  eager  expectants.  I  made  my  waj 
through  the  living  sea,  and  registered  my  name  for  dinner  at  the  "  Bates,"  expcctins 
to  leave  for  Terre  Haute  at  evening.  After  spending  an  hour  with  Mr.  Dillon,  ai 
thor  of  the  latest  history  of  Indiana,  I  was  informed  that  a  train  would  leave  forth^ 
West  at  meridian.  So  I  again  elbowed  my  way  through  the  crowd  just  as  Juih 
Douglas  was  entering  his  carriage,  and,  with  the  shouts  of  twenty  thousand  voi« 
ringing  in  my  ears,  I  escaped  to  the  empty  streets,  and  reached  the  railway  static 
just  in  time  for  the  midday  train.  I  was  soon  reminded  that  I  had  invcluntarili 
made  a  liberal  contribution  to  some  light-fingered  follower  of  the  itinerant  candidal 
for  the  crown  of  civio  victory.  I  had  been  relieved  of  the  present  care  of  that  subtj 
magician  thus  apostrophized  by  Byron : 

"Thon  more  than  gtone  of  the  phlloHnpher  I 
Thon  touchstone  of  Philosophy  herBClf! 
Thon  bright  eye  of  the  mine !  thon  loadstar  of 
The  sonl !  thon  tmc  mn^etlc  pole,  to  which 
All  hearts  point  duly  north,  like  trembling  needles !" 


Vtoit  to  Terre  Haute 

Terre  Haute 

pleasant  vilJaw 

thousand  inhal 

one  of  the  mosl 

at  four  o'clock  i 

ing,  so  as  to  lea 

to  whom  I  had 

attractions  of  a 

men,  women,  an( 

kind  could  be  for 

more  than  an  he 

reserve,  and  start 

too  dim  to  make 

there  in  their  ear 

tween  the  canal  t 

still  be  seen  the  fi 

nothing  of  the  fo 

then  (I860)  formec 

■ifle.    I  had  the  go 

ii.'ime),  when  near  i 

loi's  defense  of  it. 

description  of  the 

that  I  made  a  rouo 

of  it  on  the  spot,1 

copy  of  which  is  8e 
picture.  He  prono 
perfect  according  tc 
collection.  Jtg  trut 
«as  confirmed  on  m 
to  the  Terre  Hautt 
I'.v  a  picture,  made 
manner  a  few  years  a 
(lie  recollections  of  < 
pip,  and  lithographe 
m  placed  in  my  ha 
Mr,  Kalston,  of  the 
"■^''•ks;  and  I  was  j,, 

Itofi'id  such  a  perfect 
|Mit,even  in  detail 
h  doubt  the  engravin 
?»<""  i3  a  truthful  rop, 

M'eft  Terre  Haute  ff 
M.„ing,»  checking  vu 
kencastle,  the  capita 
fi'eago  Railway  croHs 
™k  was  checked  for 
*gra])h  operator  in  J; 
»^sage  with  eflfect  beft 
J'anapolis,  making  its 
,,  .^>  W'nged  elec 
»f  fugitive  at  Richmor 
"^^ntjvasbrought  ba 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


197 


visit  to  Terre  Haute  and  the  Site  of  Fort  Harrison. 


Sketch  of  the  Fort. 


A  Traveler  In  Trouble. 


Terre  Haute  (high  land)  is  seventy-three  miles  westward  of  Indianapolis.  It  is  a 
pleasant  village,  and  the  capital  of  Vigo  County.  It  then  contained  less  than  two 
thousand  inhabitants.  It  is  on  a  high  plain  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Wabash,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  delightful  summer  residences  in  all  that  region.  We  amved  there 
at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Hoping  to  visit  the  site  of  Fort  Harrison  that  even- 
iiiff,  so  as  to  leave  in  the  morning,  I  immediately  sought  a  gentleman  in  the  village 
to  whom  I  had  a  letter  of  introduction.  The  town  was  almost  depopulated  by  the 
attractions  of  a  county  fair  in  its  neighborhood.  The  afternoon  was  so  j)leasant  that 
men,  women,  and  children  had  al  gone  to  the  exhibition,  and  not  a  vehicle  of  any 
kind  could  be  found  to  convey  me  to  the  fort,  over  two  miles  distant.  After  wasting 
more  than  an  hour  in  fruitless  attempts  to  procure  one,  I  fell  back  on  my  unfailing 
r  >serve,  and  started  off  on  foot.  It  was  twilight  when  I  reached  the  spot — twilight 
too  dim  to  make  a  sketch  of  the  locality.  The  old  sycamore  and  elm  trees  that  were 
tliere  in  their  early  maturity  when  the  fort  was  built  yet  stand  along  thj  bank  be- 
tween the  canal  and  the  ruin,  and  on  the  western  shore  of  the  Wabash  opposite  may 
still  be  seen  the  fine  old  timber  upon  the  low  anu  frequently-overflowed  bottom ;  but 
nothing  of  the  fort  remained  excepting  the  logs  of  one  of  the  block-houses,  which 
then  (1860)  formed  the  dwelling  of  Cornelius  Smock  within  the  area  of  the  old  stock- 
ade. I  had  the  good-fortutie  to  meet  an  old  man  (in  my  haste  I  forgot  to  inquire  his 
name),  when  near  the  site  of  the  fort,  who  was  there  in  1813,  soon  after  Captain  Tay- 
lor's Jefense  of  it.  He  pointed  out  the  exact  locality,  and  gave  me  such  a  minute 
tk'scription  of  t  lie  structure, 

that  I  made  a  rough  outline  ^^  ^l%SHK8^sfi'*J^^**  ''^^i 

of  it  on  the  spot,  a  finished 
copy  of  which  is  seen  in  the 
picture.  He  pronounced  it 
perfect  according  to  his  rec- 
ollection. Its  truthfulness 
was  confirmed  on  my  return 
to  the  Terre  Haute  House 
I  l)y  a  picture,  made  in  like 
manner  a  few  yeara  ago  fiom 
I  the  recollections  of  old  peo- 
ple, and  lithographed.'  It 
Uti3  placed  in  my  hands  by 
I  Mr.  Ralston,  of  the  gas- 
I Works;  and  I  was  jurprised 
I  to  find  such  a  perfect  agree- 
jment,  even  in  detail.  I  have 
Ido  doubt  the  engraving  here 
Igiveii  ia  a  truthful  representation  of  Fort  Harrison  and  its  surroundings  in  1813. 

I  left  Terre  Haute  for  Crawfordsville,  Indiana,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  •  September  ST, 
lUKTiing,"  checking  my  luggage  (as  I  thought)  to  the  Junction  near  '•***• 

^reencastle,  the  capital  of  Putnam  County,  where  the  Louisville,^  New  A'bany,  and 
lieago  Railway  crosses  that  of  the  Terre  Haute  and  Richmond.  By  mistake  my 
unk  was  checked  for  Philadelphia,  and  was  not  left  at  the  Junction.  I  found  the 
telegraph  operator  in  his  bed  half  a  mile  from  the  station,  but  he  could  not  send  a 
Bpssage  with  effect  before  seven  o'clock,  at  which  time  my  luggage  w  juld  be  beyond 
dianapolis,  making  its  way  towaid  Philadelphia  at  the  rate  of  twenty-five  miles  an 
lour.  The  winged  electricity  was  more  fleet  than  the  harnessed  steam.  It  headed 
jit  fugitive  at  Richmond,  a  hundred  miles  distant,  and  at  two  o'clock  In  the  after- 
ion  it  was  brought  back  a  prisoner  to  Greencastle  Station,  much  to  my  relief.     I 

1  rubltshod  by  Modealtt  and  Hager  in  the  year  1S4S. 


PUKT    IIAUUIKU.N. 


t     !>•, 


It! 


'/ 1 


W  ^  ^' ' 


i 


!l;^-^Ml  -v  i| 


!l   i  ill! 


198 


riCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


OreeocaBtie  and  Crawfordsvillc. 


A  Visit  to  the  Founder  of  CrawrordBville. 


Two  of  Wayne's  tioldleni. 


think  I  never  saw  so  much  beauty  in  an  old  black  leather  trunk  before  nor  since. 
Meanwhile  I  had  pretty  thoroughly  explored  Greencastle,  chiefly  before  daylight, 
when  trying  to  find  my  way  back  to  the  station  from  the  te'egrapiiist's  lodgings. 
Every  street  appeared  to  end  at  a  vacant  lot.  At  length,  just  at  dawn,  I  rcijcived 
directions  from  an  Irishman,  with  an  axe  on  his  shoulder,  more  explicit  thaii  tlcar. 
"Is  it  the  dapo'  you  want?"  he  inquired.  "Yes."  "Wi'  thin,"  he  said,  "jist  tnni 
down  to  the  lift  of  the  Prisbytarian  Church  that's  not  finished,  and  go  by  the  way  of 
the  church  that  is  finished ;  turn  right  and  lift  as  many  times  as  ye  plaze,  and  budad 
ye'll  be  there."  Perfectly  satisfied  I  walked  on,  found  tlie  station  by  accident,  wait- 
ed patiently  for  the  telegi'aphist,  and  then  went  to  the  villags,  half  a  mile  distant,  to 
breakfast. 

Greencastle  is  pleasantly  situated  u,jon  a  high  table-land,  sloping  every  way,  about 
a  mile  east  of  the  Walnut  Fork  of  the  Eel  Run,  and  then  contained  between  two 
thousand  and  three  thousand  inhabitants.  I  remained  there  until  three  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  when  I  left  for  Crawfordsvillc,  twenty-eight  miles  northward,  wlicre  I 
met  my  family  and  remained  a  few  days,  the  guest  of  the  Honorable  (afterward  JIa- 
jor  General)  Lewis  Wallace,  the  gallant  commander  first  of  the  celebrated  Eleventh 
Indiana  Regiment  in  Western  Virginia,  and  afterward  of  loyal  brigades  and  di- 
visions in  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  Northeni  Mississippi,  in  the  late  Civil  War.' 


since  1833,  and  for  fifteen 
years  was  Judge  of  the  Cir- 
cuit Court.  From  him  I 
obtained  much  valuable  in- 
formation concerning  tlie  in- 


There  I  met  the  Honorable 

Isaac  Naylor,  who  was  with 

Harrison   at  the  battle   of 

Tippecanoe.     He   had  been 

a  resident  of  Crawfordsvillo 

cidents  of  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  and  the  preceding  marcli  of  the  army  from  Vin- 

cennes.'^ 

I  also  visited,  at  Crawfordsvillc,  the  late  venerable  Major  Ambrose  Whitlock,  one 
of  the  last  survivors  of  General  Wayne's  army  in  the  Northwest.  lie  was  first  undei- 
the  immediate  command  of  Hamtramck,  and  afterward  served  as  aid  to  Wayne,  and 
became  lieutenant  in  the  company  of  which  Harrison  was  captain.  Major  Whitloclc 
was  the  founder  of  Crawfordsvillc.  He  was  at  the  head  of  the  Land-oflice  in  Indiana, 
as  receiver  of  the  public  moneys  of  the  United  States,  for  eight  years.  William  11. 
Crawford,  Monroe's  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  appointed  him  to  that  station.  The 
office  was  at  Terre  Haute.  It  was  finally  determined  to  establish  an  oftice  in  another 
part  of  tlie  Territory  for  the  convenience  of  the  settlers,  and  the  selection  of  the  lo- 
cality was  left  to  the  judgment  of  Major  Whitlock.  He  found  in  the  wilderness  near 
Sugar  Creek,  in  a  thickly-wooded  dell,  a  spring  of  excellent  water,  and  resolved  tn 
establish  the  new  Land-oflice  near  that  desb-able  fountain.  Settlers  came.  He  laid 
out  a  village,  and  named  it  Crawfordsvillc,  in  honor  of  his  friend  of  the  Treasury  De- 
partment. He  resided  there  ever  afterw.ird.  His  house  was  upon  a  gentle  eminence 
eastward  of  the  railway,  and  the  wooded  deli  and  the  ever-flowing  spring  of  sweet 
water  formed  a  part  of  his  premises  on  the  eastern  borders  of  the  village.  Major  Whit- 
lock^ was  ninety-one  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  yet  his  mental  faculties 

•  For  an  account  of  Gefxal  Wallace's  military  genices,  see  I^osBlng's  Pictorial  Hittory  of  the  Civil  War. 

">  Judge  Naylor  was  bom  in  Rockingham  Com'*  "i  VI-  •'•ilii,  on  the  JiOth  of  July,  1790,  and  at  the  age  of  three  ycare  was  I 
taken  hy  his  far.ily  to  a  settlement  near  Huddle's  ouiilon,  Bourbon  Connty,  Kentucky.  lie  removed  to  Clarke  Cnmitt,  I 
Indiana,  in  1806,  aud  In  1810  made  a  voyage  to  New  Orl  janu  on  a  flat-boat.  He  repeated  it  next  year,  and  soon  after  | 
his  return,  and  while  preparing  for  college,  be  Joined  Harrison's  army  at  Vincennes  as  a  volunteer  In  Captain  Jaires  Iti:- 
ger's  company.  He  assisted  In  the  construction  of  Fort  Harrison,  participated  In  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  soon  after- 
ward, and,  at  different  times  during  the  war  with  Great  Britain  that  ensued,  served  as  a  volunteer,  but  was  not  to  siy  j 
other  buttle.    In  1880  he  was  elected  Judge  of  the  Common  Pleas  of  Montgomery  County.  ! 

'  Ambrose  Whitlock  was  born  at  Bowling  Green,  Caroline  County,  Virginia,  on  the  26th  of  April,  1T69.    At  an  early 
age  he  went  to  Kentucky.    He  enlisted  in  Wayne's  army,  and  was  with  htm  throughout  bis  Indian  compalgns.   Atone  j 
time  he  was  his  aid.    He  was  Ave  years  in  garrison  at  Fort  Washington  (Cincinnati)  as  sergeant.    President  Adam!  j 
commissioned  him  lieutenant  in  ISOO.    In  1802  he  was  appointed  aesistant  military  agent  at  Vincennes,  and  also  ateulanl  j 
PBymaster.    He  became  district  paymaster  in  1806,  a  first  lieutenant  in  the  regular  army  in  180T,  and  a  captain  in  ISl!'  I 


Journey  from  Crawf( 

were  quite  vi| 
diers  of  the  pa^ 
was  blessed  w 
aud  fortune. 

On  the  cvonii 

one  of  Septemb 

for  Lafayette,  Ii 

northward,  with 

the   Tippecanoe 

niorning.     The  c 

passed  for  the  fin 

Iieavily  timbered 

ginning  to  assun 

autnmn.     It  was 

seen  of  the  actual 

nearly  all  Septeii 

August  in  terape 

soon  readied  a  si 

had  seen,  uvA  at 

Lafayette.     The  t 

thousand  inhabit 

j)olitical  excitemei 

public  meetings  tl 

V.JoIin.son,  ofGeo 

Slates ;  the  latter. 

Congress  from  Mic 

Lane,  of  Crawford 

"Little  Giants"2fo 

the  same  streets  at 

tor  that  it  war  difli 

the  moving  illumii 

were  kept  up  until 

He  relinquished  his  rank  in 
met  composed  of  Kentucky 
years  and  a  half,  and  attain 

■™  as  receiver  of  the  put 

els".   It  is  BHppoRed  that  ui 

'"»  »'  InJiannpolis  I  saw  a 

Mken  from  life  J  and  In  Ban 

W,  who  was  also  In"  Mud  > 

I  ^k'fl'tnls  engraving  was  m 

I  talsvllle  on  the  2Gth  of  J„„ 

.    '  ^""^  was  a  schism  In  th 

»«  John  C.  Breckiuridg 

Breckinridge  Democrats  •• 

few  rears' standing,  comoosp 

"tension  of  slavery  beZdt 

««minated  John  Bell,  of  Ten 
"re  freqnently  called  the  Bel 
J  ttcr  respective  friends.  ; 
I  Me.  Mr.  Bell  had  already 
,ti"°""y-^'''''«"'™«tor 
I  ™%,  and  the  payment  of  h 
r''''''':'7-»n<l''ecomeatr, 
I  Hepnbllcanpssoclatlons.p 
J^te»  m  1800.    They  wore  r^u 

|„  "•  'n  ""usion  to  his  menta 

I  ""Ple  of  the  torch-light  procesi 


te:i 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


190 


Jimnief  frum  Crawfordsvllle  to  Lafayette.  Political  Exoitement  at  Litfayettc.  Political  Parties  at  tbat  Time. 

were  quite  vigorous.  Unlike  many  sol- 
diers of  the  past,  a  large  portion  of  his  life 
«as  blessed  with  an  affluence  of  health 
liiitl  fortune. 

On  the  evening  of  a  sultry  day,  the  last 
one  of  September,  we  left  Crawfordsvllle 
for  Lafayette,  Indiana,  twenty-eight  miles 
northward,  with  the  intention  of  visiting 
the  Tippecanoe  battle-ground  the  next 
niorniiig.  The  country  through  which  we 
passed  for  the  first  few  miles  was  hilly,  and 
iieavily  timbered,  and  the  foliage  was  be- 
sinning  to  assume  the  gorgeous  hues  of 
iiiitumn.  It  was  the  first  evidence  we  had 
seen  of  the  actual  departure  of  summer,  for 
nearly  all  September  had  been  more  like 
August  in  temperature,  than  itself.  We 
soon  reached  a  small  prairie,  the  first  we 
liad  seen,  and  at  eight  o'clock  arrived  at 
Lafayette.  The  town,  containing  full  ten 
thousand  inhabitants,  was  all  alive  with 
political  excitement,  the  "  Donglas  Democrats"  and  the  "  Republicans"'  both  holding 
public  meetings  there.  The  former,  convened  at  a  hotel,  was  addressed  by  Ilerschel 
V.  Johnson,  of  Georgia,  the  "  Douglas"  candidate  for  the  Vice-Presidency  of  the  ITi  '  t  ed 
States ;  the  latter,  held  in  the  court-house,  was  addressed  by  Mr.  Howard,  membn-  of 
Congress  from  Michigan,  whom  I  had  met  a  few  days  before  at  the  table  of  Senator 
Lane,  of  Crawfordsvllle.  Torch-light  processions  of  the  "Wide-awakes"  and  the 
''Little  Giants"^  followed  the  speeches  ;  and  as  they  marched  and  countermarched  in 
the  same  streets  at  the  same  time,  they  became  so  entangled  to  the  eye  of  the  specta- 
tor that  it  war  difficult  for  a  partisan  to  recognize  his  own  political  representative  in 
the  moving  illumination.  This  was  followed  by  drum-beatings  and  huzzas,  which 
were  kept  up  until  midnight. 


^-4h^Mi<Ji 


J 

1 

He  relinqnlshed  his  rank  In  the  line  In  June,  1S14,  and  in  May,  1815,  was  appointed  deputy  paymaster  peneral  of  the  dis- 
trict composed  of  Kentucky,  Illinois,  and  Indiana.    He  was  disbanded  in  ISIO,  having  served  in  the  army  twenty-three 
rears  and  a  half,  and  attained  to  the  rank  of  major.    He  was  never  in  military  service  afterward.    After  serving  eight 
years  as  receiver  of  the  public  moneys  in  Indiana,  he  was  dismissed  by  General  Jackson  to  make  room  for  some  one 
else.   It  is  supposed  that  not  half  a  dozen  soldiers  of  Wayne's  army  now  (ISOT)  survive.    In  the  possession  of  Mr.  Dil- 
Inn  at  Indianapolis  I  saw  a  daguerreotype  of  Martin  Huckleberry,  one  of  Woyue's  army,  then  (September,  ISflO)  just 
taken  from  life ;  and  in  Bangor,  Maine,  I  saw  in  November,  IStSO,  Henry  Van  Meter,  a  colored  man,  over  ninety  years  of 
jgt,  who  was  also  in  "  Mad  Anthony's"  army.  I  am  indebted  to  General  Wallace  for  the  portrait  of  Major  Whitlock,  from 
»hich  this  engraving  was  made.    It  was  taken  when  he  was  in  his  nluety-flrst  year.    Ue  died  at  his  residence  in  Craw- 
tonif.vUle  on  the  2flth  of  June,  ISta,  when  over  ninety-four  years  of  age. 
I  There  was  a  schism  in  the  great  Democratic  party,  so-called,  in  the  spring  of  ISflO,  when  one  portion  nominated  Ste- 
pben  A.  Donglas,  of  Illinois,  for  the  Presidency,  and  were  called  the  "  Douglas  Democrats,"  and  the  other  portion  nom- 
j  iaaied  John  C.  Breckinridge,  of  Kentucky,  then  the  Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  and  were  known  as  the 
I  "Breckinridge  Democrats."    Opposed  to  the  entire  Democatic  party  was  the  Republican,  a  political  organization  of  a 
I  te*  years'  standing,  composed  of  men  of  all  the  old  parties,  whose  leading  distinctive  object  was  tho  prevention  of  the 
eitenslon  of  slavery  beyond  the  states  and  Territories  in  which  it  already  existed.    This  party  had  nominated  Abraham 
1  Lincob,  of  Illinois,  for  President.    A  fourth  party,  professedly  conservative,  and  calling  themselves  the  Union  party, 
nominated  John  Bell,  of  Tennessee,  for  President,  and  Edward  Everett,  of  Massi'Chnsetts,  for  Vice-President.    They 
I  were  frequently  called  the  Bell-Everett  party.    At  the  election  in  November,  18C0,  tiiese  four  candidates  wer^  supported 
I  by  their  respective  friends.    Mr.  Lincoln  was  elected.    Mr.  Douglas  died  in  the  city  of  Chicago  early  in  the  following 
I  tee.  Mr.  I)ell  had  already  declared  his  aHlliation  with  rebels  in  arms  against  the  government ;  while  Mr.  Breckin- 
I  iMje,  a  lately-chosen  senator  from  Kentucky,  only  waited  for  the  close  of  the  extraordinary  session  of  Congress,  held 
I  In  Jnly,  and  the  payment  of  his  salary  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  to  openly  declare  himself  an  enemy  to 
I  Ikt  country,  and  become  a  traitor  by  taking  up  amis  *o  overthrow  the  government. 

'Repnbllcan  f.sBociations,  pledged  to  the  support  of  the  candidates  of  that  party,  were  formed  all  over  the  free-labor 
I  tilen  in  \9m.  They  wore  round  capes,  and  oftentimes  lights  on  their  hats,  and  assumed  the  name  of  "  Wide-awakes." 
iTbejr  formed  the  staple  of  Republican  torch-light  processions  in  the  autumn  of  ISUO.  Mr.  Donglas  was  a  short,  powerful 
liUD.  In  allusion  to  his  mental  strength  and  shortness  In  statnre,  he  was  called  by  his  admirers  the  Little  Giant.  The 
I  wiing  men  of  bis  party  formed  associations  like  'he  "  Widc-awak^e,"  called  themselves  "  Little  Giants,"  and  formed  the 
I  <iiple  of  the  torch-light  proceeslous  of  the  Douglas  party  in  the  aatnmn  of  1800. 


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200 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Indian  Portraits. 


Jonrney  to  the-Battle-ground  of  Tippecauoe. 


IIurrUoD'8  March  up  the  Wabaab  Valle)-. 


At  Lafayette  I  met  Mr.  George  Winter,  an  English  artist  who  has  resided  many 
years  in  Indiana,  and  had  the  pleasure  of  inspectuig  his  fine  collection  of  Indian  por- 
traits and  scenes  painted  by  him  from  nature.  His  collection  possesses  much  histor- 
ical and  ethnological  value,  and  ought  to  be  in  the  possession  of  some  institution 
where  it  might  be  preserved  and  the  individuals  never  separated.  He  was  intimati- 
ly  acquainted  with  many  of  the  characters  whose  features  he  has  delineated,  and  ho 
lias  collected  stores  of  anecdotes  and  traditions  of  the  aboriginals  of  the  Northwest. 
The  memory  of  Mr.  Winter's  kind  attentions  while  we  were  in  Lafayette  is  \cn 
pleasant. 

The  first  day  of  October  dawned  brightly,  and  the  temperature  of  the  air  was  like 
that  of  early  June.  Before  sunrise  we  visited  the  artesian  well  of  sulphur-water  in 
the  public  square,  the  result  of  a  deep  search  for  pure  water.  A  neat  j)avilion  covers 
it ;  cups  are  furnished  for  the  thirsty,  and  noi  far  off  are  baths  of  it  for  invalids  and 
others. 

At  an  early  hour  we  departed  for  the  battle-ground  of  Tippecanoe,  seven  miles 
northward.  We  passed  over  a  level  and  pleasant  country  most  of  the  way,  crossing 
the  railway  several  times.  Within  three  miles  of  the  battle-ground  we  crossed  tiie 
Wabash  on  a  cable-bateau,'  and  watched  with  interest  the  perilous  fording  of  tlie 
stream  just  above,  near  the  railway  bridge,  by  a  man  and  woman  in  a  light  wagon. 
Twice  they  came  near  being  submerged  in 
deep  channels,  but  finally  reached  the  shore 
with  only  wet  feet.  The  man  saved  the  fer- 
riage fee  of  twelve  cents. 

We  arrived  at  the  Battle-ground  House  at 
ten  o'clock,  passing  the  scene  of  the  conflict 
just  before  reaching  it.  Resting  in  the  cool 
shadows  of  the  stately  trees  that  still  cover 
the  spot,  let  us  turn  to  the  chronicle  of  the 
Past  and  study  the  events  which  have  made 
this  gentle  elevation,  ove'-lookhig  a  "  wet  prai- 
rie," classic  ground. 

Fort  Harrison,  as  we  have  seen,  was  com- 
pleted on  the  28th  of  October.  It  was  gar- 
risoned by  a  small  detachment  under  Lieuten- 
ant-colonel Miller — the  "  I'll  try,  sir !"  hero  of 
the  battle  of  Niagara,  three  years  later.  The 
main  body  of  the  army  moved  forward  the 

•October 29,      "^^*    "^^y*"  '^"'^    *'"    *'^^    3l8t,  SOOn 

*'^ii-  after  passing  the  Big 
Raccoon  Creek,  crossed  to  the 
western  side  of  the  Wabash,  near 
the  site  of  the  present  village  of 
Montezuma,  in  Parke  Count  y.^ 
Tliere  the  troops  were  joined  by  some  of  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  under  Wells,  j 
Owen,  and  Geiger.-*    Harrison  was  commander-in-chief  by  virtue  of  his  oftice  as  gov- 


1  These  were  large  flat-boats  for  conveying  passengers,  teams,  .ind  freight.    They  are  pushed  across  by  poles  at  low  j 
water,  and  at  high  water  arc  secured  and  assisted  in  the  passage  by  a  huge  cable  stretched  from  shore  to  shore. 

«  Dillon's  HtHtory  of  Indiaua,  page  4«2. 

'  Having  been  Informed  that  the  Indians  were  more  numerous  in  his  front  than  he  had  anticipated,  Govomor  Hirri-i 
son  had  sent  Colonel  Daviess  and  one  or  two  others  to  Kentucky  to  apply  for  a  re-enforcement  of  five  hundred  men. 
nrigadler  General  Wells  Immediately  ordered  out  his  brigade  and  beat  up  for  volunteers.  The  privates  hanging  back,  j 
Wells  and  several  of  his  off.cers  stepped  out,  and  being  Joined  by  some  of  the  file,  the  volunteers  mustered  thlrty-tV'i; 
men.  They  elected  Colonel  F.  Gelger  as  their  captain.  The  reluctance  of  the  men  to  turn  out  was  owing  in  part  (ol 
their  scruples,  the  brigade  having  been  ordered  out  wUhoat  orders  from  the  Governor  of  Kentucky.  The  goTeroor  be-l 
Ing  at  Frankfort,  there  was  no  time  to  consult  him.— jPunt's  Narrative. 


Flnt  Appearance  o 

cmor  of  the  1 
sisted  of  nine 
regulars  under 
tia.  The  mou 
hundred  and  8( 
and  of  the  rifle 
The  army  wi 
western  bank  < 
eight  men  were 
the  army.  On 
5th  encamped  w 
been  careful,  on 
whose  banks,  for 
where  a  few  tnci 
From  tJieir  enc 
rie,  extending  far 
the  guides  assertc 
of  the  Wabash,  w 
from  the  contenip 
.-ies.  Until  now  i 
the  following  day, 
tliey  were  seen  lio' 
of  the  trooj)s  had 
cions,  wa-  hed  evt 
the  same  order  of 
eral  in  1794,2  he  no 
ofthe  path,  and  th( 
To  facilitate  the  mi 
tion  into  battle  ord 
iinins  of  companies. 
ofthe  time  throng 
Nians  were  continna 
tried,  but  in  vain,  to 
of  the  Prophet's  tow 
tlie  mongrel  warrior 
|Mon  turned  back,  an 
I  The  alarmed  savas 
Inson  that  the  Proph( 
Jooiiriers,  but  that  the 
ITliey  were  surprised  i 
la  their  women  and  c 

lie  was  ready  to  have 
iMinprncnt.     They  pd 

[lacreeklessthana 
TTji.vlor  and  Clarke)  wei 
M  that  the  situations 
*e  out  to  meet  him 
jommenced  until  an  im 
P^for  the  encam 

Ll' "lit '«'"eved  that  the  Indl 
Mammal]  force  as  hit^haa  the 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


20T 


Firtt  Appearance  of  hostile  Indlaue. 


The  Prophet's  Town  approached. 


The  Indians  alarmed. 


ernor  of  the  Territory,  and  Boyd  was  his  next  in  command.  The  whole  force  con- 
sisted of  nine  hundred  and  ten  men,  and  was  composed  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
regulars  under  Boyd,  si\ty  volunteers  from  Kentucky,  and  six  hundred  Indiana  mili- 
tia. The  mounted  men,  consisting  of  dragoons  and  riflemen,  amounted  to  about  two 
hundred  and  seventy.  The  command  of  the  dragoons  was  given  to  Colonel  Daviess, 
and  of  the  riflemen  to  General  Wells,  both  having  the  relative  rank  of  major. 

The  army  was  near  the  Vermilion  River  on  the  2d  of  November,  and  there,  on  the 
western  bank  of  the  Wabash,  built  a  block-house  twenty-five  feet  square,  in  which 
eight  men  were  placed,  to  protect  the  boats  employed  in  bringing  up  provisions  for 
the  ami}'.  On  the  following  day*  the  army  moved  forward,  and  on  the  •November a, 
5th  encamped  within  eleven  miles  of  the  Prophet's  town.     Harrison  had  ^*"- 

been  careful,  on  the  preceding  day,  to  avoid  the  danger  ^us  passes  of  Pine  Creek, 
whose  banks,  for  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  from  its  mouth,  were  immense  clifis  of  rock, 
where  a  few  men  might  dispute  the  passage  of  large  numbers.' 

From  their  encampment  on  the  5th,  looking  northward,  stretched  an  immense  prai- 
rie, extending  far  beyond  the  limits  of  vision.     It  reached  to  the  Illinois  at  Chicago, 
the  guides  asserted.     It  filled  the  troops,  who  had  never  been  on  the  northwest  side 
of  the  Wabash,  with  the  greatest  astonishment;  but  their  attention  was  soon  drawn 
from  the  contemplation  of  nature  to  watchfulness  against  the  wiles  of  their  own  spe- 
cies.   Until  now  they  had  seen  no  Indians,  though  often  discovering  their  trails.     On 
the  following  day,**  when  within  five  or  six  miles  of  the  Prophet's  town,     ^ 
they  were  seen  hovering  around  the  army  on  every  side.     Tht    nproach 
of  the  troops  had  become  known  to  the  Prophet,  and  his  scouts,  numerous  and  saga- 
cious, wa'   hed  every  step  of  the  invaders.     Great  caution  was  now  necessay,  and 
the  same  order  of  march  which  Harrison,  as  Wayne's  aid,  had  planned  for  tiiat  gen- 
eral in  1794,^^  he  now  adopted.     The  infantry  marched  in  two  columns  on  both  sides 
of  the  path,  and  the  dragoons  and  mounted  riflemen  in  fro'it,  re»»r,  and  on  the  flanks. 
}  To  facilitate  the  march,  and  keep  the  troops  in  position  for  ii  quick  and  precise  forma- 
i  lion  into  battle  order  in  the  event  of  an  ambusoade,  they  were  broken  into  short  col- 
!  limns  of  companies.     They  had  now  left  the  open  prairie,  and  were  marching  most 
I  of  the  time  through  open  Avoods,  the  ground  furrowed  by  ravines.     Parties  of  In- 
dians were  continually  m.''\ing  their  appearanco.  and  Barron  and  other  interpreters 
tried,  but  in  vain,  to  speak  to  their  leaders.     Finji^  ly,  when  within  a  mile  and  a  half 
I  of  the  Prophet's  town,  Toussaint  Dubois,  of  Viri.  amies,  offered  to  take  a  message  to 
mongrel  warrior-pontiff".     The  menaces  of  the  savages  were  so  alarming  that  he 
I  won  turned  back,  and  the  army  pressed  forward  toward  the  Tippecanoe. 

The  alarmed  savages  now  asked  for  a  parley.  It  was  granted.  They  assured  Har- 
Irison  that  the  Prophet  had  sent  back  a  friendly  message  by  the  Delaware  and  Miami 
Icoiiriers,  but  that  they  had  gone  down  the  eastern  bank,  and  missed  him  on  his  march. 
IThey  were  surprised  at  his  coming  so  soon,  and  hoped  he  would  not  disturb  and  fright- 
len  their  women  and  children  by  occupying  their  toAvn.  Harrison  assured  them  that 
Ike  was  ready  to  have  a  friendly  talk  with  them,  and  desired  a  good  place  for  an  en- 
Icampment.  They  pointed  to  a  suitable  spot  back  from  the  Wabash,  on  the  borders 
lof  a  creek  less  than  a  mile  northwest  from  the  Prophet's  town.  Two  officers  (Majors 
jTwlor  and  Clarke)  were  sent  with  Quarter-master  Piatt  to  examine  it.  They  report- 
I  that  the  situation  was  excellent.  Harrison  then  parted  with  the  chiefs  who  had 
»e  out  to  meet  him,  after  an  interchange  of  promises  that  no  hostilities  should  be 
[ommenced  until  an  interview  should  be  held  the  following  day.  "  I  found  the  ground 
lestined  for  the  encampment,"  Harrison  wrote, "  not  altogether  such  as  I  could  wish 


I '  It  was  believed  that  the  Indinnsi  mii;ht  mnke  n  stand  there,  as  they  did  in  ITSO,  when  General  Ocnrge  Rogers  Clarke 
■dertool:  a  campaign  against  the  Wabash  Indians,  and  again,  in  ITftO,  when  MiOor  Hnmtrnmck  penetrated  that  region 
Hih  a  small  force  as  h.fb  as  the  Vermilion  River,  to  malie  a  diversion  in  favor  of  General  Uarmar's  expedition  on  the  , 
Mimee.  '  See  page  04.  . 


1          '    ; 

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ii^i-  - 1 


202 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Ilarrtson'g  Bncampment  on  the  Tippecanoe  Battle-groand. 


It8  Arranxcmeot  and  Cumpoaitlnn. 


it.  It  was,  indeed,  admirably  calculated  for  the  encampment  of  regular  troops  that 
were  opposed  to  regulars,  but  it  aflbrded  great  facility  to  the  approach  of  savages. 
It  was  a  piece  of  dry  oak  land,  rising  about  ten  feet  above  the  level  of  a  marshy  prai- 
rie in  front  (toward  the  Prophet's  town),  and  nearly  twice  that  height  above  a  simi- 
lar prairie  in  the  rear,  through  which,  and  near  to  this  bank,  ran  a  small  stream  clothed 
with  willows  and  other  brushwood.  Toward  the  left  flank  this  bench  of  land  wideiud 
considerably,  but  became  gradually  narrower  in  the  opposite  direction,  and  at  the  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  iifty  yards  from  the  right  flank  terminated  in  an  al)ni|)t 
point."'  No  doubt  the  wily  savages  recommended  this  position  that  they  might 
employ  their  peculiar  mode  of  wariiire  advantageously. 

The  above  is  a  good  description  of  the  locality  as  it  appeared  when  I  visited  it  in 
the  autumn  of  1860.  It  was  still  coVered  with  the  same  oaks ;  on  "  the  front,"  toward 
Wabash  and  Ti))pecanoe  Creek,  stretched  the  same  "  wet"  or  frequently  overflowed 
prairie ;  in  "  the  rear"  was  the  same  higher  bank,  and  prairie,  and  Burnet's  Creek ;  and 
at  the  "  abrupt  point"  the  Louisville,  New  Albany,  and  Chicago  Railway  strikes  the 
".  bench  of  land,"  and  runs  parallel  with  the  common  wagon-road  along  the  bank  over- 
looking the  "  wet  prairie."  In  the  annexed  sketch,  taken  from  "  the  abrupt  point," 
looking  northeast  over  the  camp-ground,  is  seen  the  southern  portion  of  the  inclosure 

of  the  battle-field,  near 
which  Spencer's  rifle- 
men were  posted,  indi- 
cated on  the  j)lan  of 
the  encampment  on 
page  205.  The  horse- 
man denotes  the  direc- 
tion of  the  wet  prairie 
toward  the  Prophet's 
town,  and  the  steep 
bank  seen  on  the  left 
of  the  picture  has  Bur- 
net's Creek  flowing  at  j 
its  base,  and  was  still 
"clothed  with  wil- 
lows," shrubbery,  and 
vines. 

Harrison  arranged 
his  camp  with  care  on 
the  afternoon  of  the 
6th   of  November,  in 

the  form  of  an  irregular  parallelogram,  on  account  of  the  slope  of  the  ground.  On  the] 
front  was  a  battalion  of  United  States  infantry,  under  Major  George  Rogers  Clarke  j 
Floyd,^  flanked  on  the  left  by  one  company,  and  on  the  right  by  two  companies  of  In-i 
diana  militia,  under  Colonel  Joseph  Bartholomew.^  In  the  rear  was  a  battalion  ofl 
United  States  infantry,  under  Captain  William  C.  Baen,"  acting  as  major,  ivith  Capj 
tain  Robert  C.  Barton,*  of  the  regulars,  in  immediate  command.  These  were  support-T 
ed  on  the  right  by  four  companies  of  Indiana  militia,  led  respectively  by  Captains! 

1  Harrison's  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War  from  Vincennee,  November  18, 181 1. 

s  Was  appointed  Captain  of  the  Seventh  Infantry  In  1808,  and  Mi^jor  of  the  Fourth  Infantry  In  1810.    In  Angnst,  I?l8 
he  W08  promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  Seventh  Infantry,  and  resigned  In  April,  181.S.  j 

3  Afterward  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  Indiana  Volunteers  under  Oeneral  Harrison.    He  was  appointed  United  States  Md 
jor  General  of  the  Indiana  Territory  in  1816. 

*  Appointed  Captain  of  the  Fourth  Infantry  in  1808,  and  died  of  his  wounds  received  in  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  c 
the  nth  of  November,  1811. 

>  First  liientenant  in  Fourth  Infantry  in  1808,  promoted  to  captain  in  1809,  and  resigned  in  September,  1812. 


VIKW    AT   TII'PKUA.NOE  llATTLE-OBOtlNU. 


Uarrisoo's  Instruct 

Josiah  8neIIin 
mandc'J  byLi( 
filled  with  moi 
red  and  fifty  y 
eral  .Saniuol  W 
IMvid  liobb,  a 
viess,  acting  as 
and  at  a  right 
of  cavalry  as  a 
tents,  etc.,  were 
Having  comp, 
tlic  field-officers 
each  corj)s  tJiat ; 
of  an  attack,  unt 
rado  di.Hmounted, 
ca{)tain.s' guards,' 
detailed  to  defenc 
•lay.    Thus  prepj 
soundly  sleeping. 
«as  intense,  excet 
through. 

Quite  difl'erent  h 

fee.    Bothpartic 

no  excitement;  bui 

,  "nprinciplpd  Proph, 

j  soon  as  the  curtain 

^^7'.    In  one  hand 

oi  beans  which  he 

irlien  toucJied.     His 

I  invulnerable,  and  th( 

Accomplished,  the  P 

movements;  then  tij 

jKiie  told  them  th' 

|purpower,"hesaid 
J*q'  now,  and  will  n 
|»os8  to  the  white  me 

^^JfliKlemen.    In  April  h 

^H;  and  when  tL^'°"">« 

f"«  retained  as  J^rr"'"' 
liirasnm.!,  !  J     ^'eutenant  ( 

k*^  new"l°;;'''^<i«"Vb 

»:'2nio,pagos37.       fc've  the 


-— ________°^  THE   WAR    OP   18,2 

^ —  j;^!£[;fPh«t^»Treachery. 


Josiah  SnelHng,  J,  >  j.^n  Posey  "t^jITT^^-^^^^^^ 

maiKlfJbyLieutcnnnf  n  i       ,  y>  ^  """las  Scott  anrl  To«  u  «r 

lilled  with^momue ri?    "''  ^"^^  ^'-"^kor.    ^e  wit  fl     ^'''"'^'  ^^'^  ^^olo  corn- 
el and  fifty  ;;:^^"":r;:;;; "-'-  ^'^p^-^-  v-  w  "^     r'«  --'j^s  r^ 

oral  Samuel  VVelLs.a  comma  "in     '  '*'"''''''*^^^  «^  '"oEnted  rifl^      '**'  ''^"*  ""«  ''""d- 

vie«s,  acting  as  maj^r,  ve;o  ^1^0  "T  "^  ^'•'^g««"«,  under  Cor^'r^r'^  ^^^'•'^'"'  «"d 
and  at  a  right  angle  wTth  th  .'^o  "''^ '"  '^'^  rear  of  tie  front  ,?'"""^  ''"^^J'''  ^f-  Da- 
of  cavalry  as  a  ro^.ryTZtrkT-^''''''^ '"^  the  rear  Xt  rrV''"  '"'^  ^''''i^; 
ten;.,  etc..  wore  i„  the  ;  n"  f  '  "  ''''"•^■""^°  P-'^^- ^  wl:L'Sf '  ""^  '-^  ^'-""l^ 
Having  completed  the  arLrr  '  ''''^S"^'^'  ««i«.r8' 

•fan  attack,  „„t„  Xf/  """"O'  l-o  of  ,h„  camp  .i™'™""™-    "«  »*,.,!  that 

o,  0  d™„„„tcd,  with  .It  J^^  -"'  f  ?  "W"'  «'-"   h    cavX"""'  "'  "»» 
aptains'  guard,  of  fortv  i,^„     •  "-"■  •»"'■  and  act  ■«  n       "»™lry  were  to  iia- 

-led  to  dcfc'd  tKm;  T"'  T''' """  «»<>  ™w"™a^''o?:  *  T""-  T-o 

Quite  different  was  the  cond.V        .  "'  moonlight  camo 

•»-"  which  he  cIl"  oy\:»,°'f '"■•«l.,or"Med;a„?;^:S  "'th  ""'  ** 
irlien  toucJied.     His  fnll^      ^'  ^  ^'"^  accounted  to  h^      ■  ^  "^^^^'  »  sti-inff 

-•"lnerable,and  «  en  t  tk^^^^^     .'"  ''^^"•-^  toto:^^^^'^'''''  -  ^^^-r  cffecf 
^^on-pli-shed,  the  Pro,  Lt  tent  T^  *"  ^^t^^rminate  the  l^o  l^l'^'^'V^'^  ^«  '"'^de 
"■ovements  ;  then  turn  n^^.?    .  '""^'^  '"^  ^«"&  serieronn.      '"'•     ^^^'"  «»«  ^vas 
>r,i.e  told  them  that  f^       ^''  h'^hJy-cxcited  band  aho  f     *^''^"'  ''^"'^  '"vstical 

.P,w  i^^        '      — — — — — __  '  ^       weapons  shall  be  al- 

JFirst  Llentenant  in  Pnn,fh  t_,._.      .  ^ ■ ^  '^  **' 


'First  Llentenant  in  Vnn,n,  r  ,  '  ' 

P  WM  commissioned  Lieutenanff'.^^!''  ^"^  '"  Febrnary 
V^'  "t  Riflemen.  In  AnH  hf  ,'""'"  ■"■  ^^«  Fourth  HpT 
V«"r  general,  with  fhe    „'„k ''0;:'?'  ?«  ^'"nmiss.or  ^• 

"bed  at  Lyon's  Creelj,  o„  the  rh.l       °''-    ««  «-««  distln- 

!■  and  When  the  arm;  was  .l^i"'"""''  "•"'"^  Oeneral  Bi". 
N™  retained  as  LlenteTant  Sn  ?  ^P"«^«  '■""""K  In  1816  / 

N™  Promotod  to  Colonel  of  ?h?p,11  '^"  ^'^'^  1"^™  ^ 

"vrap/iy,  by  Samuel  Q.  Drake, 


^1  - 

j 

1! 

"Ti 

fe    *l 

■Ji     \ 

1 

i 

;4" 


li  It 


r    I 


I'  ( 


'111 


ItHll 


204 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Furloiu  Attack  on  Ilarrinou'B  Camp. 


Quod  Behavtur  uf  raw  Truopa. 


Uallaulry  uf  M^ur  DavlcH. 


ways  fatal."  Then  followed  war-songH  and  dances,  until  the  Indians,  wrought  up  to 
a  perfect  frenzy,  rushed  forth  to  attack  Harrison's  camp  without  any  leaders.  Stealth- 
ily they  crept  througli  the  long  grass  of  the  prairie  in  the  deep  gloom,  intending  to 
surround  their  enemy's  position,  kill  the  sentinels,  rush  uito  the  camp,  and  niassaeri' 
all.> 

Harrison  was  in  the  habit  of  rising  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  calling  his  troops 
to  arms,  and  keeping  them  so  until  broad  daylight.  On  the  morning  of  the  7tli  of 
November  he  was  just  pulling  on  his  boots  at  the  usual  hour,  when  a  single  gun  was 
fired  by  a  sentinel  at  the  northwest  angle  of  the  camp,  near  the  bank  of  Hunut's 
Creek.  This  was  instantly  followed  by  the  horrid  yells  of  numerous  savages  in  ♦liat 
quarter,  who  opened  a  murderous  fire  upon  the  companies  of  Baen  and  Geiger  tiiat 
formed  that  angle.  The  foe  had  been  creeping  up  stealthily  to  tomahawk  the  senti- 
nels, but  the  sharp  eyes  of  one  of  them  had  detected  the  moving  savage  in  the  gloom, 
and  fired  upon  him  with  fatal  eifect.''  Their  assault  was  furious,  and  iu  their  frenzy 
several  Indians  penetrated  through  the  lines,  but  never  to  return. 

The  whole  camp  was  soon  awakened  by  demon  yells  and  a  cry  to  arms,  and  the 
oflicers,  with  all  possible  speed  and  precision,  in  the  faint  light  of  smouldering  tires, 
placed  their  men  in  battle  order.  These  fires  were  then  extinguished,  for  thej  wtrt 
more  useful  to  the  assailants  than  to  the  assailed.  Nuieteen  twentieths  of  the  trooiis 
had  never  been  in  battle,  yet,  considering  the  alarming  circumstances  of  the  attack. 
their  conduct  was  cool  and  gallant,  and  very  little  noise  or  confusion  followed  snih  a 
sudden  awaking  from  sleep  and  call  to  defend  life.  The  most  of  them  were  in  lini' 
before  they  were  fired  upon,  but  some  were  compelled  to  fight  defensively  at  the  doors 
of  their  tents. 

Harrison  called  for  his  horse — a  fine  white  charger — but  in  affright  tlie  animal  had 
pulled  up  the  stake  that  held  his  tether,  and  could  not  be  found.  The  governor  im- 
mediately mounted  a  fine  bay  horse  that  stood  snorting  near,  and  with  his  aid,  Colo 
nel  Owen,  hastened  to  the  angle  of  the  camp  where  the  attack  was  first  niadc.^  He 
found  that  Barton's  company  had  suflfcred  severely,  and  the  left  of  Geiger's  was  en- 
tirely broken.  He  immediately  ordered  Cook's  company  and  that  of  the  late  Captain 
Wentworth,  under  Lieutenant  Peters,  to  be  brought  u\>  from  the  centre  of  tiie  rear 
line,  where  the  ground  was  much  more  defensible,  and  form  across  the  angle  in  sup- 
port of  Barton  and  Geiger.  At  that  moment  the  governor's  attention  was  directod 
to  firing  at  the  northeast  angle  of  the  camp,  where  a  small  comj)any  of  United  States 
riflemen,  armed  with  muskets,  and  the  companies  of  Baen,  Snelling,  and  Prescott,  of 
the  Fourth  Regiment,  were  stationed.  There  he  found  Major  Daviess  forming  the 
dragoons  in  the  rear  of  those  companies.  Observing  heavy  firing  from  some  trees 
about  twenty  paces  in  front  of  them,  ho  directed  the  major  to  dislodge  them  with  a 
part  of  his  dragoons.  "  Unfortunately,"  says  Harrison  in  his  dispatch  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  "  the  major's  gallantry  determined  him  to  execute  the  order  witli  a 
smaller  force  than  was  sufficient,  which  enabled  the  enemy  to  avoid  him  in  front  and  1 

'  During  the  night  a  negro  camp  follower  who  had  been  missed  from  dnfy  was  fonnd  Inrking  near  the  govemort 
marquee,  and  arrested.  He  was  tried  after  the  battle  by  a  dmm-head  conrt-martlal,  and  was  convicted  of  having  de- 
serted to  the  enemy,  and  returned  for  the  purpose  of  murdering  the  governor.  He  was  sentenced  to  be  hung  immedi- 1 
ately,  but  was  saved  In  consequence  of  the  kindness  of  heart  of  the  governor.  His  Imploring  eyes  touched  narrlwn'!  j 
tender  feelings,  and  he  referred  the  matter  to  the  commissioned  officers  present.  Some  were  for  his  immediate  execn-  j 
tion,  when  Snelling  said,  "  Brave  comrades,  let  us  save  him.  The  wretch  deserves  to  die ;  but  as  our  commander,  whoK  i 
life  was  more  particularly  his  object,  is  willing  to  spare  him,  let  us  also  forgive  him.  I  hope,  at  least,  that  every  officer  j 
of  the  Fourth  Regiment  will  be  on  the  side  of  mercy."  Ben  was  saved.— Harrison's  letter  to  Governor  Scott,  of  Ken-  J 
tucky,  cited  by  Hall,  page  140.  Captain  Funk,  in  his  narrative,  says  the  negro  was  the  driver  of  Governor  Harrison'i  j 
cart,  and  that  ho  informed  the  Indians  that  the  white  people  had  no  cannon  with  them.  Cannon  were  the  dread  of  lb(  J 
savages.  Doubtless  this  Information  caused  a  change  In  the  policy  mentioned  in  note  5,  page  203,  and  caused  the  nr-f 
ages  to  conclude  to  attack  the  pale-faces.  I 

»  Judge  Naylor,  of  Crawfordsville,  already  mentioned  as  a  participant  In  the  battle,  Informed  me  that  the  name  ofthe j 
sentinel  who  first  fired  and  gave  the  alarm  was  Stephen  Mars,  of  Kentncky.    He  fired,  and  fled  to  the  camp,  bat  w 
shot  before  reaching  it. 

'  Statement  of  Judge  Naylor.    Captain  Funk  says  that  Harrinon's  own  white  borse  was  ridden  by  Hivjor  Taylor,  t 
general's  aid,  against  his  wishes. 


BntIe<)fTli>pecano« 

attack  him  on 
back.  "2    Ifarri, 
tciligence  was 
had  driven  the 


G 


The  battle  now  I 
rtole  front  and  bot 
'•erity  upon  Spencei 
nek's  company,  wJiit 
.  liis  lieutenant  were 
I  gallantly  maintained 
men,  who  had  been  d 
toward  the  centre  o 
Fourth  Regiment  wa 
!Weingjo_rnainl 

•The  letter  Bin  the  plan  „, 
'enearsago.    It  is  «*;«„  ,„ 

L.rt.,     '.'^"' «^''"'""  and  I 

Xnt    h"'?I!'*'^''''"hIspo 
i  Si  ?"'''»"'>''»«' an  hon 

l^eltKhr/''"'''^''" 

|^',&'»"l^k  attended  hi 
JJfaeta.t.'T'"'""'8''thip 
iHee^,!/ «•'"""■  Daviess  w; 
l«ea«ed  a  promise  lh)m  Cap 


OF  TFIE   WAR   OF   1812. 


205 


Battle  of  Tippecanoe. 


The  Severity  of  the  Battle. 


Death  of  Hajur  Davleai. 


uitiic'k  him  on  Iuh  fliiiikH,  The  major  was  mortally  woundt'd,'  and  hiH  party  driven 
back."*  IlarriHon  immediately  promoted  ('aj)tain  I'arke  to  Daviess'H  rank  jiiHt  an  in- 
telligence was  brought,  to  him  that  Captain  Snelling,  with  \m  company  of  regulars, 
had  driven  the  savages  from  their  murderous  position  with  heavy  loss. 


TIPPECANOE 

^amp  and  Battle?^ 


^0     ^        ^} 
X^      (»(>      ^      V^/^ 

^'^N.    '      ^     X,  COLLEGE 


*     % 


.5^ 


A>* 


'*B^ 


JJ 


,<  " 


-1. 


±. 


A 


-VW.O^HtTS 


W^r      PRAIRIE 


The  battle  now  became  more  general.     The  Indians  attacked  the  camp  on  the 
whole  front  and  both  flanks,  and  a  portion  of  the  rear  line.     They  fell  with  great  se- 
verity upon  Spencer's  mounted  riflemen  on  the  right  and  the  right  section  of  War- 
rick's company,  which  formed  the  southwest  angle  of  the  encampment.    Spencer  and 
Ills  lieutenant  were  killed,  and  Warrick  was  mortally  wounded,  and  yet  their  men 
gallantly  maintained  their  position.    They  were  speedily  re-enforced  by  Robb's  rifle- 
men, who  had  been  driven  or  ordered  by  mistake  from  their  position  on  the  left  flank 
i  toward  the  centre  of  the  camp,  and  at  the  same  time  Prescott's  company  of  the 
[  Fourth  Regiment  was  ordered  to  fill  the  space  vacated  by  the  riflemen,  the  grand 
I  object  being  to  maintain  the  lines  of  the  camp  unbroken  until  daylight,  when  the  as- 

'  The  letter  B  In  the  plan  marks  the  spot  where  Davieaa  fell.  It  was  near  an  oak  whose  top  was  blown  oflf  In  a  gale 
I  itew  years  ago.  It  Is  seen  In  the  sketch  of  the  battle-ffronnd  as  It  appeared  In  1800,  printed  on  page  209. 
I  '  Davlesa  was  gallont  and  Impatient  of  restraint.  One  of  his  party  was  General  V/ashington  Johns,  of  Vlncennes,  a 
I  quarter-master  of  the  dragoons,  who  was  Intimate  with  Harrison.  Daviess  sent  him  to  the  governor  when  the  Indians 
I  Urn  made  the  attack  at  this  point,  asking  permission  to  go  ont  on  foot  and  charge  the  foe.  "Tell  Major  Daviess  to  be 
I  pJllent;  he  shall  have  an  honorable  station  before  the  battle  Is  over,"  Harrison  replied.  In  a  few  moments  Daviess 
I  itpeated  the  request,  and  the  governor  mtde  the  same  reply.  Again  he  repeated  It,  when  Harrison  said,  "Tell  Major 
I  Djvicsa  he  has  heard  my  opinion  twice ;  he  may  now  nse  his  own  discretion."  The  gallant  major,  with  only  twenty 
I  picked  men,  Instantly  charged  beyond  the  lines  on  foot,  and  was  mortally  wounded.  He  was  a  conspicnons  mark  In 
I  lie  gloom,  because  he  wore  a  white  blanket  coat.— Statements  of  Jndge  Nnylor  and  Captain  Funk.  The  latter  says  Col- 
Jwel  Daviess's  horse  was  a  roan  bought  of  Frank  Moore,  of  Louisville.  Tlie  Indians  were  masked  by  some  fallen  tlm- 
|l*r.  Captain  Fimk  attended  him  at  about  nine  o'clock ;  assisted  in  changing  his  clothes,  and  dressing  his  wounds.  He 
I  wu  (hot  between  the  right  hip  and  ribs,  and  it  was  believed  that  the  ihtal  bullet  proceeded  fi-om  the  ranks  of  his  friends 
I  iHog  In  the  gloom.  Daviess  was  aft'aid  the  expedition  might  be  driven  away  hastily,  and  leave  those  wounded  behind. 
I  Et  exacted  a  promise  ttora  Captain  Fonk  that  in  no  event  would  he  leave  him  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  savages. 


(.'    ' 


♦ 


i\ 


"I, 


w 


i  I 


200 


PICTOniAL    PIBLD-BOOK 


Dttnt  or  tbe  IndUnt. 


The  Pniphet  In  IMigncc. 


Retnra  of  tha  Army  to  Vln' 


Hailed  would  bo  able  to  make  u  general  (tluir^e  upon  a  viHiblu  foe.  To  do  tliJH  r^ 
<|uin'il  ^reut  activity  on  the  part  of  the  coiiiriiiiiider.  HarriHoii  whh  coiiHtjiiitly  i'i,|. 
iii^  from  point  to  point  within  the  earn p,  and  kept  the  aHHuiled  ponitioim  rc-eiitontil, 
Finally,  when  the  day  dawned,  he  iliHcovered  the  larger  portion  of  the  Indiaiix  to  In. 
on  the  two  flankH.  lie  accordinj^ly  Htrengthened  theHe,  and  wan  about  to  order  iIk 
cavalry,  under  I'arke,  to  charge  upon  the  foe  on  the  lelt,  when  Major  Weils,  not  ini- 
derHtanding  Ilarrison'H  intentionH,  led  the  infantry  to  perform  that  duty.  It  was  ex. 
ecuted  gallantly  and  etfectiialiy.  The  In<lianH  were  «lriven  at  the  point  of  the  hay. 
onet,  and  the  <lragoonH  purHued  them  into  tlie  wet  prairicH  on  both  widen  of  the  ridi,'! 
on  which  the  l)attle  was  fought.  The  gronnil  was  too  soft,  for  the  horHcmen  to  ynr- 
sue,  and  the  savages  eseajjed.  Meanwhile  the  Indians  had  l)een  charged  and  jiiit  tn 
flight  on  the  right  flank,  and  had  also  taken  refuge  in  the  marshy  ground,  cliieriy  un 
the  side  of  Miirnet's  ('reek,  where  tliey  were  sheltered  from  view.' 

Looking  eastward  from  the  site  of  the  battle-ground  over  tlie  "  wet  prairie"  (ikhv 
a  feiiee<l  and  cultivated  plain)  toward  the  Wabash,  the  visitor  will  see  a  ran^e  df 
very  gentle  hills,  covered  with  woods.  On  one  of  these  the  Prophet  stood  while  tin 
battle  was  raging  on  that  <laik  Novend)er  morning,  at  a  safe  distance  from  Jani,'(i, 
singing  a  war-song  and  ])erforming  some  protracted  religious  mummeries.  Wlun 
told  that  liis  followers  were  falling  before  the  bidlets  of  the  white  men,  iic  saiij, 
"Fight  on,  it  will  soon  be  as  I  told  you."  AVhen  at  last  the  fugitive  warriors  nt 
many  tribes — Shawnoese,  Wyaiidots,  Kickapoos,  Ottawas,  Chippewas,  Pot  tawatoinic*, 
Winnebagoes,  Sacs,  and  a  few  Miamis  —  lost  their  faith,  and  covered  the  PropliH 
with  reproaches,  he  cuimingly  told  them  that  his  predictions  had  failed  because,  dur- 
ing his  incantations,  his  wife  touched  the  sacred  vessels  and  broke  the  charm  !  Kvin 
Indian  superstition  and  credulity  could  not  accept  tliat  transparent  falsehood  for  un 
excuse,  ai>d  the  impostor  was  deserted  by  his  disappointed  followers,  and  conipelkil 
to  take  refuge  with  a  small  band  of  Wyandots  on  Wild-cat  Creek.  The  foe  had 
scattered  in  all  directions  into  places  where  the  wliite  man  could  not  well  follow. 

"  Sonud,  Bound  the  charge  I  epur,  spur  the  steed, 
And  swlfl  the  ftigltlves  pnrcuo: 
'Tl»  viiln ;  rein  In— your  utmoxt  speed 
Could  not  o'ertiike  the  recrennt  crew. 
In  lowlnnd  miirsh,  In  dell  or  cnvc, 
Ench  Indliin  nought  his  lire  to  save ; 
W*' Jnce  peering  forth,  with  fear  and  ire, 
Ho  saw  hU  Prophet's  town  on  Are." 

•  November  8         When,  on  the  day  after  the  battle,"  Harrison  and  his  amiy  advanecJ  I 
'*"■  upon  the  Prophet's  town,  they  found  it  deserted.     After  getl  ing  all  tin 

copper  kettles  they  could  find,  and  as  much  beans  and  corn  as  they  could  i  arry  away, 
they  applied  the  torch,  and  the  village  and  a  large  quantity  of  com  were  speedily  re- 
duced to  ashes.     Six  days  afterward  the  array,  bearing  the  wounded  in  twenty-two  i 
wagons,  reached  Fort  Harrison  on  its  return  to  Vincennes.     Captain  Snellin^,  witli 
his  company  of  regulars,  was  left  to  garrison  the  fort,  and,  on  the  1 8th  of  the  month,! 
the  remainder  of  the  army,  excepting  some  volunteers  disbanded  the  day  bct'ore,! 
were  at  Fort  Knox,  in  the  capital  of  the  Indiana  Territory.     The  immediate  resultl 
of  the  expedition  was  to  scatter  the  Prophet's  warriors  on  the  Wabash,  frustrate  tliel 
scheme  of  Tecumtha,  and  give  temporary  relief  to  the  settlers  in  Indiana. 

Tecnmtha,  who  was  really  a  great  man  (while  the  Prophet  was  a  cunning  demaJ 
gogue  and  cheat — a  tool  in  the  hands  of  his  brother),  was  absent  among  the  SouthJ 

1  Harrison's  dispatch  to  Dr.  Enstis,  Secretary  of  War,  Noven.ber  18, 1811 ;  V'Afee's  Ilialoni  of  the  Late  War  in  the  Vi* 
en»  Country,  pages  2'2-30 ;  Onderdonk's  MS.  Life  of  Temmimh ;  Drake's  Indian  Btography ;  Hall's  Life  of  JIarrimn,  paK^ 
132-146 ;  Dillon's  Ilistorn  of  Indiana,  pages  44T-4T2 ;  statements  to  the  author  by  Judge  Naylor,  of  Crawfordsville,  I 
diana,  and  Mi^nr  Funk,  of  Kentucky. 

The  Tth  was  passed  In  burying  the  dead  and  strengthening  the  encampment,  for  rumors  were  plenty  that  Tecnmta 
was  coming  to  the  aid  of  his  brother  with  a  thousand  warriors.  "Night,"  says  Captain  B*unk,  "found  every  ma 
mounting  guard,  without  food.  Are,  or  light,  and  in  n  drizzly  rain.  The  Indian  dogs,  daring  the  dark  hours,  prodocv 
rreqnent  alarms  by  prowling  in  search  of  carrion  about  the  sentinels." 


Temmtha  diaappi 

pni  Indians  i 

and  fr>und  all 

|H)|)iilarity  of 

(it' Ills  c()iif(>(K 

of  a  true  j)ati 

vexed,  and  ex 

in  Ih'm  projmsit 

thoughts  of  p( 

In  the  hatt|< 

('ii;lity-eight.* 

ckill  and  brave 

topics  for  muci 

ponents  of  the 

liieiid  of  Presi( 

target  for  denii 

courage,  were  a 

victory  gained, 

'  Elkdwatiiwii  (the  I 

'Mppl,  all  of  which  h 

of  others  who  had  not 

•  MfopiiHuport  (hrout;! 

brother.    He  c-  rjod  || 

»nme  lltrht  materlnl,  an 

uf  this  ho  iniidc  great  n 

By  his  oxtniDrillnary  on 

rarlh  tronihle  to  Its  ecu 

'fry  time  an  enrthqunk 

spiieared  In  the  north  w 

CI.  The  Hiin  was  ecllp«( 

uoMbccniKieof  hiN  Intei 

slfpnofthe  Prophet,  del 

'  He  lost,  In  klllc '.  anc 

wrgeant,  and  two  corpo 

ibeattnck  commenced,  (1 

.Abraham  Owen,  Uarrlso 

"f  first  attack.    Letter  A 

bimii  mark  for  tho  hull. 

chanijcd  horses  with  Owi 

mounted  the  tlrst  one  nc 

mhadjolnedhimnsap 

KB  and  a  brave  soldier,  n 

.tmong  the  mortally  wo 

ltd  Warrick.    Daviess,  cc 

!  ''"^  "«  be  was  brilliant 

He  took  a  lending  pnrtng, 

tbeNlcholnPcslnpoliticn 

(tolons,  used  a  hewn  blo( 

ibe  leader  of  that  art  In  K( 

Mug  to  this  power,  a  Tei 


,  '"ISO^'tWMr.Dnvlessw, 
'Wd  n  the  Supreme  C, 

I  Bi-irict  of  Kentucky.  Hen 
ft"*-..  County,  Ken'iucky.v 

l»d.thletlc.    He  was  bora  I 

!&''"»'.  who  was  one  o 
|MDdlanawhileltwasaT( 
!.««»,  0-1  the  1st  of  .January, 
'    '"'^  dispatch  to  the /ec 


OP  THE  WAR  OP   1812. 


307 


il 


Tefomths  dlii»ppolnted. 


RecrnltlDK-tonr  of  tta*  Propbet. 


Lite  and  CbaracMr  of  M^Jur  UaTttw. 


(>ni  IniliiHiH  wlu'ii  tho  bnttlo  of  Ti|)|H'C!ino»*  occurred.  lie  rt'turiiod  tiooii  nrtcrwnrtl, 
iiiid  iiiuml  nil  liirt  HcliPiiu'M  frustniti'il  by  tho  folly  of  the  l*ro|)hft.  The  HiuliU-n  un- 
iMiiiiiliuity  of  tlie  impostor  deprived  him  of  ft  Htrong  iimtnimeiit  in  the  'N)nHtnietioii 
1)1'  liin  coiifederucy,  to  which  h'w  life  and  laborn  had  been  long  directed  with  the  zciil 
of  a  true  patriot.  lie  miw  his  brightest  visiuns  dissipated  in  a  moment.  Mortified, 
vi'xc'd,  and  exasperated,  and  failing  to  obtain  the  ae»juieseence  of  (lovernor  Harrison 
ill  his  jiroposition  to  visit  the  President  with  a  deputation  of  chiefs,  he  abandoned  all 
tlioiights  of  peace,  and  became  a  firm  ally  of  the  British.' 

Ill  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  Harrison  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  one  hundred  and 
oinlity-eight.*  It  was  a  hard-fouglit  and  well-fought  battle,  and  attested  both  the 
nkiil  and  bravery  of  Harrison.^  The  expediency  and  conduct  of  the  campaign  were 
topics  for  much  discussion,  and  elicited  not  a  little  severity  of  censure  from  the  op- 
ponents of  the  administration  and  of  war.  Harrison  was  a  personal  and  political 
tViciid  of  President  Madison,  and  this  gave  license  to  the  opposition  to  make  him  a 
target  for  denunciatory  volleys.  His  prudence,  his  patriotism,  his  military  skill,  his 
courage,  were  all  brought  in  cpiestion ;  and  some  claimed  the  chajilet  of  fame  for  tho 
victory  gained,  for  the  brow  of  Colonel  IJoyd.*     But  time,  the  great  healer  of  dissen- 

1  Elk»wtttiiwn  (tlie  Prophet)  now  Btnrtod  on  n  rccrultlng-toiir  nmon);  tlie  varloui  tribes  on  the  IFppcr  Liikea  nndMis- 
"Iwlppl,  all  of  which  he  viBltcd  with  iiBtonlshliiK  shccciib.  Ho  entered  the  vllln((eH  of  his  most  Invetorjite  cuonileii,  and 
of  (ithcru  who  hiid  not  even  heard  hl«  name,  and  so  mauoBUvrcd  as  to  make  his  mystcry-tlre  nnd  sncrcd  strliin  of  beans 
I  nafe  pasuport  tlirongh  all  their  settlements.  He  enlisted  sonic  el^ht  or  ten  thousand  warriors  to  tlj'ht  the  bnttles  of  his 
brother.  He  c-  ricd  Into  every  wlKwuni  an  Imane  of  a  dead  person  the  size  of  life,  which  was  Injjenloiisly  made  of 
nnmc  liKht  material,  and  kept  concealed  under  baudafjes  of  thiu  white  muslin,  and  not  to  be  opened  to  public  srrntlny. 
Of  Ihls  he  mode  jjreat  mystery,  and  ijot  his  recruits  to  swear  by  touchlntj  the  strluR  of  while  beans  attached  (o  Its  neck. 
By  his  extraordinary  cunning  ho  carrlei'  terror  wherever  he  went.  If  they  did  not  obey  htm  ho  threatened  to  make  the 
cirlh  tremble  to  Its  centre  nnd  darken  tho  ll^ht  of  the  sun.  Nature  seemed  to  conspire  with  the  Prophet,  for  at  this 
Tcrv  time  an  earthquake  extended  along  tho  Mississippi,  demolishing  houses  and  settling  the  ground.  A  comet,  too, 
spi>enred  In  tho  north  with  fearM  length  of  tall,  and  seemed  a  hnr'ilngor  to  the  (lilflllment  of  the  prertlctUms  of  the  Proph- 
(1.  The  sun  was  eclipsed,  to  tho  groat  terror  of  tho  savages,  but,  as  the  Prophet  declared,  It  resumed  Its  wonted  brlght- 
iieM  because  of  his  Intercesislon.  Hut  while  In  the  l\ill  tido  of  success,  two  rival  chiefs  of  his  own  tribe  dogged  the  fool- 
slepn  of  the  Prophet,  denounced  him  as  an  Impostor,  and  exposed  his  tricks.— Onderdonk's  MS.  Li/e  n/Teemn»fh. 
>  He  lost.  In  kille  *.  nnd  wounded,  ton  officers,  namely,  one  ntd-de-camp,  one  major,  three  captains,  two  Bubaltems,  one 
htrgeiint,  and  two  corporols.  Judge  Naylor  told  me  that  the  sergeant  and  himself  were  asleep  at  the  samo  fire  when 
ihe  attack  commenced,  and  that  a  bullet  from  an  Indian's  musket  killed  him  as  he  was  springing  to  his  feet.  Colonel 
.\b™ham  Owen,  Harrison's  ald-dc-camp,  was  killed  early  In  the  engagement,  when  ho  and  the  governor  rode  to  the  point 
lilllrat  attack.  Letter  A  In  tho  plan  on  page  2<15  niarkF,  the  spot  where  he  fell.  lie  rode  a  white  horse,  and  this  made 
him  a  mark  for  the  Indians.  Tho  enemies  of  Harrison  afterward  asserted  that  the  latter,  to  conceal  himself,  had  ex- 
ebjngcd  horses  with  Owen.  Tho  fact  was  as  I  have  stated— his  own  horse  had  scampered  away  in  a  fright,  and  he  had 
moiintcd  tho  first  one  near,  which  happened  to  bo  n  dark-colored  one.  The  horse  Owen  rode  was  hlf  own.  That  offl- 
fer  had  Joined  him  n«  a  private  of  Oeigor's  company,  and  had  been  accepted  as  bli  volunteer  aid.  He  was  n  good  citl- 
lenand  a  brave  soldier,  and  had  been  a  member  of  the  Kentucky  Legislature. 
.\raong  the  mortally  wounded,  nnd  who  died  before  Harrison  made  his  report,  was  Major  Daviess,  and  Captains  Baen 
ind Warrick.  Daviess,  commonly  called  "Joe  Daviess,"  wos  the  most  bt'liiant  man  In  that  little  army,  and  was  as 
brave  as  he  was  brilliant.  He  was  n  Virginian  by  birth,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  wos  only  thirty-seven  years  of  age. 
Betook  a  lending  part  against  Aaron  Burr  In  the  West  in  IROO.  Prev'.ms  to  that  he  had  been  a  successful  opponent  of 
the  Nicholases  In  political  movements,  they  being  Republicans  and  he  a  Fedoraiist.  Ho  was  a  great  student,  very  ab- 
itemlous,  used  a  hewn  block  for  a  pillow,  and  a  bed  nearly  as  hard.  Ills  oratory  wns  powerful,  and  Wilson  C.  Nicholas, 
Ihe  leader  of  that  art  in  Kentucky  at  the  close  of  the  last  century,  was  often  compelled  to  bend  to  his  young  rival.  Al- 
iidlng  tu  this  power,  n  Tennessee  poet  (Robert  Mack)  wrote  as  follows,  in  n  rhyming  eulogy,  after  his  death : 

"Emerging  from  his  studious  shed, 
Behold,  behold  him  rise  ! 
All  Henry  bursting  fl-om  his  tongne, 

And  Marshall  from  his  eyes. 
Chained  by  the  magic  of  his  voice, 

Pierce  party  spirit  stood ; 
E'en  prejudice  nimoat  gave  wny. 
While  with  rcststiesB  rensoning's  sway 
O'er  far-famed  Nichoins  he  rolled 
The  orntorial  flood." 
In  ISOl,  '02  Mr.  Dnvless  went  to  Washington  City  on  professional  business,  and  was  the  first  Western  lawyer  who  ever 
I  ippearcd  In  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States.    Mr.  Jefferson  made  him  Attorney  of  the  United  States  for  the 
I  Bijtrlct  of  Kentucky.    He  married  a  sister  of  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  and  always  held  a  fl-ont  rank  in  hie  profession. 
I  DjvleM  County,  Kentucky,  was  named  in  his  honor.    He  was  wounded  at  about  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  7th 
lolNovember,  and  survived  until  one  o'clock  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.    Ho  was  nearly  six  feet  high,  vigorous 
I  hkI  sihlctlc.    He  was  bom  in  Bedford  County,  Virginln,  on  the  4th  of  Mnrch,  1T74. 

'  Harrison  was  continually  exposed  during  the  action,  but  escaped  nnhurt.    A  bullet  passed  through  iiie  hat.    Mi\|or 
iHrarj  Hurst,  who  was  one  of  his  alds-de-cnmp  (nnd  an  active  one)  In  this  buttle,  nnd  was  the  only  lawyer  who  resided 
lb  Indiana  while  it  wns  n  Territory,  died  at  Jeflfersonville,  on  the  Ohio,  opposite  Lonlaville,  where  he  had  lived  forty 
|!Mr«,on  the  1st  of.Innuary,  180B,  In  the  eighty-fifth  year  of  his  age. 
'  In  his  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Hnrrisou  said  of  Colonel  Boyd:  "Tho  whole  of  the  infantry  formed  a  small 


i'     • 


>' — ,  'lUW 


mmmmmm 


i  i 


',1 II 


208 


nCTOBIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


liarrlson  and  the  Tippecanoe  Battle. 


The  Battle-groand. 


A  eolemn  Memorial  Poem. 


sions,  corrector  of  errors,  and  destroyer  of  party  and  personal  animosities,  has  lone 
since  silenced  the  voice  of  detraction ;  and  the  verdict  of  his  countrymen  to-day,  as 
they  study  the  record  dispassionately,  is  coincident  with  thai  of  his  soldiers  at  the 
time,  and  of  the  Kentucky  Legislature  shortly  afterward,  who,  on  motion  of  the 
late  venerable  member  of  Congress,  John  J.  Crittenden,  resolve-l,  "  That  in  the  late 
campaign  against  the  Indians  on  the  Wabash,  Governor  W.  H.  tiarrison  has,  in  the 
opinion  of  this  Legislature,  behaved  like  a  hero,  a  patriot,  and  a  general ;  and  that 
for  his  cool,  deliberate,  skillful,  and  gallant  conduct  in  the  late  battle  of  Tippecanoe 
he  deserves  the  warmest  thanks  of  thi'  nation."  History,  art,  and  song'  made  that 
event  the  theme  for  pen  pencil,  and  voice ;  and  when,  thirty  years  afterward,  the 
leader  of  the  fray  was  a  candidate  for  the  Presidency  of  the  Unitjed  States,  he  was 
every  where  known  by  the  familiar  title  of  Old  Tippecanoe,  His  paitisans  erected 
log-cabins  in  towns  and  cities,  and  in  them  sang  in  chorus, 

"  Hurrah  for  the  fathei  of  all  the  green  West, 

For  the  Bnckeye  who  follows  the  plow  I 
The  foemon  in  terror  his  valor  confessed, 

And  we'll  honor  the  conqueror  now. 
His  country  assailed  in  the  darkest  of  days, 

To  ner  rescue  impatient  he  flew ; 
The  war-whoop's  fell  blast,  and  the  rifle's  red  blaze. 

But  awakeued  Old  Tippecanoe." 

The  battle-field  of  Tippecanoe  has  become  classic  ground.  It  belonged  to  the  State 
of  Indiana,  and  had  been  inclosed  with  a  rude  wooden  fence  for  several  years,  which 
we  were  told,  was  soon  to  give  place  to  an  iron  one.  The  inclosure  comprised  seven 
acres.  It  was  a  beautiful  spot.  The  ground,  gently  undulating,  and  sloping  from 
Jiattle-ffround  City^  (an  infar.t  in  years  and  size),  wa3  still  covered  with  the  nohle 
oaks.  In  the  sketch  here  given,  made  when  I  visited  it  in  October,  1860,  the  specta- 
tor is  supposed  to  be  standing  just  northward  of  the  place  where  Major  Wells's  line, 
on  the  left  flank,  was  foi-med  (see  a  plan  of  the  camp  on  page  205),  and  lookinnj  south- 
west over  the  once  wet  prairie  toward  the  Wabash.  On  the  extreme  left,  in  the  dis- 
tance, is  seen  the  gentle  eminence  on  which  tho  Prophet  stood  during  the  battle,  sini;- 
?ng  his  war-songs.  Farther  to  the  right,  near  the  row  of  posts,  is  a  large  tree  with 
the  top  broken  off.  It  raai-ks  the  spot  near  which  Daviess  fell.  Tliere  is  only  space 
enough  between  it  and  the  verge  of  the  prairie  below  for  the  common  road  and  the 
railway. 

brigade,  under  the  immediate  orders  of  Colonel  Boyd.  The  colonel  thi'onghont  the  action  manifested  equal  zeal  ond 
bravery  in  carrying  into  execution  my  orders.  In  keeping  the  men  to  their  posts.  <ind  exhorting  them  to  flght  with 
valor."  Judge  Naylor  iufomied  me  that  he  heard  Colonel  Boyd  frequently  cry  out,  '  Huzzah!  my  sous  of  gold,  the 
day  is  oars  1" 

'  Among  the  many  "ver«cj  composed  on  the  occasion  of  Ihe 
battle  of  Tippecanoe,*'  none  were  more  popular  in  the  West,  for 
a  long  time,  than  a  string  of  solemn  doggerel,  printed  on  a 
smrM  broadside  of  rough  paper,  at  Frankfort,  Kentucky.  A  copy 
lies  before  me.    It  Is  entitled,  "A  Bloody  Battle  between  tbc 
United  States  Troops,  under  the  command  of  Governor  Harri- 
son, and  several  Tribes  of  Indians,  near  the  Prophet's  Tomi, 
November  T,  ISll."    At  the  head  is  a  rude  wood-cut,  evidently  i 
made  by  an  amateur  for  some  other  scene,  for  a  rnmp  exhibit!  | 
two  cannon.     \  little  distance  ofl"  arc  seen  three  Indianp.   Ipive 
afac-slmlle  of  this  remarkable  "Illustration"  (of  reduced  size),  as  j 
a  specimen  of  the  art  in  the  West  at  that  time.   The  following  sp'scimen  of  the  "  poetry"  shows  a  "  fiktess  of  thlnge"  be- 
tween the  rhyme  and  the  picture  : 

"  Harrieon,  a  commander  of  great  renown. 
Led  on  our  troops  nea'  by  the  Prophet's  town  ; 
After  evils  o'ercome  and  obstructions  past, 
Nesr  this  pavage  town  they  enramped  at  last." 

Headers  anxious  to  peruse  the  other  seven  verses  will  tind  the  whole  "poem"  In  the  third  volume  of  M'Cartj'e  .Vii-, 
tioTuU  Scmj-bmk,  page  440.  j 

»  This  vl  age  is  the  child  of  a  college  located  there,  called  The  Battle-<iround  InntituU,  devoted  to  the  edncatlon  of  j 
both  sexes.  It  was  founded  In  1868,  i>,;,d  tho  village  was  soon  afterward  laid  out.  Both  college  and  "city"  hk  Hiur-f 
ishlng.  The  former  was  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  B.  H.  Staley  when  I  was  there,  and  contained  almost  three  hundred  1 
pupils.  The  college  Is  situated  in  a  grove  of  oaks  on  the  upper  border  of  the  battle-ground,  and  the  shaded  Inctarej 
forms  a  delightfiil  promenade  and  place  for  out-of-door  study.  Several  stnduuts,  with  their  books,  were  seen  unde'tlie| 
trees  when  we  were  there. 


Departure  for  Chicag 


We  dined  at  tht 

forty  miles  distani 

pleasure.    Soon  a: 

seventy  miles,  pass 

late  prairie-flowers 

reetion,  as  far  as  tl 

which  appeared  lik 

black  clouds  gatht 

City  that  stands  ar 

ire  ran  into  a  heav 

curve  of  that  inlar 

late  in  the  evening 

ning  descended  in 

of  the  dashing  railv 

stars  were  beaming 

?rcat  prairie  g:i  tlie 

and  the  night  at  thi 


OF  THE  Vr'AR  OF   1812. 


209 


Uepartiire  for  Chicago. 


Jonniey  across  the  Prairies. 


Thunder-Btorm. 


Arrival  at  Chicago. 


^!^ 


^^:-i 


^J-^ 


r      '      if    V 


''"'^ro^.^mm 


TH'PJJOANOE  BATTLK-QEOUJiD  IN   IbtiU. 


We  dined  at  the  Battle-ground  House,  and  departed  for  Chicago,  one  hundred  and 
forty  miles  distant,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  journey  was  one  of  real 
pleasure.  Soon  aftet  leaving,  we  entered  a  prairie,  and  traversed  its  dead  level  for 
seventy  miles,  passing  some  little  villages  on  the  way.  It  was  rich  with  verdure  and 
late  prairie-flowers,  and  the  broad  expanse  was  dotted  here  and  there  in  every  di- 
rection, as  far  as  the  eye  could  comprehend,  Avith  clurap«  of  tall  trees  and  shrubbery, 
which  appeared  like  islands  in  the  mulst  of  a  vast  green  sea.  Toward  evening  heavy 
black  clouds  gathered  in  the  northwesiern  sky,  and  when  we  approached  Michigan 
City  that  stands  among  the  sand  dunes  at  the  head  of  Lake  Michigan,  just  at  sunset, 
we  ran  into  a  heavy  thunder-shower  that  was  sweeping  around  the  majestic  southern 
curve  of  that  inland  sea.  Darkness  soon  came  on,  and  as  we  approached  Chicago, 
late  in  the  evening,  we  encountered  another  shower.  On  lake  and  prairie  the  light- 
niiig  descended  in  frequent  streams,  and  the  thunder  roared  fearfully  above  the  din 
of  the  dashing  railway  train.  But  all  was  serene  when  we  arrived  at  Chicago.  The 
stare  were  beaming  brightly,  and  a  young  moon  was  just  dipping  its  horn  below  the 
great  prairie  on  the  west.  It  had  been  a  day  of  exciting  pleasure  as  well  as  fatigue, 
and  the  night  at  the  Richmond  House  was  one  of  sweet  repose  for  us  ail. 


..v..«*-^i»v    '■:-:*fZ:. 


|iu«iim 


m\ 


!''    i  it 


I  W'Ml'J 


210 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Meeting  of  the  Twelfth  Congress. 


Strength  of  Parties  In  that  Body. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

"  Hark  I  the  peal  of  war  is  rung ; 
Hark !  the  song  for  battle's  snng ; 
Firm  be  every  bosom  strong, 

And  every  soldier  ready. 
On  to  Qoebec's  embattli  a  halls  I 
Who  will  panse  when  glory  calls  f 
||.  Charge,  soldiers !  charge  its  lofty  walls. 
And  storm  its  strong  artillery ! 
Firm  as  our  native  hills  we'll  stand, 
And  should  the  lords  of  Europe  land. 
We'll  meet  them  on  the  farthest  strand ; 
We'll  conquer  or  we'll  die !" 

FaoM  lUE  Tbsnton  Tbue  Amebioas. 

NTELLIGENCE  of  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  reached  Washing- 
'      ton  City  soon  after  the  Tw  alfth  Congress  had  asseml  led,  and 
produced  a  profound  sensation  in  that  body.     They  had  been 
convened  by  proclamation  a  month  earlier*  than  the     .  November  4 
regular  day  of  meeting.     The  affairs  of  the  coun-  i^"- 

try  were  approaching  a  crisis,  and  this  session  was  to  be  the 
most  important  of  any  since  the  establishment  of  the  nation, 
Both  political  parties  came  lully  armed  and  well  prepared  for  a 
desperate  conflict.  The  Federalists  were  in  a  hopeless  minority  in  both  houses,  but 
were  strong  in  materials.  They  had  but  six  members  in  the  Senate,  where  even  Mas- 
sachusetts, the  home  of  the  "  Essex  Junto,"  ivas  represented  by  a  Democrat  in  the 
person  ol'  the  veteran  Joseph  B.  Varnum,  the  speaker  of  the  last  House,  who  had 
been  chosen  to  supersede  Timothy  Pickering.^  Giles,  of  Virginia,  having  joined  a 
faction  pimilar  to  Randolph's  "  Quids"  in  its  relations  to  the  administration,  Wm.  H. 
Crawford,  of  Georgia,  became  the  leader  in  the  Senate  of  the  dominant  party  proper, 
and  was  «bly  supported  by  Campbell,  of  Tennessee. 

In  the  lower  House  the  Federalists  had  but  thirty-six  members,  whose  great  leader 
was  Quincy,  of  Massachusetts,  ably  supported  by  Key,  of  Maryland,  Chittenden,  of 
Vermont,  and  Emott,  of  New  York.  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  were  still  num- 
bered among  the  Federal  states ;  but  in  the  remainder  of  New  England  and  the  State 
of  New  York  the  Democrats  had  a  decided  majority.  Thei'c  were  but  ten  Federal- 
ists for  all  the  states  south  of  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware.  Tlie  more  radical  mem- 
bers of  the  last  Congress  had  been  re-elected ;  and  in  Cheves,  Calhoun  and  Lowndes, 
of  South  Carolina,  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  and  Grundy,  of  Tennessee — all  young  men  and 
full  of  vigor — appeared  not  only  Democratic  members  of  ability,  but  enthusiastic 
champions  of  war  with  Great  Britain.    With  these  came  the  veteran  Sevier,  the  Iiero 

'  The  contest  for  power  between  the  Federalists  and  Democrats  of  Massachneetts  had  been  long  and  bitter,  IiilSU  j 
the  latter  succeeded  in  electing  their  candidate  for  governor  (Elbrldge  Gerry),  and  a  majority  of  both  houses  of  the  Loc- 
ialaturo.  In  order  to  secure  the  election  of  United  States  senators  in  the  fnturc,  it  was  important  to  perpetuate  this 
posuession  of  power,  and  measures  were  taken  to  retain  a  Democratic  majority  in  the  State  Senate  In  all  ftitnre  years.  • 
The  senatorial  districts  had  been  formed  without  any  division  of  counties.  This  arrangement,  for  the  purpose  alluded  j 
to,  was  now  disturbed.  The  Legislature  proceeded  to  rearrange  the  senatorial  districts  of  the  state.  They  divided  | 
counties  in  opposition  to  the  protests  and  strong  constitutional  arguments  of  the  PederailBts ;  and  those  of  Essex  and  j 
Worcester  were  so  dir;  ded  as  to  form  a  Democratic  district  in  each  of  those  Federal  counties,  without  any  apparent  re- 1 
gard  to  convenience  or  propriety.  The  work  was  sanctioned,  and  became  law  by  the  signature  of  (Jovemor  Gerry,  He  j 
probably  had  no  other  hand  In  the  matter,  yet  he  received  most  severe  castigations  ft-om  the  opposition.  | 

In  Essex  County,  the  arrangement  of  the  district  In  its  relation  to  the  towns  was  singular  and  absurd.   nuesetl,tbej 
Teteran  editor  of  the  £o«ton  CentiTiel,  who  had  fought  against  the  scheme  valiantly,  took  a  map  of  that  county  and  des-l 


Henry  Clay  chosen  8pe 


OF  THE   WAll   OF   1812. 


211 


Uenry  Clay  chouen  Speaker. 


The  President's  focblo  War-trumpet. 


History  of  the  Qerry-mander. 


of  King's  Mountain,  and  first  Governor  of  Tennessee — "  stiff  and  grim  as  an  Indian 
arrow ;  not  speaking,  but  looking  daggers."*    The  young  and  ardent  members,  with 


the  'mperiouB  Clay 
at  their  head,  imme- 
diately took  the  lead ; 
and  the  warlike  tem- 
per of  I  lie  House  was 
manifested  by  the 
election  of  Mr.  Clay 
to  the  speakershp  by 
the  d-^cided  vote  of 
seventy-five,  against 
thirty-eight  given  for 
William  Bibb,  the 
peace  candidate,  and 
a  dozen  scattering 
votes.''  A  detei-min- 
jtion  that  inactivity 
and  indecision  should 
no  longer  be  the  pol- 
icy of  the  administra- 
tion was  soon  manifested,  and  the 
timid  President  Madison  found 
iiimself,  as  the  standard-bearer  of 
his  party,  surrounded,  like  a  can 


tious  sachem,  with 
irrepressible     young 
warriors  eager  for  a 
fray. 
The  President,  in 

his  annual      .  November 

message, "        "*>  **"• 
sounded  a  war-trum- 
pet,   though    rather 
feebly.     After  allud- 
ing tb  the  condition 
of  the   national    de- 
fenses, he    said,   "I 
must  now  add,  that 
the  period  has  arrived 
which  claims  fro^n  the 
legislative  guardians 
of  the  national  rights 
a  system  of  more  am- 
a/ /y        pie  provision  for  maintaining  them. 
//  Cc6ty    Notwithstanding    the    scrupulous 
justice,  the  protracted  moderation, 
and  the  multiplied  eflbrts  on  the 


part  of  the  United  States,  to  substitute  for  the  accumulating  dangers  to  the  peace  of 

ignated  by  particular  coloring  the  towns  thus  se- 
lected, and  hung  it  on  the  wall  of  his  editorial 
room.  One  day  Gilbert  Sluart,  the  emlueut  paint- 
er, looked  at  the  map,  and  said  the  towns  which 
Bussell  had  thus  distingn'shed  resembled  some 
monstrous  animal.  He  took  a  pencil,  and  with  a 
few  touches  added  what  might  represent  a  head, 
wings,  claws,  and  tall.  "There,"  Stuart  said, 
"that  will  do  for  a  salamander."  Kussell,  who 
was  busy  with  his  pen,  looked  up  at  the  hideous 
figure,  and  ccclairaed, "  Salamander  1  call  It  Gerry- 
mander I  The  word  was  immediately  adopted  into 
the  political  vocabulary  as  a  term  of  reproach  to 
the  Democratic  Legislature.  —  See  l>peeimena  of 
Xewspaper  Literature,  with  Permiial  Memoirs,  A  n- 
eedolf^,  and  Reminiscence*,  by  Joseph  T.  Bucking- 
ham, 11.,  01. 

Stuart's  monstrous  figure  of  iUd  Oerry^nander 
was  presented  upon  a  broadside  containing  a  natu- 
ral and  political  history  of  the  animal,  and  hawked 
about  the  country.  From  one  of  these  before  me, 
kindly  placed  In  my  possession  by  the  late  Edward 
Everett,  I  copied  the  picture  given  In  this  note, 
which  is  about  one  half  the  size  of  the  original. 

After  giving  some  ludicrous  guesses  as  to  its 

character  and  origin— whether  It  was  the  gcnnine 

Basilisk,  the  Serpens  Monoeephahta  of  Pliny,  the 

Oriffin  of  -omance,  the  Great  Red  Dragon  or  Apol- 

hjon  of  Banyan,  or  the  Monstrnm  Ilorretidum  of 

Virgil  — the  writer  of  the  natural  history  of  the 

Gerry-mandcr  sayp  that  the  learned  Dr.  Water- 

Ml  proved  It  to  be  a  species  of  salamander,  engendered  partly  by  the  devil  In  the  fervid  heats  of  party  strife.    "  But," 

KMTii,  "as  this  creature  has  been  engendered  and  brought  forth  under  the  sublimest  auspices,  the  doctor  proposes 

usname  phould  be  given  to  it  expressive  of  its  genus,  at  the  same  time  conveying  an  elegant  and  very  appropriate 

mpllment  to  his  excellency  the  governor,  who  Is  known  to  be  the  zealous  patron  of  whatever  Is  new,  astonishing,  and 

tillc,  especially  of  domestic  growth  and  manufacture.    For  these  reasons,  and  other  valuable  considerations,  the  doc- 

»hin  decreed  this  monster  shall  bo  denominated  a  Gebky-mandek."  '  Hildrclh. 

'Mr,  Clay  was  elected  on  the  first  ballot.    The  vote  stood— for  Clay,  TB ;  for  Bibb,  88;  for  Bassett,  of  Virginia,  1  j  for 

"  ron,  of  Virginia,  2 ;  and  for  Macon,  of  North  Carolina,  8.    Mr.  Clay  was  declared  duly  elected  speaker.    A  corre- 


THB  oebbt-manubb. 


•■r*iwir»TniT'-M 


Ci     J 


M 


111      f!!S 


I    li 


riiil: 

!    HI  H 


212 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relatlonn. 


Its  Charges  agalnHt  Great  Britain  and  warliljc  Tone. 


the  two  countries  all  the  mutual  advantages  of  re-established  friendship  and  confi- 
dence, we  have  seen  that  the  British  Cabinet  perseveres  not  only  in  withholding  a 
remedy  for  other  wrongs,  so  long  and  so  loudly  calling  for  it,  but  in  the  execution, 
brougiii.  homo  to  the  threshold  of  our  territory,  of  measures  which,  under  existing 
circumstances,  have  the  character  as  well  as  the  effects  of  war  on  our  lawful  com- 
merce. With  this  evidence  of  hostib  inflexibility  in  trampling  on  rights  which  no 
independent  nation  can  relinquish.  Congress  will  feel  the  duty  of  putting  the  Unitid 
States  into  an  armor  and  an  attitude  demanded  by  the  crisis,  and  corresponding  with 
the  national  spirit  and  expectations."  Yet  Mr.  Madison,  like  Mr.  Jefferson,  was  anx- 
ious to  avoid  war,  if  possible. 

A  war-note  in  a  higher  key  was  speedily  sounded  by  the  Committee  on  Foroiffti 
Relations,  of  which  Peter  P.  Porter,  of  New  York,  was  chairman.  Tliey  made  a  sliort 
but  energetic  report  on  the  29th  of  November."  They  referred  in  severe  terms 
to  the  wrongs  which  for  more  than  five  years  the  commerce  of  the  United 
States  had  suffered  from  the  operations  of  the  conflict  for  power  between  England 
and  France — wrongs  inaugurated  by  British  orders  in  Council,  and  imitated,  in  re- 
taliation, by  French  decrees.  They  charged  Great  Britain  Avith  the  crime  of  persist- 
ing in  the  infliction  of  these  wrongs  after  France,  by  abandoning  her  decrees,  so  far 
as  the  United  States  were  concerned,  had  led  the  way  toward  justice  to  neutrals. 
They  then  arraigned  Great  Britain  upon  a  more  serious  chai-ge — that  of  continued 
impressment  of  American  seamen  into  the  British  service.  While  tlicy  pleaded  for 
the  protection  of  commerce,  they  were  not,  they  salt!,  " of  that  sect  whose  W()islii|i 

is  at  the  shrine  of  a  calculating  avarice Although  the  groans  of  those  victims 

of  barbarity  for  the  loss  of  (what  should  be  dearer  to  Americans  than  life)  their  lib- 
erty— although  the  cries  of  their  wives  and  children,  in  the  privation  of  protectors 
and  parents,  have  of  late  been  drowned  in  the  louder  clamors  of  the  loss  of  prop- 
erty, yet  is  the  practic  of  forcing  our  marir.c:'s  into  the  British  navy,  in  violation  of 
the  rights  of  our  flag,  carried  on  with  unabated  rigor  and  severity.  If  it  be  our  duty 
to  encourage  the  fair  and  legiti"iate  commerce  of  this  country  by  protecting  tlie 
property  of  the  merchant,  then,  indeed,  by  as  much  as  life  and  liberty  are  more  esti- 
mable than  ships  and  goods,  so  much  more  impressive  is  the  duty  to  shield  the  per- 
sons of  our  seamen,  whose  hard  and  honest  services  are  employed,  equally  with  those 
of  the  merchants,  in  advancing,  under  the  mantle  of  its  laws,  the  interests  of  tiieir 
country.  To  si.m  up,  in  a  word,  the  great  cause  of  complaint  against  Great  Britain, 
your  committee  need  only  say,  that  the  United  States,  as  a  sovereign  and  independ- 
ent power,  claim  the  right  to  use  the  ocean,  which  is  the  common  and  acknowledged 
highway  of  nations,  for  the  purposes  of  transporting,  in  their  own  vessels,  the  prod- 
ucts of  their  own  soils  and  the  acquisitions  of  their  own  industry  to  a  market  in  the 
ports  of  friendly  nations,  and  to  bring  home,  in  return,  such  articles  as  their  necessi- 
ties or  convenience  may  require,  always  regarding  the  rights  of  belligerents  as  de-i 
fined  by  the  established  laws  of  nations.  Great  Britain,  in  defiance  of  this  incontesta- 
ble right,  captures  every  American  vessel  bound  to  or  returning  from  a  port  where] 
her  commerce  is  not  favored ;  enslaves  our  seamen,  and,  in  spite  of  our  remonstranees, 
perseveres  in  these  aggressions.  To  wrongs  so  daring  in  character  and  so  disgraceful, 
in  their  execution,  it  is  impossible  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  should  remain 
indifferent.  We  must  now  tamely  and  quietly  submit,  or  we  must  resist  by  thos 
means  which  God  has  placed  within  our  reach. 


Hpondent  of  the  New  York  livening  Poet  wrote :  "  He  made  a  short  address  to  the  House  on  talcing  his  seat,  which,  froa 
the  lowneHiS  of  his  vole  at  that  time,  could  not  be  distinctly  heard."  lu  the  same  letter  the  writer  said,  "It  is  bolicvM 
Clay  was  not  tbongbt  of  for  Speaker  till  Sunday  ;  be  certainly  was  not  pnbllcly  mentioned.  The  Democrats  had  n  caij 
cus  Sunday  evening,  and  fixed  ou  Clay.  This  waa  dune  to  prevent  the  election  of  Macon,  who  has  too  much  lioDe<t| 
and  independence  for  the  leading  administration  men." 

Mr.  Clay  was  then  thirty-four  years  of  ngc,  and  this  was  bis  flrst  appearance  as  a  member  lu  the  House  of  Repre'foj 
atlves.  He  was  In  the  Senate  previously,  as  we  have  observed.  The  portrait  given  on  the  previous  page  Is  from  I 
painting  ttom  life  by  the  late  Mr.  Rauuoy,  when  Mr.  Clay  was  nearly  sixty  years  of  age. 


Kctolntlons  of  the  C 

"  Your  comr 
sion  of  a  doubl 
now  presented 
liy  foreign  and 
the  field  of  hatt 
ill  the  avarice 
liom  our  love  < 
ence  which  sust 
iiggrcssion  is  n( 
.Amciican  breast 
tion  to  those  hii 
than  of  exalted  i 
to  be  a  virtue, 
sanctified  by  the 
only,  but  as  the  i; 
latecl.    And  the  ] 
sacred  duty  of  C( 
By  the  aid  of  the 
;ible  to  procure  tli 
iiiul  forbearance  in 
The  coinmittee, 
tlieir  opinion,  oug 
the  proposition  of 
iirmor  and  attitud* 
^|)irit  and  expecta 
^  liiate  completion  o 
tiie  ranks  and  proli 
i)f  ten  thousand  rea 
President,  under  pn 
I  tlionsand,  to  be  org 
I  tliority  to  order  out 
J  require;  the  immed 

JMd  the  allowing  rac 

I   This  report,  spreac 

not  80  swiftly  as  noi 

'The  first  trip  made  b^  a 
I  JiJ^y  festival,  by  Horaflo, 

»,  on  the  banks  of  th  3  Lack 
H.ta  Canal  Company  witl 

IS!  circnmstances  which  led 
fcstrncture  was  of  hemlock 
wked  and  warped  from  exp 

K^n^^reek  on  trestle?' 

K  '"'•    The  Impression  . 

hte  he  track  at  the  curve  an, 

fe'?''P""""'IIItyof8UQho 

r"""  been  brought  here  « 

•  a  fate;  than  would  take  I 

N?reat  Interest.    As  I  place 

"••ith  a  fair  degree  of  speed 

rt.omely,  and  without  any  ;• 

P*.^,  and  was  soon  out  of  M„ 

■"wed  without  accident,    ,  ,-ii 

Be  first  regular  telegraphic 

N«««r  Samuel  P.  B.MorsM 

1^  The  dispatch,  fhrnlshedt. 

t«nWoner  of  Patents,  who  h 

''ipresslon  of  Balaam-"  w 

'Jin  the  archives  of  the  Con: 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


213 


Kenolatlons  of  the  Committee  ou  Foreign  Relations. 


Tlie  flrat  railway  Traveler  and  teiegraplilc  Diepatcb. 


"Your  committee  would  not  cast  a  shade  over  the  American  name  by  the  expres- 
sion of  a  doubt  which  branch  of  tliis  alternative  will  be  embraced.  The  occasion  is 
now  presented  when  the  national  character,  misunderstood  and  traduced  for  a  time 
by  foreign  and  domestic  enemies,  should  be  vindicated.  If  we  have  not  rushed  to 
the  field  of  battle  like  the  nations  who  are  led  by  the  mad  ambition  of  a  single  chief 
ill  the  avarice  of  a  corrupted  court,  it  has  not  proceeded  from  the  fear  of  war,  but 
from  our  love  of  justice  and  humanity.  That  proud  spirit  of  liberty  and  independ- 
ence which  sustained  our  fathers  in  the  successful  assertion  of  rights  against  foreign 
iiirgix'ssion  is  not  yet  sunk.  The  patriotic  fire  of  the  Revolution  still  lives  in  the 
Aineiican  breast  with  a  holy  and  unextinguishable  flame,  and  will  conduct  this  na- 
tion to  those  high  destinies  which  are  not  less  the  reward  of  dignified  moderation 
tlian  of  exalted  valor.  But  we  have  borne  with  injury  until  forbearance  has  ceased 
to  be  a  virtue.  The  sovereignty  and  independence  of  these  states,  purchased  and 
sanctified  by  the  blood  of  our  fathers,  from  whom  we  received  them,  not  for  ourselves 
only,  but  as  the  inheritance  of  our  posterity,  are  deliberately  and  systematically  vio- 
lated. And  the  period  has  arrived  when,  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  it  is  the 
sacred  duty  of  Congress  to  call  forth  the  patriotism  and  resources  of  the  country. 
By  the  aid  of  these,  and  with  the  blessing  of  God,  we  confidently  trust  we  shall  be 
able  to  procure  that  redress  which  has  been  sought  for  by  justice,  by  remonstrance, 
and  forbearance  in  vain." 

Tlie  committee, "  reserving  for  a  future  report  those  ulterior  measures  which,  in 
tiieir  opinion,  ought  to  be  pursued,"  earnestly  recommended  Congress  to  second 
tiie  propoi'ition  of  the  President  by  immediately  putting  the  United  States  "  into  an 
armor  and  attitude  demanded  by  the  crisis,  and  corresponding  with  the  national 
spirit  and  expectations."  In  a  series  of  resolutions  they  recommended  the  imme- 
diate completion  of  the  military  establishment  as  authorized  by  law,  by  filling  up 
tiie  ranks  and  prolonging  the  enlistraenis ;  the  authorization  of  an  additional  force 
often  thousand  regular  troops  to  serve  for  three  years,  and  the  acceptance  by  the 
President,  under  proper  regulations,  of  any  number  of  volunteers  not  exceeding  fifty 
thousand,  to  be  organized,  trained,  and  held  in  readiness;  giving  the  President  au- 
j  tiiority  to  order  out  detachments  of  militia  when  the  interests  of  the  country  should 
require ;  the  immediate  repairing  of  all  national  vessels  and  fitting  them  for  service, 
and  the  allowing  merchant  sliips  to  arm  in  their  own  defense.* 

This  report,  spread  upon  the  wings  of  the  press,  went  over  the  country  swiftly — 
I  not  so  swiftly  as  now  for  railways  and  telegraphs  were  unknown'^ — and  produced  a 

I  Slles's  Weekly  liegister,  i.,  2B8. 

'The  first  trip  made  by  a  locomoti.s  on  tills  continent  was  thns  described  a  few  years  ngo  in  a  speech  at  an  Erie 
lllii'.way  festival,  by  Horatio  Allen,  the  eminent  engineer; 

1  "VVhen  was  itf  Who  was  it?  And  who  awakened  its  energies  and  directed  its  movements?  It  was  in  the  year 
I  l^,on  the  banks  of  th  i  Lackawaxen,  at  the  commencement  of  the  railroads  connecting  the  canal  of  the  Delaware  and 
iHidson  Canal  Company  with  their  coal  mines,  and  he  who  addresses  you  was  the  only  person  on  that  locomotive. 
I T^  circumstances  which  led  to  my  being  alone  on  the  engine  were  these:  The  road  had  been  built  in  the  snmmer; 
I  it  (trncture  was  of  hemlock  timber,  and  rails  of  large  dimensions  notched  on  caps  placed  far  apart.  The  timber  had 
Intkcd  and  warped  (Irom  exposure  to  the  sun.  After  about  three  hundred  feet  of  straight  line,  the  road  crossed  the 
Iktawaxen  Creek  on  trestle-work  about  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  curve  of  three  hundred  and  flfty-flve  to  four  hundred 
Iteradins.  The  impression  was  very  general  thot  the  Iron  monster  would  either  break  down  the  road,  or  it  would 
llare  the  track  at  the  curve  and  plunge  into  the  creek.  My  reply  to  such  apprehensions  was  that  it  was  too  late  to  con- 
Ititrthe  probability  of  such  occurrences ;  there  was  no  other  course  than  to  have  a  trial  made  of  the  strange  animal, 
litich  had  been  brought  here  at  a  great  expense,  but  that  it  was  not  necessary  that  more  than  one  should  be  involved 
liili  fate;  that  I  would  toke  the  first  ride  alone,  and  the  time  would  come  when  I  should  look  back  to  the  incident 
|i*  ?reat  interest.  As  I  placed  my  hand  on  the  throttle-valve  handle,  I  was  undecided  whether  I  would  move  slowly 
|«»1th  a  fair  degree  of  speed ;  but,  believing  that  the  road  would  prove  safe,  and  preferring,  if  we  did  go  down,  to  go 
Itadsomely,  and  without  any  evidence  of  timidity,  I  started  with  considerable  velocity,  passed  the  curve  over  the  creek 
lileV,  and  wos  soon  out  of  h-"»ring  of  the  vast  assemblage.  At  the  end  of  two  or  three  miles  I  reversed  the  valve  and 
Tmnied  without  accident,  ,  ring  thus  made  tho  first  railroad  trip  by  locomotive  on  the  Western  hemisphere." 
J  lie  llrst  regular  telegraphic  dispatch,  for  the  public  eye  and  ear,  was  sent  (i-om  Washington  City  to  Baltimore  by 
■hfesBor  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse,  the  inventor  of  the  electro-telegraphic  system  of  intellectual  communication,  in  May, 
%i  The  dispatch,  furnished  to  Professor  Morse,  according  to  promise,  by  Miss  Anna  Ellsworth,  daughter  of  the  then 
jtimiiseioncr  of  Patents,  who  had  taken  great  interest  in  Mr.  Morse's  experiments,  was  worthy  of  the  occasion :  it  was 

It  expression  of  Balaam— "  What  hath  ooii  wrought!"    Tbot  flrst  dispatch,  in  the  telegraphic  language,  may  be 

ud  Id  the  archives  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society. 


I  1 


III 


214 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Sapposed  Kepubllcan  Proclivities  of  Britiali  Colonltts. 


John  Randolph  on  the  Danger  of  enlightening  the  Slave; 


powerful  impression  upon  the  American  mind  and  heart.  No  one  could  deny  the 
truthfulness  of  its  statements,  and  few  well-informed  persons  doubted  the  wisdom 
and  justice  of  its  conclusions.  While  great  indignation  was  felt  toward  Franco  for 
her  past  and  present  aggressions  upon  the  rights  of  neutrals,  much  stronger  was  tlif 
feeling  against  Great  Britain,  because  it  had  been  her  settled  policy  and  her  jjractioc 
for  more  than  half  a  century,  and  had  been  used  with  cruel  rigor  long  before  France 
in  retaliation,  adopted  the  same  instrument  for  warfare.  This  indignation  was  more 
vehement  because  England,  with  hauglity  persistence,  and  in  violation  of  the  sover- 
eignty and  independence  of  the  United  States,  continued  her  nefarious  practice  of 
impressing  American  seamen  into  the  British  naval  service.  Upon  such  buniiii" 
feelings  throughout  the  land,  just  then  stimulated  to  great  intensity  by  the  intelli- 
gence  from  the  Indian  country,  fell  the  fuel  of  this  trumpet-toned  report.  It  was 
short,  perspicaous,  and  pungent.  It  was  read  by  evory  Lody;  and  every  measure- 
proposed  in  Congress,  looking  to  hostilities  Avith  Great  Britain,  was  applauded  by  a 
large  majority  of  the  people. 

In  Congreps  warm  debates  followed  on  the  resolutions  appended  to  the  report.  It 
was  admitted  that  the  United  States  could  not  meet  Great  Britain  on  the  od?au  fleet 
to  fleet,  but,  it  was  believed  that  when  an  army  from  the  States  should  appear  on  the 
soil  of  Canada,  or  of  the  other  British  provinces  in  the  farther  iiast,  the  people,  tlien 
tired  of  being  ruled  as  colonies,  would  gladly  join  fortunes  with  the  young  Giant 
of  the  West.  It  was  believed  that  their  bosoms  swelled  with  desires  since  embodied 
in  these  woi  ds  of  an  English  poet : 

"There's  a  star  in  tbe  West  that  shall  never  go  down 
4  'Tin  the  records  of  vnlor  decay ; 

We  must  worship  its  light,  thongh  'tis  not  our  own, 
For  liberty  barsts  in  its^y." 

It  was  also  believed  that  American  privateers  would  speedily  ruin  British  com- 
merce and  fisheries,  and  that,  by  sea  and  land  expeditions,  the  people  of  tlie  United 
States  would  be  remunerated  tenfold  for  all  the  spoliations  inflicted  on  their  cum- 
merce,  and  thus  compel  the  British  government  to  act  justly  and  respectfully.' 

Most  of  the  Southern  and  Western  members  were  in  favor  of  war.    But  John  Ran- 
dolph, always  happy  in  his  element  of  universal  opposition,  battled  against  the  men 
of  his  own  section  in  his  peculiar  way,  sometimes  with  ability,  always  discursoriJT, 
and  frequently  with  the  keenesu  satire.    He  endeavored  to  excite  the  fears  of  the  mem-  j 
bers  of  the  slave-labor  states  by  warning  them  that  an  invasion  of  Canada  miglit  be  j 
retorted  upon  Southern  soil  w  ith  fearful  effc'ct.    He  declared  that  the  slaves  had  al- 
ready become  polluted  by  that  French  democracy  which  animated  the  administration  j 
party,  who  were  so  eager  to  go  to  war  with  the  enemy  of  Napoleon,  whom  he  raniied,  j 
as  a  scourge  of  mankind,  with  Tamerlane  and  Genghis  Khan — "  malefactors  of  tiie } 
human  race,  who  grind  down  men  into  mere  material  of  their  impious  and  bloody  I 
ambition."    He  said  the  negroes  were  rapidly  gaining  notions  of  freedom,  destructive  j 
alike  to  their  own  happiness  and  the  safety  and  interests  of  their  masters.    He  de-j 
nounced  as  a  "  butcher"  a  member  of  Congress  who  had  proposed  the  abolition  of  j 
slavery  in  the  District  of  Columbia.    He  said  men  had  broached  on  that  very  floorj 
the  doctrine  of  imprescriptible  rights  to  a  crowded  audience  of  blacks  in  the  galleriesT 
teaching  them  that  they  were  equal  to  their  masters.     "Similar  doctrines,"  he  BaidJ 
"  are  spread  throughout  the  South  by  Yankee  peddlers ;  and  there  are  even  owner* 
of  slaves  so  infatuated  as,  by  the  general  tenor  of  their  conversation,  by  contempt  ofl 
order,  morality,  religion,  unthinkingly  to  clierish  these  seeds  of  destruction.    Mi 
what  has  been  the  consequence  ?    Within  the  last  ten  years  repeated  alarms  of  slave! 
insurrections,  some  of  them  awful  indeed.    By  the  spreading  of  his  infernal  doctriiia 

the  whole  South  has  been  thrown  into  a  state  of  insecurity You  have  dej 

» Porter's  Speech. 


Bmdolpb  scolds  th« 

prived  the  sla; 
he  continued,  a 
ic  members;  " 
to  eat  of  the 
enough  to  pen 
you  have  openc 

ness God 

em  States  shoi 
on  these  shores 
ciples  of  Frencl 
Wiile  talking  c 
much  reason  tc 
safety  at  home 
when  I  say  tlia 
tolls  for  fire  in  Ri 
ened  mother  doe 
more  closely  to 
ing  what  may  hi 
myself  witnessed 
in  the  capital  of" 
Randolph  >  thei 
some  severe  wor 
verse  policy  advc 
in  1798,  when  th( 
tion  was   prepari 
Fiance.    He  taun 
but  now,  in  their 
heavy  national  de 
people— fraternal 
Randolph's  spec 
more  sensitive  anc 
soned  arrows  fron 
houn,  then  less  tha 
effort  in  that  grea 
contested.^    With 

'  John  Randolph  claim 
uree  miles  fi-om  Petersbn 
Colombia  College,  New  Yo 
sNled  law,  but  never  prnc 
N'atlonal  Congress,  and  for 
«ane  for  a  time  in  1811,  and 
mi  the  war  with  Great  1 
friend  of  General  Jackson 
conid  not  endure  the  wlntei 
M  return  his  constituents 

klm,  and  he  died  In  a  hotel 

rope. 

'  ?P««<:li  In  the  House  of 
'John  Caldwell  Calhoun 
"8  a  native  of  Virginia.  T 
"Id  great  promise.  He  was 
lonncctlcnt,  and  entered  up 
(arolin«lnl808,andinl8U 
e«bly  supported  Mr.  MadI 
MVVar.  He  was  elected  Vic 
wdedHayne  In  the  Senate 

«8  8ecretaryofStateInl84a 
PO'ltloanntn  his  death,  whic 
^arsofage.    Our  portrait 

wforty-cight  years  of  age. 


U 


!  !l 


OF  THE   WAB   OF   1812. 


215 


m 


Itindolpb  Bcolds  the  UemocrntH. 


Juhn  C.  Calhonn. 


SketclieH  of  Kandolph  uiid  C'ulhuun. 


iirived  the  slave  of  all  moral  restraint," 
he  continued,  addressing  the  Democrat- 
ic members;  "you  have  tempted  him 
to  cat  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  just 
enough  to  perfect  him  in  wickedness; 
you  have  opened  his  eyes  to  his  naked- 
ness  God  forbid  that  the  South- 
ern States  should  ever  see  an  enemy 
on  these  shores  with  their  infernal  prin- 
ciples of  Frencli  fraternity  in  the  van ! 
While  talking  of  Canada,  we  have  too 
much  reason  to  shudder  for  our  own 
safety  at  home.  I  speak  from  facts 
when  I  say  that  the  night-bell  never 
tolls  for  fire  in  Richmond  that  the  fright- 
ened mother  does  not  hug  her  infant  the 
more  closely  to  her  bosom,  not  know- 
ing what  may  have  liappened.  I  have 
myself  witnessed  some  of  these  alarms 
in  the  capital  of  Virginia." 

Raudolph'  then  gave  the  Democrats 
gome  severe  words  concerning  the  ad- 
verse policy  advocated  by  their  party 
in  1798,  when  the  Federal  administrj 
tion  was  preparing   for   a  war   with 

France.  He  taunted  them  with  bemg  preachers  of  reform  and  economy  heretofore, 
but  now,  in  their  blind  zeal  to  serve  their  French  master,  were  willing  to  create  a 
lieavy  national  debt  by  rushing  into  an  unnecessary  and  wicked  war  with  a  fraternal 
people — fraternal  in  blood,  language,  religion,  laws,  arts,  and  literature.^ 

Landolph's  speech  had  but  little  effect  upon  his  auditors  other  than  to  irritate  the 
more  sensitive  and  amuse  the  more  philosophic.  A  few  members,  at  the  risk  of  poi- 
soned arrows  from  his  tongue,  ventured  to  give  him  some  home  thrusts,  while  Cal- 
houn, then  less  than  thirty  years  of  age,  made  this  the  occasion  of  his  first  oratorical 
effort  in  that  great  theatre  of  legislative  strife  wherein  he  so  long  and  so  valiantly 
contested.^    With  that  dexterous  use  of  subtle  logic  which  never  failed  to  give  him 

>  John  Rnndolpb  claimed  to  be  sevedth  in  descent  from  Pocahontas,  tbe  fkmons  Indian  princess.  He  was  bora 
three  miles  from  Petersburg,  in  Virginia,  on  tbe  2d  of  June,  1773.  He  was  educated  at  Princeton  College,  New  Jersey, 
Columbia  College,  New  York,  and  William  and  Mary  College,  in  Virginia.  Prom  infancy  he  suffered  from  ill  health.  He 
studied  law,  but  never  practiced  it.  His  first  appearance  in  public  life  was  In  1790,  when  he  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the 
National  Congress,  and  for  thirty  years,  with  an  interval  of  two  years  each,  he  held  a  seat  in  that  body.  He  became  in- 
sane for  a  time  in  1811,  and  had  returns  of  his  malady  at  intervals  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  strenuously  op- 
posed the  war  with  Oreal  Britain  in  1812,  and  after  that  event  bia  political  career  was  very  erratic.  He  was  the  warm 
friend  of  General  Jackson  in  1828,  and  in  1830  that  gentleman  appointed  him  ttnited  States  Minister  to  Russia.  He 
conld  not  endure  tbe  winter  on  tbe  Neva,  and  bis  stay  in  Russia  was  short.  He  resided  in  England  for  a  while,  and  ofter 
his  return  his  constituents  elected  him  to  Congress.  But  be  did  not  take  his  seat.  Consumption  laid  its  hand  upon 
him,  and  he  died  in  a  hotel  In  Philadelphia,  on  the  2Sd  of  May,  1833,  while  on  his  way  to  New  York  to  embark  for  Ea- 
rope. 

'  Speech  In  the  House  of  Representatives,  December  10, 1811.— Nlles's  Register,  I.,  816. 

'  John  Caldwell  Calbonn  was  bom  in  Abbeville  District,  South  Carolina,  on  the  IStb  of  March,  1T82.  His  mother 
was  a  native  of  Virginia.  He  entered  Yale  College  as  a  student  in  1802,  where  be  was  marked  as  a  young  man  of  genius 
and  great  promise.  He  was  graduated  in  1804  with  the  highest  honors  of  the  institution.  He  studied  law  in  Litchfield, 
Connecticut,  and  entered  upon  its  practice  in  his  native  district.  He  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  Legislature  of  South 
Carolina  In  1808,  and  in  1811  he  took  his  seat  as  member  of  the  National  Congress  as  a  stanch  Republican  or  Democrat, 
ne  flbly  supported  Mr.  Madison's  ndminisfration,  and  in  1817  President  Monroe  called  bim  to  his  Cabinet  as  Secretary 
of  War.  He  was  elected  Vice-President  of  the  Onited  States  in  1826,  and  was  re-elected  with  Jackson  in  1828.  He  snc- 
teeded  ilayne  In  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  in  1831,  and  became  the  leader  In  tbe  disloyal  movement  of  bis  native 
slate  known  in  history  under  the  general  title  of  Nnlllflcation,  in  1882-'B3.  President  Tyler  called  bim  to  bis  Cabinet 
as  Secretary  of  State  in  1843,  and  be  again  entered  the  Senate  as  the  representative  of  bis  state  in  1846.  He  held  that 
position  nntll  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Washington  City  on  the  31st  of  March,  1850,  when  he  was  Just  past  sixty-eight 
Tears  of  age.  Our  portrait  of  Mr.  Calhonn,  on  the  next  page,  is  tiom  one  taken  from  life  about  the  year  1830,  when  be 
was  forty-eight  years  of  age. 


1, 

;  4 


wmm 


'\  !■ 


i  ll 


H 


«  ii 

if'   !  ! 


M! 


M'' 


^'    i"^!;:  r^:: 

!  f 

1       !      ■•    . 

t'.l 


i.ji  ^ 

|.  .:>:                 ... 

.    '*! 

;    ^lll 

^  Mill 

216 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Calhuan's  Reply  to  Randolph's  Speech. 


The  Policy  of  the  Fedcrnlliitn. 


I'repiirntlons  for  War. 


ingenious  arguments  in  favor  of  any  views  ho  might  desire  to  enforce,  ho  replied  to 


Randolph  at  some 
length,  insisting 
that  it  was  a  prin- 
ciple as  applicable 
to  nations  as  to  in- 
dividuals to  repel 
a  first  insult,  and 
thus  command  the 
respect,  if  not  the 
fear  of  the  assailant. 
"Sir,"  he  said,  "I 
might  prove  the 
war,  should  it  en- 
sue, justifiable  by 
the  express  admis- 
sion of  the  gentle- 
man from  Virginia ; 
and  necessary,  by 
facts  undoubted 
and  universally  ad- 
mitted, such  as 
that  gentleman 
did   not   pretend 


to  controvert.  The 
extent,  duration 
and  character  of  the 
injuries  received ; 
the  failure  of  tlioso 
peaceful  means  Imro- 
tofore  resorted  to  for 
the  redress  of  our 
wrongs,  is  my  proof 
that  it  is  necessary. 
Why  should  I  men- 
tion the  impress- 
ment of  our  seamen; 
depredation  on  ev- 
ery branch  of  our 
commerce,  includ- 
ing the  direct  ex- 
port trade,  contin- 
ued for  years,  and 
made  under  laws 
which  professedly 
uridertake  to  reg- 
ulate   our    trade 


with  other  nations ;'  negotiation  resorted  to  time  after  time  till  it  became  hopeless ;  tlii' 
restrictive  systems  persisted  in  to  avoid  war  and  in  the  vain  expectation  of  returninr; 
justice  ?  The  evil  still  grows,  and  in  each  succeeding  year  swells  in  extent  and  pre- 
tension beyond  the  preceding.  The  question,  even  in  the  opinion  and  admission  of  our 
opponents,  is  reduced  to  this  single  point.  Which  shall  we  do,  abandon  or  defend  our 
own  commercial  and  maritime  rights,  and  the  personal  liberties  of  our  citizens  in  ex- 
ercising them  ?  These  rights  are  essentially  attacked,  and  war  is  the  only  means  of 
redress.  The  gentleman  from  Virginia  has  suggested  none,  unless  wo  consider  tlie 
whole  of  his  speech  as  recommending  patient  and  resigned  submission  as  the  best 
remedy.  Sir,  which  alternative  this  House  ought  to  sustain  is  not  for  me  to  say.  I 
hope  the  decision  is  made  already  by  a  higher  authority  than  the  voice  of  any  man. 
It  is  not  for  the  human  tongue  to  instill  the  sense  of  independence  and  honor.  This 
is  the  work  of  nature — a  generous  nature  that  disdains  tame  submission  to  Avrongs. 
This  part  of  the  subject  is  so  imposing  as  to  enforce  silence  even  on  the  gentleman 
from  Virginia.  He  dared  not  deny  his  country's  wrongs,  or  vindicate  the  conduct 
of  her  enemy," 

In  this  dignified  strain  Mr.  Calhoun  charmed  his  listeners,  steadying  the  vacillat- 
ing, convincing  the  doubting,  and  commanding  the  respectful  attention  of  the  oppo- 
nents of  the  resolutions.  He  treated  Randolph's  bugbear  of  slave  insurrection  with 
lofty  contempt.  "  However  the  gentleman  may  frighten  himself,"  he  said, "  with  the 
disorganizing  efiects  of  i^'rench  principles^  I  can  not  think  our  ignorant  blacks  have 
felt  much  of  their  baleful  influence.  I  dare  say  more  than  one  half  of  them  m 
heard  of  the  French  Revolution.  "^ 

The  Federalists  said  very  little  on  this  occasion.    It  had  always  been  their  policy 
to  be  prepared  for  war.     The  resolutions  appended  to  the  report  of  the  Committee  j 
•  December  10,    on  Foreign  Relations  were  adopted,*  and  bills  were  speedily  prepared  j 
and  passed  for  augmenting  the  army.    Additional  regulars  to  the  nnm- 

1  See  pnge  IfiS. 

«  Abridgment  vf  the  Debates  of  Congrett  from  1T89  to  1886,  by  Thorons  H.  BentOD,  Iv.,  449, 


1311. 


Augmentation  ofthi 


OF  THE  WAR   OF    1812. 


217 


Augmentation  of  the  Army.         Pntrlutlsm  of  leadlni;  FederollstR.         Reasons  of  Quincy  and  Emolt  for  tlioir  Courto. 


Jaiinary  4, 

1S12. 


5 


dxAAAMy 


ber  of  twenty-fivo  thousand  were  authorized  by  a  vote  of  tlie  Houso  early  in  Jann- 
nry."  Tlio  bill  also  provided  for  the  appointment  of  two  major  generals 
iind  five  additional  brigadiers ;  also  for  a  bounty  to  new  recruits  of  sixteen 
dollars,  and,  at  the  time  of  discharge,  three  months'  extra  pay  and  a  certificate  for 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land.'  On  the  14th  of  the  month  anotlier  act  was 
|i!is8cd,  appro[)riating  a  million  of  dollars  for  the  purchase  of  arms,  ordnance,  camp 
equipage, and  quarter-master's  stores;  and  four  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  powder, 
ordnance,  and  small-arms  for  the  nnvy.  Tlius,  In  a  brief  space  of  time,  the  little  army 
of  the  peace  establishment,  which  had  been  comparatively  inactive,  Avas  swelled  in 
prospective  from  about  three  thousand  men  to  more  than  seventy  tliousand  regulars 
and  volunteers.     The  President  was  authorized  to  call  u])on  ♦he  govei-nors  of  states 

1  Seven  of  the  thirty-seven  Federalists  In  the  House  voted  for  these  measures.  These  were  Quincy  and  Reed,  of  ^fa»• 
mchtMlts;  Emott,  Blcccker,  Gold,  and  Livingston,  of  Aeu-  York;  and  Miluor,  of  Piiniuiiilvania.  The  latter  was  the  late 
James  Mllnor,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St.  George's  Church,  New  York.  It  was  diftlng  this  session  of  Congress  that  he  hccnme 
(la'ply  Impressed  with  religious  sentiments,  and  felt  himself  called  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  Ho  abandoned  the  lucrative 
profession  of  the  law  and  the  turbulent  field  of  politics,  and  took  orders  In  the  Trotestaut  Episcopal  Church,  of  which, 
uutil  his  death,  In  the  spring  of  1S44,  he  was  "a  bright  and  shining  light." 

The  position  taken  by  these  leading  Federalists  at  that  critical  time,  In  opposition  to  the  great  body  of  their  colleagues 
ID  Congress  and  of  the  party  In  New  England,  was  patriotic  in  the 
hiKhest  degree,  and  yet,  so  donbtful  were  they  of  the  verdict  which 
mtcrtty  might  pass  upon  their  actions,  that  two  of  them  (Quincy 
aD(l  Emott)  prepared  quite  an  elaborate  defense,  in  which  the  rca- 
fons  for  their  course  were  ably  set  forth.  It  was  drawn  up  by  Em- 
otl,  slightly  amended  by  Quincy,  and  signed  by  both.  It  was  left 
ill  Emutt's  bauds,  to  be  used  at  any  future  time  by  bim  or  his  de- 
scendants in  vindication  of  their  course.  Posterity— even  contem- 
pQrgries— have  pronounced  their  course  wise  and  patriotic.  The 
original  manuscript.  In  the  possession  of  the  Hon.  James  Emott,  of 
Ponghkecpsle,  New  York,  a  son  of  one  of  the  signers,  is  before  me  while  I  write.  It  is  in  the  delicate  and  neat  hand- 
writing of  the  cider  Emott,*  and  dated  January  1, 1812.  After  clearly  stating  the  position  of  public  afTairs,  they  say :  "  Wc 
thought  it  therefore  worthy  of  an  experiment  to  allow  the  administration  to  make  ont  their  case  before  the  great  bar 
otlhe  pnbiic  without,  as  heretofore,  aiding  it  by  an  early  opposition ;  and  we  hoped,  and  yet  hope,  that  by  withdrawing 
the  aliment  of  party  rancor  it  will  ceose  to  exist,  and  that  the  people  will  see  the  ;irecipice  to  which  they  have  been 
drawn,  and  the  danger  which  awaits  the  country  unless  there  Is  a  speedy  and  radical  change  of  men  or  measures.  .  .  . 
By  leaving  the  government  In  the  first  instance  unmolested,  in  Its  measures  the  people  may  receive  a  dlBlinct  imprcs- 
(ii)D  of  its  objects.  If  they  are  really  of  that  high  and  commanding  character  as  to  effectnate  what  their  friends  prom- 
ised, relief  to  our  country,  it  is  of  little  consequence  ft  'm  whose  hands  so  desirable  a  blessing  is  received.  But  if  the 
character  of  the  plans  of  the  administration  continue  ime-serviug,  self-oppressive,  and  hypocritical,  on  it  and  Its  sup- 
porters would  fall  the  responsibility,  without  the  possibility  of  transferring  it  to  those  who  had  neither  shared  nor  op- 
posed their  purposes." 

These  gentlemen  then  allnde  to  the  prevalent  opinion  that  if  the  Federalists  should  withhold  their  opposition,  the 
British  government,  hopeless  of  a  party  in  its  favor  in  the  United  States,  would  relax  Its  restrictive  measures.    They 
j  then  declare  that  if  the  British  government  or  people  believe  that  opposition  of  the  Federalists  arises  from  any  unpa- 
triotic motives,  "bottomed  on  a  desire  for  power  to  be  obtained  at  the  expense  of  the  interests  of  the  nation,"  there  has 
I  tmn  an  essential  and  lamentable  mistake. 

In  reference  to  the  truaaures  proposed  for  putting  the  country  In  a  state  of  adequate  strength  in  the  event  of  war,  for 
I  rtich  these  gentlemen  voted  four  days  after  the  date  of  the  paper  under  action,  they  remarked :  "  In  re-estimating  our 
dntlesnpon  this  occasion,  we  have  not  deemed  it  necessary  to  take  into  considerntlon  the  causes  which  have  led  to  our 
I  present  embarrassments.  We  certainly  do  not  entertain  the  opinion  that  the  course  which  has  been  pursued  by  the  ad- 
I  ministration  is  either  correct  or  to  be  justified :  hut  we  can  not  but  perceive  that  our  present  difilcultles  are  not  so  appa- 
I  rently  and  exclusively  attributable  to  the  American  government  as  to  justify  a  resort  to  a  policy  which  would  leave  the 
I  ution  nnprotected  and  defenseless.  ...  It  is  because  we  wish  for  peace  with  security  that  we  are  willing  to  add  to  the 
I  present  military  establishment.  .  .  .  Onr  country  and  our  firesides  arc  dear  to  ns.  We  think  they  are  in  danger,  and 
I  n  wish  to  protect  them.  .  .  .  When,  by  measures  In  which  we  have  had  no  agency,  and  for  which  wc  do  not  hold  onr- 
Istlres  responsible  In  whole  or  in  part,  we  discover  that  a  necessity  has  been  produced  for  defensive  preparations,  wo 
Ian  not  permit  onrselves  to  resist  such  preparations  fi'om  motives  of  general  opposition  to  the  administration,  or  from 
jideslre  to  render  It  odious  to  the  country." 

'  James  Emott  was  bom  at  Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  on  the  14th  of  March,  1771.    He  chose  the  profession  of  law  as 
|ki!  vocation,  and  commenced  its  practice  at  Ballston  Centre,  New  York,  a  growing  village  a  few  miles  from  Bails- 
ton  Spa.   In  1797  he  was  appointed  a  commissioner,  with  Robert  Yates  and  Vincent  Mathews,  to  settle  disputes  con- 
■"ming  titles  to  lands  in  the  military  tract  of  Onondaga  County.    The  commissioners  held  their  sittings  at  Albany, 
nd  to  that  city  Mr.  Emott  removed  about  the  year  1800.    In  1804  he  was  chosen  to  represent  Albany  County  in  the 
tile  Legislature.    He  soon  afterward  removed  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  after  practicing  law  there  for  a  while  he 
A  to  Poughkeepsie,  and  was  elected  to  represent  the  Duchess  District  in  the  National  Congress.    He  took  his 
ejtin  1S09,  and  continued  in  possession  of  It  by  re-election  until  1813.    In  politics  he  was  a  Federalist,  and  was  one  of 
cpromincntleaders,  yet  his  patriotism  was  never  In  subjection  to  the  behests  of  party.    He  was  representative  of 
hichess  County  in  the  New  York  Assembly  In  1S14,  and  was  Speaker  of  the  House.    He  was  a  member  of  that  body 
m  conaccntlve  years.    In  1817  he  was  appointed  first  judge  of  Duchess  County,  and  held  the  oflBce  until  1823,  when,  for 
(olitical  reasons,  he  was  removed  to  make  room  for  the  late  Maturin  Livingston.    He  was  appointed  judge  of  the  sec- 
►Bd  circnlt  by  Governor  Clinton  In  1827,  and  held  It  nntil  1831,  when  he  was  sixty  years  of  oge.    Judge  Emott  then  rc- 
Ired  from  active  life.    He  died  nt  Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1S60,  aged  seventy-nine  years. 


•  ir 

#ii 


!    I 


J  ! 


218 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-HOOK 


Vulccs  of  tbe  Htnto  LeKlalaturca. 


A  Plttouce  fur  tbe  Sawj. 


Uiiaucceaitful  Kffurti  fur  Its  Iiktimioc. 


each  to  furnish  his  rcspoctivo  quota  of  one  hundred  thousand  militia,  to  bo  held  in 
readiness  to  instantly  obey  the  cull  of  the  chief  nuigistrato.  For  the  expense  of  this 
reserve  one  million  of  dollars  were  appropriated. 

The  State  Legislatures,  meanwhile,  spoke  out  emj)hatically  for  war  if  necessary. 
Now  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Georgia,  Kentucky,  and  Ohio,  resolved  to  stand 
by  the  general  goveriunent  when  decisive  measures  should  be  adopted ;  and,  in  tlii-ir 
reply  to  the  aimual  message  of  Governor  Gerry,  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
Massachusetts  exhibited  the  same  sentiments,  denouncing  Great  Britain  as  a  "pirat- 
ical state,"  and  her  practice  of  impressment"  man-stealing." 

The  navy,  important  as  it  proved  to  be  in  the  war  that  followed,  was  neglcctfil. 
Chcves,  of  South  Carolina,  made  a  report  in  favor  of  its  augmentation ;  and  ho  ami 
Lowndes,  in  supporting  speeches,  hinted  at  the  expediency  of  constructing  forty  frjir. 
ates  and  twenty-five  ships  of  the  line.     It  was  urged  by  tliese  members,  in  direct  o])- 
position  to  the  narrow  views  of  Williams  from  tho  same  state  a  year  before,  tliat 
"  protection  to  commerce  was  protection  to  agriculture."     Qnincy  also  argued  that 
protection  to  commerce  was  essential  to  tlie  preservation  of  the  Union,  and,  with  a 
covert  but  significant  threat,  ho  gave  as  a  reason  that  the  commercial  states  could 
not  be  expected  to  submit  to  the  deliberate  and  systematic  sacrifice  of  their  most  im- 
portant interests.'     Their  pleas  were  in  vain.     A  bill,  containing  only  an  appropria- 
tion of  four  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  dollars  for  repairing  three  frigates — Con- 
atellation,  Chesapeake,  and  Adams — and  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  annually  fijr 
three  years,  to  purchase  timber  for  the  purpose  of  refitting  three  others,  was  passed, 
and  sent  to  the  Senate,  where  Lloyd,  of  Massachusetts,  moved  to  insert  an  appropria- 
•  Jannnry  IT,     tion  for  thirty  new  frigates.*    "  Let  us  liavo  the  frigates,"  he  said ;  "  \m\: 
1812.         pj.fjj|  ^g  Great  Britain  is,  she  could  not  blockade  them.     With  our  haz- 
ardous shores  and  tempestuous  northwesterly  gales  froiu  November  to  March,  all 
the  navies  in  the  world  could  not  blockade  them.     Divide  them  into  six  squadrons, 
Place  those  squadrons  in  the  northern  ports  ready  for  sea,  and  at  favorable  moments 
we  would  pounce  upon  her  West  India  Islands,  repeating  tlie  game  of  Do  Grasse  and 
D'Estauig  in  '79  and  '80.     By  the  time  she  was  ready  to  meet  us  there,  we  would 
be  round  Cape  Horn  cutting  up  her  whalemen.     Pursued  thither,  we  would  skim 
away  to  tho  Indian  Seas,  and  Avould  give  an  accoimt  of  her  China  and  India  shijis 
very  different  from  that  of  the  French  cruisers.     Now  avo  would  follow  her  Quebec, 
now  her  Jamaica  convoys  ;  sometimes  make  our  appearance  in  the  chops  of  the  Chan- 
nel, and  even  sometimes  wind  north  almost  into  the  Baltic.     It  would  require  a  hund- 
red British  frigates  to  watch  the  movements  of  these  thirty.    Such  are  the  means  hy 
which  I  would  bring  Great  Britain  to  her  senses.     By  harassing  her  commerce  with 
this  fleet,  we  could  make  the  people  ask  the  government  wliy  they  continued  to  vio- 
late our  rights." 

Crawford,  of  Georgia,  replied  at  some  length,  and  the  Senate,  unmoved  by  the  glov- 
ing pictures  of  naval  achievements  drawn  by  the  senator  from  Massachusetts,  not 
only  refused  to  sanction  Lloyd's  amendment,  but  reduced  the  appropriation  for  n- 
pairs  to  three  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

While  the  war  party,  strong  in  Congress  and  throughout  Ihe  country,  were  ener- 
getic in  action  and  impatient  of  delay,  Mr.  Madison  showed  great  timidity.  It  wai 
owing,  doubtless,  in  a  great  degree,  to  the  character  of  his  Cabinet,  which  unfortunate 
ly  surrounded  him  at  that  momentous  crisis.  Mr,  Monroe,  the  Secretary  of  State,  wai 
the  only  member  who  had  any  military  taste  and  experience,  and  he  had  seen  onl; 
limited  service  in  the  Revolution.  Gallatin,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  was 
civilian,  and  was  avowedly  opposed  to  the  war  with  Great  Britain.  Eustis,  the  Se( 
i-etary  of  War,  knew  very  little  about  military  affairs.  Hamilton,  the  Secretary 
the  Navy,  had  no  practical  knowledge  of  naval  affairs  to  qualify  him  for  the  statioi 

niildreth,  Second  Seriee,  iU.,  2TT. 


Mtdlaon  threaten 


and  Mr.  Mad 
iT-iii-chief  (,f 
iliict  of  puhli 
vacillating. 

The  admin 

(Iccided  stund 

and  it  was  kn 

the  State  of  > 

satisfied  with  ] 

then  mayor  of 

pretension.s  we 

cd  tlie  propriet 

different  j)arts  ( 

In  this  state 

loading  Democi 

war  with  Engla 

his  administrati 

efficient  course  c 

war  took  pJaeo  i 

party  might  be  c 

fralists ;  that,  un 

(IccJaration  of  wa 

the  Presidency  c< 

liis  own  objection 

he  could  for  the  i 

ability. '  ' 

Mr.  Madison's  fi 

form  of  a  confide 

preliminary  to  a  d 

embargo  on  all  ve 

after  enter,  for  the 

very  great  exciten 

who  had  become  a 

rears  in  Canada,  a 

'"?  early  in  Febru 

Jiadison  from  Gov( 

pressed  with  the  tn 

I  ;,';""'».he  proposed  t 

following  evening  ^ 

astounding  secrets'  c 

i  part  of  the  British 

;™ct  a  separation  of 

P"fain.    He  told  Ml 

nuristrfld.     T.      •'  itioE 

!:=tr"i?-i 


OF  THE  WAlt    OF    18  12. 


910 


IKadliiuii  thrt^atpiipd  witli  Denurtlou  by  the  War  Piirty.       Ho  rpconimencU  au  GmliarKo.       A  Brltlnh  Plot  dlicovored. 

and  Mr.  MadiHon  hiniHclf  waH  utterly  unable,  though  by  virtue  of  his  office  command- 
cr-iu-fhief  of  tlu'  army  and  navy  of  the  United  States,  to  j^rawp  with  vigor  the  eon- 
duct  of  public  aftairs  in  a  time  of  war.  Consciousness  of  this  made  him  timid  and 
viK'illnting. 

Tiie  administration  members  of  Congress  at  length  resolved  to  take  a  bold  and 
decided  stand  with  the  I'resident.  His  first  term  of  office  was  drawing  to  a  close, 
and  it  was  known  that  he  was  anxious  for  re-election.  The  leading  Democrats  in 
the  State  of  New  York,  whose  voices  were  potential  in  the  matter  at  that  time,  dis- 
satisfied with  Mr.  Madison's  weak  course,  contemplated  nominating  De  Witt  Clinton, 
tlieii  mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York,  for  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States.  His 
pretensions  were  sustained  by  Gideon  Granger,  the  postmaster  general,  who  doubt- 
od  tlie  propriety  of  a  war  with  JMadison  as  leader.  Other  influential  Democrats  iu 
different  parts  of  the  country  held  similar  views. 

In  this  state  of  things,  Mr.  Madison  was  waited  upon"  by  several  of  the  •  March  2, 
leading  Democratic  members  of  Congress,  and  informed,  in  substance,  that  ^^^'^' 
war  with  England  was  now  resolved  upon  by  the  dominant  party,  the  8upi)ortcr8  of 
Ills  administration;  that  the  people  would  no  longer  consent  to  a  dilatory  and  in- 
efficient course  on  the  part  of  the  national  government;  that,  uidess  a  declaration  of 
war  took  place  previous  to  the  Presidential  election,  the  success  of  the  Democratic 
party  might  be  endangered,  and  the  government  thrown  into  the  hands  of  the  Fed- 
eralists ;  that,  unless  Mr.  Madison  consented  to  act  with  his  friends,  and  accede  to  a 
declaration  of  war  with  Great  Britain,  neither  his  nomination  nor  his  re-election  to 
tlie  Presidency  could  be  relied  on.  Thus  situated,  Mr.  Madison  concluded  to  waive 
his  own  objections  to  the  course  determined  on  by  his  political  friends,  and  to  do  all 
he  could  for  the  prosecution  of  a  war  for  which  he  had  neither  taste  nor  practical 
ability.' 

Mr.  Madison's  first  step  in  the  prescribed  direction  after  this  interview  was  in  the 
form  of  a  confidential  message  to  Congress  on  the  Ist  of  April,  recommending,  as 
preliminary  to  a  declaration  of  war,  the  immediate  passage  of  a  law  laying  a  general 
embargo  on  all  vessels  then  in  the  ports  of  the  United  States,  or  that  might  there- 
after enter,  for  the  period  of  sixty  days.  Meanwhile  another  subject  had  produced 
very  great  excitement  throughout  the  country.  An  Irishman,  named  John  Henry, 
who  had  become  a  naturalized  citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  had  lived  several 
years  m  Canada,  appeared  at  the  Presidential  mansion  one  dark  and  stormy  even- 
ing early  in  February, ''  1812,  He  bore  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Mr, 
Madison  from  Governor  Gerry,  of  Massachi^etts,  who  seemed  to  be  im- 
pressed with  the  tnithfulness  of  Henry,  and  the  great  importance  of  the  information 
which  he  proposed  to  lay  before  the  President. '^  An  interview  was  arranged  for  the 
following  evening,  when  Henry  divulged  to  the  President  what  appeared  to  be  most 
astounding  secrets  concerning  eflbrts  that  had  been  in  progress  for  two  years  on  the 
part  of  the  British  authorities  in  Canada,  sanctioned  by  the  home  goveniment,  to 
effect  a  separation  of  the  Eastern  States  from  the  Union,  and  to  attach  them  to  Great 
Britain.    He  told  Mr.  Madison  that,  up  to  the  year  1809,  ho  had  been  living  for  five 

1  statement  of  James  Piek,  a  Democratic  member  of  CongreBS  from  Vermont,  who  was  one  of  the  committee,  cited  in 

Ihe  Statetman'a  Manual,  i.,  444.    The  feeling  against  Mr.  Madison  on  account  of  his  timid  poiicy  had  begun  to  manifest 

I  Mf  very  strongly  omong  his  political  friends  in  Congress  before  the  close  of  18U.    The  New  York  Eveniittj  Pott,  of 

Jinaary  6, 1S12,  says :  "  The  Houses  of  Congress  refused  to  adjourn  on  the  1st  of  January  In  order  to  wait  on  the  chief 

I  nigiBtrate.    It  was  an  Intended  insult." 

I  Henry  Dearborn,  an  officer  of  the  Berolution,  then  in  Washington,  and  who  had  lately  been  appointed  a  m^or  gen- 
I  ml  tn  the  national  army,  wrote  to  his  daughter,  saying :  "  Yon  may  tell  yonr  neighbors  they  may  prepare  for  war ;  we 
I  ihall  have  it  by  the  time  they  are  ready.  I  know  that  war  will  be  very  unwelcome  news  to  you,  but  I  also  know  that 
I  jon  possess  too  much  Spartan  patriotism  to  wish  yonr  father  to  decline  a  command  for  the  defense  of  the  honor  of  our 
I  Wloved  country.  You  would,  if  necessary,  urge  him  to  the  field  rather  than  a  speck  of  dishonor  should  attach  to  him 
I  liT  declining  such  a  command." 

I  '  Henry  had  spent  a  week  in  Baltimore.  He  left  that  city  for  Washington  on  the  morning  of  the  lit  of  Febmary.— 
I  Inter  hi  Nlles's  ii(!;i«(er,  li.,  46, 


''  February  2. 


"i 

mm 


)  i 


i 


220 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Million  of  John  Henry  in  New  KiiKl*nd. 


An  Attempt  to  dMtroy  the  Sepnbllc  by  Uliunlua. 


yonrs  on  hiH  fnrm  in  V'lTi.iont,  ncnr  the  Cnnadn  lino,  and  aintiHod  liimm>lf  in  writitif; 
essiiyH  for  the  uewsjuiin'rH  aj^iiiiiNt  r(.'i)ublk'un  j^oviTiinii'iits,  wliicli  hi'  dt'toHtcd.    ThoM' 

t'Hsays,  111'  Huid,  liad  anvHti'd  tlio  atti-n- 
tioM  of  SirJaiiU's  Crai^,  tlioii  (Jovi-riior 
(ti'iicral  of  Canada,  who  invited  him  t<i 
Montreal  at  the  elose  of ! HOH.  At  that 
time  tlie  violent  denioiiHtratioiiH  of  ilic 
FedeniliMtH  in  New  England  aj^'ainst 
the  einbai'go  indiieed  the  F)nj,'iisj|  to 
believe  that  there  was  deep-Heated  dis- 
afl'ection  to  the  povernmcnt  of  the  United  States  on  the  ])art  of  the  peojde  of  that 
Hcction.  Under  that  iniprewsion  Henry  was  eoninuHHioned  by  Sir  JameH  Crait;  to 
l)roeeed  to  lJost()n,  and  ascertain  the  true  state  of  affairs  there,  and  the  temjier  of  tlie 
people  in  that  part  of  the  Union.  His  instructions  directed  liini  especially  to  ascer- 
tain whether  the  Federalists  of  Massachusetts  would,  in  the  event  of  their  success  at 
the  approachinfj  election,  be  disposed  to  separate  from  the  Union,  or  enter  into  any 
coniMJction  with  Enfjland.  "  The  earliest  information  on  this  subject,"  said  Sir  Jainos, 
"may  be  of  great  consecpience  to  our  government;  as  it  may  also  l)e,  that  it  should 
be  informed  how  far,  in  such  an  event,  they  would  look  to  England  for  assistance,  or 
be  disposed  to  enter  into  a  connection  with  us."'  Henry  was  authorized  to  intimati' 
to  the  Federalist  leaders,  if  the  supposed  state  of  things  should  be  found  to  e.\i8t,tliat 
they  might  communicate  to  the  British  govcnunent  through  him.^ 

According  to  Henry's  statement,  he  passed  through  Vermont  after  reccivin;; 
these  instructions,  and  arrived  at  Boston  on  the  5th  of  March.  There  lie  reiiiaimil 
about  three  months,  spending  liis  time  in  coftee-houses  and  disreputable  places,  until 
■  May  4,  Erskine's  arrangement  and  a  recall  by  Byland,"  Craig's  Secretary,  put  an 
1801).  ^.j^^i  J.JJ  jijjj  jjiiygio,,^  During  that  time  Henry  had  addressed  fourteen  letters 
to  Sir  James  over  tlic  initials  "A,  B.,"  most  of  them  written  at  Boston.  The  eaiiiir 
ones  Avere  filled  with  the  nm  i  encouraging  accounts  of  the  extreme  disaffection  of 
the  Eastern  people,  especially  those  of  Massachusetts,  on  account  of  the  commercial 
restrictions.  He  expressed  his  belief  that,  in  the  event  of  a  declaration  of  war  against 
Great  Britain  by  the  United  States,  the  Legislature  of  Massacliusetts  would  take  the 
lead  in  establishing  a  separate  Northern  Confederacy,  which  might,  hi  some  way,  end 
in  a  political  connection  with  Great  Britain.  The  grand  idea  of  destroying  the  Union 
was  the  tlieme  of  all  the  letters,  expressed  or  implied.  "If  a  war  between  America 
and  France,"  he  wrote, "  be  a  grand  dejjjderatum,  sometliing  more  must  be  done ;  an 
indulgent,  conciliating  policy  must  be  adopted.  ...  To  bring  about  a  separation  of 
the  states  u  ,(ior  distinct  and  independent  governments  is  an  affair  of  more  uncer- 
tainty, ar;lj  'ar  ivever  desirable,  can  not  be  effected  but  by  a  series  of  acts  and  long- 
continued  )>(  (icy  tending  to  irritate  the  Southern  and  conciliate  the  Northern  peo- 
ple. .  .  .  litis,  I  am  aware,  is  an  object  of  much  interest  in  Great  Britain,  as  it 
would  forever  insure  the  integrity  of  his  majesty's  possessions  on  this  cohtinent,  and 
make  the  two  goverments,  or  whatever  member  the  present  confederacy  might  join 
with,  as  useful  and  as  much  subject  to  tlie  influence  of  Great  Britain  as  her  colonics 
can  be  rendered."^ 

'  Sir  James  Craig's  Instrnctions  to  John  Henry,  dated  at  Quebec,  8th  Febmary,  1809. 

'  Ilcnry  was  fUmished  with  the  following  credentials,  to  be  nsed  If  circumstances  shonld  reqnlre : 

"  The  bearer,  Mr.  John  Henry,  Is  employed  by  me,  and  tu]\  confidence  may  be  placed  In  him  for  any  commnnication J 
which  any  person  may  wish  to  make  to  me  on  the  business  committed  to  lilm.  In  faith  of  which  I  have  given  him  tliis| 
under  my  hand  and  seal,  at  Qnebec,  the  fith  day  of  Febmary,  180D.  J.  H.  Ciaio." 

Henry  was  also  furnished  with  a  cipher  to  be  nsed  In  his  correspondence. 

'  Henry  to  Sir  James  Craig,  13th  of  March,  1809.  Mr.  Erskine's  arrangement  greatly  disappoicfed  the  British  aatliot^ 
Itles  In  Canada,  who  doubtless  expected  to  reap  great  rewards  from  the  home  goveniment  by  a  snccessftil  effort  to  disj 
rupt  the  American  Union.  For  twenty  years  they  had  been  IncUIng  the  Indians  on  the  Northwestern  frontiers  to  ffil 
upon  the  Americans,  and  now  they  hoped,  by  a  snccesefhl  movement  among  those  whom  they  supposed  to  be  as  men 


""T'sthemselvp.  ..>     ^ 
J^Bfury  on  th«  i  .   '-'"  '^^^"'^ 

Co,^h"'°'='"'""'hlsfet;e 
'jir. >>".""'""""' and  ace, 

hweZ  Jh.  *'""  '"Sefher. 


— •^-•lun,  — — — -  •*  * 

'!-■  ordinary  r.-nis,:;:,;     ,;;'•'*  ;'"«•'.  tlu-  V.^.-rnUt'^^uTf  'T  "" 'l'""" 
"•■"'•y''^  JH'.fi.nn«n,-oH  seem        i  '    "  '"'"'  ''"•  ''^'Hsioi..''  ^''    "'''  «"»•«  to 

IH' ',  t'.o  liritiHj.  H,,y  H  1  ''''\l"'""i,sc.,  anil  Hn.   ;*s    '     ''''''  «•.'"-"»•     'fonry 

Canada,  with  ^^^^^^ "l^:  1'^'^'^"  »""o«ie  SiX^"'^  '•^•^'^''  ^^^ 
States.     Kobert  Pec-I  the  F,w       r  '*'''  ''"'""^^  «  your  or  a  t   '""''**'  "'"r^owor 

;;i'".  politely  rcferr^,'  t.";"'  ^S-^'l"'''"''''^  -"^r^ce^nT^''!'  !!■'  *''^'  ^'"'^-^ 
I'revost.     The  snv  t^„        ^        '^""  •'«"'^'s  CraiL^V  «.,«,  ^.'       ''i'''iil< Of  (hat  o«i 

""•-•o"  to  ti.o  United  St^u-rJ^"        '"""'*''"'  ''^  ^^'v  £  r^euf  '"'  '•^"^"''■^''  f'^" 
"O'ation  whieh  ho  Jmd  v.T  i    ^"^""'»ent,  and,  if  nossil.h    ^         ^ '"''''  ''«'"-«t  of  his 

™  satisfied  of  tt "  ;"  ">;  '*''>;';^  "•  K».'lan'd.  ^fe  t ^  Z.""  /'T  '*  ^''^'  '"-»"- 
England  was  about  ti  be  de  '  ^V'''"'^'"  •'i«<^^'osure«  at  t'L  e^  '^^' '  ^''•-  ^^^^'^>^on 
f  -  of  the  Britisl!  got.  t  ^^^^^  ?^'-^^'"ve  overwht  J  r^^^'-; -- against 
'I'e  secret  serviee  fund  „7V"^"t  to  destroy  the  new  re...  T^-^  ?^''^^''«  "t-eret  de- 
™tirc  eorresponden      of  theV"r"^'°"  ^'^"  ^'^ve  nc'ryS'!,"'  *''^^-t.     Out  of 

After  receiving,  t^he  no      IT/'"'  '^  '''«  ««"«"•  in  this  o2 /        'I'^^  ''^'""'^  «"•  tl.e 

.«me  (lay  the  President  aid  f .!  tj  ''"^''  ^«  ^^ft^'  f.om  British  v  '  ''^'"'"^  '^««y 
'"  «l.ich  he  said.  " Thev  n  1  .K  ""^^  documents3  before  ft  ^'^"^'*^«"«<'-  On  the 
'""'Standing  the  wrS/      '  •^''^^  "*  ^  '^^'^'^t  period    .^.nf'fr'  '"'^'^  '-*  '"^^Bago 

'i«n«  on  the  part  of  he  fiSb" ^  "'  '^''  '"'^st  of  am  elide  nrof '''  ''''  ^"^«  ^^ "'^"- 
Masecritagentoffh/^'''''™'"''"**^'-""^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

I«tit«ted  authoritifs  of  r       '"  ^^'**«-^««f'"«etts4„  fl'  'T     ^/.^tes-more  espe- 

Wose  of  bringing  abol       ""''""'  '^"^  i"  "'trigne    wTth  .^'^  J.-^affeetion  to  the 

r_ _ _&^^ff_about  resistance  to  the  laws  r^  "^  disaffected  for  the 


l»S"edoc,  the  coneldemHon  hoi    "r  "'""■^  """""d  to  Bam  """i''"'^  k  '^'"»*  ">"""'c  "giw  ,„^"r^-    "'  "'«'  '""d" 


» 


;  .' 


Mlitii 


\ 


J 


i[ 


1^ .  iif 


i  i  1  bin 


* '  ['ill 


llj^il 


332 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Henry's  Disclosures  make  Political  Capltnl.    'ihe  British  Ministry  suppress  the  Correspondence.    Embargo  i)ropo6e(l, 

a  British  force,  of  destroying  the  Union,  and  forming  the  eastern  part  thereof  into  a 
political  connection  with  Great  Britain." 

The  indignation  against  Great  Britain  was  intensified  by  these  disclosureR,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  New  England  felt  deeply  annoyed  by  this  implied  disparagement  of 
the  patriotism  of  their  section.  Both  political  parties  endeavored  to  make  capital 
out  of  the  aifair.  The  Democrats  vehemently  reiterated  the  charge  that  the  Fr-der- 
alists  were  a  "  British  party,"  and  "  disunionists ;"'  while  the  opposition  allegcl  that 
the  affair  was  a  political  trick  of  the  administration  to  damige  their  party,  insure  the 
re-election  of  Madison,  and  to  offer  an  excuse  for  war.  The  feeling  excited  in  New 
England  against  the  administration  was  intense,  and  the  indignation  of  the  people 
was  almost  equally  divided  between  the  President  and  the  British  sovereign.  It 
was  charged  that  the  whole  matter  was  a  fraud ;  that  Monroe  wrote  the  letter  pur- 
porting to  have  been  sent  by  Henry  from  Philadelphia  to  the  government,  and  that 
the  paper  on  which  Lord  Liveqjool's  communication  to  Henry,  through  Robert  Peel, 
was  written,  bore  the  mark  of  a  Philadelphia  paper  maKufacturer, 

These  charges  were  all  untrue.  Every  thing  about  the  matter  was  genuine.  The 
British  minister  at  'Yashington  (Mr.  Foster),  two  days  after  the  President's  message 
•  March  11      ^^^  published,  declared  in  the  public  prints'*  his  entire  ignorance  of  aiiv 

1812.  transaction  of  the  kind,  and  asked  the  United  States  government  to  consid- 
er the  character  of  the  indivr'luaP  who  had  made  these  disclosures,  and  to  "suspend 
any  farther  judgment  on  its  merits  until  the  circumstances  shall  have  been  made 
known  to  his  majesty's  government."  That  government  was  called  upon  for  an  ex- 
planation, early  in  May,  by  Lord  Holland,  who  gave  notice''  that  he  should 
make  a  motion  to  call  for  the  correspondence  in  relation  to  the  intrigue. 
Ministers  were  aiarmed,  and  their  guilt  was  apparent  in  their  efforts  to  suppress  in- 
quiry. Every  pretext  was  brought  to  bear  to  oppose  the  motion.  When  they  could 
no  longer  deny  the  facts,  they  endeavored  to  throw  the  obloquy  of  the  act  upon  the 
dead  Sir  James  Craig.  The  ministerial  party  in  the  House  of  Lords,  when  the  mo- 
tion was  made,  prevailed,  and,  by  a  vote  of  seventy-three  against  twenty-seven,  re- 
fused to  have  the  correspondence  produced.  Lord  Holland  declared  in  his  closing 
speech  that,  until  such  investigation  should  be  had,  the  fact  that  Great  Britain  had 
entered  into  a  dishonorable  and  atrocious  intrigue  against  a  friendly  power  Avould 
stand  unrefuted.  And  it  does  stand  unrefuted  to  this  day.  It  was  so  palpable,  that 
Madison,  in  his  war  message  on  the  1st  of  June,  made  this  intrigue  one  of  the  serious 
charges  against  Great  Britain  as  justifying  war. 

The  President,  as  we  have  observed,  sent  a  confidential  message  to  Congress  on 
the  1st  of  April,  recommendinc;  the  laying  of  an  embargo  for  sixty  days.  It  was 
avowedly  a  precursor  of  war ;  and  Mr.  Calhoun  immediately  presented  a  bill  in  Com- 


'  May  6. 


'  They  called  up  hi  formidable  array  the  proceedings  of  the  New  England  people  against  the  Embargo  Laws  dnrins 
the  past  two  or  thiee  years,  and  In  an  especial  manner  they  arraigned  Mr.  Qnlncy,  the  great  opposition  leader  of  the 
House,  who,  a  year  before  (January  14, 1811),  In  the  debate  on  the  bill  to  enable  the  people  of  the  Territory  of  Orleans  to 
form  a  State  Constitution  preparatory  to  their  admission  Into  the  Union,  had  declared  that  the  passage  of  the  bill  would 
"Justify  a  revolution  In  this  country."  '  look,"  they  said,  "  to  the  signification  of  this  passage  In  Mr.  Quincy's  fiwch 
— a  passage  which,  when  called  to  order,  he  reduced  to  writing:  "  I  am  compelled  to  declare  It  as  my  deliberate  nplnlon 
that,  if  this  bill  passes,  the  bonds  of  the  Union  arc  virtuully  dissolved ;  that  the  states  which  compos?  It  are  free  from 
their  moral  obligations,  and  that,  as  It  will  be  the  right  of  all,  so  it  will  be  the  duty  of  some  to  prepare  definitely  fw « 
separation,  amicably  if  they  can,  violently  if  they  must."  For  an  abstract  of  Mr.  Quincy's  speech  on  that  occasion,  sw 
Benton's  A  bridgvietU  of  the  Debates  in  C<miire»s,  Iv.,  82T. 

The  Senate,  by  resolution,  asked  for  the  names  of  persons  in  Boston  or  elsewhere  who  were  concerned  in  the  plot 
with  Henry.    By  Secretary  Monroe's  reply.  It  seems  that  tne  spy  never  mentioned  the  name  of  any  individual. 

>  John  Ilenry  was  a  native  of  Ireland.  He  appeared  In  Philadelphia  about  the  year  1T9.1  or  17M,  having  come  over  m 
a  steerage  passenger.  He  possessed  considerable  literary  ability,  and  became  editor  of  Brown's  Philadelphia  Oairiti. 
He  afterward  kept  a  grocery,  and  married  in  that  city.  Having  become  natnralized,  and  obtained  a  commission  in  Ihf 
army  In  the  time  of  the  expected  war  with  France,  he  had  command  of  an  artillery  corps  under  General  El/cncier 
Stevens,  of  New  York,  and  was  superior  officer  at  Fort  Jay,  on  Governor's  Island,  for  more  than  a  year.  He  afterward 
had  a  command  at  Newport,  where  he  quitted  the  service,  settled  upon  a  farm  In  Northern  Vermont,  studied  law,  Md 
after  Ave  years  entered  upon  the  service  recorded  in  the  text.  "  He  was  a  handsome,  well-behaved  man,"  says  Sa" 
van, "  and  was  received  In  some  respectable  families  in  Boston." 


Effoits  to  alarm  the  Pe( 


Kt  morning,'' wher 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  18  12. 


223 


EffoiU  to  alarm  the  People. 


War  predicted. 


The  Sins  of  F-ance. 


Embargo  Act  passed. 


niittee  of  the  Whole  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation.  ^    The  opposition  sound- 
ed an  alarm.    The  weakness  of  the  country,  and  its  utter  want  of  preparation  for  war, 
became  the  themes  of  impassioned  appeals  to  the  fears  of  the  people.    The  continued 
iffgressions  of  France — equal,  they  said,  to  those  of  England^ — were  pointed  to  as 
causes  for  war  with  that  nation,  and  it  night  be  necessary  to  encounter  both  at  the 
same  time. 
To  these  alarmists  Clay  vehemently  responded.    He  charged  them  with  having 
cast  obstacles  in  the  way  of  preparation,  and  now  made  that  lack  of  preparation  an 
excuse  for  longer  submission  to  great  wrongs.     Weak  as  we  are,  he  said,  we  could 
liffht  France  too,  if  necessary,  in  a  good  cause — the  cause  of  honor  and  independence. 
He  had  no  doubt  that  the  late  Indian  war  on  the  Wabash  had  been  excited  by  the 
British ;'  and  he  alluded  to  the  smployment  of  Henry,  as  a  spy  and  fomentor  of  dis- 
union, as  another  gross  offense.     "  We  have  complete  proof,"  he  said, "  thiit  England 
would  do  every  thing  to  destroy  us.     Resolution  and  spirit  are  our  only  security." 
He  viewed  the  Embargo  as  a  war  measure,  and  "  war  we  shall  have  in  sixty  days," 
he  said. 
John  Randolph  implored  the  House  to  act  with  great  caution.    He  said  the  Presi- 
Icnt  dared  not  pbinge  the  country  into  a  war  while  in  its  present  unprepared  state. 
There  would  be  no  war  within  sixty  days.    He  believed  the  spirit  of  the  people  was 
not  up  to  war,  or  the  provocation  of  an  Embargo  Act  would  not  be  needed. 

Other  remarks  were  heard  from  both  sides.     The  bill,  by  the  aid  of  the  previous 

question,  was  passed  that  evening*  by  a  vote  of  seventy  against  forty-one.     .  April  i, 

I  it  was  sent  to  the  Senate  the  next  morning.     That  body  suspended  the       ^'*^2- 

i  rales,  took  up  the  bill,  and  carried  it  through  all  the  stages  but  the  last,  with  an 

amendment  increasing  the  time  to  ninety  days.     It  Avas  sent  back  to  the  House  the 

next  morning,''  where  it  was  concurred  in,  and  on  Saturday,  the  4th  of  April, 

it  became  a  law  by  the  signature  of  the  President.     It  had  been  violently 

assailed  by  Quincy,  when  it  came  back  from  the  Senate,  as  an  attempt  to  escape  war, 

not  as  a  preliminary  to  it.     It  was  absurd  to  think  of  creating  a  sufficient  army  and 

I  navy  in  ninety  days  to  commence  war.     He  coincided  with  Randolph  in  the  belief 

I  that  the  Embargo  was  only  intended  to  aid  Bonaparte,  by  stopping  the  shipment  of 


"  April  3. 


'  When  t|-  Embargo  project  was  first  siif  gested  in  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Kelatlons,  it  was  proposed  to  dlscnss 
liunder  a  pledge  of  secrecy.  John  Bandolph  reftieed  to  be  bound  by  any  such  pledge,  denying  the  committee's  author- 
iliTto  impose  it.  Mr.  Cnlhonn,  with  frank  generosity,  ou  the  ground  that  all  should  have  an  equal  chance,  communi- 
lutfdto  Mr.  (Julncy  the  fact  that  an  embargo  was  to  be  laid  the  day  before  the  committee's  report  to  that  effect  was  made. 
i(lnincy,  Lloyd,  and  Emott  immediately  sent  expresses  with  the  information  to  Philadclphio,  New  York,  and  Boston. 
tt'8  message  appeared  in  the  New  York  livening  Pout  on  the  3l8t  of  March,  the  day  before  the  President's  message 
|n>H!nt  hi.  In  consequence  of  this  information,  several  vessels  at  these  respective  ports  loaded  and  escaped  to  sea 
|Worc  the  Embargo  was  laid. 

i  Those  assertions  contained  much  truth.    According  to  a  report  laid  before  Congress  on  the  0th  of  July,  1812,  it  np- 

huKi  that  the  whole  number  of  British  seizures  and  captures  of  American  vessels  since  the  commencement  of  the 

ICoBtiuental  War  was  917.    Of  these,  82S  had  occurred  previously  to  the  orders  in  Council  of  November,  ISOT,  and  389 

iSeraarii.  The  French  seizures  and  captures  were  B6S ;  of  these,  20«  were  before  the  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees,  .117  afler- 

I,  and  45  since  their  alleged  repeal.    Recent  Danish  captures  amounted  to  70,  and  Neapolitan  to  47.    Besides  these 

kere  had  been  extensive  Dutch  and  Spanish  seizures,  -.nlch.  It  was  alleged,  shonld  properly  be  placed  to  the  French 

connt,  as  those  countries  were  under  the  control  of  Napoleon.    It  was  also  stated  that  more  than  half  th<'  captures  by 

Wish  cniisers  had  been  declared  invalid,  and  restoration  ordered,  while  in  France  only  a  quarter  of  the  vessels  seized 

fm  to  treated.    It  must  be  confessed  that  France  was  guilty  of  direct  and  indirect  spoliatiou  of  American  commerce 

M"  extent  equal,  if  not  exceeding  that  inflicted  by  Great  Britain. 

['  On  the  nth  of  Juno  the  Secretary  of  War  laid  before  Congress  nnmerons  letters  trom  military  and  civil  officers  of 
ifgovernment  from  various  portions  of  the  Northwestern,  Western,  and  Southwestern  frontiers,  dating  back  as  far  as 
i.  and  giving  overwhelming  evidence  of  the  continual  efforts  of  British  emissaries  to  stir  up  the  Indians  to  hostilities 
piMt  the  United  States,  and  to  win  them  to  the  British  interest  In  expectation  of  war  between  the  two  countries.  I 
11  i|iiote  as  a  matter  of  fact,  not  speculation,  trom  a  speech  of  Red  Jacket,  the  great  Seneca  chief,  in  behalf  of  himself 
Mother  deputies  of  the  Six  Nations,  in  February,  ISIO: 
"BsoTHEE,— Since  you  have  had  some  disputes  with  the  British  government,  their  agents  In  Ca'  iida  have  not  only 
ideavored  to  make  the  Indians  nt  the  westward  your  enemies,  hut  they  have  sent  the  wa^belt  among  our  warriors  [in 
1  New  York),  to  (ralson  their  minds  and  make  them  break  their  faith  with  yon.  At  the  same  time  we  had  In- 
MIon  that  the  British  had  circulated  war-belts  among  tha  Western  Indians,  and  within  yonr  territory." 
"  plons  extracts  from  the  letters  above  mentioned  as  having  been  laid  before  the  Secretary  of  Wat  may  be  found  in 
I  ITccWr/  IteyUter,  ti.,  Si  . 


ii-:i 


•!     ■ 


){ 


,  I 


s! 


til 


Ivi  ,  ! 


224  PICTORIAL    TIELD-BOOK 

Supplemtntur;  Smbnrgo  Act.  Opposition  to  the  Embargo.  Delueivc  Hopes  ol  Jmilte. 

provisions  to  Spain,  where  the  British  armies  were  then  beginning  to  win  victories.' 
It  was  called,  in  ridicule, "  a  Terrapin  War."^ 

The  Embargo  Act  (which  prohibited  the  sailing  of  any  vessel  for  any  foreign  port 
except  foreign  vessels,  with  such  cargoes  as  they  had  on  board  when  notified  of  the 
•  April  14,     ^^^)  '^'^^  speedily  followed  by  a  supplement"  prohibiting  exportations  by 

1S12.  land,  whether  of  goods  or  specie.^  Farther  provision  was  also  made  for  the 
immediate  strengthening  of  the  army. 

These  belligerent  measures  were  hailed  with  joy  throughout  the  country  hy  tlic 
war  party,  who  were  dominant  and  determhied.  They  alarmed  those  who  wiskd 
for  peace ;  yet  these,  unwilling  to  believe  that  the  administration  would  push  mat- 
ters to  the  extreme  of  actual  hostility,  acquiesced  in  the  embargo  because  of  a  delu- 
sive hope  that  it  might  be  the  means  of  causing  Great  Britain  to  modify  its  system 
concerning  neutrals,  and  thereby  avert  war.  Tt  was,  indeed,  a  delusive  hope.  The 
letters  of  Jonathan  Russell  (who  had  succeeded  Mr.  Pinkney  as  minister  to  Engl.ind) 
at  this  time  gave  no  encouragement  for  it.  On  the  contrary,  they  were  discouraff- 
ing.  To  Mr.  Monroe  he  wrote,  after  attending  discussions  on  the  orders  in  Council 
in  Parliament :  "  If  any  thing  was  wanting  to  prove  the  inflexible  determination  of 
the  present  ministry  to  persevere  in  the  orders  in  Council,  without  modification  or  re- 
laxation, the  declarations  of  leading  members  of  the  administration  on  these  meas- 
ures must  place  it  beyond  the  possibility  of  a  doubt.  I  no  longer  entertain  a  hope 
that  we  can  honorably  avoid  war."* 

'  One  great  object  of  the  Embargo  appears  to  have  been  to  detain  ait  '  merchant  ships  as  popslWp,  for 

the  twofold  purpose,  in  view  of  iijiproaching  war,  to  keep  them  from  Bi  .1  ,  ,  .^-ers,  and  to  engage  them  for  thai 
service  on  the  part  of  the  Americans.  Mr.  Alison,  the  British  historian,  Buggesty  only  part  of  the  truth  in  sayliii  tbat 
it  was  to  prevent  intelligence  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Americans  in  their  preparations  for  war  reaching  Enjilan(i,  and 
to  f^irnish  then  with  means,  fVom  their  extensive  commercial  navy,  of  manning  their  vessels  of  war.  To  do  this,  m\ 
the  nation  a  g  ;at  sacriflce.    A  writer  in  the  American  lieviein  of  April,  1S12,  estimated  the  loss  as  follows: 

Mercantile  loss $24,814,249 

Deteriorated  value  of  surplus  produce  and  waste 40,19(!,02S 

Loss  sustained  by  the  revenue t),non,nno 

Total  national  loss $i4,(llO,27T,  or  $8,107,623  a  month. 

»  See  note  3,  page  104.    Arpnment,  ridicule,  satire  were  all  employed  against  the  "Terrapin  War."    Durini;  the  laic 
spring  and  early  summer  of  1S12,  the  subjoined  song  was  sung  at  all  gatherings  of  the  Federalists,  and  was  very  popular: 
"  Huzza  for  onr  liberty,  boys,  Then  bring  up  your  '  regulars,'  lads. 

These  are  the  days  of  our  glory—  In  '  attitude'  nothing  ye  laclc,  sire, 

The  days  of  true  national  joys,  Ye'il  frighten  to  death  the  Danads, 

When  terrapins  gallop  before  ye  1  With  lire-coals  blazing  aback,  sirs ! 

There's  Porter,  and  Grundy,  and  Rhcn,  Oh,  this  is  true  Terrapin  war! 

In  Congress  who  manfully  vapor,  "  As  to  powder,  and  bullet,  and  swords, 

Who  draw  their  six  dollars  a  day,  poj^  ^a  they  were  never  intended, 

And  light  bloody  battles  on  paper  I  They're  a  parcel  of  high-sounding  words. 

Ah  1  this  is  true  Terrapin  war.  But  never  to  action  extci.ded. 

"Poor  Madison  the  tremors  has  got.  Ye  must /rijjAten  the  r.!!"  'il.^  nway, 

'Bout  this  same  arming  the  nation  In  ' rapid  descerie  or  ij.irters; 

Too  far  to  retract,  he  can  not  Then  the  plunder  dl         -  !■       miy, 

Go  on— and  he  loses  his  station.  And  drive  them  he,    "  ^   .le  -.Tatei* 

vl  ^—-   k     f  Oh,  thislSi/rp-"  ,      Ki.r!" 

'  The  oppo.sition  speakers  ana  :ic  ■.  .or  enminocd  th( 
Embargo  (especially  the  "Land  Embargi..  1  .tie  •  npplorafnt 
ary  act  was  called)  in  unmeasured  terms,  i!.*  '^w'  trade  will 
Canada,  so  sudcienly  arrested  and  thrown  into  cunfiislon  btil 
was  represented  by  a  bewildered  serpent,  which  had  hecn  m 
denly  stopped  In  its  movements  by  two  trees,  mnrki'd  rofpcl 
ively  Emiiaroo  and  Non-inteuoourse.  The  wonilerlng  mal 
is  pnzzlcd  to  know  what  has  happened,  and  the  head  cries  m[ 
"  What  is  the  matter,  tail  f"  The  latter  answers.  "  I  caii'l 
ont."  A  cock  (in  allusion  to  France)  stands  by,  rrowlDjt  Joyfiill] 
•  Letter  to  Secretary  Monroe,  March  4, 1H12.  Mr.  Pfirclval.oi 
of  the  Cabinet,  and  a  leading  administration  member.  Mid. 
the  course  of  debate:  "As  England  Is  contending  for  thf 
fense  of  her  maritime  rights,  a'"1  for  the  preservation  ofhor 
tional  existence,  which  essentia  lepends  on  the  mnl11lp11.11 
of  these  rights,  she  could  not  ho  •  pected.  In  the  prosecullon 
this  great  and  primary  inters  ■ '  "  rrest  or  vary  her  copw 
liMen  to  the  pretenirinns  ofneiKi  '  «m*,  or  to  rnmtetht 
haieerer  the]/  tniuM  be  rearetted,  uMch  the  uni/orm  ^loliajitt 
FAO-biMiUi  <jr  A  KUwuvAvna  <;dt.  timet  indirectly  or  unintentionaUy  extended  to  them." 


Britlili  Orders  and  I 

The  determii 
in  Council  was 
British  ministei 
the  whole  grou 
can  not  admit,  { 
Slie  can  not  adni 
contraband  of  w 
fcrij)tion;  and  sJ 
ution  would  be  ( 
ivith  them  the  1 
sach  principles." 
The  conduct  01 
istacles  in  the  wai 
cil.    Joel  Barlow 
He  strove  in  vain 
for  past  spoliation 
dent  and  his  Cabi 

be  repealed,  therel 
st,iDd  before  tJie  w( 

Ibradoorofe.scapi 
ly  uni-epoaled  in  to 
Dispatches  fi-om  Ba 
j  llinister  for  Foreio-i 
I  i»rt  in  which  thos'e 
I  icy  of  the  emperor  , 
I  Iw"  denationalized" 
I  goods  in  neutral  vet 

[aiicaport  notalsoij 
Thus  matters  stoc 


l*^|ii|; 


"■fW" 


OF   THIS  WAR   OF   1812. 


225 


A  preliminary  War  Meaiiure. 


Mudlson  reuomiuated. 


»  March  10 


British  Orders  and  French  Decrees  nnrepealed. 

The  determination  of  the  British  government  not  to  relax  the  rigor  of  the  orders 
ill  Council  was  explicitly  stated  a  few  weeks  later,"  when  Mr.  Foster,  the  •  soth  May, 
British  minister  at  Washington,  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Monroe,  after  reviewing  ''*''''• 
the  whole  ground  of  controversy  between  the  two  countries,  said :  "  Great  Britain 
can  not  admit,  as  a  true  declaration  of  public  law,  that  free  ships  make  free  goods. 
!<lie  can  not  admit,  as  a  principle  of  public  law,  that  arms  and  military  stores  are  alone 
contraband  of  war,  and  that  ship-timber  and  naval  stores  are  excluded  from  that  de- 
scription; and  she  feels  that  to  relinquish  her  just  measures  of  self-defense  and  retali- 
ation would  be  to  surrender  the  best  means  of  her  own  preservation  and  rights,  and 
with  them  the  rights  of  other  nations,  so  long  as  France  maintains  and  acts  upon 
jiieli  principles." 

The  conduct  of  France  now  became  a  subject  for  just  animadversion,  and  cast  ob- 
stacles in  the  way  of  the  arguments  of  the  war  party  concerning  the  orders  in  Coun- 
oil,  Joel  Barlow  had  been  sent  to  France  as  the  successor  of  minister  Armstrong. 
He  strove  in  vain  to  procure  from  the  French  government  any  promise  of  indemnity 
for  past  spoliations,  or  of  a  relaxation  of  restrictive  measures  in  future^  The  Presi- 
dent and  his  Cabinet  had  earnestly  hoped  that  the  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees  would 
Iw  repealed,  thereby  compelling  Great  I3ritain  t6  withdraw  her  orders  in  Council,  or 
stand  liufore  the  world  as  a  willful  violator  of  the  rights  of  nations.  In  this  they  hoped 
for  a  door  of  escape  fron»  war.  It  was  certain  that,  while  the  decrees  stood  absolute- 
ly unrepealed  in  form,  Great  Britain  would  not  relax  her  restrictive  system  one  iota, 
i  Dispatches  from  Barlow  late  in  March  gave  no  hope  of  a  change.  Indeed,  the  French 
Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs  had  laid  before  the  Conservative  Senate**  a  re- 
I  uort  in  which  those  decrees  were  spoken  of  as  embodying  the  settled  pol- 
icy of  the  emperor,  to  be  enforced  against  all  nations  who  should  suiFer  their  Hags  to 
be  "denationalized"  by  submitting  to  the  pretensions  of  the  British  to  seize  enemies' 
joods  in  neutral  vessels,  to  treat  timber  and  naval  stores  as  contraband,  or  to  block- 
ade a  port  not  also  invested  by  land. 
Thus  matters  stood  on  the  1st  of  June,  when  Mr.  Madison  sent  into  Congress,  aft- 
er previous  arrangement  with  the  Committee  on 
Foreign  Affairs,  a  most  important  confideniial  mes- 
sage, by  which  he  was  fairly  committed  to  the  war 
policy.  He  had  hesitated  somewhat.  Ho  was  will- 
ing to  sign  a  bill  declaring  war  against  Great  Brit- 
ain, but  he  did  Tiot  wish  to  appear  as  a  leader  in  the 
measure.  His  new  ])olitical  masters  would  consent 
to  no  flinching.  They  resolved  that  the  President 
should  share  the  fearful  responsibility  with  them- 
selves. A  Congressional  caucus  was  about  to  be 
held  to  nominate  a  Democratic  candidate  for  the 
Presidency,  and  a  committee,  with  the  imperious 
Clay  at  their  head,  waited  on  Mr.  Madison,  and  told 
liim  plainly  that  he  must  move  in  a  declaration  of 
war,  or  they  would  not  sapport  him  for  re-election. 
He  yielded.  The  caucus  was  held.  Eighty  members 
were  present.  Varnum,  of  Massachusetts,  was  presi- 
dent, and  Richard  M.  Johnson,  of  Kentucky,  was  sec- 
retary. The  entire  vote  was  given  to  Mr.  Madison. 
George  Clinton,  the  Vice-President,  whom  they  had 
intended  to  nominate  for  re-election,  had  died  a  few 

lAlillle  later  a  Loudon  nlnlsterlal  i)aper  used  the  fnllnwInK  lanKiiaRe,  which  exposed  the  antmns  of  the  men  In  pnw- 
Ittd  the  arlalocriitlc  and  mercantile  classes :  "As  Great  Britain  has  got  possession  of  the  ocean,  It  mnst  have  the 

pi tn  enact  laws  for  the  rcgnlntlon  of  itn  omn  element,  and  to  confine  the  trackt  (^neutralu  within  such  boundariea  as  itt 

»n.)ittt  and  inteittU  require  to  be  droiim."— t<mrfon  Courier,  April,  1814. 

P 


I  i    " 


?;2?llf. 


Hi  r 
'i         1 

1 

mm 

1      ! 


I 


11! 


ij     li 


(leorge  Clinton. 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  President's  accusatory  Message. 


Callionn's  Report  on  Caases  and  Reasons  for  War. 


m 


II  n 


If 


weeks  before,'  and  the  aged  Elbridge  Gerry,  lately  defeated  as  a  candidate  for  re- 
election to  the  governorship  of  Massachusetts,  w«ir  placed  on  the  ticket  for  Vice- 
President.  This  matter  disposed  of,  and  the  continued  claims  of  De  Witt  Clirt ^n,  of 
New  York,  to  a  nomination  for  President  being  considered  as  of  little  moment 
the  war  party,  led  by  Clay  and  Calhoun,  put  forth  vigorous  exertions  for  the  full  ac- 
complishment of  their  purposes. 

In  his  message  to  Congress  on  the  1st  of  June  the  President  reoapitulated  the 
wrongs  which  the  people  of  the  United  States  had  suffered  at  the  hands  of  Great 
Britain — wrongs  already  noticed  in  preceding  pages,  and  need  not  be  repeated  here. 
He  declared  that  her  conduct,  taken  together,  was  positively  belligerent.  "  We  be- 
hold in  fine,"  he  said, "  on  the  side  of  Great  Britain,  a  state  of  war  against  the  United 
States,  and  on  the  side  of  the  United  States  a  state  of  peace  toward  Great  Britain.'" 
He  warned  his  countrymen  to  avoid  entanglements  "  in  the  contests  and  views  of 
other  powers" — meaning  France — and  called  their  attention  to  the  fact  that  the 
French  government,  since  the  revocation  of  her  decrees  as  applied  to  American  com- 
merce, had  aiithorized  illegal  captures  by  her  privateers ;  but  he  abstained  at  that 
time  from  offering  any  suggestions  concerning  definitive  measures  with  respect  to 
that  nation. 

The  message  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,'  and  on  the  ad 
of  June  Mr.  Calhoun,  its  then  chairman,  presented  a  report,  in  which  the  causes  and 
reasons  for  war  Averc  more  fully  stated — more  in  historical  order  and  detail — than  in 
the  President's  message.  In  concluding  the  review  of  British  aggressions,  the  report 
declared  that  the  hostility  of  the  government  of  Great  Britain  was  evidently  based 

'  George  Clinton  was  born  in  Ulster  County,  New  York,  in  1739.   He  ibm 
the  profession  of  the  law  for  his  avocatio  i.    In  1708  he  was  elected  to  a  m; 
J  7  in  the  Colonial  Legislature,  and  was  a  number  of  the  Continental  Conj,'ress  in 

"™  -,   jirt-  1776.    He  was  appointed  a  brigadier  in  the  army  of  the  United  States  in !"(,  j 

and  during  the  whole  war  was  active  In  military  affairs  in  New  York.  In  i 
April,  1777,  he  was  elected  governor  and  lieutenant  governor,  under  the  ntw 
Republican  Oonstitntlon  of  the  state,  and  was  continued  in  the  former  ofUtt  j 
eighteen  years.  lie  was  president  of  the  Convention  assembled  at  PodsIi- 
keepsie  to  consider  the  Federal  Constitution  in  1788.  He  was  agnin  choMn  j 
governor  of  the  state  in  1801,  and  three  years  afterward  he  was  elected  Vice-  j 
President  of  the  United  States.  He  occupied  that  elevated  position  at  the  tim  j 
of  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Washington  City  on  the  20th  of  April,  1S12. 

Mr.  Clinton  expired  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning.  He  had  been  ill  for  j 
some  time,  and  his  death  was  not  unexpected.  His  funeral  took  place  on  the  j 
afternoon  of  the  21st.  The  corpse  was  removed  from  his  lodgings  to  the  dpi- f 
tol,  escorted  by  a  troop  of  horse.  There  it  remained  until  four  o'clock,  when  | 
the  procession,  composed  of  cavalry  and  the  marine  corps,  clergymen, 
cians,  mouiners,  the  President  of  the  United  States,  members  of  both  hini?es| 
of  Congress,  heads  of  departments,  etc.,  moved  to  the  Congressional  hurjim-j 
ground,  situated  on  the  Eastern  Branch  of  the  Potomac,  about  a  mile  ei<i-j 
ward  of  the  Capitol.  Over  his  grave  a  monument  of  white  marble  was  ere«-| 
ed.  The  annexed  sketch  of  it  was  made  when  I  visited  that  resting-place  of| 
many  of  the  American  worthies,  in  the  autumn  of  1801.  It  is  about  flneen  fed 
in  height.  The  tablet  for  the  inscription,  and  a  profile  In  high  relief  on  ibd 
obelisk,  are  of  statuary  marble.  On  the  east  side  (in  shadow  in  the  picinif  j 
is  the  inscription ;  on  the  north  side  the  fasces ;  on  the  west  side  a  serpen^ 
on  a  staff;  and  on  the  south  side  the  winged  caduceus  of  Mercury.  On  ll 
west  side  of  the  obelisk  is  a  Roman  sword,  crossed  by  a  saber,  and  tied  loj 
gother  by  a  scarf.    The  following  Is  a  copy  of  the  inscription : 

"To  the  memory  of  George  Clinton.    He  was  born  in  the  State  nfN>< 
York  on  the  2flth  of  Jnly,  1739,  and  died  at  Washington  on  the  2flth  of.M"( 
1812,  in  the  73d  year  of  his  age.    He  was  a  soldier  and  statesman  of  the  f 
olution,  eminent  in  council,  rtlstlngulBhed  In  war.    He  filled,  with  unex' 
nseftiineas,  purity,  and  ability,  among  many  other  high  offices,  those  • 
emor  of  his  native  state,  and  of  Vice-President  of  the  United  States.  Wtii 
he  lived,  his  virtue,  wisdom,  and  valor  were  the  pride,  the  ornament,  and  li 
security  of  his  country  j  and  when  he  died  he  left  an  Illustrious  e.xtr-.^ 
well-spent  life,  worthy  of  all  imitation.   This  monument  is  affectionately  de< 
Cttted  by  his  children." 
'  For  the  message  in  fbll,  see  SUUesman'a  Mamtal,  i.,  3H7. 
»  The  committee  was  composed  of  John  C.  Calhoun,  of  Sonth  Carolina;  Felix  Grundy,  of  Tennessee ;  .John  8Dii| 

of  Pennsylvania ;  John  A.  Harper,  of  New  Hampshire ;  Joseph  Desha,  of  Kentucky ;  and  Ebenezer  Seaver,  of  Mu 

cbusetts. 


Ul.lNTON  S   TOjdll. 


Action  of  the  Eons 

on  the  fact  thj 

that  their  proi 

mittee,"  said  1 

which  have  a  t 

of  a  permanent 

and  wound  so 

the  United  Sta 

Tlie  control  of 

ling  it  almost  : 

have  been  carri 

their  cargoes,  as 

ing  of  their  dan 

on  the  high  seas 

icnce  of  tJieir  oj) 

geroiis  tendency 

these  be  the  onl' 

might,  for  a  whil 

tensions  would  s 

mission  to  its  auf 

fidence  that  there 

not  be  carried." 

On  the  present 
;hem  was  denied 
presented  a  bill,  a 
ilepcndencies  and 
Ten  votes  were  g\ 
in  the  declaration. 
the  repeal  of  all  n 
postpone  the  whoh 
liill,  as  Calhoun  pre 
nine  for  it  and  fort 
When  the  bill  re, 
appouited  to  consid 
t»clve  days.  Mea; 
by  conflicting  emot 
-Massachusetts ;  and 
A.stor,  reeommendin 
lield  in  various  plact 
I'-.ontheirth  ofJu 
some  amendments,  v, 

I W  to  the  House  on 
l"i.  The  hill  was  en^ 
[tliat  day  became  a  la 
|kfrnromPenn8ylvar 

.e^"^""'"'""  of  the  Unite 
•""fythe  same  Into  effect,  an 
«^7:j™'jrP'^Ml.Mns„ch 
Tl^Hlf^^fteofthe  govern 


^ofrobbery  or  piracy,  were* 
™'['"-f''»«fn«tcommer 

""'>",  It  is  only  legalized  pira 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1813. 


229 


Action  of  tbe  Honse  of  Representatives  in  Secret  Session. 


Action  of  tlie  Senate  on  a  Declaration  of  War. 


on  the  fact  that  the  United  States  were  considered  by  it  as  its  commercial  rival,  and 
that  their  prosperity  and  growth  were  incompatible  with  its  welfare.  "  Your  com- 
mittee," said  the  report,  "  will  not  enlarge  on  any  of  the  injuries,  however  great, 
which  have  a  transitoiy  effect.  They  wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  tliose 
of  a  permanent  nature  only,  which  intrench  so  deeply  on  our  most  important  rights, 
iiiul  wound  so  extensively  and  vitally  our  best  interests,  as  could  not  fail  to  deprive 
the  United  States  of  the  principal  advantages  of  their  Revolution,  if  submitted  to. 
Tlie  control  of  our  commerce  by  Great  Britain,  in  regulating  at  pleasure  and  expel- 
lii)(»  it  almost  from  the  ocean ;  the  oppressive  manner  in  which  these  regulations 
have  been  carried  into  effect,  by  seizing  and  confiscating  such  of  our  vessels,  with 
their  cai'goes,  as  wjre  said  to  have  violated  her  edicts,  often  without  previous  warn- 
ing of  their  danger ;  the  impressment  of  our  citizens  from  on  board  our  own  vessels 
on  the  high  seas  and  elsewhere,  and  holding  them  in  bondage  till  it  suited  the  conven- 
ience of  their  oppressors  to  deliver  them  up,  are  encroachments  of  that  high  and  dan- 
eerous  tendency  Avhich  could  not  fail  <  o  produce  tliat  pernicious  effect ;  nor  would 
these  be  the  only  consequences  that  wouil  result  from  it.  The  British  government 
might,  for  a  while,  be  satisfied  with  the  ascendency  thus  gained  over  us,  but  its  pre- 
tensions would  soon  increase.  The  proof  which  so  complete  and  disgraceful  a  sub- 
mission to  its  authority  would  afford  of  our  degeneracy,  could  not  fail  to  inspire  con- 
fidence that  there  was  no  limit  to  which  its  usurpations  and  our  degradation  might 
not  be  carried." 

On  the  presentation  of  this  report  the  doors  were  closed,  and  a  motion  to  open 
them  was  denied  by  a  vote  of  seventy-seven  against  forty-nine.  Mr.  Calhoun  then 
presented  a  bill,  as  part  of  the  report,  declfiring  war  between  Great  Britain  and  her 
dependencies  and  the  U  uited  States  and  its  Territories.  Amendments  were  offered. 
Ten  votes  were  given  for  a  proposition  by  M'Kee,  of  Kentucky,  to  include  France 
in  the  declaration.  Mr.  Quincy  endeavored,  by  an  addition  to  the  bill,  to  provide  for 
tlie  repeal  of  all  restrictive  laws  bearing  upon  commerce ;  and  Randolph  moved  co 
postpone  the  whole  matter  until  the  following  October.  All  were  rejected,  and  the 
bill,  as  Calhoun  presented  it,  was  passed  on  the  4th  day  of  June  by  a  vote  of  seventy- 
nine  for  it  and  forty-nine  against  it. 

When  the  bill  reached  the  Senate*-  it  was  referred  to  a  committee  already    •  jnne  5, 

appointed  to  consider  the  President's  message.     It  remained  under  discussion       '***• 

twelve  days.     Meanwhile  the  people  throughout  the  country  were  fearfully  excited 

I  by  conflicting  emotions.     A  memorial  against  the  war  went  from  the  Legislature  of 

Massachusetts ;  and  another  from  the  merchants  of  New  York,  led  by  John  Jacob 

Astor,  recommending  restrictive  measures  as  better  than  war.     War-meetings  were 

in  various  places,  and  the  whole  country  was  in  a  tumult  of  excitement.     Final- 

lly,on  the  17th  of  June — the  annivei-sary  of  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill — the  bill,  with 

I  some  amendments,  was  passed  by  a  vote  of  nineteen  against  thirteen.     It  was  sent 

Ibackto  the  House  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  where  the  amendments  were  concurred 

I  in,   The  hill  was  engrossed  on  parchment,  and  at  three  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of 

Ithatday  became  a  law  by  the  signature  of  the  President.^     In  the  House,  the  mera- 

prs  from  Pennsylvania,  and  the  states  South  and  West,  gave  f'       -two  votes  for  it 

'  The  act  declaring  war  was  drawn  up  by  William  Pinkney ,  late  minister  to  England,  and  then  Attorney  General  of  the 
Irtlted  States.  It  is  as  follows:  "That  war  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  exist  between  the  United  Kingdom 
ifGreat  Britain  and  Ireland  and  the  dependencies  thereof  and  the  United  States  of  America  and  their  Territories ;  and 
lit  the  President  of  the  United  States  is  hereby  authorized  to  nse  the  whole  land  and  naval  force  of  the  United  States 
li  tiny  the  same  Into  effect,  and  to  issne  to  private  armed  vessels  of  the  Un  ited  States  commissions,  or  letters  of  marqno 
:  i  'fmn\  reprisal,"  in  such  form  as  he  shall  thlnlt  proper,  and  nndcr  the  seal  of  the  United  States,  against  the  vessels, 
"sand  effects  of  the  government  of  the  said  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  and  the  subjects  thereof." 

'  Utttrt  nf  marque  and  repriml,  or  commissions  to  seise  the  goods  of  an  enemy  in  time  of  war  and  not  Incur  the  pen- 

pltjot robbery  or  piracy,  were  tssned  in  England  as  early  as  Edward  the  First.    It  has  ever  been  a  powerful  belligerent 

11  in  warfare  against  commercial  nations,  and  the  system  was  of  great  service  to  the  Americans  during  their  war  with 

Ell  Bittain  in  1S12-'15.    Efforts  have  recently  been  made  to  abolish  the  system  among  nations.    It  should  be,  for, 

IHfrjll,  It  is  only  legalized  piracy. 


."'"IPW^Bf 

1^^^ 

/ 


'^n 


wm 


228 


riCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Declaration  of  War. 


The  Prealdent  proclaimB  the  Fact. 


A  Protest. 


"Joelah  the  Pint; 


to  seventeen  against  it.  In  the  Senate  the  same  states  gave  fourteen  for  it  to  five 
against  it.  "  Thus,"  says  a  late  writer,  "  the  war  may  \m  said  to  have  been  a  meas- 
ure of  the  South  and  West  to  take  care  of  the  interests  of  the  North,  much  against 
the  will  of  the  latter."' 

When  the  War  Act  became  law,  the  injunction  of  secrecy  was  removed,  "1  on  the 
•  June  19  following  day"  the  President  issued  a  proclamation  announcing  the  fact,  and 
1S12.  calling  upon  the  people  of  the  United  States  to  sustain  the  public  uuthoii- 
ties  in  the  measures  to  be  adopted  for  obtaining  a  speedy,  just,  and  honorable  peace. 
"  I  exhort  all  the  good  people  of  the  United  States,"  he  said, "  as  they  love  their  coun- 
try; as  they  value  the  precious  heritage  derived  from  the  virtue  and  valor  of  their 
fathers ;  as  they  feel  the  wrongs  which  have  forced  on  them  the  last  resort  of  injured 
nations  ;  and  as  they  consult  the  best  means,  under  the  blessing  of  divine  Providence, 
of  abridging  its  calamities,  that  they  exert  themselves  in  preserving  order,  in  promot- 
ing concord,  in  maintaining  the  authority  and  the  efficiency  of  the  laAvs,  and  in  sup- 
porting and  invigorating  all  the  measures  which  may  be  adopted  by  the  constituted 
authorities." 

This  was  soon  followed  by  an  able  protest  against  the  measure.  It  was  chicflv 
written  by  Mr.  Quincy,  who  then  stood  at  the  head  of  the  opposition,  not  only  in  Con- 
gress, but  throughout  the  country.  The 
prestige  of  his  father's  name  as  a  leadini; 
patriot  of  the  lievolution  ;  his  own  Ions 
services  in  the  National  Legislature ;  lijv 
family  connections  and  influence ;  liis  ster- 
ling worth  in  private  life ;  his  witlierinc; 
sarcasm  of  tongue  and  pen ;  liis  fluency 
of  speech  in  declamation  or  debate,  anil 
his  handsome  and  commanding  presence, 
all  combined  to  make  him  jjcerless  ns 
a  leader.  He  was  consequently  assailed 
with  the  greatest  bitterness  by  the  friends 
of  the  administration ;  and  squibs,  and 
epigrams,  and  caricatures^  frequently  at- 
tested the  general  acknowledgment  of 
his  commanding  position.  Mr.  Quincy 
outlived  all  of  his  contemporaries.  Not 
one  of  the  members  of  the  Twelfth  Con- 
gress —  the  Congress  that  declared  w  ar 
against  Great  Britain  in  1812 — was  liv- 
ing at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  horn] 
with  the  nation,  whose  full  indejiendemc] 
was  only  achieved  at  the  close  of  tliiitj 

'  Edwin  Williams,  in  tiie  Statmman'a  ifanunl,  I.,  450. 

'  One  of  the  caricatures  of  Mr.  Quincy  is  before  rac.    It  was  engraved  and  pnblifihed  by  William  Charles,*  of  Philii 
dclphia,  and  is  entitled  "  Josiah  the  First."    He  is  represented  as  a  king,  in  reference  to  his  political  domiimtiou. 


*  Of  William  Charles,  the  engraver  above  mentioned,  who  publixhed  several  caricatures  during  the  War  of  1812-']^ 
very  little  '    remembered.    The  venerable  Doctor  Alexander  Anderson,  of  New  York,  the  father  of  W(M)d  enp-nvliiL' 
America,  and  yet  (1807)  a  practitioner  of  the  art  at  the  ajre  of  ninety-two  years,  informed  the  writer  that  he  knew  CharliJ 
when  he  first  came  to  America,  about  the  year  isoi.    He  was  a  native  of  Ediuburg,  Scotland.    He  carlciilurcd  one  ( 
more  of  the  magistrates  of  that  city,  and,  to  avoid  the  consequences  of  prosecution,  he  left  and  came  to  the  I'niiej 
States.    He  practiced  his  art  in  New  York  for  a  number  of  years  without  success,  and  then  went  to  PhiliidelpUa, 
venerable  John  M'AUIster,  of  Phlladplphia,  now  (ISOT)  more  than  eighty  years  of  age,  writes  me  that  he  reniembi 
Charles  and  his  small  book-store  and  print-shop,  which  he  opened  in  Philadelphia  Just  Iwfore  the  War  of  1S12.  Afll 
the  suspension  of  specie  payments  by  tlie  hanks  in  ISU,  he  engraved,  printed,  and  vended  a  great  quantity  of  not»tl 
■fractions  of  dollars,  commonly  known  as  "  shinplasters."    He  died  in  Philadelphia  In  the  year  1821,  and  his  widowft 
tinned  his  bookselling  and  stationery  business.    I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  M'AUIster  for  the  caricature  of  Mr.  Qiilncyalx 
given. 


SnbataDceofthe  P 

war,  and  livet 
nal  and  inheri 
tack  purified  ; 
impressed  upc 
3fr.  Quincy, 
the  war.     Ho 
made  by  other 
rcsentatives,  ar 
tlieir  conduct  i 
ously  the  state 
(IS  in  Congresf 
necessarily  lead 
aijainst  her — a 
the  United  Stat( 
two,  and  looked 
,    the  French  edic 
'•    had  not  the  pow 
portion  of  the  w 
affected  by  the  a 
ize  the  American 
tcctors,  and  go  m 
seizure  of  Canada 
i^idered  an  attemj: 
iincertain  in  the  is 
unprepared  state 
'■^V^ith  a  navy  coi 
liie  greatest  marin 
every  ocean,  we  pi 
wealth  of  which  w 
iiics  of  a  power  whi 
soldier  into  pay,  oai 
lioard.    Before  ade 
or  money  are  provi 
fontest,  which  is  la 
I  the  present  war  ao-i 

lii(  head  is  a  crown.    His  co 

«  hand  he  holds  a  sceptre! 
J"'.do,bythlsroynlp;„cl^ 

taerofthe  noble  Or" 
"   n  the  sea  behind  him" 
His  defense  on  the  floor  of 

,!»« representation  of  a  codfls 
«*a  memorial,"  In  the  lnn„ 
f^oodflaherytothewelfire^, 
I  'On  the  Mth  of  June,  1861 
«»'«cy,M„8sach„sett«.'  ni'v 
Wl»of,he  Northern  sec":„ 
Jl'lnvhat  pride  and  joy  wo 

BOBe  man,  With  one  mind  a, 
to'Vorth,andtheWe8tth«f 
Mting  their  gaing  and  r! 

'*..«„,  Cvr^oXh 
I  ^lie  fnliowloB  are  tho  „ 

«"«« printed  in  newspaper. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


229 


mm 


9ul»ti>nce  of  the  Protest  of  the  Minority- 


Names  of  those  who  signed  it. 


war,  and  lived  to  see  it,  in  sturdy  maturity,  not  only  resist  a  most  dangerous  inter- 
nal and  inherited  disease  that  threatened  to  destroy  its  life,  but  to  rise  from  the  at- 
tack purified  and  strengthened,  with  every  promise  of  long  and  vigorous  existence 
impressed  upc    every  fibre  of  its  being.' 

Mr.  Quincy,  ;t  has  been  observed,  wrote  the  most  of  the  minority's  protest  against 
the  war.  He  was  aided  by  Mr.  Bayard,  of  Delaware,  and  some  suggestions  were 
made  by  others.  It  was  signed  by  all  the  minority  members  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
ivsontatives,  and  was  issued  in  the  form  of  an  address  to  their  constituents,  in  which 
thfir  conduct  in  voting  against  the  war  was  vindicated.'^  They  set  forth  perspicu- 
ously the  state  of  the  country,  and  the  course  of  the  administration  and  its  support- 
ers in  Congress.  They  professed  to  believe  that  a  war  with  Great  Britain  would 
necessarily  lead  to  a  political  connection  with  France,  then  waging  bitter  hostilities 
against  her — a  connection  which  would  be  extremely  hazardous  to  the  liberties  of 
tiie  United  States.  They  professed  to  regard  France  as  the  great^er  aggressor  of  the 
tivo,  and  looked  upon  her  commerce  as  not  worth  contending  for.  Notwithstanding 
the  French  edicts,  a  profitable  trade  might  be  carried  on  with  England,  for  France 
liad  not  the  power  to  enforce  their  edicts  to  a  very  great  extent.  Indeed,  a  large 
jiortion  of  the  world  where  American  commerce  might  be  made  profitable  was  not 
atfected  by  the  actions  of  either  of  the  belligerents.  They  would,  therefore,  author- 
ize the  American  merchantmen  to  arm  in  their  own  defense,  become  their  OAvn  pro- 
tectors, and  go  wherever  they  chose  to  risk  themselves.  As  to  the  invasion  and 
seizure  of  Canada,  which  was  a  part  of  the  programme  of  the  war  party,  they  con- 
sidered an  attempt  to  carry  out  that  measure  as  unjust  and  impolitic  in  itself,  very 
uncertain  in  the  issue,  and  unpromising  as  to  any  good  results.  They  pointed  to  the 
unprepared  state  of  the  country  as  vehemently  forbidding  a  declaration  of  war. 
"With  a  navy  comparatively  nominal,  we  are  about  to  enter  into  the  lists  against 
the  greatest  marine  on  the  globe.  With  a  commerce  unprotected  and  spread  over 
every  ocean,  we  propose  to  make  profit  by  privateering,  and  for  this  endanger  the 
wealth  of  which  we  are  honest  proprietors.  An  invasion  is  threatened  of  the  colo- 
nies of  a  power  which,  without  putting  a  new  ship  into  commission,  or  taking  another 
soldier  into  pay,  can  spread  alarm  or  desolation  along  the  extensive  range  of  our  sea- 
board. Before  adequate  fortifications  are  prepared  for  domestic  defense,  before  men 
or  money  are  provided  for  a  war  of  attack,  why  hasten  into  the  midst  of  this  awful 
contest,  which  is  laying  Avaste  Europe  ?    It  can  not  be  concealed  that  to  engage  in 

the  present  war  against  England  is  to  place  ourselves  on  the  side  of  France,  and 

hl<  heart  Is  a  crown.    His  coat  is  scarlet,  his  waistcoat  browu,  his  breechc  tight  green,  and  his  stockings  white  silk.    In 

I  one  liand  he  holds  a  sceptre,  and  in  the  space  near  his  head  (omitted  in  our  reduced  copy)  are  the  words :  "  I,  Josiah  the 

First,  do,  by  this  royal  proclamation,  announce  myself  King  of  New  England,  Nova  Scotia,  and  Passamaquoddy ;  Grand 

Jlaster  of  the  noble  Order  of  the  Two  Codfishes."    On  his  left  breast  are  seen  two  codflshes  crossed,  forming  the. order, 

I  mi  In  the  sea  behind  him  that  kind  offish  is  seen  sporting  in  the  water.    These  were  probably  introduced  in  allusion 

10  Ms  defense  on  the  floor  of  Congress  of  the  rights  of  the  New  England  fishermen  ;  or  possibly  because  of  the  fact  that 

I  Ihc  representation  of  a  codfish  has  hung  in  the  Representatives'  Hall  in  the  State-house  at  Boston  since  the  year  1784, 

I  "as  a  memorial,"  in  the  language  of  John  Howe,  who  that  year  moved  that  it  be  placed  there,  "  of  the  importance  of 

I  Ihe  cndflshery  to  the  welfare  of  the  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts." 

'  On  the  29th  of  June,  18«1,  Mr.  Qulney  made  a  speech  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  Captain  Porbes's  Coast  Guard  at 
I  Qtincy,  Massachusetts.  He  was  then  in  his  ninetieth  year.  In  the  course  of  his  remarks  on  the  great  uprising  of  the 
I  !«ople  of  the  Northern  section  of  the  Union  to  put  down  the  demagogues'  rebellion  in  the  South.,,  u  section,  he  remarked : 
"With  what  i)riile  and  joy  would  the  founders  of  this  republic  have  hailed  the  events  of  our  day— a  whole  people  rising 
liionc  man,  with  one  mind  and  one  heart,  In  support  of  the  Constitntion  and  the  Union  ;  npspringing  from  the  East, 
like  North,  and  the  West,  the  farmer  from  the  field,  the  mechanic  fW)m  the  work-bench— all  classes  and  all  professions — 
Ibrgetting  their  gains,  and  ready  to  make  sacrifices  with  one  thought  and  one  will  to  protect,  to  preser\'e,  and  to  render 
Itkf  union  of  these  states  immortal.  These  are  the  true  glories  of  a  republic,  evidencing  that  the  masses  which  compose 
llunilerewnd  the  value  of  their  liberties,  and  arc  prepared  to  sacrifice  property  and  life  In  their  defense." 
'  The  following  are  the  names  of  the  signers  of  the  protest : 

George  Sullivan,  William  Held,  Epaphroditns  Champion,  Benjamin  Tallmadge,  H.  M.  Ridgeley,  Joseph  Lewis,  Jr., 
MjuhBrigham,  Leonard  White,  Jonathan  O.  Moseley,  Asa  Fitch,  Philip  Stuart,  Thomas  Wilson,  Abtjah  Bigelow,  Laban 
feton,  Lyman  Law,  James  Emott,  Philip  B.  Key,  A.  M'Bryde,  Josiah  Qnincy,  Ellsha  R.  Potter,  Lewis  B.  Slnrges, 
Ihnes  Milnor,  James  Breckinridge,  Joseph  Pearson,  William  Ely,  Richard  Jackson,  Jr.,  Timothy  PItklu,  Jr.,  Thomas 
TtGonld,  John  Baker,  Martin  Chittenden,  Samuel  Taggart,  John  Davenport,  Jr.,  H.  Bleecker,  C.  Goldsburgh.  The  pro- 
■  i  was  printed  in  newspapers  and  on  broadsides,  and  widely  circulated. 


hi  -i 


;  1 


f  '. 


'Ii;fe 


230 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Issue  fairly  before  the  Country. 


Organization  of  a  Peace  Party. 


Its  unpatriotic  Courw, 


expose  U8  to  the  vassalage  of  states  serving  under  the  banners  of  the  French  em- 
peror." 

"  It  is  said,"  thoy  remarked, "  that  war  is  demanded  by  honor.  Is  national  honor 
a  principle  which  thirsts  after  vengeance,  and  is  appeased  only  by  blood ;  which 
trampling  on  the  hopes  of  man  and  spuming  the  law  of  God,  untaught  by  what  is 
past  and  careless  of  what  is  to  come,  precipitates  itself  into  any  folly  or  madness  to 
gratify  a  selfish  vanity  or  to  satiate  some  unhallowed  rage  ?  If  honor  demuiuls  a 
war  with  England,  what  opiate  lulls  that  honor  to  sleep  over  the  wrongs  done  us  by 
France  ?" 

"  What  are  the  United  States  to  gain  by  this  war  ?"  they  asked.  "  Will  the  grati- 
fication of  some  privateersmen  compensate  the  nation  for  that  sweep  of  our  legiti- 
mate commerce  by  the  extended  marine  of  our  enemy  which  this  desperate  act  in- 
vites ?  Will  Canada  compensate  the  Middle  States  for  New  York,  or  the  Western 
States  for  New  Orleans?  Let  us  not  be  deceived.  A  war  of  invasion  may  invite  a 
retort  of  invasion.  When  we  visit  the  peaceable,  and,  as  to  us,  innocent  colonies  of 
Great  Britain'  with  the  horrors  of  war,  can  we  be  assured  that  our  own  coast  will 
not  be  visited  with  like  horrors  ?  At  a  crisis  of  the  world,  such  as  the  present,  and 
under  impressions  such  as  these,  the  undersigned  can  not  consider  the  war  into  which 
the  United  Statjs  have  in  secret  been  precipitated  as  necessary,  or  required  by  any 
moral  or  political  expediency." 

Tims  the  issue  was  fairly  placed  before  the  country.  The  time  for  discussion  was 
ended;  the  tirre  for  action  had  arrived.  While  one  portion  of  the  people — tlie  vast 
majority — wert^  nobly  responding  to  the  call  of  the  President  to  sustain  the  govern- 
ment by  word  and  deed,  another  portion  were  preparing  to  cast  obstacles  in  the  way 
of  its  success.  An  organization  was  soon  visible,  called  the  Peace  Parti/,  composed 
chiefly  of  the  moi°  violent  opponents  of  the  administration  and  disaffected  Demo- 
crats, whose  party-spirit  held  their  patriotism  in  complete  subordination.  Lackinj 
the  sincerity  or  the  integrity  of  those  patriotic  members  of  the  Congressional  minor- 
ity, whose  protest  wsis  the  voice  of  their  consciences  made  audible,  they  endeavored, 
by  attempting  to  injure  the  public  credit,  preventing  enlistments  into  the  armies, 
spreading  false  stories  concerning  the  strength  of  the  British  and  weakness  of  the 
Americans,  and  by  public  speeches,  sermons,  pamphlets,  and  newspaper  essays,  to 
compel  the  government  to  sheathe  the  sword  and  hold  out  the  olive-branch  of  peace 
at  the  cost  of  national  honor  and  independence.  These  machinations  were  kept  up 
during  the  whole  war  to  the  great  embarrassment  of  the  government  and  the  injury 
of  the  country.  To  this  unpatriotic  Peace  Party  a  large  number  of  the  leading  Fed- 
eralistfi  gave  no  countenance,  but,  with  a  clear  perception  of  duty  to  their  country, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  the  true  spirit  of  republicanism,  many  of 
them,  bound  to  the  expressed  will  of  the  majority,  yielded  their  private  views  to  tlie 
necessities  of  the  hour,  and  lent  their  aid,  as  the  President  desired  all  good  citizens ; 
to  do, "  to  the  constituted  authorities  for  obtaining  a  speedy,  a  just,  and  an  honorable] 
peace." 

Having  resolved  on  war,  the  next  important  labor  for  Congress  to  perform  was] 
making  adequate  provisions  for  prosecuting  it.  One  of  the  most  important  consid-| 
erations  was  finance,  for  money  has  been  justly  styled  the  "  sinews  of  war."  In  ¥ch-\ 
•  February  iTi     ruary*  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  reported  a  system  of  finance 

^^^^-  adapted  to  a  state  of  war  for  three  years.     Its  chief  features  conteni'^ 

plated  the  support  of  war  expenses  wholly  by  loans ;  and  the  ordinary  expenses  of 
the  government,  including  the  interest  on  the  national  debt,  by  revenues.  They  es 
timated  the  war  expenses  at  $11,000,000  for  the  first  year.    Aware  that  a  state  o( 

>  The  House  of  Representatives  resolved  that,  In  the  event  of  a  determination  to  Invade  Canada  or  other  BrilUi 
provinces,  the  President  should  be  authorized  to  issue  a  proclamation  assuring  the  inhabitants  thereof  that  all  tbe^ 
rights,  of  every  kind,  shonld  be  respected  if  their  territory  gbonld  become  a  part  of  the  United  States. 


Meuuroa  for  raising 

war  would  din 

be  doubled,  fbj 

.ind  an  extensi 

cial  scheme  gei 

not  exceeding  t 

Secretary  of  th( 

ill  the  United  f> 

Iwnks  to  subscr; 

posits  until  caJh 

When  war  wj 

111,000,000  loan 

«1,928,000,  leavii 

dent  was  authori 

nual  interest  of  ii 

Treasury.   This  v 

the  circulation  of 

try  for  the  fiscal 

the  interest  on  $4, 

On  the  26th  of  J 

and  reprisal,  and  j 

the  regular  force  t 

«oom,  and  one  of  i 

of  thirty-six  thous; 

•liscipiined,  and  eff 

under  arms  at  thai 

were  raw  recruits. 

duty,  notwithstandi 

eight  millions.     TJi^ 

?o  beyond  the  limit 

the  country  looked 

I  a  footing  with  the  r 

I  .  y^''  navy  consiste 

h'jht,  oneofthirty-8 

ranging  fi-om  twelve 

Congress  adjourne 
ommendadayofpui 
United  States  for  tht 

t;<>ir  cause,  and  the  , 
the  President  issued 

|.?.irt  of  the  third  Th; 
Ifla}' was  generally  obi 
Joordance  with  the  spir 
[President,  while  from 

K 1818,  was  ^tatd?"^*"" 


\!'"^J<^thePblitieal 


and  Mil 


lllllli 


»ar  would  diminish  the  revenuTZT^ :::^:t,___^ J^^DiiT^^^^JiH^ 

be  doubled,  foreign  1011,^^.^-'  1  ^  P''«P««ed  a  tariff  bTu^^T^^ 

and  an  extensive  ,y,tZ  5,  T'^'"  "  ^°"«»-  ^nd  a  Iml/aT  .  ''  ""P'^^^^  ^^ould 
cial  scheme  generX  'Tk? V".f ""'  ^"^''^^  ^^^  «^ci«e  '  lit  '  ^f  ^^  «3,000,000, 
not  exceeding  six  per  cent  «uthonzed»  a  loan  of  |i  ,,ooo  000  !'  '^"P''^*^  *'»«  «"«»■ 
.Secretary  of fheCrr^dt^^^^^^^  '"l^-H 

«11,000,000  loan    th^t  *k    V    ^^^  "'""d,  by  the  retnma  ^^*i, 

«l,928^0jeavltl  ""'V^«^  «"bBcribedt  i  *f,ln?n"n^'''"P*'«"«  *«  the 

dent;asa;tho"!dtotrS:.;'*'''^^'«°«-     ^o  ^.Ip^ly't'i     '2ci"''  'f^'^"^"' 
nual  interest  of  five  and  two  mhT^  ^^tes,  payahle  Ke  tar  a^'h"^' ''''  ^'■^^'■ 
Treasury.   This  was  intended  to  t  ^"'  ''"*"  *«  ^'  ^eceivable^b  Lu  1     """^  ""  """ 
the  circulation  of  bank-notef  It  ^       "'  '"'"^"^y'  ^»d  supersede  to  l^T''  "'  *^^' 
try  for  the  fiscal  year  TlT^o  ^  o^"'  ^«timated  that  the  entTre  11        '''*'"'"  "^*«"t' 
the  interest  on  $45154  OOo7^^        '  '"''"'^'"^  ^^^  $11,000  OOO  fin^""''  "^^'^^  ^«"»- 
On  the  26th  of  June  Pn      ^    '  '""^""*  «f  the  public  lebn^       iT'^'"  P"'-P««^«,  and 
and  reprisal,  and  a„ol£rT:?""*'  ''*"  '^''*  -'p-   ng  th    i^^e  ff^.f ''''^«'«^«-^ 
t^e  regular  force  to  cltlt    ftVn^^^^^^^  «^  ^'-  omZ7:^^TLtT^''' 

,?oons,and  one  of  ri<1«tr.  ,  .  :'^"ty  regiments  of  foof  f«,...    i^  """/"e  new  levies: 

of  thirty-six  thola  'dT:ra  "f  •-""^''"^^-  -^  -^cer^^  *r  ^''^^^■ 

.liscipHned,  and  effective-was  "n  !  T"'  '"^^  '''^^-'  reguTaVw  T  '  "  '"''^^ 
"nder  arms  at  that  time  wir.hn^  f ''"*  ^^''"^  thousand  men  ^^^''r'-^Pf  »«nced, 
«ere  raw  recruits.  littH,  ''"*  **^"  t'>«"«and  men  but  m or.  ^  ?^"'^'"  ^^'''^e 
duty,  notwithstanding  thevi"""'-'?"^'^  ^«  P^«««^^  on  the  miZ  '"  ^/'^  "^  *''«™ 
eight  millions.  They  we'  .""  ''^''*  '^""^''^'^  thousand  Tro  -""''P*  ^^''  ^^"'i^on 
?o  beyond  the  liinits^of  .u  "*"*  ''«»>P«"«d  by  law  to  serve  '*'''"f,  '"  ^  Population  of 
the  country  looked  1-  T  "''^'''''''  states.  To  vo  un^''  *^"  '^''"^^  J^^'^r^.  nor 
a  footing  with  the  -     ^  "'  ''"'^  ^^^  President  11..'  '^'  government  and 

The  n^avy  con'fstelof''  Tl'  ^"•^'  ^^^^^  their  conle't  to  t""-'  *"  ^''-^^^  *^-"^  "n 
eight,  one  oVtSt  fxl?'>*';"^  ^"^^^^«  of  fortS  "?''"?  *'."'"  "«^^«^«- 


ii 


'H 


; 


tVt 


i 


m 


'■^i 


232 


PICTOllIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


How  the  Pant  Day  wai<  observed.         William  Ellery  Cbannlng'a  Oisconrae.         Webiter's  Oration  and  Bryant'a  Odt. 

war,  and  the  alleged  authors  and  abettors  of  it.'  The  national  anniversary  that  year 
was  also  made  the  ocoasion  for  political  speeches,  songs,  and  toasts  condemnatory  of 
the  measures  of  the  administration.  Home  of  these  were  Herce,  othere  were  mild,  and 
still  others  were  dignitied  and  patriotic — lirm,  outspoken,  manly  arguments  against 
the  necessity,  the  wisdom,  or  the  justice  of  the  war,  but  evincing  a  love  of  country 
more  potent  than  love  of  party  or  opinions.* 

'  Already  the  (jovomor  of  MagBachui'ctts  had  uppofntcd  the  23d  of  .July  aa  a  day  of  humiliation,  fiintlnj;,  and  prayir. 
It  was  made  the  occasion  for  plain  »penkiiip  from  the  pulpit  against  the  war.  Sometimes  there  was  blttcrne>8  ln'the 
words,  but  generally  these  sermons  breathed  a  spirit  of  sorrow  because  of  the  calamities  threatened  by  the  war.  AnKjii,. 
others,  William  Ellery  ChannhiK,  of  Boston,  on  both  the  state  and  the  national  fast-days,  spoke  out  plainly,  but  wltli  Hut 
charitable  and  sweet  Christian  spirit  which  characterized  liia  whole  life.  "The  cry  has  been,"  he  said,  "that  wnrlsde. 
dared,  and  all  opposition  should  therefore  be  hushed.  A  sentiment  more  unworthy  of  a  free  country  can  hnrilly  [^ 
j)i(ipagated.  If  this  doctrine  be  admitted,  rulers  have  only  to  declare  war,  and  they  are  screened  at  once  from  scrutiny. 
At  the  very  time  when  they  have  armies  at  command,  when  their  patronage  Is  most  extended,  and  their  power  nii«t 
formidable,  not  a  word  of  warning,  of  censure,  of  alarm  must  be  heard.  The  press,  which  is  to  expose  Inferior  ul)u»e!, 
must  not  utter  one  rebuke,  one  Indignant  complaint,  although  our  best  Interests  and  most  valuable  rl'^hts  arc  put  [!, 
hazard  by  an  unnecessary  war.  The  sum  of  my  remarks,"  ho  said,  in  concluding  his  discourse  on  the  slate  fasi-day, 
"  Is  this :  It  is  your  duty  to  hold  fast,  and  to  assert  with  rtnnness  those  truths  and  principles  on  which  the  welfare  uf 
your  country  seems  to  depend  ;  but  do  this  with  calmness,  with  a  love  of  i)eacc,  without  ill-will  and  revenge.  Iiiipmvo 
every  opportunity  of  allaying  animosities.  Strive  to  make  converts  of  those  whom  you  think  In  error.  Dlscouraiii',  in 
decided  and  open  language,  that  rancor,  malignity,  and  unfeeling  abuse  which  so  often  And  their  way  Into  our  piil)!!, 
prints,  and  which  only  tend  to  Increase  the  already  alarming  Irritation  of  our  country."  "Our  duties  to  our  rulers,"  in. 
said,  on  the  natioual  fast-day,  "  are  not  so  easily  presented.  It  is  our  duty  toward  them  to  avoid  all  language  niiil  coii. 
duct  which  will  produce  a  spirit  of  Insubordinatiou,  a  contempt  of  laws  and  just  authority.  At  the  same  tinu',  wc  mnsi 
not  be  tame,  abject,  and  see,  without  sensibility,  without  remonstrance,  our  rights  violated  and  our  best  blessings  thmwD 
away.  Our  elective  form  of  government  makes  it  our  duty  to  expose  bad  rulers,  to  strip  them  of  unmerited  conflileiife 
and  of  abused  power.  This  is  never  more  clearly  our  duty  than  when  our  rulers  have  plunged  us  Into  an  unjustifiable 
and  ruinous  war— a  war  which  Is  leading  us  down  to  poverty,  vice,  and  slavery.  To  reduce  such  men  to  a  private  sla- 
tion  no  fair  and  upright  means  should  be  spared,  and,  let  me  add,  no  other  means  should  be  employed.  Notliiiif;  can 
justify  falsehood,  malignity,  or  wild,  ungovcrned  passion.    Bo  firm,  but  deliberate  ;  In  earnest,  yet  honest  and  jii»t." 

'  In  the  New  York  Evening  Pout,  July  '21, 1812,  nuiy  lie  found  the  following  notice  of  a  speech  l)y  the  afterward  eiuincnt 
Daniel  Webster,  who  had  not  yet  appeared  prominently  in  public  life.    He  entered  Congress  the  next  year. 


'Wf.hstke'b  Ohatio.n A  gentleman  of  this  name,  distinguished  In  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  for  the  superiority 

nt      _..._.  _ 

will  be  read  with  pleasure : 


of  his  talents,  delivered  an  orAion  to  the  Washington  Society  at  Portsmouth  on  the  4th  of  July.    The  following  exlracU 


'  With  respect  to  the  war  in  which  we  are  now  involved,  the  course  which  our  principles  require  us  to  pursue  ran 
not  be  doubtful.  It  is  now  the  law  of  the  land,  and  as  such  we  are  bound  to  regard  it.  Resistance  and  Insurrection 
form  no  parts  of  onr  creed.  The  disciples  of  Wanhiniiton  arc  neither  tyrants  in  power  nor  rebels  out.  If  we  are  la.\e(l  to 
carry  ou  this  war,  we  shall  disregard  certain  distinguished  examples,  and  shall  pay.  If  our  personal  services  are  re- 
quired, we  shall  yield  them  to  the  precise  extent  of  our  constitutional  liability.  ^'.  t  the  same  time,  the  world  may  hea.'- 
sured  that  we  know  our  ritihts,  and  shall  exercise  them.  We  shall  express  our  opinions  on  this,  as  on  every  nieasnre 
of  government,  I  trust  without  passion,  I  am  certain  without /rar.  We  have  yet  to  learn  that  the  extravagant  proirren 
of  pernicious  measures  abrogates  the  duty  of  opposition,  or  that  the  Interest  of  onr  native  land  Is  to  be  abandoned  byns 
in  the  hour  of  the  thickest  danger  and  sorest  necessity.  By  the  exercise  of  onr  constitutional  right  of  suffrage,  by  the 
peaceable  remedy  of  election,  we  bhall  seek  to  restore  wisdom  to  our  councils  aniX  peace,  to  onr  country.' " 

Those  who  remember  Mr.  Webster's  patriotic  course  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  in  voting  for  the  "  Force  Bill," 
to  crush  incipient  treason  and  rebellion  in  South  Carolina  in  1833,  will  perceive  In  the  above  extract  the  visible  cerm 
of  that  stinch  patriotism  which  distinguished  him  through  life.  On  the  occasion  referred  to  he  said,  with  the  spirit  thai 
animated  him  in  1S12,  "  I  am  opposed  to  this  administration  ;  but  the  country  Is  In  danger,  and  I  will  take  my  bhareof 
the  responsibility  in  the  measure  before  us." 

The  Evening  Post  of  the  same  date  contains  an  "Ode  for  the  Fourth  of  July,"  written  by  William  Cullen  Bryant, , 
then  seventeen  years  of  age.    He  Is  now  (1807),  after  a  lapse  of  flfty-flve  years,  one  of  the  proprietors  and  the  editor  1 
chief  of  that  journal,  which  1  ■•  has  ably  conducted  for  a  very  long  period.    The  following  stanzas  selected  from  that] 
Ode  give  a  specimen  of  Its  cb  .racter  which  made  It  very  popular  at  the  time: 


'  Lo  !  where  our  ardi  ut  rulers 

For  Herce  assault  iirejjare. 
While  eager  "  Ati"  awaits  their  beck 

To  "slip  the  dogs  of  war." 
In  vain  against  the  dire  design 

Exclaims  the  indignant  land ; 
The  nnbidden  blade  they  haste  to  ba:c, 

And  light  the  unhallowed  brand. 
Proceed  1  another  year  shall  wrest 

The  sceptre  from  your  hand. 


"The  same  ennobling  spirit 

That  kindles  valor's  flame. 
That  nerves  ns  to  a  war  of  right. 

Forbids  a  war  of  nhavie. 
For  not  in  Omqueitt'H  impious  train 

Shall  Freedom's  children  stand ; 
Nor  shall  in  guilty  fray  be  raised 

The  high-souled  warrior's  hand  j 
Nor  shall  the  Patriot  draw  his  sword 

At  Gallia's  proud  commaud." 


AKejrencyeatabl 


insanity  of  the  o 

Tliis  change  in  tj 

tiic|irince^tothog 

Fcbniaiy,  I812,  a.; 

ni'Iical  change  in  t 

.woiintofthemur 

ChaiiccIJoroftho  1 

.1  liverpool  sJiip-bi 

oonimercial  losses  , 

f  might  reveng, 

'•'"ff  servants.     U 

I'fntcd  Secretai-y   ( 

tt'irowby  Lor,]  Pr^ 

»;'J^>fr.Vansittart  ( 
,;''^q-'t''-.    LordCastI 

tor  Foreign  Affairs 

,   Great  Britain  was 

f  "'Ions  war  again.st 

P'^""*''  Peninsula,  an, 

Knt  energy,,,;,,.^ 

fy-reatened  J,er  wit 

H  autumn  of  j  812  «. 

«nion  clouded  wit' 

r  "S^'nst  Great  B,-i 

»™'.v,c,-os8edtheNien 
^P'-^hed  on  toward 

'  "eH  ninety   thons- 

^'^^  Mosco^  ,>;;  ; 

I  j:'«  hundred  and  , 
^^  France.     Six  „,on 

'.w  slam,  wounded, 


A««Kenc^^«tnblN^^ 


OFTHE   WAK    OP   ,8,2. 


If 


-^^^^^^°^°^^!^^^^ 


11 


CHAPTER  XIT. 

"^■■^  5'.i^'Tirr''.T'''«  "•'«"'  •""'  blown 

Th«t,  prep,,  e   t^   en.V.  "  "T"  ""«  ""  v""   ' 

W e  submit  without  murn  nr .   'r'"""  '"  '""■ 

"""""'  '"  daugcr  and  toll." 

«»»'o  actual  .ovc,-ci„rof  r     ?'i?  ""<"'.?«  "'«  Fou  H,)  n,,  ,,„ 

'0  court  j.hysicians  "^"^  '"'»  '-fgoiit  of  the  realm 

i-anity  of  the  old  St  TT-'"''^    *''« 
Tliis  chancre  in  f 1 1  ,     ^  -"^  '''  "'^"'-able. 

''''■!-- 1:  tilt  ;;r^^^^^ 

ra.Iical  ohanire  in  the  P./-^  ^'Howing  a 

-o,,„t  of  tit  mntr^ftrP  """"''«" 
Chancellor  of  the  Exoh.         ^"'''^''^l  the 

■^  Liverpool  shiXfct^^^^^^ 
,  oom,.,crcial  losis  npo^'  TC"  f''^''^  '"^ 
•™l  nought  revenge^in  «hvin^''""""'^"^' 

pointed  Secretary   of  S   I    '"^  "''"'«   ^l'" 

»J  Mr.  Vansi  l^'cit"^  ?f  *'-  ^^«"no", 
[■^eq,.c.,-.    Lor    C    ele  err""''  "^*^^  Ex-' 

for  Foreign  Affahu       ^    "^^^  ^'^^''^tary 
J  Grout  Britain  was  still  ,.      • 
|niencIo„s  war  a.>-ainst  Si!  V^"'^  ''*  t'''^"  ^"^  '—  «.„,,, 

l«n.o„  clouded  with  feal,  i  w  ''"  ""'^'^'^^^  ^^^Pero;  of  ''I'f"^  '^'"^  «""-'™er 
h  against  Great  Britain  ["  t'/  '  ^''^  '^^J^^  afte?the  Unit  >  «  "^  ""'■'''^••««' 
K  crossed  the  Niemen"'i„  thl  f  "''?  ^^Poleon,  with  an  iT  ^''''''  ^^'^^"••ed 
['"'pushed  on  toward  Mnl  ^''''^  ""^^^^^^  hundred /,        """'^n^e  and  splendid 

konted  their  inTni       b"^-     ^^  Borodino  t^f.    '"'"'^"'^  Russians 

I'^'ed  Moscow  in  t .  2  »^  '^"'^  ^«""ded  soldi    ^    "''""  *'^«  ^«t-    'Sept.«. 


,:ill 


t 


i    I 


1             i 

,, 

1 

lii 

1  ' 

/I'M      ' 


Irtil 


n 


234 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Brltlib  Nkvy. 


Britlih  Land  Force  In  Cintd*. 


Their  Kruntt<ir  FoTtl<lcttloiM' 


HSJul  men,  and  yet  he  had  b.'arcely  reached  Parin  hefore  ho  isHued  orders  for  new 
oonHcriptionH  with  which  to  prosecute  the  war!  The  sun  of  liis  glory  was  low  in 
the  west,  yet  it  bhized  out  brilliantly  hefore  it  set.  In  1HI2,  Great  Hritaiii,  Uussia, 
Sweden,  and  Spain  were  allied  in  arms  against  France,  Prussia,  Italy,  Austriu,  mid 
Poland. 

The  British  navy  at  that  time  consisted  of  two  hundred  and  fifly-fonr  shipH-of-thc- 
Une,  of  74  guns  and  u[)ward  ;  thirty-five  SO's  and  44'b;  two  hundred  and  forty-sevi'ii 
frigates ;  and  five  hundred  and  six  smaller  vessels  of  war ;  making  a  total  of  one 
thouHuiid  and  thirty-six.  Of  these  there  were  five  ships-of-the-line,  nineteen  friijutcs, 
forty-one  brigs,  and  sixteen  schooners  on  the  American  station ;  that  is  to  say,  at 
Halifax  and  NewfoundL-md,  Jamaica  and  the  Leeward  Islands.'  They  had  also  four 
armed  vessels  on  Lake  Ontario,  namely,  7?oya/  George,  22 ;  E(ni  of  Moira,  16 ;  Princ( 
Regent,  14  ;  and  Duke  of  Gloucester,  8.  They  also  had  several  smaller  vessels  ni-ariv 
ready  for  service. 

The  British  regular  land  force  in  Upper  Canada  when  war  was  declared  did  not 
exceed  fifteen  hundred  men  ;*  but  the  aggregate  of  that  in  Lower  Canada,  and  in  tlic 
contiguous  British  provinces  was  estimated  at  six  thousand  regular  troops.  The  pop- 
ulation of  all  the  North  American  British  colonies  was  estimated  at  400,000,  and  tluir 
militia  at  40,000.  They  had  an  immense  assailable  frontier,  stretching  along  a  scries 
of  great  lakes,  and  the  Rivers  St.  Mary's,  St.  Clair,  Detroit,  Niagara,  and  St.  Law- 
rence, commencing  at  Lake  Superior  on  the  west,  and  terminating  fur  below  (Jucluf 
on  the  east,  along  a  line  of  about  1 700  miles.  Out  of  Lake  Suj)erior  flows  a  rajiid 
current,  over  immense  masses  of  rock,  through  a  channel  for  tAventy-seven  miles  call- 
ed the  St.  Mary's  River,  and  enters  Lake  Huron,  at  the  head  of  which  is  the  British 
island  of  St.  Joseph.  On  that  island  was  then  a  small  fort  and  garrison.  It  is  dis- 
tant above  Detroit  about  three  hundred  and  thirty  miles  by  water.  The  shores  of 
Lake  Iluion  at  that  time  were  uninhabited  except  b  'ndians  and  a  few  traders.  At 
its  western  angle  is  a  short  and  Avide  strait,  conne  it  with  Lake  Michigan,  in  the 

centre  of  which  is  the  island  of  Michilimackinacl  i  is  about  nine  miles  in  cir- 

cumference. On  this  island  the  Americans  had  a  small  fort  and  garrison.  The  wa- 
ters flow  out  of  Lake  Huron  through  the  rivers  and  Lake  St.  Clair,  and  then  tlnouijli 
the  Detroit  River  into  Lake  Erie.  On  tlie  latter  river,  at  Amherstburg,  the  British 
had  a  fort  and  small  garrison,  Avhere  ships  for  service  on  Lake  Erie  were  built.  The 
British  had  no  liarbor  or  military  po^t  on  Lake  Erie.  At  its  foot,  at  the  liead  of  the 
Niagara  River,  was  Fort  Erie,  a  distance  of  five  hundred  and  sixty-five  miles  from 
Quebec.  Just  above  Niagara  Falls,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Chippewa  River,  there  was 
a  small  stockade,  called  Fort  Chippewa.  Near  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River,  not 
quite  seven  miles  below  Queenstown,  was  Fort  George,  constructed  of  earthen  ram- 
parts and  cedar  palisades,  mounting  some  guns  not  heavier  than  nine-poundera. 
Half  a  mile  below  the  fort,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River,  Avas  a  pretty  little 
village  called  NcAvark,  now  Niagara.  On  the  north  side  of  Lake  Ontario  is  York,  or 
Toronto  Harbor,  Avhere  was  an  old  fort  and  a  block  house.  York  Avas  then  the  cai> 
ital  of  Upper  Canada.  On  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  lake  is  Kingston,  with  a  fine 
harbor,  and  Avas  defended  by  a  small  battery  of  nine-pounders  on  Point  Frederick. 
It  was  the  most  populous  town  in  the  Upper  Province  at  that  time,  and  formed  the 
principal  naval  depot  of  the  British  on  Lake  Ontario.  There  were  some  military 
works  at  Montreal,  and  very  strong  ones  at  Quebec, 

At  the  time  when  war  Avas  declared  the  United  States  were  at  peace  Avith  all  the 
world,  and  had  very  little  commerce  exposed  upon  the  oceai',  jwing  to  restrictions 

>  Steele's  List,  1812. 

•  These  consisted  of  the  Porty-flrat  Regiment,  900  men ;  Tenth  Veterans,  260 ;  N^wfonndland  Heglment,  260;  Eoyal 
Artillery,  60 ;  Provincial  Seamen,  60.  These  forces  had  to  occupy  the  Ports  St.  Joseph,  Amherstburg,  Chippewa,  Erie, 
George,  York  (Toronto),  and  Kingston,  and  to  defend  an  assailable  frontier  of  nearly  thirteen  hundred  miles.— i</«  o*! 
Correspondence  of  Major  General  Sir  Itaac  Brock,  K.B.,  by  Ferdinand  Brock  Tnpper,  p.  108. 


liMOMt  and  Front 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1813. 


23S 


tK(4»Mi  >ii<l  Frontier  DKfeiiM*  of  Mw  United  Htiitei.  We*t  Putut  Military  AMdemy.  JunatbM  WUIIUM. 

and  tiannciH  whicli  liud  iufviiilt'il  for  a  ft»w  yoara.  Of  the  land  and  naval  forces  at 
tliiit  time  wo  Imvo  Hpoki'ii  in  tlu!  liiHt  chiipttT.  In  addition  to  full  twelvo  hundred 
mili'H  oftrontiiT  iiloii!^  tin-  HritiKlt  proviiicoM,  there  w;is  a  Hea-eoast  ofa  thciiHand  miles 
tudi'ti'tid  against  the  most  |)owei'iiil  maritime  nation  in  the  ^yorhl. 

The  Huhject  of  sea-eoast,  harhor,  and  frontier  defeiiseH  attraeted  the  att>Mition  of  the 
ffiivcrnnient  at  an  early  period.  A  sehool  for  military  instnietit)n,  espi  ially  for  tho 
wliiciitioii  of  engineers,  to  he  estahlished  at  West  Point,  on  the  Ilndson,  was  author- 
ized by  Congress  in  tho  spring  of  1802;*'  and  from  to  time  to  time  ap})ro-  •  March  i(W 
nriiitioiis  had  heen  made  for  fortifieations,  and  works  hail  heen  ereeted.  "**• 
Till'  corps  of  engineers,  authorized  by  the  hiw  just  named,  eommeiiced  their  funetions 
,iH  constructors  of  new  forts  or  repairers  of  old  ones  in  the  year  1 H08,  when  a  war  with 
Enaianil  was  confidently  expected  ;  and  that  body  of  young  men  cc^jitinucd  thus  ein- 
iiloyctl,  iu  a  motlerate  way,  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1812,  when  they 
were  sent  to  tho  field,  and  all  won  military  distinction.*  The  forts  completed  pro- 
vioiis  to  1 800  were  the  only  fortifications  for  tho  defense  of  tlio  sea-coast  of  tho 
riiited  States  at  tho  commencement  of  the  war  in  1812.' 

1 ,'  aihliiBton  recommcnrtod  the  e8tab1!shmsnt  of  n  military  academy  at  Wcot  Point  «o  early  an  17S3,  when,  on  the  ap- 
proach of  i-uncei  hl«  thouKhts  were  turned  to  tho  future  mllUary  condition  of  hlH  country.  Soon  after  ho  becami'  I'ich- 
lilint  of  thi'  United  Statex,  he  Mffnln  called  the  attention  of  nl8  countrymen  to  the  Importance  of  a  military  academy, 
jnil  attain  liKlieated  Went  Point  «»  the  proper  place.  In  171)4,  Colonel  Uochcfontalnc,  a  French  officer  In  the  nervlce  of 
the  United  Staten,  and  other  olHcerit  of  artillery,  were  Htatlouod  nt  Went  I'olut  for  the  |)ur|><»ie  of  estabUHhlng  a  miliary 
irhmjl  there.  They  rebuilt  tho  front  of  Fort  Putnam,  on  the  monutalnH  In  the  rear,  in  UUR,  and  coiiHtructed  Hvo  or  kIx 
imall  canemateii,  or  bomb-proofx.  Fort  Clinton,  on  the  Point,  was  then  partly  In  ruinn.  Itii  magazine,  tweuty-flve  by 
iwd  hiuidrcil  feet  In  hIzo,  built  of  Htone  and  lined  with  plank,  and  trcncheH,  was  quite  perfect.  Hevcrul  bulldinKa  wero 
erected,  and  the  whole  pout  waH  under  the  charge  of  Major  Jonathan  WilliamH.  The  library  and  apparatUH  were  com- 
inenccil,  but  the  school  was  hoou  Hunpcnded.  It  waa  revived  In  isoi  by  Mr.  .lefTerson,  and  In  the  Hprlng  of  the  follow- 
iDj!  year  Congress,  as  wo  have  observed  In  the  text,  authorized  the  cutablishment  of  a  military  academy  there.  Mean- 
wlillc  the  harbors  on  the  coast  were  defendeil  !y  by  small  redoubts.  They  were  luslgnitlcant  affairs.  "  It  is  worthy 
o(  remembrance,"  observed  the  late  veneralil  lueral  J.  O.  Swift,  in  a  letter  to  the  author  In  February,  1800,  "that  the 
ollctnpon  which  these  small  works  wore  bin  i  were  those  selected  in  the  lievoiutlouary  struggle,  and  they  remain  to 
thiKday  the  best  for  their  purpose." 

'  letter  of  Oeneral  Swift  to  the  author,  February  18, 1800.  In  November,  1802,  the  engineers  nt  West  Point  formed  a 
miilarii  aiut  Philnmiphicat  Sm^ietii,  the  object  of  which  was  tho  promotion  of  military  science.  The  following  are  the 
Dimea  of  the  original  members  :  Jonathan  Williams,  Decius  Wadswortb,  William  A.  Barron,  Jared  Manstleld,  James 
ffil«on,  Alexander  Macomb,  Jr.,  Joseph  O.  Swift,  Simon  M.  Lcroy,  Walter  K.  Armistead,  and  Joseph  O.  Totten.  These 
ncrc  the  members  present  at  the  flrst  meeting.  Swift  and  Totten  were  the  latest  survivors  of  this  little  company.  The 
former  died  In  tho  summer  of  18(16,  and  tho  latter  in  the  spring  of  1804.  Their  portraits  will  be  found  in  this  work. 
Totlcn  was  the  chief  military  engineer  of  the  United  States  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Tho  society  consisted  of  many 
persons  besides  military  men.  Its  membership,  during  Its  ten  years'  existence,  comprised  most  of  the  leading  men  In 
the  country,  especially  of  the  army  and  navy.  The  MS.  records  of  the  society,  In  four  folio  volumes,  are  iu  the  New 
York  Hintoricai  Society. 

'  The  following  statement  of  the  names,  locations,  and  conditions  of  the  coast  fortifications  previouij  to  1808, 1  have 
tompiled  ffora  a  manuscript  general  return  of  such  works  by  Colonel  Jonathan  Williams"  and  Captain  Alixander  Ma- 
coml),  which  I  found  among  the  minutes  of  the  ttiUtary  ami  PhiUmrphieal  Society  of  West  Point,  mentioned  in  a  preced- 
ing note.  Some  of  these  forts  were  somewhat  strengthened  before  the  declaration  of  war  iu  1812,  but  the  change  in 
their  general  condition  was  not  very  great. 

Furt  Sumner,  Portland,  Maine.— A  square  block-house. 

Flirt  William  and  ilanj,  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire.— A  rnln. 

fort  LHxj,  Gloucester,  Cape  Ann.— Three  sides  of  an  unfinished  flgnro,  being  one  f^ront  and  two  diverging  lines.  A 
iqnare  block-house  in  the  rear. 

Fwt  riekering,  at  Salem,  Massachusetts.- Three  sides  of  a  rectangular  figure,  without  bastions,  flanks,  or  any  promi. 
mncc  whatever.    The  lower  part  of  the  sides  is  stone-work,  with  par.ipets  of  earth.    Closed  in  the  rear  by  barracks,  a 

'  Jonathan  Williams  was  bom  in  Boston  In  1760. 
Hr  was  appointed  Major  of  the  Second  Artillery  and 
Engineers  in  February,  ISftl,  and  in  December  follow- 
ing Inspector  of  Fortifications  and  Superintendent  of 
the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point.  In  July,  1802, 
he  wag  promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  Engineers, 
Hid  resigned  in  June  the  following  year.  In  April, 
IW,  he  resumed  the  service  among  the  Engineers, 
with  the  Slime  rank,  and  In  February,  1808,  was  pro- 
moted to  colonel ;  he  resigned  in  July,  1812.  In  1814 
he  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  Congress  from  Philadel- 
phia, bat  never  occupied  it.  He  died  on  the  20th  of 
Jlay,1816,at  the  age  of  slx^-flve  years.— Gardner's 
tietimatii  of  the  Army,  487.  Colonel  Williams  was 
ihe  author  of  A  Mentnir  of  the  Thentunneter  in  Savi- 
I  jnft'on,  and  Elements  of  Fortification. 


!     I    Ml 


II 


236 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Coast  Defenses  of  the  United  States  in  the  year  1812. 


A  new  eysteni  of  naval  Avarfare  liad  lately  been  siigjjfested  by  llobert  Fu'ton,  who 
•December,     had  been  a  long  time  abroad,  and  who  had  recently  returned  home'  to 
achieve  an  immortal  triumph  in  science  and  art,  and  the  beginning  of  a 


ISOO. 


briclc  wall,  and  gate.  A  square  block-honse  in  the  centre,  and  an  old  btone  building  in  the  rear  and  on  the  left,  without 
the  lines.    A  sketch  of  its  appearance  in  18(Mi  may  be  fcmnd  in  another  part  o'this  voiumc. 

Fort  Setcall,  at  Marblehead,  Massachusetts,  is  an  irregular  oblong  figure,  with  a  square  block-house.  It  is  fDundod  on 
one  side,  on  a  r()ck,  and  on  the  ojiposite  side  has  a  wail  and  arches,  forming  a  n\agaziiie  below.  One  stone  hou.«c  within 
the  lines.    A  sketch  of  this  old  fort  as  It  appeared  in  18G0  may  be  found  in  another  part  of  this  work. 

Fort  Indejtemlenre,  In  Boston  Harbor New  worV-.   An  irregular  pentagon  and  well  fortified,  with  five  bastions.  Three 

bastions  and  one  curtain  lluished.    This  fort  (whose  present  appearance  is  seen  In  the  engraving)  is  on  Castle  Ulaud 


FOBT   INnKl'K.MlK.NCK. 

on  the  site  of  a  fortiflcatiop  erected  during  the  early  years  of  the  Massachusetts  colony.  It  was  rebuilt  in  lim,,™i 
burned  in  1073.  A  new  I'ort  of  stone  was  then  erected,  and  other  works,  and  it  became  the  shelter  of  the  Britisli  (liiiin- 
the  years  preceding  the  Revolution.  After  the  Revolution  it  was  called  Fort  Adams,  In  17!)il  Castle  Island  was  mH 
to  the  United  States,  and  President  Adr.nis  named  the  works  Fttrt  Indejmidence.  The  present  structure  was  ercrlcil  in 
1801,  '2,  and  '3.  It  and  Fort  Warren,  on  an  islaud  opposite,  command  the  entrance  to  Boston  Harbor.  The  fort  may 
contain  a  thousand  men  in  time  of  war. 

Fort  IVolcott,  near  Newport,  Rhode  Island.— BuiK  of  stone  cemented  with  lime.  Had  a  brick  and  stone  masnzhip.a 
sally-port  and  ditch,  revcrberatory  furnace.  Supported  by  two  wings  or  bastions,  both  fating  the  harbor.  Kevetiiieiiis 
In  stone  laid  in  lime  cement;  parapets  supplied  with  sod-work ;  the  batteries  intended  for  ten  pieces  of  cannon.  Had 
five  pices,  32-poundcrs  each.    Barracks  two  stories  high,  composed  of  brick,  and  bomb-proof. 

Fort  Adamn,  Newport  Harbor.— Form  similar  to  Fort  Wolcott.  Situated  on  Brenton's  Point,  nearly  oppni>iio  the 
Dumi)llngs  Fort  on  Canonicut  Island.  Similar  In  all  its  arrangement  and  construction  to  Fort  Wolcott.  It  wu»  then 
iTnflnit;hed. 

Fitrt  Hamilton,  Narraganset  Bay,  near  Newport,  a  mile  northwest  of  Fort  Wolcott,  on  Rose  Island E.\ton«ive  forii- 

flcalions,  commenced  in  1802.  Quadrilateral  in  form,  presenting  two  regular  and  two  tower  bastions.  Worlvs  fus]ieiiil. 
cd  ii.  IS03.  It  was  intended  to  be  wholly  constructed  of  stone,  brick,  and  sod-work.  The  barracks  were  conijili'lcd,  ami 
were  considered  the  finest  in  America  at  that  time.  It  was  intended  to  mount  seventy  cannon.  About  half  conipleicd 
when  the  war  broke  out. 

North  Hatterii,  Rhode  Island,  about  three  fonrths  of  a  mile  northeast  of  Fort  Wolcott,  on  a  point  of  land  nearer  New- 
port  Semicircular,  a. id  calculated  for  about  eight  guns.    It  was  unfinished. 

Dum]iHoii»  /•'or*.— Kntrance  to  Narraganset  Bay,  nearly  opposite  Fort  Adams.  A  round  towor  bastion,  built  in  hiy. 
of  stone  well  cemented.  It  was  about  eighty  feet  above  the  water,  and  rose  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  above  tlic  rurk  nn 
which  it  was  !■  lit.  It  contained  a  good  magazine,  and  three  other  bomb-proof  rooms  for  the  men.  No  oniinon  were 
mounted.  The  platforms  were  not  completed.  Calculated  for  seven  pieces,  exclusive  of  howitzers  and  nio-tars.  Ii  was 
believed  that  thirty  men  might  defend  it. 

Toicninci  Hill,  near  Newjxjrt,  Rhode  Island,  one  mile  east  of  the  North  Battery,  and  due  north  ftom  the  city.— It  cnm- 
niandcd  the  whole  town,  the  country  around,  and  a  part  of  the  harbor.  Remains  of  Revolutionary  works  there.  A  small 
block-house  built  in  ITDfl  or  1800  was  entire. 

Fort  Trumbull,  New  London,  Connecticut,  on  a  rocky  point  of  land  projecting  into  the  River  Thames.— Fiirm  irrem- 
Inr.  T'.ie  walls  fronting  the  water  bnilt  of  solid  stone,  elevated  to  the  usual  height,  and  finished  with  turf  nud  Kravfl, 
Badly  situated  against  an  enemy  on  land,  as  the  hills  around  it  and  ocross  the  river  are  higher  than  the  fort,  ll  liails 
small  n-.agi.zinc  and  stone  block-house,  and  fourteen  guns  mounted.  A  view  of  this  fort  may  be  seen  in  another  pan 
of  this  work. 

Fort  Jay,  on  Governor's  Island,  New  York  Harbor,*  thirteen  hundred  yards  south  of  the  Battery,  at  the  lower  esliem- 
Ity  of  the  city  oi  ""w  York.- It  was  a  regular  fort,  with  bastions,  quite  strong,  but  then  unfinished.    It  had  a  haudsinif 
gateway,  with  a  oorpn  rie  iiarde  draw-bridge.    In  the  centre  of  the  fort  was  a  square  block-house  of  timber,  twd  florie*  ' 
high,  but  probably  not  cannon-proof;  under  it  was  a  well.    It  had  two  detached  batteries,  one  mounting  four  IS-pdiuid- 
ers  and  an  8-Inch  French  mortar,  with  platforms  for  four  others ;  and  the  other  ten  pieces,  18  and  24  pounders ;  origin- 


*  Governor's  Island  was  called  Paii-finnek  by  the  Indians,  and  Nutten  Island  by  the  Dutch.  It  was  purchased,  a»  a  j 
public  domain,  by  Governor  Van  Twiller,  in  the  early  days  of  the  Dutch  rule  in  New  York.  In  the  settlement  .tih( ) 
accounts  of  the  Revolutionary  debt,  New  York  agreed  to  erect  fortifications  in  the  harbor  in  front  of  the  cityofNf»  ■ 
York,  in  i)ayraent  of  .he  quota  required  from  that  state.  In  accordance  with  an  act  passed  by  the  State  Lcglcliitiire  in  j 
March,  IVM,  the  sum  of  one  hundre'i  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  was  expended,  under  the  direction  of  a  commlllci.ii  j 
constructing  fortlficatiors.  The  committee  consisted  of  George  Clinton,  Matthew  Clarkson,  .lames  Watson,  Richard  j 
Vnrick,  Nicholas  Fish,  Ebenezer  Stevens,  and  Abijah  Hammond.  A  further  sum  of  one  h'-ndred  thousand  dnllare  nas  J 
granted  on  the  0th  -if  April,  ^TBR,  to  complete  the  works  on  that  and  Oyster  (now  Ellis's)  Island.  Fort  .Jay  km  hulll,  ] 
and  in  February, Diio,  the  '.siiud  and  all  Its  appurteuau  9  were  coded  to  the  United  States.  The  Islaud  cuutalut  (t\-\ 
enty-two  acres  of  land. 


wonderful  rev 
steam."  Whi 
hy  introducing 


allv  Intended  for  thirtec 

parapet.    The  fort,  beiti 

asagiiardtotheentrau 

KlIii'H  mid  Ikdloe'H  Isli 

soiithH-est  from  the  BatI 

llnished.    Twelve  12-poi 

Imiidred  yards  distant ;  i 

men.    It  was  an  exccllei 

island  then  belonged  to  i 

On  ISedlite'n  Inland  a  bat 

ill?  two  (ield-pieces  that! 

.1  defeucivu  work.    M^joi 

under  his  supervision.    ( 

sloii  to  write  hereaRer. 

f'lrt  Mifflin,  on  the  soi 
')val.   It  was  the  old  Brit 

constnicted  of  stone,  brie 
llie  Mililnry  and  Phitonoj)! 

f»rMf7/ran/,  at  Baltim 
a  roliit  of  land  between  t 
Ixir.  It  was  a  regular  pci 
vetinent;  also  a  magazine 
(■™pa.iy.  The  countersci 
to  be  made.  On  the  watei 
tat  not  yet  inclosed.    It  l, 

vent  ships  reaching  Baltim 
miles  from  the  city.  At  the 
taise  heloiigiiig  to  a  citizt 
neit  the  cvlicme  point,  an 
l"e-'vouldhavetol,ebattc 
;«1.  A  picture  of  the  foi 
fonndmciutherpartofthl 

J"rt.y„y.„,,„t  Annapolis, 
Mte  ■!,  on  p,i;re  isi 

*"i  Hivor,  near  Norfolk  V 

««te.   The  former,  on  the  N 
jndahalfMow,,,,.,,,,,.,;-^ 

»"".;'»  in  Dad  condition. 
ftiKlers,  two  brass  8-inch  I 

*V.ll  dismounted,  were  l' 
"j.::V[-'"«  works  thro, 
,;  '■'""''"■''"  "hout  ami 
^'iilj  of  (he  river.  Us 
covered  „„„Hy,w„„„e/, 
«<■•  In  it  were  one  large 
•'■onndors  m\  „„«  12     ,^^ 

'»;''';.  «'«HMt.u.ded  to  g"^; 

"^■%h.    Themagazl„^ew„« 


OF  THE   WAIl    OF    1812. 


237 


Coast  Defeneeti  of  the  United  States. 


wonderful  revolution  in  commerce,  by  the  successful  introduction  of  navigation  by 
steam."    While  abroad,  Mr.  Fulton  had  conceived  the  idea  of  destroying  ships 
hv  introducing  floating  mines  under  their  bottoms  in  submarine  boats,  and  ex- 


'1807. 


»» 


OAHTLK    WILLIAUB. 

allyinlcndort  for  thirteen  guns.  The  pnrnpet  had  flfty-nne  embraenres,  and  it  wonld  take  one  thousand  men  to  man  the 
parapet.  The  fort,  beins;  commanded  by  hills  on  the  Long  Island  shore,  was  not  constrnctcd  to  withstand  a  siege,  but 
as  a  guard  to  the  entrance  to  the  East  Hiver,  and  to  operate  against  an  enemy  in  the  harbor  or  in  the  city. 

Eltn'i  and  Ikdloe's  Isiands  both  had  fortiflcntions  on  them.  The  former,  lying  a  little  more  than  two  thousand  yards 
soMliwesl  from  the  Battery,  had  a  semicircular  battery  calculated  for  thirteen  guns.  The  parapet,  of  timbers,  was  un- 
llnislicd.  Twelve  12-poundera  lay  there,  but  no  guns  were  mounted.  It  was  commanded  by  Bedloe's  Island,  twelve 
hundred  yards  distant ;  also  by  Panlus's  Hook  (Tersey  City),  lying  north  of  it.  There  were  good  quarters  for  ofliccrs  an(i 
racn,  It  was  an  excellent  position  to  defend  the  harbor  IVom  an  enemy  coming  in  at  the  Narrows.  Only  a  part  of  the 
island  then  belonged  to  the  United  States. 

On  Beillne's  htand  a  battery  had  been  commenced,  and  brick  buildings  for  quarters.  No  cannon  were  mounted  except- 
iiijtwofleld-pieees  that  belonged  to  Fort  Jay.  A  dismounted '24-poundcr  lay  upon  the  Island.  It  was  almost  useless  as 
adefenKivi!  work.  Mivlor  Declns  Wadswortli  was  then  in  command  of  the  District  of  New  York,  and  these  works  were 
under  his  supervision.  Of  the  islands  in  New  York  Harbor,  and  the  modem  fortifications  upon  them,  I  shall  have  occa- 
sion to  write  hereafier. 

Flirt  MijUiii,  on  the  southeast  extremity  of  Mud  Island,  in  the  Delaware,  just  below  Philadelphia,  was  an  irregular 
oval.  It  was  the  old  British  fort  of  the  Revolution.  It  had  been  strengthened,  and  was  a  very  important  work.  It  was 
ccnstnicted  of  stone,  brick,  and  earth,  with  heavy  guns  mounted.  A  long  account  of  it  is  given  in  the  MS.  records  of 
Ihe  Mililanj  and  PhiUimphiml  Society  (New  York  Historical  Society),  vol.  iv. 

FortM'lIenrji,  at  Baltimore,  was  a  new  work  situated  on 
apint  of  land  between  the  Patapsco  River  and  the  har- 
bor. It  was  a  regular  pentagon,  with  a  well-executed  re- 
vetment; also  a  magazine,  and  barracks  sufficient  for  one 
compa.iy.  The  counterscarp,  covert,  and  glacis  were  yet 
to  be  made.  On  the  water  side  was  the  wall  of  a  battery, 
Imt  not  yet  inclosed.  It  is  a  well-chosen  position  to  jire- 
vent  ships  reaching  Baltimoi ",  and  is  about  two  and  a  half 
miles  from  the  city.  At  the  ti,ne  wo  are  considering,  a  large 
lionsc  lielonging  to  a  citizen  stood  in  front  of  Ihe  battery, 
acit  the  extreme  point,  and,  in  the  event  of  a  ship's  pass- 
ine,  would  have  to  be  battered  down,  as  It  won.  1  cover  the 
recjcl.  A  picture  of  the  fort  as  it  appeared  in  18C1  may  be 
(oiind  in  r  uother  part  of  this  work. 

Ftirt  Senm,  at  Annapolis,  has  already  been  noticed.  See 
note  4,  on  pnge  ISl. 

t'ortt  Sor,i'<ilk  and  Xchton,  one  on  each  side  of  the  Kllza- 
l«th  Hiver,  near  Norfolk,  Virginia,  were  of  some  Import- 
ance. The  former,  on  the  Norfolk  side  of  the  river,  a  m  ? 
sad  a  half  below  the  town,  was  an  obh.ng  square,  with  two 
battlnns,  built  chielly  of  earth,  and  a  ditch  on  three  sides 
ofit.  Wilhiu  it  was  one  frame  house  and  eight  small  log 
liats,  all  In  bad  coudition.  Two  12,  four  «,  and  Jhirter.i  0 
piiunders,  two  brass  8-inch  howitzers,  and  seven  earron- 
»ilcs,  all  dismounted,  were  lying  there.  The  fori  was  on 
llieslte  of  some  works  thrown  np  during  'be  Revi'Uilltni. 
Fwl  Seliuiii  was  about  a  mile  below  the  town,  on  the  op- 
l«*lte  fid;  of  the  river,  lis  form  was  triangnlnr,  but  irregular,  the  works  of  the  Revolutionary  era  having  been  tiBed. 
II covered  nearly  two  acres  of  groinid.  It  was  built  of  eurlli.  It  had  two  batteries  with  embrasures,  lined  with  brick 
inside.  In  it  were  one  large  two-story  bouse,  two  rooms  on  a  floor,  a  kitchen,  and  smoke-hmise.  There  were  thirteen 
it-ponnders  md  <me  I'i-pounder  mountei;  the  carriages  were  rotten,  and  unlit  for  service.  Thie  fort,  like  the  one  op- 
iwjlle,  was  Intel. ded  to  guard  the  a|)proach  to  the  town  by  water.  On  the  land  ^Ide  the  walls  were  not  more  than  three 
IM  high.   The  magazine  waa  too  damp  for  uc>.^ 


ri..VN    OK   KOUT   M'ni.NBV. 


!         s 


19 


lU 


i!  lii 


Mfi'i 


238 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Military  Posts  on  the  Northwestern  Frontiers. 


Fulton's  Toriiedocs. 


'ill!  i|i! 


ploding  them  there.  He  was  filled  with  the  benevolent  idea  that  the  introduction 
of  such  secret  and  destructive  agencies  would  have  a  tendency  to  do  away  with  naval 
warfare,  and  thus  would  be  established  what  he  called  the  Liberty  of  the  Heaa, 
Impelled  by  this  grand  idea,  he  left  France,  where  he  had  been  residing  several 
years,  and  M^ent  over  to  England  in  1 804,  for  the  purpose  of  otfering  his  invention 
to  the  British  government.'  He  finally  obtained  permission  to  make  a  public  ex- 
periment  of  his  Torpedo,  as  he  called  his  "  infernal  machine,"  and  he  was  furnished 

For  the  protection  of  Charleston  Harbor  there  were  several  works,  some  of  them  as  old  as  the  Revolntion.  Fort  John- 
son, on  James's  Island,  was  enlarged  and  strengthened  in  1793,  and  afterward  repaired  and  patched  at  various  times 
The  chief  worlcs  were  of  brick.  The  barracks  were  of  wood,  one-story  high ;  there  was  also  a  block-house.  A  larm 
portion  of  the  fort  was  carried  away  by  a  hurricane  in  1804,  and  the  remainder  was  inundated,  sapped,  and  destroyed 
Fort  Pinckney,  built  in  1798,  stood  upon  a  marsh  in  front  v,f  Charleston  called  Shutc's  Folly.  Built  entirely  of  brirk.  |' 
mounted  eight  'ifl-pounders  en  barbette.  At  the  best  it  was  an  incfflcient  work,  and  in  1804  it  too  was  sapped  durlne  the 
great  hurricane,  and  rendered  almost  useless.  Fort  Moultrie  was  built  on  the  site  of  the  fort  of  that  name  in  the  Kcro- 
lution.  It  was  constructed  in  1798,  chiefly  of  brick  and  palmetto  logs.  It  mounted  on  the  ramparts  ten  26-ponnder8  en 
barbette,  on  double  sea-coast  carriages ;  one  mortar,  and  six  12-pounders  and  a  howitzer  in  the  ditch.  This  fort  was  also 
greatly  damaged  by  the  hurricane.  The  counterscarp  and  glacis  were  entirely  swept  away ;  no  ditch  remained ;  every 
traverse,  and  gun,  and  the  reverberatory  furnace  were  washed  away  and  buried  in  the  sand.  All  the  wood-work  of  tbe 
fort  was  rotten,  yet  the  fort  was  in  a  condition  to  be  repaired.  At  the  south  end  of  the  city  of  Charleston  were  tlie  re- 
mains ot  Fort  Mechanic,  a  redoubt  In  ntter  rain. 
Such  was  the  general  condition  of  the  sea-coast  defenses  of  the  United  States  when  war  was  declared  in  1812, 
On  the  Northern  and  Northwestern  frontiers  were  some  military  posts  and  fortifications.  First  was  the  fort  on  the 
island  of  Michlllimackinack,  in  the  strait  between  Lakes  Huron  and  Michigan.  At  Chicago,  on  Lake  Michigan,  was  ftri 
Dearborn ;  at  the  head  of  the  Maumee,  Fort  Wayne ;  a  strong  fort  at  Detroit ;  a  battery  and  block-house  at  Erie ;  a  bat- 
tery at  Black  Rock,  just  below  Buffa'.o ;  Fort  Xiagara,  a  strong  work  built  by  the  French,  at  the  month  of  the  Niagara 
River;  another  considerable  fort  at  Oswego,  and  a  military  post  and  a  ba.tery,  called  Fort  Tompkins,  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bor.   All  of  these  will  be  noticed  in  the  course  of  onr  narrative. 

•  Mr.  Fulton  took  up  hir  residence  in  Paris  with  Joel  Barlow,  and  remained  with  him  seven  years.  It  was  during 
that  time  that  he  planned  his  submarine  boat,  which  he  called  a  nautilus,  and  the  machines  attached  to  which  he 
styled  submarine  bor..bs.  He  offered  his  invention  several  times  to  the  French  government,  and  once  to  the  Dutch  em- 
bassador at  Paris,  but  did  not  excite  the  favorable  attention  of  either.  He  then  opened  negotiations  with  the  British 
government,  and  went  to  London  in  1804.  There  he  held  Interviews  with  Mr.  Pitt  and  Lord  Melville,  and  explained  the 
nature  of  his  invention  to  them.  Pitt  was  convinced  /fits  greet  value,  but  Melville  condemned  it.  In  the  couise  of  a 
month  a  committee  wus  appointed  to  examine,  whose  chairman  was  Sir  Joseph  Banks.  They  reported  the  Rubmarinc 
boat  to  be  impracticable,  when  Mr.  Fulton  abandoned  the  idea  of  employing  a  saomarinc  vessel,  and  turned  hi?  atten- 
tion to  the  arrangement  of  his  bombs,  so  that  they  might  be  employed  without  submerged  boats.  These  he  called  Toe- 
PEiioEs,  and,  in  a  memorial  afterward  presented  to  the  American  Congress,*  he  thus  describes  their  construction,  and 
method  of  operation : 

Plate  I.  This  shows  the  torpedo  anchored, 
and  so  arranged  as  to  blow  up  a  vessel  that 
should  strike  it.  B  is  a  copper  case,  two  feet 
long  and  twelve  inches  in  diameter,  cnpalile 
of  containing  one  hundred  pounds  of  gun- 
powder. A,  a  brass  box,  in  which  is  a  looli, 
similar  to  a  common  gun-lock,  with  a  barrel 
two  inches  long,  and  holding  a  musket-chanic 
of  powder.  The  box,  with  the  lock  cocked 
and  barrel  charged,  is  screwed  to  the  copper 
case  B.  H  is  a  lever,  having  a  communica- 
tion with  the  cock  inside  the  box  A,  holding 
the  lock  cocked,  and  ready  to  fire.  C,  a  deal 
box  filled  with  cork  and  tied  to  the  case  B, 
so  as  to  make  the  torpedo  fifteen  to  twenty 
pounds  lighlo'  than  the  water  spcciflcally,  so 
as  to  give  it  buoyancy.  It  is  held  down  toi 
given  depth  by  a  weight.  A  small  anchor  it 
attached  to  the  weight  to  prevent  its  beins 
moved  by  the  tides.  The  torpedo  was  ennk 
not  so  deep  as  the  usual  draft  of  vessels  to  lie 
acted  upon.  In  flood-tide  it  would  be  oblique 
to  the  weight,  at  slack  water  perpendicular 
at  D,  and  during  the  ebb  again  bbllqnc  at  E. 
At  ten  feet  below  the  surface  the  tide  would 
not  be  likely  to  disturb  it  seriously.  When 
a  ship  in  sailing  should  strike  the  lever  H, 
an  instantaneous  explosion  would  take  place, 
and  the  utter  destruction  of  the  vessel  would  follow.  Fulton  proposed  to  anchor  a  hundred  of  these  in  the  Narroirs, 
approaching  the  harbor  of  New  York,  in  the  event  of  war.  The  figure  on  the  right  shows  on  end  view  of  the  torpedo, : 
with  a  forked  link,  by  which  the  chances  of  being  struck  by  a  vessel  were  increased. 

*  Mr.  Fulton's  memorial,  pnblished  in  pamphlet  form  in  1810,  by  William  Elliott,  114  Water  Street,  New  York,  bean  j 
the  following  title  :  Tobpkdo  War  and  Siibmarink  Explosion,  b;i  RoneRT  Fci.ton,  Fellow  o/  the  American  Phihin^ihnl  ] 
Society,  and  of  the  United  State*  Military  and  Philotophioal  Society.    Its  motto— TAe  Liberty  qf  the  Seas  will  be  the  Ilapfi- 
ne»snfthe  Earth. 


Ul'KlK). — rLATK    1. 


with  a  Danisl 
purpose.     On 

Plaik  II.  This  re 

at  anchor  or  under  s 

pounds  or  more  of ; 

!cven  inches  In  diam 

dcr  and  wad,  which 

work,  moved  by  a  co 

which  may  be  detern 

instant  the  pin  is  witi 

number  of  minutes  f 

long  and  six  or  eight 

the  surface,  no  weigh 

being  nsert.    To  this 

pended.    The  line  of 

b«  long  enough  to  1 

well  back  toward  the  i 

From  the  torpedo  an 

lines,  each  twenty  feet 

From  these  a  single  lim 

length,  Is  attached  to 

when  the  vessel  is  harp 

ivill  bring  the  torpedo  i 

It  about  midships,  of  a 

harpoon  J  is  a  round  p 

an  inch  in  diameter,  tv 

abuttofoneinch,  whlci 

ibre  of  the  gun  from  v 

projected.   In  the  head  ( 

poon  Is  an  eye ;  thepoli 

cslong.  Into  the  eye  th 

poon  is  spliced,  and  a  sn 

copper  link  runs  on  the 

poon.   To  this  link  the 

at  such  length  as  to  fo 

when  the  harpoon  is  In  i 

ini,  the  link  will  slide  a 

of  the  harpoon,  and,  holdl 

the  harpoon  parallel  to 

rope  Hill  act  like  a  tall  or 


•The  late  Henry  Pras8e,w 
Misrials,  made  the  clock-wor 


,  "W-Mr.FnltonanVPr, 
;«M»y,,8,n._uF„f(™ 

Jftn^ewaa  then  the  on^ 


Hii.' 


OF  THE  WAR    OP   1813. 


239 


Description  of  Torpedoes  ouil  their  Uses. 


ffith  a  Danish  brig,  named  Dorothea,  and  two  boats,  with  eight  men  each,  for  the 
purpose.     On  the  15th  of  October,  1805,  the  Dorothea  was  anchored  in  Walmer 

PuTE  II-  This  represents  another  Itlnil  of  torpedo— a  clocli-work  torpedo*— intended  to  attack  a  vessel  while  lying 
at  uichor  or  under  sail,  by  harpoouing  her  on  her  larboard  or  starboard  bow.  B,  a  copper  case  containing  one  hundred 
Donnde  or  more  of  gunpowder.  C,  a  cork  cushion,  to  give  buoyancy  to  the  whole.  A,  a  cylindrical  brass  box,  about 
(even  Inches  In  diameter  and  two  deep,  in  which  is  a  gun-lock,  with  a  barrel  two  inches  long  to  receive  a  charge  of  pow- 
der and  wad,  which  charge  is  fired  with  the  powder  of  the  case  B.  In  the  brass  box  A  there  Is  also  n  piece  of  clock- 
work moved  by  a  colled  spring,  which  being  wound  up  and  set,  will  let  the  lock  strike  fire  in  any  number  of  minutes 
which  may  be  determined,  within  an  hour.  K  is  a  small  line  fixed  to  a  pin,  which  holds  the  clock-work  inactive.  The 
Instant  the  pin  Is  withdrawn  the  clock-work  begins  to  move,  and  the  explosion  will  take  place  in  one,  two,  three,  or  any 
number  of  minutes  for  which  it  has  been  set.  The  whole  Is  made  perfectly  water-tight.  D  Is  a  pine  box,  two  feet 
lone  and  six  or  eight  inches  square,  filled  with  cork  to  give  it  buoyancy,  as  in  Plate  I.,  although  In  this  case  It  floats  on 
the  surface,  no  weights  for  submergence 
being  nsed.  To  this  the  torpedo  is  sus- 
pended. The  line  of  suspension  should 
be  long  enough  to  bring  the  torpedo 
well  back  toward  the  stem  of  the  ves"'  1 
From  the  torpedo  and  float  D  arc  tvo 
lines,  each  twenty  feet  long,  united  at  E. 
From  these  a  single  line,  about  fifty  teet  in 
length,  is  attached  to  a  harpoon.  This, 
when  the  vessel  is  harpooned  in  the  bow, 
will  bring  the  torpedo  under  the  bottom, 
at  abont  midships,  of  a  man-of-war.  The 
harpoon  lis  a  round  piece  of  iron,  half 
an  inch  in  diameter,  two  feet  long,  with 
jbnit  of  one  inch,  which  is  the  exact  cal- 
ibre of  the  gun  from  which  it  is  to  be 
projected.  In  the  bend  of  the  barbed  har- 
poon Is  an  eye ;  the  point  about  six  Inch- 
es long.  Into  the  eye  the  line  of  the  har- 
poon Is  spliced,  and  a  small  iron  or  tough 
copper  I'nk  runs  on  the  shaft  of  the  har- 
poon. To  this  liuk  the  line  Is  attached 
at  snch  length  as  to  form  the  loop  II 
when  the  harpoon  is  in  the  gun.  When 
llred,  the  link  will  slide  along  to  the  butt 

oflhc  harpoon,  and,  holding  the  rope  and  toupkim,     im  atk  .i 

ihc  harpoon  parallel  to  each  other,  the  TourKi>o.-i  late  it. 

rope  will  act  like  a  tall  or  rod  to  a  rocket,  and  guide  it  straight.    F  is  the  harjjoon  gun,  acting  upon  a  swivel  fixed  In 

the  stern-sheets  of  a  boat.  The 
harpoon  is  fixed  in  the  vessel's 
bow,  with  the  line  fl-om  the  tor- 
pedo attached ;  the  torpedo  clock- 
work is  set  in  motion,  the  ma- 
chine Is  thrown  overboard,  and 
the  tide,  on  the  motion  of  the  ves- 
sel, quickly  places  it  under  the 
ship. 

Plate  III      ' '  per  portion 

of  the  pi  its  the  stem 

iifarow-bii  ivitli  the  harpoon- 
gun  ind  torpedo  just  described. 
A  [1'  iiirm,  four  feet  long  and 
thr<  'l  wide,  l^<  made  on  the 
stern,  j,  vcl  with  the  gunwale,  and 
projectli!;;  o->.  the  stom  fifteen 
or  eighteen  hps  ..,  tli  the 
'I'rpedo,  in  fiuuun  into  the  water, 
■y  clear  the  rudder.  The  ropes 
'  care  Cully  disposed  so  that 
iierc  may  be  no  entanglement. 
'I'hc  letters  in  this  figure  (A,  B,  and 
C)  (!•  ii,it>-  the  parts,  as  in  the  last 
plaie  'I  i)ln  D,  which  restrains 
the  'lo  lork.  Is  drawn,  when 
tl,i  .>  is  cast  off,  by  the  line 

11  •  to  the  boat  at  E.    The 

bar^uuuer,  stationed  at  the  gun, 


*  The  late  Henry  Frasse,  who  for  many  years  kept  a  shop  In  Fulton  Street,  New  York,  for  tlie  sale  of  watch-maker's 
I  Micrlals,  made  the  clock-work  for  Mr.  Fulton.  In  bis  account-book  before  me  is  the  following  entry  at  the  time  we  are 
1  Mnsiderlug : 

"  Dt.  Mr.  Fulton  a  Il'y  Frasse ; 

"2(lth  May,  ISin.— a  Fulton  repare  un  tnrpedos,  le  grand  ressort,  volant  et  rone,  4.Bfl." 

Mr.  Frnsse  wag  then  the  only  machinist  of  note  in  the  city  of  New  York.  Ue  died  in  Fobroary,  1840,  at  the  age  of  sixty 
I  'Ight  years. 


I  i  - 1 

■i-  i 


ill  Hi' 


■ 


: 


■ 


240 


PICTORIAL    riKTD-BOOK 


The  Uorothea  destroyed  by  a  Torpedo. 


An  Ai,count  of  Fulton's  Kxpcrlmcut 


Road,  not  far  from  Deal,  and  in  sight  of  Walmer  Castle,  the  residence  of  William  Pitt 
the  English  prime  minister,  and  there,  in  tlie  presence  of  a  large  number  of  naval  offi- 
cers  and  others,'  he  made  a  successful  exhibition.  He  first  practiced  the  bdatimn 
with  empty  torpedoes.  One  was  placed  in  each  boat,  and  connected  by  a  small  rope 
eighty  feet  long.  The  Dorothea  drew  twelve  feet  of  water,  and  the  torpedoes  were 
suspended  fifteen  feet  under  water  when  cast  from  the  boats,  at  the  distance  of  sev- 
enty-five feet  ajjart.  They  floated  toward  the  brig  with  the  tide,  one  on  each  side 
of  her.  When  the  conneoting-line  struck  the  hawser  of  the  brig,  both  torpedoes  were 
brought  by  the  tide  under  her  bottom. 

Having  exercised  the  men  sufliciently,  Fulton  filled  one  of  the  torpedoes  Avitli  one 
hundred  and  eighty  pounds  of  gunpowder,  set  its  clock-work  (explained  in  note  1 
page  238)  to  eighteen  minutes,  and  then  went  through  with  the  same  mananivrcs  as 

before,  the  filled  and  the  empty  tornedo 
being  united  by  a  rope.  At  the  expira- 
tion of  eighteen  mimites  from  the  time 
the  torpedoes  were  cast  overboard,  and 
were  carried  toward  the  Dorothea,  a  dull 
explosion  was  heard,  and  the  brig  was 
raiser'  uodily  about  six  feet,''*  and  sciia- 
rated  in  the  middle ;  and  in  tweny  min- 
utes nothi.:;!'  was  seen  of  her  but  some 
floating  fragmciits.  The  pumjis  and  fore- 
masts were  blown  out  of  her ;  the  fore- 
topsail -yards  were  thrown  up  to  the 
cross-trees ;  the  fore-chain  plates,  with 
their  bolts,  were  torn  from  her  sides,  and 
her  mizzcn-mast  was  broken  off"  in  two 
places.  The  experiment  was  perfectly 
satisfactory;  b;'t  the  IJritish  government 
refused  to  purchase  and  use  the  invention,  because  it  was  thought  to  be  inexpedient 

also  steers  the  bont,  and  fires  according  to  his  judgment.  If  the  Imrpoon  sticks  into  the  bow  of  the  vessel,  the  boat  i- 
immediately  moved  away,  the  torpedo  cast  out  of  the  bo  it,  and  the  clock-work  set  in  motion.  If  the  harpoon  mi.<^e! 
the  ship,  the  torptdo  may  be  saved,  and  another  attack  bf  made.  Fulton  proposed  to  hi>vc  twelve  men  in  each  bciai.ail 
armed  for  their  jirotection  or  offensive  movements,  if  ue  .-essary.  The  figure  in  the  lower  part  of  the  plate  is  a  bird's- 
eye  view  of  a  vessel  (A)  at  anchor.  H,  her  cable ;  E  F,  t'  <-o  torpedoes ;  C  I),  their  coupling  Hues,  twelve  feet  lonj;.  li  is 
touching  the  vessel's  cable,  and  the  torpedoes  being  driv  n\  under  her  by  the  tide.  In  this  way  the  Dorothea,  mentioned 
in  the  text,  was  attacked.    Those  were  clock-work  torpi;does. 

Pi.ATK  rv.  represents  n  bird's- 
eye  view  of  a  vessel  at  (luohnr.ur 
under  weigh,  attacked  by  n  flniilla 
of  mortar-boats.    A  is  tjic  ve.«ffl, 
and  B  C  two  torpedoes  opernliiiy 
by  means  of  the  harpoon  move- 
ment.   When  il  was  olijci'led  lliai 
these  l)oats  would  be  cxpufod  to  I 
grape,  canister,  and  musliel  balls 
from  the  vessel,  Kullon  cstimalfd  i 
Ihat  the  time  of  danger,  liv  npn  \ 
movcnieniB, would  not  e.xcoi'd  funr 
mliiutes— two  in  approadiinfiuear  j 
enough  to  fire  the  hnrpniiu,  t 
two   for  retreating.     lie  eiilcred  j 
into  a  calculation  of  tiie  pealfrj 
efllcicncy  and  less  exposure  iif  Ihe  I 


DESTKUOTION    OF  TilF.   llOltolllKA. 


TonPEnoEs.— ri.ATK  IV. 


tori)edo  system,  in  harbor  defense,  than  ships  of  war.    I  have  given  this  description  of  Ihe  torpedo  as  illustrntive  nfi 
part  of  the  history  of  the  times  we  are  considering.    Science  aud  meclianical  skill  have  since  produced  far  moro  del 
Btructive  engines  of  war,  and  yet  Fulton's  dream  of  establishing  the  liherlii  n/tlic  sens  by  means  of  Ihe  tori)edo,  (ir  aiijj 
other  instrumentality,  remains  unaccomplished.    A  Mnnitor  of  to-day  is  worth  a  million  oftorpedoeix  for  harbor  defrnM.! 

'  Admiral  llolloway.  Sir  Sidney  Sinilh,  Captain  Owen,  Captain  Kingston,  Colonel  Congreve,  and  a  greater  portion  ofl 
the  otflcera  of  the  ilenl  under  Lord  Keith  were  present.  Pitt  was  in  Ij<mdon,  and  did  not  see  the  exhibition.  Colonfl| 
Congreve  wis  the  Inventor  of  the  rocket,       "pyrotechnic  arrow,"  as  Fulton  called  It,  bearing  hig  name. 

■  "rhe  ongraving  is  from  a  drRwiug  by  i-  niton,  appended  to  his  memortnt  to  CongreM  In  1810. 


Fullon'fl  Torpedoes 


W 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


241 


Fultou's  Torpedoes  in  New  York  Harbor. 


Ills  Estimate  of  the  Value  of  Torpedoes  and  Steam  Navigation. 


for  the  mistress  of  the  seas  to  introduce  into  naval  warfare  a  system  that  woulil  give 
((reat  advantages  to  weaker  maritime  nations.  Tiiu  Earl  St.  Vincent  said  Pitt  was  a 
fool  to  encourage  a  mode  of  warfare  which  they,  wlio  commanded  the  seas,  did  not 
want,  and  which,  if  successful,  would  deprive  them  of  it.' 

At  the  beginning  of  1807  Mr.  Fulton  was  in  Washington  with  his  drawings,  mod- 
els and  plans  for  a  "  tor])edo  war."  He  was  favorably  listened  to  then,  but  his  plans 
were  regarded  with  more  interest  after  the  afl'air  of  the  Zeujxml  and  Chtaivpeake,  a 
ii;\s  months  later.  Tliat  affair  caused  much  public  discussion  about  harbor  defenses, 
;iii(l  able  practical  writers,  like  Colonel  Williams  and  John  Stevens,  favored  the  use 
(if  Fulton's  torjjcdoes.  It  was  believed  that  measures  would  be  taken  to  drive  British 
vessels  of  war  from  American  harbors,  and  on  the  Cth  of  July  Fulton  again  brought 
his  torpedoes  to  the  notice  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  Congress  made  a  small 
appropriation  for  experiments,  and  on  the  20th  of  July,  by  the  direction  of  the  Presi- 
iliiit.  Fulton  performed  a  feat  in  the  harbor  of  New  York  similar  to  that  of  the  de- 
struction of  the  Dorothea  in  Walmer  Road.  He  utterly  desti'oyed  a  vcsfeel  of  tAvo 
hnnclred  tons  burden,  and  convinced  the  spectators  that  any  ship  might  be  so  demol- 
ished.^ The  experiment  created  quite  a  sensation  in  England.  The  Earl  of  Stan- 
\\ '  e,  Fulton's  early  friend,  alluded  to  it  in  Parliament,  and  reproached  the  govern- 
i!ient,by  implication,  for  suffering  such  an  invention  to  go  to  America,  when,  for  three 
thousand  pounds,  they  migh^  have  possessed  it.  Nothing  farther  of  importance  was 
(lone  in  the  matter,  for  Fultoa  was  then  deeply  engaged  in  bringing  to  a  successful 
issue  his  experiments  in  navigaihig  by  steam  as  a  motor.  But  when  those  experi- 
ments resulted  in  absolute  and  brilliant  success,  and  men's  minds  were  filled  with 
speculations  concerning  the  future  of  this  new  aid  to  commerce,  he  believed  tliat  his 
torpedo  system  would  be  of  far  moro  benefit  to  mankind  than  navigation  by  steam. 
Ill  a  letter  to  a  friend,  giving  him  an  account  of  his  first  voyage  to  Albany  and  back 
hy  steam — the  fiist  achievement  of  the  kind — lie  said  :  "  IIoAvcver,  I  will  not  admit 
that  it  is  half  so  important  as  the  torpedo  system  of  defense  and  attack,  for  out  of  it 
will  grow  the  liberty  of  the  seas,  an  object  of  infinite  importance  to  the  welfare  of 
America  and  every  civilized  country.  But  thousands  of  witnesses  have  now  seen  the 
steam-boat  in  rapid  movement,  and  believe ;  they  have  not  seen  a  ship-of-war  de- 
stroyed by  a  torpedo,  and  they  do  not  believe."' 

How  utterly  impotent  is  the  finite  mind  Avhen  it  attempts  to  understand  the  future. 
It  is  like  a  bewildered  traveler  in  a  dark  night  attempting  to  comprehend  an  almost 
illimitable  prairie  before  him  by  the  aid  of  a  "  fire-fly  lamp."  The  torpedo  is  forgot- 
ten; the  steam-boat,  in  Monitor*  form,  is  now  (1867)  the  great  champion  for  the  "  lib- 
[crty  ofthe  seas." 

In  January,  1810,  ^ulton  again  visited  Washington,  and  at  Kalorama,  the  seat  oi 

his  good  fiiend  Barlow,  near  Georgetown,  in  the  presence  of  PresidcTit  Jefferson,  Sec- 

I  retary  Madison,  and  a  large  number  of  mendiers  of  Congress,  he  exhibited  and  ex- 

|ilaiiied  the  plans  and  models  of  improved  torpedoes,  such  as  are  described  in  note  1, 

'  lettpr  from  Roliert  Fulton  to  .Tocl  Barlow. 

>  Mr.  Fulton  invited  the  Governor  of  tlie  State  of  New  York,  the  Corporation  of  the  city,  olid  many  others,  to  witness 
[bhciperira(!ntH.  They  assembled  atFort  Jay,  on  Governor's  Island,  on  the  2nth  of  Jnly,  and  In  the  shadow  of  the  great 
I  »jte»ay  ho  lectured  on  the  subject  of  his  torpedoes.  He  had  a  blank  one  for  bio  explanations,  and  his  numerous  audi- 
I  inn  gathered  close  around  him,  with  great  eagerness,  to  catch  every  word  from  his  lips,  and  see  every  part  of  the  ma- 
I  thine.  At  length  he  turned  to  one  of  the  torpedoes  lying  near,  under  the  gateway  of  the  fort,  to  which  his  clock-work 
|»L<  attached,  and  drawing  out  tlie  plug,  and  setting  it  in  m.Hion,  he  said :  "Gentlemen,  this  is  a  charged  torpedo,  with 
Irtlfliipicclcoly  in  its  present  state,  I  mean  to  blow  up  a  vessel.  It  contains  one  hundred  and  seventy  pounds  of  giin- 
jioitdcr,  audifl  were  to  snfTer  the  clock-work  to  run  fifteen  mi.iutcs,  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  would  blow  this  fortlfloa- 
jiioii  to  ntnins."  The  circle  of  the  audience  around  Mr.  Fu..on  immediately  widened,  and,  before  five  of  the  fifteen  min- 
liifs  had  elapsed,  all  bnt  two  or  three  had  dlsajjpeared  from  the  gatewa}',  and  retired  to  as  great  a  distance  as  possible 
|«ith  the  utmost  speed.  Fulton,  entirely  confident  In  his  machine,  was  perfectly  calm.  "Uow  frequently  fear  arises 
tamlgnnrauce,"  ho  said.— Coldcn's  Life  ofFiUlnii,  page  T.f. 

'  Letter  to  .loel  Barlow  from  New  York,  dated  August  22,  ISOT. 

'For  a  tleFcription  ofthe  Monitor,  a  new  style  of  vessel  of  war,  first  made  known  to  the  world  by  a  terrible  enconn- 
|l(rwiih  the  Merrinmrk,  another  efllclcnt  vessel  of  war,  in  Hampton  Roads,  Virginia,  In  March,  1802,  see  Lossing's  Pic- 
1  fial  llitlnrij  n}  the  Civil  War. 


Q 


; 


' 


mi 


mn 

1  '  ;  1  •  ' 
:  i  '  I 


242 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK. 


Farther  Kxijerimcuts  with  Torpedoes. 


A  wholeeonie  Fear  of  them. 


Kobert  FuUod. 


page  238.  They  were  deeply  impressed  with  the  value  of  the  invention,  and  in  March 
Congress  appropriated  five  tiiousand  dollars  for  further  experiments,  to  be  publicly 
made  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  under  the  direct  superintendence  of  Conunodoic 
Rodgers  and  Captaui  Chauncey.     The  sloop-of-war  Aryus  was  prepared  to  (k'lWul 

herself  against  Fulto'Ts  torpedo  attacks.'  The  experiments  were  trinl 
and  October,     in  the  autumn."     They  failed,  so  far  as  attacks  upon  the  Arr/us  wci, 

concerned,  and  Rodgers  reported  the  scheme  to  be  wholly  impracticable. 
Commissioners,  among  whom  were  Chancellor  Livingston,  Morgan  Lewis,  ami  Cad- 


wallader  Colden,  re 
ported  in  its  favor. 
But  Fulton,  then  still 
deeply  engaged  in 
steam-boat  matters, 
nuide  no  farther  ef- 
forts to  induce  the 
government  to  adopt 
his  torpedo  system; 
yet  his  faith  in  its  val- 
ue was  not  abated. 

When  war  was  de- 
clared in  1812,  Ful- 
ton revived  his  tor- 
pedo  scheme,  but 
could   not   win    the 
countenance   of  the 
government.    Sever- 
al  attempts  to  put 
it  in  execution  Avere 
made  by  inexperi- 
enced persons,  and 
failed,  and   torpe- 
does did  not  enter 
into  the  system  of 
warfare  carried  on 


at  that  time.  Bm 
Avhile  they  were  uot 
actually  used,  ex- 
cept in  a  few  isola- 
ted cases,  against 
the  British  vessels 
of  war,  a  wholesome 
fear  of  them  was 
abroad  in  the  Brit- 
ish  navy.  There  was 
great  anxiety  inaiii- 
fested  on  the  part 
of  the  British  naval 
commanders,  when 
they  approached 
our  coasts,  to  know 
where  ]\Ir.  Fultoii- 
Avas ;  and,  such  was 
their  caution,  thev 
seldom  attenipteil  to 
enter  the  harbors 
of  the  United 
States  during  the 
,^  war.  No  doubt 
the  fear  of  Ful- 
ton's    torpedoes  j 


KIILTON'S  BIBTII-ri.AOE. 


1  Fiilton  had  also  invented  a  submarine  machine  for  cut- 
ting the  cables  of  ships  at  anchor.  Experimeuts  with  this 
were  tried  at  the  same  time. 

'  Robert  Fulton  was  born  at  Little  Britain,  Lancaster  I 
County,  Pennsylvania,  in  1T05.   His  parents  were  from  Ire.  f 
hind.   His  «arly  education  was  meagre.    At  the  age  of  sev- 
enteen he  was  painting  miniatures*  at  Philadelijlila,  andl 
indulging  his  taste  for  mechanics  In  the  work-shops  of  thatl 
city.    His  friends  sent  him  to  London,  to  receive  iiistrat-j 
tlons  in  painting,  when  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  «Lf.j 
The  celebrated  WeSt  was  his  Instructor.    The  Karl  of  Slan.| 
hope,  who  took  great  interest  in  mechanics,  became  hiil 
friend,  and  encouraged  his  taste  for  the  useful  arts.  HC 
heard  of  the  experiments  of  Pitch  and  Evans  in  the  nn 
of  steam  for  imvigation,  nnd  his  active  mind  began  to  f|K 
ulate  on  the  subject,  and  have  glorious  perceptions  of  fiJ 
tnre  achievements.    He  left  painting,  and  1/ecame  an  ei| 
gineer.    He  entered  the  family  of  Joel  Barlow,  at  Pari!,  i 
1797,  and  there  he  became  acquainted  with  Chancellor  M 
ingston,  with  whom  he  carried  on  experiments  in  navifi 
tion  by  steam.    They  saw  wealth  and  honor  as  the  rewjrf 
of  success  in  that  line  on  the  inland  waters  of  the  fiiita 
States.    They  came  home,  and  were  sncceesfnl.   The  lirf 
voyage  from  Albany  to  New  York  silenced  all  donbt. 


•  In  White's  PMImelpliia  Directory,  1788,  is  the  following :  "Robert  Fulton,  miniature  painter,  corner  of  Second  s 
Walnut  StisetB." 


A  "Peace  Party." 

feared  several  c 

in  1814,  will  b« 

Notwithstan 

approved  by  ai 

istration  was  a 

ernments  at  th( 

large  and  powe 

izatioii,  called  tl 

the  government 

took  groimd  eai 

perceived  that  t; 

;,'overnment  had 

against  the  Unit( 

iiecticut  refused 

ately  after  the  d( 

the  Constitution, 

sition  for  the  mil 

evidence  of  any  d 

ary  and  Legislatii 

The  Legislature  c 

most  dangerously 

House  of  Delegate 

MassacJiusetts,  Rhi 

in  the  Senate  oppc 

linked  the  action  < 

:i"d  unexpected  oc( 

result  of  solemn  del 

tare  of  Ohio  declai 

.io:gressions  of  Grca 

imworthy  to  defend 

in  support  of  the  na 

ted  into  the  Union, 

the  one  which  our  c 

repose  in  the  confide 

The.se  conflicting  i 

was  aroused  in  alf  it 

I  ml  in  the  city  of  B 

I  iinirder  and  maiming. 

I  ISShe  obtained  his  flrsT^, 
I '1!  directed  by  Congress  to  i 
I  Ulerward  (February  24  181  ^y 

JiTbe,.,v„,avloIento;rH 
ll'enlMx  years  of  „        "|™^ 

I».tli6  interest,  which  had  suff 

l»«  that  when  that  declaratm 
|«lio«tospenkas  freely  a"  "w 


"Peace  Party." 


OF  THE   WAR    OF  18,2. 


:Zrr_Zf^!^^^c™mentg — — __ 

leaved  several  of  our  sea-port  town«  fi        \  ___^___Riot  in  Baltimore^ 

NotwithstaiKlitig  ^var  had  bee    d  "oaie,  launched 

™m™t.  n.  the  Ia°,  mt,  '">"<'™W«  .Man,  (br  avmim  ',     J"!""'  ""■  "'tai"- 

against  the  United  States  T .  n '  '''  g^nt^^'-nHy  loyal  and  ,to  7  !  *^  "»I^^"al 
necticut  refused  to  com,l  .  ^  ^«^'«™ors  of  Masiachu  V?  1,^  f  I"  '''^'^^  "1'  «™s 
a'ely  after  the  dc^TlaiS  f  j;f,  *'"  '■^^"-^'-  "'-^e  '  po^  £t'  '''/•''  "'^^  ^«"- 
the  Constitution,  and  t  n  nef  Jf  n  "^"^  P'-«"">Igated.  The!  1 "  ^,^'  "»'"'«  "»'«edi- 
^ition  for  the  nr  litia  which  "^^^^''^^^  ^utlu^ri^ing  the  Pre  'f^''^''^'^^'^'^^  "P«n 
evidence  of  any  da  Ir  Jft  '°"*^™PJ«tefl  the  exigencv  of  ov      .  ',"  "'•'*^'^'  "  ^'^i"- 

The  Legislature  of  New  TeT       ?''*'^'  '''''''  they    e      '.o  £  -'f^  ^^  *^'«  J»'Ji«i- 
most  dangerously  imnoL'^.^^""«""«ed  the  war  as  «     o.     T^'"*  ^^^  ^'^'fi'-^nce. 

!."ked  the  actio?:?  the  tllr^  'T  ^^''"•^^-•^-  ThVSatuTo^  f  P '^  ^""•'  ^^''"'^ 
'-"•'  ""oxpected  occu  to  »'  ^T  "^"^1"^'  ^«-™orsf  a  d  'a  ,ed '^'""^^?"'''^  - 
result  of  solemn  delihprnf  ^^  J'esol  ved  that  « the  rW         •       *     '■*"  •'^Janning 

-  of  Ohio  f^£^tTc^^:^^  -'  ^-pet.::r:^;  f  s  r  •  f 

in  «Wort  of  the  na  Lnj^t  '''™'^"  "^^«^^  York  ex L  ed  IT""  "  •'"■^^  ^^"««  ^^ 
'«'  ">to  the  Union,  .-bfr"™-"*'  ""^^  ^he  new  State  of  j,'-'''*^  ^^"'•••^noe 
tie  one  which  our  couLJ^  /'^"'^  "^^^s  governor  « If  pvn""'''^"''^'J"«t  «<^'nit- 
^pose  in  the  confid  nc  o/their'"''''"''''  ^^  ''^'^  -a  "  If  e/er:  T''  ^^  •'■"^^'«^'^^^' 
These  conflicting  virs'^  ^T™"-*.  -  are  that  HlZr^''^  '^-^  --  to 
"aroused  in  all  its  fierceness  P^r"'^'"^  «°"fl'^t  of  action  P  . 
i^d  "1  the  city  of  Baltiraorr!       ^^'"^^'^al  collisions  became  fl  ^''*''*^^  "P"''* 

^^^andm^mingf"""^  ^  ^««*  f-rf«l  not  ««cuS,  tL t^X  of'S  "was 

I  m  directed  by  Congressto  .  "    ?^  ^°'^^'>  scheme  farnnTT^  ^ — — ^ 

I=.«ilteimere8t,whirhad  ^.fcV'"'  ""="  »  ""' Sine  com ^^" ^'"'^«'^'^'  «^t  e'duli'ir*'^  appearance 
Jaw  that  when  that  decl«iH  ''®''  ""^  ''cclnration  of  w^^  , ""'  •ncsnreg,  and  was  nn»  T  .  ^^  '"''?«»  "f  »ie  mer- 
ino" to  speak  a,  free  ;S^'^°" -^«  once  made  aU  opJ^suCt."  b'*'""'^''  °^'»"mat  on^^au  dll'  "^  "■"  ""P"""- 
|»  !■  In  the  matter  of  the  All'  "'7^'"'"'«t'-ation  and Z  ™„  ""^  '""■■  ""«'  cease,  the  editor  ^,  ^'°  '"'"'«  '"  Con- 
IvWe,  that  the  w«r  ,«  „,!  "  "'"'  Sedition  Laws  "  w  """"""'•'s  as  before,  thereby  r„v„?  "'""'"need  his  detenn- 
|^™.-npon  theiXnt  CrlTnr '■^'•"''^'''''"«nfr«nd  ItlZTl"  5"  '"''''•  '''"Sent  tat*;  ''  P^-'^y  °f "s part^ 
Non  Saturday,  June  2ntb  «n/""'^"'^'"'«<=''  ''■'■•clffn  inm,e'  '"l"!  ^"""  P"""'.  Person"'  and  »  ""^."""'^  »''  '^^  a'^ 
r«  "f '"at  pape;  and  demo'lfshn.' u*'""""^  ^^«n"'^,  the  2?/?'''''?''  ««»  "ot  be  mistaken  "  tmV"  '''"''"''  '"""ves 
JWMme  vessels,  and  comm.?,^'"'  "•    "a^lnff  thus  comm!    '  ^  """'•  '»«a(ied  by  a  French  n„  .T  '*  """"nncement  was 

^n>  attacked.    The  m„  J  ,  ".'"  Baltimore  attor  a  sH™^     iT  '''"'  "s«d  ^for  the  mirnosp     -r J"'"'''' '"  «'-<'«tabII«h 


m 


m 


) 


IK 


ji 


Wi 


^U^ 


III!' :f  ili|j 


244 


nCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Inhubitantn  of  Cnnada. 


llcasoDH  for  tlioir  Loyalty. 


A(ltlie.-8  of  the  Caimdiau  Legislature. 


The  people  of  Canada,  whoso  soil  was  about  to  bo  invaded,  were  filled  with  ''•"lintrs 
of  doubt  and  alarm,  especially  in  the  Upper  Province.  A  large  number  ot  tlie  in. 
habitants  in  that  section  were  natives  of  the  United  States  who  had  emigrated  tliitli- 
er  to  better  their  condition.  Many  of  them  still  felt  a  lingering  affection  for  the  land 
of  their  birth,  and  were  unwilling  to  take  up  arms  against  it;  but  there  was  another 
class  of  emigrants — Loyalists,  or  the  children  of  Loyalists  of  the  Revolution — uolit. 
ical  exiles — occupying  a  large  tract  of  land  lying  between  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontaiin 
and  westward,  who  were  indebted  to  the  liberality  of  the  Britisli  government  for  the 
soil  they  were  cultivating,  and  to  their  own  industry  for  tlie  roofs  that  slu'ltoroil 
them.  These  retained  bitter  feelings  toward  the  United  States,  and  took  up  arms  witli 
alacrity  against  a  people  whom  they  regarded  as  their  oppressors.  When  war  was 
actually  commenced — when  American  troops  were  actually  encamj)ed  on  Canadian 
territory,  these  old  Loyalists  formed  a  most  energetic  and  active  element  in  the  firm 
opposition  which  the  invasion  encountered.  To  these  the  Legislature  of  Upper  Can- 
ada, whose  loyalty  was  at  first  considered  somewhat  doubtful,  addressed  a  most 
stirring  appeal,  soon  after  the  American  declaration  of  war  was  known,  to  the  delitrht 
of  the  governor  and  the  English  party.  "  Already,"  they  said,  "  have  we  the  joy  to 
remark  that  the  spirit  of  loyalty  has  burst  forth  in  all  its  ancient  splendor.  Tliu  mi- 
litia in  all  jDarts  of  tlio  province  have  volunteered  their  services  with  acclamation,  and 
displayed  a  degree  of  energy  worthy  of  the  British  name.  They  do  not  forget  the 
blessings  and  privileges  which  they  enjoy  under  tlie  protective  and  fostering  care 
of  the  British  empire,  whose  government  is  only  felt  in  this  country  by  acts  of  the 
purest  justice,  and  most  pleasing  and  efficacious  benevolence.  When  men  are  called 
upon  to  defend  every  thhig  they  call  precious,  their  wives  and  children,  their  friends 
and  possessions,  they  ought  to  be  inspired  with  the  noblest  resolutions,  and  they  will 
not  be  easily  frightened  by  menaces,  or  conquered  by  force ;  and  beholding,  as  we 
do,  the  flanio  of  patriotism  burning  from  one  end  of  the  Canadas  to  the  other,  wc  (;.m 
not  but  entertain  the  most  pleasing  anticipations.  Our  enemies  have,  indeed,  said 
that  they  can  subdue  this  country  by  a  proclamation ;  but  it  is  our  part  to  prove  tn 
them  that  they  are  sadly  mistaken ;  that  the  i)opulation  is  determinately  hostile ,  an  1 
that  the  few  who  might  be  otherwise  inclined  will  find  it  their  safety  to  be  faitliful." 

The  address  then  proceeded  to  warn  the  people  that, "  in  imitation  of  their  Euro- 
pean master  (Napoleon),"  the  United  States  Avould  "  trust  more  to  treachery  than  to 

a  Federalist,  Joined  him,  and  about  twenty  others  made  up  the  defensive  party.  They  were  well-armed  and  provisioned 
for  n  siege.  On  the  evening  of  the  2{ith  of  July  (tlie  evening  of  the  day  on  which  the  revived  newspaper  first  iippcatedi 
the  mol)  assembled,  ^fler  assniliut;  the  building  with  stones  for  some  time,  they  forced  open  the  door,  and  when  ascend- 
ing the  stairs  they  were  fired  upon.  One  of  the  ringleaders  was  killed  and  several  were  wounded.  After  miicli  solici- 
tude, two  magistrates,  by  virtue  of  their  authority,  ordered  out  two  companies  of  militia,  under  General  Strieker,  to 
quell  the  mob.  A  single  troop  of  horse  soon  appeared,  and  at  about  daylight  the  mayor  and  General  Strieker  apprated. 
A  truce  was  obtained,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  defenders,  some  of  whom  were  hurt,  and  who  were  all  charged  with 
murder,  should  be  conducted  to  prison  to  answer  that  charge.  They  were  promised  not  only  personal  safety,  but  iiro- 
tection  of  the  premises  by  n  military  guard.  On  their  way  to  prison  the  band  played  the  rogue's  march.  The  mol)  im- 
mediately sacked  the  house.  Only  a  few  more  of  the  military  could  be  persuaded  to  come  out,  and  the  mob  had  its  omi 
way  to  a  great  extent.  At  night  they  gathered  around  the  prison,  and  the  turnkey  was  so  terrified  that  he  allowed  them 
to  enter.  The  prisoners  extinguished  their  lights  and.  rushed  out.  They  mingled  with  the  mol),  and  thus  several  e-- 
caped.  Some  were  dreadfully  beaten,  and  chree  were  tortured  by  the  f^irious  men.  General  Lee  was  made  a  cripple  k 
life,  and  General  Lingan,  then  seventy  years  of  age,  distinguished  for  his  services  In  the  field  during  the  old  war  for  in- 
dependence, expired  in  the  hands  of  the  mob.*  In  the  treatment  of  their  unfortnnate  prisoners  the  most  intcDW  sav- 
agism  was  displayed.  The  riot  was  at  length  qnelled,  and  the  city  magistrates,  on  investigaticn,  placed  the  entire  blame  , 
on  the  publishers  of  the  obnoxious  newspaper.  It  was  decided  that  in  a  time  of  war  no  man  has  a  right  to  cast  ob-  \ 
stacles  In  the  way  of  the  success  of  his  country's  undertakings.  The  course  of  the  Federal  RepnUiean  was  condcnracd 
ns  treasonable— as  giving  aid  and  comfort  to  the  enemy ;  and  its  fate  was  not  mourned  outside  of  the  circle  of  its  polil-  | 
ical  supporters.  While  all  right-minded  men  deprecated  a  mob,  and  condemned.  In  unmeasured  terms,  its  atrocities,  ' 
they  as  londly  condemned  the  unpatriotic  course  of  the  offending  newspaper. 

*  Funeral  honors  were  jiald  to  General  Lingan,  at  Georgetown,  on  the  Isl  of  September  following,  by  a  great  proces-  j 
slon,  and  an  oration  by  the  late  George  VVasliington  Parke  Custis,  the  adopted  son  of  Washington.  His  oration  raj 
extemporaneous,  and  was  an  eloquent  and  impassioned  appeal  to  the  feelings  of  his  auditors.  Only  three  years  and  j 
six  months  after  the  death  of  the  orator,  the  blood  of  other  patriots,  not  engaged  in  the  immediate  defense  of  the  liber- 
ty of  the  press,  hut  hurrying  to  the  national  capital  to  save  it  from  tl.  grasp  of  frntriciii.  ,  were  slain  in  the  streets  o(  j 
lialtimore  by  a  mob  (April  10, 1801),  who,  as  in  1S12,  were  tenderly  dealt  with,  if  not  encouraged,  by  the  mngietrate!  ot  j 
the  city. 


Enllatmcuts  In  the 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


240 


Enllstmcutt  In  the  UritiKh  I'rovluces. 


Peaceful  PrnpoHiliuug. 


ActluD  on  the  UrderH  in  Cuunctl  and  Uocrees, 


t'orce;"  that  they  would  bo  falsely  told  that  armies  como  to  give  them  freedom 
1111(1  peace ;  that  emissaries  "  of  the  most  contemptible  faction  tliat  ever  distracted 
the  aft'iiirs  of  any  nation — the  minions  of  the  very  sycophants  who  lick  tlie  dust  from 
the  feet  of  Bonaparte,"  would  endtiivor  to  seduce  them  from  their  loyalty. 

Tliis  address  had  a  powerful  eft'ect.  The  prudence  and  sagacity  of  Sir  George  Pre- 
vost  the  governor  general  of  Canada,  had  allayed  the  political  agitations  in  the  Low- 
tr  Province,  which  had  assumed  a  throatening  aspect  during  tlie  administration  of 
Ills  predecessor,  Sir  James  II.  Craig.  Now,  when  war  seemed  impending,  the  Legis- 
hiture  of  the  Lower  Province,  laying  aside  their  political  bickerings,  voted  to  furnish 
two  thousand  unmarried  men  to  serve  for  three  months  during  two  successive  sum- 
mers. Besides  these,  a  corps,  called  the  Glenga'T  Light  Infantry,  numberhig,  on 
the  1st  of  May,  1812,  four  hundred  rank  and  file,  and  drawn  chiefly  from  the  Lower 
Province,  was  organized.  Its  officers  promised  to  double  that  number.  At  the  same 
time,  enlistments  were  made  in  Acadia  r»>d  Nova  Scotia,  while  Lieutenant  M'Donell 
ijathered  under  his  banner  a  large  number  of  Highlanders,  settled  upon  the  Lower  St 
Lawrence  and  the  Gulf.'  It  was  soon  made  evident  to  the  Americans  that  no  de- 
pendence could  be  placed  upon  disloyalty  among  the  Canadians,  and  that,  instead  of 
timliiiaj  friends  and  allies  north  of  the  lakes,  they  would  find  active  foes. 

Wliile  these  events  were  transpiring  in  America,  there  were  movements  abroad 
which  faintly  promised  an  adjustment  of  difliiculties  between  the  two  governments 
without  a  resort  to  arms.  Liimediately  after  the  declaration  of  war,  President  Mad- 
ison, through  Secretary  Monroe,  sent  a  dispatch*  to  Mr.  Russell,  the  Amer-  .j,u,o20, 
icau  minister  at  the  British  court,  by  Mr.  Foster,  the  English  minister  retir-  ^®^*-  , 
iiif,'  from  Washington,'^  instructing  him  to  offer  an  armistice  preliminary  to  a  definite 
anangement  of  all  differences,  on  condition  of  the  absolute  repeal  of  the  obnoxious 
onlers  in  Council,  the  discontinuance  of  impressment,  and  the  return  of  all  American 
seamen  who  had  been  impressed  and  were  still  in  the  British  service.  He  was  au- 
thorized to  promise,  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  a  positive  prohibition  of  em- 
ployment for  British  seamen  in  the  American  service,  public  or  private,  on  condition 
iif  a  reciprocity  in  kind  on  the  part  of  the  British  government.  He  made  still  more 
liberal  advances  toward  reconciliation  in  a  subsequent  dispatch,^  offering 
to  agree  to  an  armistice  on  a  tacit  understanding,  instead  of  a  positive 
stipulation,  that  no  more  American  seamen  should  be  impressed  into  the  British 
service. 

The  British  government  had  already  taken  action  on  the  orders  in  Council.     We 
liave  noticed  the  efiect  of  Brougham's  efforts  in  Parliament,  and  Baring's  potent  In- 
(juiry  on  the  subject  of  those  orders.     In  the  spring  of  1812  a  new  order  was  issued, 
declaring  that  if  at  any  time  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  should,  by  some  authori- 
tative act  of  the  French  government  publicly  promulgated,  be  withdrawn,  the  orders 
iu  Council  of  January,  1807,  and  of  April,  1809,  should  be  at  once  repealed.     Mr.  Bar- 
low, the  American  minister  at  Paris,  immediately  after  receiving  information  of  this 
I  new  order,  pressed  the  French  government  to  make  a  public  announcement  that  those 
ilecrees  had  ceased  to  operate,  as  against  the  United  States,  since  November,  1810. 
1  Tlie  Duke  of  Bassano  exhibited  great  reluctance  to  do  so,  but  finally,  persuaded  that 
I  the  Americans  would  resume  trade  Avith  Great  Britain  in  defiance  of  the  few  French 
craisers  afloat,  and  that  the  tAvo  governments  might  form  an  alliance  against  the  em- 
jieror,  produced  a  decree,  dated  April  28, 1811,  directing  that,  in  consideration  of  the 
resistance  of  the  LTnited  States  "  to  the  arbitrai-y  pretensions  advanced  by  the  British 
orders  in  Council,  and  a  formal  refusal  to  sanction  a  system  hostile  to  the  independ- 


'  Angnst  24. 


I A  nintnrii  nf  the  War  betieeen  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  qf  America  during  the  Years  1812, 1813,  atid  1814,  by 
O.Anchinleck,  \mees  48-48  inclusive. 

'Mr.  Foster  sailed  from  New  York  for  Halifax  In  the  brig  Colibri,  on  Sunday,  July  12,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Barclay, 
I  to  British  consul  at  New  York. 


iiM^^ 


m 


">. 


f» 


\\--\ 


'  '] 


i  I 


ii 


ilJ'i 


246 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Dl«graceful  Conduct  ufa  Freuch  Miulater. 


Cundltiuual  Hevucatluu  uf  the  Urdora  In  Council 


'  1818. 


enco  of  neutral  powers,  the  Berlin  and  Milan  Decrees  were  to  bo  considered  as  not 
having  existed,  as  to  American  vesseJH,  since  November  1, 1810."'  Barlow  perceived 
by  the  date  of  this  document,  that  there  was  dissimulation  and  lack  of  candor  in  tin! 
whole  matter,  and,  by  pressing  tiie  duke  with  questions,  caust-d  that  minister  to  ut- 
ter what  were  doubtless  absolute  falsehoods.^  In  truth,  the  French  had,  throughout 
this  whole  matter  of  decrees,  and  the  enforcement  of  the  Continental  System,  Ih,,,, 
guilty  of  deception  and  injustice  to  a  degree  that  would  have  justified  an  honest  na- 
tion in  suspending  all  diplomatic  relations  with  them. 

On  receiving  a  copy  of  this  decree  Barlow  dispatched  it  to  London  by  the  Warn 
for  Mr.  Russell's  use.  It  reached  there  just  in  time  to  co-operate  Avith  the  Biiti>;li 
manufacturers,  who  had  procured  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  the  House  of 
Commons  to  inquire  into  the  effects  of  the  orders  in  Council  on  the  commercial  inter- 
ests of  the  nation.^  Castlereagh,  to  whom  Russell  presented  the  decree,  consider 
it  too  limited  to  induce  the  British  government  to  make  any  change  in  its  policy. 
But  he  and  his  colleagues  were  compelled  to  yield.  The  new  ministry,  who  came  in 
after  Mr.  Perceval's  death,*  were  very  strongly  pressed  by  Brougham,  Baring,  and  oth- 
ers, and  menaced  with  the  desertion  of  their  supporters  in  the  manufacturing  dis- 
tricts.  Finally,  on  the  ICth  of  June,"  Brougham,  after  a  minute  statement  of 
facts  brought  out  by  the  inquiry  of  the  Commons'  connnittee,  and  an  eloquent 
exposition  of  the  absurd  policy  jjursued  by  the  government,'^  moved  an  address  totlio 
Pruice  Regent,  beseeching  him  to  recall  or  suspend  the  orders  in  Council,  and  to 
adopt  such  other  measures  as  might  tend  to  conciliate  neutral  poAvers,  without  sacii 
Being  the  rights  and  dignity  of  his  majesty's  crown.  Castlereagh  deprecated  tliis 
"  hasty  action,"  as  he  called  it,  and  stated  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  government 
to  make  a  conciliatbry  proposition  to  the  Cabinet  at  Washington.  On  an  intimation 
that  tliis  definite  proposition  avus  decided  upon  in  the  Cabinet,  and  would  ajipear  in 
^  the  next  Gazette,  Brougham  AvithdrcAV  his  motion.     On  the  23d''  a  declaration 

from  the  Prince  Regent  in  Council  Avas  published,  absolutely  revoking  ail  or- 
ders as  far  as  they  regarded  America.  It  Avas  accompanied  by  a  proviso  tliat  tin 
present  order  should  have  no  eflect  unless  the  United  States  should  revoke  their  Xon 
intercourse  Act,  and  place  Great  Britain  on  the  same  relative  footnig  as  France.  The 
order  also  provided  that  the  Prince  Regent  should  not  be  precluded,  if  circumstances 
should  require  it,  from  restoring  the  orders  in  Council,  or  from  taking  suclr  other 
measui-es  of  retaliation  against  the  French  as  might  appear  to  his  royal  highness  just 
and  necessary." 

Intelligence  of  this  conditional  revocation  of  the  orders  in  Council  reached  Mr,  Fn-. 
ter  before  he  sailed  from  Halifax,  and  he  obtained  from  the  naval  commander  on  tha; 
station  (Admiral  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren)  consent  to  a  mutual  suspension  of  pro- 


'  The  new  decree  was  dated  "  Palace  of  St.  Cloud,  April  28,  ISll,"  and  signed  by  Napoleon  as  "  Emperor  of  the  Frencb. 
King  of  Italy,  Protector  of  the  Confederation  of  the  Hhine,  and  Mediator  of  the  Swiss  Confederacy." 

'  Barlow  asked  Bassano  if  the  decree,  apparently  a  year  old,  had  ever  been  published.    He  was  answered  no,  addiii; 
that  it  had  been  shown  to  Mr.  Russell,  when  Charge  d'Affaircs  at  Paris,  and  had  been  sent  to  Serrurier,  at  AVashtngton, 
to  be  communicated  to  the  American  government.    The  records  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic  proved  this  statement  to  ; 
be  untrue.    The  decree  was  a  fresh  one,  antedated  for  diplomatic  effect. 

'  The  examination  of  this  committee,  wlio  were  authorized  to  summon  persons  and  papers,  commenced  on  the  I'l'lh 
of  April,  and  continued  until  the  13th  of  June.  Witnesses  from  almost  every  part  of  Great  Britain  were  examiuoiUijil 
in  every  case  the  transcendent  Importance  of  American  commerce  to  the  welfare  of  England  was  made  manifest  liy  tes- 
timony. The  folly,  wickedness,  and  stupidity  of  the  orders  in  Council  were  fully  exposed  ;  and  in  the  volnme  of  alino-; 
seveu  hundred  pages,  filled  witli  the  minutes  of  that  examination,  an  awful  picture  is  given  of  the  calamities  to  trade 
which  those  orders  had  produced.  ♦  Sec  page  833. 

5  He  decried  the  sort  of  half-piratical  commerce  which  England  was  then  pursuing  in  unmeasured  terms.  "  It  Is  ihis 
miserable,  shifting,  doubtful,  hateful  traffic  that  we  prefer  to  the  sure,  regular,  increasing,  honest  gains  of  AraerlcaD  j 
commerce— to  a  trade  which  is  placed  beyond  the  enemy's  reach  ;  which,  besides  enriching  ourselves  in  peace  and  hen- 1 
or,  only  benefits  those  who  are  our  natural  friends,  over  whom  he  has  no  control ;  which  supports  at  once  all  that  re- j 
mains  of  liberty  beyond  the  seas,  und  gives  life  and  vigor  to  its  main  pillar  within  the  nation— the  manufactures  mi] 
commerce  of  England.  .  .  .  That  commerce  is  the  whole  American  market,  a  branch  of  trade  in  comparison  of  which,  j 
whether  yon  regard  its  extent,  its  certainty,  or  its  progressive  increase,  every  other  sinks  into  insigniticance,  II  is  a  j 
market  which  in  ordinary  times  may  take  off  about  thirteen  millions  [$85,000,000]  worth  of  oi.  •  manufactures,  and  iii'j 
steadiness  and  regularity  it  Is  unrivaled."  '  American  Sttite  /Vijws,  ii.,  83. 


An  Armlatlve. 


cceflhigs  agal: 

IJriti.sh  secretf 

ter  also  stated 

to  propose  a  si 

the  commande 

to  an  armistice 

prosperity;  bu 

riitify  this  armi 

President  doul) 

I'ortain  hoAv  far 

selves;  saAV  no 

dark  cloud  on  t 

as  it  would  affc 

President  Avas  a 

an  answer  from 

like  waiving  tha 

When  Mr.  Rm 

jeot  of  an  armis 

heen  already  pre 

to  Admiral  Wan 

that  basis.     At  t 

tal  subject  of  inif 

.surprise  tJiat, "  as 

emmcntoftheUi 

eminent  should  d 

seamen  from  the  t. 

shall  hcreafVor  be 

or  commercial  ser 

discuss  any  propc 

substitution  of  son 

practice;  "but  thi 

upon  which  the  na\ 

object  might  be  at 

Of  all  tlie  grievi 

the  most  serious. 

»fthel7nited  State 

than  all  blockades 

degree,  the  patriotis 

sensibilities  of  a  free 

ascnse  of  social  wrc 

of  impressment  of  i^ 

H-as  believed  that  a 

rnstlereagh  admitt( 

ilimisand  five  hnndn 

ican  seamen,  but  sai 

•American  citizens,  ki 

and  made  slaves  in  I 

'General  Dearborn's  head- 
bash,  opposite  Albany,  in  Nc, 
,  •'»(  his  adjutant  general,  Ba 

l»ll.e<l  with  power  to  conrind, 
!  'on  the  9th  of  August.  The 
I  7"'"ithen-ontiersofNew 
!  "long  the  opposite  and  corresi 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


247 


IIP 


\D  Armistice.        The  hnuKhty  AHHiimptloDB  of  the  BrltlHh  (lovcriiincnt.        Number  of  Impreaiiod  American  Hoamcn. 

peediiiRS  agaiiiHt  ciiptiircd  vcshcIh,  Tliis  fmrt  wan  comiminicated  to  Mr.  Boker,  the 
liritish  Ht'crt'tary  of  Icj^ation  left  at  Washington,  to  be  laiJ  before  tlio  President.  Fos- 
liialno  stated  tliat  he  liad  advised  Sir  (ieorge  I'revost,  (iovernor  (Jeiieral  of  Canada, 
to  propose  a  suspension  of  hostilities  on  land.  This  was  done,  and  (teneral  Dearborn, 
the  coniniaiKler  of  the  Amcriean  forces  on  the  Northern  frontier,  provisionally  agreed 
loan  iinnistiee.'  Joy  filled  many  liearts  at  these  jjroniises  of  peaee  and  returning 
prosperity;  but  it  was  of  short  duration.  The  I'nited  States  government  refused  to 
lutifytliis  armistice,  or  to  accept  the  other  propositions  of  the  ex-minister,  because  the 
Pic'sidoiit  doubted  his  authority  to  susj)end  the  proceedings  of  ])rize  courts;  was  un- 
certain how  far  these  arrangements  would  be  respected  by  the  Uritish  officers  them- 
scIvch;  saw  no  security  against  the  Indian  allies  of  tlie  Englisli,  then  liovering  like  a 
ilai'k  cloud  on  the  Northwestern  frontier;  and  considered  the  arrangement  unecpial, 
J19  it  would  aflbrd  an  opportunity  to  re-enforce  Canada  during  the  armistice.  The 
President  was  also  a])preliensive  tlmt  a  suspension  of  l)ostilities  ])reviou8  to  receiving 
an  answer  from  the  British  government  on  the  subject  of  impressment  might  appear 
like  waiving  that  ])ohit. 

When  Mr.  Russell  ])resented  his  instructions*  to  Castlereagh  on  tlie  sub-    ,  ^^^^  ^^^^^^ 
ject  of  an  armistice,  that  minister  replied''  that  the  orders  in  Council  had  l^"'-. 

been  already  provisionally  repealed,  and  that  instructions  had  been  sent  "*'""  ' 
to  Admiral  Warren,  on  the  Halifax  station,  to  propose  a  susjjension  of  hostilities  on 
that  basis.  At  the  same  time  the  British  minister  declined  any  discussion  of  the  vi- 
t.il  subject  of  impressment,  and  the  release  of  impressed  seamen,  lie  even  expressed 
surprise  that,  "as  a  condition  preliminary  even  to  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  tlic^  gov- 
enimcnt  of  the  ITnited  States  should  have  thought  fit  to  demand  that  the  Britisl,  gov- 
ernment should  desist  from  its  ancient  and  accustomed  practice  of  impressing  liritish 
seamen  from  the  merchant  ships  of  n  foreign  state,  simply  on  the  assurance  that  a  law 
shall  hereafter  be  passed  to  prohibit  the  employment  of  British  seamen  in  the  public 
or  conunercial  service  of  that  state."  He  said  that  liis  government  was  willing  to 
discuss  any  proposition  concerning  abuses  in  the  practice  of  impressment,  or  the 
substitution  of  some  method  of  accomplishing  the  same  object  with  less  vexation  in 
practice;  "but  they  can  >  iisent,"  he  said,  "  to  suspend  the  exercise  of  a  right 

upon  wliich  the  naval  strt  f  the  empire  mainly  depends^''  unless  assured  that  the 

object  might  be  attained  ui  .some  other  Avay.^ 

Of  all  the  grievances  complained  of  by  the  Americans,  that  of  impressment  was 
the  most  serious.  It  was  a  practical  violation  of  the  sovereignty  and  independence 
iif  the  United  States,  and  was  of  more  consequence  to  the  character  of  the  nation 
than  all  blockades  or  other  obstructions  to  commerce.  It  oft'ended,  in  the  highest 
degree,  the  patriotism  of  every  true  American;  and  it  touched  not  only  the  political 
sensibilities  of  a  free  people  at  a  most  tender  point,  but  it  impressed  them  keenly  with 
a  sense  of  social  wrong.  At  that  very  time  there  were  upward  of  six  thousand  cases 
of  impressment  of  American  seamen  on  the  records  of  the  State  DejHirtment,  and  it 
was  believed  that  as  many  more,  never  reported  to  the  government,  had  occurred. 
Custlercagh  admitted,  on  the  floor  of  the  British  Parliament,  that  there  were  three 
thousand  five  himdred  impressed  servants  in  the  British  navy,  claiming  to  be  Amer- 
ican seamen,  but  said  that  they  miglit  be  dischargt'd  on  proving  their  citij^enship. 
American  citizens,  kidnapped  from  the  decks  of  American  vessels  by  British  cruisers, 
and  made  slaves  in  British  ships,  were  offered  freedom  only  on  condition  of  prt>ving 


^'ill 


1  General  Dearborn's  hcnd-qnarters  at  this  time  were  at  Green- 
bmh,  opposite  Albany,  in  New  York.  Thither  Sir  Oeorpe  Prevost 
sent  Ills  adjutant  general,  Bayncs,  to  propose  an  armistice,  and 
clotbeilwith  power  to  conclude  one.  Dearboni  and  Baynes  sijnied 
iionthe  0th  of  AHguet.  The  aKreemcnt  was  to  affect  only  Dear- 
koraand  the  frontiers  of  New  York,  and  the  armies  of  fho  PHtUh 
along  the  opposite  and  corresponding  line. 


/<^ 


^Z^>^^>^^ 


'  Anierican  State  Paper),  ix.,  T3. 


•"^1 


n^ 


/f 


]'.  ' 


248 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-DOOK 


Pallnrj  c)r  Peace  N«gotUti<nM. 


Britlih  Lt'ltcrn  of  Mariiuu  and  Koprlsiil, 


Oplntuiii  concerning  the  Wir 


themselves  to  be  American  citizens  !  Ay,  more,  Huhjcctcd,  at  the  xamo  time,  as  W(i 
have  seen,  to  the  li.vbility  of  rccuivlng  dognidiiig  i»inilHlunent  for  utteiMj)ting  to  kc- 
cure  that  freedom !' 

PercoiviMg  no  hope  of  iin  a<ljnstment  of  difficulties  wltli  the  rulers  of  Kiiglnml,  Mi, 
•  September 2,     KuHHclI  obtained  his  passports,"  and,  leaving  Mr.  Ueuben  (iuant  I!i;is(. 
isri.  jj.j,  jjj^  agent  for  prisoners  of  war  in  London,  he  returned  home,  intiiii!!. 

ting  by  his  departure  tliat  diplomacy  between  tlie  two  goverments  Iiad  ended,  and 
that  the  war,  already  begun  on  land  and  sea,  must  proceed.  On  the  12th  of  Octdlu^r 
the  English  government  issiied  letters  of  maninc  .ind  reprisal  against  the  Aiiuii- 
cans.-  The  armistice  on  the  Canada  frontier  had  been  ended  for  some  weeks,  ami 
the  war  went  on. 

History  has  no  record  of  a  people  more  righteous  in  persisting  in  war  than  wcic 
the  Americans  at  tiiis  tinu',  when  their  jdea  for  simple  justice  was  so  insolcntlv 
spurned  by  the  men  who  then  unfortunately  governed  the  British  nation.  Thcv  liall 
tried  every  peaceful  measure  consistent  with  national  honor  for  obtaining  ii  rcdicss 
of  grievances,  as  they  did  for  ten  long  and  weary  years,  exposed  to  insult  and  op. 
pression  from  the  same  government,  before  the  Revolution.  They  wen;  now  determ- 
ined to  secure  fully  and  forever  that  dignity  and  independence  in  the  family  of  na. 
tions  to  which  their  strength  and  inij)ortanec  entitled  them.  "It  was  a  war,"  says 
a  late  historian^  (whose  symj)athies  with  the  Federalists  is  manifested  on  every  pattc 
of  his  narrative),  "  for  the  rigiits  of  jjcrsonal  freedom — the  freedom,  supjwse,  of  Ihit- 
ons  and  other  foreigners,  as  well  as  Amerieans,^  from  the  domineering  insoinice  of 
British  press-gangs — an  idea  congenial  to  every  nmnly  soul,  and  giving  to  the  con- 
test a  strong  hold  on  the  hearts  of  the  masses;  in  fact,  a  just  titU*  to  the  character 
of  a  democratic  war,  in  the  best  sense  of  that  very  aml)iguous  ej)ithet,  and  even  tu 
be  called  a  second  war  for  independence,  as  its  advocates  delighted  to  describe  it." 

With  these  facts  before  them,  wn-iters  and  speakers  of  American  birth,  at  that  time, 
for  party  i)urposes,  magnified  the  generosity  of  Great  Britain,  its  Christian  desire  tor 
peace,  its  magnanimous  offers  of  reconciliation;  and  declaimed  most  ])iteously  about 
the  cruelty  of  waging  war  against  a  nation  kindred  in  blood,,  language,  and  reliition, 
in  the  hour  of  its  great  extremity,  when  a  desperate  adventurer  was  seeking  to  de- 
stroy it.  Even  at  this  late  day,  a  Scotch  Canadian  writer,  with  all  the  facts  of  his- 
tory in  his  possession,  has  ungenerously  declared  that  "  the  w.'ir — the  grand  provoea- 
tion  having  been  thus  [by  conditional  repeal  of  the  orders  in  (-ouncil]  removed — was 
persisted  in,  for  want  of  a  better  excuse,  on  the  ground  of  the  'impressment  ques- 
tion,' "  and  adds, " The  government  of  the  United  States  stand,  then,  self-condenuieil 
of  wanton  aggression  on  the  North  American  colonies  of  Great  Britain,  and  of  jirose- 
cuting  the  war  on  grounds  different  from  those  which  they  were  accustomed  to  as- 
sign,"* 

Thus  it  has  ever  been  with  British  writers  and  statesmen  of  a  certain  class,  who 
represent  the  gieat  leading  idea  of  the  boasted  Mistress  of  the  Seas  when  she  was 
less  enlightened  than  now.  We  have  already  quoted  the  following  Avords  of  ]\Ioii- 
tesquieu  concerning  English  politics  a  hundred  years  ago — "  the  English  have  ever 
made  their  political  interests  give  way  to  those  of  commerce."®    These  words  bear 

'  See  note,  page  144. 

'  Subsequently  to  this  act,  the  British  goycmment,  pressed  by  the  necessities  of  their  army  in  Spain,  freely  granlfl 
licenses  or  protections  to  American  vessels  engnged  in  carrying  flonr  to  the  ports  of  that  country.  This  trafllc  was  fub- 
Jccted  to  heavy  penalties  by  Congress,  yet  It  was  largely  Indulged  In,  becaiise  it  alTordcd  immense  profits— i)rnlll8  more 
than  equal  to  the  risks.  These  licenses  were  cited  by  the  opponents  of  the  war  then,  and  by  British  writers  since,  as 
evidences  of  the  great  forbearance  of  the  British  government,  for  which  the  Americans  should  have  been  profoundly 
thankful  I 

3  midreth's  fffe/oriy  of  the  United  Statfi>,  Second  Series,  Hi.,  3R2. 

•  The  Americans  Justly  contended  that  the  ftag  should  protect  every  man  who  was  innocent  of  crime,  who  snuiiht  !f- 
cnrity  under  its  folds,  wherever  his  birth-place  might  have  been.  It  represented  the  sovereignty  of  the  nntlon,  and, 
as  such,  claimed  full  respect. 

»  Auchlnieck's  IJiatonj  of  the  War  of  1812,  page  38.  •  See  enb-uote  *,  page  138. 


/ 

II 

II 
II 

Ci 

'(■ 
h( 


Ntiioad  Mlwhlaf-mak 

repetition  in  fhi 
(lie  class  Jillii(h.,l 
|irt'hend  the  fiict, 
lienplc  iii;iy  (.,„|( 
Tliat  class  of  «-ri 
lielieved  that  a  .s 
alpjtrt  siihini.s.sioii 
the  Stephen  and  ( 
cimccHsion  to  Am 
dependence;  mi,| 
iNfil  could  not  cd 
-triiggling  for  ii^ 
|i<mii(l.s,  siiiJIin^fH^  ;i 
"Illy  as  national  m 
The  door  of  reco 
«ar  had  been  ali-c; 
Congress  for  tliu  o 
iiiea.siirc's  was  the  ji 
ot'tlie  most  di.sfin<r 
and  there  Avere  ikTi 
the  Continental  an 
Indians,  had  dcpriv 
'iVi'i's  in  the  servic 
rial  c.\p(>rit'iK'i'  in  t 

^otwithstandiiiir   , 

of  the  old  Avar  had 

joiiniey  of  lifo,  and  „ 

Ion-,' enjoying  the  qui 

it  was  thought  to  bo 

ilic'Mi  to  the  head  of 

tlieir  small  e.vporienco 

than  to  trust  to  those 

""I'pi-  fire.     Tho   colic 

lioston,  Henry  Dcai-ho 

^Var,  an  active  Dohkx 

■Ffbrnary,    one  years  of 

h'l'st  major  gc 

!  mandcr-in-ehief,  jlavin., 

liartmeiit    under   Ids  1 

I  'March.    Thomas  Pinckn 

^^i^vasappointe 

1 27'^  ^i^-w^^Tb,^!^ 

»d  cine  with  Dr.  Jackson  Jack"  o 
n.mpc„d|,,g,,,etook«„,,c,,vo 
»ouM„||,„v  to  military  matters 
h"JseattheheadofsUhme,  ■  I 
«,andbythemidd^'^M 

;^a.a„u  on  Quebec  at  h^'C';: 

I'lhmlyonthofleMofSnratoenwi; 
I  .'"eii,  and  in  the  sle™  of  V„  .v?  '     ^ 

»r.son-s  Cabinet,  as  Secretarv^f 

Ikkci       I       Tn-Pe""'!  him  to  , 
I'rtCltj.    lie  retired  to  private  lift 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


240 


<,'„!,, mil  Mlachlef-mukera, 


Thn  Mm  lo  Ix'  cliuncn  ni  Military  Leaden, 


The  aeneril-ln-cb!er. 


icpi'titioM  ill  tliiw  coiiiu'ctioii.  In  fHtiiimtiiii^  tlic  cliariictcr  of  other  iiMtioiis,  iiu'ii  of 
llif  cliiHS  iilliitletl  to  aic  iilwiiys  <;ovonii'tl  by  tin-  cnnuiienitU  idi-a,  and  can  not  coni- 
iiitIii'IkI  the  faet,  IVeiiueiitly  iUuHtrnted  in  liistory  (even  sliu^htly  in  tlieir  own),  that  :i 
|ii.ii|i|('  may  confend  lor  sonii'tliiiii^  nmri'  noble  tliaii  iioiinds,  ^^lliilin^^<,  and  jtence. 
Tliiit  class  of  writeiM  and  statesmen,  wiio  governed  Knijhiiid  uIkmU  a  eentury  aj^o, 
lii'lieved  that  a  sliijlit  reynission  of  tuxes  on  tea  woidil  pureliuso  the  allettianee  and 
iilijt'ct  submission  oftlie  Ainerieans.  Tlie  same  class  of  writers  and  statesnicn,  of 
the  Stephen  and  I'astlereaj^h  stainj>,  who  ji;overned  Kn^fland  in  1812,  belli' ved  that  a 
concession  to  American  coniinerco  would  bo  an  equivalent  for  national  honor  and  in- 
(li'pi'iidence ;  ami  the  sanu^  class  of  writers  and  statesmen  who  i^overnecl  Kiiijland  in 
iMil  could  not  comprehehend  the  fjreat  fact  that  the  American  government  was 
stnigiilins  for  its  life  against  household  assassins,  without  counting  the  co8t  in 
iKiiuuls,  shillings,  and  ponce.  They  are  a  class  who  never  learn,  and  arc  prominent 
Hilly  lis  national  mischief-inakerH. 

The  door  of  reconciliation,  as  wo  have  scon,  was  shut  in  the  antumn  of  1812.  The 
war  had  been  already  commenced  on  sea  and  land.  Provision  had  bt'en  made  by 
(iiiigicss  for  the  organization  of  an  adecpuite  army.  One  of  the  most  important 
measures  was  the  appointment  of  officers  to  command  the  troops.  A  greater  portion 
111' the  most  distinguished  and  meritorious  officers  of  the  IJevolution  liad  passed  away, 
;iiul  there  were  none  of  ex})erii'nce  left  who  hail  held  a  cor.;mission  above  colonel  in 
the  Continental  army.  A  long  season  of  j)eaco,  except  during  difficulties  with  the 
Indians,  had  deprived  the  younger  army  of- 
tia'is  ill  the  st'rvice  of  the  opj)ortunity  of 
ival  experience  in  the  practical  art  of  war. 

Notwithstanding  the  surviving  soldiers 
of  the  old  war  had  advanced  iiir  in  the 
journey  of  life,  and  most  of  them  had  been 
Inns  enjoying  the  quietude  of  civil  pursuits, 
it  was  thought  to  be  most  prudent  to  call 
lliein  to  the  head  of  the  new  army,  with 
their  small  experience  of  actual  field  duty, 
than  to  trust  to  those  who  had  never  been 
under  tire.  The  collector  of  the  port  of 
lioston,  Henry  Dearborn,  late  Secretary  of 
War,  an  active  Democrat,  and  then  sixty- 
'Febraary,    o\w  years  of  age,  was  appointed' 

'-'''•  first  major  general,  or  acting  com- 
luander-in-chief,  having  tlie  Northern  De- 
liartmcnt  under  his  immediate  control.' 
Thomas  Pinckney,  of  South  Caroli- 


'  March. 


na,wa8  appointed**  second  major  gcn- 


nBSBY  DXABUOSN. 


I  Henry  Dearborn  was  born  In  Hampton,  New  Hampshire,  In  March,  1761.    At  Port^raonth  he  slndied  the  science  of 

meiiiciue  with  Br.  Jackeou  Jackson,  and  commenced  Its  practice  there  In  1772.    When  the  old  war  for  iudepcndonce 

i  «a«  inipendhiK,  he  took  an  nrtlvo  part  In  politics  on  the  po|)nlar  side,  and  gave  as  much  attention  as  his  enuaticmpnts 

miilil  allow  to  military  matters.    On  the  day  after  the  skirmish  at  Lexington,  in  April,  1775,  he  marched  toward  Cam- 

briilfc  nt  the  head  of  sl.xty  men.    He  then  rctnrned  to  New  Hampshire,  was  commissioned  a  captain  In  Colonel  Stark's 

I  rtiimeiit,  and  by  the  middle  of  May  was  back  to  Cambridge  with  a  fiiU  company.    He  was  In  the  battle  of  Bnnker's 

"I,  and  accompanied  General  Arnold  In  his  perilous  expedition  through  the  wilderness  of  Maine  to  (Juebec  in  the  a\i- 

inmn  of  that  year.    He  suffered  dreadfully  from  privations  and  a  fever,  but  was  sufficiently  recovered  to  participate  io 

:he  assault  on  Quebec  at  the  close  of  the  year,  when  he  was  made  a  j)rlBoner.    He  was  not  exchanged  until  March,  177", 

I  then  he  was  appointed  a  major  In  Scammcll's  regiment.    He  was  In  the  campaign  opposed  to  Burgoyne,  and  behaved 

1  iillanlly  on  the  field  of  Saratoga,  where  he  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  colonel.   He  was  at  Monmouth,  In  Sullivan's  cam- 

I  f«;!ii  nud  in  the  siege  of  Yorktown.   In  1784  he  settled  on  the  banks  of  the  Kennebec  as  a  farmer.   Washington  appoint- 

I  (ihim  marshal  of  the  District  of  Maine  In  17S!),  and  lie  was  elected  to  Congress  fl-om  that  Territory.    He  was  called  to 

|jeirersoirs  Cabinet,  as  Secretary  of  War,  in  isni,  which  position  he  filled  for  eight  years.    Mr.  Madison  apiiolnted  him 

i  illector  of  the  port  of  Boston  In  1S(>!> :  and  In  February,  1812,  ho  was  commissioned  a  major  general  in  the  United  States 

ImT.   Ill  heiilth  compeHed  him  to  relinquish  that  position,  and  he  assumed  command  of  the  military  district  of  New 

Ikli  City.    He  retired  to  private  life  in  1S18.    In  18'2'2  President  Houroe  appointed  him  minister  to  Portugal,  where  he 


li 


«■ 


y    ••won^uBt 


li    I! 


li      i 


ill  I'll 


■  !  I 


mM 


250 


VICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Nan'(!8  nf  the  general  Ofllccrs  uppolnte<1> 


Declaration  of  War  announced  to  the  Troops, 


The  first  Prisoner. 


oral,  an<;  plav^oa  in  command  of  the  Southern  Department.  Josepli  Bloointickl,  Gov- 
ernor of  New  .Tersi  y,'  James  Winelies'er,  of  Tennessee,  J.  P,  J^oyd,  of  Massacliusctts, 
and  William  Hull,  Governor  of  tlie  Tenitorj^  of  Miehigan,  were  comniissioned  luiira- 
»  April  s,  i8r«.  diers.*  The  same  commission  was  given''  to  Tliomas  Flournoy,  of  (Joor. 
"July  4.  S''^'     John  A;  mstrong,  of  New  York,  also  receivwl  the  coinmission'Oi  ^ 

••July  «.  brigadier,  to  iill  ihu  vacancy  caused  by  th«  recent  death''  of  (ileneial  ]V 

'Julys,  tor  (iansevoort.  This  was  soon  followed  by  a  like  commission"  for  John 
Chandler,  of  M  line.  Morgan  Lewis,  of  New  York, was  appointed  (piarter-mnstcr  (jcn- 
'  Ai).i;  3.  oral,'  and  Alexander  Smyth,  of  Virginia,  late  Colonel  of  the  IJilles,  was 
"Miirchnn.  ai)])oi.itcd  inspector  ger<eral,«  each  beamig  the  commission  of  brigudicr, 
Thomas  II.  Cushing,-  of  AVassachusetts,  then  Colonel  of  the  Second  Uegimeiit,  was 
;i))p(.inled  adjutant  geiu  ral,  Avith  the  rank  of  brigadier.  James  Wilkinson,  of  Maiv- 
land,  the  senior  brigadier  in  the  army,  was  sent  to  New  Orleans  to  relieve  Wadt' 
Hampton,  now  a  brigadie: ,  and  a  meritorious  subaltern  officer  in  South  Carolina  ilur- 
iiig  the  lievolution.  Alexander  JMacomb,  of  the  Engineers,  was  promoted  to  cdldiul; 
and  Wintield  Scott  and  Edmund  Pendletori  Gaines,  of  Virginia,  and  Eleuzor  W.  ]{i|). 
ley,  of  jVIaine,  were  commissioned  colonels. 

rciiinl'ipd  two ypuro.  Hn dlod  at tlichoufo 
,  of  hi«  Hon  in  Uoxbury,  MiiKKUCluiM'tti', on 

thii  (itli  of  Juno,  iwjli,  III  thi!  am:  nf  pcvon- 
ty-i'iglit  yein'H.  lie  hnd  been  liviiij;  with 
his  son  8onn'  time.  The  iionsc  in  wliirli 
he  (lied  is  yel  (ISdT)  standiii;;  on  \Vii..li. 
in^ton  Street,  Uoxlniry.  It  is  a  lino  M 
nnuislon,  purroundcd  hy  trees,  many  of 
them  rare.  Ii  was  oc- 
cupied, when  I  nnide 
the  sketch  in  ISdil,  as 
a  nnniiner  bonrdiiij;- 
house  liy  Sirs.  Shej)- 
ard.  Not  fur  from 
it,  at  the  .junction 
of  Wiisliint;ton  and 
Centre  Streets,  or  of 
the  t'ainhridno  niul 
tlie  Dedliatn  and 
Rliode  Island  Uoads, 
was  a  riidc  stone,  in 
wliich  was  inserted 
an  iron  shaK  and 
fork  for  the  sui)port 
of  a  street  lamp.  It 
Is  called  the  I'artinR 
Stone.    On  one  side 


8T0.\E. 


K.Milulu.N  s    UKSlllKNt' 

is  the  inscription,  Thf  Parlin;!  Stunr,  17-14,  /*.  Dudleii :  on  another,  Dedham  and  Ithodf  Maud ;  and  on 
a  third,  Cnmlirid;ji\  It  appears  to  have  been  erected  by  Mr.  Dtidiey,  at  the  parting  of  the  ways,  as  a 
sort  of  j.iiide-post,  and  there  it  had  remained  lor  a  hundred  ami  sixteen  years. 

>  General  Bloonilield  was  in  New  York  when  \.  nr  was  declared,  lie  had  arrived  on  the  2il  of 
.Tune,  to  take  charjre  of  the  furtlHcations  theie.  lie  was  the  Hrsi  to  announce  the  de-^laratlon  of  war 
to  triK.ps  in  a  formal  manner.    This  he  did  i".  the  fillowiug  brief  order,  issued  on  the'iOUi  of  tfuno: 

"  iW  nera'  Bloomllcld  announces  to  the  troops  that  icnr  id  dwlaml  htj  the  United  Stales  agaiimt  Great  Britain. 

"  Uy  order,  li.  II.  M'Pukhbos,  A.  D.C." 

Ooverumeu'  expresses  had  passed  through  New  York  City  for  All)nny  and  Boston  with  the  news  at  teu  o'clock  thai  | 

moniint;- 

The  tlr^t  prisoae;  taken  after  the  declaration  of  war  was  Captain  Wilkinson,  of  the  Royal  Marines,  who  cxritod  (he  I 
suspicions  of  the  people  of  Norfolk,  Vir(jiuia,  that  he  was  about  to  coniinunicatc  the  fact  that  war  was  dcclincilttDaJ 
liritish  man-of-war  known  to  be  hoveriuf;  on  the  coast.  He  was  seen  makinc  his  way  rapidly  fnmi  (he  lioui-c  of  ihel 
llritisli  consvl  thrf^'.:f;h  back  streets  to  a  mail-boat  about  to  start  for  Hampton.  He  darted  on  board  the  limit,  iuuiiu-f 
tempted  to  conceal  himself.  A  boat  from  the  navy  yard,  anil  another  from  Fort  Norfolk,  were  disj)atcho(l  iiftcr  tli«| 
niail-boa;.    Captain  Wilkinson  was  brought  back,  and  conveyed  to  tlie  navy  yard  as  a  iirisoner. 

2  Thomas  II.  '^ushiuK  was  appointed  captain  of  infantry  in  ITOl.    He  was  In  the  Snb-letrlon  in  1702.    In  171)7  lie \m|| 
appointed  inspector  of  the  'Minv;  and  in  April,  1802,  he  was  nnide  adjutant  and  inepcctor,  with  the  rank  of  liciitoiianf 
colonel.     He  was  promoleii  to  colonel  in  ISiW,  and  commissioned  ad.intant  general  In  P-Il',  with  the  rank  of  l)rlpi(iicr| 
He  was  disbanded  in  lsi6,  and  the  following  year  was  appolutcd  collector  of  the  port  of  New  Louduu.    Uc  died  on  tht 
l»th  of  October,  ISii.—dardmr't  IHttiomirij  ufthe  Army. 


Plan  of  the  first  ( 


re;  I 


tliat  Canatliun 
Tlii,s  achieved, ; 
m\co  to  Jfontrc, 
«'iile  Nova  Scot i 
i,'iiim>),  .synipaHiiz 
'"'<'  i"  North  Am 
'•'>"</iiests  for  coiE 

'■'•"lytodojustict 
'i''H-e  forgotten  the 
"» i'lvade,  conquer, 
mw.  wei-e  hulnhr^, 
(Governor  Jliilfo 
.111(1  spring  of  1812 
'•''«'■""  of  Canada  \ 
.i?.iiii8t  it.     Ife  i,„^ 
?fi's  to  all  the  print 
'"»•"■''!?  them  to  bee 
"«t'  iiis  Territory  ^ 
""t  a  fleet  on  Lake 
I  preparations  even  ft 
^"wssfuj  invasion  ( 
;'rg«l  the  President 
^"•^e;and,forthoth 
[•i'»'''->>.'m  fleet  on  the 
President  Madison 
ttnvart  was  ordered 
l^and  also  orders  < 

I        '™—*'a'imnn'g//,v„ry, 


Jvlii 
•f  11 


!!!:il!!!l^!!!L£!!llp^^ 


O^   THE   WAR    OF    ,8,2 

_^Jj|dlclo„«  necommenOatlon,. 


s-  ^'-^"^-  ^^-p'^^  s;^^^  r  •"'^'Mr«^t,^;7r  '^^"-'^^^^-' 

;'"""'),  .syn.patl„-,i,,,,';'i^;ri^'-»''«Hiek  (according  to  til  n""  ^''""'  '^''''i^''  n.l.. 

r''.^t»  <'o  justice  to  an  i,f' ""^  ^^^''^'^  -'<"•  ^1      -h    I  'T"''''"'^  '^>^  t'H.ir 
''-«  forgotten  the  ooH,^  ^  1  i    "f """     '''''^  «'-ign^  o^   nl/      """'"  '"  '•"^^-• 

'■"»«■  "-c-'-o  in,]uJ-.,.,l.  ''^'  ^■^"'^•^••^  ^v-us  made,  and  si mil-n        ""  '""''•""•  ''^^^""'I't 

<«'vornor  Ii„ir  „f  jvj.  ,  .  '         ''"''^■"  ^^-Poctation.s  of  wel- 

■^.^"'-^*  '>'.     Ho  kno>v  tl.r  LTv",  '^"  "'  «ffi<^'-'-"  c-i  ills   ;,  '  I"  ^'••^•?'-^"««-     The  i„. 
^™  to  all  the  prinein.     r    r  ''*"''  ^^""lorities  in  f  '  .'  ^'"  '"'^^  >vas  heard 

"'■'f  I'is  Territory  walthroJ:  ''^^'"■'''  I^ntain  in  th!  !       ■'"'  "'"'  1"-^''^^"«S  ov- 

Preparations  even  for  ;  '.w "''  '^''  ^^'''''^'  ''"''^l  MPs^^    ^'Svages,  and  ,hat,  wi  h 
^"^^•^'«'^«"  invasion  of  th  t"' m"^ *''°  ''^'"•'•ito'-y  v.    h     .'"^^  ":'*''  ^''^  ^''-l-iun 
:'^S^''I  the  President  to  it.  ""-'""'•"'.^  P-'ovince  w-l     ,      "/'"''^'•''  *''«  '''-'^  of  a 
J-;  and,  for  the  U,  ^l'  •  ^if?,^'- "f  ^ary  fo.,,  h ;'  ,  '^^  ;;j^;--     Ho  therefil: 

"  "^""'"O^".  Pnsc  1,«,.  ""•    ^ '"-'  '•«n"'i»<Ier  were  chieflvAl'^. '""??""  '^'«'.!  hu 


^;ft  of  ti.irn:;;b7r  ZX;^  '^"•'  "••-ro « 


ml 


i 


■til' 


i\ 


iii^. 


lit -ll 


'i  •  i 


252 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Holl  commissioned  n  Brigadier  General. 


Response  to  Culls  for  Volunteers. 


OrgaulzRtion  of  Ohio  Troops, 


^^^ > 


(lent  made  a  requisition  upon  Governor  Meigs,  of  Ohio,  for  twelve  hundred  militia,  to 
be  detached,  drilled,  and  prepared  to  march  to  Detroit ;  and  he  requested  Hull  to 
accept  the  commission  of  a  brigadier 
general,  and  take  command  of  them. 
Hull  declined  the  proposed  honor  and 
service,  expressing  a  wish  not  to  engage 
in  military  employment.  He  was  iinal- 
ly  persuaded  to  accept  the  api^ointmeut, 
but  with  no  other  object,  he  said,  than 
to  aid  in  the  protection  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Micliigan  against  the  savages. 
He  retained  his  office  of  governor  of  the 
Territory,  and  returned  to  the  North- 
west, prepared  ibr  any  duty  in  that  re- 
gion, civil  or  military,  to  which  his  gov- 
onmient  might  call  him. 
•  April  fl,  Governor  Meigs's  call*  for 
'■''-•  troops  to  assemble  at  Dayton, 
at  the  mouth  of  the  IMad  River,  on  the 
Great  Miami,'  was  heartily  responded  to. 
At  the  close  of  April,  the  time  api)oint- 
ed  for  the  rendezvous,  more  than  the  re- 
quired number  had  flocked  to  the  cam]). 
The  Indian  wars  and  dej)redations,  which 
had  been  instigated  by  British  emissaries,  had  greatly  exasperated  the  settlors  iioitli 
of  the  Ohio,  and  they  were  anxious  to  strike  an  avenging  blow.  Many  of  tliu  best 
citizens  sought  tliis  opportunity  to  serve  their  country,  and  these  were  found  at  the 
])lace  of  rendezvous,  enduring  ail  the  privations  of  camp  life,  Avithout  tents  or  other 
conveniences,  for  more  than  a  fortnight.  It  was  the  middle  of  May  before  blankets 
and  camp  equipage  arrived  from  Pittsburg  by  way  of  Cinciiinati.  But  the  troops 
had  not  been  idle.  They  liad  organized  three  regiments,  ami  elected  their  field  offi- 
cers ;  and  when  General  Hull  arrived  there  on  the  25th  of  May,  and  took  formal  com- 
mand, they  were  nearly  ready  for  a  forward  movement.  Duncan  ^['Artlmr  Avas 
chosen  colonel  of  the  First  Kegiment,  and  James  Denny  and  William  Triinbio  were 
elected  nnijors  ;  James  Findlay  was  chosen  colonel,  and  Thomas  Moore  and  Thomas 
Van  Horn  majors  of  the  Second  Regiment;  and  the  late  Lewis  Cass,  of  Detroit,  then 
thirty  years  of  age,  was  chosen  colonel  of  the  Third  Regiment,  with  Itobert  MoitIsou 
and  J.  R.  Munson  as  majors.  The  veteran  Fourth  Regiment  of  regulars,  stationed  at 
Port  Vincennes,  and  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Miller,  since  the  pro- 
motion of  Boyd,  had  been  ordered  to  join  the  militia  at  Dayton. 

Governor  jNIeigs,  nnder  the  same   date,"*  ordered  Major  General  Elijah  | 
Wadsworth,  commanding  the  fourth  division  of  the  Ohio  militia,  to  raise, 
without  delay,  three  comj)anies  of  men.     Wadsworth  obeyed  Avith  alacrity,  and  the 
requisite  number  were  soon  in  the  field,  selected  from  the  brigades  of  Generals  Mil- 
ler, Beale,  Perkins,  and  Paine,  which  composed  the  fourtli  division.^ 

•  The  present  fine  city  of  Dnyton,  the  county  scat  of  Montgomery  County,  then  contained  about  four  hundred  sonls. I 
It  derives  its  name  from  General  Jonathan  Dayton, of  New  .Jersey,  wlio,  with  Generals  St.  Clair  and  Willilu80D,aDtf 
Colonel  Israel  Ludlow,  purchased  a  larprn  tract  of  land  in  that  section  of  the  state. 

"  The  followini;  Incident  connected  with  the  volunleeriui;  was  communicated  to  the  author  by  the  late  venerabMi 
Elisha  Whittlesey,  then  (1S(V.')  First  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  Department  at  Washlnfxlmi,  who  was  one  of  OcueralWnd^ 
worth's  aids:  Colonel  ,Tohu  Campbell,  of  Paine's  briijade,  called  out  his  corps  at  Kaveuna  on  the  2.'ld  of  May.  Afle) 
some  stirriufr  music,  he  placed  himself  In  front  of  his  regiment,  and  re(piesledall  who  were  willing  to  ioluntc('rtoi"te| 
forward.  Many  cimii)lled,  but  far  too  few  to  maiie  the  proper  number  fiU'  a  company.  Finally,  Colonel  Campbell  vi 
compelled  to  stimulate  them  by  threatening  to  resort  to  n  draft.  Their  colonel  had  volunteered.  It  was  a  hri^'lit,  fusj 
uy  day,  and  be  euw,  high  lu  the  heavens,  a  brilliant  star.    lie  told  his  men  that  it  was  n  good  omen.  £ uc,  who  baf 


'  April  6. 


» 


Rendezvous  of  o 

The  place 

the  Mad  liiy 

spot  late  in  S 

jmssing  away 

Fort  Jfaiuilto 

that  beautiful 

P'M  eight  o'cl 

g.athering  of  j] 

to  allow  a  cor 

Colonel  Jeffers^ 

onel  John  Johi 

formance  of  otJ 

ill  the  apparent 

her  of  his  years 

by  the  burden  ( 

law,  I  spent  nes 

profit,  to  the  na 

Uc  hud  been  we, 

red,  since  the  be; 

"•ith  the  Shawno 

the  Little  Turtle 

hi.s  Life  and  Tim 

promise  of  centen 

the  grave. ' 


W(i  back,  declared  (hat  i( 

and  the  company  ,v„3ao„ 

The  accompanying  ,, 

""  «f  Colonel  .MnMo, 

«  a  plate   publisi.e^ 

Moore's  Hamn/c  JteHma 

fcbarkofadaguerre;,(v 

"fli™,  which  he  showed, 

;Mbet,meofmyv|Hi,,„. 

aidl'bunhand-writing- 

Wiud,.M,irch  25,1775.   E,„ 

"     bifp.irentslni7s«,",' 
,^'Wm  Cumberland  c 
I  f^-oxxyhnnUu    Was  vi 

I  "■'?«■' •••™y  on  the  Ohio  a 

|«4biai„f7iS*!'r::;j;; 

■"MVarnepartment  age^t 
f""d,au    Affairs     n    X 

>;«l';ve..t  (hirty-ono  yUa- 

P-^--'-wa-:} 

'"'heir  removal  westwartj: 


Iff^ankfort,  Kent,,,),;,  r,., 
f  fbiral  .Society  „rnM    ^"'' 

twpC.^/sm;;!;"""" 

|-»"^Pnb„che.ov'd-s„'^, 


uiel 

inei 

)|h  I 

r  sonic 

wai 

a 


^^^^^^((^jpv^h^^^^ 


The  place  of  th.       , — -^^^i^"i!?!lif^|]i^i^ ■ ^Z 


that  beautiful  region  tl.ir  v  fT  -f  ^''''*'  Cincinnati  at  u ; r  v.  '^'"''^""' t^^e  site  of 
1-t  eight  o'clock.  At  ;^etr  ?'^''  ''''''^'''-  '-  ^-yion  .vl  if ''  ''""^  *''«>  t'^-^vors^l 
gathering  of  Hull's  arn  y  1!?",^^  ^'"-  '^'  "«vt  monS.^i  i?  H  "'"'•'^'^^^  ^^  «  little 
to  allo,v  a  comfortabK ;,!  ''"™'  ^'''-^^  '""I  '-'ogu  fnw,  :'  "^  ^'*'-  «'«  P'ace  of  t  e 
Colonel  Jefferson  PattersoT^  '  T  '^''  ^'^^^  ^ol  "ode  w  '  'J'^'''*'  "''"^^  too  fio  ee 
onol  John  Johnston  IvLt,  T""  ^'' '"«•'«  «•«  n  the  tol  •  '"'''""*  "^■''"•'^'•on  of 

formancc  of  other  go^e^n tt  ^'""  '"  *^''^'  ^'>»"t  J  .as  Ind  !  ''"*  ^^"^^  venerable  Co/- 
i"  the  apparent  enjL^em  of  !,,!'■  "'^^'''  ^^'^  '"«'■«  tl,a'  h  '  f?  ■"^S^^"^'  ''^"•l  i"  the  per- 
ber  of  his  years  .vasS  'It"  ^'iV'^^-'^'^-S  "'ent  f^  .^  LiTr"?^-  ^  f«>'"<l  hS 
V  the  burden  of  years  Trt''  .,  ^'  ""'''«  "^er  six  feet,^''?  f "''  ■*"^''«"^?I>  the  nu,^ 
I«»-,  I  spent  nearly  ?,  e  wh  1  *'''  ^'"^P^table  roof  of  r  %''  i ''""'  "«t  at  all  1  2 
Font,  to  the  narration  :?;;:  ^'•^^' '^"^^  ^-tened  ;:^,f,t;r'f '""•««"' ^'-  -  "" 

I^l-d  been  .ell  aeq.^^^^ilrr';'^"^"''-'^  ^>g  ^Sl^  "'^f  ^^'^  ^"^ 
re.I,  s„,ce  the  beginning  of  the  1  .  "'*  "^^^^^^  ^««<J"'-  men^-r  f  "?  ^"-""tior  life. 
»-'th  the  Shawnoe.se.  He  L  l'"*'"'^-  His  residence  .Ti'^  ™-^'«"'  ^^Wte  and 
;'- J^^tle  Turtle  at  M^^  ^-"."f '^  and  the  P^^;,;  "  f"  ?['"',  ^^'''''^  ^^^^ 
'-  ^/^e  and  Tin,es,  and  hoped  to  V""^""'""^  '"«  «.atVe  was  tS    "'^^ '"'•^''^■^'"^^^ 

J— ---y  h.  J- -0  s- -0,  ;     r  r- --- ^ 


Mdbnck,  declared  that  if  he  co„I,i 
^n<l  rhe  company  „„,"^'^'^>f  J 

'  The  accompanyinj;  j.ke 

«  a  plate   p„bli,hed   i 
Ioore'8  «,.,„,„■,  y,,„^       J 

I  "fc-rk  of  a  daguerreotype 
■    n>»h,ehhe8ho,vedne 

,;«WinC„mheWa„;icC 
-  jP™i.«ylva»ia.    Was  „■    , 

«»vne'.  army  on  the  Ohio  „ 

;"'b.narDepartment  ajeu 
rliuhau    Affaira    in    tC 

"«1  commissioner  o?ohio 
ftrtheir  removal  westwardj. 


Johnston"  """'iJoiin 

f'-nteriiity     rr,! '         ""'sonic 

c<...rt-ho,f.e(":;^„  ;'";;'^-« 

'"cky-i.nhe,vi„tero     r,^7'- 
■As  secretnpv „(•    ■      '""•'■'-5. 

'^»«.  When  Oenernl    f ""'  '" 
'I'mnced  hi-  r  ^''^  P''"- 

"> "  '.-t  te  :'ir*'""«'> 

•T"lins(on  __•«;,      ,^  '^"'""el 

™nmer  of',  «,''"'"'!'''' 
•If  JJaniel  I!        '      "  "'"laiiis 


.i^^ 


piiiiiiiP^i^ 

mry,  „ua  ti,g  fratricidal 


m 


msm 


w^mM 


■n 


•iii  i 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Visit  to  the  Field  of  Kendezvous.     Storm  and  Accident  on  the  Railway.    The  Country  between  Dayton  and  Sandiisl' 


PLACE  OK   BENDKZVOIIB,  NKAB   DAYTON,  AS   IT   Al'PtlAUEl)   IN   ISijO. 


It  Avas  late  in  the  afternoon  when  I  left  Colonel  Johnston,  and  rode  to  the  place 

of  the  gathering  of  the  Ohio 
militia.  Wo  crossed  t  ho  JIad 
tliver  at  Dayton,  rode  uj)  the 
turnpilve  a  short  distance  be- 
yond the  toll-gate,  and,  turn- 
ing into  a  road  on  the  rii^lit, 
found  the  place  about  half  a 
mile  farther  in  that  direc- 
tion. It  is  a  low  ])rairie. 
and  Avhen  I  vis-      .  SeptemberSd 

ited  it"  it  was  '""•• 

covered  with  Indian  com,  some  standing  and  some  of  it  harvested.  The  distant 
trees  in  the  little  sketch  show  the  line  of  the  Mad  River. 

I  returned  to  Dayton  in  time  to  take  the  cars  for  Sandusky  at  six  o'clock.  As  we 
left  the  station,  an  immense  deep  hlue-black  cloud  came  rolling  up  from  the  west. 
In  a  few  moments  large  drops  of  rain  fell  Avith  the  sound  of  hail  on  the  car  roof. 
Suddenly  a  flash  of  vivid  lightning  broke  from  the  cloud,  and  a  crashing  tliinulcr- 
peal  rolled  over  the  land.  A  shoAver  of  cold  rain  folloAved.  Before  it  ceased  the  sun 
beamed  out  brilliantly  in  the  west,  and  Ave  seemed  to  be  enveloped  in  a  falling  flocul 
of  glittering  gold.  Then  from  many  lips  in  the  car  Avere  heard  the  exclamations, 
"  IIoAV  beautiful !  how  glorious !"  and  all  eyes  Avere  turned  eagerly  toward  the  cast. 
Avhere, 

"In  pomp  transcendent,  robt  a  in  heavenly  dyes, 
Arch'd  the  clear  rainbow  round  the  orient  skies." 

Twilight  soon  folloAved,  and  Avhile  moving  at  a  moderate  speed,  nrar  Cross's  Stu 
tion,  eighteen  miles  above  Dayton,  a  "switch"  in  Avrong  position  thrcAV  our  train  oft' 
the  track,  but  Avith  no  other  serious  eftect  than  producing  a  detention  for  three  hours 
in  a  most  dreary  place.  Tiiere  Avas  a  hamlet  of  a  fcAv  houses  near,  and  some  ofiis 
went  out  in  the  chilly  night  air  to  search  for  food  and  drink.  In  every  house  hut 
one  nearly  all  the  inmates  Aveiv  sick  Avith  fever  and  ague,  and  only  at  the  dAvelling 
of  a  pleasant-spoken  and  kindly-acting  German  Avoman  could  any  thing  be  procured. 
There  I  obtained  some  fresh  bread  and  milk,  and  Avas  offered  coffee.  I  laid  in  stores 
sufficient  for  a  night's  campaign,  hardly  expecting  to  see  Springfield,  six  miles  be- 
yont',  before  morning.  We  Avere  agreeably  disappointed.  Through  the  exertions 
of  the  mail  agent  and  others,  Ave  were  in  the  enjoyment  of  comfortable  quarters  at 
the  "  Willis  House,"  in  Springfield,  before  midnight. 

The  morning  daAvned  brilliantly.  The  sky  Avas  cloudless  and  the  air  Avas  cool,  and 
at  about  eleven  o'clock  I  departed  for  Sandusky.  From  Springfield  nortlnvanl  flu 
poverty  of  the  soil  became  more  and  more  apparent,  until  Ave  reached  the  higli 
swampy  land  of  the  summit  near  Kenton.  The  road  lay  much  of  the  Avay  tlirongli 
forests  or  recent  clearings.  About  a  mile  north  of  Iludsonville  Station  (six  miles 
south  of  Kenton)  we  crossed  diagonally  the  road  made  by  Hull  in  his  march  from 
the  Mad  River  to  the  Maumee.  It  was  visible  on  each  side,  as  far  as  the  eye  could 
comprehend  it,  as  a  broad  avenue  through  the  forest,  running  from  southeast  to  nortii 
west,  noAV  filled  with  a  delicate  second  groAvth  of  timber. 

From  Konton^  to  Tiffin,^  on  the  Lak"  Erie  slope,  a  distance  of  forty  miles,  the  coun- 
try Avas  newly  cleared  of  the  Avoods  most  of  the  Avay.     Fcav  other  than  log  bouses 

assaBsln  was  at  the  doors  of  the  capital.  HIp  clear  and  active  mind  comprehended  the  danpcr  to  the  liberties  of  lii« 
country,  lie  nickened,  but,  it  was  believed,  not  seriously.  lie  kept  his  room  ;  and,  in  the  absence  of  his  nttcudam. 
laid  down  upon  '  h  bed  and  expircil     His  body  was  buried  at  Piqua,  with  the  remains  of  his  wife  and  eight  childrcD. 

'  Named  in  h^-    -r  of  SiHHMi  Keii(..ii,  a  noted  i)ioneer. 

-  Named  In  h( ...  ir  of  Kdward  TIlHn,  who  was  president  of  the  Convention  that  fl-amed  the  Constttntlon  of  the  Sinlf 
of  Ohio,  and  flrst  governor  of  tlmt  state. 


.\rrival  at  Suudusky. 


OF    TIIK    WAR    OF    18  12. 


265 


Arrival  ut  Sauduaky. 


Hull  takfs  Command  of  Ohio  Voluutccre. 


He  AddresBes  the  Troops. 


were  seen.  Tiffin  is  the  capital  of  Hardin  County.  It  is  quite  a  laige  town,  spread 
over  a  considerable  surface  of  a  gentle  einiiience  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Sandusky 
River.  On  the  lower  ground  opposite  is  the  little  straggling  village  of  Fort  Ball, 
the  SIR'  of  a  stockade  of  that  name,  which  the  Oliio  Volunteers  erected  there  during 
the  curly  part  of  the  Avar  of  1812.  It  occupied  about  a  third  of  an  acre  of  ground,  ;ind 
was  named  in  honor  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  V.  Ball,  commander  of  a  squadron 
of  cavalry  under  General  Harrison,  whose  exploits  Avill  be  mentioned  in  connection 
with  events  at  Lower  Sandusky  (now  Fremont),  nearer  the  lake.  We  passed  Tiffin 
anil  Fort  liall  at  iive  o'clock,  and  reached  Sandusky  City,  on  Sandusky  Jiay,  a  little 
after  sunset.  There  I  sojourned  two  or  three  days  at  the  house  of  an  esteemed 
kinswoman. 

The  command  of  the  little  army  of  volunteers  near  Dayton  was  surrendered  to 
(loneral  Hull  by  Governor  Meigs'  on  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  May."    The 
I'overnor  made  a  stirring  ,  had  fouixht  for  free- 


■  1812. 


doin  in  the  War  of  the 
Kevolution.  Colonel  Cass 
also  addressed  the  troojis 
with  eloquent  Avoi'ds, 
Avhich  were  loudly  ap- 
jdauded.      General    ITull 


speech  on  the  occasion, 
anil  congratulated  the  sol- 
ilicrs  on  their  good  for- 
tune in  being  placed  un- 
ilcr  the  command  of  an 
experienced  officer  who 
then  came  forward,  took  formal  command,  and,  in  a  patriotic  speech  of  some  lenj^.th, 
lie  stirred  the  blood  of  the  volunteers,  and  made  them  eager  to  meet  the  dusky  foe 
on  the  distant  frontier.  "  In  marching  through  a  wilderness,"  he  said, "  memorable 
tor  savage  barbarity,  you  Avill  remember  the  causes  by  Avhich  that  barbarity  has  been 
heretofore  excited.  In  viewing  the  ground  stained  Avith  the  blood  of  your  fellow- 
oitizens,  it  Avill  bo  imi)0ssible  to  suppress  the  feelings  of  indignation.  Passing  by  the 
ruins  of  a  fortress,^  erected  in  our  territory  by  a  foreign  nation  in  times  of  profound 
]itace,  and  for  the  express  purpose  of  exciting  the  savages  to  hostility,  and  supi)lying 
them  with  the  means  of  conducting  a  barbarous  Avar,  must  remind  you  of  that  sys- 
tem of  oppression  and  injustice  Avhich  that  nation  has  continually  practiced,  and 
whieh  the  spirit  of  an  indignant  people  can  no  longer  endure."^ 

Tills  speech  touched  sharply  a  tender  chord  of  feeling  in  every  bosom,  and  they 
save  their  general  their  fullest  confidence.  Most  of  them  had  never  seen  him  before. 
His  manner  Avas  pleasing ;  his  general  deportment  Avas  familiar,  yet  not  undignified  ; 
ami  his  gray  locks  commanded  reverence  and  respect.  There  Avere  some,  Avho  pro- 
tlssed  to  knoAV  him  avoU,  avIio  doubted  the  Avisdom  of  the  government  in  choosing 
Mm  to  fill  so  important  a  station  at  a  time  so  critical,  yet  they  generally  kept  silent, 

'  Return  Jonathan  Meigs  was  born  at  Middleto\vn,  Connecticut,  in  17C5,  and  was  graduated  at  Yale  College.  He 
chose  the  law  as  a  profession,  and  commenced  its  practice  in  his  native  town.  lie  was  chosen  chief  justice  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  of  Connecticut  in  the  winter  of  18n2-'3.  In  the  following  year  President  .Icfferson  ai)pointed  him  com- 
mandant of  United  States  troops  and  niilllia  in  X'pper  Louisiana,  and  soon  afterward  he  became  one  of  the  judges  of 
that  Territory.  He  was  commissioned  a  judge  of  Mlchig."-i  Territory  In  1S07.  He  resigned  the  following  year,  and  was 
(letted  governor  of  Ohio.  His  election  was  nnconstitu'  lonal  because  of  non-residence,  not  having  lived  four  years  In 
Ohio  prior  to  the  election.  He  was  appointed  United  States  senator  for  Ohio  in  ISOS.  That  odlce  he  resigned,  and  was 
elected  governor  of  thi'.t  state  in  1810.  He  was  govcnior  during  the  greater  part  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  was  one  of  the 
most  energetic  men  o'.  (he  West  in  the  prosecution  of  that  war.  He  was  appointed  postmaster  general  in  March,  1S14, 
aii  managed  that  important  department  of  the  government  with  great  ability  nntii  IS'i.'i.  He  died  at  Marietta,  Ohio, 
oiilhe2!ith  ofMarch,  18'26.  Governor  Meigs  was  a  tall  and  finely-formed  man,  and  in  deportment  was  dignified,  yetnt- 
fflne  hi  the  extreme. 

The  «inguliir  name  of  Governor  Meigs  suggests  Inqnlry  as  to  Its  origin.  The  answer  may  thus  be  briefly  given :  A 
brisht-cyert  Connecticut  girl  was  disposed  to  ciKiiiette  with  her  lover,  Jonathan  Meigs  ;  aud  on  one  occasion,  when  he 
U  pressed  his  snit  with  great  earnestness,  and  asked  for  a  positive  answer,  she  feigned  coolness,  and  would  give  him 
no  ratlBfiiction.    The  lover  resolved  to  be  trifled  with  no  longer,  and  bade  her  farewell  forever.    She  perceived  her  er- 

I  w,  but  he  was  allowed  to  go  far  down  the  lane  before  her  pride  would  yield  to  the  more  tender  emotions  of  her  heart. 
Then  she  ran  to  the  gate  and  cried,  "  Return,  Jonathan  !  return,  Jonathan  !"  He  did  return ;  they  were  Joined  in  wed- 
lock, and,  in  commemoration  of  these  happy  words,  they  named  their  flrst  child  Helarn  Jonathan.  He  was  born  In 
r*):  w,i«  the  heroic  Colonel  Meigs  of  which  history  says  so  mnch,  and  was  the  father  of  the  governor  of  Ohio,  who 

I  boTehl*  name.  »  Fort  Miami,  on  the  Lower  Maumee,  just  below  the  Falls. 

'  Uintarij  of  the  late  War  in  the  Wotem  Country,  by  Bobcrt  B.  M'Afce,  p.  01. 


mm 


la 


ii 


i 


II 


;i!i 


256 


I'ICTOlilAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Hull's  Troop8  Joined  by  Regulars. 


Honors  pntd  to  the  Inttcr. 


The  Army  Id  the  Wlldcmcgg. 


wishing  to  give  him  every  opportunity  to  disappoint  tlieir  expectations,  win  success 
for  his  country,  and  honors  for  liiniself. 

On  the  Ist  of  June*  the  little  army  commenced  its  march  up  the  Miami. 
General  Hull  hud  ai)pointed  his  son,  Captain  A.  F.  Hull,  and  Robert  Wallace 
Jr.,  his  aids-de-camp ;  Lieutenant  Thomas  S.  Jesup,  of  Kentucky,  his  brigade  major- 
Dr.  Abraham  Edwards  his  hospital  surgeon;  and  General  James  Taylor,  of  Ken. 
tucky,  his  quartermaster  general.'  He  proceeded  to  Staunton,  a  small  village  on 
the  east  bank  of  the  Miami,  and  thence  moved  on  to  Urbana,^  where  the  volunteers 
were  joined  by  tlie  Fourth  Kegiment  of  regulars  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jaines 
Miller.^  They  Avere  met  about  a  mile  from  the  village  by  Colonels  M'Arthur,  Cass 
and  Findlay,  at  the  head  of  their  respective  regiments,  by  whom  they  were  escorted 
into  camp.  They  were  led  under  a  triumphal  arch  of  evergreens,  deckiil  with  flow- 
ers,  surmounted  with  an  eagle,  and  inscribed  with  the  words,  in  la  ..;e  letters,  "  Tip- 
pecanoe— Glory."*  On  their  arrival.  General  Hull  issued  an  order  comjilimentarv 
to  the  regulars  and  congratulatory  to  the  volunteers.  "The  general  is  persuaded" 
he  said,  "  that  the^'e  will  be  no  other  contention  in  this  army  but  who  will  most  ex- 
cel in  discipline  and  bravery.  .  .  .  The  j)atriots  of  Ohio,  who  yield  to  none  in  spirit 
and  patriotism,  will  not  be  Avilling  to  yield  to  any  in  discipline  and  valor." 

The  troops  were  now  at  a  frontier  town.  Between  them  and  Detroit,  two  hund- 
red miles  distant,  lay  an  almost  unbroken  wilderness,  a  part  of  it  the  broad  morasses 
of  the  watershed  between  the  Ohio  and  the  lakes,  and  beyond  these  the  terrible 
Black  Swamp  in  the  present  counties  of  Henry,  Wood,  and  Sandusky.  There  was  no 
pathway  for  the  army,  not  even  an  Indian  trail.  They  wn'e  compelled  to  cut  a  road, 
and  for  this  purpose  JM'Arthur's  regiment  was  detached.  The  difficulties  and  laljors 
were  very  great,  for  heavy  timber  had  to  be  felled,  causeways  to  be  laid  across  mo- 
rasses, and  bridges  to  be  constructed  over  considerable  streams.  They  also  erect- 
ed block-houses  for  the  protection  of  the  sick,  and  of  provision  trains  moving  forward 
with  supplies  for  the  army.  Lidustry  and  perseverance  overcame  all  obstacles,  and, 
on  the  IGtli  of  June,  the  road  Avas  opened  to  the  scouts  at  a  point  in  Hardin  County, 
not  far  from  Kenton.  Two  block-houses  were  built  on  the  south  bank  of  that  strciim, 
stockaded,  and  the  whole  work  named  Fort  M'Arthur.  The  fortifications  did  not  in- 
close more  than  half  an  acre.  There  were  log  huts  for  the  garrison,  and  log  corn- 
cribs  for  the  food.  It  was  a  post  of  great  danger.  Hostile  Indians,  and  especially 
the  warlike  Wyandots,  filled  the  forest,  and  were  watching  every  movement  with 
vigilant  eyes  and  malignant  hearts. 

The  army  halted  at  F'ort  M'Arthur  on  the  19th,  and  Colonel  Findlay  was  detadioil 
with  his  regiment  to  continue  the  road  to  Blanchard's  Fork  of  the  An  Glaizo,  a  trib- 
utary of  the  Mauniee.  Three  daj's  afterward  the  whole  army  followed,  e.\cei)tiii<;  li 
small  garrison  for  Fort  M'Arthur,  under  Captain  Dill,  left  to  keep  the  post  and  tai;i 
care  of  the  sick.  Heavy  rains  now  fell,  and  the  little  army  was  placed  in  a  perilmis 
position.  They  had  reached  the  broad  morasses  of  the  summit,  and  had  marckl 
onlj'^  sixteen  miles,  Avhen  the  deep  mud  impelled  them  to  halt.  They  could  go  no  thi- 
ther. The  black  flies  and  musquitoes  were  becoming  a  terrible  scourge.  Tiie  cattle 
were  placed  on  short  alloAvance,  and  preparations  were  made  to  transport  the  bag- 

'  Geucrnl  Tnylor  wiis  yet  living,  nt  the  nge  of  scvciity-iiinc,  in  ISIS,  nt  Newport,  Kentnrky. 

2  Urbnnn  is  the  cnpitnl  of  C'hampniKn  County,  Ohio.    It  was  laid  out  by  Colonel  William  Ward,  n  Virgiiiiiui,  in  l'^. 
The  army  of  General  Hull  encamped  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  vlilago.    This  beini;  n  frontier  town,  it  was  nf!cr\wr{i  . 
used  as  a  place  of  rendezvous  and  departure  for  troops  goin^  to  the  frontier.    The  old  court-house,  built  in  1S07,  nr  | 
used  as  a  hospital. 

3  These  troops  came  from  Vlncennes.  They  had  come  by  the  way  of  Louisville,  through  Kentucky,  and  hnd  boen  j 
every  where  received  with  honors.  Their  services  at  Tippecanoe  were  duly  appreciated.  At  Cincinnati  the  siiure  n>  ] 
lined  with  the  inhabitants  waiting  to  receive  them  as  tliey  crossed  the  Ohio  from  Newport.  A  triumphal  arch  hnd  Imcii  j 
built,  over  which,  in  large  letters,  were  the  words,  "The  Herokb  or  Tippkoanok."  They  were  received  with  cti(or>  I 
and  a  salute  of  seventeen  guns  (the  number  of  the  states  nt  that  time),  and  they,  only,  passed  under  the  nrch.  Foodnnd  j 
liquor  in  great  abundance  were  sent  to  their  cnmp.—Lietitenant  CnUmel  Miller  to  Inn  Wife,  Juuo  12,  ISli—Avtmaphi 
Ldtjr.  *  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  to  bis  Wife,  June  12, 1812— Autograph  Letter. 


Hall's  March  toward 

ijf.ige  aiul  store 

stances,  they  ca 

Here  Hull  w 

William  Denny 

acting  Governoi 

jiresent  at  a  coi 

uasorChippew 

of  the  Wyandol 

t'riendly  words. 

collected  a  consii 

and  well  supplic 

made  them  fast  1 

the  Americans. 

tion;  and  to  IIul 

seemed,  as  it  rea 

forwnrcl.     At  len 

under  the  guidan 

ivitli  wood-craft), 

Colonel  Findlay  h 

about  fifty  yards 

«as  on  the  south' 

The  fort  stood  at  i 

At  Fort  Findlaj 

iiient  directing  hin 

!  H-as  dated  on  the 

word  concerning  tl 

Hull  ordered  all 

for  an  immediate 

open  a  road  to  tlu 

arm)-,  excepting  de 

ia.stei-n  bank  of  tli 

Kcaried  troops  had 

nere  taken  across  t 

lap  at  the  foot  of 

[  Miami,  where  they  ( 

So  wearied  and  W( 

lers  connecting  witi 

fible.    Ho  accordinc 

Itoga  for  Detroit  Avit 

Ike  hospital  stores,  ii 

I  striictions  from  the  "V 

j  The  wives  of  three 

j  tliirty  soldiers  as  pn 

hoi,  under  the  charge 

[  Ciiyahoffa  for  the  cc 

Arm8rong'8AohV,,„^,^   I 
.'Miami  and  Manmee  mean 

J*  0  their  pronunciation  of , • 
tami)  that  empty  ,nt; 

Wort  Wallace,  one  of  oen 
I   m3,andqnotedintheAnn, 
l;o  Has  ..ISO  an  aid),  in  exec 
["'kearmy,  for  which  he  was, 


OF  THE   WAll    OF    1812. 


287 


Hull's  March  toward  Detroit. 


Alarming  Reports  concerning  tlie  Inillans. 


,f(i(re  a.id  stores  on  pack-horses.     Tliey  built  a  fort,  whicli,  in  allusion  to  the  circura- 
stiinceH,  they  called  Fort  Necessity. 

Here  Hull  was  met  by  two  messengers  from  Detroit — General  Robert  Lucas  and 
William  Denny — whom  he  liad  sent  from  Dayton  to  that  j)ost  with  dispatches  for 
iK'tiaj?  Governor  Atwater.  Their  report  was  disheartening.  General  Lucas  had  been 
iiiescnt  at  a  council  of  the  chiefs  of  several  tribes  at  Browiistovvn — Ottawas,  Ojib- 
wfls  or  Chippe  waSjWyandots,  and  others.  All  but  Walk-hi-thc- Water,  princii)al  chief 
of  the  Wyandots,  made  j)eaceful  professions.  The  latter  spoke  many  bold  and  un- 
friciKlly  words.  The  British,  too,  were  m.'iking  hostile  manifestations.  They  had 
colli't'ted  a  considerable  body  of  Lidians  at  Maiden,  where  they  were  fed,  and  armed, 
and  well  supplied  with  blankets  and  ammunition.  Kind  and  generous  treatment 
made  them  fast  friends  of  the  British,  and  eager  to  go  out  upon  the  war-path  against 
the  Americans.  Tecumtha  was  also  wielding  his  great  influence  in  the  same  diix'c- 
tioii;  and  to  Hull  and  his  friends  the  situation  of  Detroit,  with  its  weak  defenses, 
seemed,  as  it  really  was,  in  great  peril.  The  danger  made  him  impatient  to  ])ush 
fonvanl.  At  length  the  rain  ceased,  the  earth  became  more  firm,  the  army  mandied 
under  the  guidance  of  Zane,  M'Pherson,  and  Armstrong  (three  men  well  acquainted 
witli  Avood-craft),  and  at  the  end  of  three  days  were  on  Blanchard's  Fork,  where 
Colonel  Findlay  had  erected  a  stockade  fort,  which  was  called  by  his  name.  It  was 
about  fifty  yards  square,  Avith  a  block-house  at  each  corner,  and  a  ditch  in  front.  It 
was  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  stream,  where  the  village  of  Findlay  now  stands. 
The  fort  stood  at  the  end  of  the  present  bridge.' 

At  Fort  Findlay  General  Hull  received  a  dispatch*  from  the  War  Depart-  •  jnnc24, 
mcnt  directing  him  to  hasten  to  Detroit,  and  there  await  farther  orders.    It        ^^^"  • 

was  dated  on  the  morning  of  the  day  Avhen  war  was  declared,  but  contained  not  a 
word  concerning  that  measure.^    This  will  be  mentioned  again  presently. 

Hull  ordered  all  the  camp  equipage  to  be  left  at  the  fort,  and  made  preparations 
for  an  immediate  advance.  Colonel  Cass  was  sent  forward  with  his  regiment  to 
open  a  road  to  the  Kapids  of  the  Miiumee;^  and  a  few  days  afterward  the  whole 
army,  excepting  detachments  left  in  the  forts,  were  encamped  upon  a  plain  on  the 
eastern  bank  of  that  stream,  opposite  Wayne's  battle-ground  of  1 794.  There  the 
wearied  troops  had  the  first  glimpse  of  civilization  since  they  left  L^rbana.  They 
were  taken  across  the  stream,  and  marched  down  its  left  bank,  through  a  small  vil- 
lage at  the  foot  of  the  Rapids,'*  to  a  level  spot  near  the  ruins  of  the  old  Britisli  fort 
Miami,  where  they  encamped. 

So  wearied  and  worn  were  Hull's  beasts  of  burden  when  he  reached  navigable  wa- 
ters connecting  with  his  destination  that  he  resolved  to  relieve  them  as  much  as  pos- 
sible,   lie  accordingly  dispatched,  from  the  foot  of  the  Rai)ids,  the  schooner  Cuya-  ^ .  ^  ^i 
kga  for  Detroit  with  his  own  baggage  find  that  of  most  of  his  officers ;  also  all  of 
I  the  hospital  stores,  intrenching  tools,  and  a  trunk  containing  his  commission,  his  in- 
I'tructions  from  the  War  Department,  and  complete  muster-rolls  of  the  whole  army.* 
The  wives  of  three  of  the  officers.  Lieutenant  Dent,  and  Lieutenant  Goodwin,  with 
thirty  soldiers  as  protectors  of  the  schooner,  also  embarked  in  her.     A  smaller  ves- 
hel,  under  the  charge  of  Surgeon's  Mate  James  Reynolds,  Avas  dispatched  with  the 
I  (Jmjaho(ja  for  the  conveyance  of  the  anny  invalids,  and  both  sailed  into  Maumee 

'  Howe's  IliKtorical  CoHfctions  of  Ohio,  page  238. 

'  Armetrong's  Xoticea  nf  the  War  qf  1S12,  i.,  4S.    ITiiU's  Hfenwir  of  the  Campaign  of  the  Northwestern  A  mr,,  page  M. 

'Miami  and  Manmee  mean  the  same  thing.  The  latter  method  of  Rpeliing  more  nearly  indicates  ti.e  prnniumintlon 
J!)  in  English  ear  than  the  former.  Thclndianc  prononnced  it  as  if  spelled  Me-aw-me.  So  the  French  spelt  it,  cccord- 
liijlo  their  iironunciation  of  i  and  n,  Mi-a-mi.  To  distingniah  this  stream  from  the  two  of  the  same  name  (Greut  and 
I  Ijltlp  Miami)  that  empty  into  the  Ohio,  this  was  frequently  called  the  Miami  of  the  Lakes. 

•XnwMnnmee  City,  nearly  opposite  Pcrryshurg,  the  capital  of  Wyandotte  County. 

iRnhcrt  Wallace,  one  of  General  Hull's  aids-dc-camp,  In  a  letter  published  in  a  newspaper  at  Covington,  Kcntncky, 
111  W'},  and  quoted  in  the  Appendix  to  General  Hull's  MiHtarii  ami  Civil  I.ife,  page  44S,  says,  "  His  son,  Captain  Hull 
I  'howaa  also  an  aid),  in  executing  this  order,  unfortunately  shipped  a  small  trunk  containlug  the  papers  and  reports 
|t!tke  army,  for  which  he  was  afterward  severely  reprimanded  hy  his  father." 

K 


r.^</ 


'^^mnp 


1 1 


:ii 


"iilH1lir-H 


«*li 


hliiii 


1 1,1    ' 


258 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Hull  Informed  of  the  Decliiratlon  of  War.  Oaptnre  of  a  Schooner  with  his  Baggage  and  PuperH 

Bay,  where  Toledo  now  stands,  on  the  evening  of  the  Ist  of  July,  On  the  same  day 
the  army  moved  toward  Detroit  through  tha  beautiful  open  country,  by  the  way  of 
Frenchtown,  on  the  River  Raisin,  now  the  pleasant  eity  of  Monroe,  in  Michisjan. 
•  July,  When  approaching  Frenchtown  toward  the  evening  of  the  2d,*  1  lull  was 
1812.  overtaken  by  a  courier,  sent  by  the  vigilant  postmaster  at  Cleveland,  with  a 
dispatch  from  the  War  Department,  which  read  as  follows : 


"  Sir, — AVar  is  declared  against  Great  Tiritain.  You  will  be  on  your  guard.  Pio- 
ceed  to  your  jjost  Avith  all  j)()ssible  exj)edition ;  make  such  arrangements  for  tlu'  du- 
fense  of  the  country  as  in  your  judgment  may  be  necessary,  and  wait  for  farther 
orders." 

This  dispatch  was  explicit  and  easily  understood,  but  its  date,  and  the  time  and 
manner  of  its  reception,  perplexed  the  general.  It  bore  the  same  date  as  the  one  re- 
ceived a  week  earlier  at  Fort  Findlay,  in  which  there  was  no  intimation  of  a  declara- 
tion of  war.  T/iat  iiad  been  sent  by  a  special  courier  from  the  seat  of  governiiient  • 
this  had  been  sent  by  mail  to  Cleveland,  to  be  there  intrusted  to  such  convoyanoe  as 
"accident  might  supply,"  through  one  hundred  miles  of  wilderness. ^  The  former 
contained  an  important  order;  the  latter  contained  information  more  important. 
This  fact  was  inexplicable  to  Hull,  and  remains  unexplained  to  this  day.  The  cir- 
cumstance made  him  feel  serious  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  the  schooner  and  her 
consort.  The  question  pressed  heavily  upon  his  mind  whether  the  British  connnand- 
er  at  Maiden,  past  which  the  vessels  must  sail,  might  not  already  have  lieard  of  the 
declaration  of  war.  In  that  event  they  might  be  seized,  and  valuable  plunder  as 
well  as  valuable  information  would  fall  into  his  hands.  Moved  by  these  considera- 
tions, he  dispatched  an  officer  with  some  men  to  the  mouth  of  the  Raisin  to  stop  the 
schooner,  but  their  arrival  Avas  too  late.    With  a  fair  wind  she  had  passed  that  point. 

A  few  hours  afterwiu-d  Hull's  apprehensions  were  justified  by  events,  for  he  learned, 
on  the  morning  after  his  arrival  at  Frenchtown,  that  the  Cuyahoga  had  been  eaji- 
tured.  While  sailing  past  Maiden,  unconscious  of  danger,  at  ten  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  2d,  she  was  brought  to  by  a  gun  from  the  shore.  The  British  armed  ves- 
sel Hunter  went  alongside  of  her,  and  schooner  and  cargo  became  a  prize.  Tho 
troo])S  and  crew  were  made  prisoners  of  war.  The  vessel  with  the  invalids,  heini;  he- 
hind  the  schooner,  passed  up  the  more  shallow  channel  on  the  west  side  of  Bois  Blanc 
Island,  and  reached  Detroit  in  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day*"  in  safety.- 
The  British  commander  at  Maiden,  and  those  of  other  posts,  hadhccu  noti- 
fied of  the  declaration  of  war  through  the  vigilance  of  British  subjects  in  New  York. 
Sir  George  Prevost,  the  governor  general  of  Canada,  was  informed  of  the  fact  on  the 
24th  of  June  by  an  express  from  New  York  to  the  Northwest  Fur  Company,  which 
left  that  city  on  the  20th,  the  day  when  intelligence  of  the  declaration  of  war  reached 
there.  On  the  25th,  Sir  George  sent  a  courier  with  a  letter  to  Sir  Isaac  Brock,  the 
lieutenant  governor  at  York  (now  Toronto),  but  it  did  not  reach  him  until  the  .3d  of 

'  I  am  indebted  to  the  Hon.  Elisha  Whittlesey,  of  Ohio,  late  First  Auditor  of  the  United  Stt.tes  Trea.siiry,  for  tlic  fol-  j 
lowing  interesting  acconnt  of  the  transmission  of  thi.'^  dispatch  from  Cleveland  to  the  camp.  Mr.  Walworth,  the  posi 
master  -it  Cleveland,  was  requested  by  the  postmaster  general  to  send  the  dispatch  by  exi)ress.  Charles  Slialer,  Esi].,  a  1 
young  lawyer,  then  in  Cleveland  (brother-in-law  of  Commodore  M'Donough),  was  persuaded  to  become  the  l)C!ircr,  cft- 1 
tuiuly  as  far  as  the  Rai)idH  of  the  Manmee,  and  possibly  to  Detroit.  The  compensation  agreed  upon  was  thirty-flve  dol- : 
Inrs.  On  searching  the  mail  the  dispatch  could  not  be  found.  It  was  suggested  to  Mr.  Walworth  thai  it  miglitliciiij 
tiie  Detroit  mail.  Having  been  informed  by  letter  of  the  declaration  of  war,  and  believing  the  dispatch  to  be  of  great  j 
importance,  he  considcnnl  it  his  duty  to  open  the  Detroit  mail.  He  did  so,  but  with  reluctance,  and  found  the  (lispatcli.| 
At  about  noon  on  the  2Sth  of  June  Mr.  Shaler  started  from  Cleveland  on  horsebaclc.  He  was  obliged  to  swim  all  I 
streams  excepting  the  Cuyaloga  at  Cleveland.  No  relays  of  horses  could  be  obtained.  He  reached  the  Kapiiln  on  thd 
night  of  the  Ist  of  July.  There  he  was  informed  that  the  army  was  mo^Mng  rapidly  toward  Detroit.  He  purracil  an™ 
overtook  it  not  far  ftom  the  Raisin,  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  2d,  Just  as  the  moon  was  rising.  Aftorfom(g 
formality  he  was  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Hull,  who  was  dressing.  He  was  requested  to  be  silent  in  the  prefCDCi 
of  camp  listeners.  A  council  of  olBcers  was  immediately  summoned.  The  army  was  put  in  motion  at  dawn.  Ilf  stfl 
oompanicd  it  to  Detroit,  where  his  horse  died  from  the  effects  of  the  rapid  Journey  through  the  wilderness.  Mr.Shaleq 
remained  in  Detr,-)it  until  he  saw  the  flag  of  his  country  raised  over  the  soil  of  Canada.  lie  returned  to  ClcvelaD| 
partly  on  foot,  and  partly  on  hired  and  borrowed  horses.  »  Letter  of  Dr.  Reynolds,  dated  at  Detroit,  July  1, 1812. 


'  July  3. 


How  British  0/llcor 

July,  when  he 

oCthc  event  b 

(reorge,  at  Mai 

ed  Hull ;  and 

J()se])li,  at  the 

The  letters  to 

American  Secrc 

llir  no  man  bell 

enemy  of  his  cc 

leport  that  he 

scheme  wliicli  r 

who  charged  wii 

iioiin,  withheld  i 

it  would,  hj  anil 

icil  influence  oft 

in  the  affairs  of 

were  prevalent  a 

Hull's  army  re 

■T  bridge  across  t 

Tliey  Ind  passed , 

en  hoai'd  at  Male 

ilians,  Hull's  trooj 

inoraing;  and  at 

ciinped  at  Spring 

irich  in  Canada, '« 

liver  opposite  Det 

lilca.sant  eminence 

liiii'Ied  a  fi\w  heavy 


'  Tlie  late  Honorable  Wi 

ftrliament,  was  an  active  i 

very  valuable  narrative  of 

tad.'.   In  that  narrative  1 

Inilfd  States  on  (he  2rthc 

•■*:«"'»  J'-'Ils.    Theexpres 

•Letter  of  GeneralJesup 

'It is  said  that  when  (as 

■  '™f .  'n  n  pamphlet,  boldl 

mhiirawn,  and  the  whole!. 

«Mofthel«te  AlvanSl 

Mter  as  follows:  After  not 

toyhnd.  Generals  Wilkins., 

WlDggenerals,  with  their  I 

NWng  taken  by  the  men  G 

to  stales  from  Canada,  if  c 

«nor    But  the  South  fnrnis 

"i™!™"^' '■'''"  Secret 

>|^;M(.h.S7«i.<t,/,  edited  by  1 

I  IVe  have  seen  that  Commai, 

I  fcimgon  city  on  public  bt 

jtordeclaredtothcformer 

I  !«llien>  politicians  (he  spoke 

torof Commodore  Stewart 

It  was  the  intention  of  the 

J  ™  communication  to  the  caw 

l^«  Hull  had  sent  for" 
IfcBritish  commander  to  con. 

K  Speaking  of  this  event 
Jv /!«;,■,„,,  Covington,  Ken 

Nappearedtohave'noCe 
I'wa.d  to  prepare  me  for  taki, 
L^^'~"y  "-as  sometimes 
l»rt^P«hed  out,  and  these  gav 
■aw  11  Belle  Fontaine.    Thes« 


"ill 


THE    WAR 


18  12. 


oHk  cvont  by  exproHs  'Jh,,,,  'S'y"  ^''^^  ^^^Snr^  frontier.     Ho  |,„, 

..1  "nil;  u„,i  c  ;^ri  t;r'- '' '* '^ '""-•  -  tiu'  oth  t:  /""r . ^"''"-'  ^'• 

0  letters  to  II.  '  .l^!^^  ""'-'  «-  "otifie.!  W   ^    ^  ""  ^^  '''"''  ''  ''■ 


.f.«e|>l.,  at  the  J  .■  F  f  T  f'S  '"  '""""'"""J  «f  tJ.c  J  rM  '  .  *'"^'  ^'^^"'^  '*  '-^'"ch- 
Tl.e  let'ters  to  the  -  t  1  "'"""'  "'"^^  '-fi«-l  by  tU  T  "'  ^ ^'  '■^'-'•'  "^  ^t- 
American  Seo.o  a^  of  the  T  """'"'  ^'""""-'^l--^  were       'o  ve!  ""  '^"  ""'  "^"•^"'j'- 

enemy  <>f  his  oountr^^a^-,;::;'  l'-  --'^l  bavo  lent  s.k!   "       ,  ::!:r;::'  ^  '"f  ^^T. 
lenort  that  he  wis  Avili;.     V        "**  '"*  ^^'^s  o|)f)ose(l  to  .,  ^'"""'^^•^"^''  *«  Hny  knoAvn 

seLno  which  .r,yV  .  'on^  ^'^^'^^'^^  " 'tV-  vay  ^f  ^o";!'"-"  '^T"^'^  *«  '' 
iioiin,  withheld  aid  fmn.  IT  ,  "ifl'ioiiee  of  Yirrri,,;.,  „,,.;,. •.  ^"';  ^'«<1'son  was 
it  «-o'uld,  by  annevaUo    to"n '  "'r  *•  '^''  ^«"1"^«t  of  Ca  n  h   nT';?  ""'  '^''  ^^''^  Cal- 

in  the  affairs  of  the  Z.   *^" ""''y' «'»1  more  Hpeedily  snitl^l  '*"''''''  '"^'"^  P"'if- 

WO.V  prevalent  at  th?td         '?/'•"'"  *''«  ^'-ve-lab,  r  s  ^i ''^'  'a'  '"'V'  oUhmLon 

/M.  ar.y  r::t:^:  t^:::^::i:z  --r'  ^" -^e!^^^^"^"^  ^'^^^^^  ^^"'' 

.1  bridge  across  the  Huron  R;       '^"^"*""  ".  and  sj)ent  the  4th  of  T„i    • 

Tl.oy  had  passed  a  lu^^::^^'' ^''''''''^"'  ^-^^^f^f^^CT''''''' 
on  board  at  Maiden      V       ^'?"''«tte  vdlanre,  and  observerl  iu  '"  I^^'t''oit. 

'lians, Hull's  tro„ns"len^^^^'''""?  ""  '"'^'^  W  a  con  L  ,!ecW     -^^  'Tf''  "■'^''  *'-""P« 
■"orning;  and  a7ev^!  •    "^^  *^''"'  •''™«  that  ni<.ht  "    Thl     "'"'  ."*  ^^'•'^'■^'^  ""^  In- 

-"i-^ats,'i::^x?;'tr"7  """^  ^"^  ^^--  I^^:::t'T/^^'""-* 

>nVh  in  Canida/whe  e  a  R  i.  I'  ^'''''  '"'^  "^  *''«  ^^otroit  seSrV"'^  ^^""^^'  ^"■ 
'ivor  opposite  Detroi  tL  '''  ^'''''  '''''  ^^ationed  a^d  noTf  .'  '  "^P"^''''"  ^^'''^■ 
I'loasanV  eminence  e^^'^g^  ^'^  ''"""'"'-  "'^  ^-^iiva     .  ^    The'cT  ""^'^'  "^^  ^''^' 

--"'e^;;::;::::^;:^ — — - — .____!:!!:!^^  ""'"''^'-  ^^ '"'"-^wtants 

tad.'.   In  tlmt  n>M'elt^tT'i  "f  "'«  «'«r  iu^,h,,t  ZlZT'"  "^""^  "■''^'">  '"e 

Iniled  States  on  the  2Tth  of  i^,.  '""/"""^^inff  statement  -  wJ      "'""">'"lpf,  which  his  fam'i'i; V.":,",""'"-    "«  '«ft  « 


'  The late  Honorable  Wilila^TT"" " ______j;— — '  «!  mhabitant. 

Wiling  general',  with   hi    ^     '"*  "a"'l)ton,  then  of  fn,    f         ''''^''  General  Snivth  of  v>    ■  ^^''' '"'  n"i"1e.l  to  this 

"I'liiiigton  City  on  n  nhi.    ?     ,  "^  Stewart  (now  the  voZllT,'     J^-  P"*'"  *'■  'finniM  and  Speeelies  qfAlvan 

»« communication  tn  .i,„   1    »""8h  to  attack  Hnll  in  «,»  '^'''®  ^i"ion."_Scp 

pIKVpearedtohavenrjen."'";^^''"^''  "»»'«g  that  div  it  ,"'""»'  "»"'«  "id^  writ  „!?";;'?„""  '""'"1  De- 


A  I 


'i 


^ll 

i     f 

i 

• 

200 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Impatience  to  Invade  Canada. 


Uull  determine*  to  do  lo. 


Detroit  hi  m; 


vory  (itiick."'  Tlicrc,  iiiid  ru'iir  Kurt  Dotfoit,  Hull  allowi'fl  IiIh  troops  to  wnsli  tlicji' 
clothes  and  liave  tliuir  arms  lojtairi'd,  wliilo  lie  was  awaiting  larther  orders  from  liis 
governincut.* 

Ottieers  and  men,  anxious  to  invade  Canada,  were  impatient,  and  oven  a  niiitinons 
spirit  was  manil'ested  by  some  of  the  Oiiio  N'olnntiers.  'lliey  Imrned  willi  a  dtsiiv 
to  cross  the  river  and  attack  tiie  foe.  Tlie  siglit  of  growing  fortifications,  tliat  would 
endanger  the  town  and  fort  of  Detroit,  and  soon  become  too  tMimidahle  to  t\ur  ji, 
crossing  the  river,  maddened  them,  and  it  was  with  great  dittiitiliy  that  their  otiici  i 
restrained  thein.^  To  quiet  their  tumultuous  impulses,  Hull  called  a  council  of  tju 
Held  officers.  lie  assured  them  that  he  had  no  .-luthority  to  invade  Canada.  Tlicv 
insisted  that  it  was  exj)edieiit  to  do  so  immediately,  iind  drive  oft' the  fort-l)ui|i|(.|j 
"While  I  have  ominand,"  he  saiil,  firmly,  "I  will  obey  the  orders  of  my  govern- 
ment. I  will  not  cross  the  Detroit  until  I  hear  from  Washington."  The  VDiinir  df}). 
cers  heard  this  iinnouncement  with  compressed  lips,  and  doubtless  many  a  rebeiliuiis 
heart — rebellious  toward  the  commander — beat  ([iiickly,  with  deep  emotion,  for  hours 
after  the  council  was  dismissed.  The  general  was  perplexed;  but,  hap]»iK  lor  all 
concerned,  a  letter  came  from  the  Secretary  of  Wiir  that  evening,  din  iting  him  to 
"commence  operatiims  immediately,"  and  that,  should  the  force  under  his  command 
be  ecpial  to  the  enterprise,  and  "consistent  with  the  safety  of  the  American  |iosts'' 
he  should  take  possession  of  Fort  Maiden  at  Andierstburg,  and  extend  his  conquests 
as  circumstances  might  justify. '  He  was  also  directed  to  give  assurance  to  the  in- 
habitaiits  of  the  province  about  to  be  invaded,  of  protection  to  their  persons  and  proii. 
erty.  With  such  official  warrant  in  his  hands,  Hull  determined  to  cross  into  Canada 
at  once,  to  the  delight  of  his  army,  both  officers  and  privates.* 

Detroit  at  that  tinic  stretched  along  the  river  at  a  convenient  distance  back, and 
the  present  Jeftei  Avenue  was  the  ])rincipal  street.  It  contained  one  lamdred 
and  sixty  houses,  aii>  about  eight  hundred  souls.  The  inhabitants  were  chiefly  of 
French  descent.  Only  seven  years  before,  every  building  but  one  in  the  villatfe  wi\- 
destroyed  by  fire."  On  the  liill,  in  the  rear,  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  finm 
the  river,  stood  Fort  Detroit,  built  by  the  English  after  the  conqtiest  of  Canada  a 
hundred  years  ago.     It  was  quadrangular  in  form,  with  bastions  and  barracks,  and 

1  Ltentennnt  Colonel  Miller  to  his  Wife,  .Tilly  7, 1S12— Antogrnph  Letter. 

■i  Colonel  Wllllnm  Stanley  Hatch,  of  "  Kiver  Homo,"  near  Cincinnati,  kindly  placed  In  my  hands  n  chapter  of  his  m. 
pnblishcd  "  Mfmiiin  nf  the  War  i\f  1S12  in  the  Xorthirext,  contalnin;,'  a  niiiuite  acconnt  of  events  which  came  iinilir  his  ] 
t)wu  observation  during  the  campaign  of  General  Hull  from  May  until  the  middle  of  August.  Colonel  Hutch  was  a  I 
volunteer  in  the  Cincinnati  Light  Infantry,  commanded  l)y  Captain  .John  F.  Mansflcld  of  that  city,  and  frnm  ilie  Inva- 1 
sion  of  Canada  to  the  surrender  of  the  army  he  was  acting  assistant  quartermaster  general.  To  his  nnrnitivc  I  nm  in- 1 
debtcd  for  a  number  of  facts  given  In  this  sketch  not  found  recorded  in  history.  He  says  that  on  Mon<lav,  tlie  (lib  of  J 
.July,  the  fourth  regiment  of  regulars  marched  to  the  fort,  and  that  the  next  day  the  volunteers  marched  thitlier,aiid| 
took  up  their  position  near  the  fort,  south,  west,  and  north  of  it. 

2  General  Hull  had  been  subjected  to  much  annoyance  from  the  Ohio  Volunteers  from  the  beginning  of  the  marfh.! 
They  were  militia  jnst  called  into  the  Held,  and  had  never  been  restricted  by  military  discipline.  They  were  froqiiontlC 
qnite  Insubordinate.  This  fact  wasbroui;ht  out  on  Hull's  trial.  "One  evening,"  says  Lieutenant  Baron,  of  llio  FonrtM 
Itegiment,  in  his  testimony  at  the  trial  of  General  Hull,  "while  at  Urbima,  I  saw  a  multitude,  and  heard  a  noise,  ana 
was  informed  that  a  company  of  Ohio  Volunteers  were  riding  one  of  thnr  oUlcers  on  a  rail.  In  saying  IhalllieOliiJ 
Volunteers  were  Insubordinate,  witness  nif  ans  that  they  were  only  as  much  so  as  undisciplined  militia  genciall 
Home  thirty  or  forty  of  the  Ohio  militia  refi  sed  to  cross  into  Canada  at  one  lime,  and  thinks  he  saw  one  hinidroil  itki 
refused  to  cross  wlien  the  troops  were  at  Urbana." — Forbes's  Report  nfthe  Cmtrt-viartial,  page  124.  The  same  «itne< 
testified  to  the  manifestation  of  a  mutinous  spirit  at  other  times.  On  one  occasion,  he  says.  General  Hull  rode  iipa 
Bald  to  Colonel  Miller, ' '  Your  regiment  Is  a  powerful  argument ;  without  them  I  could  not  march  these  men  to  Detroit^ 

*  Dispatch  of  William  Eustis,  Secretary  of  War,  to  General  Hull,  dated  June  24,  1S12. 

»  On  the  morning  of  the  0th  Colonel  Cass  was  sent  to  Maiden  with  a  Hag  of  truce,  to  demand  the  bapgnje  nndpri 
oners  taken  from  the  schooner.  On  his  approach  he  was  blindfolded,  and  in  this  condition  was  taken  before  t'niuat 
St.  George.  He  was  treated  courteously.  The  demand  was  unheeded,  and,  beiag  again  blindfolded,  he  wasledoiil^l 
the  fort.    He  returned  to  camp  with  Captain  Burbanks,  of  the  British  army.— iW.I/i'c 

«  The  city  of  Detroit  Is  about  nine  miles  below  Lake  St.  Clair.  The  river,  or  strait,  between  St.  Clair  and  Lake  Eil 
gave  it  Its  name,  rfe  troit  being  the  French  name  of  a  strait.  The  Indians  called  it  Wa-wa-o-te-wonij.  It  was  n  tradii 
post  of  the  French  as  early  as  1020,  before  any  of  the  French  missionaries  had  penetrated  the  distant  wilderness  froj 
Quebec  and  Montreal.  It  was  established  as  a  settlement  In  1701,  when  Antoine  de  la  Motte  Cadillac,  lord  ofBoiiaa 
Moun  Desert,  having  received  a  grant  of  fifteen  miles  square  from  Louis  XIV.,  reached  the  site  of  Detroit  with  a  .M 
missionary  and  one  hundred  men,  and  planted  the  first  settlement  in  Michigan.— CAnrJei)o?;i!.  'I'he  name  of  the  old  1 
dian  village  on  its  site  was  called  by  the  Ottawag  Tcuchea  Gromlic— CoWcn,  cited  by  Lauman  in  his  Uintory  nf  Mkhii^ 
page  01. 


Silei  of  Fortiflcativ 

I'ovcrcd  about 

lieigJit,  whh  a 

outside  row  \\ 

li.iiik,  fbi-iiiin^  • 

del  Fort,  tJiat  I 

li'i'soii  Avenue. 

|—iti()ii  was  or 

riuf,  and  (•()ul( 

I'loycd  in  thos.. 

'ii;''i.  wifli  l,„,p. 

iiiie  v!  (ho  Jjriis 

.iloug  or  near  M 

ml  loIloH-ed  tha 

water  Street,  on 

liad  been  erected 

18J2.2 

TJie  fortiiicatioi 

(tlien  about  three 

Iwii,  but  serious/ 

to  cross  and  drive 

-Vichigan  militia,  i 

iHTcd  about  twei'it 

\('ter  great  e.vei 

''""■  liiindred  men  i 

'"i.v  behind  his  brc 

'''^■"<f',alltheboj 

'i'ltisii,  and  at  the  i 

'•""fjx'i'it.    TlieJj,. 

'^''l"''']'ai-edtodi.sp„ 

''iw'i"  passage.     Aft 

''■•>'■''■,  tr()0|)s  and  I,,)., 

I'wvcd  silently  in,  f) 

ri'crtoBJoodyBri,],,, 

■'""■'eandaJiaJfabo"i 

fort  Detroit,  and  p,, 

pared  to  cross  thei-, 

l^""l"ig  all  silent   -d 

•y%' Well.s,  the  de 

iff'vcdliritish  believed 

iiffhoAmericanshad 

;*  .stealthily  down 

|,,"^'^'-t"  attack 
Jfaldci.  Under  thj. 
h'rcssion,  they  loft 
Mwwh,  and  in  the 
fornmg  the  Ameri- 
h^iiadnoonetoop- 


J;AUh,t,l„,e  the  Americans  h, 
['mniewl„fr",^«?^^i"""eir 
^"eW,  R,:;™™,"'' bridge  t 


NilCH  1 


OF  THE   Wau   nr.    . 
♦>AK   OP   1812. 


.eight,  «ith  u  (loot)  ,lrv (li,,.)?  '^'"'  ''"'I'ankmonfN  u ....  ,  ~ 

■— •-' •        '  *'"'  ''•  "'"I  «"•-"  "■•" "  " '"'  "•■'■"-ly  t^v,.,.(y  feet  in 


height,  «ith  u  (loot)  ,lrv (li,,.)?  '^'"'  ''"'I'ankmonfN  u ....  ^  ^ 

'lei  t">-<,  tliat  Htoo,I  on  ;  ' '"!  '"y  .^'•ill^-.l  a/>v,,W,     ^1.,.,.,  I"-"J<'«-><.I  from  the 

lerson  Avenue.     I'ill,!,''    .:f '  "'/''^'  I>--„t  A...    r,',;.;?*;  -"•'^, -11..,!  ,heCut 

river,  an,l  ronUl  not  ,la,„a„,  !uf     ^    '' '""'  ""'"'"•tunatelv  i.  ^     ""'  "'^'"-     'tM 

;-'•  «t.eet,  on  thn.!:^^  ™- ..^'i  •^^"«'-..  A.'::::  i^t'i^i^r^^""  ^ '-  '^"-; 

l:a.l  iH-on  erected  as  de/en«c.         '      TT"  ^''*^'«  ^^^''e  I'l. ce,]      T,        "'.'"""^  ""  ^t- 
"^'2.=  "^"'^^■^  •'o''-""«t  Indian  inonrsion'      • .  f,     \''*""  J''^'^*''^,  which 

^  The  fortifioation.s  wi.ioh  the  «..;.=  .  ^'      "■^'"  l"-"^""-^>J  i" 


?' ""''■•^"  the  boa  «;;.';;  ;;f  'r  --'-t-l  to  .tra  e^;  "?:  "'  ^  '^«^-  of  the  en- 

--"' point.    The  Brit-             "  ^'"'""^''  ^^^'A>'thnr,  with  Ju'h.el  '  ''  '"  '"^'  ^''"v  of  the- 
'*M"'q>ared  to  di,s,,„te  .--- ^      ^.  '^m^^^-.r.-.r~Jl^  '  marched  to  the 


?poi 

i*'i|"'q'aredtodi,sp7ire 
liity  passage.     After 

^  *ire,  troops  and  l,oats 
"loved  silently  „p  the 

nvertoBloodvBrid.re 

.'inileandalialfabnve 
hn  Detroit,  and  j,re- 
parod  to  ci-oss  there 
M""Ii"g  all  silent  at" 
hpnn- Wells,  the  <le- 
Imvcd British  believed 
I'k'iftlicAmericanshad 
\m  stealthily  down 
JJ;;"'e.-to  attack 
|*l(len.     Under    this 

ipression,   they    lefY,  ' 
|\i«'!H-icli,  and  in  the 
foniinir    the    Ameri- 
|*^iiadnoonetoop. 


I  -     Is 


\\l 


■  1 


^ftiilj 


262 


riCTOKIAL    FIELD-nOOK 


Flrvi  IiivmIud  uf  Cauad*. 


Ilnir*  UMd-qaarteri. 


Ilull'it  PnicUmatlon  to  tta«  CniiiKlinnii 


UOLU.NKI.  UAUIEH   BKblUKHUli, 


•July  1'.',  l""**'  •Ik''''  liiiiilin;;^.  At  (luwii"  the  roiiiilar  troops  iiiid  tlic  Oliio  Voluiiictrs 
inI'2.  i^nmHi'd  to  tlu'  C'lmiutian  hIioi-o  to  ii  point  opposite  the  lower  ciul  of  lid.;  \^\. 
and.  Tlioy  looked  with  suspieioiis  eye  upon  ii  ntone  wind-mill  on  the  Hhoro,  forit  aii- 
peni  I'd  like  an  excellent  place  for  a  coneealiMl  lialtery.'  I$nt  tliere  was  no  resintaiuc,- 
aiul  the  little  army  first  touched  Canada  Jnst  above  tiie  present  town  of  Windhur, 
It  waH  a  bright  and  lovely  Sahhatli  morning,  with  ii  gentle  breeze  from  the  siMitJi. 
west.  The  American  (lag  was  immediately  hoisted  by  Colonel  Cass  and  a  sulialtcnr 
over  Canadian  soil,  and  was  greeted  by  cheers  from  the  invaders,  the  spectators  oi 
the  passage  of  the  Detroit  at  IJlocxIy  IJridgo,  and  from  the  fort  and  town.  Tlioy 
were  also  cot^liaily  received  by  the  French  Canadians.     The  Americans  en';nii|i('l 

on  the  farm  of  Colonel  Francis  Hahic,' a 
French  Canadian  and  British  otticer,  witl 
his  fine  1)rick  mansion  (then  unfinislud, 
iind  yet  standing  in  Windsor)  n  tlic 
centre  of  the  camp.  This  was  taken  pos- 
session of  hy  (}eneral  FInll,  and  used  ;h 
head-<iuarters  i'or  himself  and  priiic.pal  dl- 
ficers.  The  little  village  of  S«*:.tiwi(ii,  a 
short  distance  below,  gave  its  naiiic  l< 
this  locality,  and  Hull's  dispatches  fidm 
his  head-cpiarters  were  always  dated  at 
"Samlwicli." 

On  the  day  of  tlio  invasion,^  the  commanding  general  issued  a  stiniiii,' 
proclamation  to  the  inhahitants  of  Canada,  whioli  Avas  written  hy  Colonel 
Lewis  Cass.  "After  thirty  years  of  pe.'tce  and  ])rosperity,"  he  said,  "the  T'liitnl 
States  have  heen  driven  to  arms;  The  injuries  and  aggressions,  the  insults  and  in- 
diginties  of  Great  Britain,  have  once  more  left  them  no  alteniative  but  manly  resist- 
ance or  unconditional  submission."  lie  then  declared  that  he  cauie  as  a  friend,  anil 
as  their  liberator  from  British  tyranny,  and  not  as  an  eneniy  or  mere  con([ueriMi;  in- 
vader. "  I  tender  you,"  ho  said,  "  the  invaluable  blessings  of  civil,  political,  and  re- 
ligious liberty,  and  their  necessary  results,  iiuiividual  and  general  jtrosperifv.  .  .  , 
Kemain  at  your  homes ;  pursue  your  peaceful  and  accustomed  avocations ;  raise  ndt 
your  hands  against  your  brethren."  He  assured  them  that  the  persons  and  propcitv 
of  all  peaceful  citizens  should  be  perfectly  secure.  lie  did  not  ask  them  to  jciiii  lii» 
army.  "I  come  prepared,"  he  said, "for  any  contingency.  Ihave  a  force  wliicli  will 
look  down  all  opposition,  and  that  force  is  but  the  vanguard  of  a  much  greater."  All 
that  he  asked  of  them  was  to  remain  ])eacefully  at  their  homes.  At  tlie  same  time,  I 
knowing  that  the  British  had  in  their  service  hordes  of  merciless  savages,  whose 
mode  of  warfare  was  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  men,  women,  and  children,  or  the  j 

'  "  ExiHJcting,  of  cdiiri'e,  that  the  ciu-my  would  contest  our  laiidiiij,',  we  were  thinkliii,  na  we  left  the  Kliorc  nf  i. 
aniUBiug  fact  that  we  chould  doubtlcxH  coinnicnce  our  active  campaign  hy  attacking  a  wind-mill."— Oidiinf  Ihilrh''  Vnr- 
lative.    The  invasion  proved  to  be  about  a«  ridiculous  and  bootless  as  Quixottc's  attack  on  the  wlud-nillls.    This buili!- 1 
ing  was  yet  standing  when  I  visited  the  spot  In  the  autumn  of  ISttO. 

2  "  As  wo  wcie  crossing  the  rlvc     vc  saw  two  British  ofllccrs  ride  up  very  fast  ojiposite  where  we  Intended  Inndiu!;, 
lint  they  went  back  faster  than  they  came.    They  were  Colonel  St.  Oeorge,  the  commanding  ofHccr  at  Maiden,  aud  onti 
of  his  captains."— Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  to  his  Wife,  ,Iuly  14, 1S12— Autograph  Letter. 

5  "  Tell  our  mnch-beloved  Father  Flint  that  his  son  .Tames  had  the  honor  and  gratlflcatlon,  as  commandliii.'  offlfor.li^ 
))lant,  with  his  own  hands,  assisted  l)y  Colonel  Cass,  the  first  Tnited  Stales  standard  on  the  pleasant  bank  iif  Ilidlt 
trolt  River,  in  King  George's  province  of  Upper  Canada."— Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  to  his  Wife,  July  14, 1611!-Aiil* 
graph  Letter.  ' 

*  Pronou.iced  as  if  siieltBawbee.  The  house  was  abont  eight  rods  back  from  Sandwich  Street,  Windsor,  with  shod 
and  mean  buildings  in  front  of  it.  It  was  a  brick  house,  stuccoed  In  front,  and  made  to  represent  blocks  of  stiiuf.  Ba 
fore  it  was  a  garden,  the  remnant  of  a  more  spacious  and  beautiful  one,  that  extended  to  the  river  bank.  Tlio  honil 
belonged  to  a  son  of  t!olonel  Babie.  W'hen  Hull  took  possession  of  if.  the  floors  were  laid  and  the  windows  wire  ii 
but  the  partitions  wore  not  built.  These  were  immediately  made  of  rough  boards.  The  general  and  his  aids,  nccordirf 
to  Colonel  Hatch's  narrative,  occupied  the  north  half  of  the  house,  or  the  porUon  seen  over  the  heads  o'the  twoflirarf 
In  the  picture.  The  councils  of  war  were  held  in  the  second  story,  over  the  rooms  occupied  by  the  ccnornl.  C.emA 
.lames  Taylor,  of  Kentucky,  the  quartermaster  general,  occupied  a  part  of  the  house  m  biB  head-quarters,  bill,  bfi| 
unwell,  he  lodged  in  Detroit. 


t.nnt  ..fllilllV  I' 

(orfure  of  ])i 
ilieiii  if  fount 
(lie  first  atte 
critiiiiiate  got 
(li.'ui  will  he  t 
TliJM  proel,, 
ic'iii  flag  flyln 
(lie  Canadian 
otlicis  retiiriie 
liritish  orti(;ers 
I'omts.     Tlies( 
teetion,  and  re( 
Ou  file  morn 
.Valdcii,  at  tilt- 
'|ii.irter.s,  a  .sp„t 
lifdeoiis  in  tJie  a 
"f'tlie  .savages  i 
'iirty,  and  oflu.| 
llie  rocomioitrin 
went  upon  duty 
t:eiice  tli;it  at  'I'u 
'i'"mt  two  Juindr 
Ijing  in  ambush 
forest  was  full  of 
(ii'ilon  the  land  t 
"Ctlie  river,  fbi-  y. 
lip  to  co-operate 
'■"lie  of  Indians  n 
iliiettion.     TJu-y 
•iirlit  o'clock  tile 
I'l'i'^^i'it.     The  cha; 
rarofthe  fugitiv( 
■ilioiit  to  retuni,  «  1 
•''•'•■''  to  j.ush  fbrwa 
iii.stantly  obeyed,  . 
'"oi'tli,  near  w'hici, 
'"'"*»  and  ciiltiva 
"IP  lioines  near  its 
wiier  had  fl(.,].     ry 
''i*'innc(l  and  ,,,i,,>l, 
kmningsofthpov)., 
'no  Iiiindred  barrels 
niilitiiry  stores.     TIk 

■i'-Uiidcn,andyot  I 
-"^foiiiwhile  small  t 

'Hull  sent  a  copy  of  his  „. 

Imnmit."    Such  l«  h.„ 
I  I,.!  Ik  '*  "'f  record 

»»  the  proclamation  was  „ 

I;«»s  been  always  cited  ,1,' 

t.  seduce, he  Canad':; 

If;  "^proclamation...    As  Bra 

-•■■beenreffardednsaueloq.q 


J^H':    »VAU    OF    ,8,2. 
torturo  at  imnouvTH,  ho  warned  th.,  i  .    ,  •  ^--  '"^''^^^iktVU^ 

••H".i"^.r.'  Hc  J  of .  IZC'k''^':'''"  ''« «"i<«, "  will.,  t ;  • '" '  •'.  ••"""'""^•k. 
.  ^'";i.-v  "atiol.;r :;..  ;;:!';;;f;':--i in  ufHX:^ '''  ^""^  "'•-»  ^"■ 

'l"«'-'^-H,  a  spot  assonatJ  r  „  /,,  ^"""'r"""''^''  '•i'<l'«'o..  mil'       -,,7,      ,    *""'     ■■^'■'^. 
''''''•">'«  i"  the  annals  of  '''.  '"""'^  "'"  tl'o  .ro.,,,!,.  of     ,   u  '"'  ''*'"'-      '"'• 

"TMt  upon  .l.n^wh^; '''';''''•/ -'I't'''"  '^""-y  irh.'v  of  T:-  '"^'"'f'vs;  ,.n, 

^"-t  tu-o  h 1...  1. , :  ^:;;;;'  "^!-  '-h.; tho ca,;. ,  i;".;;^;-""^  -'th  i„,.,„i: 

Ivi",?  i"  an.l.nsh  at  the   s  ,.;         ■'"  ^*'''""'""i  (tluM.  in    I      |I,  "  '"  *"''"■""'''  ''"'t 

'-o.st  ,vas  fnJI  <.f  pnu  ,i,     '""■"  '"'^  "^"  ^''"  '"-''.-  <  v      ,   •      f  ""■^''^'">' ''''"'  ''^'-^ 

'"  "'^-  rivor,  Im-  va,n,  .  n  „  ,'  f  ^•""",""  ^'*'  '""'  to  l.o  pi,      ,  /'''"'i'  ^"  >'-  to.-ti- 

"P  to  co-o,„.rato  wlh  a        ,V  ''""•'''"*  ''"'  '''"'•^''  »■  '  o  •    ..        '""'T  *"'  ^''^'  ''•'"'k 

•"'•-•'-"•     Thoy    o  .  Vo  ,    V""l   '.  •'^■^••"•'""-'^'  <>t'S loa  ",       ''"■■""'•     ^^-''^ns  also 
«>l<t  o'clock  tlio  s.    „  \  ■''  *''*■'*  f''*'V  ''«'l  .lisc<.v    ...I  '''  '""'^  ««"<^  '»  tliat 

-.•ofthe  ;  ,h  ;:    X7«--.-"lat  Knl        'i^:^.r  '"""'-'  ."-;  w^.t  t 

»^o«ttorot„n,;S.  Cn,  ;r'T-V"'  ^"  ^''«  "'.^  Is  a^a      r"'T^" /^'"  "1"'"  *'»- 
''•■■•.^  to  push  /b  -H-.      \:  A  *"''  '^""^'''  "ftl.c  Detroit  DAtn    ^'     -""^'     ^^^'^'-tln.r  was      ' 

;«^'''  "-•  whici/tho  iiu ,'  ,^,  ;v^ ''"  ''"'^^^-"  *:;;  ^  ^;  ;':;;;;:rr-  "^' 

I «'s  and  cuhivatod  fi,.M       .  ^'"""^■'*  oecurred  h.  isi^       ',/        '''  ^'■""'  'ts 

'"^  '-n,cs  nca..   t       l.u     ll.    T/'  *'"'  '''^^"'--1"     CI  s  ',^'h  "''•  '  '""'>'  ^-•'»- 
"«m>r  had  fled     Tl,    .  ''  ^''■'»*  «f  Isaac  If,,  1  o         .  *'''"  '■''■^''-    A-none 

»•'"»>>'-«  of  the  ov       ■•.•      *^*'  ''*"^^'  tho  sti-oani  «•,  1      •         "'•^''''■*'-     T''^'       .'ere 

'« L-d:;!.  t m!;r ; T  ^  ^f  ->  ^'-  ^ ^th  m^i,^: : .:;;:::''  -^  ^-<^od  ,,, «;: 


'  '""*  '^  "»  doubt  that  it  would 


I  ■ 


i 


264 


msmm 


mmm 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Affair  ou  the  Tn-ron-tee. 


First  Battle  of  the  War. 


The  "Here  of  Ta-rou-tee." 


two  hundred  and  eighty  men,  accompanied  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller,  of  the  rce- 
ulars,  pushed  forward  to  the  Ta-ron-tee,  as  the  Wyandots  called  it,  or  liiv'-ire  Aiix 
Canards,  as  it  was  named  by  the  French,  a  wide  and  deep  stream  that  passes  throutrh 


Lil^E^^^^^ 


viK»v  AT  luii  itiviiati:  Ai:x  i  A-SAUnt^. 


broad  marshes  into  the  Detroit  Riv^r,  about  four  miles  above  Maiden.  On  the  soiuli- 
ern  side  of  this  stream,  at  the  end  of  abridge,  was  a  British  picket,  composed  of  some 
of  the  Forty-first  regiment,  Canadian  militia,  and  Indians  under  Tecumtha.'  Leav- 
ing a  rifle  company  of  forty  men  in  ambush,  Cass  marched  three  or  four  miles  up  tlie 
stream  to  a  ford,  came  down  on  the  south  side,  waduig  across  streams  aiinpit  deep, 
and  confronted  the  enemy  at  sunset.  There  he  was  checked  by  a  deep  tributary  of 
the  Aiix  Canards,  and  compelled  to  make  a  circuit  of  more  than  a  mile  to  gain  tin 
shore  next  to  the  enemy.  Tiiis  was  soon  accomplished.  Forming  witli  his  riHeim n 
on  each  Aving,  Cass  dashed  upon  tiie  foe  will  gn at  impetuosity,  avIio  fled  at  the  II 
fire.  He  had  been  re-enforced;  and  three  t,nies  he  rallied,  changed  front,  and  tii.-i 
upon  the  pursuers.  Cass  chased  tlie  fugiti\  os  about  half  a  mile,  the  drums  beutiiii; 
Yankee  Doodle  ;  when  night  fell,  the  jnirsuit  was  relinquished,  and  the  attackinif  jjai- 
ty  returned  to  the  bridge.  A  courier  was  sent  to  head-quarters  to  ask  permission  to 
hold  the  bridge,  as  it  would  be  of  great  importance  in  the  march  of  the  army  toward 
Maiden.  Hull  refused  to  grant  it.  It  was  too  near  the  enemy,  ho  said,  to  be  Iiclil 
with  safety  by  a  small  detaelunent ;  and,  not  having  received  his  heavy  cannon  I'nmi 
Detroit,  he  was  not  prejjared  to  attack  strong  Fort  Maiden  at  Amherstburg.'-  Tlu' 
impatient  oflicers  and  soldiers  were  irritated  by  the  refusal,  and  murmured  lomlly. 
but  Hull  was  unyielding.  This  was  the  first  battle  and  victory  in  the  second  \v:ii 
for  independence.  It  was  hailed  tliroughout  the  L^^nited  States  as  an  omen  ot'sia- 
cess,  and  Colonel  Cass  was  called  the  "Hero  of  Ta-ron-tee."  He  took  two  prisoners; 
and  fi'om  deserters  he  learned  that  some  of  the  cifemy  were  killed,  and  nine  oi  ten 
wounded,  while  he  did  not  lose  a  man. 

That  the  Americuus  might  have  takc'n  Maiden  with  the  means  at  their  cemniaml 
when  tiiey  first  cnissed  into  rmiada  there  can  be  no  doubt.     Why  Hull  did  not  at] 
terapt  it  is  a  question  not  easily  answered  to-day,  unless  we  look  for  a  solution  k  thid 
fact  that  the  Americans  had  no  roiiable  information  conceniing  the  real  strength!'! 


'  On  thp  mnrnlncr  of  the  ITtli  n  re-enfnrd  racnt  of  trnoii-  arrived  at  the  IvHdiii',  coneistlng  of  the  rcmaim!''   M-W 
Konrth  United  St  tps  regiineut,  and  ii  piece  of  artillery,  u'ut.'r  Captain  Bnstman.    A  council  of  ofBcers  was  coiivciieL  J 
A  majority  of  them  ii>!'ted  on  leaving  the  hrldge,  while  Colonel  Cass  and  t;aptaiu  Snelliiig  luHinled  on  holding  it,«> 
wo"k!  be  of  the  utmost  importance  in  niarchinu;  upon  Maiden.    The  ovorriilln}?  of 'heir  oplrion,  and  the  rofiif.il  oflliilll 
to  allow  the  hrldRe  to  he  held,  cauBed  its  ahiHMionment.    Tl'ls  was  one  of  the  nio«t  fat*!  of  the  del.iys  of  Hull  iu  th^ 
early  moveriir-nls  of  this  Canadian  invasion. 

»  "  This  rlriprmination,"  says  Wallace  (f/iVJfJw  I'allfii  iteqi»ler.  1S4'3),  "  orcasloned  a  df  lay  ot'n^Mrly  thue  weeks,  wbiclj 
proved  in  -!  fm.:!  to  the  result?  of  the  Cflnipniirn.  Hid  we  been  prepared  for  an  Inimertiaie  attack  on  Maldtu,  ouicam 
paign  w-  '  have  l)een  a»  glorions  as  It  was  other*  <  dlsnstroii  ■,  aud  the  name  of  Oenerul  Hull  would  have  been  t^ 
alted  to  Ui>  ikies." 


il'eakaess  of  Port 

the  fort  and  ^ 

iiiiJitia  and  I 

flanking  a  dr' 

liole.s  for  n^;;.< 

slielLs  would  J 

liiindred  men 

lain  Muir;  a  i 

•■iilwlteni  com 

"fhidiaiis  thei 

tlic  j)o.st,  was  S( 

iliat  orders  we; 

ivorks.    He  p,.£ 

-ieo-e  in  a  fortifi 

Hiit  Hull  did 

strengthened.    ] 

none  were  so  im 

'''''«]>  'ift',  while 
cprs  .said.     "lea 
scrihe  the  event 
sajs/'fi-om  this 
•^ijiinion  of  his  abj] 
A  report  reach 
Ohartotte,  a  Hritig] 
"'«  "ver,  and  com 
""""''''■•II<''V  detae] 
toKhhophmksoi 
^'""''  «'<Io  of  the  < 
",".'"■"  t^asy  Ruppo,: 
'«™g  possession  d 
\  W^J,  under  Capfii 
!i?'it  of  the  whole  r 
implied  assurance  of 
"fflmt  order,  Colon 
Imormnoofthe  lOth 
;";1  joined  Captain", 
I  ''''I'li^e. 

-^'Arthur  ivas  i,i,r 

J^";-iotrogo,vithin 
H  a  <ew  riflemen  I,. 

r^"ver,toreconnoi, 

r?™  ^^"«  «"n'orted 
r  «'f."'y-five  <lrao.o, 
rf'"l'an.s,,vhoh.;,  , 
r»;  and  Colonel  M' A 
>■'•  f '-e  bank  of  tho 
rff •  no  also  ca, 
f ''^'  <^  tachmont  e,m 
«»'''^rei-e^ommandtCi 

t^  '■'"  rtixtnnce  no  ih  .  t> 


fmimmsi^iSSii. 


Heakaeag  of  Fort  Maiden. 


JEffect«  of  Delay? 


the  fort  and  garrison      Th^  f       -  -— — __     Swounou^Zr — 

"'"'■"■■•I  "'Hi  Indians   ;orIn""'^^'^^«''  ^eT^^Tl — "'-'— .nt..„i.„ 

lioliM  for  n.u3ketry      A     ,t  '''"^.^  '"t^*"or  de<i.„8e  of       f    '""■'^'*'»'^^<i  of  fo,„.  i,.J/" 

"l"'l^;eci.  men  of  the  f5,..st  baf  ,;i  '^  'f  ^-     ^e  ^^^riso  .  «  a      '    '^'  •'^'""-''^«-     A  fe^ 
taiiiMiur;  a  very  ^vo.i-    ,  "^"™  "^  thf-  F.>rtv-««..  i:^  <^0'nj>osc'd  of  nl,n„*  * 

'V'°*  ■  "»■'  «>  well  convinced  ,  .  '.''"»»"      C„l„„„|  ,<,'(.'':„    ?^^ ''  '''•'«'«  '"""be,- 

^^^.t  „.e,...d  .lie's;    ^'^-llf-toconren;:^   "^^  ^"^  ^--'>  and  U^j^ 

«^'"g  possession  of  tL      ii      '       ^'"^^  ^''^^t  advanta-^^^o       ^'^"'«"">  of  t}.e  ri    '  ■ 
m,  "nder  (',,„,,•„  s  ^  „        »'"  '^'•"^  '"^^''-Jv  lost      ?f    f,  *^""'^''^  ''.V  Colon^.I  Cnsl 7 

''^"-*  orde,  Cl    ;  V-:-^-te  n,arel.  on  ^^d  ^  "TTT""^"'^-^^  ^- ^ 

'""™"'S  o^'the  inth  J;;,       ■,''"'■' *^«  senior  offi,!,     "'     Vf '  *^'"  '^''-^'^fon     ""^"'^W- 

MArtlun-  was  instrn,-ed  fn  '         '*  '•"  '""'^^  a'>ove  tjfe' 

, '^  '"I'-  to  reconnoitiv      If,.  .,  ?^*  "^  a  ridge,  abonf  t!„       ,        '"'  '"■'*  :^>VviUmt 

,  '  n, ,..,„.,  —    ^'"^  ammunition  of  *i,„     „  ^''■^*  ^^'t" 


•^^f^^^-rmBimp^mmmmmi^mmf 


'M 


f  I    !^  H! 


t 


200 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Ui?tni?t  of  Oeneral  Mull. 


M 'Arthur  in  Command. 


iiig  scarce,  they  fell  back,  and 
M'AiUmr  sent  an  expressi  Xu 
ciiinp  for  rL'-euforcomciits.  On 
tho  arrival  of  the  incssenra'r, 
Colonel  Cuss  hiisteued  down 
with  one  hundred  and  fifty 
men  and  a '  six-poundcr.  He 
met  the  retreating  detachment 
at  Turkey  Creek  Bridge,  wncn 
the  nnited  forces  pusshed  on  to 
I  Petit  Cote,  and  tlierc  ei;campetl 
lor  tiie  night.  Tlie  enemy  had 
]ieen  re-enforced  in  tlie  mt'sn 
time  with  both  men  and  artil- 
lery. Cass  was  anxicas  t  at- 
tack them,  and,  at  his  request, 
M'Art  uir  ordered  the  whole 
force  toward  tlie  bridge-.  A 
few  shots  of  the  six-|)(iiin(kr 
i  were  excbanged  with  the  artil- 
,1  lery  of  the  e-iemy,  but  with  lit- 
tle effect ;  and  toward  cveni: 
the  whole  detachment  nunclu 
liaek  to  can<p  liitig'.ied  ;iml  ili>- 
piriied,  and  bereft  of  all  conli- 
dence  in  tlie  commaiiding  gen- 
eral. All  accused  liini  of  in- 
capacity ;  many  of  them  di- 
nounced  him  in  j)rivatc  coiivo 
sation  as  a  coward,  and  a  liw 
ex])ressed  the  bclieflhat  he  wii'^ 

treacherous.    Tlv'se  suspicions  were  confii-med  to  their  minds  by  his  leaving  his  aiiny  j 

on  the  21st  of  July,  and  remaining  at  Detroit  four  days,  without,  as  they  alle!.'ed,j 

any  but  frivc^loiis  pretexts.' 

i)uring  the  absence  of  J  lull,  tlie  command  of  the  troops  in  Canada  devolved  nn| 

Colonel  M'Arthur,^  who  resolved  to  make  an  effort  to  attack  Maiden,    lie  dispatelud, 

»  M'Afee,  pseen  fi«  to  (Vs. 

'  A  bloj:nii)hical  iskctcli  of  M'Arlhur  will  be  found  In  anotber  part  of  tbls  work.    See  Index. 


gy^^^iiie-iUji^  P^J^ 


Skirmishes  with  t 


tcT^ 


crossed  the  bridi 

fiarty  returned  t. 

the  FiitsT  hlooj)  • 

Wliile  tlie  litth 

1'}  (li'cadful  siisp 

i-imefi-om  the  hdi 

was  considered  th 

nalers  of  tlie  8tr; 

Icngtli    and    four 

breadth  —  stands 

limestone  rock,  ali 

^^cven  nules  in  cire, 

ft'i'eiiee,  rising  in 

tt'iitre  to  an'altifii 

of  nearly  thiw  Ji;„ 

r^'I  ft'ct,  an.l  cover 

«'t'i    a    rough    a  I 

Mierous  soil,'  out  ( 

»'"cli  (<pi-ing,s  Iie'n 

"'"'''^•'•-     The  Indian 

r';'|<">.i,'  tlie  Alg,„„, 


"'"'<"li  signifies  Th( 


■Britisliaull.oritlesf.aytl, 
■laclilnlock,  page  r,2 

*     V  General  nr,„.I<,:;  , 

fmr  Thf.vleu-I,  fi,„„„„| 
|'^«l>.nevi,|,e(,s,.^,ui„,!;;,: 


Skirmishes  with  the  Intllnns. 


^^-^  ^^^  u4€i/i^:.. 


267 

_, , _______Michilllni,,ckhii;^ 

Captain  JVrCuIIoucjh  .yuu  t. 

i;a.^Hai,'o  for  a.tillefy  ;  'ro^      "'^f'^'  ^  '^^^  - 
tlio  bridire,  so  -IS  to  n,      ,    ,       ^  axarcls  above 

rnfonnccl  tl^at  tt  'lU  ri^^'r""^  ™"^'^- 
twoen  the  Auv  Ton .,  i  ,  '''^"  ■''^^^'"  ^P" 
^^I'Arthur  ^^^"^^  '^"^^  ^"'■'^•T  Crook, 

^v}.e.•e  he  capturod  o  F.       ,        *'  ^fttlouiont, 

«»;';3  for  t.-„   ,nile.s   a„^  ., 
JaIU)ythoT,Kl.ia„,s.'     Kear 


^'^'ulth- stands      a  ^*'''»t  <«rty  nulos  m 

'"'K'stone  rock,  about 

weinniloH  hi  circuni- 
fcreiico,  risinij  in   its 
w'ntre  to  airaltitiido 
of  nearly  tliroo  Iiund- 
rc;l  foot,  an.l  oo^erod      - 
«'fli    a    roush    and 
?>'n<'ro,is  soil,  out  of 
"'"*■''  •'^J^-iii.iTs  hoavv 

'""''^■•-    Thol„,ii.,„; ^m^mmm^^^^mmr 

■i;;';-"",!?  tho  Alo-o,„j,;i„  .  --0.^.,,,,,  ,„,„  „,.^^^„  .„..,„;.    —   -      ■- 

wliioli  siirnifies  Tl.n  n        "-"f^'  "nprossod  Avitli  iis  .),., 

^hejrih^f,,,,  ,,„,,j^      ^^^^  ^j^^  ^    o  h      Cr'r  i'  ^^'^■''■"--^•kinaok, 

'^«  M.  l<i  ::   '  ,  i,;; ;;; ,"";  l>''*<''i".  .';L  ■.,.„..,,  «..„„      .   „  ■    '  "''■""S^''""«"on  I.  „  general  onUr 

"•■i.iiil,  aiullsproiiomicHibyii,,:. 


^i'lM 


M 


-BiO  0  K 


Pontine'*  Confederacy. 


Trt*iii»ftM' 


A  Masmicie. 


Scenery  at  Mackiuaw 


•  June  4. 


eriy  pmnt  of  the  peninstik  fjf  lftl«M5gM^,  Ab-  FBearfi  Jesuit  niisHionaries  planted  the 
Hymfeol  of" Christianity  as  i-^fiy  nn  /'WJ.  aaJ-eafci  tike  Hei^land  Point  of  lonatins. 
La  .Sa4i«».  the  discoverer  of  liv      '     ^  ,1,   "ithtT  Hennepin  and  otluis,  m,  n 

there  in  1479;  and  by  tl>e  side  sif  ]*Vince  of  Peace  they  eivitcd  a 

strong-hold  of  war,  an<l  called  it  Fo|^  Micliilliit  kinack.  The  name  was  abbrev  inted 
to  Mnekinack  ^pronounced  Mackinaw),  and  that  '//''oj^raphj   we  Mill  adopt. 

When,  on  tlic  con(niest  of  Canada  from  the  Fi'<'iich,  thi?.  post  fell  into  the  bands  of 
the  Enu'lish,  the  savages  that  filled  the  country  ^' juained  ^-r  le  to  their  new  mas- 
ters. "  Vou  have  w^jquered  the  French,"  they  said, "but  you  have  not  coiujuered 
us."  Tlie  mighty  Porftiac,  the  Ottawa  chief,  was  then  forming  his  giant  contederacv 
in  the  Xorthwi'st  I'or  the  extermination  of  the  English  westward  of  the  Kias>ara, 
The  jjrincipal  tribes  of  that  region  M^ere  the  Ottawas  and  Ojibwas,  or  Chippcwas. 
The  latter  were  the  most  jx>werful.  Tlieir  most  important  village  was  upon  tli( 
baok  of  Miclalliraackinack,The  Great  Turtle,  in  the  strait,  where  a  hundred  warriors 
resided. 

On  the  morning  of  the  king's  birthday,*  1763,  the  forests  and  Fort  Mack- 
inack  was  tilled  Avith  the  Ojibwas.  They  professed  warm  friendship  for  the 
English,  and  invited  the  garrison  out  to  see  their  great  game  of  ball,  the  favonto 
amuwment  of  th*  Indians.  It  was  a  gay  and  exciting  scene.  At  lengtli  a  ball  wont 
mp  frot;  i  ',<■  inid«€  if>f  the  players  in  a  h>fty  curve,  and  fell  near  the  pickets  of  the  fort. 
It  was  '4  yrrconceri^'A  signal.  The  warriors  ruslu;d  toward  the  fort  as  if  in  quest  of 
the  hull.  J  .'  ir  liands  were  soon  filled  with  gleaming  hatchets,  whicli  the  squjifls 
hft'1  /'()/i''eale(J  beneath  ^jt  ManketB.  A  bloody  massacie  ensued.  After  a  satur- 
IIKJhi  //f'p(<v('l'((l  dnys,  the  liid'lans,  alarmed  by  rumors  of  the  approach  of  a  stroiirr  En- 
glish force,  took  Hl'iiit(-  on  the  island — three  hundred  and  fifty  warriors,  with  tluii 
Ihniilies  and  household  elii  ■  /  /'/IW)"(f  with  (hem  Alexander  Henry,  an  English 
triider,  who  had  been  saved  from  the  nm  m  fi>  by  (he  hands  of  friendly  Indians.  The 
flilhiHing  year  I'orl  Mackinack  was  garrisonetl  by  (he  Iflii/jllpli,  The  Iri(||iiiiH  had 
I|(mI  from  the  island,  and  ;  i  iiji  ments  upon  it  immediately  comn](ii('(  d  ll  H  \\  \\\m\ 
delightful  spot.  As  seen  from  (lie  water,  it  presents  a  most  striking  ])ietiii('  ofwliili 
ell  "s, contrasting  beautifully  w((h  the  green  foliagi'  lliat  hall' covt  is  them,  hi  (he 
centi'e  the  land  rises  in  wooded  heights,  in  some  jihiees  (liree  liiindretl  feet  above  iIk. 
lake.     The  rocks  tbriii  fantaslie  shapes.     Here  may  be  seen  a  ease,  there  a  (iiwcriiirr 

])innacle,  and  in  other  jilaces  gorges  are  sjjan- 
ned  by  natural  l)ridges.  One  of  the  nuM 
noted  of  tliese  is  the  Arch  Hock,  seceinl  (ii;h 
in  ])icturesqueness  (o  the  fainnus  Natural 
ISridge  in  Virginia.  The  crown  is  over  nm 
hundred  feet  above  the  'water,  and  aliiuM 
forty  above  the  ground.  It  Avas  Coiiikm]  liy 
the  falling  out  of  great  masses  of  stone.  The 
l{iibbi;V  T'eakjthe  Sugardoaf, Plutonic  Cave. 
lieviPs  Kitchen,  Ciant's  Causeway,  a'ni  the 
!jo\er's  I, cap,  are  ail  faiiious  jdaees,  ami  clus- 
tered with  stirring  legends  connected  iviili 
the  French  and  English  occnp., 'ion.  or  run- 
ning back  to  the  dim  old  I  radii  ions  efiln' 
Children  of  the  Forest.  But  J  wid  not  ocni- 
)iy  more  space  in  describing  this  now  famous 
summer  resort  for  Ineiists  and  sportsmen— a^ 
place  T  have  never  visited.  I  was  .about  to 
take  passage  at  Chicago  for  the  strait  in  the  autumn  of  1800,  when  I  heard  that  sno«s| 
had  tidkii  there,  and  that  the  sceptre  of  Boreas  was  omnipotent  over  all  those  Dorth| 


AliUll    KI><!K,    MAOKKNAOK. 


Fort  Macklunw  ni 


British;  and  in  : 
looking  the  fine 
command  of  Liei 
was  a  very  impoi 
'lians.     The  fort  i 
in  extent,  with  ai 
y\W\trmi  on  the 
"•'I',""  u'Jiich  H-flft 
six-jjonndi  r  h,im  u 
'"'"ifwTs,  and  a  b 
I'liu  (imgrt«)/«j  Yftin 
'.'f  \var.= 

''^"'■li  "  (IH  the  An 
''ivilized  life  more  i 
"Cs'iiages  re.'idy  tc 

^''■"""■'''-  I'.'i'-fy,  and 
'Iwiis  (i'om  Fort  81 
''■'"»  -^hickinack,  in 
t.ichnieiit  of  (Jio  'J'en 
liccn  erected  in  tj,e 
'  circrmstance  Jiad  gi 
«i  hostilities  had  Ilr 

tliiit  he  received  of  tl 
tlio  morning  of  the  1 
R'^ulars,  two  Jiiuidre. 
flwns,  chiefly  of  the  t 

I  Fwas),  and  demands 
Captain  Roberta  w- 

I  «^as  apprised,  at  Port 

'N'amcdin  honor  of  LIPntPn; 
IJ-'Ma,ul„fK„rt  Miami  on 

Kwamnotrarotr,„,,,rd"t^ 


"OBT   MAcasiNACK. 


A  coveted  Prhe. 
face   home^yava,  content   to 
{"I-nfonnat,on.    At  Detroit 
antviewofMaekinacklsI- 

foomCon,panionII.avecop- 
"'^I  tJ»?  Arol.  Kock,  and^a 

;'oarviewofMackh;a„.  -il 
%o  and  fort,  sketched  I>v- an 
;j- of  the  United  Stit^ 

Mackinack  came  into  the 
P"-o.ss,o„    of  the    United 

^^LJ" .!?«'  -^'-^     the 


British;  and  in  1812  For.  TT  T"'  fi„anv'"""""*''""-'^J*"^^=^  ^^•"'•^' 

lookin.  the  fine  hrrLf"'        ''"'''''  ""  *''«  '"'.'^^'^  «o„thwe  "bl  J'"J!r^''r^'^  ^>'   the 

«as  a  very  imnort-mf  /  'lanckH,  of  the  United  *<f../      a  *''^''  "'"^er  the 

:>-».  T,fo  sr;.::  :;;;,r„",;!;"'""«  r '"« ««™itt*  :,\^'rr  ™?  >•« 

i"  ovtont,  with  an  nnJnf  '''"^  "verlookino-  the  fine  LJt  ■      .        "''^"  the  In- 

^Mn,nn  on  t ,      v^    '     ir^''  ^'^^^  "'*«  Lake     u';:  ZZ""'':  ''''''''-^  ^  '""'' 

'•''«'v'.  which  ^Lrickl,  ;\''''*"'^^^ 

-pounder  wn^    0,^,0,   'T'"^  ''^  *->  '''ook-Ion^e    LS""/''?""'^  "^  t'.e 
■'■''"  'm>U„u  ,v„W.o  „  '    r'';".""^'''-     '^       •  commanded  tJef  '""^T""'^^'''^^'  ^^^o 

tr „ „„,  ' ^^^ '"'-"  ■■-  «-»• -r;;:::  i;'.ts 

!«'..  orocted  in  the        .''">'•■»  Veteran  Battah-on  fort    J  '         ■^'''^"■'«oned  with  a  de- 
-nnstaJ^    ad  "iv  "'^  "'  ^'^^  "^y  -'^^  oJ^^'^^^^,"' "'""'^-^     This  fort  Z 

"'"^''^^  '•"^•^•ivod  of  th     i    r,''''"'^^^^''^  to  J.im  hv  tr  dei     .    ;  .,"'""'•"  "^ ^xpeet- 
"'^  morning  of  Mo  ntujf  ;l^'c'aratio„  of  war  m  .s  fiom^  "''    ''^;^''«t  kno„  I.d.„ 

•Named  In  honor  of  LlPutonnnt  17  i  " — ^ (IPfkratlon  of  war  he 


-«^^HI|HBSs 


nCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


;i  ■  ■ 


Kxpedition  ognlust  Mackluack. 


]<Mrgt  Intimation  of  Danger. 


Demand  fur  the  Surrender  of  the  i  in 


"  June  28. 


•Juno 20,     flispjvtchcfl  .111  cxprpss"  to  Captain  Kobeils  Avith  the  important  intelligonpo. 

I"*'--  A  Ifttor  from  anotlicr  liaiul,  as  we  liavc  observed,  liad  already  given  tliat 
information  to  Koberts.  Urock  ordered  liim  to  attack  Maekinack  inimediatelv  if 
[)ructicable ;  or,  in  tiie  event  ofliis  being  attacked  by  the  Americans,  to  defend  his 
post  to  the  last  extremity.  Another  order,  issned  two  days  hiter,''  direpttd 
liini  to  summon  to  his  assistance  the  neigliboring  Indian  tribes,  IJritish  ;iiii| 
American,  and  to  solicit  the  co-operation  of  the  emph)yes  of  tlie  Nortliwest  Fm- 
Company  in  tliut  vicinity.  Still  another  was  issued,  giving  Captain  Koberts  discre- 
tionary j)owers. 

Mr.  Pothier,  tlie  agent  of  the  Northwest  Company,  was  then  at  St.  Josepli's,  nml 
Roberts  laid  before  him  his  plan  of  operations.  Pothier  ajiproved  of  them,  and  jilucid 
all  the  resources  of  the  comj)any  at  that  j)oint  at  his  disposal ;  and  lie  oH^ered  to  com- 
mand in  person  one  hundred  and  fifty  Canadian  voyayeurs,  then  employed  in  tlio 
company's  service,  .and  within  call. 

On  the  niorning  of  the  10th  of  July — a  bright  and  beautiful  morning — the  wind 
blowing  gently  from  the  northwest.  Captain  Roberts  embarked  with  his  whole  force 
civilized,  semi-civilized,  and  savage,  for  ]Mackinack,  in  boats,  bateaux,  and  canoes 
accompanied  by  two  six-pounders,  and  convoyed  by  the  brig  Caledonia,  beloiifjini.' 
to  the  Northwest  Fur  Company,  which  was  laden  with  provisions  and  stores.  Jloan- 
while  the  doomed  garrison  at  Maekinack  was  ignorant  of  the  declaration  of  war  aivl 
the  impending  blow.  Lieutenant  Ilaiicks  had  observed  Avith  some  uneasiness  tlie 
sudden  coolness  of  Ottawa  and  Ojibwa  chiefs,  who  had  j)rofessed  great  friend^lm, 
only  a  few  days  before;  and  on  the  morning  Avhen  Roberts  sailed  from  St.  Josepli's, 
the  Indian  interpreter  at  Maekinack  told  Ilam^ks  that  he  had  been  assured  tliat  llic 
Indians,  Avho  had  just  assembled  in  great  numbers  at  St.  Joseph's,  Averc  about  to  at- 
tack Fort  Holmes.  Ilancks  immediately  summoned  the  American  gentlemen  on  the 
island  to  a  conference.  It  Avas  thought  by  them  expedient  to  send  a  coiifitlential 
agent  to  St.  Joseph's  to  ascertain,  if  possible,  the  temper  of  the  commandant  of  the 
garrison,  and  to  Avatch  the  movements  of  the  Indians.  Captain  Danruian  Avas  soiit 
on  that  errand.  lie  embarked  at  about  sunset  on  the  16th. '^  Tlic  moon  was 
at  its  full,  and  Avhen  night  fell  upon  the  Avaters  thoy  Avere  softly  illuniiiiated 
by  its  dim  effulgence. 

Captain  Daurman  had  accomplished  fifteen  miles  of  his  voyage  Avhen  he  met  tlio 
hostile  tltitilla,  rtud  Avas  made  a  prisoner.  He  Avas  paroled  on  the  condition  tliat  lie 
should  land  on  Mackinaw  in  advance  of  the  invaders,  summon  the  inhabitants  toils 
Avest  side  to  receive  the  protection  of  a  British  guard  for  their  persons  and  ])roportv, 
and  not  to  give  any  information  to  Ilancks  of  tlie  ai)proach  of  the  expedition,  lie 
Avas  also  instructed  to  Avarn  the  inhabitants  that  all  Avho  should  go  to  the  fort  would 
be  subject  to  a  general  massacre  ! 

Daurman  Avas  landed  just  at  daA,-n,  and  fulfilled  the  provisions  of  his  parole  to  the 
very  letter.     But,  Avhile  the  inhabitants  Avere  flying  from  the  village  to  seek  Hiiiish 
])rotection  from  the  blood-thirsty  savages.  Dr.  Day,  an  American   gentlenian,  more  | 
courageous  than  the  rest,  hastened  to  the  fort  and  gave  the  alarm.     This  was  the ; 
first  intimation  that  reached  Ilancks  of  the  ajiproach  of  an  enemy.     That  enemy  liadj 
already  landed,  and  taken  one  of  his  two  heavy  guns,  in  the  gray  morning  twili<;htl 
of  the  1 7th,  to  the  croAvn  of  the  island,  in  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and  placed  it  in  uat- 
tery  so  as  to  command  the  American  Avorks  at  their  Aveakest  point.     It  was  too  latel 
i'rr  Ilancks  to  prepare  tor  defense.     By  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  Roberts  had  |ins-J 
session  of  the  heights,  and  the  Avoods  back  of  the  fort  seemed  to  be  sAvarniiiig  wiilil 
painted  savages.     At  half  past  eleven  a  summons  Avas  made  for  the  immediate  sur- 
render of  the  foit,  garrison,  and  island  "to  the  forces  of  his  liritannie  niajesiy."" 
"This,"  said  Ilancks,  in  his  report  to  the  government, "  Avas  the  first  intimation 
hatt  of  the  declaration  of  Avar,"     Ilajicks  held  a  consultation  Avith  liis  officers  ainlili^ 


.Surremler  of  Mnc 


.Aiiierican  ge\ 

the  cliaractei 

Here  allowed 

ami  those  oft 

the  lionors  of 

Mackinaw  we 

H-aniing  all  tJi 

IJriti.sli  govern 

lati(m.     All  j.i' 

strained.     "  It 

Bntish  Store-kc 

"tliat  the  fort  i 

helieve  not  a  so 

hVitisIi  officer  C( 

'iglifyofthe  sa 

eil  siicJi  instrun: 

iiii'iitly  denounci 

(iiro.^ 

The  capture  o: 

immediate  and  p 

Jlirs  Avere  among 

jiiacod  in  tlie  pos 

rj)l)er  Lakes,  wit 

prison  bar  that  ke 

||ra«-n,  ai'd  Detro 

«il(lernes.',  irhose 

iw  settlements  shi 

Such  Ava.s  anotJi 

|>C  the  Secretary  o 

liostilities  nearly  u 

instead  of  British  0 
fwve  hmi  a  British 

'"frcrwh  of  the  enemy  t 

'^'foi-r officers;  Canadian 
,  ™  and  0l(an-a,,  57-2     r", 

Briiish  two  day.  afte;  „,„',;' 
I  /.'""■e  course  of  a  debate 

p' (Earl  of  Chatham)  S, 
host  aI)onii„al,le  avowal", 

mi,ei-(.ho,.,,tho :;:;[,,. 

"*, am.  to  vindicate  tie 
.  employment  Of, he  «av,a, 

';.^'^'Wis,d„^rhe^rn1h:/;r;^ 
''t^fthelndmmr  '^ 


AiiuTican  crent  cmo,.  {TTi     Z  ~~ ^mpioyi 

*  ""' 1"  the  fort  iiwl  :*  — — s^—""''"yinoBrh. 

a-Kl  tl.oso  of  Great   Jrita        ';    '' '"'  !"''-'^^'=*"  the  A,„er  can  -fw         H-nornhl,  terms 
(lie  Lonons  of  ^vav     T  "^  ^"'*  '"  their  niaee      T I,  "^'"■'  ^^'^''-^  taken  d,nv„ 

uann,,,.  all  those  „»o„  M,  l'.„^^V''^''  ''^''^'^  to  Detroit.      aT ^  1'"  ^^^'''^'^"'1  »<>  I<-avo 


'■^ffi:  ! 


l.tion.    All  |„-i,,„,  ,,m'". ,       °  "'»"'l  "•"liin  •■>  .i,„„.|? ,"  '  "*  """Siancc  to  tho 

believe  not  a  sonl  nfih  *^'f"o'it  firin.r  a  sin<rlo  ,v„.    .-     ,  ''^  -f  oi  t  Geor.re,        isi2. 

B.i.w, ow c,;;l,, 5„  ritt';!'' ""- '■~" •-•  *  ™:  r-''"'^ """"» ' «""iy 

""•s  were  among  the  s„oi  Kof  I  '  ''''''  ''^"'^  «« ven   uL  "      "  ^T''^'  '"t<^>-ests, 

I"  '  >  the  possessio  .  of  tllTj'-'  '^'"'  '^'^'^^  ^^  tl  e  L  t"!  of^'^"  ^^^-tly' 
I J'Fr  Lakes,  ,vith  all  its  IZT""  "'  ^''^  ^^"'tecl  State  Th  '  '''*  '■'"'""  ^^'«^ 
i;n.o„  bar  that  kept  back  t},l  ^^^^^'^'"tages,  was  transferal  t  .'i  '"°"'''*'"^  ^^  the 
-l'-.i«-n,  ai'd  T)(>f    j'       ^"^  "'e  .savages  of  that  recrfon  '^'  ^ ''"'^^''  to  that  ene.nv     Tho 

'r':r!!!^,"''''-- >vi.u:r"°"'>-'' ''-'-•:n.t;\S^^^^^^ 


"ftl»  Secretary  of  War    V,         °'™"""'  ■"..issue,  „.|llfi  I        , 

ke*e„,„.  of  the  e"!'"'/!"!"^";  "■""  ""ere  mson,ZrZZ~~~~ ■ 


ll,1 


I! 


Illl 


272 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


AlarmlDK  RnmorH  nnc)  FactK, 


A  mntliiong  Spirit  In  Hnir»  Array. 


CIIAPTER  XIV. 

"They  who  hnvc  nothing  more  to  fenr  may  well 
Iiululfic  a  cmile  at  that  Avhich  once  apiiiiU'd, 
A»  chilUrcu  at  diucovereU  bugbcuiH," 

Bybon:  Sardanapalm. 

ISASTIIOUS  in  the  highest  degree  to  the  American  cause  'vas 
the  fill!  of  Mackinack,  aiul  tlie  prospect  whieli  it  presented  lo 
Hull  Avas  justly  appallhig.     Ilis  uneasiness  was  increasetl  by  in- 
telligence that  came  almost  hourly  of  the  web  of  extreme  ditti- 
culties  fast  weaving  around  him.     He  liad  sent  to  the  (iovern- 
ors  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky  for  re-enforcements  and  8up])lies,  but 
'  he  had,  as  yet,  no  positive  tidings  of  their  approach.     Fnim  the 
'"•^-^^  "      north  came  sounds  of  dreadful  import  to  a  handful  of  isoiatod 
soldiers.     The  savage  chiefs  in  alliance  Avith  the  British  at  Mackhiack  had  sent  cou- 
riers to  all  the  villages  south  as  far  as  the  Maumee,  informing  their  warriors  of  that 
alliance,  of  the  fall  of  Mackinack,  of  the  investment  of  Chicago,  and  of  their  activi 
preparations  to  proceed  to  Maiden  in  great  force,  to  join  other  warriors  there,  and 
attack  Detroit.     From  the  east  came  a  rumor  that  the  Canadians  and  savages  in  that 
direction  Avere  also  hasting  toward  Maiden,  and  that  a  detachment  of  iJritish  sol- 
diers, with  artillery,  under  the   command  of  Major  Chambers,  had  landed  at  th( 
Avest  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  penetrated  in  the  direction  of  Detroit  as  far  as  the  Kivor 
Trench,  or  Thames,  and  Avere  receiving  great  accessions  of  militia  and  Indians  on 
•  their  march.     The  alarm  created  by  those  facts  and  rumors  Avas  hnmediately  intcusi- 
•  AnKn8t4,     fit'd  by  farther  reports*  that  Colonel  Proctor,  of  the  British  army,  had  ai- 
1S12.        vived  at  Maiden  Irom  Fort  Erie  Avith  re-enforcements.'     Then  caniu  over 
from  SandAvich  an  intercepted  letter  from  a  member  of  the  NorthAvest  Company  ai 
Fort  William,  dated  two  days  after  the  fall  of  Mackinack,  saying  that,  on  the  recfiiit 
of  the  declaration  of  Avar,  their  agents  ordered  a  general  muster  of  their  forces,  wiiidi 
amounted  to  tAvelve  hundred  men,  exclusive  of  several  hundreds  of  the  natives.    "We 
are  equal,  in  all,"  ho  said,  "  to  sixteen  or  seventeen  hundred  strong.     One  of  our  gtn- 
tlemen  started  on  the  17th  Avith  several  light  canoes  for  the  interior  country  to  ioum 
the  natives  to  activity,  Avhich  is  not  ha  rd  to  do  on  the  present  occasion.     We  liki- 
Avise  dispatched  messengers  in  all  directions  Avith  the  ncAvs.     I  have  not  the  least 
doubt  but  our  force  tAvo  days  hence  Avill  amount  to  iive  thousand  eftective  men, 
Our  young  gentlemen  aiid  engagees  offered  most  handsomely  to  march  imnKHliatciy 
for  ]\Iichillimackinark.     Our  chief,  Mr.  SIuxaa',  exnressed  his  gratitude,  and  uraftod  one 
hundred.     They  are  to  proceed  this  evening  for  St.  Joseph's.     lie  takes  about  as 
many  Indians.     Coidd  the  vessel  contain  them,  he  might  have  had  four  thousaitd 
more.    It  noAV  dejjcnds  on  Avhat  acct.nnts  we  receive  from  St.  Josej)h's,  Avhether  these 
numerous  tribes  from  the  interior  Avill  proceed  to  St.  Joseph's  or  not."^ 

In  addition  to  these  causes  for  alarm,  Hull  discovered  a  spirii,  of  mutiny  in  his  owiij 
camp  Avhich  gave  him  more  uneasiness  still — a  spirit,  he  said,  "  Avhich  before  hadj 
manifested  itself  in  Avhispers,  increased  and  became  more  open.  It  Avas  evident  it| 
Avas  now  fostered  and  encouraged  bj-^  the  principal  officers  of  the  miliiia,  and  wn* 

'  Hnll's  Cavipnign  qf  1S12,  page  6S. 

«  Letter  of  Mr.  M'Kenjsle,  of  the  Northwest  Company,  at  Fort  William,  to  Mr.  M'lutosh,  of  SaucU.  ;ch,  July  W,  ISl^ 
cited  by  Hull  in  hid  Campahjn  vf  ISI'2,  page  5;>. 


Ibtrgy  and  Vlglla 

fast  rising  in 
jire.sently. 

Such  was  t 

ueek  in  .Viiirti 

Ijriisli,  of  Cliii 

Ix'cf  cattle  am 

.sin,  thirty-five 

The  eiiei'gy  ; 

at  this  time  in 

a  111  ia  hie  Sir  Ge 

Quebec  in  ahso] 

K"i»n,haa 

iiient  of  ITpjjor 
moment  of  his  f 
ai'cordingly.     Jj, 
Ill's  inadequate  n 

"|'|»O.S.'(I  to    tliQ    , 

•House  tJieir  resei 

"ly  cumjjclied  hi 

iiioto  military  pos 

ply  of  ordnance  ai 

ter  post  early  i„  j 

Forty-fii-st  IJegimt 

-is  late  as  his  deuj 

ties  to  be  near,  rec 

''vpenditiire,  and  tc 

Jilculty  of  raising 

^^'lien  intelJigcrK 

Toronto,  the  capita 

'«'  sons,  v.'ith  tJieir 

!ii>nHoIcroft,oftJ,e 

mnmmj  when  the 

Inordinary  session  < 

'"■wand  his  aid-,h 

••?.™  frontier,  and  t) 

to  cross  the  Niagara 

P»t}'e  shrank  from  t 

:ln'ctio„s,atthesam( 

I  oiuid  necessary,  in  ],. 

|6r  offensive  or  defend 
l»f  the  peninsula  betw 
m  hundred  men  re 
I'Pon.tJie  Indians  on  th 

f™?";g  promise  of  th 
/.' f'le  3d  of  Jujy  t, 

pJ-^  considerable  for 


I)r 
i  Ini 


I 


«"*MM 


^^'TilE   WAH    OF   .8,3. 


«;ch  was  the  situation  of  Go„en,  ir  M  "'''"*  ^'  "^'"^  ^^"^^^^^'r 

Mc.ttl.  and  other' .Soli's.  '^'^  '"'"^''•''^^I  an  1  th  ■  v     '',"  '''"*  ^"«Ptain  IW 

>iMi.iny-fivo  n.i,e:;,cr"'  ^"'^  ^  -^''  --  -  ^"c.;s::^v^T  ^'"""'^ 

Quebec  i„  absoJutt  unl  S  'f     '  ^^''"'■"'"-  g^'»^''-al  wi^        ?''"""  '"^'''^i"'  •     The 
K"  1«11.  had  boon  "^if  .f^;.;"|-^"d'ng  -a!-,  whil^  B  .:ek'";;f  "^  ^;r''«"«  thno  a 
met  of  Upp,r  CanadI"    H  ^''''^''''"t  ai,d  administra  or'  7  /''  "'  ^^''^^■ 
moment  of  his  ardval  aM^*  ''  *"  ''^y-  ^i-tena  t    '  ^        *''"'  S*^^'^''-"-     '°'"""'"'- 

opFsecl  to  the  employment  of  fiT "."''""  «"!""•     From  "'^-  ''^'  '»««t  of 

arou«e  their  resentnfonf  a^  ,;/,^  ,J"^^"^««.  and  discount,"!   :':^;«'"""'g  ''«  ^v^as 
^'ty -mpcHed  him  to  ac«^    1*^  '^  ^  before  wa' was  do  ,*'"', ""^''"l'^«  to 

motennJito  When  L  '"■''^''^•'    He  end,      omW       "''"''  '^"^ ''oces- 

ply  of  ordnance  and  store  o^rf'""  °J^"^"^  *«  the  sorh  '  ",  f '■^'"^'*'^<^"  the  re- 
'"•Post  early  i„  June  tili,,  ^  " f^^^'Ph's  and  to  Ami  «  ^  ""^  T^'^''  «^'''t  a  sun- 
Forty.fir.st  l^™,,;^  ^^^J  "|^  -th  „,,  ,  re-enforce!;  r':;;^  ,  ^'^^  visited  the  ll 
-i^l«te  as  his  departure  for  In  ^"l  "^«vements  he  wa  tt  '  '"f '"'  "'^'^  "^  the 
fe«  to  be  near,  reoommemLf  "  'T'^"'"^''  ^''  «^'o'-ge  iwl  !'?^  '"'^  «"l'^->ior. 
^vpenditure,  and  to  avo  dall  .  *^  '''"l^^^^  the  molt  ,S      '  ""*  ^^'''^'V'""g  I'ostili: 

^'Jnlty  of  raising  „,;"' "^^  ^^'l^'-^^  not  absolutely    efarrr'""^  ''  ^^'"  P"*'^^ 
IVhen  intelliironce  of  th',  1    ,  '*'*' ^' '^^''^ause  of  the  great 

Toronto,  the  capitaTofV      '^""'''*™tioi,  of  war  reaob„  ,  t.      , 

»"y<"-.  and  his  aid-de-camn  r         "'■''  ^^as  summoned  •  "  '  i       ^"^^'^'Pted.     An  ev- 
^-  th>ntier,  and  t^^^^fe'"  ^''^^^  f-  '-s;^:^,'^f  jj^lfi^-ns,  his  briga^     ^ 
!» cross  the  Niitrnvo  i>-     ^""^'^""shed  his  militn,.,r  h     /  ^'t  Gcoi-ge.  on  th.T\r- 

•<•"<■">•", .« ti,c .1" tirr'*'"'^  <"■  ""<"«  d.  t tr"'""" '""  ■"■"■»'  '.»mr 


PMf^.  on  mt  fl^,  ^.^r^"  '^ovos,,  wrUte^  n''  ^T  ^*"'  "'"''"s  work  ^ — 

s 


'I'-iHMt 


r: 


1 

'1 

1 

^HRBlii 

.   1 

i 

w 


II 


A  i 


274 


PICTORIAL    FI£LD-BO£)K 


Alarm  cauied  by  IIull'i  Invnalon. 


Brock  before  the  CaaadUn  LoKUIatnre, 


That  HiMly  (i(.f|,  ,||,i,,|„^ 


''^■^■^sr^sse^.ip* 


FORT    NIAUAIIA,  lilMM    I  OUl    (il.ulU.L. 


along  a  line  of  tliirty  miles  from  Buffalo  to  Fort  Niagara,  and  estimated  by  Gcncial 
Brock  to  be  twelve  hundred  strong.' 

On  the  20th  of  July  Brock  received  intelligence  of  Hull's  invasion;  also  a  coiiv  of 
his  proclamation,  with  hints  of  its  effect.  Those  hints,  and  a  knowledge  of  tlie  wiak- 
ness  of  Fort  Maiden,  alarmed  hun.^  The  Legislature,  about  to  meet  at  York,  wouM 
require  his  presence,  and  he  could  not  leave  for  the  field  in  the  West,  as  he  disircil 
to  do.  Divided  duties  perplexed  him.  He  instantly  recalled  a  portion  oftliu  iiiilitiu 
whom  he  had  permitted  to  go  home  to  gather  in  the  grain  harvest,  and  they  mm- 
mured.  lie  dispatched  Colonel  Proctor,  of  the  J'orty-first  Regiment,  Avith  suoli  iv- 
enforcements  as  he  coidd  spare,  to  assume  command  at  Amherstburg,  and  the  iiilial- 
•July  22,  itants  of  the  Niagara  border  felt  themselves  abandoned.  He  issued  a  eoun- 
1812.       ter-proclamation"  to  neutralize  the  effect  of  Hull's,  and  hope  revived. 

Leaving  the  military  along  the  Niagara  frontier  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Myers,  Brock  hastened  to  York,  and,  with  much  parade,  opened  the  Legislature  in 
person.     His  address  was  cordially  responded  to ;  but  he  soon  found  that  tiie  Legis- 
lature partook,  in  a  large  degree,  of  the  despondency  of  a  great  portion  of  the  pcojik' 
of  Upper  Canada,  which  Hull's  menacing  proclamation  and  actual  invasion  had  pro- 
duced.    Five  hundred  militia  in  the  Western  District  had  already  sought  Hull's  pro- 
tection ;  the  Norfolk  militia,  most  of  tliem  connected  by  blood  with  the  inhabitant-ij 
of  the  United  States,  peremptorily  refused  to  take  up  arms;  and  the  Luliaiis  on  tlii'f 
Grand  River,  in  t]  le  heart  of  the  province,  after  some  'of  their  chiefs  returned  from  A 
visit  to  Hull,  refused,  with  few  exceptions,  to  join  the  British  standard,  declariug  tliiirl 
intention  to  remain  neutral.     With  such  promises  of  failure  and  disaster  before  then 
if  resistance  should  be  made,  a  majority  of  the  Assembly  were  more  disposed  to  sub 

1  Brock  wns  very  anxious  to  cnpture  Fort  Niagnrn,  but  was  restrained  by  l\is  superior.  Sir  George  Prcvost  IjoIIcvm 
it  to  be  a  party  war,  and  was  unwilling  to  do  that  which  might  rouse  the  national  spirit  of  the  American?,  and  nnid 
both  parties  against  the  British.  Ue  believed  that  tho  war  party  could  not  carry  on  hostilities  long.  He  thereforj 
commanded  Brock  t<i  net  strictly  on  the  defensive. 

'  Hull,  as  we  have  seei.v  invaded  Canada  and  issued  his  proclamation  on  the  12th  of  July,  but  It  was  not  until  the  IS 
that  Lieutenant  Colonel  St. George  wrote  to  General  Brock  on  the  subject.  "It  is  strange,"  said  the  latter,  "thij 
three  days  should  be  allowed  to  elajjse  before  sending  to  acquaint  me  of  this  important  fact.  Hull's  insidloHB  procii] 
mati(Mi,"*he  continued,  "herewith  Inclosed,  has  already  been  productive  of  considerable  effect  on  the  minds  of  the  p 
pie.  In  fact,  a  general  sentiment  prevails  that,  with  the  present  force,  resistance  Is  unavailing.  1  shall  continue  ^ 
exert  myself  to  the  utmost  to  overcome  every  difficulty. "—Brock  to  Prevost,  Fort  George,  July  20, 1812. 

•  The  editor  of  the  Li/e  and  Correspondence  of  Sir  Tmac  Urock,  speaking  of  the  invasion,  says,  "Brigadier  Oene^ 
Hull  Issued  on  that  day  the  following  insidious  but  able  proclamation,  which  was  doubtless  written  at  Washington.l 
See  Life,  etc.,  page  186. 


Symptoms  of  DIalc 

mit,  and  to  c< 

(li'lr  province 

iif  a  leading  \\ 

li/i  illy  oviTaw 

use  uf  ins  jicn  j 

,:/tpr\vard  j,,i,„ 

JvVie.    Vvv,,  ivi 

iliiin  good  ivnm 

"Ctlie  people^  jj 

'"\'\^\y  hills.'     ] 

./'■/or  to  declar 

III,  Brock  resolv 

Brock's  couhM 

spirit  and  power 

ury  sjiuodily,  th, 

III'  became  know 

'"■■'''''•''  to  write 

lieie  voluntccri'd 

in'tliout  the  U-mi 

'lirected  to  procoe 

fertile  wAu'i'  of  A 

asmayherequiret 

H'e  have  observe 

k  "le  apj)roach  o< 

i '"■'>',  •ill  sent  forwai 
I  H'liijer  soon  bore  ih 

.;";''_"■•  Tecumtha,  an 
-'LiMeii,  ai„l  wore  ly 

pie  miles  belon- Fo 

,'%Oeor;fe  Prevost  seen,! 

H*""""ofitlnLoZ 

|'''™''«P^"clan.atiort 
*W.»  mniestv'»  .^^ -""^ '^' 

K"'y  and  wealth  aV"7;'-' 
^^-^i-'^onacco,,'."/, 

tan.  "  Ar„  „,'      "  ""  ''''n;:c 

"•ins  under  thl"  '''"P''^ 
"'"i'lea  war,  and  aT  .""""""'^ 

,  iM not  make  (h„  "^  """' 

Ht.'h»n  ',W,!!'?K''"-<""i'" 
K'"    "Bvwh"'/''"^'"'''""^ 

b'l'tanot.-'a'd^'y™'" 
F'Mn  ■  anH  „  "  """  exi 


m 


■'  B-fc  .■.•.ol„.,l  ,„  ,,„  ,,„,;  '   ",","'™"a.iT ;  l.«l,  after  "Z^3"  ^'"*«'-  C»7.i 

'-WcI  to  write  to  S  r  G oo  '      zV'"^""  «-"tin..„t     "s  ?o  ''"  ""  *''^'  ^'''^'•"it  fro,.": 
Iircctcd  to  moon^A  ,....,     '"•     1  i'avo  scJeofprl  ^„„  /  I'-  't  of  tJio  Movii.f.,.       _ 


«  .  have  „,,.„„e J  ,h,.  ,|,„  ^_  .  '^  '  "  """'  '"""""d  by  a8  ^n^ 


kr  martin,  ufu  .  rnj-^-;,,^--'".  a.ul  r^,!:,  ^,    ~  ^■'om  yo/r  ^  -  =  "  <«  thereforet  ^o  , '[7:™'''?" 

h'«^e,«„„,  „„  „ccom  t  .f  m"  .'"^  ""'bit//  8^n!'T  '«  '"  be  found  "mv"?''  ""«  ^''"  '"Z  n.vT"™""''"'' 
h^'  liberality  of  their  »  ',''^"'  '"yn'ty,  not  „  .  ''  ""'  ""Irty  yea«  h!^,''"'''  "'  ">«  ^vorld  a  „  .!7v.  ^  «''^''"'- 
h  ^.'-  'heir  auce«,o  '  '""?;<"?■>.  ""s  not  „cn  ,  "r"""'»«  "f  these  hi  '  "  ■"""'  "^  veterans  evlCj  '"  "P'"  i" 
h«"^«  Britain  .,1    ■      ""^  "'on  Wnrnll  ,h      ""  "  ^'"P^'tv  wdV"  '"'"P'"  '«  '«>  he  Tmrnllu    ^""^  "'<=''•  for- 

'  "f  Coniinen  „,  F    '^"""'«  <>f  Canada  to  hlr    "  ""'"  «trn»,„.,|  ^ ''"  f  "^'^ff  a  Territory  of 
"  kins'8  ,.p„,  ,"' ^"™P«  «'(th  a  rod  Jul^^'t""'  vvim„„  „„„.^'  '  fr^-n  the  protection  of  nl". 


•",c  uiuain,  the  ^ip,,.„„, "■araed  them  nf.i     ,'    "•'  ""d  meana  r.V  »   •  "  ""  '"'"Hi  wl 

^["ited  States,  ^nd  llu  ,         """-'"me  natio,!°^n  L  '*  '""nen«o  adva  ?1     ""J^y^fnt  s'lpcrior  t 

I  fo       (.  I  *or  wqicJi  every 


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27« 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Re^nforcementa  and  Hupplien  «t  the  River  Raliln. 


Defeat  of  X^)or  Van  Uorne  at  Browattawn. 


Brush,  80  precious  to  the  littlo  army.  Brush  was  unwilling  to  dsk  those  treasures 
and  his  small  force  without  an  escort,  and  he  appealed  to  Hull  to  send  him  a  detaeh- 
mont  of  men  for  that  purpose.  The  general  hesitated,  and,  when  the  Ohio  colonels 
joined  in  a  reipiest  that  an  escort  should  be  sent,  ho  flatly  refused  compliance.  At 
length  better  counsels  prevailed,  and,  after  much  persuasion,  ho  ordered  Major  Thom- 
as H.  Van  Home,  of  Colonel  Findlay's  Ohio  regiment,  to  proceed  to  the  Raisin  witli 
a  detachment  of  two  hundred  men  from  that  corps,  to  join  Brush,  and  aft'ord  a  safe 
convoy  for  the  cattle,  provisions,  and  mail.  The  major  obeyed  with  alacrity.  He 
crossed  the  Detroit  with  his  command  on  the  4ih  of  August,  and  encamped  that 
night  on  the  banks  of  the  Ecorces  Kiver,  where  ♦Jie  soldiers  slept  on  their  amis. 
Tljey  resumed  their  march  early  on  the  following  mornnig,  A  light  fog  veiled  the 
flat  country  along  the  borders  of  the  river.  The  air  was  still  and  sultry.  Four 
spies,  under  Captain  William  M'CuUougli,  preceded  the  troops,  to  watch  for  the  en- 
emy. They  lost  their  way,  and,  while  passing  around  a  corn-field  in  bloom,  tliev 
were  fired  upon  by  a  dozen  Indians  who  lay  in  ambush  there.  M'Cullough  fell  from 
his  horse  severely  icounded,  and,  before  the  detachment  could  reach  the  spot,  tlic 
savages  had  scalped  him  and  bore  away  his  shining  locks  in  triumph.  His  coimtrv 
Avas  thus  bereaved  of  one  of  the  bravest  and  most  devoted  of  its  defenders,  and  the 
whole  army  sincereiy  mourned  a  real  loss. 

The  d(!tachment  was  moving  very  cautiously  half  an  hour  after  this  sad  occiii- 
rence,  when  it  was  joined  by  some  mounted  militia,  and  a  few  gentlemen  who  had 
taken  this  opi)ortunity  to  travel  in  safety  to  the  Raisin.  These,  with  ]\[ajor  Van 
Home,  stopped  at  the  house  of  a  Frencliman  for  water,  and  were  informed  by  iiim 
that  several  hundred  Indians  and  British  soldiers  were  Ij  ing  in  ambush,  near  Browns- 
town,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  the  party.  Van  Ilorne  had  become  accustoineil 
to  aiai-mists,  and  did  not  credit  the  story.     He  marched  on  in  fancied  security,  his 


front  guard  of  twenty- 
four  men  in  two  col- 
umns, each  column  pre- 
ceded by  three  dra- 
goons, and  the  main 
body  in  the  same  or 
der.  The  mail,  with  a 
mounted  escort,  was 
placed  in  the  centre. 
Where  the  ground 
would  permit,  the  col- 
umns marched  a  hund- 
red yards  apart.  As 
they  approached 
Brownstown  the  road 
passed  through  a  nar- 
row prairie  skirted  with 
thick  woods,  and  a 
creek  on  the  right. 
Tlie  woods  on  the  creek 
came  to  a  point  toward 
the    town,   through 


THOMAS  B.  Vj^  UOBNK. 


which  the  road  passe,! 
to  the  ford.  On  the 
left  were  corn-fields  ami 
thickets  of  thorn  biisli- 
es ;  and  near  the  creek 
the  columns  were  com- 
pelled to  approacii  eacli 
other  on  account  of  i 
narrowness  of  the  wa 
Just  as  they  readied  its 
margin,  and  were  en- 
tering upon  the  open 
ground  around  the  vil- 
lage, near  the  house  of 
Adam  Brown,  a  heavy 
firo,  at  only  fifty  yards' 
distance,  was  openeil 
upon  them  from  hotli 
sides  by  a  large  body  of 
Indians  who  lay  in  am- 
bush in  the  thickets  and 
the  woods.    The  attack 


was  sudden,  sharp,  and  deadly,  and  the  troops  were  thrown  into  confusion.  Appre- 
hensive that  he  might  be  surrounded,  Major  Van  Home  immediately  ordered  a  re- 
treat. This  movement  was  conducted  with  much  confusion.  The  Indians  pursued, 
and  a  ninning  fight  was  kept  up  for  a  considerable  distance,  the  retreating  Americans 
frequently  turning  upon  the  savage  foe,  and  giving  hira  deadly  volleys.     The  retreat 


PerlboraSnpptj 

continued  to 

followed  abo 

the  Hntisli  a 

and  disaffect: 

written  freely 

seventeen  kil 

Hull  was  g 

colonel.H  urgci 

liegged  him  t 

tween  Detroit 

the  suj)])lies  ii 

and  no  time  a 

men  at  once," 

red  men,"  wai 

terprise  was  a 

and  his  savairi 

niinent  peril. 

The  inutinoi 

ed.    There  wfi 

eral,  and  cause 

was  an  agreen 

sued  for  the  ir 

field ;  for  the  s 

officer  at  Sand  v 

and  planks  for 

of  the  8tli,  by  t 

"all  artificers,  i 

diately. 

This  order  d 
for  energetic  a- 
summer's  day  w 
eral  east  a  clone 
night  tliat  spee( 
Detroit/— an  or 
iniment  the  inh 
to  take  up  arm 
'liicnceofintellii 
litia,  and  Indiani 
lii'ock. 

Hut  Canada  v 
aiul  thirty  convf 
li'ft  "  to  hold  pr 
to  the  well-disp 
''wn  stockaded, 
;;^(ling  in  Sam 

'  For  his  gallnutry  In 
wHalaeTweuty-slxt 

•Thebatrle-gronndv 

Amoni;  the  killed  w 

'want  Jacob  Pentz,  nn, 

i"yofWar,,iatortSnn<I 

'Tlil,lmlldliitMvn8e 
'""noflSflfl.    Itoccnnl 

l^";'ni  as  Spring  Wells 
tJlnmns  of  smoke  arc  ri 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


277 


m 


pcrlte  of  a  Hnpplf-trntii.  Lund  Complalnta  aK»in«t  Hall.  Cheerinfc  Ordorn.  A  grievouii  Dirappolntment. 

continued  to  the  Eeorces,  but  the  Indians,  restrained  by  the  pnident  Teen mtha,  only 
followed  about  half  that  distance.'  The  mail  was  lost,  and  passed  into  the  hands  of 
the  Hiitisli  authorities,  by  which  most  valuable  information  eonceniin:;  the  wer.knets 
and  disafiection  of  Hull's  army  was  made  manifest,  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  liad 
written  freely  to  their  friends  at  hotne  on  the  subjecf  Tlie  deiaciiment  also  lost 
seventeen  killed  and  several  wounded,  who  wore  left  behind.^ 

Hull  was  greatly  disconcerted  by  the  news  of  Van  Home's  repulse  and  loss.  Ilis 
colonelH  urged  the  emph-yment  of  immediate  and  efficient  measures  for  retrieval,  and 
lioiiireil  liiin  to  send  a  sufficient  force  to  overcome  any  obstacles  likely  to  be  met  be- 
tween Detroit  and  the  Raisin,  lirush  was  iti  danger,  and  the  army  would  soon  need 
tlie  supplies  in  his  charge.  The  way  between  the  army  and  Ohio  must  be  kept  open, 
and  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in  securing  these  imi)ortant  ends.  "Send  five  hundred 
men  at  once,"  they  said,  "to  escort  Brush  to  Detroit."  "I  can  spare  only  one  hund- 
red men,"  was  the  genei.d's  disheartening  reply.  These  were  too  few,  and  the  en- 
terprise was  abandoned  for  the  moment.  Brush  was  left  to  the  mercy  of  Tecumtha 
and  his  savage  followers,  and  the  needed  supplies  for  the  army  were  placed  in  im- 
minent peril.     Indignation  and  alarm  stirred  the  blood  of  the  officers. 

The  mutinous  spirit,  of  v.'hich  Hull  afterward  Avrote,  was  now  vehemently  exhibit- 
ed. There  was  plain  and  loud  talk  at  head-quarters — talk  which  startled  the  gen- 
crftl,  and  caused  him  to  cull  a  council  of  field  officers,"  the  result  of  which  ■  AntmeiT. 
was  an  agreement  to  march  immediately  upon  Maiden.  Orders  were  is-  '****• 
stied  for  the  medical  and  surgical  departments  to  pn-pare  for  active  duties  in  the 
field;  for  the  securing  of  boats  at  Detroit;  for  leaving  the  convalescents  under  an 
officer  at  Sandwich,  with  means  for  crossing  the  river,  if  desired  ;  for  a  raft  of  timber 
and  planks  for  a  bridge  to  be  floated  down  the  river ;  for  drawing,  on  the  morning 
of  the  8th,  by  the  whole  army,  cooked  rations  for  three  days ;  and  for  the  retuin  of 
"all  artificei-8,  and  all  men  on  any  kind  of  extra  duty,"  to  their  regiments  imme- 
diately. 

This  order  diffused  joy  throughout  the  little  army.  Tliey  believed  that  the  hour 
for  energetic  action  had  come.  Every  man  was  busy  in  preparation;  and  a  long 
summer's  day  was  drawing  to  a  close,  when  another  order  from  the  commanding  gen- 
eral cast  a  cloud  of  disappointment  over  the  camp  more  sombre  than  the  curtain  of 
night  that  speedily  fell  upon  it.  It  was  an  order  for  the  ai-my  to  reco'oss  the  river  to 
Detroit! — an  order  to  abandon  Canada,  and  leave  to  the  vengeance  of  their  own  gov- 
irnment  the  inhabitants  who,  confiding  in  Hull's  promises  of  protection,  had  refused 
to  take  up  arms  in  defense  of  their  invaded  tcrntory.  This  order  was  in  conse- 
quence of  intelligence  just  received  that  a  considerajle  force  of  British  regulars,  mi- 
litia, and  Indians  were  coming  to  attack  the  Americans  in  the  rear,  under  General 
lirock. 

But  Canada  was  not  to  be  wholly  abandoned.  Major  Denny,  with  one  hundred 
and  thirty  convalescents  and  a  coi-ps  of  artillerists,  under  Lieutenant  Anderson,  Avas 
left  "  to  hold  possession  of  that  part  of  Canada,  and  aftbrd  all  possible  protection 
to  the  well-disposed  inhabitants."  A  strong  house,  belonging  to  one  Gowris,  had 
been  stockaded,  and  called  Fort  Gowris.  In  this,  and  in  a  long  stone  building  yet 
standing  in  Sandwich,*  which  the  American  soldiers  had  used  as  barracks,  the  con- 

'  For  hi8  gallniitry  In  this  campniprn,  Miyjor  Van  Home,  while  n  prisoner  on  pnrole,  was  promoted  to  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel In  tae  Twenty-slxth  Regular  Infantry,  and  was  transferred  to  the  Nineteenth  in  1814.-  Ho  was  disbanded  In  June, 

1<15. 

'  The  battte-gronnd  was  about  Ave  miles  below  the  present  village  of  Trenton,  In  Michigan. 

'  Among  the  killed  were  Captains  William  M'Culloi'gh,  Robert  Gilchrist,  Henry  Ulcry,  and  Jacob  Boerstler ;  Lieu- 
tenant Jacob  Pcntz,  and  Surgeons  Edward  Roby  and  Andrew  Allison.— M'Afee,  page  T4.  HnH's  Letter  to  the  Secre- 
laryofWar,  dated  Sandwich,  Angnst  7, 1812. 

'  This  bnllding  was  erected  for  a  school  In  1R07  or  180S.  It  was  in  a  dilapidated  state  when  I  sketched  it  in  ths  nu- 
liimn  of  18(Mi.  It  occupies  an  open  space  In  the  village  nf  Sandwich.  Several  poor  families  occupied  It,  The  place 
known  as  Spring  WeUs  Is  opposite,  and  indicated  |p  our  little  sketch  by  the  bnlldlngs  with  tall  chimneys,  from  whic>; 
cjlumus  of  smoke  are  rising.    These  compose  the  copper  smelting-works  at  Spring  Wells.    A  long  wharf  on  the  Sand- 


I! 


'  I 


.i;: 


,:mm 


m 


ii:  ill 


278 


PICTORIAL   F^ELD-BOOK 


The  Arm;  racroMed  to  Detroit. 


Expedition  to  Buccor  the  Sapply-tralu. 


Colonel  Miller  and  hl«  iioi. 


HABBAOKB   AT  HAMDWIOII. 


valescents  were  placed,  and  Denny  was  ordered  to  defend  the  post  to  the  last  ex- 
tremity against  musketry,  but  to  leave  it  in  the  event  of  artillery  being  brought 
against  it  so  powerfully  as  to  make  it  untenable.' 

Sullenly  that  humiliated  army  obeyed  their  overcautious  commander,  and  (liirinij 
•  Augngt,     the  night  of  the  7th  and  morning  of  the  8th*  they  crossed  the  deep,  dark 

^"*-  rapidly-flowing  river  in  sadness,  and  encamped  upon  the  rolling  plain  be- 
hind Fort  Detroit.  Hull's  reason  for  this  mortifying  termination  of  his  invasion  of 
Canada  was  the  receipt  of  intelligence,  as  we  have  observed,  that  General  Brock  Mas 
hasting  toward  Amherstburg  with  re-enforcements,  and  the  necessity  of  securing  a 
permanent  communication  between  his  army  and  the  sources  of  its  supplies  in  the 
Ohio  settlements.  He  accordingly  dispatched  six  hundred  men,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  James  Miller,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  8th,  to  open  a  communication  witli  the 
Raisin  and  escort  Brush  to  Detroit.  The  detachment  consisted  of  the  Fourth  Regi- 
ment of  regulars ;  two  small  corps  of  the  First  Regiment,  under  Lieutenant  Dixon 
Stansbury  and  Ensign  Robert  A.  M'Cabe ;  detachments  from  the  Ohio  and  Micliigan 
volunteei-s — the  latter,  sixty  in  number,  from  the  "Michigan  Legion,"^  mostly  French, 
under  Captain  Antoine  Doquindre ;  a  corps  of  Captain  Dyson's  artillerists,  then  sta- 
tioned at  the  fort  with  a  six-pounder,  under  Lieutenant  John  L.  Eastman  (who  was 
Miller's  brigade  major  on  this  occasion),  and  a  howitzer,  under  Lieutenant  James 
Daliba ;  and  a  part  of  Captains  Smith  and  Sloan's  cavalry,  under  the  latter.  Majoi's 
Van  Home  and  Morrison  were  associated  with  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  as  field 
officei"8.  "  Commodore"  Brevoort,  who  was  a  captain  of  infantry,  and  appointed  com- 
mander of  any  government  vessels  that  might  be  placed  on  the  lakes,  and  Captain 
A.  F.  Hull,  the  general's  son,  who  was  afterward  killed  at  the  Battle  of  Niagara  Falls, 
volunteered  as  aids  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller.^ 

The  troops  paraded  on  the  north  side  of  Jefferson  Avenue,  in  Detroit,  nearly  op- 
posite where  the  Exchange  now  stands.  When  placed  in  marching  order,  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Miller  rode  up  in  front  of  them,  and  in  his  clear,  loud  voice,  said  to  the 
volunteers  and  militia,  "  Soldiers,  we  are  now  going  to  meet  the  enemy,  and  to  btat 
them.  The  reverse  of  the  6  th  (Van  Home's)  must  be  repaired.  The  blood  of  our 
brethren,  spilt  by  the  savages,  must  be  avenged.  I  shall  lead  you.  You  shall  not 
disgrace  yourselves  nor  me.  Every  man  who  shall  leave  the  ranks  or  fall  back  with- 
out orders  will  be  instantly  put  to  death.  I  charge  the  officers  to  execute  this  or- 
der," Then,  turning  to  the  veteran  Fourth  Regiment  of  regulars,  he  said,  "  51y 
brave  soldiers,  you  will  add  another  victory  to  that  of  Tippecanoe — another  laurel  to 
that  gained  on  the  Wabash  last  fall.  If  there  is  now  any  man  in  the  ranks  of  the 
detachment  who  fears  to  meet  the  enemy,  let  him  fall  out  and  stay  behind."    A  loud 

\vich  Bide  of  the  river  is  seen  toward  the  right  of  the  position.  The  British  picketed  this  bnilding,  and  used  it  for  bir- 
racks  in  1818.  >  M'Afee,  page  77. 

»  This  "  Legion"  had  been  organized  daring  the  winter  of  1811-'12,  as  a  home  guard  against  the  Indians,  who  were 
then  mouacing  the  Mici<igan  settlers.  They  were  mustered  into  the  volunteer  service  under  the  act  of  FcbninryC,  151S. 
The  "  Legion"  was  composed  of  one  company  of  dragoons,  commanded  by  Captain  Richard  Smythe,  and  thrct  compa- 
nies of  infantry,  commanded  respectively  by  Captains  Antoine  Deqnindre,  Stephen  Mack,  and  Hubert  In  Croix. 

'  Hnll'B  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  August  13, 1812 ;  Judge  Wlthereil's  paper  on  the  Battle  of  Mouguagen,  read 
before  the  Michigan  Historical  Society  in  the  spring  of  180S. 


Kircd  toward  th 


I', 


Mw 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


279 


jltKi  toward  the  Rililn. 


Indian  Bconta. 


Brltlab  and  Indloo  Force. 


Wa)k-ln-the-W«ter. 


hiiwa  went  up  from  the  entire  corps,  and  "I'U  not  stay!  I'll  iiot  stay!"  broke  from 

every  lip.' 

Miller  led  his  detachment  to  the  River  Rouge  that  night,  crossed  it  in  two  scows, 
ami  bivouacked  on  its  southern  shore.  The  march  was  resumed  early  in  tho  morn- 
ing. Major  Thompson  Maxwell,*  with  the  spies,  led  the  way,  followed  by  a  vanguard 
cf  forty-men,  under  the  high-souled  Captain  Snelling,  of  the  Fourth  Regulars.  The 
infantry  marched  in  two  columns,  about  two  hundred  yards  apart.  The  cavalry  kept 
the  road  in  the  centre  in  double  tile.  Tho  artillery  followed,  and  flank-guards  of 
rifli'tiien  marched  at  proper  distances.  In  this  order  a  line  of  battle  might  be  in- 
stantly formed.  The  march  was  very  slow,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  moving  cannon 
over  marshy  ground. 

At  about  nine  in  the  morning — a  sultry  Sabbath  moniing — the  sky  overcast  with 
clouds,  and  not  a  leaf  stirring  upon  the  trees,  \t  became  evident  that  an  enemy  was 
near.  Several  Indians,  fleet  of  foot,  were  seen  flying  in  the  distance.  But  nothing 
of  much  interest  occurred  until,  in  the  afternoon,  they  approached  the  Indian  village 
of  Magui'ffa,  fourteen  miles  below  Detroit,  where  a  man  named  White,  who,  with  his 
young  V  "companied  the  expedition  as  an  amateur  soldier,  and  in  his  eagerness 
had  ouist'';^ped  the  spies,  was  shot  from  his  horse  near  the  cabin  of  the  chief  Walk- 
in-the-Water,  behind  which  some  Indians  wei,^  concealed.^  Ho  was  scalped  before 
the  advance-guard  could  reach  the  spot. 

It  was  between  three  and  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  when  Snelling  and  his  men 
reached  the  Oak  Woods,  near  Maguaga.  They  had  just  entered  %  clearing,  surround- 
ed with  an  oak  forest  and  thick  bushes,  near  the  bank  of  the  DeU'oit  River,  when 
they  received  a  terrible  volley  from  a  line  of  British  and  Indians,  the  former  under 
Major  Muir,  of  the  Forty-first  Regiment,  and  the  latter  under  Tecumtha.  This  Avas 
jTdetachment  which  Proctor  had  sent  over  from  Fort  Maiden,  at  Amherstburg,  to 
Brownstown,  to  repeat  tho  tragedy  of  the  5th  (Van  Home's  defeat),  cut  off"  commu- 
nication between  the  Raisin  and  Detroit,  and  cajiture  the  stores  in  charge  of  Captain 
Brush.  The  party  consisted  of  about  one  hundred  of  the  Forty-first  Regiment,  as 
many  Canadian  militia,  and  between  two  and  three  hundred  Indians.  Among  the 
leaders  of  the  latter  were  Tecumtha,  Walk-in-the- Water,  Lame-Hand,  and  Split-Log 
—all  chiefs  of  note. 

The  flying  savages,  seen  by  the  Americans  in  the  morning,  and  who  had  been  scout- 
ing for  Muir,  had  entered  the  little  British  camp  at  Brownstown  in  hot  haste,  utter- 
ing the  peculiar  news-cry,  and  warning  the  soldiers  that  the  enemy,  strong  in  num- 
bers, was  advancing  upon  them.  The  camp  was  immediately  broken  up,  and  Muir 
and  Tecumtha,  with  their  followers,  pressed  forward  to  Maguaga,  and  formed  an  am- 
bush in  the  Oak  Woods.  There  they  lay  for  several  hours,  awaiting  the  slowly-ap- 
proaching Americans,  and  were  joined  by  a  fresh  detachment  from  Maiden,  under 
Lieutenant  Bullock,  of  the  Forty-first  Grenadiers,  who  had  btcn  sent  by  General 

1  Jndge  Wltherell. 

'  Major  Maxwell  was  well  known  in  Detroit.  He  had  been  a  BoUller  in  the  French  and  Indian  War,  and  was  one  of 
the  "urvivors  of  the  battle  at  Bloody  Bridge,  juet  abo.e  Detroit,  in  "  Poutiac's  War."  He  was  a  brave  soldier  In  the 
ReTolutlon.  He  was  with  Wayne  on  his  carapaigns,  and  followed  Miller  upon  the  heights  at  the  battle  of  Niagara  Falls 
(Lr'ndv's  Lane^  when  he  took  the  British  battery  on  the  crown.  He  died  on  the  Hlvcr  Bonge  about  the  year  1S.')4.— 
Mx  Witherell. 

'  Wiilk-in-tho-Water's  residence  at  Magnaga  was  on  the  land  afterward  owned  by  Major  Bidd^c,  and  on  which  he 
built  his  farm-houses.  Judge  Witherell  says,  "  I  knew  1  Im  well  in  my  Imyhood.  He  was  then  a  man  past  middle  age, 
with  a  line,  commanding  person,  near  six  feet  in  helj'ht  and  well-proportioned,  and  as  straight  as  an  arrow.  He  was 
mild  and  pleasant  in  his  deportment."  Tho  chief  was  .  'lendly  to  the  United  States,  and  desired  to  join  them  at  the 
bf^innlng  of  tho  war ;  but  the  Instructions  of  his  govcn  ment  not  to  employ  savages  and  his  own  hnmane  impnlses 
would  not  allow  Hull  to  accept  his  services.  They  were  f.wn  cxpoccd  to  the  attacks  of  the  British  and  their  savage 
allies;  and  as  the  United  States  could  give  them  no  protection,  Walk-in-the-Watcr  and  his  band  of  Wyandots  joined 
the  BritiBh  at  Maiden .  Their  hands  were  in  that  servic  -,  but  tho  heart  of  the  chief  was  not  there.  Walk-in-tho-Water 
died  abont  the  year  1S17.    His  totem  or  arms  was  a  t'  i-tU. 

Walk-in-the-Water  was  a  Huron,  of  the  Wynndr  t  tribe.  His  Indian  name  was  My-ee-rah,  and  he  was  among  the 
most  active  of  the  chiefs  with  Tecumtha  in  t  i^  Wt,  •  of  1812.  Far-he,  or  King  Crane,  the  grand  chief  of  the  Wyandots, 
resided  at  Sandusky.    We  shall  meet  Waik-in-the-A  'ater  again,  at  the  Kiver  Raisin  and  the  Thames. 


5=gi|ii«iwiii:HSim.i.  « 


r 


-     v^ 


1      I  > 

Ml 


■'u 


m 

t 

1 

1:.^^ 

280 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  of  the  Oak  W<K)d«,  or  Magnaga.       The  BritlBh  and  their  Kavage  Allleg  defeated.       Appearance  of  the  Savaecs 

Brock  from  Fort  George.'  He  had  reached  Mjikleu  the  previous  day,  and  Avas  w ., 
over  to  assist  Muir  and  liis  savage  allies.  lie  took  with  him  twenty  of  his  <rrxnu. 
diers,  twenty  light  infantry,  and  tAventy  battalion-men.  The  Lidians  occupi-'d  the 
left  of  the  line.* 

A  single  shot  on  the  left  of  the  foo,  then  the  terrible  yells  of  scores  of  savages,  and 
then  a  lieavy  volley  of  musketry  from  the  whole  British  line,  were  the  first  intima- 
tion's given  to  Snelling  of  the  presence  of  the  concealed  enemy.  He  received  and  re- 
Umied  the  fire  gallantly,  and  maintained  his  position  until  joined  by  the  main  body. 
Miller's  quick  ear  eavight  the  first  sound  of  battle,  and,  ordering  hiti  men  forward  at 
double  (piick,  lie  rode  at  full  speed  toward  the  field  of  conflict.  As  his  troops  came 
up  and  formed  in  battle  order,  he  waved  his  sword  aloft,  and  cried, "  Charge  !  boys 
cbarge  !"^  The  order  was  instantly,  gallantly,  and  effectually  obeyed ;  and,  at  the 
same  time,  a  six-pounder  poured  in  a  storm  of  grape-shot  that  made  sad  haA  oc.  A 
body  of  Indians,  that  liad  been  detached  to  the  left  of  the  foe,  and  near  the  river,  Ayas 
driven  back  by  an  impetuous  charge  by  Major  Dequindre  and  his  Michigan  and  Oliio 
Volunteers,''  and  fled.  Tlreir  white  auxiliaries,  who  performed  but  little  fightinj;  in 
this  engagement,  mistaking  them  for  Indian  allies  of  the  Americans,  fired  upon  tliem. 
The  savages  returned  it  with  si)irit,  and  for  r.  few  moments  these  fr  nd'  in  the  same 
service  seemed  determined  to  annihilate  each  other. 

Tlie  battle  had  now  become  general.  This  sudden  blow  '-pon  the  right  wing,  and 
tlie  c6rifu8i«in  produced  by  the  mistake  just  mentioned,  iilarined  the  centre,  and  tlic 
whole  Britiih  line,  civilized  and  savage,  Avave.'cd.  Closely  pressed  in  IV.  t,  and  ex- 
pecting an  attack  in  the  rear,  the  British  regulars  and  Canadians  broke  and  fled  in 
confusion,  leaving  Tecumtha  and  his  savages  to  bear  the  brunt  of  the  battle,  which 
they  did  with  great)  obstinacy.*  Muir  rallied  his  men,  in  a  good  position,  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  in  rear  of  the  battle-ground,  when,  becoming  alarmed  by  firing  in  the  woods 
on  the  left,  they  retreated  "  at  the  double-quick,"  as  Major  Richardson  said,  gained 
their  boats  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  sped  across  the  river  to  Maiden  as  fast  as  strong 
arms  and  stout  oars  could  take  them.  The  savages  finally  broke  and  fled,  and  ]\niler 
ordered  Sloan  to  pursue  them  with  his  cavalry.     That  officer's  courage  seemed  to 


Kebuko  uf  a  bee 


if! 


fi'  1 


'  The  entire  BritiBh  fore  at  Mongnaga,  Including  the  Indians,  has  been  dififerently  estimated  by  different  writers.  It 
was  probably  about  equal  to  tha*  of  the  Americaus. 

'  Major  Richardson,  of  the  Forty-first,  gives  the  following  description  of  the  appearance  of  the  Indian  warriors  on  the 
march  from  Brownstown  to  Mongniiga:  "No  o'her  sound  than  the  measured  step  of  the  troops  interrui)tcd  the  soli- 
tude  of  the  scene,  rendered  more  imposing  by  the  wild  appearance  of  the  warriors,  whose  bodies,  stained  i  id  pnlincd 
In  the  most  iVIghtful  manner  for  the  occasion,  glided  by  us  with  almost  noiseless  velocity,  wlth(mt  order  and  •.vltlioiit « 
chief;  some  painted  wiiite,  some  black,  others  half  black  and  half  red,  half  black  and  half  white ;  all  with  their  hair 
plastered  ii:  such  a  way  as  to  resemble  the  bristling  quills  of  the  porcupine,  with  no  other  covering  than  n  cloth  around 
their  loins,  yet  armed  to  the  teeth  with  rifles,  tomahawks,  war-clubs,  spears,  bows  and  arrows,  and  scalping-knlvcs.  i'l- 
tering  no  sound,  and  intent  on  reaching  tlic  enemy  unperceived,  they  might  have  passed  for  the  spectres  of  those  wilds 
—the  ruthless  demons  which  war  had  unchained  for  the  punishment  and  oppression  of  men."  Major  Richardson,  per- 
ceiving the  necessity  of  r.n  apology  for  betng  found  fighting  Christian  men  side  by  side  with  these  savage  pagans  as 
brethren  in  arms,  says,  but  without  warrant,  "  The  natives  must  have  been  our  friends  or  our  foes.  Had  we  not  em- 
ployed them  the  Americans  would ;  and,  although  humanity  must  deplore  the  necessity  imposed  by  the  very  invader 
himself  of  counting  them  am<mg  onr  allies,  and  combating  at  their  sides,  the  law  of  self-preservation  was  our  guide,  aud 
scnipulous,  indeed,  must  be  the  power  that  would  have  hesitated  at  snch  a  moment  in  Its  choice."— Il'ar  0/I8I2.  Firil 
Series,  containing  a  full  and  detailed  Narrative  of  the  Operation  of  the  Right  Dimmm  of  tite  Canadian  Army,  by  Mi\jor  Rich- 
ardson, K.  S.  F.— Pamphlet,  page  52. 

Anchinleck,  withcmt  the  shadow  of  justification,  says  (page  BB),  that  "every  possible  exertion  was  employed  by  ngente 
of  the  United  States  government  to  detach  the  Indians  from  us,  and  to  effect  an  alliance  with  them  on  the  part  otibt 
States."  Kvery  honorable  exertion  was  used  by  the  United  States  to  detach  the  Indians  from  the  British  huerest  a„il 
persuade  them" to  remain  neutrat,  but  th  b  (-ovemment  never  consented  to  an  alliance  with  the  savages  until  the  praclico 
of  the  British  made  it  necessary,  as  in  the  old  struggle  for  independence,  when  Washington  said  "we  must  fight  Indians 
with  Indians." 

'  Miller  was  thrown  from  his  hori-e.  He  was  supposed  to  be  shot,  and  the  savages  mshed  forward  to  scalp  lilm. 
They  were  driven  back,  and  in  a  few  momints  he  rvas  remounted.— .Judge  WIthercli.  M'Afee  ciys  he  remained  on  foot 
through  the  remainder  of  the  battle,  and  that  the  most  active  part  devolved  upon  Ma.|or8  Van  (Icrr<!  and  Morrison. 

*  Among  those  who  performed  gallant  service  In  this  charge  was  Sergeant  Nathan  Champe.  aon  of  Sergeant  Champe, 
famous  in  the  Revolution  as  the  one  employed  by  Washington  to  seize  Ani-^'.C  In  the  city  of  New  York.  Llentenant 
Oeorge  .i'ohnston,  who  died  at  Orecn  Bay  in  1S50,  commanded  the  Michigan  Cavalry  on  this  occasion,  and  was  ailed 
the  Murat  of  that  corps.— Judge  Witherell. 

5  For  his  services  on  this  occasion  Tecumtha  was  rewarded  by  the  British  government  with  the  commission  of  a  brig- 
adier general. 


i-tii. 


OF  THE   WAH    OF    1812. 


281 


Rebuke  of  a  heeltatiug  -oldler. 


Maguaga  Dattle-groand. 


The  Wounded  saved  ftoin  Capture. 


UAtlUAUA    UAni.K-UUllUNI).' 


have  been  paralyzed  for  the 
moment.  He  stood  still. 
The  impetuous  Snelling 
jiprccived  it,  and,  rushing 
up  to  liim,  peremptorily  or- 
ikTod  him  to  dismount, 
leaped  upon  the  horse  him- 
sclt;  and,  at  the  head  of  his 
troops,  bareheaded  (his  hat 
iiavinji  been  shot  away  in 
the  battle),  his  red  hair 
streaming  in  the  wind,  he 
(lashed  at\er  the  fugitives, 
and  pursued  them  more 
than  two  miles,  when  the 
(lanwr  of  an  ambuscade, 
the  necessary  care  of  the 
wounded,  and  the  approach 
of  nisjht,  induced  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Miller  to  order 
a  suspension  of  the  chase. 
The  rout  and  victoiy  Avere 
complete.  According  to 
the  British  account,  the 
loss  of  their  regulars  was 
twenty-four,  only  one  of  whom  was  killed.'*  That  of  the  militia  and  Indians  were 
never  reported.  Our  troops  tbund  forty  of  the  latter  dead  on  the  field.  The  loss  of 
the  Americans  was  eighteen  killed  and  fifty-seven  wounded.' 

Miller  was  anxious  to  follow  up  his  advantage  gained,  and  push  on  to  the  Raisin ; 
and  at  sunset  he  dispatched  a  messenger  to  Hull  reporting  his  success,  and  asking  for 
a  supply  of  provisions.  Hull  ordered  Colonel  M'Arthur  to  take  one  hundred  men  of 
his  regiment,  and  six  hundred  rations,  and  go  down  the  river  in  boats  for  the  relief 
of  Miller.  M'Arthur  embarked  at  a  little  past  two  in  the  morning,*  in  nine  •  Anpnstio, 
boats,  and,  under  the  cover  of  darkness  and  a  drenching  rain,  he  passed  the  ^"^^^ 
Queen  Charlotte  and  the  Hunter,  and  reached  his  destination  in  safety.  The  wound- 
od  Mere  immediately  conveyed  to  the  boats,  but,  in  attempting  to  return  by  day- 
littht,  M'Arthur  found  himself  intercepted  by  the  British  vessels.  He  hastened  to 
the  shore,  left  the  boats,  conveyed  the  wounded  through  the  woods  to  the  road,  and 
sent  them  to  Detroit  in  wagons,  which,  with  proper  forecast,  he  had  ordered  down, 
liecause  he  anticipated  this  very  difficulty.  Colonel  Cass  had  come  down  in  the 
mean  time,  and  attempted  to  secure  the  boats,  but  before  he  reached  the  shore  they 
were  seized  by  the  British  and  lost. 

Sliller  was  injured  by  the  fall  from  his  horse  at  the  beginning  of  the  battle,  and  was 
so  ill  that  he  could  not  proceed  toward  the  Raisin  immediately.  He  sent  to  Hull 
for  more  provisions.     His  messenger  met  Cass  below  the  River  Aux  Ecorcei,  and 

'  This  is  from  a  pencil  sketch  made  by  an  of.lcor  of  the  United  States  Army  in  1R16.  Beyond  the  opening  ont  of  the 
Oult  Woods,  mentioned  In  the  text,  Is  Heen  the  Detroit  River,  with  Grosne  Isle  in  the  distance.  The  Indi:.n  villayc  near 
which  this  battle  was  fought  is  spelled  sometimes  Maguaga,  according  to  the  orthography  of  the  offlcial  dispatches ; 
JfrajCTiafW,  according  to  Melllsh's  Military  Atlas,  from  which  our  map  on  page  280  was  copied ;  and  Mongiiagon,  accord- 
Ini;  ti)  Judge  Witherell  and  other  local  writers.  I  have  adopted  the  orthography  of  the  dispatches.  The  battle-ground 
was  at  or  near  the  present  village  of  Trenton,  In  Michigan. 

'  Hull's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  August  13, 1812 ;  Major  Richardson,  quoted  by  Anchlnleck,  pages  63  and  5*  •, 
M'Afce,  pages  78  and  79  j  Judge  Wlthercll's  Paper,  read  before  the  Michigan  Historical  Society  In  the  Spring  of  1867 ; 
I'eiilcnant  Colonel  Miller  to  his  Wife,  August  27, 1812— Autograph  Letter. 

'  Mnjor  a:  iiir  and  Lieutenant  Sutherland  were  the  only  British  officers  wounded.  Tecumtha  wm  also  slightly  wound- 
ed in  the  neck  by  a  buck-shot. 


t* 


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t  f 


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m\i 


i  i 


;1 

!  I 


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r  1 


mm* 


282 


■v^m" 


^mm 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


DIsappointmeut  of  the  Troops. 


Uigpositlon  to  deprive  Hull  of  Command. 


The  Brltlih  before  Detroit. 


acqnair.tod  liim  with  the  delay.  Cass  knew  tliat  time  was  precious,  for  Proctor  re- 
lieved of  all  apprehensions  of  an  attack  ujjon  IVIalden,  would  doubtless  send  ov(>r  a 
larger  force  of  Europeans  and  savages  to  bar  the  way  to  the  Raisin,  and  attack  Hrush 
there.  He  therefore  cent  this  laconic  disj)atch  to  Hull :  "Siu, — Colonel  Miller  is  Kick- 
may  I  relieve  him? — L.  Cass."  Receiving  no  reply,  he  returned  to  Detroit,  meeting 
on  his  way  an  express  bearing  to  Miller  positive  orders  for  the  whole  detachment  to 
return  to  head-quarters.  Thus  another  favorable  moment  for  achieving  great  food 
was  lost  by  what  seemed  the  timidity  and  instability  of  the  commanding  genorai. 
Miller  was  oidy  twenty-two  miles  from  the  Raisin.  Dispirited  in  the  extreme,  he 
and  his  troops  left  their  camp  at  noon  on  the  day  after  the  battle,  and  made  their 
way  slowly  back  to  Detroit. 

Hull's  shortcomings  were  freely  spoken  of,  and  the  belief  was  inculcated  among 
the  troops  that  he  was  either  traitorously  inclined,  or  had  become  an  imbecile.  At 
times  he  would  be  shut  up  in  his  room'  for  hours,  inaccessible  to  all  but  his  son,  who 
was  bin  aid-de-camp;  at  others  he  appeared  abstracted  and  confused — "sullen  in  de- 
portment, and  wavering  in  his  orders. "^  His  incompetency  to  meet  the  crisis  at  hand 
was  felt  by  all,  and  his  officers  of  every  grade,  after  consultation,  oame  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  salvation  of  the  little  army  would  only  be  found  in  depriving  him  of 
the  command  and  giving  it  to  another.^  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller  was  invited  to 
accept  it.  He  declined,  but  expressed  his  willingness  to  unite  with  them  in  giving 
the  command  to  M'Arthur,  the  senior  officer  of  the  volunteers,  and  one  of  the  most 
vigilant  and  active  soldiers  in  the  army.  J*,  would  be  a  bold  step  for  subordinates 
to  strip  a  commanding  general  of  his  sword  and  epaulets  while  at  the  head  of  his 
army,  and,  when  they  were  ready  to  act,  they  naturally  hesitated.  Relief  might 
speedily  come  from  Ohio.  Governor  Meigs,  it  was  suggested,  might  accompany  it 
in  person,  and  upon  him  the  honor  might  properly  be  laid.  Colonel  Cass  acted 
•  AuRHPtiz,     promptly  on  this  suggestion,  and  wrote*  an  energetic  letter  to  the  gov- 

^'*^''^'  ernor,  urging  him  to  press  forward  with  re-enforcements  and  supplies. 
He  informed  him  that  the  army  had  been  reduced  to  a  critical  situation  "  from  causes 
not  fit  to  be  put  on  paper."  He  told  him  that  the  golden  opportunity  for  success 
had  passed  by,  and  mildly  remarked  that,  unfortunately,  the  general  and  the  princi- 
pal officers  could  not  view  the  situation  and  prospect  of  aifairs  in  the  same  light. 
"That  Maiden,"  he  said,  "might  easily  have  been  reduced,  I  have  no  doubt.  .  .  . 
But  instead  of  looking  back,  we  must  now  look  forward.  .  .  .  Our  supplies  must 
come  from  our  state."  He  called  for  two  thousand  men  at  least,  and  added, "  It  is 
the  unanimous  wish  of  the  army  that  you  should  accompany  them." 

Before  this  letter  was  shown  to  the  other  officers  a  change  in  affairs  had  taken 
place.  The  British  were  congregating  in  force  at  Sandwich,  and,  in  view  of  this  men- 
ace, the  following  postscript  was  ad'ied  to  the  letter :  "  Since  the  other  side  of  this 
letter  was  written,  new  circumstances  have  arisen.  The  British  force  is  opposite,  and 
our  situation  has  nearly  reached  its  crisis.  Believe  all  the  bearer  will  tell  you. 
Believe  it,  however  it  may  astonish  you,  as  much  as  if  told  by  one  of  us.  Even  a 
c****  is  talked  of  by  the  *****     The  bearer  will  supply  the  vacancy.*    On  you  wc 

1  "  In  my  boyhood,"  says  Judge  Witherell,  "I  knew  him  well.  His  appearance  was  venerable  and  digiiifled ;  his  heart 
was  the  scat  of  l^indnesb ;  he  was  unquestionably  an  honest  man.  TJie  general  had  a  n.ost  excellent  family.  Mrs. 
Hull,  a  portly,  flne-looking  woman,  made  It  the  principal  business  of  her  life  to  visit  the  sick  and  provide  for  tlic  desti- 
tute poor."  '  M'Afee,  page  S2. 

>  Colonel  Hatch  says,  "On  a  private  conenltation  on  the  12th  of  August  with  those  known  to  be  the  most  active  of 
the  subordinate  officers  and  men  of  the  volunteer  regiments,  it  was  decided  to  get  up  a  Round  Robin*  (so  callcii),  ad- 
dressed to  the  three  colonels,  requesting  the  arrest  or  displacement  of  the  general  ffgm  his  command,  and  vesting,  by 
common  consent,  the  eldest  colonel,  M'Arthur,  with  all  the  powers  incidental  to  chief  command. 

*  "  The  donbtfiii  fate  of  this  letter  rendered  it  necessary  to  use  circumspection  in  its  details,  and  therefore  the  blank! 
were  left.  The  word  '  capitulation'  will  All  the  first,  and  '  commanding  general'  the  other."— Colonel  Cass  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  War,  Washington  City,  September  10, 1812. 

•  A  phrase  (rond  mban)  originally  derived  ftom  a  custom  of  the  French  officers,  who,  on  sigrning  a  remonstrance  or 
petition  to  their  enperiors,  wrote  their  names  in  a  circular  form,  so  that  it  might  be  impossible  to  ascertain  who  lud 
beaded  the  list. 


raeunliry  Aid 


OF  THE  WAR  OF    1812. 


288 


r«conl»ry  Aid  for  Brock. 


Be  proceeds  to  Fort  Maiden. 


Coolbrence  with  IndUni. 


depend."    This  was  signed  by  CasB,  Findlay,  M'Arthur,  Taylor,  and  Colond  Elijah 
Bnisii,  of  the  Michigan  militia. 

General  Brock  joined  Proctor  at  Amhersthurg  or  Maiden  on  the  night  of  the 
ISth."    Relieved  from  civil  duties  on  the  0th,  he  procured  pecuniary  aid     .AjiRnBt, 
from  an  association  of  gentlemen,  and,  with  two  hundred  volunteers,  he        ''*'''• 
sailed  from  York  for  Burlington  Bay,  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Ontario.     lie  had  been 
called  upon  to  repel  a  formidable  invasion  with  few  troops,  and  witho\it  a  money- 
chest,  provisions,  blankets,  or  even  shoes  for  the  militia  whom  ho  exj)ected  to  muster 
into  the 'service.     Those  gentlemen  known  as  "The  Niagara  and  Queenston  Associ- 
ation" supplied  him  with  several  thousand  pounds  sterling  in  the  form  of  ban?  -notes, 
which  were  afterward  redeemed  v/ith  army  bills.     He  had  sent  forty  of  the  Forty- 
firet  Uegimcnt  to  Long  Point,  on  Lake  Erie,  to  gather  the  militia  there,  and  fifty  more 
of  the  same  regiment  were  sent  to  the  Lidians  in  the  interior,  to  induce  them  to  en- 
gage in  the  expedition.     On  his  way  across  the  country  he  held  a  coun- 
cil^ at  the  Mohawk  settlement  on  the  Grand  River,  and  sixty  warriors        °^"' 
promised  to  join  him  on  the  10th. 

With  his  few  regulars  and  three  hundred  militia.  Brock  embarked  in  boats,  bat* 
teaux,and  canoes  (sup- 
plied by  the  neighbor- 
ing fanners)  at  Long 

Point,"   a  u  d, 

'  Angnot  8,      ^  , 

alter  a  rough 
voyage  of  five  days 
and  nights,  nearly  two 
hundred  miles  in  ex- 
tent, he  reached  Am- 
herstburg  a  little  be- 
fore midnight  of  the 
13th.  The  patient  en- 
durance of  his  troops 
(klightedhim.  He  was 
welcomed  by  a  feu  de 
joie  of  musketry  from 
Teoumtha  and  his  band 
on  Buis  Blanc  Island, 
before  Amherstburg. 
Half  an  hour  after- 
ward that  warrior  was 


brought  over  by  Colo- 
nel Elliot,  the  Indian 
agent  whom  we  have 
already  spoken  of  (who 
lived  near  Amherst- 
burg), and  Brock  Avas 
introduced  to  the  great 
chief  of  the  Shawno- 
ese.^  It  being  late,  the 
conference  was  snort, 
and  they  parted  with 
the  understanding  that 
a  council  would  be  call- 
ed immediately. 

Brock  held  a  confer- 
ence with  the  Indians 
on  the  morning  of  the 
1 4th.  About  one  thou- 
sand were  present.  The 
general  opened  the  in- 
terview by  informing 

1  Coptain  J.  B.  Olcgg,  Brock's  aid-de-camp,  hes  left  on  record  tlie  following  description  of  Tecnmtha  at  that  inter- 
view: "Tecumieh's  appearance  was  very  prepossessing:  his  figure  liglit,  and  finely  proportioned ;  ilia  age  I  imagined 
to  lie  about  f. .e-imd-thirty  [he  was  aI)out  forty] ;  \u  height,  five  feet  nine  or  ten  inches ;  his  complexion  light  copper ; 
countennnco  oval,  with  bright  hazel  eyes,  bearing  cheer(\ilnes8,  energy,  and  decision.    Three  small  silver  crosses  or 

coronets  were  suspended  from  the  lower  lartilagc  of  his  nqalline  nose,  and 
a  large  silver  medallion  of  George  the  Third,  which  1  believe  his  ancestor 
had  received  from  Lord  Dorchester  when  Governor  General  of  Canada,  was 
attached  to  a  mixed-colored  warapnm  string  and  hung  r"und  his  neck.  His 
dress  consisted  of  n  plain,  neat  uniform,  tanned"  deer-skin  jacket,  with  long 
trowsers  of  the  same  material,  the  seams  of  both  being  covered  with  neatly- 
cut  fringe,  and  he  had  on  his  feet  leather  moccasins,  much  ornamented  with 
work  mode  from  the  dyed  quills  of  the  porcupine." 

The  portrait  of  Tecuratha  above  given  is  from  a  pencil  sketch  try  Pierre  le  Dm,  mentioned  in  note  1,  page  189.  In 
Ibis  I  have  given  only  the  head  by  Le  Dm.  The  cap  was  red,  the  bond  ornamented  with  colored  porcupines'  quills,  and 
m  front  was  a  single  eagle's  feather,  black,  with  a  white  tip.  The  sketch  of  his  dress  (and  the  medal  above  described), 
in  which  he  appears  as  a  brigadier  general  of  the  British  army,  is  from  a  rough  drawing  which  I  saw  in  Montreal  in  the 
.'nmmer  of  1868,  made  at  Maiden  soon  after  the  surrender  of  Detroit,  where  the  Indians  celebrated  that  ..vent  by  a  grand 
fei\«t  It  was  only  on  gala  occasions  that  Tecnmtha  was  seen  in  flill  dress.  The  sketch  did  not  pretend  to  give  a  trae 
liliencss  of  the  chief,  and  wa:<  valuable  only  as  a  delineation  of  his  costume.  Prom  the  two  we  are  enabled  to  give  a 
pretty  faithful  picture  of  the  creat  Sbawnoese  warrior  and  statesman  as  he  appeared  in  his  best  mood.  When  in  frill 
(itess  he  wore  a  cocked  hat  iinil  plume,  but  would  not  give  up  his  blno  breech-cloth,  ted  legglns  firinged  with  buckskin, 
sod  backskiu  moccaains. 


TEOUMTHA. 


^  .K 


m 


m' 


VilBI 


284 


nsnoMpi 


PICTOr.IAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Amneitjr  oflfered  and  accepted. 


Preparationa  for  attacking  Detroit. 


Its  Snrrender  prcdetemloed. 


them  that  he  had  come  to  assist  them  in  driving  the  Americans  from  Detroit  and 
their  rightful  liunting-grounds  north  of  tlie  Oliio.  His  speech  was  highly  aj)pliiu(l((l 
by  Tecumtha,  who  replied  in  an  elocpient  and  sagacious  manner,  and  gave  Brock  a 
higlkopinion  of  his  genius.'  Not  deeming  it  j)rudent  to  reveal  too  much  of  his  plan 
of  operations  to  the  assembled  savages,  the  latter  invited  Tecumtha,  with  a  few  old 
chiefs,  to  Colonel  Elliott's  quarters,  and  there  he  laid  the  whole  matter  before  tlu'ui. 
The  chiefs  listened  with  great  attention,  and  assured  lirock  that  he  should  liave  their 
cordial  co-operation.  In  reply  to  his  question  whether  the  warriors  could  be  re- 
strained from  drinking  whisky,  Tecumtha  re))lied  that,  before  leaving  their  country 
on  the  Wabash,  they  had  i)romised  liim  that  they  would  not  taste  a  drop  of  the  fire- 
water until  they  had  humbled  the  biff-knives — the  Americans — and  that  they  might 
be  relied  on.'^ 

Brock  had  issued  a  general  order  early  in  the  morning  of  the  14th,  in  which  he 
calmed  the  fears  of  those  inhabitants  who  had  deserted  from  the  British  army,  or  liad 
taken  protections  from  Hull,  by  expressing  his  willingness  to  believe  that  their  con- 
duct proceeded  more  from  their  anxiety  to  get  in  their  harvests  than  from  "  any  pre- 
dilection for  the  principles  and  government  of  the  United  States."  This  ingrnlous 
offer  of  amnesty  by  implication  was  sent  out  upon  the  roads  northward,  and  was  ac- 
cepted by  the  great  body  of  the  inhabitants,  who  were  alarmed  and  exasperated  l>v 
Hull's  desertion  of  them ;  and  when,  en  the  same  day,  Brock  marched  from  Maiden 
to  Sandwich,  he  passed  through  a  country  of  friends. 
•  AuRust  11,        Major  Denny  had  already  evacuated  Fort  Gowris,*  and,  with  the  con- 

1S12.  valescents  and  troops  under  his  command,  had  crossed  the  river  to  De- 
troit. The  American  camp  at  Sandwich  and  vicinity  was  immediately  taken  pos- 
session of  by  British  troops,  under  Captain  Dixon,  of  the  Uoyal  Engineers  (whcmi  we 
shall  meet  at  Fort  Stephenson),  and  a  battery  was  planted  so  as  to  command  Detroit. 
The  American  artillerists  begged  permission  to  open  upon  them  from  the  fort  with 
twenty-four  pounders,^  but  Hull  would  not  grant  it,  and  the  enemy  was  allowed  to 
complete  his  preparations  for  reducing  the  fort  without  molestation.  The  brave 
Captain  Snelling  asked  pel-mission  to  go  over  in  the  night  and  take  the  works,  hut 
Hull  would  listen  to  no  propositions  of  the  kind.  He  seemed  unwilling  to  injure  or 
exasperate  the  enemy. 

That  General  Hull  had  determined  to  surrender  Detroit,  under  certain  contingen- 
cies, rather  than  risk  an  engagement  with,  or  a  protracted  siege  by  the  British  and 
Indians,  at  least  two  or  three  days  before  that  deed  was  accomplished,  the  careful 
student  of  the  history  of  that  affair  can  not  doubt.  All  of  his  movements  indicate 
this,  according  to  the  positive  testimony  given  by  M'Afee,  and  of  Colonel  Stanley 
Hatch's  narrative,  already  cited.  Hatch  was  Hull's  assistant  qnartennaster  general. 
Hull  seemed  convinced  that,  under  all  the  circumstances,  the  post  would  be  untenahle 
against  such  a  force  as  the  enemy  might  bring  to  bear  upon  it,  unless  his  communi- 
cation with  Ohio  might  be  kept  up.  Dearborn  had  failed  to  make  any  diversions  in 
his  favor  on  the  Niagara  or  at  Kingston,  as  he  had  been  directed  to  do.*  His  com- 
munication with  Ohio  (his  only  source  of  supply),  lyhig  beyond  a  trackless  wilder- 

>  Brock  wrote  of  Tccnmthn  as  follows :  "  A  more  eagacions  or  a  more  gallant  warrior  does  not,  1  beHeve,  exist.  He 
was  the  admiration  of  every  one  who  conversed  with  him.  From  a  life  of  dissipation  he  has  not  only  become,  In  evpry 
respect,  abstemious,  but  he  has  IlkewlL;e  prevoiled  on  all  his  native,  and  many  of  the  other  tribes,  to  follow  his  ex- 
ample."  "  Tapper's  Life  of  Brock,  paj;c  t». 

'  The  execution  of  heavy  giius  at  long  distances  at  that  time  was  feeble  when  compared  to  that  of  the  rifled  cannon 
and  conical  balls  used  at  the  present  day.  In  the  year  1812,  the  late  Ichabod  Price,  of  New  York  (who  died  in  that  city 
on  the  1st  of  March,  1862,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one  years),  suggested  to  the  War  Department  both  rifled  cannon  and  con- 
ical balls.  He  was  then  a  sergeant  of  an  artillery  corps  of  tlie  State  of  New  York,  who  volimteered  for  the  defense  of 
the  state.  The  department  would  not  listen  to  Price's  proposition ;  but  his  genius  was  so  well  attested  in  the  presence 
of  President  Madison  that  be  commissioned  htm  a  lieutenant  in  the  regular  army  of  the  United  States. 

*  Letter  of  the  Secretary  of  Wor  to  Qeueral  Dearborn,  Aagnst  1, 1812.  Of  the  position  of  affaire  on  the  Ningnra  front- 
ier at  this  time  much  will  be  said  hereafter.  Suffice  it  to  say  now  that  Qcneral  Dearborn  agreed  to  a  conditiounl  nr- 
mistice  ^vith  Sir  Oeorge  Prerost,  an  arrangement  which  the  government  of  the  United  States  subsequently  repudiated. 


Hi 'I  deceived 


noss  two  h 
ing  too  soi 
from  Proof 
from  that  i 
a|)|iointmer 
old  ,'ige,  ma 
at  3Iahlen  1 
kiMw  that  i 
the  militia  ( 
Ho  was  too 
tioiis  of  thit 
inated  by  th 
of  another  n 
uniphed  ovei 
sistance  of  a 
mayed  antag 
On  the  lit 
sufficient  det; 
directing  Jiim 
attempt  a  for 
with  Colonel . 
evening  of  th< 
to  escort  Bru! 
Cas.s,  Avho  not 
permitted  to  ( 
3rArthur,  as  8( 
without  a  suffi 
et»  for  repose  i 
between  the  lli 
remonstrated  b 
•  promised  to  sei 
al  with  him  to 
provisions  recei 
The  detachmt 
ing,"  and  the  nc 
head  waters  of 
tangled  in  a  sw 
tigued  by  their  i 
when,  just  as  tin 
nions  from  Hull  i 

'I  was  informed  by  tl 
m  de  British  army  In  < 
W8  cnusldorable,  and  tl 

lions,  was  Intercepted,  a 
flown  upon  his  rear,  whi 

» I  visited  the  Long  Pr 
«s  Informed,  from  the  I 
nelghoorhood  were  dres. 
raw  recruits  were  mixed 

»a«  deceived  into  the  bel 
«e  soon  won  ,^g 

'hfromAmherstburg: 
ftlls,  take  his  place.    As 
"jcnmstancetoshowhov 

Hul'sjfr,^,.^^^^^ 

'teller  of  Colonel  Cass 


OF  THE  WAK  OF   18  12. 


28S 


III 'I  deceived  by  M»e  Keporta  nud  Appearancef. 


Ktcort  Rent  for  Bruiih. 


lu  Fate. 


iiess  two  hundred  miles  away,  was  cut  off.  His  provisions,  lie  thought,  were  becom- 
iiii'  too  scarce  to  warrant  the  risk  of  a  I'rotractcd  siege,  and  an  intercepted  letter 
from  Procfor  to  Roberts  at  Mackinack  tiireatened  a  descent  of  live  thousand  Indians 
from  that  region.  Ilenmied  in  on  every  side,  and  his  force-  wasting  Avith  disease,  dis- 
appointnu'Ut,  and  death,  his  kindness  of  heart,  and  the  growing  caution  incii'  it  to 
ol(l  age,  made  him  timid  and  fearful.  He  diil  not  know  that  the  letter  from  1  octor 
at  Maiden  had  been  sent  for  the  purpose  of  interception  to  alarm  him.'  He  did  not 
know  that  a  large  portion  of  Brock's  troops,  reported  to  him  as  regulars,  were  only 
till-  militia  of  Long  Point  and  vicinity,  dressed  in  scarlet  uniforms  to  deceive  him.^ 
IL'  was  too  honest  (whatever  may  be  said  of  his  military  sagacity)  to  suspect  decep- 
tions of  this  kind,  and  he  sincerely  believed  that  his  little  army  would  bo  exterm- 
inated by  the  savages  should  he  exasperate  them  by  shedding  their  blood.  "  A  man 
of  another  mould,  full  of  resolution  and  resource,"  says  Ingersoll, "  might  have  tri- 
umplied  over  the  time-serving  negligence  of  his  own  government,  and  the  bold  re- 
sistance of  an  enemy  who  could  not  fail  to  perceive  that  he  had  a  feeble  and  dis- 
mayed antagonist  to  deal  with."' 

On  the  14th  General  Hull  sent  a  message  to  Captain  Brush  informing  him  that  a 
gufficient  detachment  to  escort  him  to  head-quarters  could  not  then  be  spared,  and 
directing  him  to  remain  where  he  was  until  farther  orders,  or,  if  ho  thought  best,  to 
attempt  a  forward  movement  by  a  circuitous  and  more  inland  route,  after  •suiting 
with  Colonel  Anderson  and  Captain  Jobard,  the  bearers  of  the  letter. '  ^Toward  the 
evening  of  the  same  day,  he  changed  his  mind,  and  concluded  to  send  a  detaclwnent 
to  escort  Brush  to  Detroit.  ^  He  communicated  his  plan  to  Colonels  M'Ai-thur  and 
Cass,  who  not  only  approved  of  it,  but  volunteered  to  perform  the  duty,  ^hey  were 
permitted  to  choose  three  hundred  and  fifty  men  from  their  respective  regimentb.  , 
jr Arthur,  as  senior  officer,  took  the  command  ;  and  they  left  in  haste  in  the  e^^ening 
without  a  sufficient  supply  o*^  provisions  for  a  protracted  absence,  or  even  of  blank- 
ci»  for  repose  in  resting,  for  they  were  assured  that  they  would  doubtless  meet  Brush 
between  the  Rouge  and  Huron,  and  not  more  than  twelve  miles  distant.  When  they 
remonstrated  because  they  were  dispatched  with  a  scanty  supply  of  provisions,  Hull 
,  promised  to  send  more  after  them  on  pack-horses.  But  Brush's  orders  left  it  option- 
al with  him  to  remain  or  move  forward.  He  was  not  found  on  the  way,  nor  were 
provisions  received  from  Hull  as  promised. 

The  detachment  under  M'Arthur  and  Cass  crossed  the  Rouge  that  even-  •  August  14, 
ing,"  and  the  next  day  pushed  forward  by  a  circuitous  route  toward  the  *'^**' 
head  waters  of  the  Huron,  twenty-four  miles  from  Detroit,  when  they  became  en- 
tangled in  a  swamp,  and  could  proceed  no  farther.  Half  famished  and  greatly  fa- 
tigued by  their  march  through  the  forest,  they  had  prepared  to  bivouac  for  the  night, 
when,  just  as  the  evening  twilight  was  fading  away,  a  courier  arrived  with  a  sum- 
mons from  Hull  to  return  immediately  to  Detroit.*     The  order  was  obeyed,  and  they 


1 1  was  inrortned  by  the  venernble  Robert  Reynolds,  of  Amherstbnrg,  who  was  a  deputy  assistant  coramtssnry  general 
in  the  British  army  In  Canada  dnrlng  the  war,  that  Proctor  sent  a  letter  to  Cnj/tain  Roberts  telling  him  that  his  force 
was  considerable,  and  that  he  need  not  send  down  more  than  five  thousand  Indians.  This  letter,  according  to  instruc- 
tiong,  was  intercepted,  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  Hull,  who  had  visions  immediately  of  an  overwhelming  force  coming 
dowB  upon  his  rear,  while  a  superior  army  should  attaclt  him  in  fi'ont. 

'  I  visited  the  Long  Point  region  at  NorwichviUe  in  the  autumn  of  ISCO,  where  early  settlers  were  yet  living.  There  I 
was  Informed,  ftom  the  lips  of  Adam  Yelgh,  of  Bnrford,  who  was  one  of  the  volunteers,  that  all  of  the  recruits  ttom  hig 
neighborhood  were  dressed  in  scarlet  uniform  at  the  public  expense.  When  they  approached  Sandwich  he  said  these 
raw  recruits  were  mixed  with  the  regulars,  each  volunteer  being  placed  between  two  regulars.  By  this  stratagem  Hall 
mw  deceived  into  the  belief  that  a  large  British  force  was  mnrcliing  against  him.  Yeigh  was  an  energetic  young  man, 
and  soon  won  the  confidence  of  Brock,  who  gave  him  the  following  directions  on  the  day  that  they  marched  upon  Sand- 
wich IVom  Amherstburg :  If  your  lieutenant  falls,  take  his  place :  if  your  captain  falls,  take  his  place  ;  if  your  colonel 
falls,  hike  his  place.  As  no  blood  was  shed  on  the  occasion,  and  nobody  fell,  Yelgh  failed  of  promotion.  He  cited  this 
circnmstance  to  show  how  nearly  he  came  to  being  a  Britisli  colonel. 

>  HMorinil  Sketehe*  qf  the  Second  War,  etc.,  1.,  81. 

<  Hull's  Memoir  oif  1M  Campaisfn  i\f  1812,  page  73. 

'  l.etter  of  Colonel  Cass  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  September  10, 1812. 


i 


in 


'11 


li! 


(1 


1  '  i      ;  I  cf 


111  ill ^ 


m  1^ 


is  :| 


286 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Dtuuuid  tot  tb«  Bnmnder  of  Detroit. 


Tb«  Oarrlioii  tbrMtaned  with  Mmmck. 


Th«  Demand  rarii>«<|. 


M 


tan- 


111 


approachod  )i(>it(l-<itiartcrs  tho  next  day  at  about  ten  o'clock  i  i  the  morning, 
wliilo  artairs  at  Detroit  had  readied  a  eriwiH. 

On  the  morning  of  the  ITith  of  AnguHt,  (loneral  Hull  pitched  hin  marquee  in  tho 
centre  of  hiH  camp,  near  the  fort.  It  wau  the  HrHt  time  Hincc  the  4th  of  .Inly  that  it 
had  made  its  a)>pearanee,  and  nineh  attention  and  rema<'k  waH  elicited  by  it,  <  Hpcciiij- 
ly  heeauHc  itH  top  was  ornamented  with  red  and  bhie  HtripeH,  which  made  it  coiiHiiic. 
W0U9  among  the  tents.'  The  Ih'itiuh  iiad  been  in  coimidera'de  force  on  the  ojjpositc 
shore  Mince  tlie  l'M\\,  and  liad  been  j)ermitted  to  throw  uj)  intrenchnuMitH,  and  to  plant 
a  baMiiy  for  two  eigiilcon-pounchTH  and  an  eiglit-inch  howitzer  in  a  position  to  com- 
mand the  town  and  fort,  notwithstanding  the  latter  wan  armed  with  twenty-eij^ht 
pieces  of  heavy  ordnance,  whicli  the  artillerists  were  anxious  to  use  in  drivini,'  the 
enemy  from  his  works.  When  hi.s  preparations  for  attack  were  comi»let«  1,  (n-ncral 
Brook,  at  little  past  meridian  on  the  Ifith,  sent  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'DontU  and^Iu- 
jor  Olcgg  from  Sandwich,  with  a  flag,  to  bear  to  General  Hull  a  fuimm.mH  for  tlii' 
unconditional  surrender  of  the  post.  "Tiic  force  at  my  disposal,"  said  Jirock,  "au- 
thorizes me  to  require  of  you  the  surrender  of  Detroit.  It  is  far  from  my  inclination 
to  join  in  a  war  of  extermination,  but  you  must  be  aware  that  the  nimierous  bodydf 
Indians  who  have  attached  themselves  to  my  troops  will  bo  beyond  my  control  the 
moment  tho  contest  commences."* 

This  covert  threat  of  letting  loose  the  blood-thirsty  savages  upon  tho  town  and 
garrison  of  Detroit  deeply  impressed  the  comnninding  general  with  contending  emo- 
tions. His  pride  of  character,  and  his  patriotism,  for  which  all  venerated  him,  hmh 
him  figlit ;  his  fear  of  the  consequences  to  the  army  and  the  inhabitants  under  liis 
charge  bade  him  surrender.  His  whole  eflectivc  force  then  at  liis  disposal  did  net 
exceed  one  thousand  men,'  and  the  fort  was  thronged  with  trembling  women,  and 
children,  and  decrepit  old  men  of  the  town  and  surrounding  countiy,  who  had  fled 
tliither  to  escaj)o  the  blow  of  the  tomahawk  and  the  keen  blade  of  the  scalping-knil'e. 
For  full  two  hours  he  kept  the  flag  waiting  while  revolving  in  his  mind  what  to  do. 
His  troops  wera  confident  in  their  ability  to  successfully  confront  the  enemy,  and 
were  eager  to  measure  strength  with  him;  and  at  length  Hull  mustered  resolution 
Buflicient  to  say  to  Brock, "  I  have  no  other  reply  to  make  than  to  inform  you  that  I 
am  ready  to  meet  any  force  which  may  be  at  yotir  disposal,  and  any  consequencos 
which  may  result  from  its  execution  in  any  way  you  may  think  proper  to  use  it." 
He  added,  apologetically,  that  a  certain  flag  of  truce,  sent  to  Maiden  at  about  the 
time  Colonel  Cass  fell  upon  the  British  and  Indians  at  the  Aux  Canards,  proceeded 
contrary  to  his  orders;  and  that  the  destruction  of  Gowris's  house  at  Sandwich  was 
also  contrary  to  his  orders.* 

Hull's  response  to  Brock,  when  made  known,  was  welcomed  by  the  troops  with  the 
most  liv(dy  satisfaction ;  and  when  the  flag  touched  the  Canada  shore,  the  bearere 
were  staitled  by  a  loud  huzza  from  the  fort  at  Detroit  and  the  adjacent  camp.  The 
time  for  trial,  and,  as  Hull's  little  army  believed,  of  victory  for  them,  was  at  hand,  and 
the  most  active  preparations  to  meet  the  foe  was  seen  on  every  side.  Major  Jcsup 
rode  dow  u  to  Spring  Wells  to  reconnoitre  the  onemy  at  Sandwich.  He  was  satisfied, 
from  the  position  which  the  Queen  Charlotte  had  taken,  that  the  British  intended  to 
land  ai  tliat  place  under  cover  of  her  guns.  Having  selected  a  commanding  point 
for  a  battery  from  which  that  vessel  might  possibly  be  driven  away,  he  hastened 
back  to  head-quarters,  and  requested  Hull  to  send  down  a  twenty-pounder  for  the 
puqjose.     Hull  refused.     Jesup  returned  to  Sjjring  Wells,  where  he  found  Captain 

1  M'Afee,  page  86.  a  Brock  to  Hull,  dated  Sandwich,  Angnst  15, 1812. 

'  Hull,  In  hlB  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Augmt  26, 1S12,  said  It "  did  not  exceed  eight  hundred  men."  Colonel 
Can,  In  a  letter  to  the  mme  Cabinet  minister,  on  the  Iftth  orSeptemher,  said  that  the  momlDg  report  of  the  15tb  "  made 
onr  effectWe  men  present  fit  for  dnty  1060."    Mnior  Jesup  estimated  them  nt  980. 

«  When  Major  Denny  evacuated  Fort  Qowrls  he  set  Are  to  the  picket  and  other  works  used  for  strengthening  It,  when 
the  flames  accidentally  seized  the  house  and  destroyed  it. 


OF  THE   VVAIl  OF   1812. 


287 


BombinlmtntonrortDrtroU. 


ItrltUh  «nd  In<l!ut  croii  the  Klver. 


They  moT«  agnlnit  Uu.  Fori. 


Siit'll'"Ki  w"^^'  "*  ^^'^  ""'"  "^'"^  "  Hix-pounder,  oo<Mipyiiii(  tl»>  pliico  ho  iiiul  Hclcctt'd  for 
liJH  buttery.  Tlii'y  jKTtviv.'d  tiii.  t  tin*  ^^roiiter  juirt  ot'tlu'  J5i  ilJHli  fon'o.s  wt-rc  iit  SuikI- 
^'ii'li  and  bot!i  liUHtenod  to  lu-ti  l-<|iiarti>rM.  Jchii|)  now  aHktMl  for  oiio  luindrcd  mid 
fifty  iiH'ii  to  K"  "^■*'''  "'"'  •♦p^ko  t!u  ciu'iny'H  guns  oppoMito  Detroit.  Hull  said  he  eould 
not  spiire  ho  niiiny.  "(Jive  mo  one  hundred,  then,"  Hiiid  llie  hnive  Jewup.  "Only 
one  hundred,"  wild  SnelHng.  iniph  rhigly.  "  1  will  think  of  it,"  wuh  llulPs  reply;  and 
so(m  iiHerwiird  he  c,.t»k  refuge  in  tiui  fort,  for  iit  four  o'eloek  in  the  afternoon  tlie 
IJrilicli  buttery  of  five  g\inH  opposite,  under  t)ie  direction  of  t'uptain  Dixon,  of  the 
Koyiil  EngineerH,  opened  upon  the  town,  the  fort,  and  the  eanip,  with  Hhot  and  shell. 
AH  the  troojJH,  except  Findlay's  rei^inient,  which  was  Ht:itioned  three  hundred  yards 
northwest  oi'tho  fort,  wero  ordoretl  witlii-i  the  walls,  crowding  the  work  tin  beyond 
iU  capacity.^ 

The  Hritisl'.  kept  up  their  cannonade  and  bombardment  nntil  toward  n\idnight.* 
Tiie  lire  was  returned  with  great  spirit,  and  two  of  ihe  enemy's  guns  were  silenced 
;iiul  disabled.'  At  evening  twiliglt  it  was  suggested  to  Hull  that  as  tlie  fort  diil 
not  command  the  river,  a  strong  buttery  might  be  placed  near  the  margin  of  the 
stream,  so  as  to  destroy  the  enemy  as  liist  as  they  should  attemj)t  to  land.  An 
clisjihle  point  for  the  purpose,  in  the  direction  of  Spring  Wells,  was  selected,  but  the 
oeiieral,  whose  mind  seemed  to  have  been  bcnuml)ed  from  the  moment  the  enemy's 
battery  was  opened,  would  listen  to  no  suggestions  of  the  kind;  and  when  that  ene- 
my, in  full  force,  crossed  the  river  during  the  early  morning  of  the  10th — a  calm  and 
beautiful  Sabbath  morning — completing  the  passage  in  the  nnuin  twilight,  they 
wiTC  allowed  to  land  witliout  the  least  molestation  from  ball  or  bu'let.  Colonels 
Elliott  and  M'Kee,  with  Tecumtha,  had  crossed  during  tlie  night  two  miles  be- 
low, with  six  hundred  Indians,  and  taken  position  in  the  woods  to  attack  the 
Americans  on  flank  and  rear,  should  they  attempt  to  dispute  the  debarkation  of  the 
rcifulars  and  militia,  who  numbered  seven  hundred  and  seventy  men,  with  live  pieces 
of  light  artillery.*  When  all  had  1  reakfasted,  the  invaders  moved  toward  the  fort; 
the  white  troops  in  a  single  column,  their  left  flank  covered  by  the  Indians,  who  kopt 
ill  the  woods  a  mile  and  a  half  distant.  Their  right  rested  on  the  Detroit  River,  and 
was  covered  by  th"  guns  of  tjie  Queen  Charlotte. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller,  with  the  4th  Regiment,  was  now  in  ,o  fort;  and  the 
Ohio  Volunteers  and  part  of  the  Michigan  militia  were  jiosted  behind  the  town  pali- 
eailes,  so  as  to  annoy  the  enemy's  whole  left  flank.  The  remainder  of  the  militia 
were  stationed  in  the  upper  part  of  the  town,  to  resist  the  incursions  of  the  Indians, 

I  nittorical  Sketches  of  the  late  War,  by  John  Lewis  Thomson,  page  30. 

'  Durhig  the  evening  a  larj^c  shell  was  thrown  from  a  battery  opposite  where  Woodward  Avenue  now  is.  It  passed 
over  the  present  Jefferson  Avenue,  then  the  principal  street  of  the  town,  and  fell  upon  the  roof  of  Aufjustus  Langdon, 
irhlcli  stood  on  what  is  now  the  southerly  c  •  of  Woodward  Avenue  and  Congress  Street.  Coming  down  through 
Ihe  bonne,  which  was  two  stories  in  l.cight,  it  i  upon  a  table  around  which  the  family  were  seated,  and  went  through 
to  tlie  cellar.  The  family  had  just  time  to  flee  im  tiie  house,  when  the  shell  exploded,  almost  wrecking  the  building. 
-Mije  WilherfU.    , 

'  Tlie  battery  that  did  the  greatest  execution  was  placed,  according  to  Judge  WItherell,  in  the  rear  of  the  spot  where 
tbe'Jnlted  States  Court-house  now  stands.  It  was  commanded  by  tieutenant  Dullba,  of  Dyson  s  Artillery  Corps.  He 
wu  a  brave  soldier.  Daring  the  cannonade  ho  stood  in  the  ramparts,  and  when  he  saw  the  smoke  or  flash  of  the  enc- 
my'i cannon,  he  would  call  (jut  to  his  men  "Down  1"  when  they  would  drop  behind  the  parapet  until  the  shot  had  struck. 
k  large  pear-tree  stood  near  the  battery  and  was  somewhat  in  the  way.  Colonel  Mack,  of  the  Michigan  militia,  or- 
dered a  young  volunteer  named  John  Miller  to  cnt  it  down.  John  obeyed  with  alacrity  Seizing  an  axe,  he  hewed 
ma;  diligently  until  be  had  about  half  severed  the  trunk,  when  a  cannon  bail  fi-om  the  enemy  cut  away  nearly  all  of 
the  remainder.  The  young  man  coolly  turned  toward  the  enemy  and  called  ont, "  Send  us  another,  John  Bull :  you  can 
cil  faster  than  I  can." 

It  ig  related  that  a  negro  was  seen,  on  the  morning  of  the  lAth.  when  the  shot  were  striking  thick  and  fast  around  the 
tiirt,  behind  a  chimney  on  the  roof  of  one  of  the  barracks  in  the  fort.  lie  watched  the  smoke  of  the  cannon  across  the 
tiier,  and  would  then  dodge  behind  the  chimney.  At  length  an  eight-pound  ball  struck  the  chimney  Just  over  his  head, 
iemollehed  it,  and  coverea  the  skulker  with  brick  and  mortar.  Clearing  himself  from  the  rubbish,  and  scratching  his 
woollf  bead,  he  exclaimed,  "  What  de  debble  you  doin  up  dar  I"    He  fled  to  a  saflsr  place. 

i  ■  According  to  Brock's  official  account,  the  number  of  troops  which  he  marched  against  the  fort  was  a  little  over  thir- 
I  Iten  hnndrcd,  as  follows ;  30  artillery ;  200  of  the  4l8t  Regiment ;  50  Royal  Newfoundland  Regiment :  400  militia,  and 

iboat  600  Indians.  His  artillery  consisted  of  three  6-pounders  and  two  3-poundera.— Tapper's  Life  of  Brock,  page  260. 
I  Tie  number  of  Indians  was  probably  greater  than  here  stated,  as  1000  warriors  attended  a  cooucil  a  few  days  before. 


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288 


PlCTOllIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Ilttll'ii  Troopn  rimtrnincd  ttnm  Action. 


All  ordered  Into  tbo  Fort. 


8ceue«  within  the  Port. 


whoHQ  chiof  motive  in  joining  the  Ih'itiHh  Htandanl  wa»  plunder,  and  tlio  free  and  safe 
indulufenco  of  their  foroeity.  Two  twenty-tbur-j)()uiitierH  had  Ix-en  placed  in  brttlcry 
on  ill)  eniinenee  from  which  they  couki  sweep  the  advaiif  ing  eoliimn.'  Tiie  Anu'iiciin 
force  was  eoiiKiderabiy  k>ss  tiian  tiiat  of  the  Britisli,  white  and  red  eombinvil,  but 
tlieir  position  was  nmeh  Huperior.  They  had  four  iiundred  rounds  of  twemv-four. 
pound  nliot  fixed  ;  about  one  hundred  tiiouwtnd  eartridgen  prepared  ;  ample  provisions 
ibr  tilU'en  diiyw  and  more  approaehing,  and  no  lack  of  arms  and  hume  animunition.''! 

The  invaders  advanced  cautiously,  and  had  reached  a  point  within  live  lunuliod 
yards  of  the  American  line,  near  the  site  of  (Jovernor  VVoodl)ri<lge's  residence,  ul  tiiu 
crossing  of  the  (\Mitral  Railroad,  when  General  Hull  sent  a  ))eremptory  onlr  for  his 
soldiers  to  retreat  into  tlie  fort.  The  troops  v«'ero  nstounded  and  bewildered.  Con- 
iidi'iit  in  their  ability  to  repulse  and  ]<robably  ca])ture  the  invaders,  they  were  vai^Qv 
for  the  order  to  liegin  the  contest.  "Not  a  sign  of  discontent  broke  ii])oii  the  oar- 
not  a  look  of  cowardice  met  the  eye.  Every  man  expected  a  proud  day  for  his  coun- 
try, and  each  was  anxious  that  his  individual  exertion  should  contribute  to  the  gciicriil 
result.'"^  Like  true  sildiei-s  they  obeyed,  but  not  witiiout  loud  and  fearless  expression 
of  their  indignation,  ami  their  C(mtemptfor  the  coinniandiiig  general.  Many  of  them 
high-spirited  yt>ung  men  from  the  best  families  in  Ohio,  showed  syinpioins  of  positive 
mutiny  at  first ;  and  the  twenly-four-])oiinder  would  have  j)oured  a  ilestructive  stoini 
of  grape-shot  upmi  the  advancing  column,  notwithstanding  the  humiliating  order,  had 
hot  Lieutenant  Anderson,  who  commanded  the  guns,  acting  under  the  general's  di- 
rection, forcibly  restrained  them,  lie  was  anxious  to  reserve  liis  fire  untii  the  a|i- 
proachiiig  column  should  be  in  the  best  j)osition  to  receive  the  most  destructive 
volleys.  The  guns  were  heavily  chr.rgeil  with  grape-sliot,  and  would  have  wnt 
terrible  messengers  to  many  of  the  "red-coats,"  as  the  scarlet-dressed  British  weiv 
generally  termed.  The  eager  artillerists  were  about  to  apply' the  niatch  too  soon, 
when  Anderson  sprang  forward,  with  drawn  sword,  and  thruatem;d  to  out  down  the 
first  man  who  should  disobey  his  on  ers. 

The  infuriated  soldiers  entered  the  already  over-crowded  fort,  vhile  the  enemy, 
afler  reconnoitring  the  fort  und  discovering  tlie  weakness  of  the  fortification  on  the 
land  si  le,  prepared  to  storm  it.  Hut,  before  they  could  form  for  the  purpose,  the  oc- 
casion iiad  ceased.  The  fire  from  the  battery  on  the  Canada  shore,  kept  up  slowly 
since  dawn,  had  become  very  vigorous.  I'])  to  this  time  no  casualty  had  resulted 
from  it  witliM.  the  fort.  Now  a  ball  came  bounding  over  the  fort  wall,  dealing  death 
in  its  passage.  A  group  standing  at  the  door  of  cme  of  tlie  ofticers'  quarters  were 
almost  annihilati'd.  Captain  Hancks,  of  Mackinaw,  Lieutenant  Sibley,  and  Dr.  Rey- 
nolds, who  accoin])anied  lluirs  invalids  from  the  Maumee  to  Detroit,  were  iimtaiuly 
killed,  and  Dr.  Blood  wr..:  severely  winnided.  Two  other  soldiers  were  killed  almost 
immediately  afterward  by  another  bail;  ai\d  still  two  others  on  the  outside  of  the 
fort  were  slain. 

Many  women  and  cliildrcn  were  in  the  Iiousp  where  the  ofKeers  were  slain.  Among 
them  were  Genc'-al  Hull's  daughter  and  her  children.  Some  of  the  v.-omen  were  j.ot- 
rifled  with  affriglit,  and  were  carried  senseless  to  the  bomb-proof  vault  for  safety. 
Several  of  them  were  bespattered  with  blood;  and  the  general,  who  sav;  the  effects 
of  the  ball  from  a  distance,  knew  not  whether  his  own  child  was  slain  or  not.  These 
casualties,  tlic  precui-sors  of  future  calamities,  almost  unmanned  him,  and  he  paced 
the  parude  backward  and  forward  in  the  most  anxious  frame  of  mind.  At  that  mo 
ment  an  officer  from  the  Michigan  militia  in  the  town,  who  had  observed  the  steady 
approach  of  the  enemy  without  a  gun  being  fired  from  the  fort  or  the  twenty-four 

'  This  WHS  In  .TelTerson  Avenue,  in  front  of  the  C'sbd  farm,  before  the  hill  was  cU  down.  The  elevation  was  then  aliont 
the  same  as  It  Is  lowat  the  Intersection  of  Wtioiiward  Avenae.  These  giins  were  placed  there  by  Mcntcniint  Andersoo, 
of  the  United  Slates  Kniflneera.  Althoufih  the  landlnif-placu  of  the  enemy  at  Sprinf;  Wells  was  about  three  milts  olTf 
Aadcraou  o|)eued  npon  the  foe  while  they  were  crosslm;,  but  wlthont  dolDg  much  damage. 

»  Colonel  Care  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  September  10th,  18H.  '  The  same  to  the  eome- 


DgrrtuderofDetrul 

pounders  outs 
cral  to  allow  t 
ish  and  Indian 
|)ly,  Imt,  stej)pi 
to  liiK  son,  ('aj: 
the  Willis  of  th( 
n»  (>  me.  Th 
[lectcdly  seen 
;i  boat,  with  a 
shore. 

Captain  Ifiil) 

Lieutenant  (^ol 

negotiate  the  ti 

ful  suspicions ; 

lison.    Hull  ha( 

render.'     His  a^ 

Not  a  shot  had 

inade.     For  a  m 

dier  of  the  Itevr 

his  incensed  peo 

disappointment. 

The  terms  of 

sued  a  general  o 

to  the  North  »vee 

to  auicles  of  ea 

'  "Leonard  IlarrlBoii 
ilandlii);  near  (Joloniil  i 
Undliiy  finid, '  Colonel 
Fiiidlay  f  nni  a  soldier 
imy  lie  would  obey  lili 
oflhom  would  luive  Ink 
Miller's  true  soldierly 
bcvfroloc(iiiceriilii({  lli 
«(terl,  wlUi  six  huudiT 
took  Fort  Detroit,  mul  i 
liuin  KoliiR  on  below  i 
"Valiistiisisyotunknc 
«l  it.   But  Ocncrul  Hi 
Braih  and  I  miule  the  b 
'  The  white  "  ttnn"  « 
ment,  by  order  of  Oeiiei 
'  In  his  iMspntch  to  I 
wll  know  the  IiIkIi  ros| 
Mil  a  fiill  conviction  of 
lifTond  any  former  exni 
Eumpe  do  !s  not  furnlsli 
brave  an  IgBllniit  omicr 
l*iidod  and  the  baydiiot 
kncwitwna  imposslb;,. 
bm  been  fHrnishcd  wit 
iwk-horses,  ihronuh  a  i 
little  army,  worn  down  l 
raliectal  force  of  all  ihc 
lion  consists  of  more  thi 
o'the  regnlar  forces  of  | 
among  the  Indians,  w:,!,, 
Afler  alludluR  to  Coloi 
Piaradurinfjtheearapaii 
sti  should  be  dlsapprov 
J«%atlonofhl8condu 
■  ™ll«oflhe  brave  me 
'  It  was  stipulated  tha 
"at..'MlohipinTorritor 
l^liPoommuudofCaptai 
"I'll,  iwhuled  In  the  car 
iliatlney should  return! 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


2H9 


gorrtmieroflJotrolt. 


Indignation  of  the  Troop*. 


Hull  Bii^w.-naii  all  Rfliiponttblltty. 


pounder 


LTS  outside,  cam«  in  haato  to  inquire  whether  it  wivh  tlie  intention  of  the  gon- 
orul  to  uUow  thut  b(<(ly  iih)iie  to  deiciid  tlie  placv ;  aluu  to  iiiiorm  hiiii  tliat  tlie  lirit- 
ishaud  Indians  were  at  tlu)  tan-yard,  clocc  upon  tiio  town.  Th»,  general  inado  no  re- 
ply, lmt,8to|>iting  into  a  room  in  tlie  barrickH,  he  pr(!j»arod  a  note  iiastily,  lianded  it 
10  liJK  rton,  C'aptain  Hull,  and  directed  him  to  diHplay  a  whitt  flag  immediately  I'roni 
tlio  wallH  of  the  fort,'  where  it  might  he  Keen  by  Caj)tain  Dixon  ov(m-  the  river.-  This 
was  (iwe.  The  liring  hooii  ceaHed,  and  in  a  <vw  minuteH  C'aptaiii  Hull  was  "  luusx- 
ni'ctedly  Heen  emerging  from  the  fort"^  with  a  flag  of  truce.  At  the  Hame  time, 
iibout,  with  a  Hag,  was  diMputchud  to  the  commander  of  the  battery  on  the  Canada 
shore. 

Captain  Ifull  bore  proposals  for  an  immediate  capitulation.  He  noon  retui'iUMJ  with 
Limitenar.t  C'olonel  M'Doiiell  and  Major  (Jlegg,  who  were  authoriwd  by  liro'^k  to 
iK'gotiute  the  teriuH  of  Hurrender.  The;  white  Hag  upon  the  walls  iiad  awakeiuid  pain- 
liil  Hiispieions ;  the  arrival  of  tiicnc  officer>'  announced  the  virtual  betrayal  of  the  gar- 
rison. Hull  had  asked  no  man's  advice,  nor  suggested  to  an^  the  possibility  of  a  sur- 
render.* His  act  was  quick,  and  as  unexpected  as  a  thinulerbolt  from  a  (;lear  sky. 
Not  a  shot  had  been  lired  upon  the  emuny — not  an  effort  to  stay  Ids  course  had  been 
iiiiulo.  For  a  moment  nothing  hut  reverence  for  gray  hairSj  and  veneration  for  a  sol- 
dier of  the  Revolution, saved  the  commander  from  ))eisonal  violence  at  tlie  hands  of 
his  incensed  people.  Many  of  the  soldiers,  it  is  said,  shed  tears  of  mortification  and 
diMppointment, 

The  terms  of  capitulation  wore  soon  agreed  to,*  and  the  American  commander  is- 
sued a  general  order  saying  that  it  was  "  with  pain  and  anxiety"  that  lu!  announced 
to  the  North \vest  Army  that  he  had  been  compelled,  from  a  sen.ie  of  duty,  to  agree 
to  ftuides  of  capitulation.  M'hicli  were  appended  to  the  averment.     He  tlien  sent  a 

>  "  Leonard  Ilarrion,  iif  Dearborn,  told  lao  that  Hoon  nttcr  n  will  e  Unit  whh  luilHled  nt  the  fort  ho  hap|>«ned  to  be 
Minding  near  Ooluiiol  Findlay,  of  the  Ohio  VohiiitccrH,  and  Li«utcnai\t  Ooloiivl  Mllltir,  of  thu  Fourth  Infantry.  Colonel 
Vlmlliiy  said, '  Coloiiol  Mlllur,  the  giiiicral  tulks  of  u  aiirrouder ;  let  ut  put  hlin  under  nrreBt."  Miller  rejilled,  '  Colonel 
Fiiidln.v  I  am  u  soldier ;  I  (shall  obey  my  .'•upcrior  ofHrcr,'  Intimating  that  if  Fiudlay  would  aeiumo  the  command  of  the 
arm;  \\«  would  obey  him.  U  d  the  eterii  old  M'Arthnr,  or  the  younger  and  moru  impetuous  Cass  been  priiiient,  either 
ottliom  would  have  taken  the  reaponslbllity."— Jim/i/o  U'ltherett. 

MIller'K  true"  ooUllerly  ipialitleH  of  obedience  and  ucquio'iccnco  la  aaown  lu  the  carcftil  manner  In  which,  to  hli  wife, 
hewnito  conremluK  tlie  nurronder,  from  his  prison  at  Fort  Oeorgc,  on  the  '27th  day  of  Auguat,  1H12.  "  Only  one  week 
niter  I,  with  nix  huiulred  men,  ooranietely  conquered  nlnmat  the  whole  force  which  they  then  had,  they  came  onttand 
tiKik  Fnrt  Detroit,  ntui  made  nearly  two  thousand  of  um  priaouerH,  on  Sunday,  the  10th  inatant.  There  beliiK  no  opera- 
tii)ii«  i;ulii);  on  below  uh  I  meaning  Nlacura  frontier]  ga\<i  them  an  opportuuily  to  re-enforco.  The  number  brought 
.i;almt  us  is  yet  unknown  ;  hut  my  iiumble  opinion  Is  we  could  have  defeated  them,  without  a  doubt,  had  wo  attempt- 
ed It.  Knt  (leneral  Hull  thought  diflereutly,  and  surrendered  without  making  any  terms  of  capitulation.  Colonel 
Brash  iinil  I  uuidc  the  bcHt  terms  wo  coiild  after  lue  Burrondoi',  whicli  wore  but  i)Oor."-~Manuiinript  Letter. 

'  The  while  "  flag"  was  a  table-cloth.  It  was  waved  from  one  of  the  bastions  by  Captain  Burton,  of  the  Fourth  Regi- 
ment, liy  01  (icr  of  Oenerai  Hull.  '  Tiippcr's  Llfb  of  Hrock,  page  282. 

'  In  his  iliitpateh  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  ut  Fort  Oeorgc,  August  20, 1S12,  General  Hull  generous'y  said :  "  I 
lellknow  the  liigh  responflblllty  of  the  measure,  and  take  the  whole  tif  it  onmynrlf.  It  was  dictated  by  asenae  of  duty, 
and  n  flill  (•onvlclUni  of  its  i!!ciiedieiicy.  The  bauds  of  savages  which  had  then  Joined  the  British  force  were  numerona 
beyond  miy  former  example.  Their  numbers  have  since  liiciuased  ;  and  the  history  of  the  barbarians  of  the  north  of 
Enropc  do  w  not  furnish  examples  of  more  greedy  ■lolence  than  these  savages  have  exhibited.  A  large  portion  of  the 
brare  an  l  gallant  oOicers  and  men  I  commanded  would  clieerfuliy  have  contested  until  the  last  cartridge  had  been  ex- 
peuded  and  the  bayonets  worn  to  the  sockets.  1  could  not  consent  to  the  Ufceiess  sacrifice  of  such  brave  men  when  I 
knew  It  was  impossible  for  me  to  sustain  my  situation.  It  was  impossible,  In  the  nature  of  things,  that  an  army  could 
have  hcen  fnrnlshcd  with  the  necessary  suppllcH  of  provisions,  military  stores,  clothing,  and  comforts  for  t.ie  sick,  on 
pack-horces,  through  a  wilderness  of  two  hundred  miles,  fled  with  hostile  savages.  It  was  impossible,  sir,  that  thla 
lillle  army,  worn  down  by  flxtigne,  by  sickness,  by  wounds,  and  deatus,  could  have  supported  Itself  not  only  against  the 
rollecteti  force  of  all  the  Northern  nations  of  Indians,  but  against  the  united  strength  of  Upper  Canada,  whose  popula- 
tion consists  of  more  than  twenty  times  the  number  contained  In  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  aided  by  the  principal  part 
ortho  regular  forces  of  the  province,  and  the  wealth  and  iulluenco  of  the  Northwest  and  other  trading  establishments 
among  the  Indians,  wuich  have  in  their  employment  mor"  than  two  thousand  white  men." 

After  alluding  to  Colonels  M'Arthur,  Findlay,  Cass,  and  Miller  In  commendatory  terms,  he  said  :  "  If  anght  hag  token 
plate  during  the  campaign  whicti  Is  honorable  to  the  army,  theso  ofBcers  are  entitled  to  a  large  share  of  it.  If  the  last 
art  should  be  disapproved,  no  part  of  tlie  censure  belongs  to  them."  He  closed  his  dispatch  by  soliciting  an  iearly  in- 
Tc«lli.'allou  of  his  conduct,  ai.d  requesting  the  govemme.it  not  to  hi  unmindful  of  his  associates  in  captivity,  and  of  the 
families  of  llie  brave  men  who  hatl  fallen  in  the  contest. 

'  It  was  stipulated  that  the  fort  at  Detroit,  with  all  Its  de,.cn  ""encies,  an.1  the  troops  there,  excepting  such  of  the  mlll- 
liacfMlchlgan  Territory  who  had  not  Joined  the  army,  shoul  be  surrendered,  with  all  public  prope-ty  of  every  kind. 
The  command  of  Captain  Brush  at  the  River  Ra'sin,  fd  M'Arthur's  then  away  from  Detroit,  were,  at  the  request  <-f 
Hall,  liichulcd  in  the  capltnlation,  while  the  Ohio  militia,  who  had  not  yet  Joined  the  army,  were  paroled  on  condltloD 
iliat  they  should  return  home,  and  not  serve  daring  the  war. 


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'i 


ii 


990 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Posltlou  i/f  M'Arthur  and  Caas. 


Escape  of  Captain  Brush  aud  his  Command. 


Kesuit  cf  'he  Surrcndci 


messenger  with  a  note  to  Colonel  M'Arthur  (who,  Avith  Colonel  Cass  and  the  detach- 
ment sent  toward  the  Raisin,  were,  as  we  have  seen,  hastening  hack  to  Detroit)  in- 
forming him  of  the  surrender,  and  that  he  and  his  command  were  included  in  tlie  ca- 
pitulation as  prisoners  of  war.'  They  had  arrived  in  sight  of  Detroit  at  about  tlic 
time  when  the  American  white  flags  had  silenced  the  British  cannon,^  thorotii;iilv 
exhausted  by  rapid  and  tatiguing  marches  and  lack  of  food,  for  they  had  tasted  noth- 
ing for  more  than  forty-eight  hours,  excepting  some  green  pumpkins  and  jKitatocsi 
found  in  the  fields.  They  had  observed  the  enemy,  and  the  ease  with  which,  in  con- 
nection with  the  army  at  Detroit,  they  might  capture  him  by  falling  upon  his  rear 
But  all  was  silent.  That  fact  was  a  sealed  enigma.  There  were  two  arniius  withhi 
half  cannon-shot  <5f  each  other,  and  yet,  to  the  ears  of  these  listeners,  they-botli  seem- 
ed as  silent  as  the  grave.  Had  there  been  firing,  or  any  signs  of  resistance,  M'Artliar 
would  have  fallen  upon  the  rear  of  the  invaders  even  Avithout  orders.  But  all  was 
mystery  until  the  nrrival  of  Hull's  courier  Avith  the  uuAvelcome  tidings. 

M'Ai'thur  attem])ted  to  communicate  Avith  Hull,  but  failed.  He  sent  a  message  t(i 
•Captain  Brush  Avith  Hull's  note,  saying,  "By  the  Avithin  leltc'  you  Avill  see  that  the 
army  under  General  Hull  has  been  surrendered.  By  .the  articles  you  Avill  see  that 
provision  has  been  made  for  the  detachment  under  your  command ;  you  Avill  there- 
fore, I  hope,  return  to  Ohio  Avith  us."^ 

At  sunset  Colonel  Elliott  came  to  M'Arthur  from  the  fort  Avith  the  articles  of  capit- 
ulation, and  Avitli  authority  from  Brock  to  receive  tokens  of  the  submission  of  tin 
detachment.  The  dark,  lusti-ous  eyes  of  M'Arthur  flashed  with  indignation  at  the 
demand.  As  they  fled  Avith  tears  of  deepest  mortification,  he  thrust  his  sword  into 
the  ground,  and  broke  it  in  pieces,  and  then  tore  his  epaulettes  from  his  slioul(lei>. 
This  paroxysm  of  feeling  was  soon  succeeded  by  dignifi>^d  calmness;  and  in  the  dim 
tAvilight  M'Arthur  and  Cass,  Avith  their  Avhole  detachment,  Avere  marched  into  tlie 
fort,  Avhere  the  arms  of  the  soldiers  Avere  stacked.  Befoi-e  the  curtain  of  night  had 
been  fairly  di-aAvn  over  the  humiliating  scene  the  act  of  capitulation  and  sunendii 
Avas  completed — an  act  Avhich  produced  universal  mortification  and  intense  indiirna- 
tion  throughout  the  counii*y.*  In  less  than  tAvo  months  after  war  Avas  declared,  ami 
the  favorite  scheme  of  an  invasion  of  the  enemy's  provinces  had  been  set  in  inotioi, 
a  strong  military  post,  a  spirited  army,  and  a  magnificent  territory,  Avitli  all  its  in- 
habitants,* had  been  given  up  Avithout  an  eflfbrt  to  save  them,  or  a  moment's  Avaitiiig 
lor  the  arrival  of  powerful  re-enforcem(;nts  and  ample  supplies,  then  on  their  way 
from  the  southAvard.     About  two  thousand  men  in  all®  became  prisoner  of  nar, 

'  "Such  part  of  the  Ohio  militia,"  he  said,  "as  have  not  joined  tl  e  army  [meaning  Brush's  detachment  at  t!  e  RaUim 
will  be  permitted  to  return  to  their  hemes,  on  condition  that  they  will  not  serve  duriiij;  the  war.  Their  arras,  tow- 
ever,  will  be  delivered  up,  if  belonging  to  the  public." 

'  They  had  been  discovered  by  Broclt's  scoutB,  and  their  presence  in  the  rear  caused  the  British  general  to  move  \« 
the  attack  sooner  than  he  intended  to.  "Hearing,"  says  Brocii,  in  his  ufflclal  dispatch,  "  that  bis  [M'Artliur'B]  cavalry 
had  been  sean  that  morning  three  miles  in  our  rear,  I  lieclded  on  an  immediate  attack." 

'  On  the  evening  of  the  17th,  Captain  Elliott,  son  of  Colonel  Elliott,  with  a  Frenchman  and  Wyandot  Indian,  ap- 
proached Brush's  encampment  at  the  Raisin  bearing  a  flag  of  truce,  a  copy  of  the  capitulation  at  Detroit,  and  nuthoritv 
to  receive  tlie  surrender  of  Brush  an  1  his  command.  Lieutenant  Couthler,  of  the  Kaisiu,  the  officer  of  the  day,  blind- 
folded Elliott,  and  led  him  to  the  block-house.  Brush  was  not  satisfied  that  his  visit  was  by  autliority,  or  thai  the  ilw 
ument  was  genuine,  so  he  ordered  Elliott's  arrest  and  confinement.  M'Arthur's  letter  testified  to  the  gomiincncfs of 
Blliott'B  document  and  authority,  when  Brush  hastily  packed  up  the  public  property  at  the  Kaisin,  and,  with  hla  wlidlo 
command  and  his  cattle,  started  for  Ohio,  directing  Elliott  to  be  released  the  next  day.  The  angry  Elliott  scut  for  Te- 
cunitha  to  pursue  Brush.  It  was  too  late.— Statement  of  Peter  Navarre  (who  was  an  eye-witness)  to  the  Author  in  S«p- 
tember,  1S60 ;  Letter  to  the  Author  from  the  Hon.  Elisha  Whittlesey,  of  Ohio. 

♦  Among  other  demonftrations  in  dlflfercnt  i)artt  of  the  couptry,  the  newspapera  of  the  day  noticed  that  at  Grceni'- 
borongh,  North  'Jarolina,  General  Hull  was  hung  and  burat  in  cfllgy, "  in  accordance  with  the  prescription  of  a  public 
meeting." 

0  The  whole  white  population  of  Michigan  at  that  time  was  between  four  and  five  thousand.  The  greater  part  wfrt 
Canadians.  Tlielr  settlements  were  chiefly  on  the  Maumcc,  Raisin,  Ecorce,  Rouge,  Detroit  River,  Lake  St.  Clair,  aoii 
the  island  of  Mackinack.  They  paid  very  little  attention  to  agricuUnre,  being  engaged  chiefly  in  hunting,  fljihins;,  anit 
trading  with  the  Indians.  They  did  not  produ''e  siifllcient  from  the  earth  to  give  tliemseiveg  sustenance ;  and  their  beef. 
pork,  corn,  and  flour  were  brought  from  a  distance. 

<  Estimates  of  the  number  actually  included  in  the  capitulation  vary  from  1800  to  8000.  I  have  examined  all,  and 
think  the  number  was  not  far  trom  2000. 


Effect  of  the  Surrei 


These  con,3i8ti 

.States  Keginu 

teera,  and  one 

Illation  (for  it 

of  wliich,  espei 

to  the  provin 

.iiiother  invad 

time  for  prej); 

ivho,  as  usual, 

and  safest  as  a 

The  formal  s 

At  the  same  h 

with  other  ofHc 

from  the  esplai; 

capituLition.     1 

OK  OcfOItEU,  1 7 

some  of  tlieni  g 
tliein  reniai'ked 
liicts,  "  Ave  must 
TEOIT  AuousT  ] 
Canada  shore,  a 
the  river  from  ti 
rcctiy  in  front  o) 
It  Avas  on  thi 
lie  took  off  his  o 
the  chief     Teem 
ill?  day  Jie  appei 
ll'.'ise  had  been  gi 
modesty  and  Avitl 
liody  of  Round  I 
not  wan?  to  weai 
myself  is  present. 
The  volunteer 
officers,  wefe  pei 
c!ia:-ed  at  Detr( 
«liich  point  they 
•IS  prisoners  of  a»- 
cmharkcd  on  boa 
veycd  to  Fort  Er 
('corgc,  Aviiere  thi 
post  they  were  es 
General  Hull  ai 
^'6th  of  August, 
siiiTeiider  and  att 
•Hal  at  Montrea 

'  The  spoils  were  2Nio 

po'lier,  a  stand  of  colors 

f  "•   She  was  immedlai 

lerherenfte^ln  til"  Brit' ' 

'Tbegnnisoniiagsurr 

loi"  cannon  was  retal 

«««l  Frankfort,  Kentuck 

'"yb.    It  ha,  the  Brit 

"er  the  surrender,  O 

»>»  then  (X'cupicd  by  Mr 

' II  WMUnll'g  Intention 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


291 


Effect  of  the  Surrender. 


IncideiiU. 


DlnpoBnl  of  the  Prisoners. 


These  con.?i8ted  of  two  squadrons  of  cavalry,  one  company  of  artillery,  the  4th  United 
States  lii'giiiient,  and  detaclinients  from  the  1st  and  'Ml ;  three  regiments  of  Ohio  Volun- 
teers, and  one  regiment  of  the  Michigan  militia.  The  British  obtained  by  this  capit- 
ulation (for  it  was  not  a  victory)  a  large  amount  of  arms,  ammunition,  and  stores,  all 
of  wliieli,  especially  arms,  were  greatly  needed  in  I'pper  Canada.'  It  was  a  godsend 
to  the  provinces  in  every  aspect.  The  surrender  caused  months  of  delay  before 
another  invading  army  could  be  brought  into  the  fieid,  and  thus  gave  the  British. 
time  for  prejjaration ;  and  it  secured  the  friendshij)  and  alliance  of  savage  tribes, 
who,  as  usual,  were  ready  to  join  whatever  side  seemed  to  be  the  stronger  party, 
iind  safest  as  an  ally. 

The  formal  suri-ender  of  the  fort  and  garrison  took  place  at  meridian,  on  the  16th.* 
At  the  same  hour  the  next  day  (Monday,  the  1 7th)  General  Brock  and  his  statt", 
with  other  officers,  ai)peared  in  full  uniform,  and  in  their  presence  a  salute  was  fired 
I'roin  tiic  esplanade  in  front  of  the  fort,  with  one  of  the  brass  cannon  included  in  the 
capitulation.  It  bore  the  following  inscription:  "Taken  at  Sakatoga  on  the  17tii 
OF  OcrroKEK,  1777."  When  the  British  officers  saw  this,  they  were  so  delighted  that 
some  of  them  greeted  the  old  British  captive,  now  released,  with  kisses ;  and  one  of 
them  remarked  to  Colonel  Hatch,  from  whose  raannscript  narrative  I  have  gained  the 
facts,  "  we  must  have  an  addition  put  to  that  inscription,  namely,  '  Retaken  at  De- 
troit August  16,1812.'"^  The  salute  was  ansAvered  by  Di.von's  battery  on  the 
Canada  shore,  and  by  the  Queen  Charlotte,  which  came  sweeping  up  the  middle  of 
thi'  liver  from  tlie  waters  between  Spring  Wells  and  Sand^vich,  and  took  position  di- 
rectly in  front  of  the  town.* 

It  was  on  this  occasion  that  General  Brock  paid  marked  respect  to  Tecnmtha. 
He  took  off  his  own  rich  crimson  silk  sash  and  publicly  placed  it  round  the  waist  of 
the  chief.  Tecumtha  received  it  with  dignity  and  great  satisfaction ;  but  the  follow- 
ing day  he  appeared  without  the  badge  of  lionor.  Brock  apprehended  that  r.ome  ol- 
fnse  had  been  given  to  the  chief,  but,  on  inquiry,  he  found  that  Tecumiha,  with  great 
modesty  and  v/ith  the  most  delicate  exhibition  of  prai**e,  had  placed  tho  sash  upon  the 
Iwdy  of  Round  Head,  a  celebrated  and  remarkable  Wyandot  warrior,  saying, "  I  do 
not  want  to  wear  such  a  mark  of  distinction,  when  an  older  and  abler  warrior  than 
myself  is  present." 

The  volunteers  and  militia  who  were  made  prisoners,  and  some  minor  regular 
otiieers,  wei'e  permitted  to  return  home  on  parole.  Those  of  Michigan  were  dis- 
cliarged  at  Detroit,  and  the  Ohio  Volunteers  ^vere  borne  in  vessels  to  Cleveland,  from 
which  point  they  made  their  way  home  General  Hull  and  the  regulars  were  hold 
as  prisoners  of  war,  and  sent  to  Montreal.^  They  M'cro  taken  to  Maiden,  and  there 
eml)arked  on  board  the  Queeti  Charlotte,  Jlitntcr,  and  other  public  vessels,  and  con- 
veyed to  Fort  Erie,  opposite  Buffalo.  From  that  point  they  were  marched  to  Fort 
George,  where  they  were  agtiin  placed  in  vessels  and  sent  to  Kingston.  From  that 
post  they  were  escorted  by  ?and  to  Montreal. 

General  Hull  and  his  fellow-prisoners  reached  Fort  George,  on  the  Niagara,  on  the 
■Ml  of  August,  when  the  commander  immediately  wrote  a  lengthy  report  of  the 
surrender  and  attendant  events,  but  was  not  pennitted  to  forward  it,  until  his  ar- 
rival at  Montreal.^    Information  of  the  disaster  bad  already  reached  General  Van 

'  The  spoils  were  2P0O  stand  of  arms ;  twcnty-flve  Iron,  and  eight  brass  pieces  of  ordnance  ;  forty  barrels  of  gnn- 
pos'der, a  stand  of  co'ors,  and  a  great  quantity  and  variety  of  military  stores.  The  armed  brig  Aitnmii  also  became  n 
priif.  She  was  immediately  put  in  complete  order,  and  her  name  changed  to  Detroit,  under  which  title  we  sliall  meet 
ter  hereiifter,  in  th"  Brit'fh  service. 

'  The  gun  ison  il»g  surrendered  on  that  occasion  was  taken  to  Montreal  by  'Captain  Glegg,  Brock's  aid-de-csrop. 

'  This  cauuon  was  retaken  ftom  the  British  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  in  October,  1S13.  I  saw  it  in  the  state  arse- 
Mlat  t^riuikfort,  Kentucky,  when  I  visited  that  city  In  April,  1S«1.  It  Is  a  .imall  three-pounder,  three  feet  four  Inches 
in  length.    It  has  the  British  mark  of  the  broad  arrow  upon  It,  and  the  date  of  "  ITTS." 

'.\nerlhe  furrenrter.  General  Hull  returned  to  his  own  house,  where  he  haci  resided  as  Governor  of  Hicbigan,  It 
nr  then  wcupicd  by  Mr.  Hickman,  his  son-in-law.    A  British  guard  at.  -nded  hii.n.—  Wallace. 

'  U  was  Unll's  intention  to  forward  his  dispatch  from  Fort  George  by  Mi-jor  Wltherell,  of  the  Michigan  Volnr.teers ;. 


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1 

1 

PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


A  Courier's  remnrkable  Ride. 


British  Occnpatton  uf  Detroit  and  Michigan. 


General  Brock  knighted. 


/2i'J^ 


*  Angnst  16, 
1812. 


ReriS8ela«r,  at  Lowiston,  and  he  had 
promptly  sent  the  news  by  express  to 
General  Dearborn,  the  senior  comnmnd- 
er  in  the  army,  whose  heafl-quarters  at 
that  time  were  at  Greenbush,  opposite 
iMbany,  on   the   Hudson  River.    For 
th.s  important  errand  Van  Rensselaer 
emj)loyed   Captain   Darby  Noon   tiie 
leader  of  a  fine   company  of  A]l)anv 
Volunteers,  who  were  then  stationed  at 
or  near  Fort  Niagara,     Captain  Noon 
was  a  man  of  great  energy,  and  lie  ne,-. 
formed  the   service   in   an   incredibly 
short  space  of  time.     He  rode  express 
all  the  way,  changing  his  horses  by  ira- 
pressing  them  when  necessary,  assur- 
ing the  owners  of  remuneration  from 
the  government.     He  neither  slept  on 
the   way.  nor  tasted  food,  exceptinf 
what  he  ate  on  horseback.     When  he 
arrived  at  Greenbush,  he  was  so  much 
exhausted  that  he  had  to  be  lifted  from 
his  horse,  and  he  Avas  compelled  to  re. 
main  in  his  bed  for  several  days. ' 
On  the  djiy  of  the  surrender,*  General  Brock  issued  a  proclamation  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Michigan,  in  which  they  were  assured  of  protection  in 
life,  property,  and  religious  observances,  and  were  called  upon  to  give  up  all  public 
property  in  the  Territory.     Having  made  arrangements  for  the  civil  and  military  oc- 
cupation of  the  Territory,  and  leaving  Colonel  Proctor  in  command  of  a  garrison  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  men  at  Detroit,  he  hastened  back  to  York,  where  he  arrived 
on  the  27th,''  and  was  received  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm  by  the  peo])le, 
who  regarded  him  as  the  savior  of  the  province.     In  the  short  space  of 
nineteen  days  he  had  met  the  Legislature,  arranged  the  public  afiairs  of  the  prov- 
ince, traveled  about  three  hundred  miles  to  confront  an  invader,  and  returned  the 
possessor  of  that  invader's  whole  army  and  a  vast  territory,  about  equal  in  area  to 
Upper  Canada.     Henceforth,  during  his  brief  career,  he  was  the  idol  of  the  Canadi- 
ans, and  the  Prince  Regent,  representing  the  majesty  of  Great  Britain,  cre- 
ated him  a  baronet.'^'* 
Wliile  General  Hull  was  on  his  way  toward  Montreal,  Colonel  Cass,  at  the  request  i 
of  Colonel  M' Arthur,  was  hasting  to  Washington  City, "  for  the  purpose,"  as  he  said, 
"  of  communicating  to  the  government  such  particulars  respecting  the  expedition  j 
lately  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Hull,  and  its  disas*''ous  results,  as  might  en- 
able them  correctly  to  appreciate  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men,  and  to  devclopi 
the  causes  which  produced  so  foul  a  stain  upon  the  national  character."^    This  coni-i 

but  Brock  having  gone  directly  to  York,  the  commander  of  the  post  wonld  not  take  the  responsibility  of  nllowiii!;  hiil 
prisoner  to  correspond  with  his  trovernment.  Fi  „m  Montreal  he  sent  bis  dispatch,  dated  August  'iflth,  by  LlfuloDantl 
Anderson,  of  the  Artillery,  to  the  Secretarj  of  War.— Hull's  Ijttter  to  the  Seeretar;/  of  War,  Montreal,  September  S,  WIS.  J 

'  Darby  Noon  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  a  man  of  great  personal  worth.  He  raised  and  equipped  a  volunteer  com-l 
pany  at  Albany,  almost  entirely  at  his  own  expepse,  and  In  ISIS  was  commissioned  a  majoi  In  the  41st  Regiment  or] 
New  York  State  Mlll'ila.  His  wife  was  Caroline  Broome,  daughter  of  Lieutenant  Governor  Broome,  of  New  York.  MiJ 
Jor  Noon  survived  the  war  only  eight  years,  dying  in  September,  1823.  Prom  his  widow,  who  died  In  1S01, 1  recelvei 
the  above  portrait  of  the  g<illant  officer. 

'  General  Brock's  dispatches  and  the  colors  of  the  United  States  4th  Regiment  reached  London  on  the  0th  of  0cl*j 
iKir,  tiie  anniversary  of  his  birth,  where.  In  honor  of  his  achievement  at  Detroit,  the  Park  and  "Town  guns  were  Hrei 
Only  a  week  later,  and  the  gallant  general  was  no  more. 

3  Kx-GoTeruor  Samuel  Huntington  was  at  Cleveland,  a  volunteer,  when  Colonel  Cass  arrived  there  on  his  war  lo  thd 


^  August 


=  October  10. 


Colonel  Cass's  Sta 

miinication  v 

outline  histor 

It  exiiibited  i 

lie  mind  agaii 

ligence  of  the 

oral.    It  also 

of  the  War  E 

General  Dearl 

onel  Cass's  opi 

veritable  liisto 

when  they  reac 

colonel's  letter 

eagerly  awaitij 

less,  and  despoi 

lowed  to  meet  i 

tions  which  no 

will  never  agaii 

Conficft 

to  the  spirit  an( 
cessfiil  as  it  is  d 
General  Hull  , 
6th  of  Septembe 
file,  three  hundre 
thirty  men,  unde 
opposite  St.  Reg] 
meiit,  who  took  fi 


li 


ml  of  government,  ,, 
iritbin  two  days  ride  of 
Ibe  (Irst  to  give  positive 
lie  arrival  of  Cass.  "T 
r  ifter  hira  In  a  carrlag 
parene  the  journey."— i) 
12,1812. 

'  Secretary  Eustig  seet 
He  (Icclaratlou  of  war,  b, 
hare  been  saved,  that,  at 
hit  Ijcllef  that  public  op 
of  (hat  date,  he  said :  < 
lotha  Secretary  of  War, 
not  be  regarded."    Qover 
rtole  blame  Is  laid  at  t 
president,  the  campaign  v 
iflSloiiuas  |)ence."— Auto; 
'  General  Dearborn,  enl 
ressatlonofhostilitiemnt 
propositions  for  peace  on 
iwDcd  positive  Instnictlor 
Ml  a  notice  of  it  by  expr 
for  It  would  have  reached 
rented  Brock's  acting  on 
«n<l  made  him  strong  em 
notice  of  the  armistice  to 
inlnisted  his  letter  to  th( 
I  ™l™»"on  of  an  armistice 
'  Lewis  Cass  was  bo.-n 
(rawed  the  Alleghany  Mot 
iwdmgB  against  Aaron  Bn 
lili  in  the  West,  and,  late 
Urn  position  till  1S31,  whe 
to  France  «8  American  Ml 
Senator  by  the  Legislatnre 
tMlimed  that  position  at  n 
jdriwrs,  who,  he  was  satis 
Detroit  oiuhel^th  of  June 


rlnglil>| 

|ntCD3llt| 

B,1SU. 
rer  comj 
Imcnt  otj 
Ik.  «>■! 
|recelve< 

lofOcloi 
IretedJ 

kytotbl 


OF  THE  WAIt   OP   181?. 


203 


ColoDcl  Caas'B  Stateineut  about  fhe  Surreuder  of  Detroit. 


Public  ludlguation. 


A  mlHcliievons  Arinlatice. 


raunication  was  made  in  writing  on  the  10th  of  September,  in  wliich  was  given  an 
outline  history  of  events  near  Detroit,  from  the  landing  in  Canada  nntil  the  surrender. 
It  exl>il)ited  mucli  warmth  of  feeling,  and  its  cii'culation  in  print  prijudiced  the  pub- 
lic mind  against  Hull,  and  intensified  tb  j  indignant  reproaches  which  the  first  intel- 
ligence of  the  surrender  liad  caused  to  oe  hurled  at  the  head  of  the  unfortunate  gen- 
eral. It  also  diverted  public  attention  for  the  moment  from  the  palpable  inefliciency 
of  the  War  Department,'  the  effects  of  the  armistice,  and  the  injurious  delays  of 
General  Dearborn,^  to  Avhich  much  of  the  disaster  should  properly  be  charged.  Col- 
onel Cass's  opinions,  as  well  as  facts,  were  eagerly  accepted  by  the  excited  public  as 
veritable  history,  and  few  had  words  of  palliation  to  offer  for  the  captive  veteran 
when  they  read  the  following  glowing,  dogmatic  words  at  the  conclusion  of  the  young 
colonel's  letter :  "  To  see  the  whole  of  our  men,  flushed  with  the  hope  of  victory, 
eagerly  awaiting  the  approaching  contest — to  see  them  after\)fard  dispirited,  hope- 
less, and  desponding,  at  least  five  hundred  shedding  tears,  because  they  were  not  al- 
lowed to  meet  their  country's  foe  and  to  fight  their  country's  battles,  excited  sensa- 
tions wliich  no  American  has  ever  before  had  cause  to  feel,  and  which,  I  trust  in  God, 
will  never  again  be  felt  wliile  our  men  remain  to  defend  the  standard  of  the  Union. 

Confitftnt  I  am  that,  had  the  courage  and  conduct  of  the  general  been  equal 

to  the  spirit  and  zeal  of  the  troops,  the  event  would  have  been  as  brilliant  and  suc- 
cessful as  it  is  disastrous  and  dishonorable.^ 

General  Hull  and  his  fellow-captives  amved  at  Montreal  on  Sunday  afternoon,  the 
6th  of  September,  and  attracted  much  attention.  The  prisoners  numbered,  rank  and 
file,  three  hundred  and  fifly.  They  were  escoi-ted  from  Kingston  by  one  hundred  and 
thirty  men,  under  Major  Heathcote,  of  the  Newfoundland  Regiment.  At  Cornwall, 
opposite  St.  Regis,  they  were  met  by  Captain  Gray,  of  the  Quarter-master's  depart- 
ment, who  took  formal  charge  of  the  prisoners.   They  had  other  escoi     of  troops  until 

iUt  of  government,  Huntington  accompanied  him  to  Washington,  at  the  roqueat  of  General  Wadsworth.  When 
fflthln  two  days  ride  of  the  national  capital,  Cass  was  prostrated  by  sickness.  Huntington  pressed  forward,  and  was 
ihe  llrst  to  give  positive  information  of  Hull's  surrender,  to  the  Sesretary  of  War.  This  made  Dr.  Enstls  impatient  for 
the  arrival  of  Cass.  "  The  Secretary  at  War,"  wrote  Huntington,  "  was  very  desirous  to  see  him,  and  requested  me  to 
("  ifter  hlra  in  a  carriage.  X  met  '..im  the  first  day,  about  thirty-flve  miles  from  this.  He  had  recovered  sufflciently  to 
parsne  the  journey."— Autograph  Letter  of  Governor  Huntington  to  Oeueral  Meigs,  Washington  City,  September 
12,1S12. 

1  Secretary  Kustie  seems  to  have  been  so  conscious  of  his  fatal  mistaiie  in  not  sending  his  letter  to  Hull,  announcing 
the  declaration  of  war,  by  which  his  vessel  and  its  precious  contents,  captured  at  Maiden  at  the  beginning  of  July,  jnlght 
hire  been  saved,  that,  as  late  as  the  16th  of  December,  four  months  after  the  surrender  of  Detroit,  he  gave  evidence  of 
hi!  belief  that  public  opiulon  would  lay  the  responsibility  of  the  disaster  upon  him.  In  a  letter  to  General  Dearborn 
of  that  date,  he  said :  "  Fortunately  for  yon,  the  want  of  success  which  has  attended  the  campaign  will  be  attributed 
to  the  Secretary  of  War.  So  long  as  you  enjoy  the  confidence  of  the  government,  the  clamor  of  the  discontented  should 
Dotbe  regarded."  Governor  Huntington,  in  his  letter  to  Governor  Meigs,  mentioned  in  the  preceding  note,  sold :  "  The 
ithole  blame  is  laid  at  the  dooi'  of  the  present  administration,  and  we  are  told  that  if  De  Witt  Clinton  had  been  our 
president,  the  campaign  would  have  been  short  and  glorious— it  would  have  been  short,  no  doubt,  and  terminated  by  an 
ingloriuns  i)eace."— Autograph  Letter,  Washington  City,  September  12, 1812. 

>  General  Dearborn,  early  In  August,  signed  an  armistice,  entered  Into  between  himself  and  Sir  George  Prevoat,  for  a 
cessation  of  hostilitie.i  until  the  will  of  the  United  States  government  3hould  be  known,  there  then  being,  it  was  supposed, 
propositions  for  peace  on  the  part  of  Great  Brltniu  before  the  Cabinet  at  Washington.  On  this  account  Sir  George  had 
issued  positive  instnictlons  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities.  Dearborn  signed  the  armistice  on  the  nth  of  August.  Had  he 
HDt  a  notice  of  It  by  express  to  Hull,  as  that  ofllccr  did  of  his  surrender  to  Dearborn,  Detroit  might  have  been  saved, 
tir  it  would  have  reached  Hull  before  the  16th  of  August,  and  the  imperative  commands  of  Provost  would  have  pre- 
vented Brock's  acting  on  the  oflfenslve.  Meanwhile  Hull's  supplies  and  re-enforcements  would  have  arrived  from  Ohio, 
udmadc  him  strong  enough  to  invade  Canada  again  at  )hc  conclusion  of  the  armistice.  But  instead  of  sending  ii 
notice  of  the  armistice  to  Hull  by  express,  Dearborn,  like  the  Secretary  of  War  with  his  more  Important  dispatches, 
iitniBted  his  letter  to  the  Irregular  malls,  and  It  wa^  actually  nine  days  going  from  Albany  to  Buffalo  1  The  first 
Mmatlon  of  an  armistice  which  Hull  received  was  while  on  his  way  toward  the  Niagara  as  a  prisoner  of  war. 

'  Lewis  Cass  was  bo.-n  at  Exeter,  New  Hampshire,  on  the  nth  of  October,  1782.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  years  ho 
dossed  the  Alleghany  Mountains  on  foot,  and  settled  in  Marietta,  Ohio,  where  he  studied  law,  and  was  active  in  pro- 
(Ndiogs  against  Aaron  Burr.  JeflTerson  appointed  him  Marshal  of  Ohio  in  180T.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  war  of 
ISIiintheWest,  and,  late  in  1813,  President  Madison  appointed  him  Governor  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan.  He  held 
that  position  till  1831,  when  he  was  called  to  the  Cabinet  of  President  .Jackson  as  Secretary  of  War.  In  18i«(  he  wenl 
to  France  as  American  Minister  at  the  Court  of  St.  Cloud.  He  returned  home  in  1842.  He  was  elected  United  States 
Senator  by  the  Legislature  of  Michigan  in  1846,  and  he  held  that  position  until  called  to  Buchanan's  Cabinet  in  1867.  He 
nsiinied  that  position  at  near  the  close  of  1860,  because  he  could  not  remain  associated  with  the  President's  confidential 
I  idtisers,  who,  he  was  satisfied,  were  plotting  treason  ngainst  bis  country.    He  retired  froiu  public  life,  and  died  at 

Detrult  OP  the  ITth  of  June,  1S66,  at  the  age  of  elghty-fuur  ye«rb. 


\Y^ 

^K—      1 

I 

H 

i! 


ill! 


Ill  I 


I  'l^liii 


!  I 


204 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Hull  In  Captivity. 


A  Court-martial  callei*  to  Try  bim. 


Its  Cuniposltiou  and  DeclnloD. 


they  reached  the  vicinity  of  Montreal 
when  they  were  left  in  cliargo  of  tin' 
militia  until  preparations  coukl  be  made 
for  the  formal  entrance  into  tlic  citv. 
This  was  not  accomplished  until  quite 
late  in  the  evening,  when  they  were 
marched  in  in  the  presence  of  a  great 
concourse  of  rejoicing  people,  who  had 
illuminated  the  streets  through  which 
the  triumphal  procession  passed,  (ien- 
oral  Hull  was  received  M'ith  great  jxilite- 
ness  by  Sir  George  Prevost,  the  Gov- 
ernor General  and  Commander-iii-chief 
and  invited  to  make  his  residence  at  his 
mansion  during  his  stay  in  Montreal, 
On  Tliursdav  following,"  .„  .  , 
General  Hull  and  eight  of  I812. 

his  officers  set  out  for  tm3  United  States 
on  tlieir  parole. 

General  Hull  retired  to  his  farm  at 
Newton,  Massachr setts,  from  wliieh  ho 
was  summoned  to  appear  before  a  court- 
martial  at  Philadelphia  on  the  2oth  of 
February,  1813,  of  which  General  Wade 
Hampton  was  appointed  president.  The  members  appointed  consisted  of  three 
brigadier  generals,  nine  colonels,  and  three  lieutenant  colonels  ;  and  the  eminent  A.  J. 
Dallas,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  judge  advocate.  This  court  was  dissolved  by  the  Presi- 
dent without  giving  a  reason  for  the  act ;  and,  almost  a  year  afterward,  Hull  wa? 
summoned  to  appear  before  another,  to  convene  at  Albany,  New  York.  It  met  on 
the  3d  of  January,  1814.  General  Dearborn  was  the  president,  and  he  was  assisted 
by  three  brigadier  generals,  four  colonels,  and  five  lieutenar<t  colonels.  ^  Again  Mr. 
Dallas  was  judge  advocate.  As  Hull  blamed  Dearborn  for  his  negligence,  and  as  his 
own  acquittal  would  condemn  that  officer,  he  might  very  properly  have  objected  to 
the  appointed  president  of  the  court ;  but  he  was  anxious  for  a  trial,  and  he  waived 
all  feeling.  He  was  charged  with  treason,  cowardice,  and  neglect  of  duty  and  iiiiof- 
ficer-Iike  conduct  from  the  9th  of  April  to  the  16th  of  August,  181 2.^  General  Hull 
objected  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court  on  the  first  charge — treason — as  a  matter 
of  civil  cognizance  only.    The  court  concurred  in  this  view,  and  he  was  tried  only  on 

the  other  charges.     After  a  session  of  eitrhtv  days,  the  court  decided''  that 
**  March  20,  o      j         ./    ' 

he  was  not  guilty  of  treason,^  but  found  him  guilty  of  the  second  and  third 

charges,  namely,  cowardice,  and  neglect  of  duty  and  unofficer-like  conduct.    He  was 

sentenced  to  be  shot  dead,  and  his  name  to  be  struck  from  the  rolls  of  the  army.^ 

'  QeneralB  Bloomflclrt,  Parker,  and  Covington ;  Colonels  Fenwlck,  Carberry,  Little,  and  Irvine ;  and  LicnteDant 
Colonels  Dennis,  Connor,  Davis,  Scott,  and  Stewart. 

»  The  speclflcatlons  tinder  the  charge  of  Treason  were,  Ist.  "  Hiring  the  vescel  to  transport  his  sick  men  nnd  bap- 
gage  from  the  Miami  to  Detroit."  2d.  "  Not  attacking  the  enemy's  fort  at  Maiden,  and  retreating  to  Detroit."  3d. 
"Not  strengthening  the  fort  of  Detroit,  and  surrendering." 

The  specifications  nnder  the  charge  of  Cowart):oe  were,  Ist.  "  Not  attacking  Maiden,  and  retreating  to  Detroit."  2(1. 
"Appearances  of  alarm  during  the  cannonade."  3d.  "  Appearances  of  alarm  on  the  day  of  the  surrender."  4th.  "Sur- 
rendering of  Detroit."    The  speclflcatlons  under  the  third  charge  were  similar  to  those  under  the  second. 

'  It  is  perhaps  not  technically  true  that  the  court,  decided  that  he  was  not  guilty  of  treason.  They  determined  that  \ 
they  conld  not  try  him  on  that  charge,  but  said  "  the  evidence  on  the  subject  having  been  publicly  given,  the  court  doera  j 
It  proper,  in  Justice  to  the  accused,  to  say  that  they  dn  not  believe,  (him  any  thing  that  has  appeared  before  them,  tbat  | 
General  William  Hull  has  coinmitted  treason  against  the  TTn'lteu  States."  I 

<  The  President  approved  the  seuten  je  on  the  25tb  of  April,  and  on  the  game  day  the  foUowlog  general  order  iraa  i 
issued: 


Hall  pardoned  by 


The  court  sti 

his  age  and  1 

to  his  farm,  tt 

proacli,  for  nh 

paiarn  of  1 8 1 2. 

in  Uoston,'  an 

dier  and  a  ma 

hLs  death,  a  gr 

lirojjhesied  of  i 

I  have  givei 

Ihill's  camj)aio 

temporancous  i 

I'd  what  I  belie 

hy  analysis,  cor 

(■amj)!iign  in  soi 

iial  coward,  but 

after  Aveigliing  j 

cumstaiices  to  \\ 

of  the  coiirt-mai 

cased,  and  the  ti 

Hull  wa.s  actuate 

iiumanity.     Tha 

lieve.    His  weak 

but  of  e.vcessive 

licart.    These,  in 

physical  vigor.  ^ 

more  than  acf.     ' 

affected  him,  and 

liis  judgment.     T 

iii't  understand ; 

dierishing  him. 

lion,  he  bravely  d 

lie  iaced  the  taiin 

thill,  fill  the  >eauf 

ill?- 

Ihill  had  warne 


"The  rolls  of  the  army 
tail-   The  general  court-: 

I  '  These  were  published 
"tfrn  Army  of  the  United 
liml  in  the  vessel  in  whic 

I  iraliong  he  vainly  applied 

I  MlnnHlJohn  C.Calhoun  I 
wed  copies  to  bo  made  r 
j»rt  mentioned. 

I    ' "» ''"s  'ilways  calm,  tr 
liistary  wonid  nt  last  do  hi 

ifcerarrender  of  Detroit,  ai 

*romp«,v,no/lsi2Kvhi8 

I  ?*''  «"h  the  general  at 

i  Too  retnrn  to  your  family 

h»e™j-ed  the  Inhabitant^ 

""tVnllace.oueofHul 

W  me  that  he  thought  the. 

"terans  who  took  the  field 

pulages.   Oursuperaununi 


j! 

liK'tt 

lis 

\> 

liH'li  -'''" 

^\'^' 

iill 

ilH^B 

fl  1 

„Md 

(Iwira 

1 1 

O F   T 11  E   WA  U   OP   18  1  2. 


295 


Uoll  pardoned  by  the  Pre»tdeDt. 


A  Conaideratluu  of  Hull's  public  Character. 


tlla  uwu  Uofeuse. 


The  court  strongly  recommended  him  to  tlie  mercy  of  the  President,  on  account  of 
his  nfi;e  and  his  revohitionary  services.  Mr.  Mudison  pardoned  him,  and  lie  retired 
to  liis  fiirm,  to  live  in  comparative  obscurity,  under  a  cloud  of  almost  universal  re- 
proach, for  iibout  twelve  years.  He  wrote  a  vindication  of  his  conduct  in  the  cam- 
naiiju  of  1812,  in  a  scries  of  letters,  jjublished  in  the  American  Statesnian  newspaper 
ill  Boston,'  and  on  his  dying  bed  he  declared  his  belief  that  he  was  right,  as  a  sol- 
ilier  and  n,  man,  in  surrendering  Detroit.  lie  had  the  consolation  of  feeling,  before 
his  death,  a  growing  sympathy  for  him  in  the  partially  disabused  public  mind,  which 
urophesied  of  future  vindication  and  just  appreciation.^ 

I  have  given,  in  tills  and  the  preceding  chapter,  as  faithful  a  general  history  of 
Iliiii's  campaign  as  a  careful  and  dispassionate  study  of  documentary  and  other  con- 
ti'inporaneous  narratives,  written  and  verbal,  have  enabled  me  to  do,  I  have  record- 
ed what  I  believe  to  be  undoubted  facts.  As  they  stand  in  the  narrative,  unattended 
hy  analysis,  comparison,  or  argument,  they  present  General  Hull  in  his  conduct  of  the 
campaign  in  some  instances  in  an  unfavorable  iight :  not  as  a  traitor — not  as  an  act- 
ual coward,  but  as  bearing  to  the  su[)erficial  reader  the  semblance  of  both.  But, 
after  weighing  and  estimating  the  value  of  these  facts  in  connection  with  current  cir- 
cumstances to  which  they  bore  positive  relationship — after  observing  the  composition 
of  the  court-martial,  the  peculiar  relations  of  the  court  and  the  witnesses  to  the  ac- 
cused, and  the  testimony  in  detail,  the  writer  is  constrained  to  believe  that  General 
Hull  was  actuated  throughout  the  campaign  by  the  purest  impulses  of  patriotism  and 
humanity.  That  he  was  loeak,  we  may  allow ;  that  he  was  wicked,  we  can  not  be- 
lieve. His  weakness,  evinced  at  times  by  vacillation,  was  not  the  child  of  cowardice, 
but  of  excessive  prudence  and  caution,  born  of  thi  noblest  sentiments  of  the  human 
heart.  These,  in  his  case,  were  doubtless  enhanced  by  the  disabilities  of  waning 
physical  vigor.'  He  was  thus  far  down  the  westem  slope  of  lif  ,when  men  counsel 
more  than  act.  The  ]><rils  and  fatigues  of  the  journey  from  Dayton  to  Detroit  had 
affected  him,  and  the  anxieties  arising  from  his  responsibilities  bore  heavily  uj)on 
ills  judgment.  These  difficulties  his  young,  vigorous,  ambitious,  daring  officers  could 
imt  understand ;  and  while  they  were  cursi  ig  him,  they  should  have  been  kindly 
cherisliing  him.  When  he  could  perceive  nc  alternative  but  surrender  or  destruc- 
tion, he  bravely  determined  to  choose  the  most  courageous  and  humane  course ;  so 
he  faced  the  taunts  of  his  soldiers,  and  the  expected  scorn  of  his  countrymen,  rather 
thai,  fill  the  V  eautiful  land  of  the  Ohio,  and  the  settlements  of  Michigan,  with  mourn- 
iiij;. 

Hull  had  Avamed  the  govemmor*  of  the  folly  of  attempting  the  conquest  of  Can- 

"  WnshfnKton  City,  April  2B,  1S14. 

"The  rolls  of  the  nrmy  are  to  be  no  lonjrer  dlsgrnced  by  having  upon  them  the  name  of  Brigadier  General  W^illiam 
Ilnll.   The  general  court-martial,  of  which  General  Dearborn  is  president,  is  hereby  disHolved. 

"  By  order,  ".I.  B.  Wai.haoii,  Adjutant  General." 

1  These  were  published  in  a  volume  of  three  hundred  and  ten  pages,  entitled,  Mmnnirs  of  the  Camjmiijn  of  the  Sorth- 
nttern  Army  nf  the  Vniteit  St<Ueii.  A.D.  1S12.  General  Hull's  long  silence  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  his  papers  were 
tarat  in  the  vessel  in  which  they  were  sent  from  Detroit  to  Buffalo,  after  the  surrender,  and  that  during  two  adrainis- 
Iralions  he  vninly  ajjplied  to  the  War  Department  at  Washington  for  copies  of  papers  necessr.ry  for  his  defense.  It  was 
nolnntllJohnCCalhcmn  became  Secretary  of  War  that  any  notice  was  taken  of  his  application.  That  ofBcer  promptly 
'M!ed  copies  to  be  made  of  all  papers  that  General  Hull  desired,  when  he  commenced  his  vindicat'.on  in  his  memoir 
inrt  mentioned. 

>  He  was  always  calm,  tranquil,  ond  happy.  He  knew  that  his  country  would  one  day  also  understand  him,  and  thnt 
hLMarjr  wonld  at  last  do  him  justice.  He  was  asked,  on  his  death-bed,  whether  he  still  believed  he  had  done  right  in 
theinrrender  of  Detroit,  and  he  replied  that  he  did,  and  was  thankfiil  that  he  had  been  enabled  to  do  it.— HMory  of 
fcromjKiii/nn/lSlZ,  by  his  grandson,  James  Freeman  Clark,  page  B(i6.  Mr.  Wallace,  one  of  his  aids,  says  that  when  he 
pirted  with  the  general  at  Detroit  to  return  home,  the  white-haired  veteran  said,  "  God  bless  you,  my  young  friend  1 
Ton  return  to  your  family  without  a  stain  ;  as  for  myself,  I  have  sacrificed  a  reputation  dearer  to  me  than  life,  but  I 
ksve  saved  the  inhabitants  of  Detroit,  and  my  heart  approves  the  act." 

'  Mr.  Wallace,  one  of  Hull's  aids,  whose  testimony  we  have  before  alluded  to,  sayg :  "  General  Cass  has  since  declared 

I  »  me  that  he  thought  the  main  defect  of  General  Hull  was  the  '  imbecility  of  age,'  and  it  was  the  defect  of  all  the  old 

«leran8  who  took  the  field  In  the  late  war.    A  peaceftil  government  like  ours  must  always  labor  under  similar  diaad- 

Tutages.   Our  Bupcraunuated  officers  must  be  culled  Into  gervlce,  or  men  without  experience  must  command  our  nrrn- 

ift" 


"i. 


n 


!  \ 


:l 


!  ;l 


i    ( 


i!  >. 


U' 


296 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Government  more  to  H'.me  than  Hall. 


A  Bcape-Kont  wanted  und  found. 


BlogrBpblcal  Sketch  of  Hull. 


aila  without  better  preparation.  But  the  yottng  hot-bloods  of  the  administration- 
Clay,  and  others — coultl  not  wait ;  and  the  President  and  his  Cabinet,  lacking  all  tin- 
essential  knowledge  for  planning  a  campaign,  had  sent  him  on  an  errand  of  vast  im- 
portance and  difficulty  without  seeming  to  comprehend  its  vastness,  or  estimating  the 
means  necessary  for  its  accomplishment.  The  conception  of  the  campaign  was  a  huge 
blunder,  and  Hull  saw  it ;  and  the  failure  to  put  in  vigorous  motion  for  his  sniiport 
auxiliary  and  co-operative  forces,  was  criminal  neglect.  Wlien  the  result  was  foinid 
to  be  failure  and  humiliation,  the  administration  perceived  this,  and  sought  a  rcfujrp. 
Public  indignation  nmst  be  appeased — the  lightning  of  the  j)ublic  wrath  must  be 
averted.  General  Hull  was  made  the  chosen  victim  for  the  peace-offering — the  sin- 
bearing  scaj)e-goat ;  and  on  his  head  the  fiery  thunderbolts  were  hurled.  The  grass 
has  grown  greenly  upon  his  grave  for  more  than  forty  years.  Let  his  faults  (for,  like 
all  men,  he  was  not  immaculate)  also  be  covered  with  the  verdure  of  bliad  Charity.' 
Two  generations  have  passed  away  since  the  dark  cloud  first  brooded  over  his  fair 
fiime.  We  may  all  see,  if  we  will,  with  eyes  unfilmed  by  prejudice,  the  silver  edglnf; 
which  tells  of  the  brightness  of  good  hitentions  behind  it,  and  prophesies  of  evanish- 
ment  and  a  clear  sky.     Let  History  be  just,  in  spite  of  the  clamors  of  hoary  Error. 

" '  TIs  Btrnnge  how  many  nnimagincd  charges 
Can  Bwarm  upon  a  man,  when  once  the  lid 
Of  the  Pandora-box  of  contumely 
Ib  <ipen'd  o'er  his  head."— SiiAKsrEASK. 

•  William  Hull  was  bom  in  Derby,  Connecticut,  on  the  24th  of  June,  1768.  He  was  graduated  with  honor  at  Yale  Col- 
lege when  he  was  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  first  studied  divinity,  but  left  it  for  the  law.  He  was  a  meritorious  soldier 
lind  officer  throughout  the  Revolution,  and  participated  in  nine  battles.  He  went  to  Canada  on  an  Indian  commlfsioii 
in  1702.  He  held  judicial  and  representative  offices  In  Massachusetts,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  was  placed  in  a  responsible 
military  and  civil  station  at  the  beginning  of  the  War  of  1S12.  He  died  at  Newton,  MassachusettB,  in  November,  1SJ6. 
I  am  indebted  to  General  Hull's  granddaughter.  Miss  Sarah  A.  Clarke,  of  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  for  a  copy  of  his  por- 
trait, painted  by  Stuart,  from  which  our  engraving  was  made.  The  signature  is  copied  from  a  letter  in  my  possession, 
written  at  White  Plains,  New  York,  in  the  autumn  of  177S. 


Jonniey  ftum  Chli 


mart  of  commer 

H'pstemhalfofti 

ofwater,  mills,  n 

harrly  people,  set 

claimed  general 

tlieday  were  tht 

in  its  crooked  c| 

(Lansing  is  the  c 

traveled  over  tha 

ed  Detroit,  and  ft 

sojourn  in  tliat  ni 

The  folio  win  <>• 
drizzling  rain  moi 
»    We  listened 
in  the  afternoon  f 
the  prospect  of  fin 
the  aflernoon,  but 
At  nine  o'clock  a 
rain  until  past  mi( 
morning — 


Tiie  sky  was  clou( 
liad  felt  since  the 
fame  from  the  far- 
'  the  hills. 

jUan^arly  houi 

!*n  above  tide  water  Is! 
I      The  residence  of  the  lal 

tteooraorofFortandCaB. 

"wtorled  building,  wlthl 

•fSecond  Street. 


OF  THE   VVAK    OF    18  12. 


207 


Journey  from  Chicago  to  Detroit 


A  BabbBth  in  Dttrott. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

"And  '.vlio  Hupplies  the  murderous  mcol  / 

And  who  preparcH  the  ba8o  rowurd 

Thnt  wiikcs  to  ileedB  of  desperate  zeal 

The  fliry  of  each  Hlumbcrin);  horde  f 

From  Britain  conien  each  fatjil  blow ; 

From  Britain,  still  our  deadliest  foe." 

TiiK  Kentucky  Voi.itntiiib  ;  ut  a  Ladt, 

[T  was  a  beautiful,  clear  breezy  morning,  early  in  October,  1800,  when 
/-^  t'  T  writer  left  Chicago,  with  his  family,  to  visit  tlie  theatre 
Oi  events  described  in  the  two  preceding  chapters.  We  took 
the  Michigan  Central  train  for  Detroit,  and  soon  lost  sight  of 
the  marvelous  metropolis  of  Illinois,  and  Lake  Michigan,  on 
which  it  stands.*  We  swept  rapidly  around  the  magnificent 
curve  of  the  head  of  the  lake,  and  after  leaving  the  sand  dunes 
of  Michigan  City,  and  the  withered  bud  of  a  prospective  great 
mart  of  commerce  at  New  Buffalo,  traversed  a  beautiful  and  fertile  country  in  the 
western  half  of  the  lower  part  of  the  peninsula  and  State  of  Michigan.  Large  streams 
of  water,  mills,  neat  villages,  broad  fields  covered  with  ripe  corn,  spacious  barns,  and 
hurdy  people,  seen  all  along  the  way  to  Marshall,  where  we  dined,  and  beyond,  pi'o- 
cLiimed  general  prosperity.  Among  the  most  considerable  sti'eams  crossed  during 
the  day  were  the  St.  Joseph,  Kalamazoo,  Battle  Creek,  and  Huron.  Over  the  latter, 
in  its  crooked  course,  we  passed  several  times  when  approaching  the  metroi)oli8 
(Lansing  is  the  capital)  of  Michigan.  It  was  the  dusk  of  mere  starlight  when  we 
traveli'd  over  that  section  of  the  route,  and  it  was  late  in  the  evening  when  we  reach- 
ed Detroit,  and  found  a  pleasant  home  at  the  Russell  House  for  the  few  days  of  our 
sojourn  in  that  neighborhood. 

The  following  day  was  the  Sabbath.  The  air  was  as  warm  as  in  early  June.  A 
drizzling  rain  moistened  all  the  streets  and  caused  small  congregations  in  the  church- 
es. We  listened  to  the  full,  powerful  voice  of  Bishop  M'Coskry  in  the  moniing,  and 
in  the  afternoon  strolled  with  a  friend  far  down  beautiful  Fort  Street,'*  and  enjoyed 
tlie  prospect  of  fine  residences  and  ornamental  gardens.  The  sun  shone  brightly  all 
the  afternoon,  but  in  the  evening  heavy  clouds  came  rolling  up  from  the  southwest. 
At  nine  o'clock  a  thunder-storm  burst  over  the  city,  which  sent  down  lightning  and 
rain  until  past  midnight.  No  traces  of  this  elemental  tumult  were  seen  above  in  the 
morning — 

"The  thunder,  trfimplng  deep  and  loud. 
Had  left  no  foot-marks  there." 

Tiic  sky  was  cloudless,  and  a  cool  breeze  from  the  northwest — cooler  than  any  we 
hi  felt  since  the  dog-days — reminded  us  that  autumn  had  succeeded  summer.     It 
came  from  the  far-off  region  beyond  Mackinack,  where  snow  had  already  \>  uitened 
the  hills. 
At  an  early  hour  I  started  for  Monroe,  on  the  site  of  old  Frenchtown,  on  the  river 

•  This  is  the  largest  of  the  lakes  that  lie  wholly  within  the  United  States.  It  is  830  miles  long,  and  has  an  average 
>idth  of  (io  miles.  It  contains  lt(,981  square  uiiles,  or  10,868,000  acres.  Its  average  depth  is  about  900  feet,  and  its  ele- 
ntion  above  tide  water  is  about  .SOO  feet. 

'  The  residence  of  the  late  General  Cass  was  on  this  street.  It  was  a  spacious  but  very  modest  wooden  bnildiner,  on 
He  comer  of  Port  and  Cass  Streets,  a  little  westward  of  the  site  of  the  ..Id  fort.  IIIb  former  residence — a  small,  low, 
me^torled  building,  with  four  dormer  windows— was  yet  standing,  ou  the  west  side  of  Lamed  Street,  near  the  corner 
of  Second  Street. 


:    ■ 

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Ill 


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ill      ili1 


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l^llll 


3M 


PICTOniAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  Trip  from  Detroit  to  Amheratbnrg. 


One  of  the  "  oldeit  Inhuhltant'a"  Recollection!  of  the  War  iit  im. 


Itiiisiii,  to  visit  tlio  |»Iiicoh  of  hintoric  intcrcHt  in  tluit  vicinity,  wlicro  I  spent  tlic  day 
lilcjisantly  and  profitably.  Oftlii'  events  of  tliat  day  I  siiall  write  lien-after.  On  the 
■Ociobcro,  fbllowiiifi  niorning"  I  j)roeured  a  horse  and  ii^Jit  wajjon,  erossed  tlic  tiny 
1800.  to  the  Canada  shore  at  Windsor,  and  started  for  Andierstbiirj^,  eightoeii 
miles  down  the  stream  toward  Lake  Erie.  In  the  lower  part  of  Windsor  I  sketcluMl 
Colonel  Habie's  house,  delineated  on  pajrc  202,  and  then  rode  on  to  Sandwich,  two 
miles  below,  where  1  met  one  of  that  famous  class  known  as  "  the  oldest  inhabitaiitH" 
in  the  ))erson  of  Mr.  John  H.  Laufjiiton,  who  was  born  in  Detroit,  but  who  has  been  a 
British  subject  from  his  early  years.  When,  in  1700,  the  post  of  Detroit  was  evinu. 
ated  by  the  British,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  treaty  of  17h;j,  many  residents 

of  English,  Irish,  and  Scottish  line. 
Jige,  preferring  "not  to  be  Yankees," 
!is  Mr.  Laugliton  said,  crossed  the 
river  and  settled  a"  )ng  its  Canail;i 
shore.  Mr.  Laughton  was  a  num- 
ber of  the  Kent  militia  in  1812  ;  and  from  Sandwich  he  saw  the  white  flag  that  |)ro- 
claimed  the  surrender  of  Detroit.  He  was  then  a  young  man  twenty-two  yt;.rs  of 
age.  He  was  afterward  in  the  affair  known  as  the  V)attle  of  the  Long  Woods,  in 
Canada  ;  also  at  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  where  he  lost  a  brother  killed  ;  and  at  that 
of  Niagara,  where  he  lost  his  own  liberty,  and  was  sent  a  prisoner  to  Greenbush,  op- 
posite  Albany.  He  related  many  interesting  circumstances  connected  with  flie  sur- 
render. He  spoke  of  the  Canadian  Volunteers  in  the  uniforms  of  regulars,  by  whioli 
Hull  was  deceived ;  and  said  that  among  the  Indians  who  followed  Brock  into  the 
tort  at  Detroit  were  several  Canadians,  [)ainted  and  dressed  like  the  savages,  who 
each  held  up  a  white  arm  to  show  Hull  that  they  had  defied  the  menace  in  his  j)roi'- 
lamation  respecting  the  treatment  of  such  offenders. 

Sandwich  was  an  exceedingly  pleasant  village.  Around  it  were  orchards  of  pear 
and  apple  trees  of  great  size,  which  attested  the  fact  that  it  is  one  of  the  oldest  settle- 
ments in  Canada.  Here  the  disbanded  French  soldiers  settled  after  the  peace  of 
Paris  in  1703.  The  houses  had  pleasant  gardens  attached  to  them;  and  as  the  town 
was  the  capitjil  of  Essex  County,  it  contained  a  jail  and  court-house,  and  the  resi- 
dence of  the  county  officers. 

I  left  Sandwich  toward  noon,  and  a  little  past  meridian  crossed  Turkey  Creek. 
For  i?everal  miles  below  SandAvich  the  banks  of  Detroit  are  low  and  sandy.  The 
road,  lying  much  of  the  way  in  sight  of  the  river,  was  in  excellent  condition,  and 
with  the  picturesque  and  interesting  scenery  forms  a  most  attractive  drive  in  pleasant 
weather.  Passing  through  the  Petit  Cote  settlement,.!  arrived  at  a  neat  little  tavern 
near  tlie  northern  bank  of  the  Atix  Canards,  where  I  met  an  old  French  Canadian 
who  was  present  Avhen  Cass,  and  Findlay,  and  M'Arthur,  and  Snelling  made  thoir 
military  visits  there  in  1812.  He  was  loyal  then,  but  quiet;  and  wiien  it  was  safe 
to  do  so,  in  the  absence  of  the  Americans,  he  furnished  the  Queen  Charlotte  with 
vegetables.  He  pointed  out  the  ridge  from  which  JM'Arthur  reconnoitred  the  whole 
position,  and  also  the  spot  where  Colonel  Cass  planted  his  six-pounder,  and  "  blazed 
away"  at  the  enemy  on  the  southern  sJiore  of  the  stream.  The  bridge  seen  in  the 
centre  of  the  picture  on  page  264  was  upon  the  site  of  the  old  one,  and,  like  it,  was 
reached  by  a  causeway  at  both  ends.  I  sketched  the  scene,  then  crossed  the  Am 
Canards  over  the  causeway  and  the  bridge,  and  hastened  on  to  Amherstburg,  for 
the  day  was  rapidly  wearing  away.  Most  of  the  way  from  Aux  Canards,  or  Ta- 
ron-tee,  to  Amherstburg,  the  river  bank  is  high,  and  the  road  passing  along  its  niargin 
was  thickly  settled,  for  the  farms  were  narrow.  Most  of  the  houses  were  large,  with 
fine  gardens  around  them.  Among  the  most  attractive  of  these  was  "  Rosebank,"  i 
the  residence  of  Mr.  James  Dougall,  an  eminent  horticulturist,  about  three  miles  from  j 
Amherstburg. 


Tin  Vicinity  of  Ai 

It  was  neai 

ence.     I  soon 

on  the  lefl  by 

in  heigiit,  witl 

hundred  and  t 

anninited  Brit 

riijht  of  the  i-c 

H-as  Fort  Mall 

|)iii-|)oses  than 

parent  nsylurn 

remained.     Tii 

"Patriot  War,' 

break  in  tho  Cn 

Anilierstburg 

by  the  French. 

irreifular  stones, 

ordering  dinner 

and  other  jilaces 

lieet  on  Lake  Er 

n  large  red  stone 


'fnsive  view  of  th( 
Island  on  the  right, 
for  wood,  was  precii 
'lie  ship  under  sail  ( 
Erie.  Looking  a  11 
house,  near  which  i 

hroupofsailsat  th 
I'I'lock-liouse  on  th 

slup-yai-fl,  near  the  f 
After  dinner  I  vis 

'ion,  surrounded  by 
'''"'•g.    From  his  grc 


|IO'f|i^ 


OF  THE  WAH  OF   1812. 


200 


Th«  Vlclnliy  of  Amhoriitbiirg. 


Illitorlcal  LucaUtiei. 


It  was  nearly  thrco  o'clock  when  the  stoeplcH  of  Aniherstburg  announced  its  preB- 
onco.  I  •*"""  crosHcd  a  beautiful  open  plain,  whereon  cattle  were  grazinj;,  bi>uii(lc<l 
nil  till'  left  by  Htrcets  of  ni-at  log  eotfai^es,  whitewashed  and  embowered,  each  a  wtory 
ill  height,  with  two  acres  of  land  attached.  The  plain  was  a  military  reserve  of  one 
hiiiKlied  and  thirty  acres,  and  the  cottages  were  the  dwellings  of  pensioners — super- 
iiiiiiuated  British  soldiers — who  were  well  cared  for  by  their  government.  On  the 
rjirht  of  the  road,  in  the  ujtj)er  pa\;t  of  Aniherstburg,  within  a  high  picket  indosure, 
was  Kort  Maiden;  its  chief  building  (barracks)  were  then  devoted  to  more  humane 
imrjioses  than  war.  It  was  used  for  the  insane  iii  Canada  West,  as  a  branch  of  a 
parent  asylum  for  such  unfortunates  situated  at  Toronto.  No  j)art  of  the  old  fort 
nmained.  The  new  one  was  constructed  during  the  excitenient  incident  to  the 
"Patriot  War,"  or  "Kebellion,"  as  men  of  ditt'erent  bias  respectively  call  au  out- 
break in  the  Canailas  in  IK.'JB.     It  was  constructed  in  18:59. 

Aiiilierstburg  had  an  antiquated  appearance,  the  houses  having  been  chiefly  built 
by  the  French.  The  streets  were  narit)w,  and  the  side-walks  were  mostly  paved  with 
irregular  stones.  I  had  but  little  time  to  devote  to  an  inspection  of  the  jilace.  After 
onk'iing  dinner  at  Salmoni's,  I  went  out  with  an  intelligent  lad,  and  visited  the  fort 
;iml  other  i)Iace8  of  interest  along  the  slun-e.  The  ship-yard,  where  a  part  of  Barclay's 
lliet  on  Lake  Erie  was  built,  was  a  i'itw  rods  above  Salmoni's ;  and  from  the  corner  of 
a  large  red  stone  house,  overlooking  the  whole  locality,  and  comnumding  quite  an  ex- 


VIKW  OF  MALDEN,  WHERE  TUB   HRITISU  SlllPg   WEBE  UVILT, 


tensive  view  of  the  river  southward,  Avith  Elliott's  Point  on  the  left  and  Bois  Blanc 
Island  on  the  right,  I  made  the  accompanying  sketch.  The  wharf,  then  used  chiefly 
for  wood,  was  precisely  where  the  British  vessels  were  launched.  In  the  direction  of 
the  ship  under  sail  (seen  in  the  picture),  just  off  Elliott's  Point  on  the  left,  is  seen  Lake 
Eric.  Looking  a  little  farther  to  the  right,  on  Bois  Blanc  Island,  is  seen  the  light- 
house, near  which  was  a  block-house  and  battery  in  1812 ;  and  on  each  side  of  the 

j  jroiip  of  sails  at  the  wharf  is  seen  a  block-house,  both  erected  in  18.38.     There  was 
a  block-house  on  the  right  of  Salmoni's  Hotel,  and  another  at  the  upper  end  of  the 

I  ship-yard,  near  the  fort,  in  1812. 
After  dinner  I  visited  the  venerable  Robert  Reynolds,  living  ?n  a  fine  brick  man- 

[sion, surrounded  by  charming  grounds,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  just  below  Amherst- 
bnrg.    From  his  grounds  there  is  a  view  of  Elliott's  Point,  where  Colonel  Elliott,  al- 


:        1' 

I 

;i  < 


m  I 


III 


;■  ( 


iMtii 


.100 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-nOOK 


A  vctMnn  BritUb  Ofleer. 


Ratani  to  Detroit. 


Bqoliie  Xot«i1»tiiiMnt  at  '*WlaA|WClM||i^« 


1-t'iKly  iiu'iitioiiril  f'ri'<|iuiiilly,  reHidml.  Jiint  Itolow  it,  .'lirco  or  four  luiluH  from  Am- 
hi'islburj^,  i»  Hiirtluy'M  I'oint,  whcri-  (Joiiorul  IlurriHoii  liiiulcd  wlu'ii  lie  iiivailcd  ('ann. 
da  in  1H1;{.  Mr.  Kfyimlils  wuh  in  tlut  fif^lilii-tli  year  of  his  iigi^  wIumi  I  viHiU'd  l,i,n 
IliH  Hintcr,  but  little  liiii  junior,  lived  willi  him.     Thoy  were  burn  in  Dutruit.    Kc 


hi'h'h  on  the  duy  of 
thi-  biitllo  of  tlic 
Thami'H.  From  tluil 
tiiin'  until  the  pcncu 
ho  was  stationed  at 
Hurlingtoiilltijriiis, 
lit  thti  wi'st  t'lid  of 


was  d('|iiity  assist- 
ant coniinissaryj^t'ii- 
cral  in  the  Hritish 
anny  in  the  War  of 
1HI2,  and  was  at  the 
takintj  of  Detroit. 
He  was  also  at  Dol- 

Lake  Ontario.  His  sister  told  me  that  she  distinctly  beard  the  firinjj;  betweou  tiif 
fleets  of  Perry  and  Harelay  in  the  memorable  battle  of  Ijiike  Krie,  in  September,  1H13; 
and  that  she  also  saw  from  her  residence  the  vesselB  conveyinfj;  Harrison's  army  from 
the  Raisin  to  the  Canada  shore.  Mr.  Reynolds  knew  Proctor  and  Teeumtha  well,  and 
seemed  to  have  a  very  unfavorable  opinion  of  the  former  as  a  comnumder.  lie  spoke 
of  his  conduct  at  the  Thames  as  "  shameful,"  and  justitied  the  strictures  of  Te- 
oumtha. 

It  was  sunset  when  I  left  Amherstburp  for  Detroit.  In  the  western  sky,  as  I  looked 
over  the  fields  where  Van  Hornc  and  Miller  had  wrestled  with  the  mongrel  foe,  wlieii 
the  country  was  almost  a  wilderness,  were  seen  gorgeous  eloud-burs  of  (Mimsoii  and 
gold.  These  faded  into  dull  lead;  and  just  as  daylight  yielded  the  scei)tro  to  -tar- 
light,  I  crossed  the  sluggish  Ta-ron-tee.  It  was  a  summer-like  evening,  and  before  I 
reached  the  slope  of  the  highway  leading  up  to  Sandwich,  the  lights  of  Detroit  gave 
pleasant  indications  that  the  end  of  the  journey  was  near.  It  was  nine  o'clock  when 
I  entered  Windsor,  and  on  incpiiring  of  a  iiuin,  standing  on  the  ))iazza  of  a  huge 
wooden  building,  for  the  proper  turn  to  the  Ferry,  I  was  told  that  the  boat  had 
ceased  running  for  the  night.  For  a  moment  I  was  perplexed.  I  did  not  wish  to  re- 
main all  night  in  Windsor  when  Detroit  was  so  near.  "  Where  can  I  leave  my  Ik  i-se 
and  wagon  in  sai'ety,"  I  inquired.  "At  this  house,"  the  man  rej)lied.  "  What  is  the 
name  of  it  ?"  I  asked.  "  Windsor  Castle,"  he  ansAvercd.  The  name  and  the  buildiiii,' 
were  in  ludicrous  contrast.  But  my  business  was  not  to  criticise ;  bo  I  left  the  horse 
in  care  of  the  groom  of  the  stables  of  Windsor  Castle,  crossed  the  dark  and  swift- 
flowing  wa'ers  to  Detroit  in  a  light  skifl* hired  for  the  occasion, and  wondered  all  the 
way  at  my  confidence  in  a  stranger  whose  face  I  could  not  see  in  the  darkness.  But 
horse  and  wagon  were  found  the  next  morning  well  cared  for  at  "  Windsor  Castle." 
I  spent  Wednesday,  the  7th  of  October,  in  visiting  places  of  interest  in  Detroit 
under  the  kind  guidance  of  Mr.  Moore,  of  that  city,  ^^o  first  went  to  the  wharves  in 
rear  of  the  warehouses  of  Messrs.  Mooney  and  Foote,  and  Sheldon,  to  see  three  iron 
camion  that  were  captured  from  the  British  in  the  naval  battle  on  Lake  Erie,  where 
Perry  was  victorious.     They  were  then  put  to  the  more  commendable  use  of  jjosts 

for  fastening  vessels  to  the  wharves.  One  of  them  was 
a  long  twenty-four-pounder,  and  the  other  two  were 
thirty-two-pound  carronades.  After  visiting  the  riMnns 
of  the  Michigan  Historical  Society,  where  I  found  luitli- 
ing  of  hiterest  connected  Avith  the  subject  of  my  re- 
searches, we  rode  out  on  the  noble  Jefferson  Avenue  to 
Bloody  Run,  stopping  on  the  way  for  a  brief  inter\iew 
with  the  late  Honorable  B.  F.  H.  Witherell,  from  whose 
local  sketches  quotations  have  been  made  in  preceding 
chapters.  Judge  Witherell  kindly  placed  in  my  hands 
much  valuable  historical  material,  the  fruit  of  his  own 
researches. 


BBITI6H  OAllHOIf  AT  DE'.'KOIT. 


gligVorOttrolt 


RIoody  R 

iM'aiitifyhig 

hidifui  wars. 

rarent's  Cn 

(•piracy  of  I' 

toM  you  befi 

your  good. 

of  Lite  comni 

h'  their  eneiii 

to  the  Knglisl 

out  them,  and 

hi  July,  I7l 

the  fort  at  D( 

New  York,  an 

ohtained  perm 

nailiaii,  possess 

attack. 

At  a  little  pj 
nesH,  owing  to 
warriors  all  alo 
ears  were  listei 
riors  were  lurki 
whieli  Parent's 
terrific^  ytdls  in  i 
of  the  wily  foe. 
I'aok  aj)palled. 
ley,  wluin  the  vo 
pushed  across  th 
enemy  could  not 
Woi'd  now  rej 
his  comnninicatj 
toward  Detroit,  c 
fojr  enveloping  j 
were  obtained, 
(ienly  disappearec 
tain  Dalyell  whil 
ment  finally  reac 
wounded.     Most 
railed,  from  that  < 
Bloody  Bridge. 
troit  than  Jeffersc 
stands  a  huge  wl 
scarred  by  the  bul 
red  years  ago. 

On  leaving  Bloo 
of  those  hallowed 
have  produced  on 
which  our  country 
returned  to  the  ci 

'This  name  Ig  freqnentl 
«f  Royal  Americans  In  m 
'fPoot.   He  was  a  brave 

vat. 


i 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1  8  1 «. 


aoi 


g|«^  of  Detroit  by  PoatlM. 


right  M  Bloody  Ran. 


Origin  of  the  Mama. 


KImwood  C'amatary, 


Bloody  Run,  M  ft  littlo  fitrciim  that  comoH  down  Roiitly  to  tho  jtront  nvoiuu',  nfior 
bi'aiitit'yiiig  Klimvood  ('ciiiotcry,  is  ctillcd,  IioMm  a  eoiiHpiciiouH  |)la<'('  in  tlio  uiiiijiIh  of 
Imliiiii  wars.  Tho  ovi'iit  wliicli  j»avo  it  its  pn'wiit  name  (it  wnH  foriMcriy  known  aH 
I'art'iit'rt  Creek)  may  he  tlniH  briefly  Htated :  We  have  already  alluded  to  the  eon- 
siiiriiey  ofPontiae  in  ITtlH.  He  had  naid  to  rtonie  ("anadians  in  eouneil :  "I  have 
told  yon  before,  and  I  now  tell  you  a^ain,  that  when  I  took  up  the  hatehet  it  wax  for 
your  <,'<iod.  This  year  the  Kiij^lish  nuiHt  all  perish  throughout  ('anada.  The  Master 
of  Life  conunandH  it."  ITe  then  told  them  that  they  must  act  with  him,  or  he  wouUl 
bt'  their  enemy.  They  cited  the  capitulation  at  Montreal,  whieli  transferred  Canada 
to  tlie  Knj^lish,  and  refused  to  join  him.  He  pressed  forward  in  his  conspiracy  with- 
out theni,  and  finally  invested  Detroit  with  a  formidable  force. 

In  July,  170;J,  Pontiao  was  encamped  behind  a  swamp,  about  two  miles  north  of 
tilt!  fort  at  Detroit.  Captain  Dalyell,'  who  had  ran>,'ed  with  Putnam  in  Nortliem 
New  York,  arrived  with  re-enforcements  for  the  fort  at  the  chisc  of  tiie  montli,  aixl 
obtiiined  permission  of  the  comnmndant  to  attack  Pontiac  at  once.  A  perti<lious  Ca- 
nadian, possessed  of  tlio  fact,  communicated  it  to  Pontiac,  and  he  made  ready  for  an 
attack. 

At  a  little  past  midniglit,"  Dalyell  marched  to  Parent's  Creek.  The  dark-  •  jniym, 
iiiw,  owinj;  to  ft  storm,  was  intense.  Pontiac,  forewarned,  had  posted  his  "'^' 
warriors  all  ftlong  the  route  for  a  mile  iii  front  of  liis  eamp,  so  that  a  thousand  eager 
ears  were  listening  for  the  approach  of  tho  white  men.  Five  hundred  dusky  war- 
riors were  lurking  near  the  rmle  log  bridge,  at  tho  mouth  of  the  wild  ravine,  through 
which  Parent's  Creek  flowed.  Dalyell's  advance  Avas  jnst  crossing  the  biidge  when 
terrific  yells  in  front,  and  a  blaze  of  nmsketry  on  the  lefl  flank,  revealed  the  presence 
ofthc  wily  foe.  One  half  of  the  advanced  i)arty  were  slain,  and  tlie  remainder  shrank 
liack  ai)palled.  The  main  body  advancing  also  recoiled.  Then  came  another  vol- 
ley, when  the  voice  of  Dalyell  in  the  van  inspirited  his  men.  With  his  followers  ho 
pushed  across  the  bridge,  and  charged  up  the  hill ;  but  in  the  blackness  tlie  skulking 
enemy  could  not  be  seen,  and  his  presence  was  known  only  by  the  flash  of  his  guns. 

Word  now  reached  Dalyell  tliat  the  Indians,  in  large  numbers,  had  gone  to  cut  off 
Ills  coinm\mication  with  the  fort.  He  sounded  a  retreat,  and  in  good  order  pressed 
toward  Detroit,  exposed  to  a  most  perilous  enfilading  tire.  Day  dawned  with  a  thick 
fog  enveloping  all  objects,  and  now,  for  the  first  time,  dim  f:flimpse8  of  the  enemy 
were  obtained.  They  came  darting  through  the  .aist  on  flank  and  rear,  and  as  sud- 
denly disappeared  after  firing  deadly  shots  upon  the  English.  One  of  tliese  slew  Cap- 
tain Dalyell  while  he  was  attempting  to  bear  off  a  wounded  sergeant.  The  detach- 
ment fiiuilly  reached  tho  fw'-t,  having  lost  sixty-one  of  their  number  in  killed  and 
wounded.  Most  of  tho  slain  fell  at  the  bridge.  Parent's  Creek  has  ever  since  been 
called,  from  that  circumstance,  Bloody  Rtm,  and  tho  old  structure  was  always  called 
Bloody  Bridge.  That  bridge,  as  we  have  before  remarked,  was  much  nearer  the  De- 
troit than  Jefferson  Avenue.  At  tho  culvert  where  that  avenue  crosses  Bloody  Hun 
stands  a  huge  whitewood  tree,  delineated  on  page  261,  yet,  as  we  have  observed, 
scarred  by  the  bullets  that  were  fired  in  that  sanguinary  encounter  more  than  a  Imnd- 
rcd  years  ago.  ' 

On  leaving  Bloody  Run  we  rode  up  to  the  Elmwood  Cemetery,  and  made  the  tour 
nf  those  hallowed  grounds,  wliere  taste  and  industry,  aided  by  natural  advantages, 
have  produced  one  of  the  most  charming  places  for  the  repose  of  mortality  with 
which  our  country  begins  to  abound.  We  lingered  there  for  more  than  an  houi',  and 
returned  to  the  city  in  time  for  a  late  dinner,  and  a  visit  to  the  grave  of  Colonel 


1  This  name  Is  frequently  written  Dnlzell.  James  Dalyell  had  been  appointed  a  llentenant  In  the  Sixtieth  Reittment 
otKoyal  Americans  In  1768,  and  obtained  the  command  of  a  compair;  in  the  second  liattnlion  of  the  First  Reiriment 
if  Foot.   He  was  a  brave  and  efficient  offlcer,  and  bad  performed  importiint  services  during  the  French  and  Indian 


h\ 


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ill 

302 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Interricwa  with  Cltizeuc  of  Detroit. 


ChlcBBO,  ite  Manie,  Settlement,  and  Piwldou, 


ITavitrainck,  with  Mr.  II.  M.  Lyon,'  to  wliose  kind  attentions  while  in  Detroit  I  was 
much  indebted.  The  monument  that  covered  that  brave  soldier's  grave  is  del'vieated 
on  page  50. 

At  twilight  I  called  upon  the  Hon.  C.  Moran,  who,  though  only  a  lad  of  sixteen 

years,  Mas  performing       ^ ^  said   he   saw   Gonoial 

sentinel    duty    in    tiie  ^         ^^  Hull  during  the  heavy 

fort  at  Detroit  Avhen  it  ^-^^^^^^^'^^ ^f^^,^^^^  ciinnonading,  just  he- 
wns  surrendered.     He        *^       ^^rf-^  «-^  fore  the  white  flag  was 

run  up,  sitting  upon  the  gras>  within  the  fort  api)arently  unmoved  by  Ww  tenors  of 
the  scene.  He  related  many  interesting  particulars  of  occurrences  within  the  fort  at 
that  time,  and  i.,  was  with  real  regret  that  I  felt  compelled  to  make  the  interview 
short,  for  I  had  made  an  engagement  to  call  on  Mr.  Robert  M.  Eberts,  a  native  of  De- 
troit, and  a  resident  of  that  place  since  his  birth  in  1804.  Mr.  Eberts  Mas  full  of  in- 
teresting remmiscences,  and  the  half  hour  passed  M'ith  him  M'as  one  of  real  pleasure 
and  protit.^  Late  in  the  evening  I  returned  to  the  RasBpll  House,  copied  the  ])itture 
of  Mackinack  on  page  207, and  early  the  following  morning — a  cold,  blustering,  <fenii- 
iuc  late-November  kind  of  morning — crossed  the  Detroit,  and  proceeded  by  railway 
along  the  borders  of  Lake  St.  Clair  to  Chatham,  for  the  purjwse  of  visiting  the  battle- 
ground of  the  Thames  or  Moravian  Towns.     Of  that  visit  I  shall  M'rite  hereafter. 

I  have  said  that  Me  Avent  from  Chicago  to  Detroit.    These  cities  bear  an  intimate  re- 

•  Anaii8t  IB,     lition  in  the  history  of  the  period  we  are  considering,  for  on  the  very  flay" 

W12.  Avhen  Brock  demanded  the  surrender  of  Detroit,  the  little  garrison  of  Fort 

Dearborn,  at  Chicago,  compelled  to  leave  that  post,  set  out  upon  their  fatal  march 

toward  Fort  Wayne. 

The  site  of  Chicago  (spelt  by  the  early  settlers  Chigagua,  Chikakou,  and  Chikako) 
M'as  first  visited  by  a  yvhitc  man  in  1674,  M'hen  Father  Marquette,  a  French  Jesuit 
priest,  built  a  cabin  there,  i)lanted  a  missionary  station,  and  deposited  the  seed  of  tiie 
present  great  city,  it  lay  in  the  path  of  explorations  by  commercial  and  religious 
adventurers,  one  seeking  trade,  the  oiiier  desiring  to  give  the  light  of  the  Gospel  to 
tiie  heathen  of  the  New  World.  It  Mas  visited  hv  turn  by  Marquette,  Aliouez, La 
Salle,  Durantayo,  La  IIontan,De  St.  Come,  Gravier,  Charlevoix,  and  others  of  less  note. 
In  1085  Durantaye  built  a  fort  where,  eleven  years  before,  Marquette  erected  his  cabin. 
How  long  it  remained  a  missionary  station  it  is  difficult  noM'  to  determine.^ 

"The  first  M'hite  man  mIio  settled  here  M'as  a  negro,"  the  Indians  of  Chicago  said, 
M'ith  great  simplicity.  He  Avas  a  mulatto  from  P*^  Domingo,  named  Jean  Baptiste 
Point  au  Sable,  M'ho  found  h.is  May  to  that  far-off  M'dderness  in  the  year  1 700.  lie 
dill  not  remain  long,  and  the  improvements  M'h'ch  he  had  commenced  fell  into  the 
hands  of  John  Kinzie,  a  native  of  Quebec,  and  for  nearly  twenty  years  the  only  white 
inhabitant  of  Northern  Illinois,  -vith  the  exception  of  a  few  American  soldiers.  He 
Avas  an  enterprising  trader  Avith  the  Indians,  and  in  1804  made  Chicago  his  honu. 

1  Mr.  Lyon  v.ns  n  Pension  and  Boiinis-  Lnnd  A?ent  In  Detroit.  Ho  informed  me  that  he  hnd  In  his  possession  com- 
plete copies  of  nil  army  rolls  of  the  AVar  of  ISI'2  for  lliehij^an,  Ohio,  New  York,  and  other  states,  besides  other  record 
evidci'ce  of  service.  He  had  also  In  his  possession  muster  r)lls  of  the  Black  Hawk,  Patriot,  and  Mexican  wars,  lie 
was  probably  better  i)rcparcd,  by  the  amount  of  positive  information  in  his  possession,  and  the  devotion  of  uuilividcd 
attention  lo  'he  subject,  to  serve  claimants  for  peusions  and  bounties  than  nuy  other  man  west  of  Litke  Eric. 

2  Positive  statements  made  to  mc  by  Mr.  Eberts  and  Jadpc  Moran,  when  combined,  form  a  curious  subject  for  spocn- 
lation.  Mr  Eberts  assured  ntc  that  General  Brock  sent  n  hollow  silver  bullet  (repciitlne  Sir  Henry  Clinlon's  fumoos 
net  in  1T77)  from  Port  Qcors;e  to  Major  JInir  at  Fort  Maiden,  containing  a  massaste,  and  that  the  major  sent  It  by  Kich- 
ard  Eberts  (whom  I  saw  at  Chatham),  brother  of  my  luformant,  to  Colonel  Askin,  a  British  officer  rcsidini;  at  Sirnhiiii 
in  Canada.  Askin's  son-in-law,  Colonel  Brush,  was  then  one  ot"  Ocnornl  KuII'k  aids-dc  .mp,  and  it  was  believed,  nficr 
the  surren.ler,  that  the  bullet  containei!  a  communication  from  Brock  to  Brush.  Judge  Moran  told  mo  that  on  one  oc- 
casion his  uncle  was  aent  by  Colonel  Brush  to  Askin,  his  father-in-law,  with  ft  package,  and  that  he  wns  made  n  pris- 
oner, and  detained  In  Canada  for  some  time.    The  bnllel  and  the  package  seem  to  have  some  connection  in  1!  .  matter. 

'  Chicagou  was  the  ludlan  name  of  the  Hlinois  River,  at  the  month  of  which  the  city  stands.  In  the  language  of  the 
Pottawatomies,  who  Ir.habitcd  that  region,  the  name  slgniflcs  a  skunk  or  pole-cat— some  say  the  wild  onion,  both  of 
which  emit  unpleasant  odors,  and  were  abundant  there.  It  Is  said  that  the  Pottawatumtea  wore  garters  cf  the  dried 
akunk'8  skin Sketch  qfthe  Karly  Ilitlunj  «f  Chicago,  by  John  Giluiurtin  Shea. 


Fort  Dearborn. 


Iil 


'    OF  THE   WAS   OF    1812. 


303 


Fort  Dearborn. 


Kinzie'8  Residence. 


The  Oarrl  on  at  Chicago. 


Duriii"'  the  two  previous  years  the  United  States  government  had  erectcti  a  stockade 
there,  and  on  the  4th  of  July  of  that  year  it  was  formally  named  P'ort  Dearborn,  in 
honor  of  the  then  Secretary  of  War.  It  had  a  block-house  at  each  of  two  angles  on 
the  southern  side,  a  sally-port  and  covered  way  on  the  north  side,  that  led  down  to 
tlio  river,  for  the  double  purpose  of  providing  a  means  of  escape  and  for  receiving 
water  during  a  siege,  and  was  strongly  picketed.'     It  stood  upon  a  little  rise  of 


XINXIC  IIAK8I0N   AND  FORT  DEABUOBN, 

ground  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Chicago  River,  about  half  a  mile  from  its  mouth. 
On  the  north  bank  of  that  stream,  directly  opposite  the  fort,  Mr.  Kinzie  enlarged 
into  a  spacious  but  very  modest  mansion  +he  house  built  by  Jean  Baptiste  and  his 
immediate  successor,  Le  Mai.  Within  an  incloned  green  in  front  he  planted  some 
Lonibardy  poplars,  and  in  the  rear  was  a  fine  garden  and  growing  orchard.  There 
ho  lived  with  his  young  family  for  eight  years,  isolated  from  society  excej)ting  that 
of  the  military,  but  enjoying  great  peace,  with  every  necessary  and  many  of  the  lux- 
uries of  life,  and  possessing  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  surrounding  Indians. 

Tiie  i)iacefulness  of  the  current  of  life  at  Chicago  was  interrupted  in  the  spring  of 
1812.  The  garrison  was  commanded  by  Captain  Nathan  Ileald,^  assisted  by  Lieu- 
tenant Linai  T.  Ilelm,^  a  son-in-law  of  Mrs.  Kinzie,  and  Ensign  George  Ronan.  The 
surgeon  was  Dr.  Van  Voorhees.  Tlio  garrison  consisted  of  fifty-four  men.  The  only 
other  residents  of  the  post,  at  the  time  of  the  events  we  are  about  to  consider,  were 
Mr.  Kinzie  and  his  family,  the  wives  of  Captahi  Heald  and  Lieutenant  Helm  and  of 
some  of  the  soliliers,  and  a  few  Canadian  voyageura,  with  their  Avives  and  children. 
The  officers  and  their  troops,  like  Mr.  Kinzie,  av ere  on  the  most  friendly  terms  Avith 

'  Fort  Deartiorn  wnp  erected  nnder  the  Rnperinfcndcnce  of  Major  John  AVhIstler,  who  was  alno  the  overcecr  of  the 
cimstrnclion  of  Fort  Wiync,  at  the  forks  of  the  Manmec.  Major  Whistler  was  an  Englishman.  He  was  taken  prisoner 
»llh  Burnoyne  at  Saratoga  in  1777,  and  remained  in  the  United  States.  He  settled  in  Maryland,  and  in  1700-91  Joined 
ihe  troops  under  General  St.  Clair,  and  was  with  him  at  his  defeat  on  the  Miami  in  November,  1791,  where  ho  was  act- 
ing as  adjutant  and  ivas  wounded.  He  was  commissioned  an  cnsipn  of  the  First  Infantry  in  the  sprinft  of  1702,  and  in 
Ihc  autnmn  was  made  a  lientennnt  in  the  lirst  snb-lej»lon.  He  passed  throngh  other  grades  of  service  until,  on  the  10th 
'if  July,  Kl'2,  he  was  breveted  a  major.  He  was  disbanded  in  1818,  and  three  years  afterward  became  military  store- 
keeper at  St.  Louis.    He  died  at  Belle  Fontaine,  MissonrI,  in  1827. 

In  buiUling  Fort  Dearborn.  Maxtor  Wliistler  had  no  oxen,  and  the  timber  was  all  dragged  to  the  spot  by  the  soldiert. 
Ill'  worked  so  ecommically  that  the  fort.  Colonel  Johnston,  of  Oayton  (\,ho  fiiniishcd  him  with  some  materials  from 
Fort  Wayne),  told  i  ,e,  did  not  coat  the  government  over  fifty  dollars.  For  a  while  the  garrison  conld  get  no  corn,  and 
Whistler  and  his  men  subsisted  on  acorns, 

'  ITeald,  wh.)  was  a  native  of  Massaclinsetts,  joined  the  army  as  ensign  In  the  spring  of  1790.  He  became  a  first  llen- 
lenant  in  Noveml)er  of  the  same  year.  In  .lannary,  1807,  he  was  commissioned  a  captain,  and  held  that  offlce  until  the 
iilth  of  Augt\st,  1812,  when,  on  account  of  his  good  conduct  at  Chicago,  he  was  promoted  to  major.  He  was  disband'id 
in  HI5. 

'  Helm,  of  Kentucky,  entered  the  army  as  ensign  in  December,  1807,  and  became  second  lieutenant  the  following  year. 
lie  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  In  January,  1813,  and  to  captain  in  April,  1814.    He  resigned  in  September  following. 


"t. 


i 


EP 


MIlllMHiilWrt 


■M 


804 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


IH;' 


Stggg  of  Trouble  with  the  Indians. 


An  Indian  Baid. 


Maeeacre  of  White  People. 


the  Pottawatomies  and  Winnebagoes,  the  pi-incipal  tribes  in  that  neighborhood ;  yet 
they  could  not  win  thenx  from  their  decided  attachment  to  the  British,  from  whom 
at  Fort  Maiden,  they  annually  received  large  presenls  as  bribes  to  secure  their  alli- 
•  November,     'i^"ce.    After  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  the  previous  autumn,"  in  which  poi- 

^"-  tions  of  their  tribes  were  engaged,  it  had  been  observed  that  the  leadinw 
chiefs  became  sullen,  and  suspicions  of  contemplated  hostility  sometimes  clouded  the 
minds  of  Heald  and  his  command.  One  day  in  the  spring  of  1812,  Nau-non-gee  and 
a  companion,  both  of  the  Calumet  band,  were  at  Fort  Dearborn.  When  passing 
through  the  quarters,  they  observed  Mrs.  Heald'  and  Mrs.  Helm^  playing  at  battle- 
dore. Turning  to  Mr.  Griffith,  the  interpreter,  Nau-non-gee  said :  "  The  white  chiefs' 
wives  are  amusing  themselves  very  much ;  it  will  not  be  long  before  they  are  living 
in  our  corn-fields."  The  terrible  significance  of  these  words,  then  hidden,  v/as  made 
apparent  a  few  weeks  later. 

On  the  evening  of  the  7th  of  April,  1812,  Mr.  Kinzie's  children  weie  dancing  before 
the  fire  to  the  music  of  their  father's  violin,  when  their  mother  came  rushing  wildly 
in,  pale  with  terror,  and  exclaiming,  "  The  Indians !  the  Indians !"  "  What  ?  where  ?" 
exclaimed  Mr.  Kinzie,  in  response.  "  Up  at  Lee's,  killing  and  scalping  !"  gasped  the 
affrighted  mother.  It  seems  that  the  alarm  had  been  given  by  a  man  and  boy,^  wiio 
liad  been  fleeing  from  destruction  down  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  had  shout- 
ed tlie  terrible  fact  to  the  family  of  Mr.  Burns,  half  a  mile  above  the  fort,  where  Mrs. 
Kinzie  was  in  attendance  upon  a  newly-made  mother.  Not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost. 
Mr.  Kinzie  immediately  hurried  his  family  into  two  old  pirogues*  moored  in  front  of 
his  house,  and  conveyed  them  across  the  river  to  the  fort.  At  the  same  time  the  in- 
trepid Ensign  Ronan,  with  six  men,  started  up  the  river  in  a  scow  to  save  the  Bums 
family ;  and  a  cannon  was  fired  to  give  notice  of  danger  to  a  party  of  soldiers  wlio 
had  gone  up  the  river  to  catch  fish.  Mrs.  Burns,  with  an  infant  not  a  day  old,'  and 
the  rest  of  her  family,  w^ere  taken  in  safety  to  the  fort ;  and  the  absent  soldiers,  who 
were  two  miles  above  Lee's,  made  their  way  back  in  the  darkness,  discovering  on 
their  way  the  bodies  of  murdered  and  scalped  persons  at  Lee's  Place.  These  were 
obtained  the  next  day,  and  were  buried  near  the  fort.  It  was  afterward  ascertained 
that  the  savage  scalping-party  were  Winnebagoes,  from  Rock  River,  who  had  come 
with  the  intention  of  destroying  every  white  person  outside  of  the  fort.  The  noise 
of  the  cannon  frightened  them,  and  they  fled  back  to  their  homes. 

'  Rebecca  Hcald  wan  a  daughter  of  General  Samnel  Wells,  of  Kentucky  (one  of  the  heroes  of  Tippecanoe),  niid  niece 
of  Captain  William  Wells,  who  will  appear  prominently  in  our  narrative.  She  was  with  her  uncle  at  Fort  Wayne  two 
or  three  years  before  the  war,  ivhere  Captain  Ueald  became  acquainted  with  her.  Their  acquaintance  ripened  into  mu- 
tual attachment.  He  taught  her  the  nse  of  the  rifle,  in  which  she  became  very  expert.  They  were  married  In  1810  or 
1811,  and  she  accompanied  her  husband  to  Fort  Dearborn. 

»  Mrs.  Helm  was  a  daughter  of  Colonel  M'Killup,  a  British  officer  attached  to  one  of  the  companies  who  were  station- 
ed at  Fort  Miami,  on  the  Maumee,  at  the  time  of  Wayne's  appearance  there  in  1794.  While  reconnoitring  one  iilKhltlie 
was  mistaken  for  an  enemy,  and  mortally  wounded.  His  widow  married  Mr.  Kinzie,  with  whom,  and  this  daughter,  ebe 
removed  to  Chicago  in  1803.  Here  the  daughter,  nt  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  married  Lieutenant  Helm,  of  Kentucky, 
In  1811.    She  died  suddenly  at  Watcrvllle,  in  Michigan,  in  IHH.—Pinyteer  Wovien  of  the  West,  by  Mrs.  E.  F.  Ellet. 

3  These  were  a  discharged  soldier  and  a  son  of  Mr.  Lee,  who  lived  near  the  fort,  and  cultivated  a  fann  about  three 
miles  up  the  south  branch  of  the  Chicago  River,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  point  where  Halslead  Street  now  crosses  that 
stream.  See  map  on  page  280.  This  was  known  as  Lee's  Place  Lee  and  oil  his  family,  except  Mrs.  Lee  and  her  Infanl, 
perished  in  the  massacre  at  Chicago  on  the  16th  of  August. 

•  Pirag^ie,  or  piragua,  originally  meant  a  canoe  formed  out  of  the  tnink  of  a  tree,  or  two  canoes  united.  A  \esrel 
used  in  this  country  as  a  narrow  ferry-boat,  carrying  two  mtists  and  a  lee-board,  is  called  piVnf;«a. 

'  The  main  facts  of  this  narrative  of  affairs  at  Chicago,  in  1812,  are  derived  from  a  most  interesting  account  from 
the  pen  of  Mrs.  John  H.  Kin/.ie,  of  Chicago,  published  in  pamphlet  form  In  1844,  and  repeated  substantially  In  « 
charming  Wstory  of  personal  adventures  on  the  northwestern  fro;itier,  by  the  same  accomplished  lady,  in  a  vnliimf 
published  in  1860,  entitled,  Wan-hun,  the  "  Earhj  Day"  in  the  Xorthtient.  Mrs.  Kinzie  is  a  danghter-in-law  of  Mr.  John 
Kinzie,  the  trader  Just  mentioned,  and  much  of  the  narrative  of  the  events  which  we  are  considering  she  received  from 
Mrs.  Helm,  on  actor  In  the  events.  Of  this  infant  of  Mrs.  Bums  she  gives  a  few  words  of  interesting  narrative.  The 
mother  and  child  were  made  prisoners  at  Chicago  by  a  chief,  and  carried  to  his  vil'.ige.  His  attentions  to  them  aroufoJ 
the  Jealousy  of  his  spouse,  and  one  day  she  spitefully  struck  the  infant  with  a  tomahawk  with  the  intention  of  killing 
It  The  blow  took  off  some  of  the  scalp.  "  Thirty-two  years  after  this,"  says  Mrs".  KlnzIc,  "  as  I  was  on  a  Journey  to 
Chicago  In  the  steamer  Uncle  Sam,  a  young  woman,  hearing  my  name,  introduced  herself  to  me,  and,  raising  tin 
hair  bom  her  forehead,  showed  me  the  mnrlc  of  the  tomahawk  which  had  so  nearly  been  fatol  to  her."— Ifav-litni, 
page  244. 


Order  for  the  Era 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


305 


Older  tor  the  Bracustlon  of  Chicago. 


Danger  In  the  Movement. 


The  Commandant  warned  againat  It. 


All  of  the  inhabitants  of  Chicago  not  belonging  to  the  garrison  now  took  refuge  in 
the  Agency  House,  which  stood  upon  the  esplanade,  about  twenty  rods  west  from 
the  fort,  on  the  site  of  the  present  light-house,  and  there  intrenched  themselves.  This 
waa  an  old-fashioned  log  house,  with  a  passage  running  through  the  centre,  and  piaz- 
zas extending  the  whole  length  of  the  building,  front  and  rear.  These  were  planked 
up.  Port-holes  were  cut  in  the  barricade,  and  sentinels  were  posted  there  ftvery 
nisfht.  For  some  time  hostile  Indians  hovered  around  the  post  and  committed  dep- 
redations ;  but  at  last  they  disappeared,  and  for  several  weeks  the  dwellers  at  Chi- 
cago experienced  no  alarm. 

Toward  the  evening  of  the  7th  of  August,"  Win-ne-meg,  or  Tlie  Catfish,  a  , 
friendly  Pottawatomie  chief,  who  was  intimate  with  Mr.  Kinzie,  came  to  Chi- 
cago from  Fort  Wayne  as  the  bearer  of  a  dispatch  from  General  Hull  to  Captain  Heald, 
in  which  the  former  announced  hia  arrival  at  Detroit  with  an  army,  the  declaration  of 
war,  the  invasion  of  Canada,  and  the  loss  of  Mackinack.  It  also  conveyed  an  order 
to  Captain  Heald  to  evacuate  Fort  Dearborn,  if  practicable,  and  to  distribute,  in  that 
event, "all  the  United  States  prm  .  ity  contained  in  the  fort,  and  in  the  government 
tactory  or  agency,  among  the  Indians  in  the  neighborhood."  This  was  doubtless  in- 
tended to  be  a  peace-offering  to  the  savages,  to  prevent  their  joining  the  British,  then 
menacing  Detroit. 

Win-ne-meg,  who  knew  the  purport  of  the  order,  begged  Mr.  Ki^i!le  to  advise  Cap- 
tain Ileald  not  to  evacuate  the  fort,  or  the  movement  would  be  difficult  and  dangerous. 
Tiie  Indians  had  already  received  information  from  Tecumtha  of  the  disasters  to  tlie 
American  arms,  and  the  withdrawal  of  Hull's  army  from  Cav.ada,  and  were  becoming 
daily  more  restless  and  insolent.  Heald  had  an  ample  supply  of  ammunition  and  pro- 
visions for  six  months ;  why  not  hold  out  until  relief  could  be  sent  from  the  south- 
ward? Win-ne-meg  farther  ui-ged  that,  if  Captain  Heald  should  resolve  to  evacuate, 
it  should  be  done  immediately,  before  the  Inaians  should  be  infonned  of  the  order,  ov 
could  prepare  for  formidable  resistance.  "  Leave  the  fort  and  stores  as  they  are,"  he 
said, "and let  them  make  distributions  for  themselves;  and  while  the  Indians  are  en- 
iiazed  in  that  business,  the  white  people  may  make  their  way  in  safety  to  Fort 
Wayne." 

Mr.  Kinzie  readily  perceived  the  wisdom  of  Win-ne-meg's  advice,  and  so  did  Cap- 
tain Heald's  officers,  but  the  commander  resolved  to  obey  Hull's  order  Etrictly  as  to 
ivacuation  and  the  distribution  of  the  public  property.  He  caused  that  order  to  be 
,ead  to  the  troops  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,''  and  then  assumed  the  whole 
responsibility.  His  officers  expected  to  be  summoned  to  a  council,  but  were 
disappointed.  Toward  evening  they  called  upon  the  commander,  and,  when  informed 
of  his  determination,  they  remonstrated  with  him.  The  march,  they  said,  must  neces- 
sarily be  slow,  on  account  of  the  women  and  children  and  infirm  persons,  and  there- 
fore, under  the  circumstances,  extremely  perilous.  Hull's  order,  they  said,  left  it  to 
tiie  discretion  of  the  commander  to  go  or  to  stay;  and  tliey  thought  it  much  better 
to  strengthen  the  fort,  defy  the  savages,  and  endure  a  siege  until  relief  should  reach 
tiiem.  Heald  argued  in  reply  that  special  orders  had  been  issued  by  the  War  De- 
partment that  no  post  should  be  surrendered  without  battle  having  been  given  by 
tlie  assailed,  and  that  his  force  was  totally  inadequate  to  an  engagement  with  the 
Indians.  He  should  expect  the  censure  of  his  government,  he  said,  if  he  remained ; 
I  and  having  full  confidence  in  the  professions  of  friendship  of  many  of  the  chiefs  about 
Mm,  he  should  call  them  together,  make  the  required  distribution,  and  take  up  his 
march  for  Fort  Wayne.  After  that  his  officers  had  no  more  communications  with  him 
on  the  subject.  The  Indians  became  more  unruly  every  hour,  and  yet  Heald,  with 
fatal  procrastination,  postponed  the  assembling  of  the  savages  for  two  or  three  days. 
They  finally  met  near  the  fort  on  the  afternoon  of  the  12th,*^  and  there  the 
I  commander  held  a  farewell  council  with  them. 

U 


'  AngQBt. 


"  Angiut.. 


i;ii 


I 

f 

r. 

■V ; 


ges 


ma 


lilt   I 


306 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


4  Treaty  with  the  Indians. 


Their  Faithleuneu  known. 


Solemn  Warnings  unheeded. 


Heald  invited  the  officers  to  join  liim  in  the  council,  but  they  refused.  Tliey  tiad  re- 
ceived intimations  that  treachery  was  designed — that  the  Indians  intended  to  murder 
them  in  the  council-circle,  and  then  destroy  the  inmates  of  the  fort.  The  officers  re- 
mained within  the  pickets,  and,  opening  the  port  of  one  of  the  block-houses  so  as  to 
expose  the  cannon  pointed  directly  upon  the  group  in  council,  they  secured  the  safety 
of  Captain  Heald.  The  Indians  were  intimidated  by  the  menacing  monster,  and  ac- 
cepted Ileald's  oifers  with  many  protestations  of  friendship.  He  agreed  to  distribute 
among  them  not  only  the  goods  in  the  public  store — blankets,  broadcloths,  calicoes 
paints,  etc. — but  also  the  arms,  ammunition,  and  provisions  not  necessary  for  the  use 
of  the  garrison  on  its  march.  It  was  stipulated  that  the  distribution  should  take 
place  the  next  day,  soon  after  which  the  garrison  and  white  inhabitants  would  leave 
the  works.  The  Pottawatomies  agreed,  on  their  part,  to  furnish  a  proper  escort  for 
them  through  the  wilderness  to  Fort  Wayne,  or  condition  of  being  liberally  reward- 
ed on  their  arrival  there. 

When  the  result  of  the  council  was  made  known,  Mr.  Kinzie  warmly  remonstrated 
with  Captain  Heald.  He  knew  the  Indians  well,  and  their  weakness  in  the  presence 
of  gi'eat  temptations  to  do  wrong.  He  begged  the  commander  not  to  confide  in  their 
promises  at  a  moment  so  inauspicious  for  faithfulness  to  treaties.  He  especially  en- 
treated him  not  to  place  in  their  hands  arms  and  ammunition,  for  it  would  feaifiiliy 
increase  their  power  to  carry  on  those  murderous  raids  which  for  months  had  spread 
terror  throughout  the  frontier  settlements.  Heald  perceived  liis  folly,  and  resolved 
to  violate  the  treaty  so  far  as  anns  and  ammunition  were  concerned. 

On  that  very  evening,  when  the  chiefs  of  the  council  seemed  most  friendly,  a  cir- 
cumstance occurred  which  should  have  made  Captain  Heald  shut  his  gates  to  hi^ 
dusky  neighbors,  and  resolve  not  to  leave  the  fort.  Black  Partridge,  a  hitherto  friend- 
ly chief,  and  a  man  of  much  influence,  c  .me  quietly  to  the  commander  and  said :  "  Fa- 
ther, I  come  to  deliver  to  you  the  medal  I  wear.    It  was  given  me  by  the  Americans. 


mi  BLAOK  partbidoe's  medal. 

and  I  have  long  worn  it  in  token  of  our  mutual  friendship.  But  our  young  men  are 
resolved  to  imbrue  their  hands  in  the  blood  of  the  white  people.  I  can  not  restrain 
them,  and  I  will  not  wear  a  token  of  peace  while  I  am  compelled  to  act  as  an  ene-  ^ 
my.'"    This  solemn  and  authentic  warning  was  strangely  unheeded. 

'  This  medal,  as  I  have  been  Informed,  was  received  by  the  Black  Partridge  at  the  treaty  of  Fort  Wayne,  on  the  9 
of  September,  1800,  mentioned  on  pnpe  190.    It  wan  of  silver.    The  enRrnvlnjt  Is  the  exact  size  of  the  original.    It  w«i  j 
copied  from  one  In  the  pooeeseion  of  the  widow  of  Qeneral  Jacob  Brown,  of  Brownsville,  New  York,  where  I  saw  it  In 


Another  Warninj 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


307 


Another  Warning. 


Arms,  Powder,  and  Whisky  destroyed. 


Arrival  of  Re-enforcements. 


Too  Iste. 


The  morning  of  the  13th  was  bright  and  cool.  The  Indians  aHsembled  in  great 
numbers  to  receive  their  presents.  Nothing  bnt  the  goods  in  the  store  were  distrib- 
ated  that  day ;  and  in  the  evening  the  Black  Partridge  said  to  Mr.  Griffith,  the  in- 
terpreter, "  Linden  birds  have  been  singing  in  my  eara  to-day ;  be  careful  on  the 
march  you  are  going  to  take,"  This  was  another  solemn  warung,  and  it  was  com- 
municated to  Captain  Heald.  It,  too,  was  unheeded ;  and  at  midnight,  when  the 
sentinels  were  all  posted  and  the  Indians  were  in  their  camps,  a  portion  of  the  pow- 
der and  liquor  in  the  fort  war  cast  into  a  well  near  the  sally-port,  and  the  remainder 
into  a  canal  that  came  up  from  the  river  far  under  the  covered  way.  The  muskets 
not  reserved  for  the  garrison  were  broken  up,  and  these,  with  shot,  bullets,  flints, 
ffun-screws,  and  every  thing  else  pertaining  to  fire-arms,  were  also  thrown  into  the 
ffell.  A  large  quantity  of  alcohol  belonging  to  Mr.  Kinzie  was  poured  into  the  river, 
and  before  morning  the  destruction  w^as  complete.  But  the  work  had  not  been  done 
in  secret.  The  night  was  dark,  and  vigilant  Indians  had  crept  to  the  fort  as  noise- 
lessly as  serpents,  and  their  quick  senses  had  perceived  the  destruction  of  what,  un- 
der the  treaty,  they  claimed  as  their  own.  In  the  morning  the  work  of  the  night 
was  made  more  manifest.  Tlie  powder  was  seen  floating  upon  the  surface  of  the 
river,  and  the  sluggish  water  had  been  converted  by  the  whisky  and  the  alcohol  into 
"strong  grog,"  as  an  eye-witness  remarked.  Complaints  and  threatenings  were  loud 
among  the  savages  because  of  this  breach  of  faith  ;i  and  the  dwellers  in  the  fcrt  were 
impressed  with  a  dreadful  sense  of  impending  destruction,  when  the  brave  Captain 
Wells,  Mrs.  Heald's  uncle,  and  adopted  son  of  the  Little  Turtle,  was  discovered  upon 
the  Indian  trail  near  the  Sand  Hills,  on  the  border  of  the  lake  not  far  distant,  with  a 
band  of  mounted  Miamis,  of  whose  tribe  he  was  a  chief.'^  He  had  heard  at  Fort 
Wayne  of  the  orders  of  Hull  to  evacuate  Fort  Dearborn,  and,  being  fully  aware  of 
the  hostilities  of  the  Pottawatomies,  he  had  made  a  rapid  march  across  the  country 
to  re-enforce  Captain  Heald,  assist  in  defending  the  fort,  or  prevent  his  exposure  to 
certain  destruction  by  an  attempt  to  reach  the  head  of  the  Maumee.  But  he  was  too 
late.  All  means  for  maintaining  a  siege  had  been  destroyed  a  few  hours  before,  and 
every  preparation  had  been  made  for  leaving  the  post  the  next  day. 

When  the  morning  of  the  15th  arrived,  there  were  positive  indications  that  the  In- 
dians intended  to  massacre  all  the  white  people.     TJiey  were  overwhelming  in  num- 
I  bers,  and  held  the  fate  of  the  devoted  band  in  their  grasp.     When,  at  nine  o'clock, 
the  appointed  hour,  the  gate  was  thrown  open,  and  the  march  commenced,  it  was  like 
a  funeral  procession.     The  band  struck  up  the  Dead  March  in  Saul.     Captain  Wells, 

the  snmir  jr  of  1860.  She  also  had  a  smaller  medal  of  the  same  kind,  struck  for  the  same  occasion.  These  were  dlstrlb- 
oled  among  the  inferior  chiefs. 
'  The  celebrated  chiefBlack  Hawk,  who  was  among  the  Indians  nt  the  time  of  the  massacre  at  Chicago,  declared  that, 
bid  the  treaty  been  fUlly  carried  out,  the  white  people  would  not  have  been  attacked.  And  such  has  been  the  general 
impretsion  of  students.  But  the  conduct  of  Black  Partridge  before  the  powder  and  liquor  were  destroyed  disproves 
ihia.  No  doubt  the  massacre  had  been  determined  on  as  soon  as  the  order  for  the  evacuation  was  made  known  to  the 
Indians. 

'  When  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  in  the  autumn  of  1860, 1  spent  an  hour  pleasantly  and  profitably  with  General  John  E.  Hunt, 
« brother-in-law  of  General  Cass,  whose  early  life  was  spent  among  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  frontier.  He  was  in  the 
tort  at  Detroit  when  it  was  surrendered.  He  knew  Captain  William  Wells,  and  ft'om  his  lips  the  substance  of  the  fol- 
lowing brief  notice  was  commimtcated :  When  n  child.  Wells  was  living  with  his  relative,  Hon.  Nathaniel  Pope,  of  Een- 
incliy,  where  he  was  stolen  by  a  band  of  Miami  Indians  and  taken  to  the  Haumee  country.  He  was  adopted  by  Little 
Turtle,  the  eminent  Miami  chief.  He  was  rescued  by  his  relatives,  but  had  become  so  attached  to  his  Indian  (Wends  and 
their  mode  of  life  that  he  returned  to  them.  He  was  compelled  to  go  upon  the  war-path  when  Harrison  invaded  that 
region,  and  was  with  the  Indians  who  defeated  St.  Clair.  No  doubt  he  swayed  the  mind  of  Little  Turtle  when  Wayne 
ippeared  in  that  region,  for  that  chief  was  favorable  to  peace  with  the  great  Blacksnake,  as  they  called  him.  Wells 
»w  clearly  the  wealcness  of  the  Indiana ;  and  one  day,  while  in  the  woods,  he  suddenly  informed  bis  fottter-father  tbat 
be  rtonld  leave  him,  to  join  the  army  of  Wayne.  "I  now  leave  your  nation  for  my  own  people,"  said  Wells.  "We 
j  km  long  been  (Hends.  We  are  friends  yet,  until  the  sim  reaches  there,"  pointing  to  a  place  in  the  heavens.  "  From 
thit  time  we  are  enemies.  Then,  if  you  wish  to  kill  me,  you  may ;  if  I  want  to  kill  yon,  I  may."  At  the  hour  named. 
We"'  itteA  the  Mau.neo,  and,  asking  the  direction  toward  Wayne's  army,  disappeared  In  the  forest.  In  Wajnie's  army 
be  commanded  a  company  of  the  spies.  When  peace  was  restored,  after  the  treaty  of  Qreenvllle,  in  1T08,  he  and  the 
Little  Turtle  became  good  friendo.  He  married  the  Little  Turtle's  sister,  a  Miami  girl,  and  became  a  chief  of  that  na- 
tion, One  of  his  daughters  was  the  wife  of  Judge  Woicott,  of  Maumee  City,  Ohio.  Wells  wm  Indian  Agent  at  Fort 
Wtfne  when  the  War  of  ISlti  broke  out.    He  had  lived  there  since  1S04. 


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808 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


A  solemn  March  out  of  the  Kurt. 


Treachery  of  the  IndlaoB. 


HadiBcre  of  the  White  People 


with  his  face  blackened  with  wet  gunpowder  in  token  of  his  impending  fate,  took  the 
lead  with  his  friendly  Miamis^  followed  by  Captain  Heakl,  and  his  heroic  wife  by  hia 
bide.  Mr.  Kinzie  accompanied  them,  hoping,  by  his  personal  influence,  to  soften,  if  he 
could  not  avert,  the  impending  blow.  His  family  were  left  in  a  boat,  in  charge  of  u 
friendly  Indian,  to  b^ conveyed  around  the  head  of  the  lake  to  Kinzie's  trading  sta- 
tion, on  the  site  of  tro  present  village  of  Niles,  in  Michigan. 

Slowly  the  procession  moved  along  the  lake  shore  until  tLcy  came  to  the  Sand 
Hills,  between  the  prairie  and  the  beach,  when  the  escort  of  Pottawatomii  s,  about 
five  hundred^  in  number,  under  The  Black-bird,  filed  to  the  right,  and  placed  those  hills 
between  tliemselves  and  the  white  people.  Wells  and  his  Miamis  had  kept  in  the 
advance ;  suddenly  they  came  dashing  back,  the  leader  shouting,  "  They  are  about  to 
attack  us :  form,  instantly !"  These  startling  words  were  scarcely  uttered  when  a 
stom?  of  bullets  came  from  the  Sand  Hills,  but  without  serious  effect.  The  treacher- 
ous and  cowardly  Pottawatomies  had  made  those  hillocks  their  cover  for  a  murder- 
ous attack.  The  troops,  hastily  brought  into  line,  charged  up  the  bank,  when  one  of 
•;heir  number,  a  white-haired  man  of  seventy  years,  fell  dead  from  his  horse,  the  first 
Yictira.  The  Indians  were  driven  back,  and  the  battle  was  waged  on  the  open  prai- 
rie between  fifty-four  soldiers,  twelve  civilians,  and  three  or  four  women,  against  about 
five  hundred  Indian  warriors.  Of  course,  the  conflict  was  hopeless  on  the  part  of  the 
white  people  ;  but  they  resolved  to  make  the  butchers  pay  dearly  for  every  life  which 
they  destroyed.' 

The  cowardly  Miamis  fled  at  the  first  onset.  Their  chief  rode  up  to  the  Pottawat- 
omies, charged  them  with  perfidy,  and,  brandishing  his  glittering  tomahawk,  dociarcd 
that  he  would  be  the  first  to  lead  Americans  to  punish  them.  He  then  wheeled  and 
dashed  after  his  fugitive  companions,  who  were  scurrying  over  the  prairie  as  if  the 
Evil  Spirit  was  at  their  heels. 


HITS  OP  UUIOAOO  AND  Or  BVEMT8  TUEBE  IN   1812. 

The  conflict  was  short,  d«sperate,  and  bloody.  Two  thirds  of  the  white  people 
■were  slain  or  wounded,  and  all  the  horses,  provisions,  and  baggage  were  lost.  Only 
twenty-eight  strong  men  remained  to  brave  the  fury  of  about  five  hundred  Indians, 
who  had  lost  but  fifteen  in  the  conflict.  The  devoted  band  had  succeeded  in  break- 
ing through  the  ranks  of  the  ass.issins,  who  gave  way  in  front  and  rallied  on  the  flank, 

>  The  place  of  confllctat  the  Sand  Tlills  wnH  on  the  site  of  a  lot  (vacant  when  I  visited  It  in  1860)  in  the  rear  of  the 
honro  of  the  late  Widow  Clark,  between  Indiana  and  Michigan  Avenuea,  .'lut  south  of  North  Street,  and  about  flily  rudi 
frjm  the  lalie.  . 


Incidents  of  the 


"^^ 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


809 


Incidents  of  tbe  Conflict  with  the  Savaf;e8. 


Death  of  Captain  Wells. 


Bravery  of  Women. 


and  gained  a  sliglit  eminence  on  tlie  prairie  near  a  grovo  called  Tlie  Oak  Woods. 
The  savagea  did  not  ])ur8iie.  They  gathered  upon  the  Sand  IlillH  in  consultation,  and 
cave  signs  of  willingness  to  parley.  Farther  conflict  with  them  would  be  rashness ; 
so  Taptain  Ileald,  ac<!ompanied  by  Perish  Le  Clerc,  a  halt-breed  boy  in  IVIr.  Kinzie's 
service,  went  forward,  met  Black-bird  on  the  open  prairie,  and  arranged  terms  for  a 
surrender.  It  was  agreed  that  all  the  arms  should  be  given  up  to  Black-bird,  and 
that  the  survivors  should  become  prisoners  of  war,  to  be  exchanged  for  ransoms  as 
soon  as  practicable.  With  t'lis  understanding,  captured  and  captors  all  started  for 
the  Indian  encampment  near  the  fort.' 

,  So  overwhelming  was  the  savage  force  at  the  Sand  Hills,  that  the  conflict,  after  the 
first  despei'ate  charge,  became  an  exhibition  of  individual  i)rowes8 — a  life-and-death 
struggle,  in  which  no  one  could  render  any  assistance  to  his  neighbor,  for  all  were 
principals.  In  this  conflict  women  bore  a  conspicuous  part.  All  fought  gallantly  so 
lone;  as  strength  permitted  them.  .  The  bravs  Ensign  llonan  wielded  his  weapon  even 
when  falling  upon  his  knees  because  of  loss  of  blood.''  Captain  Wells  displayed  the 
iireatcst  coolness  and  gallantry.  He  was  by  the  side  of  his  niece  when  the  conflict 
beoan.  "We  have  not  the  slightest  chance  for  life,"  he  said.  "We  must  part,  to 
meet  no  more  in  this  world ;  God  bless  you."  With  these  words,  he  dashed  forward 
with  the  rest.  In  the  midst  of  the  tight  he  saw  a  young  warrior,  painted  like  a  de- 
mon, climb  into  a  wagon  in  which  Avere  twelve  children  of  the  white  people,  and  tom- 
ahawk them  all!  Forgetting  his  own  immediate  danger.  Wells  exclaimed,  "If  that 
istheir  game,  butchering  women  and  children,  I'll  kill  too."  He  instantly  dashed  to- 
ward the  Indian  camp,  where  they  had  left  their  squaws  and  little  ones,  hotly  pur- 
sued by  swift-footed  young  warriors,  who  sent  many  a  rifle  ball  after  liim.  lie  lay 
close  to  his  horse's  neck,  and  turned  and  flred  occasionally  upon  his  pursuers.  When 
he  had  got  almost  beyond  the  range  of  their  rifles,  a  ball  killed  his  horse  and  wound- 
ed himself  severely  in  the  leg.  The  young  savages  rushed  forward  with  a  demoniac 
veil  to  make  him  a  prisoner  and  reserve  him  for  the  torture,  for  he  wjs  to  them  an 
arch  ottender.  His  friends  Win-ne-meg  and  Wau-ban-see  vainly  attempted  to  save 
liim  from  his  flite.  He  knew  the  temper  and  the  practices  of  the  savages  well,  and 
resolved  not  to  be  made  a  captive.  He  taunted  them  with  the  most  insulting  epi- 
thets to  provoke  them  to  kill  him  instantly.  At  length  he  called  one  of  the  fiery 
young  warriors  (Per-so-tum)  a  squaw,  which  so  enraged  him  that  be  killed  Wells  in- 
stantly with  a  tomahawk,  jumped  upon  his  body,  ctit  out  his  heart,  and  ate  a  portion 
of  the  warm  and  half-palpitating  morsel  with  savage  delight.^ 

The  wife  of  Captain  Heald,  who  was  expert  with  the  rifle  and  an  excellent  eques- 
trian, deported  herself  bravely.  She  received  severe  wounds.  Faint  and  bleeding, 
she  managed  to  keep  the  saddle.  A  savage  raised  his  tomahawk  to  kill  her,  when 
she  looked  him  full  in  the  face,  and,  with  a  sweet,  melancholy  smile,  said,  in  the  Indian 
tongne,  "  Surely  you  will  not  kill  a  squaw  !"  The  appeal  was  effectual.  The  arm 
of  the  savage  fell,  and  the  life  of  the  heroic  woman  was  saved.  Mrs.  Helm,  the  step- 
daughter of  Mr.  Kinzie,  had  a  severe  personal  encounter  with  a  stalwart  young 
Indian,  who  attempted  to  tomahawk  her.  She  sprang  on  one  side,  and  received  the 
blow  intended  for  her  head  upon  her  shoulder,  and  at  the  same  instant  she  seized  the 
savage  around  the  neck,  and  endeavored  to  get  hold  of  his  scalping-knife,  which  hung 
ill  a  sheath  upon  his  breast.   While  thus  struggling,  she  was  dragged  from  her  antag- 


'  Captain  Heald's  dispatch  to  Adjutant  General  Cushing,  October  28, 1812. 

'  Mrs.  Helm  epeaks  of  the  terror  of  Dr.  Van  Voorhccs  at  that  time.  He  was  badly  wonnded.  His  horse  had  been  shot 
mder  him.  "  Do  yon  think,"  he  said  to  Mrs.  Helm,  "  they  will  take  onr  lives  f "  and  then  talked  of  offering  a  large  ran- 
som for  existence.  She  advised  him  not  to  think  of  life,  but  of  inevitable  death.  "  Oh  !"  he  exclaimed,  "  I  can  not  die. 
lam  not  fit  to  die.  If  I  had  only  a  short  time  to  prepare  for  it— death  is  awftil  I"  She  pointed  to  the  falling  Bonan, 
mi  said, "  Look  at  that  man  1  at  least  he  dies  like  a  soldier."  "  Yes,"  gasped  the  terrified  snrgeon,  "bnt  he  has  no  ter- 
ror of  the  fntnre— he  Is  an  nnbellcver !"  At  that  moment  Mrs.  Helm  had  a  deadly  straggle  with  a  young  Indian,  and  a 
moment  afterward  she  ■<n\r  the  dead  body  of  the  snrgeon.    He  had  been  jlatn  by  a  tomahawk. 

'  Statement  of  Colonel  John  Johnston,  of  Dayton,  to  the  author. 


/ , 


1 


no 


riCTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Act  of  •  friendly  Indian.       The  Wounded  bntchered  for  their  Scalps.       Scalp*  purobaied  hj  th*  Britlah  Commander 

oniHt  by  another  Indian,  who  bore  licr,  spito  of  her  desperate  resistance,  to  the 
margin  of  the  lake,  and  plunged  her  in,  at  the  same  time,  to  her  astonishment  hold- 
ing  her  so  that  she  would  not  drown.  She  soon  perceived  that  she  was  held  by  a 
friendly  hand.  It  was  that  of  the  Black  Partridge  who  had  saved  her.  When  tlio 
firing  ceased  and  the  capitulation  was  concluded,  ho  conducted  her  to  the  prairie 
where  she  met  her  father,  and  heard  that  her  husband  was  safe.  Bleeding  and  huI- 
fering,  she  was  conducted  to  the  Indian  camp  by  the  Black  Partridge  and  I'er-so-tmn 
the  latter  carrying  in  his  hand  a  scalp  which  she  knew  to  be  that  of  Captain  Wells 
by  the  black  ribbon  that  bound  the  queue. 

The  wife  of  a  soldier  named  Corbord,  believing  that  all  prisoners  were  reserved 
for  torture,  fought  desperately,  and  suiTered  herself  to  be  literally  cut  in  pieces  rather 
than  surrender.  The  wife  of  Sergeant  Holt,  who  was  badly  wounded  in  his  neck  at 
the  beginning  of  the  engagement,  received  from  him  his  sword,  and  behaved  as 
bravely  as  an  Amazon.  She  was  a  large  and  powerful  woman,  and  rode  a  fine,  liijrh- 
spirited  horse,  which  the  Indians  coveted.  Several  of  them  attacked  her  with  tlic 
butts  of  their  guns,  for  the  purpose  of  dismounting  her,  but  she  used  her  sworj  so 
skillfully  that  she  foiled  them.  She  suddenly  wheeled  her  horse  and  dashed  over  the 
prairie,  followed  by  a  large  number,  who  shouted, "  The  bravo  woman  !  the  brave 
woman  !  don't  hurt  her !"  They  finally  overtook  her,  and,  while  two  or  three  were 
engaging  Jier  in  front,  a  powerful  savage  seized  her  by  her  neck,  and  dragged  her 
backward  to  the  ground.  The  horse  and  woman  became  prizes.  Tlie  latter  was 
afterward  ransomed. 

When  the  captives  were  taken  to  the  Indian  camp  a  new  scene  of  horrors  was 
opened.  The  wounded,  according  to  the  Indians'  interpretation  of  the  capitulation 
were  not  iircluded  in  the  terms  of  the  surrender.  Proctor  had  offered  a  liberal  sum 
for  scalps  delivered  at  Maiden ;  so,  nearly  all  the  wounded  men  were  killed,  and  the 
value  of  British  bounty,  such  as  is  sometimes  offered  for  the  destruction  of  wolves 
was  taken  frojn  each  head.'  In  this  tragedy  Mrs.  Ileald  played  a  part,  but  fortunate- 
ly escaped  scalping.  Li  order  to  save  her  fine  horse,  the  Indians  had  aimed  at  tlie 
rider.  Seven  bullets  took  effect  upon  her  person.  Her  captor,  who  was  about  to  slay 
her  upon  the  battle-field,  as  we  have  seen,  left  her  in  the  saddle,  and  led  the  horse  to 
ward  the  camp.  When  in  sight  of  the  fort  his  acvjuisitiveness  overpowered  his  gal- 
lantry, and  he  was  taking  her  bonnet  from  her  head  in  order  to  scalp  her,  when  she 
was  discovered  by  Mrs.  Kinzie,  who  was  yet  sitting  in  the  boat,  and  M'ho  had  heard 
the  tumult  of  the  conflict,  but  without  any  intimation  of  the  result  until  she  saw  the 
wounded  woman  in  the  hands  of  her  savage  captive.  "  Run !  run,  Chaudoniiai !" 
exclaimed  Mrs.  Kinzie  to  one  of  her  husband's  clerks,  who  was  standing  on  the  beach. 
"  That  is  Mrs.  Heald.  He  is  going  to  kill  her !  Take  that  mule,  and  offer  it  as  a 
ransom."  Chandonnai  promptly  obeyed,  and  increased  the  bribe  by  offering  in  ad- 
dition two  bottles  of  whisky.  These  were  worth  more  than  Proctor's  bounty,  and 
Mrs.  Ileald  was  released.  She  was  placed  in  Mrs.  Kinzie's  boat,  and  there  concealed 
from  the  prying  eyes  of  other  scalp-hunters. 

Toward  evening  the  family  of  Mr.  Kinzie*  were  allowed  to  return  to  their  own 

>  A  writer,  signing  his  communication  "An  Officer,"  under  date  of  "Buffalo,  March  8, 1818,"  speaks  of  the  nrrlvsl 
there  of  Mrs.  Helm,  and  her  narrative  of  sufferings  at  and  after  the  massacre  at  Chicago.  "She  knows  the  fact,"  be 
says,  "  that  Colonel  Proctor,  the  British  commander  at  Maiden,  bought  the  scalps  of  our  mnrdered  garrison  at  Chicago, 
and,  thanks  to  her  noble  spirit,  eh'!  boldly  charged  him  with  the  Infamy  In  his  own  house."  This  independence  was 
probably  the  cause  of  the  cruel  treatment  which  she  and  her  husband  received  at  the  h>f'«  of  Proctor.  She  and  her 
husband,  after  several  weeks  of  captivity  among  the  Indians,  were  united  at  Detroit,  whviv.  i ..  -tor  caused  them  both 
to  be  arrested,  and  sent  on  horseback,  in  the  dead  of  a  Canadian  winter,  across  the  wilderness  to  Fort  George,  on  tbe 
Niagara  frontier.  The  writer  farther  says  concerning  the  statements  of  Mrs.  Heald,  "  She  knows,  f^om  the  tribe  with 
whom  she  was  a  prisoner,  and  who  were  the  perpetrators  of  those  murders,  that  they  intended  to  remain  true,  bnt  that 
they  reixived  orders  bom  the  British  to  cut  off  our  garrison  whom  they  were  to  escort."— NUes's  Weekly  RegitUr,  April  3, 
1818. 

.  >  John  Kinzie,  who  bore  so  conspicnouB  a  part  in  the  events  we  are  considering,  was  bom  in  Quebec,  in  1763,  tml 
was  the  only  offspring  of  his  mother's  second  marriage.  His  father  died  while  he  was  an  infant,  and  bis  mother  mar- 
ried a  third  time,  and  with  her  husband  (Mr.  Forsythe)  removed  to  the  city  of  New  York.    At  the  age  of  ten  yean 


guvlrors  of  thi 


OF  THE  WAlt  OF   1812. 


811 


gurlvora  oflhs  Manaor*  at  Chicago, 


Sketch  of  Mr.  Klnxle. 


Remain!  of  the  Fort. 


house,  where  they  were  greeted  by  the  friendly  lilack  Partridge.  Mrs.  Helm  was 
placed  in  the  house  of  Ouilmette,  a  Frenchman,  by  the  same  friendly  hand.  But  these 
and  all  the  other  prisoners  were  exposed  to  great  jeopardy  by  tlie  arrival  of  a  band 
of  fierce  Pottawatomies  from  the  Wabash,  who  yearned  for  blood  and  plunder.  They 
scarelied  the  houses  for  prisoners  with  keen  vision,  and  when  no  farther  concealment 
and  safety  seemed  possible,  some  friendly  Indians  arrived,  and  so  turned  the  tide  of 
affairs  that  the  Wabash  savages  were  ashamed  to  owu  their  blood-thirsty  iuten- 
tlons.' 

In  this  terrible  tragedy  in  the  wildeniess  fifty-five  years  ago,  twelve  children,  all 
the  masculine  civilians  but  Mr,  Kinzie  and  his  sons.  Captain  Wells,  Surgeon  Van  V'wr- 
heeo^Knsign  Ronaii,  uiid  twcnly-six  private  soldiers,  were  murdered.  The  prison- 
ers were  divided  among  the  captors,^  and  were  finally  reunited,  vr  restored  to  their 
friends  and  families.  A  few  of  them  have  survived  until  our  day.  Mrs.  Rebecca 
IleaUl  died  at  the  St.  Charles  Mission,  in  yissouri,  in  the  year  1800.  Major  John  II. 
Kinzie,  of  Chicago  (husband  of  the  writer  of  "  Wau-bun"),  his  brother  Major  Robert 
A.  Kinzie,  and  Mre.  Hunter,  wife  of  General  David  Hunter,  of  the  National  Army,  arc 
[1867]  surviving  children  of  Mr.  Kinzie,  and  were  with  their  mother  in  the  boat. 
The  brothers  were  both  oflicers  of  Volunteers  during  the  late  Civil  War;  and  a  most 
promising  sou  of  John  Kinzie  became  a  martyr  for  his  cou?  try  in  that  war,  Paul  do 
Ganno,  another  survivor,  was  living  at  Maumee  City,  Ohio,  when  I  visited  that  place 
in  1860,  but  I  was  not  aware  of  the  fact  until  after  I  had  left.  Jack  Smith,  a  .  '*ilor 
on  the  lakes,  who  was  a  drummer-boy  at  tlie  time,  was  alive  within  the  last  two  or 
three  yeai'S.  It  is  believed  that  no  other  survivors  of  the  massacre  are  now  [1807] 
living. 

On  the  morning  after  the  massacre  the-  fort  was  burned  by  the  Indians,  and  Chi- 
cago remained  a  desolation  for  about  four  years.  In  1810  the  Pottawatomies  ceded 
to  the  United  States  all  the  land  on  which  Chicago  now  stands,  when  the  fort  was 
rebuilt  on  a  somewhat  more  extended  scale,  and  the  bones  of  the  massacred  were  col- 
lected and  buried.  One  of  the  block-houses  of  the  new  fort  remained,  near  the  bank 
of  the  river,  until  1850,  when  it  was  demolished.    The  view  here  given  (by  whom 

joang  Ktnzie  was  placed  In  a  school  in  Wtlllamsbnrg,  near  Long  Island.  One  day  he  made  his  way  to  the  North  River, 
got  ou  board  of  an  Albany  sloop,  and  started  for  Quebec.  Fortunately  for  him,  he  found  a  passenger  who  was  on  his 
way  to  that  city,  who  took  charge  of  him.  At  Quebec  the  boy  apprenticed  himself  to  a  silversmith.  Three  years  after- 
ward, his  family,  having  returned  to  Canada  for  the  purpose  of  moving  to  Detroit,  discovered  him.  They  hud  supposed 
him  lost  forever.  When  he  grew  up  he  loved  the  wilds.  He  became  a  trader,  and  lived  most  of  the  time  on  the  ft-ontler 
and  among  the  Indians.  He  eBtabllshed  trading-houses.  He  married  the  widow  of  a  British  officer  in  ISOO,  and  settled 
at  Chicago  iu  1804.  There  ho  became  a  captain  in  1812,  and  In  January,  1813,  Joined  his  family  at  Detroit.  There  he 
was  badly  treated  by  General  Proctor,  who  cast  him  into  prison  at  Maiden.  Ho  was  Anally  sent  to  Quebec,  to  be  for- 
warded to  England,  for  what  purpose  was  never  known.  The  vessel  In  which  he  sailed  was  compelled  to  put  back, 
when  he  was  released  and  returned  to  Detroit,  where  he  fonnd  General  Harris  In  possession.  He  and  his  family  re- 
turned to  Chicago  in  'i810,  when  the  fort  was  rebuilt.  Mr.  Kinzie  died  there  on  the  6th  of  Jonuary,  182S,  at  the  age  of 
slity-llve  years.  This  was  two  years  before  the  town  of  Chicago  was  laid  out  into  lots  by  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  state. 

'  The  leader  of  the  friendly  party  was  Billy  Caldwell,  a  half-breed  and  a  chief.  The  Black  Partridge  told  him  of  the 
etldent  intentions  of  the  Wabash  Indians.  They  had  blackened  their  faces,  and  were  then  seated  sullenly  In  Mr. 
Kinzle'B  parlor,  preparatory  to  a  general  massacre  of  all  the  remaining  white  people.  Billy  went  In,  took  off  his  ac- 
coutrements, and  said,  iu  a  careless  way,  "  How  now,  my  friends  1  A  good  day  to  you.  I  was  told  there  were  enemies 
here,  but  I  am  glad  to  And  only  friends.  Why  have  you  blackened  your  faces  f  Is  It  that  you  are  mourning  for  your 
friends  lost  in  battle  f  Or  Is  it  that  yon  are  fhsting  t  If  so,  ask  our  friend  here  (Mr.  Kinzie),  and  he  will  give  you  to 
eaL  He  is  the  Indian's  fl-iend,  and  never  yet  refused  them  what  they  had  need  of."  The  hostile  savages  were  sur- 
priaed  and  overwhelmed  with  shame.— Mrs.  KInzte's  Wmt-fmn,  page  238. 

'  John  Cooper,  M.D.,  of  Poaghkeepsie,  New  York,  was  the  Immediate  predecessor  of  Doctor  Van  Voorhees  at  Fort 
Dearborn.  They  were  natives  of  the  same  town  (Flshkill,  Dutchess  County,  New  York)  and  class-mates.  Van  Voor- 
hees was  a  yonng  man  of  great  powers.  Dr.  Cooper  left  the  fort  in  1811,  tendered  his  resignation,  and  left  the  army. 
He  died  at  Poughkeepsle  in  1863,  where  he  had  been  for  many  years  the  oldest  medical  practitioner  in  the  place. 

'  Captain  Heald  was  quite  severely  wounded  and  made  a  prisoner  by  an  Indian  from  the  Kankakee,  who  had  a  strong 
personal  regard  for  him,  but  who,  on  seeing  the  feeble  state  of  Mrs.  Heald,  released  him  and  allowed  him  to  accompany 
her  to  the  month  of  the  St.  Joseph's,  in  Michigan.  On  returning  to  bis  village,  the  Indian  found  himself  an  objeot  of 
great  dlsBatisfaction  because  he  had  released  his  prisoner ;  so  he  resolved  to  go  to  St.  Joseph  and  reclaim  him.  Friend- 
ly Indians  gave  Heald  warning,  and  he  and  his  wife  went  to  far-off  Mackinack  iu  an  open  boat,  and  surrendered  them- 
selves tn  the  British  commander  there  as  prisoners  of  war.  This  kept  them  out  of  the  hands  of  the  savages.— Wai»-buu, 
page  243. 


^— 


Ilill 


liii 


813 


nCTOUiAL    klELD-BOOK 


Block-hoDM  at  GUcago. 


Tb*  Aatlicw  of  RDiN-ltm. 


Amariag  Omwth  of  Chlctgo. 


ULOUK-IIUUHE  AT   UUIUAdO, 


sketched  I  know  not)  was  drawn  not  long  before  the  demolition.  On  the  left  of  tlio 
picture  is  seen  the  light-house  and  a  steam-boat  in  the  Chicago  River,  above  theHusli 
Street  bridge,  at  the  terniiiiation  and  junction  of  Wabash  Avenue  and  River  Street. 
On  the  right,  across  the  river,  not  far  from  the  site  of  the  Kinzie  mansion,  is  seen  tlie 
hotel  called  the  lake  House,  and  in  the  foreground,  on  the  right,  is  seen  two  vener- 
able trees,  one  of  which  was  standing  on  the  vacant  lot  where  the  block-house  was 
when  I  visited  Chicago  in  1860.  At  that  time  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Mrs, 
John  II.  Kinzie,  the  author  of  Wmtrbim,  at  her  own  house,  and  heard  from  her  own 
lips  interesting  reminiscences  of  Chicago  in  1831,  the  year  after  state  commissioners 
laid  it  out  into  town  lots.  To  Mrs.  Kinzie's  skillful  pencil  we  are  indebted  for  the 
sketch  of  Fort  Dearborn  and  the  Kinzie  mansion  printed  on  page  303 ;  also  for  tlie 
map  on  page  308.  Although  she  was  a  woman  of  about  middle  age,  she  and  her  Ims- 
band  were  the  "  oldest  inhabitants"  of  Chicago.  They  are  the  only  persons  now  [1867] 
living  there  who  were  residents  of  Chicago  in  1831,  within  the  present  city  limits. 
Tliere  were  two  settlers  living  without  the  city  limits  in  1860  who  resided  on  the 
same  spot  in  1831.  These  were  Archie  Clybourn  and  John  Clack,  the  latter  generally 
known  as  "  Old  Hunter  Clack."  They  were  originally  from  the  Kanawha  Valley,  in 
Virginia.  These  had  been  witnesses  of  its  marvelous  growth  from  a  stockade  fort 
in  the  wilderness,  and  a  few  rude  houses,  to  a  city  of  almost  two  hundred  thousand 
inhabitants  in  the  course  of  only  thirty-six  years  I  Chicago  is  now  the  great  en- 
trepot for  the  grain  of  the  teeming  Northwest — the  central  point  to  which  about  a 
dozen  important  railways  converge' — and  yet  there,  only  thirty-six  years  ago,  Mm 
Kinzie  and  her  family,  during  a  whole  winter,  were  compelled  to  use  the  greates* 
economy  for  fear  they  might  exhaust  their  slender  stock  of  flour  and  meal  before  it 
could  be  replenished  from  "  below !"  At  the  same  time,  the  Indians  of  that  neigh- 
borhood were  famishing — "  dying  in  companies  from  mere  destitution Soap 

made  from  the  bark  of  the  slippery  elm,  or  stewed  acorns,  was  the  only  food  that 
many  had  subsisted  on  for  weeks. "^ 

'  The  Hichigan  Centrat ;  the  Michtgan  Sonthern  and  Northern  Indiana ;  the  Pittsbnrg,  Fort  Wayne,  and  Chicago ;  tbe 
Chicago  branch  of  the  Illinois  Central ;  the  St.  Lonie,  Alton,  and  Chicago ;  the  Chicago  and  Kock  Island ;  the  Xllinolt 
Grand  Tmnk :  the  Chicago,  Falton,  and  Iowa ;  the  Oalena,  Chicago,  and  Union ;  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern ;  ud 
tbe  Chicago  and  Milwaukee,  with  nnmerons  tribntaries. 

'  For  a  fall  description  of  Chicago  bfi  1S31,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  seventeenth  chapter  of  Mrs.  Eeuzie'a  ITau-hiit. 


Cklcigo  a  Ueoei 


I    lii 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   IBIS. 


619 


I- 


CUetfO  •  Gtanwatlou  •tfu.       Iti  blilortoal  Loctlltlw.       Tccamtha'i  Uop«s  rerlvad.       Oetlgni  *Ktinit  Tort  Wsjnw. 

The  city  of  Chicago  now  covcrH  the  entire  theatre  of  the  eventH  just  described. 
The  ohi  channel  of  the  river,  froai  the  fort  to  its  mouth,  has  been  filled  or  (lovered, 
iind  the  present  harbor  constructed.  The  Sand  Hills  have  been  leveled ;  and  where 
the  battle  on  the  prairit — the  struggles  of  brave  warriors,  an<l  the  cliuse  and  murder 
of  Wells — occurred,  populated  streets  now  lie.  It  was  while  passing  along  one  of 
theae  (Mi  jhigan  Avenue) — tho  finest  in  point  of  beauty,  taste,  and  prospect  in  all  the 
West,  •.viien  on  our  way  out  to  the  j)leasant  suburban  village  of  Hyde  Park,  on  the 
lake  shore,  to  visit  some  old  friends,  that  we  were  directed  to  tlic  site  of  the  Sand 
Hills,  the  Oak  Woods,  and  Leo's  Place,  Very  near  the  spot  where  the  Kinzie  man- 
sion stood — where  food  was  so  scarce  only  thirty  years  ago.  iinmense  "  elevators" — 
the  Iiirgei't  in  the  world — receive,  weigh,  and  send  ott'anmially  millions  of  bushels  of 
the  fli/y^M-'  grain  of  tho  Northwest!  This  transformation  is  tho  work  of  a  jingle 
generation.     It  seems  like  a  magic  product  evolved  by  tho  attrition  of  Aladdin's 

lamp.' 

When  tho  work  of  destruction,  and  the  final  disposition  of  tho  prisoners  at  Chi- 
cago were  completed.  The  IMack-bird  and  his  savjige  horde  pressed  toward  Fort 
Wayne.  The  fall  of  Mackinack  and  Detroit,  and  the  destruction  of  the  military  post 
.it  Chicago,  BO  completoly  broke  tho  power  of  the  United  States  in  the  Northwest  for 
ilie  moment,  that  tho  Indians,  believing  that  there  wotild  be  perfect  safety  in  openly 
joining  the  Uritish,  did  bo.  Tecumtha's  Iiojjcs  of  establishing  a  confederacy  of  the 
iudians  to  drive  the  white  people  from  the  country  north  of  tho  Ohio  revived.  The 
prospect  of  success  seemed  brighter  than  ever,  and,  with  the  energy  of  a  patriot  and 
enthusiast,  he  sent  emissaries  among  all  the  tribes  to  invite  them  to  take  the  war- 
path, with  the  solo  intent  of  complete  expulsion  or  utter  extermination.  The  Win- 
iiebagoes,  Pottawatomies,  Kickapoos,  Ottawas,  Shawnoese,  and  less  ])owerful  tribes, 
ffladly  listened  ;  and  all  over  the  region  south  of  Lake  Erie,  far  toward  the  Ohio,  the 
young  men  were  speedily  engaged  in  the  war-dance. 

Proctor  and  Tecumtha  resolved  to  reduce  Forts  Wayne  and  Harrison  immediately. 
Tlie  former,  as  Vi^e  have  seen,  was  at  the  head  of  the  Maumee,*  and  the  latter  on  the 
Wabash.'  Major  Muir,  with  British  regulars  and  Indians,  were  to  proceed  from  Mai- 
den up  the  Maumeo  Valley  to  co-operate  Avith  tho  Indians ;  and  the  1  st  of  September 
was  appointed  as  the  day  wlien  Fort  Wayne  should  bo  invested  by  them.  The  gar- 
rison consisted  of  only  seventy  men,  under  Captain  James  Ithea,^  with  four  small 
field-pieces.  The  savages  were  there  as  early  as  the  28th  of  August,"  and  at 
about  the  same  time  hostile  bands,  for  the  purpose  of  diverting  attention  from 
Forts  Wayne  and  Harrison,  and  preventing  their  garrisons  being  re-enforced,  were 
directed  to  prosecute  warfare  at  distant  points  in  their  usual  mode — murdering  iso- 
lated settlers,  with  their  women  and  children.  Pursuant  to  these  instructions,  a- 
scalping-party  of  Shawnoese  fell  upon  "  The  Pigeon  Roost  Settlement,"  on  a  tribu- 

1 1  am  indebted  to  the  accurate  knowledge  and  kind  conrte»y  of  Mrs.  Kinzle  for  the  following  information  reepectlng 
the  localities  of  acts  in  the  Bvcnts  we  have  Jast  recorded,  as  Indicated  by  plnces  to-day : 

The"Kinxie  raausion"  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  Chicago  River,  at  the  intersection  of  Pine  and  North  Water 
Street*,  as  they  now  are  in  "  Kinzie's  addition,"  and  aboat  eighty  feet  east  of  the  Lake  House. 

The  bonse  of  Outlmette  was  between  what  are  now  Rash  and  Cass  Streets,  on  North  Water  Street.  Bnms'e  was  near 
the  foot  of  Wolcott  Street,  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  The  east  end  of  the  Chicago  and  Galena  Freight  D^'pAt  covers  the 
spot. 

The  place  where  the  fight  commenced  was  between  the  Widow  Clarke's  and  the  lake.  The  trees  are  still  standing 
which  stood  there  at  that  day. 

"Lee's  Place"  was  about  a  fourth  of  a  mile  above  where  Halstead  Street  crosses  the  Soath  Branch. 

Captain  Wells  was  killed  near  the  foot  of  Twelfth  Street,  on  the  Lake  Shore  path. 

The  "Oak  Woods"  were.  In  1802,  "Camp  Douglas,"  Just  beyond  the  southern  limits  of  the  city,  on  the  Lake  Shore. 
"Chicago  University"  and  the  grave  of  the  late  Stepiten  A.  Douglas,  who  owned  the  property,  occnpy  a  portion  of  the 
irjct. 

The  place  of  the  parley  was  aboat  at  the  Intersection  of  the  Archer  Ro^d  and  Clarke  Street. 

>  See  page  66.  '  See  page  19T. 

•James  Rhea  was  a  native  of  New  Jersey,  and  was  lieutenant  and  adjutant  of  "Rhea's  levies"  in  17B1.  He  was  en- 
tii-n  and  second  lieutenant  of  infantry  in  1T99,  and  was  promoted  to  first  lientenant  In  1800.  He  was  commissioned  a 
uptaUi  in  July,  ISOT,  and  resigned  at  Fort  Wayne  at  the  close  of  1818.— Gardner's  JXetionar}/  qf  the  Army,  page  STT. 


•  1812. 


m 


m 


HI, 


:t'  ^   I 


114 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


1    I 


\ 


•fBttUwi. 


▲tUck  on  Fort  Wajm*. 


••QnUMrGaiM.'' 


TtasUwrUoaiia, 


•  1819. 


tary  of  the  Whito  River,  within  tho  limitH  of  tho  prcHt'iit  Scott  County,  in  Hoiithem 
Indianii,  on  the  Hd  of  tcptemher.''  They  tirMt  kiUod  two  bee-hunterH  of  the  Het- 
tienient ;'  and  between  BunHet  and  diirit  tliey  murdered  one  iniin,  five  woiiit'ii 
an<l  Hixtoen  eliihlren.^  Only  two  men  imd  five  (;hihlren  eHciiped.'  These  nia<U>  tliuir 
wiiy,  under  tho  cover  of  the  night,  to  the  houHc  of  ii  settler  hix  nul<«  diHtiiiil.  Om, 
hundred  and  fifly  mounted  ritlemen,  under  Major  John  M'Coy,  gave  (^hawe  to  the 
•>  September 4.  niurdererH  tho  next  day.**  They  followed  them  twenty  milcH,  but  they 
OHcaped  during  tho  night.  Tho  militia  of  Scott,  JefliTson,  Clarke,  and 
•  SeptcmiHir  T.  Knox  Counties  were  Hoon  aHHombled,  and  wore  joined'^  by  about  three 
hundred  and  titty  volunteerH  from  Kentucky,  under  Colonel  Geiger,  for  tho  imrpone 
ofdoHtroying  the  towns  of  tho  Dela wares,  on  the  White  liiver,  wlio  were  Huspccleil 
of  boijig  the  nmrderors.  Evidence  of  tho  inLocence  and  even  friendlinesH  of  those  In- 
dians  was  not  wanting,  and  they  wore  spared.  From  that  time  until  the  close  r" 
tho  war,  the  settlers  in  that  region  lived  in  a  continual  Ktato  of  fear  and  excitement.' 

For  several  days  the  Indians,  in  large  numbers,  liad  been  seen  hovering  in  tho  woods 
around  Fort  Wayne,  and  on  the  night  of  the  5th  of  September  thoy  commenced  a  sc- 
ries of  attacks  by  tiring  upon  tho  sentinels,  without  effect.  Up  to  tluit  time,  the  Mi- 
amis  in  tho  neighborhood,  who  had  resolved  to  join  the  British,  had  made  great  pro- 
fessions of  friendship,  hoj)ing,  no  doubt,  to  gain  possession  of  the  fort  by  a  surprise. 
This  hypocrisy  availed  them  nothing,  so  they  cast  oft'  all  disp  uise  and  opened  liostili- 
ties.  On  the  nioniing  of  the  0th  they  were  invisible,  and  some  of  the  soldiers  ven- 
tured out  of  the  fort.  They  had  not  proceeded  seventy  yards  when  bullets  from  a 
concealed  foe  killed  two  of  their  number.  Their  companions  hastened  back,  currying 
tho  bodies  of  their  comrades  with  them. 

On  the  niglit  of  the  6th  the  wliole  body  of  Indians,  8uj)posed  to  have  been  six  hund- 
red strong,  attacked  tho  fort.  They  attempted  to  scale  tho  palisades, but  so  vigilani 
and  skillful  were  the  garrison  tliat  the  savages  were  not  permitted  to  do  the  least 
damage.  Perceiving  such  assaults  to  be  useless,  they  resolved  to  employ  strategy  in 
the  morning.  Two  logs  were  formed  into  the  Blia])e  of  cannon,  and  placed  in  battery 
before  the  fort.  A  half-breed,  with  a  flag,  ajjproached  and  informed  tho  commandant 
that  the  British,  then  on  their  march,  had  sent  them  two  battery  cannon,  and  that  il' 
a  surrender  Avas  not  immediately  made,  the  fort  would  be  battered  down.  lie  also 
threatened  a  general  massacre  of  the  garrison  within  three  days,  as  a  re-enforcemenl 
of  seven  hundred  Indian  warriors  were  expected  the  next  day.  The  troops  were  not 
frightened  by  tho  "  Quaker  guns."  They  were  aware  that  friends  were  on  the  way 
to  relieve  them,*  and  resolved  to  hold  out  while  their  provisions  lasted.  For  nearly 
three  days  after  the  menace  there  was  quiet.     Then  the  savages  renewed  the  at- 


>  Jereminh  Pajme  and  Fiederick  Kaupftnan. 

'  These  wcrp  Henry  CiillingB  and  his  wife ;  the  wife  of  Jeremiah  Payne  and  eight  of  her  children ;  Mrs.  Richard  Col- 
llngg  and  seven  of  her  children ;  Mrs.  John  Morris  and  her  only  child,  and  Mrs.  Morris,  the  mother  of  her  husband. 

'  Mrs.  Jane  Biggs  and  her  three  children,  and  the  aged  William  Collings  and  Captain  John  Morris,  with  two  oftht 
children  (John  and  Lydla)  of  Urs.  Collings  who  was  murdered.  They  all  escaped  to  the  house  of  Zebalon  Collings.- 
Dlllon's  HUtory  of  [ndiaim,  page  402. 

•  Mr.  Zebulon  Collings,  to  whose  honse  the  fugitives  from  The  Pigeon  Roost  escaped,  has  left  on  record  the  foUowlD!; 
vivid  account  of  the  sense  of  peril  felt  by  the  settlers  during  those  dark  days  between  the  summer  of  1812  and  1$15: 
"  The  niauuer  In  which  I  used  to  work  was  as  follows :  on  all  occasions  I  carried  my  rifle,  tomahawk,  and  butcher-knifr. 
with  a  loaded  pistol  In  my  belt.  When  I  went  to  plow,  I  laid  my  gun  on  the  plowed  ground,  and  stuck  up  a  slicli  by 
it  for  a  mark,  so  that  I  could  get  It  quick  In  case  It  was  wanted.  I  bad  two  good  dogs.  I  took  one  Into  the  bouse,  leav- 
ing the  other  out.  The  one  outside  was  expected  to  give  the  alarm,  which  would  cause  the  one  Inside  to  bark,  by  vhlcli 
I  would  be  awakened,  having  my  arms  always  loaded.  I  kept  my  horses  in  a  stable  close  to  the  house,  having  a  pon- 
hole  so  that  I  could  shoot  to  the  stable-door.  During  two  years  I  never  went  from  home  with  a  certainty  of  returaliij;, 
not  knowing  the  minute  I  might  i  jceive  a  hall  from  an  unknown  hund ;  but.  In  the  midst  of  all  these  dangers,  tbat  GoJ 
who  never  sleeps  nor  slumbers  has  kept  me."— Dillon's  Hintorj/  of  Indiana,  page  498. 

»  Qeneral  Harrison,  then  at  Piqua  In  command  of  Kentucky  troops,  sent  M^or  WillUm  Oliver,  a  gallant  officer,  with 

four  Shawnoese,  to  Fort  Wayne  to  assure  the  garrrison  of  speedy  re-enforcement.    Tbeypushed  through  the  wildemc!! 

for  about  slzty  miles.    Oliver  was  In  Indian  costume.    When  they  approached  the  fort  they  came  upon  the  ont-piards 

of  the  savages.    With  great  skill  they  evaded  them,  made  tlielr  way  through  the  lines  of  the  besiegers,  and,  with  fleei 

•^ot,  gained  the  fort.    Oliver  and  his  companions  remained  there  until  the  close  of  the  siege.  —Early  Hiiiory  c/thtMati- 

.tnee  KoUeyi  by  H.  L.Ho8mer,  page  88. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF    1 8  H. 


Mf 


I  of  Fort  Wcyne  raited. 


HaTiR*!  of  the  Indlanii, 


Th«  any  of  Little  ToHto. 


t»ok,*  and  kept  np  ii  Hre  at,  intorvnlM  for  twelve  hount.  Oi.  tliw  tollow!::^  •H«ipt«'mbor», 
jjiy  tlit'y  raiHod  a  trt^iiitMuIoiiH  wiir-wlioop,  to  tVi^litcn  tlie  jj;arriHon,  uixl  '^"'' 

airain  i-otnini'iiccd  an  UHHuiilt,  with  um  little  hiiik^ohh  an  on  previoiiH  oc^c-aHioiiH.  Tlio 
patii'iit  little  xarriHon  reiiiaiiieil  iiiiharnied  ;  and  on  the  12th,  the  heHJej^erM  tletl  preeip- 
itiitely,  havinji  heanl  of  the  approach  of  a  larji;e  re-eiiforceincut  for  the  fort.  '''••"* 
evening  the  delivererH  arrived,  and  Fort  Wayne  was  Haved.' 


That 


run   WAYNK    IN    MVi. 

Before  they  left,  the  Indians  destroyed  every  thing  outside  the  fort — live-stock, 
crops,  and  dwellings.  Among  the  latter  was  the  house  of  Captain  Wells,  who  was 
killed  at  Chicago.  It  was  on  his  reservation  of  rich  bottom  lands  on  the  north  side 
of  tiie  St.  Mary's  River,  opposite  the  present  city  of  Fort  Wayne,  and  not  more  than 
half  a  mile  distant  from  it.  When  I  visited  the  spot  in/ the  autumn  of  1860,  in  com- 
pany with  the  venerable  Mr.  Hedges,  already  mentioned,'*  and  the  Hon.  I.  D.  G.  Nel- 
son, more  than  twenty  apple-trees  of  an  orchard  planted  by  Captain  Wells — the  old- 
est iti  Northern  Indiana,  having  been  set  out  in  1804  or  1805 — were  yet  standing, 

sketch  of  that  group  ""  ""■•'  '"'"■''"'«  "^'''"'-  es  was  at  his  funeral. 


'  Thomson's  Skelehe*  of  the  War,  page  60 ;  M'Afee,  page  12T.  '  See  page  44. 

>  Ur.  Drake,  iu  his  Book  of  Ihe  Indian*,  qnotea.the  following  notice  of  the  Little  Tortle'a  death  from  one  of  the  pnbllc 
prints  of  the  day :  "  Fo vt  Wayne,  81  July,  1812.— On  the  14th  instant  the  celebrated  Miami  chief,  the  Little  Turtle,  dl?d 
It  this  place,  at  the  age  of  slzty-flve  years.  Perhaps  there  Is  not  left  on  this  continent  one  of  his  color  so  dlsthignished 
itcooncilandln  war.    Hla  disorder  was  the  goat.    He  died  in  a  camp,  becaose  he  chose  to  be  in  the  opeu  air.   He  met 


_  -  *- -T 


!l 


■'}  1  fill 


» 


M I 


r 


iJ'llilii^ll 


tfff 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-ROOK 


ForU  Wayne  and  MinniL 


Treachery  of  the  Indiana, 


Site  of  Port  Wayne. 


By  tho  side  of  liis  romains  reposed  those  of  his  sister,  tlio  wife  of  Captain  WcIIh, 
Tlioir  graves  were  tiiiiioiiore<l,  btit  I  was  informed  that  tlie  kinsfolk  of  the  noted 
man  were  about  to  c  veet  a  neat  monument  to  mark  tlie  jtlaee  of  tlieir  sepidturc. 

Fort  Wayne,  delineated  on  |»aLje  ;{ir),  was  built,  as  we  have  seen  (pag'.i  />(!),  in  the 
autumn  of  1 794.  It  was  not  on  the  site  of  the  old  Freneli  stoekade,  known  as  Koit 
^liami ;'  nor  on  that  of  tiie  t)iu'  'vhich  was  oeeuj)ied  by  an  Enjflisli  tfanison,  consist- 
inu;of  a  (•a|>tain's  eommand,  at  tin  lime  ofl'ontiae's  eonspin.ey  in  17(i;t.  At  liialtiiiie 
tiie  old  Fori,  ISIiami  was  a  ruin,  and  the  stockade  to  which  reference  is  here  made  was 
in  perfect  order.  It  was  about  half  a  mile  from  the  |)resent  bridge  across  the  Man- 
nu'c,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  St.  Joseph.  The  eoiMinander  was  a  surgeon,  and  liis  ino- 
fession  was  the  cause  of  his  own  deatli  .and  the  capture  of  the  jjarrison  by  the  Indiiuis 
at  that  time.  He  was  asked  by  an  Indian  gir!  to  ljo  out  of  the  fort  to  see  a  sick  sav- 
au[e  at  the  Miami  village  near  by,  where  a  young  woman  of  the  tribe,  eliosen  for  the 
purpose,  to  show  the  contempt  of  the  savages  for  the  English,  murdered  him.  The 
garrison  became  prisoners  to  the  I\Iiamis.~  When,  three  years  later,  (leorge  Crofrlimi 
visited  the  spot,  tlie  fort  was  "somewhat  ruinous."  He  foiintl  forty  or  fifty  Indian 
cabins  at  the  village  across  the  Mauinc;'  (that  "  stood  on  both  sides  of  the  St.  Josciih"), 
besides  "  nine  or  ten  French  houses."  yVmong  the  latter  was  that  of  Dronet  de  Hich- 
urdville,  a  French  trader,  and  fiither  of  Chid'  Hichardville,  already  mentioned  as  ijie 
successor  of  the  Little  Turtle.^    Tlie  tort  of  1794-1812  stood  on  the  bank  of  the  Man- 


IIUIIKIE    AT   TUK   UBAU  OK  TlIK    MAUMKK,  AT    FOllT    H  AV.NE. 

mee  (see  map  on  ])age  '208),  at  the  junction  of  the  present  Main  and  Clay  Streets, 
Fort  Wayne.     The  Wabash  and  Erie  Canal  passes  through  a  portion  of  it.     It  was  a 

l\is  dfiith  with  pn  at  flrmucPB.  Ttie  Ajient  for  Indian  Affairs  liad  hlni  burled  witli  tho  honorn  of  war,  and  other  m«rk» 
of  distinction  suited  to  liis  ch  ..  icter."  A  writer,  quoted  hy  Mr.  Dralje,  says  that  he  saw  the  Little  Turtle,  soon  iiftcr  St. 
Clair's  defeat,  iit  Montreal,  anil  describeil  him  as  ab(mt  «U  feet  in  height,  sour  and  morose,  and  apparently  crafty  and 
subtle.  Kt!  wore  Indian  moccasins,  a  blue  petticoat  that  came  half  way  down  his  thighs,  and  a  Kumpean  walstcuiil  auJ 
surtout.  On  his  bead  was  a  cap  that  hnii);  tialf  way  down  his  back,  hespaBcled  with  alxint  two  hundred  silver  brndclio. 
In  eatii  oar  wore  two  rlnirs,  the  upper  parts  of  each  bearlti);  tl.ree  silver  medals  about  the  ri/.f  of  a  dollar,  and  lliv  liuvcr 
parts  quarters  of  a  dollar.  They  fell  more  than  twelve  iuilies  from  hi«  cars.  One  from  ejich  ear  fell  over  his  lircast, 
the  others  over  his  back.  He  also  had  three  larjie  nose  Jewels  of  silver,  cunningly  painted.  Little  Turtle  was  of  niixiii 
blood  -half  Mohican  and  half  Miami.    Colonel  .Johnston,  who  knew  him  well,  called  him  "  the  geiitlcman  of  his  rncr." 

'  The  French  governor  of  Louisiana  mentioned  this  stockade  In  a  letter  in  1761.  It  was  situated  near  tlic  St.  MnryX 
probably  in  the  vicinity  li'Mic  canal  aqueduct.  The  dim  outlines  of  this  fort  were  traced  by  Wayne  in  IT'.W,  uud  by 
Colonel  .lohnston  in  18(10.— Lecture  by  J.  L.  Williams  before  the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Chiirdi  of  Fort 
Wayne,  March  ith,  1800. 

'  Oral  statement  of  Colonel  John  .Tohnaton,  of  Tlayton,  Ohio,  to  the  writer,  who  knew  the  murderess,  she  bcini;  a  red- 
dent  of  the  Miami  village  when  he  went  to  Fort  Wayne  In  the  year  IHOO.  Colonel  .Johnston  gave  nie  the  nanu's  of  Iho 
United  States  commandcs  of  the  fort  in  regular  succceslon,  as  follows;  Colonels. J.  F.  Hamtramck,  and  Thomas  Hunt; 
MaJorsiJohn  Whistler,  Thomas  Pasteaur,  andZebuIon  M.  PIrie;  Captains  Nathan  lleald,  .James  Khea,  and  Hugh  Mitorc; 
and  Colonel  Joseph  H.  Vose.  The  fort  was  iibandonedln  iSlS.  Captain  Vose  was  a  citizen  of  ManclieBter,  andliadbecn 
commissioned  a  captain  in  the  Twenty-flrst  Infantry  In  April,  1812.  Colonel  .Tohuston,  in  a  letter  written  in  1S6!>,  eaid 
that  Captain  Vose  was  the  only  army  offlcer  within  his  knowlcnge.  In  1812,  who  publicly  professed  Chrlstlaiiit).  He 
was  in  the  constant  habit  of  assemoling  his  men  on  the  Sabbath  and  reading  the  Scriptures  to  them,  and  coiiversiof 
with  them  on  religious  subjects.— Wllliama's  Lectu'e,  p.  12.  Captain  Vose  was  promoted  to  major  during  the  War  of 
1812.  In  1842  he  received  the  commiesiou  of  colonel.  He  died  at  the  NewOrlean8barrack8,Just  below  the  city,  on  the 
15th  of  July,  1840.  3  Dillon's  auturi/  nf  Indiaixa,  p.  403. 


OF  THE  WAK  OF  1812. 


911 


Fort  Harrison  beoleged. 


PorilB  (if  the  Garrison. 


Firmness  and  Conrngo  nfCnplain  Taylor. 


ilnry  f. 
laiitl  liy 
lot  Fori 

I;  a  rpfi- 
<  (it  tlic 
lUmiU 
btlourc ; 
tdbftn 

|).  Be 

Versing 
Varot 
I,  on  itie 
1.403. 


«'ell-l»'iilt  Htockade,  with  two  blook-housos  and  comfortable  barmcks,  anrl  ofHufficient 
jitrenfjlli  to  defy  tlie  IiuliaiiH,  but  not  the  Ib'itiHh  witli  cannon.  A  largo  and  Mubstan- 
tiiil  bridfje  now  wpanw  the  Maiiinuo  from  near  the  site  of  Fori  Wayne  to  the  plains  on 
wliioli  the  Miami  village  stood.  The  sketch  on  page  310  was  taken  from  near  the 
liiii'  of  the  eastern  side  of  the  fort.  At  the  centre  of  the  picture  is  seen  the  j>oint  of 
confluence  of  the  St.  Mary's  and  the  St.  Joseph's  rivers,  which  form  the  Maumee. 

Willie  these  demoiist'-ations  against  Fort  Wayne  were  in  progress,  similar  ciForts 
were  made  against  F'ort  Harrison,  on  tlu^  Wabash.  At  sunset  on  the  day  of  the 
Piireon  Roost  massacre,"  two  young  iiaymakcrs  near  Fort  Harrison  were  .  September  s, 
kiiled  and  scal])ed  by  a  [)arty  of  IndianK,     The  crat^k  of  the  murderers'  "*'■'■ 

imiski'ts  was  heard  at  the  fort,  and  excited  the  vigilance  of  Captain  Zachary  Taylor, 
the  coiumaiider  of  the  garrison,  who  was  just  recovering  from  an  attack  of  bilious 
fever.  On  the  following  ni(,riiiiig  the  bodies  of  the  young  men  were  taken  to  the  fort 
ami  buried.  Late  that  evening''  old  Joseph  Lenar  came  to  the  fort  with  i.  September  4. 
a  llivj?,  followed  by  about  forty  Indians,  one  fourth  of  them  women.  The 
men  were  chiefs  of  the  several  tribes — Winnebagoes,  Kickapoos,Pottawntomie8,  Shaw- 
noese,  and  some  Miarais — who  still  adhered  to  the  fortunes  of  the  Prophet.  They 
came  from  his  town  near  Tip])ecanoe,  on  the  Wabash,  wliere  he  was  still  busy  in  stir- 
rini;  up  the  Indians  against  the  white  pefjplc.  One  of  Lenar's  party,  a  Shawnoese 
w  ho  could  speak  English,  told  Taylor  that  their  leader  would  speak  to  him  in  the 
morning  about  food  for  his  company.  Friendly  Miarais  had  warned  Taylor  of  the 
Iiostile  disposition  of  all  the  nv '"hboring  tribes,  and  he  was  perfectly  on  his  guard. 

The  garrison  consisted  of  oo!^  bout  fifty  men,  of  whom,  on  account  of  the  prevail- 
ing fevers,  not  much  more  than  a  dozen  were  free  from  the  care  of  Dr.  Clark,  the  sur- 
geon. Only  six  privates  and  two  non-C(nnniissioned  officers  could  mount  guard  at  a 
time.  Yet  now,  hi  tlie  presence  of  impending  danger,  some  of  the  convalescents  went 
freely  upon  duty.  The  arms  of  the  garrison  were  examined  with  great  care  that 
evening ;  and,  when  every  thing  necessary  for  watchfulness  and  security  bad  been 
arranged,  the  commander,  weak  and  exhausted,  lay  down  and  fell  asleep.  His  slum- 
bers were  short.  Toward  midnight  he  was  aroused  by  the  firing  of  his  sentinels. 
Springing  from  his  couch,  he  hastened  to  the  parade  and  ordered  every  man  to  his 
l)ost.  It  was  soon  ascertained  that  the  lower  block-house  (on  the  left  of  the  picture 
of  the  fort  on  page  315),  had  been  set  on  fire  by  the  savrtges.  It  was  the  most  im- 
iinportant  point  in  the  fort  excepting  the  magazine,  for  there  were  the  contractor's 
stores — the  supplies  for  the  garrison.  The  guns,  at  this  time,  had  "  begun  to  fire 
pretty  smartly"  on  botli  sides,  and  the  attack  and  defense  were  fairly  begun  at  a 
little  past  eleveti,  with  great  vigor. 

The  chief  efforts  of  the  commander  were  directed  to  the  extinguishment  of  the  fire. 
General  contusion  reigned,  and  efforts  for  the  safety  of  the  fort  were,  for  a  while,  put 
forth  feebly.  The  entire  garrison  Avcre  either  sick  or  faint  with  fatigue,  and  for  a 
time  the  utter  destruction  of  the  whole  fortification  seemed  inevitable.  The  block- 
iiouse  was  consumed,  and  the  fort  was  thus  opened  to  tlie  savage  foe.  This  exposure 
and  their  horrid  yells  dismayed  the  little  garrison,  and  for  a  moment  they  regarded 
all  as  lost,  and  gave  n\,  in  despair.  Two  of  the  stoutest  and  most  trusted  of  the  sol- 
diers leaped  the  palisades,  and  attempted  to  escape,  leaving  their  companions  to  their 
fate.  Nothing  saved  the  fort  and  garrison  but  the  presence  of  mind,  courage,  pru- 
dence, and  energy  of  the  commander.  The  fire  was  about  to  communicate  to  the 
barracks,  when  he  shouted, "Pull  off  the  roofs  nearest  the  block-house,  pour  on  wa- 
ter, and  all  will  be  well !"  His  voice  gave  new  courage  to  his  troops.  Water  was 
brought  in  buckets,  and  several  of  the  men,  led  by  Dr.  Clark,  climbed  to  the  roof,  cut 
off  the  boards,  and  by  great  exertions,  in  the  face  of  bullets  and  arrows,  they  sub- 
dued the  flames,  and  saved  the  menaced  buildings.  Only  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  of 
tiie  fort  was  opened  by  the  fire,  and  up  to  this  time  oiily  one  man  had  been  killed 


f!l! 


'! 


i 


818 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Indiana  driven  from  Fort  Harrison.        Relief  sent  to  the  Garrison.        Character  and  Services  of  Captain  Taylor 

and  two  wounclcd.  Before  daylight  the  breach  was  covered  by  a  b'-eastwork  as  hifth 
as  a  man's  head,  in  spite  of  the  incessant  firing  of  the  foe,  and  only  one  man  was 
killed  (none  wounded)  in  the  fort.  At  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  the  garrison 
returned  the  fire  more  briskly,  afler  a  conflict  of  almost  eight  liours,  the  savages  re- 
tired beyond  the  reach  of  the  guns  of  the  fort,  and  then  proceeded  to  destroy  or  drive 
off  the  live-stock — horses,  hogs,  and  cattle — found  in  the  neighborhood.  Fortunately 
for  the  garrison,  the  standing  corn  around  the  fort  was  left  unharmed.  Their  food 
having  been  destroyed  with  the  block-house  that  contained  it,  and  their  cattle  being 
driven  away,  they  were  compelled  to  subsist  for  several  days  on  that  delicious  and 
nourishmg  green  corn. 

One  of  the  men  who  leaped  the  pickets  and  fled  from  the  fort  returned  toward 
morning  badly  wounded.  He  approached  the  gate,  and  begged, "  for  God's  sake  " 
to  be  let  in.  Captain  Taylor  was  near,  but,  not  recogr  izing  the  voice,  and  believinir 
it  to  be  a  trick  of  the  Indians  to  get  the  gate  open,  he  ordered  the  soldiers  near  to 
shoot  the  man.  Fortunately  for  him,  he  had  run  to  the  other  bastion  with  the  same 
supplication,  where  liis  voice  was  recognized,  and  he  was  told  to  lie  quietly  behind 
some  empty  barrels  at  the  foot  of  the  pickets  until  morning.  He  did  so,  and  was 
saved.  His  companion  had  been  hterally  cut  in  pieces  by  the  savages  within  a  few- 
yards  of  the  fort.  The  entire  loss  of  the  garrison  was  only  three  men  killed  and  tlirce 
wounded,  and  all  but  two  of  the  latter  met  with  disaster  because  of  disobedience  of 
orders.* 

On  the  5th»  Captain  Tay-  .  September, 
Ic^  effectually  repaired  the  ^*''^' 
\r.  '>  m  the  fort  made  by  the  fire  by 
pluoing  in  the  opening  strong  pickets 
made  of  the  logs  of  the  guard  -  lionse ; 
and  he  furnished  a  messenger  with  dis- 
patches for  Vincennes,  asking  for  relief. 
This  was  a  difficult  task,  for  the  Indians 
hovered  about  the  fort  for  several  days. 
At  length  the  messenger  made  his  way 
through  their  circumvallating  line,  dur- 
ing a  dark  night,  and  soon  afterward 
General  Hopkins,  with  Kentucky  Volun- 
teers, marched  up  the  valley  on  an  ex- 
pedition against  the  Indians  on  the  head 
waters  of  the  Wabash,  and  gave  amjile 
relief  to  the  sick,  weary,  and  worn  sol- 
diers at  Fn     '■  ■  u-rison. 

The  so'  ■'  'ualities  display?'^  by 
Captain  T  >  ',>  t.lie  defense  of  his  post 
against  cuc  i*^'  ^  odds  won  for  him 
promotion  to  ..  (laior  by  brevet,  and 
from  that  time  until  his  death,  nearly 
forty  years  afterward,  whicli  occurred 
while  he  was  President  of  the  Unitnl 
States,  he  was  one  of  the  most  reliable, 


useful,  and  modest  of  public  officers.'^ 


'  Captain  Taylor's  Dispatch  to  Governor  Harrison,  dated  "Fort  Harrison,  September  10, 1812." 
»  Zachary  Taylor  was  bom  in  OranRe  County, Virginia,  on  the  24th  of  "•  itcmbor,  1784.  His  father  removed  with  hii 
family  to  Kentucky  the  following  year,  and  settled  near  the  site  of  the  ,  ent  city  of  Louisville,  then  known  ae  The 
Palis  of  the  Ohio.  Zachary  entered  the  army  when  about  twenty-five  yw  r.  of  age  as  first  lieutenant  of  Infiiutry.  Two 
years  afterward  (May,  181(1)  he  was  promoted  to  captain,  and  at  about  i  L ;  i  i  time  he  was  married  to  Margaret  Smith, 
a  young  ludy  of  good  family  iu  Maryland.    When  war  was  declared  he     :v   u  cuLimand  of  Furt  Harrison,  and  fur  hli 


Attack  on  Fori 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


319^ 


AtUck  on  Fort  Madison. 


Repulse  of  the  Savages. 


Biography  ofZachary  Taylon 


Simultaneous  with  the  attack  on  Fort  Harrison,  an  attempt  was  made  hy  a  party 
of  the  British  allies  to  fiapti'ie  a  small  military  post  a  short  distance  from  the  site  of 
the  present  city  of  St.  Louis,  on  the  bank  of  the  Mississippi  River,  The  place  was 
called  Bellevue,  and  the  stockade  Fort  Madison.  The  poist  was  very  ineligibly  situ- 
ated, and  totally  unfitted  for  defense.  The  savages  appeared  before  it  on  the  afternoon 
ofthe  5th  of  September."  They  were  fierce  Winnebagoes,  two  hundred  strong. 
The  garrison,  under  Lieutenants  Hamilton  and  Vasques,  consisted  of  a  small 
party  of  the  First  Regiment  of  United  States  Light  Infantry.  The  approach  of  the  foe 
was  heralded  by  the  shooting  and  scalping  of  one  of  the  garrison  within  thirty  yards 
of  the  fort.  For  three  days  the  Indians  kept  up  the  assault,  with  frequent  attempts 
to  fire  the  block-houses  and  barracks.  Buildings  outside  were  burnt,  and  all  the  live- 
stock were  slaughtered.  The  gallant  little  garrison  defended  the  imperiled  fort,  with 
irreat  spirit  and  perseverance,  until  ten  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  8th,  when  the 
enemy  withdrew.  With  the  exception  of  the  man  murdered  at  the  commencement 
of  the  attack,  not  one  of  the  garrison  was  seriously  injured.  One  of  the  men  was 
slightly  wounded  in  the  nose. 

services  there  In  defending  it,  in  September,  1812,  he  was  breveted  n  major.  He  was  an  active  and  useful  officer  in  the 
ffett  during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  When  the  army  was  reduced  at  the  close  of  the  contest,  he  was  deprived  of  his 
commission  of  major,  and  recommlssloned  a  captain,  iu  consequence  of  which  he  resigned.  He  was  soon  afterward 
called  back  to  the  service  by  President  Madison,  and  commissioned  a  major  in  the  Third  Infantry,  and  placed  In  com- 
mand of  a  post  at  Green  Bay.  In  1810  he  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  colonel,  and  in  that  position  he  remained  until 
1S32,  when  President  Jackson  commissioned  him  a  colonel.  He  served  with  distinction  in  the  "  Black  Hawk  War"  that 
year,  and  remained  in  command  of  Fort  Crawford,  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  until  1830,  when  he  was  sent  to  Florida  to  op- 
erate against  the  Seminole  Indians.  His  services  there  were  of  great  importance,  and  at  the  close  of  1837  he  was  bre- 
veted brigadier  general.  He  remained  In  charge  of  all  the  troops  in  Florida  until  1840,  when  he  was  appointed  to  the 
command  of  the  southwestern  division  of  the  army.  Fort  Gibson  was  made  his  head-quarters  in  1841,  and  the  same 
year  he  purchased  an  estate  near  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana,  and  placed  his  family  there.    When,  in  1846,  war  with  Mext- 


OKNEHAI.  TAYLOB'b  KEglDENOR  AT  HATON  BOUQB. 

CO  was  imminent,  he  was  ordered  to  take  post  in  Texas  with  an  army  of  observation,  as  it  was  called.  It  soon  became 
au  army  of  Invasion.  In  the  war  that  ensued  he  gained,  in  quick  succession,  several  brilliant  battles;  and  when  the 
conflict  was  ended,  and  he  returned  home,  he  was  greeted  with  the  wildest  enthusiasm.  Congress  honored  him  with 
tlie  commission,  by  brevet,  of  major  general,  its  thanks,  and  also  with  a  ponderous  gold  medal,  "In  the  name  of  the  re- 
public, as  a  tribute  due  to  his  gallant  conduct,  valor,  and  generosity  to  the  vanquished."  The  "  Whig"  party  nominated 
him  for  the  presidency  of  the  grateful  republic,  and  ho  was  elected  to  that  high  office  in  November,  1848.  He  entered 
upon  the  exalted  duties  of  his  office  on  the  4th  of  March,  1840,  and  died  at  the  presidential  mansion,  in  Washington 
City,  on  the  9th  of  Jnly,  188fl,  at  the  age  of  slxty-flve  ye-ars. 

The  portrait  of  General  Taylor,  glvin  on  page  318,  is  from  a  daguerreotype  taken  after  his  return  from  Mexico.  The 
picture  of  his  residence  is  a  fac-simile  of  a  pencil-skitch  made  by  the  venerated  hero  himself  for  the  author.  In  Novem- 
ber, It*.  In  his  letter  covering  the  drawing,  he  says,  I  he  sketch,  you  will  perceive.  Is  rude,  but  the  best  I  can  offer  to 
you  at  this  time.  Indeed,  the  building  Is  rude  iu  itself,  and  scarcely  worthy  of  being  sketched.  I  hope,  however,  that 
this  may  be  suited  to  your  purposes."  It  was  the  residence  of  Colonel  Dixon,  the  English  commander  at  Baton  Roage, 
when  the  furt  there  was  tnkcn  by  the  Spaniards,  under  Don  Bernardo  de  Galvez,  In  1TT9,  and  that  commander  then  made 
it  hia  residence.    It  was  demolished  iu  ISCB. 


u 


r^ijttitfilWwWKWhiM^tfi 


nSSSSBR 


N't 


320 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Nation  aroused. 


Eutliusiasm  of  the  People. 


Volunteers  In  Aliiindance. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

"They  rise,  by  stream  and  yellow  shore, 

By  mountniu,  moor,  and  fen  ; 
By  weedy  rock  and  torrent  hoar. 

And  lonesome  forest  glen  I 
From  many  a  moody,  moss-grown  monnd, 

Start  forth  a  war-worn  baud. 
As  when,  of  old,  they  caught  the  sound 
Of  hostile  arms,  and  closed  around. 

To  guard  their  native  land." 

J.  M'Lki.lan,  Je. 

TE  have  observed  tliat  troops,  in  ample  numbers,  were  sent  to  tlie 
relief  of  Forts  Harrison  and  Wayne.  Whence  came  they? 
What  spirit  animated  them  when  pushing  eagerly  into  the 
wilderness  among  hostile  Indians,  after  the  disasters  in  the 
Northwest  —  the  utter  failure  of  Hull's  campaign,  which  had 
created  such  great  expectations  on  the  part  of  both  govern- 
ment and  people  ?  Let  us  consult  contemporary  records  and 
traditions  for  an  answer. 
Those  sad  disasters  on  the  Northwestern  frontier,  aroused,  as  we  have  before  ob- 
served, the  most  intense  feelings  of  indignation  and  mortified  pride  throughout  the 
whole  country,  and  especially  in  the  region  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  and 
beyond  the  Ohio  River,  Avhich  was  thereby  exposed  to  Indian  raids  and  British  inva- 
sion. When  intelligence  of  those  disasters  spread  over  that  region,  a  burning  desire 
to  wipe  out  the  disgrace  was  universal ;  and  there  was  a  general  uprising  of  senti- 
ment and  action  for  the  recovery  of  all  that  had  been  lost,  the  extermination  of  the 
brutal  savages,  and  the  expulsion  of  their  British  allies  from  the  soil  of  the  Re- 
public' 

Even  before  the  formal  declaration  of  war  Kentucky  had  made  military  prepara- 
tions for  the  event.  Her  quota  of  the  one  hundred  thousand  detached  militia  which 
the  President  w.^s  authorized  to  summon  to  the  field  was  almost  ready  when  the  fiat 
went  forth.  Early  in  May,  Governor  Scott,^  in  obedience  to  instructions  from  the 
War  Department,  had  organized  ten  regiments  (the  quota  of  his  state),  and  filled 

1  "  The  War,"  a  weekly  paper,  published  in  the  City  of  New  York,  by  Snmnci  Woodworth,  the  poet,  gives  the  follow- 
ine  glimpses  of  the  spirit  of  the  people  at  that  time  In  its  issue  of  September  19, 1812:  "The  citizens  of  Albany,  im- 
mediately on  hearing  of  the  surrender  of  General  Hull,  commenced  a  subscription  for  raising  a  regiment  of  voliinloor« 
Very  lil)ernl  subscriptions  were  made  for  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  those  who  might  offer  their  services.  A  rtf- 
ment  of  volunteers  is  also  raising  in  the  City  of  Baltimore,  and  $lS,Oflfl  have  already  been  subscribed  for  the  purpose 
of  furnishing  the  men  with  every  thing  necessary  for  their  comfort.  Fifteen  hundred  men  are  immediately  to  mnrcb 
from  Virginia,  to  rendezvous  at  Point  Pleasant,  on  the  Ohio.  Theladieg  of  Richmond  volunteered  their  services  to 
malie  tents,  knapsacks,  etc.,  for  the  soldiers,  and  in  Ave  days  all  things  were  ready.  When  the  news  of  the  fall  of 
Detroit  reached  Lexington,  in  Kentucky,  Instead  of  deploring  the  loss,  the  citizens  Immediately  set  about  repairing  it 
An  immense  number  of  volunteers  immediately  came  forward,  among  whom  were  several  members  of  Congress,  ami 
shouldered  their  muskets  in  their  country's  cause.  The  greatest  enthusiasm  prevails  throughont  ihe  whole  Western 
conntry ;  almost  every  man  has  volunteered  his  services,  and,  if  we  may  Judge  from  appearances,  it  will  not  be  long  1k^ 
fore  onr  Western  brethren  will  wipe  away  the  stain  upon  the  American  arms  by  the  Ignomlnloii  surrender  of  Detroit 
and  the  American  army  under  General  Hull. 

"  The  citizens  of  New  York  are  forming  patriotic  associations  for  the  purpose  of  raising  ftands  to  assist  the  faisiiies 
of  volunteers  and  drafts  detached  for  the  defense  of  the  borders,  who  may  be  in  want  during  their  absence  on  duty. 
Large  supplies  of  vegetables,  coffee,  tea,  chocolate,  sugar,  etc.,  have  also  been  sent  to  the  troops  stationed  in  and  about 
the  harbor.    This  conduct  Is  worthy  of  imitation." 

'  Charles  Scott  was  a  native  of  Cumberland  County,  Virginia.  He  was  a  corporal  In  a  militia  company  under  Brad- 
dock  in  the  campaign  of  1T6P,  and  was  a  distlngnished  officer  in  the  Revolution.  Bee  Lossing's  FieU-Book  qf  the  Retxiltt- 
Uon.    For  a  brief  biographical  sketch  of  hira  and  tils  signature,  sec  the  same,  Note  3,  li.,  147. 


Goveruors  M( 


U  if     .it        il.     .  ! 


flifiil! 


Ifnr.iiios 
Ton  duty. 
|]d  about 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


8^1 


GoTernorB  Meigs  and  Harrison  active. 


Harrison  In  Kentucky. 


Volunteers  (lc\;'-Jng  to  the  Camp. 


them  without  difficulty  with  volunteers,  making  an  eftective  force  of  five  thousand 
live  hundred  men. 

Governor  Meiga,  of  Ohio,  was  equally  active  and  vigilant.  He  promptly  responded 
to  the  call  for  troops  to  accompany  IIull  to  Detroit,  as  we  have  seen  ;  and  when  he 
was  informed  of  the  danger  that  menaced  Hull's  command,  he  immediately  ordered 
out  the  remaining  portion  of  the  quota  of  detached  militia,  twelve  hundred  in  nv.m- 
ber,  to  rendezvous  at  Urbana,  on  the  border  of  the  wilderness,  under  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Tupper.  And  when  the  fall  of  Detroit  was  known,  he  sent  expresses  in  every 
direction  to  the  militia  generals  of  the  frontier,  Avith  orders  to  adopt  eneigetic  meas- 
ures for  defense  within  their  respective  commands,  and  to  advise  the  inhabitants  on 
the  borders  of  the  wilderness  to  associate  and  erect  block-houses  for  the  defense  and 
accommodation  of  families.  He  also  sent  arms  and  ammunition  to  different  parts 
from  the  public  stores  at  Urbana,' 

Governor  Harrison,  of  Indiana,  with  his  usual  vigilance,  promptness,  and  forecast, 
had  already  caused  block-houses  and  stockades  to  be  erected  in  various  parts  of  his 
territory  as  defenses  against  the  hostile  Indians,  and  the  militia  were  placed  in  a 
state  of  preparation  for  immediate  action  when  called  upon.  He  had  been  a.uthorized 
]}\  the  national  government  to  take  command  of  all  the  troops  of  the  territories  of 
Indiana  and  Illinois  in  prosecuting  the  war  against  the  Indians  commenced  in  the 
autumn  of  1811,  and  to  call  on  the  Governor  of  Kentucky  for  any  portion  of  the  con- 
tnifcnt  of  that  state  which  was  not  in  service.  Under  that  authority  he  went  to 
Kentucky,  by  invitation  of  Governor  Scott,  to  confer  respecting  the  troops  of  that 
state.  Kentucky  was  forever  freed  from  apprehensions  of  Indian  incursions,  and  her 
sons,  Avho  had  suffered,  were  eager  to  assist  their  neighbors  over  the  Ohio  in  their 
efforts  to  drive  the  murderous  hordes  back  into  the  wilderness. 

Harrison  repaired  to  Frankfort,  Avhere  the  military, were  paraded  and  he  was  hon- 
ored with  a  public  reception.  He  remained  there  several  days,  and  met  many  of  the 
most  eminent  military  men  and  civilians  in  the  state.  He  comprehended  in  all  its 
length  and  breadth  the  difficulties  and  dangers  to  which  Hull  was  exposed,  and  ex- 
pressed his  opinions  freely  at  a  dinner-party  in  Lexington,  whereat  Henry  Clay  was 
one  of  the  guests.  That  gentleman  and  others  urged  him  to  present  his  views  to  the 
government.^  He  did  so  in  a  letter,  dated  the  10th  of  August,  in  which  he  suggested 
a  system  of  military  operations  in  the  Northwest.  He  expressed  his  fears  of  the  re- 
sult of  the  fall  of  Mackinack,  by  which  the  Indian  tribes  might  bp  let  loose  upon  De- 
troit, and  "meet,  and  perhaps  overpoAver,  the  convoys  and  re-enforcements"  which 
liad  been,  or  might  be,  sent  to  Hull.  After  speaking  of  those  re-enforcements,  he  said : 
"  I  rely  greatly  upon  the  valor  of  these  troops ;  but  it  is  possible  that  the  event  may 
be  adverse  to  us,  and  if  it  i?,,  Detroit  must  fall,  and  with  it  every  hope  of  re-establish- 
ing our  affairs  in  that  quarter  until  the  next  year." 

Before  this  letter  reached  the  War  Department,  Detroit  had  fallen,  and  Chicago 
too,  and  the  worst  fcara  of  the  people  of  tJie  West  were  realized.  But  these  disas- 
ters, instead  of  depressing  them,  gave  them  increased  elasticity  and  strength.  The 
whole  total  of  society  bordering  upon  the  Oliio  Ri'-er  heaved,  like  a  storm-smitten 
iiccan  in  its  wrath,  with  patriotic  emotions.  The  murders  by  the  Indians  which  soon 
tbllowed,  and  the  alliance  of  the  British  with  such  fierce  barbarians,  excited  a  vehe- 
ment cry  for  retributive  justice.  Christian  civili  'in,  national  pride,  and  an  enlight- 
ened patriotism,  all  pleaded  for  vindication,  and  nobly  was  that  plea  responded  to. 
\Vhen  a  call  for  troops  was  made,  men  of  every -class  and  condition  of  life — farmers, 
merchants,  lawyers,  physicians,  and  young  men  innumerable — flocked  to  tlio  recruiting 
stations  and  offei'ed  their  services.     Tenfold  more  men  than  Avcrc  needed  might  have 

'  Reply  of  Governor  Meigs  to  the  memorial  of  the  citizens  of  Chllllcothe,  Ohio,  on  the  subject  of  protecting  the  fron- 
1  cr.-NlleB'B  We^lji  Reni»ltv,  8ci)teml)er  2fl,  1812. 
=  Wemuirs  (>fthe  Public  Services  </  ll'ittiojii  HPnry  Uarriaon,  by  James  Hall,  p.  160. 

X 


V 


)            i 
;               1 

::         ii:|-i-'; 

wmi 


i  I 


823 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Oorernor  Shelby  and  his  BecommenilationB. 


Oovernor  Harrigon  at  the  Head  of  Kentucky  Troop; 


been  mustered  in  Kentucky  alone.  Nor  was  Ohio,  in  proportion  to  its  population,  be- 
hind its  elder  sister  state  in  practical  enthusiasm.  Governor  Meigs  was  indelatigablo 
in  his  efforts ;  and  the  people  every  where  responded  to  the  call  of  local  officers,  as 
well  as  of  the  chief  magistrate,  with  the  greatest  alacrity,  to  form  an  ample  army  for 
both  protection  and  conquest.  It  was  resolved  to  recover  all  that  had  been  lost  witli- 
ill  the  territory  of  the  United  States,  and  to  take  Maiden,  the  focus  of  the  Eritisli-In- 
dian  power  in  the  Northwest. 

At  this  moment  the  venerable  Isaac  Shelby,  one  of  the  heroes  of  King's  Mountain, 
appears  upo)i  the  stirring  scene  as  the  successor  of  General  Scott  in  the  executive 
chair  of  the  State  of  Kentucky.  With  his  usual  sagacity,  he  surveyed  the  field  of 
operations  determined  upon,  and  strongly  recommended  the  government  to  appoint  a 
Board  of  War  for  the  region  west  ofthe  Allcghanies,  to  prevent  the  delays  caused  by 
toe  operations  of  what  is  termed,  in  our  day, "  red-tape  policy" — in  other  words,  the 
absolute  control,  by  a  central  power  hundreds  of  miles  away,  of  minor  movements 
which  the  exigency  of  the  hour  might  demand  as  of  vast  importance.  "  If  such  a 
board,"  he  said, "  was  now  organized,  and  I  had  the  control  of  the  present  armament, 
I  would  pledge  myself  the  Indians  would  have  cause  to  lament  this  campaign,  and 
their  temerity  in  joining  the  British  and  deserting  the  friendship  ofthe  United  States." 
Governor  Shelby's  advice  was  not  utterly  disregarded ;  but  no  practical  results  fol- 
lowed. The  War  Department  promised  to  "  think  about  it,"  and  no  conclusion  seems 
ever  to  have  been  reached. 

Governor  Harrison  was  very  popular,  and  it  was  the  general  desire  of  the  vohin- 
teers  and  militia  of  the  West,  who  had  been  gathering  at  dift'erent  points  since  tlic 
declaration  of  war  was  made,  that  he  who  had  shown  such  soldierly  qualities  in  tho 
little  campaign  that  ended  at  Tippecanoe  the  previous  year,  should  now  be  their  lead- 
er against  the  British  and  Indians.  Governor  Scott,  Harrison's  warm  personal  friend, 
was  anxious  to  place  hira  in  chief  command  of  all  the  Kentucky  troops,  but  he  could 
not  do  so  legally,  for  the  Governor  of  Indiana  was  not  a  citizen  of  that  state.  But 
Scott  was  not  a  man  to  allow  technicalities  to  interfere  with  great  concerns  in  time 
of  danger ;  so  he  invited  several  prominent  men,  among  whom  were  Shelby  (the  gov- 
ernor elect),  Henry  Clay  (the  Speaker  ofthe  National  House  of  Representatives),  and 
Thomas  Todd,  Judge  of  the  United  States  District  Court,  to  meet  him  and  consult 
upon  the  subject.  They  unanimously  requested  the  governor  to  make  the  appoint- 
•  Augnet  25,     ment ;  and  accordingly  he  issued  a  commission"  to  Harrison,  by  which  he 

1812.  ^^g  invested  with  the  title  of  "  Major  General  of  the  Militia  of  Kentucky" 
by  brevet.  By  a  commission  dated  three  days  earlier.  President  Madison  appointed 
him  a  brigadier  general  in  the  Army  of  the  United  States. 

On  the  27th  of  August  Harrison  was  at  Cincinnati,  and  in  a  letter  of  that  date  to 
Governor  Meigs,  afler  mentioning  his  appointment,  he  said ;  "  It  remains  for  your  ex- 
cellency to  determine  what  assistance  I  shall  derive  from  your  state.  The  Kentucky 
troops  which  are  placed  at  my  disposal  are  two  regiments  of  infantry  and  one  of  rifle- 
men, now  at  this  place ;  three  regiments  of  infantry,  one  of  dragoons,  and  one  of 
mounted  riflemen,  in  full  march  to  join  me,  and  making  in  the  aggregate  upward  of 
four  thousand  men.  The  three  regiments  which  are  now  here  will  march  immediate- 
ly for  Urbana ;  and  should  the  report  of  the  capture  of  General  Hull's  army  prove 
untrue,  I  shall  join  them  either  at  that  place  or  before  they  reach  it,  and  proceed  to 
Detroit  without  waiting  for  the  regiments  in  my  rear."' 

In  addition  to  the  Kentucky  troops  here  referred  to,  others  were  dispatched  for  the 
protection  ofthe  Territories  of  Illinois  and  Indiana.^    Some  of  those  destined  for  the 


I  Aatograph  letter,  Angnat  27, 1812. 

a  "  The  regiment  commanded  by  Colonel  Barboar,"  says  M'Afee,  "  when  ordered  Into  eervtce  at  the  call  of  Oovemor 
Harrison,  was  directed  to  rendezvona  at  the  Bed  Barracks,  with  a  view  of  marching  to  the  aid  of  Oovemor  Sdwards,  at 
Raskin's,  in  the  Tllinois  Territory.    The  regiments  of  Colonels  Wilcox  and  Miller  were  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Louis- 


Gathering  of  T 


t 

11  ill 


mm 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


SS8 


Gathering  of  Troop*. 


Departnre  for  the  Wlldemess. 


Harrieon  commiistoned  a  Brigadier  OeueroL 


latter  region  having  been  called,  by  the  exigencies  of  current  events,  to  Ohio,  Harrison 
thought  it  desirable  to  raise  an  additional  force  for  Indiana.  In  compliance  with  his 
request,  Governor  Shelby  issued  a  proclamation  early  in  September  for  the  raising 
of  a  large  corpn  of  mounted  volunteers,  to  repair  immediately  to  Vincennes ;  and  all 
of  the  Kentucky  troops  destined  for  that  post  were  placed  under  the  command  of 
the  venerable  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  Brigadier  General  Samuel  Hopkins.  That 
proclamation  brought  hundreds  of  Kentuckians,  from  all  parts  of  the  state,  to  the 
standard  of  the  Union.  Every  body  seemed  willing  to  march  for  the  defense  of  the 
frontiers;  and  the  question  was  not.  Who  will  go?  but.  Who  shall  stay?'  Before 
the  1st  of  October,  Kentucky  had  more  than  seven  thousand  of  her  sons  in  the  lield. 
At  about  the  same  time,  in  obedience  to  an  order  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  two 
thousand  troops  under  General  Robert  Crooks,  from  Western  Pennsylvania,  and  fifteen 
hundred  under  General  Joel  Leftwich,^  from  Western  Virginia,  proceeded  to  join  the 
Army  of  the  Northwest. 

Before  leaving  Frankfort,  General  Harrison  had  issued  an  address  to  the  people  of 
Kentucky,  accompanied  by  another  from  General  Scott,  calling  for  five  hundred 
mounted  volunteers.  The  Honorable  Richard  M.  Johnson,  who  had  distinguished 
liimself  in  Congress,  also  issued  an  address  for  the  same  purpose ;  and  they  had  the 
desired  effect.  The  latter  gentleman,  and  John  Logan,  and  William  S.  Hunter,  Esqs., 
were  appointed  aids  to  the  general ;  and  when  he  departed  for  Cincinnati,  Johnson 
was  left  to  lead  on  such  mounted  troops  as  might  be  raised  by  the  1  st  of  September. 

On  the  28th  of  August  Harrison  issued  a  general  order  from  his  head-quarters  at 
Cincinnati,  directing  all  the  troops  under  his  command  to  continue  their  march  to- 
ward Dayton  on  the  following  morning,  and  prescribing  in  detail  the  discipline  and 
tactics  to  be  observed.^  The  troops  marched  early;  and  on  the  morning  of  the  3l8t, 
when  they  had  passed  Lebanon  a  short  distance,  forty  miles  from  Cincinnati,  Harrison 
overtook  them,  and  was  received  with  the  most  hearty  cheers  of  welcome  from  the 
whole  line.  They  reached  Dayton  on  Tuesday,  the  1st  of  September,  and  while  on 
his  march  toward  Piqua  the  following  day  the  commanding  general  Avas  overtaken 
by  an  express  bearing  to  him  the  commission  of  brigadier  general  from  the  President, 
with  instructions  to  take  command  of  all  the  forces  in  the  Territories  of  Indiana  and 
Illinois,  and  to  co-operate  with  General  Hull,  and  with  Governor  Howard  of  the  Mis- 
souri Territory. 

Harrison  was  embarrassed  by  the  instructions  which  accompanied  the  appointment, 
and  he  refrained  from  accepting  it  until  he  should  have  definite  information  from  the 
War  Department  as  to  his  relations  to  General  Winchester,  of  the  Regulars,  to  whom 

Tille  and  on  the  Ohio  below,  for  the  purpose  of  marchlDg  to  Vincennes  to  protect  the  Indiana  Territory.  Colonels  Barhee 
»Dd  Jennings  were  at  first  ordered  to  the  same  place ;  but,  in  consequence  of  the  perilous  situation  of  the  Northwestern 
Amy,  they  were  now  directed,  by  express,  to  rendezvous  at  Georgetown  on  the  let  of  September,  and  pursue  the  other 
regiments,  by  the  way  of  Newport  and  Cincinnati,  for  the  Northwestern  frontiers.  The  regiment  of  Colonel  Poagne 
uM  called  to  rendezvous  at  Newport,  on  its  way  to  the  Northwestern  Army ;  and  a  regiment  of  dragoons,  under  Colonel 
Simrall,  was  likewise  directed  to  proceed  for  the  same  destination."— Hi«torj/  ({/  the  Late  War  in  the  Western  Country, 
page  109.  1  M'Afee,  page  111.  »  Died  April  20, 1846. 

'  On  the  same  day  General  Ilarrlgon,  who  had  heard  of  the  fall  of  Detroit  and  Chicago,  and  knew  the  danger  to 
Khich  Fort  Wayne  would  be  exposed,  wrote  as  follows  to  the  Secretary  of  War:  "  I  shall  march  to-raorrow  morning 
with  the  troops  I  have  here,  taking  the  route  of  Dayton  and  Plqna.  The  relief  of  Port  Wayne  will  be  my  first  object, 
and  my  after  operations  will  be  guided  by  circumstances  until  I  receive  your  instructions.  Considering  ray  command 
»s  merely  provisional,  I  shall  cheerfully  conform  to  any  other  arrangements  which  the  government  may  think  proper 
10  make.  The  troops  which  I  have  with  me,  and  those  which  are  coi..tiig  fVom  Kentucky,  are  perhaps  the  best  ma- 
leriala  for  forming  an  army  that  the  world  has  produced.  But  no  equal  number  of  men  was  ever  collected  who  knew 
jO  little  of  military  discipline,  nor  have  I  any  assistants  that  can  give  me  the  least  aid,  if  there  was  even  time  for  it, 
ill  Captain  Adams,  of  the  4th  Regiment,  who  was  left  here  sick,  and  whotn  I  have  appointed  deputy  adjutant  general 
mill  the  pleasure  of  the  President  can  be  known.  No  arms  for  cavalry  have  yet  arrived  at  Newport,  and  I  shall  be 
fined  to  put  muskets  in  the  hands  of  all  the  dragoons.  I  have  written  to  the  quarter-master  at  Pittsburg  to  request 
Mm  to  forward  all  supplies  of  arms,  equipments,  and  quarter-master's  stores  as  soon  as  possible.  I  have  also  requested 
Mm  to  rend  do»T.  a  few  pieces  of  artillery  without  waiting  your  order,  and  wait  your  instrnctlon  as  to  a  farther  number. 
There  It  but  one  piece  of  artillery,  one  Iron  four-pounder,  any  where  that  I  can  hear  of  in  the  country.  If  it  is  intended 
10  retake  the  posts  that  we  have  lost,  and  reduce  Maiden  this  season,  the  artillery  must  be  sent  on  as  soon  as  possible." 
I  He  al»o  com|;lniued  of  a  want  of  facility  for  getting  money  on  drafts.  Such  were  the  Inadequate  preparations  made  by 
the  government  for  the  promctlon  of  the  war  In  the  Northwest,  when  It  was  first  commenced. 


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PICTOIUAL    FIELD-nOOK 


A  divided  Command  deprecated.         Winchester  and  Ilarriaon.  Crowds  of  Volunteers.  Harrison's  Iiifluencf 

had  been  assigned  the  cliief  command  of  tlio  Army  of  the  Nortliwest.  The  orijrinai 
object  in  the  ibrmation  of  that  army  having  been  co-operation  with  Hull  in  the  tat)- 
ture  of  Maiden,  and  the  reduction  and  occupation  of  Canada  West,  the  whole  asptrt 
of  affairs  had  been  changed  by  the  loss  of  Hull  and  his  army.  Harrison  sugjrcsti'd 
to  the  Department  the  impoitanco  of  having  one  military  head  in  the  Nortliwest' 
and,  with  the  justification  of  pressing  necessity,  ho  laid  aside  his  usual  modesty,  and 
preferred  his  own  claim  to  that  distinction,  on  the  ground  of  his  superior  knowUdfro 
of  the  country  and  the  savages  with  whom  they  had  to  contend,  and  the  universallv 
expressed  desire  of  the  troops  that  he  should  be  their  chief  leader.  Having  made 
this  response  to  the  government  by  the  express  who  brought  his  commission  and  in- 
.structions,  Harrison  pressed  forward  in  the  path  of  duty  to  Piqua,  on  the  bank  of 
the  Great  Miami,  with  the  intention  of  there  resigning  his  command  into  the  hands 
of  General  Winchester.  He  had  two  thousand  troops  with  him,  and  two  thousand 
were  on  their  way  to  join  him. 

Piqua  was  reached  on  the  3d  of  September,  and  there  Harrison  was  informed  of  the 
critical  situation  of  Fort  Wayne,  and  of  the  rumored  marching  from  Maiden,  on  tlie 
18th  of  August,  of  a  large  force  of  British  and  Indians  under  Major  Muir,  with  tlie  in- 
tention of  joining  the  savages  in  the  siege  of  that  place.  Winchester,  to  whom  Har- 
rison had  written,  had  not  arrived.  There  would  be  great  danger  in  delay,  and  Har- 
rison resolved  not  to  wait  for  his  superior,  but,  retaining  command,  send  detachments 
immediately  forward  to  the  relief  of  the  menaced  garrison.  For  this  purpose  he  de- 
tached Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Allen's  regiment  of  Regulars,  with  two  companies 
from  Lewis's  and  one  from  Scott's  regiments,  with  instructions  to  make  forced  marolips 
until  their  object  should  be  accom])lished.i  At  the  same  time  he  dispatched  a  mes- 
senger, as  we  have  seen,  to  assure  the  garrison  of  Fort  Wayne  of  approaching  relief 
Already  seven  hundred  mounted  men,  nnder  Colonel  Adams,  had  advanced  to  Siiaw's 
Crossing  of  the  St.  Mary's  River,  not  far  from  Fort  Wayne.  The  troop  was  composed 
of  citizens  of  Ohio  of  all  ages  and  conditions,  who,  in  hearing  of  the  disasters  north- 
ward, and  the  perils  of  Fort  Wayne,  had  hastened  to  the  field.  "  Such,  indeed,  was 
the  ardor  of  the  citizens,"  says  a  contemporary, "  that  every  road  leading  to  the 
frontiers  was  invaded  with  unsolicited  volunteers."^  The  exasperation  in  the  West 
against  the  British  and  Indians  was  intense. 

Harrison  had  observed  some  restlessness  among  the  troops  nnder  the  restraints 
•  September,     of  discipline.     On  the  morning  of  the  6th*  he  addressed  them  briefly,  read 

**^^-  the  Articles  of  War,  endeavored  to  impress  their  minds  with  the  import- 

ance of  discipline  and  obedience,  told  them  that  the  danger  to  which  Fort  Wayne 
was  then  exposed  demanded  an  immediate  forced  march  for  its  relief,  and  request- 
ed those  who  could  not  endure  the  life  of  a  true  soldier  to  leave  the  ranks.  Only  one 
man  did  so,  when  his  companions,  thinking  him  too  feeble  to  walk,  carried  him  on  a 
rail  to  the  banks  of  the  Great  Miami,  and  gave  him  a  "plunge  bath,"  not,  perhaps,  in 
strict  accordance  with  the  fashion  prescribed  by  Priessnitz.  Tlie  effect  was  salutary, 
and  murmurings  ceased.  Such  discipline,  exercised  by  the  soldiers  themselves,  was 
a  hopeful  sign  for  the  commander. 

Colonel  John  Jolmston,  the  Indian  agent,  was  residing  at  Piqua.*  At  the  request 
of  Harrison,  he  sent  some  Shawnoesc  to  old  Fort  Defiance,  at  the  mouth  of  the  An 
Glaize  River,  to  ascertain  whether  any  British  troops  had  gone  up  the  Maumee  Val- 
ley. Logan,  a  poAverful  half-breed,  was  sent  to  Fort  Wayne  for  information.  Both 
parties  were  successful,  and  returned  with  important  messages.  No  British  troops 
had  passed  up  the  Maumee,  and  Fort  Wayne  was  closely  besieged  by  the  savages. 

'  M'Afee,  papc  I'il.  '  See  note  B,  page  314.  '  M'Afce,  pogc  121. 

*  For  the  purpose  of  nentrnlizinf;,  If  possible,  the  eflTccts  of  British  inflnence  over  the  tribes  of  Ohio,  a  conncll  had 
been  held  at  I'iqim  on  the  IBth  of  August.  Governor  Meigs,  Thomas  Worthington,  and  Jeremiah  Morrow  were  the 
commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  United  States.  Every  thing  promised  snccess ;  but  while  the  conncll  was  in  progress 
news  of  the  fall  of  Detroit  and  Chicago  reached  Piqua,  and  frustrated  the  plans  of  the  white  people. 


Itij  Army  In  the  \ 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


825 


n«  Army  In  the  WllderueR*.         Preparatlonn  for  nattle.         Fort  Wnyne  relieved.         Destruction  of  Indian  Tuwui, 

Harrison  was  compelled  to  wait  at  the  Piqua  until  the  morning  of  the  6th*  •  Sept., 
for  flints.  At  dawn  of  that  day  his  forces  were  under  motion,  and  before  **"' 
eiijht  o'clock  they  had  fairly  plunged  into  the  great  wilderness  beyond  the  borders 
of  civilization.  In  order  to  march  rapidly  and  easily,  the  troops  had  left  most  of  their 
clothing  and  baggage  at  Piqua;  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the  8th,  they  overtook  Al- 
len's regiment  at  St.  Mary,  sometimes  called  "  Girty's  Town,"'  or  the  First  Cross- 
ing of  the  St.  Mary  lliver.  There  they  were  joined  by  Major  R.  M.  Jolinson,  with  a 
coq)8  of  mounted  volunteers.  The  army  in  the  wilderness  numbered  two  thousand 
two  hundred  men.  Indian  spies  were  seen  hovering  around  the  camp  that  night, 
who,  it  was  afterward  said,  reported  that  "  Kentuck  was  crossing  as  numerous  as 
the  trees." 

The  morning  of  the  9th  was  dark  and  lowering,  but  the  troops  were  in  good  spir- 
its, and  reached  Shane's,  or  the  Second  Crossing  of  the  St.  Miiry,  before  sunset,  where 
tiicv  found  Colonel  Adams,  with  his  mounted  Ohio  Volunteers.  Being  now  in  the 
vicinity  of  Fort  Wayne,  the  army  marched  in  battle  order  on  the  following  day,  ex- 
pecting an  attack.  They  move<l  slowly  and  cautiously.  Scouts  were  out  eontinu- 
aliv,  and  Logan  and  another  Shawnoe  acted  as  guides.  On  the  night  of  the  11th 
tliev  fortified  their  camp  in  expectation  of  an  attack,  and  many  alarms  occurred  dur- 
ing the  darkness,  caused  by  the  discovery  of  Indian  spies  who  were  lurking  around 
the  verge  of  the  pickets. 

Tlie  march  was  resumed  at  a  very  early  hour  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  in  battle 
order.  An  encounter  was  expected  at  a  swamp  five  miles  from  Fort  Wayne.  Hut 
no  foe  was  visible  there.  The  savages  had  all  fled,  as  we  have  before  observed,'*  and 
Fort  Wayne,  on  that  warm,  bright  September  day,  was  the  scene  of  great  rejoicing. 
Tlie  liberating  army  encamped  aroimd  the  fort  that  night,  excepting  a  party  of  horse- 
men, who  made  an  unsuccessful  pursuit  of  the  savages;  and  on  the  folloAving  morn- 
ing, reconnoitring  parties  were  sent  out  in  every  direction,  but  did  not  discover  the 
dusky  foe. 

Harrison  now  called  a  council  of  officers,  to  whom  he  submitted  a  plan  of  ojjcra- 
lions,  which  was  adopted.  He  had  determined  to  strike  the  neighboring  Indians 
with  terror  by  a  display  of  power.  He  accordingly  divided  his  army,  and  sent  out 
detachments  to  destroy  whatever  of  Indian  possessions  might  be  found.  One  detach- 
ment, under  Colonel  Simrall  (who  arrived  in  camp  with  three  hundred  and  twenty 
dragoons  on  the  I7th),  laid  waste  the  Little  Turtle's  town,  on  the  Eel  Run,'' 

.  .      .  .  '        b  Sept  19 

excepting  the  buildings  erected  by  the  United  States  for  the  now  deceased 
chief,  on  account  of  his  friendship  since  the  treaty  of  Greenville  in  1704.3  Another 
detachment,  under  Colonel  Samuel  Wells,  w*- "  sent  to  the  Elk  Hart  River,  a  tribu- 
tary of  the  St.  Joseph,  of  Michigan  (sometimes  called  the  St.  Joseph  of  the  Lake), 
sixty  miles  distant,  to  destroy  the  town  of  the  Pottawatomie  chief  O-nox-see,  or 
Five  Medals,*  which  was  accomplished;"  and  Colonel  Payne,  with  an-  «8eptemberi6. 
other  detachment,  to  the  forks  of  the  Wabash,  and  laid  in  ashes'"  a  Mi-  ■■  September  ib. 
ami  vilK-tge  there,  and  several  others  lower  down.*  Around  all  of  these  villages  were 
corn-fields  and  gardens,  but  no  living  thing  was  seen.     The  Indians  had  deserted 


'  Now  the  vtllaRe  of  St.  Mnry,  In  Mercer  County,  Ohio,  on  the  site  of  Fort  St.  Mary,  erected  by  Wayne,  and  command- 
ed by  Cnptnin  John  Whistler  before  he  built  Fort  Dearborn  at  Chicago.  Tho'notorious  Simon  Qirty  occupied  a  cabin 
nt  that  place  for  some  time.  a  See  page  31B. 

»  While  the  Little  Turtle  lived  most  of  the  Mlamis  remained  faithful  to  the  Americans,  bnt  soon  after  his  death,  In  the 
rammer  of  1812,  the  great  body  of  them  Joined  the  hostile  savages. 

•This  village,  like  all  the  others,  was  deserted.  Before  the  door  of  the  chief,  upon  a  pole,  hnng  a  red  flae,  with  a 
broom  lied  above  It :  and  at  the  tent  of  an  old  warrior  a  white  flag  *as  flying  fl'om  a  pole.  The  body  of  the  old  warrior 
was  In  a  olttlug  posture,  the  face  toward  the  east,  and  a  bucket  containing  trinkets  by  Its  side.  In  one  of  the  huts  was 
fonnd  A  Cincinnati  newspaper  containing  an  account  of  General  Harrison's  army.  The  troops  found  a  large  quantity  of 
drleii  corn,  beans,  and  potatoes,  which  fiirniished  them  and  their  horses  with  food. 

*  In  one  of  the.«e  was  found  the  tomb  of  a  chief,  built  of  logs  and  daub'  1  with  clay.  His  body  was  laid  on  a  blanket, 
with  his  gun  and  his  pipe  by  his  side,  a  small  tin  pan  on  bis  breast  containing  a  wooden  spoon,  and  a  number  of  ear- 
rings and  brooches. 


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326 


PICTOltlAL    FIELD-BOOK 


September, 

1812. 


Qeneral  Wlncheiter.       Attachment  of  Troupa  to  Harrlaoo.      Uarrtion  In  cblef  Command  of  the  ITorthwcittni  Army 

them.  The  Bcvercst  l>1ow  that  a  fiavago  can  receive,  especially  at  that  Hcason  of  the 
year,  is  to  deprive  him  of  food  and  shelter.  So,  when  the  torch  was  applied  to  the 
cabins,  the  knife  destroyed  the  corn  and  the  vegetables. 

GeneralJames  Winchester  arrived  at  Fort  Wayne  on  the  18th  of  Sepii,...'„,T  and 
on  the  following  day  General  Harrison  formally  resigned  all  command  into  his  lianils. 
The  change  produced  almost  a  mutiny  among  the  soldiers.  They  were  greatly  at- 
tached to  Harrison.  Winchester  was  a  wealtliy  citizen  of  Tennessee,  and  had  not  for 
many  years  had  any  military  experience.  He  had  Ijeen  a  subordinate  officer  in  the 
army  of  the  Revolution,  but  for  thirty  years  had  lived  in  ease  and  opulence  in  Ten- 
nessee. His  deportment  was  too  aristocratic  to  please  the  great  mass  of  the  troops 
and  this,  added  to  their  expectations  of  more  severe  discipline  from  an  officer  of  the 
Regulars,  caused  a  large  number  of  them  to  positively  refuse  at  first  to  serve  under 
the  new  commander.  It  required  all  the  address  of  Harrison  (popular  as  he  was  and 
as  ready  as  were  his  followers  to  comply  with  all  his  wishes),  together  with  tlic  i)er- 
Huasions  of  the  other  officers,  to  reconcile  them  to  the  change.  It  was  effected  Imt 
only  when  they  were  allowed  to  indulge  the  hope  that  their  beloved  general  miirht 
be  reinstated  in  command.' 

Harrison  left  Fort  Wayne  on  the  evening  of  the  19th,*  and  returned  to 
St.  Mary,  where  he  intended  to  collect  the  mounted  men  from  Kentucky, 
and  prepare  for  an  expedition  against  Detroit.  "From  Fort  Wayne,"  he  wrote 
"  there  is  a  path,  which  has  been  sometimes  used  by  the  Indians,  leading  up  the  St. 
Joseph's,  and  from  thence,  by  the  head  watera  of  the  River  Rezin  [Raisin],  to  Detroit. 
By  this  route  it  appears  to  me  very  practicable  to  effect  a  coup-de-main  upon  ti  it 
place,  and  if  I  can  collect  a  few  hundred  more  mounted  men,  I  shall  attempt  it."^  To 
the  accomplishment  of  this  design  he  prepared  to  lend  all  his  energies.  Already  there 
was  a  respectable  force  of  mounted  men  at  St.  Mary,  and  others  were  on  the  marcli 
to  that  place. 

Harrison  went  to  Piqua  to  perfect  his  arrangements.    There,  on  the  24th/' 
he  received  a  dispatch  from  the  Secretary  of  War  in  reference  to  his  let- 
ter concerning  the  acceptance  of  a  brigadier's  commission,  which  opened  thus : 

"  The  President  is  pleased  to  assign  to  you  the  command  of  the  Northwestern 
Arniy,  which,  in  addition  to  the  regular  troops  and  rangers  in  that  quarter,  will  con- 
sist of  the  volunteers  and  milif  ia  of  Kentucky,  Ohio,  and  three  tliousand  from  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania,  making  your  whole  force  ten  thousand  men."  It  then  went  on  to 
instruct  him  to  first  provide  for  the  defense  of  the  frontiers,  and  then  to  retake  De- 
troit with  a  view  to  the  conquest  of  Canada.  He  was  assured  that  every  exertion 
would  be  made  to  send  him  a  train  of  artillery  from  Pittsburg,  in  charge  of  Captain 
Gratiot,  of  the  Engineers,  who  would  report  to  him  as  soon  as  some  of  the  pieces  could 
be  got  ready.  He  was  also  informed  that  Major  Ball,  of  the  2d  Regiment  of  Dracfoons, 
would  join  him ;  and  that  such  staff  officers  as  he  might  legally  appoint  would  be  ap- 
proved by  the  President.  "  Colonel  Buford,  deputy  commissioner  at  Lexington,"  he 
said, "is  furnished  with  fxinds,  and  is  subject  to  your  orders."  More  ample  powers 
than  had  ever  been  given  to  any  officer  of  the  American  army  since  Washington  was 
invested  with  the  authority  of  a  military  dictator  were  intrusted  to  him  in  the  fol- 
lowing closing  sentence  in  the  dispatch :  "  You  Avill  command  such  means  as  may  l)i' 

'  At  St.  Mary's,  Harrison  wrote  to  Governor  Shelby  as  foUows:  "My  sitnation  here  is  very  embarrassing,  so  ranch 
BO  that  I  have  determined  within  the  two  honrspast  to  propose  to  General  Winchester  to  recognize  me  as  commander- 
in-chief,  or  to  relinqnlsh  all  command  whatever,  unless  it  is  of  the  mounted  forces  which  I  have  prepared,  and  with  which 
I  shall  strike  a  strolce  somewhere.  Ton  will  hear  fi:om  another  qnarter  t'.ie  very  aerions  difficulty  which  was  to  be  en- 
countered before  the  men  of  Scott's,  Allen's,  and  Lewis's  regiments  could  be  reconciled  to  the  command  of  General 
Winchester.  I  fear  that  the  other  three  regiments  will  prove  still  more  refractory."— Autograph  Letter,  Seplembet 
22d,  1S12. 

»  Autograph  Letter  to  General  Shelby,  dated  "St.  Mnry,  22d  September,  1S12."  I  have  before  me  an  autograph  note 
ft-om  General  Harrison  to  Governor  Meigs,  of  similar  purport,  dated  at  St.  Mary,  the  20th  of  September.  "  Bnt  it  muiit 
be  kept  profoundly  secret,"  he  wrote. 


"  September. 


Winchester's  Man 


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OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


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Wlnchenter'a  March  thniuKh  tha  WildemeM.         Confruuted  by  Brltlih  and  Indlani.         Sadden  Flight  of  the  latter. 

practicable.  Kterciae  your  own  discretion,  and  act  in  all  cases  according  to  your  ovm 
juihjinent,"  With  Huch  ample  powers  inveHted  in  a  commander-in-chief,  Shelby's 
"Hoard  of  War"  would  have  been  (jiiite  iiHelesH.  Harrison  had  reason  to  be  proud 
(if the  honor  conferred,  and  the  "special  trust  and  confidence"  reposed  in  him;  wiiilo 
his  soldiers,  rejoicing  in  tho  fact,  appeared  ready  and  eager  to  follow  whithersoever 
he  might  lead. 

General  Winchester,  with  al)out  two  thousand  men,  left  Fort  Wayne  on  the  mom- 
iiij»  of  the  22d  of  September  (each  soldier  carrying  six  days'  provisions)  for  tho  Mau- 
inee  Uapids.  He  moved  cautiously  down  the  left  bank  of  that  river,  to  avoid  a  sur- 
uiise,  in  three  divisions,  his  baggage  hi  the  centre,  and  a  volunteer  company  of  spies, 
under  Captain  Ballard,  supported  by  (iarrard's  dragoons,  moving  abet  two  miles 
ill  advance.  Winchester  intended  to  halt  at  Fort  Defiance,  at  tho  confluence  of 
the  Mauinee  and  Au  Glaizo  Rivers,  fiily  miles  from  Fort  Wayne,  and  there  await 
rc-enforcemonta  from  Harrison  at  St.  Mary.  They  encountered  Indians  on  the  way. 
Some  of  the  spies  were  killed ;  among  them  Ensign  Leggott,  of  the  Sevonteenth 
United  States  Infantry,  who,  with  four  otiicrs  of  a  Woodford  (Kentucky)  company, 
had  been  permitted  to  push  forward  to  reconnoitre  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Defiance. 
They  were  all  killed  and  scalped.  When  their  fate  was  made  known  in  the  camp. 
Captain  liallard'  was  ordered  out  with  his  spies  and  forty  of  Garrard's  dragoons 
to  bury  the  bodies.  This  sad  oftice  they  undertook  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  and 
when  within  two  miles  of  the  place  of  the  massacre  they  discovered  an  Indian  am- 
buscade. A  conflict  ensued.  Garrard's  troops  charged  upon  the  wavages,  when  they 
fled  in  dismay,  closely  pursued  for  some  distance,  and  found  refuge  in  the  swamps, 
where  cavalry  could  not  penetrate. 

Tliose  Indians  were  tho  advance  of  a  heavy  force — heavy  by  comparison  only — 
under  Major  Muir,  consisting  of  two  hundred  British  regulars,  one  thousand  savages, 
under  Colonel  Elliott,  and  four  pieces  of  cannon.  They  were  making  their  way  up 
tiie  Mauinee  on  its  southern  side  to  attack  Fort  Wayne.  Their  artillery  and  bag- 
gage had  been  brought  to  Defiance  in  boats  from  Maiden,  and  with  them  they  were 
marching  by  land  to  Fort  Wayne.  Fortunately  for  the  little  army  under  Winches- 
tor,  a  Hhrewd  subaltern  of  Scott's  regiment  (Sergeant  M'Coy)  had  been  captured  and 
taken  before  Muir,  who  was  then  twelve  miles  above  Fort  Defiance.  He  was  ques- 
tioned closely,  and  in  his  answer  he  magnified  Winchester's  army  fourfold.  He  also 
told  Muir  that  another  army  equally  large  was  coming  down  the  Au  Glaizo  to  join 
Winchester.  The  exaggerated  facts  given  to  the  British  commander  by  his  own 
credulous  and  excited  scouts  made  him  believe  the  stories  of  M'Coy ;  and  when  he 
heard  of  the  defeat  of  his  advance  by  Ballard  and  Garrard,  he  ordered  a  retreat  to 
Fort  Defiance,  where  he  re-embarked  his  artillery  and  baggage. 

Relying  upon  his  boats  for  facility  in  retreating,  in  the  event  of  a  defeat,  Muir  re- 
solved to  give  battle  about  four  miles  above  Fort  Defiance,  at  the  ford  of  a  creek  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Maumee,  where  Wayne  crossed  in  1794 ;  but  when,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  28th,  he  attempted  to  form  his  line  of  battle  there,  he  found,  to  his  great 
nortification  and  alarm,  that  about  three  fourths  of  his  Indian  allies  had  deserted 
h  m.  They  had  heard  of  IVL'Coy's  stories,  and,  asscciating  them  with  Muir's  retro- 
gvade  movement,  and  the  re-embarkation  of  liis  arti  llery  and  baggage,  they  became 
greatly  alarmed,  and  abandoned  the  expedition.  Thus  weakened,  Muir  conceived 
himself  to  be  in  great  danger.     He  hastened  back  to  Defiance,  and  fled  twenty  miles 

I  Captain  Bland  Ballard  was  a  dlgtlnifnished  citizen  of  Kentncky.  He  was  bom  in  Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  October 
10, 1701,  and  at  this  time  was  just  past  fifty  years  of  age.  He  had  been  in  Kentncky  since  17T9.  He  was  with  General 
Clark  when  ho  invaded  the  Ohio  country  in  1781,  where  he  was  severely  wounded.  In  all  that  service,  as  a  spy  and 
olherwijc,  Ballard  was  exceedingly  active.  He  was  with  Wayne  in  his  campaigns.  He  Joined  Allen's  regiment  in 
M2,  and,  as  we  have  seen  in  the  text,  was  wounded  at  the  Raisin  and  taken  prisoner.  He  frequently  represented 
Shelby  County  in  the  Kentncky  Legislature.  Ballard  Connty,  Kentucky,  was  so  called  in  his  honor,  and  Blandvllle, 
the  connty  seat,  bears  the  Christian  name  of  Captain  Ballard.  He  was  living,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven  years,  in  184T. 
For  a  fuller  account  of  him,  see  Collins's  Historical  Sketches  of  Kentuchj,  page  171. 


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PICTORIAL 


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WlnchMter  arrival  at  Fort  Deflanca. 


Rfr«nft>reau.v>^  gatlMriDc. 


Thilr  lUwh  towatJ  Fort  DaiUnt*, 

down  the  Mauraeo  belbro  ho  haltc<1,  U'aviiij5  soino  luithful  inoiinted  IikUuhh  bfliii,,) 
to  watch  the  inovcmoiitH  of  the  AiiioricaiiH. 

Wiiiehi'Hter,  in  tlie  mean  time,  waH  inoviiifif  caittioiiHly  forward.  ITo  could  recoive 
no  certain  intolligoncc  concerning  the  force  and  ponition  of  the  enemy.  Two  Rcouts 
(Hickman  and  Uidtlle)  had  gone  completely  around  the  invaders  on  tlio  20tli  wilh 
•  Seutombcr,     t'"*  Hceing  them,'  and  otiiers  were  ecjually  unwucceHHful  on  the  27lh  aiicl 

"'*•  28th.'     When  the  army  approached  the  creek  where  Muir  expected  to 

make  a  stand,  Winchester  was  informed  of  its  advantageous  position  for  the  cneinv 
and  crossed  to  the  southeast  side  of  tlie  Maumee  to  avoid  him.  There  they  (Uncov- 
ered the  trail  of  the  invader,  with  Ids  artillery.  Ignorant  of  the  alarm  of  Muir,  tluy 
encamped  on  a  rise  of  ground  and  fontified  their  position.  Then  a  council  of  war 
was  held.  Some  officers  were  in  favor  of  sending  a  detachment  in  pursuit  of  tlie  rt- 
treating  foe,  but  the  general  and  a  majority  determined  otherwise.  Their  provisions 
were  almost  exhausted,  and  the  unknown  force  of  the  enemy  caused  pnidence  to  ask 
for  strength  in  re-enforcements.^  Several  mounted  parties  were  sent  out  to  recon- 
noitre, and  expresses  were  detached  to  General  Harrison  at  St.  Mary,  asking  for  re- 
lief by  sending  mer>  and  food.  It  was  aoon  ascertained  that  the  enemy  Jiad  left  Fort 
Defiance,  and  on  the  30th  Winchester  moved  down  tho  river  to  a  high  bank  of  the 
Maumee,  within  a  mile  of  the  fort,  and  again  fonned  a  fortified  camp.  On  the  Ist  of 
October  Colonel  Lewis  made  a  reconnoissanco  in  force,  and  ascertained  that  the  ene- 
my was  entirely  gone.^ 

While  Winchester  was  making  his  way  toward  Fort  Defiance,  the  troops  that  were 
gathering  in  the  rear  of  the  army  had  mostly  arrived  at  St.  Mary.  These  consisted  of 
three  regiments  from  Kentucky,  commanded  respectively  by  Colonels  Joshua  IJaibee, 
Robert  Poague,  and  William  Jennings  (the  latter  riflemen),  and  three  comj)anic8  of 
mounted  riflemen,  from  the  same  state,  under  Captains  Roper,  Bacon,  and  Clark. 
Also  a  corps  of  mounted  "'en  from  Ohio,  under  Colonel  Findlay,  who,  as  we  have 
seen,  had  been  active  wi'  'neral  Hull.  These  had  been  raised  pursuant  to  a  call 
of  Governor  Meigs  and  (  '  Harrison,  at  the  beginning  of  September,  and  rendez- 

voused as  early  as  the  15tn  at  Dayton.  They  were  intended  to  operate  against  some 
of  tho  hostile  Indian  towns. 

On  the  2l8t  of  September,  Hai-rison  ordered  Colonel  Jennings  to  proceed  with  his 
regiment  down  the  Au  Glaize  to  establish  an  intermediate  post  between  St.  Mary  and 
Fort  Defiance,  and  to  escort  provisions  to  the  latter  place  for  the  use  of  Winchester 
on  his  routs  to  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee.  Wlien  Jennings  had  marched  between 
thirty  and  lb'"ty  miles,  he  found  the  Indians  hovering  round  his  camp  at  night,  and 
his  scouts  brought  intelligence  that  they  were  in  considerable  force  toward  Fort  De- 
fiance ;  so  he  halted  and  constructed  a  stockade  on  the  bank  of  the  Ottawa  River,  a 
tributary  of  the  Au  Glaize,  not  far  from  the  present  Kalida  (the  Greek  for  beantifiil), 
the  capital  of  Putnam  County, 'Ohio.  It  was  named  Fort  Jennings,  in  honor  of  the 
commander  of  the  detachment.  At  the  same  time  Colonel  Findlay  was  ordered  to 
attack  some  Ottawa  towns*  farther  eastward,  on  Blanchard's  Fork,  below  Fort  Find- 
lay, in  the  same  county.' 

'  September         Winchester  was  informed  of  the  march  of  Jennings  with  provisions,  and 
on  the  29th,''  his  army  being  half  famished,  he   sent  Captain  Garrard 

'  They  crogsed  the  Hanmeo  to  the  south  side,  and  took  as  direct  a  route  as  they  could  to  the  Au  Glaize.  They 
croseed  that  atream,  and  descended  It  along  its  eastern  shore  to  Us  month  at  Defiance.  Two  miles  below  the  conflu- 
ence of  the  streams  they  crossed  the  Maumee,  and  returned  uji  the  north  side  to  the  army. 

»  At  about  this  time  Peter  Navarre  (whom  we  shall  meet  hereafter),  who  had  piloted  the  British  as  far  as  the  Rap- 
ids, deserted  them,  and  pushed  on  to  meet  Winches'  &nd  Inform  him  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy.— Hosmer's  Earln 
History  of  the  Maumte  Valley,  page  34. 

»  M'Afee,  pages  10?-138,  inclusive ;  Thomson's  Sketetui  of  the  Late  War,  ch.  iv. ;  Perkins's  History,  etc.,  of  the  Utt 
War ;  Brackenridge's  HUtorii  of  tl\/e  Late  War,  pages  NS-68,  Inclusive. 

4  The  emphasis  in  the  word  Ottawa  being  In  the  middle  syllable,  these  were  called  'Tawa  towns.  The  Lower  'Tawa 
town  was  on  Blanchard's  Fork,  on  the  site  of  the  present  village  of  Ottawa,  two  miles  below  the  Upper  'Tawa  town. 

•  See  page  2B7. 


Birrlioa'i  Aatan 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


889 


Hirrlion't  Antamn  C'ainp^l|n>  nmnged.        Patrlutlim  of  the  Women  of  Kentucky.        Troopi  rendjr  for  an  Advaaw. 

with  (IragoonH  to  aHsist  in  escortinpf  to  his  camp  n  brip;n(lo  of  pack-horBPH  with 
siiiii)li«'H.  (tiirrard  wiih  HucccHsful,  aiul  roturiu-d,  allor  a  tour  of  thirty-six  hours,  in  a 
ilrent'hiug  ruin.  WinchcHter  was  still  in  his  fortified  can)|»  near  Fort  Defiance,  and 
Oarrard  was  received  at  tliat  beautiful  spot  in  the  wilderness  with  the  lively  satis- 
faction of  the  famislied  when  fed. 

During  the  few  days  of  suspenso  concerning  tlio  extent  of  his  command  General 
Harrison  formed  projects  for  the  immediate  future,  whieli  incxorabh?  circuinstanoes 
conipi'lled  him  to  abandon,  to  8(mie  extent.  He  had  now,  as  commander-in-chief,  at- 
ranged  with  caro  the  plan  for  an  autumn  canij)aign,  which  contemplated  the  seizure 
ami  occupation  of  the  strategic  position  at  the  foot  of  the  Maumec  Rapids,  and  pos- 
sibly the  captnro  of  Detroit  and  Maiden.  His  base  of  military  operations,  having  the 
Rapids  as  the  first  object  to  b<^  possessed,  was  a  line  drawn  along  the  margin  of  tlic 
swaiiipy  region  from  St.  Mary  to  Upper  Sandusky,  the  former  to  bo  tin  principal  de- 
nnsit  ior  provisions,  and  tlie  latter  for  artillery  and  military  stores.  Ho  intended  to 
march  his  anny  in  three  divisions:  the  right  column  to  bo  composed  of  tlie  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania  troops,  to  rendezvous  at  Wooster,  the  capital  of  the  present  Wayne 
County,  Ohio,  and  proceed  from  thence,  by  Upper  Sandusky,  to  the  Rapids.  The 
centre  column,  to  consist  of  twelve  hundred  Ohio  militia,  to  march  from  Urbana, 
where  they  were  then  collected,  to  Fort  M'Arthur,  and  follow  Hull's  road  to  the 
Rapids.  The  left  column,  to  be  composed  of  the  regulars  under  Colonel  Wells  and 
tour  regiments  of  Kentucky  volunteers,  to  proceed  down  the  Au  (ilai/e  to  the  Mau- 
mec from  St.  Mary,  and  from  their  confluence  pass  on  toward  the  Rapids.  He  designed 
to  send  the  mounted  horsemen,  by  way  of  the  St.  Joseph  of  the  Lake,  to  make  the 
mip-de-main  on  Detroit,  already  alluded  to ;  but  this  project  was  abandoned,  for, 
should  they  take  that  post  without  the  support  of  infantry,  they  might  be  compelled 
to  ah' "Ion  it,  and  would  thereby  expose  the  inhabitants  to  the  fury  of  the  Indians, 
who  ist  be  exasperated  by  the  movement.  Harrison  therefore  determined  to  em- 
ploy ihera  in  making  destructive  forays  upon  Indian  towns,  and  sweep  the  savages 
from  the  line  of  march  from  the  Rapids  to  Detroit,  when  the  troops  should  all  be 
ready  to  move. 

Harrison  now  made  urgent  appeals  for  supplies  of  every  kind.  He  sent  an  express 
to  Pittsburg  to  hurry  forward  the  cannon  and  ordnance  stores  to  Wooster ;  and,  as 
the  troops  were  nearly  destitute  of  winter  clothing,  he  and  Governor  Shelby  appealed 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Kentuckj'  for  voluntary  contributions.  It  was  generously  re- 
sponded to.  A  thousand  needles  were  speedily  put  in  motion  in  fair  hands ;  and 
many  a  poor  soldier,  as  he  stood  sentry  on  the  banks  of  the  Maumee  or  the  Raisin  a 
few  weeks  later,  had  reason  to  feel  grateful  to  the  patriotic  women  of  Kentucky. 

On  the  1st  of  October  there  were  nearly  three  thousand  troops  at  St.  Mary.  Har- 
rison resolved  to  employ  the  portion  of  the  left  wing,  under  Winchester,  at  Defiance, 
as  a  corps  of  observation,  and  to  make  that  place  an  important  deposit  for  provisions, 
preparatory  to  the  advance  of  that  corps  upon  the  Rapids.  This  movement  was  to 
commence  as  soon  as  the  artillery  should  arrive  at  Upper  Sandusky,  and  the  other 
supplies  had  accumulated  along  the  base  of  operation.  A  corps  of  observation  was 
also  to  be  placed  at  Lower  Sandusky,  which,  with  Defiance,  would  form  the  extremi- 
ties of  a  second  base  when  the  Rapids  should  be  occupied.  These  arrangements  for 
operations  were  exceedingly  judicious  for  an  economical  use  of  supplies,  and  a  per- 
fect defense  of  the  frontier  while  the  troops  were  concentrating  at  the  Rapids. 

The  mounted  men,  consisting  of  the  companies  of  Roper,  Clark,  and  Bacon,  and  the 
volunteers  under  Major  Richard  M.  Johnson,  were  formed  into  a  regiment.  They 
elected  Johnson  their  colonel ;  and  these,  with  the  Ohio  mounted  men  under  Find- 
lay,  formed  a  small  brigade,  which  Harrison  placed  in  charge  of  General  Edward  W. 
Tupper,  of  Gallia  County,  Ohio,  a  gentleman  about  fifty  years  of  age,  who  had,  by  his 
own  exertions,  raised  about  a  thousand  men  for  the  service.     This  brigade  was  des- 


!' 

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880 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


A  great  Stir  in  Camp. 


Rapid  forward  Muvement. 


Harrigou  at  Fort  Defiance. 


tined  for  the  expedition  against  Detroit,  by  Avay  of  the  St.  Joseph,  which  the  general 
hoped  to  set  in  motion  soon.  A  few  hours  after  it  was  organized,  an  express  from 
Winchester  reached  Harrison  with  the  intelligence  of  his  encounter  with  the  invad- 
ing force  under  Muir.  At  almost  the  same  moment,  an  express  arrived  from  Gov- 
ernor Meigs,  with  a  letter  to  him  from  General  Kelso,  who  was  in  command  of  some 
Pennsylvania  troops  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  informing  him  that,  as  late  as  the 
16  th  of  September,  some  British  regulars,  Canadian  militia,  and  two  thousand  In- 
dians, had  left  Maiden  with  two  pieces  of  artillery  for  Fort  Wayne. 

These  dispatches  created  a  great  stir  in  camp.  Three  days'  cooked  provisions,  with 
ammunition  and  other  military  stores,  were  immediately  issued  to  the  troops,  and  a 
command  for  a  forced  march  was  given.  Three  hours  afterward  General  Ilarrison 
was  in  the  saddle,  and  his  whole  corps  were  following  him  toward  the  wilderness  in 
a  drenching  rain,  and  the  road  filled  with  deep  mud.  They  reached  the  camp  of  Col- 
onel Jennings  at  twilight,  and  officers  and  men,  from  the  general  down,  slept  in  the 
cold,  damp  air,  without  tents,  and  nothing  between  them  and  the  water-pools  on  the 
surface  of  the  flat  ground  but  brush  from  the  beech-trees.  There  Ilarrison  was  met 
by  anotlier  express  from  Winchester,  notifying  him  of  the  flight  of  the  enemy  down 
the  Maumee.  The  rapid  march  was  stayed.  Barbee's  regiment  was  ordered  back 
to  St.  Miiry,  and  Poague's  was  directed  to  cut  a  road  to  Fort  Defiance  from  Camp 

Jennings.  The  mounted  men,  more  than  a  thou- 
sand in  number,  pressed  forward  in  five  lines,  mak- 
ing an  imposing  appearance  in  the  stately  forest, 
Avhere  tlie  leaves  were  just  assuming  the  gorgeous 
autumnal  hues.  Tlie  troops  were  disappointed  and 
depressed  because  of  the  flight  of  the  enemy ;  and 
the  commanding  general  was  vexed  when  he  dis- 
covered that  Winchester's  alarm  was  quite  unnec- 
essary. He  reached  that  officer's  camp  at  sunset. 
His  soldiers  bivouacked  three  miles  in  tlic  rear. 
Eaidy  the  next  morning  they  marched  down  to  tlie 
confluence  of  the  Maumee  and  An  Gk  izc,  and  en- 
camped there  around  the  ruined  intrcnchmeuts  of 
old  Fort  Defiance. 

Harrison  found  the  troops  under  Winchester  in 
a  deplorable  condition,  and  one  regiment  in  a  state 
of  open  mutiny.  He  ordered  the  "  alarm"  instead 
of  the  "reveille"  to  be  beaten  on  the  followinij 
morning.  This  brought  all  the  troops  to  arms;. 
They  were  drawn  up  in  a  hollow  square,  when,  to 
the  surprise  and  delight  of  the  soldiers,  Harrison, 
their  beloved  general,  appeared  among  them.  It 
was  with  difficulty  that  they  restrained  their 
voices,  for  shouts  of  welcome  were  ready  to  hurst 
fi-om  their  lips.  He  addressed  them  as  a  kind  fa- 
ther would  talk  to  his  children.  He  shamed  the 
malcontents  by  saying  tliat  while  he  lamented  the  fact  of  their  mutiny,  and  was  mor- 


INDIAN  CAMP 


FOBT    DEHANOK.' 


1  This  fort  was  constructed  of  earth  and  logs,  with  a  ditch  extending  around  It,  except  on  tl^e  An  O'aize  eldc.  At 
cact  angle  was  a  block  house,  connected  by  a  line  of  pickets  at  their  nearest  angles.  Ontside  the  fort  there  was  a  uhdn. 
or  sloping  wall  of  en  th,  eight  feet  thick,  and  outside  of  this  the  ditch,  fifteen  feet  wide  and  eight  feet  deep.  The  i/taw 
next  to  the  ditch  was  supported  by  a  log  wall,  and  hyfamtwx,  or  fagots,  on  the  side  next  to  the  Au  Glaiio.  Plckol?, 
eleven  feet  long  and  ona  foot  apart  proJccteTl  from  the  wall  diagonally  over  the  ditch,  forming  a. /"raw  of  forniidaWe 
api  earance.  The  diagram,  showing  the  relative  position  of  the  ft  rt  t..  the  two  rivers  at  their  conliuence,  a'ul  to  n  new 
fon  aflerw.->.dl)ulltby  Winchester,  ma  he  explained  as  follows:  A,  officers'  quarters;  B,  store-houses ;  CCCC.f^e 
ditch ;  E  E,  gateways ;  F,  a  dry  ditch,  cljnt  feet  deep,  used  for  the  safe  procurement  of  water  from  the  river,  witli  pick- 
ets {a a)  guarding  It;  G,  draw-bridge. 


Harrison's  Addresi 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


331 


liarrisun's  Addresii  to  his  Troops. 


Erection  of  new  Forts  ordered. 


Troubles  among  Leaders. 


tified  on  their  account,  it  was  of  no  consequence  to  the  government,  as  he  had  now 
more  troops  than  he  needed,  and  was  in  expectation  daily  of  receiving  large  re-en- 
forcements from  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  As  they  had  come  to  the  woods  ex- 
pecting to  find  all  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  home,  they  must  be  disappointed,  and 
he  gave  them  liberty  to  return.  But  be  could  not  refrain  from  alluding  to  the  mor- 
tification which  he  anticipated  they  would  experience  from  the  reception  they  would 
meet  from  the  old  and  the  young,  who  had  greeted  them  on  their  march  to  the  scene 
of  war  as  their  gallant  neighbors.  Then  he  appealed  to  their  pride  ^s  soldiers  and 
their  patriotism  as  citizens.  He  told  them  that  his  government  had  made  him  com- 
mander-in-chief of  tlio  army  in  which  they  were  serving,  and  assured  them  that  am- 
ple supplies  of  provisions  and  other  stores  were  on  the  way.  When  he  had  con- 
cluded, and  the  veteran  Scott  addressed  them,  saying,  "  You,  my  boys,  will  prove 
your  attachment  for  the  service  of  your  country  and  your  general  by  giving  him 
three  cheers,"  the  wilderness  instantly  rang  with  shouts  of  applause,  and  before 
the  sun  went  down  perfect  harmony  and  good  feeling  prevailed  in  the  camp. 

General  Harrison  selected  a  site  for  a  new  fort  on  the  bank  of  the  Au  Glaize,  about 
eighty  yards  above  Old  Fort  Defiance,  and  ordered  the  immediate  assignment  of 
fatigue  parties  to  construct  it.  General  Winchester  at  the  same  time  moved  his  camp 
from  the  Maumee  to  the  Au  Glaize,  about  half  a  mile  above  the  site  of  the  new  fort. 
This  movement  was  made  on  the  4th  of  October.  That  evening  Harrison,  accom- 
panied by  Colonel  Johnson  and  his  original  battalion  (composed  of  Johnson's,  Ward's, 
and  Ellison's  companies),  turned  their  faces  toward  St.  Mary,  Avhere,  three  days  after- 
ward, their  i;erm  of  enlistment  having  expired,  they  were  discharged.  Poague's  regi- 
ment was  directed  to  return  to  the  old  Ottawa  towns,  twelve  miles  from  St.  Marj% 
after  the  road  to  Defiance  should  be  completed,  and  erect  a  stockade  there.  They 
did  so,  and  Poague  named  it  Fort  Amanda,  in  honor, of  a  loved  one  in  Kentucky. 
General  Winchester  was  left  in  command  of  the  left  wing  of  the  army,  with  instruc- 
tions to  facilitate  the  transportation  of  supplies  to  Fort  Defiance,  and  to  occupy  a 
position  at  the  Maumee  Rapids  as  speedily  as  possible.  When  he  left  Winchester, 
Ilarrison  expected  to  have  all  necessary  supplies  for  advancing  against  Detroit  within 
a  fortnight. 

Before  leaving  Fort  Defiance  Harrison  ordered  General  Tupper  to  lead  the  mounted 
men,  then  over  nine  hundred  in  number,  down  the  Maumee  to  the  Rapids,  and  beyond 
if  desirable,  to  (Jisperse  any  detachments  of  the  enemy,  civilized  or  savage,  that  might 
be  found,  and  to  return  to  St.  Mary  by  the  "  'Tawa"  or  Ottawa  towns  on  Blanchard's 
Fork  of  the  Au  Glaize.  But  this  order  was  not  executed  on  account  of  several  dis- 
turbins,  causes,  namely,  extensive  damage  to  powder  and  scarcity  of  food,  which 
made  it  difficult  to  provide  adequate  supplies  for  an  expedition  that  might  occupy  a 
week  or  ten  days;  the  sudden  appearance  of  hostile  Indians,  who  menaced  Winchester's 
camp;  dissatisfaction  of  some  of  the  Kentr.cky  troops  with  Tupper  and  his  command; 
misunderstanding  between  Winchester  and  Tupper,  and  the  unfriendly  conduct  of  the 
former  toward  the  latter;  the  weakening  of  Tupper's  forces  by  the  withdrawal  of  Ken- 
tucky troops  and  Simrall's  dragoojis ;  iid  finally  the  dismissal  of  Tupper  from  the 
command  of  the  expeditici  by  WinchesK  r.  v!.o  gave  it  to  Colonel  Allen,  of  the  reg- 
ulars, and  which  caused  the  Ohio  troops  to  cross  the  Au  Glaize,  and  positively  refuse 
to  march  under  any  other  than  their  own  chosen  leader.'  The  chief  difliculty  seen  .i 
to  have  arisen  from  conflict  between  regular  officers  and  volunteers ;  and  thus  termin- 
ated the  expedition,  said  Tupper,  "  at  one  time  capable  of  tearing  the  British  flag  from 
the  walls  of  Detroit."''* 

'  H' Afeo,  pages  14^  Ufl ;  Tupper's  Letter  to  General  narrlson  from  Urbana,  October  12, 1812 ;  Brackcnridge,  page  59 ; 
Perkins,  pope  97. 

'  Uttor  to  Gonerf  1  Harrison  f.-om  Urbana,  dated  October  12th,  1S12.  M'Afeo,  who  gives  a  more  detailed  acconnt 
of  this  affair  than  any  other  writer,  says,  "  Some  of  the  Eevtackiaus  were  not  inclined  to  march  under  Tupper  unless 


1 

i«lli 


I    1j 

I  "1 


iilliii 

til 


882 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Conduct  of  Colonel  Tapper. 


Expeditions  against  tlie  Indians. 


Harrison  in  Central  Ohio, 


Instead  of  returning  to  St.  Mary,  Tupper  took  the  most  direct  route  to  Urbaiia  by 
way  of  Hull's  road,  from  near  the  present  town  of  Kenton,  where  he  immediately  piv- 
pared  for  another  and  independent  expedition  to  the  Kapids.  Winchester  pi-efened 
charges  against  him  for  alleged  misconduct  at  Defiance,  and  Harrison  ordered  his  ar- 
rest, but  the  accused  being  far  on  his  way  toward  the  Rapids,  as  we  shall  observe 
presently,  when  the  order  was  given,  the  prosecution  was  stayed.  At  Tupper's  re- 
quest a  court  of  inquiry  afterward  investigated  the  matter,  and  he  was  honorabiv 
acquitted. 

While  on  his  way  from  Defiance  to  St.  Mary,  General  Harrison  was  infonncd,  by  ex- 
press from  P"'ort  Wayne,  that  the  Indians  were  again  menacing  that  post.  At  St.  ilaiy 
he  found  Colonel  vVllen  Trimble  at  the  lioad  of  five  hundred  mounted  men  of  Ohio,  wliii 
came  to  join  Tupper  in  the  expedition  against  Detroit.  These  were  immediately  dis- 
patched to  the  relief  of  Fort  Wayne,  with  instructions  to  proceed  to  the  St.  Joseph  of 
the  Lake,  about  sixty  miles  distant,  and  destroy  the  town  of  the  hostile  Pottawatomie 
chief  White  Pigeon.  The  troops  were  disappointed,  and  at  Fort  Wayne  about  one 
half  of  Trimble's  command  refused  to  go  farther.  The  gallant  colonel  pushed  on  with 
the  remainder,  destroyed  two  Pottawatomie  villages,  and  Avould  have  killed  or  oa]i- 
tured  the  inhabitants  had  not  a  treacherous  guide  given  them  timely  warning  of 
danger. 

At  St.  Mary  Harrison  found  some  penHent  Miami  chiefs  who  had  joined  the  enemv. 
They  had  come  at  the  summons  of  messengers,  and  were  prepared  to  deny  their  guilti- 
ness, or  to  palliate  it,  as  circumstances  might  dictate.  They  found  Harrison  well  in- 
formed concei-ning  their  bad  conduct,  and  they  cast  themselves  upon  the  meiTy  of 
the  government.  As  proof  of  their  sincerity,  they  sent  five  chiefs  to  Piqua  as  iiost- 
ages  until  the  decision  of  the  President  should  be  made  known.  Thither  General 
Harrison  repaired,  where  he  found  some  of  T.  pper's  troops.  He  passed  over  to  Urba- 
na,  and  then  southeastward  to  Franklinton,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Scioto,  opposite 
the  present  city  of  Columbus,  the  capital  of  Ohio,  whose  site  was  then  covered  by 
the  primeval  forest.  There,  in  the  heart  of  Ohio,  and  at  a  convenient  point  for  the 
concenti-ation  of  troops  and  supplies  from  a  distance,  Harrison  established  his  head- 
quarters, and  occupied  much  of  the  remainder  of  the  autumn  and  early  winter  in 
laborious  preparations  for  an  advance  on  Detroit  and  Canada — collecting  troo]is  and 
creating  depots  for  supplies,  building  stockades  and  block-houses,  cutting  roads,  and 
dispersing  or  overawing  the  hostile  Indians,  who  might  be  excessively  mischievous 
on  the  flank  and  rear.  Poague  speedily  completed  Fort  Amanda  on  the  Au  Glaize. 
Colonel  Barbee  ei-ected  another  at  St.  Mary,  which  was  called  Fort  Barbee,  and  he- 
fore  the  1st  of  November  the  new  stockade  at  Defiance,  built  chiefly  of  logs,  was 
completed  and  named  Fort  Winchester. 

I  visited  the  ruins  of  Fort  Defiance  on  a  wanii  «unny  day  late  in  September,  1860. 
I  came  up  the  Maumee  Valley  by  railway  from  Toledo  on  the  previous  evening,  and 
arrived  at  Defiance  Station  at  midnight.  The  tillage  of  Defiance,^  lying  mostly  on 
the  Maumee,  upon  the  beautiful  plain  at  the  confluence  of  that  river  and  Au  Glaize, 
was  shrouded  in  a  chilling  fog.    Warned  of  the  danger  of  the  night  air  in  that  valley 


accompanied  by  some  field  officer  from  Winchester's  command.  Colonel  Allen  therefore  tendered  his  services  to  ac- 
company General  Tnpper  in  any  capacity  he  might  choopc  to  receive  him.  The  offer  was  accepted.  But  Oeiiprnl  Win- 
chester, havhiix  niisundcrstoo''  ihc  nature  of  the  arranRcment  between  them,  issued  an  order  directing  Culoncl  .\lloiiio 
taltc  the  command  and  march  toward  the  Rapids.  This  caused  a  serious  misunderstanding  between  the  two  general^. 
Colonel  Allen,  however,  having  infirnied  General  Winchester  correctly  on  the  subject,  the  order  was  immodinld.v  rf- 
Bcindcd,  The  greater  part  of  the  men  having  by  this  time  refiised  to  proceed  directly  to  the  Rapids,  Ocncriil  Tiipixr 
marched  them  over  the  Au  Olalzc,  and  proceeded  to  the  Ottawa  towns,  wliere  he  professed  to  expect  re-en  fore  enicnt* 
ftom  Ohio,"  This  account  agrees  siihstantlnlly  with  that  of  Tupper  in  his  letter  to  Harrison,  in  which  he  says,  "  It  is  a 
duty  I  owe  to  Colonel  Allen  to  gay  that  I  have  not  the  smallest  reason  to  believe  be  was  privy  to  the  orders  uf  Qeneral 
Winchester." 

'  Defiance  Is  the  connty  seat  of  Defiance  County,  about  fifty  miles  northeastward  from  Fort  Wa.vne.  It  was  laid  oul 
In  1822,  and  from  its  eligible  situation  and  fertility  of  the  country  around— the  rich  Black  Swamp  region— seems  denlincd 
to  become  a  jdace  of  much  importance. 


Bemains  of  Forti 


OF    THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


838 


Kemaius  of  Forts  Uetlaucu  aud  Wluchester. 


Their  Locatiun  and  Appearance. 


Au  antienl  Apple-tree. 


at  that  Beason  of  the  year,  I  fclt  as  if  fever  and  ague  were  inhaled  at  every  inspira- 
tion Avhile  walking  a  long  distance  to  a  hotel.  There  all  was  darkness.  A  slumber- 
in<'  attendant  was  finally  aroused,  and  I  was  directed  by  the  feeble  light  of  a  small 
candle  to  a  most  cheerless  bedroom  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  After  an  early 
breakfast  I  went  out  to  find  the  historical  localities  of  tlie  place,  and  was  fortunate 
enough  to  be  introduced  to  Mr.  E.  H.  Leland  and  Doctor  John  Paul,  who  kindly  ac- 
companied me  to  them.  We  first  visited  the  interesting  remains  of  Fort  Wayne  on 
tlic  point  of  land  where  the  two  ruins  meet.  We  found  the  form  of  the  glacis  and 
ditch  very  distinctly  marked,  the  remains  of  the  former  rising  six  or  eight  feet  above 
the  botto'u  of  the  latter.  The  shape  of  the  fort  was  perfectly  delineated  by  those 
momuls  and  the  ditch.  Some  large  honey-locust-trees  were  growing  among  the 
ruins.  These  have  appeared  since  the  fort  was  abandoned  in  1795.  One  of  them, 
with  a  trip'e  stem,  standing  in  the  southeastern  angle  of  the  fort,  measured  fifteen 
iect  in  circumference.  These  ruins  are  likely  to  be  preserved.  The  banks  were 
covered  with  a  fine  sward,  and  they  were  within  an  inclosurc  containhig  about  two 
acres  of  land,  which  the  heirs  of  the  late  Curtis  Holgate  presented  to  the  town. 

We  visited  the  site  of  Fort  Winchester,  a  little  above  Defiance,  on  the  bank  of  the 
An  Glaize,  and  found  the  remains  of  many  of  the  pickets  Drotruduig  from  the  ground. 
Across  a  ravine,  just  above  the  fort,  was  the  garrison  burying-ground.  We  returned 
to  the  village,  crossed  the  long  bridge  which  spans  the  JMaumee,  and  from  the  heights 
(if  Fail's  Grove,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river,  obtained  a  comprehensive  view  of  the 
two  streams  at  their  confluence,  the  site  of  the  fort,  and  the  village  of  Defiance.  The 
-  sketch  there  made  is  here 

"  given.     The  meeting  of  the 

waters  is  seen  toward  the 
le/l,  those  of  the  Maumee 
flowing  in  from  the  right 
to  meet  those  of  the  Au 
Glaize,  over  which,  in  the 
distance,  a  bridge  is  seen. 
The  group  of  trees  (the  hon- 
ey-locusts spoken  of)  seen 
near  the  centre  of  the  pic- 
ture mark  the  site  of  Fort 
)efiance.  In  the  foreground 
s  seen  a  garden  ext'  uding 
from  the  hiL'hway  at  the 
foot  of  the  liei-hts  of  Fail's 
(irove  to  t!;i'  bank  of 
the  Maumee,  with  waving 
broom  corn  then  ripe  and 


BUB  OF  rOBI  DEFlA>'aK. 


ready  for  the  knife. 

On  our  return  to  the  village  we  visited  ■  the  way,  near  the  margin  of  the  ]\raumee, 
:m  aged  and  gigantic  apple-tree,  coeval,  no  doubt,  with  the  one  near  Fort  Wayne.' 
We  found  it  carefully  guarded,  as  a  sort  of  "  lion''  'f  the  place,  by  a  high  board  fence, 
the  ground  around  it,  within  the  inclosurc,  tlr  '  oovered  with  burr-bearing  weeds. 
It  was  upon  the  Southworth  estate,  and  .  to  it  might  be  had  only  through  a 

Ismail  house  near.  That  tree  was  a  living  nioniauent  of  the  French  occupation  of  the 
<pot,  as  a  trading  station,  long  before  any  other  Europeans  had  jjenetrated  that  re- 
mote wilderness.  It  measured  about  fitYeen  feet  in  circumference  eighteen  inches 
t'roiu  the  ground.     The  figure  standuig  by  it  aflbrds  a  fair  criterion  for  judging  of 

'  See  page  334. 


*i^ 


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BBS 


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884 


PICTOttlAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Events  neare"  the  Mlesissippi. 


The  Indians  generally  hootile. 


Shelby's  Appeal  to  the  Kentacklaiu. 


Ari>LE-TBEE  AT  DEriANOE. 


its  size,  by  comparison  with  the  body  of  a  stout  man. 
We  returned  to  Defiance  in  time  for  dinner,  and  left 
with  the  early  train  for  Fort  Wayne.^ 

Let  us  resume  the  naiTative  of  events  in  the  North- 
west in  the  autumn  of  1812. 

We  left  General  Harrison  nt  Franklinton,  General 
Tupper  at  Urbana,  and  General  Winchester  at  Fort  De- 
fiance,  all  engaged  in  preparations  to  move  forward 
to  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee,  and  thence  to  Detroit. 
While  the  movement  of  the  troops  in  Western  Ohio  and 
Eastern  Indiana,  just  related,  were  in  progress,  stirring 
events  of  a  like  nature  occurred  in  the  region  nearer 
the  Mississippi  River. 
We  have  already  noticed  the  departure  of  troops  from  Kentucky  for  Vincennes, 
and  the  messengers  sent  to  that  post  by  Captain  Taylor,  asking  immediate  aid  for 
Fort  Harrison  on  the  Wabash.^  This  call  was  immediately  responded  to.  Colonel 
William  Russell,  of  the  Seventh  United  States  Regiment  of  Infantry,  just  arrived  at 
Vincennes,  departed  at  once  for  Fort  Harrison  with  about  twelve  hundred  n  '»  con- 
sisting of  three  companies  of  Rangers,  two  regiments  of  Indiana  militia,  under  c'olo- 
nels  Jordan  and  Evans,  and  Colonel  Wilcox's  regiment  of  Kentucky  Volunteers. 
Lieutenant  Richardson,  of  the  regulars,  was  'lirected  to  follow  with  eleven  men  as 
an  escort  for  provisions.  By  a  forced  marcli  Russell  and  his  party  reached  Fort  Har- 
rison on  the  16th,  much  to  the  joy  of  Captain  Taylor,  without  encountering  the  foe. 
Not  so  the  provision  escort.  That  was  attacked  by  the  savages  on  the  16th,  wjio 
killed  more  than  one  half  of  the  detachment  and  captured  all  of  the  provisions.  An- 
other provision  train  that  followed  immediately  afterward  was  more  fortunate.  Tlu 
savages  were  not  seen.  The  great  body  of  the  Indians  seemed  to  have  fled  from  the 
vichiity,  and  Russell  and  his  troops,  except  Wilcox's  regiment,  returned  to  Vincennes. 
At  about  this  time  the  Indians  of  Illinois  ar.d  Northern  Indiana,  persuaded,  like 
the  rest  of  the  savages  under  the  influence  of  Teonmtha,  after  the  fall  of  Mackinaw. 
Detroit,  and  Chicago,  that  the  time  was  at  hand  when  the  white  people  might  be 
driven  beyond  the  Ohio  River,  every  where  showed  signs  of  hostilities.  Tliest' 
were  so  menacing  that  Nini.on  Edwards,  the  GoveiTior  of  the  Illinois  Territory,  called 
on  the  executive  of  Kentucky  for  aid.  That  aid  was  on  its  way  in  the  person  of 
Colonel  Barbour  and  his  ct  ramand,  when  it  was  diverted  to  Vincennes,  on  acconnt 
of  the  dangers  impending  over  Fort  Harrison.  Edwards  had  sent  out  spies,  and  was 
persuaded  that  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in  making  preparations  for  ofl!ensive  and  de- 
fensive operations  againft  the  savages,  He  combined  the  scattered  militia  of  his 
Territory,  and  caused  se  ^-eral  companies  of  Rangei-s  to  be  encamped  on  the  Missis- 
sippi, above  St.  Louis,  and  in  the  Illinois  River.  Tliese  served  to  keep  the  Indians  in 
•Septembers,  check  for  a  tiiae.  Meanwhile  Governor  Shelby  had  made  the  stirring 
''^^'^'  appeal*  to  the  Ki^ntuckians  already  alluded  to.^     He  told  them  of  tlic 

"extensivd  combination  of  the  K-'vages,  aided  by  the  British  from  Canada,"  who  were 
momentarily  expected  on  the  frontier  settlements  of  Illinois  and  Indiana.  Twenty- 
one  persons,  he  said,  had  already  becr^  murdered  not  more  than  twenty  miles  north 
of  the  Ohio  !  "  It  is  hoped,"  he  remarked,  "  that  it  will  rouse  the  spirit  and  indigna- 
tion of  the  freemen  of  Kentucky,  and  induce  a  sufficient  number  of  them  to  give  their 
services  to  their  country  for  a  short  period."  He  asked  them  to  rendezvous  at  Louis- 
ville on  the  1 8th  of  the  month,  with  thirty  days'  provisions.  "  Kentuckians,"  lit 
said,  "  ever  pre-eniuient  for  their  patriotism,  bravery,  and  good  conduct,  will,  I  am 
persuaded,  on  this  occasion,  give  to  the  world  a  new  evidence  of  their  love  of  conn- 


1  See  page  43. 


'  See  page  KIT. 


J  page  323. 


H'ealth  and  Fatr 


OF  THE  WAU  OF  1812. 


335 


Wenltb  and  Patriutism  of  Kentacky  illuRtrated.       Hopkins's  £xpedition  against  Illinois  Indians.       Insubordination. 

try,  and  a  determination,  at  every  liazard,  to  rescue  their  fellow-men  from  the  mur- 
ders and  devastations  of  a  cruel  and  barbarous  enemy."' 

This  address,  as  we  have  seen,  was  responded  to  with  wonderful  alacrity.  Hund- 
reds more  than  were  needed  were  at  Louisville  on  the  appointed  day,  and  were  turned 
back  with  feelings  of  the  keenest  disappointment.  One  old  veteran,  who  had  suf- 
fered from  savage  cruelty,  and  had  fought  the  dusky  foe  in  the  early  days  of  Ken- 
tucky settlement,  although  greatly  chagrined  when  he  found  his  company  rejected, 
said,  "  Well,  well,  Kentucky  has  often  glutted  the  market  with  hemp,  flour,  and  to- 
bacco, and  now  she  has  done  so  with  volunteers."  This  was  a  truthful  exposition, 
in  few  words,  of  the  wealth  and  patriotism  of  Kentucky. 

General  Samuel  Hopkins,  under  whom  the  Kentucky  Volunteer^  were  placed,  made 
his  head-quarters  at  Vincennes.  Tlie  troops  continued  to  arrive  and  were  mustered 
into  the  service  from  the  21st  of  September  until  the  2d  of  October,  when  Hopkins, 
then  convalescing  after  a  severe  attack  of  fever,  found  himself  at  the  head  of  almost 
four  thousand  men,  about  two  thousand  of  them  expert  riflemen,  on  horseback.  His 
little  army  was  speedily  organized,^  and  on  the  10th  of  September  he  started  with 
the  mounted  riflemen  for  the  Indian  country  by  the  way  of  Fort  Harrison.  The  chief 
design  of  the  expedition  was  to  march  an  annihilating  force  upon  the  principal  Kick- 
;  poo  and  Peoria  Indian  villages  on  the  waters  of  the  Illinois  River,  the  former  sup- 
|)Osed  to  be  about  eighty  miles  distant,  and  the  latter  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles. 

Hopkins  ai^d  his  two  thousand  horsemen  crossed  the  Wabash  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  14th,*  and  iijade  their  first  encampment  that  night  three  miles  from  Fort  •October, 
Harrison.  Before  them  lay  magnificent  level  prairies,  covered  with  tall  ^^^^' 
ijrass,  both  dry  ard  green.  The  guides  passed  a  satisfactory  examination  as  to  their 
knowledge  of  the  route,  and  the  plans  of  the  general  were  unanimously  approved  by 
a  council  of  oflicei's.  On  resuming  the  second  day's  march,  every  thing  promised 
well  excepting  the  lack  of  discipline  and  evident  restlessness  under  restraint  manifest- 
ed by  the  troops.  Indeed,  so  far  as  military  discipline  was  concerned,  they  constituted 
little  more  than  a  vast  mob,  and  it  was  soon  found  that  every  man  was  disposed  to 
he  a  law  unto  himself  Every  hour  of  the  march  revealed  to  the  commanding  gen- 
eral evidences  of  the  fact  that  his  army  was  as  combustible  as  the  dry  grass  around 
them,  The  symptoms  of  discontent,  seen  even  at  Vincennes,  now  assumed  the  posi- 
tive forms  of  complaint  and  murmuring.  The  guides  were  suspected  of  ignorance  or 
disloyalty;  and  food  and  forage,  it  was  alleged,  Avere  becoming  alarmingly  scarce. 
Finally,  while  halting  on  the  fourth  day's  march,  a  major,  whose  name  is  withheld, 
rode  up  to  the  commanding  general,  and  in  an  insolent  manner  peremptorily  ordered 
liim  to  march  the  troops  back  to  Fort  Harrison.  Not  long  afterward  a  violent  wind 
arose  that  blew  directly  toward  them,  and  very  soon  it  Avas  discovered  that  the 
prairie  was  on  fire  at  the  windward.  They  saved  themselves  by  burning  the  grass 
around  their  camp.  It  was  believed  that  this  was  the  work  of  tlie  Indians,  and  it 
gave  the  finishing  blow  to  the  expedition.  The  troops  would  not  march  farther. 
Hopkins  called  a  council  of  oflicers,''  when  it  was  decided  by  them  to  re- 
turn, as  tiieir  men  were  utterly  unmanageable.  The  mortified  commander 
then  called  for  five  hundred  volunteers  to  follow  hira  to  the  Illinois.  Not  one  re- 
sponded to  his  summons.     His  authority  had  vanished.     They  even  refused  to  sub- 


"  October  20. 


1  Address  of  Governor  Shelby,  issned  at  Prarkfort  September  S,  1812. 

'  Four  regiments  were  at  first  formed,  to  be  commanded  respectively  by  Colonels  Samnel  Catdw«11,  John  Thomas, 
James  Allen,  and  Yountf  Kwlng.  ^hese  const  tnted  two  brigades,  the  first  to  be  commanded  by  General  James  Ray, 
M  early  advcuturer  In  Kentucky  and  experienced  India:  fighter,"  and  the  other  by  General  Jonathan  Ramsey.  After 
Ibis  arrangement  was  made,  another,  under  r<ilonel  Sumnel  South,  was  organized.  George  Wnlker  was  appointed 
judge  advocate  of  the  little  army.  Pierce  IJutlar  adjutant  general.  Majors  William  Trigg  and  William  A.  Lee  aids  to 
(i«iieral  Hopkins,  William  Blair  and  Josepli  Wetstger  volnnteer  aids,  and  John  C.  Breckinridge  the  general's  secretary. 


'  For  an  account  of  the  early  adventures  of  General  Rny,  see  Colllns's  Kentuehj,  its  Uialorn,  AiUiquitiet,  and  Diogra- 
P%,  page  «8. 


mssBm 


|! 


ill 


\  I 


336 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Rtusell's  co-operating  £xpeditiun  in  liilnoig.  Hopkins's  Expedition  to  tlie  Wiiboeli  Ueglon.  Big  new  Trnopi 

rait  to  his  leadership  on  their  return,  and  hcfollotced  his  army  back  to  Fort  Harrison 
where  they  arrived  on  the  25th.>  Thus  ended  an  apparently  formidable  and  promis- 
ing expedition.  Yet  it  was  not  unfniitful  of  good.  It  alarmed  the  Indians  <fave 
them  a  sense  of  the  real  power  of  the  white  people,  and  made  them  more  cautious 
and  circumspect.  That  imposing  force  had  marched  eighty  or  ninety  miles  in  tlic  In- 
dian country  without  show  of  opposition  any  where. 

While  Hopkins's  expedition  was  in  motion,  another,  under  Colonel  Russell,  coin- 
■  October  11,     posed  of  two  Small  companies  of  United  States  Rangers,  marched  from 
1812.  Vincennes"  to  unite  with  a  small  body  of  mounted  militia  under  Gover- 

nor Edwards  (who  assumed  the  chief  command),  for  the  purpose  of  penetrating  the 
region  toward  which  General  Hopkins  was  marching,  and  to  co-operate  with  him. 
Tlieir  combined  force  numbered  nearly  four  hundred  men,  raiik  and  file.  Tlioy  pen- 
etrated deeply  into  the  Indian  country,  but,  hearing  nothing  of  Hojjkins,  and  heinc 
too  few  to  attempt  mucli,  they  contented  themselves  with  some  minor  cxj)ioits. 
They  fell  suddenly  and  furiously  upon  the  principal  Kickapoo  town,  twenty  miles 
above  Peoria,  at  the  head  of  Peoria  Lake,  and  drove  the  Indian  inhabitants  into  a 
swamp,  through  which  for  tiirec  miles  they  Avere  vigorously  pursued,  tlie  invaders 
finding  themselves  frequently  waist-deep  in  mud  and  water.  The  fugitives  fled  in 
dismay  across  the  Illinois  River.  Many  of  the  pursuers  passed  over,  and  brought 
back  canoes  with  dead  Indians  in  them.  Twenty  lifeless  warriors  lay  prone  in  tiie 
path  of  the  returning  victors.  Doubtless  many  more  perished  in  the  morass  and  the 
stream.  The  town,  Avith  a  large  quantity  of  corn  and  other  property,  was  destroyed. 
The  spoils  brought  away  were  eighty  horses,  and  the  dried  scalps  of  several  white 
persons  who  had  been  murdered  by  tlie  savages.^  The  expedition  returned,  after  an 
absence  of  thirteen  days,  with  no  other  serious  casualty  than  four  men  wounded,  not 
One  of  them  mortally. 

General  Hopkins  discharged  the  mutinous  mounted  men,  and  organized  another 
expedition  against  the  Indians.  This  force,  twelve  hundi-ed  and  fifty  strong,  Avas 
composed  chiefly  of  foot  soldiers,  and  the  object  of  the  expedition  Avas  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Prophet's  toAvn,  and  other  Indian  villages  on  the  Upper  Wabash.  His 
troops  consisted  of  three  regiments  of  Kentucky  militia,  commanded  respectively  hy 
Colonels  Barbour,  Miller,  and  Wilcox ;  a  small  company  of  regulars,  under  Captain 
Zachary  Taylor ;  a  company  of  Rangers,  commanded  by  Captain  Beckers ;  and  a  com- 
pany of  scouts  or  spies,  led  by  Captain  Washburnc.  The  greater  portion  of  tliein 
rendezvoused  at  Vincenncs,  and  moved  up  the  Wabash  Valley  to  Fort  Harrison, 
Avhere  they  arrived  on  the  5th  of  November.  Six  days  afterward  they  marched  fioni 
the  fort  up  the  road  made  by  Harrison  a  year  before,  and,  at  the  same  time,  seven 
boats,  filled  with  provisions,  forage,  and  military  stores,  Avtll  guarded  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Barbour  Avith  a  battalion  of  his  regiment,  moved  up  the  river.  The  Indians 
Avere  supposed  to  be  on  the  alert,  and  the  march  was  cautiously  pursued.  Tlu' 
streams  Avere  full  of  Avater,  and  the  passage  of  swamps  and  Ioav  lands  vvas  extremoly 
diflicult  and  fiitiguing.  They  did  not  cross  the  Wabash  as  Harrison  did,  but,  for  suf- 
ficient reasons,  marched  up  the  east  side  of  that  stream. 

So  difficult  Avas  the  march  that  the  expedition  did  not  reach  the  Prophet's  town 
until  the  19th,  when  IIo])kin8  dispatched  Adjutant  General  Butler,  Avith  three  hund- 
red men,  to  surprise  a  Winnebago  village  of  about  forty  houses  on  the  present  Wild 
Cat  Creek,  a  mile  from  the  Wabash,  and  about  four  miles  below  the  Prophet's  town. 
The  village  A^as  deserted.  Flames  soon  laid  it  in  ashes.  Tii^  Prophet's  town,  ahout 
equal  in  size,  and  a  large  Kickapoo  village  just  beloAV  it,  containing  about  one  huml- 


'  Hopltlns'B  Report  to  Governor  Slielby,  dated  Port  Harrison,  October  20,  1812 ;  Dillon's  History  of  Indiana,  ptgc 
49T  ;  M'Afee,  page  158 

>  I 'olouel  William  liassuU'a  Letter  to  Qenaral  Qibsou,  the  acting  governor  of  Indiana,  dated  "Camp  Russell,  October 
81,1812." 


Tbe  Indians  atti 


OF  THE  WAR    OF  1812. 


337 


Xhe  Indiuua  attack  a  Bnrlal  Party.  Sufferings  of  the  Kentucky  Soldiera.  Close  of  Hopkins's  military  Career. 

red  and  sixty  huts,  with  all  their  winter  provision  of  corn  and  beans,  were  utterly 
destroyed. 

It  was  not  until  the  21  st  that  any  Indians  were  discovered.  On  that  day  they 
Bred  upon  a  small  party  of  soldiers,  and  killed  one  man.  On  the  following  morning 
sixty  horsemen,  under  Colonels  Miller  and  Wilcox,  went  out  to  bury  the  dead,  when 
they  were  suddenly  attacked  by  Indians  in  ambush,  and  lost  eighteen  men,  killed, 
ffouiuled,  and  missing,  in  the  skirmish  that  ensued.'  The  rendezvous  of  the  savages, 
in  a  strong  position  on  the  Wild  Cat,  was  soon  discovered,  and  preparations  were 
made  for  dislodging  tnem,  when  they  decamped  and  disappeared.  The  season  was 
far  advanced,  the  cold  was  increasing,  and  ice  was  beginning  to  form  in  the  river. 
These  circumstances,  and  the  fact  that  many  of  the  troops,  especially  the  Kentuck- 
ians  were  "  shoeless  and  shirtless" — clad  in  the  remnants  of  their  summer  clothes, 
caused  an  order  to  be  issued  on  the  25th  for  a  return  to  Fort  Harrison  and  Vincennes.^ 
"We  all  suffered  very  much,"  said  Pierre  La  P.'antc,  of  Vincennes,  who  was  one  of 
the  troops, "  but  I  pitied  the  poor  Kentuckians.  They  were  almost  naked  and  bare- 
foot—only their  linen  hunting-shirts — the  ground  covered  with  snow,  and  the  Wabash 
freezing  up."^ 

With  this  more  successful  expedition  ended  General  Hopkins's  military  career.  In 
general  orders,  issued  at  Vincennes  on  the  1 8th  of  December  following,  he  said :  "The 
commander-in-chief  now  closes  his  command,  and,  in  all  probability,  liis  military  serv- 
ices forever."  Most  of  the  volunteei-s  were  now  discharged,  and  Illinois  and  Indiana 
experienced  a  season  of  comparative  repose. 

1  This  detachment  was  composed  of  Captain  Beckcrs's  company  of  Rangers,  a  small  number  of  mounted  mllltlo,  and 
sfTornl  nrmy  officers. 
!  Genernl  Hopkins's  Lptter  to  Oovcrnor  Shelby,  November  27, 1S12. 
!  Dillon's  Uiatory  vf  Indiana,  Note,  page  602. 


1 

■'\i 


;l 


I 


lii 


m  y 


338 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Impatience  oftlie  People. 


Harriaon'8  Difflcultles. 


He  Ik  UopcfUl  and  Chcertni. 


CHAPTER  XVn. 

"How  dread  was  the  conflict,  how  bloody  the  fray, 
Told  the  banks  of  the  liuiKlu  at  the  dawn  of  the  day ; 
While  the  gush  from  the  wounds  of  the  dying  and  dead 
Uad  thaw'd  for  the  warrior  a  suow-shecled  bod. 

"But  where  is  the  pride  that  a  soldier  can  feel, 
To  temper  with  mercy  the  wrath  of  the  steel, 
Willie  Proctor,  victorious,  denies  to  the  brave 
Who  had  fallen  iu  battle,  the  gift  of  a  grave  t" 

LL  through  the  months  of  October,  November,  and  De- 
cember,* General  Harrison  labored  incessantly  and  in-    '^''" 
tensely  in  making  preparations  for  a  winter  campaign  in  the 
Northwest.     The   nation  was  feverish   and  impatient.    I<'iio- 
rauce  of  military  necessities  allowed  unjust  and  injurious  cen- 
sures and  criticisms  to  be  made — unjust  to  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers in  the  field,  and  hijurious  to  the  cause.     The  desire  of  the 
people  to  recover  all  that  Hull  had  lost  would  brook  no  n- 
straint,  nor  listen  to  any  excuse  for  delay.     A  winter  campaign  was  demanded,  ami 
Harrison  was  not  a  man  to  shrink  from  any  required  duty.     He  knew  that  miuli 
was  expected  of  him ;  and  day  and  night  his  head  and  hands  were  at  work,  with 
only  the  intermissions  required  by  the  necessity  for  taking  food,  indulging  in  sleep, 
and  tlie  observance  of  the  Sabbath.     Taking  all  things  into  consideration,  his  task 
was  Herculean,  and  to  some  men  would  have  been  appalling.     He  was  compelled  to 
create  an  army  out  of  good  but  exceedingly  crude  materials.     He  was  compelled  to 
reconcile  many  differences  and  difficulties  in  order  to  insure  the  harmony  arisins 
from  perfect  discipline.     He  was  compelled  to  concentrate  forces  and  supplies  at 
some  eligible  point,  like  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee,  while  perplexed  with  the  great- 
est impediments.     His  operations  were  necessarily  threefold  in  character — prepara- 
tive, offensive,  and  defensive,  in  a  wilderness  filled  with  hostile  savages  controlled 
and  supported  by  British  regulars.     A  frontier,  hundreds  of  miles  in  extent,  must  be 
protected  at  all  hazards  from  the  hatchet  and  the  knife.     The  season  was  bceoming 
more  and  more  inclement.     From  the  fortieth  degree  of  latitude  northward  (the  di- 
rection of  his  projected  march)  was  a  region  of  dark  forests  and  black  swamps.    The 
autumnal  rams  had  commenced,  filling  every  stream,  and  making  eveiy  morass  brim- 
ful of  water.     Through  these,  roads  and  causeways  for  wagons  and  pack-horses  must 
be  cut  and  constructed,  over  which  supplies  of  every  kind,  with  men  and  artillery, 
must  be  conveyed.     Block-houses  were  to  be  built,  magazines  of  provisions  estab- 
lished, and  a  vigilant  watch  kept  upon  the  savages  who  might  prowl  upon  flanks  and 
rear.     All  this  had  to  be  done  with  undiscij)lined  troops  prone  to  self-reliance  and 
independence,  with  great  uncertainty  whether  volunteers  would  swell  his  army  for 
invasion  to  the  promised  dimensions  of  ten  thousand  men. 

Yet,  in  view  of  all  these  labors  and  difficulties,  Harrison  was  cheerful  and  hopeful. 
"  1  am  fully  sensible  of  the  responsibility  invested  in  me,"  he  wrote  to  the  Secretar)- 
of  War  on  the  13th  of  October.  "I  accepted  it  Avith  full  confidence  of  being  able  to 
effect  the  wishes  of  the  President,  or  to  show  unequivocally  their  impracticability. 
If  ^Be  fall  should  be  very  dry,  ^  will  take  Detroit  before  the  winter  sets  in ;  but  if  wo 
should  have  much  rain,  it  will  be  necessary  to  wait  at  the  Rapids  until  the  Mi- 


OUectiou  fo  I 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


sao 


OhJectioDS  to  &  Winter  Campaign. 


DMBcuUles  of  TrauBportatlon. 


Ooneral  Simon  Perklna. 


nmi  of  the  Lake  [Maumee,  or  Miniiii  of  the  Lakes]  is  sufficiently  frozen  over  to  bear 
tho  nriuy  and  its  bagj^age," 

Nine  (lays  later  Harrison  wrote,  "I  am  not  able  to  fix  any  period  for  the  advance 
of  the  troops  to  Detroit.  It  is  pretty  evident  tliat  it  can  not  be  done  upon  proper 
iiriiiciples  until  ihe  frost  shall  become  so  severe  as  to  enable  us  to  use  the  rivers  and 
till'  margin  of  the  lake  for  transjxjrtation  of  the  baggage  and  artillery  upon  the  ice. 
To  i?t't  them  forward  through  a  swampy  wilderness  of  near  two  hundred  miles,  in 
wagons  or  on  pack-horses,  which  are  to  carry  their  own  provisions,  is  absolutely  im- 
itossible."  lie  then  referred  to  a  suggestion  of  a  Congressman  that  the  possession 
of  Detroit  by  the  enemy  would  probably  be  the  most  effectual  bar  to  the  attainment 
of  peace,  then  hoped  for,  and  observed,  "  If  this  were  really  the  case,  I  would  under- 
t;iljp  to  recover  it  with  a  detachment  of  the  army  at  any  time.  A  few  hundred  pack- 
horses,  with  a  drove  of  beeves  (without  artillery  or  heavy  baggage),  would  subsist 
the  fifteen  hundred  or  two  thousand  men  which  I  would  select  for  the  purpose  until 
the  residue  of  the  urmy  could  arrive.  But,  having  in  view  offensive  operations /ro»t 
Detroit,  an  advance  of  this  sort  would  be  premature,  and  ultimately  disadvantageous. 
No  species  of  supplies  are  calculated  on  being  foun<l  in  the  Michigan  Territory.  The 
tiirins  upon  the  Raisin,  which  might  have  afforded  a  quantity  of  forage,  are  nearly  all 
broken  up  and  destroyed.  This  article,  then,  as  well  as  the  provisions  for  the  men, 
is  to  be  taken  from  this  state — a  circumstance  which  must  at  once  put  to  rest  every 
idea  for  a  land  conveyance  at  this  season,  since  it  would  require  at  least  two  wagons 
with  forage  for  each  one  that  is  loaded  with  provisions  and  other  articles.  My 
present  plan  is,"  he  continued,  "to  occupy  Upper  Sandusky,  and  accumulate  at  that 
place  as  much  provision  and  forage  as  possible,  to  be  taken  from  thence  upon  sleds  to 
the  Kiver  Kaisin.  At  Defiance,  Fort  Jennings,  and  St.  Mary,  boats  and  sleds  are  pre- 
paring to  take  advantage  of  a  rise  of  water  or  a  fall  «)fsiioAV." 

At  this  time,  the  troops  moving  on  the  line  of  oi)eration8  which  passed  from  Frank- 
liiiton  (head-quarters)  and  Delaware,  by  Upper  to  Lower  Sandusky,  composed  of  tho 
brigades  from  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania,  and  one  of  Ohio,  under  General  Simon 
Perkins,'  were  designated  in  general  orders,  and  known  as  the  right  wing  of  the  army ; 

'  Simon  Perkins  was  born  at  Norwich,  Connecticut,  on  the  17th  of  September,  17T1.  HU  father  was  a  captain  in  the 
army  of  the  Revolution,  and  died  in  camp.  He  emigrated  to  Oswego,  New-Yoric,  in  1706,  where  he  spent  three  years  lu 
extensive  laud  operations.  A  portion  of  the  "  Western  Kescrvc,"  in  Ohio,  having  t>een  sold  by  the  State  of  Connectl- 
int,  the  now  proprietors  Invited  Mr.  Perliins  to  explore  the  domain,  and  report  a  plan  for  the  sale  and  settlement  of  the 
lands.  He  went  to  Ohio  for  that  purpose  in  the  sjiring  of  1708.  lie  spent  the  summer  there  in  the  performance  of  the 
duties  of  his  agency,  and  returned  to  Connecticut  in  the  autumn.  This  excursion  and  these  duties  were  repeated  by 
liim  for  several  successive  summers.  He  Unaily  married  in  1804,  and  settled  on  tlie  "Reserve"  at  Warren.  So  ex- 
tensive were  the  land  agencies  intrusted  to  him,  that  in  1S16  the  state  land-tax  paid  by  him  into  the  public  treasury 
was  one  seventh  of  the  entire  revenue  of  the  state.  Mr.  Perkins  was  the  first  post-master  on  the  "ReserN-e,"  and  to 
him  the  post-master  general  intrusted  the  arrangement  of  post-offlces  In  that  region.  For  twenty-eight  j-ears  he  re- 
ceived and  merited  the  confidence  of  the  department  and  the  people.  At  the  request  of  the  govcrnmcut,  in  1S07  he 
established  expresses  through  the  Indian  country  to  Detroit.  His  efforts  led  to  the  treaty  of  Brownsville  lu  tho  autumn 
01 ISOS,  wheu  the  Indians  ceded  lands  for  a  road  from  the  "  Reserve"  to  the  Maumee,  or  Miami  of  the  Lukes.  In  May 
otlliat  year  he  was  commissioned  a  brigadier  general  of  militia,  in  the  division  commanded  by  Major  Ocneral  Wads- 
worth.  On  hearing  of  the  disaster  to  Hull's  army  at  Detroit,  be  Issued  orders  to  his  colonels  to  prepare  tbclr  regiments 
foracllve  duty.  To  him  was  assigned  the  duty  of  protecting  a  large  portion  of  the  Northwestern  frontier.  "To  the 
ore  of  Brigadier  General  Simon  Perkins  I  commit  yon,"  said  Wadsworth  on  parting  with  the  troops  of  the  Renerve, 
'■  wli(/wlll  be  your  commander  and  your  friend.  In  his  integrity,  skill,  and  courage,  we  all  have  the  utmost  confidence." 
He  was  exceedingly  active.  His  scouts  were  out,  far  and  near,  continually.  His  public  accounts  were  kept  with  the 
greatest  clean  ess  and  accuracy  for  more  than  forty  years.  "  No  two  officers  In  the  public  service  at  that  time,"  testifies 
the  Honorab'.'Ellsha  Whittlesey,  "were  more  energetic  or  economical  than  Generals  Harrison  andPerkins."  When, 
In  IS13,  General  Harrison  was  sufflclently  re-enforced  to  dispense  with  Perkins's  command,  he  left  the  service  [February 
iS,  1SI3],  bearing  the  highest  encomiums  of  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Army  of  the  Northwest.  President  Madl- 
nn,  at  the  miggestlon  of  Harrison  and  others,  sent  him  the  commission  of  colonel  In  the  regular  army,  but  duty  to  his 
ramil;  and  the  demands  of  a  greatly  increasing  business  caused  him  to  decline  it. 

General  Perkins  was  Inirusted  with  the  arrangement  and  execution,  at  the  head  of  a  commission,  of  the  extensive  ca- 
nal system  of  Ohio.  From  18311  nntlll33S  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  "  Board  of  Canal  Fund  Commissioners."  They 
were  under  no  bonds  and  received  no  pecuniary  reward.  In  the  course  of  about  seven  years  they  issued  and  sold  state 
bonds  for  the  public  improvements  to  the  amonnt  of  four  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars.  Among  the  remnrkailte'men 
who  settled  the  "  Western  Reserve,"  Qeueral  Simon  Perkins  ever  held  ontf  of  the  most  conspicuous  places,  and  his  in- 
fhience  in  social  and  moral  life  Is  felt  In  that  region  to  this  day.  He  died  at  Warren,  Ghlo,  on  the  19th  of  Nbvember, 
19H.  His  widow  long  survi>ed  him.  She  died  at  the  same  place  In  April,  1862.  To  their  son,  Joseph  Perkins,  Esq., 
of  Cleveland,  I  am  Indebted  for  the  materials  for  this  brief  sketch,  and  the  llkeue^u  of  the  patriot  on  the  uest  page. 


1 


^^^■m 


::f| 


jll 


N  I 


i  ■  I  li'i 


ii;!-, 

i 

J^A 

1 

840 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


DlTiiloDS  of  the  Army  of  tbe  Northwest. 


Employment  of  the  Troop*. 


The  Weiteru  ReMrri, 


Tuppcr's  brigade,  that  wan  to  move  on 
Iliiirs  road,  by  Fort  M'Arthur,  waH  called 
the  centre ;  and  the  KentuckianH  under 
Winehester  were  styled  the  left  wing. 
Tlie  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania  troops 
were  emj)loyed  in  escorting  the  artillery 
and  military  stores  toward  Ujjper  San- 
dusky; the  Ohio  troops  conveyed  pro- 
visions from  Alanary's  IJlock-housc,  near 
the  liead  of  the  Great  Miami,  twenty  miles 
north  of  Urbana,  to  Forts  M'Arthur  and 
Findlay,  on  IIulPs  road;  while  the  Ken- 
tuckians  were  traversing  the  swamps  of 
the  St.  Mary  and  the  An  Glaize,  and  de- 
scending those  rivers  in  small  craft,  lo 
carry  provisions  to  Fort  Winchester  (De- 
fiance) on  the  left  wing.^ 

Northwestern    Ohio,  particularly  the 
settlements  on  the  WcaterTi  liescrve,^  had 
been  alive  with  excitement  and  patriotic 
zeal   during  all   the    autumn, 
and  General  Wadsworth,  com-         ,^5k- — 
mander  of  the  4th  Division  of       f/VV^  * 
the  Ohio  jNIilitia  (the  boundaries       sT^^/^^^^^-ytn 

of  which  comprised  the  counties  

of  Jefferson  and  Turnbull,  thus 
embracing  at  least  one  third  of  the  state)  was  continually,  vigilantly,  and  efficiently 
employed  in  the  i)romotion  of  measures  for  the  defense  of  the  frontier  from  the  Maumee 
to  Erie,  and  for  the  recovery  of  Michigan.  In  politics  General  Wadsworth  was  a 
Democrat  of  the  Jefferson  school.  He  had  watched  with  interest  and  indignation 
the  course  of  Great  Britain  for  many  years,  and  when  the  Congress  of  the  nation  de- 
clared war  against  her,  hC'  rejoiced  in  the  act  as  a  righteous  and  necessary  one.  He 
had  been  an  active  soldier  of  the  Revolution,^  and  now,  when  his  country  needed  his 

'  M'Afce,  pages  103, 104. 

»  The  charter  of  Conncctlcnt,  granted  In  1602,  covered  the  country  ft-om  Rhode  Island,  or,  as  expressed,  "  Nnmiffan- 
set  River,"  on  the  east,  to  the  Pacific  on  the  west.  When  NowYorlc,  New  Jersey,  and  PcniiBylvania  claimed  dominion 
above  the  line  of  the  southern  boundary  of  the  province,  difflculties  appeared.  These  were  disposed  of.  \\\  nso  tlic 
State  of  Connecticut  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  tiic  lands  within  tlie  charter  limits  westward  of  Pennsylvania,  ex- 
cepting a  tract  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  lengtli  westward,  adjoining  that  state.  The  cession  was  accepted. 
This  was  called  the  CmvnaAimt,  or  HVjitern  Reserve ;  and  many  settlers  went  tlierc  from  the  State  of  Connecticut.  A  p.irt 
of  the  Reserve,  containing  half  a  million  of  acres,  was  granted  by  the  state  to  the  Inhabitants  of  New  London,  Fnir- 
field,  and  Norwalk,  whose  property  had  been  burnt  by  the  British  during  tbe  Revolr.tion.  This  was  known  as  Tlie.  firt 
Landu.  The  remainder  of  the  Reserve  was  sold  in  1T06,  and  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  were  devoted  to  the  formation  of 
the  present  school  fhud  of  Connecticut. 

'  Elijah  Wadsworth  was  boru  in  Hartford,  Connecticut,  on  the  4th  of  November,  1T4T,  and  became  a  resident  of  Litcb- 


field  before  the  Revolution.  After  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill  he  volunteered  to  go  to  Boston,  but  his  purpose  was 
frustrated,  when  he  eugaged  heartily  in  raising  Colonel  Elisha  Sheldon's  troop  of  light-horsemen.  He  was  commis- 
sioned a  lieutenant  of  the  company  of  which  Benjamin  Tallmadge  was  captain.  He  served  with  zeal  during  the  entire 
war.    He  commanded  tbe  guard  in  whose  custody  Major  Andrd  was  placed  immediately  after  his  arrest. 

Wadsworth  was  a  man  of  great  energy.    He  went  early  to  Ohio,  ard  was  part  owner  of  the  "  Western  Reserve."   He 
made  his  residence  at  Canfleld,  Ohio,  iii  1802,  and  was  always  a  leading  man  in  that  section  of  tbe  new  state,  and  waa 


Ell<b«  Whittle 


■MFH^jgiCRi^ 


OP  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


341 


EliilM  Whlttlwey. 


AlarmlDg  Rnmora  aboot  Uull'i  Bnrrender. 


PreparUloni  agalntt  InTulon. 


fiervici'H,  ho  cheerfully  offered  them. 
Althouj^h  ho  waH  sixty-five  yearn  of 
age,  he  entered  upon  active  military 
duties  with  energy  with  the  late 
veiierahle  Klisha  WhittleHoy,  of  Can- 
field  '  and  the  late  llonorahle  IJen- 
*        ' 

jamin  Tappen,  of  Steubenville,  Ohio, 
aH  Ills  aid-de-camp.  The  former  ac- 
comj)anied  him  to  Cleveland  from 
Canfield,'^  and  the  latter  soon  joined 
him  there. 

C4eneral  Wadsworth  was  at  his 
house  in  Caiifield  when  intelligence 
of tlu^  surrender  ofllull  reached  liim.^ 
The  alarming  rumors  that  j)ic vailed 
concerning  the  imminence  of  an  in- 
vasioii  called  for  immediate  and  en- 
ergetic a(!tion.  Wadsworth  at  once 
issued  orders  to  the  several  brigadier 
generals  of  his  division  to  muster  the 
militia  for  the  ])rotection  of  the  fron- 

] ^Jb  /^y ^T^LyTZ!yt^^fy(-^C'^^  *''^''   ^'■""^  t'le  immediate  incursions 

of  the  F>ritisli  and  their  savage  allies. 
Alread  .  citizens  of  the  region  adja- 
cent to  Canfield  had  formed  a  corps 
of  (IragnoTia,  under  Captain  James  Dowd.  This  company  was  ordered  into  the  serv- 
ice; and  so  pronii)tly  did  it  respond  to  the  call,  that  by  noon  the  following  day  (Sun- 
(lav,  August  23d,  1812),  it  was  on  its  march  toward  Cleveland  as  an  honorary  escort 


V.       vient  In  the  organization  of  the  crude  material  of  pioneer  life  Into  well-balanced  Boclcty,  the  eetabllohment  of 

HU  aid  wac  CHdcntlal  In  the  cstabllBhmcnt  of  the  state  Kovcnimcnt,  and  when  the  milltln  waB  enrolled  he 

.1  major  general  of  the  4th  nivlslon.    In  that  office  he  was  found  when  war  broke  out  In  1812.    IUb  ncrvlces 

,ir  are  recorded  In  the  text.    On  his  tomb-stone  at  Cinnflcld  are  the  following  words :  "  Major  General  Elijah 

,,  „i-H()rth  moved  Into  Caufleld  In  October  A.D.  1802,  and  died  Deccmbtr  30, 1817,  aged  70  years,  1  month,  and  17  days." 

1  Elislia  Whittlesey  was  born  In  LltchHeld  County,  Connecticut,  on  the  IHth  of  October,  1783.  Ills  father,  a  practical 
farmer,  was  a  member  of  the  Connecticut  Legislature  seventeen  consecutive  sessions,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Htaie 
I'oiivenllDn  that  ratiflcd  the  Constitution  of  the  I'nited  States.  The  subject  of  this  brief  memoir  was  a  pupil  of  Rev. 
Thomiii!  Robbins,  of  Daubury,  Connecticut,  who  died  only  a  few  years  ago,  and  also  of  the  eminent  Moses  Stnart,  of 
.Andovcr.  He  studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  at  Fairfield  in  the  winter  of  1805.  He  commenced  practice  at 
NewMilford,  but  in  June,  iwx!,  he  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  settled  at  Canfield,  Tumbull  County,  which  place  was  his 
liiime  when  in  private  life.  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  Ohio,  and 
.It  the  llrst  session  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  thereafter  he  was  appointed  prosecuting  attorney,  which  office  he  held 
fistcen  years.  When  the  war  broke  out  he  was  appointed  aid  to  General  Wadsworth.  On  the  retirement  of  General 
Wadsworth  from  the  service,  Mr.  Whittlesey  was  appointed  brigade  major  in  General  Simon  Perkins's  corps,  and  was 
viith  lli:it  officer  during  the  remainder  of  his  campaign  in  Northern  Ohio  in  1S1'2-'1.1.  He  was  sent  by  General  Harrison 
from  the  Rupids  of  the  Maumcc,  after  the  defeat  of  General  Winchester  at  the  Raisin,  to  ask  the  Legislature  of  Ohio 
to  pass  a  law  providing  for  the  payment  of  Buch  Ohio  troops  as  should  remaiu  in  service  after  their  time  of  cullstnieut 
(houlrt  expire.    He  was  successful. 

Mr.  Whittlesey  resumed  his  profession  after  the  v.-aii  He  served  as  a  member  of  the  Ohio  Legislattire  from  1S20  to 
hit  incluBlve,  when  he  was  elected  to  Congress,  in  which  he  served  fourteen  consecutive  years.  During  all  that  time  he 
Kss  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Claims,  ftiU  one  half  of  that  time  its  chairman,  and  was  never  absent,  excepting  on 
public  busiuess,  but  for  one  day,  for  which,  in  the  settlement  of  his  accounts,  he  deducted  the  sum  of  eight  dollars— a 
(laj'a  salary !  President  Harrison  appointed  him  auditor  of  the  treasury  of  the  Post-office  Department  iu  March,  1S41. 
lie  resigned  it  iu  1S43.  President  Taylor  appointed  him  comptroller  of  the  tirasury  in  .Tune,  1849.  He  oflbred  his  re- 
(isQiition  tu  President  Pierce,  but  that  gentleman,  knowing  the  value  of  an  honest  man  in  that  responsible  station, 
would  not  accept  it.  In  March,  18,^7,  he  tendered  his  resignation  to  President  Buchanan.  He  accepted  it  In  May,  flay- 
in?,  "The  Lord  knows  I  do  not  wish  yon  to  resign  at  all."  On  the  10th  of  April,  ISdl,  President  Lincoin  called  him 
from  his  home  to  occupy  the  same  responsible  position.  He  cheerfully  responded  to  the  call  of  his  country,  although 
MTeaty-eight  years  of  age,  and  faithfully  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office  until  a  few  days  before  his  death,  which 
occurred  on  Wcduesday,  the  7th  day  of  .January,  1863,  when  in  the  eightieth  year  of  his  age. 

'  Canfield,  the  capital  of  Mahoning  County,  Ohio,  was  then  the  residence  of  General  Wadsworth,  and  also  of  Hr. 
^Vhittlcsey. 

'Itcimelnthe  form  of  aletterwrlttenby AlfredKclley, and slgnedby  twelveothercitiiens ofClevelsnd.  B.Fitch, 
o(  Ellsworth,  was  the  bearer  of  It. 


i 

V  ■ 

1 

1 

'I 


II 


.142 


riCTOIlIAL    FIKLD-nOOK 


Troop*  welcomed  to  C'levelnnd. 


KnerKjr  ofUnnaml  Wadiwortb. 


DlitrcM  on  the  Halilo  HWtr. 


for  the  commanding  general.   Thoy  marclu'd  by  the  wny  of  IIiidBon,'  twcnty-fivo  milon 
•AtiBUit,    from  iMovoliind,  ami hn'aktiiNtoil  t lion*,  at  ()viatt'H,on  tlio  morning  of  t lie  'j  uli.» 

""''•  Soon  afliT  n'Huming  tlicir  marcli  tlioy  met  Homo  of  IIuII'h  paroii'd  arniy,  wlm 
had  boon  iandod  from  UritiNli  boats  at  Clovoland.  Tiioir  HtorioH  incroaHod  the  hinii,. 
oauHod  by  Htartling  rumorH,  and  many  of  tlio  iiiliabitantH  along  thu  laku  were  t|(.(.. 
ing  from  tlioir  liomos  eastward  or  toward  tiie  Ohio,  to  avoid  the  ap|»relien(h'(l  (in- 
coming ovilH.  Wadsworth  tried  to  allay  the  excitement,  but  it  was  rolling  over  tlic 
frontier  in  an  almost  resistless  flood.  When  tho  cavalcade  entered  (!levelniid  thai 
afternoon  at  four  o'clock,  it  created  great  joy  atnong  tlie  few  inhabitants  there.  Two 
or  three  hours  later  Cohmel  Cass  arrived  at  Cleveland  from  Detroit  on  his  way  tu 
Washington  City,  and  at  tho  request  of  (Jenoral  Wadsworth  lie  was  accompanied  tu 
tho  seat  of  government  by  ex-govemor  Samuel  Huntington,  then  at  Cleveland,"  ns 
bearer  of  an  important  letter  to  the  Se<'retary  of  War.  Jn  that  lettiir  Wadsworlli 
informed  the  secretary  that  he  had  cidle<l  out  about  three  tho\isand  of  the  niilitja  dt 
his  division,  to  rendezvous  at  Clevelind,  but  was  compelled  to  acknowledge  tlicni 
destitute  of  arms,  ammunition,  and  pro|)er  e(|uipments  for  a  campaign,  as  w(dl  as  tin 
diftioilty  of  feeding  them.  Properly  'stiniating  tho  value  of  the  great  Northwest  to 
the  Uni(m,  and  the  importance  of  these  troops  for  its  protection,  as  well  as  in  the  ct 
forts  to  be  made  for  tho  recovery  of  Michigan,  "so  dishonorably  given  up  to  tho  en- 
emy," bo  urged  the  government  to  extend  its  iinniediate  and  unceasing  aid  in  siiii- 
plying  the  wants  of  this  little  army  then  hastening  to  the  field.  "The  fate  of  the 
Western  country,"  he  said, "is  suspended  on  the  decision  the  government  shall  make 
to  this  application."^ 

General  Wadsworth  did  not  wait  for  a  reply.  Necessity  demanded  instant  action. 
lie  took  the  respoiisiV)ility  of  appointing  (iommissioners  of  supplies,  and  giviiijr  re- 
ceipts to  those  who  furnished  them  in  the  name  of  tho  government.*  The  iieople, 
with  equal  faith  in  the  wisdom  of  the  general  and  the  justice  of  the  governnieiit,  re- 
sponded without  hesitation  to  the  call  for  provisions  and  forage.  Nor  was  that  liiith 
disappointed.  ]iy  a  letter  dated  the  oth  of  September,  W^idsworth's  course  was 
sanctioned  by  the  War  Department,  and  he  was  invested  with  full  ])ower  to  take 
measures  for  supplying  his  troops  and  giving  efficiency  to  their  service. 

Intelligence  came  to  Wadsworth  almost  hourly  of  the  distress  of  the  inhabitants 
on  the  Itaisin,  and  along  tho  lake  shore  eastward  as  far  as  the  Huron  River,  who,  in 
violation  of  the  agreements  of  the  capitulations  at  Detroit,  were  being  ))lun(lered  iiy 
the  Indians  even  of  their  boots  and  shoes.  Their  homes  were  broken  up  by  the  ma- 
rauders,  and  many  of  tho  inhabitants  were  fleeing  for  tlieir  lives.  Tlie  benevolent 
Wadsworth  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  send  them  relief,  and  it  was  with  real  jov 
that  he  welcomed  tho  arrival  at  Cleveland,  on  the  26th  of  August,  of  General  Simon 
Perkins  with  a  large  body  of  troops.  lie  resolved  to  send  him  forward  to  the  Huron 
immediately  with  a  thousand  men,  to  erect  block-houses  and  protect  the  inhabitants. 

<  The  capital  of  the  prceciit  Snmmit  Connty,  Ohio.  It  wna  the  iirat  pettlemcnt  made  In  the  county.  In  the  division 
of  the  Western  Reserve  amou);  the  piirchaecrH  from  Connecticut,  thin  section  fell  to  the  lot  of  David  Iludsuu,  who  com- 
menced a  eettlemcnt  In  the  year  ISOO.    Mr.  Hudson  died  In  Maah,  18.1B,  aged  seventy-llvo  years. 

'  Huntington  was  governor  of  Ohio  from  1808  to  1810.  In  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  resided  at  Palncsvllle,  in  Lake 
County,  where  he  died  In  1817.  lie  lived  In  Cleveland  for  a  while  l)cfore  making  his  residence  nt  Palnesvillp.  As  an 
illustration  of  the  wondcrftil  growth  of  American  cities,  and  the  rapid  settlement  and  clearing  of  the  coinitry  wcstwarii 
of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  I  mention  the  fact  that  Governor  nuntington,  when  approaching  Cleveland  from  the  eaci 
<me  night,  and  only  two  miles  from  it,  was  attacked  hy  a  pack  of  wolves.  He  beat  them  off  with  his  umbrella,  ami 
made  Ills  escape  to  the  town  through  the  fleetness  of  hU  horse.  That  waa  only  about  llfty  years  ago.  Cleveland  uon 
(1867)  contains  more  than  60,000  inhabitants. 

'  MS.  Letter  of  General  Wadsworth  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  Cleveland,  August  26, 1812. 

«  The  commissioners  appointed  were  Aaron  Norton,  Eleazer  Ilicock,  and  Gbenewr  Murray.  The  people  sold  to 
them  on  the  terms  offered,  as  cheaply  as  if  paid  in  gold  and  silver.  They  gave  a  ccrtitlcate  In  writing  stating  the  arli- 
cle  ftirnlshed,  its  qnantity  and  value,  with  a  promise  to  pay  for  it  when  the  government  should  remit  funds  for  the 
purpose.  Property  abandoned  by  fUghtcned  Inhabitants  was  taken,  appraised,  and  inventoried.  A  faligne  parly 
would  harvest  a  field  of  grain,  while  an  olScer  kept  an  exact  account  of  the  whole  matter,  and  the  owners  were  afler- 
■ward  remunerated.  In  the  flnal  eettlement  hardly  a  single  coiie  of  dissatisfaction  occurred.— Statement  of  Uon.  E\bb» 
Whittlesey  to  the  author. 


Si  >  .  . 


I" 


.   1         5  ul 


OP  THE  WAR  OF   1818. 


848 


KMnAirccmcnti  for 


lUrtk  to  Dttrolt  nspradad.         Atunpttd  Lodgmant  at  thu  Miiuiikm'  KhiiUIk 


(iencral  Hfiizin  Hciill'  wiih  uIho  <lir«cti<(l  to  go  wontwitrd  on  a  Himilar  (>rraii<i ;  ami 
prciiiiriitioim  lor  tlu-ir  dcpartun'  w(>rc  nearly  cdniplcttMl,  wlion  WatlMworlh  received 
ilihuatclu'H  from  tlic  Sccn-tary  of  War  Haying  that  tho  IVowidont  intended  t<>  adopt 
tho  moHt  vigorouH  int'UMunfS  "to  rt'pair  tlio  diHaHtcrH  ut  Detroit,"  and  to  proHccuto 
with  inereaHed  ardor  tlu'  important  ohjeetH  of  tlie  eanii)ai},'n.  WadHwortli  waw  di- 
recti'd  to  forward  litloen  hundred  men  to  the  frontier  an  (piiei<ly  aw  poHnible,  with 
(lirt'Ctions  to  "  report  to  (Jeiieral  Winehestpr,  or  officer  cominandin>^"  there,  at  the 
name  time  promiHing  an  a*le<|iiato  mipply  of  arniH  and  ammunition.  Arrani^ementH 
for  the  movement  w«'re  npeetlily  nuuU',  and  Perkins  and  Heail,  wlio  liad  i)een  em- 
ployed l»y  (lovernor  MeijjH  in  openinjj  a  road  from  Manntiehl,  in  the  interior  of  Ohio 
(now  capital  of  liieldand  ('ounty),  to  Lower  SanduHky,  were  onh'red  toward  the  lat- 
ter plaoe.  Some*  elanhinn  of  authority  between  Wadu worth  and  Aleij^H,  and  Hoin(* 
compliiiiits  concerning  afi'airH  in  tlie  region  bordering  on  F.ake  Erie,  cauHcd  IlarriHon, 
will)  (iiH  we  Iiave  Heen)  was  made  commander-in-chief  of  the  NorthwcHtern  Army,  to 
niiiko  a  jK'rHonal  examination  of  matterw  there  toward  the  cIohc  of  ()<!tober.  He  found 
Genoral  Wadsworth  near  the  mouth  of  the  Huron  River,  at  the  head  of  eight  hund- 
red men,  Heall,  witli  about  live  hundred,  waH  at  ManHtield.  The  two  corpH  were 
conHoiidated  and  placed  under  (Jeneral  I'erkinH,  with  orderH  to  proceed  to  Lower 
SanduHky,  and  open  a  road  thence  to  tlie  Itapids  of  the  Maumeo ;  a  Hcvcre  tawk,  for 
it  WHS  neccHHary  to  causeway  it  about  filVeen  milcH.  This  waH  acconi[)IiHhed.  Har- 
rJKOii  returned  to  hiH  head-(iuartor«  at  Franklinton  early  in  November,  and  on  tho 
!5tli  of  that  moiitli  was  compelled  to  inform  the  War  Department  that  he  doubted 
lliu  propriety  of  attemjiting  to  penetrate  t'anada,  or  to  proceed  farther  than  the 
Hapids  during  the  winter,  owing  to  tho  insurmountable  ditKculties  in  the  way  of 
transporting  forage  and  supplies.  "I  know  it  will  be  mortifying  to  Kentucky," 
Harrison  wrote  to  Governor  Shelby,  "for  this  army  to  return  without  doing  any 
thiiip;;  but  it  is  better  to  do  that  than  to  attempt  imposHibilities.  I  wish  to  (jod  the 
public  mind  were  informed  of  our  difticulties,  and  gradually  prepared  for  this  course. 
In  my  o])inion,  we  should  in  this  quarter  disband  all  but  those  sufficient  for  a  strong 
frontier  guard,  convoys,  etc.,  and  prepare  for  the  next  season." 

(iciieral  Tupj)er  had  maihf  another  unsuccessful  attempt  to  establish  a  permanent 
lodgment  at  the  Maumee  Iiaj)ids,  and  this  failure  doubtless  gave  nerve  to  Harrison's 
convictions.  We  left  Tnppcr  at  Trbana,  after  his  difficulties  with  Winchester  at 
Detiance.  He  pushed  forward  along  Hull's  road  to  Fort  M'Artbur,  and  there  he 
speedily  prepared  an  expedition  to  the  Rapids,  consisting  of  six  hundred  and  fifty 
mounted  men  who  volunteered  for  the  service.  He  had  sent  Captain  Hinkson,  at 
the  head  of  a  company  of  spies,  to  reconnoitre  at  the  Rapids,  who  returned  with  a 
British  captain,  named  Clarke,  as  his  prisoner.  The  result  of  the  reconnoissance  was 
information  that  there  were  three  or  four  hundred  Indians,  and  aV)out  seventy-five 
British  regulars  at  the  Rapids,  who  were  there  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  off  a  quan- 
tity of  corn  at  that  post.  Tapper  immediately  notified  General  Winchester  of  his 
intended  expedition,  and,  on  the  lOth,"  moved  forward  with  his  command  .November, 
lilonti;  Hull's  road  toward  the  Rapids,  taking  with  him  a  light  aix-pounder,  '***• 
and  live  days'  provisions  in  the  knapsacks  of  the  men. 

The  roads  were  wretched,  and  Tupper  was  compelled  to  leave  his  little  cannon  at 
a  block-house  on  the  way.  From  Portage  River,  twenty  miles  from  the  Rapids,  he 
sent  forward  a  reconnoitring  party,  following  slowly  with  his  whole  command. 
Within  a  few  miles  of  the  Rapids  he  met  his  spies  returning  with  information  that 
the  enemy  were  still  there.     Halting  until  twilight,  he  marched  forward  to  a  ford 

'  Reniln  Menll,  of  Pennsylvnnia,  was  nn  enfign  In  the  United  States  Infantr;  in  17fl9,  and  was  In  tlie  third  gnl)-1e|;ion 
ibe  snme  year.  He  was  ndjntant  and  qnartermaster  the  followinK  year.  He  served  under  Wayne  Tor  a  while,  and  re- 
^Ipicd  at  the  bep^inninir  of  UM.  From  tho  8th  of  September  till  the  3d  of  November,  1812,  he  was  a  brigadier  Reneral 
iif  Ohio  Tolnnlecrs.  He  represented  Ohio  In  Congress  from  1813  till  1816.  He  died  on  the  20th  of  February,  1842 — 
Gardner's  Dictionary  of  the  Army,  page  60. 


f 


^ 

Ill,  ■ll!Hll,ili 


344 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


*       111: 

MM 


il!i 


a  .JitiiHUiJHiiaiiJ-BLi 

■  IHIipillr'i 

■-■1 

^^^^^^^^_^ 

Sti'  'ng  EvrinU  at  the  Uaplds. 


Fight  with  Indians. 


Belief  for  Ohio  Troops. 


A  Meoice. 


about  two  miles  above  t*  3  llapids.  Thenci-  spies  were  again  sent  forward,  and  re- 
turned, saying,  "They  are  clo.sely  encamped,  and  are  singing  and  dancing."  Tupper 
resolved  to  attack  them  at  dawn,  and  orders  were  given  to  cross  the  river  imino- 
diately.  The  sky  was  clear,  and  the  weather  intensely  cold.  The  men  were  much 
fatigued,  yet  the  excitement  gave  tliem  strength.  Tupper  dashed  into  the  icy  flood 
at  the  head  of  his  men,  and  crossed  with  tlie  first  section  in  safety ;  but  the  water 
waist-deep  at  times,  and  flowing  in  a  swift  current,  confused  and  swept  from  tlieii- 
fpet  many  of  the  next  division.  The^^  were  exposed  to  great  perils,  but  none  were 
lo.st.  After  ineifectuiil  attempts  to  accomplish  the  undertaking,  those  who  had  cross- 
ed »  ere  recalled,  and  the  whole  body  retired  to  the  woods  and  encamped. 

Early  the  nert  morning  Tupper  sent  to  Winchester  for  re-enforcements  and  food ; 
and  some  spies  Avent  down  the  river,  showed  themselves  opposite  the  enemy's  camp, 
and  tried  to  entice  them  across.  They  failed,  when  Tupper  moved  down  with  his 
whole  body,  and  displayed  the  heads  of  his  columns  in  the  open  space  between  tlie 
river  and  the  woods.  This  frightened  the  enemy.  "  The  squaws,"  said  a  contem- 
j)orary  writer,'  "  ran  to  the  woods ;  the  British  ran  to  their  boats,  and  escaped.  The 
Indians,  more  brave  than  their  allies,  paraded,  and  fired  across  the  river,  but  witliom 
eflect."  They  used  muskets  and  a  four-pound  cannon.  Tnj)per  then  fell  back,  hon- 
ing the  savages  I  a  body  would  venture  across  the  Mauraee,  but  they  did  not. 
Some  mounted  India'is  were  seen  to  go  up  the  stream,  and  at  the  same  time  some  of 
Tuppor's  men,  contrary  to  orders,  entered  a  field  to  pull  corn,  while  othei-s  pursued  ii 
drove  of  h^'gs  in  the  same  direction.  The  latter  were  suddenly  assailed  by  a  partv 
of  mounted  savages  who  had  crossed  imperceived,  and  four  of  Tupj)er's  men  were 
killed.  The  Indians,  excited  by  the  shedding  of  blood,  fell  upon  the  left  flank  of  the 
white  army,  but  were  repulsed.  Almost  at  the  same  moment,  a  large  body  of  the 
savages,  um^or  the  notable  chief  Split-Log,  whi»  rode  a  fine  white  horse,  crossed  the 
river  above  the  advance  of  Tupper's  column.  They  were  driven  back  by  Ik'ntiey's 
battalion  with  some  loss,  and  the  Ohio  troops  were  not  again  annoyed  by  them. 
Late  in  the  evening  Tupper  and  his  men  turned  their  faces  toward  Foit  M'Artlmr, 
for  their  provisions  were  almost  exhausted,  and  their  nearest  point  of  sure  siipj)lv 
was  forty  miles  distant. 

Winchester,  in  the  mean  time,  having  received  Tupper's  first  message,  had  sent  a 
iletachment,  u;ider  Colonel  Lewis,  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  co-operate  iwitli 
the  Ohio  troops.  Tupper's  appeal  for  men  and  food,  wliich  reached  him  later,  was 
forwarded  to  Lewis  as  soon  as  it  Avas  received  by  Winchester,  and  the  former  ])ushe(l 
forward  by  a  forced  march  tp  the  relief  of  the  imperiled  ones.  Finding  Tappers 
camp  deserted,  apparently  with  haste,  and  in  it  two  dead  men  scalped,  Lewis  sup- 
posed he  had  been  defeated.  Under  this  impression,  h(!  retreated  to  Winciicster's 
camp.  Thus  ended  this  bold  attempt  to  take  position  at  the  Rapids.  The  inten- 
tions of  the  projector  failed,  but  the  expedition  had  the  effect  to  fi'ighten  the  Ihitish 
and  Indians  away  before  they  had  gathered  up  the  corn ;  and  averted,  for  tiie  time, 
a  contemplated  blow  by  the  savages  upon  the  alarmed  French  settlements  on  the 
Raisin,  at  the  instigation  of  their  British  allies.'^ 

'  M'Afcc,  pigo  170.    See  also  Brackenridpe,  pnpe  01. 

»  Just  'oefore  the  approach  of  Tupper  the  following  note  (of  course,  written  by  one  of  the  British  allies)  fr^m  the  In- 
dians was  sent  to  the  inhabitants  on  the  Raisin  : 

"  The  IlvrmiJi  ami  other  tribi'K  of  [niliaiin,  aKxe^ibM  at  thf  Miami  liapidn,  tn  the  inhaMtant«  nf  tlw  liivn  HaiMn. 
"  FRiKNnd,— Listen  :  you  have  al waj's  told  us  that  you  would  give  ns  any  aHsistance  In  your  power.   We  tliiircfore,  as 
the  enemy  is  approaching  us,  within  tweuty-llve  miles,  call  uptui  you  all  to  rise  up  and  come  hero  immcdiatelv,  brin; 
Ing  your  arms  along  with  yon.    Should  you  fall  at  this  time,  we  will  not  consider  you  in  fiiliire  as  friends,  and  the  cou- 
sequences  may  be  very  unpleasant.    Wa  arc  well  couvlnced  that  you  have  no  writing  fbrblddiug  you  to  assist  us. 

his 
"  We  are  your  friends  at  present.  "  Roiran  +  Hkah, 

niarlc. 
his 

"WaLK-IK-  +  THK-WAm." 

mark. 


Services  of  Capta 

At  about 
It  was  the  si 
there  were  o 
Ohio.    Thert 
tha  (son  of  li 
gaii,  of  Kentii 
Ibid  also  beer 
tacl'iueiit  to 
and  son  of  C( 
other.    Loga; 
asked  for  emj 
have  been  ma 
active  as  a  sc 
Fort  Wayne. 
Soon  after 
sent  toward  t 
save  themseh 
(Captains  Joh 
lated  their  ad\ 
to  he  a  spy. 
the  suspicion, 
vrords.    He  st 
termination  to 
they  were  mac 
among  whom 
Hull's  dispatch 
He  knew  Loga 
resolved  to  ma 
derstand  sigiiij 
Logan  shot  W 
Logan  was  bad 
horses  of  the  t 
the  next  morn 
I'ully  vindicate( 
suffered  great  ; 
Proctor  had  ofl 
never  taken  fro 
Hardin  and  otl 

'  Sec  page  MS. 
'  Tlji«  Is  a  small  vil 
ShaKnocse  were  (lrh( 
ko-nctta,  in  lioiior  of  i 
tic  had  a  club-foot,  an 
ko-netta  for  some  tini 
home  of  Blue  Jacket,, 
resided  there ;  also  tb( 
remembered  the  reriid 
the  defeat  of  Bradiloc 
lireetivllle  In  17(15,  be 
Ileivan  a  i)arty  to  llio 
iliice  him,  and  he  ivas  i^ 
A  few  iveoks  after  the 
filiiii!.'  by  the  Are  willi 
lliMiishthciogsof  tin 
in  his  neck.   He  would 
"f  his  wrongs.    Colon, 
nation  of  one  hundred 
M«  naturally  cheerful 
his  eyesight  remained 


.III '."'Hi  >«'■»""•'" 


OP  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


345 


SerTic««  of  Captain  Logan. 


UiB  Death, 


Wa-pagli-ko-nettu  and  its  notable  Indiana. 


At  about  this  ti'  le  the  American  service  in  the  Northwest  lost  a  valuable  friend. 
It  was  the  settled  policy  of  the  government  not  to  employ  the  Indians  in  war,  but 
there  were  occasions  when  exceptions  to  the  rule  became  a  necessity.  It  was  so  in 
Ohio.  There  was  an  active,  intelligent,  and  influential  cliief,  a  nephew  of  Tecum- 
tha  (son  of  his  sister),  who,  when  a  boy,  having  been  captured  by  General  John  Lo- 
ffan  of  Kentucky,  receivetl  that  gentleman's  nam.c,  and  bore  it  through  life.  His  wife 
iiad  also  been  a  captive  to  a  Kentuckian  (Colonel  Hardin),  and  both  felt  a  warm  at- 
tachment to  the  white  people.  Major  Hardin  (then  in  tlio  Army  of  the  Northwest, 
and  son  of  Colonel  Hiirdin)  and  Logan  were  true  friends,  and  highly  esteemed  each 
otiier.  Logan  had  iiiuch  influence  with  liis  tribe,  and  when  the  war  broke  out  he 
asked  for  employment  in  the  American  service.  It  was  granted,  because  he  might 
have  been  made  an  enemy.  He  accompanied  Hull  to  Detroit,  .ind  was  exceedingly 
active  as  a  scout.  We  have  also  §een  that  Harrison  employed  liim  on  a  mission  to 
Fort  Wayne. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  Tupper  from  the  Kapids,  Logan  and  his  followers  were 
sent  toward  that  post  to  reconnoitre.  They  met  a  strong  opposing  party,  and,  to 
save  themselves,  scattered  in  every  direction.  Captain  Logan,  with  two  friends 
(Captains  John  and  Bright  Horn),  made  liis  way  to  Winchester's  camp,  whore  he  re- 
lated their  adventures.  His  fidelity  was  ungenerously  suspected,  and  ue  was  believed 
to  be  a  spy.  His  pride  and  every  sentiment  of  manliood  were  deeply  wounded  by 
the  suspicion,  and  he  resolved  to  vindicate  his  character  by  actions  rather  tlian  by 
words.  He  started"  with  his  two  friends  for  the  Kapids,  with  the  de-  'November  22, 
termination  to  bring  in  a  prisoner  or  a  scalp.    They  had  not  gone  far  wlien  ^^^^" 

tliev  were  made  prisoners  themselves  by  a  son  of  Colonel  Elliott  and  some  Indians, 
among  whom  was  Win-ne-meg,  or  Win-ne-mac — the  Pottawatomie  chief  who  bore 
Hull's  dispatch  from  Fort  Wayne  to  Chicago.'  He  was  now  an  ally  of  the  British. 
He  knew  Logan  well,  and  rejoiced  in  being  the  captor  of  an  old  enemy.  The  latter 
resolved  to  m.ake  a  desperate  effbrt  for  liberty.  His  companions  were  made  to  un- 
derstand significant  signs,  and  at  a  concerted  signal  they  attacked  their  captors. 
Logan  shot  Win-ne-meg  dead.  Elliott  and  a  young  Ottawa  chief  were  also  slain. 
Logan  was  badly  wounded,  so  was  Bright  Horn  ;  but  they  leaped  upon  the  backs  of 
horses  of  the  enemy  and  cscai)ed  to  Winchester's  camp.  Captain  Jolin  followed 
tiic  next  morning  with  the  scalp  of  the  Ottuwa.  Logan's  honor  and  fidelity  were 
fully  vindicated,  but  at  the  cost  of  Ids  life — his  wound  was  mortal.  After  he  had 
siittered  great  agony  for  two  days,  his  spirit  returned  to  the  Great  ]\Iaster  of  Life. 
I'luctor  had  oftered,  it  is  said,  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  his  scalp.  It  was 
never  taken  from  his  head.  His  body  was  carried  in  mournful  procession,  by  Major 
Hardin  and  others,  to  Wa-pagh-ko-netta,^  where  liis  family  resided,  and  was  buried 


'  Sec  page  B05. 

>  This  is  n  Bninll  villngo  in  Allen  County,  Ohio,  on  the  An  Glaize  Blver,  abont  ten  miles  from  St.  Mary.  After  the 
Shawnoc?e  were  driven  from  Piqun  by  General  Clark  in  USO,  they  cetabllshed  a  village  here,  and  named  it  Wa-pagh- 
lio-Dctta,  in  honor  of  a  chief  of  that  name.  Colonel  ,Iohn  Johnston  informed  me  that  he  knew  the  chief  well.  Ue  said 
ho  hart  a  club-foot,  and  thinks  the  name  had  some  relation  to  that  deformity.  Colonel  .Johnston  resided  at  Wa-pngh- 
lio-iietta  for  some  time.  The  Society  of  Friends,  or  (Jnakers,  had  u  mission  there  for  a  nnmber  of  years.  It  was  the 
home  of  Blue  Jacket,  spoken  of  in  onr  account  of  the  invasi(m  of  the  country  by  Wayne,  in  17'.)4.  Buckongahelos  also 
ro'iiloil  there ;  also  the  ceiohrated  Black  Hoof,  who  was  a  native  of  Florida,  whose  birthplace  was  on  the  Suwancc.  He 
rcmcml)ered  the  removal  of  that  tribe  from  their  southern  liome  to  the  fofosts  of  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio.  He  was  at 
the  defeat  of  Braddock  in  ITRB.  In  all  the  wars  with  the  white  people  in  his  region,  from  that  time  until  the  treaty  of 
Greenville  in  1706,  he  was  a  popular  leader,  and  could  always  command  as  many  men  for  the  war-path  as  he  desired, 
lie  WHS  a  party  to  the  treaty  at  Oreenvllle,  and  was  ever  faithful  to  his  pledges  there  made.  Tccnmtho  could  not  se- 
duce liim,  and  ho  was  the  faithful  friend  of  the  Americans  in  the  war  with  Great  Britain  which  we  are  now  considering. 
A  few  weeks  after  the  burial  of  Logan  (January,  1S131,  lie  visited  General  Tuiiper's  camp  at  Fort  M'Arthur.  While 
fiitiiii,'  by  the  tiro  with  the  general,  a  scoundrel  militia-man,  Colonel  Johnston  informed  me,  flred  a  i)i9tol  ball  at  him 
iliM«;;h  the  l()i;s  of  the  block-house,  which  entered  his  check,  passed  through  his  mouth,  cut  off  his  palate,  and  lodged 
in  his  nock.  lie  would  never  have  the  ball  removed,  but  would  call  the  children  to  feel  of  It,  and  then  wonid  tell  them 
"f  his  wrongs.  Colonel  Johnston  gave  him  a  healing  plaster  for  his  wound  in  the  form  of  a  bank-note  of  the  denomi- 
nation of  one  hundred  dollars.  Colonel  Johnston  says  he  was  one  of  the  most  jwrfectly  formed  men  he  ever  saw.  Ue 
«a«  naturnlly  clieerfnl  and  good-natured.  Ue  lived  with  hla  wife  faithfully  for  forty  years.  Hie  statnre  was  amall,  and 
Ills  eyesight  remained  perfect  during  his  whole  life. 


\  t. 


if! 


346 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


liiWil 


M 


i  I 


Expedition  nKainxt  Hiamia  and  Delawarea. 


FricndB  to  be  spared. 


Campbell  on  the  MiBslseiniwa. 


there  with  mingled  savage  rites  and  military  honors.  The  scalp  of  the  slain  Ottawa 
raised  upon  a  pole,  was  carried  in  the  funeral  procession  and  then  taken  to  the  coun- 
cil-house. Logan's  death  was  mourned  as  a  public  calamity,  for  he  Avas  one  of  the 
most  intelligent,  active,  and  trustworthy  of  Harrison's  scouts. 

At  this  time  the  Miamis,  nearly  all  of  whom  had  become  wedded  to  the  interests 
of  the  British,  were  assembled,  with  some  Delawares  from  White  River,  in  towns  on 
the  Mississiniwa,  a  tributary  of  the  Wabash,  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  from  its  conflu- 
euce  with  the  latter  stream,  near  the  boundary-line  between  the  present  Wabash  and 
Grant  Counties,  Indiana.  They  were  evidently  there  for  hostile  purposes,  and  (ivn- 
cral  Harrison  resolved  to  destroy  or  disperse  them.  He  detached  for  the  purpose 
Lieutenant  Colonel  John  B.  Campbell,  of  the  Nineteenth  Regiment  of  L^nited  States 
Infantry,'  composed  mainly  of  Colonel  Simrall's  regiment  of  Kentucky  dragoons ;  a 
squadron  of  United  States  volimteer  dragoons,  commanded  by  Major  James  V.  Bail' 
and  a  corps  of  infantry,  consisting  of  Captain  Elliott's  company  of  the  Nineteenth 
United  States  Regiment,  Butler's  Pittsburg  Blues,  and  Alexander's  Pennsylvania 
Riflemen.     A  small  company  of  spies  and  guides  were  attached  to  the  expedition, 

Campbell  left  Franklinton,  the  head-quarters  of  the  Army  of  the  Northwest  on 
the  25th  of  Novembei",  with  his  troops,  instructed  by  Harrison  to  march  for  the  Jlis- 
sissiniwa  by  way  of  Springfield,  Xenia,  Dayton,  Eaton,  and  Greenville,  so  as  to  avoid 
the  Delaware  towns.  He  was  also  instructed  to  save,  if  he  could  do  so  without  risk 
to  the  expedition,  Chiefs  Richardville  (then  second  chief  of  the  Miamis),  Silver  Heels 
and  the  White  Lion,  all  of  which,  with  Pecan,  the  principal  chief  of  the  Miamis,  and 
Charley,  the  leader  of  the  Eel  River  tribe,  were  known  to  be  friendly  to  the  white 
people.  The  son  and  brother  of  Little  Turtle  were  also  to  be  saved,  if  possible;  also 
old  Godfroy  and  his  wife,  who  were  true  friends  of  the  Americans. 

It  was  the  middle  of  December  before  the  expedition  left  Dayton,  on  account  of 
delay  in  procuring  horses.  Their  destination  was  eighty  miles  distant.  Each  sol- 
dier was  required  to  carry  twelve  days'  rations,  and  a  bushel  of  corn  for  foraste, 
The  ground  was  hard  frozen  and  covered  with  snow,  and  the  weather  was  intensely 
cold,  yet  they  marched  forty  miles  the  first  two  days.  On  the  third  they  made  a 
forced  march,  and  during  that  day  and  night  they  advanced  another  forty  miles. 
when  they  reached  the  Mississiniwa,  and  fell  upon  a  town  inhabited  by  a  number  of 
Miamis  and  Delawares.  Eight  warriors  were  slain,  and  eight  others,  with  thirty- 
two  women  and  children,  were  made  prisoners.  The  town  was  laid  in  ashes  with 
the  exception  of  two  houses,  which  were  left  for  the  shelter  of  the  captives.  Cattle 
and  other  stock  were  slaughtered. 

Campbell  left  the  ])ri8oners  in  charge  of  a  sufficient  guard,  and  pushed  on  down  the 
river  three  miles  to  Silver  Ileels's  village  with  Simrall's  and  Ball's  dragoons.  It  was 
deserted ;  so  also  were  two  other  towns  near.  These  were  destroyed,  with  many 
cattle.  They  captured  several  horses,  and  with  these  and  a  very  small  quantity  of 
corn  they  returned  to  the  scene  of  their  first  victory,  and  encamj)ed  for  the  night  on 
the  shore  of  the  Mississiniwa.  The  camp  was  about  two  hundred  yards  square,  and 
fortified  with  a  small  redoubt  at  each  angle.  The  infan<^ry  and  rifiemen  v/ere  posted 
in  front,  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  Captain  Elliott's  company  on  the  right,  Butler's  in 
the  centre,  and  Alexander's  on  the  left.     Major  Ball's  squadron  occupied  the  right 

BIacIc  Hoof  was  often  nolicd  to  sing  the  sonpB  of  the  wornhlp  of  hlfl  people,  but  notliinj;  couM  Induce  him  to  do  w. 
He  wonld  not  even  repeat  the  words  to  the  white  man.  Hie  was  like  the  refusal  of  the  Hebrew  niptlvc  lo  riii;;  llic 
Bongs  of  Zion  on  the  hanks  of  the  rivers  of  Babylon.  Black  Hoof  was  the  principal  chief  of  the  Shawnoese  for  many 
years  before  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Wa-pagh-ko-netta  about  the  year  1>-:I0,  at  the  age,  it  was  believed,  of  ooe 
hundred  and  ten  years. 

'  John  B.  Oampbcil  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  and  nephew  of  Colonel  CampbcM,  who  was  dlslingnished  at  the  bntlle 
of  King's  Mountain  in  1780.  He  was  commissioned  jleutenaiit  colonel  of  the  Nlnelecnth  Regiment  of  Infantry  in 
March,  1*^12.  For  his  good  conduct  In  the  e!t)ieditlon  mentioned  above  he  was  breveted  a  colonel.  In  April,  IS14,  hf 
was  commissioned  a  colonel  in  the  Eleventh  Infantry,  and  was  dlstinguihhed  and  severely  wounded  in  Ihe  bnlllf  nt 
Chippewa  on  the  5th  of  Jaly  following.    He  died  of  bis  wounds  on  the  38th  of  August,  1814. 


Attack  on  Campb 

and  one  half 
the  rear  line. 
ing.    Major 
At  inidnig 
doTVTi  the  riv 
at  four  o'cloc 
officers  to  a 
going  on  twe 
there.    Whih 
the  camp  wf 
furious  attack 
of  the  river, 
formed,  and  t 
upon  the  angl 
right  of  Capta 
manded  at  tlu 
the  lines.     Th 
rear.    The  Pii 
kept  the  sava: 
terminated,  be 
burg  cor])s,  an 
Johnson,  when 
the  field.     Can 
latter  aflerwar 
killed.    What 
supposed  that  1 
.leld.    Little  T 
lormed  great  s 
gallant  deeds.  ; 
their  army  on  t 
the  prisoners 
young  warriors 
Rumors  reac 
nr  six  hundred 
nut  calling  a  c( 
lie  sent  a  mess 
expected  to  be 
was  a  dreadful 
They  moved  si 
the  camp  was 
they  met  provi 
was  timely  and 
three  hundred  i 
Ureenville.     Mc 
wilderness  were 
I'rrand,  but  at  a 


I  Joeeph  Markic,  aft 
'  Lieiiteiiant  Cohmei 
mo  US:  Dillon's //|-« 
"fll  wilt  a  brief  dlsp, 
ISlh,  and  addressed  frc 
'  "I  have  on  thisoc( 
'il.  Among  the  fornif 
»ai>  from  Zanesville  • 
itrough  the  head.    On 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


347 


Attack  on  Campbell's  Camp. 


A  desperate  Fight. 


DistressiDg  Retreat  to  QreenriUe. 


Slid  one  half  of  the  rear  line,  and  Colonel  Simrall's  regiment  the  left  and  other  half  of 
tk  rear  line.  Hetween  Ball's  right  and  Simrall's  left  there  was  a  considerable  open- 
iii(r.    Major  Ball  was  the  officer  of  the  day. 

At  midnight  the  sentinels  reported  the  presence  of  Indians,  and  a  fire  was  seen 
down  the  river.  The  greatest  vigilance  was  exercised,  and  the  reveille  was  beaten 
at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Adjutant  Payne  immediately  summoned  the  Held 
officers  to  a  council  at  the  fire  of  the  commander  to  consult  upon  the  propriety  of 
(Toinf  on  twelve  miles  farther  down  the  river,  to  attack  one  of  the  principal  towns 
there.  While  the  officers  were  in  council,  half  an  hour  befo>'e  dawn,*  .  December  is 
the  camp  was  startled  by  terrific  yells,  followed  immediately  by  a  i**^- 

furious  attack  of  a  large  body  of  savages  who  had  crept  stealthily  along  the  margin 
of  the  river.  Every  officer  flew  to  his  post,  antl  in  a  few  moments  the  lines  were 
formed,  and  the  Indians  were  confronted  with  a  heavy  fire.  The  attack  was  made 
upon  the  angle  of  the  camp,  formed  by  the  left  of  Captain  Hopkins's  troops  and  the 
liffht  of  Captain  Garrard's  dragoons  of  Simrall's  regiment.  Captain  Pierce,  who  com- 
manded at  the  redoubt  there,  was  shot  and  tomahawked,  and  his  guard  retreated  to 
the  lines.  The  conflict  soon  became  general  along  the  right  flank  and  part  of  the 
rear.  The  Pittsburg  Blues  promptly  re-enforced  the  point  assailed,  and  gallantly 
kept  tlie  savages  at  bay.  For  an  hour  the  battle  raged  furiously.  It  was  finally 
terminated,  between  dawn  and  sunrise,  by  a  well-directed  fire  from  Butler's  Pitts- 
Imr"  corps,  and  desperate  charges  of  cavalry  under  Captains  Trotter,  Markle,'  and 
Jolinson,  when  the  Indians  fled  in  dismay,  leaving  fifteen  of  their  warriors  dead  on 
the  field.  Campbell  had  lost  eight  killed  and  forty-two  wounded.  Several  of  the 
latter  afterward  died  of  their  wounds.^  Campbell  had  one  hundred  and  seven  horses 
killed.  What  the  whole  loss  of  the  Indians  was  could  not  be  ascertained,  but  it  is 
supposed  that  they  carried  away  as  many  mortally  wounded  as  they  left  dead  on  the 
.ieki.  Little  Thunder,  a  nephew  of  Little  Turtle,  Avas  in  the  engagement,  and  per- 
formed great  service  in  inspiring  his  people  with  confidence  by  stirring  Avords  and 
gallant  deeds.  Although  Silver  Heels,  a  friend  of  the  Americans  (and  who  was  with 
their  army  on  the  Niagara  frontier  the  following  year),  was  not  present,  nearly  all  of 
the  prisoners  were  of  his  band.  He  did  every  thing  in  his  power  to  persuade  his 
young  warriors  to  remain  neutral,  but  in  vain. 

Rumors  reached  Campbell  immediately  after  the  battle  that  Tecumlha,  with  five 
or  six  hundred  warriors,  was  on  the  Mississiniwa,  only  eighteen  miles  below.  With- 
out calling  a  council,  the  commander  immediately  ordered  a  retreat  for  Greenville. 
He  sent  a  messenger  (Captain  Ilite)  thither  for  re-enforeements  and  supplies,  for  he 
expected  to  be  attacked  on  the  way.  Fortunately  the  savages  did  not  pursue.  It 
was  a  dreadful  journey,  especially  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  in  that  keen  winter  air. 
They  moved  slowly,  for  seventeen  men  had  to  be  conveyed  on  litters.  Every  night 
the  cnmp  Avas  fortified  by  a  breastwork.  At  length,  wearied  and  with  little  food, 
they  met  provisions  with  an  escort  of  ninety  men  under  Major  Adams.  The  relief 
was  timely  and  most  grateful.  All  moved  forward  together,  and  on  the  26th,  with 
three  hnndred  men  so  frostbitten  as  to  be  unfit  for  duty,  the  expedition  arrived  at 
Greenville.  More  than  one  half  the  corps  that  a  month  before  had  gone  gayly  to  the 
wilderness  were  now  lost  to  the  service  for  a  while.  They  had  accomplished  their 
errand,  but  at  a  great  cost.^    The  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  of  the  Northwest, 


'  Joseph  Markle,  afterward  a  dlRtlnpnlshed  citizen  of  Pennsylvania.    He  died  In  IMT. 

=  Ueiiteimnt  ODlonel  CnmpbellV  official  report  U)  General  Harrison,  dated  at  Greenville,  Decemher«6th,  1R12 :  M'Afee, 
paco  lis :  Dillon's  Ujntnqi  i}f  Imliava,  page  BIO ;  Thompson's  Sketches  f{f  the  War,  page  fi-2.  Llciilennnt  Colonel  Camp- 
iiell  eciit  a  brief  dispatch  to  Harrison  on  the  momlnpj  after  the  battle,  misdated  December  12th  instead  of  December 
ISlh,  and  addressed  from  "  Two  miles  above  Silver  Heels." 

'  "  I  have  on  this  occasion,"  wrote  ( 'ainpbell  to  Harrison,  "  to  lament  the  loss  of  several  brave  men  and  many  wound- 
fit.  Amnns  the  former  are  Captain  PIcrcp,  of  the  Ohio  Volnntcers,  and  Lientenanl  Walt/,,  of  Markle's  troops.  Pierce 
was  fmm  Znnesvllle ;  I.ienlcnant  Waltz  was  of  the  Pennsylvania  corps.  He  was  first  shot  throiich  the  arm,  and  then 
ihroisjih  the  head.    Captain  Trotter  was  wounded  in  the  head."    Lieutenant  Colonel  Campholl  hlp^hly  commended  these 


mt^*- 


.|,  ,! 


^'^f^'^mm^g^ 


348 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Qood  Effects  of  th«  Chastisement  of  the  Indians.       Safferings  and  Difflcultles  of  Harrison's  Army.      Waste  of  norees 

in  a  general  order,  congratulated  Lieutenant  Colonel  Campbell  on  his  success  and 
commended  him  for  his  obedience  to  orders,  his  gallantry,  and  his  magnanimity.' 

Tiiose  e-Ypeditions  against  tlie  savages  produced  salutary  effects,  and  smoothed  the 
way  for  the  final  recovery  of  Michigan.  They  separated  the  friends  and  enemies  of 
the  Americans  effectually.  The  line  between  them  was  distinctly  drawn.  'I'liere 
were  no  middle-men  left.  The  Delawares  on  the  White  River,  and  others  who  de- 
sired to  be  friendly,  and  who  had  been  invit(!d  to  settle  on  the  Au  Glaize  in  Ohio 
now  accepted  the  invitation.^  The  other  tribes,  who  had  cast  their  lot  with  the  li\\[. 
ish,  were  made  to  feel  the  miseries  of  war,  and  to  repent  of  their  folly.  So  Kcvere 
had  been  the  chastisement,  and  so  alarmed  were  the  tribes  farther  nortli,  who  re- 
ceived the  fugitives  from  tlie  desolated  villages  on  the  Wabash  and  the  Illinois  at 
the  close  of  1812,  that  Tecumtha's*  dream  of  a  confederacy  of  Indians  that  should 
drive  the  white  man  across  the  Ohio  was  rapidly  fading  as  he  awoke  to  the  reality 
of  an  unsuspected  power  before  him,  and  the  folly  of  putting  his  trust  in  princes— in 
other  words,  relying  upon  tiie  promises  of  the  representatives  of  the  sovereignty  of 
*  England  to  aid  liim  in  his  patriotic  schemes.  Before  the  war  was  fairly  commenced 
the  spirits  of  the  Indians,  so  buoyant  because  of  the  recent  misfortunes  of  the  Amer- 
icans in  the  Nortinvest,  were  broken,  and  doubt  and  dismay  filled  the  minds  of  all 
excepthig  those  who  were  under  the  immediate  command  and  influence  of  tiie  threat 
Shawnoese  leader. 

As  winter  came  on  the  suffering;?  and  difficulties  of  Harrison's  invading  army  were 
terrible,  especially  that  of  the  left  wing  imder  Winchester,  which  was  the  most  ad- 
vanced, and  the  most  remote  from  su])plies.  Early  in  November  typhus  fever  was 
slaying  three  or  four  of  hi-  small  command  daily,  and  thi-ee  hundred  were  upon  the 
sick-list  at  one  time.  So  discouraging  became  the  prospect  at  the  begiiming  of  De- 
cember of  reaching  even  the  Rapids,  that,  having  proceeded  abnut  six  miles  below 
the  Au  Glaize,  Winchester,  partly  from  necessity  and  partly  to  deceive  the  eiiemv, 
ordered  huts  to  be  built  for  the  winter  shelter  of  the  troops.  Clothing  was  seantv, 
and  at  times  the  whole  corps  Avould  be  Avithout  flour  for  several  days.  These  pri- 
vations were  owing  chiefly  to  the  difficulty  of  transportation.  The  roads  were 
wretched  beyond  the  conception  of  those  who  have  not  been  in  that  region  at  the 
same  season  of  the  year.  It  was  swamp,  swamp,  swamp,  with  only  here  and  there  a 
strip  of  terra  Anna  in  plight  almost  as  wretched.  The  pack-horses  sank  to  their 
knees,  and  wagon-wheels  to  their  hubs  in  the  mud.  Wasting  weariness  fell  upon 
man  and  beast  in  the  struggle,  and  the  destruction  of  horses  Avas  prodigious.  "The 
fine  teams  which  arrived  on  the  10th  at  Sandusky  with  the  artillery,"  wrote  Ilarri- 
Bon  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  12tli  of  December, "  are  entirely  Avorn  down;  and 
two  trips  from  M'Arthur's  block-house,  our  nearest  deposit  to  the  Rapids,  will  com- 
pletely destroy  a  brigade  of  pack-horses."  It  was  sometimes  found  imj)ossible  to  get 
even  empty  wagons  through  the  mire,  and  they  were  abandoned,  the  teamsters  heins 
glad  to  get  out  with  their  horses  alive;  and  sometimes  tlie  quarter-master, tnkini; 
advantage  of  suddenly  frozen  mud,  would  send  off  a  quantity  of  provisions,  which 

offlcerp,  also  Lieutenant  Colonel  Slmrall,  Mijor  M'Donnell,  Cnptnlns  Ilite  and  Smith,  and  Captains  Markle,  M'Clolland, 
Garrard,  nud  IIopkliiH.  Lieutenants  Hedges,  Bnsyp,  and  Hlikman  were  amon^;  the  wounded. 
• '  "  It  is  with  the  slncerest  pleasure,"  said  General  Uarrison,  in  a  general  order,  "  that  the  general  has  heard  thattht 
most  punctual  obedience  was  paid  to  his  orders  in  not  only  saving  all  the  women  and  children,  but  in  sparing  all  Hie 
warriors  who  ccised  to  resist,  and  that,  even  when  vigorously  attacked  by  the  enemy,  the  claims  of  mercy  prcvnilrd 
over  every  sense  of  their  own  danger,  and  this  heroic  band  respected  the  lives  of  their  ])risonere.  Let  im  account  of 
murdered  innocence  he  opened  in  the  records  of  Ileavcn  against  our  enemies  aioue.  The  American  soldier  will  follow 
the  example  of  his  government,  and  the  sword  of  the  one  will  not  be  raised  against  the  fallen  and  tlie  hclplesf,  nor  the 
gold  of  the  other  be  paid  for  the  scalps  of  a  massacred  enemy." 

'  The  Delawares  had  emlgrnted  from  Pennsylvania  about  fifty  years  before,  wiiere  they  had  had  an  acquaintance 
with  the  white  people  for  as  long  a  period  under  the  most  favorable  circumstjinces.  They  had  experienced  the  justice 
and  kindness  of  William  Penn  and  his  immediate  successors.  They  were  settled  on  the  Au  OInize,  about  half  Hvy  Ix"- 
tweeji  Pirinii  and  Wa-pagh-ko-nctta.  Some  of  them  went  farther  east,  and  settled  on  the  banks  of  the  Scioto,  within 
the  limits  of  the  present  Delaw.ire  country,  whoso  name  is  derived  from  these  Indiana.  Buckiiiigahelos,  already  meu- 
tioned,  and  an  eminent  chief  named  Kill-buck,  were  of  this  tribe. 


Tmosportatlon  In  I 


i'iW' 


"W» 


OF   THE   WAE    OF    1812. 


849 


jnunportatlon  In  the  Wilderiiess. 


HariiHOD's  Instractiuns. 


The  effective  Force  in  the  Northwent. 


would  be  swamped  and  lost  by  a  sudden  thaw.  Water  transportation  was  quite  as 
diflicult.  Sometimes  the  streams  would  be  too  low  for  loaded  boats  to  navigate ; 
then  they  would  be  found  crooked,  narrow,  and  obstructed  by  logs ;  and  again  sud- 
den cold  would  produce  so  much  ice  that  it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  move  for- 
ward. Then  sleds  would  be  resorted  to  until  a  thaw  would  drive  the  precious  freight 
to  floating  vessels  again,  Such  is  a  glimpse  of  the  difficulties  encountered  in  that 
wilderness  of  Northern  Ohio;  but  it  affoi'ds  a  faint  idea  of  the  hardships  of  the  little 
invading  army  trying  to  make  its  way  toward  Detroit.  All  this  was  endured  by  the 
patriotic  soldiers  without  scarcely  a  murmur. 

Ill  view  of  all  these  difficulties,  the  enormous  expense  of  transportation,  and  the 
advantages  wliieh  dishonest  contractors  were  continually  taking,  Harrison  suggested 
to  the  War  Department,  at  about  the  middle  of  December,  that  if  there  existed  no 
urcent  political  necessity  for  the  recovering  of  Michigan  and  the  invasion  of  Canada 
during  the  winter,  the  amount  of  increased  expenditure  of  transportation  at  that  sea- 
son of  the  year  might  be  better  applied  to  the  construction  of  a  small  fleet  that  should 
command  the  waters  of  Lake  Erie — a  suggestion  made  by  Hull,  but  little  heeded,  ear- 
ly in  the  year.'  The  response  came  from  the  pen  of  a  new  head  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment. Dr.  Eustis*  had  resigned,  and  James  Monroe,  the  only  man  in  the  cabinet  who 
had  experienced  actual  military  service,  had  succeeded  him.  With  a  more  perfect 
knowledge  of  military  affiiirs,  he  better  comprehended  the  character  of  the  campaign ; 
and,  having  perfect  confidence  in  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Northwestern  Army, 
he  reiterated  the  instructions  of  his  predecessor  to  Harrison,  directing  him  to  conduct 
the  campaign  according  to  his  own  judgment,  promising,  at  the  same  time,  that  the 
toverument  would  take  immediate  measures  for  securing  the  command  of  Lake  Eiie. 
Only  on  two  points  were  positive  instructions  given  :  First,  in  the  event  of  penetrat- 
iiisr  Canada,  not  to  promise  the  inhabitants  any  thing  but  the  protection  of  life,  lib- 
Ht V,  and  property ;  and,  secondly,  not  to  make  any  temporary  acquisitions,  but  to  pro- 
aid  80  surely  that  any  position  which  he  might  obtain  would  be  absolutely  permanent. 

Early  in  December  a  detachment  of  General  Perkins's  brigade  reached  Lower  San- 
dusky (now  Fremont,  Ohio),  and  repaired  an  old  stockade  there  which  had  protected 
;in  Indian  store.  The  remainder  of  the  brigade  arrived  soon  afterward.  On  the  10th 
a  l)attalion  of  Pennsylvania  troops  made  their  appearance  there,  Avith  twenty-one 
pieces  of  artillery,  which  had  been  escorted  from  Pittsburg  by  Lieutenant  Hukill. 
Very  soon  a*"terward  a  regiment  of  the  same  troops  and  part  of  a  Virginia  brigade 
arrived,  speedily  followed  by  General  Hai-rison,  who  made  his  head-quarters  there  on 
the  20th.  He  remained  but  a  little  while.  There  he  received  the  second  dispatch 
[Deceraher  25th]  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Campbell,  givuig  a  more  detailed  account 
ofiiis  expedition  to  the  Mississiniwa.  Harrison  at  once  repaired  to  Chillicothe  to 
consult  with  Governor  Meigs  on  the  propriety  of  fitting  out  another  expedition  in 
the  same  direction,  to  complete  the  work  begun  by  destroying  the  lower  Mississini- 
wa towns.    The  project  was  abandoned. 

The  whole  effective  force  in  the  Northwest  did  not  exceed  six  thousand  three 
hundred  infantry,'  am'  a  small  artillery  and  cavalry  force;  yet  Harrison  determined 


1  See  page  251. 

'  William  Enstis  was  bom  in  Cambridge,  MiiBflachusetts,  on  the  lOtli  of  June,  1T63. 


College  at  the  af;c  of  nineteen,  and 
chose  the  practice  of  medicine  for 
hi!  profession .  He  entered  the  Con- 
tlneolal  Army  of  the  Revoiution  as 
irfgimental  snrReon,  and  served  in 
llist  capacity  dnring  the  war.    lie 


He  was  graduated  at  Ilartard 


r^.jhj. 


was  at  the  Robinson  HouHe,  oppo- 
site West  Point,  while  Arnold  occu- 
pied it  as  his  head -quarters.  He 
commenced  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession at  Boston  at  the  close  of  the 
lie  was  an  ardent  iiolitician, 


imd  was  a  representative  of  Massachnsetts  in  the  National  Conjrress,  of  tlie  Repnblicnn  party,  f^om  ISOl  till  Iso.'S.  Presl- 
tal  Madison  appointed  him  Secretary  of  War  in  1809,  and  he  retained  the  offlce  until  the  autumn  of  ISliJ,  when  he  re- 
i  tisnei).  He  was  appointed  minister  In  Holland  in  1R14.  After  his  return  he  was  chosen  to  a  seat  in  Congress  ai;ain, 
which  he  held  for  nearly  two  terms  from  1820.  In  1823  he  was  chosen  governor  of  Massachusetta.  He  was  then  sev- 
nlj  years  nfaice.  He  died  in  1826,  while  holding  that  office,  in  the  geventy-eecond  year  of  bis  age. 
'  Harrison's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  January  4, 1S13. 


m 


I       4"    l"lf!-,JII 


350 


PICTORIAL*  FIELD-BOOK 


H  r 


t'  iiW 


PMIt 


HovemenU  ordered. 


Tbu  Minion  and  SufTeriuga  of  Captain  Combs. 


The  Army  at  the  Maumce  Hapld,. 


to  press  forward  to  the  Kapids,  and  beyond  if  possible.  From  Lower  Sandusky  he 
dispatched  Ensign  Cliarles  S.  Todd,  tlien  division  judge  advocate  of  the  Kintuckv 
troops,  to  communicate  instructions  to  Wincliester.  He  was  accompanied  by  twii 
wliite  men  and  three  Wyandottes.  He  bore  oral  instructions  from  General  Har- 
rison to  General  Winchester,  directing  the  latter  to  advance  toward  the  Ilaijids 
when  he  should  have  accumulated  twenty  days'  provisions,  and  there  conniuncf 
building  huts,  to  deceive  the  enemy  into  the  belief  that  he  intended  to  winter  tiiere- 
at  the  same  time  to  prepare  sleds  for  an  advance  toward  Maiden,  but  to  conceal  from 
his  troopd  their  intended  use.  He  was  also  to  inform  Winchester  that  the  difftTcnl 
lines  of  the  army  would  be  concentrated  at  the  Kapids,  and  all  would  proceed  from 
thence  toward  Maiden,  if  the  ice  on  the  Detroit  Riv<  •  should  be  found  strong  enoiich 
to  bear  them.  Young  Todd  performed  this  danfious  and  didicate  duty  with  such 
success  that  he  received  the  highest  commendatiniis  of  his  general. 

Meanwhile  Leslie  Combs,  another  Kentuckian,  a  brave  and  spirited  young  man  of 
scarcely  nineteen  years,  who  had  joined  Winchester's  army  as  a  volunteer  on  its 
march  from  Fort  Wayne  to  Defiance,  had  been  sent  by  Winchester  to  Harrison  on 
an  errand  fraught  with  equal  peril.  He  bore  a  dispatch  to  Harrison  comniunicatin" 
the  fact  that  tlie  left  wing  had  moved  toward  tlie  Kapids  on  the  30th  of  DecoinlKr. 
Combs  traversed  the  pathless  wilderness  on  foot,  accompanied  by  a  single  guide 
(A.  Ruddle),  through  snow  and  water,  for  at  least  one  hundred  miles,  enduring  iiri- 
vations  which  almost  destroyed  him.  He,  too,  performed  his  mission  so  gallantly  and 
satisfactorily  that  his  general  thanked  him.  These  two  messengers,  who  passed  each 
other  in  the  mazes  of  the  great  Black  Swamp  fifty  years  ago — young,  ambitious,  m- 
triotic,  and  daring — performed  other  excellent  service  during  the  war,  as  we  shall 
have  occasion  to  observe.  Combs  and  Todd  are  still  [1867]  living;  both  residents 
of  Kentucky,  enjoying  a  green  old  age,  and  wearing  the  honors  of  their  countrvV 
gratitude.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  them  both  during  1861,  and  listening  to 
interesting  narrations  of  their  experiences  in  that  war.  Portraits  and  biograj)hical 
sketches  of  these  heroes  may  be  found  in  future  pages  of  this  w^ork.* 

While  on  his  march  toward  the  Kapids,  Winchester  received  a  letter  from  Ilani- 
son  recommending  him  to  abandon  the  movement,  because,  if,  as  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Campbell,  in  his  second  dispatch,"  had  been  informed,  Tecumtha  was  on 
the  Wabash  with  five  or  six  hundred  followers,  he  might  advance  rapid- 
ly and  capture  or  destroy  all  the  provisions  in  Winchester's  rear.  It  was  this  sec- 
ond disj)atch  of  Campbell,  as  we  have  seen,  that  sent  Harrison  in  such  haste  back  to 
Chillicothe,  to  consult  with  Governor  Meigs. 

W^inchester  did  not  heed  the  cautious  suggestions  of  his  superior,  but  pressed  on 
toward  the  Kaj)ids.  General  Payne,  with  six  hundred  and  seventy  men,  was  sent 
forward  to  clear  the  way.  Payne  went  down  the  Maumce  several  miles  below  old 
Fort  Miami,  but  saw  no  signs  of  an  enemy.  The  remainder  of  the  army  arrived  at 
the  liapids  on  the  10th  of  January,  1813,  and  estiiblished  a  fortified  camp  on  a  pleas- 
ant eminence  of  an  oval  form,  covered  with  trees  and  having  a  prairie  in  the  rear. 
This  was  a  little  above  Wayne's  battle-ground  in  1794,  opposite  the  camp-ground  of 
Hull  at  the  close  of  June,  1812,  and  known  as  Pi-esque  Isle  Hill.^  On  the  day  of 
their  arrival,  an  Indian  camp,  lately  deserted,  was  discovered.  Captain  Williams, 
with  a  small  detachment,  gave  chase  to  the  fugitives,  whom  he  overtook  and  routed. 

'  Combs'B  enfferlngs  were  very  Revere.  He  carried  a  heavy  mnsltet  and  accoutrements,  a  blanket,  and  font  diiyi' 
provisions.  The  snow  commenced  falling  on  the  morning  after  his  departure,  and  continued  without  intermission  for  , 
two  days  and  nights.  On  the  third  day  of  their  march  Combs  and  his  companion  found  the  snow  over  two  feet  detp  | 
in  the  dense  forest.  Ruddle  had  been  a  captive  among  the  Indians  In  this  region  and  knew  the  way,  and  the  nielbod  i 
of  encountering  such  hardships  us  they  were  now  called  npou  to  confront.  The  storm  detained  them,  their  pruvifioni 
became  scarce,  and  for  several  nights  they  could  find  no  place  to  He  down,  and  sat  up  and  slept.  Hunger  came  to  bolk  J 
on  the  sixth  day  of  their  journey,  and  illnew  to  young  Combs.  Nothing  but  his  ever  uufliching  resolution  kept  him  | 
up.  On  the  ninth  evening  they  reached  Fort  M'Arthur,  and  were  well  cared  for  by  General  Tupper.  Combs  Iny  pros-  j 
trated  with  sickness  for  several  days.  >  See  page  26T,  and  map  of  the  Maumee  in  this  vicinity,  page  U. 


Troops  re-enlistei 

The  enlist! 
had  requeste 
8i.x  months  1 
was  so  much 
their  strengtl 
en  them  into 
he  would  moi 
and  confidenc 
Winchester 
raon  him  to  t 
want  of  suocei 
to  move  upon 
tioii  from  Ohi( 
seiigors  from  ] 
traveling,  bi'inj 
tered  had  passt 
tion  of  the  inl 
ed,''  deeply  agi 
the  shield  of  m 
moved  by  the 
fense  of  the  aU 
dusky,'  sixty-fi' 
council  of  office 
between  thirty- 
ion  was  appi-ov( 
ingof  the  17th 
rection.  A  few 
men.  Lewis's  i 
-ion  of  Freiichtc 
Isle,  a  point  on  J 
twenty  miles  fro 
British  Indians 
ment  from  Maid 
was  sent  by  ex] 
iiig  with  a  messii 
Ilaisin,  and  sugg 
wing. 

Colonel  Lewis 
cold,  and  strong 
tering  bridge  the 
and  were  within 
scouts  of  the  ene 
little  army  calml 
'ii'iJs  to  an  open 
ni<^iient.    The  ric 

'  Tpper  Sandusky,  th< 
mafky"  made  famous 
Tom  (so  called  from  an 
««  vlllsge  of  Upper  8ai 
ste  of  the  modem  Upper 
01(1  Upper  Sanduskv  w 
Wyandot  Indiana,  and  n 
»«s  murdered  by  flre  nr 
«"n(s  In  this  vicinity  mt 
OeneramarrlBon  built 
Smdiuky. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


361 


Xroopi  ro-enlluted. 


The  Settlement  of  FrenchtowD  tbreuteued. 


Wiuchester  Hends  them  Defender*. 


The  enlistments  of  the  Kentucky  troops  would  expire  in  February,  and  Harrison 
had  requested  Winchester  to  endeavor  to  raise  a  new  regiment  among  them  to  serve 
six  months  longer.  Inaction  and  suffering  had  greatly  demoralized  thera.  There 
was  so  much  insubordination  among  them  that  Winchester  had  little  confidence  in 
their  strength.  Harrison,  on  the  contrary,  believed  that  active  service  would  quick- 
en them  into  good  soldiers,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  include  thera  in  those  on  whom 
he  would  most  rely  iu  his  ex^ieditiou  against  Maiden.  Events  justified  that  faith 
aud  confidence. 

Winchester  was  now  satisfied  that  the  pleadings  of  humanity  would  speedily  sum- 
mon him  to  the  Raisin.  First  came  rumors  that  the  enemy,  exasperated  by  their 
want  of  success  in  their  recent  movements,  were  preparing  at  Maiden  an  expedition 
to  move  upon  Frenchtown,  on  the  Raisin,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  the  expedi- 
tion from  Ohio  on  its  way  to  Detroit.  These  rumors  were  speedily  followed  by  mes- 
sengers from  Frenchtown,"  made  almost  breathless  by  alarm  and  rapid  •January  13, 
traveling,  bringing  intelligence  that  the  Indians  whom  Williams  had  scat-  ^^^^' 

tercd  had  passed  them  on  their  way  to  Maiden,  uttering  threats  of  a  sweeping  destruc- 
tion of  the  inhabitants  and  their  habitations  on  the  Raisin.  Others  soon  follow- 
ed,''deeply  agitated  by  alarm,  and,  like  the  first,  earnestly  pleaded  for  "January 
the  sliield  of  military  power  to  avert  the  impending  blow.  The  troops,  ""^  "'"^  '""'• 
moved  by  the  most  generous  impulses,  were  anxious  to  march  instantly  to  the  de- 
fense of  the  alarmed  people.  Harrison,  the  commander-in-chief,  was  at  Upper  San- 
dusky,' sixty-five  miles  distant,  and  could  not  be  consulted.  Winchester  called  a 
council  of  officers.  The  majority  advised  an  immediate  march  toward  the  Raisin, 
between  thirty-five  and  forty  miles  distant  by  the  route  to  be  traveled.  This  decis- 
ion was  approved  by  W^inchcster's  judgment  and  humane  impulses,  and  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  17th  he  detailed  Colonel  Lewis  and  five  hundred  aud  fifty  men  in  that  di- 
rection. A  few  hours  afterward  Colonel  Allen  was  sent  Avith  one  hundred  and  ten 
men,  Lewis's  instructions  were  "  to  attack  the  enemy,  beat  them,  and  take  posses- 
sion of  Frenchtown  and  hold  it."  Tiiese  overtook  Lewis  and  his  party  at  Presque 
Isle,  a  point  on  Maumee  Bay  a  little  below,  opposite  the  present  city  of  Toledo,  about 
twenty  miles  from  the  Rapids.  There  Lewis  was  told  that  there  were  four  hundred 
British  Indians  at  the  Raisin,  and  that  Colonel  Elliott  was  expected  with  a  detach- 
ment from  Maiden  to  attack  Winchester's  camp  at  the  Rapids.  This  information 
was  sent  by  express  to  General  Winchester,  Avhose  courier  was  on  the  point  of  start- 
in?  with  a  message  to  General  Hai-rison,  informing  him  of  the  movement  toward  the 
Raisin,  aud  suggesting  the  probable  necessity  of  a  co-operating  force  from  the  right 
wing. 

Colonel  Lewis  remained  all  night  at  Presque  Isle.  The  weather  was  intensely 
cold,  and  strong  ice  covered  Maumee  Bay  and  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie.  On  that  glit- 
tering bridge  the  Americans  moved  early  and  rapidly  on  the  morning  of  the  18th, 
and  were  within  six  miles  of  their  destination  before  they  were  discovered  by  the 
scouts  of  the  enemy.  On  the  shore  of  the  lake,  in  snow  several  inches  in  depth,  the 
little  army  calmly  breakfasted,  and  then  marched  steadily  forward  through  timber 
lands  to  an  open  savanna  in  three  lines,  so  arranged  as  to  fall  into  battle  order  in  a 
moment.    The  right,  composed  of  the  com,janie8  of  M'Cracken,  Bledsoe,  and  Matson, 


'Upper  Snndnsky,  the  present  capital  of  Wyandot  County,  Ohio,  Is  not  the  j/lace  above  alluded  to.  The  "Upper 
Smdnfiky"  made  famous  during  the  Indian  wars,  and  as  the  rendezvous  of  Anerlcnns  in  the  war  of  1812,  was  at  Crane 
Tom  (90  called  from  an  eminent  chief  named  Tarhe  or  Crane),  four  miles  liortheast  from  the  court-house  in  the  pres- 
ent Tillage  of  Upper  Saiidnsky.  After  the  death  of  Tarhe  in  1818,  the  Indians  transferred  their  council-hoase  to  the 
lileof  the  modem  Upper  Sandusky,  ^ave  It  its  present  name,  and  called  the  old  ))lace  Crane  Town. 

Old  Upper  Sandusky  was  a  place  of  much  note  iu  the  early  history  of  the  country.  It  was  a  favorite  residence  of  the 
Wyandot  Indians,  and  near  it  Colonel  Crawford  had  a  battle  with  them  and  was  defeated  in  June,  1782.  Crawford 
was  mardcred  by  fire  and  other  slow  tortures  which  the  savuijes  inflicted  on  leading  prisoners.  A  full  account  of 
mm  In  this  vicinity  may  be  found  in  Howe's  Hx»tmical  Cnlleetinng  0/  Ohio. 

General  Uarrtson  built  Fort  Pcrree,  a  stockade  about  fifty  rods  northeast  of  the  court-house  in  the  present  Upper 
Samluslty. 


ill 


■•"^^ 


352 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-EOOK 


I 


tfreochtown  and  Its  rofTeriiiK  iDhabitantR. 


Arrival  of  Winchester's  relief  Party. 


Battle  and  Monaacrt. 


was  commanded  by  Colonel  Allen ;  the  left,  led  by  Major  Green,  Avaa  composed  of 
the  companies  of  Hamilton,  Williams,  and  Kelley;  and  the  centre,  under  Major  Madi- 
son, contained  the  corps  of  Captains  Ilightown,  Collier,  and  Sebrees.  The  advanced 
guard  was  composed  of  the  companies  of  Captains  Hickman,  Glaives,  and  Janus  and 
were  under  the  command  of  Captain  Ballard,  acting  as  major.  The  chief  of  the  lit- 
tle army  was  Colonel  Lewis. 

Frenchtown,'  at  the  time  in  question,  was  a  flourishing  settlement  containing  thir- 
ty-three families,  twenty-two  of  whom  resiiled  on  the  north  side  of  the  Raisin.  (lar- 
dens  and  orchards  were  attached  to  their  houses,  and  these  were  incUwed  with  heavy 
pickets,  called  "  puncheons,"  made  of  sapling  logs  split  in  two,  driven  in  the  ground 
and  sometimes  sharpened  at  top.  The  houses  were  built  of  logs  of  good  size  and 
furnished  with  most  of  the  conveniences  of  domestic  life.  Two  days  after  the  su;- 
render  of  Detroit,  as  we  have  seen,  this  j)Iace  was  taken  possession  of  by  Coloiiei 
Elliott,  who  came  from  Maiden  for  the  purpose  with  authority  from  General  Brock. 
The  weaptnis  and  horses  of  the  inhabitants  were  left  on  parole,  and  protection  to  lifo 
and  property  was  promised.  The  protection  was  not  given,  and  for  a  long  time  the 
inhabitants  were  plundered  not  only  by  the  Indians,  but  by  Canadians,  French,  and 
British,''  and  were  kept  in  a  state  of  almost  continual  alarm  by  their  threats.  In  the 
autumn  two  companies  of  the  Essc.v  (Canadian)  militia,  two  hundred  in  number,  un- 
der Major  Reynolds,  and  about  four  hundred  Indians,  led  by  Round-head  and  Walk- 
in-the-water,3  were  stationed  there,  and  these  composed  the  force  that  confronted 
Colonel  Lewis  when  he  approached  Frenchtown  on  the  18th  of  January,  1813,  and 
formed  a  line  of  battle  on  the  south  side  of  the  Raisin,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of 
the  village.  Lewis's  force  numbered  less  than  seven  hundred  men,  armed  only  with 
muskets  and  other  light  weapons.  The  enemy  had  a  howitzer*  in  position,  directed 
by  bonibardier  Kitson,  of  the  Royal  Artillery. 

When  within  three  miles  of  Frenchtown  Colonel  Lewis  was  informed  that  the  ene- 
my was  on  the  alert  and  ready  to  receive  him ;  and  as  the  Americans  approached  the 
village  on  the  south  side,  the  howitzer  of  the  foe  was  opened  upon  the  advancing 
column,  but  without  (ffect.  Lewis's  line  of  battle  was  instantly  formed,  and  the 
whole  detachment  moved  steadily  forward  to  the  river,  which  was  hard  frozen,  and 
in  many  places  very  slippery.  They  crossed  it  in  the  face  of  blazing  muskets,  and 
then  the  long  roll  was  beaten,  and  a  general  charge  was  executed.'  The  Americans 
rushed  gallantly  up  the  bank,  leaped  the  garden  pickets,  dislodged  the  enemy,  and 
drove  him  back  toward  the  forests.  Majors  Graves  and  Madison  attempted  to  cap- 
ture the  howitzer,  but  failed.  Meanwhile  tlie  allies  were  retreating  in  a  line  inclin- 
ing eastward,  when  they  were  attacked  on  their  left  by  Colonel  Allen,  who  pursued 
them  more  than  half  a  mile  to  the  woods.  There  they  made  a  stand  with  their 
howitzer  and  small-arms,  covered  by  a  chain  of  inclosed  lots  and  groups  of  houses, 
and  having  in  their  rear  a  thick,  brushy  wood,  full  of  fallen  timber.  While  in  this 
position  Majors  Graves  and  Madison  moved  upon  the  enemy's  right,  while  Allen  was 
sorely  pressing  his  left.  The  enemy  fell  back  into  the  wood,  closely  pursued,  and 
the  conflict  became  extremely  hot  on  the  right  wing  of  the  Americans,  where  both 
whites  and  Indians  were  concentrated.  The  contest  lasted  from  three  o'clock  until 
dark,  the  enemy  all  .the  while  slowly  retreating  over  a  space  of  not  less  than  two 
miles,  gallantly  contesting  every  foot  of  the  ground.  The  detachments  returned  to 
the  village  in  the  evening,  and  encamped  for  the  night  on  the  ground  which  the  ene- 

'  The  Rnliiln,  on  which  Frenchtown  was  sitnated,  was  called  Sturgeon  River  by  the  Indians,  because  of  the  abund- 
ance of  that  floh  In  its  waters.  It  flowed  throngh  a  fertile  and  attractive  region,  and  late  In  the  last  century  a  niimhcr 
of  French  rnmllles  settled  upon  Its  banks,  and  engaged  In  farming,  and  trading  with  the  Indians.  Becauee  of  the 
abundance  of  grapes  on  the  borders  of  the  stream  tliey  called  It  Rivirre  mix  llainins,  and  on  account  of  the  nationality 
of  the  settlers  the  village  was  called  Frenchtown.    It  is  now  Monroe,  Michigan. 

'  Statement  to  the  anthor  by  the  Hon.  Laarent  Durochcr,  of  Monroe  (Frenchtown),  who  was  an  actor  In  the  ?c«nes 
there  during  the  war  of  1S12.  »  See  nots  8,  page  279. 

*  A  hoiciu  or  homtzcr  Is  a  kind  of  moftar  or  short  gun,  mounted  on  a  carriage,  and  used  for  throwing  bomb-shellfi. 


freacbtown  to  bo 

my  had  occu 

ish  officers  ht 

ease  of  delim 

iif  Americans 

(•ral  Harrison. 

the  latter  wa: 

Captains  Past 

l)een  much  gr 

guinary  j)orti( 

ed  their  dead 

inhabitants  an 

As  soon  as  1 

strong  "  j)uncl 

of  the  battle,"  ( 

a  brief  report  c 

camp  before  di 

with  the  tiding 

Lewis  called 

place  and  wait 

From  the  mom 

ohcKter's  camp, 

ward,  not  doub 

siiecess  until  D( 

was  also  appare 

jirincipal  rendes 

iiiiies  from  Fren 

to  recover  what 

on  the  evening 

Samuel  Wells, 

Frenchtown  wit 

from  the  camp  ai 

noon  of  the  next 

liie  right  of  Lew 

licliind  as  a  rear- 

re-enfoi-cements. 

Ills  staif,  recross 

Colonel  Francis 

from  the  Americ 


'  Captain  Bland  W.  . 
Khen  ho  was  wounded. 

'  Hickman  led  n  part; 

'  Mateon  was  afterwa 

<  Colonel  Lewis's  full 
January  20, 1813,  on  the 

s  It  is  asserted  that  C'( 
there  being  plenty  of  ro 
military  rule  would  not 
Biischlcvous. 

'  The  view  of  Colonel 
lioared  in  1813,  with  a 
ilwr.  The  room  was  a 
^replace.  In  this  room 
*  of  the  house  are  ntl 
'i.f  the  early  settlers.  T 
Ike  owner  in  1813,  Ilcni 
llie  structure  of  18,10  was 
Tlie  log-house  of  1830  hi 
Monroe,    It  stood  back  i 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


353 


FrcnctHown  to  be  held. 


Winchester  arrives  with  lle-oiifdrcemuntii. 


Position  of  Troops  there. 


my  hail  occupied.  American  officers  occupied  the  Hamo  buildiiigH  in  which  the  Brit- 
ish officers  had  lived.  The  troops  had  behaved  nobly.  There  had  not  been  a  Hingle 
(•(180  of  (lelinqiienoy.  "  This  amply  supported,"  as  was  said,  "  the  double  character 
iif  Americans  and  Kcntuckians,"  and  fully  vindicated  the  faith  and  judgment  of  Gen- 
eral Hufison.,  Twelve  of  the  Americans  were  killed  and  iifty-five  wounded.  Among 
the  latter  was  Capttin  IJ.  W.  Ballard,'  who  gallantly  led  the  van  in  the  fight ;  also 
Captains  Paschal,  Hickman,''  and  llichard  JMatson.^  The  loss  of  the  enemy  must  have 
Iweii  much  greater,  for  they  left  fifteen  dead  in  the  open  field,  while  the  most  san- 
(minary  ])ortion  of  the  conflict  occurred  in  the  wood.  That  night  the  Indians  gather- 
ed their  dead  and  .vounded,  and,  on  their  retreat  toward  Maiden,  killed  some  of  the 
inhabitants  and  pillaged  their  liouses. 

As  soon  as  his  little  army  was  safely  encamped  in  the  village  gardens,  behind  the 
stronc;  "  puncheon"  pickets,  and  his  wounded  men  comfortably  housed,  on  the  night 
of  the  battle,"  Colonel  Lewis  sent  a  messenger  to  General  Winchester  with  i  jannnry  is, 
a  brief  report  of  the  action  and  his  situation.^  lie  arrived  at  Winchester's  ^'**''' 
camp  before  dawn,  and  an  express  was  immediately  dispatched  to  General  Harrison 
^nth  the  tiduigs. 

Lewis  called  a  council  of  officers  in  the  morning,  when  it  Avas  resolved  to  hold  the 
place  and  wait  for  re-enforcements  from  the  I{ai)ids.  They  were  not  long  waiting. 
From  the  moment  when  intelligence  of  the  aff"air  at  P^enchtown  was  known  in  Win- 
ohcF.tcr's  camp,  the  troops  were  in  a  perfect  i'erment.  All  wore  eager  to  ])ress  north- 
«arcl, not  doubting  that  the  victory  at  the  Kaishi  was  the  harbinger  of  continued 
success  until  Detroit  and  Maiden  should  be  in  the  possession  of  the  Americans.  It 
was  also  apparent  that  Lewis's  detachment  was  in  a  critical  situation ;  for  Maiden,  the 
principal  rendezvous  of  the  British  and  Indians  in  the  Northwest,  was  only  eighteen 
miles  from  FrenchtoAvn,  and  that  every  possible  method  would  be  instantly  put  forth 
to  recover  what  had  been  lost,  and  bar  farther  progress  toward  Detroit.  Accordingly, 
on  the  evening  of  the  1 0th,''  General  Winchester,  accompanied  by  Colonel 
Samuel  Wells,  of  Tippecanoe  fame,  marched  from  the  Maumee  toward 
Krcnchtown  Avith  less  than  three  htmdred  men,  it  being  unsafe  to  withdraw  more 
from  the  camp  at  the  Rapids.  Ho  an-ived  at  Frenchtown  at  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  next  day,  crossed  the  river,  and  encamped  the  troops  hi  an  open  field  on 
the  right  of  Lewis's  forces,''  excepting  a  small  detachment  under  Ca])tain  Morris,  left 
licliind  as  a  rear-guard  with  the  baggage.  I^eaving  Colonel  Wells  in  command  of  the 
re-enforcements,  after  suggesting  the  propriety  of  a  fortified  camp,  Winchester,  with 
ills  staff,  recrossed  the  liaisin,  and  established  his  head-quarters  at  the  house  of 
Colonel  Francis  Navarre,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  and  more  than  half  a  mile 
from  the  American  lines.* 

1  Captnin  Bland  W.  Bnllnrd  was  a  son  of  Captain  Ballard,  of  Winchester's  army.  He  was  acting  mivjor  at  the  time 
when  he  was  wounded. 

i  lUckmiiu  led  n  party  of  opics  under  Wayne  from  December,  17i)4,  until  June,  1796. 

>  Matson  was  afterward  with  Colonel  R.  M.  .Johnson  In  the  bnltle  of  the  Thames. 

'  Ciiloiiel  Lewis's  fn'.l  report  to  Oeneral  Winchester  was  written  two  days  afterward,  dated  "Camp  at  Frenchtown, 
January  20, 1S13,  on  the  River  Kaislu."    The  facts  In  our  narrative  of  the  battle  were  drawn  chiefly  from  this  report. 

i  It  is  asserted  that  Colonel  Lewis  recommended  the  encamping  of  the  re-enforcements  within  the  picketed  gnrdeng, 
[here  beinj;  plenty  of  room  on  his  left.  Wells  being  of  the  regular  army,  precedence  gave  him  the  right  of  Lewis,  and 
military  rule  would  not  allow  him  to  take  position  on  his  left.  This  observance  of  etiquette  proved  to  be  exceedingly 
uiisohievonB. 

'  The  view  of  Colonel  Navarre's  house,  the  head-quarters  of  Winchester,  given  on  page  364,  represents  it  as  it  ap- 
peared in  1813,  with  a  "puncheon"  fence  in  front.  General  Winchester  occupied  the  room  on  the  left  of  the  cntrance- 
Joor.  The  room  was  a  long  one,  fronting  east  (we  are  looking  at  the  house  in  a  southeast  direction),  and  had  a  large 
fireplace.  In  this  room  the  Indians  who  came  to  trade  with  Navarre  rested  and  slept.  The  trees  seen  on  the  west 
indc  of  the  honse  arc  utill  there— venerable  pear-trees  (originally  brought  from  Normandy),  which  were  planted  there 
livthe  early  pcttlers.  Those  which  remain  Btill  bear  fruit.  In  1S30  the  old  Navarre  House  was  altered  by  the  son  of 
ibeowner  in  1813.  lie  made  additions  to  It,  and  raised  the  roof  so  as  to  make  it  two  stories  in  height.  Like  the  origin.il, 
ibe  structure  of  1S30  was  a  log  edifice.  When  I  visited  the  spot  in  the  autumn  of  1800,  it  had  undergone  another  change 
The  log-houBC  of  1830  had  been  clap-boarded,  and  it  was  then  the  residence  of  the  rector  of  the  Kpiscopal  church  In 
Monroe.    It  stood  back  a  little  from  Front  Street,  witliin  the  square  bordered  by  Front,  Murray,  Hamphrcy,  and  Wads- 


^^ 


354 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


w 


Wlncheitor'ti  I^ck  of  ViKilauce. 


W«iiilii|{a  of  Oaotcer  unheeded  bjr  Wincbeitor. 


Other  OffloWi  on  tti«  Alert 


WIMUIIKBTKItH   llKAI>-<ttIAHTl:ilh. 


According  to  the  testimony  of  ail  otficcr 
of  the  exi)e(lition,  very  little  vigilance 
WU8  exercised  by  (Jenerul  Wiiulicsttp. 
Spies  were  not  Kent  out  to  recoiuKtitrc 
nor  any  ineasnres  adopted  for  Htrenijth- 
eninj^  the  eainp.  A  large  tpiantity  t,( 
fixed  aniniiinition,  sent  to  VVineliestci's 
quarters  i'r<>\\\  the  UapidH,  was  not  (lin- 
triliuted,  altiidUgh  the  rc-enforociiii'iits 
iiad  only  ten  rounds  of  cartridnes  each' 
and  the  urLicnt  reconiniendation  of 
Colonel  Wells  that  the  quarters  of  the 
comnuinder-in-chief  and  the  priiuijiul 
officers  should  bo  with  the  troops  was 
unhec'  (1.' 

On  I  lie  morning  of  the  21st  Winchester 
rt'iuested  Peter  Navarre  and  his  four 
brothers  to  gn  on  a  scout  toward  the  mouth  of  the  Detroit  liiver.  Peter  was  still 
living  when  I  visited  the  IMaumee  Valley  in  the  aiiluinn  of  1800,  and  aceonipaniod 
me  from  Toledo  to  the  liapids.  He  was  a  young  man  at  the  time  in  (piestitm,  full 
of  courage  and  pliysical  strengtli.  He  and  his  brothers  (■(>nij)lied  with  Windiest  it's 
request  with  alacrity.  They  saw  a  man,  far  distant,  coming  toward  them  on  llic  m'. 
He  proved  to  be  Joseph  Bordeau,  whose  daughter  Peter  atlerward  married,  lie  had 
escaped  from  Maiden,  and  was  bringing  the  news  that  the  British  would  be  at  the 
Raisin,  with  a  large  body  of  Indians,  that  night.  Peter  hastened  back  to  Winchester 
with  this  intelligence.  Jacques  La  Salle,  a  resident  of  Frenchtown,  in  the  interest  of 
the  British,  was  jiresent,  and  asserted,  in  the  most  positive  language,  that  it  must  lie 
a  mistake.  Winchester's  fears  were  allayed.  Peter  was  dismissed  with  a  laugh,  and 
no  precautions  to  insure  safety  were  taken  by  the  general.^  Another  scout  confirmed 
this  intelligence  during  the  afternoon.  The  general  was  still  incredulous.  Late  in 
the  evening  news  came  to  Lewis's  camp  that  a  very  largo  force  of  Briti-^li  and  In- 
dians, with  several  pieces  of  heavy  artillery,  were  at  Stony  Creek,  only  a  lew  miles 
distant,  and  would  be  at  Frenehtown  before  morning.  The  picket-guard  was  im- 
mediately doubled,  and  word  was  sent  to  the  commanding  general.  lie  did  not  be- 
lieve a  word  of  it;  but  Colonel  Wells,  wiio  did  believe  the  tirst  rumor  brought  hy 
Bordc.au,  had  meanwhile  hastened  to  the  Bapids  with  Captain  Lauham  for  re-enforce- 
ments, leaving  his  detachment  in  charge  of  Major  M'Clanahan. 

When  the  late  evening  rumors  had  been  communicated  to  Winchester,  the  field 
oflicers  remained  up,  expecting  every  moment  to  receive  a  summons  to  attend  a 
council  at  head-quarters.  They  were  disappointed.  The  general  disbelieved  the 
alarming  rumors ;  and  before  midnight  a  deep  repose  rested  upon  the  camp,  as  if 
some  trusted  power  had  guaranteed  perfect  security.  The  sentinels,  as  wo  have  ob- 
served, were  well  posted,  but,  owing  to  the  severity  of  the  weather,  no  pickets  were 
sent  out  upon  the  roads  leading  to  the  town.  All  but  the  chief  officers  in  Lewis's 
camp  and  some  better-informed  inhabitants  seemed  perfectly  free  from  apprehension. 
At  head-quarters  the  night  was  passed  by  the  general  and  his  staff  in  sweet  slumber; 
but  just  as  the  reveille  was  beaten,  between  four  and  five  o'clock  in  the  moniing,  and 
the  drummer-boy  was  pkyiug  the  Three  Camps,  the  sharp  crack  of  the  sentinels" 

worth  Streets.  I  nm  indebted  to  the  khid  courtesy  of  MrH.  Sarah  A.  Noble,  of  Monroe  (Frenehtown),  Michigan,  for  (he 
foregoing  facts,  and  fur  the  -bove  sicetch  of  VVinchesterV  ((iiarters  as  it  appeared  in  1S13. 

'  Major  Elijah  M'ClaualiMM  to  General  Uarrlson,  dated  "(amp  on  Carrying  River,  January  26, 1818."  Carryin?  River 
wns  eighteen  miles  fi'om  Vv'inchester's  camp,  on  the  Maumce,  on  the  way  toward  the  Raisin. 

'  Oral  statement  of  Peter  Navarre  to  the  author. 


Aiuck  on  n«M 


MiiiBketH  firi 
iiediateiy  h 
"nliiance,  ac 
ilif  terrible 
amp  with  c 
terri'dc  fulfil 
vet   yielded 
ucri'  iinknoM 
iiolhing  else  i 
I'latioua  of  di 
tory. 

'Hie  expose 
I'll  i-.iiMji,  aflei 
(foneral  U'inc 
■|iiiiic'heon"  fi 
iiijlil,  and  find 
their  savage  ai 
.1  large  body  o 
I'outiision,  and 
liiindred  men  \ 
.Allen  joined  \^ 
I'enees  on  the  8( 
•V.'ijors  Graves 
viiiii.    The  Iixli 
Hoofis  on  the  li 
l;uie  leading  fror 
by  the  savages 
ftoods  hoping  tJ 
i'very  turn  by  f 
:i  liundred  yards 
tlie  hatchets  of 
after^vard  bore  t 
preeious  article  i 
irliethor  in  High 
irinisoned  with 
allies  of  the  Briti 


'  'Never,  dear  motlii 

wmelj-painted  Indians 

»iiok»,  and  yet  covered 

"Urw,  who,  I  was  told,  \ 

PfocturwasadlRgrace  t 

-l^llerofA.O.  Tuftin, 

=  .No  rule  of  civilized  ■ 

iTiCfwemed  disposed  n. 

i»sabontamllo,wcre  pi 

I  W'  of  forty  men,  wer 

mandedln  the  thigh  in 

telionoftheManmee, 

tW,  who,  perceiving  his 

|ta  Mmc  moment  two  ot 

W  one  of  them  dead  np 

7  "■-;;, of  "hooting  on. 

K™ti,ckyiniTso,«nd, 

tie  family  removed  to  am 

[ftelvcilhlDcdiiration.    II 

ieDlacky.lniTiw.    He  wi 

J  "tflment  of  riflemen  fo 

|Wii,onthe22dof  Jan 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


8S9 


Aiuck  on  Frenrhtown  bjr  Proctor  and  hli  Pellow-MviKM. 


A  ttrrtble  Htrnfrgld. 


A  Panic  and  Mamscre. 


muskcl'^  firing  an  alann  wuh  lu-nnl  by  Ktill  <1ull  oars.  These  were  followed  im- 
iiiodiaU'lv  l>y  a  shower  ol'bonihslit'Hs  ami  eiini«ter-Hhot  hurled  from  Heveral  j)ie('es  of 
iinlniiiH'*')  acconipunied  by  a  furious  charge  of  aliuoHt  iaviMible  Hritish  regularH,  and 
till' terrible  yellw  of  painted  HavageH.  The  BoiindH  and  missileH  fell  upon  tlie  startled 
,amp  with  apjmlling  HuddenneHS,  giving  fearful  8ignili(  anee  to  the  warniiigH,  and  a 
terrilile  fultillnient  of  the  predictions  uttered  th«  previous  evening.  Night  had  not 
vet  yielded  its  gloomy  sceptre  to  Day.  The  eharaetcr  and  number  of  assailants 
were  unknown.  All  was  mystery,  terribhi  and  profound ;  and  the  Amerieiiiis  had 
nothing  else  to  do  but  to  oppose  force  to  force,  as  gallantly  as  possible,  until  tlio  rev- 
elations of  daylight  should  point  to  strategy,  skill,  or  prowess  for  safety  and  vic- 
tory. 

The  exposed  re<'nforccments  in  the  open  field  were  driven  in  toward  Lewis's  pieket- 
wl  camp,  arter  bravely  maintaining  a  severe  eontlict  for  sonic  time.  At  this  moment 
(renerai  Winchester  arrived,  and  endeavored  to  rally  the  retreating  troops  behind  a 

imiicheon"  fence  and  second  bank  of  the  Haisin,  so  that  they  might  incline  to  the 
rijjiii,aiid  find  shelter  behind  Lewis's  cam|).  His  efforts  were  vain.  The  Hritish  and 
thi'ir  savage  allies  were  pressing  too  heavily  njioii  the  fugitives;  and  when  at  length 
iiliirpe  body  of  Indians  gained  their  right  flank,  they  were  thrown  into  the  greatest 
I'onfiision,  and  fled  pell-mell  across  the  river,  earrying  with  them  a  detachincnt  of  one 
hiuidrc'd  men  which  Lewis  ha<l  sent  out  for  their  support.  Seeing  this,  Lewis  aud 
Allen  joined  Winchester  in  his  attempt  to  rally  the  troops  behind  the  houses  and 
I'eiui'H  on  the  soutli  sicU;  of  the  Raisin,  leaving  the  camp  in  the  gardens  in  charge  of 
Majors  Graves  and  Madison.  IJut  all  eftbrts  to  stop  the  flight  of  tlie  soldiers  were 
vain.  The  Indians,  more  tleet  than  they,  had  gained  their  flank,  and  swarmed  in  the 
woods  on  the  line  of  their  retreat,  Awhile  those  who  made  their  way  along  a  narrow 
huif  leading  from  the  village  to  the  road  from  the  Hapids  were  shot  down  and  scalped 
by  the  savages  skulking  behind  the  trees  atid  fences.  Others,  who  rushed  into  the 
woods  hoping  to  find  shelter  there  from  the  fury  of  the  terrible  storm,  were  met  at 
t'vory  turn  by  the  bloody  butchers,  and  scarcely  one  escaped.  Within  the  s])ace  ot 
;i  hundred  yards,ii(  ;ir  Plum  or  Mill  Creek,  nearly  one  hundred  Kentuekians  fell  under 
the  hatchets  of  liiiod  saxages,  who  snatched  the  "  scal|)-locks"  from  their  heads,  and 
al'terAvard  bore  them  in  triumpii  to  Fort  Maiden  to  receive  the  market  jirice  for  that 
jirocious  article  of  commerce.'  Death  and  mutilation  met  the  fugitives  on  every  side, 
whether  in  flight  or  in  submission,  and  all  about  that  little  village  the  snow  was 
(Timsoned  with  human  blood.  On  that  dreadful  morning  it  was  on  the  part  of  the 
allies  of  the  British  a  war  of  cxtennination." 

< "  Never,  dear  mother,  if  I  fihould  live  n  tbonBiind  yearo,  can  I  forget  the  frightrbl  ei^ht  of  this  morning,  when  band- 
[omely-painted  Indians  cnmc  into  the  fort,  some  of  them  carrying  hiilf  a  dozen  ncnlps  of  my  countrymen  fastened  npon 
•iicki>,  niid  yet  covered  with  blood,  and  wore  congratulated  by  Colonel  Proctor  for  their  t/raveri/.'  I  heard  ii  liritieh 
(ilUctr,  who,  I  was  told,  wbh  Lientenaut  Colonel  8t.  George,  tell  another  offlrtT,  who,  I  believe,  was  Colonel  Vincent,  that 
Prattor  was  a  dlc^race  to  the  British  army— that  snch  encouragements  to  devils  was  a  blot  upon  the  British  character." 
-Letter  of  A.  0.  Tuetin,  of  BardstDwii,  Kcntncky,  to  bis  mother,  dated  Fort  Maiden,  .lanuary  28, 1818. 
'  No  rule  of  civilized  warfare  >vaii  observed.  Blood  and  scalps  were  the  chief  objects  for  which  the  Indians  fought. 
They  seemed  disposed  not  to  take  any  prisoners.  A  party  of  flflecn  or  twenty,  nnder  Lleatenant  Garrett,  after  rctreat- 
lORibont  a  mile,  were  compelled  to  surrender,  when  all  but  the  y  ng  commander  were  killed  and  scalped.  Another 
[•uly,  of  forty  men,  were  more  than  one  half  murdered  under  similar  clrcnmstanccs.  Colonel  Allen,  who  hud  been 
touidedin  the  thigh  in  the  nttrmpt  to  rally  the  troojis,  after  abandoning  all  hope,  and  escaping  about  two  miles  In  the 
dirptlion  of  the  Mauinee,  was  compelled,  by  sheer  exhaustion,  to  sit  down  npon  a  log.  He  wa^'  -ibserved  by  an  Indian 
riief.wlio,  perceiving  his  rank,  promised  him  his  protection  If  he  would  surrender  without  resi-ianco.  He  did  so.  At 
ihe  ssmo  moment  two  other  savages  approached  with  murderous  intent,  when,  with  a  single  blow  of  his  sword,  Allen 
lild  one  of  them  dead  upon  the  ground.    His  companion  instantly  shot  the  colonel  dead.    "He  had  the  honor,"  says 

[  M  .Uce,  "  of  shooting  one  of  the  first  and  greatest  citizens  of  Kentucky." 
Jiihn  Allen  was  bom  in  Rockbridge  County,  Virginia,  on  the  .'5nth  of  December,  1TT2.    His  father  emigrated  with  him 

I  M  Kentucky  In  17S0,  and  settled  about  a  mile  and  a  half  below  the  present  town  of  Danville,  in  Boyle  County.  In  1784 
the  family  removed  to  auother  part,  five  miles  from  Bardstown,  and  in  a  school  in  that  then  rndo  village  young  Allen 
received  hl«  education.  He  studied  law  in  Staunton,  Virginia,  forfonr  years,  and  commenced  its  practice  In  Shelbyvllle, 
Ktnlucky,  in  Hits.  He  was  following  his  profenslon  successfully  there  when  the  war  broke  out  in  1S12,  when  he  raised 
I  r»):lmcnt  of  riflemen  for  service  under  Harrison.  He  was  killed,  as  we  have  seen,  at  the  massacre  on  the  River 
RaifiD,  on  the  i!2d  of  January,  1813,  at  the  age  of  forty-one  years.    Allen  Cotinty,  Kentucky,  was  so  named  in  bis 


"I, 


i        I 


3Ae 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


I    I 


Wlncbaater  made  Priionar.         Proctor  rapuUed.         Wluchntsr  A)r(')!d  to  lurrendar  bla  Armjr.         U»iat  Madlton 

Ooncittl  WinchcHtor  and  Colonel  I^ewia  woro  made  priBonen  by  Round-heail  >  at  a 
bridge  about  tlirco  fourtlm  ot'ii  rniK'  from  tlio  village,  stripped  of  their  clotlicH  oxvk'm 
shin,  ]»antalo<)nH,  and  V)ootB,  and  in  thiw  pliglii,  were  taken  to  the  quartern  of  the  Uritisli 
commander,  who  proved  to  be  I'olonel  I're  -lor,  tlie  unworthy  HucceHnor  of  tlic  worthy 
Brouk  in  tho  command  at  Detroit  and  AndicrHthurg,  He  waw  in  Fort  Mahh  i>,  at  the 
latter  place,  when  intellififonee  of  Lewis's  occupation  of  Frone.htown  reached  m  and 
he  nmde  immediate  preparations  to  drive  the  AmericaiiH  buck.  The  Hritisli  and  In- 
dians  expelled  from  Frenchtown  on  the  18th  ha<l  fallen  back  with  their  howitzer  tn 
Hrownstown,  where  Proctor  Joined  them,  on  tho  Ctcning  of  the  20th,  with  a  detach- 
ment of  tile  4l8t  Regiment,  onj  hundred  and  forty  in  number,  under  liimilciiuiit  Vo]- 
onel  St.  George;  the  Royal  Newfoundland  Regiment,  under  Colonil  Vincent;  luid  a 
part  of  the  10th  Veteran  Rattalicm  and  some  seamen.  These,  with  Reynolds's  militi;, 
and  a  party  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  with  three  three-jiounders  and  the  howitzer  alrcidv 
mentioned,  made  a  white  force  about  five  hundred  strong.  The  Indians,  under  HduiiJ. 
head  and  Walk-in-the- Water,  ntimbered  about  six  hundred.  With  these  Proctor  ad. 
vanced  from  lirownstown  on  tho  morning  of  tl  e  21st,  and  halted  at  Swan  Crock 
twelve  miles  on  the  way.  There  ho  remained  .intil  dusk,  when  the  march  was  ro- 
sumed.  So  great  was  the  lack  of  vigilan",.  on  the  part  of  tho  Americans  tliat  IVoc 
tor's  troops  and  guns  were  made  ready  for  assault  before  their  presence  was  positivclv 
known.     Then  followed  the  attack  just  recorded. 

While  the  right  wing  of  Lewis's  army  and  Winchester's  re-enforcements  were  suf- 
fering destruction,  the  lell  and  centre,  under  Majors  Graves  and  Madison,  were  nobly 
defending  themselves  in  the  garden  j)icketed  camp.  They  maintained  tlieir  position 
manfully  against  the  powerful  assault  of  the  enemy.  The  British  had  planted  tluir 
howitzer  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  camp  (and  eastward  of  it),  behind  a  small 
house  about  forty  rods  from  the  river,  upon  the  road  to  Detroit.  It  was  a  I'ormidablc 
assailant,  but  it  was  soon  silenced  by  the  Kentucky  sharp-shooters  behind  the  piokits, 
who  lirst  killed  the  horse  and  driver  of  the  sleigh  that  conveyed  amnmnition,  and 
then  picked  oft"  thirteen  of  the  sixteen  men  in  charge  of  the  gun.  It  was  soon  dram 
back  so  far  that  itii  shot  had  no  effect  on  the  "  puncheon ;"  and  at  ten  o'clock,  pen;*  ii 
ing  all  efforts  of  iiis  white  troops  to  dislodge  the  Americans  to  be  fruitless,  Prod di 
withdrew  his  forces  to  the  woods,  with  the  intention  of  either  abandoning  the  contest, 
or  awaiting  the  return  of  his  savage  allies,  who  were  having  their  feast  of  blood 
beyond  I'le  Raisin.  When  the  assailants  withdrew,  the  Americans  quietly  break- 
fasted. 

While  the  troops  were  eating,  a  white  flag  was  seen  approaching  from  the  Britisli 
line.  Major  Madison,  believing  it  to  be  a  token  of  truce  while  the  British  miubt  bun 
their  dead,  went  out  to  meet  it.  It  was  borne  by  Major  Overton,  one  of  General  Win- 
chester's staff,  who  was  a(rcompanied  by  Colonel  Proctor.  lie  brought  an  order  from 
(ireneral  Winchester  directing  the  uncondition;il  surrender  of  all  the  troops  as  jjrisoncrs 
of  w^ar.  This  was  the  first  intelligence  received  by  the  gallant  left  wing  tiiat  their 
chief  was  a  cp.ptive.  Proctor  liad  dishonorably  taken  advantage  of  his  situation  lo 
extort  that  order  from  him.  He  assured  Winchester  that  as  soon  as  the  Indirn  , fresh 
from  the  massacre  from  Avhich  he  had  escaped,  should  join  his  camp,  the  remabider 
of  the  Americans  would  be  easily  captured,  concealing  from  him  the  fact  that  they 
had  already  driven  the  British  back  to  the  woods.  He  represented  to  the  general 
that,  in  such  an  event,  "  nothing  would  save  the  Americans  from  an  indiscriminate 
massacre  by  the  Indians."  Totally  ignorant  of  the  condition  of  the  remnant  of  his 
little  army,  and  horrified  by  the  butchery  of  which  he  had  just  been  a  witness,  Win- 
chester yielded,  and  sent  Major  Overton  with  the  orders  just  mentioned. 

Madison,  surprised  and  mortified,  refused  to  obey  the  order  except  on  conditions. 

1  See  page  201.  It  wag  witb  («reat  difficnlty  that  Proctor  pereaadcd  Koand-bead  to  release  biB  priaoner,  or  to  gtre  ap 
tbc  military  salt  be  bad  ntripped  fl-oni  bim. 


OF   THE    WAI{   OF    1812. 


Ml 


pnclor  qiuUi  txAir*  •  tnM  Mu.  HI*  Perfidy,  Cowardice,  and  (Dhumanity.  A  fearfUl  NtKbt  at  Vrunchtuwn. 

"It  has  been  cuHtonmry  for  the  In<liaiiH,"  hu  obHiTved, "  to  inuHsaero  the  woumkd  and 
niisoiii'iM  ntU'i-  a  sunvnclur;  1  shall  tlit'ix'fbro  not  agrco  to  any  capitulation  whicli  (Jt'ii- 
iral  WinthrMtor  may  diroct,  unU'ss  tlio  nafoty  anil  prott^-tion  of  all  the  piiHoiuTs  nhall 
Ipc  stipiilatfd."  Till)  haughty  I'roctor  Mtaniped  Iuh  foot,  and  Haiti,  with  a  Hupfi<iliou8 
nir  "Sir,  do  i/ou  mean  to  diotato  to  tne!"  "I  nu-an  to  dictate  for  myself,"  Madison 
replied,  with  Hrmni'SM.  "  Wo  prefer  Helling  our  lives  as  dearly  as  possible  rather  Ihua 
lu'  massaored  in  cold  blood."  Proctor,  who  was  scorned  by  Jhock  for  his  jealouHy 
;iiiil  innate  nieanneHS,  and  Ih  remembered  with  dislike  by  the  C'anadiaiiH,  who  kii.-w 
jiiiu  as  innately  cruel  and  cowardly,'  (ju.iiled  before  the  honcHt,  manly  bravery  of 
MiulinoM,  and  solemnly  agreed  that  all  private  property  hIiouUI  be  renpected ;  that 
>k'<]s  fihould  be  sent  the  ne.vt  morning  to  remove  the  sick  and  wounded  to  Amherst- 
Imrf;  that  the  diHabled  Hhonld  be  protected  by  a  proper  guard;  and  that  the  side- 
anus  of  the  officers  should  be  returned  when  the  captives  should  reach  Maiden. 
I'nictor  refused  to  commit  thcHc  conditions  to  writing,  I  ut  i)ledged  his  honor  as  a 
Mildier  and  a  gentleman  that  they  Hhonld  be  observed.  Madison  was  ignorant  of 
I'lootor's  poverty  in  all  that  constituted  a  soldier  and  man  of  honor,  and  trusted  to 
IiIk  promises.  On  the  conditions  named,  he  and  his  otKcers  agreed  to  surrender  them- 
M'lves  and  their  men  prisoners  of  war. 

Before  .the  surrender  was  fairly  completed  the  Indians  began  to  plunder,  when 
Major  3Iadison  ordered  his  men  to  resist  them,  even  with  ball  and  1)ayonet.  The 
cowardly  savages  quailed  before  the  courage  of  the  white  captives,  and  none  of  the 
prisoners  were  again  molested  by  them  while  on  their  way  to  Maiden.  Quite  ililfer- 
eut  was  the  fate  of  the  poor  wounded  men  who  were  left  behind.  Having  secured 
Ills  oliject,  Proctor  violated  his  word  of  honor,  and  left  them  exposed  to  savage  cruelty, 
liiiiiiors  came  that  Harrison  was  ap])roaching,  and  the  British  commander,  more  intent 
m  securing  personal  salt'ty  than  the  fultillmcnt  of  solemn  promises,  left  for  Maiden 
witli  most  of  his  savage  allies,  within  an  hour  after  the  surrender,  leaving  as  a  "guan!" 
aitly  Major  lieynolds  and  two  or  three  interpreters.  Proctor  did  not  even  name  : 
.'iiard,  nor  spoke  of  conveyances  for  the  wounded  after  leaving  Frenclitown ;  and 
vlieu  both  Winchester  and  .Madison  reminded  him  of  his  promises  and  the  ])eril  of 
111'  wounded,  he  refused  to  hear  them.  It  is  evident  that  from  the  first  that  inhuninii 
nicer  uitended  to  almndon  the  wounded  prisoners  to  their  fate.  Among  them  was 
I'aptain  Hart,  brother-in-lav,'  'if  Henry  Clay,  and  inspector  general  of  the  Army  of 
ilic  Northwest.  He  was  anxious  to  accompany  the  prisoners  to  Maiden,  but  Captaii. 
Elliott,  son  of  the  notorious  Colonel  Elliott,  who  had  known  Hart  intimately  in  Ken- 
tucky, assured  him  of  perfect  safety  at  Frenclitown,  and  promised  to  send  his  own 
conveyance  for  him  the  next  morning.  Elliott  assured  all  the  wounded  that  they 
need  not  apprehend  danger,  and  that  sleds  from  Maiden  would  come  for  them  in  the 
morning. 

The  wounded  Avere  taken  into  the  houee  '  \;he  kind-liearted  villagers,  and  cared 
for  by  Drs.  Todd  and  Jiowers,  of  the  Keni  :kj  v  olunteers,  who  were  left  behind  for 
the  purpose.  In  every  mind  there  tvas  an  indefinable  dread  when  Proctor  and  his 
motley  crew  departed ;  and  Avhen  it  Avas  known  that  he  had  promised  his  savage 
allies  a  "  frolic"  at  Stony  Creek,  only  about  six  miles  from  the  Raisin,  lot  only  the 
wounded  soldiers,  but  the  villagers,  and  Major  lieynolds  himself,  felt  a  th  ill  of  horror, 
for  there  could  be  no  doubt  that  the  drunken  Indians,  after  their  deba;  icii,  would  re- 
turn to  Freuchtown  to  glut  their  appetites" for  blood  and  plunder.  Even  those  who 
remained  Avent  from  house  to  house,  after  Proctor's  departure,  in  search  of  plunder. 

The  night  following  the  battle  Avas  a  fearful  one  at  Frenchtown.  .January  as. 
Day  dawned  with  hope,  but  the  sun  at  his  rising*  found  the  inhabitants         **^-- 


* 


■  Tecnmthn,  ns  we  Bliall  observe  herenfler,  resardeil  Proctor  as  a  coward,  and  by  threats  compelled  him  to  make  a 
'tand  on  the  Thames ;  and  the  venerable  Robert  Heynolds,  of  Amheretburg,  and  other  survivors  of  tbo  British  army  in 
Cauaila  with  whom  I  have  converBt'd,  spoke  of  him  vplth  contempt  as  a  boasting  coward. 


i 

.^. 

■I  -mmmkif^ 


MHiai 


ifliltS: 


358 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Magsiicre  aud  Scalping  of  wounded  Prisoners  allowed  by  Proctor. 


Incidents  of  tiie  liorrlble  Evem. 


and  prisoners  in  despair.     Instead  of  the  promised  sleds  from  Madden,  about  two  hiiiul- 
rcd  half-drunken  savages,  with  their  faces  painted  red  and  black  in  token  of  their 

fiendish    purposes,  came   into 
the  village.     The  chiefs  held  a 
brief  council,  and  determined 
to  kill  and  scalp  all  the  woiuid- 
ed  who  were  unable  to  ti'avcl 
in  revenge  for  the  many  com- 
rades they  had  lost  in  the  fisxht. 
This  decision  was  announced  by 
horrid  yells,  and  the  savages 
went   out  upon   their  bloody 
errand.     They  first  i)lundereti 
the  village;   then  they  broke 
into    the    houses    wlicre    the 
wounded   lay,  stripped    them 
of  every  thing,  and  then  toma- 
hawked and  scalped  them.  Thi 
houses  of  Joan  B.  Jereaumo  ami 
Gabriel   Godfrey,  that    stood 
near  the  present  dwcllina;  of 
Matthew   (liibson,  sheltered  a 
large  number  of  prisoners.    In 
the  cellar  of  Jereaiimo's  lionso 
wiiH  stored  a  large  (luaiitity  nl 
whisky.    This  the  savages  took 
in  sufficient  quantities  to  mad- 
den thciu,  when  they  set  both 
dwellings  on  fire.   A  number  of 
the  w^ounded,  unable  to  nioyc, 
were    consumed.     Others,  at- 
tempting to  escape  by  the  doors 
and  windows,  were  tomahawk- 
ed and  scalped.     Others,  ou*- 
side,  were  scalped  and  cast  intu 
the  flames,  and  the  remaiiidov, 
who  could  walk,  were  man  lied 
ofi"  toward  Maiden.   When  any 
of  them  sank  from  exhaustion, 
they  were  killed  and  scalped. 
Doctor  Todd,  who  had  ocen  tied  and  carried  to  Stony  Creek,  informed  Elliott  ol 
what  was  g()i:>g  on  at  the  Raisin,  and  begged  him  to  send  conveyances  for  ihf 
wounded,  espet  lally  for  Captoin  Hart ;  but  that  young  officer  coolJv  rej)lied,  "Charity 
begins  at  home ;  my  o kU  wounded  must  bo  carried  to  Maiden  first."     He  well  knew 
that  an  hour  more  would  be  too  late  for  re.'scue.' 

M.ajor  Graves  was  never  1  I'ard  of  after  tlie  Maumee.     Captain  Hickman  was  mur- 
dered in  Jereaurae's  house.     Captain  Hart  was  removed  from  that  house  by  Di^ctor 

'  This  Is  from  ft  eketcli  xcnt  to  Colonel  Wi  I  llnm  II.  Winder  by  Lieut':  iiantCotone"  Bocretlcr,  in  a  letter  dated  "Buffiilr 
ITIh  February,  ISlil.  I  nenrt  you,"  ho  rniyp,  "a  hnstysket^  li  of  the  H.uatlon  of  the  troops  at  Frcnchtowu  '  Fie  ohtniiicil 
It  from  some  subordinat'-  officer  amone;  the  prisoiiern  from  the  Rrli>tn,  who  weic  paroled,  and  passed  t'lrough  llnffalu 
He  says.  "The  prisoners  liave  passed  throuKh  to  tlic  number  of  four  huiulrod  nud  sliiy-two.  The  K''iieral  anil  llcl 
ofllcprs  are  not  yot  sent  across.''      '.utngraph  Jjelltr. 

»  Klllott  had  been  in  Le-Tington,  where  lie  W'\s  very  111  of  fever  for  a  lonp  time  in  tlie  fiinillv  of  Colonel  Thomm  Ha;' 
the  f»t!ier  of  Captain  Hart.  During  that  lltnesh  tie  h»A  lecelvcd  mwy  attentions  from  t!»<  young  man  whom  Ijo  cm 
ba«e1y  deserted  1p  his  hour  of  greatei<t  need.  ''•" '    ~ 


MOVEllEMB 


KllENOnTOWN.l 


The  Death  of 

Todd,  heft 
a  mile  up 
Pottawatc 
to  Muhlen, 
through  tl 


5-t: 


.^ 


them  were  s( 
l)y  way  of  t 
l/ii'l  trcadru' 
ilitioti  that  t 
war,  or  until 
The  officer  a 
majesty's  all 
son,'  were  sc 
the  spring  of 

•  Inm  indebted 
front  oflhp.  ford, 
known  some  lime 
'  .\nthanlel  G.  1 
In  Loiinfjton.    Ca 
ninrried  James  It 
purflts  when  Ih 
Laiiifftmi  r.irjlit  hi 
US'.    Under  Its  I' 
w  nt  the  hfiiii  o 
commander  of  ihe 
Ills  pds.sesi'ioii,  wh: 
Court  of  St.  Peters 
il!  fls!,'  was  the  rej 
fomiiiuiy  (now  call, 
in  behalf  of  the  do 
incky,  performed  tl 
from  17«»  to  isiil,  V 
Thomas  Smith,  of  t 
"to  was  Jl.irfs  Riic 
'  A  few  diivs  aft< 
move  to  Detroit, 
"onvcyanTB  were 
massacred  were  un 
'  William  Lewis 
'He  fame  position  I 
i^iBi^nned  t.leutena 
WM  n  native  of  Vlrj 
*  Oeorfw  Madisoi 
w  was  ni,|p  ,<i  lad  c 
liMd  uf  ai.,flij,n,,j. 


m 


mmtmttllimillKUSt' 


OF    THE    WAR   OF    1812. 


350 


The  Death  of  Captain  Uart. 


Sketch  of  hiiiUrc. 


The  Britinb  Mbwned  to  call  the  tiiiH— Hwll  Allies. 


Todd, before  the  massacre  was  !.oraint»n«*d,  to  the  dwelling  ofJaoqucH  Navarre,  about 
a  mile  up  the  river  (now  tht-  Waifawwlii  brick  house),  uiuler  the  « liartje  of  a  friendly 
Pdttiuvatoinie  chief.  Hurt  ofltaed  hi»  one  hundred  dollars  to  com  y  him  in  safety 
to  Miilden.  The  chief  attciptai  it.  Hart  was  placed  on  a  horse,  and  when  pa^^sing 
tlii'oii'di  the  village,  near  the  houitt;  of  Fran9ois  La  Salle'  (who  was  suspected  of  com- 
plicity with  the  IJiitish),  a  Wyandot 
■ravage  came  out,  and  claimed  the  cap- 
tain as  his  prisoner.  A  dispute  arose,  and 
they  finally  settled  it  by  agreeing  to  kill 
the  prisoner,  and  dividing  his  money  and 
clothes  between  them.  So  says  the  most 
reliable  recorded  history.^  Local  trudi- 
tion  declares  that  the  Pottawatomie  at- 
tempted to  defend  Captain  Hart  when 
the  Wyandot  shot  and  scalped  him. 
There  are  many  versions  of  the  tragedy. 
lie  was  buried  near  the  place  of  his 
murder,  but  the  exact  spot  is  not  known. 
J'roctor  arrived  with  his  prisoners  at 
Ainherstburg  on  the  morning  of  the  23d 
of  January,  and  on  the  '20th  proceeded 
to  Sandwich  and  Detroit.^  Some  of 
them  were  sent  to  Detroit,  and  others  were  forwarded  to  Fort  George,  on  the  Niagara, 
by  way  of  the  Thames.  These  suffered  much  from  the  severity  of  the  weather  and 
\,:\i\  Ileal  inent  of  their  guards.  At  Fort  George  they  were  mostly  paroled,  on  con- 
dition that  they  should  not  "bear  arms  against  his  majesty  or  his  allies  during  the 
war,  or  until  exchanged."  "Who  are  his  majesty's  allies?"  inquired  Major  Madison. 
Tlio  officer  addressed,  doubtless  ashamed  to  own  the  disgrace  in  words,  said,  "  Ilis 
majesty's  allies  are  known."  General  Winchester,  Colonel  Lewis,''  and  Major  Madi- 
son,^ were  sent  to  Quebec,  and  at  Beauport,  near  that  city,  they  were  confined  until 
the  spring  of  1814,  when  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  took  place. 


BESIDENCK  or   LA  BAl.LE. 


1  I  nm  Indelited  to  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Noble  for  this  ekotch  of  La  Salle's  house,  as  it  appeared  at  the  time.  It  stood  in 
front  of  the  ford,  was  Imilt  of  logs,  and  between  it  and  the  river  was  a  "puuolieon"  fence.  The  "  Laselle  Farm"  was 
Iviimvii  some  time  as  the  "  Mnrnphrey  Farm."    It  is  now  tlSOl]  the  property  of  the  lIi)noral)le  D.  A.  Noble. 

"  Nathaniel  O.  T.  Hart  was  a  sou  of  Colonel  Thomas  Hart,  who  emi>:r«ted  to  Kentucky  from  Maryland,  and  settled 
in  LcxiiiKton.  Captain  Hart  was  born  at  Ilagcrstowu,  in  Maryland.  One  of  his  sisters  married  Henry  Clay,  another 
ninrricd  James  llnnvn,  lon^  the  United  States  minister  at  the  French  Court.  Hart  was  making  a  fortune  in  mercantile 
imr.'iis  when  the  war  of  ISl'i  broke  out,  when  (at  the  age  of  about  twenty-se>  on  years)  he  was  in  command  of  the 
l.rx'iifitan  Liijht  Infantry,  ii  company  which  was  organized  by  Cicucral  .Jamrj  .Wilkinson,  who  was  Itn  first  captain,  in 
IM.  Vndcr  its  fourth  captain  (Beatty)  It  was  with  Wayne  In  the  campaign  of  Ui)4.  Hart  was  its  seventh  captain,  and 
wns  at  the  head  of  it  in  the  expedition  to  the  Raisin.  When  I  visited  Lcxinuton  in  April,  ISdl,  I  i-alled  on  the  then 
commander  of  the  company,  Cajitam  Samuel  1).  M'Cullough,  who  showed  me  the  crimson  silk  sash  of  Captain  Hart  In 
ills  possesHioii,  which  was  torn  and  had  blood-stains  upon  it.  C^ssius  M.  ('lay,  now  [ISliTl  America!'  minister  to  the 
Court  of  St.  Petersburg,  commanded  this  company  In  the  United  States  army  In  Mexico.  In  the  battle  of  Buenn  Vista 
its  flaj  was  the  regimental  color  of  the  ivenlucky  cavalry.  On  the  ISth  of  .Tanuary,  ISOl,  a  flag  was  jircsonted  to  this 
rompnny  (now  called  the  "  Lextuaton  Old  Infantry")  at  the  Odd  Fellows  Hall  in  Lexington,  by  General  Leslie  Combs, 
ill  liehalf  of  the  donor,  David  A.  Sayre.  On  that  occasion  the  United  States  band  from  the  barracks  at  Newport,  Ken- 
lacky,  performed  the  mu.^lcal  part  of  the  ccemonles.  The  Star-npantjled  llaniier  was  sung,  aiid  the  roil  of  all  the  captains, 
from  llWto  isiil,  was  called.  The  only  survivors  of  the  company  when  Il'irt  was  captain,  who  were  pre«eiit.  were, 
ThomasSmith,  of  Loul'/llle:  Lawrence  Paly,  of  Fayette  ('ouiity:  andJudgo  Levi  L.  Todd,  of  Inuianapolis.  The  latter, 
ivtn  wftK  Hart's  successor  as  captain,  gave  the  opening  address. 

•  A  few  divs  affer  tho  massacre  at  the  Hiiisin  Prctor  irdered  all  th"  Inhabitants  there  to  leave  their  houeee  and 
move  to  Detroit.    It  wnf  mid-winter  and  severely  cold.    Tho  snow  was  vcr^  ,1eep,  and  they  suffered  dreadfu'Iy.    Borne 

onveyan'-i-s  were  sent  down  from  Detroit  for  tbem.  For  a  while  Freochtown  was  a  desolation,  and  the  remains  of  the 
nmi'Siicred  were  unbarled. 

'  William  Lewis  was  in  Gaithor's  iiattnllon  itt  St.  Clart's  defeat  In  ITSl.  He  was  then  captain,  and  was  appointed  to 
•he  mme  position  In  tht  M  Retriment  of  Infa..try  the  following  year.  Ho  resigned  In  1T9T.  In  August,  iSl'i,  he  was  com- 
™b"Ioiici1  Lieutenant  C.-lonel  of  Kfiiiuckv  A'olunteers,  and,  as  we  have  seen,  behaved  gallantly  at  Frenchtown.  He 
wM  a  'inilve  of  Virginia.    His  death  occu  red  nei'i-  T.ittlc  Rock,  arl-ansas,  on  the  17th  of  Janiary,  1'<25. 

'  Ociirf!*!  Madison  wis  a  native  of  Virginia,  where  he  was  born  in  17(13.  He  was  a  soldier  In  the  Revolution,  although 
lie  KM  oiilv  ,1  lad  of  twelve  years  when  it  broke  out.  He  was  with  General  Clarke  In  the  Nort'^vest,  and  was  at  the 
toad  uf  a  cmpaay  lu  at.  Clair's  defeat  In  ITOl,  \vhere  he  was  wounded.    Uo  was  also  wounded  In  an  attack  by  the  Id- 


i^mmmm 


i-' 


360 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


.   i; 


Wnr-cry  of  the  Kcntuckiuns.     Iluuur  couferred  on  Proctor.     Shamefulnesis  of  the  Act.      "  GunrrtlauH  of  Civllizatiou  " 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  the  affair  at  the  Raisin  was  nine  hundred  and  thirty- 
four.  Of  these,  one  liundriMl  and  ninety-seven  were  killed  and  missing ;  the  romaiixlor 
were  made  prisoners.  Of  the  whole  army  of  about  a  thousand  men,  only  thirty-tliroc 
escaped.  Tiie  loss  of  the  British,  according  to  Proctor's  report,  was  twenty-t'tiur 
killed,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-eight  wounded.  The  loss  of  their  Indian  allies  is 
not  known.  The  event  was  a  terrible  blow  to  Kentucky.  It  caused  mourning  in  al- 
most every  family.  The  first  shock  of  grief  was  succeeded  by  intense  exasperation 
and  the  war-cry  of  Kentucky  soldiers  after  that  was,  Hemember  the  River  Raisin! 
•Jnnnnry20,  At  Sandwicli  Proctor  \yrote  his  dispatch*  to  Sir  George  Prevost,  the 
^^^"  commander-in-chief  in  Canada,  giving  an  account  of  his  expedition  to 
Frenclitown,  and  highly  commending  the  conduct  of  his  savage  allies.'  His  privato 
representations  were  such  that  the  evidently  deceived  Assembly  of  Lower  Canada 
passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  him  and  his  men,  and  the  equally  duped  Sir  Geortrc 
promoted  him  to  the  rank  of  brigadier  general  "  until  the  pleasure  of  the  Prince  Re- 
gent should  be  known.'"'-  That "  jileasure"  was  to  confirm  the  apjiointment,  and  there- 
by the  British  government  indorsed  his  conduct. 

I  visited  Frenclitown  (now  Monroe),  in  Michigan,  early  in  October,  18G0.  I  wont 
down  from  Detroit  by  railway  early  in  the  morning,  after  a  night  of  tempest — min- 
gled lightning,  wind,  and  rain.  The  air  was  cool  and  pure,  and  the  firmament  was 
overhung  witii  beautiful  cloud-pictures.  I  bore  a  letter  of  introduction  to  the  Honor- 
able D.  S.  Bacon,  a  resident  of  the  plaj30  for  almost  forty  yeai'!*^  Avho  kindly  spent  the 
day  with  me  in  visiting  persons  and  places  of  interest  on  that  memorable  spot. 

Crossing  the  bridge  to  the  north  side  of  the  stream,  we  passed  down  "Water  Street 
toward  the  site  of  La  Salle's,  the  camp  of  Colonel  Lewis,  and  other  places  connected 
with  the  battle  and  massacre  already  described.    We  met  the  venerable  Judge  Du- 

dians  in  the  camp  of  Major  John  Adair  the  following  year.  For  more  than  twenty  years  he  was  ai:ditor  of  pnlilic  ac- 
counts in  Kentucky.  When  Kentncky  was  asked  for  troops  in  ISIii  he  took  the  ticld.  Ho  was  kept  a  prisoner  at  (Jucboc 
for  siiue  tinio.  In  ISltt  lie  was  nominated  for  the  office  of  governor  of  Kentucky,  ile  was  sobelced  and  pupuliir  Iha: 
hi',  opponent  vvltlidrew  in  the  l\cat  of  the  canvass,  declaring  that  nobody  could  resist '  at  popularity.  He  was  electeil, 
but  died  on  the  U'li  of  October  the  same  year. 

'  "The  zeal  and  couraj^o  of  the  Indian  Department,"  he  eali,  "were  never  more  conspicuous  than  ou  this  occa.«ioD, 
and  the  Indian  warriors  I'ougnt  with  their  usual  bravery." 

5  It  seems  hardly  possible  that  the  Canadian  Assembly  or  Sir  George  Prevost  cou'k'  have  known  the  facts  nf  the  hor- 
rors of  Frcnchtown,  and  Proctor's  inhunuiu  abandonment  of  He  prisoners,  or  (hey  would  have  punished  rather  than 
rewarded  the  commander  ou  that  occasion.  Sir  George,  in  his  general  order  .^nnoHncing  the  promotion  of  Proctor,  ai- 
tually  said,  "  On  this  occasion  the  gallantry  of  Colonel  Proctor  was  most  nobly  displayed  in  his  humane  and  unmarird 
I'Xfrtions,  ichich  mineeeded  m  rexming  the  ranqtiiahot  from  tlie  re'>e)uje  nf  the  Indian  warriors !" 

British  writers,  unable  to  offer  the  shadow  of  an  excuse  for  Proctor's  coudnct,  either  avoid  all  mention  of  the  n,assn- 
ere,  or  endCiivor  to  shield  him  from  the  si-ourge  of  just  criticism  by  affecting  to  disbelieve  the  fact  that  he  agreed  to 
give  protection  to  the  wounded,  or  accepted  the  surrender  on  any  condilions  whatever.  "  Indeed,"  says  .Tames,  with 
an  air  of  trinmpii  lii  discussioi.,  "  General  Wiuchestcr  was  not  in  a  condition  to  dictate  term.","  because  he  wn«  "strip- 
ped to  his  shirt  and  trowsers,  and  suffering  exceedingly  from  the  cold."— ^Icfoi"!^  af  the  MUitarn  Ocetirrenees  of  the.  Wt 
Hiir,  etc.,  1.,  ISS.  But  the  testimi>ny  of  eye  and  ear  ■,  itiiesses  to  the  fact  are  too  iibundaut  for  any  honest-niindcd  man 
to  dontit.  Before  all  his  men,  iu  the  presence  of  Colonel  Proctor,  not  tweiUy  rods  from  the  house  of  Francois  Lasallo, 
Major  Madison  declared  the  conditions  that  had  been  agreed  upon.  The  late  Judge  Durocher.  who  was  iircscnt,  in- 
formed mi-  that  he  heard  these  conditions  announced,  and  that  Proctor  assented  to  them  by  his  silence.  This  is  in  con- 
firmation of  Winchester's  statement  in  his  report,  written  at  Maiden  on  the  23dof  .lannary,  the  day  after  the  (•jm  uler, 

II  gives  the  writer  no  pleasure  to  record  the  cruelties  of  savages  and  the  unchristian  conduct  of  British  coininanilcrs 
who  employed  them.  He  would  prefer  to  Imry  the  knowledge  of  these  thingb  in  oblivion,  and  let  the  aniaioslties  which 
they  engender  die  w  lib  the  generation  of  men  who  were  actors  In  the  scenes ;  but  when  a  Pharisee,  affecting  to  be  the 
"guardian  of  civilization,"  preaches  censorious  homilies  to  an  equal  in  virtue  and  dignity,  it  is  sometimes  a  wholesome 
service  to  prick  the  bubble  of  his  pride  with  the  bodkin  of  just  exposure.  When  the  Briti!<h  government,  in  its  pride 
01  blindness,  lectures  that  of  the  riiited  States  on  lust  for  power,  barbarity  In  warfare,  and  kindred  subjects,  as  it  did 
diir'ng  the  late  civil  war  In  the  I'nlted  States,  an  occasional  lifting  of  the  veil  ttimi  the  records  of  the  censor's  own 
sl'irtcomlngs  may  be  productive  of  a  wholesome  hnmlllty  and  a  practical  desire  for  reform.  Posterity  will  point  the 
finger  of  scorn  toward  the  ccnduct  of  the  government  of  that  einoirc,  aid  the  journalists  and  publicists  In  Its  Intcrci, 
during  the  trials  of  the  government  and  loyal  people  o.'tho  fnltcd  States  In  their  late  struggles  against  foul  conspiracy 
and  frigluful  rebellion,  as  unworthy  of  an  enlightened  and  Christian  nation.  That  conduct— the  manifestation  of  the 
intense  selflshness  of  the  arist.u  racy  of  rank  and  wealth  which  have  ever  ruled  England— will  always  appear  iiarklv  In 
the  history  of  nations  as  a  crime  against  humanity,  and  a  libel  upon  the  character  of  the  overwhelming  majority  of  the 
English  people.  The  emp'oyrncnt  of  bloody  savages  to  butcher  their  relatives  in  America  ;  the  deiuoiiiac  trcatnuMit  of 
captive  Sepoys  in  India ;  the  encouragement  of  f-lglitfiil  atrocities  In  China,  and  the  open  sympathy  with  conspirators 
against  a  beneficent  governiiient  for  the  avowwl  purpose  of  establishing  a  despotism  whose  corner-stmie  should  he 
HUMAN  Bi.wiiiiv,  she  ild  forever  close  the  lips  of  tho  Kngllsh  government  when  it  attempts  to  kicturo  ethers  ou  human 
ity,  or  cltttms  to  be, par  excelleiift,  the  "guardian  of  clvilizatluD." 


Visit  to  the  Kn 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


set 


Viilt  to  the  Haisin. 


The  historical  Localltioe  there. 


Survivors  of  the  War. 


rochcr,  already  mentioned  in  the  narrative  as  one  of  tlie  actors  in  the  scenes  there — 
a  siiort,  dark-complexioned  man  of  French  descent — who  pointed  out  the  spot,  in  an 
open  lot  between  Water  Street  and  the  river,  not  far  from  where  we  were  standing, 
a  little  westward  of  La  Salle's  honse,  where  Captain  Hart  was  murdered  by  the  In- 
dians. Promising  me  another  and  longer  interview  at  his  office,  we  left  Judge  Du- 
loclier,  and  passed  on  to  the  site  of  La  Salle's  dwelling,  then  the  property  of  lion.  D. 
S.  Nohle,  delineated  on  page  359,  a  part  of  which  yet  remains,  with  a  j»ear-tree  plant- 
ed there  during  tlie  last  century.  Not  far  below  this  we  came  to  the  railway  and 
tlie  common  road  leading  from  the  Raisin  to  Detroit.  On  the  cotner  of  the  latter, 
not  far  from  the  site  of  the  houses  of  Godfrey  and  Jereaume,  where  the  wounded 
were  burned  and  massacred,  was  a  large  brick  house,  the  residence  of  Matthew  Gib- 
son. Very  near  it,  in  an  orchard,  might  be  seen  the  remains  of  the  cellars  of  thost 
buildings.    From  that  point,  around  which  the  battle  was  fought,  and  near  which  the 


MU.MIDK,  rUC.M    Tin:    llATTLK-liBOfNll. 

.Vmericans  were  driven  across  the  Raisin  just  before  the  massacre  on  tlie  south  side 
■>t'the  stream,  I  made  the  above  sketch  (looking  Avestward)  of  the  river,  the  railway 
liiiilgo,  and  the  distant  town.  Gibson's  house  is  seen  in  the  foreground, on  the  right; 
t!ie  railv.ay  bridge,  on  four  piers  in  the  water,  with  the  town  beyond  it,  is  seen  in 
the  centre ;  and  by  the  distant  trees,  seen  immediately  beyond  the  jtoiut  on  the  left, 
is  indicated  the  spot  near  which  Winchester  was  captured.  Returning  to  the  village, 
1  called  upon  .I'udge  Durocher,  who,  in  the  course  of  a  ])leasant  interview  of  an  hour, 
.rave  nic  many  items  of  information  conccniing  the  events  we  have  been  considering, 
lie  spoke  of  Winchester  as  a  "fussy  man,'"  quite  heavy  in  person,  and  illy  fitted  for 
tlie  peculiar  service  in  which  he  was  engaged.  He  also  assured  me  that  atler  the  de- 
flat  of  tlie  AuKM-icans  at  Frenchtown,  Prcctor  endeavored  to  persuade  the  Indians  to 
destroy  the  French  settlements  there, because  lie  believed  the  inhabitants  to  hv  lii\  or- 
;ilile  to  the  United  States.  It  was  even  proposed  to  the  Indians  in  council,  and  an- 
I'tlier  cold-blooded  massacre,  not  by  the  permission,  but  at  the  instig;;'-ion  of  Proctor, 
irasonly  ])revented  by  tlu!  Hrmness  of  the  friendship  which  the  Pottawatomies  bore 
to  the  inhabitants  on  the  Raisin.  Judge  Durocher  was  seventy-four  years  jf  :iv 
when  I  visited  hitn,     A  little  less  than  a  year  afterward  he  was  borne  to  tlic  grave.' 

'  Lniircnt  Durocher  wat,  the  con  of  a  FrtMiii;  Caniiillnii,  aiiil  wan  born  at  St.  Oomn-ieve  Mlwtoii,  In  MIbbou:  .,  in  1786. 
His  talhor  ilicil  when  he  was  young,  i\U(l  lila  uuclc  sent  him  to  o  college  In  Montreal  to  be  cdactttcd.    At  the  oloke  of  his 


ii 


itii 


3«2 


riAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  vslUnt  im 


r  Kmiy 


I  public  Career. 


Ills  RelatioDB  with  the  ludiaus. 


Our  next  %'^  wan  to  <ij»  Iw  lil  niiwiterB  of  Winchester,  delineated  on  page  354 
wliicli  waH  occu]/-**^  l>y  th*'  <i*5«ter'rfti»  Protestant  Episcopal  church  in  Monroe.  It 
was  too  unlike  the  vi^i/inal  (//  /^^nin  Ae  «orvice  of  the  pencil,  and  we  proceecU'd  to 
tbe  house  of  James  K(V*j(ii;s,  on'  -*'  •''"  oldest  inhabitants  of  tiiat  region,  and  a  iv- 
atarkablc  character,  who,  as  an  '  -Lfhter  and  A-oliinteer  soldier,  performed  c-ood 

service  during  the  war  of  18] 2.  jli-  liad  just  returned  from  some  toil  at  a  distance 
and,  octogenarian  as  he  was,  he  rn'OnnA  vigr"  u-  \n  miml  and  body.  He  was  a  stout- 
built  man,  about  eighty  years  of  age.  His  buih-place  was  at  Uoche  de  Bout,  on  tlio 
Mauniee,  a  little  above  the  present  village  of  Waterville.  His  father  Avas  an  Ensrjisii. 
iiian,  and  his  mother  a  Mohawk  Valley  Dutch  woman.'  From  early  life  he  was  fa- 
miliar Avith  the  Indians  and  the  woods.  He  had  been  a  Avitness  of  the  treachery  and 
(♦ruelty  of  tlw  savages,  and  his  family  had  sufl'cred  severely  at  their  hands.  AVheii 
speaking  of  the  Indians  and  his  personal  contests  with  them,  his  vengeful  feolinirs 
could  hardly  be  repressed,  and  he  talked  Avith  almost  savage  delight  of  the  maniKr 
in  which  he  had  disposed  of  some  of  them. ^ 

Soon  .jfter  Wayne's  campaign  Knaggs  settled  at  FrenchtOAvn,  and  became  a  flirnicr. 
In  1811  he  established  a  regular  ferry  at  the  Huron  River,  on  the  road  to  Detroit 
wtfh  only  Indians  as  companions  and  neighbors.  These,  excited  against  all  Aiiieri- 
vAun  by  British  emissaries,  were  Aery  troublesome,  and  Knaggs  liad  frequent  conflicts 
with  them  in  some  form.  When  Hull  was  on  his  Avay  tOAvard  Detroit,  Knaggs  joined 
the  army  as  a  private*  in  Captain  Lee's  company  of  dragoons — "River  Raisin  men 
f  he  best  trX'ps  in  the  world,"  as  Harrison  said^ — and  became  very  expert  and  efficient 
Ui  \\H'  «py,  scout,  or  ranger  service.  He  was  engaged  in  the  A'arious  conflicts  near 
the  DclioW  /fiver,  already  described,  and  in  1813  Ava>  in  the  battle  of  the  Thames, 
under  Colonel  Hi  lull  il  kf.  Johnson.  While  Avith  Hull  at  Sandwich,  iittaelicd  to  Col- 
i,.iel  ]\I' Arthur's  regiment,  /(((  fiiil'l'iiruim]  iipportant  scout  service.  On  on(:  occofiion, 
aceoiiipfinicd  l)y  four  men.  he  peiu'tradd  (he  iiiHliliy  lis  ihr  nn  the  site  of  (lie  preKcnt 
village  of  Chatliam,  on  the  Thames,  and  there  capluied  (I  C(t||(//('l  i>f'filiegor,  a  burly 
British  officer,  iifid  a  Jew  natned  Jacobs,  and  carried  them  to  Jlull's  ('(i(n|».  Ilif  (Im) 
M  viregor  to  a  horse,  and  thus  took  him  to  the  head-quarters  of  his  chief  After  (Ik 
surrender  IM'Gregor  offered  five  hundred  dollars  i'lir  the  capture  of  Knaggs,  deail 
or  alive.     The  Indians  Averc  constantly  on  the  watch  for  him,  and  he  hml  many 


studies,  in  1^06,  he  settled  nt  Fronchtown 
rcgl(Mi,  joined  tlic  nrniy  of  General 
null  for  a  year.  They  were  at  the 
Raisin  when  Hull  surrendered,  and 
gave  tlicinselves  up  to  Captain  Kl- 
liott.  Dniingthe  remainder  of  the 
war  he  wan  cliarged  hy  the  Ainer- 
racmber  of  the  Territorial  Council  ofMldii; 


At  the  beginni np  of  the  var  of  1S12,  he,  with  other  young  Frenchmen  of  Hint 

icn .!  commander  with  Kovcrnl  im- 
portant trusts.  When,  in  ISh. 
Monroe  County  was  orgnnized. 
I)urocherwasclio.«en  ilsriprk,  Ilf 
held  that  offloe  for  about  Iwiiil; 
years.  ITc  was  for  six  years  a 
and  in  1S.1B  was  a  member  of  the  Convention  that  framed  the  ptateCon- 


't:^n<yz^ 


stitnlion.  lie  was  n  member  of  the  state  Legislature,  a  justice  of  the  peace,  judge  of  proba'  c,  and  circuit  Judge,  and  ai 
the  time  of  his  death,  on  the  21st  of  September,  ISUl,  was  clcriv  of  the  city  of  Monroe.  Tho  funeral  services  at  tlic  time 
of  his  burial  were  held  hi  St.  Anne's  Catholic  church  of  Monroe,  where  Father  ./oos  ofBciatcd. 

'  Knaggs's  motluT  lived  at  or  near  Frcnchtown  nt  the  time  of  tlie  battle  there,  and  was  one  of  those  whom  Proctor 
ordered  to  Ilelrolt.  She  was  ihen  eighty  years  of  age.  Thinly  clad  (having  been  robl)ed  i)y  the  Indians),  she  proreciW 
in  an  o|)en  Intiiicau,  and  reached  Detroit  in  safety.  AA'hen  asked  how  it  liappened  that  she  didnf*  perish,  she  replied, 
"  My  spunk  kept  mo  warm." 

»  On  one  occasion,  as  he  Informed  me,  while  ho  kept  the  ferry  on  the  Huron,  he  flogged  a  troublesome  Indian  very 
severely.  That  night  a  brother  of  the  savage  came  to  Knaggs's  cabin  at  a  'ilc  hour  to  avenge  the  insult.  Ilourlni;.! 
summons,  but  not  knowing  the  visitor,  Knaggs  went  out,  when  the  glean.  ».."  a  knife-l)lade  in  the  starliL'ht  warned 
him  of  danger  lie  ran  to  a  spot  wliere  heliad  a  large  clul),  pursued  by  a  savage,  who.  In  striking  at  him  wltli  his  kuite, 
cut  off  tlic  skirt  of  the  only  garment  that  Knag','S  had  on.  The  latter  seized  the  club,  turned  npon  his  nssailnnt,  fdlcd 
lilm  to  the  ground,  and  beat  him  until  evry  bono  in  his  ixidy  was  broken.  Although  nearly  flfly  years  '  art  elapsed 
since  tlie  occurrence,  Mr.  Knaggs  becninc  much  excited  while  relating  it. 

'  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  hyon,  of  Detroit,  for  the  following  copy  of  the  first  mnster-roll  of  the  "Raisin  men,"  under 
Cornet  Isaac  Lee : 

firrnfl,  Isaac  Lee.  Scrr.miit,  James  Tlentley.  Cnrjmrtil.  .T'lhn  Rulanrt.  Piimtm,  .Tames  Knaggs,  Louis  f)roulllard, 
Orrlii  Rhodes,  Michael  M'Dcnnot,  Scott  Ifolle,  Sntnaci  Dililile,  Robert  Glass,  Cyrus  Hunter,  .lames  Rolle,  Silas  Lewis, 
Samuel  Yonngs,  John  Murphy,  Thomas  Noble,  Francis  Moffatt,  Daniel  Hull,  John  Reddull,  John  Creamer. 

From  October,  1S13,  to  April,  1^)4,  Captain  I^oe  commanded  a  liuge  comimny  of  dragoons.  His  lieutenants  wen' 
George  Johnson  and  John  Ruland.  The  late  Judge  Laurent  Durochcr  was  cornet.  Johnson  was  a  very  bravo  olBeer, 
and  In  the  Iiattle  of  Maguaga  lie  actually  commauiied  Smyth's  dragoons. 


The  patriotic 


cmhcr,  1 800. 
I  letiinied 
events  of  the  c 
iifliw  win:     ] 
son  t'ov  /lot  pr 
I  HO,  when  H 
lii.-i  alleged 
services,  on  av 
.'ind  the  avcII-si 
tiit'  Noi'tliAvesl 
Fort  £rie,2  fu 
'III  tli/it  oceasit 
iiies.sciiger  that 
«ard  moveinei 
'ion  to  push 
Nix'ty  miles  fro 
Lower  Sandus 
Portage,  with 
fie  J)ressed  foi- 
"liere  one  reg 
IVrkins.    This 
i'liil  Harrison  (' 

'  I  nm  indebted  to  , 
from  lite  Ly  that  gent 

'  I-ii'iilonaiit  Colont 
"it""«  within  the  com 
iMi'y  looked  upon  as 
"wps  to  succor  him 
"iMIon,  and  General  11 
"M  .;,e,,,  and  „  |„^^,^ 

"'"Icrjiich  a  pressure 


OF   THE  WAR    OF    18  12. 


363 


The  patriotic  Knaggs  Family.  Ilurrlaon  unjustly  censured. 


His  Efforts  to  relieve  Winchester  at  the  Kalsln. 


narrow  escapes.     This  made  him  feci  bit- 
terly toward  them. 

At  the  battle  of  tlic  Thames,  Knaggs 
identified  the  body  of  Tecuintha,  it  is  said, 
he  liaving  beeu  long  acquainted  with  the 
great  Shawnoe.  He  was  absent  in  Ohio 
on  his  parole  when  the  battle  of  the  Raisin 
occurred.  lie  \vas  the  youngest  of  five 
brothers,  all  of  whom  were  active  in  mili- 
tary service.  His  four  brothers  served 
as  spies  with  Captain  Wells,  who  Avas 
killed  at  Chicago.  One  of  them  was 
captured  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  carried 
a  prisoner  to  Halifax.  They  were  all  men 
of  strong  convictions,  and  each,  until  the 
day  of  his  death,  hated  both  the  British 
and  their  Indian  allies,  for  they  had  all 
suftered  at  their  hands, 

Mv.  Knaggs  seemed  in  fine 
health  and  spirits  when  I 
visited  him ;  but,  a  little  more 
tlian  three  months  afterward, 
he  died  suddenly.  His  death 
occurred  on  the  23d  of  De- 
eeinlwr,  18C0.1 

I  Rtmiied  to  Detroit  by  the  evening  train,  filled  wiMi  reflections  concerning  the 
I  vents  of  the  day,  and  those  which  made  the  Kaisin  terribly  conspicuous  in  the  annals 
iCiIk'  whi;  I  remembered  that  some  of  the  newspapers  of  the  day  censured  Ilani- 
>oii  for  not  promptly  s  ortiiig  Winchester;  and  that  in  the  political  campaign  of 
18)0,  when  Harrison  a,  elected  President  of  the  United  States,  his  enemies  cited 
his  alleged  shortcomings  on  this  occasion  as  evidence  that  his  military  genius  and 
service!*,  on  Avhich  his  liinie  mostly  rested,  were  myths.  But  contemporary  history, 
iiid  the  well-settled  con\  ictions  of  his  surviving  companions  in  arms  whom  I  met  in 
lilt'  Northwest,  as  well  as  the  gallant  engineer,  Colonel  Wood,  Avho  afterward  fell  at 
Fort  Erie,^  fully  accjuit  General  Harrison  of  all  blame  or  lack  of  soldierly  qualities 
111  tluit  occasion.  It  was  not  until  the  night  of  the  16th  that  he  was  hiformed  by  a 
messenger  that  General  Winchester  had  arrived  at  the  Iin\'  Is,  and  meditated  a  for- 
ward movement.  The  latter  intimation  alarmed  Harrison,  and  lie  made  every  exer- 
tion to  push  troops  forward  from  Upper  Sandusky,  where  he  was  then  quartered, 
sixty  miles  from  the  Kapids  by  way  of  the  Portage  River,  and  seventy-six  miles  by 
Lower  Sandusky.  He  immediately  ordered  his  tutillery  to  advance  by  way  of  the 
Poi'tao;e,  with  an  escort  of  three  hundred  men,  under  Major  Orr,  with  provisions ;  and 
lie  pressed  forward  himself,  as  speedily  as  possible,  by  the  way  of  Lower  Sandusky, 
where  one  regiment  and  a  battalion  were  stationed,  under  the  command  of  General 
Perkins.  This  battalion  Avas  ordered  to  march  immediately,  under  Major  Cotgrove, 
ami  Ilarrisou  determined  to  follow  it  the  next  morning.     He  was  just  rising  from  hia 


'  lam  inilebtcd  to  Mr.  WilUnni  H.  Ttowlsby,  n  i>hotographer  In  Monroe,  for  the  likeness  of  Mr.  KnniiKS.  It  wis  taken 
from  life  \,y  Unit  gentlemiui.    The  Bignntiirc  wan  written  in  my  noto-book  by  Mr.  Knaggs  when  I  \  Uited  him. 

:  lieulouiiiit  Colonel  Woixl,  then  Ilanlnon's  chief  engineer,  with  the  rank  of  ciiptaln,  afterward  said,  "  What  humaii 
iiioana  wilhiu  the  control  ofOcneral  Harrison  rould  prevent  the  anticipated  disaster,  and  save  that  corps  which  wa-s  al- 
ipaily  lijoked  upon  as  lost,  as  doomed  to  Inevitable  destrnctlon  f  Certainly  none,  because  neither  orders  to  halt  nor 
roops  to  succor  him  LWinchesler]  could  be  received  in  time,  or  at  least  that  was  iho  expectation.  He  was  already  in 
iiintion,  and  General  Harrison  still  at  I'pper  Sandusky,  seventy  miles  in  his  rear.  The  weather  was  Inclement,  the  snow 
1  IS  i;.t'|),  and  a  large  portion  of  the  Black  Swamp  was  yet  open.  What  would  a  TareuDe  or  a  Eugiuo  have  doaei 
KMkr  «uch  a  pressure  of  embarrassing  circumstances,  more  tUau  Harrison  did  ?' 


364 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Harrison  at  the  Maamce  Knpids.  He  asoigtB  the  Fugitives  from  tlic  Raisin.  His  Aniiy  at  the  Mattnicc  Kapidg 

bed  when  a  messenger  ctiine  with  the  tidings  of  tlio  advance  of  Lewis  upon  Froiicli- 
town.  Perkins  was  immediately  ordered  to  press  forward  to  the  Hapids  the  remain- 
ing troops  under  his  command.  After  hastily  breakfasting,  he  and  Perkins  procetilcd 
in  a  sleigh.  They  were  met  on  the  way  by  an  express  with  intelligence  of  Lewis's 
victory  at  the  Haisin.  This  nerved  Harrison  to  greater  exertions.  He  pushed  I'oi'- 
ward  alone  and  on  horseback,  through  the  swamps  filled  with  snow,  in  daylight  and 
in  darkness,  and,  after  almost  superhuman  eflbrts,  he  reached  the  Rapids  early  on  tia. 
morning  of  the  20th.  Wiu,chester  had  dejiarted  for  the  Raisin  the  previous  evonini;, 
and  Harrison  could  do  nothing  better  than  wait  for  his  oncoming  troops,  under  Poikins 
and  Cotgrove,  and  the  artillery  by  the  Portage.  What  remained  at  the  Rajjids  of 
Winchester's  army,  under  Colonel  Payne,  were  sent  forward  toward  the  Raisin,  and 
Captain  Hart,  the  inspector  general,  was  sent  to  inform  Winchester  of  the  supportiii<> 
movements  in  his  rear. 

Alas !  the  roads  were  so  almost  impassable  tliat  the  troops  moved  very  slowlv, 
After  the  utmost  exertions  they  were  too  late.  News  came  to  Harrison,  at  tvn 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  of  the  attack  of  the  British  and  Indians  on  tiic 
Americans  at  Frenchtown.  The  fraction  of  Perkins's  brigade  which  liad  arrived  at 
the  Rapids  was  sent  forward,  and  Harrison  himself  hastened  toward  the  Raisin.  He 
met  the  affrighted  fugitives,  who  told  doleful  stories  of  the  scenes  of  the  morninff 
and  assured  the  commander  that  the  British  and  Indians  were  in  pursuit  of  the 
broken  army  of  Winchester  toward  the  Rapids.  This  intelligence  spurred  on  the 
re-enforcements.  Other  fugitives  were  soon  met,  who  declared  thai  the  defeat  of 
Winchester  was  total  and  irretrievable,  and  that  no  aid  in  Harrison's  power  could 
Aviu  back  the  victory  of  the  enemy.  A  council  of  officers  Avas  held  at  Ilai-rison's 
head-quarters  in  the  saddle,  when  it  was  decided  that  a  farther  advance  would  be 
useless  and  imprudent.  A  few  active  men  v/ere  sent  forward  to  assist  the  fujfitives 
in  escaping,  Avliile  the  main  body  returned  t(-  the  Rajdds.  There  anotlier  couiieil  «aj 
held,  which  resulted  in  an  order  for  the  trocps,  ntimbering  not  more  than  nine  hund- 
red men,  to  fall  back  to  the  Portage  (pbou  eigliteon  miles),  establish  there  a  forti- 
fied camp,  wait  for  the  arrival  of  the  at  i!!  "y  and  accompanying  troops,  and  tlien  tu 
push  forward  to  the  Rapids  again. 

The  latter  movement  was  delayed  on  account  of  heavy  rains.  On  the  30th  of  Jan- 
uary Colonel  Leftwitch  arrived  with  Ids  brigade,  a  regiment  of  Pennsylvania  troops, 
and  a  greater  part  of  the  artillery,  and  on  the  1st  of  February  General  Harrison 
moved  toward  the  Rapids  with  seventeen  hundred  men.  He  took  post  on  the  rii;lit 
bank  of  the  river,  upon  high  ami  commanding  ground,  at  the  foot  of  the  Raj)ids,  and 
there  established  a  fortified  camp,  to  which  Avas  afterward  given,  in  honor  of  the  gov- 
enior  of  Oiiio,  the  name  of  Fort  Meigs.  All  the  troops  that  could  be  spared  from 
other  posts  Avere  crdered  there,  Avith  the  design  of  pressing  on  toAvard  Maiden  before 
the  middle  of  February ;  but  circumstances  caused  delay,  and  the  Array  of  the  Xorth- 
west  tarried  for  some  time  on  the  bank  of  the  Maumec  before  opening  the  campaign 
of  1813  in  that  region. 


Events  on  tb 


We  will 

paign  of  181 
St.  LaAvrenc 
ill  |)oint  of  t 
initiated  the 
oflhitish  vi 
mh  of  the 
wh'wh  lay  a 
miles,  were  £ 
When  wai 
eru  li-ontier 
'he  construe 
iind  Henry  F 
Tnited  State 
She  was  inte 
iin  the  fronti 
of  intimtry  a 
of  Lake  Onta 
m  the  south 
.u'ling.     Til  is 
and  viiidicarii 
iinlil  the  sprii 
The  LegisI; 
government,  t 
that  commoin 
arms  to  be  dt 
lowing  year  a 

'  The  Indians  ga> 
fireat  River."    It  rt 
l'^«,  and  in  isu  it 
fronlier.    Millioua  . 
foraif  not  to  have  b 

'  The  cnjuhvint;  o 
Wftod  at  a  cost  of  i 
l»mbiii)  Street,  betw 
II  was  sold. 


I'll  II 


OP  THE  WAR    OF    1812, 


305 


E/ents  on  the  Northt-rn  Frontier. 


First  wnrlike  Menaurefi  there. 


Enforcement  of  the  Keveuue  Law). 


CHAPTER  XVra. 

"Oh  1  now  the  time  hns  come,  my  boys,  to  cross  the  Yankee  line. 
We  remember  they  were  rebels  once,  and  conquered  John  Unrgoyne; 
We'll  8iil)due  those  mighty  Democratc,  and  pull  their  dwelliufjs  down, 
And  we'll  have  the  States  inhabited  with  subjects  to  the  crown." 

SoNu— TuE  NouLB  Lads  of  Ci.i(Adjl. 

iX  j)rece(lint?  chapters  the  military  events  in  the  Northwest, 
w  here  the  Avar  was  first  commenced  in  earnest,  have  heen  con- 
sidered in  a  group,  as  forming  a  distinct  episode  in  tlie  history. 
By  such  grou[)ing,  in  proper  order,  the  reader  may  obtain  a 
comprehensive  view  of  the  entire  campaign  of  1812  in  that  re- 
gion, wJiich  ended  with  the  establishment  of  Generalllarrison's 
head-quarters  on  the  banks  of  the  Maumee  early  in  February, 
1813. 

We  will  now  consider  the  next  series  of  events,  in  the  order  of  time,  in  the  cam- 
paign of  1812,  which  occurred  on  the  Northern  frontier,  from  Lake  Erie  to  the  River 
St.  Lawrence.  The  movements  in  the  Northwest  already  recorded  claim  precedence, 
in  point  of  time,  over  those  on  the  Northern  frontier  of  only  seven  days,  Hull  liaving 
initiated  the  former  by  the  invasion  of  Canada  on  the  12th  of  July,  and  a  squadron 
oflhitish  vessels  having  opened  the  latter  by  an  attack  on  Sackett's  Harbor  on  the 
19th  of  the  same  month.  The  parties  hi  these  movements,  between  the  scenes  of 
wjiit'h  lay  an  almost  unbroken  wilderness  of  wood  and  water  of  several  hundred 
miles,  were  absolutely  independent  of  each  other  in  immediate  impulse  and  action. 

When  M'ar  was  declared  the  United  States  possessed  small  means  on  the  north- 
ern frontier  for  offensive  or  defensive  operations.  The  first  warlike  measure  was 
tlie  construction,,  at  Oswego,  on  Lake  Ontario,  of  the  brig  Oneidu,  by  Christian  Berg 
,111(1  Henry  Eckford,  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Melancthon  Woolsey,  of  the 
Tnitod  States  Navy.  She  was  commenced  in  1808,  and  was  launched  early  in  180f). 
She  was  intended  chiefly  ibr  employment  in  the  enforcement  of  the  revenue  laws 
(Ml  the  frontier,  under  the  early  embargo  acts.  For  a  shnilar  purpose,  a  company 
(if  inf'iiiitry  and  some  artillery  were  pooted  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  at  the  eastern  end 
ut'Lake  Ontario,'  in  1808;  and  in  March,  1809,  militia  detachments  were  stationed 
(111  tlie  southern  shores  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  opposite  Kingston,  to  prevent  smug- 
(.'iinc;.  Tliis  duty  gave  rise  to  many  stirring  scenes  on  the  frontier  hi  the  violation 
mill  vindication  of  the  revenue  laws,  which  were  generally  evaded  or  openly  defied 
until  the  spring  of  1812,  when  a  more  stringent  embargo  act  was  passed."         -April 4, 

Till'  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York,  as  vigilant  as  the  national       ^'*''^- 
.'Dveniinent,  took  measures  early  for  enforcing  the  laws  on  the  Canada  frontier  of 
tlmt  commonwealth.     In  February,  1808,  the  governor  ordered  five  hundred  stand  of 
linns  to  be  deposited  at  Chamjiion,  in  the  ])resent  county  of  Jefferson  ;  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  an  arsenal  was  built  at  Watertown,*  on  the  Black  River,  twelve  miles 


s 


1  The  Indians  ijave  this  an  almost  unpronounceable  and  interminable  name,  which  sipnlfled  "Fort  at  the  month  of 
Groat  River."  It  received  its  name  from  Augustus  Saokett,  the  first  se'tler.  It  was  constituted  an  election  district  in 
I^iVI,  and  in  1?I14  it  was  incorporated  a  village.  Unring  the  war  of  1812  It  was  the  chief  military  post  on  th'5  Northern 
froiilicr.  Millions  of  dollars  have  been  expended  there  for  fortifications  and  war  vessels,  yet  prosperity  as  a  village 
fOPniB  not  to  have  been  its  lot.    It  contains  loss  than  one  thousand  inhabitflnts. 

'  Tlic  cngrnving  of  the  Arsenal  lliilldtn!;  on  the  following  page  Is  from  n  sketch  made  by  the  writer  in  18.1(5.  It  wa« 
jrcctod  at  a  cost  of  about  two  thousand  dollars.  Il  is  still  [ISfiT]  standing,  on  the  south  side  of  Arsenal  (formerly  Co- 
lumbliO  Street,  between  Benedict  and  Madison  Streets.  It  was  maintained  by  the  state  as  an  arsenal  until  1S50,  when 
Il  was  sold. 


# 


r 


306 


riCTOItlAL    FIELD-BOOK 


War  Uateriali  at  Wutertown.     The  Militia  there  in  Commuud  of  General  Brown.     The  detached  Militia  of  the  8Ut«. 

eastward  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  under  tho  di- 
rection  of  Hart  Massey,'  where  arms,  llxid 
iuninunition,  aceoutri'inents,  and  otlicr  war 
sujiplieH  were  Hpoedily  gathered  for  use  on 
tJie  Northern  frontier.  In  May,  1  ftl  2,  a  ri'ir. 
iincnt  of  militia,  under  Colonel  Ciiristdplur 
I',  liellinger,  was  stationed  at  Saekett's  Ilai- 
bor,  a  part  of  which  was  kept  on  duty  at 
Cai)e  Vincent.  Jacob  Brown,  an  entcrjiris- 
int;  farmer  from  I'eniifiylviinia,  who  hud  set- 
tled on  the  borders  of  the  Black  Hiver  about 
four  miles  from  Watertown,  and  had  bocii 
appointed  a  brigadier  general  of  militia  in 
1811,  was  then  in  command  of  the  first  de- 
tachment of  New  York's  quota  of  the  one  liundred  thousand  militia  which  the  Presi- 
'  April  10,  dent  was  authorized  to  call  out  by  act  of  Congress.*  When  war  was  do- 
dared  he  was  charged  with  the  defense  of  the  frontier  from  Oswego  to  Laki' 


ABUKNAL    Ul'ILUl.NU,  WATKUTUW.N. 


Api 
18 


812. 


St.  Francis,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  miles.* 


'  Mr.  Maosey  was  one  of  the  earlier  settlers  of  Watertown.  The  first  religious  mcetlnp;  there  was  held  in  his  honKp 
He  wascollector  of  the  port  of  Sackett's  Harbor  at  the  time  in  question,  and  held  that  office  all  lliroui;h  what  was  call- 
ed "  Embargo  times"  and  the  War.    He  died  at  Watertown  in  March,  1S63,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  year;?. 

'  By  a  General  Order  Issued  from  the  War  Department  on  the  'Jlst  of  April,  1S12,  the  detached  militia  of  the  State  of 
New  York  were  arranged  in  two  divisions  iiud  eight  brigades.  STr.rnEN  Van  Uenpsei.aek,  of  Albany,  was  appolnlcil 
major  general,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  First  Division ;  and  Benjamin  Mooeus,  of  Plattsburg,  was  ii|i. 
pointed  to  the  same  office,  and  placed  in  command  of  the  Second  Division. 

The  eight  brigadiers  commissioned  for  the  service  were  assigned  to  the  several  brigades  as  follows:  Ist  brlsado. 
OEEAai)  STEniiiFORP,  of  the  city  of  New  York  ;  2d,  Reuiikn  Hoi-kinb,  of  Goshen,  OraBge  County;  8d,  Micajah  PETiif. 
of  Queensbury,  Washington  County ;  4th,  Kiohako  Dodue,  of  .lohnstown,  Montgomery  County ;  BIh,  Jaooii  linowN,  of 
Bro^'nsville,  Jefferson  County;  fltli,  Daniel  Mii.i.er,  of  Homer,  Cortland  County;  7th,  Wii.liah  Wadswoutii,  ofOeu- 
cseo,  ')ntarlo  County;  8th,  Geoboe  M'Clube,  of  Bath,  Steuben  County. 

This  force  was  farther  subdivided  Into  twenty  regiments,  and  to  the  command  of  each  a  lieutenant  colonel  was  aj- 
signed,  ac  follows: 

First  Brigade :  tst  regiment,  Beehman  M.  Van  liuren,  of  the  city  of  New  York;  2d,  Jonas  Mapeii,  of  the  city  of  New 
York ;  3d,  John  IHtmiu,  of  Jamaica,  Queens  County. 

Second  Frigade:  4tli  regiment,  Abraham  J.  Iltirdenherc/h,  of  Shawangnnk,  Ulster  Connty;  6th,  Martin Ileermamt, o( 
Rhlneheck,  Duche.ss  County;  fith,  Abraham  Van  Wi/ck,  of  Fishkiil,  Duchess  County. 

Third  Brigade :  7th  regiment,  Jameti  Green,  of  Argyle.  Waslilngton  County ;  8th,  Thoman  Miller,  of  Plattsburg,  Clin- 
ton Connty ;  nth,  Peter  I.  Voittmrgh,  of  KInderhook,  Clolumbia  Connty. 

Fourth  Brigade :  10th  regiment,  John  Prior,  of  CJreenfleld,  Saratoga  Connty,  and  llth,  Calviri  llich,  of  Sharon,  Scho- 
harie County,  to  be  attached  to  the  regiments  from  General  Veedcr's  division ;  12th,  JuAn  T.  Vaji  Dal/sm,  o(  Cmymati't. 
Albany  County,  and  13th,  Putnam  Farrington,  of  Delhi,  Delaware  Connty,  to  be  attached  to  the  regiments  from  Gen- 
eral Todd's  division. 

Fifth  Brigade :  14th  regiment,  Willitr'n  Stone,  of  Whltestown,  Oneida  Connty ;  IBth,  Thmnas  B.  Benedict,  of  Dc  Kalb, 
St.  Lawrence  County. 

Sixth  Brigade :  10th  regiment,  Farrand  Stranahan,  of  Cooperstown,  Otiiego  Connty ;  ITth,  Thmnas  Mead,  of  Norwich, 
Chenango  County. 

Seventh  Brigade :  !9th  regiment,  Htuih  W.  Dobbin,  of  Juntas,  Seneca  Connty ;  19th,  Uenr^  Bloom,  of  Geneva,  Cayu- 
ga Connty ;  20th,  Peter  Allen,  of  Bloomileld,  Ontario  Connty. 

To  tho  Eighth  Brigade  was  assigned  the  regiment  of  light  Infantry  under  Colonel  ieremlah  Johnson,  of  Brooklyn, 
Kings  County,  and  the  regiment  of  riflemen  under  Colonel  Francis  M'Clure,  of  the  c  .y  of  New  York. 

General  Van  Rensselaer  assigned  to  the  several  brigades  the  following  staff  officers : 


RrigwlM. 

BriKade  MiljoM  amt  Innprrlom. 

Drigoilp  QiiarVminAtcn. 

nrigadea. 

Bl^ade  Mnjora  and  Inflpectora. 

nrlgaile  QuBrtiirniiutcrf 

1 
2 
3 
4 

Theophilns  Pierce. 
John  Dill. 

Michael  S.  Van  der  Cock. 
Moses  S.  Cantine. 

Charles  Graham. 
Robert  Heart. 
Dean  Edson. 
Leon'd  H.  Oansevoort. 

S 
6 

7 

8 

Robert  Shoemaker. 
Thomas  Greenley. 
Julius  Keyes. 
Joseph  Lad. 

Henry  Seymour. 
Nathaniel  R.  Packard. 
Henry  Wells. 
Jeremiah  Anderson. 

I  have  compiled  the  above  statement  from  Ocnen.l  Vcji  Rensselaer's  first  General  Order,  Issned  from  hie  head-quar 
ters  at  Albany  on  the  19th  of  June,  1S12."  The  following  paragraph  fW)m  his  second  General  Order,  issued  on  the  IStli 
of  Jnly,  indicates  the  special  field  of  operations  to  which  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  assigned :  "  Major  General  Ste- 
phen Van  Rensselaer  having  been  requested  to  repair  to  the  command  of  the  militia  heretofore  ordered  into  the  service. 
and  to  be  hereafter  ordered  Into  the  service  of  the  United  States  for  the  defcT?e  of  the  Northern  and  Western  IVoiiti'-'f 
of  thir  state  between  St.  Regis  and  Pennsylvania,  enters  upon  his  command  tnla  day."  In  the  same  Order  General  Van 
Rcnsselaet  declared  that  all  the  militia  comprehended  in  the  brigades  organized  by  his  General  Order  of  the  ISth  of 
June,  "  together  with  the  corps  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonels  SwlP,  Flemmlng,  and  Bellinger,  were  subject  to 
his  division  orders." 

•  General  Van  Rensselaer's  MS.  Order  Book  ffom  June  18th  to  October  let,  1812. 


SelznreofBritlsl 

In  3Iay,  ] 
Canada,  and 
Sliu  was  foil 
mandiiig  \V( 
Act.    Aboul 
tiired  at  St.  ^ 
same  time,  st 
of  a  violatior 
iiition.     Wh( 
leuce,  eiglit  - 
ored  to  escaj: 
effects.   An  f 
present  villaj 
gave  chase  in 
Islands,'  a  lit 
Packet),  and 
It  was  beli( 
tensive  ones, 
Thousand  Ish 
boats  were  tc 
General  I3ro\\ 
measures  to  r 
to  the  former, 
laration  of  wa 
militia  of  Jeff 
if  necessary,  f 
Grosse  River. 
St.  Lawrence, 
the  frontier  fi-c 
Piogis.    Measii 
and  Cape  Vin 
Kingston  in  a 
built  vessels  ft 
On  the  llth 
Comraander  V> 
squ.idron  of  Bi 
Xekon  and  dc 
Harbor.    Tlie 
similar  form. 
;it  early  dau  i 
ward  the  Ilarh 
-4;  Frince  lie^ 
command  of  Ci 
returning  from 
to  Ce'linger,  tl 


'  Tils  group  of  Isla 
seven  miles  along  its 
most  of  them  arc  me 
mter'sedgc.  Some  i_ 
miles.  Cauoesandsi 
other  large  vessels,  w 
from  two  to  nine  mil 
fus  determined  in  181 
Md  WelU's,  belonging 
daring  two  centuries  i 

'  lili'ory  (if  St.  iMwr 


1*1  i'l  iiij'  it  it 


ngmmmmi^' 


1    V 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


867 


Stinre  of  British  Veeeela  on  Lalce  Ontario, 


Retaliation  expected. 


Nortliem  Militia  called  oat. 


In  May,  1812,  tho  schooner  Lord  Nelson,  owned  by  parties   at  Niagara,  Upper 
Camilla,  and  laden  witli  flour  and  merciiandiHo,  sailed  from  that  jjort  for  Kingston. 
She  waH  found  in  American  waters,  captured  l)y  the  Oneid'i,  under  Lieutenant  C.'om- 
maiKliiig  Woolsey,  ami  condemned  as  a  lawful  jirizo  for  a  violation  of  the  Embiirgo. 
jU't.    About  a  month  later,"  anotlier  British  schooner,  the  Ontario,  was  ca[»-    •  june  i4, 
tared  at  St.  Vincent,  but  was  soon  afterward  dischargwl;  and  at  about  the        *^'*" 
same  time,  still  another  British  schooner,  named  Niagara,  was  seized,  and  sold  because 
of  a  violation  of  tho  revenue  laws.     These  events,  as  v/as  expected,  soon  led  to  retal- 
iation.   When  news  of  tlie  declaration  of  war  reached  Ogdensburg,  on  tiic  St.  Law- 
rence, eight  American  schooners — trading  vessels — lay  in  its  harbor.     They  endeav- 
ored to  escape''  to  Lake  Ontario,  bearing  away  aft'riglited  families  and  their    „ 
effects.   An  active  Canadian  partisan  named  Jones,  living  not  far  from  tl;c 
present  village  of  Maitland,  had  raised  a  company  of  volunteers  to  capture  tliem.    He 
i;ave  chase  in  boats,  overtook  the  fugitive  unarmed  flotillii  at  the  foot  of  the  Thousand 
islands,'  a  little  above  IJrockville,  captured  two  of  the  schooners  [Sophia  and  Island 
Packet),  and  emptied  and  burned  tliem.     The  remainder  retreated  to  Ogdeusburg.'- 

It  was  believed  that  this  movement  was  only  the  beginninfj  of  more  active  and  ex- 
tensive ones,  oftensive  and  defensive,  on  the  part  of  the  Tiritish — that  several  of  the 
Thousand  Islands  were  about  to  be  fortified,  and  that  expeditions  of  armed  men  in 
boats  were  to  be  sent  over  to  dt  vastate  the  country  along  the  northern  frontier. 
General  Brown  and  Commander  Woolsey,  vested  with  full  authority,  took  active 
measures  to  repel  invasion  and  protect  the  lake  coast  and  river  shores.  In  a  letter 
to  tlie  former,  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Governor  of  New  York,  informed  him  of  the  dec- 
laration of  war,  and  directed  him  to  call  out  re-enforcements  for  Bellinger  from  the 
militia  of  Jcfierson,  Lewis,  and  St.  Lawrence  Counties,  and  to  arm  and  equip  them, 
if  necessary,  from  the  arsenals  at  Watertown,  and  at  Russel,  farther  north  on  the 
Grosse  River.    Colonel  Benedict,  of  ^^  ^^  y 

St.  Lawrence,  was  ordered  to  guard    €^^^^tc^(^,  S^ c^^^t^^t/t^^^^' 

the  frontier  from  Ogdensburg  to  St. 

Regis.  Measures  were  also  taken  to  concentrate  a  considerable  force  at  Ogdensburg 
and  Cape  Vincent,  for  the  twofold  purpose  of  guarding  the  frontier  and  keeping 
Kingston  in  a  state  of  alarm,  that  being  the  chief  naval  station  where  the  British 
built  vessels  for  service  on  Lake  Ontario. 

On  the  11th  of  July  the  inhabitants  on  the  frontier  were  alarmed  by  a  rumor  that 
Comraander  Woolsey  and  his  Oneida  had  been  captured  by  the  enemy,  and  that  a 
squadron  of  British  vessels  were  on  their  way  from  Kingston  to  recapture  the  Lord 
XelsoH  and  destroy  Sackett's  Harbor.  General  Brown  immediately  repaired  to  tlu- 
Harbor.  The  rumor  was  a  false  one,  but  a  part  of  it  was  the  precursor  of  truth  in  a 
similar  form.  Eighteen  days  afterward  Commander  Woolsey  saw  from  his  mast-head, 
lit  early  dau  n,  a  squadron  of  five  British  vessels  of  war  olF  Stony  Island,  beating  to- 
ward the  Harbor  with  the  wind  dead  ahead.  These  proved  to  be  the  Royal  George, 
24;  Prince  Regent,  22;  Earl  of  Moira,  20;  Siincoe,  12;  and  Seneca,  4,  under  the 
command  of  Commodore  Earle,  a  Canadian.  On  the  way  up  they  captured  a  boat 
returning  from  Cape  Vincent ;  and  by  the  crew  (who  were  released),  they  sent  word 
to  lie'Unger,  the  commandant  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  that  all  they  wanted  was  the 


'  This  group  of  islonds,  lying  in  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  jnst  below  the  foot  of  Lake  Ontario,  (ill  that  river  for  twenty- 
seven  mi]c9  along  its  course,  and  number  more  than  flflcen  hiinrtred.  A  few  of  them  are  large  and  cultivated,  but  the 
most  of  them  arc  mere  rocky  islet?,  covered  generally  with  stunted  hemlocks  and  cedar-trees,  which  extend  to  the 
water's  edge.  Sonie  of  them  contain  an  area  of  only  a  few  square  yards,  while  others  present  many  supeiUcial  square 
miles.  Cauoes  and  small  boats  may  pass  in  safety  among  all  of  thcra,  and  there  is  a  deef)  channel  for  steamboats  and 
iither  large  vessels,  which  never  varies  in  depth  or  position,  the  bottom  being  rocky.  The  St.  Lawrence  here  varies 
trom  two  to  nine  miles  In  width.  The  boundary-line  between  the  United  States  and  Canadu  passes  among  them.  It 
ns  determined  In  1818.  The  largest  of  the  islands  ore  Orand  and  //ow,-,  belonging  to  Canada,  and  Carlcton,  CfritulHtnne, 
iiid  VriMe,  belonging  to  the  tJullcd  States.  They  have  been  the  theatre  of  many  historic  scones  aud  legendary  tales 
daring  two  centuries  and  a  half. 

'  Uli'ory  of  St.  .'Mwrence  ond  Franklin  Countie*,  by  Franklin  Hough,  M.D.,  pages  020,  021. 


1      ( 


.::i. 


.    :      1 


Ill 'I 


;iC8 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-UOOK 


PropiiratiiiiiH  for  Ivnttle. 


Approach  of  the  Krltlali  S(|niidr»ii. 


A  brief  Bklrmlib. 


Captiiln  VaughM, 

Oneida  and  the  Lord  Nelson,  at  tlie  sami!  time  warning  the  inhabitants  that  if  the 
wqnadron  whould  he  tired  upon,  i\\v  town  Hhould  be  bnniud. 

l'('r<!eiviiig  the  jx'iil  to  whieh  the  Oneida  was  cx|t()S('d,  Woolscy  wt  icjliod  aiiclidr 
and  attenijitc'd  to  gain  tiie  lalie.  lie  failed,  retnrned,  and  moored  liis  mmniI  just  out- 
side of  Navy  Point,  on  wliicii  the  ship-honso  now  [1867]  stands,  in  such  position  tlmt 
her  broadside  of  nine  gnns  niigiit  be  broufj;lit  (o  bear  on  the  enemy.  Tlio  renmimloi' 
of  lier  guns  wen^  taken  out,  to  be  placed  in  battery  on  land.  An  iron  tliirtv-two- 
pounder,  designe<l  for  tiie  Oneida,  but  found  to  be  too  heavy,  had  already  been  i.Jaced 
on  a  battery  of  tliree  nine-pounders  upon  the  bluft"  at  the  foot  of  tlie  main  street  f 
•the  village,  on  whieli  (he  dwelling  of  tlie  eoinmander  of  the  naval  station  there  now 
stands.  Tliat  lieavy  gun  had  been  lying  near  tlio  shore,  partly  ind)eddeil  in  the  niml 
for  some  time,  and  from  tliat  cireumstanee  had  ae(|uired  the  name  of  77/e  Olil  Sow. 
These  cannon,  with  two  brass  nine-pounders  in  charge  of  an  artillery  eoinpany  uiidtT 
the  command  of  C'ajttain  Elisha  C-amp,  and  two  sixes  fished  out  of  the  laki^  from  the 
wreck  of  an  English  ship  near  Duck  Island,  composed  the  lieavy  metal  with  wliidi 
to  combat  the  ai)j)roaehing  Uritish  s(juadron.  The  soldiers  for  the  same  juniioso 
eomi)rised  only  a  part  of  l>ellinger's  regiment.  Camp's  Sackett's  Harbor  .Vrtiikiv, 
which  proni])tly  volunteered  for  thirty  days'  service,  the  crew  of  the  07ii'ida,  ;iiiil 
three  hundred  militia.  At  the  first  appearance  of  the  enemy  alarm-guns  were  ijitil, 
and  couriers  were  sent  into  the  country  in  all  directions  to  arouse  tlie  militia.  At 
sunset  nearly  three  thousand  had  arrived  or  were  near,  but  they  were  too  late.  Vic- 
tory had  been  lost  and  won  earlj'  in  the  day. 
Woolsey,  the  best  engineer  otticer  present,  left  his  brig  in  charge  of  his  lieutenant, 

it  at  eight  o'clock  liy 
a  shot  from  the  liii; 
gun,  which  was  harm- 
less, and  drew  from 
the  peojile  on  tlio 
lioi/al  George  a  re- 
sponse of  derisive 
laughter,  which  could 
be  plainly  heard  on 
the  shore.  This  was 
followed  by  some  shots 
from  those  two  vessels 
in  the  advance  at  the 
distance  of  a  mile, 
which  were  quickly 
answered  by  Vauirhan, 
The  firing  was  kept  up 
for  about  two  hours, 
the  scpiadrou  standiiij; 
off" and  on,  out  of  ran!j;e 
of  the   smaller  guns. 


and  took  the  general 
command  on  shore.  He 
placed  the  32-pounder 
in  charge  of  Captain 
William  ^  auglian,  a 
sailing-master  of  emi- 
nence then  living  at 
Sackett's  Harbor,'  and 
directed  Cajjtain  Camp 
to  manage  the  others 
in  battery.  Meanwhile 
the  enemy  Avere  slowly 
drawing  near;  and  by 
the  time  Woolsey  was 
pre])ared  to  receive 
them,  the  British  flag- 
ship Iloyal  Georf/e, 
closely  followed  by  the 
Prince  liefjent,  were 
close  enough  for  ac- 
tion.  Vaughan  opened 


0« 

WIU.IAM  VACailAN. 


'  From  tlic  widow  of  Captain  Vnudlian,  yet  [1807]  living  nt  Sacltott's  Ilarlior,  I  received  tlie  foilowiiiB  l)ri('f  sktii li 
of  his  life :  Ho  was  borii  in  the  middle  of  Antmst,  17T0,  nt  Will{ea-Bnrri\  in  the  Valley  of  Wyoming,  Penn«ylvuiiiii.  llf 
was  two  years  old  wlicn  the  maBPacre  took  place  there,  and  his  inotlier  fled  with  him  over  the  mountains.  At  tlii'  :li- 
of  eighteen  years  he  visited  Canada.  The  posts  of  Oswego,  Fort  Carloton,  and  Presentation,  or  Oswegatchie,  \ww  \\\n\ 
held  T>-j  the  British,  and  ho  was  comi)elled  to  have  a  passport  to  go  from  post  to  post  on  the  soil  of  the  United  Siates. 
He  returned  to  Canada  in  1797,  after  these  posts  were  given  up,  and  engaged  In  lake  navigation.  Ho  was  a  pilot  on 
Lake  Ontario  for  many  years,  and  when  the  war  broke  out  he  was  appointed  a  sailing-master.  He  served  with  Rrcul 
activity  during  the  war.  Wo  shall  meet  him  occasionally  in  the  course  of  our  narrative.  After  the  war  he  rctiinicd  tc 
the  occupation  of  mariner,  and  was  master,  at  different  times,  of  six  steamboats  on  Lake  Ontario.  Alimit  the  year  iswi 
his  Rj>inc  received  an  Injury  by  his  falling  on  the  ice  while  rescuing  a  man  and  two  women  from  destruction  ammig 
floating  ice  agitated  by  liigh  winds.  He  never  recovered.  He  died  at  Sackctt'e  Harbor  ou  the  10th  of  Doccmber,  WT, 
aged  eighty-one  years. 


FaUl  R«t>oand 

'flip  most  0 

!  I  tliirty-tw 

man.Hion  (fl 

iloor-yard. ' 

('a|)taiii  Va 

(•aii!,'lit  'em 

liu>inl  Geon 

captive  ball 

plctely,  sent 

HiHiiided  eir 

licr  sides,  ain 

to|»irallaiit-iii 

li.id  lieeii  cliii 

^iirnal  of  reti 

passage  thro 

wliile  the  ha 

L't'eeted  their 

ha<l  lii'cn  inj'ii 

serene  .Sahhat 

inarkable  hiid 

The  coniin.'i 

Mwc  to  both  ] 

of  iirined  a'css 

one.    The  onl 

their  ability  t< 

vaiyiug  in  hIz, 

I'liangcd  into  a 

burg  when  ^va 

rapture  a.  }  (k 

ilieni  w!is  a  nu 

Milt,  tlu.  Hriti.sl 

Lawrence  to  V 

"I'ls.    To  accon 

lion,  consisting 

of  Oswego,  ant 

and  two  long  > 

tenant  11.  \\.  ^ 

ride  corps  luide 

Harbor  on  tJie 

'iiemy.   "Our  n 

kins  on  that  d; 

'  One  of  Captain  Va 

Kad- Julius.    He  eerv 

laall-iimis,  moHtofth( 

•  -^iilioiigh  tlie  gnn  V 

'w  II  lhlrty-two.poun( 

'  I  ii'I'.v  wrapping  then 

('.*"tu.«cdonthator( 

'On  iny  way  to  Sack 

""wrd,  who  was  at  S,i 

»nt  concerning  the  n 

'Mhorlty  of  James  But 

n-iiiior  that  the  Ameri( 

"i™  of  being  a  spy.    ti 

Briilsh  and  returned  to 

7*'H-'"-,l.,S2;Coo 

"Hi  Hatcments  to  the 

Ilonard. 


OF   THE  WAR   OP   1812. 


noo 


PiKlBtbouiA  of*  Brttlib  Hhot. 


The  8<|uailrnn  repuli'cil. 


Preparntlonii  fur  War  on  Lake  Ontario. 


The  inoHt  of  tlio  t'tu'iny's  wliot  foil  n<j;iunHf  tlio  rocks  lit-low  the  liattcry.  Oiio  of  tliesc 
(i  fIiirty-tW(i-i»oun(l  hsill)  oaino  ovt-r  the  bluff,  nt ruck  tfu'  ciirtli  not  thr  from  SackettV 
iiiaiisiou  (tlicri  ()cc»pi('<l  by  ViiugluiirH  fuiiiily),  ami  plowed  a  deep  furrow  into  tlie 
door-Viird. '  It  was  immediately  caugiit  n\>  liy  Sergeant  Spier,  wlio  ran  witii  it  to 
Captiii"  Vaughan,  exelaiining,  "I've  been  playing  ball  witli  the  red-coats,  and  liave 
cftui;lit  Via  <iu(  See  if  the  British  can  eatch  back  again."  At  that  moment  the 
Bm/al  Oeor</e  was  wearing  to  give  a  broadside,  when  Vanghan's  gun  sent  back  tlie 
captive  ball  with  such  force  and  precision'^  that  it  struck  her  stern,  raked  her  com- 
iilctflv,  sent  splint'M's  as  high  as  her  mizzen  top-sail  yard,  killed  fourteen  men,  and 
wounded  eighteen !'  The  tlag-ship  had  already  received  a  sliot  that  went  through 
litT  sides,  and  another  between  wind  and  water.  'I'lie  Ih-ince licyoit  had  lost  her  fore- 
to|)i;allaiit-mast,  and  \]w  Itkirlof  MoirahwA  hceii  hulled.  The  laughter  of  the  enemy 
ha(i  hoen  changed  into  wailing.  J^isaster  suggested  the  exercise  of  discretion,  and  a 
sjciiiil  of  retreat  was  sjjeetlily  given  after  the  returned  ball  had  nuide  its  di'struetive 
imsnasji'  through  tlie  ship.  The  sfpnidron  put  about  an<l  sailed  out  of  the  harbor, 
M-hilo  the  band  on  shore  jtlayed  Yankee  Doodle,  and  the  troops  and  the  citizens 
ijiwtod  their  departure  with  loud  cheers.  Nothing,  animate  or  inanimate,  on  shore 
had  been  injured  in  the  least  by  the  cannonading  of  two  hours'  duration.''  It  was  a 
scivnc  Sabbath  morning,  and  the  village  at  evening  was  as  quiet  as  if  nothing  re- 
markable had  happened. 

Till'  oiiuunand  of  the  waters  of  Lake  Ontario  was  now  an  object  of  groat  import- 
iincp  to  both  parties.  To  obtain  this  advantage  recpiired  the  s])eediest  pre])aration 
iif  armed  vessels.  The  British  had  several  afloat  already;  the  Americans  had  but 
one,  Tlie  oidy  hope  of  the  latter  of  securing  the  supremacy  of  the  lake  rested  upon 
ihi'ir  ability  to  convert  merchant  vessels  afloat  into  warriors.  These  were  schooners 
viirviiiii  in  size  from  thirty  to  one  liundred  tons  burden,  and  susceptible  of  being 
I  liaii'.,'i'd  into  active  gun-boats.  Eight  of  them,  as  we  have  observed,  were  at  Ogdens- 
liuri;  wilt""  war  yas  declared.  Two  had  been  destroyed,  and  six  now  remained.  To 
caiiture  ;>.  }  destroy  them  was  an  important  object  to  the  British ;  to  save  and  arm 
tlu'iii  "its  a  more  important  object  to  the  Americans.  To  accomi)lish  the  former  re- 
Milt,  ti  .  Ihitish  sent  the  l^Jorl  of  Moirii^  14,  and  Duke  of  Gloucester,  10,  down  the  St. 
l,awri'iice  to  Prescott,  opposite  Ogdcnsburg,  to  Avatch  or  seize  the  imprisoned  ves- 
H'is.  To  accomplisli  the  latter,  the  Americans  sent  a  small  force  in  the  same  direc- 
lioii,  consisting  of  the  schooner  Julia  (built  by  the  late  venerable  IVIatthew  M'Nair, 
(if  Oswego,  and  named  in  honor  of  his  daughter),  armed  with  a  long  thirty -two 
ami  two  long  sixes,  bearing  about  sixty  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant II.  W.  Wells,  from  the  Oneida,  -with  Captains  Vaughan  and  Dixon ;  also  a 
rifle  corps  under  Noadiah  Hubbard,  in  a  Durham  boat.  These  sailed  from  Saekett's 
Harbor  on  the  evening  of  the  30th  of  July,  unmindful  of  the  superior  force  of  the 
nK'iuy.  "  Our  means  are  humble,"  General  Brown  wrote  to  Governor  Tomp-  .  j„iy  gy^ 
kins  on  that  day,"  "but,  with  the  blessing  of  Heaven,  this  republican  gun- 


1812. 


I  One  of  Cnptnln  Vnughan's  gunners  wns  .Inlius  Torrey,  ft  negro,  who  wns  a  great  favorite,  and  known  In  camp  ne 
Bhfk  Julius.  He  served  at  hie  post  with  the  greatest  courage  and  activity.  As  the  enemy  was  heyond  the  reach  of 
smll-arms,  most  of  the  troops  were  Inactive  spectators  of  the  scene.— Hough's  Ilitttorii  nf  Jeffermn  Cimiit]/,  page  404. 

=  .Mthough  the  gini  was  well  managed,  the  range  of  the  shot  had  hccn  a  little  wild  hecause  of  their  size.  The  gun 
it»  n  ihlrty-lwo-pounder,  bnt  the  largest  balls  to  be  found  i.t  Saekett's  Ilsrbor  were  twenty-fours.  These  were  made 
;iii!  by  wra|)plng  Uiem  In  pieces  of  carpet.  The  British  thirty-two  wsif  just  the  shot  needed  for  precision.  The  small- 
trflii.t  used  on  that  occasion  were  brought  from  the  Taherg  Work.-^,  Di.ir  Rome,  or.ly  a  week  before. 

'  On  my  way  to  Saekett's  Harbor  in  the  summer  of  ISflO,  I  saw  at  Big  Sandy  Creek  an  old  seaman  named  .Ichaziel 
Howard,  who  was  at  Saekett's  Harbor  at  this  time,  and  fVom  him  I  learned  some  of  the  facts  al)ov<!  stated.  His  state- 
nioiit  concerning  the  number  of  killed  and  wounded  by  that  last  shot  from  the  thlrty-two-pounder  was  made  on  the 
inihiirily  of  James  Dutton,  who  deserted  to  the  British  a  few  days  before  the  battle.  Dntton  told  the  British  com- 
in".ii(ier  thnt  the  Americans  were  very  weak,  and  hail  no  cannon.  Their  experience  in  the  action  made  them  suspect 
tiiin  of  being  a  spy.  They  threatened  to  have  him  tried  as  such.  Taking  counsel  of  his  fears,  ho  deserted  from  the 
British  and  returned  to  the  American  camp.    He  was  on  the  llot/al  Gnmir  at  the  time  of  the  action. 

'  Thr  War,  I.,  S2 ;  Cooper's  Naval  UUtorii  of  the  United  Statcn,  li .,  320,  SI' ;  Hough's  IlixUmi  nfji'ffermn  Cuunty,  402-404 ; 
m\  Matcmenta  to  the  author  by  Captain  (now  Colonel)  Camp,  the  late  Amasa  Trowbridge,  M.D.,  and  Jehazlel 
iloward. 

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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


A  Fight  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  Riflemen  at  Sacke.t'e  Harbor.  Channcey  chief  Commander  on  Lake  Ontario 

boat  muy  give  a  good  account  of  the  Duke  and  the  Earl;  and  a  successful  termina- 
tion of  this  enterprise  will  give  us  an  equal  chance  for  the  command  of  the  lake." 

The  Julia  and  her  Durham  consort  went  to  the  St.  Lawrence  that  night.  Although 
it  was  very  dark,  they  arrived  in  safety  at  Cape  Vincent.  At  early  dawn,  under  a 
deeply-clouded  sky,  they  pressed  forward  among  the  Thousand  Islands,  the  wind 
•July  31,     blowing  down  the  river,  and,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,"  met  the  two 

1812.  British  vessels  off  Morristown,  eleven  miles  above  Ogdensburg.  They  an- 
chored at  once,  and  opened  fire  upon  each  other.  The  action  lasted  more  than  three 
hours,  during  which  the  cannonading  was  almost  incessant,  and  yet  the  Julia  was 
only  slightly  injured  by  a  single  shot,  and  not  one  of  the  Americans  was  killed  or 
wounded.  Tlie  Earl  of  Moira  was  hulled  several  times,  and  both  of  the  British  ves- 
sels withdrew  toward  the  Canada  shore.  Night  came  with  intense  darkness,  but  fre- 
quent flashes  of  lightning  in  the  southern  horizon  reveaUMl  surrounding  objects  for  a 
moment.  With  the  aid  of  the  Durham  and  her  own  yawl,  the  Julia  made  her  way 
to  Ogdensburg  before  morning,*^  when  Lieutenant  Wells  left  her  in  charge 

"^°*    '     of  Captain  Vaughan,  and  returned  to  Sackett's  Harbor.     The  armistice 

tliat  soon  followed'  enabled  the  Julia,  with  the  six  schooners  in  her  wake,  to  make 

her  Avay  to  the  lake."    Meanwhile  the  guns  of  the  Earl  and  Duke  were 

landed  at  Elizabethtown  (new  Brockville),  and  placed  in  battery  there,^ 

Early  in  Atigust  Captain  Benjamin  Forsyth  arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbor  with  a 
well-drilled  company  of  riflemen.  These  were  the  first  regular  troops  seen  on  tliat 
frontier,  and  were  welcomed  with  much  satisfaction.  General  Brown  urged  Forsyth 
to  open  a  recruiting  station  at  once,  hoping  to  enlist  two  full  companies  of  the  sharp- 
shooters. At  the  same  time,  the  national  government  was  putting  for^h  vigorous  ef- 
forts for  acquiring  the  supremacy  of  the  lakes.  The  appointment  of  a  proper  com- 
.  mander-in-chief  of  the  navy  to  be  created  on  them,  who  might  properly  superintend 
its  fonnation,  was  the  first  and  most  important  measure.  Fortunately  for  the  service, 
Captain  Isaac  Channcey  was  chosen  for  this  responsible  and  arduous  duty.  He  was 
then  at  the  head  of  the  navy  yard  at  Brooklyn,  New  York.  He  was  one  of  the  best 
practical  seamen  of  his  time,  possessed  a  thorough  knowledge  of  ships  in  whole  and 
in  detail,  and  was  in  the  constant  exercise  of  energy  and  industry  of  the  highest  or- 
der. On  the  31st  of  August  he  was  commissioned  for  that  special  service,  and  on  the 
following  day,  Paul  Hamilton,  the  then  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  sent  him  a  ciplier 
alphabet  and  numerals,  by  which  he  might  make  secret  communications  to  the  De- 
partment.' 


:i 


7^ 


d\*>]A\s\C  i-o-dl 


I  2/|  'to' 


rshifitiimnrMi^. 


OIPIISB  ALPHADET  ANIl  NUMEBALS. 


'  See  note  2,  page  293. 

'  Letter  of  General  Brown  to  Governor  Tompitins,  August  4, 1812.  Hough's  nistory  ofJeferaon  CouttUj,  pnge  4f..''>,  4C(!. 
Hough's  History  of  St.  Laureruse  and  Franklin  Counties,  page  022.  Written  Statement  to  the  Author  by  the  lute  Amaea 
Trowbridge,  M.D. 

3  "  After  your  arrival  upon  the  lakes,"  wrote  Mr.  Hamilton,  "yon  may  experience  some  difflcnlty  and  risk  in  sending 
^_^  I  your  dispatches  to  me ;  and  you  may  find  It  necesnary  lo 

/^f  jy  >»  yf  y        ^   employacipher  in  yonr  communications,  esppcla'lyeucb 

^  /Jc/jtf^  ^^fjLyt/^..^^t.>C^'''CO't,AJ  ofthem  as  might  do  the  service  an  injury  by  falling  into 
•■^'^  '    i««.-'#'i''V-  --U'  the  hands  of  the  enemy.   Under  such  circumstiinces,  yon 

will  communicate  to  me  in  cipher  by  the  following  alphabet  whenever  yon  may  Judge  It  expedient."  Here  follows  the 
cipher  alphabet  and  numerals,  of  which  a  fac-similo  Is  above  given.  The  original  la  In  the  possession  of  the  New  York 
Historical  Society.    It  was  presented  by  the  Ilev.  Mr.  Cbauucey,  a  sou  of  the  commodore,  on  the  litb  of  February,  ISIil 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


371 


American  and  British  Squadrons  on  Lake  Ontario. 


Elliott  sent  to  Lake  Erie. 


Cbauncey's  first  Cruise. 


Chauncey  entered  upon  his  new  duties  immediately  after  the  receipt  of  his  orders. 
In  the  first  week  in  September  he  sent  forward  forty  ship-carpenters,  with  Henry 
Eckford  at  their  head.  Others  soon  followed ;  and  Commander  Woolsey  was  direct- 
ed to  purchase  some  merchant  vessels  for  the  service.  On  the  18th  of  the  same 
month,  one  hundred  officers  and  seamen,  with  guns  and  other  munitions  of  war,  left 
yew  York  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  Chauncey  arrived  there  himself  on  the  6th  of 
October.  The  schooners  Genesee  Packet,  Meperztnent,  Collector,  Lord  Nelson,  Charles 
and  Ann,  and  Diana,  were  purchased,  and  manned  and  named  respectively  in  the 
same  order,  Conquest,  Chowler,  Pert,  Scourge,  Governor  Tompkins,  and  Jlamilton. 
Their  armament  consisted  principally  of  long  guns  mounted  on  circles,  with  a  few 
lighter  ones  that  could  be  of  very  little  service.  Add  to  these  the  Oneida  and  Jidia 
already  in  the  service,  and  the  entire  flotilla,  exclusive  of  the  Madison,  24  (whose 
keel  was  laid  before  Chauncey's  arrival'),  mounted  only  forty  guns,  and  was  manned 
l)y  four  hundred  and  thirty  men,  the  marines  included.  The  Oneida  carried  sixteen 
ijnns,  therefore  there  was  an  average  of  only  five  guns  each  among  the  remainder  of 
the  squadron.  The  British,  at  the  same  time,  had  made  for  service,  on  Ijake  Ontario, 
the  ships  Royal  George,  22,  and  Earl  of  Moira,  14;  and  schooners  Prince  Regent,  16, 
Buke  of  Gloucester,  14,  Simcoe,  12,  and  Seneca,  4.  These,  in  weight  of  metal,  were 
double  the  power  of  the  American,  while  there  was  a  corresponding  disparity  in  the 
number  of  men.^ 

Lake  Erie,  over  which  also  Chauncey  was  appointed  commander,  was  separated 
from  Ontario  by  the  impassable  cataract  of  Niagara,  and  vessels  for  use  on  the  wa- 
ters of  the  former  had  to  be  constructed  on  its  shores,  or  at  Detroit,  where  the  unfin- 
ished brig  Adams,  captured  at  the  surrender  of  Hull,  had  been  built.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  creating  a  fleet  there,  Chauncey  sent  Lieutenant  Jesse  D.  Elliott  with  orders 
for  purchasing  vessels  similar  to  those  given  to  Commander  Woolsey.  We  shall 
consider  some  of  Elliott's  earlier  operations  presently. 

Cliauncey  first  appeared  on  Lake  Ontario  as  the  commander  of  a  squadron  on  the 
8th  of  November,  a  cold,  raw,  blustery  day,  with  his  broad  pennant  fluttering  over 
the  Oneida,  his  flag-ship,  accompanied  by  six  small  vesf^els,^  and  bound  on  an  expe- 
dition to  intercept  the  entire  British  squpdrou  on  their  return  from  Fort  George,  on 
the  Niagara  River,  whither  they  had  gone  from  Kingston  with  troops  and  munitions 
of  war.  Chauncey  took  his  station  near  the  False  Ducks,  some  small  islands  nearly 
di'3  west  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  on.  the  track  to  Kingston,  and  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  Oth*  iell  in  with  the  Royal  George,  Commodore  Earl's  flag-ship,  mak-  .  November, 
ing  her  way  for  the  latter  place.  Chauncey  chased  her  into  the  Bay  of  ^^'*' 
Quint6,  and  lost  sight  of  her  in  the  darkness  of  the  night  that  soon  followed.  On  the 
raoruinsT  of  the  lOth**  he  captured  and  burnt  a  small  schooner,  and  soon  ^„ 
afterward  espied  the  Royal  George  headed  for  Kingston.  He  gave  chase 
with  most  of  his  squadron,''  followed  her  into  Kingston  Harbor,  and  there  engaged 
botli  her  and  five  land  batteries'  for  almost  an  hour.  These  were  more  formidable 
than  Chauncey  supposed ;  and  a  brisk  wind  having  arisen,  and  the  night  coming  on, 
lie  withdrew  and  anchored.  The  breeze  had  become  almoct  a  gale  the  next  morn- 
ing,' so  Chauncey  weighed  anchor  and  stood  out  lakeward.  The  Tomp-  ^  jf^^ember  ii 
Um,  Eamilton,  and  Jnlia  chased  the  Simcoe  over  a  reef  of  rocks,  and  so 


'  The  Mttdimn  was  launched  on  the  26th  of  November,  only  forty-flvo  days  after  her  keel  was  laid.  Henry  Eckfurd 
Kaa  her  constructor.  "    . 

'  Cooper's  .VaiiaJ  Historj/  ></  the  UniM  Stalei,  Ii-,  S28. 

'  The  Oneida  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Woolsey ;  the  C&nquest  by  Lieutenant  Elliott ;  the  IlamUtm  by  Lieuten- 
ant M'Phergon ;  the  Oovtrnor  Tompkine  by  Lieutenant  Brown ;  the  Pert  by  Mr.  Arundei ;  the  Julia  by  Mr.Trant ;  and 
ilie  Grouler  by  Mr,  Mix.    The  last  three  named  were  sailliiB-masters. 

'  In  this  chase  Captain  Elliott,  in  the  Conqtuat,  gallantly  ]".a,  followed  by  the  JttUa,  Pert,  and  GrowW.  The  Ondia 
I'fonght  up  the  rear.  She  allowed  the  smaller  vehsels  to  make  the  attack.  When,  at  half  past  three,  she  opened  her 
cirronades  on  the  Hoyal  Oeorge,  that  vessel  was  quick  to  cut  her  cables,  and  run  up  to  the  town. 

>  There  was  a  battery  on  both  India  and  Navy  Points.  Three  others  guarded  the  town ;  and  soipc  movable  cannon 
were  brought  to  bear  on  the  Ame.icau  vessels. 


■'»< 


1      I' 


•  VI  — ■.!».  tjm 


i 


'Ml   1 


i 


.v.  I 


372 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Oporatious  uear  Kiu;;stuii. 


Cbaancey'8  Prizes. 


Forsyth's  Kxpcrtltlnn. 


riddled  her  that  she  sank  before  reaching  Kingston.  Soon  afterward  the  Hamilton 
captured  a  large  schooner  from  Niagara.  The  prize  was  sent  past  Kingston  under 
convoy  of  the  Growler,  hoping  to  bring  out  the  Royal  George,  but  tliat  vessel  liad 
been  so  much  damaged  in  the  action  that  she  was  compelled  to  haul  on  shore  to 
keep  from  sinking.  She  had  received  several  shots  between  wind  and  water,  somo 
of  her  guns  were  disabled,  and  a  number  of  her  crew  had  been  killed 

The  gale  continued  on  the  12th,  and  during  the  following  night  a  heavy  snow- 
storm set  in.  Chauncey  was  undismayed  by  the  fury  of  the  elements.  lie  had  set 
his  heart  on  obtaining  the  supremacy  of  the  lake  at  all  hazai'ds,  and  he  continued  his 
cruise.  Inxormed  that  the  Earl  of  Moira  was  off  the  Real  Ducks,  he  attempted  to 
capture  her.  She  was  on  the  alert.  A  schooner  that  she  was  convoying  was  seized 
but  the  warrior  escaped.  During  the  day  Chauncey  saw  the  Jtoyal  George,  and  two 
schooners  that  he  supposed  to  be  the  Prince  Hegent  and  Duke  of  Gloucester,  but  they 
did  not  seem  disposed  to  meet  him. 

In  this  short  cruise  Commodore  Chauncey  captured  three  merchant  vessels,  destroy- 
ed one  armed  schooner,  and  disabled  the  British  flag-ship,  and  took  several  prisoners ' 
w^ith  a  loss  on  his  part  of  only  one  man  killed  and  four  wounded.*  The  loss  of  the 
British  is  not  found  on  record. 

Leaving  the  Governor  Tom2Mns,  Conquest,  Hamilton,  and  Growler  to  blockade 
Kingston  harbor  until  the  ice  should  do  so  effectually,  Chauncey  sailed  on  the  19tli, 
in  the  Oneida,  for  the  head  of  the  lake,  accompanied  by  the  remainder  of  the  squad- 
ron. "  I  am  in  great  hopes,"  he  wrote  to  Governor  Tompkins,  "  that  I  shall  fail  in 
with  the  Prince  Regent,  or  some  of  the  royal  family  which  are  cruising  about  Yorls. 
Had  we  been  one  month  sooner,  we  could  have  taken  every  town  on  this  lake  in 
three  weeks ;  but  the  season  is  now  so  tempestuous  that  I  am  apprehensive  we  can 
not  do  much  more  this  Avinter."  His  anticipations  were  realized.  He  was  driven 
back  by  a  gale  in  which  the  Growler  was  dismasted,  and  the  ice  formed  so  fast  that 
all  the  vessels  were  in  danger.  He  retired  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  early  in  Decem- 
ber the  lake  navigation  was  closed  by  the  frost.^ 

While  Chauncey  was  commencing  vigorous  measures  for  the  construction  of  a  navy 
at  the  east  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  the  land  forces  there  and  on  the  St.  Lawrence  were 
not  idle,  although  no  very  important  service  was  perfoi-med  there  during  the  remain- 
der of  1812.  The  vigilant  Captain  Forsyth  made  a  bold  dash  into  Canada  late  in 
September.  Having  been  informed  that  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition  and  other 
munitions  of  war  were  in  a  British  store-house  at  Gananoqui,  on  the  shores  of  the  Lake 
of  the  Thousand  Islands,  in  Canada,*  and  not  heavily  guarded,  Forsyth  asked  and 
obtained  permission  of  General  Brown  to  make  an  attempt  to  capture  them.  He  or- 
ganized an  expedition  of  one  hundred  and  four  men,  consisting  of  seventy  riflemen 
and  thirty-four  militia,  the  latter  oflicered  by  Captain  Samuel  M'Nitt,  Lrieutenant 
Brown,  and  Ensigns  Hawkins  and  Johnson.  They  set  out  from  Sackett's  Harbor  on 
the  18tli  of  September,  and  on  the  night  of  the  20th  they  left  Cape  Vincent  in  boats, 
threading  their  way  in  the  dark  among  the  upper  group  of  the  Thousand  Islands, 
They  landed  a  s}iort  distance  from  the  village  of  Gananoqui,  only  ninety-five  strong, 
without  opposition ;  but  as  they  approached  the  town  they  were  confronted  by  a 
party  of  sixty  British  regulars  and  fifty  Canadian  militia  drawn  up  in  battle  order, 
wlio  poured  heavy  volleys  upon  them.     Forsyth  dashed  forward  Avith  bis  men  with- 

'  Among  the  prisoners  was  Captain  Brock,  brother  of  Major  General  Brock,  who  had  been  killed  recently  at  Queens- 
town.    He  had  some  of  his  brother's  baggage  with  him. 

a  Mr.  Arnndel,  the  commander  of  the  Pert,  wag  badly  Injured  by  the  bursting  of  one  of  her  guns,  and  a  midshlpaan 
and  three  seamen  were  slightly  wonnded.  Mr.  Artmdel  reftued  to  leave  the  deck,  and  was  afterward  knocked  over- 
board by  accident  and  drowned. 

3  Chauncey's  Letter  to  Govercor  Tompkins,  November  18,  1812 ;  Cooper's  Saval  Bittory,  il.,  333  to  83T  inclusive. 

'  Gananoqui  Is  pleasantly  situated  at  the  month  of  the  Gananoqui  River,  where  it  enters  the  npper  portion  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  known  as  the  Lake  of  the  Thousand  Islands,  It  Is  In  the  town  of  Leeds,  lu  Canada  West,  nearly  opposite 
the  town  of  Clayton  (old  French  Creek),  New  York. 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


373 


Spoils  takou  at  Oananoqul. 


General  Brown  sent  to  OgdenH))nrg. 


Uoettle  Movements  there. 


out  firing  a  shot  until  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  when  the  latter  fle-^  pell- 
mell  to  the  town,  closely  pursued  by  the  inv.»ders.  There  the  lugitives  rallied  and 
renewed  the  engagement,  when  they  were  again  compelled  to  flee,  leaving  ten  of 
their  number  dead  on  the  field,  several  wounded,  and  eight  regulars  and  four  militia- 
men as  prisoners.  Forsyth  lost  only  one  man  killed  and  one  slightly  wounded.  For 
his  own  safety,  he  broke  up  the  bridge  over  which  he  had  pursued  the  enemy,  and 
then  returned  to  his  boats,  bearing  away,  as  the  spoils  of  victory,  the  eight  regu- 
lars sixty  stand  of  arms,  two  barrels  of  fixed  ammunition  comprising  three  thousand 
ball-cartridges,  one  barrel  of  gunpowder,  one  of  flints,  forty-one  muskets,  and  some 
other  public  pronerty.  In  the  store-house  were  found  one  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of 
provisions,  but,  having  no  means  of  carrying  them  away.  Captain  Forsyth  applied  the 
torch,  and  stoi  3-house  and  provisions  were  consumed. '  The  public  property  secured 
on  tliis  occasion  was  given  to  the  soldiers  of  the  expedition  as  a  reward  for  tiieir  valor. 
While  Forsyth  Avas  away  on  his  expedition.  Brigadier  General  Richard  Dodge  ar- 
.s«pten.her2i,  "ved  at  Watcitown*  with  a 
'S12.  detachment  of  Mohawk  Val- 

ley militia.  He  outranked  General  Brown, 
and  on  his  arrival  he  ordered  that  officer 
to  proceed  to  Ogdensburg,  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Oswegatchie  River,  to  orarrison  old  Fort  Presentation,  or  Oswegatchie,  at  that 
place.^  General  Brown  was  chagrined  by  this  unlooked-for  order,  but,  like  a  true 
soldier,  he  immediate-  -        .     ,—    -^ 


'October  12. 


ly  obeyed  it.  A  part 
of  Captain  Forsyth's 
company  went  with 
liim ;  and  three  weeks 
later,  at  the  request 
of  the  goveiTior.  Gen 
oral  Dodge   sent  to 

Brown''  the 

remainder 
of  the  riflemen,  and 

the  artillery  compa-  appearanok  of  rom  i  ■..  i.jaiuuie  in  mvi. 

iiies  of  Captains  Brown,  King,  and  Foot,  in  all  one  hundred  and  sixty  men,  with  two 
brass  9-pound  cannon,  one  4,  and  an  ample  supply  of  muskets  and  munitions  of  war. 
General  Brown  arrived  at  Ogdensburg  on  the  Ist  of  October.  Already  the  militia 
had  been  employed  in  some  hostile  movements.  At  {.bout  the  middle  of  September 
infonnation  reached  Ogdensburg  that  some  British  bateaux,  laden  with  stores,  were 
ascending  the  St.  Lawrence.  It  was  resolved  to  capture  them.  A  gun-boat,  with  a 
brass  six-pounder  and  eighteen  men,  under  Adjutant  I'aniol  W.  Church,  accompanied 
by  a  party  under  Captain  Griffin,  in  a  Durhaji  boat,  went  down  the  river  in  the 
niglit,  and  encountered  the  enemy  near  Toussaint  Island.  The  Durham  boat  was  lost 
in  the  aftray,  and  the  gun-boat  was  in  great  peril  at  one  time.  It  was  caved,  how- 
ever. The  expedition  was  a  failure.  Five  of  Church's  men  were  wounded,  and  one 
was  killed.  The  British  lost  several  in  killed  and  wounded.  They  were  led  by  Ad- 
jutant Fit'.gibbon.' 

On  the  day  after  General  Brown's  arrival  at  Ogdensburg,<=  about  forty 
British  bateaux,  escort  (d  by  a  gun-boat,  were  seen  aoproaching  Prescott    '  ^'^'°''*'  ^' 
tVom  below,  and  as  the/  neared  the  town  a  battery  at  that  place  opened  upon  Og- 

'Letter  of  General  Brown  to  Covemor  Torapkine,  September  23, 1812 ;  Letter  from  Utfcn,  September  29, 1812,  pub- 
luhcd  In  The  War,  page  Tl.    Th.-  same  letter  appears  In  Niles'ti  Weekli/  PegiOer,  October  10, 1812. 
'  A  partirular  account  of  t>.i8  fort  will  be  given  hereafter. 
'  Hough's  Jlistory  ttf  St.  I  xtvrenee  and  Franklin  Counties,  page  024. 


"  li 


1 

1 

ni 


374 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


A  British  Bxpedltion  on  the  St.  Lawrence. 


It  attacka  Ogdeuaburg. 


The  British  repulecd. 


densburg  to  cover  tlie  flotilla.^  The  heavy  guns  at  the  latter  place  consistecl  of  a 
brass  six-pounder  under  the  charge  of  Adjutant  Church,  and  ai;  .on  twelve-prmndor 
managed  by  Joseph  York,  sherift'  of  the  county,  and  a  volunteer  citizen.  These  re- 
plied to  the  British  battery  for  a  while.  On  the  following  day  the  firing  from  IVs- 
•  October     <^ott  was  renewed, but  was  not  answered;  and  on  Sunday  mommg,  the  4tli  ' 

1812,  t^yo  gun-boats  and  twenty-five  bateaux,  filled  with  about  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  armed  men,  under  Colonels  Lethbridge  a.id  Breckinridge,  went  up  the  river 
almost  a  mile,  and  then  turned  their  prows  toward  Ogdensburg,  with  the  evident 
intention  of  attacking  it.  Forsyth's  riflemen  were  encamped  at  the  time  nc  ar  tiie 
old  fort  on  the  west  side  of  the  Oswegatchie,  and  General  Brown,  with  regulars  and 
militia,  were  stationed  in  the  town.*  The  whole  American  force  amounted  to  about 
twelve  hundred  eflective  men.  These  were  immediately  drawn  up  in  battle  order  to 
receive  the  invaders.  When  the  latter  had  approached  to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
of  the  town,  nearly  in  mid-channel,  the  Americans  opened  such  a  severe  fire  from 
their  two  cannon  that  the  enemy  retreated  in  confusion  and  precipitation,  witli  the 
loss  of  three  men  killed  and  four  wounded.'  About  thirty  rounds  were  fired  from 
each  of  the  tAVO  cannon,  and  the  action  lasted  two  hours.*  Not  one  of  the  Ameri- 
cans was  injured  in  the  action,  but  some  damage  was  done  to  the  town  by  the  can- 
non-shot of  the  British.  "  This  enterprise,"  says  Christie,  a  Biitish  author, "  under- 
taken without  the  sanction  of  the  commander  of  the  forces,  was  censured  by  him,  and 
the  public  opinion  condemned  it  as  rash  and  premature."* 

Eighteen  days  after  the  repulse  of  the  British  at  Ogdensburg,  Major  Guilford  Dud- 
ley Young,  and  a  small  detachment  of  militia,  who  were  chiefly  from  Troy,  New- 
York,  performed  a  gallant  cxjjloit  at  St.  Regis,  an  Indian  Village  lying  upon  the 
boundary-line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada.  The  dusky  inhabitants  of 
that  settlement  were  placed  in  a  very  embarrassing  position  when  war  was  declared. 
Tlieir  village  lay  within  the  boundaries  of  both  governments,  and  up  to  that  time 
the  administration  of  their  internal  affairs,  managed  by  twelve  chiefs,  had  been  nom- 
inally independent  of  both.  The  annuities  and  presents  fi-om  both  governments  were 
equally  divided  among  them,  and  in  all  matters  of  business  and  profits  every  thintr 
was  in  common.  That  this  relation  should  not  be  disturbed,  commissioners,  appoint- 
ed by  the  two  governments,  agreed  that  the  Indians  should  remain  neutral,  and  tiiat 
the  troops  of  both  parties  should  avoid  intrusion  of  their  reservation.  But  they  be- 
came objects  of  suspicion  and  dread.  The  settlers  in  that  region  had  been  horrified 
with  tales  of  Indian  massacres  remotely  and  recently.  And  t^e8e  people  could  not  pass 
the  boundaries  of  their  domain  without  being  regarded  as  possible  enemies.  So  vig- 
ilant was  this  general  fear  that  the  Indians  were  compelled,  when  they  went  abroad, 
to  carry  a  pass  from  some  well-known  white  inhabitant,  among  the  most  prominent 
of  whom,  appointed  by  the  chiefs,  was  Captain  Policy,  late  of  Massena  Springs.* 

1  William  K.  Gnest,  Esq.,  whom  I  met  atOgdenebnrg  in  the  snmmer  of  1860,  In  some  of  his  published  "  Recollections" 
of  that  place,  speaking  of  the  affair,  says,  "  The  villagers  came  out  in  large  numbers,  and  stood  In  Washington  Street,  near 
the  residence  of  Mr.  Parish.  Among  them  were  a  number  of  indies,  who  felt  safe,  as  no  balls  had  as  yei  come  into  the 
village.  While  all  were  intently  ivatching,  with  great  excitement,  the  movements  of  the  contending  parties,  a  12-poMii 
shot,  with  its  clear,  singing,  hnrnming  sound,  passed  over  our  heads,  in  the  line  of  State  Street,  as  near  as  we  could  judge, 
and  fell  in  the  rear  of  the  village.  A  sudden  change  came  over  the  scene.  It  became  an  Intimate  matter  to  all,  and  ibe 
•*  ladles  heat  ;i  rapid  retreat."  When  I  was  in  Ogdensburg  in  1SS5,  and  made  a  sketch  of  the  old  Conn- 
house,  printed  In  a  note  In  Chapter  XXVII.  of  this  work,  I  was  Informed  '.hat  that  ball  passed  tbrongh 
the  building,  and  a  hole  made  by  it  was  pointed  out  to  me. 

'  The  subordinate  commanders  on  this  occasion  were  Colonel  Benedict,  Mnj.-  DImock,  Adjutant 
Uoskiu,  and  Captains  Forsyth,  Orlffln,  Hnbbard,  Benedict,  and  M'Nitt.  —  Ogdenstntrff  Palladmrn,  Oc- 
tober 0,  qaoted  in  The  War,  I.,  T8. 

'  One  account  says  that  one  of  their  gun-boats  wrd  disabled,  and  another  that "  two  of  their  boats 
were  so  knocked  to  pieces  as  to  render  it  necessary  to  a*>andon  them." 

*  Hough's  HMnni  of  St.  Laurenee  and  Franklin  rountie*,  page  626.    Letter  iVom  PlaMsburg,  dated 
October  9,  In  Niles's  Wetklij  Heiiiatet , :' ;.,  196.    Christie's  Military  Operatiom  in  Canada,  page  SI. 
'  Christie's  Militanj  Operation*  in  Canada,  page  81. 

«  These  passes  stated  that  the  bearer  was  n  quiet,  peaceable  person.  It  was  their  custom  to  liold 
these  passes  up  on  approaching  a  white  person  that  they  might  not  be  alarmed.    On  the  other  hand. 


M 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


875 


Tbe  British  violate  a  Neatrnllty  Agreemeut.  British  Troops  occupy  St.  BeglB.  Its  Capture  by  the  Amcrlcaus. 

These  restrictions  curtailed  their  hunting  and  fishing,  and  they  were  reduced  to  such 
great  extremities  that  they  were  compelled  to  apply  to  Governor  Tompkins  for  re- 
lief.' The  governor  listened  to  their  request,  and  during  the  war  they  received  about 
five  hundred  rations  daily  from  the  United  States  government  stores  at  French  Mills,'' 
now  Fort  Covington,  on  the  Salmon  River. 

The  neutrality  agreement  was  violated  by  Sir  George  Prevost,  the  British  cora- 
maiulcr-in-chief  in  Canada,  who  placed  Captam  M'Donell  and  a  party  of  armed  Cana- 
dian voyageurs  in  the  village  of  St.  Regis  "  for  the  security  of  that  post,"  to  "  guard 
.".ciiinst  any  predatory  incursions  of  the  enemy,  to  inspire  confidence  in  the  Indians," 
and  to  give  "  support  and  countenance"  to  "  Monsieur  de  Montigny,  captain  and  res- 
ident agent  at  the  village."^  The  real  object  appears  to  have  been  the  seduction  of 
the  hulians  •  from  their  neutrality  by  persuading  them  to  join  the  British  standard. 
In  this  they  were  successful,  as  the  presence  of  more  than  eighty  St.  Regis  warriors 
in  the  British  army  at  different  places  on  the  frontiers  subsequently  fully  proves.'' 

Major  Young  was  stationed  at  French  Mills  when  M'Donell  took  post  at  St.  Regis, 
and  he  wished  to  attempt  the  capture  of  the  whole  party  at  about  the  Ist  of  October. 
William  L.  Gray,  an  Indian  interpreter,  was  then  running  a  mill  on  the  site  of  the 
present  village  ofllogansburg,  two  miU  d  above  St.  Regis,  and  consented  to  be  Young's 
ffiiide.  He  took  him  and  his  command  along  an  unfrequented  way,  that  brought 
them  out  suddenly  upon  the  eastern  banks  of  the  St.  Regis,  opposite  the  village.  The 
stream  was  too  deep  to  ford,  and,  having  no  boats.  Major  Young  was  compelled  to 
abandon  the  project  at  that  time.  The  British  intruders  were  alarmed ;  but  as  day 
after  day  wore  away  without  farther  molestation,  M'Donell  settled  doAvn  into  a  feel- 
ing of  absolute  security.  From  that  state  he  was  soon  aroused.  Young  left  French 
Mills,  with  about  two  hundred  men,  on  the  night  of  the  21st  of  October,  at  eleven 
o'clock,  crossed  the  St.  Regis,  at  Gray's  Mills,  at  half  past  three  in  the  .  October  22, 
morning,*  in  a  boat  and  canoe  and  a  hastily-constructed  raft,  and  before  ^*''^' 
aawn  arrived  within  half  a  mile  of  St.  Regis,  where  they  concealed  themselves,  while 
taking  some  rest  and  refreshment,  beliind  a  gentle  hill  westward  of  the  village.  Hav- 
ins  carefully  reconnoitred  the  position,  the  little  party  moved  in  three  columns  to- 
ward the  British  part  of  the  village,  at  the  northern  extremity  of  which,  not  far  from 
the  ancient  and  famous  church,  stood  the  houses  of  Montigny  and  M'Donell,  in  which 
the  officers  and  many  of  the  men  of  the  British  detachment  were  stationed.  Caj)tain 
Lyon,  editor  of  the  Troy  Jimlget,  moved  with  his  company  along  the  road  upon  the 
bank  of  the  St.  Regis,  so  as  to  gain  the  rear  of  Montigny's  house  and  a  small  block- 
house, while  Captain  Tilden  and  his  company  made  a  detour  westward,  partly  in 
rear  of  M'Donell's,  for  the  purpose  of  reaching  the  St.  Lawrence  and  securing  the  boats 
of  the  enemy.  Major  Young,  with  the  companies  of  Captains  Higbie  and  M'Neil, 
moved  through  the  village  in  front.  Thus  the  enemy  was  surrounded.  Lyon  was 
first  discovered  by  the  British  sentinel  and  attacked.  Young  was  then  within  one 
hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  Montigny's  house.  At  that  instant  an  ensign  of  the  enemy, 
attempting  to  pass  in  front  after  being  ordered  to  stand,  was  shot  dead ;  and  a  few 
minutes  afterward  complete  success  crowned  the  enterprise  of  the  gallant  major. 
Forty  prisoners  (exclusive  of  the  commander  and  the  Catholic  priest),  with  their  arms 
and  accoutrements,  thirty-eight  muskets,  two  bateaux,  a  flag,  and  a  quantity  of  bag- 


the  Indians  requlrcil  persons  traveHng  acrosi;  their  domain  to  exhibit  passes.  As  few  of  these  Indians  conld  read,  a  dc- 
rice  (see  preceding  page)  was  adopted  to  obviate  the  difBcultles  which  that  deficiency  might  give  rlBe  to.  If  a  person 
was  going  through  to  French  Mills,  a  simple  bow  was  drawn  on  the  paper;  If  he  was  Intending  to  visit  St.  Regis  vil- 
lage, an  arrow  was  added  to  the  bow. 

'  The  letter  written  to  Tompkins  for  that  purpose  was  signed  by  the  mark  and  name  of  Lewis  Cook,  one  of  the  chleft 
of  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  and  a  colcnel  In  the  service  of  the  Uulted  States. 

'  Hongh's  Hwtjrj;  q/  St.  Laterencf  and  Franklin  Countien,  page  166. 

'  Letter  of  Adjutant  Baynes  to  Captain  H'Donell. 

'  Le  Clerc,  who  succeeded  Montigny  as  agent,  raised  a  company  of  warriors  there,  and  crossed  over  to  Cornwall. 
These  participated  In  several  engagements  during  the  war.— Hongh's  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  Counties,  page  1B6. 


i   ^ 


i\ 


i 


376 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


First  Trophy-Bag  of  the  War  taken  on  Land.         Its  public  Reception  at  Albany.         Sketch  of  Colonel  O.  D.  Youi.1. 

gage,  including  eight  hundred  blankets  found  at  the  Indian  agent's  house,  were  the 
fruits  of  the  victory.  The  British  had  seven  men  killed,  including  a  lieutenant  en- 
sign,  and  sergeant,  while  the  Americans  were  all  unhurt.  The  late  distintniislu'd 
civilian,  William  L.  Marcy,'  who  was  a  lieutenant  hi  Lyon's  company,  and  assailc(! 
the  block-house,  was  the  captor  of  the  flag  that  waved  over  it.  He  bore  it  in  triuiniili 
back  to  French  Mills,  where  Young  and  his  party  arrived  the  same  day,  at  clovoii 
o'clock,  witii  the  prisoners  and  spoils — the  latter  in  the  captured  bateaux,  bv  way 


of  Salmon  River,^ 
Tiie  prisoners  were 
sent  to  Bloomfield's 
head  -  quarters  at 
Plattsburg.  Early 
ill    January    Major 


Young  and  lii.s  de- 
tachment retiiini'd 
to  Troy,  and  witli 
his  own  hand  pre- 
sented that  Ihitisli 
flag  —  t:ie  first  tro- 


phy of  the  kind  that  had  ever  been  taken  on  land^to  the  people  of  the  State  of  New 
York  in  the  capital  at  Albany.^ 

Soon  after  the  affair  at  St.  Regis  the  British  retaliated  by  an  expedition  to  Frencli 
Mills,  which  captured  the  company  of  Captain  Tilden  stationed  there.  Le  Clerc  also 
captured  Mr.  Gray,  the  interpreter,  and  sent  him  to  Quebec,  where  he  died  in  the 
hospital. 

During  a  brief  sojourn  at  the  Masscna  Springs,  on  the  Racquetto  River,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1855,  I  visited  St. Regis,  or  Ak-ioia-sas-ne,  the  place  "where  the  partrideo 
drums,"  as  the  Indians  called  it.*    I  rode  out  to  Hogansburg,  ten  miles  eastward  of 

'  The  pnbllc  career  of  Mr.  Marcy  is  too  well  known  to  require  more  than  a  passing  notice  here.  Ho  was  then  tweulv- 
six  years  of  age,  and  had  studied  law,  and  was  practicing  it  in  Troy.  He  served  with  credit  in  the  New  York  State  mi- 
litia during  a  greater  part  of  the  war.  In  1821  he  we.s  appointed  adjutant  general  of  the  state.  In  1S29  he  wns  majo 
a  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  state.  In  1831  he  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  United  States  Senate,  and  In  1>33 
governor  of  the  State  of  New  York,  which  office  he  held,  by  re-election,  six  years.  In  1846  President  Polk  called  hini 
to  his  cabinet  as  Secretary  of  War,  and  in  1863  he  became  one  of  President  Pierce's  constitutional  advisers  as  Sccrelarv 
of  State.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1867,  he  retired  to  private  life,  and  jnst  four  mouths  afterward  he  died  suddenly  at  Balls- 
ton,  New  York,  while  reading  in  his  bed,  at  the  age  of  seventy  years. 

2  Major  Young's  dispatch  to  General  Bloomfield,  October  24,  1812 ;  Thomson's  Historical  Sketchet,  etc. ;  Hongh's 
Hnhmj  of  St.  Lavrrmce  and  Franklin  Counties ;  statement  of  Rev.  Elcnzcr  Williams  to  the  author. 

3  That  ceremony  took  place  ou  the  6th  of  Januarj-,  1S13,  at  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Major  Young,  with  a  de- 
tachment of  his  Troy  volunteers,  entered  Albany.  The  soldiers  bore  two  fine  living  eagles  in  the  centre  of  the  detach- 
ment, and  the  trophy-colors  In  the  re.ir,  while  a  band  played  y'ankce.  Doodle.  They  passed  through  Market  Street  (near 
Broadway),  and  up  State  Street,  *,o  the  Capitol,  where  they  were  greeted  by  an  immense  crowd  who  thronged  the  liuild- 
ing.  The  governor  was  too  ill  to  be  present,  and  Colonels  Lamb  and  Lusk  acted  as  his  representatives.  Mnjoi  Yoiin<;, 
after  an  appropriate  speech,  delivered  the  trophy  to  those  gentlemen,  and  received  from  Colonel  Lnsk  a  complimentary 
response. 

Guilford  Dudley  Young  was  bom  at  Lebanon,  Connecticut,  in  June,  1T70,  and  in  1798  married  Miss  Betsey  Huntington, 
of  Norwich.  In  1805  no  settled  in  Troy,  New  York,  where  he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  He  raised  a  corps  of 
volunteers  in  the  summer  of  1812,  and  joined  the  service  on  the  St.  Lawrence  frontier  under  Colonel  Benedict.  Be- 
cause of  his  exploit  at  St.  Regis  he  was  promotefl  to  major  in  the  20th  Regular  Infantry  in  February,  1813,  and  was 
raised  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel  two  months  afterward.  Ho  was  disbanded  in  1818,  and  soon  afterward  j<i!neil 
Miranda's  Mexican  expedition.  He  left  New  York  for  that  purpose  in  July,  1810.  In  August,  the  following  year,  he  was 
in  Fort  Sombrero,  with  two  hundred  and  sixty-nine  men,  when  it  was  encircled  by  three  thousand  five  hundred  Boyal- 
ists.  While  standing  exposed  on  the  ramparts  ou  the  18th  of  August,  1818,  a  cannon-shot  fi'om  the  enemy  took  off  his 
head. 

♦  During  the  colonial  period,  when  the  northern  fi-ontiers  of  New  England  were  harassed  by  savafees,  three  children, 
were  carried  off  by  them  ft-om  Groton,  Massachusetts.  They  consisted  of  two  boys  and  a  girl  named  Tarbell.  The  girl 
escaped  and  returned  home,  bnt  the  boys  were  taken  to  Canada  and  adopted  into  the  families  of  their  cnptors-romc 
Caughnawaga  Indians,  near  Montreal.  In  the  course  of  time  they  married  daughters  of  chiefs.  Their  intercourse  with 
the  savages  was  not  very  pleasant,  and  the  village  priest  advised  them  to  seek  new  homes.  They,  with  their  wives  and 
wives'  parents  (four  families)  departed  in  a  bark  canoe,  went  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  landed  upon  the  beautiful  point 
on  which  St.  Regis  stands.  There  they  resolved  to  remain.  They  called  the  place,  on  account  of  the  abundance  of  par- 
tridges, as  above  noticed.  In  1760,  when  they  had  made  themselves  comfortable  houses,  with  cultivated  fields  around 
them,  they  were  joined  by  Father  Anthony  Gordon,  a  Jesuit  priest,  and  a  colony  from  Caughnawaga.  Gordon  named 
the  place  St.  Regis.  Gordon  erected  a  church  of  logs  and  covered  it  with  bark.  This  was  burned  two  years  afterward, 
when  a  small  wooden  church  was  erected  in  its  place,  and  the  first  bell  ever  heard  in  St.  Regis  was  hung  in  its  tower. 
The  common  belief  has  been  that  this  was  the  bell  carried  off  ft-om  Deerflold  by  the  Indians,  after  the  destruction  of  that 
village  by  Are  in  1704 ;  and  with  that  belief  Mrs.  Slgourney  wrote  her  beautiful  poem  entitled  Tue  Bell  of  St.  Reuib,  in 
which  occnrs  these  stirring  lines : 

"Then  down  ftom  the  burning  cbnrch  they  tore 
The  bell  of  tuneful  sound ; 
And  on  with  their  captive  train  they  bore 
That  wonderful  thing  toward  their  native  shore, 
The  rude  Canadian  bound. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


377 


A  Btruuije  SCury. 


The  Dell  at  Ht.  KcKiii. 


A  Vlalt  to  Ht.  KegU. 


Masseiia,  with  some 
friends,  over  a  new- 
ly cleared  but  i)lea8- 
aut  country,  with  the 
.rreat  Wilderness  of 
Northern  New  York 
lyinsj  on  our  riglit, 
and  far  in  the  south- 
fast  tlie  bhie  sum- 
mits of  the  Green 
Mountains  bounding 
the  horizon.  We 
dined  at  Ilogans- 
burg  in  company 
vfith  the  late  llev. 
Eleazer  Williams, 
the  reputed  "  Lost 
Prince"  of  the  house 


Jiy^  4Vt^/c.ix/*-^''\j 


place  of  worship  had 
juHt  been  erected  in  a 
pleasant  pine  grove 
on   the    borders   of 
that  village  of  two 
hundred  inhabitants. 
Mr.    Williams    was 
connected  with  the 
Indians   in   that   re- 
gion during  the  War 
of   1812.      He    was 
with    Major  Young 
in  his  tirst  attempt 
to  surprise  the  lirit- 
ish  at  St.  Regis,  and 
was     afterward     in 
military   service    at 
Plattsliurg,in  a  com- 
pany   of    volunteer 
liangers.     lie   gave 
me   some  useful  in- 
formation    concem- 


of  Bourbon,  who  wa.^ 
then  pastor  of  a  lit-    —^/' 
tie  congregation  of      V  C'^^^ 
Episcopalians,  whose 

ing  vhe  events  of  the  war  in  that  region,  and  showed  me  a  portrait  of  himself,  painted 
in  water-colors  in  1814,  in  which  he  ai)pears  in  military  costume,  und  his  features  and 
complexion  not  exhibiting  the  least  indication  of  Indian  blood.  Mr.  Williams  s  biog- 
raphy, written  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hanson,  and  published  under  the  title  of  Tim  Lost 
Prince,  is  a  remarkable  book.     It  contains  a  most  strange  story.' 

From  Hogansburg  we  rode  up  to  St.  Regis,  a  poor-looking  village  situated  upon  a 
(Tcntly  elevated  plain  at  the  head  of  Lake  St.  Francis,  just  below  the  foot  of  the  Long 
Saiit  Rapid,  on  a  point  between  the  mouths  of  the  St.  Regis  and  Racquette  Rivers. 
It  is  surrounded  by  broad  commons,  used  as  a  public  pasture,  with  small  gardens 
near  the  houses.  In  front  of  the  village,  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  lie  some  beautiful  and 
fertile  islands,  upon  'vhich  is  raised  the  grain  for  the  subsistence  of  the  villagers ; 
and  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  great  river  is  uio  Canadian  village  of  Cornwall.  We 
tiist  visited  the  remains  of  the  cellar  of  Morclgny's  house,  where  Captain  M'Donell 
and  some  of  the  British  soldiers  were  captured  by  Young,  at  the  mouth  of  the  St. 


It  spake  no  more  till  St.  Regtg'e  tower 
In  northern  skies  appeared  ; 

And  their  legends  extol  that  pow-wow's  power, 

Which  lulled  that  knell  like  a  poppy-flower, 

As  conscience  now  slumbereth  a  little  hour 
In  the  cell  of  a  heart  that's  seared." 
The  bell  carried  IVom  Deerfleld  was  taken  to  Cangbnawaga,  and  hung  in  the  church  of  St.  Lonis  there,  where  it  stlU 
remains. 

1  A  dark  mystery  has  ever  brooded  over  the  fate  of  the  eldest  son  of  Lonis  the  Sixteenth,  King  of  France,  who  was 
ten  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  father's  murder  by  the  Jacobins.  The  Revolutionists,  after  the  downfall  of  Robes- 
pieire  and  his  fellows,  declared  that  he  died  iu  prison,  while  the  Royalists  believed  that  he  was  sent  to  America.  Cu- 
tiiras  facts  and  circumstances  pointed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  a  reputed  half-breed  Indian  of  the  Caughnawaga  tribe, 
as  the  ettrviving  prince,  who  for  almost  sixty  years  had  been  hidden  from  the  world  in  that  disguise.  The  claim  that 
he  was  the  Dauphin— the  "  Lost  Prince"— was  set  np  for  him,  and  the  fact  that  he  was  not  possessed  of  Indian  blood 
TO!"  fairly  established  by  physiological  proofs.  Scars  produced  by  scrofula  and  inoculation  for  the  small-pox,  described 
u  marking  the  person  of  the  Dauphin,  marked  the  person  of  Mr.  Williams  with  remarkable  exactness.  The  book  in 
qnestion  brings  all  of  these  proofs  of  identity  to  view.  But  the  world  was  incredulous.  The  word  of  the  Prince  de  Joln- 
vllle,  an  iutercstod  son  of  Louis  Philippe,  was  put  in  the  balance  against  ihat  of  a  poor  missionary  of  the  Episcopal 
fhnrch  in  America,  and  the  latter  was  outweighed.  Mr.  Williams  died  in  1860,  in  that  obscurity  iu  which  his  life  had 
been  passed.  The  question  that  so  excited  the  American  public  a  few  years  ago—"  Have  we  a  Bourbon  among  us  f"— 
hss  not  been  asked  for  a  long  time.  The  remains  of  the  reputed  "Lost  Prince"  rest  in  peace  near  the  banks  of  ths 
8l.Kegl8. 


1 

\ 

ft  ii 


8^8 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  ParUh  Priect  at  a  Ilurae-race. 


The  old  Church  in  St.  Utgii. 


Pleasant  Hemorlei  of  las  vittt. 


0. 


KogiH.  We  then  oivUchI  at  tlic  hotiHc  of  tho  parish  priest  (Katlicr  Francis  Marcoux) 
but  had  not  the  phmsure  oi' weeing  him,  lie  liaving  gone  over  to  Cornwall,  his  servant 
said,  to  attend  a  horse-raee.  The  gray  old  church,  built  of  massive  stone,  it»  walls 
iSve  feet  thick,  its  roof  covered  with  shingles  and  its  belfry  with  glittering  tin-iilato 
stood  near.  Its  portal  was  invitingly  open,  and  we  entered.  Wc  found  it  cjuite  iilain 
in  general  construction,  but  the  altar  and  its  vicinity  were  highly  crnamcnted  and 
gilded.  U])on  the  walls  hung  some  rude  pictures.  Across  the  end  over  tho  entrance 
was  a  gallery  for  the  use  of  strangers.  Tlie  Indian  worshipers  usually  kneel  or  sit  on 
the  floor  during  tho  service.  The  full  liturgy  of  tho  Roman  Catholi«T  Church  was  used 
there,  and  the  preaching  was  in  the  Mohawk  language.'  The  present  church  edifice 
was  erected  in  1792.  The  dilapidated  spire  had  lately  been  taken  down,  and  the  kl- 
fry  was  covered  with  a  cupola  Kurmountcd  by  a  glittering  cross.  Near  the  vestry- 
room,  within  the  indosurc,  was  a  frame-work  on  which  hung  tarec  bells;  tlie  two 
upper  ones  made  of  the  first  one  ever  heard  in  St.  Rogis,  mentioned  in  note  4,  pane 
376.*  The  lower  and  larger  one  Avas  cast  in  Troy  in  1852,  and  had  not  yet  been 
placed  in  the  toAvcr. 


h:t 


OLU  OUl'BOU  IN   ST.  BEQ18. 

While  sketching  the  old  church^  I  was  surrounded  by  the  Indian  children,  all  ca- 
rious to  know  what  I  was  about ;  while  an  old  Indian  woman  stood  in  the  door  of  a 
miserable  log  house  near  by,  looking  so  intently  with  mute  wonder,  apparently,  that 
I  think  she  did  not  move  during  the  half  hour  I  was  engaged  with  the  pencil.  The 
children  kept  up  a  continual  conversation,  intermingled  with  laughter,  all  of  which 
came  to  the  ear  in  sweet,  low,  musical  cadences,  like  the  murmuring  of  brooks.  Tliis 
is  in  the  British  portion  of  the  town. 

Just  afler  leaving  the  church  we  met  the  venerable  Captain  Le  Clerc,  already  men- 
tioned, who  had  lived  in  St.  Regis  fifty-seven  years.  He  accompanied  us  to  the  house 
of  Fran9oi8  Dupuy,  one  of  the  two  merchanta  then  in  St.  Regis.     Dupuy's  store  and 

'  A  ftill  and  Interesting  account  of  St.  Regis  may  be  found  in  Hough's  History  of  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  Co-intim. 

'  This  bell  became  cracked  more  than  thirty  years  ago,  and  it  was  recast  in  two  email  ones.  The  Indians,  enspiciom 
that  some  of  the  (to  them)  sacred  metal  might  be  abstracted  at  the  bell-foonder's,  sent  a  deputation  to  watch  the  pro- 
cess, and  see  that  every  particle  of  the  old  bell  went  into  the  cmcible. 

^  In  this  view  Is  seen  the  old  church  on  the  right,  a  specimen  of  many  of  the  houses  in  the  village  on  the  left,  and  in 
the  extreme  distance,  near  the  centre,  the  dwelling  of  the  parish  priest.  A  tall  flag-scaff  stands  near  the  Inclosurc.  The 
bells  mentioned  In  the  text  are  just  behind  the  two  Lombardy  poplars  on  the  right. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


avo 


The  Boundnry  Line  between  the  United  SUtet  anrt  t'tnad*. 


Captain  Polljr. 


nuAilo  In  IHia. 


dwelling  were  on  tho  forty-fifth  ]iarnllel  of  north  latitude,  which  is  the  dividing-line 
lieii"  In'tweon  tho  United  tStates  and  Canathi.  That  line  passed  through  his' house; 
ami  wliilu  an  attendant  was  preparing  some  lemonade  for  us  within  the  dominions  of 
Uiiceii  Victoria,  wo  were  sitting  ^^  twilight  I  \yalked  leisurely  down 

in  the  United  States,  but  in  the  ^|  to  the  spritigs  on  the  margin  of 

mue  room,  waiting  to  1)e  served,  ^M  tho  swirt-flowhig  I?ae(iuette,  and 

On  tlie  margin  of  tho  street  oj)-  ^|  under  'he  pavilion  that  covers 

iiOBitc  Du])uy's  stood  one  of  tho  ^^  tho  pi    icipal  fountain  of  health  I 

last-iron  obelisks,  three  feet  and  ^H  met   a  venerable  man,  who  in- 

alialf  in  height,  which  are  placed  ^H  formed  .  .u  that  ho  was  one  of 

at  certain  intervals   along  that  BB:,  *■''"  ^^^^  settlers  in  that  region. 

tVonticr  line  as  boundary  monu-  JSV'l^^feww.  ^lo  was  in  tho  War  of  1812  as  a 
meats.  Upon  its  f(mr  sides  were  JDHL  ^H||Kk  Ho'.dier,  and  fought  in  some  of  the 
cast  appropriate  inscriptions,  in  ^^^  S^^Br  ^''*^^*-''*  ""  tlie  Niagara  frontier, 
raised  letters.^  ^hBI^BP^    ^^^  ^^^  badly  Avounded  at  lilack 

We  left  St.  Regis  toward  the  ^SaflL^Hsr  Rock  by  tho  explosion  of  a  boinb- 
evcniiig  of  a  delightful  day,  and  jj^SSjmSS^,  **''^''  ^'"^*  came  from  a  battery 
reached  Massena  just  as  the  "^BBJ^P^  on  the  Canada  side.  "I  was 
guests  of  the  hotel  were  assem-  "^^?^3W^''  knocked  down,"  ho  said,  "  had 
bliiig  at  tho  supper -table.  At  "ocnuary  monument,  niy  breast -bone  stove  in,  and 
three  ribs  broken."  He  was  at  Fort  Erie  at  the  time  of  the  sanguinary  sortie,  but 
wa.s  unable  to  walk  on  account  of  his  wounds.  That  vetenan  was  Captain  John  Policy, 
already  mentioned.  He  w  as  then  seventy-two  years  of  age.  He  had  seen  all  the 
country  around  him  bloom  out  of  the  wilderness,  and  had  outlived  most  of  the  com- 
panions of  his  youth. 

Let  us  resume  the  historical  naiTative : 

While  active  operations  -were  in  progress  at  the  eastern  end  of  Lake  Ontario  and 
along  the  St.  I^wrence  River,  important  events  were  transpiring  toward  the  Avestem 
end  01  tho  lake  and  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  That  frontier,  extending  along  the  Ni- 
agara River  from  Lake  Erie  to  Lake  Ontario,  a  distance  of  thirty-five  miles,  was  the 
theatre  of  many  stirring  scenes  during  the  war  we  are  considering.  The  Niagara 
River  is  the  grand  outlet  of  the  waters  of  the  upper  lakes  into  Ontario,  and  divides 
a  portion  of  the  State  of  New  York  from  that  of  Canada.  Half  way  between  the  two 
lakes  that  immense  body  of  water  pours  over  a  limestone  precipice  in  two  mighty 
cataracts,  unequaled  in  sublimity  by  any  others  on  the  surface  of  the  globe. 

At  the  time  we  are  considering  that  frontier  was  sparsely  settled.  Bufialo^  Avas  a 
little  scattered  village  of  about  one  hundred  houses  and  stores,  and  a  military  post 
of  sufficient  consequence  to  invite  the  torch  of  British  incendiaries  at  the  close  of 
1813,  when  all  but  two  dwellings  Avere  laid  in  ashea  It  was  only  about  sixty 
years  ago  that  the  tiny  seed  Avas  planted  of  that  now  immense  mart  of  inland  com- 
merce, containing  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.  Where  noAv  are  long  lines  of 
wharves,  Avith  forests  of  masts  and  stately  Avarehouses,  was  seen  a  sinuous  creek,  nav- 
igable for  small  vessels  only,  Avinding  its  way  through  marshy  ground  uito  the  lake, 
its  low  banks  fringed  with  trees  and  tangled  shrubbery.  In  1814  it  Avas  a  desola- 
tion, and  the  harbor  presented  the  appearance  delineated  in  the  engraving  on  the  fol- 
lowing page. 

A  little  south  of  Buffalo,  stretching  along  Buffalo  Creek,  were  the  villages  of  the 
Seneca  Indians,  on  a  reservation  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  tliousand  acres  of  land, 
and  then  inh.  ;  i:ed  by  about  seven  hundred  souls.  Two  miles  beloAv  Buffalo  Avas 
Black  Rock,  a  hamlet  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Erie  and  of  powerful  rapids,  where  there 

'On  the  west  fnco,  "  Bouni.aby,  Atiocsx  0, 1842."  On  the  east,  "  Tbkaty  op  WABmNOTos."  On  tbe  north,  "Liecten- 
iJT  Coi.osEi.  I.  B.  B.  EsTooDRT,  H.  B.M.  CoMMtsBioNKR."    On  the  sonth,  "Aijirbt  Smith,  U.  8.  Commibsioneb." 
'  Baffalo  was  laid  out  by  the  Holland  Land  Company  in  1801,  and  was  called  New  Amsterdam. 


k 


pi'i^f^  ...^^^^^^1 


r 


81; 


If  !'l!!mii 


? 


! 


:Hli 

jH 

i 

8S0 


riCTOIUAL    i'lKLD-UOOK 


MtttmiMnU  tUtug  tb«  Miok'O'*  yrontlar  In  191S.       Remnlnii  of  Fort  BcbluMer.      Oeitrnetlon  of  the  fltwincr  Carr^in, 


r  imi'i'Ai.ii  IN  IHlil. 

wns  a  fi'rry ;  and  almost  opjjowiti!  was  Fort  Erio,  a  UritiHli  poht  of  ootiHidcralil,. 
Htrcncjth.  Nino  imk'H  lu-low,  at  the  Kalln  of  Elliott'H  (Jrwk,  was  tlii!  villaj,'n  ot'Wil- 
lianisvilK';  and  at  tlio  hoad  (  f  tliu  rapids,  abovo  Niaj^ara  Kallw,  were  the  reniiiiiiH  of 

old  Fort  SeliloHWT,  ahont  a  mile  Ixilow  Sclilds- 
Ht-r  Landinj/,  near  which  is  yet  Htaiidintf  an 
immenHo  chimney  that  helonp'd  to  tlic  Kri- 
i^lish  "  ineHH-houHe,"  or  dininc;-4iall  of  tlic  <,'ar- 
rison  that  wen;  stationed  tht-re  several  years 
before  the  Revolntion.'  Opposite  ScliloHscr, 
at  the  montli  of  the  ()hii)])e\va  ('reek,  uas  the 
small  villa<,'e  of  C!liippewa,  inhabited  hy  Cana- 
dians and  Indians.  At  the  Falls,  on  the  Amer- 
ican side,  was  the  hamlet  of  Manchester;  ami 
seven  miles  below,  at  the  foot  of  the  Lower 
Hapids,  was  Lcwiston,  a  little  village,  with  a 
convenient  landing  at  the  base  of  a  bhifl'.  Op- 
posite Lewiston  was  (Jneenston,  overlonked 
from  the  south  by  lolly  heiglits,  soiiu'times 
called  The  Mountain.  It  was  the  lainlini,'- 
placc  for  goods  brought  over  Lake  Ontario 
for  the  inhabitants  above.    At  the  mouth  of 


BEAIAIMH   AT  roUT  HOIII.onHKII. 


^ 


The  EiiBlinh  built  »  itockndn  here  In  the  year  1700,  and  named  It  Fort  Schlosflor.ln  honor  of  the  morltorlonn  officer 
who  wne  lu  command  there  at  the  time.  It  was  about  a  mile  from  the  Niagara  Klver.  The  frame  of  Uie  inc»s-liiin« 
wnfl  prepared  at  Fort  Nla(,'ar.i,  I't  the  month  of  the  rivor,  while  the  French  were  In  possession  there.  It  was  liitcndcrl 
for  a  Cut  hollc  church  at  that  pla.  i.  The  Enjflleh  took  11  to  the  site  of  the  new  fort,  and  put  it  up  there.  It  dlMpponm) 
In  the  course  of  time,  leaving  m  ■  hlng  but  the  hnge  chimney  ^Around  It  a  small  bnlldtng  was  erected,  lu  which  Jmlce 
Porter  resided  for  several  yearf  after  his  removal  to  the  Niagara  frontier.  The  bnlldliig  was  consumed  when  the  Brit- 
ish devastated  that  shore  In  ISf  Slight  traces  of  old  French  works  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  of  Fort  Schlosrer, 
more  in  the  Interior,  may  now  he  ecn.  lam  Indebted  to  the  luto  Colonel  P.  A.Porter,  of  Niagara  Falls  village  (wlinivan 
killed  in  battle  during  the  late  Chi  War),  for  the  above  sketch  of  the  great  chimney  and  the  little  building  altnchcd  to  It 
Schlosser  Landing  was  made  fumoqs  at  the  close  of  188T  by  the  destruction  there  of  the  American  steamer  Cfl.oliiKby 
a  party  of  nritlsh  from  C8i,.idtt.  At  that  time  a  portion  of  both  Canadian  provinces  were  In  Insurrection  against  tiie 
Britlsli  government.  Novy  Island,  on  the  Niogara  River,  Just  above  Schlosser,  was  made  a  rendezvous  for  ttic  Ineur- 
gents  of  that  neighborhood  ond  their  American  sympathizers,  and  the  steamboat  Carnline  was  brought  down  from  Buf- 
falo to  be  used  ab  a  ferry-boat  between  the  Island  and  Schlosser  Landing.  On  the  night  of  the  2»th  of  December,  1?3T, 
she  was  moored  at  Porter's  store-honse,  Schloster's  Landing,  having  croased  the  ferry  several  times  dnrlng  the  day. 


OF   TIIK    WAR    OF    1812. 

Wi'/ikiifSM  fif  ilir  NlnKmn  Kronller. 


881 


a«Mral  Dmrbom'i  laMrmlloBa. 


N'iftL'nrft  River,  on  the  Aimi  irun  hmIc,  wiih  (mul  Htill  Ik)  Fort  Nia^ftrn,  n  utrong  pout, 
cit'cUtl  ''y  '''^'  roiiiltincii  hkill  iiml  liilior  of  tlr.!  Krcrioh  aii<l  Kiij^I'imIi  ciii^iiuMTH  luxl 
trooiiH  lit  (lifVondit  tiiin-M.'  Just  aho\i'  llic  foit  wiih  tlic  litlld  villam'  of  V(>iiri^,'Mlown  ; 
ami  oppo^'it"'  thin,  on  the  ('aiimlii  hIioic,  wiih  Koit  (Jcorj^c.  Hclwccn  lli«!  fort  mid  the 
liiko  WIIH  tlio  villiiKu  of  Newark,  now  Niajjara.  Alon>^  both  baiikH  of  tli«  rivor,  Iv 
wlioli  l<'ii.Uth,  a  faiiiiiiii,'  popiihition  wiih  McatH-nd.  Siicli  wan  tho  Niat^ani  frontier 
at  tlu'  oiieniiij!;  of  tho  war  of  I  HI  2.  Th(!  reader  will  huve  occuHiou  freijuent-ly  to  re- 
fi.r  to  tlie  map  of  it  on  tli(!  foNowinjj;  page. 

Major  <'eneral  Stepiu'ii  Van  llenHHeiaer,  appointed  l»j  (lovermir  Tonipkiim  the 
(,(„n„"intiilcr-iii-<'liit!f  of  the  (h^tiu^lied  militia  of  tlu?  Htate,  with  S(,lonion  Van  KciiHHe- 
laiT  the  adjutant  general  of  New  York,  iih  hin  aid  and  military  adviHor,*  and  John 
Lovctt,  of  Troy,  iiK  Win  nectretary,  arrived  at  Kort  Niagara  on  tlie  l.'lth  of  y\ut;nht,' 
and  nKHinned  eommand  of  the  forecH  on  tiiat  frontier.  On  tlie  follow  ii.}^  ilay  he  made 
hJH  lu'iid-qiiartorH  at  LowiHton,  Heven  miles  fartlun-  up  the  river.  General  Aiiioh  Hail, 
,.„miiminler  of  the  militia  of  Western  New  V.trk,  was  tln-n  at  the  littlc!  hamlet  of 
Maiicliester,  at  Niaf^ara  Falls,  with  a  thw  troopw;  and  «l(!taehmentH  of  the  saino  kind 
were  Hoattored  along  tho  whole  lino  of  tho  rivur,  a  distance  of  ihirty-flve  niik-H.  Uiit 
ilic  wliolo  for(!e  in  tlie  field,  to  guard  that  frontier  from  u  threate.ied  invaHion  of  the 
(•iii'iiiy,  did  not  amount  to  mo'-e  than  a  thoiisand  men.*  TheHo  were  Hcantiiy '•li>tlied, 
iiidifll'iently  fed,  and  wore  elamorouH  for  pay.  There  waH  not  a  Hingle  pieec!  of  heavy 
ordiiiiiK'e  along  the  entire  frontier,  nor  artillerists  to  man  th(^  light  field-pieces  in  their 
i)09»i!8sion.  Of  ammunition  there  were  not  ten  rounds  for  eaeh  man.  Tluy  hacl  no 
tents.  The  meilieal  department  was  in  a  most  doHtituto  condition,  and  insuhordina- 
tion  wftH  tho  rul(!  and  not  the  (ixeeption.* 

General  Dearborn  had  been  instructed^  to  make  Huoii  dcnioimtratioiiK  on  •jtmeM, 
tliP  frontier  as  whould  jC^/y^  *'"'  '^'■'''**''»  "■*        ''*'*' 

nrcvtiit  re-enforcom(!nt«  y^y  ~y) ^ ^^^^  >f^L.^^.^a^^  their  makii.g  a  forniida- 
tdiig  wilt  to  Maiden  by  //  ^  oc/ ^C^t^i^^^ ^^e-^^C^  1,1,,  „,„v(,,nent  against 
Hiili  at  Detrjit.  This  duty  was  wholly  neglected,  and,  as  lato  as  tho  8th  of  Au- 
ijusl,  the  commanding  general  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Haying,  "Till  now 
i  did  not  consider  tlu;  Niiigara  frontier  as  coming  within  the  limits  of  my  com- 
mand." This  extraordinary  aHBortion  was  made  in  the  face  of  no  loss  th:*n  five  dis- 
jjatohcs  from  tho  War  Department,  in  which  '  h  alluRions  wore  made  to  that  frontier 
as  to  expressly,  or  by  implication,  give  him  to  understand  that  the  entire  line  of  the 
Niagara  Uivcr  and  the  lakes  v/ere  under  his  juriRdiction.*     And  on  the  very  next 

The  tavern  there  liciiiu  crowded,  nevcriil  ikthoiih  wont  on  the  boat  to  lodyc  for  the  night.  At  midnight  B  body  of 
annd  mon  from  the  (!nnnda  Hhorc  ciimc  In  ii  Ixiat,  riiBhed  on  bonrd,  cxcluimin); "  Cut  them  down  !  give  no  quarter  !"  nnil 
chased  the  inmrmcd  occiipantB  OBtem.  Homo  were  Bcvcrely  Injured,  one  man  wan  «hot  dead  on  the  wharf,  and  twelve 
more  were  never  hoard  of  afterward.  The  boat  was  towed  out  Into  tho  river,  net  on  Arc,  and  left  to  the  current  above 
the  cAlnract.  It  Hunk  near  IrU  Inland,  and  on  the  following  morning  charred  rvmaliiH  of  the  veHBol  we  'j  eecn  below 
the  Fallt.  It  wnB  HUpimBed  that  more  than  one  of  the  mlMlng  men  perished  In  the  flamcH  or  the  tiirbnlcut  waters.  At 
(IDC  lime  tl         lomatic  cnrrcspmidencc  bctwekn  tho  two  governmcnta  concerning  this  outrage  threatened  a  war, 

I  A  pnrtlct     .  account  of  the  fort  will  be  given  hereafter. 

'General  81  ^en  Van  HenBselacr  was  nolo  military  man.  lie  wag  posscssod  of  great  wealth,  extensive  social  Infln- 
eiice,an(l  was  a  leading  Federalist.  Ills  appointment  was  a  stroke  of  policy  to  secure  friends  to  the  war  among  that 
party.  It  was  only  on  condition  that  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  who  had  been  In  military  Kcrvlce,  should  accompany 
bin),  that  ho  consented  to  take  the  post.  It  was  well  understood  that  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  would  be  the  general,  In 
1  practical  military  point  of  view. 

1  On  reaching  Utica,  on  his  way  westward,  Ocneral  Van  Rensselaer  was  called  to  Sackett's  narl)or  by  rnmors  of  hfic- 
lile  tnovcmcnlH  In  that  quarter,  Frora  there  he  went  on  o  tour  of  inspection  along  tho  frontier  to  Ogdensbnrg,  to  lean 
ihc  condition  of  troops,  and  the  msans  foroffoDslvo  or  dcf.'nslve  operations  along  tho  St.  Lawrence  frontier. 

t  See  note  2,  page  3fl«. 

i  .Varrn/(iM  of  the  Affair  at  Qtufrutmcn  in  the  War  qf  1S12,  by  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  page  10. 

•  On  the  Mth  of  .lune  tho  Secretary  of  War  wrote  to  Ocneral  Dearborn,  then  nt  Albany ;  "  Yonr  preparations.  It  Is  pre- 
inmed,  will  be  made  to  move  In  a  direction  for  Sia.jara,  Kingston,  and  Montreal."  On  July  IBth  he  wrote :  "  On  your 
irrival  at  Albany  yonr  attention  will  bo  directed  to  the  sernrity  of  the  northern  frontier  ftj/  the  laken."  On  the  20tl.  be 
wrote  more  explicitly,  saylntf:  "Yon  will  make  such  arrangements  with  Govenior  Tompkins  M  will  place  the  mllltia 
iibehri  by  him  for  the  Siafiara  atui  other  pnntn  on  the  lake  under  ymir  control:'  .Inly  29th  he  wrote :  "  Should  It  be  ad- 
TlsaMe  to  make  any  other  disposition  of  these  restless  people  [tho  warriors  of  the  Sflneca  Indlansl,  you  will  give  orders 
to  Mr.  Granger  and  tho  ammuinilino  officer  at  Xiaiiara."  On  tho  1st  of  August  tho  sanae  functionary  wrote  i  "Yon  will 
wit<iiiver»imiinfavort\fhin),  [General  Hull]  at  S'iagara  and  Kingnton  as  soon  as  may  be  practicable."   Yet,  with  these 


I 
It 


^ ', 

i                       * 

If  r 

■ 

1 

i 

;  s 


m 


iff 


382 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  i^iagara  r'rontler. 


"^ 


loltore  in  Ms  ponECSBton,  General  T)eRrborn,  on  the  8th  of  Auf^nst,  dccliiRd  that  until  then  he  did  "  not  couelder  the  Ni 
agnra  ftroutler  88  coming  ^it'iln  the  limits  of  his  commnud  1" 


•^  don  j  to  tX  ^u  t.  i^l\    !■■ 


■  Van  Rensselaer 

'OntheMthof 

oipress  bearing  th( 

Me.Lettor  of  Colon 

'  Dearborn  to  the 

<  This  was  on  the 

M  prisoneia. 

'  As  soon  as  Van 

1)3%  ordering  thosi 

'  Stephen  Van  Re 

"f  the  American /»(i« 

o?the  eldest  son,  h 

11  Princeton  Collegt 

JD  .wllve  politician, 

iifntmant  governor 

file,  when  the  over 

m  ihe  war  in  lsl2,  v 

areithUheariysn; 

mllltla  was  a  stroke 

tererrice.    He  was 

Vork  he  gave  the  pre 

»ork».   'I'he"Ben6e 

mrked  and  nsefnl. 

'iilieUmeofLlsdea 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


383 


IthcNl 


/.r| 


gifect  of  the  Armistlco.    Solomon  Van  Reusseluer'i  Diplomacy.    Service  expected  of  the  Army  on  the  Niagara  Frontier. 

dav'  he  signed  an  armistice  agreting  to  a  cessation  of  hostilities  along  that  •  Angnsto, 
entire'  dividing  line  between  the  two  countries.  That  ai-mistico  still  fir-  ^^*'■'• 
ther  delayed  preparations  for  oflonsive  or  defensive  operations  on  th.  part  of  the 
Americans,  and,  on  the  Ist  of  September,  the  entire  effective  force  under  General  Van 
Piensae'aer  on  the  Niagara  frontier  was  only  six  hundred  and  ninety-one  men,  instead 
of  five  thousand,  as  he  had  been  promised  !'  Notwithstanding  Dearborn  had  been 
ordered  peremptorily  to  put  an  end  to  the  armistice,  he  continued  it  until  the  29th 
of  August,*  for  the  purpose,  as  he  alleged,^  of  forwarding  stores  to  Sackett's  Harbor 
—a  matter  of  small  moment  compared  with  the  accruing  disadvantages.  Within  the 
period  of  the  armistice,  Brock  was  enabled,  after  the  capture  of  Hull  and  the  Terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  to  return  leisurely  with  his  troops  and  prisoners  to  the  Niagara 
frontier.  Wlien  the  armistice  was  ended,  and  Van  Rensselaer  was  so  weak  in  men 
and  munitions  of  war,  the  British  confronted  him,  on  the  opposite  side  of  a  narroAV 
river,  with  a  well-appointed  and  disciplined,  though  small  army,  commanded  by  skill- 
ful and  experienced  oflScers,  while  every  important  point  from  Lake  Ontario  to  Lake 
Erie  along  the  British  side  of  the  Niagara,  was  carefully  guarded  or  had  been  mate- 
rially strengthened. 

Some  of  the  most  disastrous  effects  of  the  aimistice  were  parried  by  a  successful 
effort  at  diplomacy  on  the  part  of  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  the  commanding 
(ycneral's  aid,  who  wcs  sent  to  Fort  George  to  confer  with  the  British  general,  Sheaffe, 
on  the  details  of  the  operations  of  that  agreement.  Van  Rensselaer  insisted  upon  the 
unrestricted  navigation  of  Lake  Ontario  for  both  parties,  and  this  point  was  unex- 
pectedly yielded,*  restrictions  upon  the  movements  of  troops,  stores,  etc.,  being  con- 
fined to  the  country  above  Fort  Erie.  This  was  of  vital  importance  to  the  Ameri- 
cans ;  for  the  much-needed  supplies  for  the  army,  ordnance,  and  other  munitions  of 
war  collected  at  Oswego  coull  only  be  taken  to  the  Niagara  by  water,  the  roads 
were  in  such  a  wretched  condition.  By  this  arrangement,  the  vessels  at  Ogdensburg, 
already  mentioned,  were  releaf>ed,'.to  be  converted  into  warriors;  and  Colonel  Fen- 
wick,  at  Oswego,  moved  forwa-'d  over  the  lake  to  Niagara  with  a  large  quantity  of 
gupplios. 

(Jeneral  Van  Rensselaer*  was  charged  with  the  duty  of  not  only  defending  the 
frontier  from  invasion,  but  of  an  actual  invasion  of  Canada  himself.  This  was  a  part 
of  the  original  plan  of  the  campaign.  While  Hull  invaded  the  province  from  De- 
troit, iu  was  to  be  penetrated  on  the  Niagara  and  St.  Lawrence  frontiers.  But  Van 
Rensselaer  found  himself  in  a  most  critical  situation,  and  doubtful  Avhether  he  could 
even  protect  the  soil  of  his  own  state  from  the  foot  of  the  invader.    The  arrival  of 

•  Van  Renseolaer's  Karratiiv,  etc.,  p.  10. 

i  On  the  29th  of  Augnst  General  Dearborn  Issued  an  ordei'  in  which  he  declared  the  armistice  at  an  end,  and  yet  tho 
fipress  bearing  the  order  to  the  Niagara  fi-ontler  did  not  reach  General  Van  Beusselaer  until  the  12th  of  September.— 
SS.  Lettiir  of  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Kensselaer  to  his  Wife,  dated  Lewiston,  September  12, 1812. 

1  Dearborn  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Angnst  27, 1812. 

•  This  was  on  the  2lBt  of  Aagust.  Pour  days  afterward  General  Brock  arrived  wiih  Hull  and  the  regulars  of  his  army 
liprisoneis. 

>  As  soon  as  Van  Rensselaer  obtained  the  conce88i(j.i,  an  express  was  sent  to  Oswego,  Sackett'a  Harbor,  and  Ogdens- 
burg, ordering  those  vossels  up. 

'  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  was  the  fifth  in  lineal  descent  from  Killian  Van  Rensselaer,  the  earliest  and  I  est  known 
«;tlie  American  Patroorit.  He  was  bom  at  the  manor-honse  in  Albany,  New  York,  on  the  first  of  November,  1  iM.  Be- 
,d;  tbe  eldest  son,  he  inherited  the  Immense  estate  of  his  father,  and  was  the  last  of  tt?  Patroone.  He  was  educated  first 
It  Princeton  College  and  chen  at  Harvard  University.  He  was  graduated  at  the  latter  institution  In  1782.  He  became 
in  active  politician,  and  was  a  warm  supporter  of  Washington  and  the  national  ConstHution.  In  1795  he  was  elected 
Menant  governor  of  his  native  state,  and  held  the  office  six  consecutive  years.  He  was  a  rising  man  in  the  political 
Kile,  when  the  overthrowi  of  the  Federal  party  In  1800  impeded  his  advancement.  Although  a  Federalist  and  opposed 
to  tlie  war  in  1S12,  when  his  country  was  committed  to  the  measure  he  patriotically  laid  aside  all  party  feelings  and 
smt  It  bis  hearty  support  He  was  not  a  military  man,  and  his  appointment  to  the  major  generalship  of  the  dcMched 
militia  was  a  stroke  of  pollpy  rather  than  the  deliberate  choice  of  a  good  military  leader.  He  did  not  l&ne  remain  In 
the  ffirrlce.  He  was  In  Congress  during  several  consecutive  sessions,  and  by  his  casting  vote  in  the  delegation  of  New 
York  bo  tcave  the  presidency  to  John  Qulncy  Adams  in  1824.  Then  hie  political  life  closed.  He  was  foremost  in  good 
works,  ilie  "Keneselaer  School"  >.  Troy,  New  York,  attests  his  liberality,  and  his  activity  in  religious  societies  waii 
larked  and  useful.  For  many  years  b  was  President  of  the  Board  of  Canul  Commissioners.  That  was  his  position 
It  tbe  time  of  bis  death,  which  occurrea  on  the  26th  of  January,  1840,  In  the  sovonty-flfth  year  of  hia  age. 


•"W 


384 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Van  Renseelaer  calls  for  Re-cnforcements.      They  come.      Proposition  to  Invade  Canada!      Van  Reasselaer'a  LeiiT 

Colonel  Fcnwick,  on  tho  4th  of  September,  with  ordnance  and  stores  gave  gome  re- 
lief, hut  the  evidence  of  preparations  for  invasion  on  the  purt  of  the  Britioh  became 
daily  more  and  more  positive  and  alarming. 

At  the  middle  of  September  Van 
Rensselaer  informed  both  Govornor 
Tompkins  and  General  Dearborn  of 
the  gloomy  prospects  before  him,  and 
pleaded  for  re-enforcements,  sayiii-r,"A 
retrograde  movement  of  this  army  iif^ 
on  the  back  of  that  disaster  which  has 
befallen  the  one  at  Detroit  would  stamii 
a  stigma  upon  the  national  character 
which  time  would  never  wipe  away. 
I  shall  therefore  try  to  hold  out  against 
superior  force  and  every  disadvantafe 
until  I  shall  be  re-enforced.'"  But  as 
late  as  the  26th  of  September  General 
Dearborn  could  give  him  no  sure  prom- 
ises of  timely  re-enforcements,  while  in 
the  same  letter  that  officer  expressed 
a  hope  that  Van  Rensselaer  would  not 
only  be  able  to  meet  the  enemy,  hut 
to  carry  the  war  into  Canada.  "  At  all 
events,"  he  said,  "  we  must  colculate 
on  possessing  Upper  Canada  he- 
fore  winter  sets  in."'' 

Soon  after  this  regular  troops. 
and  militia  began  to  arrive  m 
the  Niagara  frontier.  The  for- 
mer assembled  at  Bufi'alo  and  its 
vicinity,  the  latter  at  Lewiston ; 
"Octoiers,  and  when,  in  the  first  Meek  of  October,'*  General  Van  Rensselaer  invited 
^®^*'  Major  General  Hall,  of  the  militia  of  Western  New  Y  ork.  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Smythe,  of  the  regular  army  and  tnen  inspector  general,  and  the  commandants 
of  the  United  States  regiments  to  meet  him  in  council,  he  proposed  a  speedy  invasion 
of  Canada.  "  I  propose,"  he  said,  '•  that  we  inimediately  concentrate  the  regular 
force  in  the  neighborhood  of  Niagara  and  the  militia  here  [Lewiston],  make  the  hest 
possible  dispositiona,  and  at  the  same  time  the  regulars  shall  pass  from  Four-mile 
Creek  to  a  point  in  tho  rear  of  the  works  of  Fort  George  and  take  it  by  storm ;  I  will 
pass  the  river  here,  and  carry  the  heights  of  Queenstown.  Should  we  succeed,  wo 
shall  effect  a  great  discomfiture  of  the  enemy  by  breaking  their  line  of  communica- 
tion, driving  their  shipping  from  the  mouth  of  this  [Niagara]  river,  leaving  them  no 
rallying-j)oiiit  in  this  part  of  tho  country,  appalling  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  and 
opening  a  wide  and  safe  communication  for  our  supplies.  We  shall  save  our  land. 
wipe  away  part  of  tho  score  of  our  past  disgrace,  get  excellent  barracks  and  winter 
quarters,  and  at  least  be  prepared  for  an  early  campaign  another  year."^  This  pro- 
posed council  was  not  held,  owing  to  the  failure  of  General  Smyth  to  comply  witli 
the  request  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,*  and  the  latter  was  left  wholly  to  the  re- 
sources of  himself  and  his  military  funiiiy  in  forming  hii3  plans.  They  were  delHi- 
erately  matured,  and  preparations  for  invading  Canada  went  vigorously  on.    To- 

'  Letter  to  Oovfmor  Tompkln ,,  Septcmhor  17.  ISIS.  >  Denrliorn  to  Van  Rensselaer,  September  20, 1812. 

'  Letter  of  (icneral  Van  KcnrKclaer  t.i  Oeiieral  Dearbnra,  LewljtoD,  October  8, 18U. 
*  This  will  be  noticed  In  tbe  nei^c  chapter. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF  1812. 


385 


LienWnant  Enilott  on  Lake  Erie. 


Preparations  for  captnring  Brtti.ih  Vesgels. 


Cooperation  of  the  Military. 


ward  the  middle  of  October  the  American  forces  on  the  frontier  were  considered  suf- 
iioient  to  warrant  the  undertaking. 

While  these  preparations  were  in  progress,  a  daring  and  successful  exploit  was  per- 
formed near  Buffalo,  that  won  great  applause  for  the  actors  and  infused  new  spirit 
into  the  troops.  We  have  already  observed  that  Lieutenant  Je^se  D.  Elliott,  of  the 
United  States  Navy,  v/as  sent  by  Commodore  Chauncey  to  superintend  the  erection 
of  a  fleet  on  Lake  Erie.  By  a  letter  from  the  commander,  dated  the  7th  of  September, 
he  was  instructed  to  report  himself  to  General  Van  Rensselaer,  on  the  Niagara  frontier, 
consult  with  him  as  to  "  the  best  position  to  build,  repair,  and  fit  for  service"  such 
vessels  as  might  be  required  to  retain  the  command  of  Lake  Erie,  and,  after  selecting 
Buc'  place,  to  "  purchase  any  number  of  merchant  vessels  or  boats  that  might  be  con- 
verted into  vessels  of  war  or  giin-boats,"  with  the  advice  of  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
r.nd  to  commence  their  equipment  Immediately.  He  was  also  instructed  to  take 
measures  for  the  construction  of  two  vessels  of  three  hundred  tons  each,  six  boats  of 
considerable  size,  and  quarters  for  three  hundred  men.  These,  and  a  variety  of  other 
relevant  duties,  were  committed  to  the  charge  of  Lieutenant  Elliott  by  Chauncey, 
who  said, "  Knowing  your  zeal  for  the  servic^  and  your  discretion  as  an  oflScer,  I  feel 
every  confidence  in  your  industry  and  exertions  to  accomplish  the  object  of  your  mis- 
sion in  the  shortest  time  possible.'"     Elliott  was  then  twenty  -.even  years  of  age. 

Black  Rock,  two  miles  below  Buffalo,  was  selected  as  the  place  for  Lake  Erie's  first 
(lock-yard  in  fitting  out  a  navy.  While  busily  engaged  there,  early  in  October,  in  the 
(lutips  of  his  office,  Elliott  was  informed  that  two  British  armed  vessels  had  come 
down  the  lake,  and  anchored  under  the  guns  of  Fort  Erie.  These  were  the  brigs 
Adams,  Lieutenant  Rolette  commander,  and  Caledonia,  commanded  by  Mr.  Irvine,  the 
fomer  a  prize  captured  when  Hull  surrendered,  and  its  name  was  changed  to  Detroit, 
the  latter  a  vessel  OAvned  and  ernployed  by  the  Northwestern  Fur  Company  on  the 
Upper  Lakes.*  They  were  both  Avell  armed  and  manned,^  and  it  was  uriderstood 
tliat  the  Caledonia  bore  a  valuable, cargo  of  skins  from  the  forest.  They  appeared  in 
front  of  Fort  Erie  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  of  October,  and  the  zealous  Elliott,  em- 
ulous of  distinction,  immediately  conceived  a  plan  for  their  capture.  Timely  aid 
offered.  On  that  very  day  a  detacnment  of  seamen  for  service  under  him  arrived 
from  New  York.  They  were  unarmed,  and  Elliott  turned  to  the  military  authorities 
for  assistance.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Winfield  Scott  was  at  Black  Rock.  He  entered 
warmly  into  Elliott's  plans,  and  readily  obtained  the  consent  of  General  Smyth,  his 
lommanding  oflScer,  to  lend  his  aid.  Captain  Towson,  of  the  Engineers'  Corps  (2d 
liegiraeiit  of  Artillery),  was  detailed,  with  fifty  men,  for  the  service,  and  the  cordial 
acquiescence  of  General  Smy  th  was  evinced  by  a  note,  marked  "  confidential,"  to  Col- 
onel Winder,  of  the  14th  Regiment,  then  encamped  near  Buffalo,  in  which  he  said, 
''15c  pleased  to  turn  out  the  hardy  sailors  in  your  regiment,  and  let  them  appear, 
under  the  care  of  a  non-commissioned  officer,  in  front  of  my  quarters,  precisely  at  three 
o'clock  this  evening.  Send  also  all  the  pistols,  swords,  and  sabres  you  can  borrow  at 
the  risk  of  the  lenders,  and  such  public  swords  as  you  hav'e."* 

Towson  joined  Elliott  Avith  anns  and  ammunition  for  the  seamen,  and  botli  were 
accompanied  by  citizens.    The  combined  force,  rank  and  file,  was  one  hundred  and 

twenty-four  men.*    All  the  preparations  for  the  enterprise  were  completed  by  four 

1  Letter  of  Chauncey  to  EHIott,  "  Navy  Yard,  New  York,  September  T,  lRt2."  '  See  page  2T0. 

'  The  Mroit  mounted  six  O-ponnders  and  mustered  flfty-sir  men,  besides  thirty  American  prisoners.  The  taledo- 
nia  mounted  two  small  gtins  and  mustered  twelve  men,  bes'dcs  ten  American  prisoners. 

<  Mniinscrtpt  Letter  of  General  Smyth  to  Colonel  Winder,  October  8, 1S12.  It  Is  proper  here  to  remark  that,  throngh 
tetlud  offices  of  Mrs.  Aurella  Winder  Towusend,  of  Oyster  Bay,  Long  Island,  danghter  of  General  Winder,  the  papers 
olthat  gallant  officer  were  placed  In  my  possession.    Free  use  has  been  made  of  ihem  In  the  conrse  of  this  work. 

'  Ucntenant  Elliott,  In  his  offlcli>l  report  to  the  8ecr°tary  of  the  Navy,  October  9, 1«12,  says  there  were  one  hundred 
I"  r !  expedition— fifty  in  each  boat.  The  list  furnished  by  him,  and  here  given  In  fttll,  makes  the  number  one  hund- 
ltd  dud  twenty-four,  as  follows : 

flmmatujira,  Jesse  D.  Elliott,  Isaac  Chauncey. 

Siif!iii(M>i(wiJfr«,  Qeorge  Watts,  Alexander  SIsson. 

B3 


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a. 


386 


PICTOBI'.L    FIELD-BOOK 


Captnre  of  the  Adamt  and  Caledonia. 


Names  of  the  Captora. 


Excitement  at  Buffalo. 


Isaac  Roach. 


o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Two  large  boats  had  been  fitted  up  at  Shogeoquady'  Creek 
just  below  Black  Rock,  and  then  were  taken  to  the  mouth  of  Buffalo  Creek  in  the 
evening.  The  expedition  embarked  at  midnight,  and  at  one  o'clock  in  the  mom- 
•  October  9,  ing*  it  left  the  creek  silently,  while  scores  of  people  on  shore,  who  knew 
^*"-  that  an^important  movement  was  on  foot,  waited  with  anxiety  in  the 
gloom.  At  three  o'clock  the  sharp  crack  of  a  pistol,  followed  by  the  flash  and  roll 
of  a  volley  of  musketry,  a  dead  silence,  and  the  moving  of  two  dark  objects  down  the 
river,  proclaimed  that  the  -enterprise  had  been  successful.  A  shout  of  joy  ran^  out 
upon  the  night  air.from  the  shore  between  Buflalo  and  Black  Rock,  and  lanterns  and 
torches  in  abundance  flashed  light  across  the  stream  to  illuminate  the  way  of  the 
victors.'  The  surprise  and  success  were  complete.  The  vessels  were  captured  and 
the  men  in  them  made  prisoners,  "  In  less  than  ten  minutes,"  wrote  Elliott,  "  I  had 
the  prisonei-s  all  seized,  the  topsails  sheeted  home,  and  the  vessels  under  weich."' 
The  DHroit  was  taken  by  the  boat  conducted  by  Elliott  in  person,  assisted  by  Lieu- 
tenant Roach,*  of  the  Engineers,  and  the  Caledonia  by  the  other  boat  conducted  bv 
Sailing-master  Watts,*  assisted  by  the  military  under  Captain  Towson.  The  first 
was  taken  with  scarcely  any  opposition,  the  second  after  very  brief  resistance.  The 
wind  was  light — too  light  to  allow  the  vessels  thereby  to  stem  the  current  and  reach 
the  open  lake ;  so  they  ran  down  the  stream  in  the  darkness,  but  not  without  annov- 
ance.  The  turmoil  of  the  capture,  the  shouts  of  the  citizens  at  Black  Rock  and  Buf- 
falo, and  the  display  of  lights  along  the  American  shore,  called  every  British  officer 
and  soldier  to  his  post.    The  guns  of  Fort  Erie,  of  two  or  three  batteries,  and  of  fly- 


Captain  o/ Engineers  mui  Marines,^!.  Towson. 

Lieuterianto/ Engineers  and  Marines,  Isaac  Roach. 

Master's  Jfateo,  William  Peckham,.].  E.  M'Donald,  John  S.  Cammings,  Edward  Wilcox. 

Ensiffn,Vfi]]\am  Presman. 

Boatswain's  Mates,  Lawrence  Hanson,  John  Rack,  James  Horrell. 

Quarter  Ounners,  Benjamin  Tallmau,  Bird,  Hawk,  Noiand,  Vincent,  Osbom,  H'Cobbin,  John  Wheeler. 

Seamen,  Edward  Police,  James  Williams,  Robert  Craig,  John  H'Intire,  Elisha  Atwood,  William  Edward,  Mlchncl  S. 
Brooks,  William  Roe,  Henry  Anderson.  Christopher  Bailey,  John  Exon,  John  Lewis.Wllliam  Barker,  Peter  Davis,  Peler 
Deist,  Lemuel  Smith,  Abraham  Patch,  Benjamin  Myrick,  Robert  Peterson,  Benjamin  Fleming,  Gardiner  Gaskill,  An- 
thony De  Kmse,  William  Dickson,  Thomas  Hill,  John  Reynolds,  Abraham  Pish,  Jerome  Sardie,  John  Tockum,  William 
Anderson,  John  Jockings,  Thomas  Bradley,  Hatten  Armstrong. 

Soldiers,  Jacob  Webber,  Jesse  Green,  Henry  Thomas,  George  Gladden,  James  Murray,  Samuel  Ba'  iwin,  John  nen- 
drick,  Peter  Evans, William  Fortune,  Daniel  Martin,  John  M'Guard,  Samuel  Fortune,  John  Gnrlinp,  Zacuariah  Wise,  John 
Kearns,  Thomas  Wnllager,  ""homas  Honragna,  Peter  Peroe,  Edward  Mahoney,  Daniel  Holland,  Mathias  Wineman,  Mo- 
ses Goodwin,  I/ishnrway  Lewis,  William  Fisher,  John  Fritch,  James  Roy,  James  U'Gee,  James  M'Crossan,  AMlliam  Wei- 
raer,  Thomas  Leister,  Joseph  Davis,  Benjamin  Thomas,  James  M'Donald,  Thomas  Ruark,  J.  Wicklin,  W.  Richard*, 
James  Tomlin,  James  Boyd,  James  Neal,  John  Gidlemau,Wllllam  Knight,  M.  Parish,  Jnmes  M'Coy,  Daniel  Fraser,  John 
House,  Jacob  Stewart,  William  Kemp,  Hugh  Robb,  Anson  Crossweil.  Charles  Lewis,  John  Shields,  Charles  Lc  Forge, 
John  Joseph,  Henry  Berthold,  James  Lee,  Isaac  Murrows,  George  Eaton,  Thomas  C.  Leader,  William  Cowenboven, 
John  J.  Lord,  Charles  Le  Fraud,  Elisha  Cook,  John  Tolenson,  John  Q.  Stewart,  William  Fryer,  Cyrenns  Chapin,  Alei- 
ander  M'Comb,  Thomas  Davis,  Peter  Orenstock,  William  C.Johnson. 

I  am  indebted  to  Colonel  Gleason  F.  Lewis,  of  Cleveland,  for  the  above  "  Roll  of  Honor,"  and  I  take  pleasure  in  here 
acknowledging  my  Indebtedness  to  that  gentleman  for  many  kind  services  in  aid  of  my  labors.  His  attention  to  the 
business  of  procuring  pensions  and  boimties  for  the  soldiers  of  the  War  of  1812  and  their  families  for  many  years,  gives 
him,  probably,  a  mor^  thoror'gh  knowledge  of  that  subject,  as  relates  to  the  Army  of  the  Northwest,  than  any  other 
man  In  the  country. 

>  This  is  an  Indian  word,  and  is  variously  spelled  Shogeoqiiady,  Shojeoqnady,  Seajaqnady,  and  Skajoekuda. 

»  Reminiseenees  o/  Buffalo,  by  Henry  Lovejoy .  ^  I^etter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Nai^y,  October  9, 1S12. 

♦  Isaac  Roach  was  bom  in  the  District  of  Sonthwark,  Philadelphia,  on  the  24th  of  Fehmary;  1780.  After  the  atlacli 
on  the  Chemptakt  In  ISOT  [see  page  167],  Roach,  then  twentv.one  years  of  age,  organized  an  artillery  company  in  Phil- 
adelphia. In  1812  he  obtained  the  appointment  of  second  lieutenant  In  the  Second  Regiment  U.  S.  Artillery,  and  joined 
that  regiment  nnder  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott  In  July.  He  volunteered  to  accompany  the  expedition  against  the  Bril 
Ish  brigs,  ttnd  led  fifty  of  his  a.ssoclat«8  in  the  attAck.  He  was  then  adjutant  of  the  regiment ;  and  so  anxious  were  the 
men  to  accompany  him,  that  when  he  passed  along  the  line  to  select  them,  his  ears  were  saluted  with  the  exclamation.', 
"  Can't  I  go,  sir  f "— "  Tfke  me.  Adjutant"—"  Don't  forget  M'Gee"— "  I'm  a  Philadelphia  boy,"  etc.  Roach  was  wound- 
ed in  the  battle  at  Qncenstown  soon  aderward,  and  he  returned  home.  He  soon  afterward  joined  the  staff  of  Gcnerai 
Izard.  He  was  made  a  prisoner  at  the  Beaver  Dams  the  next  year.  He  had  many  adventures  In  attempts  to  escape, 
and  was  Anally  successful.  He  was  about  to  take  the  fleld  under  General  Scott  as  assistant  adjutant  general,  when 
peace  came.  Ho  commanded  successively  Forts  M'Hcury,  i^olumbus,  ard  Mifflin,  until  1828,  when  he  was  commissioned 
m^or  by  brevet.  He  retired  from  the  army  In  \><'H.  In  1838  i.e  was  elected  Mayor  of  Philadelphia,  and  was  appointed 
Tresanrer  of  the  Mint  soon  afterward.    He  died  Dc'cemher  29,  IMS. 

•  Watts  was  killed  on  the  28th  nf  No.smWr  following,  while  assisting  Lieutenant  Holdup  and  others  In  spiking  Mice 
cannon  at  the  little  village  of  WaterlDo.  on  the  Canada  side  of  the  Niagara,  a  short  distance  below  Fort  Erie,  lite  ball 
that  killed  Watts  paised  tbroogh  Holdup's  hand.    The  former  died  lii  the  arms  of  the  latter. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


887 


A  Struggle  fov  the  Poeeesslon  of  a  Vessel. 


Gallantry  of  the  Combatants. 


liosses  of  Hen  In  the  Conflict. 


ing  artillery,  all  guided  by  the  lights  that  gleamed  over  the  waters,  were  brought 
to  bear  upon  the  vessels.'  The  Detroit  was  compelled  to  anchor  within  reach  of  the 
enemy's  guns,  while  the  Caledonia  ran  ashore,  and  was  beached  under  the  protection 
of  the  guns  of  an  American  battei-y  between  BuflTalo  and  Black  Rock.^  The  guns  of 
the  Detroit  were  all  removed  to  her  larboard  side,  and  a  mutual  cannonading  was 
kept  up  for  some  time.^  Efforts  were  made  by  tow-line  and  warps  to  haul  her  to  the 
American  shore.  These  failed ;  and,  regarding  the  destruction  of  the  Detroit  as  cer- 
tain in  her  exposed  position,  Elliott  cut  her  cable  and  set  her  adrift.  At  that  mo- 
ment he  discovered  that  his  pilot  had  left.  For  ten  minutes  she  went  blindly  down 
the  swift  cv''pnt,  and  then  brought  up  on  the  west  side  of  Squaw  Island,  near  the 
American  shore,  but  still  exposed  to  the  guns  of  the  enemy.*  The  prisoners,  forty- 
six  in  number,  were  immediately  landed  below  Squaw  Island,  but  the  current  was  so 
stron"  that  the  boats  could  not  return  to  the  vessel.  She  was  soon  boarded  by  a 
party  of  the  British  Forty-ninth  Regiment,  then  etationed  at  Fort  Erie,  but  they  were 
driven  off  by  some  citizen  soldiera  of  Buffalo,  who,  with  a  six-pound  field-piece,  crossed 
over  to  Squaw  Island  in  a  scow  and  boldly  attacked  them.*  She  was  then  placed 
in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott,  at  Black  Rock,  who  gallantly  defended  her. 
Each  party  resolved  that  the  other  should  not  possess  her,  and  the  cannons  of  both 
wore  brought  to  bear  upon  the  doomed  vossel  during  the  remainder  of  the  day.  At 
a  little  after  sunset  Sir  Isaac  Brock  arrived,  and  made  preparations  to  renew  the  at- 
tempt to  recover  the  Detroit,  with  the  aid  of  the  crew  of  the  Lady  Prevoat ;  but  be- 
fore these  were  perfected  a  party  of  the  Fifth  United  States  Infantry  set  her  on  fire 
and  she  was  consumed.*  The  Caledonia  was  saved,  and  afterward  performed  good 
i^ervice  in  Perry's  fleet  on  Lake  Erie. 

In  this  really  brilliant  affair  the  Americans  lost  only  two  killed  and  five  wounded. 
Tlie  loss  of  the  British  is  not  known.'    The  Cah  '  >Hia  was  a  rich  prize,  her  cargo 

I  The  movements  on  the  Canadian  shore  were  under  the  direction  of  the  gallant  Hivjor  Ormsby,  the  British  com" 

mandant  there.   The  first  shot  from  the  flying  artil-  y. 

lery  crossed  the  river  and  Instantly  killed  the  brave  'V\^a.«         a 

Major  William  Howe  Cuyler,  of  Ontario,  General  JTM^^     /^ 

Hall's  ald-de-camp,  who  had  taken  a  deep  interest  ^^   ,^     ,^\/3 

in  the  expedition.    He  had  been  In  the  saddle  all  ^^"-^  ' 

night,  and  hai  just  left  a  warehouse  where  rigging 

was  procured  for  warping  in  the  Detroit,  and  was 

jTjIdlugthe  vessels  with  a  lantern  In  his  hand,  when 

the  fatal  ball  struck  him  and  he  fell  dead.    His 

bodf  was  carried  by  Captain  Bei\|amln  Bidwell  and  others  to  the  honse  of  Nathaniel  Sill.   The  death  of  the  gallant  and 

accomplished  Cnyler  was  widely  mourned.    Obituary  notices  appeared  in  the  newspapers ;  and  "  The  War,"  printed  in 

^°ew  York,  pablUhed  a  poem  "To  the  Memory  of  Major  Cuyler,"  in  six  stanzas,  in  which  the  following  lines  occnr : 
"  In  Freedom's  virtuous  cause  alert  he  rose. 
In  Freedom's  virtuous  cause  undaunted  bled; 
He  died  for  Freedom  'midst  a  host  of  foes, 
And  found  on  Erie's  beach  an  honored  bed." 
I  She  was  grounded  a  little  above  what  is  now  the  foot  of  Albany  Street.    The  Injured  on  board  the  Caledonia  were 
branght  on  shore  in  a  boat.    It  could  not  quite  reach  the  land  on  account  of  shoal  water,  when  Doctor  Josiah  Trow- 
bridge, yet  [18873  a  resident  of  Buffalo,  waded  in  and  bore  some  of  them  to  dry  land  on  his  back.    They  were  taken  to 
the  house  of  Orange  Dean,  at  the  old  ferry  (now  foot  of  Fort  Street,  opposite  the  angle  la  Niagara  Street),  and  well 
tired  for.   While  Doctor  Trowbridge  was  taking  a  mnsket-ball  from  the  neck  of  a  wounded  man,  a  twenty- four-pound 
(hot  entered  the  honse,  struck  a  chimney  Just  over  their  heads,  and  covered  them  with  bricks,  mortar,  and  splinters. 
Aaother  shpt  of  the  same  weight  demolished  a  trunk  on  the  deck  of  the  Caledonia,  scattered  its  contents,  consisting  of 
Indies'  wearing  npparel,  among  the  rigging,  passed  on,  and  was  buried  in  the  banks  of  the  river.  Two  small  boys  (Cyrus 
K.  St.  John  and  Henry  Lovejoy),  who  came  down  from  Buffalo  to  see  the  fight,  exhumed  the  shot  and  carried  It  home 
1!  a  trophy  of  their  valor.—  Sarrative  of  Henry  Lovejoy. 

■  Elliott,  who  was  on  board  the  Detroit,  hailed  the  British  commander,  and  threatened  to  place  his  prisoners  on  the 
decks  If  he  did  not  cease  firing.  The  enemy  disregarded  the  menace.  "One  single  moment's  reflection,"  said  Elliott 
in  his  official  dispatch,  "determined  me  not  to  commit  an  act  that  would  subject  me  to  the  imputation  of  barbarity." 

'Her position  was  nearly  opposite  Pratt's  Iron  Works. 

'  These  were  principally  members  of  an  Independent  volunteer  company  of  Buffalo,  of  which  the  lato  Ebeneier  Wal- 
detwas  commander.  They  flrst  brought  their  six-ponuder  to  bear  upon  the  enemy  at  the  point  where  the  Black  Rock 
Ice-house  stood  in  1860,  Doctor  Trowbridge  acting  as  gunner.  When  the  regular  gunner  came  they  crossed  over  to 
SuMw  Island.— Statement  of  Doctor  Trowbridge  to  the  Author. 

'  Throng'ii  the  intrepidity  of  Sailing-master  Watts,  some  of  her  guns  were  taken  out  of  her  during  the  cannonade,  and 
Mred  to  do  excellent  duty  in  n  land-battery  between  Black  Rock  and  Buffalo. 

■  Elliott's  ofilciat  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  October  »,  1812 ;  Cooper's  Saval  Hintorj/,  11.,  831 ;  Letter  of  Gen- 
end  Sir  Isaac  Brock  to  Sir  Geor),«  Prevoat,  October  11, 181S,  quoted  iu  Tapper's  Lifi  qf  Brock,  page  818. 


(nv^^. 


■  1. 

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K.  I 


888 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Elliott  and  bli  Companions. 


Eipression  of  the  aratitnde  of  the  Nation  by  t'ou(;resj 


being  valued  at  tvo  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
and  British — on  this 
occasion  was  highly 
commendable.  El- 
liott' made  special 
mention  of  several  of 
his  companions,'*  and 

•Jan.  20,     Congress," 
1818.        ijy.  jj  yotj,^ 

awarded  to  that  offi- 
cer their  thanks,  and 
a  sword,  with  suita- 
ble emblems  and  de- 
vices.' The  exploit 
sent  a  thrill  of  joy 
throughout  the  Unit- 
ed States,  because  it 
promised  speedy  suc- 
cess in  efforts  to  ob- 
tain the  laastery  of 


JSBSK   1).  KI.1.10TT. 


The  gallantry  of  all— Americans 
Lake  Eric,  while  it 
produced  a  corre- 
sponding depression 
on  the  other  side,  for 
a     similar     reason. 

yr-:x  "  Tlie  event  is  partic- 

ularly unfortunate," 
wrote  General  Brock, 
"  and  may  rednce  us 
to  incalculable  dis- 
tress. The  enemy  is 
making  every  exer- 
tion to  gain  a  naval 
superiority  on  both 
lakes,  which,  if  thev 
accomplish  it,  I  do 
not  see  how  we  can 
possibly  retain  tlie 
country."* 


>  Jesse  Dnucnn  Elliott  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1785.  He  entered  the  naval  service  of  the  United  States  as  mideliip- 
man  in  April,  1800,  and  in  1810  v/as  promoted  to  lieutenant.  After  hi.i  gallant  exploit  near  Bnffnio  he  Joined  ChnuncoT 
at  Sackett's  Harbor.  In  Jnly,  1813,  he  was  promoted  to  master  commandant  over  thirty  lieutenants,  and  appointed  to 
the  command  of  the  brig  Xiagara,  20,  built  on  Lake  Eric.  He  was  second  in  command  in  Perry's  engagement  on  the 
10th  of  September,  1813,  ^^  employed  until  Novem- 
and  for  his  conduct  on  (I,  C\,  i  /  /)  /7  *  '"""  '*'*  """"  '''"''i ''''"' 
that  occasion  Congress  I  ^  /9/^  ^  /lJ  t  r  A^^  ^i^~^  he  was  assigned  the  coin- 
voted  him  a  gold  medal.  ^-'^^^^,'^*-J/'^^"^—  /\/  ^/^L'Cx-'V-'V'C'lv  mandoftheeloop-of-war 
After  that  battle  he  re-  V. -^  //L^  J  Ontario,  then  just  corn- 
turned  to  Lake  Ontario,                          U^^~- — ■ — ■ )                -^  plated  at  Baltimore.  This 

and  was  there  actively  * — -^  vessel  was  one  of  Deca- 

tur's squadron  that  performed  good  service  in  the  Mediterranean  Seo  in  1916.  Elliott  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  cap- 
tain in  1818,  and  subsequently  had  command  of  squadroub  on  several  stations,  as  well  as  of  the  navy  yards  nt  Boston 
and  Philadelphia.  On  account  of  alleged  misconduct  In  the  Mediterranean,  he  was  tried  by  a  court-martial  In  1S40.  Tho 
result  was  a  sentence  of  four  years'  suspension  from  tha  service.  In  1843  the  President  remitted  the  remainder  of  his 
suspension.  He  died  on  the  18th  of  December,  1846.  Commodore  Elliott  became  involved  In  a  controversy  concern- 
ing his  conduct  in  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie,  which  ceased  only  with  his  death.  That  controversy,  and  the  excitement 
growing  out  of  his  placing  an  image  of  President  Ja(!kson  on  the  Constitution  frigate  as  n  flgnre-head,  will  be  noticed 
hereafter. 

»  He  specially  commended  for  their  gallant  services  Captain  Towson  and  Lieutenant  Roach,  of  the  Second  Eegimeni 
of  Artillery ;  Ensign  Prestman,  of  the  Infantry :  Captain  Chapin,  and  Messrs.  John  Macomb,  John  Town,  Thomas  Dab, 
Peter  Overstocks,  and  James  Sloan,  residents  of  Baffalo.  He  also  particularly  noticed  Sailing-master  Watts,  who  com- 
mnndcd  the  boat  that  boarded  the  CaUdcnia. 

'  Journal  of  Congress,  January  26, 1818.  ■• 

*  Letter  of  Qeueral  Brock  to  Sir  George  Prevost,  October  11, 1812. 


I- 1 


II 


i 


OF  THE   WAK   OF    1812. 


389 


Impatience  of  the  People  nnd  the  Troopii.      Bad  Conduct  of  General  Smyth.      Ills  Letter  to  General  Van  Rcnuelaer. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

"  September  the  thtrtceuth,  at  midnight  so  dark, 
Oar  troops  on  the  Kiver  Niagara  embark'd ; 
The  standard  of  Britain  resolved  to  pull  down, 
And  drivo  the  proud  foes  f^om  the  heights  of  Queeustown." 

Old  Somo — TuK  Hecois  or  Qceemstown. 

fOR  several  weeks  General  Van  Rensselaer  had  felt  the  presoure 
of  public  impatience,  nianifested  by  letters  and  the  press.  It 
had  been  engendered  by  the  extreme  tardiness  displayed  in  the 
collection  of  troops  on  the  frontier  for  the  invasion  of  Canada, 
about  which  much  had  been  said  and  written  menacingly,  boast- 
fully, and  deprecatory.  That  impatience  had  begun  to  be  seri- 
ously manifested  by  his  troops  early  in  October.'  Homesick- 
ness, domestic  claims,  idleness  in  the  camp,  and  bodily  sufferings 
and  frowing  inclemency  of  the  season,  combined  to  affect  the  temper  of  the  men 
most  injuriously.  Their  calls  to  be  led  to  battle  became  daily  more  and  more  urgent 
and  imperious,  unvil  the  volcanic  fires  of  mutiny  completely  undermined  the  camp, 
and  threatened  a  total  overthro'y  of  the  general's  authority.  He  perceived  the  ne- 
cessity of  striking  the  enemy  at  once  at  some  point,  or  allow  his  army  to  dissolve,  and 
all  the  toils  and  expenses  of  tue  campaign  to  be  lost.  He  formed  his  plans,  and,  as 
we  have  observed,  endeavored  to  counsel  w'th  the  field  oflicers  under  his  command, 
liiit  failed.    General  Alexander  Smyth,  his  second  in  command,  had  lately  arrived. 

pirant  for  the 
chief  command 
on  the  frontier. 
Unlike  the  true 
soldier  and  pat- 
riot,  he    could 


lie  was  a  proud 
Virginian,  an 
officer  of  the 
regular  army 
(inspector  gen- 
eral), and  an  as- 

iiot  bend  to  the  necessity  of  obedience  to  a  militia  general,  especially  one  of  Northern 
birth  and  a  leu.iing  Federalist,  who,  for  the  time,  was  made  his  superior  in  rank  and 
position.  H":;  temper  was  exhibited  in  his  letter  to  Van  Rensselaer*  .  September  29, 
announcing  his  arrival  on  the  frontier.'^    It  was  supercilious,  dictatorial, 


Cg-2^S-Cor   Z^^^^oA^y 


1812. 


'  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  placed  In  a  most  delicate  situation.  It  was  well  known  that,  politically,  both  he  and 
hi«  aid,  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  had  been  opposed  to  the  war,  and  the  unavoidable  delays  were  construed  by 
vsm.  into  intentional  immobility  in  order  to  !i'ustrate  the  designs  of  the  government.  These  suspicions  were  unjust 
nnd  ungenerous  in  the  extreme,  for  no  purer  patriot  and  conscientious  and  truthful  man  than  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer 
ever  lived.  "A  flood  of  circumstances,"  wrote  Lovett,  Van  Rensselaer's  secretary,  "such  as  a  great  desire  for  forage, 
for  provisions,  for  every  thing  to  make  man  comfortable ;  the  mo!^  t  inclement  storm  which  I  ever  experienced  at  this 
eeuon  of  the  year ;  indeed,  innumerable  circumstances  had  ronvinced  the  general,  as  early  as  the  beginning  of  the 
montb,that  a  blow  must  be  struck,  or  the  army  would  break  up  in  confusion,  with  intolerable  imputations  on  his  own 
characccr."— Manuscript  Letter  to  Abraham  Van  Vechten,  Buinilo,  Octo'jer,  21, 1812. 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  General  Smyth's  letter : 

"1  hove  been  ordered  by  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Niagara,  to  take  command  of  a  brigade  of  United  States  troops, 
and  directed,  on  my  arrival  in  the  vicinity  of  vonr  nnorters,  to  report  myself  to  yon,  which  I  now  do.  I  intended  to  have 
tcporicd  myself  personally,  but  the  conclusions  I  have  drawn  as  to  the  interests  of  the  service  have  determined  me  to 
Hop  at  this  place  for  the  present.  Prom  the  description  I  t  nve  had  of  the  river  below  the  Fails,  the  view  of  the  shore 
Wow  Fort  Erie,  and  the  information  received  as  to  the  preparations  of  the  enemy,  I  am  of  opinion  that  our  crossing 
»honld  be  effected  between  Fort  Erie  and  Chippewa.  It  has,  therefore,  seemed  to  me  proper  to  encamp  the  United 
States  troops  near  BulTalo,  there  to  prepare  (or  ufliensiTe  operations.  Yonr  Instructions  or  better  information  moy  decide 
Tou  to  give  me  different  orders,  which  I  will  await." 

TliiB  letter  was  offensive,  first,  because  the  subordinate  officer  not  only  failed  to  report  himself  in  person,  as  he  was 
bound  in  duty  to  do,  but  assumed  perfect  independence  by  choosing  his  own  theatre  of  action ;  and,  secondly,  because 
tbe  writer,  an  entire  stranger  to  the  country,  Just  arrived,  went  out  of  his  way  to  Intrude  his  opinions  upon  his  com- 
numding  general  as  to  military  operations,  when  he  knew  that  that  general  had  been  there  for  weeks,  and  was  neces- 


Ma.  I 


1 1 


) 

1  . 


n 


i 


% 


890  • 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-SOOK 


Broyth'R  loinburdlnatlon. 


Von  Renuelaar  prepares  to  attack  Qneentton. 


UisefllNthnll^ 


and  impertinent,  and  gave  ample  assurance  that  he  would  not  cordially  co-operate 
with  tlie  chief  in  command.  So  iindutiful  was  his  conduct  that  many  were  of  opinion 
that  coercive  nieasurcH  should  be  used  to  bring  him  to  a  sense  of  duty.'  When  iioliti- 
ly  requested  by  Van  Uentsclaer  to  name  a  day  for  a  council  of  officers,  he  ncgiccKd 
to  do  so.  Day  after  day  passed,  and  Smyth  made  no  definite  reply,  when  the  com- 
manding  general  resolved  to  act  upon  his  own  responsibility,  and  "  gratify  his  own 
inclinations  and  that  of  his  army"  by  commencing  offensive  operations  at  once.  On 
the  10th  of  October  he  prepared  to  attack  the  JBritish  at  Queenston,  opposite  Lewis- 
ton,  before  dawn  the  next  morning.^ 


qt'KENSTUN    IN    ISl'J. 

Van  Rensselaer  congidered  his  forces  ample  to  assure  him  of  success.  They  num- 
bered more  than  six  thousand.  Sixteen  hundred  and  fifty  regulars,  under  General 
Smyth,  were  between  Black  Rock  and  BuflTalo,  commanded  by  Colonels  Winder,  Park- 
er, and  Milton,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott.  In  the  vicinity  were  three  hundred 
and  eighty-six  militia,  under  Lieutenant  Colonels  Swift  and  Hopkins.  At  Lewiston, 
where  Van  Rensselaer  had  his  head-quarters,  Brigadier  General  Wadsworth  com- 

earily  famlUir  with  every  rood  of  the  gronnd  and  every  disposition  of  the  enemy.  Van  Bensselaer,  tree  gentleman  as 
he  V/&8,  quietly  .-chnked  the  impertinence  by  informing  General  Smyth  that  for  many  years  he  had  had  "  a  general 
knowledge  of  the  banks  of  the  Niagara  River  and  of  the  adjacent  country  on  the  Canad.i  shore,"  and  that  be  had  non 
"  attentively  explored  the  American  side  with  the  view  of  military  operations."  "  However  willing  I  may  be,"  he  ealil, 
"asaciti/en  soidicr,  to  surrender  my  opinion  to  a  professional  one,  I  commonly  make  such  surrender  to  an  opinion  de- 
liberately formed  upon  a  view  of  the  whole  ground All  my  past  measures  have  been  calculated  for  one  point. 

and  I  now  only  wait  for  a  competent  force.  As  the  season  of  the  year  an-J  every  consideration  urges  mc  to  act  will] 
promptness,  I  can  not  hastily  listen  to  a  change  of  position,  n-alnly  conntcted  with  a  new  system  of  measures  and  Ibe 
very  great  inconvenience  of  the  troops."— Fan  Reruielaer  to  Smyth,  30th  September,  1812. 

Speaking  of  the  conduct  of  General  Smyth  on  this  occasion,  a  contemporary  officer  says,  "  It  is  presumed  this  temper 
produced  a  spirit  of  insubordination  destructive  to  the  harmony  and  concert  which  is  essential  to  cordial  co-operallon. 
and  that  the  public  service  was  sacrificed  to  personal  eensibllity."— ITfUrfnsou's  Memoir,  I.,  BC6.  "  Was  I  to  hazard  au 
opinion,"  says  Wilkinson  in  another  place,  "  it  should  be  that  his  designs  were  patriotic,  but  that  his  ardor  obscured 
his  Judgment,  and  that  he  was  more  indiscreet  than  culpable."— Jfemmr*,  I.,  681. 

'  A  A'arrcUive  qf  the  Affair  at  Qmemtown  in  the  War  qf  1812,  by  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  page  19. 

'  Queenston  (originally  Queen's  Town)  was  at  this  time  a  thriving  little  village,  and  one  of  the  principal  iipdii  for 
merchandise  and  grain  in  that  region.  Its  prosperity  was  paralyzed  by  the  Welland  Canal,  which  cut  off  most  of  ii? 
trade.  The  view  here  given  is  ffom  a  sketch  made  in  1812,  from  the  north  part  of  the  village,  looking  sonthwani 
up  the  Niagara  River.  On  the  right  arc  seen  the  Heights  of  Queenston,  and  on  the  left  the  heights  of  Lewiston.  Tbe 
river  is  here  about  six  hundred  feet  in  width.  The  village  was  upon  a  plain  of  uneven  surface  at  the  foot  of  the  Height!. 
This  plain  at  Queenston  is  seventy  feet  above  the  river,  and  slopes  gradually  to  the  lake,  where  the  bank  is  oaly  a  feiv 
feet  above  the  water.    The  Helghta  rise  two  hundred  and  thirty  feet  above  the  river. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1819. 


391 


Xbe  British  Force  on  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


Van  ReniMlaer-s  KnowltdgavfttoMtUliOk 


man<li'<l  a  corps  of  inilitin  almost  Bcvcnteen  hundred  strong,  and  near  him  was  the 
camp  of  BrigiuUtT  General  JSIiller,  with  almost  six  hundred  men.  Five  hundred 
and  fifty  regulars  imdcr         ^  ___--5  under    Major    Mulliiny, 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Fen-      /\^    yr^J^^^  *  /f    ^'^*"  '"  garrison  at  Fort 

wick,  and  eight  hundred  yt^n^L^/fT'yC't^  i^ t<//^  Niagara.  Tiiere  were, 
ofthe  same  class  of  troops  ^'     in  tlie  aggregate,  three 

tlimisand  six  hundred  and  fifty  regulars,  and  two  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty 

militia- 

The  British  force  on  the  western  bank  of  the  Niagara  River,  regular  militia  and  In- 
dians, numbered  about  fifteen  hundred.  Their  Indian  allies,  under  Johii  IJrant,  were 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  strong.  Small  garrisons  held  Fort  Erie,  at  the  foot  of 
Laiie  Erie,  and  two  or  three  batteries,  on  rising  ground,  opposite  Black  Koc...  The 
erection  of  Fort  Erie  had  then  just  been  commenced,  but  for  want  of  funds  had  been 
loft  unfinished.  Major  Anuand  commanded  there.  A  small  detachment  ofthe  4l8t 
Uegiment,  under  «Japtain  Bullock,  and  tlie  fiank  companies  ofthe  2d  Kegiment  ofthe 
Lncoln  Militia,  under  Captai.is  Hamilton  and  Koe,  was  at  Chi])pewa,  where  there  was 
!'.  dilapidated  old  block-house  called  Fort  Welland.  The  fiank  companies  of  the  49th 
Kegiment,  under  Captains  Dennis  and  Williams,  and  a  considerable  body  of  militia, 
were  at  Queenston,  and,  with  the  exception  of  detached  parties  of  militia  alcyig  the 
whole  line  of  the  river  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  Americans,  the  remainder  were 

,  at  Fort  George,  the 

head-quarters  of  Ma- 
jorGeneral  Brock,ui.'- 
der  Gineral  Sheafie. 
At  every  mile  be- 
tween Fort  (ieorge 
and  Queenston,  bat- 
teries were  thrown 
up.  On  Queenston 
1  [eights,  south  of 
the  village,  and  half 
way  up  the  mount- 
ain, was  a  redan  bat- 
tery, mounting  some 
18-pounder8  and  two 
howitiiers ;  and  on 
Vrooman '  8  Point,^ 
about  a  mile  below, 
was  another  battery, 
on  which  was  mount- 
ed a  twenty  -  four  - 
pound  carronade  en 


VIEW  FBOll  THE  BITE  OF  TBOOMAN'B  BATTEBY. 


barbette.    This  gun  commanded  both  Lewiston  and  Queenston  Landing. 

Van  Rensselaer  had  made  himself  thoroughly  acquainted  witli  the  condition  of  the 
enemy.  His  oflicers,  while  on  oflicial  visits  to  the  various  posts,  had  been  vigilant 
and  observmg,'*  and  he  was  so  well  satisfied  that  a  fa^'orable  time  for  an  invasion  of 

'  The  picture  represents  a  view  of  the  Niagara  River  and  shores  from  Vroomau'g  Point.  In  the  foreground  are 
the  remains  of  the  battery.  On  the  right  ia  seen  Queenston  and  the  Heights,  with  Brock's  monument ;  on  the  left, 
Lewiston  and  its  heights ;  and  in  the  centre,  Niagara  River  and  the  Lewiston  Suspension  Bridge.  We  are  looking 
eomhward,  np  the  Niagara  River. 

'  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  who  visited  the  British  heod-qnarters  on  business  several  times,  says  that  on 
the  last  occasion  be  saw  two  beautiful  brass  howitzers,  of  small  size,  calculated  to  be  carried  on  pack-horses,  the 
vheels  about  the  size  of  a  wheel-barrow.  He  remarked  to  Colonel  M'Donell  and  other  British  officers  who  accompanied 
him, "  These,  at  all  events,  are  old  acquaintances  of  mine.  I  feel  partial  to  them,  and  must  try  to  take  them  back."  He 
recognized  them  as  formerly  belonging  to  Wayne's  army  'vhen  be  was  in  service  imder  him.    They  were  among  the 


i 

N  1 

lis 


f ! 


302 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


PraparatloM  to  crowi  the  River.      Treuon  or  Cowardice  of  Lieutenant  Siru.     The  Kxpeditlon  delnjred.     A  Council 

Canada  hud  arrived  that  he  made  arrangements  on  the  10th  of  October  to  assail 
Qucenston  at  tlirec  o'clock  the  next  morning.'  During  that  evening  thirteen  iarco 
boats,  capable  of  bearing  three  hundred  and  forty  full-armed  and  equipped  men  wore 
brought  down  on  wagons  from  Gill's  Creek,  two  miles  above  the  Falls,  and  placed  in 
the  river  at  Lewiston  Landing,  under  cover  of  intense  darkness.  The  flying  artillery 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fenwick,  and  a  detachment  of  regulars  under  his  coniiiiaii(i 
were  ordered  up  from  Fort  Niagara,  and  General  Smyth  was  directed  to  send  down 
detachments  from  his  brigade  at  Bufialo  to  support  the  movement.  Colonel  Solomon 
Van  Itensselaer  vas  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  invading  force,^  an  airaiifo. 
ment  which  seems  to  have  given  umbrage  to  some  of  the  officers  of  the  regular  army 
on  the  frontier. 

The  river  at  Lewiston,  at  the  foot  of  the  lower  rapids,  is  always  a  sheet  of  violent 
eddies,  the  middle  current  running  about  four  miles  an  hour.  To  prevent  confusion 
and  disaster,  experienced  boatmen  were  procui  jd,  and  the  command  of  the  flotilla 
was  intrusted  to  Lieutenant  Sims,  who  was  considered  "  the  man  of  the  greatest  skill 
for  the  service."^  Before  midnight  every  thing  was  in  readiness.  Clouds  had  been 
gathering  in  immense  masses  all  the  evening,  and  at  one  In  the  morning  a  furious 
northeast  storm  of  wind  and  rain  was  sweeping  over  the  country.  But  the  zeal  of 
the  troops  was  not  cooled  by  the  drrnching  rain.  At  the  appointed  hour  they  were 
all  at  the  place  of  debarkation,  with  Van  Rensselaer  at  their  head.  Lieutenant  Sims 
entered  the  foremost  boat,  and  soon  disappeared  in  the  gloom.  The  others  could  not 
follow,  for  he  had  taken  nearly  all  the  oars  with  him  !  They  waited  for  him  to  dis- 
cover and  correct  his  mistake,  but  in  vain.  He  went  far  above  the  intended  crossing- 
place,  moored  his  boat  to  the  shore,  and  fled  as  fast  as  the  legs  of  a  traito,  jv  oowanl 
could  carry  hira.  The  soldiers  endured  the  fierce  blasts  and  the  falling  flood  until 
almost  daylight,  when  they  were  marched  to  their  respective  cantonments,  and  the 
enterprise  was  for  a  moment  abandoned.  The  storm  continued  unabated  twenty- 
eight  hours,  and  during  that  time  all  the  soldiers  remained  in  their  deluged  camps. 
The  general-in-chief  again  detennined  to  seek  the  council  of  his  brother  officers, 
hoping  the  patience  of  his  troops  would  brook  farther  delay.  He  was  mistaken.  The 
miscarriage  and  the  desertion  of  Sims  increased  their  ardor,  and  Van  Rensselaer 
found  himself  compelled  to  renew  the  attempt  at  invasion  immediately.  He  was 
willing,  for  valuable  re-enforcements  were  near.    Lieutenant  Colonel  Chrystie  hail 

arrived  at  Four-mile  Creek 
late  in  the  evening  of  the 
10th,Avith  three  hundred  ami 
fifty  newly  -  enlisted  regu- 
lars, a  part  of  the  Thirteenth 
Regiment  of  Infantry,  com- 
manded respectively  by  Captains  Wool,  Ogilvie,  Malcolm,  Lawrence,  and  Annstiong, 
with  thirty  boats  and  military  stores.  Chrystie  had  hastened  to  head-quarters,  and 
offered  the  services  of  himself  and  men  in  the  execution  of  the  enteqjrise  in  hand,  but 
he  was  too  late.     Every  arrangement  was  completed.     Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was 


^^^^^yJ^^J 


Britieh  trophies  of  victory  taken  at  Detroit,  and  were  brought  down  to  be  sent  to  England.  Nicholas  Gray,  who  was 
Inspector  general  of  New  York  the  following  year,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  and  who  was  then  acting  engineer,  made 
a  valuable  reconnoissance  of  the  whole  frontier.  His  mannscript  report  to  General  Van  Rensselaer  is  before  me.  His 
outline  map,  accompanying  the  report,  I  found  useful  in  constmcting  tlie  Map  of  the  Ifiaijara  Frontier  on  page  382. 

'  Van  Rensselaer  was  deceived  by  an  erroneous  report  of  a  spy  whom  he  had  scut  across  the  river  on  the  momlDg  of 
the  10th  to  gain  information.  He  returned  with  the  false  report  that  General  Brock,  with  all  his  disposable  force,  had 
moved  off  In  the  direction  of  Detroit. 

»  General  Van  Rensselaer's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  October  14, 1812. 

'  On  that  evening  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  wrote  to  his  wife :  "  I  go  to  storm  an  important  post  of  the  enemy.  Yonng 
Lush  and  Gansevoort  attend  me.  I  must  succeed,  or  yon,  my  dear  Harriet,  will  never  see  me  again.  If  so,  let  me  en- 
treat you  to  meet  my  fall  with  fortitude ;  and  be  assured,  my  dear,  lovely,  bnt  unfortunate  wife,  that  my  last  prayer 
will  be  for  you  and  my  dear  children."— MS.  Letter,  Lewiston,  October  10, 1S12.  This  letter  is  before  me.  It  is  mnch 
blotted  by  the  tears  of  the  soldier's  wife,  as  I  was  informed  by  her  daughter. 


OF  THE   WAU    OF   18  12. 


303 


S«cond  Attempt  to  Invade  Canada. 


Military  Ktiqnetto. 


ColuucI  Scutt  at  ScbloiMr. 


moving  with  hin  men  to  the  landing-place,  where  only  boats  onoiigh  for  the  transpor- 
tation of  the  trooj)S  appointed  for  the  perilous  serviee  had  been  provided. 

When  the  storm  abated  immediate  preparations  were  muihs  for  the  second  attempt 
at  invasion.  IJrock  was  watching  the  Americans  with  the  eye  of  a  vigilant  and  skill- 
ful commander.  The  river  that  divided  tlie  belligerents  was  narrow,  and  every  open 
movement  by  each  party  might  be  observed  by  the  other.  Preparations  were  f  hero- 
t'nie  made  with  great  caution.  Brock  was  deceived.  The  strong  force  at  Fort  Ni- 
airam  and  the  detention  of  Chrystie's  troops  at  Four-mile  Creek,  made  him  suspect 
that  on  attack,  if  made  soon,  would  bo  upon  Fort  George. 

Three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  tlio  13th  was  the  ai)pointed  hour  for  the  expedi- 
tion to  embark  from  the  old  Ferry-house  at  Lowiston  Landing  for  the  base  of  Queens- 
ton  Heights.  The  command  was  again  intrusted  to  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Kensse- 
laer.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Chrystie  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  have  the  honor  of 
chief  in  the  enterprise,  and  pleaded  liis  rank  and  experience,  as  compared  with  that 
of  the  aid-de-camp  of  the  general-in-chief,  in  favor  of  his  claim.  Hut  Van  Rensselaer 
would  not  change  his  general  arrangements.  It  was  agreed,  however,  that  Colonel 
Van  Rensselaer  should  lead  a  column  of  three  hundred  militia,  and  Lieutenant  Col- 
nnol  Chrystie  should  lead  another  composed  of  tlie  same  number  of  regulars,  so  that 
each  might  share  in  the  hazards  and  glory  of  the  expedition.  Chrystie  refused  to 
waive  his  rank  in  favor  of  Van  Rensselaer,  but  consented  to  receive  orders  from  him. 
This  technical  distinction  between  waiving  of  rank* and  yielding  obedience  may  bo 
dear  to  military  minds,  but  it  is  quite  imperceptible  to  the  common  sense  of  a  ci- 
vilian. 

At  an  early  hour  in  the  evening  of  the  12th,''  Chrystie  marched  with  three  .  October, 
handred  men  from  Fort  Niagara  by  an  interior  road,  and  reached  Lewiston  '*^'''' 
beforo  midnight.  Lieutenant  Colonels  Strr.nahan,  Mead,  and  Bloom,  with  three  regi- 
ments, marched  at  about  the  same  time  fi'om  Niagara  Falls,'  and  also  reached  Lew- 
iston in  good  season.  Meanwhile  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott  had  arrived  at  Schlosser, 
two  miles  above  the  Falls,  at  the  head  of  his  regiment,  where  he  was  informed  that 
an  expedition  against  the  enemy  of  some  kii,,l  was  in  motion  at  Lewiston.'    Young, 

'  To  avoid  attracting  the  attent!:  n  of  the  British,  these  regiments  icft  the  Falls  at  diflferent  boars ;  Stranabau's  start- 
ed at  seven  In  the  evening,  Mead's  at  eight,  and  Bloom's  nt  nine. 

I  This  fact  was  communicated  to  Scott  by  Colonel  James  Collier,  now  (ISOT)  a  citizen  of  Steubenvllle,  Ohio.  "  Ho 
WIS  adjutant  of  the  same  regiment  (Colonel  Henry  Bloom's)  wherein  I  was  paymaster,"  wrote  Arad  Joy,  Esq.,  of  Ovld, 
Xew  York,  to  the  author  In  March,  1S62.  In  a  letter  to  me,  written  on  the  20tb  of  February,  1800,  Colonel  Collier  says : 
"Tlie  regiment  to  which  I  was  attached  was  stationed  at  the  Falls.  I  had  been  down  to  head-qaarters  at  Lewiston, 
jeren  miles  below,  on  the  12th  of  October,  and  the  orders  for  the  marching  of  tho  troops  at  the  Falls  for  that  place  were 
confided  to  me.  About  sunset  I  rode  up  to  the  head  of  the  Rapids,  a  mile  above  our  camp,  and  was  surprised  to  see  n 
(ietachment  of  troops  pitching  their  tents.  The  officer  In  command,  whoni  I  did  not  then  know,  but  who,  I  thought, 
itas  the  finest  specimen  of  a  man  I  ever  saw,  was  standing  alongside  of  his  horse  near  by.  His  rank  I  knew  from 
bi!  dress.  I  rode  np  to  him  aud  Inquired  If  he  was  encamping  for  the  uight.  'Yes,'  be  replied.  'Then,  sir,'  I  said, 
■I  tliink  you  can  not  we  were  to  cross  tho 

know  what  la  to  be  go-  ^^  river  the  next  morn- 

ing on  in  the  mom-  Jy  ^^  ^  Ing  and  attack  the  en- 

inj.'    'No,  sir,'    he  ir  jr>^  ^O^O  /)  ^'a-^^^  emy  on  the  Heights  of 

Mid, 'I  have  not  heard  ^V^  '"t-^^ir    *^      ■t<7      f^^'^^-^C^'X^il^ — •    Queenston;  thotlhad 

from head-qnartcrs  for         y^  f  the  orders  for  the 

Mveraldays.   Is  there     /[^  I  march  ing  of  the  troops 

any  tiling  in  the  wind,    (y^  ^ — -  to  that  post,  but  that, 

sir;'  1  'emarked  that  of  course,  they  did  not 

inclnde  his  command.  '  I  am  Colonel  Scott,'  he  said ;  '  will  yon  allow  me  to  look  at  your  orders  V  They  were  band- 
ed to  blm,  and  the  moment  he  bad  read  them  he  was  In  the  saddle,  his  tenia  were  struck,  and  his  command  under 
marching  orders.  The  next  I  saw  of  the  gallant  soldier  was  on  the  Heights  of  Queenston  In  a  perfect  blaze  of  Are,  and 
then,  as  now,  head  and  shoulders  taller  than  any  man  in  the  country." 

Many  years  afterward,  when  Scott,  as  a  major  general,  was  bearing  more  years  and  many  honors.  Colonel  Collier  met 
him  in  Washington  City,  and  the  first  words  Scott  addressed  to  him  were, "  I  was  Indebted  to  yon  for  my  first  fight.  I 
have  always  felt  under  great  obligations  to  you.  If  It  had  not  been  for  you,  colonel,  what  would  have  been  my  posi- 
tion? Seven  miles  fk'om  the  battle-field,  sir,  and  the  first  battle  of  a  campaign  1  Why,  sir,  I  should  never  have  got  over 
itdnring  my  life  1"  "  It  is  pleasant  now,"  wrote  Colonel  Collier,  "  In  the  sunset  of  my  days,  to  recall  this  little  Inci- 
dent, connected  as  It  is  with  the  greatest  captain  of  the  age  In  which  he  lives."  A  few  months  after  receiving  this  let- 
ter, 1  liad  the  pleasure  of  spending  a  day  or  two  with  Colonel  Collier  at  Cleveland,  on  the  occasion  of  the  Inauguration 
of  the  statne  of  Commodore  Perry.  He  Is  a  hale,  erect  gentleman,  of  what  is  called  "the  old  school"  in  manners,  and 
most  delightful  entertainer  of  company  in  conversation. 


'  I, 


:]jp.,!, 


J  f 


/  ! 


IM 


if 


«04 


nCTOBIAL  fIBLD.BOOX 


Colonel  Hcott  on  I/iwUton  llelghU.     Pttnge  of  the  River  In  the  Diirk.     LandInK  nt  the  Foot  orQuecniton  BtlaktiL 

ardent,  and  caKor  for  adventure  and  K'^ry,  ho  imnu'diatcly  mounted  his  hontc,  and 
dafthed  toward  lioad-(|uart('rH  aH  Bpi'cdily  an  the  horrid  condition  of  the  road  would 
allow.  He  |)r«>H(>!iti'(l  hiiiiHclf  to  the  conimandin^  general, and  earneHtly  solicited  the 
l)rivilege  of  takinjjf  a  i)art  in  the  invasion  with  hitt  command.  " The  arranj,'(tn(iitti 
for  the  expedition  are  all  completed,  sir,"  naid  (leneral  Van  UensHelaer,  "Colon,.! 
Van  KensHelaor  is  in  chief  command.  Lieutenant  ColonclH  Chrystie  and  Fciuviik 
liave  waived  their  rank  for  tlie  occawion,  and  you  may  join  the  expedition  as  a  volun- 
teer, if  you  will  do  the  name."  Van  KensHclaer  wisely  determined  not  to  have  a  di- 
vided command.  Scott  was  unwilling  to  yield  his  rank ;  but  he  pressed  liis  suit  so 
warmly  that  it  was  agreed  that  he  should  bring  on  his  regiment,  take  position  on  the 
lieights  of  licwiston  with  his  cannon,  and  co-operate  in  the  attack  as  circuniHtances 
might  warrant.  Scott  hastened  back  to  Sehlosser,  put  his  regiment  in  motion,  and 
by  a  forced  march  through  the  deep  mud  reached  Lewiston  at  four  o'clock  in  flic 
•  October  13,  niorning."  Again  he  importuned  for  permission  to  participate  directly  in 
the  enterprise,  but  in  vain.     His  rank  would  be  equal,  on  the  field,  to  that 


iNii. 


of  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  who  had  originated  and  j)lanned  the  whole  att'air,'  and 
who  the  commanding  general  resolved  should  have  the  honor  of  winning  the  Inuiils 
to  bo  obtained  by  leadership. 

The  night  of  the  12th  was  intensely  dark,  yet  every  thing  was  in  readiness  for  tlip 
invasion  at  a  little  after  three  o'clock  in  the  morning.''  Mr.  (!ook,  a  citi- 
zen of  Lewiston,  had  assumed  the  direction  of  the  boats,  and  [irovidtd 
men  to  man  them  ;  Mr.  Lovott,Van  Kensselaer's  secretary,  "lad  been  placed  in  charge 
of  an  eighteen-jjound  gun  in  battery  on  Lewiston  Heights,  with  instructions  to  cover 
the  landing  of  the  Americans  on  the  Canada  shore ;  and  the  six  hundred  men,  under 
Van  Rensselaer  and  Chrystie,  were  standing  in  a  cold  storm  of  wind  and  rain  at  the 
place  of  embarkation.  It  had  been  arranged  for  them  to  cross  over  and  storm  and 
take  possession  of  Quoenston  Heights,  when  the  remainder  of  the  troops  were  to  fol- 
low in  a  body  and  drive  the  British  from  the  town.  But  there  were  only  thirteen 
boats,  and  these  were  not  siifticient  to  carry  more  than  about  one  half  of  the  troops 
intended  for  the  capture  of  the  Heights.^  The  regulars  having  reached  the  boats 
first,  the  companies  of  Wool,  Malcolm,  and  Armstrong  were  immediately  embarked, 
with  forty  picked  men  from  Captain  Leonard's  company  of  artillery  at  Fort  Niagara, 
under  Lieutenants  Gansevoort  and  Rathbone,  and  about  sixty  militia.  When  ail 
were  ready,  Van  Rensselaer  gave  the  word  to  advance,  and  leaped  into  the  boat  con- 
taining tlie  artillerists.  Major  Morrison  was  ordered  to  follow  with  the  remainder 
of  the  troops  on  the  return  of  the  boats. 

The  struggle  with  the  eddies  was  brief.  W^ithin  ten  minutes  after  leaving  Lewis- 
ton  Landing  the  boats  struck  the  Canada  shore  "  at  the  identical  spot  aimed  at,"  just 
above  a  huge  rock  now  seen  lying  in  the  edge  of  the  water  under  the  Lewiston  sus- 
pension bridge.  There  the  militia  were  landed ;  the  regulars  debarked  a  little  be- 
low the  rock.^  Three  of  the  thirteen  boats  had  lost  their  way ;  the  remaining  ten 
now  returned  to  the  American  shore. 

The  enemy  were  on  the  alert.     The  movements  of  the  Americans  had  been  discov- 

'  See  note  2,  page  381. 

'  This  inadequate  number  of  boats  geemg  to  have  been  owing  to  remissneiis  In  Qaarter-master-genernl  Porter's  de- 
partment. The  qnarter-master,  then  stationed  at  the  Falls,  had  written  to  Van  Rensselaer,  "  I  can  furnish  you  boats 
at  two  or  three  days'  notice  to  carry  over  1200  or  1400  men."  A  sufflcient  number  for  six  or  seven  huudred  were  or- 
dered, and  the  matter  was  left  in  charge  of  Jndge  Barton,  the  qaarter-master's  agent.  He  had  forwarded  ouly  thirteen 
at  the  appointed  honr.   General  Van  Rensselaer  has  been  censured  for  not  having  boats  enough.    }t  was  no  fault  oflilt. 

'  The  view  of  the  landing-place  seen  on  the  next  page  I  sketched  flrom  a  point  a  few  yards  below  the  Canaiiiau  end 
of  the  Lewiston  Suspension  Bridge.  The  rock  mentioned  in  tbe  text  is  a  prominent  object  in  the  picture.  It  is  at  tlic 
foot  of  the  rapids,  where  the  river  sweeps  in  a  cnr\'c  around  Queenston  Heights,  a  portion  of  which  occupies  a  larpe 
part  of  the  sketch.  Above  is  seeu  the  suflpension  bridge,  with  Its  steadying-chains  attached  to  the  shore;  and  oa  ttp 
side  of  the  qpposite  bank,  looking  up  the  river,  the  position  of  the  railway,  that  lies  npon  a  narrow  shelf  cut  in  tlie  al- 
most perpendicular  shore  of  the  river,  la  marked  by  a  train  of  cars.  The  toll-house  seen  at  the  end  of  the  bridge,  on 
the  right,  shows  the  dtrectiou  of  tbe  road  flrom  the  bridge  to  the  village  of  Queeustoo,  not  an  eighth  of  a  mile  distant. 


•orter's  de- 
yon  boat* 
i  were  or- 
\y  thirteen 
aultofhlf. 
laiUau  end 
.Jsatthc 
les  a  large 
and  on  the 
it  In  the  »1- 
bridge,  on 
distant. 


OP  THE  WAH   OF  1812. 


»06 


oj)uotUli>n  to  the  Invidert.  A  Hkirmlih  ne»r  i^ueflniton  Vlltaita.  American  Offlccn  killed  Md  wotuidcd. 

ercd  I'y  tho  Hentinols,  uiid  Ciiptnin  Dennis,  of  tlio  Forty-niutl.  Uegiint'nt  of  Britii  h 


Hi'giiliii-H,  Htntioiied 
at  QiHH'iiHton,  with 
sixty  grc'iiutlicrs  of 
that  corpH,  Captain 
Hatt'H  coinimiiy  of 
York  volunteer  mili- 
tia,' a  unuill  body  of 
ImiiaiiH,  ftiid  a  throe- 
pound  tie  Id- piece, 
took  position  on  the 
j-ioping  shore,  a  lit- 
tle north  of  tho  site 
of  the  suspension 
liri(l|j;o,  to  resist  the 
ilcbarkation.  Their 
lircneiice  was  first 
laaile  known  by  a 
broad  flash,  tlicn  a 
volley  of  niusketiy 
that  mortally 
wounded  Lieuten- 
ant Hathbonc,  by 
the  side  of  Colonel 
Van  Konsselaer,  be- 


LAHDINU-PLAUa  or  TUK  AUEUlVAMt  AT  (tUEKMItlON. 


fore  landing,  ami 
random  shots  from 
the  Held-pieco  along 
the  line  of  the  ferry 
at  the  moment  when 
tho  boats  touehed 
the  shore.  These 
were  answered  by 
Lovett's  battery  on 
Lewiston  Heights, 
when  tho  enemy 
turned  and  fled  up 
tho  hill  toward 
Queenston,  pursued 
by  tho  regulars  of 
tho  Thirteenth,  un- 
der Captain  Wool, 
the  senior  oflicer 
present,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Chrystie, 
who  was  in  one  of 
tho  missing  bo;   x^ 


On  the   margin   of 

the  plateau  on  which  Queenston  Btands  Wool  ceased  pursuit,  drew  his  men  up  in 
battle  order,  and  was  about  to  send  to  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  for  directions,  when 
that  otticer's  aid,  Judge  Advocate  Lush,  came  hurrying  up  with  orders  to  prepare  to 
storm  the  Heights.  "We  are  ready,"  promptly  responded  the  gallant  Wool.  Lu  di 
hastened  back  to  tho  chief  commander  on  tho  shore,  and  in  a  few  minutes  returned 
with  orders  for  Wool  to  advance.  Ho  was  moving  rapidly  over  tho  plateau  toward 
the  foot  of  tho  Heights,  when  tho  order  for  storming  was  countermanded,  and  the 
troops  were  brought  to  a  halt  near  the  present  entrance  to  the  village  from  the  bridge. 
Captain  Dennis,  meanwhile,  had  been  strengthened  by  the  arrival  on  the  Heights  of 
the  Light  Infantry  under  Captain  Williams,  and  a  company  of  the  York  militia  un- 
der Captain  Chisholm ;  and  just  as  Wool's  command  had  taken  their  resting  position  > 
in  battle  order,  Dennis  and  his  full  force,  already  mentioned,  fell  hbavily  on  the  right 
tIauV.  of  tho  Americans.  At  tho  same  time,  Williams  and  Chisholm  opened  a  severe 
tire  in  their  front  from  tho  brow  of  the  Heights.  Without  waiting  for  farther  orders. 
Wool  wheeled  his  column  to  the  right  and  confronted  tho  force  of  tho  enemy  on  the 
plain,  where  with  deadly  aim  his  men  poured  a  very  severe  fire  into  their  ranks. 
Van  Rensselaer  and  the  militia  had  taken  a  position  on  the  left  ^  f  the  Thirteenth  in 
the  mean  time.  The  engagement  was  severe  but  short,  and  the  enemy  were  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  to  Queenston.  Both  parties  BuflTorod  much — the  Americans  most 
severely.  Of  tho  ten  officers  of  the  Thirteenth  who  were  present,  two  were  killed 
and  five  were  seriously  wounded.  The  former  were  Lieutenant  Valleau^  and  En- 
sign Morris  ;*  the  latter  were  Captains  Wool,  Malcolm,  and  Armstrong,  and  Ensign 

'  CtpUiin  Samnel  Halt  wab  one  of  the  must  esteemed  and  richest  men  In  the  proTlncc.  He  entered  the  service  under 
the  Impulses  of  the  purest  patriotism  only,  and  took  this  subordinate  station. 

'  The  threu  missing  boats  were  commanded  respectively  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Chrystle,  Captain  Lawrence,  and  an 
nnlmown  anbaltem.  ChrysHe's  boat  was  driven  by  the  currents  and  eddies  upon  the  New  York  shore,  and  he  ordcrod 
Uvrence's  back,  while  the  third  fell  Into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  it  having  struck  the  shore  at  the  month  of  the  creek, 
just  north  of  Queenston. 

'  John  Viillean  was  commissioned  flr«i  lieutenant  of  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  on  the  24th  of  March,  1812. 

*  Robert  Morris,  appointed  ensign  in  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  Harcli  12, 1812. 


'l  > 

1 

i 

i 
i 

f 

I 


; 
i 

1 

4        '        ^ 

m 


!f   if 


m 


m-.) 

I 


11 


m 

1 

■ 

!'  ■ 

iffH 

1 

1 

H 

1 

36»! 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Vaa  KeiiBaelaer  and  Wool  wouuded.      Van  Reugeelaer  borne  awny.       Wool  tiikes  the  Command.       Skettli  of  Wool 

Lent.'  Tlie  militia  suffered  very  little;  but  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  so  badly 
wounded  in  several  places  that  bo  was  compelled  to  jelinquish  the  command.  A  bul- 
let passed  through  both  of  Wool's  tl  ighs,  and  both  Malcolm^  and  Armstrong^  y,-en 
wounded  in  the  left  thigh.  A  considerable  number  of  the  Americans  were  made  pris- 
oners. 

While  Wool  and  his  ooramand  were  ongaged  with  the  enemy  on  the  plain,  those 
upon  the  Heights  kept  rp  a  desultory  fire  upon  the  Americans,  which  the  latter  could 
not  well  respond  to.  Perceiving  this.  Van  Rensselaer  ordered  the  whole  detachment 
to  fall  back  to  the  beach  below  the  hill,  in  a  place  of  more  security.  They  did  so,  but 
were  not  absolutely  sheltered  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy  above.  One  man  Avas  killed 
ftud  several  were  wounded  by  their  shots. 

It  was  now  broad  daylight,  and  the  storm  had  ceased.  While  the  detachment  was 
forming  for  farther  action  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  a  fourth  company  of  the  l>3tli 
under  Captain  Ogilvie,  crossed  and  joined  them.  No  time  was  to  be  lost.  Tlio 
Heights  must  be  stormed  and  taken,  or  the  expedition  would  be  a  failure.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Chrystie  had  not  been  heard  from.  Van  Rensselaer  was  disabled.  All 
the  other  oflicers  were  young  men.  Not  a  single  commission  was  more  tlian  six 
months. old,  and  Captain  Wool,  the  senior  of  them  all  in  rank,  was  only  twenty-three 
years  of  age — too  young.  Van  Rensselaer  thought,  to  be  intrusted  with  an  undertak- 
ing so  important.  He  had  never  been  under  fire  before  that  morning,  and  was  already 
badly  wounded.  True,  in  the  fight  just  ended,  his  metal  had  given  out  the  riin»  oi' 
that  of  a  true  soldier.  Tlie  alternative  was  great  risk  and  a  chance  for  honor,  or  total 
abandonment  of  the  enterprise  and  the  pointings  of  the  finger  of  sconi.  Tlie  choice 
was  soon  made.  Wool  had  ssked  for  orders;  had  been  told  that  the  capture  of  the 
Heights  was  the  great  object  of  the  expedition ;  and,  notwithstanding  his  severe  flesh 
wounds  and  the  inexperience  of  himself  and  bis  men,  he  had  expressed  his  eagerness 
to  make  tlie  attempt.  Van  Rensselaer  ordered  him  to  that  duty,  and  at  the  same 
time  iie  directed  his  aid-de-canip  Lush  to  follow  the  little  column  and  shoot  every 
man  who  should  fait..,  for  symptoms  of  weak  courage  had  already  appeared. 

Elated  with  the  order,  young  Wool  almost  forgot  his  bleeding  wounds.  He  was 
light  and  lithe  in  person,  full  of  ambition  and  enthusiasm,  and  beloved  by  his  com- 
panions in  arms.*    All  followed  him  cheerfully.     Ordering  Captain  Ogilvie,  with  his 

'  James  W.  Lent,  Jr.,  appointed  ensign  in  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  May  1, 1812.  In  March,  1813,  he  was  promoted  to 
first  lleiitennnt  of  artillery.  He  wa"  retained  in  1816,  and  became  active  in  the  qnarter-master's  department  in  ISlC. 
Left  the  eerv  ice  in  181Y. 

a  Richard  M.  Malcolm  was  commissioned  capt...  in  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  of  Infantry  on  the  8th  of  April,  1S12. 
'  In  March,  ISl!*,  he  was  promoted  to  major,  and  in  .June,  1814,  to  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  same  regiment.  He  wne  He- 
banded  in  June,  1816.— Gardner's  Dictionary  cf  the  Army,  page  SOT. 

5  Henry  B.  Armstrong,  yet  riSOT]  llvlnj;,  is  a  son  of  General  John  Armstrong,  the  Secretary  of  War  In  1814.  He  vm 
commissioned  a  captain  in  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  in  April,  1812;  promoted  to  major  the  following  year;  in  Juno, 
1S13,  distinguished  himself  ut  Ptony  Creek ;  became  lieutenmt  colonel  of  the  First  Rifle  Regiment  In  September,  1513. 
and  was  disbanded  In  June,  1818.  Although  nearly  eighty  years  of  age  when  the  Great  i'.cbc'Mon  broke  out  in  ls<il,ho 
went  to  Washington  City  and  tendered  to  the  government  the  services  of  himself  and  two  sons,  fie  then  reeidedou 
an  ample  estate  in  Red  Hook,  Duchess  County,  New  Tork. 

'  John  Ellis  Wool,  now  (1807)  a  major  general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  is  u  son  of  n  soldier  of  the  Revola- 


tlon  who  was  with  General  Wayne  at  the 
taking  of  Stony  Point  in  the  anmmer  of 
1770.  He  was  born  in  Newburg,  Ornpge 
County,  New  York,  In  1788.  His  father 
died  when  be  was  only  four  years  of  age, 
when  he  was  taken  into  the  family  of  his 
grandfather,  James  Wool,  five  of  whose 
sons  bore  arms  in  the  old  war  for  inde- 
|)endence.  During  his  residence  with  his 
grandfather  in  Rensselaer  Couaty,  youn,-; 
Wool  attended  n  common  country  school. 
At  the  age  of  twelve  years,  with  a  slender 
odncRtion,  he  entered  the  service  of  a 
inc.  chant  In  Troy,  New  York,  as  clerk. 
At  eighteen  he  engaged  in  the  business  of 
gelling  books  and  stationery  in  the  «ame 


BDSSEI.I.'S  LAW  orrioK. 


town,  and  continued  in  that  avocation  un- 
til Are  swept  away  all  his  worldly  goodr. 
He  then  commenced  the  study  of  law  with 
John  Russell,  in  Troy,  in  a  small  bulldlD;; 
recently  standing  on  Second  Street,  near- 
ly opposite  General  Wool's  present  resi- 
dence. War  with  Great  Britain  was  soon 
afterward  looked  upon  as  inevitable,  and 
young  Wool,  feeling  the  old  tire  of  Ms 
father  stirring  within  him,  left  his  boob 
to  seek  usefulness  and  honor  in  the  Held. 
Vpon  the  recommendation  of  Pe  Will 
Clinton  h"  obtained  a  commission  mn\- 
tain  In  the  13th  United  States  Reylmenl 
in  the  spring  of  1812.  It  is  dated  March 
14, 1812.    War  was  declared  In  little  more 


(ban  ninety  days  afterward,  and  la  Sepixisber  hU  regiment,  under  Lieuteof^nt  Colonel  Chrystie,  was  ordered  to  the 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


397 


Sciill"'-'  (^ueenBton  IIfilj{ht«. 


Oeneinl  Brock  at  Fort  Oeorge. 


His  Expectation  of  an  Ir.va8ion. 


^'A^^Mf^^:i^ 


fresh  troops  to  taku  the  riglit  of  the  cohimn, 
he  sprang  forward  and  commenced  the 
perilous  ascent,  guided  by  Lieutenants 
Gansevoort  and  Randolph,  who  were  well 
acquainted  with  the  way.  The  picked  ar- 
tillerists led  the  column;  and  in  many 
places  the  precipice  was  so  steep  that  the 
troops  were  compellea  to  pull  themselves 
up  by  means  of  busnes.  They  were  con- 
cealed from  the  enemy  by  the  shelter  of 
the  rocks  and  shrubbery;  and  near  the 
top  of  the  acclivity  they  struck  a  fisher- 
man's patl,  which  the  enemy  supposed  to 
be  impassable,  and  had  neglected  to  guard 
it. 

While  Wool  and  his  little  band  were  scal- 
ing the  Heights,  the  British  were  making 
movements  under  great  uncertainty.  The 
vigilant  Sir  Isaac  Brock  at  Fort  George, 
about  seven  miles  distant,  had  hoard  the 
cannonading  before  dawn.  He  aroused  his 
aid-de-camp,  Major  Glegg,  and  called  for 
Alfred,  his  favorite  horse,  presented  to  him 
!)y  Sir  James.  Craig.  He  had  been  in  expectation  of  an  invasion  at  aome  point  for  sev- 
eral days,  an  1  only  the  night  'jefore  he  had  given  each  of  his  staff  special  instructions.' 

Niagara  frontier.  His  gallant  bearing  there  is  recorded  in  the  text.  Because  of  his  bravery  at  Queenston  he  was  pro- 
moicd  to  major  Ir  the  Mth  Reglmt-nt  of  Infantry  in  April,  1813.  For  his  gallant  conduct  at  Plattsburg,  in  September, 
1S14,  he  was  promoted  to  lieatenant  colonel  in  December  following.  lie  was  retained  in  the  army  in  1S16,  and  on  the 
ith  of  Sef)t(-mber,  1810,  was  appointed  inspector  general  of  division,  and  in  1S21  inspector  general  of  the  army  of  the 
rnllcd Staits,  wllii  the  rank  ol  colonel.  In  1820  he  was  made  a  brigadier  general  by  brevet  "for  ten  years'  faithfiil 
reriire."  HU  reports  to  the  government  on  matters  pertaining  t.)  the  service  were  always  models  of  their  kind,  and 
•ilw'.js  cllciteo  encomiums.  His  discipline  was  always  perfect  and  most  efficient,  and  his  sleepless  -ilgilauce  has  made 
blm  on  all  occasions  one  of  the  most  trusted  officers  in  the  service. 

In  1S3J,  Oenernl  Wool  was  sent  to  Europe  to  collect  information  connected  with  military  science.  He  re'^elved  great 
attention,  especihUy  in  France,  where,  on  one  occasion,  ho  formed  one  of  the  snite  of  Louis  Philippe  at  a  grand  review 
ofI0,w)O  men.  In  November  of  the  same  year  he  accompanied  the  King  of  Belgium  at  a  review  of  100,000  troops, 
.ind  visited  the  fortifications  of  Antwerp.  In  1836,  when  hostilities  wit'a  France  were  anticipated,  General  Wool  made 
athorongh  inspoctlon  of  all  the  sea-coast  defenses,  and  submitted  an  admirable  report  to  govcrbment.  In  is;i«  lie 
ttss  ordered  to  tne  service  of  removing  the  Cherokee  Indionc  to  Arkansas.  In  that  mission  he  displayed  some  of  the 
liii;hP8t  traits  of  a  soldier  and  statesman.  In  1838,  while  the  Canadian  provinces  were  disturbed  by  insurrection,  Wool 
was  sent  to  the  'riids  of  Maine  to  look  after  the  defenses  of  the  border.  In  the  Mexican  war  his  seiviccs  as  a  tactician, 
ilisciplinarlan,  aid  as  an  administrative  and  executive  officer  in  the  field  were  of  incalculable  benefit  to  the  country. 
Tliese  are  all  recorded  by  the  pen  of  the  grateful  histor'i'n.  For  his  gallant  conduct  in  that  war  he  was  breveted  a 
major  general,  t.nd  on  his  return  home  he  was  every  where  met  with  the  most  euihnsiastic  greetings.  As  tokens  of 
approbation,  thi-*''  swords  were  presented  tc  UIiu,  one  by  the  citizens  of  Troy,  another  by  the  State  of  New  York,  and  a 
Ifaird  by  the  ''uited  States. 

Toward  th.  close  of  1863,  when  fllibnstering  expeditions  were  fitted  out  on  the  Western  coast,  the  command  of  the 
TXfwhMnt  of  the  I'aeific  was  intmsted  to  General  Wool.  It  was  a  post  of  great  labor  and  trust,  involving  as  it  did  in- 
tomntional  cuestions  of  a  delicate  nature,  and  peculiar  relations  with  Indian  tribes.  His  activity,  vigilance,  and  nu- 
lirliig  energy  in  that  field  were  won4cr(\il.  In  the  spring  of  1S66  he  made  a  tour  of  inspection  and  reconnolssancc 
through  the  distant  Territories  of  Oregon  and  Washington.  On  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities  in  that  rrgion  in  the 
fall  ot  195S,  Wool  repaired  to  the  scene  of  trouble,  and  was  efficient  in  ending  them.  He  remained  In  California  until 
near  the  close  of  President  Pierce's  administration,  when  he  was  relieved,  and  placed  in  command  of  the  Department 
HkiEatt,  comprising  the  whole  country  eastward  of  the  Mississippi  River.  He  was  every  where  received  with  the 
matest  enthusiasm,  and  especially  at  Troy,  hia  place  of  residence.  He  was  there  engaged  in  the  quiet  routine  of  his 
■nice  when  the  rising  tide  of  the  great  rebellion,  that  broke  out  at  the  close  of  ISOO,  commanded  his  attention.  With 
'lis  wonted  energy,  he  warned  and  eLtreated  the  national  government  to  prepare  for  a  great  emergency ;  and  when,  in 
April,  ISOl,  Fort  Sumter  was  attacked,  and  the  national  capital  was  menaced  by  the  rebels.  General  Wool  conceived 
i.ii(l  oxccutcd  such  efficient  measures  at  New  York,  that  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  he  was  one  of  the  chief  instru- 
menta  In  the  salvation  of  the  republic  from  the  hand  of  the  destroyer.  In  .July  he  entered  upon  active  service  at  Fort- 
rc8!  Monroe  as  commander  of  that  post,  where  he  stood  in  the  delicate  and  most  important  position  of  sentinel  at  the 
portal  opening  between  the  loyal  and  disloyal  territories  of  the  republic.  He  remained  there  almost  a  year,  when  he 
"as  commissioned  a  full  major  general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  and  transferred  to  the  command  at  Baltimore 
M  vicinity.    In  1803  be  retired  to  private  life. 

■ '  Beacons  had  been  placed  at  convenient  distances  lictween  Kingston  and  Fort  George  to  give  notice  in  the  event  of 
u.  Invaiiou,  but  in  the  confusion  they  were  not  lighted.    The  late  Honorable  William  Hamilton  Merritt,  M.P.,  then  a 


!     -    ■! 


I.=  ill 


398 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Brock  hnflteoB  toward  Qneenston. 


His  periloas  Position. 


Attack  on  Wool. 


Dcatli  of  Brock. 


But  SO  confident  was  he  that  the  attack  would  be  made  from  Fort  Niagara,  that  he 
considered  the  demonstration  above  as  only  a  feint  to  conceal  that  movement ;  vet 
as  a  vigilant  soldier,  he  instantly  resolved  to  obtain  personal  knowledge  of  the  situa- 
tion of  affairs.  Mounting  Alfred,  iie  pushed  toward  Queenston  at  fu"  speed,  follow- 
ed by  his  aids,  Major  Glegg  and  Colonel  M'Donell.  The  journey  of  seven  miles  was 
made  in  little  more  than  halt  an  hour.  Arriving  at  Queenston,  Sir  Isaac  and  his  com- 
panions rode  up  the  Heights  at  full  gallop,  exposed  to  a  severe  enfilading  fire  of  ar- 
tillery from  the  American  shore.  On  reaching  the  redan  battery,  half  way  up  the 
Heights,'  they  dismounted,  took  a  general  view  of  affairs,  and  pronounced  them  fa- 
vorable. Suddenly  the  crack  of  musketry  in  their  rear  startled  them.  Wool  and 
his  followers  had  successfully  scaled  the  Heights,  and  were  close  tipon  them.  Brook 
and  his  aids  had  not  time  to  remount.  Leading  their  horses  at  full  pallop,  they  fled 
down  the  slopo  to  the  village,  followed  by  the  twelve  men  who  manned  the  battery. 
A  few  minutetj  afterward  the  Stars  and  Stripes — the  symbol  of  the  Union — the  in- 
signia of  the  Eepublic — were  waving  over  the  captured  redan,  and  greeting  the  rays 
of  the  early  morning  sun,  then  struggling  in  fitful  gleams  through  the  breaking 
clouds.  This  was  the  third  time  within  three  months  that  the  standard  of  the  United 
Sifcates  had  been  victoriously  displayed  on  the  soil  of  Canada.^  Wool's  triumpli  for 
the  moment  was  completp. 

Brock  immediately  d'lSpatched  a  courier  to  General  Sheaffe  at  Fort  George  witli 
orders  to  push  forward  re-enforcements,  and,  at  the  same  time,  open  fire  upon  Fort 
Niagara,  He  then  took  command  of  Captain  Williams's  detachment  of  one  hundred 
men,  and  hastened  up  the  slope  toward  the  battery,  behind  which  Captain  Wool  had 
placed  his  little  band,  with  their  faces  toward  Queenston,  to  await  an  attack.  Den- 
nis soon  joined  Brock  with  his  detachment,  when  a  movement  was  made  to  turn  tiie 
American  flank.  The  vigilant  Wool  perceived  it,  and  immediately  sent  out  fifty  men 
to  keep  the  flanking  party  iu  check,  and  to  take  possession  of  the  "  Mountain,"  or 
crown  of  the  Heights,  where  the  monument  now  stands.  But  they  were  too  few  for 
the  purpose,  and  even  when  re-enforced  they  were  too  weak  to  stem  the  steady  ad- 
vance of  the  veteran  enemy.  The  whole  detachment  fell  back  with  some  confusion, 
The  enemy,  inspirited  by  this  movement,  pressed  forward,  and  pushed  the  Americans 
to  the  verge  of  the  precipice,  which  overlooks  the  deep  chasm  of  the  swift-flowin" 
river  more  than  two  hundred  feet  below.  Wool's  little  band  was  in  a  most  perilous 
position.  Death  by  ball,  bayonet,  or  flood  seemed  inevitable,  and  Captain  Ogihie 
raised  a  white  handkerchief  on  the  point  of  a  bayonet  in  token  of  surrender.  The  in- 
censed Wool  sprang  forward,  snatched  away  that  token  of  submission,  addressed  a 
few  spirited  words  to  his  oflScers  and  soldiers,  begging  them  to  fight  on  so  long  as 
the  ammunition  should  last,  and  then  resort  to  the  bayonet.  AVaving  his  sword,  he 
led  his  inspirited  comrades  to  a  renewal  of  the  conflict  with  so  iiiuch  impetuosity  that 
the  enemy  broke  and  fled  down  the  Heights  in  dismay,  and  took  shelter  in  and  be- 
hind  a  large  stone  building  near  the  edge  of  the  river.  Sir  Isaac  was  amazed  aui1 
mortified;  and  to  his  favorite  grenadiers  he  shouted, "This  is  the  first  time  I  have 
seen  the  Forty-ninth  turn  tlieir  backs !"  His  voice  and  the  stinging  rebuke  of  his 
words  checked  them.  At  Jhe  same  time  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donell  brought  uji 
two  flank  companies  of  York  Volunteers,  under  Captains  Cameron  and  Howard, 
which  had  just  arrived  from  Brown's  Point,  three  miles  below.  The  fugitives  had 
rallied,  and  Sir  Isaac  turned  to  lead  them  up  the  Heights.  His  tall  figure  was  a  con- 
spicuous object  for  the  American  sharp-shooters.  First  a  bullet  struck  his  wrist, 
wounding  it  slightly.  A  moment  afterward,  as  lie  shouted  "  Push  on  the  York  Vol- 
unteers," another  bullet  entered  his  breast,  passed  out  through  his  side,  and  left  a 

miOor  at  the  head  of  a  corps  of  cavalry,  called  the  Niagara  Dragoons,  immediately  dispatched  a  conrler  to  Brock,  He 
reached  Fort  George  early,  bnt  found  Brock  about  ready  to  take  the  saddle. 

'  A  redan  is  a  rampart  in  the  following  form,  Vi  having  ita  angle  toward  the  enemy,  and  open  in  the  rear. 

>  At  Sandwich  by  Hall  (see  page  868) ;  at  Oananoqni  by  ForByth  (see  page  8T3) ;  and  at  Qneenston  by  Wool. 


OF  TUB  WAR  OF   1812. 


399 


Capture  of  Qoeenston  Helghta. 


Character  of  the  Exploit. 


Passage  of  the  RWer  by  Re-enfurcemeatB. 


death-wound.  He  fell  from  his  horse  at  the  foot  of  the  slope,  and  lived  long  enough 
to  request  those  around  hinx  to  conceal  his  death  from  the  troops,  and  to  send  some 
token  of  his  remembrance  to  his  sister  in  England.  But  his  death  could  not  be  con- 
cealed more  than  a  few  minutes.  When  it  became  known,  the  bitter  words  "  Revenge 
the  general !"  bnrst  from  the  lips  of  the  Forty-ninth.  M'Donell  assumed  the  com- 
mand, and,  at  the  head  of  them  and  the  York  Militia,  one  hundred  and  ninety  strong, 
lie  charged  up  the  hill  to  dispute  with  Wool  the  mastery  of  the  Heights.  The  strug- 
gle was  desperate,  and  the  Americans,  doubtful  of  the  issue,  spiked  the  cannon  in  the 
redan.  Both  parties  were  led  gallantly  and  fought  bravely.  But  when  M'Donell 
fell  mortally  wounded,'  and  Dennis  and  Williams  were  both  severely  injured,  and 
were  compelled  to  leave  the  field,  the  British  fell  back  in  some  confusion  to  Vroo- 
raan's  Point,  a  mile  below,  leavmg  the  young  American  commander  and  his  little 
band  of  two  hundred  and  forty  men  masters  of  Quecnston  Heights,  after  three  dis- 
tinct and  bloody  battles,  fought  within  the  space  of  about  five  hours.  Taking  all 
things  into  consideration — the  passage  of  the  river,  the  nature  of  the  ground,  the  raw- 
ness of  the  troops  (for  most  of  the  regulars  were  raw  recruits),  the  absence  of  cannon, 
and  the  youth  1  wounds  of  the  American  commander,  the  events  of  that  morning 
were,  "indeed,  a  display  of  intrepidity,"  as  Wilkinson  afterward  wrote, "  rarely  exhib- 
ited, in  which  the  conduct  and  the  execution  were  equally  conspicuous.  .  .  .  Under 
all  the  circumstances,  and  on  the  scale  of  the  oper-.tions,  the  impartial  soldier  and 
competent  judge  will  name  this  brilliant  afibir  p  chef-cVoeuvre  of  the  war."' 

It  was  now  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Altliough  bleeding  and  in  much 
pain,  Wool  would  not  leave  the  field,  but  kept  vigorously  at  work  in  preparations  to 
defend  the  position  he  had  gained.  He  drew  his  troops  up  in  line  on  the  Heights 
fronting  the  village,  ordered  Gansevort  and  Randolph  to  drill  out  the  spiked  can- 
non in  the  redan,  and  bring  it  to  bear  upon  the  enemy  near  Vrooman's,  and  sent  out 
scouts  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  foe. 

Meanwhile  re-enforcements  and  supplies  were  slowly  crossing  the  river.  In  the 
passage  they  were  greatly  annoyed  by  the  fire  from  the  one-gun  battery  on  Vroo- 
man's Point.  The  first  that  arrived  on  the  Heights  was  .i  detachment  of  the  Sixth 
Regiment  under  Captain  M'Chesncy ;  another,  of  the  Thirteenth,  under  Captain  Law- 
rence ;  and  a  party  of  New  York  state  riflemen,  imder  Lieutenaiit  Sraith.  These 
were  immediately  detached  as  flanking  parties.  They  were  soon  followed  by  oth- 
ers, and  before  noon  Major  General  Van 
Rensselaer,  Brigadier  General  Wadsworth, 
Lieutenant  Colonels  Scott,  Fenwick,  Stran- 
ahan,  and  Major  MuUany,  were  on  the 
Heights,  while  a  few  militia  were  slowly 

'  Lieutenant  M'Donell  was  a  brilliant  and  promlBlng  yonng  man.  He  was  the  >\ttomey  general  of  Upper  Canada,  and 
was  only  twenty-five  years  of  age.  He  was  wounded  In  Atb  places,  one  bullet  passing  through  his  body,  yet  he  survived 
tirentv  hours  in  great  agony.  During  that  time  he  constani.y  lamented  the  fall  of  his  commander.— Tupper's  Life,  etc., 
(/Br«i,pnge322. 

'  Wilkiiiton's  Mimoin,  i.,  67T.  The  offlcen  who  participated  with  Captain  Wool,  and  received  from  him,  in  his  re- 
port to  Colonel  Van  Itensselaer,  special  commendation,  were  Captain  Peter  Ogllvie,  and  Lieutenants  Kearney,  Hngnnin, 
Carr,  and  Sammons,  of  the  Thirteenth,  Lientenants  Oansevoort  and  P.andolph,  of  the  light  artillery,  and  Major  tush, 
of  the  militia.  Captain  Ogllvie  resigned  in  June,  1913.  Lieutenant  Stephen  Watts  Kearney,  who  was  a  native  of  New 
Jerrfy,  was  retained  in  the  service  in  181B,  having  risen  to  the  ranlt  of  captain.  Ho  was  made  a  major  by  brevet  in 
K%  and  full  mi^or  in  1829.  In  the  spring  of  1833  he  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  colonel  of  dragoons,  and  to  colonel 
ndhe  Mine  In  1836.  In  1840  he  was  promoted  to  brigadier  general,  went  into  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  made  conqnest 
nf  the  province  of  New  Mexico.  For  his  gallant  conduct  there  and  In  California  ho  was  made  m^Jor  general  by  brevet. 
In  March,  1847,  he  was  appointed  Governor  of  Callfomia  He  died  In  Octol)cr,  1848.  His  brother,  Philip  Kearney,  who 
Ijrtan  arm  In  the  battles  before  the  city  of  Mexico,  was  a  brigadier  general  in  the  army  raised  to  put  down  the  Oreat 
Kebelllon  In  1861,  and  was  killed  In  battle  near  Fairfax  Court-house,  in  Virginia,  September  1, 1862.  Lieutenant  Daniel 
Hofninln  was  a  representative  in  Congress  for  New  York  ft-om  1826  to  1827.  He  died  in  Wisconsin  In  1880.  Lieutenant 
Gusevoort,  who  had  been  In  the  artillery  service  since  1806,  was  distinguished  a  little  more  than  a  month  later  at  Fort 
Xiapara.  He  became  captain  ot  artillery  In  May,  1813,  and  left  tht  service  In  March,  1814.  Lieutenant  Thomas  Beverly 
Randolph  was  aid-de-camp  to  General  Carrlngton  and  captain  of  infantry  In  the  spring  of  1813.  He  resigned  in  1816. 
He  nt  lieutenant  colonel  of  Hamtramck's  regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers  In  Mexico  In  1847.  Lieutenant  Stephen  Lush 
(iciing  mi\|or  at  Qneenston)  was  aid  to  Qeueral  Izard,  and  dangerously  wounded  before  Chippewa  In  October,  1814. 


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1 

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Wi 


HP 


400 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


:l 


■  lit 


Colonel  Scott  on  Qneenston  Heights.         Wadsworth'g  OeneroBlty.         Indiana  on  the  Field.         Influence  of  HcotL 

passing  over  the  river.  Van  Rensselaer  took  immediate  steps  for  fortifying  the  uy 
sition,  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Totten,  of  the  Engineers,  and  dispatched  an 
aid-de-camp  to  hasten  the  passage  of  the  militia. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott,  as  we  have  observed,  arrived  at  Lewiston  with  his  com- 
mand at  four  o'clock  that  morning.  He  placed  his  heavy  guns  in  battery  on  tin- 
shore  under  the  immediate  command  of  Captains  Towson  and  Barker.  Ilaviiif  re- 
ceived permission  from  Van  Rensselaer  to  cross  over  as  a  volunteer  and  take  com- 
mand of  the  troops  on  the  Heights,  he  reached  the  Canada  shore,  with  his  adjutant 
Roach,  just  after  Wadsworth,  with  a  small  detachment  of  volunteers,  had  ciossod 
Avithout  orders.  He  unexpectedly  found  that  officer  upon  the  mountain,  and  imme- 
diately proposed  to  limit  his  own  command  to  the  regulars ;  but  the  generous  anil 
patriotic  Wadsworth  promptly  waived  his  rank,  and  said,  "  You,  sir,  know  piofes- 
sionally  what  ought  to  be  done.  I  am  here  for  the  honor  of  my  country  ami  tliat 
of  the  New  York  militia."  Scott  at  once  assumed  the  general  command,  at  the  head 
of  three  hundred  and  fifty  regulars  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  volunteers,  the  latter 
under  General  Wadsworth  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Stranahan.  Assisted  by  the  skill- 
ful Lieutenant  Totten,  Scott  placed  them  in  the  strongest  possible  position  to  reeeive 
the  enemy  and  to  cover  the  ferry,  expecting  to  be  re-enforced  at  once  by  the  militia 
from  the  opposite  shore.  He  was  doomed  to  most  profound  mortification  and  disap- 
pointment. 

W"hile  Scott  Avas  absent  for  a  short  time,  supcM-intending  the  unspiking  of  the  can- 
non in  the  redan,  a  troop  of  Lidians  suddenly  appeared  on  the  left,  led  by  Captain 
Norton,  a  half-breed,  but  under  the  general  command  of  Chief  John  Brant,  a  younir, 
lithe,  and  graceful  son  of  the  great  Mohawk  warrior  and  British  ally  of  that  name  in 
the  Revolution.  Brant  made  his  first  appearance  in  the  field  on  this  occasion.  IK 
Avas  dressed,  painted,  and  plumed  in  Indian  style  from  head  to  foot.  His  lieutenant 
and  most  valued  companion  Avas  a  dark,  poAverfuUy-built  chief  known  as  Captain  Ja 
cobs.  Another  Avas  Norton,  the  half-breed  just  mentioned.  Tliey  and  their  follow- 
ers Avere  the  allies  of  the  British,  and  came  mostly  from  the  settlements  of  the  !Si.\ 
Nations,  on  tlie  Grand  Tiiver,  in  Canada.' 

It  Avas  betAveen  one  and  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  when  this  cloud  of  duskv 
Avan'iors  swept  along  the  broAV  of  the  mountain  in  portentous  fury,  Avith  gleaming 
tomahaAvks  and  other  savage  Aveapons,  and  fell  upon  the  American  pickets,  driving 
them  in  upon  the  main  line  of  the  militia  in  great  confusion.  The  fearful  war-whoo)! 
struck  terror  to  many  a  Avhite  man's  heart,  and  the  militia  Avere  about  to  fly  ignobly. 
Avhen  Scott  appeared,  his  tall  form — head  and  shoulders  above  all  others — attracting 
every  eye,  anil  his  trumpet-voice  commanding  the  attention  of  every  ear.  He  in- 
stantly brought  order  out  of  confusion.  He  suddenly  changed  the  front  of  his  line ; 
and  hia  troops,  catching  inspiration  from  his  voice  and  acts,  raised  a  shout  and  fell 
Avith  such  fury  upon  the  Indians  that  they  fled  in  dismay  to  the  Avoods  after  a  shai]), 
short  engagement.    But  they  were  soon  rallied  by  the  dauntless  Brant,^  and  contin- 

1  The  British  found  considerable  difficulty  in  indncing  these  Indians  to  join  them.  The  authorities  of  the  United 
States  need  every  effort  in  their  power  to  keep  the  Indians  from  the  contest  on  both  sides,  knowing  their  cruel  modt 
of  wurfore.  Cornplanter,  the  venerable  Seneco  chief,  did  all  in  his  power  to  keep  his  race  neutral.  At  the  reqnfst  of 
the  United  States  government,  he  indu  )d  their  influential  chiefs,  named  respectively  Blue  Eyes,  Johnson,  Silver  lloelf. 
and  Jacob  Snow,  to  visit  the  Indians  on  the  Grand  River,  talk  with  them  about  remaining  neutral,  and  bring  back  ah 
answer.  In  a  manuscript  letter  before  mo  from  Robert  Hoops  to  Major  Van  Campan,  is  an  interesting  accoaiii  of  a 
tncetlng  at  Complanter's  to  hear  their  rep<irt.  Mr.  Hoops,  Francis  King,  and  John  Watson  were  the  white  rcpreseDla- 
tlves  present.  Blue  Eyes  made  the  report.  Ho  sold  the  Indiana  told  him  that  they  did  not  want  to  go  to  war,  liul  rr- 
marked,  "  It  is  the  President  of  the  United  States  makes  war  upon  us.  AVc  know  not  yonr  disputes.  The  British  tall: 
much  against  the  Americans,  and  the  Americans  talk  much  against  the  British.  We  know  not  which  is  right.  The 
British  say  the  Americans  want  to  take  our  lands.  AVe  do  not  want  to  flght,  nor  do  we  intend  to  distnrb  yon;  bat  if 
yon  come  to  take  our  land,  we  are  determined  to  defend  ourselves."  The  three  commisslonerB  cant!"  i  the  SeMM! 
not  to  use  strong  drinks,  to  keep  quietly  at  home,  and  refrain  from  engaging  in  the  war.  Had  the  Br.Ush  been  equilly 
mindfiil  of  the  claims  of  civilization,  the  historian  would  have  many  less  atrocities  to  record. 

•  John  Brants  whose  Indian  name  was  Ahyouuiaighs,  was  a  son  of  Joseph  Brant,  or  Thaffendarugta,  and  was  born  «l 
the  Mohawk  village,  on  the  Grand  Klver,  In  Canada,  on  'he  2Tth  of  September,  1TD4,  and  was  only  eighteen  years  of 


CF   THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


401 


Approach 


of  British  under  Sheaffe. 


Chrystle  taken  Wool's  Pliico. 


Sheaffe'B  Kc-enforcemeuts. 


ued  to  annoy  the  Americans  until  Scott, 
at  the  head  of  a  considerable  portion  of 
his  army,  made  u  general  assault  upon 
them,  and  drove  them  from  the  Heights. 
At  the  same  time,  General  Sheafl'e  was 
seen  cautiously  approaching  with  re-en- 
forccraeuts  from  Fort  George,  his  troops 
making  the  road  near  Vrooman's  all 
aglow  with  scarlet.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Chrystie  had  just  arrived  upon  the  bat- 
tle-field for  the  first  time.  He  had  cross- 
ed and  recrossed  the  river,  but  did  not 
appear  upon  the  Heights  until  in  the  af- 
ternoon,' when  he  took  command  of  the 
Tliirtoenth  Regiment,  and  ordered  Cap- 
tain Wool,  who  had  endured  toil  and  suf- 
terin?  for  more  than  twelve  hours,  to 
the  American  shore  to  have  his  wounds 
dressed. 

At  Vrooman's,  General  Sheaffe,  who 
had  succeeded  Brock  in  command,  join- 
ed the  fragments  of  the  different 
corps  who  had  been  driven  from 
the  Heights  when  Brock  was  kill- 
ed, with  heavy  re  -  enforcements. 


afcwlien  he  appeared  as  leader  on  the  battle-flcld  at  Qneenston.  He  received  a  good  Enf^llsh  edncatlon  at  Ancaster 
and  >'iagara,  and  was  a  diligent  student  of  English  authors.  He  loved  nature,  aud  studied  its  |)heuomeua  with  dls- 
criminatlou.  He  was  manly  and  amiable,  and  at  the  time  In  question  was  in  every  respect  an  ac-omplished  gentleman. 
On  the  death  of  his  father  In  ISOT,  he  became  the  Tekarihogea,  or  principal  chief  of  the  Six  Nations,  although  he  was 
ibe  fourth  and  youngest  son.  As  such  he  took  the  field  in  1812  in  the  BritLsh  interest,  and  was  engaged  in  most  of 
ihc  military  events  on  the  Niagara  flrontier  during  the  war.  At  the  close  of  the  contest  he  and  his  young  siatet  E''-:; 
both  took  up  their  residence  at  the  home  of  their  father,  at  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  where  they  lived  In  the  Lugllsh 


style,  and  di-'pcnsed  hospl 
unties  with  a  liberal  hand. 
The  render  will  find  a  full 
accountof  this  residence  and 
ot  ihe  fiimily  at  the  time  in 
qnestion  in  Stone's  LXil  of 
jMlih  Brant.  Young  Brant 
went  to  England  In  1821  on 
business  for  the  Six  Na- 
ilons,  and  there  took  occa- 
sion to  defend  the  character 
of  his  father  from  aspersions 
in  Campbell's  Gertrude  (ff 
ITiwnini;.  He  was  success- 
ful In  his  proof,  but  the  poet 
bad  not  the  generosity  or 
manliness  to  strike  the  cal- 
umnies from  his  poem,  and 
there  Ihey  remain  to  this 
da.v.  On  his  return  Brant 
(tent  to  work  zealously  for 
the  moral  improvement  of 
his  people,  in  which  he  was 
raccessfnl.  In  1S27  Governor 
Dalhoiiiie  appointed  htm  to 
:be  rank  of  captain  In  the 
represented  in  the  engraving. 


bsant's  uondhxnt. 


British  army  and  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Six  Nations. 
He  was  elected  a  member  of 
the  Provincial  Parliament  in 
18.12  for  the  county  of  Hal- 
dlmand,  which  comprehend- 
ed a  good  portion  of  the  ter- 
ritory originally  granted  to 
the  Mohawks.  'Technical  dis- 
ability gave  the  seat  to  an- 
other, lifter  he  bad  filled  it 
for  a  while.  But  during  that 
very  summer  the  competitors 
were  both  laid  in  the  grave 
by  that  terrible  scourge, 
A»iatif  chnlera.  He  died  at 
the  Mohawk  village  where 
be  was  bom,  at  the  age  of 
forty -eight  years,  and  was 
burled  in  the  same  vault  with 
his  father,  in  the  burying- 
gronud  of  the  Mohawk 
Church,  a  short  distance 
from  Brantford,  In  Canada, 
over  which  has  been  erected 
a    substantial    mansolenm. 


This  monument  will  be  noticed  more  particnlarly  presently. 
'  The  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Chrystie  on  this  occasion  was  not  wholly  reconcilable  with  our  ideas  of  a  true 
foldier.  In  a  manuscript  letter  before  me,  written  by  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oeneral  Wilkinson  In  Janu- 
irj,  1316,  he  accuses  Chrystie  with  cowardice,  aud  says  Captain  Lawrence,  %hose  boat  Chrystie  ordered  back  at  the 
crossing  (see  note  2,  page  305),  openly  charged  him  with  It.  Van  Rensselaer  gives  It  as  his  opinion  that  much  of  the 
bad  conduct  of  the  militia  In  refusing  to  cross  the  river  in  the  afternoon  was  owing  to  the  example  of  this  office'.  On 
the  other  hand,  General  Tim  Rensselaer  makes  honorable  mention  of  him  In  bl«  report  written  the  next  day,  and  h* 

Cc 


'  .rt 


iliii^i'i 


'U 


T^>^mmmKm 


11  \\ 


lii'ii 


402 


.  PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Sheaffe'a  flank  Movement. 


Bad  Conduct  of  thn  New  York  Militia. 


Scott's  Hgran 


pit. 


He  moved  cautiously.  Near  Vrooman's  he  left  two  pieces  of  artillery  to  command 
the  town,  filed  to  the  right,  and  crossed  the  country  to  the  little  village  of  St.  Da- 
vid's, three  miles  westward  of  Qiieenston,and  by  that  circuitous  route,  after  marching 
and  countermarching  as  if  reconnoitring  the  American  lines,  he  gained  the  rear  of 
that  portion  of  the  Heights  on  which  they  were  posted,  and  formed  in  Elijah  PlielpaV 
fields  on  the  Chippewa  road.'  There  he  was  joined  by  the  41st  Grenadiers  and  some 
militia  and  Indians  from  Chippewa,  when  the  whole  British  army  confrontinw  that 
of  the  Americans  was  more  than  one  thousand  strong,  exclusive  of  their  dusky  allios.^ 
The  Americans,  according  to  the  most  careful  estimate,  did  not  exceed  six  liuiulied 
in  numbcM-. 

When  Sheaffe  appeared.  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  on  the  Heights.  lie  im- 
mediately  crossed  the  river  to  push  forward  re-enforcenients.  He  failed.  Tlie  mili- 
tia, who  had  been  so  brave  in  speech  and  clamorous  to  be  led  against  the  onemv, 
refused  to  cross.  The  smell  of  gunpowder,  even  from  afar,  seems  to  have  paralyzed 
their  honor  and  their  courage.  Van  Rensselaer  rode  up  and  down  among  tliem, 
alternately  threatening  and  imploring.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bloom,  who  had  been 
wounded  in  action  and  had  returned,  and  Judge  Peck,  who  liappened  to  be  at  Lewis- 
ton,  did  the  same,  but  without  effect.  Van  Rensselaer  appealed  to  their  patriotism, 
their  honor,  and  their  humanity,  but  in  vain.  They  pleaded  their  exemption  as  mili- 
tia, under  the  Constitution  and  laws,  from  being  taken  out  of  their  own  state  !  and 
under  that  miserable  shield  they  hoped  to  find  shelter  from  the  storm  of  indignation 
which  their  cowardice  was  sure  to  evoke.  Like  poltroons  as  they  were,  they  stood 
on  tlie  shore  at  Lewiston  while  their  brave  companions  in  arms  on  Queenston  Heights 
were  menaced  with  inevitable  destruction  or  captivity.  All  that  Van  Rensselaer 
could  do  was  to  send  over  some  munitions  of  war,  with  a  letter  to  General  Wads- 
worth,  ordering  him  to  retreat  if  in  his  judgment  the  calvation  of  the  troops  depend- 
ed upon  such  movement,  and  promising  him  a  supply  of  boats  for  the  purpose.  But 
this  promise  he  could  not  fulfill.  The  boatmen  on  the  shore  were  as  cowardly  as  the 
militia  on  the  plain  above.  Many  of  them  had  fled  panic-stricken,  and  the  boats  were 
dispersed. 

Wadsworth  communicated  Van  Rensselaer's  letter  to  the  field  oflicers.  They  per- 
ceived no  chance  for  re-enforceraents,  no  means  for  a  retreat,  and  no  hope  of  succor 
from  any  human  source  except  their  own  valor  and  vigorous  arms.  They  resolved  to 
meet  the  oncoming  overwhelming  force  like  brave  soldiers.  Scott  sprang  upon  a  log, 
his  tall  form  towering  conspicuous  above  all,^  and  addressed  the  little  army  in  a  few 
stirring  words  as  the  British  came  thundering  on.  "  The  enemy's  balls,"  he  said,  be- 
gin to  thin  our  ranks.  His  numbers  are  overwhelming.  In  a  moment  the  shock 
must  come,  and  there  is  no  retreat.  We  are  in  the  beginning  of  a  national  war. 
Hull's  surrender  is  to  be  redeemed.  Let  us,  then,  die  arms  in  hand.  The  country  de- 
mands the  sacrifice.  The  example  will  not  be  lost.  The  blood  of  the  slain  will  make 
heroes  of  the  living.  Those  who  follow  will  avenge  our  fall  and  their  country's 
wrongs.  Who  dare  to  stand?"  "All!  all!"  was  the  generous  response;  and 
in  that  spirit  they  received  the  first  heavy  blow  of  the  enemy  on  their  right  wing.* 

was  promoted  to  the  office  of  inspector  general.  He  did  not  live  long  enough  to  test  his  mettle  fnirly.  He  died  at  Fon 
George,  In  Canada,  on  the  22d  of  July,  1813.  >  MS.  Journal  of  Captain  William  Hamilton  Merrill. 

»  Sheaffe's  re-en  forcements,  with  whom  ho  marched  from  Fort  George,  consisted  of  almost  four  hundred  of  the  4lBt  Repi- 
ment,  under  Captain  Derenzy,  and  about  three  hnn  clred  militia.  The  latter  consisted  of  the  flank  companies  of  the  Ul 
Regiment  of  Lincoln  Militia,  under  Captains  J.  Crooks  and  M'Kwen ;  the  flank  companies  of  the  4th  Regiment  of  Lin- 
coln Militia,  under  Captains  Nellis  and  W.  Crooks :  Captains  Hall's,  Durand's,  and  Applegarth's  companies  of  the  5th 
Regiment  of  Lincoln  Militia  •,  Major  Merrltt's  Yeomanry  Corps,  and  a  body  of  Swayzee's  Militia  Artillery  under  Cap- 
tains  Powell  and  Cameron.  Those  from  Chippewa  were  commanded  by  Colonel  Clark,  and  consisted  of  Captaia  Bul- 
lock's company  of  Grenadiers  of  the  4lBt  Regiment :  the  flank  companies  of  the  2d  Lincoln  Regiment,  under  Captaini 
Hkmiltoa  and  Rowe,  and  the  Volunteer  Sedentary  Hilitls.  Brant  and  Jaenbs  commanded  the  Indians.  Two  three- 
pounders,  under  the  charge  of  LlentenanTCrowther,  of  the  41st  Regiment,  accompanied  the  troops. 

'  General  Scott  was  six  feel  Ave  inches  in  height.  He  was  then  slender,  graceful,  and  commanding  In  form;  for 
Rereral  years  before  his  death  he  was  ponderous,  yet  exceedingly  dlgniflcd  in  his  appearance. 

•  Scott  was  in  full-dress  uniform,  and,  being  taller  than  his  companions,  was  a  conspicuous  and  Important  mark  for 


*'     V 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   18  12. 


403 


diedatFon 
ton  Merrill. 
ie4lBtEepi- 
esoftheW 
nent  of  Lin- 
of  the  6tti 
under  Cap- 
laptiin  Bal- 
er CapU'M 
Two  three- 

n  fonn;  for 

nt  mark  ibr 


ittte  on  Queengtou  HelKhta. 


Perils  of  tbe  American!, 


Ilerues  and  Cowards  made  Prlsonera  of  War. 


Sheaffe  opened  the  battle  at  about  four  o'clock  by  directing  Lieutenant  M'Intyre, 
with  the  Light  Company  of  the  41st  on  the  left  of  his  column,  supported  by  a  body 
of  militia,  Indians,  and  negroes  under  Captain  Kunchey,  to  fall  upon  the  American 
right.  They  fired  a  single  volley  with  considerable  execution,  and  then  charged  with 
a  tremendous  tumult,  the  white  men  shouting  and  the  Indians  ringing  out  the  fear- 
ful war-whoop  and  hideous  yells.  The  Americans  were  overpowered  by  the  onslaught 
and  gave  way,  for  their  whole  available  force  did  not  much  exceed  throe  hundred 
mca  Percei-  ing  this,  Sheaffe  ordered  his  entire  line  to  charge,  while  the  two  field- 
pieces  were  brought  to  bear  upon  the  American  ranks.  The  effect  was  powerful. 
Tlic  Americans  yielded  and  fled  in  utter  confusion  toward  the  river,  down  the  slope 
by  the  redan,  and  along  the  road  leading  from  Queenston  to  tlie  Falls.  The  latter 
were  cut  off  by  the  Indians,  and  forced  through  the  woods  toward  the  precipices  along 
the  hank  of  the  river.  Others,  who  had  reached  the  water's  edge,  were  also  cut  off 
from  farther  retreat  by  a  Irck  of  boats.  Meanwhile  the  American  commander  had 
sent  several  messengers  with  flags,  bearing  offers  to  capitulate.  Tlie  Indians  shot 
them  all,  and  continued  a  murderous  onslaught  upon  the  terrified  fugitives.  Some 
of  them  were  killed  in  the  woods,  some  were  driven  over  the  precipices  and  perished 
on  the  rocks  or  in  the  rushing  river  below,  while  others  escaped  by  letting  themselves 
down  from  bush  to  bush,  and  swimming  the  flood.  At  length  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Soott,  in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  peril,  reached  the  British  commanding  general,  and 
otfered  to  surrender  the  whole  force.*  The  Indians  were  called  from  their  bloody 
work,  terms  of  capitulation  were  soon  agreed  to,  and  all  the  Americans  on  the  British 
side  became  prisoners  of  war.  These,  to  the  utter  astonishment  of  their  own  com- 
manders, amounted  to  about  nine  hundred,  when  not  more  than  six  hundred,  regu- 
lars and  militia,  were  known  to  have  been  on  the  Canada  shore  at  any  time  dur- 
ing the  day,  and  not  more  than  half  that  number  were  engaged  in  the  fight  on  the 
ilcjchts.  The  mystery  was  soon  explained.  Several  hundred  militia  had  crossed 
over  during  the  morning.  Two  hundred  of  them,  under  Major  Mullany,  who  crossed 
(arly  in  the  day,  were  forced  by  the  current  of  the  river  under  the  range  of  Vroo- 
iiian's  battery,  and  were  captured.  Two  hundred  and  ninety-three,  who  were  in  the 
battle,  were  surrendered  ;  and  the  remainder,  having  seen  the  wounded  crossing  the 
river,  the  painted  Indians,  and  the  "  green  tigers,"  as  they  called  the  49th,  whose 
coats  were  faced  with  green,  skulked  below  the  banks,  and  had  no  more  to  do  with 
tlie  battle  than  spectators  in  a  balloon  might  have  claimed.  But  they  were  a  part  of 
the  invading  army,  were  found  on  British  soil,  and  were  properly  prisoners  of  war. 
Hie  British  soldiers,  after  the  battle,  plucked  them  from  their  hiding-places,  and  made 
them  a  part  of  the  triumphal  procession  with  which  General  Sheaffe  rot  nrned  to  Fort 
George.'* 

tlie  enemy.   He  was  urged  to  change  his  dress.    "  No,"  he  said,  smiling,  "  I  will  die  in  my  robes."    As  in  tbe  case  of 
Wuhiugton  on  the  Held  of  Monongahela,  the  Indians  took  special  aim  at  Scott,  but  could  not  hit  him. 
I  Scott  Hzed  a  white  cravat  on  tbe  point  of  his  sword  as  s  flag  of  truce,  and,  accompanied  by  Captains  Totten  (f^ora 


whose  neck  the  "flag  was  taken) 
ind  Gibson,  made  his  way  along 
ihe  rirer  shore,  under  shelter  of 
the  precipice,  to  a  gentle  slope,  np 
whicli  they  hastened  to  tbe  road 
leading  Arom  the  village   to   the 
Uelghtf,  exposed  to  the  random 
tre  of  the  Indians.    Just  B8  they 
rttched  the  road  they  were  met 
h;  tvo  ludlans,  who  sprang  upon 
ihem  like  tigers.     They  wonid 
not  llaten  to  Scott's  declaration 
thit  he  was  under  tbe  protec- 
Hoi  of  a  Sag  and  was  going  to 
ntrender.    They  attempted  to 


'^^^^^ 


wrench  bis  sword  fl-om  him,  when 
Totten  and  Qibsou  drew  theirs. 
The  Indians,  who  were  armed  with 
rifles,  instantly  flred,  but  without 
efiibct,  and  v.  ere  abont  to  use  their 
knives  and  tomahawks,  when  a 
British  sergeant,  accompanied  by  a 
guard,  seeing  the  encounter,  rush- 
ed forward,  crying  Honor !  honor  I 
took  tbe  Americans  under  his  pro- 
tection, and  conducted  them  to 
tbe  presence  of  General  Sheaffe. 
—  lis*  and  Suniitit*  <4  OeiwnA 
WiT^MA  SeoU,  by  Edward  Uana- 
fltld,  page  44. 


■  The  authorities  consulted  in  compiling  the  foregoing  account  of  events  on  the  Niagara  (Irontier,  In  this  and  the 
preceding  chapter,  are  as  follows :  Offldal  Reports  of  Generals  Van  Rensselaer  and  Sheaffe,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cbrystie 
tti  Captain  Wool ;  oral  and  written  statements  of  Captain  (now  Major  General)  Wool  to  the  Author ;  MS.  Order  and 


V'  r 


t  1     I 


^1  i 


:  I  i  i: 


j.. 


,1 


404 


PICTORIAL   J-IELD-BOOK 


Lome*  In  the  Battle  of  Qneenston.       The  Surrender.       JuRttce  and  Injustice  to  the  Merltorioai.       Scott  at  NIann 

The  entire  loss  of  tJie  Americans  during  that  eventful  day,  according  to  the  most 
careful  cHtiraates,  was  ninety  killed,  about  one  hundred  wounded,  and  between  eiiflit 
and  nine  hundred  made  prisonerH,  causing  an  entire  loss,  in  rank  and  file,  of  about 
eleven  hundred  men.  The  British  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners  (the  lattir 
taken  in  the  morning),  M'as  about  one  hundred  and  thirty.  The  number  of  Indians 
engaged  and  their  loss  is  not  positively  known.'  Captain  Norton  was  wouiulod  but 
not  severely.  All  parties  engaged  in  the  fight  on  that  day  behaved  with  exemplary 
courage,  and  deserved,  as  they  received,  the  encomiums  of  their  respective  generals 
and  the  thanks  of  their  respective  governments.^ 

Brigadier  General  Wadsworth  was  in  command  when  the  army  was  surrendered. 
lie  delivered  his  sword  to  General  Sheafie  in  person.  The  ceremony  of  fornml  sur- 
render occurred  at  near  sunset,  wlien  the  prisoners,  officers,  and  men  were  inarelied 
to  the  village  of  Newark  (now  Niagara),  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River.  Tiiere 
the  officers  were  quartered  in  a  small  tavern,  and  placed  under  guard.  While  wait- 
ing for  an  escort  to  conduct  them  to  the  head-quarters  of  General  Sheaffe,  a  little  (jirl 
entered  the  parlor  and  said  that  somebody  in  the  hall  wanted  to  see  the  "  tall  officer." 
Scott,  who  was  unarmed,  immediately  went  out,  when  he  was  confronted  by  the  two 
Indians  who  had  made  such  a  violent  assault  upon  liira  while  bearing  a  flag  of  truce. 
Young  Brant  immediately  stepped  up  to  Scott  and  inquired  how  many  balls  had 
passed  through  his  clothing,  as  they  had  both  fired  at  him  incessantly,  and  had  been 
astonished  continually  at  not  seeing  him  fall.  Jacobs,  at  the  same  time,  seized  Scott 
rudely,  and  attempted  to  whirl  him  around,  exclaiming, "  Me  shoot  so  often,  me  sure 

Letter  Books  of  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer ;  MS.  correspondence  of  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rcnseelncr;  Oral  Nar- 
ratives of  Soldiers  in  the  Battle  at  Queenston,  living  In  Canada  in  1800 ;  Perkins's  Hintory  of  the  Late  War ;  Braclcen- 
ridge's  HUtory  of  tlie  Late  War ;  Thornton's  lJi»torieal  Sketches  qfthe Late  War;  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer's Sar- 
rativeofthe  Afair  at  Queetmimi;  IngeraoM's  Historical  Sketch  of  the  Second  War,etc.;  Nlles's  Weekly  liegister ;  theWat; 
Stone's  Life  of  Brant;  Sketchen  qfthe  War,  by  an  anonymous  writer;  Armstrong's  Notices  ufthe  (Tar  of  1812;  ManslipM'i 
Life  atid  Services  of  General  Winjield  Scott ;  Baylls's  Battle  of  Queenston ;  Flics  of  the  New  York  Herald,  or  scml-weeklv 
Evening  /"ost ;  James's  Military  Occurrences  of  the  Late  War ;  Auchinleck's  Histanj  of  the  War  of  181 2  /  Tiippcr's  hiji 
and  Correspondence  of  Sir  Isaac  Brock ;  Christie's  Military  Operations  in  Canada ;  Jarvls's  Narrative ;  Manuscript  Jour- 
nal of  Major  Merritt ;  Symonds's  Battle  nf  Queenston  Heights. 

1  British  writers  widely  disagree  In  their  estimates  concerning  the  Indian  force  on  that  occasion.  It  is  known  thai 
there  were  some  with  Dennis  in  the  morniuj,',  that  others  accompanied  Sheaffe  from  Fort  George  in  the  aflcrnooD,  aod 
that  he  was  joined  on  the  Heights  by  others  from  Chippewa.  I  think  the  Six  Nations  were  represented  on  that  dajbj 
abont  two  hundred  and  fifty  warriors. 

»  General  SheaCTe  named  almost  every  commissioned  officer  engaged  In  the  battle  as  entitled  to  high  praise.  He  spe- 
cially commended  Captain  Holcroft,  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  for  his  skillfnl  and  judicious  use  of  the  ordnance  in  liis 
charge ;  also  Lieutenant  Crowther  for  similar  service.  He  gave  credit  to  Captain  Olegg,  Bi^pck's  ald-de-cnmp,  for  great 
assistance ;  also  to  Lieutenant  Fowler,  assistant  depnty  quarter-master  general,  Lieutenant  Kerr,  of  the  (iloii^'ary  Fen- 
ciblcs.  Lieutenant  Colonels  Butler  and  Clarke,  and  Captains  Hail,  Durand,  Rowc,  Applegarth,  James  Crookp,  Coopf r, 
Robert  Hamilton,  M'Ewen,  and  Duncan  Cameron.  Lieutenants  Richardson  and  Thomas  Butler,  and  Major  Merrill,  of 
the  Niagara  Dragoons,  were  all  highly  spoken  of.  He  added  to  the  list  of  honor  the  names  cf  Volunteers  Shaw,  Thom- 
son, and  Jarvls.  The  latter  (G.  S.  Jarvis)  wrote  an  interesting  account  of  the  battle.  He  was  attached  to  the  light  com- 
pany of  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment.  Upon  Major  General  Brock,  his  slain  aid-de-camp  (Colonel  M'Donell),  and  Captains 
Dennis  and  Williams,  he  bestowed  special  and  deserved  encomium  for  their  gallantry. 

In  contrast  with  this  dispatch  of  General  Sheaffe  to  Sir  George  Prcvost,  written  at  Fort  George  on  the  evening  of  the 
day  of  battle.  Is  that  ot  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  General  Dearborn,  written  at  Lewlston  on  the  followinR  day.  He 
gives  a  general  statement  of  Important  events  connected  with  the  battle,  but  when  he  comes  to  distribute  the  honon 
among  those  who  are  entitled  to  receive  them,  he  omits  the  name  of  every  officer  who  was  engaged  In  storming  mi 
carrying  the  Heights  of  Qneenston,  the  chief  object  of  th.)  expedition.  The  name  of  Captain  Wool,  the  hero  of  the  day 
until  the  tide  of  victory  was  turned  against  the  Americans,  is  not  even  mentioned.  Byron  defined  military  glory  as 
"being  shot  through  the  body,  and  having  one's  name  spelled  wrong  In  the  gazettes."  Worse  fate  than  that  would 
have  been  that  of  Wool  and  the  storming-party  had  History  confiued  her  investigations  to  Van  Renseelaer's  report. 
He  expresped  his  great  obligations  to  General  Wadsworth,  Colonel  Van  Rensseloer,  Lieutenant  Colonels  Scott,  Chryp- 
tle,  and  Fen  wick,  and  Captain  Gibson,  all  of  whom  were  gallant  men,  and  performed  their  duties  nobly  in  the  after  part 
of  the  day,  but  not  one  of  them  had  a  share  in  the  capture  of  the  Heights,  the  defeat  of  Major  General  Brock,  and  Iho 
winnings  of  victory.  Van  Rensselaer  was  wounded  anj  taken  to  T^ewiston  before  daylight.  Fenwick  was  wounded 
while  crossing  the  river  and  taken  prisoner.    Chrystie  was  not  Hattle-fleld  until  the  morning  victories  were  ill 

won  under  Wool.  How  General  Van  Rensselaer  could  have  made  such  a  report  is  a  mystery.  It  is  due  to  bis  candor 
and  sense  of  justice  to  say  that  he  was  doubtless  misled  by  the  reports  of  interested  parties,  for  as  soon  as  he  perceived 
the  injuallce  that  was  done  to  brave  officers,  he  did  all  In  his  power  to  remedy  the  evil.  In  his  report  to  Colonel  Van 
Rensselaer,  on  the  83d  of  October,  Captain  Wool  made  special  mention  of  the  officers  who  acted  with  him  on  that  da.v, 
and  these  General  Van  Rensselaer  took  occasion  to  name  in  a  special  manner  in  a  letter  to  Brigadier  General  Smyth 
announcing  his  resignation,  written  at  Buffalo  on  the  24th.  In  a  letter  to  Captain  Wool  in  December  following,  Qen- 
eral  Van  Rensselaer  said, "  I  was  not  sufficiently  informed  to  do  jastlce  to  your  bravery  and  good  conduct  in  the  attack 
of  the  enemy  on  the  Heights  of  Qneenston."  He  then  expressed  the  hope  that  the  government  would  notice  bis  merit! 
on  that  occtolon. 


ininR  ol  the 
IK  day.   Be 
the  honors 
ormliig  and 
ofthedaj 
iry  glory  as 
that  wonld 
er'B  rcpoit. 
cott,  CbryE- 
le  after  part 
ick,  and  tho 
wonnded 
iea  were  all 
I  hlB  candor 
(e  percelted 
Colonel  Van 
tn  that  day, 
leral  Smy"" 
^wing,  0«n- 
1  the  attack 
>  bU  merltt 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


400 


9cott'»  Kncouutor  with  Inillaii*. 


Ubjectoftholr  Vlalt. 


A  combined  Triampbal  and  Kuiieral  ProceBiion. 


to  have  hit  somewhere !"  The  indignant  officer  thrust  the  savage  from  him,  ex- 
claiming,"  Hands  oft",  you  villain!  You  fired  like  a  squaw!"  lioth  assailants  im- 
mediately loosened  their  knives  and  tomahawks  from  their  girdles,  and  were  aV)out 
to  spring  upon  Scott,  while  Jacobs  exclaimed, "  We  kill  you  now  !'"  when  the  assailed 
rushed  to  the  end  of  the  hall,  where  the  swords  of  the  captured  officers  stood,  seized 
the  first  one,  drew  the  blade  from  its  steel  scabbard  as  quick  as  lightning,  and  was 
iil)out  to  bring  the  heavy  weapon  with  deadly  force  upon  the  Indians,  Avhen  a  British 
officer  entered,  seized  Jacobs  by  tho  arms,  and  shouted  for  the  guard.'  Jacobs  turned 
fiercely  upon  tho  officer,  exclaiming, "  I  kill  you,"  when  Scott,  with  the  heavy  sabre 
raised,  called  out, "  If  you  strike  I'll  kill  you  both."  For  a  moment  the  eyes  of  the 
group  gleamed  with  fury  upon  their  antagonist,  and  a  scene  was  presented  equal  to 
any  thing  in  the  songs  of  the  Troubadours  or  the  sagas  of  the  Norsemen.  The  gust 
of  passion  was  momentary,  and  then  the  Indians  put  up  their  weapons  and  slowly  re- 
tired muttering  imprecations  on  all  white  men  and  all  the  laws  of  war."  "  Beyond 
doubt,"  says  his  biographer,^ "  it  was  no  part  of  the  young  chiers  design  to  inflict  in- 
jury upon  the  captive  American  commander.  His  whole  cliaractcr  forbids  the  idea, 
for  he  was  as  generous  and  benevolent  in  his  feelings  as  he  was  brave."  It  is  be- 
lieved that  their  visit  to  Scott  was  one  of  curiosity  only,  for,  having  tried  so  repeat- 
edly to  hit  him  with  their  bullets,  they  were  anxious  to  know  how  nearly  they  had 
accomplished  their  object.  But  it  can  not  be  denied  that  the  exasperation  of  the  In- 
dians against  Scott,  because  of  their  losses  on  the  Heights,  was  very  great — so  great 
tiiat  while  he  remained  at  Niagara  he  could  not  move  from  his  lodgings  in  safety, 
even  to  visit  the  head-quarters  of  General  Sheafte,*  without  a  guard. 


When  General 
Slieaffe  marched  in 
triumph  from 
(Jueenston  to  New- 
ink,  he  took  with 
him  the  body  of 
the  slain  General 
Brock,  which  had 
been  concealed  in  a 
house  near  where  he 
fell.  The  march  had 
a  twofold  aspect.  It 
was  a  triumphal  and 
a  funeral  procession. 
At  Newark  the  body 
was  placed  in  the 
"ovemment    house, 


•  October  10, 
1812. 


NKW  HAOAZINF.  AT  rORT  aEOBQE. 


and  there  it  lay  in 
state  three  days, 
when  it  was  bu- 
ried" in  a 
new  cav- 
alier bastion  in 
Fort  George,  whose 
erection  he  had  su- 
perintended with 
great  interest.  By 
the  side  of  Brock's 
remains  were  laid 
those  of  his  provin- 
cial aid  -  de  -  camp, 
Lieutenant  Colonel 
M'Donell.»  The  fu- 
neral ceremonies 


1  This  was  Colonel  Coffin,  who  had  been  sent  by  General  Shenffe,  with  a  guard,  to  invite  the  American  officers  to  hie 
table  at  hi-  quarters.  >  Stone's  Life  of  Brant,  ii.,  614 ;  Mansfield's  Life  (tf  Scott,  page  48. 

>  William  L.Stone.  At  the  close  of  his  Life  (if  Joseph  Brant,  Stone  gives  an  interesting  sketch  of  the  life  of  John 
Brant 

<  KogerH.  Sheaffe  was  a  native  of  Boston,  Massachusetts,  and  was  a  lad  living  there  with  his  widowed  mother  at  the 


^W$^ 


opening  of  the  Revolution.  Earl 
Ptrcy'8  head-quarters  were  at  their 
house  while  the  British  occupied  the 
town,  and  his  lordship  became  much 
itUcbed  to  the  boy ;  so  much  so  that, 
<ith  the  consent  of  his  mother,  he 

tookhimaway  withhim  atthe  evac-  '^  of  meritorious  service.    He  was  sta- 

tioned In  Canada  at  the  breaking  out  of  tho  war.  He  at  once  stated  frankly  his  reluctance  to  serve  against  his  native 
mntry,  and  snlicited  a  transfer  to  some  other  flcld  of  duty.  His  request  was  not  granted.  For  his  gallant  condnct, 
>nd  winning  victory  on  the  Heights  of  Queenston,  he  was  created  a  baronet,  and  ever  afterward  was  known  as  Sir 
Roger  Sheaffe.    General  Sheaffe  was  bom  on  the  17th  of  July,  1703,  and  entered  the  British  army  on  the  1st  of  May, 

i;;8. 

'The  cavalier  bastion  where  Brock  and  his  aid  were  burled  is  near  what  is  known  as  the  new  magazine.  In  Fort 


uation  to  provide  fof  him.  He  gave 
him  a  military  education,  placed  him 
in  the  army,  and  procured  commis- 
sions and  promotions  for  him  as  fast 
as  possible.    His  promotion  to  ma- 


///  Jor  general  was  acquired  on  account 

^  nf  mf\r\tt\rinnn  Hftrvlpft.     He  was  Bta- 


i 

^mm^ 


H  i 


■'■I 


I  r 


iir 


406 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bmpeet  for  Brock  awarded  bjr  the  American!.      Brock's  Fnneral.      Ilooored  by  hli  OoTemment  and  the  CunadUoi 

were  arranged  by  his  other  aid,  Captain  Glegg  ;•  and  when  they  wore  over  tlie 
Americans  at  Fort  Niagara  and  at  Lewiston  tired  minute-guns,  as  a  marie  of  rosiu'ct 
due  to  a  brave  enemy,  by  command  of  Major  General  Van  Kensselaer.  An  armigtice 
for  a  few  days  had  been  agreed  u])on  by  Van  Rensselaer  and  Sheaffe,  which  gave  the 

Oeorge.  That  magaziue  la  represented  In  the  engraving  on  the  preceding  page.  Behind  it  are  seen  the  earthm  ram. 
parts  of  the  fort  as  they  appeared  when  I  viaited  it  In  1800.  The  place  of  the  basttou  la  indicated  by  the  hollow  uH 
opening  In  the  fence  on  the  right  of  the  picture. 

>  The  roliowiug  was  the  order  of  the  procession :  1.  Fort-ninjor  Campbell.  2.  Sixty  men  of  the  Fnrty-flrst  nojjImcDt. 
commanded  by  a  subaltern.  8.  Sixty  of  the  militia,  commanded  by  a  captain.  4.  Two  six-ponnders  firing  mlunte-irQim 
5.  Remaining  corps  and  detachments  of  the  garrison,  with  about  two  hundred  Indians,  in  reverse  order,  forming;  a  i!lrc«t 
through  which  the  procession  passed,  extending  n-om  the  government  house  to  the  garrison.  6.  Band  of  the  Kortv-flnt 
Regiment.  T.  Drums,  covered  with  black  cloth  and  muffled.  8.  Late  general's  horse,  ftilly  caparisoned,  led  bv  ttm 
grooms.  9.  Servants  of  the  general.  10.  The  general's  body-servant.  11.  Surgeon  Mulrhead,  Doctor  Moore,  Doctor 
Kerr,  and  Staff-surgeou  Thorn.  11.  Rev.  Mr.  Addison.  Then  followed  the  body  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Doncll,  with 
the  following  gentlemen  as  pall-bearers;  Captain  A.  Cameron,  Lieutenant  Robinson  (late  chief  Justice  of  Canada) 
J.  Edwards,  Lieutenant  Jarvis,  Lieutenant  Ridout,  and  Captain  Crooks.  The  chief  mourner  was  the  brother  of  the 
deceased. 

The  body  of  Oeneral  Brock  followed,  with  the  following  pall-bearers :  Mr.  James  CofBn,  Captains  VIgorcnus,  Deremy, 
Dennis,  Holcroft,  and  Williams,  M^or  Morritt,  Lieutenant  Colonels  Clarke  and  Butler,  and  Colonel  Claus,  supported  bv 
Brigade  Major  Evans  and  Captain  Ulegg.  The  chief  mounicrs  were  Major  Oeneral  Shealfc,  Ensign  Collin,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Myers,  and  Lieutenant  Fowler.  These  were  followed  by  the  civil  staff,  friends  of  the  deceased,  and  the  Inhab- 
itants. 

Oeneral  Brock  bad  become  greatly  endeared  to  the  Canadians.  Gentlemanly  deportment,  kind  and  concilintlog  man- 
ners, and  unrestrained  benevolence  were  his  prominent  characteristics.  He  died  unmarried,  precisely  a  week  after  hs 
bad  completed  his  forty-third  year.  His  dignity  of  person  has  already  been  described.  I  have  been  unable,  after  dil. 
igent  efforts,  to  obtain  his  portrait  or  big  autograph.  His  contemporaries  gave  many  tokens  of  respect  to  his  memurv 
after  his  death.  "  Canadian  fhrmers,"  says  Howison,  In  his  Sketches  of  Canada,  "  are  not  overburdened  with  ecnslbllliy, 
yet  I  have  seen  several  of  them  shed  tears  when  a  eulogium  was  pronounced  upon  the  Immortal  and  generoui-mlndcd 
deliverer  of  their  country."  The  Prince  Regent,  in  an  official  bulletin,  spoke  of  his  death  as  having  been  "sufflcicntto 
have  clouded  a  victory  of  much  greater  Importance."  The  muse  was  Invoked  In  expressions  of  sympathy  and  mnm. 
Among  poetical  effusions  which  the  occasion  elicited  was  the  following,  written  by  Miss  Ann  Bruycres,  "an  extraor- 
dinary child  of  thirteen  years  old,"  the  daughter  of  the  general's  warm  friend,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bruycres,  of  the  Koy  >l 
Engineers ; 

"  As  Fame  alighted  on  the  monntain's  crest, 
She  loudly  blew  her  trumpet's  mighty  blast , 
Bre  she  repeated  Victory's  notes,  she  cast 
A  look  around  ond  stopped.    Of  power  bereft, 
Her  bosom  heaved,  her  breath  she  drew  with  pain, 
Her  favorite  Brock  lay  slaughtered  on  the  plain  I 
Glory  threw  on  his  grave  a  laurel  wreath. 
And  Fame  proclaims,  *  A  hero  sleeps  beneath.' " 
Brock's  biographer  observes,  in  allnding  to  Fame  being  twice  mentioned  In  the  above  lines,  that  it  was  singnlar  that 
"  the  mournful  intelligence  of  Sir  Isaac  Brock's  death  was  brought  firom  Quebec  to  Guernsey  [his  native  country]  by  the 
ship  Fame,  belonging  to  that  Island,  on  the  24th  of  November,  two  days  before  It  was  known  In  London."— Tiipper'i 
Li/e  nf  Brock,  page  380. 

By  direction  of  a  resolution  of  the  Honse  of  Commons  on  the  20th  of  July,  1313,  a  military  monument  by  Westmacott 
was  erected  to  his  memory  in  St.  Paul's  Cathedral,  London,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  eight  thousand  dollars.  It  Is  In  the 
western  ambulatory  of  the  south  transept,  eud  contains  an  effigy  of  the  hero's  body  reclining  In  the  arms  of  a  British 
soldier,  while  an  Indian  pays  the  last  tribute  of  respect.   The  monument  bears  the  fallowing  inscription ;  "Erected,  at 

the  public  expense,  to  the  memory  of  Major  Genebai.  Sib  Isaac 
Beook,  who  gloriously  fell  on  the  13th  of  October,  MDCCCXll.,  in 
resisting  an  attack  on  Queenston,  In  Upper  Canada."  In  addition 
to  this,  twelve  thousand  acres  of  land  in  Upper  Canada  were  be- 
stowed on  the  four  surviving  brothers  of  General  Brock,  and  each 
were  allowed  a  pension  of  one  thousand  dollars  a  year  for  life,  by 
a  vote  of  the  British  Parliament. 

The  Canadians  could  never  seem  to 
honor  him  enough.  In  1816  they  struck 
a  small  medal  to  his  memory ;  and  soon 
afterward  steps  were  taken  In  the  prov- 
ince to  erect  a  suitable  monument  on 
Queenston  Heights,  not  far  from  the  spot 
where  lie  fell.  They  raised  a  lofty  Tuscan  column,  136  feet  in  height  from  the  base  to  the 
summit.  The  diameter  of  the  htme  of  the  column  was  seventeen  and  a  half  feet.  On  the 
summit  was  a  pedestal  for  a  statue.  Within  was  a  spiral  staircase  aronnd  a  central  shaft.  In 
the  base  was  a  tomb.  In  which  the  coffins  containing  the  remains  of  Brock  and  M'Donell 
were  deposited  on  the  13th  of  October,  1824.  Their  remains  were  conveyed  from  Fort  George 
to  their  lost  resting-place  in  a  hearse  drawn  by  fonr  black  horses,  followed  by  an  immense 
military  and  civic  procession,  while  artillery  fired  a  salute  of  minute-guns.  This  monument 
stood,  the  pride  of  the  Canadians,  nntll  the  middle  of  April,  1840,  when  a  miscreant  named 
Lett,  a  fligiti  ve  trom  Canada,  who  had  become  implicated  in  the  disturbances  there  in  1887  and 
1838,  attempted  to  destroy  it  with  gunpowder.  He  succeeded  in  so  injuring  It  that  it  became 
necessary  to  pull  it  down.  A  meeting  was  held  on  the  Heights  In  July  following,  at  which 
the  late  Sir  Allan  M'Nab  made  a  stirring  speech,  when  It  was  resolved  to  erect  a  new  monument.  It  was  estlmaleii 
that  eight  thousand  persons  were  present,  and  a  salute  was  fired  by  the  Royal  Artillery.  That  meeting  and  the  new 
monnment  will  be  considered  in  the  next  chapter. 


IN  MEHOBT  OF  QEHESAI,  UBOOK. 


BBOCK'B  aONUHDIT. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF   1  h  1  2. 


407 


ntt  on  LewlitoD  IlelgbU.  TraoRfer  of  Colonel  Van  ReoiMlaer  from  ({aeeoiton  to  Albany.  Uli  Reception. 

two  commandent  an  opportunity  for  the  exchange  of  those  humane  courtCHics  which 
should  ncvor  be  loHt  Hij?lit  of  amid  the  tumults  of  war.' 

Let  lu  turn  back  and  coimidcr  for  a  moment  what  occurred  on  the  American  side 
in  coniu^ction  with  the  battle  of  QueeiiHton.  At  Lewiston,  Lovett,^  as  we  have  seen, 
was  placed  in  charge  of  an  eightecn-pounder  in  battery  on  the  IleightH,^  where  he  per- 
(ormcd  good  service  in  covering  the  par- 
ty that  crossed  before  daylight.  It  be- 
ing dark,  he  stooped  close  to  the  gun  to 
observe  its  aim,  when  it  was  discharged, 
and  the  concussion  so  injured  his  ears 
that  he  was  much  deaf  ever  afterward. 
Soon  after  this  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer 
ffii8  brought  over  from  the  Canada  shore 
with  ti%e  bleeding  wounds.  He  had  been 
flick  M'ith  fever,  and  had  left  his  bed  to 
attend  to  preparations  for  the  invasion. 
The  disease  and  his  wounds  so  prostrated 
him  that  for  several  days  his  life  was  in 
extreme  peril.*  It  was  not  until  five 
(lays  after  the  battle  that  he  could  bo 
moved  from  Lewiston.  Then  a  cot  was 
riiri»ed  with  cross-bars  and  side-poles,  on 
•  October     which  he  was  carried,  on  the 

1312.  '  18th,*  to  Schlosser  by  a  detach- 
ment of  Major  Moseby's  militia  riflemen. 
On  the  following  day  he  was 
taken  by  the  same  party  by  land 
and  water  to  Buffalo.^  There  lie 
remained  until  the  9th  of  Novem- 
ber, and  was  then  conveyed  to  his  home  at  Mount  Hope,  near  Albany,  accompanied, 
as  he  had  been  since  his  removal  from  Lewiston,  by  Mr.  Lovett.  They  were  met  in* 
the  suburbs  of  Albany  by  a  cavalcade  of  citizens,  and  Van  Rensselaer  was  received 
vrith  the  honors  of  a  victor.* 

1  The  correspondence  between  the  generals  may  be  fonnd  in  Van  Reneselner's  Narrativf,  olready  allnded  to. 

1  John  Lovett  was  a  resident  of  Albany  when  the  war  broke  out,  and  was  a  leading  man  In  the  profession  of  the  law 


there.  General  Van  Rensse- 
laer, hie  early  friend,  Invited 
him  to  become  his  aid  and 
military  secretary.  "I  am  not 
a  Boldler,"  said  Lovett.  "  It  is 
lot  your  tveord,  but  your  pen 
that  I  want,"  replied  Van 
Ren-selaer.  Mr.  Lovett  was 
elected  to  a  seat  in  Congress 


in  ISIS,  when  ho  renewed  his 
acquolntance  with  Governor 
Meigs,  and  through  his  influ- 
ence purchased  a  tract  of  laud 
on  ttie  Maumee,  and  com- 
menced a  settlement  which 
he  named  Perryi^burg,  in  hon- 
or of  the  gallant  hero  of  Lake 
Erie.  There  he  resided,  but 
He  died  at  Fort  Meigs  in  August,  1818,  at  the  early  age  of 


he  was  early  cut  off  by  the  prevailing  fever  of  the  country. 

Hfly-two  years.    For  a  more  extended  sketch  of  Mr.  Lovett's  life,  see  Reminiscence*  qf  Troy,  by  John  Woodworth. 

)  This  battery  was  called  Fort  Qray,  in  honor  of  Nicholas  Gray,  acting  engineer,  under  whose  supervision  it  was 
inDged. 

'  Arad  Joy,  Esq.,  who  was  pajrmaster  of  Colonel  Henry  Bloom's  regiment,  and  acting  quartermaster  on  the  day  of 
the  battle,  wrote  to  me  on  the  16th  of  March,  13IS2,  giving  me  an  account  of  his  experience  on  the  Lewiston  side  of  the 
river.  He  had  charge  of  the  wagons  that  conveyed  the  wounded  to  the  hospital  on  the  ridge  road,  two  miles  from  the 
Ttllige.  Of  Van  Rensselaer  he  says :  "  The  loss  of  blood  caused  him  to  be  chilly.  He  sat  upon  a  board  across  the  top 
ofthe  wagon-box,  without  a  groan ;  and  as  we  met  the  soldiers  going  to  the  river  to  cross,  he  would  call  out  at  the  top 
of  his  voice,  'Go  on,  my  brave  fellows,  the  day  Is  our  own.'  It  cheered  up  and  encouraged  them.  He  was  taken  to 
good  quarters  In  a  private  bonse.  The  head  surgeon,  ^vlth  his  instruments,  was  along.  We  carried  him  Into  the  house 
sA  seated  him  on  a  chair.  His  boots  were  filled  with  blood,  which  was  gushing  from  his  thigh,  and  plainly  to  be  seen 
through  his  pantaloons.    The  boots,  at  Van  Rensselaer's  request,  were  cut  from  his  feet." 

>  At  BnlTaio,  on  the  24th,  Van  Rensselaer  nse-i  a  pen  for  the  first  time  since  receiving  his  wounds,  and  wrote  to  his 
wife.  That  letter  Is  before  me.  It  Is  filled  with  expressions  of  gratitude  toward  General  Van  Rensselaer,  and  con- 
(lodes  by  saying :  "  I  congratulate  you  on  the  birth  of  our  little  boy.  That  this  should  have  taken  place  on  the  same 
Di;ht  I  made  the  attack  on  the  British  is  singalar.    He  must  be  a  soldier." 

'  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  was  born  in  Oreenbush,  opposite  Albany,  in  the  old  house  known  as  the  Garret  mansion. 


i   ^^^ 


!        )i 


8 ' 


406 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


ImU  at  Um  Mnnth  of  th«  NURira  River. 


Aceoaal  of  fort  NliKir*. 


DlipoMl  or  tha  Anwrlean  PrtMMti. 


Whilo  tJjo  Htirrinj^  ovontH  nt  QiironHton  woro  in  proj^roHS  in  tho  morning,  tlicre  wm 
n  lively  \.'.:iw  iit  Forts  (loorf^u  iiiul  Niaj^iira.'  8i)  hooii  uh  Mrook  heard  tlio  ntatc  of 
aftiiirH  at  (jneonHton,  liu  sent  down  word  to  lirij^adt!  Major  Kvaim,  wlio  liad  liecn  ||.f) 
in  charge  of  Fort  (ieorge,  to  ojten  a  cannonade  upon  Fort  Niaj^'ura.  Me  did  ho  ami 
received  n  Hliarp  reply  from  the  Honth  l>iock-hous(«  of  the  American  fortrcMM,  wliich 
wa8  in  charj!;e  of  ('aptain  M'Keon.  Tliat  officer  turned  his  guim  upon  (he  villaj{<.  of 
Newark  also  when  cluirged  with  hot  shot,  and  Hcveial  IxiiidinirH  were  Hct  on  lire.  Tlic 
(cannonade  continued  some  time,  when  Kvans,  aided  by  ()oh)nel  ('laus  and  C'liptain 
Vigoreux,  of  the  Royal  KngincerH,  oju'ned  a  Hevere  bombardment  upon  Fort  Ninirura 
Already  the  burHting  of  a  twelve-pounder  had  (b'prived  the  AniericanH  of  their  lust 
weapon.  This  fact,  and  the  Q;(poHed  condition  of  the  fort  under  the  attack  of  hIicIIn 
cauHed  Captain  Leonard,  the  commandant  of  the  garrinon,  to  abainlon  it.  The  trooim 
had  not  proceeded  far  when  they  observi-d  liritiHli  boats,  filled  wiMi  armed  men,  ieiuiiKr 
the  Canada  nhore  for  Fort  Niagara,  evidently  with  the  intention  of  securing  a  lodi'. 
ment  there.  M'Keon  immediately  returned  with  his  little  force,  remained  there  unmo- 
lested over  night,  and  was  joined  by  the  remainder  of  the  garrison  the  next  inorniiiir. 

The  American  militia  officers  and  privates  captured  at  Queenston  were  j)aroli'(l  and 
sent  across  the  river,  but  those  of  the  regular  army  were  detained  as  ])ri8onerH  of  wiir 
for  exchange.*  These  were  sent  to  Quebec,  and  from  there,  in  a  cartel,^  to  Honton,  ex- 
cept twenty-three,  who  were  claimed  as  I'litish  subjects,  and  were  sent  to  Kiiijlaiid 
to  be  tried  for  treason.*    The  energetic  action  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott  then  and 


In  \T14.  His  fnthor  was  a  brave  offlcor  of  the  Revolution  (Henry  Killlan  Van  RenMelaer),  who  wnt  severely  wonndftl 
In  the  tbl|{h  ill  a  battle  near  Fort  Ann  In  ITTT.  Ho  waa  then  a  colonel.  The  bullet,  which  was  not  extracted  iiulll  after 
hlH  death,  forty  yearn  Inter,  In  atlll  In  the  iiciukokhIoii  of  the  family.  It  waa  flattened  by  atrlkUiK  the  thluh  hone.  Ilia  mu 
S<ilomon  Inherited  IiIh  military  dUpoitltliiii,  and  at  the  nue  of  eighteen  yeara  entered  the  army  under  Wayne  ati  acuriicl 
of  cavalry  in  the  name  battalion  with  the  late  ['reiildent  Harrinoii.  He  waa  promoted  to  the  rommand  of  a  tniuii  |,lulv 
1, 1T0S|  before  he  waa  twenty.  He  waa  ahot  through  the  IniiKa  In  the  battle  at  the  Haplda  of  the  Miami  or  Maninec  in 
AnRHi ;,  iJM.  In  17lt8,  when  war  with  France  eeemcd  inevitable,  Waahington  aent  for  Van  Kensdclaer,  inquired  aliom 
the  state  of  his  wounds,  and  aoon  afterward  [.lanuary,  18(H))  be  waa  appointed  a  major  of  cavalry.  When  the  army  wn 
dlabandcd  he  went  Into  civil  pursultH,  but  waa  called  to  the  reaponaible  post  of  Adjutant  General  of  New  York  hi  Jang- 
ary,  IHfll.  He  held  thai  office  when  the  war  broke  ont,  and  nt  the  aolicitatlim  of  hia  uncle,  General  Van  Kriii'aclniT.hp 
took  a  position  on  his  stalT.  His  xcrvlcca  at  Queonston  have  been  recorded  in  the  text.  That  event  cloiied  IiIk  military 
life,  except  na  mi\jor  general  of  the  mlllila  In  1810.  Monroe  appointed  him  post-master  at  Albany,  and  he  held  that  po- 
Wltlon  until  removed  by  Van  Buren.  Ho  waa  a  delegate  to  the  Whig  t.'onveutloii  that  nominated  his  frieiul  Ilnrrlwn 
for  the  presidency  in  IS-TO.  Harrison  reinstated  liini  in  the  post-olHce  at  Albany,  from  which  ho  wns  remcivcd  by  Jdhn 
Tyler.  He  died  at  his  residence  at  Cherry  Hill,  about  a  mile  south  of  State  Street,  Albany,  i  n  the  24th  of  Ajirll,  ls(i2,  In 
the  seventy-eighth  ycnr  of  hIa  age.  Cherry  Hill  is  a  most  bcaiitifiil  spot,  westward  of  the  rural  extension  of  Pearl  Street. 
It  overlooks  the  Hudson,  and  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  country  eastward  of  the  river.  I  remember  a  vNlt  .'i  that 
mansion  several  years  ago  (then  occupied  by  hia  daughters)  with  much  pleasure.  Ula  residence  during  the  war  u(  Kit 
wns  called  Mount  Hope,  and  is  a  little  south  of  Cherry  Hill. 

1  Fort  Niagara  was  commenced  as  early  as  1071),  when  La  Halle,  a  French  explorer.  Inclosed  a  small  spot  there  wltli 
palisades.  In  ItlST,  DeNonville,  a  French  commander,  constructed  a  quadrangular  fort  there  with  four  hnstliing.  The 
.Seuecas  attacked,  a  fatal  disease  followed,  and  the  fort  was  nbnndoned.  In  U'iti,  the  French,  who  still  occu|)lcd  tlic  iipui, 
built  quite  n  strong  fnrtiflcntlon  there.  It  was  taken  from  them  by  Sir  Wllllum  Johnson,  with  a  force  of  DritUh  and 
Indians,  In  1780.  It  then  covered  about  eight  acres,  having  been  cnlnrged  ond  strengthened  from  time  to  time  until  It 
had  become  a  regular  fort  of  great  resisting  power.  It  never  again  passed  lnt<i  the  hands  of  the  French.  During  the 
Rev(dulion  it  was  tlie  rendezvous  of  the  Tories  and  Indians,  who  desolated  Central  New  York,  and  sent  predatory  partlcj 
Into  Pennsylvania.  "It  waa  the  head-quarters,"  says  l)eveanx,"or  all  thntwnsbarhnrou8,unrclenllnir,  and  cruel.  There 
were  congregated  the  leaden  and  chiefs  of  those  bands  of  murderers  and  miscreants  who  carried  death  and  dcjulallon 
Into  the  remote  American  settlements.  There  civilized  Europe  reveled  with  savage  Americans,  and  Indies  of  educa- 
tion and  refliienicnt  mingled  in  the  society  of  those  whose  only  distinction  waa  to  wield  the  bloody  tomahawk  and  the 
scalplni; -knife.  There  the  squaws  of  the  forests  were  raised  to  eminence,  and  the  most  unholy  unions  between  them 
and  officers  of  highest  rank  smiled  upon  and  countenanced.  There,  In  the  strong-hold,  like  a  nest  of  vultures,  sccnrelj 
for  some  years  they  sallied  forth  and  preyed  upon  the  distant  settlements  of  the  Mohawk  and  Susiiueiiannn  va!ley». 
It  was  the  dopAt  of  their  plunder.  There  they  planned  their  forays,  and  there  they  returned  to  fenst  until  tlm  time  of 
action  cnmo  again."— Drewit/j;'/)  FnllH  n/Siagara.  Fort  Niagara  remolned  in  possession  of  the  British  until  1780.  It ».'.? 
then  commanded  by  Colonel  Smith,  who  led  the  British  In  the  light  at  Concord  In  1775.  It  has  been  well  observed  that 
"Colonel  Smith  may  with  propriety  be  said  to  have  participated  In  both  the  opening  and  closing  acts  of  the  Amcrlcaii 
revolution." 

»  The  following  Is  a  list  of  the  regular  officers  who  were  surrendered :  Colonel  Scott,  Lieutenant  Colonels  Chrielle  and 
Fonwick  (the  former  slightly,  the  lotter  badly  wounded),  Major  Miillany,  Captains  Gibson,  M'Chesney,  and  Ogllvic,  Lieu- 
tenants Randolph,  Kearney,  Sammons,  Hugunin,  Fink,  Carr,  Turner,  Totten,  Bailey,  Phelps,  Clarke  (wounded),  and 
M'Carty,  and  Knsign  Reeve. 

'  A  cartel  ship  is  a  vessel  commissioned  In  time  of  war  to  carry  prisoners  for  exchange,  or  messoges  from  one  belllgtr- 
ent  to  another. 

♦  At  the  beginning  of  the  war  the  American  prisoners  were  cruelly  treated.  Much  testimony  on  the  subject  wa«  col- 
lected by  a  committee  of  Congress,  appointed  for  the  purpose,  in  the  summer  of  1813.    It  was  In  evidence  that  when 


OP  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


409 


HrnU'i  b<>l<l  I'riitortlon  of  K«llc>w-prl«iin<ini.     KuulUtlon  >ulhiirlieil  tiy  ('onitraiM.    OoneemliiK  Parpatnal  MUgitnet. 

iitU'iWiird  Hiivwl  tlu'in  fniiii  ilcath.  Wh^n  t!io  pi i.-;;"n*VH  wt-rc  iilmiit  to  Miiil  IVom  C2»o- 
Im^c  a  pnrty  of  liritmh  otll(a>rfl  ciunvi  on  bonnl  tliu  ctirtel,  iiiuHtt>rt>(l  tliu  ciiptivcH,  and 
ooniiiK'nci'ii  m'puratinn  from  t!io  r«'Ht  thoHo  who,  by  tlicir  accont,  were  found  to  be 
IriHlinuMi.  'riu'Hc  th(>y  inti'iidod  to  Hcnd  to  Kiiil^IuikI  for  trial  hh  traitorH  in  a  frii;:it(> 
lyin^  nt'ar,  in  lu-tjordaimc  with  the  doc^trinu  that  u  liritiHli  Hubji;t!t  can  not  vx]>atriatc 
liiiiiHolf.'  Hcott,  who  waH  Ik-Iow,  ht-arin}^  u  tumult  on  dock,  wont  up.  Ho  wan  Hoon 
infKrnu'd  of  tho  oauno,  and  at  onco  ontorod  a  vohomont  protimt  against  tho  pro<!ood- 
ini(i«.  lie  couiniaiulo<l  IiIh  HoldiorH  to  bo  abMolutoly  Hilont,  that  their  acoont  mi^lit  not 
l)etray  thoin.  Ho  wa»  ropoatodi/  onb'n'd  to  ^o  bolow,  anil  aH  ropo.'itodiy  rofuHcd. 
fhe  HoidiorH  oboyod  him.  Tw(M>ty-throo  hud  already  boon  detected  as  IriHhnion,  but 
not  aiiotliiT  one  l»ecame  a  victim.  The  twonty-thnu!  Mjore  taken  on  board  the  frij^ate 
in  iroiiH.  Scott  bohlly  anHured  them  that  if  the  liritiHh  (rovernment  dared  to  injure  a 
hair  of  their  heads,  hiH  own  fjovernment  would  fully  avonpo  the  outraiije.  He  at  the 
Hamc  time  aH  boKlly  defied  the  menacing  otticerH,  and  comforted  the  nnmaelod  priHon- 
crs  in  every  poHHihIe  way.  Scott  waH  exchanged  in  January,  181.3,  and  at  once  Hcnt 
a  Cull  report  of  thin  atVair  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  lie  liaHtoned  to  WaHhington  in 
iHTHon,  and  proHHod  the  Hubject  upon  the  attention  of  CongroHH.  A  bill  waH  ititro- 
iliici'd  to  voHt  "the  IVohidont  of  the  United  States  with  powers  of  retaliation."'*  It 
oriijinated  in  tlie  Senate,  and  would  have  paHsed  both  houHos  but  for  the  conceded 
tact  that  such  powers  were  already  fully  contained  i.'i  the  general  constitutional 
powers  of  tho  President  to  conduct  the  war.  Fortunately  for  the  credit  of  common 
humanity,  the  President  never  hud  occasion  to  exercise  tliat  power  to  the  extent  of 
lit'i'-takiiig,  for  the  Hritish  government  wisely  and  prudently  abstained  from  carrying 
iiiit  in  practice,  in  the  case  of  American  prisoners,  its  cherished  doctrine  of  perpetual 
iillciliiiiico.' 

priaoneni  «rrlvP(l  at  Plymouth  th«y  wcro  unnt  to  Mill  prison  for  one  diiy  and  nlg\it,  and  all  tho  food  allowed  thorn  "  for 
the  Iwenty-fonr  hniirx  worn  three  nmall  inlt  horrlnK",  or  nbnut  tho  nnmo  weight  of  Halted  codflnh,  or  hnlf  n  pound  of 
kef,  one  nnd  a  half  puundH  of  black  hrcnd,  a  little  nail,  etc."  Un  the  Herond  dny  tlioy  were  pi.roled,  and  Heut  Kvcnty- 
tour  miles  from  I'lymouth,  at  tho  expense  (if  tho  prisoners,  where  they  were  allowed  scarcely  sufllclent  to  drive  starva 
lion  HW«y.  It  was  testlHed  that  the  prlwiners  were  kept  In  h  half-starved  state,  It  Iwlng  "tho  policy  of  Iho  British 
govfrniiient,"  accordinx  to  the  moinorlul  of  ".lames  Ome,  Joseph  I).  Cook,  Thomas  Humphries,  and  others,"  as  they 
deraiily  lielleved,  "  to  select  the  sickly  to  he  first  sent  In  cartels,  aud  keep  tho  halo  ond  hordy  scnmen  until  llioy  become 
ilckly,  thus  renderlu(f  the  whole  of  these  Eallsnt  sons  of  Neptune  who  escape  death,  when  they  return  to  their  homes,  at 
Ifut  for  eomo  tlnio,  jierfectly  useless  to  tliiMnselves,  and  quite  so  to  their  country,  from  their  debilitated  state." 
Amcrlcsn  priaonora  wore  actually  hired  out  in  the  British  service,  as  appears  by  the  following  advertlsomont  in  a 
Jam»lc«  paper! 

"  Port  Royal,  2Bth  Nov.,  1R12. 
"Masters  of  vessels  about  to  proceed  to  England  with  convoy  arc  informed  that  they  may  be  supplied  with  u  limited 
lumber  of  American  seamen  (prisontirB  of  war)  to  assist  in  uarigating  their  vessels,  on  the  usual  terms,  by  applying  to 

"Okorok  Maduk,  AgriU." 
1  See  paRO  8B. 

'Only  two  months  afler  the  passage  of  tho  act,  Scott  himself,  as  commander  in  the  capture  of  Port  George,  selected 
friim  Ills  prisoners  twenty-three,  to  be  confined  in  the  Interior  of  the  country,  to  abide  the  fate  of  those  sent  to  England 
(romfiiu'hec. 
'  The  Krliiiih  government  had  a  precedent  not  only  In  a  notable  case  in  its  own  history,  bnt  In  tho  action  of  a  neigh- 
Wng  uiition.  In  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  Doctor  Storey,  a  native  of  England,  quitted  his  country  and  became  u 
iibject  of  Spain.  He  was  received  ot  the  English  Court  as  embassador  ft^om  his  adopted  country.  He  was  Indicted  in 
EDIiInnd  for  treason,  when  he  pleaded  his  Spanish  citizenship.  It  availed  him  nothing.  His  plea  was  overruled,  a'ld 
lie  was  condemned  and  executed.  Colonel  Townley,  an  Englishman  born,  became  naturalized  In  France,  but  on  being 
niifd  while  boiirlng  arms  against  England,  was  executed  for  treason.  Tho  French  decree  of  Trianon  declared  that  no 
Ftdiclimnn  could  be  naturalized  abroad  without  the  consent  of  thefmperor,  and  that  such  that  may  bo  naturalized 
abroad  without  his  consent  conid  not  bear  arms  against  France.  Tno  American  judiciary  had  also  fttmished  a  pre- 
rtdeut.  Isaac  Williams,  an  American,  received  a  nontenant's  c(mimisslon  from  the  French  government  in  1792,  and 
icrvedin  tho  French  navy.  In  I'Utt  he  was  tried  before  Chief  Justice  Ellsworth  for  having  accepted  a  privateer's  com- 
nlHion  from  the  French  Republic  to  commit  acts  of  hostility  against  Great  Britain,  contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  ITnlted 
Stales  and  of  the  late  treaty  with  Great  Britain.  The  Judge  decided  that  tho  prisoner  was  a  citiron  of  the  United  States, 
indlbnt  the  emigration  of  a  clHzen  implies  no  consent  of  the  government  that  ho  should  expatriate  himsolf.— See  Por- 
jtlis's  HiMorij  nfthf.  Polilimt  and  Militarn  Events  of  the  Late  ITor,  page  2SS.  A  farther  notice  of  thiK  subject,  and  the 
Tlews  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  expressed  by  Secretary  Monroe,  will  be  found  in  another  portion  of  thir 
work.-Sec  Index. 

Tbi>  dnal  result  of  Scott's  hnmanc  and  conrageons  conduct  in  this  matter  was  very  gratifying  to  himself.  Almost  three 
jeire  after  the  event  at  Qnobec  he  was  greeted  by  loud  huzzas  as  he  was  passing  a  wHhrf  on  tho  East  River  side  of 
Sew  York  Oily.  It  came  from  a  gronp  of  Irishmen  who  had  Just  landed  from  an  emigrant  ship.  They  were  twenty- 
one  of  the  twenty-three  prisoners  for  whom  ho  had  cared  so  tenderly.  They  had  Just  returned  after  a  long  confinement 
in  English  prisons.  They  recognized  their  benefactor,  and,  says  Scott's  biographer,  "  nearly  crushed  him  by  their  warm- 
liearted  embraces."— Mansfield's  L4A!  if -Sioott. 


iijrlif  Hjif*  . 

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410 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Re«l|;natloD  of  General  Van  Keneseluer. 


Smyth  his  Saccesaor. 


Bmyth'a  pompoua  ProclnniBtloni. 


(Icneral  Van  Rensselaer  wa^  disgusted  with  the  joalcusies  of  some  of  tlie  regular 
officorB  and  the  conduct  of  the  militia.  He  was  also  convinced  that  tlie  profi'ssion 
of  irnis  was  not  the  sphere  in  which  he  would  be  most  useful.  On  the  24th  of  Octo- 
ber he  resigned  the  command  of  the  troops  on  the  Niagara  frontier  to  General  Smyth 
and  800U  afterward  obtained  from  Governor  Tompkins  permission  to  leave  the  8crv- 
ice. '  Smytli's  pride  Avaa  gratified,  and  it  was  soon  displayed  in  a  series  of  pompous 
proclamations,  which  created  both  merriment  and  disgust.  lie  promised  so  lars^ely 
and  performed  so  little  that  he  became  the  target  for  ridicule  and  satire  by  all  p.ir- 
ties.  In  his  first  proclamation,  issued  on  the  10th Sif  November,  he  displayed  a  lack 
of  common  courtesy  and  good  taste  by  offensive  reflections  upon  Generals  Hull  and 
Vjin  Rensselaer.*  "  One  array,"  he  said,  "  has  been  disgracefully  surrendered  and 
lofit.  Another  has  been  sacrificed  by  a  precipitate  attempt  to  pass  it  over  at  the 
strongest  point  of  the  enemy's  lines  with  most  incompetent  means.  The  cause  of 
these  miscarriages  is  apparent.  The  commanders  were  popular  men,  destitute  alike 
of  theory  and  experience  in  the  art  of  war,"  "In  a  few  days,"  he  continued, "the 
troops  under  my  command  will  plant  the  American  standard  in  Canada.  They  arc 
men  accustomed  to  obedience,  silcnc.e,  and  steadiness.  They  will  conquer  or  they  will 
die.  Will  you  stand  with  your  arms  folded  and  look  on  this  interesting  strusrglc? 
Must  I  turn  from  you,  and  ask  men  of  the  Six  Nations  to  support  tlie  gov- 
ernment of  the  Unit<'d  States  ?  Shall  I  imitate  the  oflicers  of  the  British  king,  and 
sufter  our  ungathered  laurels  to  be  tarnished  by  ruthless  deeds  ?^  Shame,  where  is 
tny  blush  ?  No.  Where  I  command,  the  vanquished  and  the  peaceful  man,  the  child, 
the  maid,  and  the  matron,  shall  be  secure  from  wrong.  The  present  is  the  hour  for 
renown.  Have  you  not  a  wish  for  fame  ?  Would  you  not  choose  in  future  times  to  be 
named  as  one  of  those  who,  imitating  the  heroes  whom  Montgomery  led,  have,  in  spite 
of  the  seasons,  visited  the  tomb  of  the  chief,  and  conquered  the  country  where  he  liesV" 

>  General  Van  RensBelner  reached  Albany  on  Saturday  morning,  the  31st  of  October,  when  he  was  honored  by  a  pub- 
lic reception.  On  thcSOtb  the  Common  Oo""cil  of  Albany  appointed  three  of  their  menibcrB,  namcly.TeiinlB  Von  Vechlon, 
Isaac  Ilausen,  and  Peter  Boyd,  a  commltice  for  the  purpose.  These  on  the  same  day  Issued  a  little  handbill,  calling  npoa 
the  people  to  meet  at  the  public  square  the  next  morning  at  e<ght  o'clock.  The  committee  also  recommended  that  eucb 
"as  are  accommodated  with  horses  or  carriages  to  repolr  to  the  house  of  Widow  Ponw,  on  the  Albany  and  Schciieclady 
turnpike,  for  the  purpose  of  escorting  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  mansion-house ;  and  the  residue  of  the  citi- 
zens arc  requested  to  proceed  to  the  hay-scales,  and  there  join  the  escort."  The  reception  was  imposing,  and  lilglily 
gratifying  to  the  general.  Two  days  afterward  he  received  a  letter  from  the  debtors  In  the  Albony  jail,  who  had  expe- 
rienced his  bounty,  congratulating  him  on  his  return. 

"  "  I  take  the  liberty,"  wrote  a  correspondent  of  General  Van  Rensselaer  from  Ociieseo,  "  to  inclose  yon  a  copy  of  a 
handbill  IVom  General  Smyth,  which  was  circulated  yesterday  and  the  day  before  about  Batavia.  As  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  observe,  men  0/  all  parties  unite  in  reprobating  the  attack  he  makes  upou  other  commuodcrs.  I  suspect,  indeed, 
that  the  attack  is  the  main,  real  object  of  the  handbill."— Autograph  Letter  of  Samuel  M.  Hopkins,  November  U,  1S12. 

'  Soon  after  the  commencement  of  hostilities  It  was  niraored  at  Buffalo  that  tho  British  bad  taken  possession  of  Grand 
Island,  in  the  Niagara  River,  which  belonged  to  the  Seuecas,  one  of  the  Six  Nations.  Red  Jacket,  the  chief  of  the  Sen- 
eeas,  called  the  nation  to  a  council,  and  thereat  a  desire  was  expressed  to  go  and  drive  the  invaders  off.  At  a  pnbFc- 
i]uent  conncil,  where  there  was  a  large  attendance  of  the  nation,  a  formal  declaration  of  war  against  the  Canadas  wim 
mudc  'i  these  words : 

"We,  the  chiefs  and  councilors  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  residing  In  the  State  of  New  York,  do  hereby  pr-claim 
to  all  the  war-chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  that  war  is  declared  on  our  part  against  the  provinces  of  I'pper 
ond  Lower  Canada.  Therefore  we  hereby  command  nnd  advise  all  the  war-chiefc  and  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  to 
call  forth  Immediately  the  warriors  nnder  them,  and  put  them  In  motion  to  protect  their  rights  and  liberties,  whicli  our 
brethren,  tl.u  Americans,  are  now  defending."* 

This  Is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  Indian  i^claratlon  of  war  ever  committed  to  writing.  Although  the  ecrvlcei 
of  the  Indians  were  offered  to  General  Smyth,  he  declined  them,  because  the  government  of  the  United  States,  acting 
in  the  interest  of  common  humanity,  had  resolved  not  to  employ  the  savages  In  the  war  unless  compelled  to. 

'  Alluding  to  tb's  council,  Mr.  Lovett,  General  Van  Rensselaer's  military  secretary,  then  in  attendance  at  Buffalo  on 
Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  said :  "The  spirit  of  insubordination  seems  to  have  wound  its  way  among  the  eons 
of  Belial,  our  red  brethren.  With<mt  the  leave  or  knowledge  of  Mr.  Granger  [the  Indian  Superintendent),  they  have 
had  a  great  council  back  In  the  bneh.  To  purge  away  this  horrid  fin  of  disobedience,  Mr.  G.,  the  good  Mobcb  of  thcfc 
shabby  Israelites,  ordered  them  to  trasd  back  their  steps  unsancttfled  by  his  behests,  and  to  cast  to  the  wind  the  wam- 
pum, and  the  belts,  ind  all  the  rcr  jrds  of  their  abominable  council,  and  to  repair,  one  and  all,  before  the  higli-prlest  ot 
the  temple  at  Buffalo,  to  have  their  souls  scrubbed  ffora  all  political  sins.  The  day  before  yesterday  hither  they  canie- 
sacuems,  chiefs,  and  warrlors-t^ild  and  y.  nng,  squaws  and  pappooscs— with  all  of  Intemedlate  grades.  Such  a  Ihur- 
ongh  shaklrg  of  the  beggar-bag  of  poor  motley  human  nature  I  never  before  saw.  With  great  humility  all  confessed 
their  sins,  received  absolution,  and  washed  their  souls  in  whisky.  All  got  drunk,  wallowed  all  night  In  the  mud,  nnd 
the  next  day  went  home  to  their  wigwams  pure  and  humble,  chanting  the  praises  of  Moses."— Autograph  Lt^ltcr  to 
General  Van  Rensrolaer,  November  0, 181S. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


411 


Smyth  and  his  Proclamations  ridiculed. 


In  another  proclamation  ho  said :  "  Companions  in  arms !  the  time  is  at  hand  when 
you  will  cross  the  stream  of  Niagara  to  conauer  Canada,  and  to  secure  the  peace  of 
the  American  frontier.     You  will  enter  a  country  that  is  to  be  one  of  the  United 

gjateg Whatever  is  booty  by  the  usages  of  war  shall  be  yours."    Ho  offered 

two  hundred  dollars  apiece  for  horses  for  artillery  that  might  be  captured.  He  then 
boasted  of  the  superiority  of  the  American  soldiers  and  weapons,  and  unnecessarily 
offended  the  Federalists,  many  of  whom  were  in  the  ranks,  by  saying  to  the  volun- 
teers "Disloyal  and  traitorous  men  have  endeavored  to  dissuade  you  from  doing 
your  duty."  In  his  address  to  "  The  Army  of  the  Centre,"  as  he  called  the  little  force 
under  his  command,  he  said :  "  Soldiers  of  every  corps  1  it  is  in  your  power  to  retrieve 
tlie  honor  of  your  country,  and  to  cover  yourselves  with  glory.  Every  man  who  per- 
forms a  gallant  action  shall  have  his  name  made  known  to  the  nation.  Rewards  and 
honors  await  the  brave,  infamy  and  contempt  are  reserved  for  cowards.  Compan- 
ions in  arms !  you  come  to  vanquish  a  valiant  foe.  I  know  the  choice  you  will  make. 
Come  on,  my  heroes !  and  when  you  attack  the  enemy's  batteries,  let  your  rallying- 
fford  be,  'The  cannon  lost  at  Detroit,  or  death  !' "' 

When  these  proclamations  in  quick  succession  appeared,  the  general's  friends  smiled, 
the  enemy  laughed,  and  the  Opposition  press  teemed  with  squibs  and  epigrams.  He 
was  called  "Alexander  the  Groat,"  "  Napoleon  the  Second,"  etc.  A  wag  in  the  Neio 
York  Ewnimj  Post  wrote  of  "  General  Smyth's  Bulletin  No.  2 :" 

"Just  so  1  (nnd  every  wiser  head 

The  llkeiicBS  can  discover) 
Wc  put  n  rheHtnut  in  the  Are, 

And  pull  the  embers  over; 
A  while  it  waxes  hot  and  hotter, 

And  eke  begins  to  hop, 
Aaid  after  much  confounded  pother, 

Explodes  a  mighty  Pop  I !  t" 

General  Smyth's  invasion  of  Canada  will  be  noticed  presently. 

1  General  Smyth's  magniloquence  was  equaled  only  by  Ross  Bird's,  a  captain  of  the  Third  United  States  Infantry, 
who,  In  great  indignation  because  of  some  ofrcnse,  offered  to  resign  his  commissioii.  His  letter  closed  with  the  follow- 
ing words :  "  In  leaving  the  service  I  am  not  abandoning  the  cause  of  Republicanism,  but  yet  hope  to  braudif^h  the  glit- 
terlng  steel  In  the  field,  and  carve  my  way  to  a  name  which  shall  prove  my  country's  neglect ;  and  when  this  mortal 
shall  1)6  closeted  In  the  dust,  and  the  soul  shall  wing  its  flight  to  the  regions  above,  in  passing  by  the  pale-faced  moon 
I  ihall  hODg  my  hat  on  brilliant  Mars,  and  make  a  report  to  each  superlative  star,  and,  arriving  at  the  portals  of  heav- 
en's high  chancery,  shall  demand  of  the  attending  angel  to  be  ashered  into  the  presence  of  Washington ! 

"  Ross  Bisn,  Captain. 
"Washington,  September  n,  1813. 

"To  Limtenant  Colonel  C.  C.  RusneU." 

CaptaUi  Bird  had  been  in  the  army  as  early  aa  ITOl,  and  had  lately  been  promoted  to  mt^or  of  infantry  lu  the  new 


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412 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Arrival  at  Niagara  FallB. 


Departure  for  Queenston. 


An  nndeii'.rable  ITorse  and  Driver 


CmVPTER  XX. 

"  Alas  for  them  t  their  day  \s  o'er, 
Their  fires  are  out  Oom  shore  to  shore ; 
No  more  for  them  the  wild  deer  houiidB— 
The  plow  ia  on  their  honting-groands." 

CUARLKS  SpBAOnE. 

the  middle  of  August,  1860,1  visited  the  theatre  of  events  de- 
scribed in  the  preceding  chaptei'.  I  went  down  to  Niat^ara 
Falls  from  Buffalo  in  a  railway  train  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
10th.  A  violent  thunder-storm  greeted  our  arrival  at  five 
o'clock.  As  business,  not  pleasure,  was  my  errand  io  that  great 
gathering-place  of  the  fashionable  and  of  tourists  in  summer  I 
rode  to  the  northern  part  of  the  village,  and  took  lodgings  at 
the  quiet "  Niagai'a  House,"  where  I  found  room  in  abundance 
in  chamber  and  at  table.  On  the  following  morning,  accompanied  by  the  late  Colo- 
nel P.  A.  Porter,  then  a  resident  of  Niagara  Falls  village,  I  crossed  the  suspension 
bridge,  rode  up  the  west*-i  i  b.  of  the  river  to  Street's  Creek,  opposite  Navy  Isl- 
and, and  visited  the  battle  :  xC  i.  •  of  Chippewa  with  Colonel  Cummuigs,  a  survivinij 
aid  of  the  Bi'itish  general  Riall,  who  commanded  in  that  engagement.  Of  that  visit 
and  its  results  I  shall  write  hereafter. 

I  returned  to  the  Niagara  House  in  time  for  dinner,  and  at  four  o'clock  st.irted  in 
an  old,  dusty  light  wagon,  with  a  jaded  hoi'se,  for  Lewiston,  seven  miles  down  the 
river.  It  was  at  an  hour  when  every  body  was  on  the  road,  and  every  horse  and 
vehicle  were  employed.  I  was  left  without  choice,  and  felt  thankful  that  I  was  not 
compelled  to  go  afoot.  The  driver  was  a  rather  rough-cast  boy  of  sixteen  years,  with 
a  freckled  face,  a  turned-up  nose,  a  mischievous  gray  eye,  sandy  hair,  and  rather  in- 
telligent, but  uneducated.  The  horse  seemed  tipsy  as  well  as  tired,  for  he  w.as  con- 
Btantly  leaving  tlie  right  lines  of  the  highway.  His  coat  was  an  uncertain  brick 
color,  and  rough ;  the  harness  had  dotted  him  with  black  bare  spots ;  his  tail  and 
mane  were  thin  and  fi-izzled;  one  of  his  ears  drooped,  and  his  gait,  at  best,  was  de- 
cidedly "gawky."  I  was  anxious  to  reach  Lewiston  in  time  to  cross  the  suspension 
bridge  to  Queenston,  and  visit  places  of''  '  i  st  there  before  sunset,  and  at  tlie  start 
the  boy  commenced  lashing  the  beast  •  •  .ifully.  I  remonstrated.  "Hain't  ye 
in  a  hurry?"  he  asked.  "Yes,  but  you  »  ;  t  fi  torture  the  poor  horse  in  that  way," 
I  replied.  Such  mercy  surprised  him.  '  \,, '"  irn  it,"  he  said, impatiently, " I'm  so 
used  to  whippin'  I  can't  help  it.  I  never  kn^.  "  d  &  maa  afore  who  cared  a  whip-snap 
for  a  hired  lioss.  He  is  lazy,  mister — lazy,"  an>l  he  gave  the  poor  animal  another 
severe  stroke.  So  inveterate  was  the  boy's  cruel  habit  that  he  would  not  relinquish 
it  until  I  took  the  whip  from  him,  and  threatened  to  leave  him  by  the  road  side. 
Even  then  he  would  rise  occasionally  and  kick  the  horse ;  harmlessly,  however,  for 
his  toes  were  ambitiously  getting  aliead  of  his  shoes. 

We  jogged  on  at  a  fair  rate  of  speed,  and  met  numerous  "  turn-outs"  superior  to 
our  own,  of  whicli  we  were  not  specially  proud.  Among  them  was  a  jaunty  little 
wagon  and  a  span  of  black  ponies,  f^riven  at  full  speed  by  the  owner,  the  wife  of  a 
New  York  city  editor.  Her  establio.  lent  was  tlie  "  observed  of  all  observers,"  but 
we  Avere  not  jealous;  indeed,  all  th'^  <■'  \ji  of  the  road  and  its  frequenlers  soon  faded 
when,  at  five  o'clock,  we  reached  the  •;  jw  of  Lewiston  Heights  and  beheld  the  mag- 


OP  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


413 


leytittoD  HeightH,  and  the  View  from  them.  Villages  of  Lewtaton  and  Queeneton.  The  Snepension  Bridge. 

nificekit  panorama  before  us.  At  the  turn  of  the  road,  where  it  descends  the  Heights, 
I  alighted,  and  from  the  site  of  Fort  Gruy,'  now  marked  by  slight  mounds,  I  obtained 
a  view  of  land  and  water  both  grand  and  beautiful.  On  the  left  was  seen  Queenston 
Heights,  on  which  stands  the  new  monument  erected  to  the  memory  of  General 
Brock.  At  their  base  lay  the  village  of  Queenston.  Farther  westward  a  glimpse 
of  St.  David^s  was  obtained ;  and  northwestward,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  the 
level  country  was  dotted  with  Avobds  and  well-cultivated  farms.  At  our  feet  lay 
the  village  of  Lewiston ;  and  stretching  away  to  the  northeast  was  the  vast  plain, 
much  of  it  covered  with  the  primeval  forest.  In  the  centre  was  the  glittering  line 
of  the  blue  Niagara  River.  Near  its  mouth  tlie  eye  could  discern  the  spires  of  Ni- 
agara (old  Newark),  on  the  Canada  side,  and  the  village  of  Youngstown,  with  the 
mass  of  old  Fort  Niagara  beyond,  on  the  American  side.  The  whole  horizon  north- 
ward was  bounded  by  the  dark  line  of  Lake  Ontario,  over  which ,  was  brooding  a 
thunder-storm,  flashing  fire  and  bellowing  angrily  as  it  moved  sullenly  eastward. 

Leaving  this  grand  observatory  with  reluctance,  we  made  our  way  down  the  sinu- 
ous road  to  Lewiston,  every  where  meeting,  in  the  descent,  geological  evidences  that 
this  bank  was  the  shore  of  an  ancient  lake  when  the  Falls  of  Niagara  were  doubtless 
at  this  place,  and  that  the  plain  on  which  the  village  stands  was  its  bed.  The  ridge 
is  composed  of  sand  and  gravel,  and  the  usual  debris  thrown  up  by  a  large  body  of 
water  in  character  essentially  diiferent  from  the  surrounding  surface.  The  summit 
of  the  Heights  is  here  thirty-four  feet  above  the  level  of  Lake  Erie." 

We  passed  through  Lewiston'  (a  village  of  about  one  thousand  souls,  very  pleas- 
ant'y  situated)  without  halting^  and  crossed  the  Niagara  River  to  Queenston,  over 
the  suspension  bridge,  a  magnificent  structure,  with  a  roadway  eight  hundred  and 
fifty  feet  in  length,  twenty  feet  in  width,  and  sixty  feet  above  the  water.*  We  were 
atWadsworth's  Tavern,  in  Queenston,  and  had  engaged  lodgings  for  the  night  before 
six  o'clock ;  and  we  immediately  rode  from  there  up  the  Heights  to  Brock's  Monu- 
ment, near  the  summit.  A  short  distance  above  the  residence  of  David  Thorbum, 
Esq,  (then  the  superintendent  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians  in  Canada),  at  the  turn 
of  the  road  from  the  highway  to  the  Falls,  well  up  the  acclivity,  we  passed  a  bury- 
iiig-gronnd  which  marks  the  site  of  the  redan  battery.*  Soon  after  passing  this,  we 
came  to  the  eastern  entrance  to  the  monument  grounds  (about  forty  acres  in  extent), 
and  the  lodge  of  the  keeper,  George  Playter,  u  loyal  old  man,  whose  kind  courtesies 
I  remember  witli  pleasure.  The  gate  is  of  wrought  iron,  highly  ornamented,  with 
out-stone  piers  surmounted  with  the  arms  of  Ihe  liero.  The  lodge  is  also  of  cut  stone. 
From  the  entrance  an  easy  carriage-way  winds  up  the  hill  to  an  avenue  one  hundred 
tcet  wide,  which  terminates  at  the  monument  in  a  circle  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet 
in  diameter. 

'  Sfe  note  3,  page  407. 

1  Lalie  Ontario  Is  334  feet  lower  than  Lake  Erie.  The  current  of  the  Niagara  River  that  connect*  them  Is  not  very 
rapid  above  Schlosser  and  below  Lewiston,  and  the  river  makes  nearly  the  whole  of  that  descent  In  the  space  of  nine 
miles.  It  falls  perpendicularly  at  the  great  cataracts,  164  feet  on  the  Canada  side  of  Qoat  Island,  and  lUa  feet  on  the 
American  side.  It  Is  supposed  that  the  river  originally  flowed  over  the  face  of  the  precipice  at  Lewiston.  By  the  grad- 
ml  wearing  away  of  the  rocks  tu  the  lapse  of  ages,  the  Falls  have  receded  seven  miles,  becoming  continually  lower. 
■The  precipice  over  which  the  present  Falls  flow  is  composed  of  solid  limestone,  with  shale  above  and  below.  The 
wearinf;  away  of  the  shale  above  has  formed  the  Rapids,  and  the  disintegration  of  that  below  ha«  left  the  limestone  in 
oterlianglng  masses  until  they  break  off  with  their  own  weight."— French's  (.'azettrer  itfthe  State  nf  A'eic  York. 

'  Lewiaton  v.'as  so  named  in  honor  of  Morgan  Lewis,  who  was  an  ofiiccr  in  .lie  Kevolution,  and  governor  of  the  State 
otXewYorkin  1904.  i 

'  This  bridge  was  destroyed  by  a  gale  of  wind  at  the  closr  of  180.1.  Fortunately  no  life  was  lost.  The  Lndcpart  Jour- 
Ml  relates  the  following  incident  in  connection  with  its  det^i  rnclion :  "  During  the  day  upon  which  the  Lewiston  bridge 
was  carried  off  by  the  wind,  a  boy,  whoso  parents  reside  In  Canada,  but  Is  at  work  In  Lewiston,  went  over  to  Canada  on 
iilioTt  visit  to  his  parents.  Just  before  the  bridge  went  down,  the  boy  proposed  starting  for  his  place  of  business  in 
Uwfrton.  His  father  accompanied  him.  As  they  reached  the  bridge  It  was  swaying  to  and  flro  over  the  boiling  waters 
Iif  Dencalh,  The  boy  hesitated  a  moment,  but,  as  this  motion  of  the  bridge  was  not  unusual,  he  stepped  npon  It,  his  b- 
ibef  Ftlll  with  him,  and  proceeded  to  cross.  They  both  went  to  about  the  middle,  when  the  rapid  and  unusual  motion 
oftlie  bridge  greatly  increased  their  fear.  The  father  turned  about,  and  the  boy  went  on,  both  running  at  their  fastest 
^leed  for  the  opposite  shore.    They  bad  Just  time  to  reach  the  shore  on  each  side  before  ilie  structure  was  borne  away.'t 

'Seepage  398. 


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414 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  Honnment  on  QueeDston  Heights. 


Tlie  monument  is  built  of  the  limestone 
is  placed  upon  a  slightly-raised  plat- 
form within  a  dwarf-walled  inclos- 
ure,  seventy-five  feet  square,  with  a 
fosse  around  the  interior.     At  each 
angle  of  this  inclosure  is  placed  mass- 
ive military  trophies,  wrought  out  of 
the  same  stone  as  th.it  of  the  monu- 
ment, and  about  twenty  feet  in  height. 
The  monument  is  built  upon  a  foun- 
dation of  wrought  stone  forty  feet 
square   and  ten  feet   thick,  resting 
upon  the  solid  rock  of  the  mountain. 
Upon  this  stands,  in  a  grooved  plinth, 
a  basement,  thirty-eight  feet  square 
and  twenty-seven  feet  in  height,  un-      ^^^ 
der  which,  in  heavy  stone  sarcopha-      ^ 
gi,  are  the  remains  of  General  Brock       ? 
and  Lieutenant    Colonel  M'Donell.       * 
On  the  exterior  angles  of  this  base- 
ment   are  placed   well-carved  lions 
rampant,  seven  feet  in  height,  sup- 
porting  shields   with   the   armorial 


bearings  of  the  hero. 


On  the  north 


of  the  Heights,  quarried  near  the  spot.  It 
side  of  this  basement  is 
an  inscription  in  bold 
letters,*  and  upon  brass 
plates  in  the  interior  of 
the  column  are  epitaph- 
ic  inscriptions.  2 

Upon  the  basement  is 
the  pedestal  of  the  col- 
umn, little  more  than 
sixteen  feet  square,  and 
just  thirty-eight  feet  in 
height.  Upon  a  panel 
on  each  of  three  sides 
of  this  pedestal  is  an 
emblem  in  low  relief, 
and  on  the  north  side, 
facing  Queenston,  is  a 
representation  of  a  bat- 
tle scene  in  high  relief, 
in  which  Brock  is  rep- 
resented at  the  head  of 
his  troops,  wounded. 

The  column  is  of  the 


bbook'b  moniihent  oh  qdkknbton  ueioutb. 

Roman  composite  order,  ninety-five  feet  in  height.  Tlie  shaft  is  fluted,  and  is  ten 
feet  in  diameter  at  its  base,  with  an  enriched  plinth,  on  which  are  carved  the  heads 
of  lions  and  wreaths  in  bold  relief.     The  flutes  terminate  in  palms.     The  capital  of 

•  The  followlug  Is  a  copy  of  the  Inscription : 

"  UrpKR  Canaiia  has  dedicated  this  monnment  to  the  memory  of  the  late  Hajob  Qrnerai.  Sir  Isaao  Brook,  K.B., 
Provincial  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Commander  of  the  Forces  in  this  Province,  whose  remains  are  deposited  in  Ihf 
vault  beneath.  Opposing  the  invading  enemy,  he  fell  in  action  near  these  Heights  on  the  13th  of  October,  1S12,  In  the 
forty-third  year  of  his  age.  Revered  and  lamented  by  the  people  whom  he  governed,  and  deplored  by  the  sovereign  to 
whose  service  his  life  had  been  devoted." 

'  On  one  plate  is  the  following: 

"  In  a  vault  underneath  arc  deposited  the  mortal  remains  of  Major  Oenkr  m,  Sir  Isaac  Brook,  E.B.,  who  fell  in  k- 
tion  near  these  Heights  on  1.1th  October,  1812,  and  was  entombed  on  the  1' Mi  of  October  at  the  bastion  of  Fort  Oeorj:e, 
Niagara,  removed  from  thence,  and  reinterred  under  a  monument  to  the  ci  i  ward  of  this  site,  on  the  13th  October,  IsM; 
and,  in  consequence  of  that  monnment  having  received  Irreparable  injury  by  a  lawless  act  on  the  ITth  of  April,  1840,  it 
was  found  requisite  to  take  down  the  former  structure  and  erect  this  monnment ;  the  foundation-stone  l)eing  laid,  ind 
the  remains  again  reinterred  with  due  solemnity,  on  13th  October,  1863." 

The  other  pi.\te  has  the  following  inscription : 

"lu  A  vanlt  beneath  are  deposited  the  mortal  remains  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Johm  M'Dflinn.i,,  P.A.D.C.,  and  Ald.de- 
camn  to  the  lamented  Major  Orneral  Sir  Isaac  Brook,  K.B.,  who  fell  mortally  wounded  in  the  battle  of  QncenstnD, 
on  the  18th  October,  181'^,  and  died  on  the  foUowlog  day.  Hia  remains  were  removed  and  reinterred  with  due  eolcm' 
nity,  on  18th  October,  18S8." 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


415 


iiescripton  of  Brock's  Monument.      Ceremonies  at  tha  laying  of  the  Comer-ston'.      Evening  on  Qaeentton  Heights. 

the  column  is  sixteen  feet  square,  and  twelve  feet  six  inches  in  height.  On  each  face 
■  sculptured  a  figure  of  Victory,  ten  feet  six  inches  in  height,  with  extended  arms 
grasping  military  shields  as  volutes.  The  acanthus  and  palm  leaves  are  enwreathcd 
in  antique  style.  From  the  ground  to  the  gallery  at  the  top  of  the  column  is  a  spiral 
staircase  of  cut  stone,  comprising  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  steps,  lighted  by  loop- 
holes in  the  flutings  of  the  column.  On  the  abacus  is  a  cippus  upoi  which  stands  a 
statue  of  Brock,  in  military  costume,  seventeen  feet  in  height,  the  left  hand  resting 
on  a  sword,  and  the  right  arm  extended  with  a  baton.*  This  monumental  column  is 
exceeded  in  height  by  only  one  of  a  similar  character  in  the  world.  That  is  the  one 
erected  by  Sir  Christopher  Wren,  in  London,  to  commemorate  the  groat  fire  that  des- 
olated that  city  in  1666.     It  is  only  twelve  feet  higher  than  Brock's.^ 

It  was  sunset  Avhen  I  completed  the  sketch  of  the  monument,  in  which  is  included 
a  distant  view  of  Lewiston  Heights,  seen  on  the  right,  and  the  village  of  Lewiston 
and  the  plain  beyond,  seen  on  the  left.  Heavy  clouds  rolling  up  from  the  west,  and 
rumbling  thunder  in  the  distance,  gave  warning  of  an  approaching  storm.  This 
fact  and  the  lateness  of  the  hour  prevented  my  ascending  the  shaft  to  obtain  the 
mawnificent  panoramic  view  from  its  summit,  from  which,  it  is  said,  smsui  villages 
may  be  seen  southward,  the  battle-ground  of  Lundy's  Lane  or  Niagara,  the  Avhite  spray 
from  the  cataract,  and  the  turmoil  of  the  great  wliirlpool,  in  addition  to  the  vast 
stretch  of  land  and  water  seen  at  other  parts  of  the  compass. 

We  made  our  way  down  the  Heights  to  the  village  just  in  time  to  avoid  the  storm 
ffhich  fell  simultaneously  with  the  darkness.  It  was  severe,  but  short.  The  stars 
were  visible  soon  after  it  passed  by,  and  I  found  my  way  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Winn,  on  the  road  to  the  suspension  bridge.  He  was  an  old  resident  of  Queenston, 
and  familiar  with  every  locality  there  connected  with  the  battle,  although  he  was  not 
in  the  engagement.  He  kindly  offered  to  be  my  guide  in  the  morning.  The  night 
was  a  tempestuous  one,  but  the  sky  was  cloudless  at  dawn.  At  an  early  hour  I 
visited  the  landing-place  of  the  Americans  near  the  suspension  bridge,  and  made  the 
sketch  printed  on  page  395.  I  then  followed  the  high  bank  of  the  river  some  distance, 
and  made  my  way  to  the  stone  building  in  which  the  British  took  refuge  after  being 
repulsed  by  Wool  f  but  the  sketch  I  then  made  was  lost  a  few  days  afterward. 

I  This  monument  was  designed  by  W.  Thomas,  Esq.,  of  Toronto,  and  was  erected  under  his  superintendence.  The 
contractor  was  Mr.  J.  Worthlngton. 

1  We  have  observed  that  a  former  monument  to  the  memory  of  Brock  was  shattered  by  powder  in  1840.  The  act 
produced  the  greatest  Indignation  throughout  Canada.  A  meeting  was  held  on  Queenston  Heights  in  June  following, 
composed  of  about  eight  thousand  people.  One  of  the  most  active  men  on  that  occasion  was  the  late  Sir  Allan  M'Nab. 
There  was  a  military  parade  and  salutes  with  artillery.  In  Toronto  the  day  was  observed  as  a  solemn  holiday.  All  the 
public  offices  were  closed,  and  business  was  generally  suspended.  Delegations  and  crowds  of  citizens  flocked  to  Queens- 
ton from  Kingston,  Toronto,  Cobourg,  and  Hamilton.  The  lieutenant  governor.  Sir  George  Arthur,  and  his  staff,  were 
liere.  Sir  George  presided.  Ho  addressed  the  meeting.  Chief  Justice  Robinson,  Sir  Allan  M'Nab,  and  several  oth- 
ers, also  made  speeches.  A  number  of  Brock's  surviving  soldiers  were  also  present.  Resolutions  were  passed;  and 
(ben  the  public  proceedings  were  ended,  six  hundred  persons  sat  down  to  a  dinner  under  a  pavilion  erected  on  the  spot 
where  the  hero  fell,  at  which  Chief  Justice  Robinson  presided.  The  result  of  the  affair  was  the  formation  of  a  building 
committee  for  the  erection  of  a  new  monument,  of  which  Sir  Allan  M'Nab  was  chairman."  The  money  for  the  purpose 
m  raised  by  the  voluntary  Bnbscriptlons  of  the  militia  and  Indian  VTirrlors  of  the  province.  A  grant  from  the  Pro- 
racial  Parliament  enabled  the  committee  to  lay  out  the  grounds,  and  erect  the  gate  and  keeper's  lodge.  The  fonn- 
ditlon-stoiio  was  laid  on  the  13th  of  October,  1853,  and  on  the  same  day  the  remains  of  Brock  and  M'Donell  were  reln- 
ttrrcd  with  Imposing  ceremonies.  The  day  was  very  fine.  There  were  pall-bearers  and  chief  monrners.t  When  the 
remains  were  deposited  in  their  last  resting-place,  the  comer-stone  wan  laid  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donell,  brother 
otone  of  the  dead  heroes.  The  late  Honorable  William  Hamilton  Merrltt,  M,P.,  delivered  an  address,  in  which  he 
spoke  highly  of  the  character  and  services  of  the  Indians  in  the  War  of  1812.  Mr.  Thorbum,  Indian  agent,  responded 
in  their  behalf,  and  read  an  address  ftom  the  chipfi  present,  which  breathed  sentiments  of  loyalty  and  affection  for  the 
English  qaeen.    As  a  mark  of  respect,  an  Amc        -team-boa':  at  Lewiston  lowered  its  flag  to  half  mast. 

>  ijee  page  398. 

'  The  foMowlng  named  gentlemen  constituted  that  committee :  Rlr  Allan  M'Nab,  M.  P. ;  Chief  Justice  Sir  John  Brush 
Sobinson ;  Honorable  Mr.  Justice  M  'Lean  ;  Honorable  Walter  H.  Dickson,  M.  L.  C. ;  Honorable  William  Hamilton  Mer- 
rill, M.  P.  ;  Honorable  Thomas  Clark  Street,  M.  P. ;  Colonel  James  Kcrby  j  Colonel  John  M'Dougal ;  David  Thorbnni, 
&q.:  Uentcnant  Garrett ;  Colonel  Robert  Hamilton ;  and  Captain  H.  Munro. 

t  The  pall-bearers  were  Colonels  E.  W.Thompson,  W.  Thompson,  Dnggan,  Stanton,  Kcrby,  Crooks,  Zimmerman, 
Ciron, Thome,  Servos,  Clark,  Wakeftcld,  and  Miller.  Among  the  chief  mourners  were  Colonel  Donald  M'Donell,  the 
dtpaly  adjutant  general  for  Canada  East,  Colonel  Tach6,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Irvine,  the  gorvlvors  of  1812,  and  the  cbieli 
ol  the  Six  Nations. 


)  ' 

1 

I  i^^ill 


Pi  I 


i  \§^ 


II 


mmu 


W    fi' 


416 


PICTORIAL    FIELir-BOOK 


A  Veteran  of  181^. 


The  Chief  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indiana. 


The  Place  where  Brock  fell 


From  the  river  I  went  up  the  Heights  to  the  site  of  the  redan,  and  then  to  the  point 
where  the  Americans  were  crowded  to  the  verge  of  the  precipice.  This  was  ac- 
complished before  breakfast. 

When  I  came  out  of  the  dining-room  at  Wadsworth's,  I  found  the  venerable  Major 
Adam  Brown  in  the  little  parlor.  He  was  a  native  of  Queenston.  At  the  time  of 
the  battle  he  was  a  lieutenant  in  the  1st  Battalion  of  the  Lincoln  Mili'ia  under  Col- 
onel Claus,  then  at  Fort  George,  and  w^j  not  in  the  engagement.  He  was  in  com- 
mand  of  a  hundred  men  at  the  battle  of  Niagara  (Lundy's  Lane),  and  was  in  active 
service  during  a  greater  part  of  the  war.  While  I  was  writing  some  memoranda  of 
his  conversation  in  my  note-book,  he  spoke  to  a  person  behind  me  whom  I  had  not 
noticed,  and  asked,  "  Were  you  the  chief  who  was  with  the  Lidians  at  the  dedication 
of  the  monument  ?"  "  I  was,  sir,"  replied  a  pleasant  voice.  I  turned  and  observed  a 
fine-looking,  dark-complexioned,  well-dressed  man,  whose  features  and  expression  re- 
vealed traces  of  the  Lulian  race.  We  both  arose  at  the  same  moment.  I  introduced 
myself  and  inquired  his  name.  He  informed  me  that  he  was  George  Henry  Martin 
Johnson,  a  descendant,  in  the  fourth  generation,  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  of  the  Mo- 
hawk Valley,  and  now  Tekarihogea,  or  commander-in-chief  of  the  Six  Nations  nf  In. 
dians  in  Canada,  his  father  having  been  the  official  successor  of  John  Brant.  To  me 
this  meeting  was  interesting  and  fortunate.  I  intended  to  visit  the  settlements  of 
the  Six  Nations,  on  the  Grand  River,  during  this  tour,  but  was  doubtful  concerning 
the  best  route,  and  the  most  important  place  for  obtaining  desired  information.  K\\ 
was  now  plain,  and,  before  we  parted,  arrangements  were  made  for  Mr.  Johnson  to 
meet  me  at  Brantford  a  few  days  later. 

On  the  day  of  my  arrival  at  Queenston,  a  committee,  appointed  for  the  purpose, 

had  decided  upon  the  exact  spot  wliere 


MONDHENT  WUEBB  BBOOK  VELL. 


Brock  fell.  I  visited  it  in  company  with 
Major  Brown.  A  space  sixty  feet 
square,  within  which  was  to  be  placed 
a  memorial-stone,  had  been  staked  out, 
and  in  the  centre,  the  very  spot,  as  the 
committee  supposed,  where  the  iicro 
fell,  was  marked.'  As  early  as  1821, 
John  Howison,  in  his  Sketches  of  CpiKi 
Canada,  had  said, "  General  Brock  was 
killed  close  to  the  road  that  leads 
through  Queenston  village,  and  an  iigcd 
thorn-bush  now  marks  the  place  wliere 
he  fell  when  the  fatal  ball  entered  his 
vitals."  The  spot  marked  by  the  com- 
mittee is  about  twenty  rods  west  of 
the  "  road  that  leads  through  Queens- 
ton," and  a  little  eastward  of  the  "aged 
thorn-bush,"  which  had  become  a  tree 
twenty  feet  in  height,  with  two  large 
stems,  when  I  saw  it.  Near  the  site  a 
workman  was  fashioning  the  blocks 
of  freestone  of  which  tlie  monument 
was  to  be  composed,  and  from  liim  I 
obtained  a  sketch  of  it.     After  making 


>  I  was  told  that  Bome  old  residents  of  the  village  declared  that  the  place  where  Brock  fell  was  weBtward  of  tht  j 
thom-trec,  and  at  least  twenty  paces  from  the  spot  selected.    James  Cooper,  a  blacksmith,  who  was  within  six  feet  of  ' 
Brock  when  he  fell,  said  it  was  west  of  the  thorn-tree :  and  Houry  Stone,  who  lived  in  the  atone  house  near  the  field, 
declared  that  be  saw  the  blood  of  Brock  on  rocks  west  of  the  tree. 


le  purpose, 

spot  where 

ipany  with 

sixty  feet 
be  placed 

itaked  out, 

pot,  as  the 
tlie  hero 
as  1821, 

>s  of  rppa 
Jroek  Avas 
lat  leads 
id  an  aged 
ace  where 
!ntercd  his 
y  the  com- 
•west  of 
;h  Queens- 
the  "  aged 
ime  a  tree 
two  large 
the  site  a 
he  blocks 
monument 
■om  liiml 
er  making 

^Tutward  ot  tk 
liiln  six  feet  o( 
near  tbe  tleld,  i 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


417 


Jonraey  from  Qneeneton  to  Niagara. 


Solomon  Vrooman. 


Appearance  of  the  Conntrjr, 


1  drawing  of  the  spot,  showing  the  old  thorn-tree  on  the  right,  and  the  stately  mon- 
ument on  the  Heights  in  the  distance,  I  introduced,  in  proper  place  and  propor- 
tions the  sketch  of  the  memorial-stone  to  mark  the  place  which  Howison  said  "  may 
be  called  classic  ground."  It  is  a  small  affair,  being  only  about  four  feet  in  height. 
The  ground  around  it  was  to  be  inclosed  in  an  iron  railing.  The  Prince  of  Wales 
(Albert  Edward)  was  at  that  time*  making  a  tour  in  Canada,  receiving  •  Aumut, 
tokens  of  loyalty  every  where.  He  visited  Queenston  very  soon  after  I  ^^• 
was  there,  and  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  little  monument  with  imposing  cere- 
monies.' 

I  left  Queenston  for  Niagara  at  about  nine  o'clock,  afler  riding  to  the  point  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  village  where  the  "  old  fort,"  or  barracks,  were  situated,  near  the 
residence  of  Mr.  E.  Clements,  of  the  Customs.  We  immediately  passed  a  creek  and 
deep  ravine,  and  soon  came  to  the  first  brick  house  below  Queenston,  on  the  left  of 
tiic  road,  the  residence  of  the  venerable  Solomon  Vrooman,  pleasantly  situated,  and 
surrounded  by  evidences  of  the  liighest  and  most  thrifty  cultivation.  He  was  the 
owner  of  the  point  on  which  the  battery  bearing  his  name  was  situated,^  and  partici- 
pated in  the  battle  by  assisting  in  manning  the  nine-pounder  that  was  mounted  there. 
I  called  to  see  him,  and  spent  half  an  hour  with  him  most  agreeably.  He  was  a 
slender  man,  seventy-six  years  of  age.  His  native  place  was  in  the  Mohawk  Valley, 
liut  he  had  lived  in  Canada  since  the  days  of  his  young  manhood.  He  Avent  with  me 
to  the  spot  where  the  battery  was,  and  pointed  out  the  very  prominent  mounds  that 
vet  remain,  near  a  bam,  from  which  I  made  the  sketch  printed  on  page  391.    He 

told  me  that  one  hundred 
and  sixty  shot  were  thrown 
from  that  battery  during 
the  day,  wholly  for  the  pur- 
pnse  of  obstructing  the  passage  of  the  river  by  the  Americans.^  Its  range  of  the  old 
tirry  and  the  new  crossing- place  at  the  present  suspension  bridge  was  point-blank  and 
effectual.  On  one  occasion  during  the  aflernoon,  some  Americans,  trying  to  escape 
from  Qneenston  by  swimming  the  river,  Avere  brought  by  the  current  Avithin  rifle-shot 
distance  of  the  battery,  when  one  of  the  men  in  his  company  raised  his  piece  to  fire. 
Vrooman  knocked  up  the  piece,  exclaiming  indignantly,  "  Shame  on  you !  none  but  a 
coward  would  fire  upon  men  thus  struggling  for  their  lives !" 

Tlie  road  from  Vrooman's  to  Niagara  was  one  of  tlie  most  delightful  that  I  had 
ever  traveled.  Most  of  the  way  it  skirted  the  high  bank  of  the  winding  river,  which 
was  covered  with  stately  trees,  through  which  continual  glimpses  of  the  American 
shore  could  be  obtained.  Landward  were  seen  broad  fields,  from  which  bountiful 
liarvests  were  pouring  into  barns,  or  green  waving  Indian  corn,  or  numerous  orchards, 
whose  trees  were  so  heavily  laden  with  fruit  that  they  drooped  like  weeping  willows. 
As  we  approached  Niagara  we  passed  through  first  an  aromatic  pine  grove,  and  then 
a  narrow  forest  of  oaks,  beeches,  maples,  and  evergreens,  and  emerged  upon  an  open 
plain,  the  property  of  the  government,  Avith  the  mounds  of  abandoned  Fort  George, 


C^^Wtr. 


CYU    C/'^^'^^t^^^n/^Pi^^ 


I  The  Prince  of  Wales  arrived  at  Qneenston  on  the  ITth  of  September,  and  on  the  following  day  he  laid  the  comer- 
itone  of  the  little  monnment.  Near  the  spot  was  erected  a  triumphal  arch,  03  which.  In  large  letters,  were  the  words 
■ticToiiiA— wEi.nosiE."  The  veterans  of  1812,  who  were  present,  formed  a  guard  of  honor  for  the  young  prince.  In  the 
bicksround  were  the  St.  Catharine's  Riflemen  \, :...  a  braes  band.  A  silver  trowel  was  presented  to  the  prince  with  which 
10 perform  the  ceremony.  Upon  It  was  engraved  the  followtug  Inscription :  "Presented  to  His  Boyal  Highness  Aldket 
Emjeh,  Prince  of  Wales,  by  the  Brock  Monnment  Committee,  on  Queenston  Heights,  18th  September,  1860."  On  one 
slJeotthe  monnment  was  placed  the  following  inscription:  "This  stone  was  placed  by  his  Royal  Highness  Ai.iiert 
EmuBi),  Prince  of  Wales,  on  the  18th  of  September,  1800."  On  the  other  side,  "Near  this  spot  Sir  Isaac  Brock,  K.B., 
Prorisiomil  Ucntenant  Governor  of  Upper  Canada,  fell  on  the  13th  of  October,  1812,  while  advancing  to  repel  the  Inva- 
mn  otthe  enemy."  a  gee  Map  on  page  382. 

'The  battery  was  crescent-shaped.  Engineer  Gray,  In  his  mannscrlpt  report  now  before  me,  thus  describes  It :  "It 
Isbnill  m  dorlwffe  (that  Is,  withunt  embrasnree),  and  has  a  high  breastwork  to  the  river.    On  the  north,  a  frame  honse, 

j  tetaded  for  a  bom ;  on  the  west  is  a  gun,  mounted  e»i  ^nrhetlt  (on  the  top  of  the  breastwork),  and  flanked  by  the  skele- 

I  ton  ot  a  house.   Within  five  rods  of  this  runs  the  high  wa  v  to  Fort  George." 


f 


418 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


A  Visit  to  Fort  Ocorge. 


RemaluB  of  the  French  Magnzlne  there. 


Hoipltallty  of  Mr».  Ut, 


i  ;. 


im 


:l      1 


i  ilti 


ill        I 


a;'  i ' 


1 

11 


on  the  bank  of  the  river,  breaking  the  monotony  of  the  level  far  to  the  right.  Tlnrc 
were  no  fences  to  obBtruct  the  view  or  the  travel  on  the  jjlain.  Cattle  were  fwdinn 
on  the  bhort  grass,  and  hero  and  there  a  footman  or  a  horseman  might  be  seen.    \\\. 

turned  out  of  the  beaten  road  to  the 
right,  and  drove  across  the  plain  to  one 
of  the  angles  of  the  fort.  Then'  I  left 
horse  and  driver,  clambered  np  tlie 
steep  grassy  sides  of  the  embankment, 
and  commenced  a  hasty  exploration  of 
the  interior  of  the  fort.  Tiie  breast- 
works in  all  directions  were  quite  per- 
fect, and  the  entire  form  of  tiie  t'urt 
could  be  traced  without  ditticulty, 
There  were  two  or  three  houses  within 
I'BEBEHT  0DTL1NK8  OF  FORT  oKOEOB.  thc  works,  and  the  parade  and  othir 

portions  were  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  garden  vegetables. 

In  the  most  southerly 
part  of  the  fort,  about  three 
hundred  yards  from  the  riv- 
er, is  an  old  powder  maga- 
zine, built  by  the  French 
within  a  stockade.  It  was 
occupied  as  a  dAvelling  by 
the  family  of  an  English  sol- 
dier named  Lee  when  I  was 
there  in  1860.  The  higher 
building  seen  in  the  picture 
is  the  okl  magazine.  It  was 
covered  with  slate,  and  its 
walls,  four  and  a  half  feet 
thick,  were  supported  by 
three  buttresses  on  each  side.  The  buildings  on  the  left  are  more  modem.  Tlie  in- 
terior of  the  magazine  is  arclied,  and  the  doors  were  originally  covered  with  plate? 
of  copper  fastened  by  copper  nails. 

Mrs.  Lee  was  an  intelligent  woman,  very  communicative,  and  free  in  the  dispensa- 
tion of  the  hospitalities  jf  her  humble  abode.  We  were  refreshed  with  cakes,  liar 
vest-apples,  and  cold  spring-water.  She  filled  a  small  basket  with  copper  coins  ami 
other  relics,  and  as  I  parted  with  her  she  wished  me  good  luck  in  my  journeyings. 
I  clambered  over  an  irregular  and  steep  bank  northward  of  the  old  magazine,  visit- 
ed the  site  of  the  "  cavalier  battery"  where  Brock  and  M'Donell  were  buried,  and 
sketched  the  "new  magazine,"  erected  by  the  British  in  1812,  delineated  on  page  405, 
It  is  of  brick.  Near  it  was  a  small  house  occupied  by  an  Irish  family,  and  the  maga- 
zine was  used  as  a  pig-sty. 

From  Fort  George  we  rode  to  Niagara,  half  a  mile  below,  halted  long  enough  to 
obtain  refreshments  for  ourselves  and  the  horse,  and  then  rode  out  over  the  garrison 
reservation,  northeastward  of  the  town,  to  Fort  Mississaga,'  a  strong  earth-work  with 
a  castle,  which  was  constructed  by  the  British  during  the  war  of  1812,  Cattle  were 
grazing  upon  the  plain ;  the  waters  of  Lake  Ontario,  ruffled  by  a  breeze,  were  spark- 
ling in  the  distance,  and  the  whole  scene  was  one  of  quiet  and  repose.    Such,  indeed,  is  i 

'  Misaitmpa  or  MmmMuita  Is  the  Indian  name  of  a  small  black  or  dark  brown  rattlesnake,  twelve  or  fourteen  InchM  i 
in  length,  which  nennlly  iniiabits  tamarack  and  cranberry  swamps  In  Northwestern  Ohio  and  Canada  West.  Tlile  Is  the  ' 
name  of  nn  Indian  tribe ;  also  of  a  large  stream  in  Canada  West  that  empties  into  Take  Huron.  In  the  little  riewot  , 
Fort  Hissiseaga  given  on  the  next  page,  Fort  Niagara  is  seen  on  the  right  in  the  distance,  and  Lake  Ontario  on  the  vest  J 


i'BEMOU  UAGAZINE  AT  FOBT  OEOBQE. 


Its-  ■ 


dispensa- 
:akes,  liar- 
coins  auil 
nrneyings. 
zinc,  visit- 
uried,  and 
page  405. 
the  maga- 

enougli  to 
le  garrison 
work  witli 
attle  were 
lere  sparlc- 
.indeed,  is 

lonrteen  lactM  \ 

\l.  This  i8  tie  1 

J  little  view  of 

Hoonttiewest.  ; 


OF   THE    WAll    OF    1812. 


419 


fortMlMl«9ag»'°'^'- 


Retnrn  to  Niagara  Falla. 


Departure  for  the  Orand  Rirer. 


DISTANT  VIEW  OF  FOnT  1IIB8IBBA0A. 


and  jdt'asaiit  town  in 
appcaiiince,  with  a 
popuhition  of  about 
twenty-live  liundrcd, 
seemed  to  be  repos- 
ing in  almost  perfect 
rest.  It  was  former- 
ly called  Newark, and 
the  present  city  oc- 
cupies the  site  of  the 
little  village  vi '  ich 
the  Americans  de- 
stroyed in  1813.     It 


•  im. 


the  impression  on  the 
mind  in  Canada,  as 
compared  with  "the 
States."  The  turmoil 
and  bustle  that  marks 
;in  American  popula- 
tion in  large  or  small 
immbers,  was  but 
siifthtly  manifested 
there.  I  found  appa- 
rent stagnation  in 
Qucenston;  and  Ni- 
agara, though  a  fine 

was  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  the  province,  having  been  settled  by  Colonel  Simcoc 
when  he  was  the  lieutenant  governor."     It  was  a  place  of  considerable  trade 
before  the  opening  of  the  Welland  Canal,  about  thirty  years  ago,  and  is  now, 
as  then,  the  capital  of  the  Niagara  District. 
We  found  the  gate  of  Fort  Mississaga  wide  open,  and  walked  in  without  leave. 

Not  a  human  face  was  visible.  I  went 
up  to  and  around  the  ramparts,  and, 
taking  a  position  over  the  entrance- 
gate,  from  which  I  could  sec  most  ot 
the  interior  and  Fort  Niagara  beyond, 
I  sketched  the  scene.  In  this  view  are 
seen  the  barracks  and  the  castte,  with 
Fort  Niagara  across  the  river  in  the 
extreme  distance.  The  castle  is  built 
of  brick.  The  walls  are  eight  feet  in 
thickness,  and  covered  with  stucco. 
While  engaged  with  the  sketch  I  was 
startled  by  a  voice  near  me.  It  was 
that  of  the  whole  garrison,  comprised 
in  the  person  of  Patrick  Burns,  Avho 
told  me  to  make  as  many  sketches  as 
I  pleased,  for  the  fort  was  uninhabited 
except  by  his  own  family. 

At  an  early  hour  we  started  on  our 
return  to  Niagara  Falls.  I  attempted 
to  drive,  but  soon  became  discouraged 
by  the  eccentric  movements  of  the 
horse,  when  the  boy  told  me  for  the 
1  first  time  that  he  was  "  as  blind  as  a  bat."    But  I  have  no  reason  to  complain  of  the 

I  animal,  for  he  carried  us  back  in  safety,  and  in  time  for  dinner  and  for  departure  by 
the  evenmg  train  for  the  West.  Having  placed  my  luggage  in  charge  of  a  proper 
person  at  the  suspension  bridge  station,  I  crossed  that  marvelous  hanging  viaduct  on 

'  foot,  along  the  carriage-road  under  the  railway  gallery,  with  my  satchel  in  hand.    As 

I I  left  the  bridge  to  ascend  to  the  station  on  the  Canada  shore  I  was  hailed  by  a 
custom-house  officer,  of  whose  business  I  had  not  the  least  suspicion  until  informed 
by  him.  Believing  my  assurance  that  the  satchel  contained  nothing  contraband,  he 
allowed  me  to  pass,  after  I  had  expressed  a  wish,  good-naturedly,  that  the  United 

[States  might  soon  be  annexed  to  Canada,  so  that  revenue  officers  might  be  allowed 
I  to  engage  m  some  other  employment. 
On  entering  the  cars  on  the  Canada  side  I  met  Chief  Johnson.    We  traveled  to- 


INTESIOB  VIEW — FORT  1II88IB8AQA  IN  1800. 


i 


U 


a 


It 


K 

h 

m 

1 

1 

lii 

r 

!»» 

w 

;l 

p-i 

m 

mm 

J 

1::!: 

420 


PICTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


St.  Catharine. 


Ilamllton,  Paris,  and  Brantford. 


Chief  Johnson  and  the  Indian  Hegervotioi 


gcthcr  as  far  as  St.  Catharine,  eleven  miles,  where  I  intended  to  spend  a  day  or  two 
and  agreed  upon  the  time  when  we  should  meet  at  lirantford.  Tlie  impressions  made 
by  the  time  spent  at  St.  Catharine,  the  persons  I  met  at  thnt  famous  gathering  ofin- 
valids  around  a  mineral  spring,  a  visit  to  the  battle-ground  of  the  Beaver  Dams  the 
journey  to  Hamilton,  and  a  ride  to  Stony  Creek,  a.  place  made  famous  in  the  annals 
of  the  war  we  are  now  considering  by  a  conflict  and  the  oaptun  of  two  American 
genends,  arc  ^.Iways  summoned  by  memory  with  great  pleasure.  Of  these  I  siiall 
hereafter  write. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  the  20th  of  August,  I  arrived  at  Hamilton,  at  the  head  of 
Lake  Ontario,  by  the  Great  Western  Railway,  and  spent  the  night  at  the  "  Koyal 
Hotel."  Early  on  the  following  morning  I  rode  out  to  Stony  Creek,  seven  miles  and 
returned  in  time  to  take  the  cars  at  meridian  for  Paris  in  company  Avith  a  vounj 
Quadroon  chief  of  the  Six  Nations,  named  M'Murray,  whoso  mother,  wife  of  the  lUv. 
erend  Dr.  M'Murray,  of  Niagara,  was  a  half-breed  Indian  woman,  and  sister  to  tlie  first 
wife  of  H.  R.  Schoolcraft,  Esq.  He  was  one  of  the  finest  formed  and  most  attractive 
young  men,  in  person  and  feature,  I  have  ever  met. 

The  road  from  Hamilton  to  Paris,  nearly  thirty  miles,  passes  through  a  very  pic- 
turesque country.  For  five  miles  it  skirts  the  northern  high  bank  of  the  ffreat 
marsli  that  extends  from  Burlington  Bay  to  Dundas,  and  follows,  a  greater  portion  of 
the  way,  a  line  parallel  with  Dundas  Street,  or  the  Governor's  Koad.  At  Paris,'  a 
large  town,  situated  partly  on  a  high  rolling  plain,  and  partly  in  a  deep  valley  on 
Smith's  Creek  and  the  Grand  River,  I  left  the  Great  Western  Railway,  and  took 
passage  for  Brantford,  seven  miles  southward,  on  the  Buffalo  aid  Huron  Road,  wliieli 
here  intersects  it.  The  country  was  hilly  most  of  the  way,  but  at  Brantford  it  spreads 
out  intOka  beautiful  plain,  or  high  gravelly  ridge,  overhanging  an  extensive  and  well- 
cultivated  region.  The  town  derives  its  name  from  the  great  Mohawk^  chief,  the  In- 
dians having  a  ford  across  the  Grand  River  here,  which  they  called  "  Brant's  Ford," 
it  being  near  Jus  residence.^  The  situation  of  the  town,  on  the  north  or  right  bank 
of  the  Grand  River,  is  a  healthful  one.  That  river  is  navigable  to  within  less  than 
three  miles  of  the  village.  Tlie  deficiency  in  that  distance  is  supplied  by  a  canal. 
The  population  is  about  four  thousand. 

Early  on  the  moniing  after  my  arrival  at  Brantford  I  was  met  by  Chief  Johnson, 
who  had  come  up  to  the  village  the  previous  evening  for  the  purpose  We  left  ai 
six  o'clock  for  the  Onondaga  Station,  about  nine  miles  below,  from  wliicli  we  walked 
to  Mr.  Johnson's  house,  half  way  between  the  villages  of  Onondaga  and  Tnscarora, 
the  former  inhabited  by  Avhite  people,  and  the  latter  wholly  by  the  Indians.  Onon- 
daga is  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  and  Tuscarora  on  the  south.  We  passed  sev- 
eral pure-blooded  Indians  on  the  way,  some  of  them,  who  ••emain  pagans,  wearini: 
portions  of  the  ancient  savage  costume ;  but  most  of  them,  men  and  women,  were 
dressed  in  the  style  of  the  white  people  around  them. 

'  Paris  was  so  named  on  acconnt  of  the  gypsum,  or  "  plaster  of  Paris,"  which  abonnds  there. 

'  The  word  Mohawk,  In  that  language,  signifies  "  flint  and  steel." 

3  Those  of  the  Six  Nations  who  Joined  the  British  during  the  Revolntlon  were  promised  by  the  govcmorr  nf  Canadu, 
Carleton  and  Ilaldlmand,  that  they  shoald  be  well  provided  for  at  the  close  of  the  war.  But  in  the  treaty  of  iwnce  in 
17S3,  no  provision  was  made  for  the  Indians.  At  that  time  the  Mohawks,  with  Brant  at  their  head,  were  temporarily 
residing  on  the  American  side  of  the  Niiignrn  River,  near  its  mouth.  The  Senecas  offered  them  a  home  iu  the  GeneMe 
Valley,  but  Brant  and  his  followers  had  resolved  not  to  live  in  the  United  States.  He  went  to  Quebec  to  cliiim  frnm  Gov- 
ernor Haldimaud  the  llilfillment  of  his  promise.  He  had  fixed  his  eye  upon  a  large  tract  of  land  on  the  Bay  of  Qiiinle. 
But  the  Senecas  did  not  wish  them  to  go  so  far  away,  and  they  chose  a  large  tract  on  the  Grand  River.  This  matter 
l)eing  settled.  Brant  went  to  England  at  the  close  of  17T5,  and  during  the  remainder  of  his  life  he  devoted  much  of  bij 
time  to  the  moral  Improvement  of  his  people. 

The  grant  of  land  on  the  Onlse,  or  Grand  River,  which  Brant,  In  the  behalf  of  the  Indians,  procured  in  liS4,  com- 
prised an  area  of  twelve  hundred  square  miles,  or,  as  Brant  expressed  it  when  asked  how  much  wniild  s.nllsfjr  them, 
"six  miles  each  side  of  the  river  from  Its  mouth  to  Its  source."  The  whole  country  thus  granted  was  fertile  and  Iwiin- 
tiful.  Of  jU  that  splendid  domain,  running  up  Into  the  country  from  Lake  Krie  toward  Lake  Huron  to  the  Fallt  of 
Elora,  the"  Indians  now  retain  only  comparatively  small  tracts  In  the  vicinity  of  Brantford.  In  1S30  the  Indians  made 
a  surrender  to  the  government  of  the  town  plot  of  Brantford,  when  It  was  surveyed  and  sold  to  actual  settlers.  It  (oon 
grew  into  a  large  and  thriving  village. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


421 


Mi»ilon-hou»e  on  Urand  Hlver. 


C'uitnme  of  the  Chief  of  the  Hix  Nalloni. 


Indian  Wea|>un«. 


lll»UII>.\-UULIiK  US    tun   UltA.>L'    IIIVKU. 


Oil  oiir  way  we  also  passed  the  old  mission-houBc,  constructed  of  logs  in  1827,  for 

,l,e  residence  of  the  Reverend 

U()l)ert  LusKt^r,  the  predecessor 

of  the  i)ivHent  missionary  among 

the  Indians  there.    It  is  near  the 

left  bank  of  the  Grand  Itiver ; 

and  from  the   road  where    the 

sketdi  was  made  is  a  tine  view 

of  tiic  beautiful  valley  through 

wliii'h  tliat  stream  winds  its  way 

toward  Lake  Erie. 
A  walk  of  a  mile  and  a  half 

liionfht  us  to  "  Chiefswodd,"  the  residence  of  Mr.  Johnson,  situated  on  a  gentle  em- 
inence, with  heautiful  grounds  sloping  to  the  banks  of  tlie  Grand  River,  and  sur- 

roimded  by  his  farm  of  two  hundred  acres  of  excellent  land.     It  is  a  modest,  square 

mansion,  two  stories  in  height,  built  of 
brick,  and  stuccoed.  There  I  was  cor- 
dially welcomed  by  Mrs.  Johnson,  a 
handsome  and  well-educated  woman, 
daughter  of  a  clcrgymnn  of  the  Church 
of  England,  and  the  mother  of  three 
fine-looking,  healthy  children.  While 
awaiting  pre))arations  for  breakfast, 
Mr.  Johnson  proceeded  to  his  business 
office,  leaving  me  to  amuse  myself  with 
the  curiosities  which  adorned  the  little 
parlor.  On  a  table  were  several  rare 
Indian  relics,  and  the  daguerreotypes 
of  some  Indian  chiefs.  Among  the  lat- 
ter Avas  one  of  Mr.  Johnson  himself,  in 
the  military  costume  of  commander-in- 
ehief  of  the  Six  Nations,  as  seen  in  the 
engraving.  In  precisely  this  garb  he 
appeared,  in  compliment  to  my  curi- 
osity, when  he  came  to  invite  me  to 
breakfast.  The  coat  and  breeches  were 
M'hite  cloth,  and  the  scarf  and  sash 
were  rich  specimens  of  Indian  work, 
composed  of  cloth,  ribbons,  beads,  and 


OENAMENTAI.  TOMAHAWK. 


jwfcnpine  quills.  In  one  hand  he  holds  a  hand- 
some curled-maple  handled,  silver-mounted  pipe- 
tomahawk,^  and  in  the  other  a  most  formidable 
wtapon,  composed  of  the  shank  of  a  deer,  with  the 
bare  shin-bone  for  a  handle,  dried  in  the  angular 
position  seen  in  the  small  engraving  on  the  foUow- 
iiig  page,  and  holding  a  thick  glittering  blade, which  may  be  used  either  in  giving  deadly 

'  It  will  be  observed,  In  the  algnatnre  of  Mr.  Johnnon,  that  a  character  In  the  form  of  a  Z  precedes  the  word  "  chlct" 
Thli  indicates  an  arm  bent  at  the  elbow,  and  aignlfles  that  the  head  chief  Is  the  right  arm  of  the  nation. 

'These  ornamental  tomahawks  are  not  for  practical  nee.  The  handle,  fourteen  tnche«  In  length,  contains  a  tube  that 
aswers  the  purpose  of  the  stem  of  a  pipe,  and  the  head  of  the  tomahawk  is  arranged  as  a  pl|)e-bowl.  In  this  specimen 
ilie  blade  and  handle  are  connected  by  a  silver  chain.    The  blade  Is  brass  except  the  attiel  edge. 


i        ^      : 

1 
) 

*..«■! 


,|f;iii|ii|ii:in:i 


422 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


A  Stiver  C'lluniot. 


Aoctent.  Scalplng-knlfo  sniS  Iti  Ulitorjr. 


Number  and  Character  of  Ikf 


blows  or  aH  a  Hcaljjiiisj-kiiife.     Those,  with  a  silver  calumet,  or  i)ipo  of  j)cac(',  Pomixisi. 
a  part  of  the  regalia  of  the  civil  anil  military  heads  of  the  Wi.v  Nations.     Tliosu  arti- 


■II.Vr.R  OAI.UUKT. 


nKRR-BnANK   WEAPON. 

cles  had  been  long  in  possession  of  the  nation.'  On  the  tabic  was  also  a  dactnom- 
otype  of  Oshawahnah,  the  lieutenant  of  Tecumtha  at  the  battle  of  the  Tiiaiiics, anl 
who  in  1801  was  yet  living  on  Walpole  Island,  in  Lake  St.  Clair,  off  the  coast  of  Midi 
igan.  Mr.  Johnson  kindly  presented  to  me  the  likeness  of  himself  and  of  tiiat  vt'iu  ra- 
ble  chief.    That  of  the  latter,  with  some  facts  concerning  him,  Avill  be  given  licivaftor. 

By  the  side  of  the  fireplace  hung  an  undressed  deerskin  sheath  which  uttiactil 
my  attention.  I  drew  from  it  an  ancient  scalping-knife,  half  consumed  by  rust,  ns 
seen  in  the  little  picture.  „  |,^   about  to  break  i;rounil 

Its  history,  as  related  to  ^||BB|^^^IH|^^^^^^|iV  for   the    foundation 
me   by  Mr.  Johnson,  is       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  his  house,  two  or  tlim 
curious.     When  he  was  anoiictt  6calpino-ki«i«.  years    previous  to  my 

■  AnpuBt,    visit,"  the  venerable  Wliitecoat,  a  centenarian  chief  then  living  at  Tiisoa 

is(HK  j.Qj.jj^  Village,  came  to  him,  and,  pointing  to  the  huge  stump  of  a  tr  iliat  liad 
bee-  lied  within  the  prescribed  lines  of  the  building,  said,  "Dig  there,  ;;  ,1  you  will 
fir  alping-knife  that  T  buried  seventy  years  ago.   You  know,"  he  continued,  "that 

bt.  ..le  laws  of  the  white  man  governed  us,  it  was  the  duty  of  the  nearest  of  kin 
of  a  wounded  man  to  avenge  his  death  by  shedding  the  blood  of  the  murderer  in  iiivc 
manner,  and  that  the  weapon  so  employed  was  never  afterward  used,  but  buried.  I 
thus  took  vengeance  for  my  brother's  blood,  and  at  the  foot  of  that  tree  I  buried  the 
fatal  knife.  Dig,  and  you'll  find  it."  Johnson  did  so,  and  found  nothing  but  the  rusty 
blade,  to  which  he  has  affixed  a  Avooden  handle,  made  like  the  original.  Whitccoat 
was  among  the  warriors  who  were  in  the  battle  at  Queenston.  More  than  twenty 
of  his  companions  on  that  occasion  were  living  in  the  Grand  River  settlements  in 
1860.  The  whole  number  of  the  Six  Nations,  with  the  Chippewas,  in  those  settle- 
ments  Avas  about  three  thousand.  Of  these  about  five  hundred  Avere  pagans.  Tlie  iat 
ter  arc  chiefly  Cayugas,  Avho  are  usually  of  purer  blood  than  the  others,  and  conse- 
quently retain  more  of  the  Indian  feeling  and  dislike  of  the  Christians — the  j)er.souiti- 
caticn  of  hated  civilization. 

>  I  saw  and  sketched  tliese  objects  at  the  store  of  Mr.  Allan  Oleghom,  in  Brantford,  whogfi  great  intcrci't  in  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Indians  in  that  vicinity  caused  him  to  be  elected  to  a  chieftaincy  among  them,  according  to  the  old  Indian 
custom— a  compliment  equivalent  to  the  presentation  of  the  "  freedom  of  a  city"  to  meritorious  men. 

The  silver  cahtmet,  or  pipe  of  peace,  rscd  at  councils  and  in  making  treaties,  above  dellucatcd,  was  nulte  old.  On  Ho 
broad,  ornamented  silver  plate  under  the  bowl  and  part  of  the  stem  was  the  following  Inscription :  "To  the  M<il:aitk 
Indians,  from  the  Nine  Patentees  of  the  Tract  near  Schoharie,  granted  In  17(19."  On  one  side  of  the  bowl  wns  the  tipiro 
of  a  white  man,  and  on  the  other  that  of  an  Indian.  These  were  connected  with  the  representation  of  the  sun  on  ttc 
ft-out  of  the  bowl  by  a  union  chain.  Snspended  from  the  stem  in  a  festoon  was,  first,  a  stiver  chain,  and  then  strings  ot 
wampnm.    The  stem  was  eighteen  inches  in  lenf;th. 

The  sword  seen  in  the  picture  was  presented  to  Mr.  Johnson  In  1849  by  T.  D.  Beverly,  Esq.,  of  Three  Elvers,  Canada, 
because  of  the  chief's  speech  to  the  Six  Nations  (when  assembled  on  the  queen's  birthday).  In  deprecation  of  the  actinii  j 
of  the  Canadian  Parliament  in  paying  Mr.M'Kenzie  and  "other  rebels"  for  their  losses  during  the  civil  war  inl«;  | 
and  1838.    It  was  an  elegant  sword. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  born  near  Brantford  on  the  7th  of  October,  1818.    He  was  a  lineal  descendant  of  Sir  Wllllnm  Join. 
SOD,  through  Sir  John  Johnson,  whose  son  Jacob  was  bis  grandfather.    His  military  commisblon  as  chief  of  the  Sii  j 
Nations  gave  him  the  rank  and  pay  of  colonel.    His  influence  was  powerful,  and  he  had  the  esteem  of  bis  people  and  | 
of  the  white  inhabitants. 


OF  THE  WAB  OF   18  13. 


423 


The  Mohawk  Church. 


AppenrRnce  of  the  IiiMrlor. 


VlllW  of  Ouond«K«  nnd  Muhawk. 

Immediately  after  breakfast  I  bade  adieu  to  Mm.  Jolinson  ntid  her  interesting  little 
family,  and  loll  "('hiefswood"  for  Hrantl'ord,  acconiimniod  by  the  kind-heiirtcd  leader 
ill  hi«  own  conveyance.  We  went  by  the  way  of  Onondaga  and  Mohawk  or  "The 
Institute,"  where  IJrunt  firnt  settled.  Near  the  former  village  Mr.  Johnson  has  n 
tlirni,  on  the  verge  of  which,  and  close  by  the  town,  is  a  free  Episcopal  church,  built 
of  biifk,  and  devoted  to  the  use  of  the 
jioor  white  peoi)lc  of  that  section.  For 
that  noble  piirpose  Mr.  Johnson  gave 
the  ground  and  a  considerable  sum  of 
iiioiu'V.  I»  the  village,  whicli  is  i)lea8- 
antly  situated  on  a  plain,  is  a  small 
Mt'tliodist  chapel  and  some  neat  cot- 
tages'. Oiily  here  and  there  an  Indian 
family  were  seen,  and  these  were  found 
ill  a  stiite  of  excitement  and  grief  be- 
cause of  the  death  of  a  fine  lad,  a  grand- 
son of  Ihant,  who  had  been  killed  by 
being  tliroAvn  from  a  horse  tliat  morn- 
ing. 

Wc  readied  the  old  Mohawk  church 
(the  lirst  of  the  kind  citcted  hi  the 
]imviiicc)  toward  noon,  found  the  door 
open,  and  entered.  hSome  carpenters 
were  at  work  repairing  the  exterior, 
Itiit  in  no  way  changing  its  fonn  from 
what  it  was  originally.  It  is  of  wood, 
and  was  erected  in  tJie  year  1783.  It 
is  a  very  plain,  unpretending  structure 
within  and  without.     The  only  ornament,  exocpt  the  upliolstery  of  the  pulpit  and 

the  upper  part  of  the  fi-ames 
inclosing  the  Ten  Command- 
ments, is  11  representation  of 
the  royal  arms  of  England, 
handsomely  carved  and  gilt, 
attached  to  the  wall  over 
the  entrance -uoor,  inside. 
Back  of  the  pulpit  are  two 
black  tablets  with  the  Com- 
mandments inscribed  upon 
them.  On  the  right  of  it  is 
another  tablet,  on  which  is 
written  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
and  on  the  left  another,  with 
the  Apostles'  Creed,  all  in 
the  Moiiawk  language. '  In 
front  of  the  little  chancel  is 
a  neat  font.  The  seats  have 
high  backs.  The  one  seen  in 
the  corner,  at  the  right  of  the  pulpit,  was  pointed  out  to  me  as  that  which  Brant  and 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  as  written  upon  the  tablet  in  the  old  Mohawk  chnrch : 

"Shoegwaniha  Karoahyakonh  teKhslderouh,  Wagwaghseanadokea^hdlste ;  Sayanertsherah  aodaweghtl;  Tsineagh- 

wrehegh  neayaweane  ne  oiighweatsyake  tsioul  nityonht  nc  Karouhynknnh.    Takyouh  ne  Keah  weghniseratc  ne  ni- 

Mdcwe(!hniK!rakc  oegwanndarok :  Neoni  toedagwarighwyastea  ne  tsinfyoegwatswatouh,  tsinlyouht  ne  oekyouhha 

tiite^akhirighwiyoesteanis  ne  waonkbiyatswatea.  Neoni  toghsa  tagwaghshnrinet  tewadadeanakeraghtoeke :  Nok  toe- 


MOHAWK  oiimon. 


U4TEBIUB  or  MOBAWK  OUUBOU, 


"^■ppp 


1'i 


iJNII 


424 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Bonding  of  tbe  Mohawk  Churcb. 


Its  Bell. 


Tomb  of  the  Brant  Family. 


The  "Mohawk  Instltiue." 


his  family  occupied  when  he  resided  there.  The  area  of  tlie  interior  is  only  about 
thirty  by  forty  feet,  and  is  lighted  by  four  arched  windows  on  each  side.  The  tim- 
ber for  the  church  was  floated  down  the  Grand  River,  sawed  and  dressed  by  hand, 
and  carried  to  the  8|)0t  by  the  Indians.  The  communion  service,  still  used  in  the 
church,  Avas  presented  to  the  Slohawks  by  Queen  Anne.  It  has  been  generally  sup- 
posed that  the  bell  was  also  a  gift  of  the  royal  lady ;  but,  on  examination,  I  found  the 
following  "card"  of  the  manufacturer  cast  upon  it:  "John  Warner,  Fleet  Street,  Lon- 
don, 1786."    It  was  doubtless  brought  from  England  at  about  that  time  by  Brant. 

Near  the  south  side  of  the  church  is  the  tomb  of  Brant  and  his  son  and  official  suc- 
cessors. His  original  family  vault  was  built  of  Avood.  It  fell  into  decay,  and  in  1850 
the  inhabitants  of  the  vicinity  erected  a  new  and  substantial  tomb,  composed  of  light 
brown  sandstone.  The  public  ceremonies  on  the  occasion  were  conducted  ehietly 
by  the  Freemasons  (Brant  being  a  member  of  that  order),  assisted  by  a  large  gather- 
ing of  the  people  from  the  surrounding  country  and  from  the  States,  especially  fiom 
the  Mohawk  Valley,  full  five  thousand  in  number.  Upon  a  massive  slab  which  com- 
poses the  top  of  the  tomb  are  appropriate  inscriptions  commemorative  of  both  father 
and  son.i  A  picture  of  the  tomb  may  be  seen  on  page  401.  In  front  of  the  church, 
near  the  entrance-gate  to  the  grounds,  is  the  grave  of  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
Chief  Johnson,  who  was  in  the  train  of  young  Brant  at  the  battle  of  Queenston.  A 
stone  slab,  with  an  appropriate  inscription,  covers  his  grave.^ 

After  sketching  the  exterior  and  interior  of  the  ancient  church  and  Brant's  tomb, 
and  visiting  the  much-altered  house,  a  few  rods  distant,  M'here  the  great  chieftaui 
lived,  we  went  to  the  "Mohawk  Institute,"  the  central  point  of  missionary  effort  among 
the  Six  Nations,  commenced  and  continued  by  "  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts."^  Their  first  missionary  to  the  Mohawks  was  sent  in 
the  year  1702,  and  from  that  time  to  this  they  have  followed  the  waning  tribe  and 
its  confederates  in  the  old  league  with  motherly  solicitude.  This  company  have 
maintained  a  missionary  among  the  Six  Nations  in  Canada  ever  since  their  migration 
thither.  They  have  contributed  largely  to  the  repairs  of  the  old  Mohawk  church, 
erected  a  new  one  in  Tuscarora  Village,  and  now  maintain  at  the  "  Institute"  about 
sixty  Indian  scholars.  These  were  under  the  charge  of  ti.e  Reverend  Abraham  Nellcs, 
the  missionary  of  the  station,  and  his  excellent  wife,  who  had  been  in  that  useful 
field  of  labor  since  1829.     His  family  had  bad  ecclesiastical  connection  with  the  Six 

dagwayadakoh  tslnoewe  niyodaxhcab :  Iken  lese  Boweank  ne  kayancrtsberab,  neonl  ne  kashatsteagbsero,  neonl  te 
(Eweseaghtshero,  tslnlj'eaheawe  neonl  tslnlyeaheawe.    Anun," 

>  The  following  are  copies  of  the  Inscriptions: 

"This  tomb  Is  erected  to  the  memory  of  TiiATE-TDANEQiiA,  or  Capta(n  Joseph  Bbant,  Principal  Chief  and  'Varrior 
of  the  Six  Nations  Indians,  by  bis  Fellow-Snbjects,  admirers  of  bis  fidelity  and  attachment  to  the  British  Crown.  Boro 
on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  River,  1T12 ;  died  at  Wellington  Sijuare,'  I'.  C,  1807. 

"It  also  contains  tbe  Keraains  of  his  Son  AnvouwAions,  or  Captain  John  Bbant,  who  sncceedeil  his  Father  ag  !■■ 
kaHhogea,  and  distinguished  himself  In  the  war  of  1812-16.  Born  at  the  Mohawk  VlUage,  U.  C,  1T94 ;  died  at  tbe  same 
place,1833.    Erected  18B0." 

The  tomb  is  surrounded  by  a  heavy  wooden  fence. 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  inscription  : 

"  In  memory  of  Geoboe  Maetin,  Mohawk  Chief.  Bom  at  Kanajobara,  V.  S.,  Dec.  23, 1T07 ;  died  at  Grand  River, 
C.  W.,  Feb.  18, 1803,  aged  S3  years." 

Chief  Johnson  has  in  his  possession  n  silver  medal,  preneuted  to  his  grandfather  more  than  seventy  years  agobr 
George  the  Third.  On  one  side  is  a  prnflle  of  the  king.  On  the  other  is  a  landscape.  In  the  foreground  ie  a  Hon  in 
repose,  and  a  wolf  approarhlng  him  with  awe.  in  the  distance  is  a  representation  of  the  Mohawk  church  on  Grand 
Biver  and  the  mission-house  near. 

»  This  society  was  Incorporated  by  Parliament  in  ITOl.  i:t  Is  the  successor  or  contlnnaUon  of  an  earlier  one,  in  IMl, 
nnder  the  title  of  The  Conipanu  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Go»pel  in  Sew  England  and  Partu  Adjacent  in  America.  It 
was  composed  partly  of  members  of  ,he  Church  of  Englaml  and  partly  of  Protestant  Dissenters. 

•  Wellington  Square  is  a  pleasant  little  vllinge  in  Nelson  Township,  situated  on  Lake  Ontario,  eight  miles  fi-om  Harall- 
Inn,  and  now  (1807)  contains  between  four  and  live  hundred  inhabitants.  There,  north  of  the  beach  which  divides  Lake 
Ontario  ft-om  Burlington  Bay,  Brnnt  made  his  abode.  In  a  handsome  two-storied  mansion,  beautifully  situated,  lony  be- 
fore the  present  village  had  existence.  Ther  he  .ived,  in  the  English  stjie,  until  his  death.  Ills  widow  (third  wifel, 
Catharine,  wai  'jrty-cight  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death.  She  preferred  the  cus'oms  of  her  people,  and  soou 
after  her  hnsb,  ..d's  departure  she  left  Lake  Ontario  and  returned  to  Mohawk,  on  the  G-.'id  River.  Her  eon  aod 
daughter  rcm'\luod  at  the  "  Braut '  ousc"  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  ived  in  elegant  style  for  several  years, 


HI 


*-<"! 


OF  THE  AVAR  OF   1812. 


425 


COMMUNION  PLATE. 


The  Work  of  the  "Inntitute."    The  Commnniou  Plate  oftbe  Mohawk  Church.    A  pleasaot  Day  with  the  8ix  Nations. 

Nations  for  a  century  and  a  half.  His  faithfulness  as  a  teacher  of  temporal  and  spir- 
itual things  merits  and  receives  the  highest  commendations.  He  resided  at  the  old 
mission-house,  near  Tuscarora,  delineated  on  page  241,  until  1837,  when  he  took  up 
his  abode  at  Mohawk. 

Unfortunately,  our  visit  Avas  at  vacation  time,  and  we  were  deprived  of  the  coveted 
pleasure  of  seeing  a  group  of  threescore  Indian  children  under  instruction.  We 
spent  two  hours  very  agreeably  with  the  kind  missionary  and  his  family  at  the  "  In- 
stitute" and  the  parsonage  at  the  glebe.  These  have  each  two  hundred  acres  of 
fertile  land,  at  the  head  of  the  Grand  River,  attached  to  them,  and  are  separated  by 
tLe  canal,  which  carries  the  navigation  of  the  river  up  to  Brantford.  We  crossed  the 
canal  in  a  canoe,  and  at  the  parsonage,  an  old-fashioned  dwelling  near  the  old  "  Insti- 
tute" building,  with  beautiful  grounds 
around  it,  we  saAV  many  curious  things 
connected  with  the  mission.  Among 
them  was  one  half  of  the  massive  silver 
communion  plate  presented  by  Queen 
Anne  to  the  Mohawks  in  1 7 1 2.  The  other 
half,  a  duplicate  of  this,  was  lent  to  a 
church  on  the  Bay  of  Quint6.  Upon  each 
was  engraved  the  royal  arms  of  England 
and  "A.  R." — Anne  Regina — with  the  fol- 
lowing inscription  in  double  lines  around 
them :  "  the  gift  of  iiek  majesty  anne, 

IIEB 
PLANTATIONS  IN  ij^OBTH  AMERICA,  QUEEN,  TO  HER  INDIAN  CHAPEL   OF  THE  MOHAWKS." 

In  addition  to  the  three  pieces  given  in  the  picture  was  a  plate,  nine  inches  in  di- 
ameter, for  receiving  collections.  Mr.  Nelles  also  showed  us  a  well-preserved  folio 
liible,  which  was  printed  in  London  in  1701,  and  was  sent  to  the  Mohawks  with  the 
lomniunion  plate.     On  the  cover  are  the  following  words  in  gilt  letters :  "  fob  hep 

majesty's  OUURCII   of   the    MOHAWKS,  1712." 

We  dined  with  the  excellent  missionaries,  and  then  rode  to  Brantford,  a  mile  and 
a  half  distant,  where,  after  a  brief  tarry.  I  bade  adieu  to  Mr.  .Tohnson  and  the  Six 
Nations,  when  I  had  only  an  hour  in  which  to  travel  seven  miles  to  Paris  to  take  the 
evening  train  for  Hamilton  or  Toronto.  I  had  procured  a  fleet  and  powerful  horse, 
and  in  a  light  wagon,  with  a  small  boy  as  driver,  I  traveled  the  excellent  stone  road, 
or "  pike,"  between  the  two  places  on  that  hot  afternoon  with  the  speed  of  the  trot- 
ting-course,  yet  with  apparent  ease  to  the  splendid  animal.  I  had  four  minutes  to 
spare  at  Paris. 

That  beautiful  day,  spent  with  the  Six  Nations  and  their  military  chief  and  spiritual 
;;uide,  will  ever  remain  a  precious  treasure  in  the  store-house  of  memory.  I  could 
think  of  little  else  while  on  my  journey  that  evening  from  Paris  to  Toronto.  Of  my 
visit  to  that  former  capital  of  Upper  Canada,  known  as  York  in  the  War  of  1812, 1  shall 
hereafter  write.' 

Let  us  return  from  oar  digression  from  the  strict  path  of  history  to  the  Niagara 
frontier,  which  Ave  so  recently  left,  and  consider  the  record  of  events  there  during  the 
remainder  of  1812,  after  the  battle  at  Queenston. 

The  Pritish  had  erected  some  batteries  on  the  high  banks,  a  little  back  of  the 
Niagara  UiA-er,  just  beloAV  Fort  Erie,  at  a  point  where  an  invasion  by  the  Americans 

'  The  Indian  mime  was  Darondo  or  Tarnnto,  signifying  "  Trees  on  the  Water."  This  was  In  allusion  to  the  long,  low, 
Kindtpoiiit  (now  un  Island),  within  which  wns  the  Bay  of  Toronto.  On  that  point  were,  and  still  arc,  many  trees.  The 
JifUioo  is  Bo  great  that  from  the  shore  at  the  city  they  socm  to  be  on  tlw,  water.  AVhen  Colonel  Simcoe  became  iien- 
ifDKt  governor  oftbe  TTppor  Province  he  endeavored  to  An!;llcljc  the  settlors  by  making  them  familiar  with  Eugllsb 
Mmei  s.id  things.  With  this  object  in  view  he  gave  English  names  to  all  places,  and  the  Indian  name  of  Taronto  was 
(hanged  to  Kurt,  Id  honor  of  the  Dui.e  of  York.    It  was  known  for  many  years  as  Little  York. 


■''  u 


i( ; 


■pm 


iiiii 


:l  i 


i 

'1 

1'  ii 

^\- 

I' 

1   'ill' 

i    hI 

K' 

,i  11 

i:r.i  i| 
hi      3 


426 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Black  Rock  and  Porter's  Residence. 


Attack  on  the  Works  there. 


Bombardment  of  Fort  Niagara 


might  be  reasonably  expected.  From  these  batteries  they  opened  a  severe  fire  on  the 
morning  of  the  1 7th  of  November  upon  Black  Rock  opposite,  then  a  place  of  (jiiite  as 
much  importance  as  Buffalo  in  some  respects.  There  were  the  head-quarters  of  the 
little  army  under  General  Smyth,  and  there  was  the  fine  residence  of  General  Peter 
B.  Porter,  who  was  then  in  command  there  of  a  body  of  New  York  miliria,  and  made 

that  dwelling  his  head- 
quarters. There  were  some 
slight  fortifications  near 
Black  Rock,  but  the  heavi- 
est cannon  upon  the  breast- 
work was  a  six -pounder, 
All  day  long,  at  intervals, 
the  British  kept  up  the  fire 
at  one  time  hurling  a  •25- 
pound  shot  against  the 
upper  loft  of  Porter's  resi- 


dence, and  soor  aftcrwanl 

dropping   another  ball,  of 

At  length  a  bonib- 


QEMERAL   FUBTER's   BESIDBHOE,   IILAOK    BOOK.' 

the  same  weight,  through  the  roof,  while  he  was  there  at  dmner. 
shell  was  sent  into  the  cast  barrack  with  destructive  power.  It  exploded  the  maga 
zine,  fired  the  buildings,  and  destroyed  a  portion  of  the  valuable  furs  captured  on 
•  October  9,  board  the  Caledonia  a  fcAV  days  before."  This  exploit  being  one  of  the 
^^^'^-  chief  objects  of  the  cannonade  and  bombardment,  both  ceased  at  sunset, 
Very  little  noise  was  heard  along  that  frontier  for  a  month  afterward  except  the 
sonorous  cadences  of  General  Smyth's  proclamations.  At  length  British  cannon 
opened  their  thunders..  E'-^ast works  had  been  raised  in  front  of  Newark,  ojjposite 
Fort  Niagara,  at  intervals  all  the  way  up  to  Fort  George,  and  behind  them  mortars 
and  a  long  train  of  battery  cannon  had  been  placed.  At  six  o'clock  on  the  nicminu 
of  the  21st  of  November  these  commenced  a  fierce  bombardment  of  Fort  Niagara, 
and  at  the  same  time  a  cannonade  was  opened  from  Fort  George  and  its  vicinitv. 
From  dawn  until  the  evening  twilight  there  was  a  continual  roar  from  five  detached 
batteries  on  the  Canada  shore,  two  of  them  mounting  twenty-four-pounders.  From 
these  batteries  two  thousand  red-hot  shot  were  poured  upon  the  American  works, 
while  the  mortars,  from  five  and  a  half  to  ten  and  a  half  inches  calibre,  were  shower- 
ing bomb-shells  all  day  long.  The  latter  were  almost  harmless,  but  the  former  set  fire 
to  several  buildings  within  the  fort,  which,  by  the  greatest  exertions,  were  saved. 
The  garrison,  meanwhile,  performed  their  duty  nobly.  They  were  quite  suflicient  in 
number,  but  lacked  artillery  and  ammunition.  The  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel  George 
M'Feely^  was  the  commander,  .''iid  Major  Armistead, 
of  the  United  States  Engineer  Corps,  performed  the 
most  important  ser\'ices  at  the  guns  and  in  extinguish- 
ing the  flames.  Captain  M'Keon  commanded  a  12- 
pounde*  in  the  southeast  block-house ;  Captain  Jacks, 
of  the  7th  Regiment  of  Militia  Artillery,  was  in  charge  of  the  north  block-house, 
where  he  was  greatly  exposed  to  a  raking  fire  of  the  enemy ;  and  Lieutenant  lieesj_ 
of  the  3d  LTnited  States  Artillery,  managed  an  eighteen-pounder  in  the  southeast  bat- 
tery, which  told  heavily  upon  a  British  battery  with  a  twenty-four-pounder  en  bar- 
bette. He  was  soon  badly  wounded  in  the  shoulder  by  the  falling  of  a  pfirt  of  tiio 
parapet.     On  the  west  battery  an  eighteen  and  a  four  pounder  were  directed  by  Lien- 

>  This  Is  from  a  sketch  made  by  the  writer  in  the  snmmer  of  1860,  fhrai  a  pier  in  the  Niagara  River.  The  honee  i! 
upon  the  high  shore  of  the  river.    It  was  then  owned  by  Mr.  I^ewls  P.  Allen. 

'  M'Fcely  was  commissioned  a  mi\ior  in  March,  1S12,  and  in  Jnly  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  colonel.  He  beoai 
colonel  of  infantry  in  April,  1814,  and  was  disbanded  In  June,  181B, 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


427 


Artillery  Duel  at  Fort  Niagara. 


A  heavy  Force  near  Buffalo. 


Order""  for  Invading  Canada  at  that  Point. 


tenant  Wendal,  and  on  the  mess-house,*  Doctor  Hooper,  of  the  New  York  Militia, 
had  charge  of  a  six-pounder.  South  of  Fort  Niagara,  and  a  dependency  of  it,  was  the 
"  Salt  Battery,"  so  called,  mounting  an  eighteen  and  a  four  pounder.  It  was  directly 
in  range  of  Fort  George,  and  annoyed  the  garrison  there  exceedingly.  It  was  com- 
manded by  Lieutenants  Gansevoort  and  Harris,  of  the  1st  Artillery.  From  these 
several  batteries  on  the  American  side  many  a  destructive  missile  went  on  terrible 
errands  during  the  day.  Newark  was  on  fire  several  times  before  night,  and  the 
buildings  in  Fort  George  were  also  fired,  and  one  of  its  batteries  was  silenced." 
During  the  day  an  American  twelve-pounder  burst  and  killed  two  men.  Two  others 
were  killed  by  the  enemy's  fire,  and  a  lieutenant  and  four  men  were  wounded.  These 
were  the  casualties  of  the  day  on  the  American  side.  What  injury  was  done  to  the 
British  is  not  known.  A  shot  from  the  Salt  Battery  sunk  a  sloop  lying  at  the  wharf 
on  the  Canada  side.  Night  ended  the  artillery  duel,  and  it  was  not  renewed  in  the 
morning. 

We  have  observed  that  General  Smyth  expressed  his  opinion  to  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer, on  his  arrival  on  the  frontier,  that  the  proper  place  to  cross  the  Niagara  River 
for  the  invasion  of  Canada  was  somewhere  between  Fort  Erie  and  ChippcAva.^  A 
few  days  after  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Niagara,  Smyth  attempted  to  act  upon  that 
opinion.  His  proclamation  had  stirred  tlie  people  of  Western  New  York,  and  large 
numbers  had  flocked  to  his  standard ;  for  his  flaming  sentences  warmed  their  zeal, 
and  they  believed  that  all  his  glowing  hopes  would  be  realized  and  his  flattering 
promises  would  be  fulfilled.  On  the  27th  of  November,  when  Smyth  called  the  troops 
to  a  general  rendezvous  at  Black  Rock,  they  numbered  about  four  thousand  five  hund- 
red. They  were  composed  of  his  own  regulars,  and  the  Baltimore  Volunteers  under 
Colonel  Winder,  the  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  under  General  Tannehill,  and  the  New 
York  Volunteers  under  General  Peter  B.  Porter.  With  these  he  felt  competent  to 
invade  Canada  successfully. 

As  early  as  the  25th,  General  Smyth  issued  orders  for  "  the  whole  army  bo  ready 
to  march  at  a  moment's  wanung."  "The  tents,"  he  said,  "will  be  left  st;'  g.  Ofli- 
cers  will  carry  their  knapsacks.  The  baggage  will  follow  in  convenient  ti.  '  Alter 
giving  directions  for  the  embarkation  of  the  troops  in  the  boats  provided  by  Colonel 
Winder, '  whom  that  important  service  was  intrusted,  he  gave  the  following  direc- 
tions for  iiuiiig  the  troips  in  battle  order  on  the  Canada  shore;  "Beginning  <>n  the 
vi'lit,  iin  fc)llow8:  Captain  Gibson's  Artillery;  the  Sixth  and  Thirteenth  Infantry; 
tain  To wson's  Artillery ;  the  Fourteenth  and  Twenty-third  Infantr;  i«  one  regi- 
(';i|i!ain  Barkor'.s  and  Captain  i  ,.  Ii's  Artillery ;  the  T'  clfth  an  Twentieth 
Infaiiiry;  Capt.iiti  Archer's  Artillery,  General  Tannchill's  Inlantry;  a  company  of 
Riflemen;  th  '..I'antry  of  Colonel  Swift  and  Colonel  MC'lure;  a  comp.u  \  of  Rifle- 
men; General  Port  i-'h  Infantrj  Captain  Leonard's  Aiiiilcry;  a  battalion  of  Rifle- 
men on  each  flank,  ui  a  line  perptndi''ilar  to  that  formi<t  by  the  main  army,  extend- 
ing to  the  front  and  rear."* 

1  The  Indians  were  jealona  of  any  !>  .i^  of  the  French  to  build  any  thing  like  a  fort  among  them.    The  French 

sncoecded  by  etratagem.    They  obta:  inilsKion  to  erect  a  great  wigwam,  or  dwelling,  and  then  induced  the  In- 

dians to  go  on  a  long  hunt.    When  tl       n'turnc<t  the  walls  were  so  advanced  that  they  might  defy  the  savages.    They 
completed  the  building  In  a  way  that  they  might  plant  cannon  on  the  top,  and  used  It  as  a  mess-house.    Under  it  was 


idccp  dnngeon,  and  In  that  dungeon  wn-  :\  w 
intLat  dark  prison.    The  water  of  the  w 
die™  that  at  midnight  the  headless  body 
had  be-in  mnrdered. 
'  Thompson,  In  his  HUtorieal  Sketehi' 
and  men  at  this  battery,  that  when,  in  i 


It  Is  believed  that  political  prisoners  from  France  were  confined 

oisoned  at  one  time,  and  a  story  was  believed  by  superstitious  sol- 

hman  might  be  seen  sitting  on  the  margin  of  the  well,  where  he 


• :  War,  page  SO,  says,"  Such  was  the  spirited  eamcstness  of  both  officers 
list  tremendous  of  the  bombardment,  they  had  flred  away  all  their  car- 
trHjes,  they  cut  up  their  flannel  waistcoats  and  shirts,  and  the  soldiers  their  trow^ers,  to  supply  their  guns."  He  also 
ipealts  of  the  wife  oi  an  Irish  artilleryman,  named  Doyle,  who  had  been  made  a  prls<mer  at  Quccnston,  and  to  whom  a 
parole  had  been  refused,  determined  to  resent  the  act  by  taking  her  husband's  place  as  far  as  possible.  On  the  occasion 
now  under  consideration  she  took  her  place  at  the  raess-honse,  and  supplied  the  six-pounder  there  with  hot  shot.  Re- 
gardless of  the  shot  and  shell  that  fell  aronnd  her,  she  never  quitted  her  station  until  the  last  gun  had  been  flred. 
'  S«!  Smyth's  letter  to  Van  Rensselaer,  note  2,  page  389. 
'  Maunscript  order,  Novembi'r  26, 1812 :  Winder  Papers.   In  that  order  the  directions  for  attack  were  given  as  followa : 


ill 


li  1 


438 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


mi 

H  «       u  ;  4^  i .  •■ 

11        ;■' 

1   "      p 

1 

I?!    "■ 

iii '"' 

ULMI 

).. 

Arrangctnonta  for  Crossing  the  Niagara  River.  The  British,  forewarned,  are  forearmed.         Passage  of  the  River 


•  November, 
1812. 


Every  thing  was  in  readiness  on  the  27th''  for  invasion,  and  arrange- 
ments  were  made  for  the  expedition  to  em>)ark  at  the  navy  yard  below 
Black  Rock  at  reveille  on  the  morning  of  the  28th.  Seventy  public  boats,  capable  of 
carrying  forty  men  each;  five  large  private  boats,  in  which  one  hundred  men  each 
could  be  borne ;  and  ten  scows  for  artillery,  with  many  small  boats,  were  pressed  into 
the  service,  so  that  three  thousand  trooj)8,  the  whole  number  to  be  employed  in  the 
invasion,  might  cross  at  once.  That  evening  Smyth  issued  his  final  order,  dii-ecting 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Boerstler  to  cross  over  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  with  the 
effective  men  of  Colonel  Winder's  regiment,  and  destroy  a  bridge  about  five  miles 
below  Fort  Eric,  capture  the  guard  stationed  there,  kill  or  take  tlie  artillery  horses 
and,  with  the  captives,  if  any,  return  to  the  American  shore.  Captain  King  was  di- 
rected to  cross  at  the  same  time  at  the  "  Red  House,"  higher  up  the  river,  to  storm 
the  British  batteries.  It  was  loft  to  the  discretion  of  Boerstler  to  march  up  the  Can- 
ada shore  to  assist  King,  or  to  return  immediately  after  performing  his  allotted  work 
at  the  bridge.  "It  is  not  intended  to  keep  possession,"  said  the  order.  "Let  the 
wounded  be  kept  from  the  public  eye  to-morrow.  You  [Colonel  Winder]  will  remain 
on  this  bank  and  give  directions.'" 

General  Smyth  had  so  long  and  loudly  proclaimed  his  dc^i'is  against  Canada,  and 
had  so  fairly  indicated  his  probable  point  of  invasion,  that  the  authorities  on  the  other 
side  were  prepared  to  meet  him  at  any  place  between  Fort  Erie  and  Chippewa.  Jla- 
jor  Ormsby,  of  the  Forty-r.'nth,  with  a  detachment  of  that  and  the  Newfoundland 
regiment,  was  at  the  fort.  The  ferry  opposite  Black  Rock  was  occupied  by  two  com- 
panies of  militia  under  Captain  Bostwick.  Two  and  a  half  miles  from  Fort  Erie,  at  a 
house  on  the  Chippewa  road,  Avas  Lieutenant  Lamont,  with  a  detachment  of  the  Forty- 
ninth,  and  Lieutenant  King,  of  the  Royal  Engineers,  with  a  three  and  six  pounder, 
and  some  militia  urtillerymen.  Near  the  same  spot  were  two  batteries,  one  mount- 
ing an  eighteen  and  the  other  a  twenty-four  pound  cannon,  also  under  Lamont.  A 
mile  farther  down  was  a  post  occupied  by  a  detachment  under  Lieutenant  Baitlev; 
and  on  P^rcnchman's  Creek,  fou'r  and  a  half  miles  from  Fort  Erie,  was  a  party  of  sev- 
enty under  Lieutenant  ^.  a  part  of  the  Forty-first 
M'Intyre.  Lieutenant  "T"^;  Z^  ^?  ' ^  J^  r-^  ^  Regulars,  some  militia 
Colonel  Cicil  Bisshopp  {^^^-^O  ^-^^  ^^^'yif^  and  militia  artillery, 
was  at  Chippewa  with  and  near  him  was  j\Iajor 
Hatt  with  a  small  detachment  of  militia.  The  whole  number  of  British  troops,  scat- 
tered along  a  line  of  twenty  miles,  did  not,  according  to  the  most  reliable  estimates, 
exceed  one  thousand  men. 

Before  the  appointed  hour  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,''  the  boats  were 
in  readiness  under  the  general  superintendence  of  Lieutenant  Angus,  of 
the  navy,  at  the  head  of  a  ^        _  ter  Watts,  of  Caledonia 

corps  of  marines  and  sea-    .  -^^/i        /V^  ^  fame,*  and  seveial  other 

men,  assi.'ted  by  Lieuten-  \^IX4^^  l/iyyZXj  i-^*//    naval  officers.     It  was  a 
ant  Dudley,  Sailing-mas-  '  cold    and    dreary   night. 

At  three  in  the  morning"  tlie  advanced  parties  left  the  American  shore 
for  their  respective  destinations.  One,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Boerst- 
ler, consisted  of  aoout  two  hundred  men  of  Colonel  Winder's  regiment,  in  eleven 
boats ;  and  the  other,  under  Captain  King,  was  composed  of  one  hundred  and  fit\y 
regular  soldiers,  and  seventy  sailors  under  Lieutenant  Angus,  in  ten  boats.  King's 
party  were  discovered  upon  the  water  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  and  were 

"1.  The  ortillery  will  si)cnd  some  of  their  first  shot  on  the  enemy's  artillery,  ond  then  aim  ot  the  Infantry,  raking  thfm 
where  it  is  practicable.  2.  The  firing  of  musketry  by  wings  or  companies  will  begin  at  the  distance  of  two  liuiidreil 
yards,  aiming  at  the  middle  and  firing  deliberately.  3.  At  twenty  yards'  distance  the  soldiers  will  be  ordered  to  trail 
irms,  advance  with  shouts,  fire  at  five  paces'  distance,  and  charge  bayonets.  4.  The  soldiers  will  be  «i7c»i/,  above  all 
.hingfl,  attentive  at  the  word  of  cormand,  load  quick  and  well,  and  aim,  («it>." 
>  Manuscript  order  of  Ocueral  Smyth  to  Colonel  Wluder,  November  2T,  1812 :  Witider  Papert.  '  Sec  page  M 


■>  Novemb  jr. 


•  November  29. 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


429 


Incidents  of  the  Attempt  to  Invade  Canada  on  the  Upper  Niagara. 


80  warmly  assailed  by  volleys  of  musketry  and  shot  from  a  field-piece  at  the  Red 
House  that  six  of  the  ten  boats  were  compelled  to  return.  The  other  four  resolutely 
landed  in  good  order,  in  the  face  of  the  storm  of  bullets  and  grape-shot  from  flying 
artillery ;  and  before  King  could  form  his  troops  on  the  shore,  Angus  and  Ins  seamen, 
with  characteristic  impetuosity,  rushed  into  the  hottest  fire  and  suffered  considerably. 
Kinc  formed  his  corps  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  the  enemy  were  soon  dispersed. 
He  then  proceeded  to  storm  and  take  in  quick  succession  two  British  batteries  above 
the  landing-place,  while  Angus  and  his  seamen  ruslied  upon  the  field-pieces  at  the 
Red  House,  captured  and  spiked  them,  and  cast  them,  with  their  caissons,^  into  the 
river.  In  this  assault  Sailing-master  Watts  was  mortally  wounded  while  leading  on 
the  seamen.^  Angus  and  his  party  returned  to  the  landing-place,  with  Lieutenant 
Kin<',  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  wounded  and  a  prisoner.  Supposing  the  other  six  boats 
had  landed  (for  it  was  too  dark  to  see  far  along  the  shore),  and  that  Captain  King 
and  his  party  had  been  taken  prisoners,  Angus  crossed  to  the  American  shore  in  the 
four  boats.  This  unfortunate  mistake  left  King,  with  Captains  Morgan  and  Sproull, 
Lieutenant  Houston,  and  Samuel  Swartwout,  of  New.  York,  who  had  volunteered  for 
the  service  with  the  little  party  of  regulars,  without  any  means  of  crossing.  King 
waited  a  while  for  re-enforcements.  None  came,  and  he  went  to  the  landing-place  for 
the  purpose  of  crossing,  with  a  number  of  the  British  artillerists  whom  he  had  made 
prisoners.  To  his  dismay,  he  discovered  the  absence  of  all  the  boats.  Ho  pushed 
down  the  river  in  the  dark  for  about  two  miles,  when  he  found  two  large  ones.  Into 
these  he  placed  all  of  his  officers,  the  prisoners,  and  one  lialf  of  his  men.  These  had 
not  reached  the  American  shore  when  King  and  the  remainder  of  his  troops  were 
taken  prisoners  by  a  superior  force. 

Hoerstler  and  his  party,  in  the  mean  time,  had  been  placed  in  much  peril.  The 
tiring  upon  King  had  aroused  the  enemy  all  along  the  Canada  shore,  and  they  were 
on  the  alert.  Boerstler's  boats  became  separated  in  the  darkness.  Seven  of  them 
landed  above  the  bridge,  to  be  destroyed,  while  four  others,  that  approached  the  des- 
ignated landing-place,  were  driven  off  by  a  party  of  the  enemy.  Boerstler  landed 
lioldly  alone,  under  fire  from  a  foe  of  unknown  numbers,  and  drove  them  to  the  bridge 
lit  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  Orders  were  then  given  for  the  destruction  of  that  struc- 
ture, but,  owing  to  the  confusion  at  the  time  of  landing,  the  axes  had  been  left  in  the 
boat.  Tlie  bridge  was  only  partially  destroyed,  and  one  great  object  of  this  advance 
party  of  the  invading  army  was  not  accomplished.  Boerstler  was  about  to  return  to 
liis  boats  and  recross  the  river,  because  of  theevident  concentration  of  troops  to  that 
point  in  overwhelming  numbers,  when  he  was  compelled  to  form  his  lines  for  imme- 
diate battle.  Intolligence  came  from  the  commander  of  the  boat-guard  that  they  had 
captured  two  British  soldiers,  who  informed  them  that  the  whole  garrison  at  Fort 
Erie  was  appi-oaching,  and  that  the  advance  guard  was  not  five  minutes  distant. 
This  intelligence  was  correct.  Darkness  covered  every  thing,  and  Boerstler  resorted 
to  stratagem  when  he  heard  the  tramp  of  the  approaching  foe.  He  gave  command- 
ing orders  in  a  loud  voice,  addressing  his  subordinates  as  field  officers.  The  British 
were  deceived.  They  believed  the  Americans  to  be  in  much  greater  force  than  they 
really  were.  A  collision  immediately  ensued  in  the  gloom.  Boerstler  ordered  the 
ilischarge  of  a  single  volley,  and  then  a  bayonet  charge.  The  enemy  broke  and  fled 
in  confusion,  and  Boerstler  crossed  the  river  without  annoyance.^ 

'  AcaiMoM  is  an  anmnnttlon  chest  or  wagon  In  which  powder  and  bomb-shells  are  carried.  '  See  page  asfl. 

'  Colonel  Winder's  manuscript  report  to  General  Smyth,  December  T,  1S1.2.  Winder  had  attempted  to  re-enforce  the 
Iroopf  -in  the  (Canada  shore,  but  failed.  On  the  return  of  Angus  and  his  party,  he  was  ordered  to  cross  the  river  with 
IKO  hundred  and  fifty  men.  Within  twenty  minutes  after  the  order  was  given,  he  and  hU  troops  were  battling  wi'"> 
He  current  and  the  floating  ice.  Winder's  boat  was  the  iirst  and  only  one  that  touched  the  Canada  shore,  the  current 
Wng  carried  the  others  below.  The  enemy,  with  strong  force  and  o  piece  of  artillery,  disputed  his  landing.  Resist- 
.race  wonld  be  vain,  and  Winder  ordered  a  retreat,  after  losing  six  men  killed  and  twenty-two  wounded.  On  his  return 
lie  formed  his  regiment  at  once,  to  join  In  the  embarkation  at  dawn. 

In  the  report  above  cited  Colonel  Winder  paid  the  following  compliment  to  Captain  Totten,  of  the  Engineers,  who, 


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430 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


General  Sinyth's  Incompetence. 


Ills  foolish  Swuf^gering. 


Another  Attempt  to  cross  the  Biver, 


It  was  sunrise  when  the  troops  began  to  embark,  and  so  tardy  were  the  movoinonts 
that  it  was  late  in  the  afternoon  when  all  were  ready.  General  Smyth  did  not  make 
his  appearance  during  the  day,'  and  all  the  movements  were  under  the  direction  of  his 
subordinates.  A  number  of  boats  had  been  left  to  strand  upon  the  shore,  and  beoanip 
liilcd  with  water,  snow,  and  ice ;  and  as  hour  after  hour  passed  by,  dreariness  and  dij. 
appointment  weighed  heavily  upon  the  spirits  of  the  shivering  troops.  Meanwhile  the 
enemy  had  collected  in  force  on  the  opposite  shore,  and  were  watching  every  move- 
ment. At  length,  when  all  seemed  ready,  and  impatience  had  yielded  to  hope,  an 
order  came  from  the  commanding  general  "  to  disembark  and  dine  /"^  The  wearied 
and  worried  troops  were  deeply  exasperated  by  this  order,  and  nothing  but  the  most 
positive  assurances  that  the  undertaking  would  be  immediately  resumed  kept  them 
from  open  mutiny.  The  different  regiments  retired  sullenly  to  their  respective 
quarters,  and  General  Porter,  with  his  dispirited  New  York  Volunteers,  marched  in 
disgust  to  Buffalo. 

•  November  28,        Smyth  now  Called  a  council  of  officers.*    They  could  not  agree.    The 
^**^'  best  of  them  urged  the  necessity  and  expediency  of  crossing  in  force  at 

once,  before  the  enemy  could  make  formidable  preparations  for  their  reception.  The 
general  decided  otherwise,  and  doubt  and  despondency  brooded  over  the  camp  tliat 
night.  The  ensuing  Sabbath  dawn  brought  no  relief  Preparations  for  another  em- 
barkation were  indeed  in  progress,  while  the  enemy,  too,  was  busy  in  opposing  labor. 
It  was  evident  to  every  spectator  of  judgment  that  the  invasion  must  be  attempted 
at  another  jjoint  of  the  river,  when,  towai'd  evening,  to  the  astonishment  of  all,  tlie 
general  issued  an  order,  perfectly  characteristic  of  the  man,  for  the  troops  to  be  ready 

at  the  navy  yard,  at  eight  o'clock  the  next  moming,''  for  embarkation. 

"  The  general  will  be  on  board,"  he  pompously  proclaimed.  "  Neither 
rain,  snow,  or  frost  will  prevent  the  embarkation,"  he  said.  "The  cavalry  will  scour 
the  fields  from  Black  Rock  to  the  bridge,  and  suffer  no  idle  spectators.  While  cm- 
barking,  the  music  will  play  martial  airs.  Yankee  Doodle  will  be  the  signal  to  get 
under  way.  .  .  .  The  landing  will  be  effected  in  despite  of  cannon.  The  whole  army 
has  seen  that  cannon  is  to  be  little  dreaded.  .  .  .  Hearts  of  War  I  to-morrow  will 
be  memorable  in  the  annals  of  the  United  States."^ 

"  To-morrow"  came,  but  not  the  promised  achievement.  All  the  officers  disapproved 
of  the  time  and  manner  of  the  proposed  embarkation,  and  expressed  their  opiiiiom- 
freely.  At  General  Porter's  quarters  a  change  was  agreed  upon.  Porter  proposed 
deferring  the  embarkation  until  Tuesday  morning,  the  Ist  of  December,  an  hour  or 
two  before  daylight,  and  to  make  the  landing-place  a  little  below  the  upper  end  of 
Grand  Island.  Winder  suggested  the  propriety  of  making  a  descent  directly  upon 
Chippewa, "  the  key  of  the  country."  This  Smyth  consented  to  attempt,  intending, 
as  he  said,  if  successful,  to  march  down  through  Queenston,  and  lay  siege  to  Fort 
George.*  Orders  were  accordingly  given  for  a  general  rendezvous  at  the  navy  yard 
at  three  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning,  and  that  the  troops  should  be  collected  in  the 
woods  near  by  on  Monday,  where  they  should  build  fires  and  await  the  signal  for 
gathering  on  the  shore  of  the  river.  The  hour  arrived,  but  when  day  dawned  only 
fifteen  hundred  were  embarked.  Tannehill's  Pennsylvania  Brigade  were  not  present. 
Before  their  arrival  rumors  had  reached  the  camp  that  they,  too,  like  Van  Rensselaer's 
militia  at  Lewiston,  had  raised  a  constitutional  question  about  being  led  out  of  tlieii' 
state.     Yet  their  scruples  seem  to  have  been  overcome  at  this  tinie,  and  they  would 

nt  the  time  ofhis  denth  In  1804,  was  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Army  of  the  United  Statci:  -'U  U  w'.'h  great  ,)lea8uro  I  ac- 
knowledge the  Intelligence  and  skill  which  Captain  Totten,  of  the  Engineers,  haf.  yielded  to  the  works  which  are  rais- 
ing.   To  him  shall  we  be  indebted  for  what  I  believe  will  bo  a  respectable  state  of  preparation  In  a  short  time." 

'  Thomson's  HMorical  SUtchen,  etc.,  page  86. 

'  Oeneral  Smyth's  dispatch  to  General  Dearborn,  December  4, 1812. 

'  Autograph  order.  Winder  Pnnorg,  dated  "  Hcad-qnarters,  Camp  near  BnfThlo,  Nov.  29, 1812." 

*  Smyth's  dispatch  to  Goucral  Dearborn,  December  4, 1612. 


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d 


OP  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


431 


Rmvth's  Coancll  of  Officers.     The  luvasion  of  Canada  abandoned.      Disappointment  and  Indignation  of  tlie  Troops. 

have  invaded  Canada  cheerfully  under  other  auspices.  But  distrust  of  their  leader, 
created  l»y  the  events  of  the  last  forty-eight  hours,  had  demoralized  nearly  the  whole 
army.  They  had  made  so  much  noise  in  the  embarkation  that  the  startled  enemy 
had  soundecl  his  alarm  bugle  and  discharged  signal-guns  from  Fort  Erie  to  Chippewa. 
Tanneliill's  Pennsylvanians  had  not  appeared,  and  many  other  troops  lingered  upon 
the  siiorc,  loth  to  embark.  In  this  dilemma  Smyth  hastily  called  a  council  of  the  reg- 
ular officers,  utterly  excluding  those  of  the  volunteers  from  the  conference,  and  the 
first  intimation  of  the  result  of  that  council  was  an  order  from  the  commanding  gen- 
eral sent  to  General  Porter,  who  was  in  a  boat  with  the  pilot,  a  fourth  of  a  mile  from 
shore  in  the  van  of  the  impatient  flotilla,  directing  the  whole  army  to  debark  and  re- 
pair to  their  quarters.'  This  was  accompanied  by  a  declaration  that  the  invasion  of 
Canada  was  abandoned  at  present,  pleading,  in  bar  of  just  censure,  that  his  orders  from 
Ids  superiors  were  not  to  attempt  it  with  less  than  three  thousand  men.^  The  reg- 
ulars were  ordered  into  winter  quarters,  and  the  volunteers  were  dismissed  to  their 
homes. 

This  order  for  debarkation,  and  the  fact  that  just  previously  a  British  major,  bear- 
ini»  a  flag  of  truce,  had  crossed  the  river  and  held  an  interview  with  General  Srayth, 
caused  the  most  intense  indignation,  and  the  most  fearful  suspicions  of  his  loyalty^ 
in  the  army,  especially  among  the  volunteers,  whose  ofticers  he  had  insulted  by  neg- 
lect. The  troops,  without  order  or  restraint,  discharged  their  muskets  in  all  direc- 
tions, and  a  scene  of  insubordination  and  utter  confusion  followed.  At  least  a  thou- 
sand of  the  volunteers  had  come  from  their  homes  in  response  to  his  invitation,  and 
the  promise  that  they  should  certainly  be  led  into  Canada  by  a  victor.  They  had 
imposed  implicit  confidence  in  his  ability  and  the  sincerity  of  his  great  Avords,  and  in 
jiroportion  to  their  faith  and  zeal  were  now  their  disappointment  and  resentment. 
Unwilling  to  have  their  errand  to  the  frontier  fruitless  of  all  but  disgrace,  the  volun- 
ti'crs  earnestly  requested  permission  to  be  led  into  Canada  under  General  Porter, 
])romising  the  commanding  general  the  speedy  capture  of  Fort  Erie  if  he  would  fur- 
nish them  with  four  pieces  of  artillery.  But  Smyth  evaded  their  request,  and  the 
volunteers  were  sent  home  uttering  imprecations  against  a  man  whom  they  consid- 
tred  a  mere  blusterer  without  courage,  and  a  conceited  deceiver  without  honor.  They 
tilt  themselves  betrayed,  and  the  inhabitants  in  the  vicinity  sympathized  with  them. 
Tiicir  indignation  was  greatly  increased  by  ill-timed  and  ungenerous  charges  made 
liv  Smyth,  in  his  report  to  General  Dearborn,  against  General  Porter,  in  whom  the 
volunteers  had  the  greatest  confidence.*  His  person  was  for  some  time  in  danger, 
lie  was  compelled  to  double  the  guards  around  his  tent,  and  to  move  it  from  place 
to  place  to  avoid  continual  insults.*  He  was  several  times  fired  at  when  he  ventured 
out  of  his  marquee.  Porter  openly  attributed  the  abandonment  of  the  invasion  of 
Canada  to  the  cowardice  of  Smyth.  A  bitter  quarrel  ensued,  and  soon  resulted  in  a 
challenge  by  the  gencral-in-chief  for  his  second  in  command  to  test  the  courage  of 
both  by  a  duel.®    In  direct  violation  of  the  Articles  of  War,  these  superior  oflicers  of 

I  Autograph  etntement  of  Colonel  Winder. 

'  General  Smyth's  report  to  General  Dearborn,  December  4, 1812. 

'  It  Is  proper  to  say,  In  justice  to  General  Smyth,  that  there  were  no  jnst  grounds  bcciiuse  of  that  event  for  any  sns- 
picions  of  his  loyalty.  Colouel  Winder  had  been  to  the  British  camp  with  a  flag  two  days  before,  to  make  some  ar- 
tmgemcDt  nboat  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  and  this  visit  of  the  British  major  was  doubtless  iu  response. 

<  Generui  Porter  was  a  partner  in  busiucss  with  Mr.  Barton,  the  army  contractor  for  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  General 
Smytli  alluded  to  him  in  his  report  as  "  the  contractor's  agent."  He  charged  him  with  "  exciting  some  clamor"  against 
ihc  measures  of  General  Smyth,  and  said,  "  He  flnds  the  contract  a  losing  one  at  this  time,  and  would  wish  to  see  the 
arm;  in  Canada,  that  he  might  not  be  bound  to  supply  It." 

'  111!  friend  Colonel  Parker,  a  Virginian,  in  an  autograph  letter  before  me,  written  to  Colonel  Winder  on  the  second 
of  December,  said :  "  Major  Campbell  will  inform  yon  of  the  insult  offered  to  the  general  last  evening,  and  of  the  lutcr- 
iiiption  to  our  repose  last  night.    God  grant  us  a  speedy  relief  from  buch  neighbors  I"—  Winder  Vapera. 

'  There  appeals  to  have  been  much  quarreling  among  the  officers  on  that  frontier  during  the  autumn  of  ISliS.  Only 
IhTeo  months  before,  Porter  and  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Hensselaer  had  such  a  bitter  dispute  that  it  resulted  in  n  chal- 
lenge  from  Porter,  but  they  never  reached  the  duellng-gronnd  on  Grand  Island.  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer 
ntched  them  closely  after  he  heard  of  the  challenge,  and  was  prepared  to  arrest  them  both  when  they  should  attempt 
to  to  lo  the  island.— Statement  of  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  among  the  Van  Rensselaer  papers. 


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432 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  barmleaa  Dael  between  Porter  and  Smyth.        A  Bulemn  Farce.        Smyth  dlHbauded.        His  Petition  to  Canmiit 

the  Army  of  the  Centre,  with  friends  d  seconds,'  and  surgeons,"  put  off  in  boats 
from  the  sliore  near  Black  Rock,  in  the  presence  of  tlieir  troops,  at  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  12th  of  December,  to  meet  eacii  other  in  mortal  combat  on  Grand 
Island.^  They  exchanged  shots  at  twelve  paces'  distance.  Nobody  was  hurt.  An 
exi)ected  tragedy  proved  to  be  a  solemn  comedy.  The  affair  took  the  usual  ridicu- 
lous  course.  The  seconds  reconciled  the  belligerents.  General  Porter  acknowleclrcd 
his  conviction  that  General  Smyth  was  "  a  man  of  courage,"  and  General  Smyth  wns 
convinced  that  General  Porter  was  "  above  suspicion  as  a  gentleman  and  an  officer."' 
Thus  ended  the  melodrama  of  Smyth's  invasion  of  Canada.  The  whole  affair  ivas 
disgraceful  and  humiliating.  "  What  wretched  work  Smyth  and  Porter  liave  made 
of  It,"  wrote  General  Wadsworth  to  General  Van  Rensselaer  from  his  home  at  Gene- 
seo,  at  the  close  of  the  year.  "  I  wish  those  who  are  disposed  to  find  so  much  fault 
could  know  the  state  of  the  militia  since  the  day  you  gave  up  the  command.  It 
has  been  'confusion  worse  confounded.'"*  The  day  that  saw  Smyth's  failure  was 
indeed  "  memorable  in  the  annals  of  the  United  States,"  as  well  as  in  his  own  pri- 
vate  history.  Confidence  in  his  military  ability  was  destroyed,  and  three  months 
afterward  he  was  "  disbanded,"  as  the  Army  Register  says ;  in  other  words,  he  was 
deposed  without  a  trial,  and  excluded  from  the  army."  Yet  he  had  many  warm 
friends  who  clung  to  him  in  his  misfortunes,  for  he  possessed  many  excellent  social 
qualities.  He  was  a  faithful  representative  of  the  constituency  of  a  district  of  Vir- 
ginia in  the  national  Congress  from  1817  to  1825,  and  again  from  1827  until  his  death, 
in  April,  1830. 

'  Lieutenant  Colonel  Winder  was  Smyth's  second,  and  Lieutenant  Angns  was  Porter's. 

»  The  finrgeon  on  that  occasion  we s  Dr.  Roberts,  and  the  assistant  surgeon  was  Dr.  Parsons,  afterward  surgeon  of 
Perry's  flag-ship  Lawrence,  in  the  battle  on  Lake  Erie,  and  now  [13071  a  resident  of  Providence,  Bhode  Island, 

3  "rhls  is  a  large  island,  containing  20,000  acres,  dividing  the  Niagara  River  into  two  channels.  (See  map  on  page  3S2,) 
On  this  island  the  late  Mordecai  Manasseh  Noah  proposed  to  found  a  city  of  refuge  for  his  co-religionists,  the  Jews,  anit 
memorialized  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York  on  the  subject  In  1820.  The  project  failed  because  the  chief 
rabbi  in  Europe  disapproved  of  it.  Noah  erected  a  commemorative  monument  there,  but  it  and  his  scheme  have  passed 
away. 

*  In  a  letter  of  Lieutenant  Angus  to  Colonel  Winder  the  next  day,  he  said :  "  A  meeting  took  place  between  General 
Smyth  and  General  Porter  yesterday  afternoon  on  Grand  Island,  In  pursuance  of  previous  arrangements.  They  met  al 
Dayton's  tavern,  and  crossed  the  river  with  their  friends  and  surgeons.  Both  gentlemen  behaved  with  the  utmost  cool- 
ness and  unconcern.   A  shot  was  exchanged  in  as  intrepid  and  Arm  a  manner  as  possible  by  each  gentleman,  but  wUh- 

out  eflfect The  hand  of  reconciliation  was  then  oflcred  and  received,"— Autograph  letter,  WiMer  I'apen.   Jlu- 

other  account  says  that  the  party  returned  to  Dayton's,  where  they  supped  and  spent  a  convivial  evening  together. 

*  Autograph  letter  to  General  Van  Rensselaer,  December  .10, 1812. 

'  General  Smyth  petitioned  the  House  of  Representatives  to  reinstate  him  in  the  army.  That  body  referred  the  peti- 
tion to  the  Secretary  of  War— the  general's  executioner  I  Of  course,  its  prayer  was  not  answered.  In  that  petition  h 
asked  for  the  privilege  of  "  dying  for  his  country."  This  phrase  was  a  subject  for  much  ridicnle.  At  a  public  celehrn- 
tlon  of  Washington's  birthday  in  1814  at  Georgetown,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  the  following  sentiment  was  offered 
at  the  table  during  the  presentation  of  toasts :  "  General  Smyth's  petition  to  Congress  to  '  die  for  his  country :'  May  It 
be  ordered  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  panted," 

A  wag  wrote  on  a  panel  of  one  of  the  doors  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives — 

"All  hail,  great  chief  I  who  quailed  before 
A  Dimho]>p  on  Niagara's  shore ; 
But  looks  on  Death  with  dauntless  eye, 
And  begs  for  leave  to  bleed  and  die. 
Oh  my  1 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


433 


V  llures  of  tbe  Annlea.    Acknowledged  Naval  Saperiorlty  of  Great  Britain.    Britlih  Contempt  for  the  American  Navjr. 


"k 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

* '  By  the  trident  of  Neptune,'  hrnve  Hull  cried,  '  let's  Rtecr ; 
It  polul»  out  the  track  of  the  bullylnj;  Gturriere: 
Should  we  meet  her,  brave  boys,  "  Seamen's  rights  1"  be  our  cry ; 
We  flght  to  defend  them,  to  live  free  or  die.' 
The  famed  ConntUution  through  the  billows  now  flew, 
While  the  spray  to  the  tars  was  rcfrefihlug  as  dew, 
To  qnlcken  the  sense  of  the  Insult  they  felt. 
In  the  boast  of  tbe  Ouerriere's  not  being  the  Helt." 

Bono,  "Constithtion  and  Guebbiebe." 

"Ye  brave  Sons  of  Freedom,  whose  bosoms  beat  high 
For  yonr  country  with  patriot  pride  and  emotion. 
Attend  while  1  sing  of  a  woni.tfrful  Wagp, 
And  tbe  Frolic  she  gallantly  took  on  the  ocean." 

Olb  Somo. 

N  preceding  chapters  we  have  considered  the  prominent  events 
of  the  war  on  land,  and  perceive  in  the  record  very  little  where- 
of Americans  should  boast  as  military  achievements.  The  war 
liad  been  commenced  without  adequate  preparations,  and  had 
been  carried  on  by  inexperienced  and  incompetent  men  in  the 
Council  and  in  the  Field.  Brilliant  theories  liad  been  promul- 
gated and  splendid  expectations  had  been  indulged,  while  Phi- 
losophy and  Experience  spoke  monitorily,  but  in  vain.  The  vis- 
ions of  the  theorists  proved  to  be  "  dissolving  views" — unsub- 
stantial and  deceptive — when  tested  by  the  standard  of  practical  results.  At  the 
close  of  the  campaign  in  1812,  the  Army  of  the  Northwest,  first  under  Hull  and  then 
under  Harrison,  was  occupying  a  defensive  position  among  the  snows  of  the  wilder- 
ness on  the  banks  of  the  Maumee ;  the  Army  of  the  Cetitre,  first  under  Van  Rensse- 
laer and  then  under  Smyth,  had  experienced  a  series  of  misfortunes  and  disappoint- 
ments on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  was  also  resting  on  the'  defensive ;  Avhile  the 
Army  of  the  North,  under  Bloomfield,  whose  head-quarters  were  at  Plattsburg,  had 
made  less  efforts  to  accomplish  great  things,  and  had  less  to  regret  and  more  to  boast 
of  than  the  others.  Yet  it,  too,  was  standing  on  the  defensive  when  the  snows  of 
December  fell. 

Different  was  the  aspect  of  affairs  on  the  water.  The  hitherto  neglected  navy  had 
been  aggressive  and  generally  successftil.  We  have  already  observed  the  operations 
of  one  branch  of  it,  with  feeble  means,  in  the  narrow  waters  of  Lake  Ontario,  under 
Cliauncey ;'  let  us  now  take  a  view  of  its  exploits  on  the  broad  ocean,  where  Thom- 
son iiad  declared  in  song, 

"  Britannia  rules  the  waves." 

The  naval  superiority  of  England  was  every  where  acknowledged ;  and  the  idea  of 
I  the  omnipotence  of  her  power  on  the  sea  was  so  universal  in  the  American  mind,  that 
icrious  expectations  of  success  in  a  contest  with  her  on  that  theatre  were  regarded 
as  absurd.  The  American  newspapers — then,  as  now,  the  chief  vehicles  of  popular 
information — had  always  been  filled  with  praises  of  England's  naval  puissance  and 
examples  of  her  prowess ;  while  tlie  British  newspapers,  reflecting  the  mind  of  tbe 
riiHng  classes  of  that  empire,  were  filled  with  boastings  of  England's  power,  abuse  of 
all  other  people,  and  supercilious  sneers  at  the  navies  of  every  other  nation  on  the 

'  Sec  page  8T1. 

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484 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Number  and  Character  of  tht  ASMfiean  War  Marine.     Diatribntlon  and  Condition.     American  Merchantmen  mrni 

face  of  the  earth.  That  of  the  United  States,  her  rapidly  growing  rival  in  national 
greatness  and  ever  the  object  of  her  keenest  jealousy,  was  made  tlio  s])ecial  far- 
get  for  the  indecorous  jeers  of  her  imblic  writers  and  speakers.  The  Conntitution 
one  of  the  finest  vessels  in  the  navy  of  the  United  States,  and  which  was  amonij  the 
first  to  humble  the  arrogance  of  British  cruisers,  Avas  spoken  of  as  "a  bundle  (it'iiiiK 
boards,  sailing  under  a  bit  of  striped  bunting ;"  and  it  was  asserted  that "  a  few  lnoad 
sides  from  England's  wooden  walls  would  drive  the  paltry  striped  bunting  from  the 
ocean.'"  It  was  with  erroneous  opinions  like  these  that  the  commander  of  the  Alfri 
•AuKOBtis,     attacked  the  JUssex,'^  and,  as  we  shall  observe  presently,  was  undeceived 

i8i«-  ty  a  conclusive  argument.  Yet,  in  spite  of  conscious  inferiority  of  strength 
in  men  and  metal,  the  distrust  of  the  nation,  and  the  defiant  contempt  of  the  foe  thf 
little  navy  of  the  United  States  wont  b  Idly  out  upon  the  ocean  to  dispute  with  En- 
gland's cruisers  the  supremacy  of  the  sta.^ 

When  war  was  declared,  the  public  vessels  of  the  United  States,  exclusive  of  ono 
hundred  and  seventy  gun-boats,  numbered  only  twenty,  with  an  aggregate  armament 
of  litle  more  than  five  hundred  guns.  These  were  scattered.  Four  of  them  had 
wintered  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island;  four  others  in  Hampton  Roads,  Virginia;  two 
were  away  on  foreign  service ;  two  were  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina ;  two  were  at 
New  Orleans;  one  was  on  Lake  Ontario;  and  five  were  laid  up  "in  ordinary."'  In 
view  of  this  evident  inefficiency  of  the  American  navy  to  protect  its  commerce,  then 
was  much  alarm  among  the  few  merchants  whose  ships  had  gone  abroad  before  the 
laying  of  the  embargo,  which  saved  many  hundreds  of  detained  vessels  from  exposure 
to  capture  or  destruction,  and  thus  furnished  materials  for  the  privateers  that  soon 
swarmed  upon  the  ocean.  These  merchants  sent  a  swift-sailing  pilot -boat  to  the 
coasts  of  Northern  Europe  with  the  news  of  the  declaration  of  war,  and  with  diree- 
tions  for  the  American  commercial  marine  in  the  harbors  of  Russia,  Sweden,  Denmark, 
and  Prussia,  to  remain  there  until  the  war  should  cease.  By  this  timely  movement 
a  greater  part  of  the  American  shipping  in  those  ports  was  saved  from  the  perils  of 
British  privateering.  A  sketch  of  that  important  branch  of  the  American  naval  serv- 
ice during  the  war  will  be  presented  in  a  group  in  another  part  of  this  work.    It  is 


■  This  was  alladed  to  in  the  following  atanzas  of  a  song  of  the  time : 

"  Too  long  onr  tare  have  borne  in  peace 
Witt  British  domineering; 
But  now  they've  sworn  the  trade  should  cease— 

For  vengeance  they  are  steering. 
First  gallant  Hull,  he  was  the  lad 

Who  sailed  a  tyrant-hunting, 
And  swaggering  Dacrcs  soon  was  glad 
To  strike  to  'striped  bunting.'" 
•  "  While,  therefore,"  says  an  English  writer,  "  a  feeling  toward  Americans  bordering  on  contempt  hn'l  nnhappilv  poi- 
sesscd  the  mind  of  the  British  naval  offlcer,  rendering  hira  more  than  usually  careless  and  opiniouative,  the  Americm 
naval  offlcer,  having  been  taught  to  regard  his  new  foe  with  a  feeling  of  dread,  sailed  forth  to  meet  him  with  the  whole 
of  his  energies  aroused."— A'ncal  Oemirrenees  nf  the  Late  War,  etc.,  by  William  James. 

'  The  following  is  a  list  of  those  vessels,  their  rated  and  actual  armament,  the  names  of  the  commanders  oftboK 
afloat,  and  the  designation  of  those  in  "  ordinary,"  or  laid  up  for  repairs  or  other  purposes : 


NHine. 


Constitntion.. . 
United  States  . 

President 

Chesapeake  . . 

New  York 

Constellation . . 

Congress 

Iloiton 

KsHex , 

Adams , 


44 
44 
44 
36 
86 

m 

86 


32 


Motint- 

ing. 


Employed. 


88 
58 
88 
44 
44 
44 
44 


Capt.  Hull. 
Capt.  Decatur. 
Com.  Rodgers. 
Ordinary. 
Ordlnaiy. 
Ordinary. 
Capt.  Smith. 
Ordinary, 
(ispt.  I'orter. 
Ordinary. 


Name. 


iluliii  Adams. 

Wiigp   

Hornet 

Siren 

Argus 

Oneida 

Vixen 

Nautilus  .... 
Kntt'rprise  . . 
Viper 


Rcited. 


16 
16 
16 
1(1 
16 
13 
VI 
\1 


Mount. 

ing. 


18 
18 


Employed. 


Capt.  Ludlow. 

Capt.  .Tones. 

< 'apt.  Ijiwrence. 

Meat.  Carroll. 

Crane. 

Woolsey. 

tiadeden. 

Sinclair. 

lilnkely. 

Mainl)ridge. 


There  were  fonr  bomb-vessels  in  ordinary,  named  respectively  Vengeanee,  Spitfire,  jKtna,  and  Vesuvitu.  The  juii- 
boats  were  all  numbered,  from  "  1"  to  "  170,"  and  during  the  War  of  1812  were  distribnted  as  follows : 

In  New  York,  64 :  New  Orieans,  26 ;  Norfolk,  14 ;  Charleston,  S.  C,  2 ;  Wilmington,  N,  C,  2 ;  St.  Mary's,  11 ;  Wathing- 
ton,  10;  Portland,  8;  Boston,  2;  Connecticnt  and  Rhode  Island,  4;  Philadelphia,  20;  Baltimcre,  10.  Of  these  otl; 
flity-two  were  in  commission.  Eighty-six  were  in  ordinary,  and  some  were  undergoing  repairs.  There  had  been  at 
Increase  of  Ave  to  the  number,  and  some  slight  changes  of  position,  when  the  war  broke  out. 


indersofttiiw 


,u(llow. 
[(ines. 
jiwrcnce. 
(jarrolL 


The  cH'.!- 

,  11 ;  Wafhing- 
lof  these  only 
■re  had  been  ai 


OF  THE   WAR  OP    18  12. 


436 


Commodore  Rod)^n't  Squndrun.        Cruiao  of  the  Prtnidmt.        FIrat  Shot  on  the  Water.         Chase  of  the  lleltiUera. 

proposed  now  to  consider  the  events  of  the  regular  service  only,  excepting  where 

iit'ceHsity  may  C()mi)t'l  an  incidental  allusion  to  the  other. 

At  the  time  of  the  dfoiaration  of  war,  Commodore  Uodgcrs,  with  his  flag-ship  Pres- 
ident 44;  l!iisex,32,  Captain  Porter;  and  Jlornet,  IH,  Captain  Lawrence,  was  in  the 
port  of  New  York.  The  iJaaex  was  overhauling  her  rigging ;  the  others  might  be 
ready  for  service  at  an  hour's  notice.  On  the  21st  of  June  Uodgcrs  received  the  news 
of  the  declaration  of  war,  and  with  it  orders  for  sailing  immediately,  lie  had  drop- 
ped down  the  bay  that  morning  with  the  J*resi(lent  and  Hornet,  and  toward  noon  had 
been  joined  by  a  small  s(juadron  under  Commodore  Decatur,  whose  broad  ])ennon 
floated  from  tlie  United  /States,  44.  Her  com})anion8  were  the  Congreaa,  38,  Captain 
Smith,  and  Argus,  10,  Lieutenant  Commandant  St.  Clair. 

Rodacrs  had  received  information  that  a  large  fleet  of  Jamaica-men  had  sailed  for 
England  under  a  strong  convoy,  and  he  believed  that  they  must  then  be  sweeping 
along  the  American  coast  in  the  current  of  the  Gulf  Stream.  When  his  sailing  orders 
arrived  he  resolved  to  make  a  dash  at  that  convoy,  and  within  an  hour  after  receiving 
Ills  dispatch  from  the  Navy  Department  ho  had  weighed  anchor.  With  the  united 
siiuadron  he  passed  Sandy  Hook  that  afternoon.  In  the  evening  he  spoke  an  Ameri- 
can merchantman  that  had  seen  the  Jamaica  fleet,  and  had  been  boarded  by  the  Brit- 
ish frigate  Belvidera,  36.  Kodgers  crowded  sail  and  commenced  pursuit.  Thirty-six 
hours  elapsed,  and  the  enemy  were  yet  invisible;  but  an  English  war-vessel  was 
espied  on  the  northeastern  horizon,  and  a  general  chase  of  the  whole  squadron  com- 
menced in  that  direction.  The  wind  was  fresh,  and  the  enemy  was  standing  before 
it.i  The  fleet  President  outstripped  her  companions,  and  rapidly  gained  on  the  fu- 
i.'itive.  At  four  o'clock  she  was  witlini  gun-shot  of  the  enemy,  off  Nantucket  Shoals, 
when  the  wind  fell,  and  the  heavier  President — heavier,  because  she  had  just  left 
port— began  to  fall  behind. 

To  cripple  the  stranger  was  now  Rodgers's  only  hope  of  success.  With  his  own 
liand  he  pointed  and  discharged  one  of  his  forecastle  chase-guns,  the  first  hostile  shot 
i,f  the  war  fired  afloat.^  It  went  crashing  through  the  stern-frame  of  the  stranger 
and  into  the  gun-room  with  destructive  effect,  driving  her  peo])lc  from  the  after  part 
iif  the  vessel.  This  was  immediately  followed  by  a  shot  from  the  first  division  below, 
directed  by  Lieutenant  Gamble,  which  struck  and  dan\aged  one  of  the  stranger's 
stem-chasers.  Rodgers  fired  again,  and  was  followed  immediately  by  Gamble,  whose 
i.'nu  bursted,  and  killed  and  wounded  sixteen  men.  It  blew  up  the  forecastle  of  the 
Resident,  and  threw  Rodgers  several  feet  into  the  air.  In  his  descent  one  of  his  legs 
was  broken.  This  accident  caused  a  pause  in  the  firing,  when  a  shot  from  a  stera- 
iliascr  of  the  stranger  came  plunging  along  the  President's  deck,  killing  a  midship- 
man and  one  or  two  men. 

It  was  now  twilight,  and  the  British  ship  having  her  spars  and  rigging  imperiled 
ty  the  Presideni's  fire,  that  vessel  having  yawed'  for  the  purpose,  began  to  lighten 
by  cutting  away  her  anchors,  staving  and  throwing  overboard  her  boats,  and  starting 
two  tons  of  water.  She  gained  headway ;  and,  as  a  last  resort,  the  President  fired 
three  broadsides,  but  with  little  effect.  Unwilling  to  lighten  his  own  ship,  as  it 
would  impair  his  ability  for  a  cruise,  Rodgers  ordered  the  pursuit  to  be  abandoned 
at  midnight.*  The  British  vessel,  it  was  afterward  ascertained,  was  the  tjn„e23 
frigate  Iklmdera,  31',  Captain  Richard  Byron,  that  had  boarded  the  Ameri-  '^^^'^■ 
can  merchantman  J  ist  mentioned.  Her  commander  displayed  great  skill  in  saving 
liis  vessel.    She  sailed  for  Halifax  for  repairs,*  and  gave  the  first  information  there 

'  The  commander  of  the  English  vessel  had  not  henrd  of  the  declaration  of  war,  and  when  he  saw  the  squadron  he 
!tflO(i  toward  it.  But  when  he  saw  them  suddenly  take  iu  their  studding-sniis  and  haul  np  in  chase  of  him,  frequently 
tftline  the  sails  to  profit  by  the  lightness  of  the  wind,  he  suspected  hostility. 

'  The  flrst  on  land  was  In  the  amphibious  flght  at  Sackett's  Harbor  a  month  later.    See  page  308. 

'  To  yixvs  is  to  steer  wild,  or  out  of  the  Hue  of  the  ship's  course. 

'  The  Mtiiera  was  badly  injured  in  her  hull,  spars,  and  rigging.  The  President  received  a  Dumber  olf  skots  In  her 
iilli  and  rigging,  but  was  not  materially  injured. 


k  iti 


486 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


CbM*  of  (lie  Janmicn  Mitrchaiit  KImt. 


Britlih  8qa«dr«n  at  Hsllhx. 


Oaptnr*  of  the  iVaMl,^ 


c/V/y~e^^*^^     and  wounded  by  shot,  ami 
/^  Heverul  others  by  Hplintits, 


of  the  lutuiil  t'xiMtenco  of  war,  so  ponitively  communicated  to  her  by  the  J^-esidant, 
In  tl)iH  action  tlic  American         ^—  biii-Htinji;   of  the  gun.    Tlic 

frigate  had  twenty-two  men     /^y^ /f^^, ^  /^   JielvUUtni   h)8t   Hcven  killnl 

killed  and  wounded,  sixteen    ^^ 

of  whom  were  injured  by  the 

Captain  Uyron  was  wounth'd  in  the  thigli  by  the  hUtor,' 

Itudgers  now  continued  the  chase  atler  the  Jamaica-men.  Cocoanut  shells,  oranpe 
wkinH,  and  other  evidences  of  his  being  in  their  track,  were  seen  upon  the  wutci  off 
the  Hanks  of  Newfoundland  on  the  first  of  July.  On  the  ninth  the  coinmaiider  ot'ai, 
English  letj,er-()f-marque  ca|)tured  by  the  Hornet  reported  that  he  had  seen  the  fleet 
on  the  previous  evening,  wlien  he  counted  eighty-five  sail,  convoyed  by  a  two-deck 
sliij),  a  frigate,  a  shM)p-of-\var,  and  a  brig.  This  intelligence  stimulated  Kodgors  to 
greater  exertions,  and  he  continued  the  chase,  ineftectually  on  account  of  fogs,  mi 
til  the  13th,  when  he  was  within  a  day's  sail  of  the  chops  of  the  Irish  Chaimd.  'I'liin 
he  relinqui.shed  pursuit,  sailed  southwardly,  and  passed  within  thirty  miles  of  the  IWk 
of  Lisbon,  in  sight  of  Madeira,  the  Western  Islands,  and  the  (Jrand  Hanks  of  New- 
foundland, without  fulling  in  with  a  single  vessel  of  war,  and  entered  liostoii  llmlior 
after  a  cruise  of  seventy  days.  lie  had  captured  seven  English  merchantmen,  ne;i|i- 
lured  an  American  vessel  from  a  Hritish  cruiser,  and  brought  in  about  one  hinidred 
and  twenty  prisoners.  IMany  of  the  seamen  of  the  squadron  were  sick  of  the  scurvv, 
and  several  hail  died. 

The  news  carried  into  Halifax  by  the  lielviilera  created  a  )>rofound  sensation  there, 
The  commandant  of  that  naval  station,  P.ear  Admiral  Sawyer,  took  measures  imme- 
diately to  collect  a  squadron  for  the  purpose  of  cruising  in  searcli  of  Uodgers's  slii|i> 
or  any  other  American  vcsscIh,  Within  a  week,  the  African,  04,  Caj)tain  Hustanl ;  tin 
Shannon,  .'18,  C'aj)tain  liroke;  the  Guerriere,  38,  Cajdain  Dacres ;  the  J}elvHkra,'ii. 
Captain  Byron;  and  the  y?Jolm,  H2,  Captain  Lord  .James  Townsend,  were  unitwl  in 
one  squadron,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Broke,  the  senior  officer,  who  niu.le  the 
Shannon  his  fiag-ship.  This  force  appeared  oft"  New  York  er.rly  in  July,  ana  made 
several  captures,  among  them  the  United  States  brig  Nautilus,  14,  of  Trij)olitan  fame- 
Lieutenant  Commandant  Crane.     She  liad  arrived  at  New  York  just  after  Kodsei^ 

left,  and  went  out  immediately  for  tiu 
purpose  of  cruising  in  the  track  of  the 
English  West  Indiamen.  On  the  very 
next  day  she  fell  in  with  the  British 
squadron,  and,  after  a  short  and  vigor- 
ous chase,  was  compelled  to  strike  lier 
colors  to  the  Shannon,  and  surrender  one 
hundred  and  six  men.  The  NautiliiA  was 
the  first  vessel  of  war  taken  on  either  skk 
in  that  contest.  A  prize  crew  was  placed 
in  her,  and  she  was  made  one  of  Broke's 
squadron.^  She  was  .tfterward  fitted 
with  sixteen  24-pound  carrouadcs,  and 
commissioned  as  a  cruiser. 
The  Constitution,  44,*  Captain  Isaac 


TUK  UUNBTITl'TION    IM  1800. 


'  Roilcern's  jonrnal  nnd  British  ncconnt  of  tlie  eneniiement,  In  Nilcs'a  Weeltly  Ecgieter,  111.,  20 ;  American  account  In 
the  Bmtm  Centincl,  by  nn  offlcer  of  the  eqnndron  ;  Cooper's  Xc.nal  History,  ii.,  160.  '  See  page  W. 

3  In  naval  nnmeuclatare,  a  numt>er  of  vusgeU  under  one  commander,  lees  than  ten,  are  called  a  tquadran;  muretlun 
ten,  a  fleet. 

*  The  Crmntilution  was  hullt  at  Hart's  ship-yard,  In  Boston,  where  Constitution  Wharf  now  is,  at  a  cost  or$i!OJ,"IS. 
She  was  made  very  strong.  Her  fVame  was  of  live-oak,  nnd  her  pinnks  were  hent  on  without  steam,  as  it  was  thonjrhl 
that  process  softened  and  weakened  the  wood.  She  was  lauueJied  on  the  21st  of  October,  1797  (see  pajje  100),  In  thf 
presence  of  a  great  gntherinp;  of  people.  She  dldiiot  start  upon  a  cruise  until  the  following  season,  when  she  was  w- 
mnnded  by  Captain  James  Nicholson,  who  died  in  New  York  on  Snnday,  the  5d  of  September,  1804,  In  the  slxty-iiiiilh 


y 


mu.le  the 

11  lid  mailc 
itan  I'auu'.- 
Koilgi'in 
y  ibr  tlu' 

iick  of  tlic 
the  very 
I'  British 

and  vigor- 
strike  lllT 
•ender  one 

mtiluA  \v;i> 
either  M: 

was  placi'l 
of  Br(ik('> 
avd  fittnl 
lades,  and 

itain  Isaac 


can  nccomit  In 
See  page  1*. 
|o»;  more  than 

«t  of$3(«,-15. 
lit  wns  thonpM 

h  she  was  ctwi- 
Ithe  Riity-iiiii"' 


OF  TU£  WAU   UF   1819. 


HI 


Onili*  of  the  (*!««<«<*>»»■ 


She  niMti  •  Brlttih  8qa*dron. 


An  ezclilng  ChM*  bvgnn. 


Hull  rcluniod  from  fon^ipn  Hcrvipc  at  iibottt  the  time  of  the  (Icclnnitioii  of  wnr,  niul 
wont  into  C'lu'Ha|ifiiki'  Hiiy,  wIuto  hIk!  Hhipjicd  u  now  cn'w,  tiiid  on  tlu;  I'ith  of  .Inly 
wiilt'd  from  Annii|»oli8  on  a  crniHo  to  the  northwiird.'  Hh«  was  out  of  nij^lit  of  land 
on  till'  17''>i  f<i»'l'".U  undiT  I'UHy  ciinvas  with  a  lii,'lit  hrcozo,  when,  at  one  o'clock  in  the 
atlcriioon,  slu'  dcHcricd  fonr  vchsi'Ih  northward,  heading  westward.  At  four  o'clock  she 
(liHcovcrcd  a  fifth  sail  in  a  similar  direction,  which  had  the  a|)|iearance  o*'n  vessel  of 
war.  Hv  'hh  time  the  other  four  were  so  near  that  they  were  distiii;4uisheil  as  three 
ships  and  a  hrig.  They  were  in  sight  all  the  afternoon,  evidently  watching  the  Von- 
stitii(tL>i.  At  iialf  past  six  a  'oreeze  sprang  nj)  from  the  southward,  which  brought 
till'  latter  to  the  windward  of  the  last  discovered  vessel.  She  was  a  Hritish  frigate. 
Hull  ilclcnnined  to  hear  down  upon  and  speak  to  her;  and,  to  he  ready  for  any  eniej"- 
iieiioy,  he  heat  to  «|uarters,  and  prejiared  his  ship  for  action.  The  wind  was  very  light, 
and  the  two  frigates  slowly  approached  eacli  other  during  the  evening.  At  ten  o'clock 
till!  Vomtitntion  shortened  .^ail  and  displayed  a  private  signal.  The  lights  were  kejit 
aloft  for  an  hour  without  receiving  an  answer.  At  a  ipiarter  past  eleven  they  wore 
lotti'ii'd,  and  the  (Constitution  made  sail  again  under  a  light  breeze  that  prevailed  all 
niglit.  .lust  befo. .'  dawn  the  stranger  lacked,  wore  entirely  round,  threw  up  a  nj"ket, 
aiul  fired  two  signal-guns. 

In  the  gray  of  early  morning  three  other  vessels  wore  discovered  on  the  starboard 
(juarter  of  the  Constitution,  and  three  nu)re  asteni,  and  at  five  o'clock  a  fourth  was 
-icen  in  the  latter  direction.  The  American  cruiser  had  fallen  in  M'ith  liroki's  sipiad- 
ron,and  the  vessel  with  which  she  had  been  manieuvring  all  night  was  the  Ci'cn-iere, 
;)8,  Captain  Dacros.  The  squadron  was  just  otit  of  gun-shot  distance  from  the  CV-h- 
ditiition,  and  the  latter  found  herself  in  the  perilous  position  ol'  having  two  frigatcb 
on  licr  Ice  quarter,  and  a  sMj)  of  the  line,  two  frigates,  a  brig,  and  a  schooner  astern. 
Till' brig  was  the  caj)tured  Nautilus. 

Now  commenced  one  of  the  most  remarkable  naval  retreats  and  pursuits  ever  re- 
cordi'd.  The  Constitution  was  not  powerful  enough  to  fight  the  overwhelming  force 
liosing  around  her,  and  Hull  jiercived  that  her  Siifety  depended  upon  celerity  in 
tliiilit,  There  was  almost  a  dead  calm.  Her  sails  fl.;'>i>"d  lazily,  and  she  floated  al- 
most independently  of  the  helm  on  the  slowly  undidating  bosom  of  the  sea.     In  this 

mr  of  hie  aiic.  Shawns  bo  Btnneli  b  etiip  that  tha  name  nt  froMuien  wnn  piven  her.  8ho  nlwayn  wns  favored  with 
ficellent  commnnderK  .iiid  performed  gHlliint  service.  Sonic  years  njjo  tlic  Navy  Ueparlment  concluded  to  brenli  her 
lip  and  Bell  her  timbers,  as  she  was  thought  to  be  a  decided  "Invalid."  The  order  had  gone  forth,  when  the  execution 
iifll  was  arrested  by  the  voice  of  public  opinion,  called  forth  by  the  magic  wand  of  a  ixiet— the  jmmi  of  Dr.  Oliver  ^Veu- 
ilcll  Hulmes,  who  wrote  and  pnhlished  the  following  stirrlug  protest  ugaliist  muMug  merchandise  of  hei- : 


"Ay,  tear  her  tattered  ensign  down ! 

Long  has  it  waved  on  high. 
And  many  an  eye  has  danced  to  seo 

That  banne'  in  the  sky. 
licneath  it  rung  the  battie-shout, 

And  hurst  the  cannon's  roar ; 
The  meteor  of  the  ocean  air 

Shall  sweep  the  clouds  no  more. 
Her  deck,  once  red  with  heroes'  blood— 

Where  knelt  the  vanquished  foe, 
When  winds  were  humming  o'er  the  flood, 

And  waves  were  white  below — 


No  more  shall  fee',  the  victor's  tread, 

Or  know  the  conquered  knee : 
The  harpies  of  the  shore  shall  pinck 

The  eagle  of  the  ecu ! 
0 1  better  thst  her  ihattored  hnik 

Should  sink  beneath  the  wave : 
Her  thunders  shook  the  mighty  deep, 

And  there  should  he  her  grave. 
Nail  to  the  mast  her  holy  flag, 

Set  every  threadbare  sail, 
And  give  her  to  the  Ood  of  Storms, 

The  lightning  and  the  gale !" 


'OM  IrmKidef"  was  saved,  repaired,  and  converted  into  a  echool-shtp.  Such  it  her  vocation  now  [tfiCTl.  She  was 
lyini;  at  Annapolis  in  that  capaci';'  when  the  Great  Rebellion  broke  out  in  ISGl.  Our  little  sketcli  exhibits  her  under 
Ml  Mil,  ns  dhe  appeared  there  in  the  autumn  of  ls«0.  When  the  Naval  Academy  was  temporarily  removed  from  An- 
napolis t.)  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  on  account  of  the  Rebellion,  the  C-^uHtittion  took  her  place  at  the  latter  ^lntion. 
ller  latest  commander  li  the  war  of  1812-'t8,  Rear  Admiral  Charles  Stewart,  yet  [I'^OT]  survives,  at  the  age  of  ninety- 
one  years.    He  is  sometimes  called  Old  Irmuridee.    His  achievements  In  the  CmiMftuHon  will  bo  noticed  hereafter. 

1  The  following  la  a  list  of  the  ofticers  of  the  Conatihition  at  that  time :  Captain,  Isaac  Hull ;  Ueutenatitit,  Charles  Mor- 
ti»,  Alexander  8.  Wadsworth,  Bcekman  V.  Hoffman,  George  C.  Read,  John  T.  Shubrick,  Charles  W.  Morgan ;  Sailiufi- 
wfer.John  C.  Alwyn;  Z.iet(((<nan(ti «/ JfaWn«8,  William  S.  Bush,  .Tohn  Contee;  Utirg^n,  Amos  E.  Evans;  Swyton'it 
Mala,  John  D.  Armstrong,  Donaldson  Yeatcs ;  Pttrwr,  Thomas  J.  Chew ;  Mul3hi],m«n,  Henry  Giiiiain,  Thomas  Beatty, 
William  D.  Salter,  Lewis  Germain,  William  L.  Gordon,  Ambrose  L.  Field,  Frederick  Banry,  Toseph  Cross,  Alexander 
Better,  William  Taylor,  Alexander  Kskridge,  James  W.  Uelancy,  James  Gteenleaf,  Allen  Oriffln,  John  Taylor;  Coat- 
min,  Peter  Adams ;  Gumvr,  Robert  Anderson. 


H 

! 

» 


i^ 


438 


VICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Methous  for  Flight. 


How  the  C<m»tU:Uion  eluded  her  PiirBUorfi. 


Her  final  Escape. 


listlessness  tlicre  waw  danger.  Down  wont  her  boats  with  long  linos  attached  and 
the  sweeps  wore  bent  in  towing  her  with  the  energy  of  men  struggling  for  iifo  ami 
liberty.  Uj)  from  hor  gun-dock  was  brought  a  long  cighteen-pounder,  and  placed  on 
her  spar-deck  as  a  Htern-chaser,  .vhile  anothc,  of  the  same  weight  of  metal  and  for  a 
sinular  purpose,  ^'.is  pointed  oft"  tlie  forecastle.  Out  of  the  cabin  windows,  when  saws 
and  aves  had  '.iiade  them  broad  i.'nough,  two  twenty-four  pounders  wore  run,  snd  ^\[ 
the  light  '.annr)ii  that  would  draw  was  set.  She  was  just  beginning  to  got  under 
her.dway,  with  a  gentle  northwest  wind  blowing,  when  exertion  was  stimulated  by 
the  booming  of  the  jow-guns  of  the  Shannon.  For  ten  minutes  she  sent  fortii  her 
shot,  but  without  eifect,  for  she  was  y  t  beyond  range.  Again  the  breeze  died  awav. 
Soundings  showed  twenty  fathoms  of  waLer.  A  hedge'  might  be  used.  All  spaic 
rope  was  spliced  and  attached  to  one  which  was  carried  out  half  a  mile  ahead  ami 
cast  into  the  deep.  Quickly  and  strongly  the  crew  " clapped  on  and  Malked  away 
with  the  shij),  overrunnuig  and  tripping  the  kcdgc  as  she  came  up  with  the  end  of 
the  line."^  This  was  frequently  repeated,  and  the  frigate  moved  oft" in  a  manner  most 
mysterious  to  hor  pursuers.  At  length  they  discovered  the  secret  and  adopted  tiie 
method,  when  the  Constitution,  liaving  a  little  breeze,  fired  a  shot  at  the  Shannon 
the  nearest  shij)  astern.  At  nine  o'clock  that  vessel,  employing  a  large  number  of 
men  in  boats  and  with  a  kedge,  was  gaining  rapidly  on  the  flying  frigate.  A  conflict, 
ui.oqual  and  terrible,  sjcmed  impending  and  inevitable,  yet  onboard  the  Constitution 
the  best  spirit  prevailed.  Nearer  and  nearer  drew  the  Shannon,  and  almost  as  closely 
the  Gu&riere  was  now  pursuing  on  the  larboard  quarter  of  the  imperiled  vessel.  AJl 
hope  Avas  fading,  when  a  light  breeze  from  the  south  struck  the  Constitution  and 
brought  her  to  windward.  WiHi  such  consummate  skill  did  Captain  Hull  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  wind  and  bear  gallantly  away,  that  the  admiration  of  the  enemy  was 
excited  in  the  highest  degree.  As  she  came  by  the  wind  she  brought  the  Guemtrt 
nearly  on  her  lee  beam,  when  that  vessel  opened  a  fire  from  a  broadside.  The  shot 
fell  short,  the  blessed  breeze  that  had  come  like  a  Providence  at  the  criticpl  moment 
died  away,  and  the  boats  Avere  again  got  out  to  tow  by  both  parties.  So  anxioun  was 
Broke  to  get  the  Shannon  near  enough  for  action,  that  nearly  all  the  boats  of  the 
squadron  were  employed  for  the  purpose,'^  while  the  men  of  the  Constitution  niadi' 
up  in  spirit  what  they  lacked  in  numbers.  Thu-i  the  race  continued  hour  after  hour 
all  that  day  and  night,  the  pursuers  and  the  pursued  sometunes  tOAVuig,  sometimes 
kedging. 

The  dawn  of  the  second  day  of  the  chase  was  glorious.  The  sun  rose  with  un- 
usual splendor.  Not  a  cloud  was  seen  in  the  firmament.  The  sea  was  smootli,  and 
a  gentle  wind  was  abroad,  sufticient  to  make  the  murmur  of  ripples  under  the  bow  of 
the  vessels  fall  pleasantly  on  the  ear.  All  of  the  ships  were  on  the  same  tack,  and 
three  of  the  English  frigates  were  within  long  gun-shot  of  the  Constitution  on  her  lee 
quarter.  Tiio  five  frigates  were  clouded  with  canvas  from  their  truck  to  their  deeks. 
Eleven  sail  were  in  sight.  The  scene  Avas  a  most  beautiful  and  exciting  one.  No 
guns  were  fired,  for  the  distance  between  the  belligerents  widened.  Either  better 
sailing  qualities  or  superior  seamanship  gave  advantage  to  the  Constitution.  With 
that  ploa.sant  breeze  she  gained  on  hor  antagonists,  and  at  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon she  was  four  miles  ahead  of  the  Belvidera,  tlie  nearest  English  ship.  At  seven 
heavy  clouds  began  to  brood  over  the  sea,  Avith  indications  of  a  squall.  The  Cointi- 
tution  prepared  for  it.     It  burst  with  fury — wind,  lightning,  and  rain — but  left  that 

1  Kcdge,  or  kedger,  U  a  small  anchor  with  «n  Iron  stock,  nsed  for  keeping  a  vessel  steady  or  warping  it  along. 

a  Cooper,  ii.,  IM. 

'  CopKeshall,  in  his  Hintor;i  <\f  the  Amtriean  Privateers  and  letters  of  Marque,  relates  (page  12)  that  his  friend,  Captain 
Brown,  who  was  a  prisoner  ou  board  the  Shanrum,  was  amuped  to  hear  Captain  Broke  and  his  officers  converse  alwnt 
the  "Yankee  frigate."  At  one  period  of  the  chni>c  they  werd  so  confident  of  capturing  her  that  a  prise-crew  were  al- 
ready appointed  to  conduct  her  in  triumph  to  Halifax.  To  all  their  questions  abont  her,  as  she  was  seen  speeding  be- 
fore thetn,  CnptAlo  Brown  bad  but  one  answer,  namely,  "Oeutlemen,  you  will  never  take  that  trigate." 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


439 


Bod  of  tho  Chme  attor  the  Corutitution. 


The  Enaac  sturta  on  a  Cruise. 


She  captnres  the  Alert. 


cood  frigato  unhanned.  The  pursuers  and  tlie  pursued  lost  sight  of  each  other  for 
a  vliilc  in  the  murky  vapor.  In  less  than  an  hour  the  squall  hstd  passed  to  leeward, 
and  the  Constitution,  sheeted  home,  her  main  and  top-gallant  sails  set,  was  flying 
away  fi'oni  the  enemy  at  the  rate  of  eleven  knots.  At  twilight  the  pursuers  were  in 
sight  and  at  near  midnight  they  fired  two  guns.  Away  went  the  (Jonstitutioii  before 
the  wind,  and  at  six  in  the  morning  the  topsails  of  the  British  vessel  were  seen  from 
the  American,  beginning  to  dip  below  the  horizon.  At  a  quarter  past  eight  the  Eu- 
irjishman  relinquished  the  pursuit,  and  hauled  off  to  the  northward ;  and  a  few  days 
iirterward  the  British  fleet  separated  for  the  purpose  of  cruising  in  dift'erent  directions. 
Thus  ended  a  chase  of  sixty-four  hours,  chiefly  oft"  the  New  England  coast,  remarkabh; 
alike  for  its  length,  closeness,  and  activity.  It  was  a  theme  for  much  newspaper  com- 
ment, and  a  poet  of  the  day,  singing  of  the  exploits  of  the  Constitution,  referred  to  this 
a8  follows : 

"  'Kenth  IIiiU's  command,  with  a  tough  band, 

And  naught  be»ido  to  back  her, 
Upon  a  day,  as  loj^-books  say, 

A  fleet  bore  down  to  thwack  her. 
A  fleet,  you  know.  Is  odds,  or  so, 

A^ninst  a  single  ship,  sirs ; 
So  'cross  the  tide  her  legs  she  tried, 

And  gave  the  rogues  the  slip,  sirs." 

A  few  days  after  Rodgers  left  New  York,  Captain  Porter  sailed  from  that  harbor 
in  the  Essex,  32,  from  the  mast-head  of  which  fluttered  a  flag  bearing  conspicuously 
tlie  words, "  Free  Trade  and  Sailors'  Rights."  lie  captured  several  English  mer- 
chant vessels  soon  after  leaving  Sandy  Ilook,  making  trophy  bonfires  of  most  of  them 
on  the  ocean,  and  their  crews  his  prisoners.  After  cruising  southward  for  some  weeks 
in  disguise,  capturing  a  prize  now  and  then,  he  turned  northward  again,  and  met  with 
increased  success.  One  night,  by  tlie  dim  light  of  a  mist-veiled  moon,  he  chased  a 
iieet  of  English  transports  bearing  a  thousand  soldiers  toward  Halifax  or  the  St.  Law- 
rence, convoyed  by  the  frigate  Mercury,  30,  and  a  bomb  vessel.  They  were  sailing 
wide,  and  he  captured  one  of  the  transports,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  before 
dawn,  witiiout  attracting  the  attention  of  the  rest  of  the  fleet,  for  no  guns  were  fired. 

A  few  days  after  this,"  while  sailing  in  the  disguise  of  a  merchantman,  ■  August  13, 
her  gun-deck  ports  in,  top-gallant  masts  housed,  and  sails  trimmed  in  a  ^'**'^- 
slovenly  manner,  the  Essex  fell  in  with  a  sail  to  windward.  Tiie  stranger  came  bear- 
ing down  gallantly,  when  the  Essex  showed  an  American  ensign,  and  kept  away  un- 
der short  sail,  as  if  trying  to  avoid  a  contest.  Tliis  emboldened  the  English  vessel. 
She  followed  the  Essex  for  some  time,  and  finally  running  down  on  her  weather  quar- 
ter, set  her  national  colors,  and,  with  three  cheers  from  her  people,  oj)encd  fire.  She 
was  soon  undeceived,  and  her  temerity  was  severely  punished.  The  ports  of  the 
Essa.  were  knocked  out  in  an  instant,  and  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  responded  to 
with  terrible  effect.  The  assailant  was  so  damaged  and  disconcerted  that  the  con- 
flict was  made  short.  It  was  a  complete  surprise.  A  panic  seized  her  peoj)le,  and, 
in  spite  of  the  eftbrts  of  her  officers,  they  ffed  below  for  safety.'  Scarcely  eight  min- 
utes had  elapsed  from  the  firing  of  the  first  gun,  when  the  stranger,  which  proved  to 
1)0  the  British  ship  Alert,  Captain  T.  L.  P.  Laugharnc,  mounting  twenty  18-pound  car- 
ronades  and  six  smaller  guns,  struck  her  colors  and  was  reported  to  be  in  a  sinking 
condition.  When  Lieutenant  Finch,  of  the  Essex,  went  on  board  to  receive  her  flag, 
lie  found  seven  feet  water  in  the  hold.  She  was  a  stanch  vessel,  and  had  been  built 
for  the  coal  trade.  She  was  purchased  for  the  British  navy  in  1804,  and  the  comple- 
ment of  her  crew  was  one  hundred  and  thirty  men  and  boys.  She  was  every  way  in- 
ferior to  the  Essex,  whose  armament  was  forty  32-pound  carronades  and  six  long 
twelves,  and  her  comjilement  of  men  was  three  hundred  and  twenty-five.  The  cap- 
turc  of  the  Alert  possesses  no  special  historical  interest  excepting  from  the  fact  that 
>  It  Is  said  that  some  of  them,  after  their  exchange,  were  execated  for  deserting  their  gana. 


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440 


PICTORIAL    riELD-BOOK 


A  Cartel-ship  scut  into  Newfoundlnnd. 


Tlie  K»«ex  cliiuieH  Britiali  Vennclj 


she  was  the  first  British  national  vessel  capttcred  in  the  war.  The  Alert  liad  three 
men  wounded,  while  the  Essex  sustahied  no  injury  whatever. 

The  Essex  was  now  crowded  with  prisoners,  and  Porter  became  conscious  of  the 
fact  that  they  had  entered  into  a  plot  to  rise  and  take  the  vessel  from  him.  Tlic 
leaks  of  the  Alert  being  stopped,  and  all  things  put  in  fair  seaworthy  condition  Por- 
ter made  an  arrangement  with  Captain  Laugharne'  to  convert  her  into  a  cartel  ship, 
When  this  was  accomplished,  the  prisoners  were  placed  on  board  of  her,  and  slie  was 
sent  h'.to  St.  John's,  Newfoundland.  On  her  return  to  the  United  States  she  was  fit- 
ted up  for  the  government  sei-vice. 

The  Essex  continued  her  cruise  to  the  southward,  and  on  the  thirtieth  of  Ani;ust 
just  at  twilight,  fell  in  with  a  British  frigate  hi  latitude  36°  N.  and'longitudo  02°  W.2 
Porter  prepared  for  action,  and  the  two  vessels  stood  for  each  other.  Night  fell,  and 
Porter,  anxious  for  combat,  ran  up  a  light.  It  was  answered  at  the  distance  of  about 
four  miles.  The  Essex  sought  the  stranger  m  that  direction,  but  in  vain,  and  when 
the  day  dawned  she  had  disappeared.  Five  days  afterward  Porter  fell  in  witli  "two 
ships  of  war  to  the  southward  and  a  brig  to  the  northward — the  brig  in  chase  of  an 
American  merchant  ship."^  The  Essex  pursued,  when  the  brig  attempted  to  pass 
and  join  the  otlier  two  vessels.  The  Essex  headed  her,  turned  her  course  northward, 
and  continued  the  chase  until  abreast  the  merchantman,  when,  the  wind  being  light, 
the  brig  escaped  by  the  use  of  her  sweeps. 

When  the  Essex  showed  her  colors  to  the  merchantman,  the  two  British  vessels  at 
the  southward  discovered  them,  fired  signal-guns,  and  gave  chase.  At  four  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  they  were  in  the  wake  of  the  Essex  and  rapidly  gaining  upon  her, 
when  Porter  hoisted  the  American  colors,  and  fired  a  gun  to  the  windward,  cxpectinn 
to  escape  by  some  manoeuvre  in  the  approaching  darkness.  At  sunset  tlie  larger  of 
the  two  vessels  was  witliin  five  miles,  and  rapidly  shortening  the  distance  between 
lier  and  the  Essex.  Poi-ter  determined  to  heave  about  after  dark,  and,  if  ho  could 
not  pass  his  ])ur8uer,  give  her  a  broadside  and  lay  her  or  board.  The  crew  were  in 
fine  spirits,  and  when  this  movement  was  proposed  to  them  they  gave  three  lioartv 
cheers.  Preparations  for  action  were  immediately  made.  The  Essex  hove  round  and 
bore  away  to  the  southAvest,  but  the  night  being  dark  and  squally.  Porter  saw  no 
more  of  the  enemy.  Supposing  himself  cut  off  from  New  York  and  Boston  by  a 
British  squadron,  he  made  for  the  Delaware.* 

Soon  after  Captain  Porter  reached  the  Delaware  a  circumstance  occurred  wliicli 
created  quite  a  sensation  in  the  public  mind  for  a  few  days.  A  week  after  the  dec- 
laration of  war  a  writer  in  a  New  York  paper  charged  Captain  Porter  with  cruellv 
treating  an  English  seaman  on  board  of  the  Essex  who  refused  to  tight  against  hi- 
countrymen,  pleading,  among  other  reasons,  that  if  caught  he  would  be  hung  as  a  de- 
serter from  the  British  navy.  This  story  reached  Sir  James  Lucas  Yeo,  conunandcr 
of  the  frigate  Southampton,  then  on  the  West  India  station.  By  a  prisoner  in  liis 
hands,  who  was  sent  home  on  parole,  he  forwarded  a  message  to  Porter  which  ap- 

'  Thomiis  Lamb  Polden  LaiiKliame  entprert  tiie  Brilleh  navy  in  1788,  at  the  age  of  twelve  years.  He  was  a  most  faith- 
ftil  and  active  officer,  and  advanced  steadily  to  the  poe,  of  commander,  which  he  attained  In  1811.  He  was  appointed  td 
the  command  of  the  sloop  Alert  in  Fcbrnary,  1812.  His  h-st  appointment  alioat  was  to  the  AcJiates,  IS,  in  which  hi 
cruised  lu  the  Chanml  until  November,  ISIB.  In  1828  he  became  inspecting  commander  in  the  coa8t-guard,  was  ad 
vanced  to  post-caplain,  when  he  retired  from  the  service  on  half-pay.    He  is  yet  [18671  living. 

'  The  reader  who  may  consult  a  modern  map  while  studying;  this  account  should  remember  that  at  that  time  tho  lon- 
gitude was  calculated  from  the  meridian  of  Oreenwlcli,  in  England.  In  modern  American  maps  it  is  calculated  fiuDi 
Washington  City,  the  national  capital. 

'  Manuscript  letter  of  Captain  Porter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  "At  sea,  September  B,  1812." 

♦  Porter's  manuscript  letter,  September  B,  1812.  That  letter  is  before  me.  It  contains  a  rough  sketch  of  the  nautical 
movement  Just  described.  "  Conslderiujf  this  escape  a  very  extraordinary  one,"  he  wrote,  "I  have  the  honor  to  in- 
close you  a  sketch  of  the  position  of  the  shipN  at  three  different  periods,  by  which  you  will  perceive  at  once  the  plan 
of  effecting  it."  According  to  a  letter  from  un  officer  of  the  Sliaiinon,  that  frigate  was  the  larger  of  the  two  vessels  that 
chased  the  ii'dsea;  on  that  occasion,  and  the  other  vessel,  Instei'd  of  being  a  "  ship  of  war,"  as  Porter  supposed,  was  thf 
PUmlfr,  a  recaptured  West  Indiaman.  In  the  light  of  this  fact  we  perceive  that  Porter's  escape  was  not  very  "extra- 
ordinary." The  American  merchantman  mentioned  In  the  text  was  the  AftiifrtJO,  ftom  Cadiz.  She  was  burnt  by  the 
English  on  the  morning  succeeding  the  chase. 


OF   THE   WAll    OF    1812. 


441 


yeo'8  Challenge  and  Porter's  Acceptance.  The  Motto  of  the  Kmex.         The  Constitution  starts  on  another  Crnlse. 

peared  in  the  following  language  on  the  1 8tli 
of  September,  1812,  in  the  Democratic  Press, 
printed  in  Philadelphia:  "A  passenger  of  the 
hrig  Lyon,  i'rom  Havana  to  New  York,  cap- 
tured by  the  frigate  iSotithampton,  Sir  James 
Yeo  commander,  is  requested  by  Sir  James 
Yeo  to  present  his  compliments  to  Captain 
Porter,  commander  of  the  American  frigate 
Essex — would  be  glad  to  have  a  tete-d-tSte  any 
Avhere  between  the  Capes  of  Delaware  and  the 
Havana,  where  he  would  have  the  pleasure 
to  break  his  own  sword  over  his  damned  head, 
and  put  him  down  forward  in  irons," 

To  this  indecorous  challenge  Captain  Porter 
replied  as  follows  on  the  same  day :  "Captain 
Porter,  of  the  United  States  frigate  E;<sex, 
presents  his  compliments  to  Sir  James  Yeo, 
commanding  H.  B.  M.'8  frigate  Southampton, 
and  accepts  with  pleasure  his  polite  invita- 
tion. If  agreeable  to  Sir  James,  Cai)tain  Porter 
would  prefer  meeting  near  the  Delaware,  where 
Captain  P.  pledges  his  honor  to  Sir  James  that 
no  other  American  vessel  shall  interrupt  their 
tete-d-tete.  The  Essex  may  be  known  by  a  flag 
bearing  the  motto  Fkee  Tkade  and  Sailoks' 
Rights,  and  when  that  is  struck  to  the  Sortth- 
««?/)(!««  Captain  P.  will  deserve  the  treatment 
promised  by  Sir  James.'  Here  the  matter 
ended.  The  coveted  tete-d-tSte  never  occur- 
red. 

The  Constitution  did  not  long  continue  idle 
after  her  escape  from  Broke's  squadron.  She 
remained  a  short  time  in  Boston  to  recuperate, 
and  on  the  '2d  of  August  sailed  eastN72''d  in 
hope  of  falling  in  with  some  one  of  the  En- 
glish vessels  of  Avar  supposed  to  be  hovering 
along  the  coast  from  Nantucket  to  Halifax. 
Hull,^  licr  conmiander,  was  specially  anxious 


■  The  orii^iiml  of  Porter's  acceptance  is  in  the  poeeession  of 
Doctor  Leonard  D.  Koeclier,  of  Philadelphia,  who  liludly  allowed 
rac  to  make  from  it  the /iK-«imifc  of  the  paKigraph  given  in  the 
text. 

'  Isaac  nnll  wan  horn  at  Derby,  Connecticut,  in  17T6.  He  first 
entered  the  merchant  service,  and  in  ITflS  became  a  fourth  lieu- 
tenant in  the  infant  navy  of  the  United  States,  under  Commodore 
Nicholson.  In  ISOfl  he  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  under 
Commodore  Tiilhot.  In  1804 he  commanded  the  brig  Argwi,  and 
distinguished  himself  at  the  stormini;  of  Tripoli  and  the  reduc- 
tion of  Derne.  He  Avns  made  captain  in  tSW,  and  was  in  com- 
maud  of  the  Conntitvtion  when  the  war  broke  out.  Of  his  achieve- 
ments in  her  the  text  fiimislies  a  detailed  account.  Commodore 
Hull  served  in  the  American  navy,  afloat  and  ashore,  with  the 
rank  of  captain,  thirty-seven  years.  He  commanded  in  the  Med- 
iterranean and  Pacific,  and  had  charge  of  the  navy  yards  at  Bos- 
ton and  Washington.    He  was  a  member  ol^thc  Naval  Board  for 


treral  years.  Commodore  Hull  died  at  hl»  residence  in  Philadilphia  on  the  ftth  of  Febrnary,  lS4il.  His  remains  rest 
in  I/itml  Hill  Cemeterii,  and  over  them  is  a  beautiful  altar-tomb  of  Italian  marble,  nmde  by  ilohn  Stnithcrs  and  Sons. 
ll  is  a  copy  of  the  tomb  of  Sdpio  Barbato  at  Home,  chastely  ornnmeuted,  and  surmouutei'.  by  an  American  eagle  In 


II  1 


■■  i 

i 

1 

■"  1 

442 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Churriere. 


The  CmuititutioH  off  the  Eastern  Coast. 


She  chaHes  a  strange  Veiiei 


to  full  in  with  that  famous  frigate  before 
whom  he  had  been  compelled  to  fly  wlipp 
she  was  part  of  a  squadron,  and  of  whom 
it  had  been  said, 

"  Long  the  tyrant  of  onr  const 

Retgned  the  famous  Gtierriere; 
Our  little  'lavy  she  defled, 

Public  ship  and  privateer: 
On  her  sails,  in  letters  red, 

To  our  captains  were  displayed 
Words  of  warning,  words  of  dread : 

'All  who  meet  me  have  a  cure ! 

I  am  England's  Ouerriere.' "' 

The  commander  of  the  Gtierriere  Iiad 
boastfully  enjoined  the  Americans  to  re- 
member that  site  was  not  tho  Little  Jklt- 
and  this  offensive  form  of  menace  in- 
creased Hull's  desire  to  meet  her  and 
measure  strength  Avith  her. 

The  Constitution  ran  not  fivr  from  the 
shore  down  to  tliQ  Bay  of  Fundy  with- 
out meeting  a  single  armed  vessel.  She 
then  bore  away  southward  off  Cape  Sable, 
and  eastward  to  the  region  of  Halifax 
but  with  a  like  result.  Hull  now  determ- 
ined to  cruise  eastward  of  Nova  Scotia 
to  thcGulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  with  the  hope  of  interrupting  vessels  making  their  wayto 
Halifax  or  Quebec.  In  this  new  field  he  made  some  winnings,  but  the  promise  of 
much  harvest  Avas  too  small  to  detain  him.  He  turned  his  prow  southward,  and  on 
the  nineteenth,  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  in  latitude  41°  40',  and  longitude  55- 
48  V  l''*^  heart  was  gladdened  by  the  discovery  of  a  sail  from  his  mast-head,  too  re- 
mote, however,  for  her  character  to  be  determined. 

The  Constitution  immediately  gave  cnase  to  the  stranger,  and  at  half  jiast  tliieo 
o'clock  it  was  discovered  that  she  was  a  frigate,  and  doubtless  an  enemy.  Hull  let 
his  ship  run  free  until  within  a  league  of  the  stranger  to  leeward,  when  he  began  tw 
shorten  sail  and  deliberately  prepare  for  action.  The  stranger  at  once  showed  si!fn^ 
of  willingness  for  a  fight.  Hull  cleared  his  ship,  beat  to  (piarters,  hoisted  the  Amer- 
ican colors,  and  bore  down  gallantly  on  the  enemy,  with  the  intention  of  bringiiii; 
her  into  close  combat  immediately. 


ftill  relief,  in  the  attitude  of  defending  the  no- 
tional fla;,',  on  which  it  stands  There  is  n  can- 
non-hnll  under  the  flag,  on  which  rests  one  of 
the  eagle's  talons.  Upon  the  soiith  side  of  the 
tomb  is  the  name  oJIsaac  IIpi.i..  On  the  north 
side  is  the  following  inscription,  written  by  his 
friend  Horace  Blnney,  Esq. :  "  Feubuary  ix., 
MiKci-xi.m.  In  afTectlonate  devotion  to  the 
I)rivnlc  virtues  of  Isaac  Ilri.i,,  his  widow  has 
erected  this  monument."  The  above  likeness 
of  Hull  is  from  an  engraving  by  Edwin,  from  a 
painting  by  Stewart. 

'  A  feminine  warrior— an  Amazon.  The  ffucr- 
rierc  was  originally  a  French  ship,  and  was  cap- 
tured on  the  19th  of  July,  tS06,  by  the  British 
ship  Blanche,  Captain  Lavic.  She  was  built  at 
L'Orieut  upon  a  sudden  emergency,  and  her 
timbers,  not  having  been  well  seasoned,  were  in 
a  somewhat  decaying  state  ut  this  time,  it  Is 
said. 

a  See  page  1«4. 

'  S«e  note  i,  page  440. 


uull'h  MOMUUKM'. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


44t8 


l^Querriere  llres  on  the  Comlitution. 


Hull's  CoolnesB, 


Terrible  ReHpoiisc  uf  the  ConDtitutimi. 


" '  Clear  ship  for  action !'  sonnda  the  boatswain's  call ; 
'Clear  ship  for  action  !'  hU  three  uilmica  bawl. 
Swift  round  the  decks  see  war's  dread  weapons  barled, 
And  lloatlnjj  ruins  strew  the  watery  world. 
'All  hands  to  quarters  1'  fore  and  aft  resounds, 
Thrills  from  the  fife,  and  from  the  drum-head  bounds ; 
From  crowded  hatchways  scores  on  scores  arise, 
Spring  up  the  shrouds,  and  vauU  Into  the  ekies. 
Firm  at  his  quarters  each  bold  gunner  stands. 
The  death-fraught  lightning  flashing  t^om  his  hands." 

Comprelicnding  Hull's  movement,  the  Englishman  hoisted  three  national  ensigns/ 
fired  11  broadside  of  grape-shot,  filled  away,  and  gave  another  hroadsidc  on  the  other 
tack  but  without  eftect.  The  missiles  all  fell  short.  The  stranger  continued  to  ma- 
lucuvre  for  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  endeavoring. to  get  in  a  position  to  rak? 
and  prevent  being  raked,  when,  disappointed,  she  bore  up  and  ran  unde  topsails  and 
jib,  witii  the  whid  on  the  quarter.  The  Constitution,  following  closely,  yawed  occa- 
sionally to  rake  and  avoid  being  raked,  and  firing  only  a  few  guns  as  they  bore,  as 
she  did  not  wish  to  engage  in  a  serious  conflict  until  they  were  close  to  each  other. 

It  was  now  about  six  in  the  evening.  These  indications  or:  the  part  of  the  enemy 
to  eii<'a<'e  in  a  fair  yard-arm  and  yard-arm  fight  caused  the  Constittition  to  press  all 
sail  to  <^et  alongside  of  the  foe.  At  a  little  after  six  the  bows  of  the  American  be- 
cran  to  double  the  quarter  of  the  Englishman.  Hull  had  been  walkhig  the  quarter- 
iloek  keenly  watching  every  movement.  Ho  was  quite  fat,  and  wore  very  tight 
l)rceches.  As  the  shot  of  the  Guerriere  began  to  tell  upon  the  Constitution,  the  gal- 
lant Lieutenant  .Morris,  Hull's  second  in  command,  came  to  the  captain  and  asked 
nennissiou  to  open  fire.  "  Not  yet,"  quietly  responded  Hull.  Nearer  and  nearer  the 
vessels  drew  toward  each  other,  and  the  request  was  repeated.  "  Not  yet,"  said  Hull 
as;aiii,  very  quietly.  When  the  Constitution  reached  the  point  we  have  just  men- 
tioned, Hull,  filled  with  sudden  and  intense  excitement,  bent  himself  twice  to  the 
deck,  and  then  shouted,  "  Now,  boys,  pour  it  into  them !"  The  command  was  in- 
stantlv  obeyed.  The  Constitution  opened  her  forward  guns,  which  were  double  shot- 
ted with  round  and  grape,  with  terrible  eftect.  When  the  smoke  that  followed  the 
lesnlt  of  that  order  cleared  away,  it  was  discovered  that  the  commander,  in  his  ener- 
iietie  movements,  had  split  his  tight  breeches  from  waistband  to  knee,  but  he  did  not 
stop  to  change  them  during  the  action.'^ 

The  concussion  of  Hull's  broadside  was  tremendous.  It  cast  those  in  the  cockpit 
of  the  enemy  from  one  side  of  the  room  to  the  other,  and,  before  they  could  adjust 
themselves,  the  blood  came  streaming  from  above,  and  numbers,  dreadfully  mutilated, 
were  handed  down  to  the  surgeons.  The  enemy  at  the  same  time  was  pouring  heavy 
metal  into  the  Constitution.  They  were  only  half  pistol-shot  from  each  other,  and 
the  destruction  was  terrible.  Within  fifteen  minutes  after  the  contest  commenced 
the  stranger's  mizzen-mast  was  shot  away,  her  main  yard  was  in  slings,  and  her  hull, 
spars,  sails,  and  rigging  were  torn  in  pieces.  The  English  vessel  brought  up  in  the 
wind  as  her  mizzen-mast  gave  way,  when  the  Constitution  passed  slowly  ahead,  poured 
in  a  tremendous  fire  as  her  guns  bore,  luffed  short  round  the  bows  of  hor  autago;:"st 
to  pvrivont  being  raked,  and  fell  foul  of  her  foe,  her  bowsprit  running  into  the  larboard 
quarter  oi'  the  stranger.  In  this  situation  the  cabin  of  the  Constitution  was  set  on 
tire  by  the  explosion  of  the  forward  guns  of  her  enemy,  but  the  flames  were  soon  ex- 
liiiguishod. 

Bntli  parties  now  attempted  to  board.     Tlie  roar  of  great  guns  was  terrible,  and 

'  Thin  is  alluded  to  In  an  old  song  called  "  Halifax  Station,"  written  and  very  extensively  sung  soon  after  the  event 
commemorated  occurred : 

"Then  up  to  each  mast-head  he  straight  sent  a  flag. 
Which  shows  on  the  ocean  a  proud  British  brag; 
But  Hull,  being  pleasant,  he  sent  \\\\  but  one. 
And  told  every  seaman  to  stand  true  to  bin  gun." 
!  Statement  of  Lieutenant  B.  Y.  Hofltean. 


M 


I 

\ 

m 


ilif^ 


444 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Attempts  St  Boarding. 


The  Uuerrkre  BOddenly  made  a  Wreck. 


Dacres  unrrenders  to  Hon. 


the  fierce  volleys  of  musketry  on  both  sides,  together  with  the  heavy  sea  that  wa 
nimiiiig,  made  that  movement  impossible.  The  English  piped  all  hands  from  below 
and  mounted  thorn  on  the  forward  deck  for  the  purpose;  and  Lieutenant  Morris 
Alwyn,  the  master,  and  Lieutenant  Bush,  of  the  Marines,  sprang  upon  the  taftVail  ot' 
the  Constitution  to  lead  their  men  to  the  same  Avork.  Morris  was  severely  but  not 
fatally  shot  through  the  body;  Alwyn  was  wounded  in  the  shoulder;  and  a  bullet 
through  his  brain  brought  Bush  dead  to  the  deck.  Just  then  the  sails  of  the  Comtl 
tution  were  filled,  and  as  she  shot  ahead  and  clear  of  her  antagonist,  whose  fore-mast 
had  been  severely  woundi'd,  that  spar  fell,  carrying  with  it  the  main-mast,  and  leav- 
ing the  hapless  vessel  a  shivering,  shom,  and  helpless  wreck,  rolling  like  a  log  in  tLe 
trough  of  the  sea,  entirely  at  the  mercy  of  the  billows, 

"  Quick  as  lightulng,  :\    \  U\U\\  as  its  dn^adcd  power, 
Destruction  and  ih  iih  on  the  Quiirnn:  did  shower, 
AVhile  the  groans    ■  the  dying  won-  lieaid  on  the  bhist. 
The  word  was,  'Tmki'  aim,  hoys,  away  with  tlic  mast !' 
The  genius  of  Britain  will  long  rue  the  day. 
The  Guerriere  'e  a  wreck  in  the  trough  of  the  sea ; 
Her  laurels  are  withered,  her  boasting  is  done ; 
Submissive,  to  leeward  she  Arcs  her  last  pun."— Old  Sono. 

The  Constitution  hauled  off  a  short  distance,  secured  her  own  masts,  rove  new  rin- 
ging, and  at  sunset  wore  round  and  took  a  favorable  position  for  rakinj  the  wreck, 

A  jack  that  had  been  kept  flying  on  the 
stump  of  the  enemy's  mizzen-mast  was 
now  lowered,  and  the  late  Commodore 
George  C.  Read,  then  a  third  lieutenant, 
was  sent  on  board  of  the  prize.  She  was 
found  to  be  the  Giiemere,  38,  Captain 
James  Richards  Dacres,  one  of  tlie  vessels 
which  had  so  lately  been  engaged  in  tin 
memorable  chase  of  her  present  coiHiuer- 
or,  and  which  Hull  was  anxious  to  meet, 
The  lieutenant  asked  for  the  coinmander 
of  the  prize,  when  Captain  Dacres  a]i- 
pcared.  "Commodore  Hull's  compli- 
ments,"  said  Read,  "  and  wishes  to  know 
if  you  have  struck  your  flag  ?"  Captain 
Dacres,  looking  up  and  down,  coolly  and 
dryly  remarked,  "Well,  I  don't  know; 
our  mizzen-mast  is  gone,  our  main-mast  is 
gone,  and,  upon  the  whole,  you  may  fay 
we  have  struck  our  flag."  Read  then  said, 
"  Commodore  Hull's  compliments,  and  wishes  to  know  whether  you  need  the  asijist- 
ance  of  a  surgeon  or  surgeon's  mate  V"  Dacres  replied,  "  Well,  I  should  sup])ose  you 
had  on  board  your  own  ship  business  enough  for  all  your  medical  ofiicers."  liead 
replied,  "  Oh  no ;  we  have  only  seven  wounded,  and  they  were  dressed  half  an  hour 


JAJIE8  BIOUAItn  DAOBEB. 


aero. 


"1 


'  Statement  of  Captain  William  B.  Ornc,  in  the  New  York  Ereninri  Post.  He  commai.ded  the  American  brig  Helm, 
and  when  returning  from  Nai>leB  in  the  summer  of  1812,  she  was  captured  by  ttic  Guerriere.  Captain  Orne  was  a  pris- 
oner on  board  of  her  at  the  time  of  the  action,  and  was  treated  by  Captain  Dacres  with  the  greatest  courti'sy.  Wlion 
that  commander's  Interview  with  Read  was  concluded,  he  turned  to  Orne  and  said,  "How  have  our  siluulious beeo 
changed !    You  are  now  free,  and  I  am  a  prisoner." 

James  Hl<'hard  Dacres  was  a  son  of  Vice  Admiral  J.  R.  Dacres,  who  was  in  command  of  the  British  schooner  Carlitm, 
on  Lake  Champlain,  in  the  flght  with  .Arnold's  flotilla  In  ]77(i.  Young  Dacres  entered  the  royal  navy  in  ITOli,  on  board 
the  Sceptre,  M,  ccmimanded  by  his  father.  His  first  service  was  against  the  French,  In  which  he  exhibited  excolleut 
qualities.  He  was  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  sloop  Elk  In  1805,  and  the  next  year  was  transferred  lo  the  Barehantf, 
24,  He  was  appointed  to  the  eommami  of  the  Guerriere  in  March,  ISll.  She  then  carried  48  guns,  and  was  called  "a 
worn-out  frigate."  See  O'Byrne's  S'aval  Binqrajihi.  He  was  wounded  In  the  action  with  the  Conatitutiim.  We  was 
unanimously  acquitted  by  the  court-martial  at  nalifax  that  tried  him  for  surrendering  bis  ship.    He  commanded  tlir 


M  ■: 


iiiMii 


ill 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    1813. 


445 


,0  luei't. 
miiuulor 

!rCS    !l]l- 

coiniili- 
to  know 
ICaptiiiii 

11  y  aiHl 
know ; 

i-niast  is 
Inay  m 


lieu 


saiil. 


le  assist- 
liosc  vmi 


an 


hour 


m- 


I  a  prii'- 

When 

latiohs  beou 

•  Carkim, 

,  on  lioiiril 

I'll  cxcplleiit 

( Haeehmit, 

|i8  called  "  a 

1.    lie  waF 

nandeil  the 


Bffect  of  the  News  of  the  Victory. 


null'a  Reception  iu  Bolton. 


DMtrnctlon  of  the  OuerHere. 

The  Constitution  kept  near  her  prize  all  night.  At  two  in  the  morning  a  strange 
jl  yfj^s  seen  closing  upon  them,  when  she  cleared  for  action,  but  an  hour  later  the 
intruiler  stood  off  and  disappeared.  At  dawn  the  otticor  in  charge  of  the  Guerriere 
liailed  to  say  that  she  had  four  feet  water  in  her  hold  and  was  in  danger  of  sinking. 
Hull  immediately  sent  all  his  boats  to  bring  off  the  prisoners  and  their  effects.'  That 
duty  was  accomplished  by  noon,  and  at  three  o'clock  the  prize  crew  was  recalled. 
The  Gnerriere  WHS  too  much  damaged  to  be  saved;  so  she  wan  seu  on  tire,  and  fifteen 
minutes  afterward  she  blew  up,  scattering  widely  upon  the  subsiding  billows  all  that 
was  left  of  the  boastful  cruiser  that  was  "  not  the  iittle  Jielt."^ 

"  leauc  did  so  maul  and  rake  her, 
That  the  decks  of  Captain  Dacre 
Were  iu  Biicli  a  woful  pickle 
As  if  Death,  with  scytlie  and  sickle, 
With  his  Hilug  or  with  his  shafl. 
Had  cut  his  harvest  fore  and  nft. 
Thus,  in  thirty  minutes,  ended 
Miscliiefs  that  could  not  be  mended; 
Masts,  and  yards,  and  ship  descended 
All  to  David  Jones's  locker- 
Such  a  ship,  in  such  a  pucker  1"— Old  Sonq. 

Tlie  Constitution  arrived  at  Boston  on  the  30th  of  August,  and  on  that  day  Cap- 
tain Hull  wrote  his  official  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  "  U.  S.  frigate 
Constitution,  off  Boston  Light."  He  was  the  first  to  announce  to  his  countrymen 
the  intelligence  of  his  own  victory.  That  intelligence  was  received  with  the  most 
lively  demonstrations  of  joy  in  every  part  of  the  repidilic,  and  dispelled  for  a  mo- 
ment the  gloom  occasioned  by  the  recent  disasters  at  Detroit  in  the  surrender  of 
(ioiieral  Hull.  When  the  Constitution  appeared  in  Boston  Hai'bor,  she  was  surround- 
ed by  a  flotilla  of  gayly-decorated  small  boats,  and  the  hundreds  of  people  who  filled 
tlicni  made  the  air  tremble  with  their  loud  huzzas.  At  the  wharf  where  he  landed 
\w  was  received  Avith  a  national  salute  by  an  artillery  company,  which  was  returned 
hv  the  Constitution.  An  imniense  assemblage  of  citizens  were  there  to  greet  him 
ami  escort  him  to  quarters  prepared  for  him  in  the  city,  and  th^  whole  town  was 
tilled  with  tumultuous  joy.  Tlie  streets  through  which  the  triumphal  procession 
passed  were  decorated  with  flags  and  banners.  From, almost  every  window  ladies 
waved  their  white  handkerchiefs,  and  from  the  crowded  side-pavements  shout  after 
shout  of  the  citizens  greeted  the  hero.  Men  of  all  ranks  hastened  to  pay  homage  to 
the  conqueror.  A  splendid  public  entertainment  was  given  him  and  his  officers  by 
the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  and  almost  six  hundred  citizens,  of  both  political  parties, 
sat  down  to  the  banquet  in  token  of  their  appreciation  of  the  gallant  commander's 

Tihtr  from  1814  to  1818.  He  continued  in  service  afloat.  In  1838  he  attained  flag  rank,  answering  to  onr  commodore, 
and  Iu  1845  was  appointed  commander-in-chief  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  his  flag-ship  being  tlic  I^esident,  N).  Vice 
Admiral  Dacres  died  in  England,  at  an  advanced  age,  on  the  4th  of  December,  1S53.  The  preceding  likeness  of  Captain 
Dacre»  (Vice  Admiral  of  the  Red)  is  from  a  prin.  published  in  London  in  October,  1831. 

1  "I  feel  it  my  duty  to  state  that  the  conduct  of  Captain  Hull  and  his  oflicers  to  our  men  has  been  that  of  a  brave 
ciicmy,  the  greatest  care  being  taken  to  prevent  onr  men  losing  the  smallest  trifle,  and  the  greatest  attention  being 
piud  to  the  wonndcd."— Captain  Dacres's  Report  to  Vice  Admiral  Sawyer,  September  7,  1S12. 

i  Three  day?  before  the  action  between  the  Comtitution  and  Guerriere,  the  JohnAininit,  Captain  Fash,  fVom  Liverpool, 
was  spokeu  by  the  English  frigate.  Upon  Fash's  register,  which  he  deposited  at  the  New  York  Custom-house,  the  fol- 
lowinc  lines  were  found  written : 

"Captain  Dacrcs',  cinnmander  of  his  Rritannic  majesty's  frigate  Guerriere,  of  44  gnus,  presents  his  complimentu  to 
lommudore  Rodgers,  of  the  United  States  frigate  I^eaidcnt,  and  will  be  very  happy  to  meet  him,  or  any  other  American 
friu'aleofcqnal  force  to  the  Premdmt,  ofl"  Sandy  Hook,  for  the  purpose  of  having  a  few  minutes'  tete-ij-t'te." 
To  this  fact  a  poet  of  the  day,  an  American  gentleman  then  living  at  St.  Bartholomew's,  thus  alluded  : 

"This  Briton  oft  bad  made  bis  boast 
He'd  with  his  tcw,  a  chosen  host. 
Pour  fell  de'  truction  round  our  coast, 

An-l  work  a  revolution  ; 
Urged  by  his  pride,  a  challenge  sent 
Bold  llodgers,  in  the  Pregident, 
Wishing  to  meet 
Him  fteir-t'te. 
Or  one  his  eqnal  from  our  fleet — 
Such  was  the  Conxtitution." 


m 

■X    i    - 

5; 

1 


ii 


fiiili 


446! 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-nOOK 


Tribute!  of  Honor  by  CItizeuH  and  Public  Bo,Iie8. 


Congress  presentg  Hull  with  a  Gold  Medal 


services.'     The  citizens  of  New  York  raised  money  for  the  purchase  of  swords  to  be 
j)resei!ted  to  Captain  Hull  and  his  officers;  and  the  Corporation  offered  the  ijallani 
•December  28,     victor  thc  freedom  of  the  city  in  a  gold  box,"  with  an  appropriate  in. 
^^^'^-  scription.^     Hull  was  also  recpiested  by  the  same  Corporation  to  sit  for 

his  portrait,  to  be  hung  in  the  pict'ire-gallery  cf  the  City  Hall.^  In  l*liihvdeli)liia  tlic 
citizens,  at  a  general  meeting, resolved  to  present  to  Captain  Hull  "a  piece  ofpliit,, 
of  the  most  elegant  workmanship,  with  appropriate  emblems,  devices,  and  insciii,. 
tions,"  and  that  "  a  like  piece  of  plate  be  presented  to  Lieutenant  Morris,  in  the  nanu. 


'  A  stirring  ode  was  sung  at  tlie  table.  It  was  written  for  the  occasion  by  the  late  L.  M.  Sargent,  Esq.,  then  an  emi- 
nent and  highly  estecme  jfcitiiicii  of  Boston.  The  victory  of  Hull,  so  complete,  and  obtained  over  a  foe  so  nearly  eqnal 
ill  streugtli,  gave  promise  of  futnre  successes  on  the  ocean,  and  Inspired  the  most  doubtiug  heart  with  hope.  Tliie  liope 
was  expressed  iu  the  following  closing  stanza  of  Mr.  Sargent's  ode : 

"  Hence  be  our  floating  bulwarks 
Those  oaks  our  niountalus  yield ; 
'Tis  mighty  Heaven's  plain  decree- 
Then  take  the  watery  field  I 
^    To  ocean's  farthest  barriers,  then. 
Tour  whitening  sails  shall  pour; 
Safe  they'll  ride  o'er  the  tide 

While  Columbia's  thunders  roar ; 
While  her  cannon's  fire  is  flashing  fast, 
And  her  Yankee  thunders  roar." 
»  This  Is  a  merely  complimentary  act,  by  which  a  person,  for  gallant  or  useful  services.  Is  honored  with  the  nominal 
right  to  all  the  priviieger  and  immunities  of  a  citizen  by  the  government  of  a  city.    When  Andrew  Hamilton,  of  Plilla- 
deli)liia,  nobly  defended  thc  liberty  of  the  press,  and  procured  the  acquittal  of  John  Peter  Zcnger,  o'NewYork  printer, 
who  was  accused  of  libel  by  thc  governor  In  1735,  the  Corporation  of  New  York  presented  that  able  lawyer  the  freedom 
of  thc  city  in  a  gold  box  for  his  noble  advocacy  of  popular  rights.    When  Washington  Irving  returned  to  New  Yurk, 
after  twenty  years'  absence  in  Europe,  the  freedom  of  the  city  was  given  to  him  as  a  compliment  for  his  distinctlou  as 
an  American  author  when  snccessftil  ones  were  rare. 

Thc  ceremony  of  presentation  to  Captain  Hull  took  place  In  the  Common  Council  Chamber  of  the  City  Hall.  A  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  Aldermen  Fish  and  Mesier,  and  General  Morton,  introduced  Hull  to  the  Common  Council,  when 
He  Witt  Clinton,  the  mayor,  arose  and  addressed  him.  He  then  presented  him  with  the  diploma,  elegantly  executed  in 
vellum,*  and  a  richly-emDossed  gold  box,  with  a  representation  of  the  batt'c  between  the  ConatiUUion  and  Guerrim 
paintecl  In  enamel.  Hull  responded  In  a  few  low  and  modest  words,  after  ■which  the  mayor  administered  to  him  Ihe 
freeman's  oath. 

'  In  that  gallery  hang  thc  portraits  of  the  successive  governors  of  the  State  of  New  York.  On  that  account  it  is  known 
as  the  Governors'  Room. 

*  On  one  side  of  thiii  medal,  represented  of  the  exact  size  of  the  original  In  the  above  engraving,  is  seen  thc  likenew 
of  Captain  Hull  in  profile,  w'th  the  legend  isaocb  hci.i.  pkbitos  arte  superat  jrn..  mkoooxii.  amo.  oeuta.mine  fortw. 
This  legend  (and  date)  seems  to  refer  to  thc  skill  of  Hull  in  escaping  fVom  the  British  fleet  the  previous  month,  for  it 
asserts  that  his  stratagem  overmatched  the  experienced  English.  On  thc  reverse  of  the  medal  is  seen  a  naval  ciii;Bge- 
ment.  In  which  the  Guerriere  Is  represented  as  receiving  the  deadly  shots  that  cut  away  her  mizzen-mast.  The  le(;encl 
Is  uon/K  MOMENTo  vioTonrA,  and  the  exergue  intkh  oonbt.  nav.  ameb  et  oiier.  ^Av.  anqi,. — the  abbreviation  of  word» 
Indicating  action  "  between  the  American  ship  Constitution  and  the  English  ship  Ouerriere." 

'  The  form  of  words  In  which  this  Instrument  Is  expressed  will  be  found  in  aiiother  part  of  this  work,  where  an  ac- 
connt  Is  given  of  a  similar  honor  conferred  on  General  Jacob  Brown. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


447 


Eiitlmate8  ot  Its  Importance. 


Kcmurki  of  the  Uiudun  Titna. 


nil.  Awm- 
)iincil,  when 
executed  in 
1(1  Gntrrim 
to  him  Ihi' 

tit  la  known 

the  likciiw 

IINR  KOBTKH. 

nonlh,  tor  it 
ivnl  cni;agi'- 
The  lojicnil 
lonofwordi 


Effect  of  the  Victory  on  the  Brltl»h. 

tribiitcd  as  prize-money  amonj»  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  victor,  whose  example 
was  "  liighly  honorable  to  the  American  character  and  instructive  to  our  rising 

It  is  difficult  to  comprohond  at  this  time  the  feehng  which  tliis  victory  of  thi 
Amoricans  created  on  botii  sides  of  the  Atlantic.  The  Hritish,  as  we  have  observdl. 
looked  with  contcmj)t  upon  the  American  navy,  while  the  vVmericans  looked  upon  thai 
of  England  with  dread.  The  naval  flag  of  England  had  seldnin  been  lowered  to  an 
enemy  during  the  lapse  of  a  century,  and  the  people  had  come  to  believe  her"  woodei 
walls"  to  be  iinpregnablc.  Djicres  himself,  though  less  a  boaster  than  most  of  his 
coiintrynien  in  command,  had  similar  faith.  He  believed  that  an  easy  victory  awaited 
him  Avhenevcr  he  should  l)e  so  fortunate  as  to  meet  any  American  vessel  ii  conflict; 
,111(1  he  constantly  e.Kpressed  a  desire  to  show  how  quickly  he  would  make  the  "striped 
Imntiii"'"  trail  in  his  presence.  Very  great,  then,  was  the  disaiipointment  of  the  com- 
mamler  of  the  Guerriere,  the  service,  and  the  British  people,  when  Hull's  victory  was 
sct'omplished.  The  Americans,  on  the  other  hand,  as  we  have  observed,  had  little 
lonfidcnce  in  the  power  of  their  navy,  and  a(  that  time  they  were  cast  down  by  the 
heavy  blow  to  their  hopes  in  the  misfortunes  of  the  Army  of  the  Northwest  at 
Detroit.  This  victory,  therefore,  so  unex])ected  and  so  complete, was  like  the  sudden 
hiirstiiiij  forth  of  the  morning  sun,  without  |)receding  twilight,  after  a  night  of  tem- 
l)oat,  and  the  joy  of  the  whole  people  Avas  unbounded.  It  was  natural  for  them  to 
indulije  in  many  extravagances,  yet  these  were  only  the  mere  demonstrative  evidences 
iif  a  new-boni  faith  that  had  taken  hold  of  the  American  mind.  This  victory  was, 
therefore,  of  immense  importance,  inasmuch  as  it  gave  the  Amoricans  confidence,  and 
(liiipelled  the  idea  of  the  absolute  omnipotence  of  the  liritish  navy.  Its  momentous 
hearing  upon  the  future  of  the  war  was  at  once  perceived  by  statesmen  and  publicists 
on  both  sides,  and  zealous  discussions  at  once  arose  concerning  the  relative  strength, 
and  force,  and  armament  of  the  two  vessels,  and  the  comparative  merits  of  the  two 
commanders  as  exhibited  in  their  conduct  before  sind  during  the  action. 

There  was  a  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  Americans  to  overestimate  the  importance 
(if  the  victory  and  the  powers  of  their  seamen,  and  there  was  an  equal  tendency  of 
the  organs  of  British  opinion  to  underestimate  it,  and  to  detract  from  the  merits  of 
the  conqueror  by  disparaging  the  strength  and  condition  of  the  Guerriere.  The  very 
writers  who  had  spoken  of  the  Constitution  as  "a  bundle  of  pine-boards"  now  called 
hir  one  of  the  stanchest  vessels  afloat ;  and  the  G^ieiriere,  which  they  liad  praised 
US  a  frigate  worthy  of  the  exhibition  of  British  valor  when  she  was  captured  from 
llie  French,  and  able  to  drive  "  the  insolent  striped  bunting  from  the  seas,"  was  now 
spoken  of  as  "an  old  worn-out  frigate,"  with  damaged  n.asts,  a  reduced  complement, 
and  "in  absolute  need  of  thorough  refit,"  for  which  "she  Avas  then  on  her  way  to  Hal- 
ifax," Yet  the  London  Timcs,ihGn,  as  now,  the  leading  journal  in  England,  and  then, 
,is  now,  the  bitter  enemy  of  the  United  States,  and  implacable  foe  of  every  supposed 
rival  or  competitor  of  England,  was  compelled,  in  deep  mortification,  to  view  the 
affiiir  as  a  severe  blow  struck  at  Britain's  boasted  supremacy  of  the  seas.  "We  have 
been  accused  of  sentiments  unworthy  of  Englishmen,"  it  said,  "because  we  described 
what  we  saw  .and  felt  on  the  occasion  of  the  capture  of  the  Guerriere.  We  witnessed 
the  gloom  which  that  event  cast  over  high  and  hononible  minds ;  we  participated  in 
the  vexation  and  regret ;  and  it  is  the  first  time  we  have  ever  heard  that  the  strikim/ 
of  the  Enylishflag  on  the  high  seas  to  any  thing  like  an  equal  force  should  be  regard- 
ed hy  Englishmen  with  complacency  and  satisfaction It  is  not  merely  that  an 

English  frigate  has  been  taken,  afler,  what  we  are  free  to  confess,  may  be  called  a 
brave  resistance,  but  that  it  has  been  taken  by  a  new  ei^emy,  an  enemy  unaccustomed 
to  mch  triumphs,  a,nd  likely  to  be  rendered  insolent  and  confident  by  them.     He  must 


?hcre  an  w- 


'  Besolutions  of  the  Honso  of  Repreeentativea,  November  5, 1S12. 


JLUMM 


'■i  , 


448 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Hurprlw  and  Chtgrln  uftbe  British. 


The  Iwo  VeDHelii  compared. 


Coinmoduro  Hull's  Ueneroittt. 


be  a  woak  politician  who  doos  not  wv  liow  iiiij)oitaiit  tlic  firnt  triumph  in  in  t;iviii(»  a 
toni'  an<l  oiiaractt'r  to  tho  war.  Never  before  in  the  hitttonj  of  the  world  did  mi  E,,. 
(/VmIi  frUjale  strike  to  an  American  ^  and  tlioiif^h  wo  can  iinf  say  tliat  Captain  DacroH 
under  all  circumstances,  is  punishable  for  this  act,  yet  w<!  do  say  that  there  arc  com- 
manders in  the  English  nAvy  who  would  a  thousand  times  rather  have  jrone  down 
with  their  colors  flyintf  than  have  set  their  brother-officers  so  fatal  an  exainiiio," 
William  James, (me  of  the  most  bitterly  partisan  and  unscrupulous  historians  of  tb 
war,  was  constrained  lo  say,  "There  is  no  (piestion  that  our  vanity  received  a  wouml 
iu  the  loss  of  tho  (i iierriere.  Hut,  poiun  int  as  were  the  national  feelings,  lellcotinor 
men  hailed  the  10th  ol  August,  1812,  as  the  commencement  of  an  era  of  renovation  to 
the  navy  of  England."' 

The  advantage  in  the  action,  in  guns,  men,  and  stanchness,  was  undoubtedly  on 
tho  side  of  the  ConslitutioTi,  y^'i  not  so  much  as  (o  make  tho  contest  really  an  uncciual 
oji'.«.  The  V'ssels  rated  respectively  44  and  !JH,  while  the  Constitution  actuallv  car- 
ried in  the  action  50,  and  the  Guerriere  49.  The  latter  was  pierced  for  !H  and  car- 
ried 50  when  she  was  captured  fi  n  the  French.^  Her  gun-deck  metal  \*  ;ih  liirhter 
than  that  of  the  Constitution,  but  ilie  rest  of  her  armament  was  the  same.  Notwith- 
standing this  disparity,  the  weight  of  the  respective  broadsides,  according  to  the 
most  authentic  account,  could  not  have  varied  very  materially.^  The  crew  of  the 
Constitution  greatly  (iiitnumbered  lliat  of  the  Guerriere,  being  408  against  2.5;).  Tiiat 
of  the  latter  hud  a  great  advantage  in  experience  and  discipline;  for  they  Inul  hcwi 
long  in  naval  service,  Avhile  the  crew  of  the  Constitution  was  newly  shipped  for  this 
cruise,  ami  mostly  from,  the  merchant  service. 

According  to  tho  official  report  of  Captain  Hull,  the  action  lasted  thirty  minute? 
while  Dacres  said  its  duration  was  two  hours  and  twelve  minutes.  This  d^^cI•cpallcv 
may  be  reconciled  by  the  consideration  that  the  British  commander  probably  counted 
from  the  time  when  the  Guerriere  fired  her  first  gun,  which  the  Constitution  did  not 
respond  to,  and  the  American  commander  computed  from  the  moment  when  he  poured 
in  his  first  broadside.  Tho  Guerriere  was  maile  a  wreck — the  Co7istitution  was  se- 
verely Avouniled  in  spars  and  rigging.  The  American  loss  was  seven  killed  and  seven 
wounded.  The  British  loss  was  fifteen  killed,  forty-four  wounded,  and  twenty-four 
(including  two  officers)  missing.     Dacres  was  severely  wounded  in  the  back. 

At  that  time  there  were  more  captains  in  the  navy  than  vessels  for  them  to  com- 
mand ;  and  Captain  Hull,  with  noble  generosity  and  rare  contentment  with  the  laurels 
already  won,  gave  up  the  command  of  his  frigate  for  the  sole  pur[)ose  of  giving  otii- 
era  a  chance  to  distinguish  themselves.  Captain  Bainbridge,  one  of  the  oldest  offi(  rs 
in  the  service,  and  then  in  command  of  the  Constellation,  38,  which  was  fitting  out  for 
sea  at  Washington,  was  a])pointed  Hull's  successor.  He  was  made  a  fiag  officer,  a;.d 
the  Essex,  32,  and  Hornet,  28,  was  placed  under  his  command.  He  hoisted  his  broad 
pennant  on  board  the  Constitution,  and  sailed  from  Boston  on  a  cruise  on  the  l.itli  ot 
Septembc  I-.  Captain  Charles  Stewart  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  CunMella- 
tion  /  and  not  long  afterward,  Lieutenant  Morris,  Hull's  second  in  command,  who  was 
severely  wounded  when  gallantly  attempting  to  lead  a  boarding-))arty  to  the  decks 
of  the  Guerriere,  was  promoted  to  captain.  Of  Bainbridge's  cruise  I  shall  write  pres- 
ently. Let  us  now  consider  a  most  gallant  exploit  of  the  Wasp,  an  inferior  member 
of  the  United  States  Navy. 

The  sloop-of-war  Wasp,  18,  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  and  fastest  sailers  of  her 
class.   She  was  built  immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war  with  Tripoli,  and  was  thor- 


/ 

%m   : 

J-.    (     »l  C«»f  J        ,      ..t. 

i::.. 

:li  J 

i¥ 

'  IfavcU  Oemnenees,  page  110. 

»  Captniii  Lavie's  Letter  to  Lord  Keith,  July  2fi,  1800.  "Le  GtierrUre,"  he  snid,  "Is  of  the  largest  class  of  frigate!, 
mounting  fifty  guns,  with  a  coniplcmciit  of  317  men." 

'  By  actual  weighing  of  the  balls  of  hoth  ships  by  an  officer  of  the  ConaUtution,  it  was  found  that  the  American  24V 
were  only  three  pounds  heavier  tliiiii  the  English  IS's  on  that  occasion,  and  that  Ibere  was  nearly  the  same  difference 
iu  favor  of  the  latter's  3'2's.— Cooper's  yawl  History,  etc.,  11.,  173,  Note  *. 


OK  TUE  WAU    OF    1818. 


440 


i.niwofihorfflfl*. 


8bo  ancoiinten  a  J«l«. 


ChMCi  •  V* 


CapUln  JonM. 


to  eom- 

hiiivcls 
[iiiii  (itli- 

oHir  rs 

out  for 
icer,  ar.il 
lis  \)roail 

15th  of 
;omtdk- 
Iwlio  was 

lie  decks 

j-ite  pvpf- 

meiutoi' 

H-sofliPi' 
k'as  thov- 

I  of  frigates 

ncrican  24'* 
le  difference 


:i\v 
liav 


orouglily  inannofl  and  cquijipod.  Sho  mount- 
fd  sixtwn  32-|K)und  oarroiittdi's  and  two  long 
ri's,  and  also  carried,  usually,  two  small  braHB 
iiuinoii  in  licr  tops,  llor  officers  were  always 
proud  of  her,  as  an  adiniraldc  specimen  of 
their  country's  naval  architecture.  At  the 
kindling  of  the  war  she  was  on  tlie  European 
coast,  the  only  govcnunent  vessel,  excepting 
the  Cons(Uutio?i,  then  abroad ;  and  at  the  time 
of  the  declaration  of  hostilities  by  the  Ameri- 
can t'ongress,fihe  w  as  on  lier  way  home  as  bear- 
er of  dispatches  from  the  dii)lomatic  represent- 
atives of  the  United  States  in  Europe.  Ilcr 
commander  was  Captain  Jacob  Jones,  a  brave 
officer,  in  wliosc  veins  ran  much  pure,  indom- 
itable Welsh  blood.' 

On   the   thirteenth   of  October,  1812,  the 
Wdup  left  the  Delaware  on  a  cruise,  with  a 
full  complement  of  men,  about  omi  hundn'd 
and  thirty-five  in  number.    She  ran  oft'soutli- 
eastcrly  to  clear   the   coast  and  strike   the 
tracks  of  vessels  tlial  might  be  steering  north 
for  the  West  Indies,  and  on  the  sixteenth  encountered  a  heavy  gale,  which  carried 
ray  Iior  jib-boom,  and  with  it  two  of  her  crew.    The  storm  abated  on  the  following 
,v;'  and  towani  midnight,  when  in  latitude  thirty -seven   north,  and     •October  is, 
liiistitudc  sixty-fivo  west,  his  watch  discovered  several  sail,  two  of  them  ^*"" 

iiipparing  to  be  large  vessels.  Ignorant  of  tlw  true  character  of  the  str.ar.gers,  Cap- 
tain Jones  thouglit  it  prudent  to  keep  at  a  resiicctful  distance  until  the  morning  liglit 
>li(nil(l  give  him  better  information.  All  night  the  Waxp  kept  a  course  j)arallcl  with 
tliat  of  the  stranger  vessels.  At  dawn  she  gave  chase,  and  it  was  soon  discovered 
;|i,if  the  strangers  were  a  flci't  of  armed  merchant  vessels  under  the  protection  of 
the  liiitish  sloop-of-war  Prolic,  mounting  sixteen  thirty-two-pound  carronadcs,  two 
lull'  six-pounders,  and  two  twelve-pound  carronadcs  on  her  forecastle.  She  was 
iiianncfl  with  a  crew  of  one  hundred  and  eight  persons,  nnder  Cai)tain  Thomas 
Wliiiiyates,^  who  had  been  her  commander  for  more  than  five  years.     She  was  con- 

1  Jarob  Jones  was  born  lu  the  year  177(1,  near  the  village  of  Smjriia,  Kent  Connty,  Delaware.  His  father  was  a  farm- 
er, and  ihe  maiden  game  of  his  mother  was  likewise  Jones.  Ho  received  a  good  academic  cdncatlon,  and  at  the  age 
oteit'btecn  years  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  and  snrgery.  He  began  the  practice  of  his  profc-'ishm  at  Dover,  In 
hi!  native  state,  but  did  not  jjiirsue  it  loni;.  He  fonnd  the  fleUl  well  occni)icd,  and,  being  active  and  ambitions,  resolved 
M  abandon  his  profession  for  one  more  hierative.  He  received  the  appointment  of  clerltof  the  Sni)rcme  Conrt  for  Kent 
lonnly.  Of  this  business  he  became  wearied,  and  entered  the  service  of  his  coniitry  as  n  midshipman  in  the  year  170!>. 
He  made  his  first  cruise  nnder  Commodore  Harry,  and  was  on  board  the  frigate  United  Stntfs  when  she  bore  Ellsworth 
»n4  Uavlc  to  France  as  envoys  extraordinary  of  the  V'nited  Slates  to  the  government  of  that  country.  He  was  promot- 
tii  10  lieutenant  lu  February,  18(11.  When  the  war  with  Tripoli  broke  out  he  sailed  lu  the  Phi'adelphia  under  Baln- 
Ijrldi'P.  and  after  the  disaster  that  befell  that  vessel  ho  was  twenty  months  a  ca))tlve  among  the  scml-barbarlans  of 
Sottlicni  Africa.  He  was  commissioned  master  commandant  In  April,  1810,  and  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
infArpu,  wlilcli  was  stationed  for  the  pi  'ectlon  of  our  commerce  on  our  southiM-n  maritime  frontier.  In  ISIl  he  wa^ 
Im^fcrrcd  to  the  command  of  the  Waup,  ml  lu  the  spring  of  1811i  was  dispatched  with  communications  from  the  United 
S;jif«  Bovernnieut  to  its  embassadors  In  France  and  England.  While  on  that  duty  war  between  the  United  States  and 
liffst  Britain  was  declared  by  the  former.  Soon  after  his  return,  he  went  on  the  crnlse  which  resulted  lu  his  capture 
ifihc  fVo/if,  and  the  recapture  of  his  own  and  the  prize  vessel  by  a  H  itlsh  frigate.  In  March,  1813,  he  was  promoted 
iitipialn,  and  ever  after^vard  bore  the  title  of  Commodore.  After  thi^  peace  he  was  employed  alternately  at  home  and 
(.Broad;  and,  finally.  In  his  declining  years,  he  retired  to  his  farm  In  his  native  state,  where  he  enjoye<l  n  serene  old  age. 
lit  died  at  Philadelphia  In  July,  1S60,  at  the  age  of  eighty  years.  The  likenegs  is  copied  from  on  engraving  by  Edwin, 
:  (wm  a  portrait  painted  by  the  late  Uenibrandt  Pealo. 

=  Tboinas  Whlnyates  entered  the  British  navy 

ii  Ii9>',iind  obtained  his  first  commissiun  In  Sep- 

I  lembcr.  lliW.    He  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of 

coffloiandcr  In  May,  18(X5,  and,  after  having  com- 

mnd  of  Ihe  Immb  Zebra  almost  two  years,  he 

I  »»!  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  f'lolie  In 


■'(- 


mm 


'tmill 


1  ^^  1  ^^ 

J, 

11 


11 


450 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


PIgbl  botwiwn  the  Wcup  and  the  VroHt. 


TbaiV«N«lMMrded. 


Terrible  Hcenei  on  brt  Ii„i 


voyiiig  six  merclmHtmen  from  IIoiulurHS.  Four  of  these  vesseU  were  largi',  mnj 
nudiiiti'd  from  Hixtet'ii  t</i'igl\ti'i'ii  nuim  t'lu-li,' 

It  wii«  Siimlay  morning.  The  nky  was  chuitlloHs,  the  atmoHphero  bahny,  aml,i 
stiff  and  incrfawiiig  hvcczo  from  the  northwest  was  giving  white  crests  to  the  hilluu, 

Jones  soon  pereeived  that  tlie  hostile  HK)op  waw  ili-posed  to  tight,  and  was  takii)! 
position  HO  as  to  allow  the  merehantmen  to  escnj»e  by  light  during  tlie  engamiium 
The  toi)-ganant  yards  of  the  Wa»p  were  immediately  sent  down,  her  toj>-Hails  Wd,. 
close-reeted,  and  she  was  otherwise  V)rought  tnuU-r  short  fighting  canvas.  The  /'/Wi, 
also  carried  very  little  sail,  and  in  this  condition  they  conunenccd  a  severe  eiiL'!ii>(. 
ment  at  half  j)aMt  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  Waap  ranged  close  up  on  the  Mar 
board  side  of  the  Frolic,  afli-r  receiving  a  broadside  from  her  at  the  distance  (il'tilu 
or  sixty  yards,  and  then  instantly  delivered  her  own  broadside,  when  the  fire  ofih. 
Englishman  became  so  accelerated  that  the  Frolic  appeared  to  fire  tliree  guns  tn 
the  Wa8p''a  two.     The  bree,;e  had  increased,  and  the  sea  was  rollitig  lu-avily. 

Within  five  minutes  after  the  action  commenced  the  main-tojj-mast  of  tlio  U'k*,, 
was  shot  away.  It  fell,  with  the  main-top-sail  yard,  and  lodged  across  the  hulHiuril 
and  fore  and  forc-top-sail  Iwaces,  rendering  the  head  yards  unmanageabh;  durini;  iL. 
icmaindcr  of  the  actio-..  In  the  course  of  three  minutes  more  her  gaff  and  iiiaiiHiii,. 
gallant-mast  was  shot  away,  and  fell  heavily  to  the  deck;  and  at  the  end  of  twiiitv 
minutes  from  the  opening  of  the  engagement,  every  brace  and  most  of  the  ritrginj 
was  disabled.  She  was  in  a  forlorn  condition  indeed,  and  had  few  promises  of  vk- 
tory. 

But,  while  tlio  Wasp  was  receiving  these  serious  damages  in  her  rigging  and  tn|,,, 
the  Frolic  was  more  seriously  injured  in  her  hull.  The  latter  generally  tired  wlmi 
on  the  crest  of  the  wave,  wliile  the  former  fired  from  the  trough  of  the  sea,  and  seni 
lier  missiles  thiough  the  hull  of  her  antagonist  with  destructive  force.  The  twovtv 
sels  gradually  approached  each  other  until  tlie  bends  of  the  Wasp  rubbed  attaiii>i 
the  Frolic's  bows  ;  and,  in  loading  for  the  last  broadside,  the  rammers  of  the  Wmp* 
gunners  were  shoved  against  the  sides  of  the  Frolic."^  Finally,  the  condiatants  ran 
foul  of  each  other,  the  bowsprit  of  tlie  Frolic  passing  in  over  tlie  quarter-deck  dl'tln 
Wusp^  and  forcing  her  bows  up  into  the  wind.  This  enabled  the  latter  to  throw  in 
a  close  raking  broadside  that  produced  dreadful  havoc. 

Thi^  crew  oi  i\wWasp  was  now  in  a  state  of  the  highest  excitement,  and  could  ni 
longPi'  be  restrained.  With  wild  shouts  they  leaped  into  the  tangled  rigging  liefon 
Caj)tain  Jones  could  throw  in  another  broadside,  as  he  intended  before  boardinj;  lii> 
enemy,  and  made  their  way  to  the  decks  of  the  Frolic,  with  Lieutenants  Uiddle  anl 
Rodgers,  who,  with  Lieutenants  Booth,  Claxton,^  and  liapp,  had  exhibited  the  iiio>t 
undaunted  courage  throughout  the  action.*  But  there  was  no  one  to  oppose  thm 
The  last  broadside  had  carried  death  ajid  dismay  into  the  Frolic,  and  almost  cleaMJ 
her  decks  of  active  men.     Tlie  wounded,  dying,  and  dead  were  strewn  in  every  di- 

March,  ISOT.  He  was  commigeioned  a  post-captain  in  Angnst,  1S18,  and  In  1S40  was  placed  on  the  Hat  of  retired  rrn 
admirals. 

1  The  Frt'lic  had  left  the  Bay  of  Ilondnras  with  abont  fonrteen  sail  nnder  convoy.  W..cn  off  Ilavaiin  her  comimi  I- 
or  flret  heard  of  the  declaration  of  war.  The  British  vei<sel8  experienced  the  same  gale  which  the  Fmlie  euoonnlfn ', 
and  they  were  separated.  The  FriMr  Knstalned  quite  serlons  damage,  having  had  her  main  yard  broken  in  two  pin", 
and  her  main-top-mast  badly  s))rung,  Ix  ildes  other  Injuries.  In  this  condition  she  entered  upon  ^he  engagemenl.  \)w- 
ing  the  engagement  the  merchant  vessels  with  the  Frolic  escaped.    See  James's  Naval  Occurreiux». 

'  Captain  Jones's  Report  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  November  24, 1S12. 

'  "  LicntenoDt  Claxton,"  sayw  Captain  Jones,  in  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  "who  was  confined  by  »i(t- 
nesB,  left  his  bed  a  little  previous  to  the  engagement,  and,  though  too  indisposed  to  be  at  his  division,  rrninined nut 
deck,  and  showed,  by  his  composed  manner  of  noticing  Its  Incidents,  that  we  bad  lost  by  bis  illness  the  eervicet  uf ; 
brave  ofllccr." 

*  John  (or,  as  be  was  familiarly  called.  Jack)  Lang,  a  seaman  of  the  ira«i>,  who  had  once  been  impressed  into  the  Bri;- 
Ish  service,  and  was  hot  with  the  Are  of  retaliation.  Jumped  on  a  gun  with  his  cutlass,  and  was  springing  ou  board  Ibt 
Prolie,  when  Captain  Jones,  Mrishing  to  give  the  enemy  another  broadside,  called  him  down.  But  his  Impclniwll.v orr- 
c?me  his  sense  of  obedience,  and  in  a  niomont  he  leaped  upon  the  bowsprit  of  the  frolic.  The  crew  were  all  alive m'^  j 
excitement.  Seeing  this.  Lieutenant  Blddle  mounted  the  hammock-cloth  to  board.  The  crew  canght  the  eigiinl,iiil 
followed  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm.    Lang  wu.s  from  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey. 


OF  THE  WAK  OF    1812. 


451 


Both  VeiMli  captured  by  the  PoiMtri. 


Ckptaln  Jonci  upplkuded. 


»orrenderofthe*Vo<A^ 

n-ction.  Several  Hurviving  offlcorB  wore  Htiindiiig  aft,  the  most  of  tlu'in  lilcoflinj;,  nixl 
lint  a  ooniiuoii  Hoainim  or  iiiiiriiie  whh  lit  liis  wtution,  exct-pt  nn  oltl  tiir  lit  the  wliool, 
\s\\a  liiul  kept  luH  poHt  throiij^hout  the  terrible  eiieomiter.  All  who  were  able  had 
luslu'il  below  to  eHcape  the  raking  fire  of  the  Whsjk 

Tliu  En<clish  ortieerH  east  down  their  Mwords  in  HiibmiHsion,  and  Lieutenant  IJiddie, 
wiio  led  the  boarding-party,  upringing  into  the  main  rigging,  Htruek  the  colors  of  the 
/W/f  with  his  own  hand,  not  one  of  the  enemy  being  able  to  do  so.  The  prize  pass- 
0(1  into  the  possession  of  the  coiuiuerors  aller  a  eontest  of  three  quarters  of  an  hour, 
wlitii  every  one  of  her  officers  were  wounded,  and  a  greater  part  of  her  men  yr/ete 
(itlicr  killed  or  severely  injured.  Not  twenty  persons  on  board  of  her  remained  un- 
hurt.' Her  aggregate  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  estimated  at  ninety  men.  The 
Wusp  had  only  live  killed  and  five  wounded. 

The  Frolic  was  so  injured  that  when  the  two  vessels  separated  both  her  masts  fell, 
and  with  tattered  sails  and  broken  rigg-ng  covered  the  dead  on  her  deeks.  (She  had 
lioi'ii  hulled  at  almost  every  discharge  from  the  Was}^  and  was  virtually  a  wreck  be- 
fore luT  colors  were  struck. 

The  heat  of  the  battle  was  scarcely  over  when  Captain  .Tones  prepared  lo  continue 
his  cruise  in  his  victorious  little  vessel.  lie  had  placed  Lieutenant  Biddle  In  cora- 
m-uid  of  the  shattered  Frolic^  with  orders  to  take  her  into  Charleston,  or  some  other 
Soiitht'rn  port,  and  was  about  to  part  coi::j?any  Avith  his  prize,  wluni  a  strange  vessel 
was  seen  bearing  down  upon  them.  Neither  the  Waup  nor  her  prize  was  in  a  eondi- 
tion  to  resist  or  tlee.  The  rigging  of  the  latter  was  so  cut,  and  her  top-sails  so  nearly 
ill  ribbons,  that  it  would  have  been  folly  to  attempt  either. 

The  strange  sail  drew  near,  and  heaving  a  shot  over  the  Frolic,  and  ranging  up 
near  the  Waap,  convinced  them  both  that  the  most  prudent  course  would  be  to  sub- 
mit at  once.  Within  two  hours  after  the  gallant  Jones  had  gained  his  victory  he  was 
cnnipclled  to  surrender  his  own  noble  vessel  and  her  prize.  Tlie  captor  was  the 
British  sliip-of  war  PojWit'ra,  of  seventy-four  gr.ns,  commanded  by  Cai)tain  John  Poo 
liciesfoid.^  She  proceeded  to  Bermuda  with  her  prizes,  where  the  American  prison- 
ers were  exchanged,  and  departed  for  home.   From 


—  " ■'- t,--j" 1 - 

^  j    New  York  Captain  Jones  sent  his  account  of  the 

-if/c? — ■*-  <2^    occurrences  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy — a  rc'port 
^  that  was  received  with  the  greatest  satisfi.ctio').^ 


greatest 

Tlie  victory  of  the  ^Vasp  over  the  FVolic— iXw.  result  of  the  first  combat  between 
the  v'essels  of  the  two  nations  of  a  force  nearly  equal — occasioned  much  ex'iltp.cion  in 
tlie  United  States.  The  press  teemed  with  laudations  of  Captain  Jones  and  his  gallant 
companions,  and  a  stirring  song  commemorative  of  the  event  was  soon  upon  the  lips 
of  singers  at  public  gatherings,  in  bar-rooms,  workshops,  and  even  by  ragged  urchins 
ill  the  streets.  The  name  (•*.'  the  author,  if  ever  known,  has  been  long  forgotten, 
lint  the  following  lines  ar  o.nembered  by  many  a  gray -haired  survivor  of  the 
War: 

"  Th-r  fc    '  'ravely  foupht,  bnt  hl8  arms  were  nil  brokoii, 

And  ho  fled  from  his  death-woiiiul  ashiist  ami  iiffrlghted ; 
But  the  Waxp  darted  forward  her  dcath-dohig  stiue, 

And  full  on  his  bosom,  like  llghtnin;;,  alighted. 
She  pierced  throngh  his  entrails,  she  maddened  his  brain, 

And  ho  writhed  and  he  groan'd  as  if  torn  with  tho  colic ; 
And  long  shall  John  Bull  nic  the  terrible  day 

Ho  met  the  American  H'cwp  on  a  Frolic." 

'  Captain  Whlnjalcs's  dispatch  to  Admiral  Sir  J.  Borlaeo  Warren,  from  the  ship  Poi^liert,  October  23, 1812.  The  loss 
otihe  h'nUc  must  have  been  about  one  hundred. 

'  Report  of  Captain  Jones  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  November  24, 1812 ;  Whinyates's  dispatch  to  Admiral  Warren, 
Octoljer  23, 1S12. 

'  According  to  general  nsase,  a  court  of  inquiry  was  held  on  the  conduct  of  Captain  Jones  in  giving  np  tho  Wairp  and 
hctprize.  The  opinion  of  the  court  was,  "  That  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  Wasp  was  eminently  din- 
'iingiil»hcd  for  firmness  and  gallantry  in  making  every  preparation  and  exe'.'tlun  of  which  their  sitnatiou  would 
sdniil." 


If. 


f;i,j 

iis^"  t.'!^' 

lit' 


"'— "^^^I^BBHW 


tiiiJi 


452 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


1 

Jill, 

Cariciiture  of  "A  Wasp  on  n  Frolic' 


Ilnnors  to  Captniii  Jones. 


A  Modal  prcecnAd  to  him  by  Congrcaj. 


Jimett  but ittticthausitiucnaiKittU^*^ 


Charlei ,  tlio  Philadelphia  caricaturist  ma- 
terialized the  idea,  and  sent  forth  a  coloiod 
))icture,  called  A  Wasp  on  a  Fkouc,  ok  a 
fcJTiNcj  FOii  John  Buu,,  that  sold  hy  Inmrirocls 
during  the  excitement  in  tlie  public  mind.' 

Captain  Jones  Avas  everywhere  received  with 
demonstrations  of  gratitude  and  admiration  on 
his  retuni  to  the  United  States.  In  the  cities 
through  which  he  had  occasion  to  pass,  hrilljunt 
entertainments  were  given  in  his  honor.  Tlif 
Legislature  of  Delaware,  liis  native  state,  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  wait  on  him  witli  their 
thanks,  and  to  express  "the  pride  and  pleasure" 
they  felt  in  recognizing  liim  as  a  native  of  their 
state,  and  at  tlie  same  time  voted  liim  thanks, 
an  elegant  sword,  and  a  piece  of  silver  phnte 
with  appropriate  engravings.  The  Common 
Council  of  New  York,  on  motion  of  Aldormnii 
LaM'rence,  voted  him  a  sword,  and  also  the 
"  freedom  of  the  city."  The  Congress  of  the  United  States,  on  motion  of  James  A. 
Bayard,  of  Delaware,  appropriated  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  as  a  compensation  to 
Captain  Jones  and  his  companions  for  their  loss  of  prize-money  occasioned  hy  tlie  re- 
capture of  the  Frolic.     They  also  ordered  a  gold  medal  to  be  presented  to  the  cap- 


A    W'AHP  ON    A    KIIOLIO. 


<■  )LI)    MRPAI,    AWABDKH  IIY   CTNQEEeB  TO   CAPTAIN   JOSEB. 

tain,  and  a  silver  one  to  each  of  his  oflicers.  Tlic  captain  also  received  a  more  sii^ 
stantial  token  of  his  country's  approbation  by  being  promoted  by  Congress  to  tli 
fioramand  >f  the  frigate  Macedonian.,  which  had  lately  been  captured  from  the  Brii 
ish  ard  taken  into  the  service.^ 


'  Under  Uip  pictore  were  the  i'dHowIuj!  Hnea : 

"  A  Waup  took  n  Fmlic,  rttifl  mot  Johnny  Bnll, 
Who  nhvnys  fm'iits  beet  when  his  bellv  is  ftiH. 
Tim  Watij)  thouglit  him  hungry  by  his  month  open  wUi<!, 
So,  Ills  bel)>  to  All,  put  b  etlng  in  his  Bide." 
=  The  following  are  the  namcf  of  the  oticers  of  the  IFus/jat  the  time  of  thcJI.m  :  .Tneob  Jone?,  (ymmander ;  Onrc 
VV,  Ro(l«prp,  .lan-.ogHiddlp,  RoninmlnBo  ith,  Alotnnder  i  laxlon,  and  Henry  B.  Happ, /.,i>t(feii(i»ita,- WlinaniKiii!|iil,.' i 
iiuj-m^ti>r;  Thomas  Ilarri",  Hunjmn;  Geoiifc  S.Wise  /"tiriirt  .   Jolin  MTloiid,  liuatxim-ln;  (ieoryf  Uackson,  tfiiHiw 
(icorg.   \an  Oleve,  A.  8.  Ton  Eyck,  Richard  Brf  shear,  John  Holcorab,  William  J.  M'Uluuey.  t',  J.  Baker,  and  Cliar!. 
tiaunt,  Midthipmen. ,  Waltor  W.  New,  tiurmmt'i  Mate. 

The  engraving  Ib  a  reprebcr.tation  of  the  mcdalt  tvW  gize.    t)ii  'we  «1dc  Is  a  bn»t  of  Captatu  Jone«.    Lepread-iAfion' 
■ro.NEs,  viBTCB  IN  ABDtiA  Ti;M>iT.    Od  the  m^tttt  ut  Boflu  two  8*«pR  closuly  engaged,  the  bowsprit  of  the  ICiiiip  bclwec; 


m^Mm^^^mm 


OF   THE    WAR   OP   1812. 


453 


Lloutenaut  BiddV  b.  jiored  ami  rewarded. 


Lieutenant  Biddleskared 
ill  the  liDiior^  The  Lttrinla- 
iiireot  PemiHylvuiua  ■«■  'ted 
liim  tliankK  ani  a  »w<»rd, 
and  a  number  at'  leading 
men  ii'  PJuiladelphia  pre- 
sented him  with  %  silver 
urn,  l^aring  am  jfpMfriafer 
im-nptiiin,  and  a  repi^ 
mentation  •>*'  the  actk«  be- 
•ween  tlie  Witup  aHi»i  the 
'■'ofe'  He  was  shortly 
.imwaid  promoted  to  the 


TIIK    IlIIU'I.i;    \  ItN. 


rank  of  iiiaHtcr  command- 
ant, and  received  com- 
mand of  the  Ifornet  sloop- 
of-war.  Poetry  wreathed 
coronals  for  the  brows  of 
all  ti.e  braves  of  that  fight, 
and  in  the  Portfolio  for 
Jannary,  1813,  a  rather 
doleful  ])ocm  appeared  in 
commemoration  of  the  gal- 
lantry of  Biddlo,  of  which 
the  follow  ng  is  a  speci- 
men: 


"  Nor  shall  thy  merit?,  Riddle,  pnss  untold. 

When  covered  with  the  cannon's  (liiminH  hronth, 
Onward  he  preKM'd,  iincominerably  hold  ; 
He  feared  di»honor,  but  he  spurned  nt  death." 


•  i^- (ifthefVolfe  Men  on  the  bow  of  the  H'a^pln  the  act  ofbonrdinjt  thnfrofc  Themain-top-mn«t  of  the  ITa/iji 
-ior  iway.  Lcfteiid— viotoriam  nosrr  .majori  ori.rbriuk  eapcit.  Exergue— rNTEn  wabi>.  nav.  amkri.  kt  moLio  nav. 
AWi  iiiK  XVIII  cot.  Moceuxii. 

■  This  iiru  and  the  silver  medal  presented  to  Lieutenant  Blddle  for  his  share  in  the  capture  of  the  Frnlie  are  in  pos- 
>os»ioii  of  Lieutenant  Jamc'a  8.  Riddle,  of  Philadelphia.  Also  the  cold  medal  afterward  presented  to  the  hers  in  ac- 
kmralertzment  of  his  services  in  capt'irlng  the  J'eiigmn.    The  follo.ving  is  the  inscription  on  tlie  urn  : 

"To  Lieutcuant  .James  Riddle.  Tlniled  State.s  Navy,  from  the  early  friends  and  companions  of  his  youth,  who,  while 
ilicir  couutry  rewards  hie  public  tervices,  present  this  testimonial  of  their  esteem  for  ills  private  worth.  Philadelphia, 
1S13." 


? 


W9mm» 


454 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Second  Crulee  of  the  Premdent, 


She  chases  n  strange  War-vessel. 


A  severe  Baltic. 


CHAPTER  XXn. 

"The  chiefs  who  onr  ft-eedom  snstatned  on  the  land, 
Fame's  far-spreadlug  voice  has  eternized  In  story ; 
By  the  roar  of  our  cannon  now  called  to  the  strand, 
She  beholds  on  the  ocean  their  rivals  iu  glory. 
Her  sons  there  she  owns, 
And  her  clarion's  bold  tones 
Tell  of  Kull  and  Rccntur,  of  Balnbridge  and  Jones ; 
For  the  lars  of  Colnnibla  are  lords  of  the  wave. 
And  have  sworn  that  old  Ocean's  their  throne  or  their  grave." 

HE  victor  J'  won  by  thn  Wasp  was  followed,  precisely  a  week 
later,*  by  another  more  important.  Commodore  Kodg-  .  October  25 
ers  sailed  in  tlie  President  from  Boston  on  a  second  '''''- 
cruise,  after  refitting,  accompanied  by  the  United  States,  44,  Cap- 
tain Decatur,  and  Argus,  16,  Lieutenant  Commanding  Sinclair, 
leaving  the  Hornet  in  port.  The  President  parted  company  with 
her  companions  on  the  12th  of  October,  and  on  the  17tli  fell  in 
with  and  captured  the  British  packet  Swallow,  The  United  State 
and  Argots,  meanwhile,  had  also  parted  company  with  each  other, 
and  the  former  had  sailed  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  liopiiii; 
to  intercept  British  West  Indiamen.  Decatur  was  soon  gratified  by  better  fortune 
„  „  .  ,        in  the  estimation  of  a  soldier.     At  dawn  on  Sunday  morning,  the  25tli,' 

October.  #  ' 

when  in  latitude  29°  and  west  longitude  29°  30  ,  not  far  from  the  island  of 
Madeira,  the  watch  at  the  main-top  discover-jd  a  sail  to  windward.  There  was  ,'i 
stiff  breeze  and  a  heavy  sea  on  at  the  time.  It  was  poon  discovered  that  the  stranger 
was  an  English  ship-of-war,  und"r  a  heavy  press  of  sail.  Decatur  resolved  to  over- 
take and  engage  her,  and  for  hat  purpose  he  spread  all  his  canvas.  The  United  Stata 
was  a  good  sailer,  and  she  I'apidly  reduced  the  distance  between  herself  and  the  fugi- 
tive she  was  pursuing.  The  enthusiasm  of  her  officers  and  men  was  unbounded;  and 
as  the  gallant  ship  drew  nearer  and  neaier  to  the  enemy,  shouts  went  up  from  the 
decks  of  the  United  States  loud  enough  to  be  heard  by  the  British  before  the  Ameri- 
can vessel  was  near  enough  to  bring  her  guns  to  bear. 

At  about  nine  in  the  morning  Decatur  had  so  nearly  overtaken  liis  prospective  an- 
tagonist that  he  opened  a  broadside  upon  her.  The  balls  fell  short.  The  Unitm} 
States  was  soon  much  nearer,  when  she  opened  another  broadside  with  effect.  This 
was  responded  to  in  kind.  Both  vessels  Avcre  now  on  the  sanv  lack,  and  continued 
the  action  with  a  heavy  and  steady  cannonade  with  the  long  guns  of  both,  the  dis- 
tance between  them  being  so  great  that  carronades  and  muskets  Avere  of  no  avail  for 
some  time.  Almo.st  every  shot  of  the  United  States  fell  fearfully  on  the  enemy,  whe 
finally  perceived  that  safety  from  utter  destruction  might  only  be  found  in  closer 
quarters.  When  the  contest  had  lasted  about  half  an  hour,  the  stranger,  with  hniti- 
lated  spare  and  riddled  sails,  bore  up  gallantly  for  close  action.  The  United  Statdi 
readily  accepted  the  challenge,  and  very  soon  afterward  her  shot,  sent  by  the  direc- 
tion of  splendid  gunnery,  cue  the  enemy's  mizzen-mast  so  that  It  fell  overboard.  Not 
long  afterward  the  main  yard  of  the  foe  was  seen  hanging  in  two  pieces,  her  main 
and  fore  top-masts  were  gone,  her  fore-mast  was  tottering,  no  colors  were  seen  float 
ing  over  her  <leok,  and  her  main-mast  and  bowsprit  were  sevcneiy  wounded,  while 
the  United  States  remained  almost  unhurt.     The  stranger's  fire  had  become  feeble, 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


455 


Capture  of  the  Macedonian. 


InctdeutB  of  the  Battle. 


Comi)arl8on  of  the  United  States  and  Slamlmtian. 


and  Decatur  filled  his  mizzcn-top-sail,  gathered  fresh  way,  tacked,  and  came  up  un- 
der the  Ice  of  the  Englisli  sliip,  to  the  utter  discomfiture  of  lier  commander,  who,  Avhen 
lie  saw  the  American  frigate  bear  away,  supposed  she  was  severely  injured  and  about 
to  flee  from  him.  With  that  impression  lier  crew  gave  three  cheers  ;*  but  when  the 
Cnited  States  tacked  and  brought  up  in  a  position  for  more  eftectual  action  than  be- 
fore the  British  commander,  perceiving  farther  resistance  to  be  •  ain,  struck  lier  col- 
(iis  and  surrendered.  As  the  United  States  crossed  the  stem  of  the  vanquished  ves- 
sel Decatur  hailed  and  demanded  her  name.  "  His  majesty's  frig.atc  3faccdonian,  38, 
Captain  John  S.  Carden,"  was  the  response.  An  oflicer  was  immediately  sent  on  board. 
Slie  had  suifered  terribly  in  every  part  during  a  combat  of  almost  two  hours.  She 
liad  received  no  less  than  one  hundred  round  sliot  in  her  hull  alone,  many  of  them  be- 
tween wind  and  water.  She  had  nothing  standing  but  lier  fore  and  main  masts  and 
fore  yard.  All  her  boats  were  rendered  useless  except  one.  Of  her  officers  and  crew, 
three  hundred  in  number,  thirty-six  were  killed  and  sixty-eight  were  wounded.-  The 
loss  of  tlie  United  States  wixs  only  five  killed  and  six  woimded.^  The  Macedotiian 
)vas  a  very  fine  vessel  of  her  class,  only  two  years  old,  and,  though  rated  at  30,  she 
carried  forty-nine  guns — eighteen  on  her  gun-deck  and  thirty-two  pound  carronades 
above.  The  United  States  mounted  thirty  long  24's  on  her  main  deck,  and  twenty- 
two  42-pound  carronades  and  two  long  24's  on  her  quarter-deck  and  forecastle.    She 

1  The  cannonnflc  by  the  United  States  was  so  ince^eant  that  her  p'de  toward  the  enemy  Biiemed  to  be  In  n  blaze. 
Cardon  supposed  she  was  on  fire,  and  this  belief  caused  the  exultation  on  his  ship.  A  contemporary  rhymer  wrote  as 
follows ; 

"  For  Carden  thought  he  had  ns  tight, 
•Inst  so  did  Dacres  too,  sirs, 
But  brave  Decatur  put  him  right 
With  Yankee  doodle  doo,  sirs. 
They  thought  thej'  saw  our  ship  in  flame, 

Whicli  made  tlieni  all  liu/.za,  sirs, 
But  when  the  second  broadside  came. 
It  made  them  hold  their  jaws,  sirs." 
See  in  allusion  to  this  battle  Iri  Note  1,  page  UO,  quoted  from  Colibett's  Register. 

!  Captain  Curden  thus  stated  his  casualties:  "  Killed:  1  master'*  mate,  the  school-master,  23  petty  oiTlccrs  and  sea- 
men, .!  boys,  1  sergeant,  and  T  privates  of  marines— total,  30.  ll'oujiderf  daiifiermislij :  T  petty  ofHcers  and  seamen.  Severe- 
I::  1  lieutenant,  1  midshipman,  IS  petty  officers  and  seamen,  4  boys,  and  6  private  marines— total,  dangerously  and  se- 
verely, 36.  WnuvJed  aliijhthj :  1  lieutenant,  1  master's  mate,  '20  petty  officers  and  seamen,  and  4  private  marines— total,  32. 
.\ccordiug  to  the  muster-roll  found  on  board  oi'  the  }facedonian,  she  had  seven  impressed  American  seamen  among  her 
crew,  two  of  whom  were  Icilled  in  the  action.  Another  had  been  drowned  at  sea,  while  compelled  to  assist  in  boarding 
on  American  vessel.  Their  names  were  Christopher  Dodge,  Peter  Jolinson,  John  Alexander,  C.  Dolphin,  Mayer  Cook, 
Willlaia  Tliompson,  John  Wallis,  and  John  Card.  During  the  whole  war,  American  seamen,  similarly  situated,  were 
(orapelled  to  tight  against  their  countryn:en.  When  tlie  fact  I)ccame  known  that  there  were  imjjressed  Americans  on 
liio  Macetinnian,  the  exasperdtion  of  the  [K-ople  against  Oreat  Britain,  because  of  her  nefarious  practice,  was  intcnslfled. 
'  KilM:  Boatswain's  mat?,  t  seaman,  and  3  marines.  Wounded:  1  lieutenant,  4  seamen,  and  1  marine.  The  lieuten- 
ant (.lohu  M.  Funk)  and  ont  seaman  (.Fohn  Arcliibaid)  died  of  their  wounds. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  'he  officers  of  the  United  States:  Cmnmatuler,  Stephen  Decatur.  Lieutenants,  Wllllnm  H. 
Allen,  John  Gallaglier,  John  M.  Funk,  George  C.  Rend,  Waller  Woos'er,  John  B.  Nicholson.  Sailiiui-inaiiter,  John  D. 
Sloat.  Smgem,  Samuel  R.  Trevitt.  Surgeon's  Mate,  Samuel  Vernon.  Pur.vr,  Jolin  B.  Timberlake.  Midshipmen,  John 
Stansbnry,  Joseph  Cassin,  Philip  Vnorhecs,  John  P.  Zantzingcr,  Richard  Delphy,  Diigan  Taylor,  Richard  S.  Heath,  td- 
wnrd  F.  Howell,  Archibald  llamilt<ui,  John  M'Cnn,  H.  Z.W.  Harrington,  William  Jamieson,  Lewis  Hinchma.i,  Benja- 
min S.  Williams.    Gunner,  Thomas  Barry.    Lientmants  of  Marines,  William  Anderson,  James  L.  Edwards. 

There  was  a  boy  only  twelve  years  of  age  on  board  the  United  States,  the  son  of  u  l)rave  sonninn,  whose  death  had  lefl 
the  lad'8  "lolher  in  poverty.  Wlien  the  crew  were  clearing  the  ship  for  action,  the  boy  stepped  up  to  Decatur  and  said, 
'  I  wish  my  name  may  be  put  dow  ,i  on  the  roll,  sir."  "  Why  so,  my  lad  f"  asked  the  commander.  "  So  that  I  may  have 
,1  share  of  the  prize-money,"  was  ttie  carnesi  reply.  Pleased  with  the  spirit  of  the  boy,  Decatur  granted  his  request.  The 
l.iyliehavcd  gallantly  throughout  the  contest.  Ai  the  close  of  the  action  Decatur  said  to  him,  "Well,  Bill,  we  have 
liken  the  Khip,  and  your  share  of  th  s  prize-money  may  be  about  two  hundred  dollars  ;*  what  will  you  do  with  it  ?"  "I 
Kill  >end half  to  my  nu)ther,  and  the  other  half  shall  send  me  to  school."  The  commander  was  so  pleui-id  with  the 
riiht  epiiit  of  the  boy  that  he  took  him  under  liis  protection,  procured  a  midshipman's  berth  for  him,  and  supcrintend- 
ilhiseducntiou.- Putnam's  Life  lif  ikcatur,  jiage  198. 


•  Congress  decreed  that  In  the  dist'  ibullpn  of  prize-moi.ey  arising  ft-om  capture  by  national  vessels,  one  half  should 
po  to  the  United  States,  and  the  other  half,  divided  into  twenty  equal  par'-,  should  be  ilstrlbuted  in  the  following  man- 
lier: to  captains,  3  parts;  to  the  sea  lieutenants  and  saiiing-m.istcrs,  i  parts;  to  the  marine  offlcers,  surgeons,  pursers, 
boatsttaiiiB.  gunners,  carpenters,  master's  mates,  and  cliaplains,  2  parts;  to  midshipmen,  surgeon's  mates,  captain's 
rlalNBfliool-niaster,  boatswain's  mates,  gunner's  mates,  carpenter's  mates,  steward,  sall-i  i  'k  .',  master  at  arm?,  arm- 

1  -,  and  coxswains,  3  parts ;  to  gunner's  yeomen,  boatswain's  yt'omen,  quartcr-m.isterf,  qnai ..  r-gunners,  coopers,  sail-  _ 
wik-^r's  r.iii!»»,  sergeants  and  corporals  of  marines,  dnimniere  and  lifers,  and  jxtra  petty  offlcers,  3  parts;  to  seamen, 
ordlnaiyecamcn,  mirlues,  and  boys,  T  parte.  -  .       > 


■"^•■'^^^■■IHH'" 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


m\h 


Hia  Arrlv*!  with  his  Prize. 


The  Waeedonian  at  New  York. 


WM  manned  iritk  iicrwv  of  fwur  hundred  and  seventv-eiglit.  In  men  and  metal  tlic 
////i/rcf  Stot/«  nra»  jeavit'i*  tlian  the  Macedonian, "  but,"  says  Cooper, "  the  dis;  ropor- 
tiORi  i^K't  wt;(  (.  vv  frjrce  uf  tlie  two  vossels  was  much  less  than  that  between  the  exc- 

Captain  Cujil'  'it  his  .>iiip  skillfully  and  bravely,  and  when  he  came  on  boanl 

the  Vnited  Htw^  ■  irtcr<  <1  his  sword  to  Captain  Decatur,  the  latter  generously  re- 
marked,"  Sir,  I  <ui)  iWt  re<«'  io  sword  of  a  man  who  has  so  bravely  defended  bin 
ship,  but  I  will  receivf  your  ii;.iul."  Suiting  th.  action  to  the  word,  Decatur  took 
the  gallant  Carden's  hand,  and  led  him.  to  his  cabin,  where  refreshments  were  set  out 
and  partaken  of  in  a  friendly  spirit  by  the  two  commanders.^ 

When  he  took  possession  of  his  prize,  Decatur  found  her  not  fatally  injured,  andlip 
determined  to  abandon  his  cruise  and  take  her  into  an  American  port.  Ilis  own  ves- 
sel was  speedily  repaired.  The  Macedonian  was  placed  in  the  charge  of  Lieutenant 
Allen,  who,  with  much  ingenuity,  so  rigged  her  as  to  corivert  her  into  a  barcjue,  wlun 
captor  and  captive  sailed  for  the  United  States.  Decatur  arrived  oif  New  London  on 
the  4th  of  Deceraber,^  and  at  about  the  same  time  his  prize  entered  Newport  Harbor 

' '  Then  quickly  met  onr  nation's  eyes 
The  noblest  eight  in  nature— 
A  flrst-ratc /ri'jate  as  a  prize 
Brought  home  by  brave  Deoatub."— Old  Sono. 

Both  vessels  made  their  way  through  Lono-  Island  Sound,  the  East  River,  and  IIcll 
Gate,  at  the  close  of  the  month,  and  on  the  1st  of  January,  1813,  the  Macedonian  an- 
chored in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  where  she  was  greeted  with  great  joy  as  a  "New- 
year's  gift."  "A  more  acceptable  compliment  coidd  not  have  been  presenttcl  ton 
joyous  people,"  said  one  of  the  newsj\ij>ers.  "She  comes  with  the  compliments  of 
\\\U  VfHNOn  from  Old  Neptune,"  said  another.  "Janus,  the  peace-lovuig,  smiled,'" 
said  a  fiiK'l,  \wm*  flnssic^).     The  excitement  of  a  feast  had  then  scarcely  died  awav. 

1  Nmal  history  qf  the  tTiiHed  fitatcii,  H.,  /?(/  jji't'  ((ic  ri^niinMltlintrhes  of  Decatur  ntiil  ('ari1(<ni  CUtb't  ffiiml  flislmj; 
Waldo's  IJfe  nj  t^tephen  Ikmtur;  Tlu'  War;  nIIio'h  /(ii//ii/i  ( /  l|«|||»(f  (if  Ijecatur,  In  the  AiuilMU\  Uittldiliu;  \.,  Mil. 

'  All  n(  (he  private  property  of  the  oflicero  and  nieii  of  llif  lUiimidiiluil  wild  ifUmi  up  tn  ilii>m.  Among  olliiif  fhldyi 
I  lulined  aud  rereli'"d  by  Captain  Carden  was  a  band  of  music  and  several  timlis  of  wlin'  <•  iluednt  eight  liunil- 

red  I'l.illars.   Of  Ibis  generous  conduct  Captain  Carden  spolte  iu  the  highest  terms.    Uuil     i  ti»  t(|('/i|ifiiiii  nncrc^ 

as  we  have  seen,  elicited  the  praise  of  that  officer.  The  American  newspapers  called  attention  to  (lie  fai  I  Hint  llic  Brii 
Ish  commander  of  the  Poietierg,  when  he  captured  the  Han])  aud  her  prhe  from  Jones,  would  not  permit  officers  or  men 
to  retain  any  thing  except  the  clothes  on  their  backs.    See  The  War,  1.,  118. 

Decatur  and  Carden  had  met  before.  It  was  in  the  horbor  of  Norfolk,  just  before  the  beginning  of  the  war,  that  Ihcy 
were  introduced  to  each  other.  Before  they  parted  Carden  said  to  Decatur,  "We  now  meet  r.s  friends;  (Jod  grant  wc 
may  never  meet  as  enemies ;  but  we  are  subject  to  the  orders  of  our  governments,  and  must  obey  them."  "  I  imnrlilv 
reciprocate  the  sentiment,"  rojilicd  Decatur.  "But  what,  sir,"  sail  Carden,  "would  be  the  consequence  to  yimrsclfaiiil 
the  force  you  command  if  we  .-^liould  meet  as  enemies  ?"  "Why,  sir,"  responded  Decatur,  In  the  same  playful  siilrlt, "  if 
we  meet  with  forcog  that  might  be  fairly  called  equal,  the  conflict  would  be  severe,  but  the  flag  of  ray  country  03  the 
ship  I  command  shall  never  leave  the  staff  on  which  it  waves  as  long  as  there  is  a  hull  to  support  it."  They  parted,  and 
Uieir  next  meeting  was  on  the  deck  of  the  United  Slate»,  under  the  circumstances  recorded  in  the  text. 

John  Surman  Carden  was  born  on  the  15th  of  August,  1771  at  Templcmore,  Ireland.    His  father.  Major  Cariicn,  of  the 


British  army,  perished  in  the 
war  of  the  American  Revolution. 
This,  hie  eldest  son,  entered  the 
Biitlsh  navy  as  captain's  servant 
in  17S8  in  the  ship  Edijar.  In 
1790  he  became  midshipman  in 
tlic  Vtrnevirance  frigate,  lie  was 
made  lieutenant  in  1794.    He  re- 


ceived  the  commission  of  com- 
mander In  179S.  He  was  ap- 
polnted  to  the  comin.uid  of  tl.e 
VilU  lie  rariH  in  1S08,  and  In  ISH 
to  that  of  the  Macedonian.  He 
was  acquitted  of  all  blame  in  the 
surrender  of  his  ship  to  Decatur. 
Parliament  was  full  of  his  prai«', 
and  the  cities  of  Worcester  and  Gloucester,  and  the  borough  of  Tewksbury,  honored  him  with  their  "freedom."  lie 
was  made  a  rear  admiral  in  1840,  and  died  at  Bonny->stle,  Antrim,  Ireland,  in  May,  IStW,  at  the  ago  of  eightj-seviii 
years. 

>  Decatur's  official  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  was  dated  "At  Sea,  October  30, 1812.  Lieutenant  Hamilton, 
a  son  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  was  sent  with  it  to  his  father,  at  Washington,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  li;e 
(Iiiited  States  at  New  London.  He  bore  the  flag  of  the  Macedonian  to  the  seat  of  govc  nment,  where  he  arrived  on  the 
evening  of  the  «th  of  December,  at  w'.ilch  time  a  ball  was  In  progress  which  had  been  given  in  honor  of  the  uaval  offi- 
cers. The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  (Paul  Hamilton)  and  his  wife  aud  daughter  wore  present.  The  first  intimation  o'.he 
arrival  of  their  son  and  brother  was  his  cjtrance  into  the  hull  of  the  liilliaut  assembly,  bearing  the  trophy.  Captalci 
Hun  and  Stewart  received  It,  and  Iiore  it  to  Ihc  accomplished  wife  of  President  Madison,  who  was  present.  The  pleas- 
ure of  the  occasion  was  changed  to  patriotic  joy,  and  at  the  supper  one  of  the  managers  offered  as  a  toast,  "  Commodofi 
Decatur,  and  the  (ijjict-ri)  and  crvm  n/  the  frigate  United  States." 

Decatur's  arrival  at  New  L<mdon  was  hailed  with  joymi  demonstraliong.  The  city  authorities  presected  him  the  pub- 
lic thanks,  and  a  ball  jvos  given  In  his  huuor. 


smsf. 


19 


iwwnniiv 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


457 


that  they 

grant  wc 

I  licarllly 

(misiltni"! 

^lilrit.'if 

itry  ij.i  'V.e 

[larwd,  ami 

Icn.ottN' 
.i[  com- 
\vai>  HI- 
imd  of  tl." 
andinlSll 
Ionian.  Me 
)liirae  In  llio 
to  Decatur, 
ithisprai"'. 
cdom."  11' 
glily-MVi-ii 


Celebration  of  Decatur's  Victory. 


Banquets  in  tbo  City  of  New  York. 


Public  Honors  given  to  Decatur. 


for  only  three  days  before"  a  splendid  banquet  had  been  given,  at  Gib-  .  December ;», 
HOii'8  City  Hotel,  to  Hull,  Junes,  and  Decatur,  by  the  Corporation  and  ^^^'^' 

citizens  of  New  York,'  and  the  newspapers  of  the  land  speedily  became  the  vehicles 
of  the  "  eft'usions"  of  a  score  of  poets,  who  caught  inspiration  from  the  shouts  of  tri- 
uinpli  that  filled  the  air.  Wood  worth,  the  printer-poet,  and  author  of  77ie  Old  Oaktn 
Bucket, "  threw  together,  on  the  spur  of  the  moment,"  as  he  said,  a  dozen  stirring 
stanzas,  of  which  the  following  is  the  first : 

"The  banner  of  Freedom  high  floated  unfinl'd, 
While  the  silver-tlpp'd  surges  in  low  homage  curl'd, 
Flashing  bright  round  the  l)ow  of  Decatur's  brave  bark. 
In  contest  an  eagU—\a  chasing,  a  lark." 

And  J.  R.  Calvert  wrote  a  banquet-song,  which  became  immensely  popular,  of  which 
the  following  is  the  closing  stanza : 

"Now  charge  all  your  glasses  with  pure  sparkling  wine, 
And  toast  our  bravo  tars  who  so  bravely  defend  us ; 
While  our  naval  commanders  so  nobly  combine, 
We  defy  all  the  ills  haughty  foes  e'er  can  tend  us  I 
While  our  goblets  do  flow. 
The  prali<eH  we  owe 
To  Valor  and  Skill  we  will  gladly  bestow. 

And  may  grateful  the  sons  of  Columbia  be  4 

To  Deoatdr,  whom  Neptune  crowns  Lord  of  the  Sea  I" 

Decatur's  victory,  following  so  closely  upon  others  equally  brilliant,  produced  the 
iiKist  profound  sensations  in  the  United  States  and  in  England.  In  the  former  they 
wfir  impressions  of  encouragement  and  joy ;  in  the  latter,  of  disappointment  and 
sorrow.  The  victor  was  highly  apjilauded  for  his  soldierly  qualities  and  generosity 
l»y  each  service ;  and  ho  was  spoken  of  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm  by  his  country- 
men. Public  bodies,  and  the  Legislatures  of  Massachusetts,  New  York,  Maryland, 
Pennsylvania,  and  Virginia  gave  him  tha  nks,  and  to  these  each  of  the  two  latter  add- 
ed a  sword.  The  same  kind  of  weapon  was  presented  to  him  by  the  city  of  Phila- 
tleli)liia;  and  the  city  of  New  York  voted"  him  the  freedom  of  the  city 
inadfl'  "  n  to  the  honor  of  a  banquet  jointly  M'ith  Hull  and  Jones,  and 
requc  his  portrait  for  the  picture  gallery  in  the  City  Hall.  The  Corporation  of 
New  York  also  gave  the  gallant  crew  of  the  United  /States  a  banquet  at  the  City 
Ilotel.^    The  national  Congress,  by  unanimous  vote,  thanked  Decatur,  and  gave  him 


him  the  pub- 


'■  This  bauquet  was  given  on  the  day  after  the  freedom  of  the  city  was  presented  to  Captain  Hull.  He  ond  Decatur 
were  present,  but  .rones  was  absent.  At  five  o'clock  about  five  hundred  gentlemen  sat  down  at  the  tables.  De  Witt 
I  liiitoti,  the  mayor,  presided.  The  room  "  had  the  appearance  of  a  marine  palace,"  said  an  eyc-wituci-s.  It  was  "  col- 
iiiinaded  roimd  with  the  masts  of  ships,  entwined  with  laurels,  and  beuriiig  the  national  flags  of  all  the  world.  Every 
able  had  upon  It  a  eliip  In  miniature,  with  the  American  fln<r  displayed.  In  frout,  where  the  President  sat,  with  the 
officers  of  the  navy  and  other  guests,  and  which  was  raised  ut  three  feet,  there  appeared  an  area  of  about  twenty 
feet  by  ten  covered  with  green  sward,  and  In  the  midst  of  i  as  a  real  luko  of  water,  in  which  floated  a  miniature 
frigate.  Back  of  all  this  hung  a  raain-satl  of  a  ship  thirty-three  by  sixteen  feet."— jTAi"  War,  I.,  119.  Decatur  sat  on  the 
riifht  of  the  President,  and  Hull  on  the  left.  When  the  third  toast— "Our  Navy"— was  given  with  three  cheers,  the  great 
mainsail  was  furled,  and  revealed  an  immense  transparent  i)ainting,  representing  the  three  naval  battles  in  which  Hull, 
.T.)nes,  and  Decatur  were  respectively  engaged.  Other  surprises  of  a  similar  nature  were  vouchsafed  to  the  guests,  and 
:l:c  whole  ftfTair  was  oue  long  to  be  rerarmbcrcd  by  the  participants. 

'  This  banquet  was  given  on  Thursday,  the  7th  of  January,  181.S,  at  two  o'clock  In  the  afternoon,  under  the  direclioa 
of.Uderraen  Van  Dor  Bill,  Buckmaster,  and  King.  The  room  had  the  same  decoration  as  at  the  time  of  the  banquet 
iiivfii  to  null,  Jones,  and  Decatur,  a  few  days  before.  The  sailors,  ni'mberiug  about  four  hundred,  marched  to  the  hotel 
in  pairs,  and  wer'i  greeted  by  crowds  of  men  and  women  in  the  streets,  loud  cheers  from  the  multitude,  and  the  waving 
of  handkerchiefs  from  the  windows.  The  band  of  the  llth  Regiment,  among  whom  was  an  old  trumpeter  who  had 
M^rved  under  Washington,  received  them  with  music  at  the  door.  At  the  table  they  were  addressed  by  .Vlderman  Van 
Dor  Bllt,  who  was  responded  to  by  the  boatswain  of  the  f/m'ta/  Sta/<i«.  In  the  evening  they  went  to  the  theatre  by  i;i- 
vilation  of  the  i.iauager,  v^hlch  was  commii'  cated  to  them  in  person  by  Decatur.  The  whole  pit  was  reserved  fr.r 
them.  The  orchestra  opened  with  Vtmkee  l>i,„J'e.  Tlic  drop  curtain.  In  the  form  of  a  transparency,  had  on  it  a  repic- 
fputation  of  the  flght  between  the  Vnited  .S'l  ,'<•«  and  Macedonian.  Children  danced  on  the  stage.  They  bore  largo 
letters  of  the  alphabet  in  their  hands,  which,  being  joined  in  the  course  of  the  dance,  produced  in  transparency  the 
B.imesofHci.i.,  Jonkh,  and  Df.o.iti;u.  Then  Mr.  M'Farland,  as  nn  Irish  clown,  came  forward  and  song  a  comic  song 
of  seven  stauMs,  written  for  this  occauion,  beginning, 

"No  more  of  your  blathering  nonsenje 
'Bout  Nelsons  of  old  .lohnny  Bull ; 
I'll  sing  you  a  song,  by  my  conscience, 
'Bout  Jones,  and  Deoatub,  and  Urvu 


-•^mmtm 


458 


PICTOIJIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


■I  ,  i 


w- 

Gold  Mcdiil  prcseutcd  to  Decatur  by  Congress.         Baiubrldge  ft  Command  of  a  Squadron.  Blographlcul  Skcicl" 

a  ssijleiulici  gold  medal,  with  appropriate  devices  and  inscriptions,'     From  that  time 
until  now  that  comminder's  name  is  the  synonym  of  honor  and  gallantry  hi  the  es- 


UOLI>   MEDAL   AWARDED   TO   DECATCB. 

timation  of  his  countrymen.  His  subsequent  career  added  lustre  to  his  renown  as 
the  conqueror  of  the  Ifaceclonian. 

We  have  already  observed  that  Hull  generously  retired  from  the  command  of  the 
Constitution  for  the  purpose  of  giving  some  brother-officer  an  opportunity  for  gallant 
achievements  in  her,  and  that  Captain  Bainbridge  was  his  appointed  successor.  A 
small  squadron,  consisting  of  ihe  Constitution,  44;  Essex,  32;  and  //onie;,  1 8,  were 
]ilaced  in  his  charge.  Wlien  Bainbridge  entered  upon  his  duty  in  the  new  sphere  of 
rtag-officer,  the  Constitution  and  Hornet  were  lying  in  Boston  Harbor,  and  tlio  E^sa, 
Captain  Porter,  was  in  the  Delaware.  Orders  wore  sent  to  the  latter  to  cruise  in  the 
track  of  the  English  West  Indiamcn,  and  at  a  specified  time  to  rendezvous  at  certain 
jiorts,  Avhen,  if  he  should  not  fall  in  with  the  flag-ship  of  the  squadron,  ho  would  be  at 
liberty  to  foUoAV  the  dictates  of  his  own  judgment.  Such  contingency  occurred,an(l 
the  Essex  sailed  on  a  very  long  and  most  eventful  cruise  in  the  South  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  Oceans.     That  cruise  Avill  form  the  subject  of  a  portion  of  a  future  chapter. 

Bainbridge-  sailed  from  Boston  with  the  Cotistitution  and  Hornet  on  the  20th  of 

Dad  Neptune  has  long,  with  vexation, 

Beheld  with  what  insolent  pride 

The  turbulent,  billow-washed  nation 

Ha?  aimed  to  control  the  salt  tide. 

CuoBi'8— Sing  lather  away,  jontecl  and  aisy, 

By  my  soul,  at  the  game  hnb-or-nob, 
In  a  very  few  minutes  we'll  plasc  ye. 
Because  we  take  work  by  the  job." 

'  On  one  side  of  the  medal  U  a  profile  of  Decatur's  bust,  with  the  legend  sTEPHANtrg  nEOATrn  >AT.iBonr!,  rrosi« 
rLiBiiics  vicjTon.  On  the  reverse  Is  a  representation  of  a  naval  engagement,  one  of  the  vessels  reprcsentlD};  the  ihw- 
donian  much  Injured  in  spars  aud  rigging.  Over  them  le  the  legend  oocidit  8iaNu.M  hostile  sideua  srEGist.  Ex- 
ergue—inteb  STA.    UNI.    NAV.  AMEKl.    ET    MACEDO.    NAV.   ANO.   DIE   XXV  OOTOMKIS  MIIOO'XII. 

'  William  Bainbridge  was  born  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey,  on  the  7th  of  May,  1T74,  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years  went 
to  sea  as  u  common  sailor,  lie  was  promoted  to  mate  in  the  cc  urse  of  three  years.,  and  became  a  cai)tain  at  the  age  o( 
nineteen.  When  war  with  the  French  became  probable,  he  entc-cd  the  navy  with  the  commieBlon  of  a  lieutPLint  Iral 
the  position  of  a  commander,  his  first  cruise  being  in  the  Retaliation,  which  was  captured.  He  was  promotPil  to  post- 
captain  for  good  service  in  the  year  1800,  and  took  command  of  the  frigate  irn(i/ii»if7'"'i.  His  career  lu  the  Modilcrraiiear 
lias  been  already  mentioned  in  preceding  chapters  of  this  work.  Between  the  war  with  Tripoli  and  that  of  1S12  Cap- 
tain Bainbridge  was  employed  alternately  in  the  naval  and  merchant  service.  Afler  the  sncoessful  cruise  (pf  theCmwft- 
tiitliin  in  lSt2,  he  took  command  of  tlie  navy  yard  at  Charlestown,  Massachusetts.  After  the  war  he  went  twice  to  thf 
Mediterranean  in  command  of  squadrons  to  protect  American  commerce  there.  For  three  years  he  was  president  id 
the  Board  of  Navy  Commissioners,  and  he  prepared  the  signals  which  were  In  nsc  In  onr  navy  until  lately.  For  several 
years  Commodore  Bainbridge  suffered  severely  from  bodily  111  health,  aud  finally  filed  at  his  residence  in  Philailelpliiii, 
on  thii  2ith  of  July,  183,1,  at  the  age  of  flftj--nlne  years.  His  fai.eral  was  celebrated  on  the  .tlst.  Tht  Clucirimli  Sociotv 
attended,  with  a  large  concourse  of  citizens,  and  his  body  was  laid  In  tlie  earth  with  military  honors  by  the  United  Sta;i  - 
Marines  and  a  flno  brigadi)  uf  infantry,  under  the  command  of  the  late  Colonel  J.  G.  Walmough.    His  remains  re^^; 


mi 


OF  THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


4fi0 


'  1812. 


Hilnbridce  on  the  Coast  of  Brazil.    The  Hornet  challcnf^ee  a  British  Vessel.    Cruise  of  the  Cmuttitutiun  dowu  the  Coast. 

October.*  He  touched  at  the  appointed  rendezvous,*  and  arrived  off  Bahia,  or 
San  Salvador,  Brazil,^  on  the  13th  of  December.  He  immediately  sent  in  Cap- 
tain Lawrence,  with  the  Hornet,  to  commu- 
nicate with  the  American  consul  there, 
when  that  commander  discovered  in  the 
port  the  English  sloop-of-war  Bonne  Ci- 
I  .yevi'i;  18,  Captain  Greene,  about  to  sail 
1,1  E'ldand  with  a  very  large  amount  of 
c; ,  cie.  Lawrence  invited  Greene  to  go  out 
I  ,111  the  open  sea  with  his  vessel  and  fight, 
i.icd'nng  himself  that  the  Constitution 
AmM  take  no  part  in  the  combat,  but  the 
I'lvitish  commander  prudently  declined  the 
invitation.  The  Hornet  then  took  a  posi- 
tion to  blockade  the  English  sloop,  and  the 
Constitution  departed''  for  a 
««■"  '  "•  cruise  down  the  coast  of  Bra- 
zil, keeping  the  land  aboard.  Three  days 
ul'tcrward,  at  about  nine  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  when  in  latitude  1.S°  O'  south  and 
longitude  38°  Avest,  or  about  thirty  miles 
troin  shore,  southeasterly  of  San  Salvador, 
Bainbridge  discovered  two  vessels  in  shore 
mid  to  the  windward.  The  larger  one  was 
!-ccn  to  alter  her  course,  with  an  evident 
desire  for  a  meeting  with  the  Constitution. 
Tiie  latter  was  willing  to  gratify  her,  and 
tor  tliat  purpose  tacked  and  stood  toward 
till'  stranger.     At  meridian  they  both  showed  their  colors  and  displayed  signals,  but 


^* 


UAINimiUQEH  MOSDUEMT. 


beneath  a  plain  white  marble  obelisk  iu  Christ  Church- 
yard in  Philadelphia,  and  near  it  is  a  modest  monument 
to  mark  the  resting-place  of  his  wife,  Susan  Ilcylcger. 
The  following  is  tlie  inscription  on  Bainbridge's  mon- 
ument: "William  Bainuiudpk,  United  States  Navy. 
Born  in  Princeton,  New  Jersey,  7th  of  May,  1774.  Died 
in  Philadelphia  2Sth  of  July,  ISSit.  Patbia  viotisqce 
LAiDATUB."    See  the  Medal,  page  40.'!. 

Bainbridgc  was  about  six  feet  in  height,  und  well  built. 
His  complexion  was  fair,  his  eyes  black  and  very  ex- 
pressive, and  his  hair  and  whiskers  very  dark.  He  was 
considered  n  model  as  an  officer  and  a  man  in  the 
navy. 

'  The  places  specified  were  Port  Praya,  in  the  island 
of  St.  Jago,  luid  Fernando  de  Noronha,  an  island  iu  the 
Atlantic  126  miles  from  the  extreme  eastern  cape  of  Bra- 
zil. It  is  now  used  as  a  place  of  banishment  by  the  Bra- 
zilian government.  Tlie  Comtitution  and  Hornet  apjicar- 
ed  in  the  character  of  British  vessels,  and  at  both  places, 
letters  wore  left,  directed  to  Sir  James  L.  Yeo,  of  the 
Southampton.  They  C(uitaincd  commonplace  remarks, 
and  also  orders,  in  sympathetic  ink,  for  Captain  Porter, 
should  they  fall  Into  his  hands,  he  havlni;  been  informed 
that  letters  at  those  places  for  him  would  be  directed  to 
Yeo.  The  stratagem  succeeded.  The  whole  transaction 
was  In  accordance  with  the  privileges  of  war,  and  yet  n 
writer  in  the  London  Quarterhi  Revmn  charged  Porter 
with  being  guilty  of  an  improper  act  in  opening  a  letter 
directed  to  nuofher  person  1 

2  This  is  one  of  the  most  important  places  in  Sonth 
America,  and  until  1701!  \rafl  the  seat  of  the  vlccroyalty 
of  Brazil,  when  it  was  transferred  to  Kio  dc  Janeiro.  It 
contains  a  population  of  100,000,  of  whom  one  third  are 
white,  one  third  mulattoes,  and  the  remainder  negroes. 


"'^m 


liiK 


460 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-UOOK 


Buttio  butween  the  Cuiutituthn  and  the  Jara, 


Incidents  of  the  Battle. 


Wreck  and  Capture  of  the  Jato. 


the  latter  were  mutually  unintelligible.  The  stranger  was  seen  to  be  an  EiKriJui, 
frigate.  Bainbridge  at  once  prepared  for  action,  when  the  Englishman  haiilutl  (iown 
his  colors,  but  left  ii  jack  Hying.  IJoth  ships  nin  upon  the  same  tack,  about  a  mil,. 
apart,  when,  at  almost  two  o'clock,  the  Hritisli  frigate  bore  down  upon  the  Cunstilu. 
tioii  witli  tlie  intention  of  raking  Iter.  The  latter  wore  and  avoided  the  calamity  and 
at  two  o'clock,  both  ships  being  on  the  same  tack,  the  CmistUution  fired  a  siiiijlo  cnn 
across  the  enemy's  bow  to  draw  out  her  ensign  again.  A  general  caimonade  iidm 
botli  vessels  immediately  ensued,  and  a  furious  battle  was  commenced.  When  it  jiad 
raged  half  an  hour  the  wheel  of  the  t'onslitiition  was  shot  away,  and  her  aiitiii^'onist 
being  the  better  sailer,  had  a  great  advantage  for  a  time.  But  Bainbridge  niaiia"icl 
liis  crippled  sliip  with  such  skill  that  she  was  the  first  in  coming  to  the  wind  on  tlio 
otlier  tack,  and  speedily  obtained  a  position  for  giving  lier  opponent  a  terrible  rakini' 
fire.  The  combatants  now  ran  free  with  the  wind  on  their  quarter,  the  stranircr  be- 
ing to  the  windward  of  the  Cotistitution.  At  about  tlirec  o'clock  the  straiitrcr  at- 
tempted to  close  by  running  down  on  the  Constitutioii's  quarter.  Her  jib-booni  pin. 
etrated  the  latter's  mizzen  rigging,  but  suffered  most  severely  without  receivin;,'  tlic 
least  advantage.  She  lost  Iter  jib-boom  and  the  head  of  her  bowsprit  by  shots  from 
the  Constitution,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  latter  ]>oured  a  heavy  raking  broadside 
into  the  stern  of  her  antagonist.  This  was  followed  by  another,  when  the  fore-mast 
of  the  English  frigate  went  by  the  board,  crashing  through  the  forecastle  and  main 
deck  in  its  ])assage.  At  that  moment  the  Constitutio)i  shot  ahead,  keeping  aAvay  to 
avoid  being  raked,  and  finally,  after  maiueuvring  for  the  greater  part  of  an  hour,  slie 
forereached  her  antagonist,  wore,  passed  her,  and  luflTed  up  under  her  quarter.  Then 
the  two  vessels  lay  broadside  to  broadside,  engaged  in  deadly  conflict,  yard-arm  to 
yard-arm.  Very  soon  the  enemy's  mizzen-niast  was  shot  away,  leaving  nothing  stand- 
ing but  the  main-mast,  whose  yard  had  been  carried  away  near  the  slings.  Tiie 
stranger's  fire  now  ceased,  and  the  Constitution  passed  out  of  the  combat  of  almost 
two  hours'  duration  at  a  few  minutes  ])ast  four  o'clock,  with  the  impression  on  tlie 
mind  of  Iter  commander  that  the  colors  of  the  English  frigate  had  been  struck.  Be- 
ing in  a  favorable  weatherly  ])osition,  Bainbridge  occupied  an  hour  in  repairing  dam- 
ages and  securing  his  masts,  when  he  observed  an  ensign  still  fluttering  on  board  ol' 
his  antagonist.  lie  immediately  ordered  the  Constitution  to  wear  round  and  renew 
the  conflict.  Perceiving  this  movement,  the  Englishman  hauled  down  his  colors,  and 
at  six  o'clock  in  the  evening  First  Lieutenant  George  Parker'  was  sent  on  board  to 
inquire  her  name  and  to  take  possession  of  her  as  a  prize.^  She  proved  to  be  the 
Jaoa,  38,  Captain  Henry  Lambert,  and  one  of  the  finest  frigates  in  the  British  navy. 
She  was  bearing,  as  passenger  to  the  East  Indies,  Lieutenant  General  Ilyslop  (jnst 
appointed  governor  general  of  Jiomljay),  and  liis  staft',  Ca})tain  Marshall  and  Lieuten- 
ant Saunders,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  and  more  than  one  hundred  other  otticers  and  men 
destined  for  service  in  the  East  Indies. 

The  Java  Avas  a  wreck.  Her  main-ina  X  had  gone  overboard  dtiring  the  hour  tliat 
Bainbridge  was  repairing.  Her  mizzcn-mast  was  shot  out  of  the  ship  close  by  the 
deck,  and  the  fore-mast  was  carried  aAvay  about  twenty -five  feet  above  it.  Tlie  bow- 
sprit was  cut  ort"  near  the  cap,  and  she  Avas  found  to  be  leaking  badly  on  account  of 
wounds  in  her  hull  by  round  shot.     The  Constitution  Avas  very  much  cut  in  lior  sails 

'  The  ofBccrs  of  llic  '^ime'itution  in  tliis  action  wen— Captain,  Willinra  Bainbridge.  Lieutenants,  George  Parlier, 
Beolinian  T.  Iloffmaii,  Joiui  T.  Sbubriclt,  Cliarles  W.  Morgan.  fiaUing-maiitcrx,  Joliu  C.  Alwin,  John  Nichols.  Cliaphiii. 
John  Carlcton.  LieutenantJi  ■>/  Marinea,  William  11.  Freeman,  .lohn  Contce.  Surgeon,  >mos  A.  Evant".  Sunjeon't  Mut/i, 
•Tohn  D.  Armstrong,  Donaldson  YcatCB.  Piiriter,  Robert  C".  Lndlow.  Miilnhipmen,  Thomas  Beatty,  Lewie  Gerniaiii,  Wil- 
liam L.  Gordon,  Amiirose  L.  Fields,  Fredcricli  B.airy,  Joseph  Cross,  Alexander  Btlchcr,  AVilliam  Taylor,  Alcxaniiir  Est- 
ridge,  James  W.  Uelnncy,  James  Greenleaf,  AVilliam  D.  M'Carly,  Z.  AV.  Nixem,  Jolm  A.  Wish,  Dulauey  Forest,  (icorgf 
Levcrett,  Henry  AVnrd,  John  (!.  Long,  John  Pacliet,  Richard  AVinter.  Hoatstrain,  Peter  Adams.  Guniur,  Kn'kM  Dar- 
ling.    Actini)  Midxhijniuin,  Jolin  C.  Ciimings. 

a  On  this  very  dny,  and  at  that  very  hoiifi  Htn!  and  Decatur  were  at  the  public  ban'juct  given  tEem  iu  the  ciiy  of  Ke» 
York,    tieo  page  46T. 


OF   THE   WAU    OF   1812. 


461 


lie  laun  of  the  Jam. 


C'lAnparimuii  of  tliu  two  Vengeli). 


Arrival  uf  the  CmuiUtutiini  at  Boitun. 


(lillU- 

board  of 
ml  renew 
nrs,  and 
board  tn 
be  tlu' 
sli  navy, 
oj)  (jibt 
Lieutcii- 
and  iiK'ii 


cor.;e  Parker, 
«l8.  Chaphiii. 
iirjton'"  .t/ii'". 
Germain.  Wil- 
ilcxniii'iT  Esk- 
[•'orest,  (ieiirgf 
•,  Knekiel  Cur- 

.UecityofKeK 


and  ritfi?'"?-  Many  of  licr  sjiars  Avere  injured,  but  not  one  wjis  lost.  She  went  into 
the  action  witli  lior  royal  yurds  mroHs,  mid  ciimc  out  of  it  will-,  nil  three  of  them  in 
tlioir  proiii'r  j^laces.  There  lire  coiiflit  tin;;  iiecountH  concerning  tlie  loss  of  the  Java 
ill  men.  Iler  commander,  Captain  Lambert,  uas  morlally  wounded,  and  iier  otlier 
officers  were  cautious  about  the  number  of  iier  men  and  lier  caHi'.alties.  Aeeordinc;  to 
<\  muster-roll  found  on  board  of  lier,  made  out  five  days  after  she  saileil,  iier  officers 
und  crew  numbered  four  liundred  and  forty-six.  Tlieso  were  exclusive  of  the  more 
than  one  liundred  ])assengers,  many  of  whom  assisted  in  the  engagement,  and  of 
whom  thirteen  were  killed.  The  British  published  account  states  the  loss  of  men  on 
till'  Juvti  to  have  been  twenty-two  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  one  wounded,  while 
iiaiiibridfjc  rej)orted  her  loss,  as  nearly  as  he  could  ascertain  from  the  British  officers 
lit  the  time,  at  sixty  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  one  wounded.  This  was,  doubtless, 
helow  the  real  number.  Indeed,  Baiubiidgc  inclosed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy 
evidences  of  a  mticli  larger  loss  in  wounded.  It  was  a  letter,  written  by  one  of  the 
,,fficers  ofthcJitva  to  a  friend,  and  accidentally  dropped  on  tlic  deck  of  the  Constitu- 
^/o»,  where  it  was  found  a.id  handed  to  llainbridge.  The  writer,  who  had  no  motive 
lit" public  policy  for  concealing  any  thing  from  his  friend,  stated  the  loss  to  be  sixty- 
tlve  killed,  and  one  hundred  tind  seventy  Avounded.'  The  Constitution  lost  only  nine 
killed  and  twenty-five  wounded.  Bainbridge  was  slightlj'  hurt  in  the  liip  by  a 
lauskot-ball ;  and  the  shot  that  carried  away  the  wheel  of  the  Constitution  drove  a 
small  copper  be  into  his  thigh,  Avhic'.  inflicted  a  dangerous  wound,  but  did  not 
cause  iiini  to  leave  the  deck  before  miduight. 

The  Java,  as  has  been  observed,  was  a  superior  frigate  of  her  class.  She  was  rated 
at  thirtj'-eight,  but  carried  forty-nine.  The  Constitutionr  carried  at  that  time  forty- 
tive  guns,  and  had  one  man  less  at  each  than  the  Java.  On  the  whole,  the  iireponder- 
anee  of  strength  was  with  the  latter.  Bainbridge  might  have  saved  the  hull  of  his 
luizeby  taking  it  into  San  Salvador,  but,  having  proof  that  the  Brazilian  government 
was  favorable  to  that  of  Great  Britain,  he  would  not  trust  the  ca])tured  frigate  there. 
He  was  too  far  from  home  to  think  of  conducting  lier  to  an  American  ])ort;  so,  after 
lyinirby  thee,^;(?^rt  for  two  days,  until  the  wounded  and  prisoners,  with  their  baggage, 
cnuld  all  be  transferred  to  tlie  Constitution,  he  ordered  the  battered  frigate  to  be 
lircd.  She  blew  up  on  the  Slst,  Avhen  Bainbridge  proceeded  to  San  Salvador  with  his 
prisoners,  and  found  the  Bonne  Citbyenne  about  to  attempt  passing  the  Hornet  and 
putting  to  sea.  Ilis  arrival  frustrated  the  plan.  Having  landed  and  paroled  his 
priMiners,"  Bainbridge  sailed  for  the  United  States  on  the  6th  of  January,  .  jnmiury  3, 
1813.=  ^'*'^- 

Tlie  Constitutioti  arrived  at  Boston  on  Monday,  the  15th  of  February,  and  Bain- 
bridite  immediately  dispatched  Lieutenant  Ludlow  with  a  letter  to  tlie  Secretary  of 
the  \avy.  When  Bainbridge  landed  he  was  greeted  Avith  the  roar  of  artillery  and  the 
aeclaniation'5  of  thousands  bf  citizens.  A  procession  was  formed,  and  he  was  escorted 
to  the  Excliange  Coffee-house,  the  bands  playing  Yankee  Doodle,  and  the  throngs  in 


•  Letter  rioni  11.  D.  Corncck  to  Lloutpnnnt  Peter  V.  Wood,  In  the  Inle  of  Friuicc,  diitcd  ou  board  the  Ciiimfiltilion, 
.'aauarjr  l.lSl.l.  After  speaking  of  the  death  of  n  friend  in  the  liattle,  he  said,  "  Four  other  of  his  messmates  Bhureil 
tbo  same  I  \te,  together  with  sixty  men  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  seventy  wounded." 

!  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  British  military  and  naval  officers  i)arolcd :  Militanj,  one  lieutenant  general,  one  major, 
uuc  captain.  Naval,  one  post  captain,  one  master  and  coniniander,  five  lientcnanls,  three  lieutenants  of  marine,  one 
furgeoD,  two  assistant  surgeons,  one  ])ur?er,  fifteen  midshipmen,  one  gunner,  one  boatswain,  one  siiip  carpenter,  two 
ciiitaln's clerks— total,  thirty-eight.  (Japtain  Lambert  died  on  the  day  after  the  landing  (January  4).  Baiubiidgc  treated 
ill  of  his  prisoners  with  the  greatest  tenderness  and  consideration.  Silver  i)lnte  to  a  large  nmount,  presented  to  Gen- 
i-al  llyslop  by  the  colony  of  Demarara,  and  which  would  have  been  lawful  prize,  was  returned  to  that  gentleman,  who 
liiaukedBainorirtge  for  his  kind  courtesy,  and  iiresented  him  his  sword  (which  Bainbridge  would  not  receive  when  it 
was  offered  in  token  of  surrender)  in  farther  testimony  of  his  gratitude.  And  yet,  in  the  face  of  ail  this,  James,  the 
earliest,  as  he  was  the  most  mendacious  of  the  British  historians  of  the  war,  and  one  nu)6t  quoted  by  British  writers 
uow,  say*  {Saral  Oeatrrmcen,  etc.,  page  ISS),  "  The  ma-.ncr  in  which  the  .fava's  men  were  treated  by  the  American 
offlrers  fellerts  upon  the  latter  the  highest  disgrace."  In  a  letter  to  n  friend,  written  when  homeward  bound,  Baln- 
hridge  exhibited  liis  goodness  of  heart  In  thus  speaking  of  the  death  of  his  antnuonist :  "  I'om'  Lambert,  whose  death  I 
fincercly  regret,  was  a  distinguished,  gallant,  and  worthy  man.  He  has  left  a  widow  and  two  hcljiless  childrci;  i  But 
yjcotmtry  makes  provision  for  such  sad  events." 


1 1'' 


462 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Ilouorii  k'vod  to  liuliihrldge. 


I'ublli  lliinquet  lu  Boiton. 


Olfli  uf  Ihe  CI  tie*  of  Now  York  nud  Albany. 


tho  Htreets,  balconies,  aiiil  windows  dicoring  loudly,  the  hidics  waving  their  liaiKH,,,.. 
chiefs.  Tho  streets  were  strung  with  hunners  and  strcanuMH,  ami  Coniinodorcs  iJoilij. 
crs  and  Iltiil,  who  walked  witli  Haiiihridge  in  the  iiroicHsion,  received  a  sliare  of  the 
popular  honorH.  The  viitory  was  announced  at  the  tluatrc  that  night,  and  iModuccil 
tho  wildest  cnthuKiasni.  The  Legislature  of  Massacliusetts  bchig  in  sessiitii  tlicv 
j)aHsed  a  resolution  of  thanks  to  Bainbridge  and  his  officers  and  cnw,'  and  on  tlic 
'2d  of  March  a  splendid  bancjuet  was  Liiveii  ut  tho  Exchange  Coflbc-house  to  IJaiu- 
bridge  and  tho  officers  of  the  VonstUution,'* 

The  cai)ture  of  tho  Java.,  the  fourth  brilliant  naval  victory  in  a  brief  space  ut 
time,  caused  great  exultation  throughout  tlie  United  States,  and  the  Constitution  was 
popularly  called  from  that  time  Old  Ironsides.  Orators  and  rliymcrs,  the  jjulpit  and 
the  ])re8s,  made  the  gallant  exploits  of  Hainbridgo  the  theme  of  many  words  in  mis,. 
and  prose.^  The  Common  Council  of  New  York  jjresented  to  him  the  freedom  ot'thc 
city  in  a  gold  box,*  and  ordered  his  portrait  painted  for  the  picture-gallery  in  tiic 
City  Hall*    The  city  of  Albany  did  the  same;*  and  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia  pre- 


NKW    YORK    UOI.O    IKfX. 


ALliANV    OOl.l)    It0\, 


sented  him  wiih  an  elegant  service  of  silver  plate,  the  most  costly  piece  of  wliicli  \va> 
a  massive  urn,  elegantly  wrought.'     The  Congress  of  the  United  States  voted  th' 

'  By  the  Senate  on  tlie  IBtti  of  February,  and  by  the  House  of  Representatives  on  tho  20th. 

»  The  procession  was  formed  in  Faneull  Hall  by  Major  Tllden,  and  was  eccorted  by  the  Boatim  Light  Infantr  mltlip 
W'inMou'  Blues,  under  Colonel  Sargent.  The  Honorable  Christopher  Gore  presided  at  the  table,  assisted  by  llarrlsii 
(ircy  Otis,  Israel  Thorndike,  Arnold  Willis,  Thomas  L.  WInthrop,  Peter  C.  Brooks,  and  William  Sullivan  as  vice-presi- 
dents. Intelligence  liad  jnst  come  that  the  British  Orders  in  Council  had  hccn  repealed,  and  that  peace  might  be  soou 
expected.  Elated  by  this  news,  the  Honorable  Timothy  Dexter  offered  Ihe  following  toast:  "The  British  Ordcru  in 
Council  revoked,  and  our  national  honor  gallantly  retrieved.  Now  let  us  shut  the  lenii)lc  of  Janus  till  his  duuble  facr 
goes  out  of  fashion."  An  ode  was  sung  at  the  banquet,  written,  on  request  of  the  committee  of  arraugomcuts,  by  the 
late  L.  M.  Sargent,  Esq. 

3  One  of  the  most  popular  songs  of  the  day  was  composed  in  honor  of  the  capture  of  the  Jam,  and  called  "  Bsin- 
bridge's  Tld  re  I,"  in  which,  after  every  verse,  the  singer  gives  a  sentence  in  prose,  winding  up  witli  the  chorus  "TiJ 
le  I,  Tid  ro  I,  Tid  re  Id  re  I  do."    The  following  is  a  specimen  of  that  kind  of  song,  once  so  popular : 

"Come,  lads,  draw  near,  and  you  shall  hear, 
In  truth  as  chaste  as  DIau,  O ! 
IIow  Bainbridge  true,  and  his  bold  crew, 

Again  have  tamed  the  lion,  O I 
'Twnn  off  Brazil  he  got  the  pill 

Which  made  him  cry  i>erravi,  O 
But  hours  two,  the  Java  new, 
Maintained  the  battle  bravely,  O I 
"But  our  gallant  tars,  as  soon  as  they  were  piped  to  quarters,  gave  three  cheers,  and  boldly  swore,  by  the  blood  of 
the  heroes  of  Tripoli,  ttiat,  sooner  than  strike,  they'd  go  the  bottom  singing 

Tid  re  I,  Tid  re  I,  Tid  re  Id  re  I  do." 

♦  This  box  is  three  Inches  In  diameter  and  one  inch  in  depth.  On  the  inside  of  tho  lid  is  the  following  insoriptioii; 
" The  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York  to  Commodore  William  Bainbridge,  of  the  United  States  frigate  Ciiu/if"- 
Hon,  in  testimony  of  the  high  sense  they  entertain  of  his  gallantry  and  skill  in  tlie  capture  of  his  Britannic  Majcsi;  • 
ship  .Iava  on  the  29th  of  December,  1812." 

4  The  portrait  was  i>alnted  by  John  Wesley  Jarvis.    The  engraving  on  page  469  is  from  a  copy  of  that  picture. 

•  The  box  presented  by  the  city  of  Albany  is  of  oblong  form,  and  Is  faithfully  dellneat-d  in  tb"  engraving.  It  is  Ihw 
Inches  and  ahalf  long  and  three  fourths  of  an  inch  deep.  On  the  inside  of  the  lid  Is  the  follow  Inscription  :  ".\lrib- 
nte  of  icspect  by  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Albany  to  Commodore  William  Balnbriugc  for  his  gallant  navil 
services  in  the  late  war  with  Great  Britain."  This  box  is  in  the  possession  of  the  gallant  commander's  daughter,  Mrt 
(Mary  Bainbridge)  Charles  Joudon,  of  Philadelphia. 

''  This  uru  is  eighteen  inches  in  height.    The  lid  is  surmounted  by  an  eagle  abont  to  soar.    Below  each  massive  ban- 


OF  THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


408 


)[|j.i  pwgwUd  to  B>tobridge  by  Cungrcw. 


Kffoct  of  the  iiAvnl  ButtlM  hi  America  ud  Onat  Hrltato. 


thanks  to  Bainl>ml>?e  and  his  companions  in  anno,  and  aUo  filly  thouHaml  <lollar8  in 
moni'V,  bi'diUHr  <  I"  till'  iieceBsary  dcHtnu'tion  of  their  prizi-.  They  also  ordered  a  j^old 
mi'iliii  ti>  be  struck  in  honor  ut'the  eoMiinandir,'  and  silver  ones  for  each  of  his  otti- 
cers  in  token  of  the  national  approbation  of  their  conduct. 


nAiNnniDUE  iir.n\L. 


The  conflict  between  the  Constitution  and  Java  was  the  closing  naval  engagement 
of  tho  year,  and,  with  the  previous  victories  won  by  t,he  Americans,  made  the  deei»- 
est  imjirossions  upon  the  ptd)lic  mind  in  both  hemisphnres.  The  United  States  cruis- 
irs,  pulilic  anil  private,  had  captured  about  three  hundred  prizes  from  tho  Britisli 
(luiiiiij;  that  first  si.x  months  of  war.  The  American  war-jjarty — indeed,  the  whole 
.Vmorican  people,  excepting  a  few  Submissionists,  were  made  exultant  by  these  events, 
;iik1  the  gloom  caused  by  the  failure  of  the  land  forces  Avas  disi)elled.  The  views  of 
the  Federalists,  who  had  always  favored  a  navy,  were  Justifictl,  and  the  o])position  to 
it,  on  the  part  of  the  Democrats,  ceased.  The  llritish  people  were  astounded  by  these 
heavy  and  ominous  blows  dealt  at  their  supremacy  of  the  seas,  and  some  of  the  lead- 
iiiiT  newspapers  scattered  curses  broadcast.  One  of  them,  a  leading  London  i)ai>er, 
«ith  that  vulgarity  which  too  often  disgraced  journalism  on  both  sides  )f  the  At- 
lantic at  that  time,  petulantly  expressed  its  api)rehen8ions  that  England  might  be 
■«tri]i]i(Hl  of  her  maritime  superiority  "  by  a  piece  of  striped  buntiug  Hying  at  the 
mast-head  of  a  few  fir-built  frigates,  manned  by  a  handfvd  of  bastards  and  outlaws!" 

But  this  impotent  rage  sooii  subsided,  and  British  writers  and  speakers,  compelled 
to  acknowledge  the  equality  of  the  American  people  in  all  that  constitutes  the  true 


(lie  Is  8  head  of  Neptune.  On  one  side 
of  the  um  In  the  representation  of  tho 
ivrcclicrt  Jam  and  tlic  trinniphant  Can 
itiliUimt,  and  on  tlio  other  the  followlug 
inreriptloa:  "Presented  by  tlie  citizenH 
ofPhlladelplila  to  Commodore  Wiiliam 
B«iiil)rld({e,  of  the  U.  8.  frigate  Cons'itu- 
lirm,  an  u  testimonial  of  tho  higli  sense 
ibty  eiitertaiu  of  his  skill  and  gallantry 
ill  the  capture  of  the  British  MgaV^Javn, 
of  4!t  puis  and  ROfl  men,  and  of  their  ad 
rairnlion  of  hln  generous  and  maKuani 
moua  conduct  toward  the  vanquished 
foe.  Loss  In  the  action  of  29th  Decem- 
ber, 1S12_C.,  9  killed,  25  wounded :  J., 
Wkllled.Kil  wounded." 

.\tier  the  death  of  Bainbridge's  wid- 
ow, his  ))late  was  diBtrll)ntod  amouK 
hi»  inrvivlng  children.  The  um  and 
other  sih-cr  pieces,  and  the  New  York 
gold  1)01,  belong  to  Mrs.  Stisan  (Hain- 


BAl.MiMli'.K    IIU<, 


bridtie)  Ilaycs,  widow  of  Captain  Thom- 
as Hayes,  of  the  I'nitcd  States  Navy,  a 
resident  of  Philadelphia.  To  her  kind 
courtesy  I  am  indebted  for  the  privileire 
of  making  sketches  of  the  urn  and  Soi- 
cs.  She  also  has  in  her  possession  the 
sword  presented  to  ]!ainhrldge  by  Hy- 
8lop(8eeNotc2,  page4Cl).  It  Ik  a  straight 
dress  sword,  in  a  black  leather  si-abbird. 
.■Vlso  another  sword,  with  basket  guard 
and  elegant  gilt  mountings.  Also  a 
Turkish  cimeter. 

'  On  one  side  ofUie  medal  ii  Rbnstof 
Bainbridjte,  and  the  legend  "iicliej-muh 

IIAlNnilinOK  PATRIA  VIOTOKISQUE  LAUKA- 

1U8."  Keverse,  a  ship,  tho  stumps  of 
her  three  masts  standing,  and  her  con- 
queror with  only  a  few  shot-liolcs  in  her 
sails.    I.cgeud — "pfoNANno."  Exergue 

— "  INTSB  OOMBT.  MAY.  AMEKI,  KT  *AV. 
NAT.  AKSL.  DtK  XXIX.  OEOEM.  UDOOOXII." 


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PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


JamoB's  Bocalled  "  Histories"  of  the  War. 


Meetlii)?  of  the  Twelfth  C'onjfreM, 


greatness  of  a  nation,  labored  hard  to  show  that  in  all  cases  the  American  vessels  in 
force  of  men  and  metal,  Avere  greatly  superior  to  those  of  the  British  encoiintored. 
They  even  went  so  far  as  to  assert  that  the  American  frigates  were  all  "seventy-fours 
in  disguise  !"  These  assertions  were  iterated  and  reiterated  long  after  the  Avar  iiad 
ceased,  to  the  amusement  of  thoughtful  men,  who  clearly  perceived  the  truth  whtn  the 
smoke  had  cleared  away.  The  most  notable  exhibition  of  this  folly  is  seen  in  tliree 
volumes,  one  on  the  naval  and  two  on  the  military  occurrences  of  that  war,  written 
by  William  James.  These,  aa  we  have  observed,  were  among  the  earliest  of  the 
elaborate  writings  concerning  that  war,  and  have,  ever  since  th<>ir  appearance  been 
the  most  frequently  quoted  by  those  British  and  British-American  writers  and  spc-ik- 
ers  who  delight  in  abusing  the  government  and  people  of  the  United  States  Tlic 
spirit  manifested  on  every  jiage  bears  evidence  of  the  2)overty  of  the  authv..-  lu  .i.ll  that 
constitutes  a  candid  and  veracious  historian.' 

Having  now  considered  in  groups  the  military  and  naval  events  of  the  war  (lurinT 
the  first  year  of  the  contest,  excepting  those  in  the  extreme  southern  boundaries  of 
the  Republic,  which  will  be  noticed  hereafter,  let  us  glance  at  the  civil  affairs  of  tlie 
United  States,  having  relation  to  the  subject  in  question,  before  entering  upon  a  de- 
scription of  the  stirring  campaign  of  1813. 

The  second  session  of  ilw  Twelfth  Congress  commenced  on  the  2d  day  of  No- 
•  isf2  ^'Pinber.*  It  was  the  eve  of  the  popular  election  of  Presidential  eleetors. 
'  President  Madison  had  been  nominated  for  the  oflice  for  a  second  term  by  a 
Congressional  caucus,  as  we  have  already  observed,*  as  the  Democratic  candidate; 
and  the  Legislature  of  New  York  had  nominated  De  Witt  Clinton,  a  nephew  of  the 
late  Vice-president,  and  of  tne  same  political  faith,  for  the  same  office.  The  Federal- 
ists, conscious  of  their  inability  to  elect  a  candidate  of  their  oAvn,  coalesced  with  the 
Clintonian  Democrats.  This  course  was  decided  upon  in  a  Convention  of  Federalist 
leaders  from  all  the  states  north  of  the  Potomac,  held  in  secret  session,  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  in  September.''  If  the  Avar  must  go  on,  they  regarded  Clinton  as 
the  possessor  of  greater  executive  ability  than  Madison,  and  better  able  to 
conduct  it  vigorously ;  but  their  chief  desire  and  hope  was  to  bring  about  an  early 
peace  by  the  defeat  of  Madison,  the  repeal  of  the  British  Orders  in  ComiciF  havini,' 
opened  a  door  for  that  consuinniation  so  devoutly  wished  for.  Jaied  IngcrRoli,  of 
Pennsylvania,  a  moderate  F'ederalist,  was  nominated  by  the  Convention  for  Vice- 
president.  George  Clinton  having  died,  Elbridge  Gerry,  as  we  have  seen,*  was  nom- 
inated for  Vice-president  by  the  Madisonians. 

When  the  elections  occurred,  nearly  all  the  Federalists  and  a  fraction  of  the  Demo- 
cratic party  voted  for  the  Clintonian  electors.  All  of  the  New  England  States,  ex 
eepting  Vermont,  chose  such  electors.*  New  York  did  the  same,  in  consequence  of  the 
adroit  management  of  Martin  Van  liuren,  a  politician  thirty  years  of  age,  Avho  then 
appeared  prominently  for  the  first  time.^    There  Avac  a  similar  result  in  New  Jersey, 

L  Wi11inm  James  wag  an  English  emigrant  to  the  United  States  early  In  the  present  centnry.  He  was  a  vetcrlunrj 
sn^eon  {or  "  horse  doctor,"  ns  they  are  called  in  this  coiiutrj)  in  Philadelphia,  but  was  nnsucce!>8ful  !u  his  (irofcunion. 
He  left  that  city  for  his  native  country,  thoroughly  disgusted  with  every  thing  American,  because  tlu'  people  baii  nol 
appreciated  his  talents.  His  chief  employment  afler  his  return  fjecms  to  have  been  abuse  of  the  Americans,  tlieir  piibiio 
men,  their  government,  and  their  writers.  He  wrote  angry  reviews  of  some  American  books  on  the  naval  and  millimy 
hislory  of  the  War  of  It'ia,  and  these  were  published,  in  181T  and  1818,  In  three  volumes.  The  first  was  entitled  "A 
Full  fldrf  Correct  Aeeount  iif  the  N*vai.  Ooocbrenokb  tf  tite  IMe  War,  etc."  and  the  other  two,  "/I  FvU  awl  Cnrmt  it- 
cnunt  ef  the.  Mii.itabv  OooraKKNoxs  <(/■  the  Late  War,  etc."  They  arc  not  histories,  but  violent  tirades,  and  maiiiffft,  «^ 
the  Kilinburfl  RnHew  remarked,  "  bitter  and  persevering  antipathy"  to  the  Americans.  "  AInios*  every  orlgiimi  rornnrk 
made  by  the  author  upon  them,"  said  the  lieviae,  "  bears  traces  of  the  nnworthy  feeling  we  have  Just  mcnIlDiied."  In 
considering  his  performance  in  the  light  of  two  generations  of  tlionght  and  Investigation,  the  truth  of  the  niotlo  on  the 
title-page  of  his  volume  on  the  Saval  Oamrrmce^,  quoted  from  Murphy'B  Tacitus,  Is  very  manifest.  "  Tratli  ie  alwars 
bronght  to  light  by  time  and  rofiection,  while  the  lie  nf  the  dan  lives  by  bustle,  noise,  and  precipitation."  .lanies  died  In 
1827.  "  See  page  226.  '  See  page  i-'-l.  •  Sec  p«|;eV« 

»  Ii.  Massachnset'e,  so  strongly  ncmocratlc,  only  a  few  months  before,  the  "peace  electors," a<  the  Cliutoniaus  were 
called,  obtained  n  mivjority  of  24,000. 

«  Owing  to  the  dissonance  In  the  Democratic  party  In  New  York,  caased  by  the  diuienslons  between  the  Madlwinlani 
and  t'liutonlans,  the  FederallstB  «ho««  nineteen  out  of  the  twenty-three  members  of  Congress.    Those  of  New  Ilimp- 


1812. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


4«6 


The  Administration  enatalned. 


Madison  re-elected. 


Threats  of  Joeiah  Qnlncy  In  Congreip. 


and  for  a  time  tlie  re-election  of  Madison  appeared  doubtful.  But  before  Congress 
had  been  in  session  six  weeks  it  was  definitely  ascertained,  from  the  official  canvass, 
that  Madison  had  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  out  of  the  two  hundred  and  eighteen 
electors  chosen,  and  that  a  large  majority  of  the  Congressmen  elect  were  friends  of 
the  administration  This  result  was  regarded,  under  the  circumstances,  as  a  ve^•y 
stroin'  expression  of  the  public  in  favor  of  the  war ;  and  the  war-party  in  and  out  of 
Congress  were  greatly  strengthened.  They  were  also  encouraged  by  the  aspect  of 
affairs  abroad.  Intelligence  of  apparent  ('isasters  to  the  English  in  Spain,  the  triumph 
of  Bonaparte  in  the  terrible  battle  of  Borodino,  and  his  victorious  march  upon  Moscow, 
filled  them  with  the  hope  that  England,  struggling  with  all  Europe  against  her,  must 
speedily  be  compelled  to  withdraw  her  soldiers  and  seamen  from  America,  and  give 
up  the  contest  here,  or  else  fall  a  prey  to  the  conquering  Corsican.  But  they  were 
doomed  to  an  early  disappointment  of  their  hopes  by  disasters  that  fell  thick  and  faut 
upon  the  French  army,  exposed  to  Russia  i  snows  and  Russian  cohorts.  It  was  evi- 
dent, too,  from  the  returns  of  the  late  elections,  that  the  Opposition  were  growing 
stronger  every  day. 

Among  the  earliest  national  measures  proposed  in  Congress  was  apian  for  increas- 
ing the  t'  my  twenty  thousand  men,  making  the  whole  establishment  fifty-six  thou- 
sand. The  President,  in  his  fourth  annual  message,"  after  giving  a  gen-  'November 4, 
cral  statement  of  the  position  of  affairs  in  relation  to  the  war,  called  the  ^*^^'*" 

attention  of  the  national  Legislature  to  the  necessity  of  measures  for  the  vigorous 
prosecution  of  it.  A  bill  was  introduced  into  the  House  of  Representatives  to  raise 
the  pay  of  private  soldiers  from  six  to  eight  dollars  a  month,  to  guarantee  recruits 
against  arrtst  for  debt,  and  to  give  them  their  option  to  enlist  for  five  years  or  for 
the  war.  In  the  same  bill  was  a  clause  allowing  the  enlistment  of  minors  without  the 
consent  of  their  parents  or  masters.  This  elicited  a  very  spirited  debate,  in  which 
Josiah  Quincy  engaged  with  his  usual  vigor.  He  declared  it  to  be  an  interference 
with  the  rights  of  parents  and  masters,  and  warned  the  House  that  if  the  bill  passed 
with  that  "  atrocious  principle"  contained  in  it,  it  would  be  met  in  Now  England  by 
the  state  laws  against  kidnapping  and  man-stealing.  He  opposed  it  as  bearing  par- 
ticularly hard  upon  the  North,  where  the  laborers  are  the  yeomanry  and  the  minors, 
while  at  the  South  the  laborers  were  slaves,  and  exempted  by  law  from  military  duty. 
The  planter  of  the  South,  he  said,  can  look  around  upon  his  fifty,  his  hundred,  and 
his  thousand  human  beings,  and  say,  "These  are  mj property" — property  tilling  the 
l:md,  and  '  nriching  the  owner  in  Avar  as  well  as  in  peace;  while  the  farmer  of  the 
North  has  mly  one  or  two  eice  lambs — his  children,  of  which  he  can  say,  and  say 
with  pride,  like  'Jie  Roman  matron,  'These  are  my  ornaments.'"  These, by  the  pro- 
posed law,  might  be  taken  from  him,  and  his  land  must  remain  untilled.^ 

Williaras,  of  South  Carolina,  the  chairman  of  the  Military  Committee,  retorted 
fiercely.  In  reply  to  Quincy's  assertion  that  the  bill  contained  an  "  atrocious  princi- 
ple," he  charged  the  great  Federal  leader  with  uttering  an  "atrocious  falsehood." 
Ills  language  was  so  offensively  supercilious  that  it  drew  admonitions  even  from 
John  Randolph.  He  argued  well  in  favor  of  an  increase  of  the  army.  "  The  British 
regular  force  in  the  Canadas,"  he  said,  "  could  not  be  estimated  less  than  twelve 
thousand  men.  In  addition  to  these  were  the  Canadian  militia,  amounting  to  several 
thousands,  and  three  thousand  regulars  at  Halifax.  To  drive  this  force  from  the  field, 
the  St.  Lawrence  must  be  crossed  with  a  well-appointed  army  of  twenty  thousand 
men,  supported  by  an  army  of  reserve  of  ten  thousand.     Peace  is  not  to  be  expected 


ibire  were  all  Federalists,  and  that  party  carried  the  Legislature  of  New  Jersey  and  more  than  half  of  its  Congressional 
dtle^tlon. 
'  Aqutwtlon  npon  similar  premises  arose  in  the  Convention  of  17S7,  when  it  was  proposed  to  malce  three  oni  of  every 
in  (laves  count  as  persons  in  determiulni;  the  representation  of  the  states  in  Congress.  It  was  observed  that  while 
the  iil«Ye8  were  culled  persons  for  a  political  purpose,  they  were  only  chaiUU  af  other  times,  and  could  not  be  called  into 
tie  military  eenlce  of  the  country.    This  was  a  grievous  wrong  toward  the  non-glaveholding  states. 

Go 


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'^'''-''^mmffmtmm 


If!  ' 


408 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


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'■■■ ;. 

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1  ^'"^ 

||: 

Hl^rl ' 

The  Policy  and  Leader>  of  the  War  Party  denounced  by  Quincy. 


Response  by  Henry  Cl«y. 


but  al  tho  expense  of  a  vigorous  and  successful  war.  Administrations  have  in  vain 
sued  for  it,  even  at  the  expense  of  the  sarcastic  sneers  of  the  British  minister.  The 
campaign  of  1813  must  open  in  a  style  and  vigor  calculated  to  inspire  confidence  iu 
ourselves  and  awe  in  the  enemy.  Nothing  must  be  left  to  chance  ;  our  movcmontst 
must  every  where  be  in  concert.  At  the  same  moment  we  move  on  Canada,  a  corns 
of  ten  thousand  men  must  threaten  Halifax  from  the  province  of  Maine.  The  lionor 
and  character  of  the  nation  require  that  the  British  power  on  our  borders  sliould  be 
annihilated  the  next  campaign.  Her  American  provinces  once  wrested  from  her  ev- 
ery attempt  to  recover  them  will  be  chimericnl,  except  by  negotiation.  The  road  to 
peace  thus  lies  through  Canada."  The  bill  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  but 
the  objectionable  clause  received  only  four  votes  in  the  Senate. 

The  expensive  volunteer  system  M^as  taken  up  in  Congress,  and  the  law  authorizintf 
the  employment  of  that  species  of  soldiers  was  repealed.  Another  was  substituted 
which  authorized  the  enlistment  of  twenty  regiments  of  regulars  to  serve  twelve 
months,  to  whom  a  bounty  of  sixteen  dollars  should  be  given.  It  also  provided  for 
the  appointment  of  six  major  generals  and  six  brigadier  generals,  and  a  correspond- 
ing increase  of  subordinate  officers.  Party  spirit  was  aroused  in  the  debate  tbat  en- 
sued, and  the  discussion  took  a  range  so  wide  as  to  include  the  whole  policy  and 
•Jannnrys,     conduct  of  the  war.     Mr.  Quincy  led  off*  with  great  bitterness  and  tbe 

^^^^-  keenest  sarcasm.  "  He  denounced  the  invasion  of  Canada,"  says  Hildreth,' 
"  as  a  cruel,  wanton,  senseless,  and  wicked  attack,  in  which  neither  plunder  nor  glon- 
was  to  be  gained,  upon  an  unoffending  people,  bound  to  us  by  ties  of  blood  and  gooil 
neighborhood ;  undertaken  for  the  punishment,  over  their  shoulders,  of  another  peo- 
ple three  thousand  miles  off,  by  young  politicians  fluttering  and  cackling  on  the  floor 
of  that  house,  half  hatched,  the  shell  still  on  their  heads,  and  their  pin-feathers  not 
yet  shed — politicians  to  whom  reason,  justice,  pity,  were  nothing,  revenge  every  thing; 
bad  policy,  too,  since  the  display  of  such  a  grasping  spirit  only  tended  to  alienate 
from  us  that  large  minority  of  the  British  people  anxious  to  compel  their  ministers 
to  respect  our  maritime  rights.  So  thought  the  people  of  New  England,  and  hence 
the  difficulty  of  getting  recruits.  The  toad-eaters  of  the  palace — party  men  in  pur- 
suit of  commissions,  fat  contracts,  judgeships,  and  offices  for  themselves,  their  fatbers, 
sons,  brothers,uncie8,  and  cousins — might  assert  otherwise,  but  the  people  had  spoken 
in  the  late  elections.  There  were  in  New  England  multitudes  of  judicious,  patriotic, 
honest,  sober  men,  who,  if  their  judgments  and  their  consciences  went  with  the  war, 
would  rush  to  the  standard  of  their  country  at  the  winding  of  a  horn,  but  to  whom 

the  present  call  sounded  rather  as  a  jewsharp  or  a  banjo. If  the  government 

would  confine  itself  to  a  war  of  defense,  it  should  have  his  support ;  but  for  a  war  of 
conquest  and  annexation,  whether  in  East  Florida'^  or  Canada,  he  would  not  contrib- 
ute a  single  dollar.  Nor  was  he  to  be  frightened  from  this  ground  by  the  old  state 
cry  of  British  connection,  raised  anew  by  a  pack  of  mangy,  mongrel  blood-hounds,  for 
the  most  part  of  very  recent  importation,  their  necks  still  marked  with  the  collar,  and 
their  backs  sore  with  the  stripes  of  European  castigation,  kept  in  pay  by  the  admin- 
istration to  hunt  down  all  who  opposed  the  court." 

This  contemptuous  speech  drew  a  most  vigorous  reply  from  Mr.  Clay,  the  Speaker 
of  the  House,  who  felt  himself  specially  aimed  at  by  the  expression  "  unfledged  poli- 
ticians." He  charged  the  Federalists,  says  Hildreth,  "  with  always,  throughout  the 
whole  controversy  with  Great  Britain,  thwarting  the  plans  of  their  own  government; 
clamoring  alike  against  the  embargo,  against  the  non-intercourse,  against  the  non-im- 
portation ;  when  the  government  were  at  peace,  crying  out  for  war ;  and,  now  the 
government  were  at  war,  crying  out  for  peace ;  falsely  charging  the  President  with 


>  BUtoT]!  i\f  the  United  States,  si  rood  series,  lit.,  381. 

'  Tbe  revolutionary  and  military  operations  in  that  quarter  will  be  noticed  hcreufter. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


4W 


Cla'i  Speech  In  OpposUlon  to  Qulncy.       Meatinres  for  Btrengtheiiing  the  Army  and  Navy.       Government  K:i;penBes. 

beine  under  French  influence ;'  heaping  all  kinds  of  abuse  on  Bonaparte ;  assai'ing 
Jefferson  with  impotent  rage ;  spiriting  up  chimeras  of  Southern  influence  and  Vir- 
ginia dictation,  as  if  the  people  did  not  choosa  their  own  presidents;  going  even  so 
tar  as  to  plot  the  dissolution  of  the  Union."  M-.  Clay  then  presented  a  most  pathetic 
picture  of  the  wrongs  inflicted  upon,  and  miseries  endured  by,  American  seamen  un- 
der the  operations  of  the  impressment  system,  to  which  Great  Britain  clung  tena- 
ciouf'.y.  "  -As  to  the  gentleman's  sentimental  protest  against  the  invasion  of  Canada," 
he  said  in  substance, ''  was  Canada  so  innocent,  after  all  ?  Was  it  not  in  Canada  that 
the  Indian  tomahawks  were  whetted  ?  Was  it  not  from  Maiden  and  other  Canadian 
ma  'azines  that  the  supplies  had  issued  which  had  enabled  the  savage  bands  to  butch- 
er the  garrison  of  Chicago?  Was  it  not  by  a  joint  attack  of  Canadians  and  Indians 
that  Michillimackinac  had  been  reduced  ?  What  does  a  state  of  war  present  ?  The 
combined  energies  of  one  people  arrayed  against  tlie  combined  energies  of  another, 
each  aiming  to  inflict  all  the  injury  it  can,  whether  by  sea  or  land,  upon  the  territo- 
ries property,  and  persons  of  the  other,  subject  only  to  those  mitigated  usages  prac- 
ticed among  civilized  nations.  The  gentleman  would  not  touch  the  British  Continent- 
al possessions,  nor,  for  the  same  reason,  it  was  supposed,  her  West  India  islands.  By 
the  same  rule,  her  innocon*^  "  V'iers  and  sailors  ought  to  be  protected;  and  as,  accord- 
ing to  a  well-known  max.n,  ne  king  could  do  no  wrong,  there  would  seem  to  be 
nobody  left  whom,  on  the  gentleman's  principles,  we  could  attack  unless  it  were  Mr. 
Steplien,^  the  reputed  author  of  the  Orders  in  Council,  or  the  Board  of  Admi'-alty, 
under  whose  authority  our  seamen  Avere  impressed."  ....  Mr.  Clay's  "  plan  was," 
he  said,  "to  call  out  the  ample  resources  of  the  country  to  the  fullest  extent,  to  strike 
wherever  the  enemy  could  be  reached,  by  sea  or  land,  and  to  negotiate  a  peace  at 
Quebec  or  Halifax." 

Measures  were  adopted  for  strengthening  both  the  army  and  navy,  and  the  more 
perfect  organization  of  each.  The  President  was  authorized  to  cause  the  construc- 
tion of  four  ships  of  seventy-four  guns  each,  and  six  frigates  and  six  sloops-of-war  ;^  to 
issue  treasury  notes  to  the  amount  of  five  millions  of  dollars,  and  to  create  a  new 
stock  for  a  loan  of  sixteen  millions  of  dollars.*  A  bill  was  also  passed,  chiefly  through 
the  untiring  eflTorts  of  Langdon  Cheves  and  Joh.i  C.  Calhoun,  representatives  from 
Sonth  Carolina,  by  which  the  bonds  of  merchants  given  for  goods  imported  from 
Great  Britain  and  Ireland  after  the  declaration  of  war,  and  seized  under  the  provi- 
sions of  the  Non-importation  Act,  were  canceled.  For  six  weeks  after  the  news  of 
war  reached  England  expoitat?ons  had  been  allowed  to  go  on ;'  and  the  goods  to 
which  the  law  in  question  would  apply  were  valued,  at  invoice  prices,  at  more  than 


1  Qnlncy  had  Bald,  In  the  speech  just  qnoitd  flrom,  that  the  "  administration,  nnder  French  influence  and  dictation, 
hid  for  twelve  years  ruled  the  country  with  anthority  little  short  of  despotic ;"  and  then  referred  to  the  continnous  rule 
at  "a  narrow  Virginia  clique,  to  the  exclusion  from  office  and  influence  of  all  men  of  talents,  even  of  their  own  party, 
not  connected  with  that  clique."  >  Author  of  War  in  Ditgtiise.    See  page  140. 

'  According  tn  a  careful  estimate  made  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  the  force  of  three  frigates  would  not  be  more 
ibin  eqnal  to  one  T4-gun  ship.  The  expense  of  building  and  equipping  a  frigate  of  44  guns,  estimated  from  the  actual 
coit  of  the  Premlmt,  was  $220,010 ;  the  cost  of  a  74,  $333,000.  The  annual  expense  of  keeping  a  fHgate  of  that  size  in 
Htrice  was  estimated  at  $110,000,  and  that  of  a  74  at  $210,110.  The  result  fhim  these  calcnlations  was,  that  while  the 
tipenees  of  a  T4  were  something  less  than  (hose  of  two  frigates  of  44  guns  each,  her  value  in  service  wai>  equal  to  three 
frigates.— See  Perkins's  History  of  the  Political  atui  Military  Events  of  the  Late  War,  page  160.  This  estimate  determined 
Coigreii  to  build  74's. 

<  The  following  were  the  Treasury  estimates  of  expenditures  for  the  year  1813 : 

For  the  civil  list,  and  interest  and  reimbursement  of  a  part  of  the  principal  of  the  public  debt $8,600,000 

Forthearmy,  not  including  the  new  levies 17,000,000 

For  the  navy,  not  iDcluding  the  proposed  increase 4,0%,000 

Total $30,426,000 

The  total  appropriations  made  for  the  service  of  the  year  amonnted  to  $39,975,000.  Such  wa«  the  amount  necessary  to 
meet  the  entire  expenses  of  the  government  of  the  United  States  fifty  years  ago,  wher,  it  was  waging  a  war  with  Qreat 
Britain.  The  expenditures  of  the  government  for  a  year  (186!))  during  the  late  civil  *ar  was  ,$S<1B,234,000. 

'This  was  under  a  false  impression  made  by  Mr.  Russell,  the  American  Char' ,  d'Affairen,  that  in  consequence  of 
lie  repeal  of  the  Orders  In  Council  the  Non-Intercourse  Act  would  be  snSpendr  j.  Immediately  after  the  repeal  (June 
i3d,lSI2),  all  the  American  ships  then  in  British  ports  commenced  loading  wi  ,n  British  goods. 


"I. 


i.i;n     'I. 


(  !i 


IliiNlii 


r^l    i 


408 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


P«callat')ry  Law. 


Report  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  KeUtl 


ogi. 


eighteen  millions  of  dollars,  and  were  worth  double  that  amount  in  the  Ameiicin 
market.     This  act  conciliated  the  mercantile  interest. 

Cheves,  who  was  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  endeavored  to 
procure  a  partial  repeal  of  the  Non-importation  Act,  but  failed.  The  restrictive  sys- 
tem was  regarded  with  great  favor  as  a  powerful  weapon  In  the  hands  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, and  its  friends  adhered  to  it  with  the  greatest  tenacity,  believing  it  to  be  a  pol- 
icy potent  in  hastening  the  ruin  of  England.  The  Federalists  failed  to  support  the 
measure  because  the  repeal  was  not  complete,  and  on  account  of  the  provision  in  it 
for  the  more  strict  enforcement  of  what  was  left. 

We  have  already  observed  that  a  retaliatory  law,  first  suggested  by  Colonel  Scott 
on  account  of  some  prisoners  taken  at  Queenston,  and  who  had  been  sent  to  Eiifrland 
as  desorttfrs  because  they  were  Irishmen,  was  passed.'  It  was  so  framed  as  not  only 
to  meet  the  special  case  of  those  persons,  but  such  Indian  outrages  under  British  sanc- 
tion as  had  been  committed  at  the  River  Raisin.^  Happily,  there  was  no  occasion 
for  enforcing  the  law. 

On  the  1 3th  of  January,  Mr.  Calhoun,  from  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations 
made  an  able  report.  It  had  been  looked  for  with  great  interest.  In  tliat  report 
the  subject  of  itnjjressment  held  a  conspicuous  place.  The  President,  as  we  have  ob- 
•  June  20,     served,  only  a  week  after  the  declaration  of  Avar,"  proposed  an  immediate 

1812.  armistice,  on  conditions  at  once  just  and  honorable  to  both  nations.  It  was 
rejected  by  the  British  in  terms  of  peculiar  reproach  and  insult.  At  about  the  same 
time  the  British  Orders  in  Council  were  repealed  conditionally,  but  the  practice  of 
impressment  was  defended  as  just  and  expedient,  and  would  rot  be  allowed  to  be- 
come a  subject  for  negotiation  by  the  British  authorities.  Thus  niatt.?rs  stood  when 
the  Report  on  Foreign  Relations  was  presented.  After  alluding  to  the  above  facts 
the  committee  proceeded  to  say  that  "  the  impressment  of  our  seamen,  beins;  de- 
servedly considered  a  principal  cause  of  the  war,  the  war  ought  to  be  prosecuted  un- 
til that  cause  be  removed.  To  appeal  to  arms  in  defense  of  a  right,  and  to  lay  them 
down  without  securing  it,  or  a  satisfactory  evidence  of  a  good  disposition  in  the  op- 
posite party  to  secure  it,  would  be  considered  in  no  other  light  than  a  relinquishment 
of  it.  .  .  .  The  manner  in  which  the  friendly  advances  and  liberal  propositions  of  the 
Executive  have  been  received  by  the  British  government  has,  in  a  great  measure,  ex- 
tinguished the  hope  of  amicable  accommodations.  ,  .  .  War  having  been  declared, 
.and  the  case  of  impressment  being  necessarily  included  as  one  of  the  most  important 
causes,  it  is  evident  it  must  be  provided  for  in  the  pacification.  The  omission  of  it 
in  a  treaty  of  peace  would  not  leave  it  on  its  foi-mer  ground  ;  it  would,  in  effect,  be 
an  absolute  relinquishment,  an  idea  at  which  the  feelings  of  every  American  must  re- 
volt. The  seamen  of  the  United  States  have  a  claim  on  their  country  for  protection, 
and  they  must  be  protected.  If  a  single  ship  is  taken  at  sea,  and  the  property  of  an 
American  citizen  wrested  from  him  unjustly,  it  rouses  the  indignation  of  the  coun- 
try. How  much  more  deeply,  then,  ought  we  to  be  excited  wlien  we  behold  so  many 
of  this  gallant  and  highly  meritorious  class  of  our  fellow-citizens  snatched  from  tiieir 
families  and  country,  and  carried  into  a  cruel  and  afflicting  bondage  ?  It  is  an  evil 
which  ought  not,  which  can  not  be  longer  tolerated.  Without  dwelling  on  the  suf- 
ferings of  the  victims,  or  on  that  wide  scene  of  distress  which  it  spreads  among  their 
relatives  through  the  country,  the  pi*actice  is,  in  itself,  in  the  highest  degree  degrad- 
ing to  the  United  StatCv.  as  a  nation.  It  is  incompatible  with  their  sovereignty;  it 
is  subversive  of  the  main  pillars  of  their  independence.  The  forbearance  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  under  it  has  been  mistaken  for  pusillanimity." 

To  offect  r,  change  in  the  British  policy  respecting  impressments,  the  committee 


1  See  page  408. 

'  The  British  anthoritles  excneed  themtetves  on  thr  plea  that  they  conld  not  restrain  the  ladiant. 
Uflcatiou.    The  root  of  the  iniquity  was  in  the  employment  of  the  savages  as  allies. 


Thlswjiiiojaf- 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1813, 


4e9 


iltalfato  of  the  Prince  Regent. 


Charges  againiit  the  Oovernment  of  the  United  States. 


1813. 


>>  January  13. 


'  January  9. 


recommended  the  passage  of  1^  act,  which  vis  appended  to  their  report,  similar  to 
one  proponed  by  Mr.  Russell  to  Lord  Castlereagh  several  months  before,  prohibiting, 
after  the  close  of  the  present  war,  .he  employment,  in  public  or  private  vessels,  ofeny 
persons  except  American  citizens,  this  prohibition  to  extend  only  to  the  subjects  or 
citizens  of  such  states  as  should  make  reciprocal  regulations.  An  act  to  that  eifect, 
wiiich  passed  the  House  on  the  12th  of  February,  was  adopted  by  the  Senate  on  the 
last  day  of  the  session,"  against  very  warm  opposition  of  some  of  the  war-  •  March  s, 
partv,  who  considered  it  as  a  humiliating  concession. 

Only  four  days  before  the  presentation  of  their  report''  by  the  Commit- 
tee on  Foreign  Relations,  the  Prince  Regent,  acting  sovereign  of  Great 
Britain,  issued  a  manifesto"  concernhig  the  causes  of  the  war,  and  the  sub- 
jects of  blockade  and  impressment.  He  declared  that  the  war  was  not 
the  consequence  of  any  fault  of  Great  Britain,  but  that  it  liad  been  brought  on  by 
tlie  pavtial  conduct  of  the  American  government  in  overlooking  the  aggressions  of 
the  French,  and  in  their  negotiitions  with  them.  He  alleged  that  a  quarrel  with 
Great  Britain  had  been  sought  because  she  had  adopted  measures  solely  as  retalia- 
tive  as  toward  France ;  and  that,  as  those  measures  liad  been  abandoned  by  a  repeal 
of  the  Orders  in  Council,  the  war  was  now  continued  on  the  question  of  impressment 
and  search.  On  this  point  tlie  Prince  Regent  took  such  a  decisive  position,  that  the 
door  for  negotiation  which  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Atfairs 
nroposed  to  open  seemed  ii'revocably  shut.  "  His  royal  highness,"  said  the  manilesto 
i'rora  his  palace  at  Westminster,  "  can  never  admit  that  in  the  exercise  of  the  un- 
doubted and  hitherto  undisputed'  right  of  searching  neutral  merchant  vessels  in  time 
of  war,  and  the  impressment  of  British  seamen  when  found  therein,  can  be  deemed 
auy  violation  of  a  neutral  flag,  neither  can  he  admit  the  taking  of  such  seamen 
from  on  board  such  vessels  can  be  considered  by  any  neutral  state  as  a  hostile  meas- 
ure or  a  justifiable  cause  of  war."  After  reaffirming  the  old  English  doctrine  of  the 
impossibility  of  self-expatriation  of  aBritifb  subject,  the  manifesto  continued:  "But 
if,  to  the  practice  of  the  United  States  to  harbor  British  seamen,  be  added  their  as- 
sumed right  to  transfer  the  allegiance  of  British  subjects,  and  thus  to  cancel  the  ju- 
risdiction of  their  legitimate  sovereign  by  acts  of  naturalization  and  certificates  of 
citizenship,  which  they  pretend  to  be  as  valid  out  of  their  own  territory  as  within  it,* 
it  is  obvious  that  to  abandon  this  ancient  right  of  Great  Britain,  and  to  admit  these 
naval  pretensions  of  the  United  States,  would  be  to  expose  the  very  foundations  of 
our  maritime  strength." 

The  lanifesto  charged  the  United  States  government  with  systematic  efforts  to 
inflame  their  people  against  Great  Britain,  of  ungenerous  (tonduct  toward  Spain,  Great 
Britain's  ally,  and  of  deserting  the  cause  of  neutrality.  "  This  disposition  of  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States — this  complete  subserviency  to  the  ruler  of  France — 
this  hostile  temper  toward  Great  Britain,"  said  the  prince, "  are  evident  in  almost  ev- 
ery page  of  the  official  correspondence  of  the  American  Avith  the  French  government. 
Against  this  course  of  conduct,  the  real  cause  of  the  present  war,  the  Prince  Regent 
solemnly  protests.  "While  contending  against  France  in  defense  not  only  of  the  lib- 
erties of  Great  Britain,  but  of  the  world,  his  Royal  Highness  was  entitled  to  look  for 
a  far  different  result.  From  their  common  origin — from  their  common  interest — from 
their  professed  principles  of  freedom  and  independence,  the  United  States  was  the 
last  power  in  which  Great  Britain  could  have  expected  to  find  a  willing  instrument 
and  abettor  of  Frencn  tyranny."^ 


'  For  a  refntatfon  of  thiB  erroneous  aBsertion,  see  Chapter  VII. 

'This  right  of  cithenbhip,  Rcqnircd  by  natnralizntlon  and  the  transfer  of  allegiance,  has  long  ago  been  tacitly  ac- 
Lowlcdged  by  the  British  anthorities.  Indeed,  the  claim  set  up  by  the  Prince  Regent  was  practically  abandoned  dur- 
ing the  War  of  1812,  for,  excepting  In  the  case  of  the  Irishmen  made  prisoners  with  Colonel  Scott,  the  British  never 
tUlmed  Brltish-bom  prisoners  as  subjects.    See  page  408. 

■  In  the  manifesto  the  Prince  Regent  also  solemnly  declared  that  "  the  cliarge  of  exciting  the  Indians  to  offensive 


i 

■■;-; 

V 

■ 

\ 

I 


/ ,, 


41b 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


PropoalMon  from  Ruula  tu  mediate. 


The  Propopltton  eDtertained. 


Napoleon'g  Invanlon  of  Rnjii^ 


This  manifesto,  adroitly  framed  for  effect  in  the  United  States  as  well  as  at  homo 
was  approved  hy  both  houses  of  Parliament,  and  sustained  in  an  address  to  the  throne' 
It  reached  America  at  about  the  close  of  the  twelfth  Congress,  and  its  avowals  of  the 
intended  adherence  of  the  British  govenmient  to  the  practice  of  impressment  stood 
before  the  people  side  by  side  with  the  declarations  of  tlie  report  of  their  Committoc 
on  Foreign  Affairs,  in  which  it  was  declared  that  it  was  against  that  practice  the  war 
was  waging,  and  that  it  ought  to  bo  waged  until  the  nefarious  business  was  aban- 
doned by  the  enemy. 

While  pondering  these  documents,  tho  Americana  were  suddenly  called  by  the 
march  of  events  to  contemplate  other  most  important  subjects  in  connection  with  the 
war.  John  Quincy  Adams  was  then  tho  American  minister  at  tho  Russian  court 
His  relations  with  the  Emperor  Alexander  were  intimate  and  cordial.  When  intel- 
ligence of  the  declaration  of  war  reached  St.  Petersburg  the  Czar  expressed  his  regret. 
On  account  of  the  French  invasion  of  his  territory  he  was  on  friendly  terms  with  Great 
•September  20,  Britain,  and  his  prime  minister,  Roman%off,  suggested  to  Mr.  Adams*  the 
^^^'  expediency  of  tendering  the  mediation  of  Russia  for  the  purpose  of  ef- 

fecting a  reconciliation.  Mr.  Adams  favored  it,  but  for  a  while  the  victorious  mareh 
of  Bonaparte  toward  Moscow,  the  heart  of  the  Russian  empire,  delayed  the  measure. 
The  final  defeat  of  the  invader  secured  present  tranquillity  to  the  Czar,  and  he  sent 
instructions  to  M.  Dasehkoff,  his  representative  at  Washington,  to  offer  to  the  United 
States  his  friendly  services  in  bringing  about  a  peace.  This  was  formally  done  on 
tho  8th  of  March,  1813,  only  four  days  after  President  Madison,  in  his  second  inaucu- 
ral  address,  had  laudably  endeavored  to  excite  anew  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  in 
the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war. 

At  about  this  time  official  uitelligence  had  been  received  by  the  government  of  the 
result  of  Napoleon's  invasion  of  Russia.  He  had  indeed  reached  Moscow  after  tear- 
ful sufferings  and  losses,  but  when  he  rode  into  that  ancient  capital  of  the  Muscovites 
at  the  head  of  his  staff,  on  the  15th  of  September,  it  was  as  silent  as  the  Petritied  Citv 
of  the  Eastern  tale.  The  inhabitants  had  withdrawn,  and  the  great  Kremlin  in  which 
he  slept  that  night  was  as  cheerless  as  a  magnificent  mausoleum.  His  slumbers  were 
soon  disturbed.  The  Russians  had  not  all  left.  For  hours  a  hundred  unlighted  torch- 
ep  had  been  held  by  tlie  hands  of  Russian  incendiaries.  When  the  great  bell  of  t!ie 
metropolitan  cathedral  tolled  out  the  hour  of  midnight,  these  were  kindled  by  flint 
and  steel,  and  instantly  a  hundred  fires  glared  fearfully  from  every  direction  upon 
the  coucli  of  the  great  Corsican.  Tho  city  was  every  where  in  flames,  and  the  wea- 
ried Frencii  army  were  compelled  to  seek  shelter  in  the  desolate  country  around  the 
blackened  ruins  of  that  splendid  town. 

On  that  fearful  night  the  star  of  Napoleon's  destiny  had  reached  its  raeridian. 
Eve  •  afterward  it  was  seen  slowly  descending,  in  waning  splendor,  the  paths  of  the 
western  sky.  He  perceived  in  the  destruction  of  Moscow  the  fearful  perils  of  his  sit- 
uation, and  sought  to  avert  them.  He  proposed  terms  of  peaceful  adjustment,  but 
the  emperor  flung  them  back  with  scorn.  Retreat  or  destruction  was  the  alternative. 
He  chose  the  former ;  and  late  in  October,  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand 
men,  he  turned  his  face  toward  France.  For  a  few  days  the  sky  was  clear  and  tlie 
atmosphere  was  genial.  Then  came  biting  frosts  and  blinding  snow-storms,  wiiile 
clouds  of  fiery  Cossacks  smote  his  legions  on  flank  and  rear  with  deadly  blows.  Suf- 


mensurcs  against  the  United  States  is  eqnally  void  of  foundation."  Tills  denial  was  iterated  and  reiterated  by  Britlih 
statesmen  and  pntilicists,  and  lias  been  ever  since.  It  is  very  natnral  for  a  civilized  and  Christian  people  to  reptl  the 
charge  of  complicity  with  savage  pagans  in  the  practices  of  merciless  and  barbarous  warfare.  It  is  commendable,  and 
evinces  a  proper  sense  of  the  heinonsness  of  the  offense  against  civilization;  bat  the  official  declarations  of  even  a 
prince,  were  he  many  times  more  vlrtnous  than  that  libertine  regent  of  England,  can  not  set  aside  the  Indelible  recordi 
of  history  or  the  verdict  of  mankind.  There  are  too  many  positive  statements  concerning  such  complicity  to  donbtll 
In  addition  to  those  given  in  the  preceding  pages  of  this  worli,  many  more  may  be  found  in  Nlles's  Weekly  Regiiter, 


U.,8tt. 


OF  THE   WAB   OF   1812. 


471 


n'l  Uiaut«n  lu  Ramla. 


RiOulclnga  nf  tho  American  Psaco-party. 


CommlnMluneni  to  treat  for  Peace. 


Mtpoleoi 

(mm  Hiul  death  held  high  carnival  among  the  fugitives.  Honaparto  saw  that  all  was 
lost  and  he  haHtenod  to  France,  bearing  almost  the  first  intelligence  of  the  terrible 
(lisiister.  He  loHt  during  the  eiiinitaign  one  hundred  and  twenty-fivo  thounand  slain 
ill  buttle,  one  hundred  and  tliirty-two  thouHand  by  fatigue,  hunger,  diseaHe,  and  cold, 
iind  one  hundred  and  ninety-three  thousand  made  prisoners;  in  all,  four  hundred  and 
Mil  thousand  men!  Notwithstanding  this  fearful  loss  of  life,  he  had  scarcely  reach 
td  Pai'is  when  ho  issued  un  order  for  a  general  conscription,  in  number  sufficient  to 
take  the  places  of  the  dead.  At  the  same  time  Itussia,  Sweden,.  Denmark,  Prussia, 
and  Spain  coalesced  for  tlie  purpose  of  striking  the  cri))pled  conqueror  a  crushing 
|)low  iind  early  in  1813  they  sent  large  annies  toward  the  Elbe  to  oppose  him.  His 
fonscripts  were  already  in  the  field,  and  with  three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men 
he  invaded  Germany,  fought  and  won  the  great  battle  of  Lutzen,*  and,  after  .May 2, 
other  conflicts,  seated  himself  in  Dresden,  agreeably  to  an  armistice,  and  list-  '^"'• 
ened  to  offers  of  mediation  on  the  part  of  Austria,  with  a  view  to  closing  the  war. 

The  intelligence  from  Europe  was  disheartening  to  the  war-party,  for  it  was  evi- 
dent that  the  coalition  of  the  great  powers  of  Europe  against  the  FrtMich  would  so 
relieve  England  that  she  might  prosecute  the  war  in  America  with  great  vigor.  The 
President  had  been  at  all  times  anxious  for  peace  on  honorable  terms.  He  perceived 
.1  chance  for  its  accomplishment  through  Russian  mediation,  and  he  at  once  accepted 
thp  offer  of  M.  Daschkoff.  That  acceptance  was  followed  by  the  nomination  of  Al- 
bert (Tallatin,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  James  A.  Bayard,  a  representative 
of  Delaware  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  as  commissioners  or  envoys  extraor- 
dinary, to  act  jointly  with  Mr.  Adams  to  negotiate  a  treaty  of  peace  with  Great 
lifitain  at  St.  Petersburg.  At  the  same  time,  William  H.  Crawford,  of  Georgia,  a 
Peace  Democrat,  was  appointed  to  succeed  the  lately  deceased  Joel  Barlow'  as  min- 
ister at  the  French  court.  Ot  the  result  of  the  efforts  for  peace  through  Russian 
mediation  I  shall  hereafter  write. 

The  reverses  of  Napoleon,  as  <ve  have  observed,  discouraged  the  war-party,  and 
gave  correspor.ding  joy  to  the  Federalists,  especially  to  the  wing  of  that  organization 
known  as  the  Peace-party,  whose  head-quarters  were  at  Boston.  There  they  cele- 
brated the  Russian  triumphs  with  public  lejoicings.*    In  other  places,  too,  these  vic- 

>  Mr.  Barlow,  as  we  have  »een,  was  an  ardent  Repnblican  (aee  page  94).  In  October,  1312,  the  Unke  de  Baaaano,  at 
Na(M)ii!on'fl  reqiicat.  Invited  Barlow  to  meet  the  emperor  at  Wllna,  In  Poland,  the  nomlnnl  object  oi  wh'ch  waa  to  com- 
plete '  commercial  treaty  with  the  United  States,  for  which  the  American  minister  har'  long  Importuned.  It  was  be- 
kved  hy  some  that  the  real  object  was  to  make  an  arrangement  by  which  French  ships,  manned  by  American  sailors, 
mlslit  be  Drought  Into  play  against  Great  Britain.  Whatever  was  the  object  remains  a  mystery.  Barlow  obeyed  the 
rojal  eummons  immediately,  and  traveled  day  and  night.  The  weather  was  very  Inclement.  The  country  had  been 
vssted  by  war,  and  he  suffered  many  pri  vatlons.  In  consequence  nf  these  and  exposure  to  the  weather,  he  was  attacked 
with  inflnmmatlou  of  the  lungs,  which  caused  his  death  in  the  cottage  of  a  Jew  at  Zarnowice,  near  Cracow,  on  the  22d 
of  December,  1812.  Of  course,  the  object  of  his  mission  was  not  accomplished.  His  last  poem,  dictated.  It  Is  said,  from 
bit  (ieath-bed,  was  a  withering  expression  of  resentment  against  Napoleon  for  the  hopes  which  he  had  disappointed. 

'  Services  were  held  In  King's  Chapel,  on  the  26th  of  March,  1S13,  In  commemoration  of  the  victories  of  the  Russians 
<iver  Napoleon,  who  aimed,  it  was  said, "  at  the  empire  of  the  world."  One  hundred  and  tlfty  amateurs  and  professional 
gentlemen  assisted  In  the  perfoi  mance  of  sacred  music.  Among  other  pieces  sung  was  the  following  recitative,  com- 
posed (br  the  occasion :  "  For  the  hosts  of  Oallia  went  In  with  their  chariots  and  with  their  horsemen  Into  the  North, 
and  the  Lord  chased  them  with  fierce  warriors,  winter  blasts,  and  famine ;  but  the  children  of  Sclavia,  safe  and  unhurt, 
through  all  the  dauger  passed."    The  closing  prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Channcey. 

The  services  lu  the  church  were  held  In  the  forenoon.  In  the  afternoon  many  hundreds  of  the  citUens  of  Boston  and 
the  neighboriug  country  sat  down  to  a  public  dinner.  M.  Eustaphieve,  the  Russian  consul  for  New  England,  vas  a 
;uest.  The  room  was  appropriately  decorated.  Among  the  ornaments  was  a  portrait  of  the  Rnssian  emperor,  with  the 
words,  "Alexander,  the  deliverer  of  Burope."  Harrison  Gray  Oris  made  a  speech  on  the  occasion.  In  which  he  declared 
hit  'onvlctton  that  the  check,  given  to  Napoleon  by  Russia  had  rescued  pur  country  from  Its  greatest  rtanTer— the  Influ- 
eoce  of  the  French  policy.    Several  songs  were  sung.    One  of  them  contained  the  following  verse : 

"  Hall,  Russia  I  may  thy  conq'Hng  bands 
Sad  Enropo  from  her  chains  release; 
Exalt  tne  hopes  of  farthest  lands. 
And  give  us  back  an  exiled  psaok  !" 
An  ode  was  sung,  to  the  air  of  "  Ye  Mariners  of  England,"  which  concluded  thus ;  •  ^ 

"  Then  fill  to  Alexander ! 
For  him  a  garland  twine, 
While  shaded  by  our  oaks,  we  taste 
The  virtues  of  the  vine.  '  ■"   • 


1  " 

1 

)■■; 

lu 


473 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Cabinet  Changei. 


AmiRtroog  rhiwen  Socruturj  of  Wir. 


tories  were  hailed  with  joy,  and  became  tiie  themes  for  Hong  and  curatory,'  to  the  r'reat 
difiguHt  of  the  war-party  and  their  newH[)aj)er  organs,  who  censured  the  Presideiit  for 
his  huHte  in  snatching  at  Russian  mediation. 

During  the  session  of  Congress  which  closed  on  the  3d  of  Msirch,  1813,  tliore  had 
been  some  important  changes  in  President  Madison's  Cabinet.  Public  clamor  against 
him  had  caused  Dr.  Eustis  to  resign  the  War  bureau,  and  the  affairs  of  that  d(|)ait- 
ment  were  conducted  for  several  weeks  by  Mr.  Monroe,  the  Secretary  of  State.  John 
Armstrong,  who  had  been  appointed  a  brigadier  general  in  the  army  of  the  TTnittd 
States,  and  succeeded  General  Bloomfield  in  command  at  New  York,  was  appointcil 
■January  18,  Secretary  of  War,"  and  Paul  Hamilton  was  dismissed  from  the  Navy  Ik: 
'***^'  partment  to  make  way  for  William  Jones,''  who  had  been  a  ship-masipr 

"inary  .  j^^  earlier  life,  was  an  active  Philadcl])hia  politician  of  the  DeniocTatic 
school,  and  at  the  time  was  Commissary  of  Purchases  for  the  army.  Madison's  Cab- 
inet, at  the  opening  of  the  campaign  of  1813,  was  composed  as  follows:  James  Mon- 
roe, Secretary  of  State;  John  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  War;  William  Jones,  Secre- 
tary of  the  Nuvy ;  Albert  Gallatin,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury;  and  \yilliam  Pinkney, 
Attorney  General. 


And  when  those  oaks  adorn  oar  bill», 
Or  bear  our  thunders  far, 
Let  each  soul 
Fill  his  bowl 
*  To  vict'ry  and  the  Czar— 

'  And  give  a  long  and  loud  hnzza 

To  vict'ry  and  the  Czar." 
1  On  the  6th  of  June,  1818,  the  late  G.  W.  P.  Cnstls,  the  adopted  Bon  of  Washington,  addressed  a  large  audience  nl 
Qeorgetowu,  In  the  District  of  Columbia,  on  the  Russian  victories.  Thi  t  address  drew  from  tlie  Russian  niiiiimcr  ai 
Washington  a  very  complimentary  letter,  and  a  request  for  a  copy  to  be  transmitted  to  Russia.  That  letter,  dated 
"  .Tune  21, 1S13,"  was  accompanied  by  a  small  medal  containing  a  likeness  of  the  Emperor  Alexander.  "  Permit  me  to 
czpresB  to  you  my  gratitude,"  said  M.  DaschkolT,  "  that  of  my  family,  and  of  all  my  countrymen  who  shall  pcriiRc  yoiir 
oration,  for  the  zeal  and  Interest  you  have  displayed  In  our  cause;  and  allow  me  to  send  yon  a  small  medal, with  the 
likeness  of  Alexander  the  First,  the  only  one  which  la  now  In  my  possession."— Jf&'.  Letter. 


It'  i  I 

l<.    i 


i:);; 


PHii^lVi 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


478 


H«frtion'«  PiwItloP  on  the  MaumeB. 


BzpadlUon  aKnIniit  M«ldcii. 


Ita  Failar*. 


CHAPTER  XXm. 

"  Oh,  lonely  Is  our  old  grceu  fort, 

Where  oft,  In  diiyg  of  old. 
Our  gallant  xoldierH  bravely  fought 

'(liilnHt  xavago  alllvM  bold  ; 
But  with  tbo  chnnKC  of  years  have  passed 

That  unreluntlii);  foe, 
Slucu  wo  fought  bero  with  Harrison. 

A  lung  time  ago.'"  Bono— Old  Fobt  Hiiai. 

^OTIIING  of  importance  in  military  movements  occurred  (Miring 
tlie  dead  of  winter,  in  1813,  excepting  the  terrible  aflair  at 
Frenchtown,  on  the  River  Raisin,  already  described,"  and  some 
hostile  demonstrations  on  the  St.  Lawrence  frontier  at  Elizabeth- 
town  and  Ogdensburg  by  the  opposing  parties.  The  campaign 
of  that  year  o])ened  almost  simultaneously  on  the  shores  of  Lake 
Ontario,  in  the  Valley  of  the  Maumee,  and  on  the  coasts  of  Vir- 
ginia. 

Let  us  tirst  consider  the  military  events  in  the  Northwest,  where  we  left  General 
Harrison,  with  a  portion  of  his  gallant  little  army,  encamped  amid  the  snows  in  the 
dark  forests  that  skirted  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee.'' 

The  position  chosen  by  Harrison  for  a  strong  advanced  post,  which  would  give  him 
facilities  for  keeping  open  a  communication  with  Ohio  and  Kentucky,  allow  him 
to  afford  pro  p' ion  to  the  inhabitants  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Erie,  and  to  operate 
airainst  Detroit  and  Maiden,  was  one  of  tHfe  most  eligible  in  the  Northwest,  and  its 
possession  gave  the  British  much  uneasiness.  Harrison's  plan  was  to  form  simjily  a 
ibrtified  camp,  and  to  procecute  the  winter  campaign  with  vigor.  For  this  purpose 
lie  endeavored  to  concentrate  troops  there,  and  prepared  to  push  on  to  the  vicinity 
of  Brownstown,  for  the  purpose  of  operating  directly  against  Maiden  while  the  De- 
troit River  was  bridged  with  ice.  Considering  the  destruction  of  the  enemy's  ves- 
sels, frozen  up  in  the  vicinity  of  Maiden,  of  great  importance,  he  sent  a  small  force, 
under  Captain  Langham,^  to  perform  that  service.  Op  the  2d  of  Mfirch  they 
set  off  in  sleighs,  with  six  days'  provisions,  and  well  equipped  with  combusti- 
bles. The  party  was  one  hundred  and  seventy  strong.  The  particular  incendiaries 
were  under  the  immediate  command  of  M.  Madis,  a  Frenchman  of  European  military 
experience,  then  conductor  of  artillery.  They  were  instructed  to  leave  the  sleighs 
at  Middle  Bass  Island,  and,  with  their  feet  muffled  in  moccasins,  proceed  noiselessly, 
under  cover  of  night,  to  the  work  of  destruction.  Harrison  advanced  with  a  support- 
ing detachment,  but  on  his  arrival  at  Maumefe  Bay,*"  not  far  below  the  pres- 
ent city  of  Toledo,  he  met  Langham  and  his  party  returning.  They  had 
found  the  lake  open,  and  of  course  the  plan  of  the  expedition  was  frustrated.  Tlie 
mildness  of  the  winter  had  been  remarkable ;  the  roads  were  consequently  almost 
impassable.    There  was  no  ice  competent  to  bear  troops  and  munitions  of  war. 

Harrison  now  abandoned  all  hopes  of  moving  forward  until  spring,  and  continued 
the  work  of  fortifying  his  camp  with  great  vigor,  for  the  preservation  of  his  stores, 

<  See  Chapter  XX.  >  See  page  364. 

'  Augustas  L.  Langham,  of  Ohio,  was  an  ensign  la  a  rifle  corps  tn  180S.  He  resigned  in  1809,  and  in  March,  1812,  was 
commiisioned  a  captain  in  the  Nineteenth  Regiment  of  Infantry.  He  distinguished  himself  at  Fort  Helge.  In  Atig;iiet 
Mowing  he  was  promoted  to  major,  was  retainud  in  1816,  iind  resigned  in  Octolier,  1810. 


'  1813. 


'  March  3. 


il 


m,  ik< 


IIJ 


N  «i 


41^ 


PICTORIAL   FIKLD-BOOK 


Vortlflad  GMnp  (t  the  Hsainae  lUpUU. 


RmlMnMS  of  the  cummaadtiitf  Offlcrr. 


A  WMk  Oirriiom 


oollocti'tl  thorc  in  proat  qnantity.  ITih  troops  wore  ihvn  nbont  piphlpcn  hundred  in 
nuiubi-r,  iiiul  woro  employod  on  the  wurku  iiikIit  tlio  Hkillful  direction  of  tliat  com- 

^  |K-t«'nt  offif-r.  Captain  Wood,  thv  chief 

-/X^^n^  «ngini-er   of  Harrison'M   army,  ("a,„ai„ 

c^*^€.^v/  Grutiot,*  tht-n  lyinp  jtroHtratc  witli  ii|. 

noim  tliat  lonjf  continued.    "The  pamp" 

— said  Captain  Wood,  waH  about  twoiitv- 

five  hundred  yards  in  circumference,  the  wlude  of  wliich,  w>th  the  exception  of  hiv- 
eral  small  iiitervalH  left  for  batteries  and  block-Iioubcs,  was  to  be  |)icketed  with  tim- 
ber fifteen  leet  long,  from  ten  to  twelve  inches  in  diameter,  and  set  three  feet  in  the 
ground.  Such  were  the  instructions  of  the  engineer;  and  so  soon  as  the  lines  of  tlic 
camp  were  (U'signated,  large  portions  of  the  labor  were  assigned  to  each  corps  in  tin. 
army,  by  which  means  a  very  laudable  eamlation  was  easily  excited.  To  conii)letf 
tlio  picketing,  to  put  up  eight  block-houses  of  double  timbers,  to  elevate  fo.ir  largi' 
batteries,  to  build  all  the  store-houses  and  magazines  n'quired  to  contain  the  siipplieii 
of  the  army,  together  with  the  ordinary  fatigues  of  the  camp,  was  an  undertaking  of 
no  small  magnitude.  Besides,  an  immense  deal  of  labor  was  likewise  recpiired  in  ex- 
cavating ditches,  making  abatis,  and  clearing  away  the  wood  about  tlu^  canij) ;  and 
all  this  was  to  be  (b)ne,  too,  at  a  time  when  the  weather  was  inclement,  and  the  ground 
80  hard  tluit  it  could  scarcely  bo  opened  with  the  mattock  and  pickaxe.  But  in  the 
use  of  the  axe,  mattock,  and  spade  consisted  tho  chief  military  knowledge  of  our 
army;  and  even  that  knowledge,  however  trifling  it  may  be  supposed  by  some,  is 
of  the  utmost  importance  in  many  situations,  and  in  ours  was  the  salvation  of  the 
army.  So  we  fell  to  work,  heard  nothing  of  the  enemy,  and  endcavo>-ed  to  bury  our- 
selves as  soon  as  possible."^ 

But  the  work  so  vigorously  commenced  was  abandoned  soon  afterward,  when  the 
general  and  the  engineer  left  tlie  camj) — the  former  to  visit  liis  sick  family  at  Cinrin- 
nati,  and  to  urge  forward  troops  and  supplies  for  his  army;  the  latter  to  superintend 
the  erection  of  defensive  works  at  Santhftky.  The  camj)  at  the  Rapids  w  as  left  in 
charge  of  Colonol  Leftwich,  o^  tlie  Virginia  militia,  who  appears  to  have  resolved  to 
desert  the  post  as  soon  as  possible.  Kcgardless  of  the  danger  to  the  stores,  and 
comfort  and  safety  of  those  he  miglit  leave  behind,  ho  not  only  allowed  all  work 
upon  the  fortifications  to  cease,  but  permitted  the  soldiers  to  burn  the  collected  piok- 
etings  for  fuel,  instead  of  getting  it  fiom  the  woods  withui  pistol-shot  of  the  oamp. 
On  his  return  from  Sandusky  on  the  20th  of  P'ebruary,  Captain  Wood,  to  his  great 
mortification,  perceived  the  utter  neglect  of  Leftwich,  and  the  destruction  of  the 
works  on  tlie  lines  commenced  before  lie  left.  The  consequence  of  thii  conduct  of 
Leftwich,  whom  Wood  called  "  an  old  phlegmatic  Dutchman,  who  was  not  even  fit 
for  a  pack-horse  master,  much  less  to  be  hitrnsted  with  such  an  important  command," 
was  great  exposure  of  the  garrison  to  the  inclement  weather,  and  the  stores  to  immi- 
nent peril  from  the  enemy.  When,  on  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  enlistment,  tho 
Virginia  troops  under  Leftwich,  and  others  from  Pennsylvania,  left  for  home,  only 
about  five  hundred  men  remained  at  the  Rapids  under  Major  Stoddard,  with  which 
to  maintaiu  possession  of  an  unfinished  line  of  circumvallation  calculated  to  contain 
an  army  of  two  thousand  men. 

Harrison's  greatest  concern  during  the  winter  of  1813  was  the  possibility  of  not 
keeping  soldiers  enough  in  the  field  for  the  spring  campaign,  as  the  terms  of  the  en- 

'  Charles  Oratiot  wag  a  native  of  Miasonrl,  and  was  appointed  wacond  llentenant  of  Englneen  In  Ttober,  18(K),  ud 
captain  in  1809.  Ilarrlaon  appointed  him  his  chief  engineer  In  1S12.  He  was  promoted  to  mivjor  ii>  1816,  llentemiit 
colonel  in  1819,  colonel  and  principal  engineer  Ip  18S8,  and  on  the  eame  day  (Hay  24)  was  breveted  b.gadier  General. 
He  left  the  service  In  December,  1838. 

>  The  Itnea  of  the  camp,inc)oainfr  about  eight  acre*,  were  very  irregular.  They  ware  upon  a  high  bank,  abont  oii( 
bnndred.  feet  above  the  river  and  three  hundred  yards.  fh>m  it.  On  the  land  side,  commencing  at  the  run,  woa  a  dMp 
ravine  that  swept  in  a  cresuent  form  qnlte  round  to  the  rear. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1813. 


471 


iCdl li''  VulantMn  nob);  ariiwand.         Armttroiiit'i  InltrfarraM  with  HarrUoa't  Pltnt.  Uarrir  tn*!  ProlMrtt 

listinent  of  <Hfft'ivnt  coij)H  would  hooii  cxjdro.  To  prrvido  for  such  continK«'ncy, he 
cilltMl  for  vol'  titotTH  from  K(  iitiuky  luid  Ohio,  iiiiil  iiict  witli  cordial  ri'sjioiiHoM.*  Ho 
was  prcpniiii.';  to  oollcct  iiboiit  four  tiiouMiuid  iru'U  at  the  UajiidH  for  au  early  movi'- 
iiii'iit  ajfaiu^*  Maidi'n,  when  ho  rcoeived  iimtructionH  from  (ii>iH>ral  ArniHtronj^,  the 
new  Secretary  of  War,  which  dcraujiud  i'.ll  iiin  )>ianH.  IJy  llicwc  he  was  directed  to 
(ontiiiuo  his  denu)nstratiotm  against  Maiden,  i)Ut  only  as  a  <liversioii  i:i  tiivor  of  at- 
ti'iiii)ts  to  ho  uuido  upon  C<unada  farther  down.  IFo  was  enjoined  not  to  make  an 
■K'tiiiil  attack  upon  the  enemy  until  tlu  consummation  if  measures  for  seciiiiui^  the 
lommaml  <>f  I-i'ke  Kric,  then  just  inaugurated,  nd  to  be  completed  at  I'resipu'  Isle 
(now  Eric,  I'tunsylvania)  by  the  middle  of  the  ensuing  May.  Much  to  his  mortitica- 
lioii  iunl  alarm,  he  was  directed  to  dispense  with  militia  as  much  as  possible,  and  to 
till  up  the  17th,  10th,  and  2-Uh  Uegiments  of  Itegulars  for  service  in  the  ensuing 
■umpait,'"-  il^'  w*^  informed  that  two  ntlier  regiments  of  regulars  bnd  been  ordered 
to  bo  ruistd,  one  in  Kentucky  and  the  other  in  Ohio.  Hhouhl  the  old  regiments  not 
be  tilled  in  time,  he  was  jicrmittcd  to  make  up  the  deficiencies  from  the  militia.  With 
thc80  ho  was  to  garrison  the  dilferent  po8tH,  hold  the  position  at  the  Kapids,  aiul 
amuse  the  enemy  by  leints. 

This  interference  with  his  plans  aimoyed  Harrison  exceedingly,  and  lie  ventured  to 
remonstrate  with  the  Secretary  of  War.  He  gave  him  his  views*  very  iMBrchis, 
freely,  aixl  with  them  some  valuable  and  much-needed  information  concern-  "*'"'• 
in"  the  country  to  be  defended  and  tlie  Indian  tribes  in  alliance  with  the  British.  lie 
explained  the  causes  of  apprehended  danger  in  attempting  to  carry  out  the  new  pro- 
ffrainmo,  and  assured  the  Secretary  of  War  that  the  regular  force  to  be  relied  on 
eoulil  not  bo  raised  in  time  for  needed  service,  and  that, even  if  it  should,  it  wouhl  be 
too  small  for  the  required  duty — so  evidently  inadeipuite  that  enlistmcntH  would  be 
diseouraarcd.''  Armstrong,  who  seldom  bore  opposition  patiently,  did  not  like  to  be 
remonstrated  wit»i,but  he  prudently  forbore  farther  interference  hi  the  conduct  of 
the  cam])aign  in  the  Northwest  at  that  time.^ 

General  Harrison  was  yet  at  Cincinnati  late  in  March,  actively  engaged  in  endeavors 
to  forward  troops  and  supplies  to  the  Rapids.  Informed  that  the  lake  was  ".imost  free 
of  ice,  that  the  Virginia  and  n-.ost  of  the  Pennsylvania  troops  would  leave  at  the  ex- 

1  IlarrlsDii  requested  tlint  a  corps  of  flfteeii  hiimlred  men  might  be  raised  in  Kentucky  Immediately,  and  marched  to 
his  l)ead-<itiarter(i  without  delay.  The  Legislature  of  Kentucky  was  then  In  session,  and  Harrison's  request  was  sub- 
mitted to  them  tn  i  confidential  mesg/igo  by  Governor  Shelby.  A  law  was  immediately  passed  offering  additional  pay 
ufievcn  di)lliirs  a  month  to  any  flfi|Bu  hundred  Kentucklans  who  would  remain  in  the  service  till  u  corps  could  be 
wilt  to  relieve  them.  This  offer  was  accompanied  by  an  appeal  to  their  patriotism  from  the  LcLrislature,  which  reached 
them  on  the  Hth  of  February.  They  had  suffered  much,  and  were  very  anxious  to  return  home,  so  they  wou'd  only 
;'romi8e  to  remain  an  ludeflnltc  time,  but  aald  that  If  the  general  w.is  ready  to  lead  them  against  the  enemy  they  would 
follow  him  without  additional  pay.  Similar  appeal  to  the  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  troops  met  with  similar  success, 
bat  the  Virginians  would  not  remain.  Meanwhile  the  Legislature  of  Kentucky  passed  an  act  for  detailing  three  tbou- 
!tnd  men  from  the  militia,  of  which  Aftecn  Iiundred  were  to  mftch  for  Barriaon'B  camp,  and  Qovernor  Heigs  ordered 
two  regiments  to  be  organized  for  the  same  service. 

'  In  a  letter  to  Governor  8hell)y,  at  about  this  time,  Harrison  eald :  "  Last  night's  mall  brought  mo  a  letter  from  the 
Secretary  of  War  In  which  I  am  restricted  to  the  employment  of  the  regular  trcmps  raised  in  this  state  to  re-enforce  the 
post  al  the  Rar!''  ■•  There  are  scattered  through  this  state  about  one  hundred  -  'orty  recruits  of  the  18th  Uegiment, 
«nd  iflth  these  I  nm  to  supply  the  place  of  the  brigades  from  Pennsylvania  am  .rglnia,  whose  time  of  service  will 
iioit  be  dally  expiring.  By  a  letter  from  Qovernor  Melga  I  am  Informed  that  the  "cretary  of  War  disapproved  the  call 
for  militia  which  1  had  made  on  this  state  and  Kentucky,  and  was  on  the  point  ol  tonntermandlng  the  orders.  I  will 
JMt  mention  one  fact,  which  will  show  the  consequences  of  such  a  countermand.  There  are  upf.u  the  Au  Qlalz.e  and 
Sl.M,irj'8  Rivers  eight  fortp,  which  cont-.ln  within  their  walls  property  to  the  amount  of  half  a  million  of  dollars  from 
actaal  cost,  and  worth  now  to  the  United  States  four  times  that  sum.  The  whole  force  which  wonld  have  had  charge 
of  all  these  torts  and  property  would  have  amounted  to  less  than  twenty  invalid  Boldlers."— Autograph  Letter,  March 
21,1813. 

'  Armstrong  attempted  to  arrange  the  military  force  of  the  country  on  the  plan  adopted  by  General  Washington  In 
the  Revolntion.  On  the  19th  of  March  he  promulgated  a  general  order,  dividing  the  whole  United  States  into  nine 
military  dislrictfl,  as  follows:  1,  Massachusetts,  with  Maine  and  New  Hampshire;  2,  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticnt; 
3,  New  York  below  the  Highlands  and  New  Jersey;  4,  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware;  6,  Maryland  and  Virginia;  6, 
(imrgia;  T,  Louisiana.  The  rest  of  the  States  andTcrrlturiesbeingdlvidedbetween  the  8th  andltth,  the  first  embraced 
the  Fcat  of  war  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  the  other  the  Niagara  portion,  Lake  Ontario,  and  the  8t.  Law- 
rence and  Lake  Champlain. 

On  the  12lh  of  Marcli  commissions  were  Issued  for  eight  new  brigadiers,  namely,  Cnshing,  Parker,  Izard,  and  Pike, 
otthe  old  army,  and  Winder,  M 'Arthur,  Caes,  Howard,  and  Swartwout.  The  latter  succeeded  Morgan  Lewis  m 
quarter-master  with  the  rank  of  brigadier. 


1 

^■fl^ 

h*^ 

' 

1 

'   t 

1 
t 

''  I , 


476 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Brigade  of  Qenural  Green  Clay, 


Their  Rpndezvous  anj  March  toward  the  Manmee.  Cincinnati  In  Igrs 


piration  of  their  term  on  the  2'i  of  April 
and  that  tlie  enemy  were  doubtless  in- 
formed of  the  situation  of  aftairs  at  the 
Rapids  by  a  soldier  who  had  been  made 
a  prisoner  by  them,  he  anticipated  an 
early  attack  upon  his  camp  there.  It 
was,  therefore,  with  the  greatest  anxiety 
that  he  awaited  promised  re  enforce- 
ments from  Kentucky.  The  governor 
had  ordered  a  d'-aft  of  three  thousand 
militia  (fifteen  hundred  of  them  for 
Harrison's  army)  as  early  as  the  middle 
of  February,  to  be  organized  into  four 
regimentSjUnder  Colonels  Boswell,  Dnd- 
ley.  Cox,  and  Caldwell,  forming  a  bri- 
gade to  be  commanded  by  Britjadier 
General  Green  Clay.'  The  regiments 
under  the  first  two  named  oflicei-s  ren- 
dezvoused at  Newport,  opposite  to  Cin- 
cinnati, at  about  *:he  first  of  Apiil, 
Those  companies  which  had  arrived 
there  eorlier  had  been  sent  forward  to 
the  Rapids  on  fcced  marches,  by  the 
way  of  Urbana  and  "  Hull's  Trace,"  and 
the  commander-in-chief  followed  soon 
afterward,  leaving  the  remainder  of  the 
Kentuckians  designed  for  his  command 
to  be  forwarded  as  quickly  as  ])ossible. 
lie  arrived  at  camp  on  the  12  th  of  April,  and  was  gratified  by  finding  more  than  two 


I- 


III 


TIKW  or  OINOINHATI   mOM  NKWPOHT    IN  1812.' 


Ht  <^ 


J.,.;, 


•  In  a  letter  dated  at  "Frankfort,  March  6, 1818,"  Governor  Shelby  invited  Mr.  Clny  to  accept  the  commmd  otihe 
brigade  as  brigadier  general.  Clay  accepted  the  oIBcm,  and  in  a  letter,  dated  on  the  Iflth  of  the  anmc  month,  Iho  gov- 
ernor sent  him  his  commission.  In  thf  Urst  letter,  now  before  mc,  t'le  governor  said  that,  had  It  been  designed  lo 
cross  into  Cr.nada  at  once,  he  should  have  talcen  command  of  the  Keiituoky  troops  In  person. 

i  Tbla  view  of  Clnclnuati  in  1812  la  ttom  an  old  priat.    It  then  contained  about  two  thousand  Inhabitants. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


477 


vTtMeIzs  aud  Its  Vicinity.    Harrison  assuraeB  HesponslbiUty.    Proctor'B  Preparations  to  Invade  the  Maumea  Valley. 


hundred  patriotic  Pennsylvanians  remaining,  who 
their  chaplain,  Dr.  Hersey.' 

Under  the  direction  of  Captain  Wood,  the  for- 
tified camp,  which  had  been  named  in  honor  of 
the  ffovernor  of  Ohio,  had  assumed  many  of  the 
features  of  a  regular  fortification,  and  was  aigni- 
fied  with  the  name  of  Fort  Meigs.  It  was  evi- 
dent that  its  defense  would  be  the  chief  event  in 
the  opening  of  the  campaign.  Harrison  had  been 
informed  while  on  his  way  of  the  frequent  ap- 
pearance of  Indian  scouts  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  Rapids,  and  of  little  skirmishes  with  what 
he  supposed  to  be  the  advance  of  a  more  power- 
ful force.  Alarmed  by  these  demonstrations,  lie 
dispatched  a  messenger  from  Fort  Amanda  M'ith 
a  letter  to  Governor  Shelby,  urging  him  to  send 
to  the  Maumee  the  wliole  of  the  three  thousand 
militia  drafted  in  Kentucky.  This  was  in  viola- 
tion of  his  instructions  from  the  War  Department 
respecting  the  employment  of  militia,  but  the 
seeming  peril  demanding  such  violation,  he  did 
not  hesitate  for  a  moment.  E.Ypecting  to  find 
Fort  Meigs  invested  by  the  British  and  Indians, 
he  took  with  him  from  Fort  Amanda  all  the  troops 
tliat  could  be  spare!  from  the  posts  on  1,he  St. 
Mary  and  the  Au  Glaize,  about  throe  hundred  in 
all,  and  descended  by  water  from  his  point  of  de- 
parture with  the  intention  of  storming  any  British 
batteries  ^vhich  he  might  find  cmp'jyed  against 
his  camp.  He  was  agreeably  disappointed  on  his 
arrival  by  the  discovery  that  the  enemy  was  not 
near  in  great  force.  But  that  enemy,  vigilant  and 
determined,  was  preparing  to  strike  at  Fort  Meigs 
a  destructive  blow. 

When  the  ice  began  to  move  in  the  Detroit 
River  and  the  lake,  Proctor  foimcd  his  plans  for 
an  early  invasion  of  tho  Maumee  Valley.  Ever 
since  his  sanguinary  operations  at  Frenchtown 
he  had  been  using  ev(>ry  art  and  appliance  in  his 
power  to  conceati'ate  av  Amherstburg  a  large  In- 
dian force  for  the  purpose.  He  tired  the  zeal  of 
Tecumth."  a?id  the  Prophet  by  promises  of  future 
success  in  all  tlieir  schemes  for  confederating  the 
savage  tribes,  and  by  boasting  of  his  ample  pow- 
er to  place  in  the  hands  of  his  Indian  allies  Fort 
Meigs,  its  garrison,  and  immense  stores.  So  stim- 
ulative were  his  promises  that,  at  the  beginning 
of  April,  Tecumtha  was  at  Fort  Maiden  witli  al- 
most fifteen  hundred  Indians.  Full  six  hundred 
of  them  were  drawn  from  the  country  between 


had  been  per8ua<ied  to  do  so  by 


ij 


'  These  patriotic  men  informed  the  j^eneral  that  they  were  very  anxious  to  i^o  home  to  put  in  their  spring  seeds,  bnt 
Ihst  they  wonld  never  leave  him  until  he  thought  that  their  8er^•lces  could  be  spared  without  danger  to  the  cause.  On 
tb<arrlral  of  the  three  Kentucky  companies  be  disch^ged  the  Pennsylvaulans. 


lii  i;: 


m 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Expedition  agalnit  Fort  Helgs. 


Harrlaon's  Precautloi 


liake  Michigan  and  the  Wabash,  much  to  the  satisfaction  of  Harrison  when  he  dis- 
covered the  fact,  for  it  so  relieved  him  of  apprehensions  of  peril  to  his  posts  from  that 
direction  that  he  countermanded  his  requisition  on  Governor  Shelby  for  all  the  draft- 
ed men  from  Kentucky. 

Proctor  was  delighted  with  the  response  of  the  savages  to  his  call,  and  visions  of 
speedy  victory,  personal  glory,  and  offi'^ial  promotion  fil'ed  his  mind.  He  became 
more  boastful  tlian  ever,  and  more  supercilious  toward  the  Americans  at  Detroit 
•  1818.  ^^^  ordered  the  Canadian  militia  to  assemble  at  Sandwich  on  the  7th  of  April  * 
when  he  assured  them  that  the  campa^n  would  be  short,  decisive  suc- 
"  *'"'"•  cessful,  and  profitable.  On  the  23d''  his  army  and  that  of  his  sava<Te  allies 
more  than  two  thousand  in  number,'  were  in  readiness  at  Amherstburg ;  and  on  that 
day  they  embarked  on  a  brig  and  several  smaller  vessels,  accompanied  by  two  mm- 
boats  and  some  artillery.  On  the  26th  they  appeared  at  the  mouth  of  the  Maumee 
about  twelve  miles  below  Fort  Meigs ;  and  on  the  28th  they  landed  on  the  left  bank 
of  the  river,  near  old  Fort  Miami,  and  established  their  main  camp  there.^  From 
that  point  Proctor  and  Tecumtha,  who  were  well  mounted,  rode  up  the  river  to  a 
point  opposite  Fort  Meigs  to  reconnoitre.  They  were  discovered  at  the  fort,  ^v  hen  a 
shot  from  one  of  the  batteries  sent  them  back  in  haste.  ^  Captain  Dixon,  of  the  Royal 
Engineers,  was  immediately  sent  up  with  a  fatigue  party  to  construct  batteries  upon 
a  commanding  elevation  nearly  opposite  the  fort  in  front  of  the  present  ]\Iaumee 
City,  but  incessant  rains,  and  the  wretched  condition  of  the  roads,  so  retarded  the  prog- 
ress of  the  work  that  they  were  not  ready  for  operations  until  the  first  day  of  May. 

The  approach  of  the  enemy  in  force  had  been  discovered  by  Captain  Hamilton  of 
the  Ohio  troops,  on  the  28th,  wWle  rec  ^nnoitring  down  the  river  with  a  small  force, 
Pe^er  Navarre,  one  of  Harrison's  moot  trustworthy  scouts,  yet  (1867)  living  in  Ohio 
first  saw  them.  Hamilton  sent  him  in  haste  to  Fort  Meigs  with  the  intellifrence 
when  Harrison  instantly  dispatched  him  with  three  letters,  one  tor  Upper  Sandusky, 
one  for  Lower  Sandusky,  and  one  for  Governor  Meigs,  at  Urbana.'*  Although  Fort 
Meigs  was  quite  strong,  several  block-houses  having  been  erected  in  connection  with 
the  lines  of  intrenchment  and  pickets,  and  a  good  supply  of  field-pieces  had  been 
mounted,  Harrison  was  convinced,  from  the  character  and  strength  of  the  enemy,  that 
his  post  was  in  imminent  peril.  He  knew  that  General  Green  Clay  was  on  his  marcli 
with  Kentuckians ;  and  as  soon  as  Navarre  was  furnished  with  his  letters,  he  dis- 
patched Captain  William  Oliver,  the  commissary  to  the  fort,  an  intelligent,  brave,  and 
judicious  officer  (who  had  performed  similar  service  for  him),  with  an  oral  message 
to  Clay,  urging  him  to  press  forward  by  forced  marches.  Oliver  bore  to  Clay  the 
following  simple  note  of  introduction  :* 

"  Head-qnitrters,  Camp  Meige,  28th  April,  1S13. 

"  Dear  Sir, — I  send  Mr.  Oliver  to  you,  to  give  you  an  account  of  what  is  passing 
here.    You  may  rely  implicitly  upon  him.    Yours, 

"William  Henry  Harrison." 

Oliver  was  accompanied  by  a  single  white  man  and  an  Indian.    He  was  escorted 


'  The  combined  force  under  Proctor  consisted  of  622  regulars,  461  militia,  and  about  1800  Indians ;  total,  2482.  The 
Americans  at  Fort  HeigJ  did  not  exceed  1100  effective  men. 

>  See  the  map  on  the  preceding  page,  which  covers  the  entire  historic  ground  at  and  around  the  Maumee  Baplds  from 
Boche  de  Bout— perpendicular  rock— where  the  river  has  a  considerable  fall,  and  where  Wayne  was  encamped  in  ITM 
(sec  page  84),  to  Proctor's  encampment  ncnr  Fort  Miami  at  the  time  we  are  considerliig.  It  shows  the  dIocc  uf  Hull'.' 
encampment  in  1812  (see  page  267),  and  iVayue'a  battle-ground  in  1794  (see  page  88),  with  the  site  of  j<"ort  Meigs,  and 
ofincidents  connected  with  the  siege  abouUo  be  described  in  the  text;  also  the  present  Maumee  City  on  one  side  of  Ihp 
river,  Perryville  on  the  other,  and  the  rail  and  wagon  bridges  across.  Between  Fort  Meigs  and  Pcrryville  is  seen  a 
stream.    It  courses  through  the  rarine  mentioned  in  Note  2,  page  474. 

>  Statement  of  P.everend  A.  M.  Lorraine,  in  the  Ladiei'  B^ioHtory,  March,  1848. 
♦  Oral  statement  of  NavoTe  to  the  author. 

'  The  origtiul  is  before  me,  and  a  /ac-n'mib)  of  it  appears  on  the  opposit:  page.  It  is  one  of  the  papers  of  Oenerr.l  City 
kindly  placed  In  oiy  hands  by  his  son,  Qeneral  C'—'-^t  M.  Clay,  onr  late  minister  at  the  Russian  Court.  It  Is  writteo 
on  a  half  nbeet  of  foolscap  paper,  and  Is  thoronghly  soiled  by  cont'ict  with  mnd  and  water. 


OF  THE  WAR    Ol"   1812. 


<t« 


General  IlarrisoD'B  Note  to  Qeneral  Clay. 


bevon<i  ^^^^  immediate  danger  thaUfiurroundcd  tlie  camp  by  a  company  of  dragoons 
under  Captain  Garrard.  He  found  General  Clay  at  Fort  V/inchester  (Defiance)  witli 
twelve  hundred  Kentuckians,  three  companies  of  his  command,  aa  we  have  observed,' 
liavinff  been  sent  forward  by  Harrison  at  the  close  of  March.     Clay  had  left  Cincin- 


'  '■'*. 


'  See  png-c  4T(1. 


I       ! 


1  ' 


■iiii^ 


III 


1' 

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1 

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1 

1 
1 

J 

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'■mm.  II 

1 

Ii!i 


4afr 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Coiqbs  commlBsluned  a  Cnptain  ofSptei.  lie  gues  on  a  perilous  Expedition.  Biographical  Hlictch  of  Cumin 


•  April  1, 
1813. 


nati  early  in  April,  after  issuing  a  stirring  address'  to  his  troops*  in  General 
Orders,  and  followed  Winchester's  route  to  the  Mauraee.^  At  Dayton  he 
was  overtaken  by  Leslie  Combs,  of  Kentucky,  a  bold  and  ardent  young  man  of  nine- 
teen years,  whose  services  as  scout  and  messenger  in  the  late  campaign,  whi^li  ended 
so  disastrously  at  the  Raisin,  were  well  known  to  General  Clay.  He  at  once  com- 
missioned Combs  captain  of  a  company  of  riflemen  as  spies  or  scouts,  to  be  selected 
by  him  from  Dudley's  corps. 

At  St.  Mary's  block-house  Clay  divided  his  brigade.  He  sent  Dudley  to  the  An 
Glaizc,  while  ho  descended  the  St.  Mary  himself  with  Colonel  Boswell's  corps.  Uoth 
divisions  were  to  meet  at  Defiance.  While  on  their  way  down  the  Au  Glaizc,  intel- 
ligence reached  Dudley  of  the  perilous  condition  of  Harrison  at  Fort  Meigs.  At  & 
council  of  oflicers  it  was  resolved  to  apprise  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  near  ap- 
proach of  succor.  Who  shall  under- 
take the  perilous  mission?  was  the  im- 
portant question.  It  required  some  per- 
son acquainted  with  the  country.  Young 
Combs,  eager  for  patriotic  duty  and  dis 
tinction,  volunteered  to  go.  "  When  we 
reach  Fort  Defiance,"  he  said,  "  if  you 
will  furnish  me  a  good  canoe,  I  will  carry 
your  dispatches  to  General  Harrison,  and 
return  with  his  orders.  I  shall  only  re- 
quire four  or  five  volunteers  from  my 
own  coippany,  and  one  cf  my  Indian 
guides  to  accompany  me."  A  murmur 
of  approbation  ran  through  the  company, 
and  his  offer  was  joyfully  accepted  by 
Dudley  with  words  of  compliment  and 
gratitude.^  They  ^^"ched  Defiance  the 
following  morning.  It  was  the  first 
of  May.  As  soon  as  a  canoe  could  be 
procured  Combs  embarked  on  his  peril- 
ous mission,  accompanied  by  two  broth- 
ers named  Walker,  and  two  others 
named  respectively  Paxton  and  John- 

•  "  Kentuckians,"  he  said,  "  stand  high  in  the  estimation  of  onr  common  country.  Our  brothers  in  amis  who  have 
gone  before  us  to  the  scene  of  action  have  acquired  a  fame  which  should  never  be  forgotten  by  you— a  fameworlhv 

jour  emulation Should  we  cnconnter  the  enemy,  remeviber  the /ate  qf  ymir  uvToiiEmv  iikotuebs  at  the  Rim 

Railin — that  Bi  Utah  treachery  produced  their  eUmtihter  t" 

>  As  it  may  he  interesting  to  the  reader  to  know  what  constituted  the  private  outfit  of  an  officer  of  the  army  at  thai 
time  for  service  in  the  field,  I  subjoin  the  following  "  Ust  of  articles  for  camp"  prepared  for  General  Clay : 

"  Trunk,  portmanteau  and  fixtures,  flat-iron,  cofl"ee-mlll,  r^zor-strop,  box,  etc.,  inkstand  and  bundle  of  qiilUi',  ream 
of  paper,  three  halters,  shoc-bnisheu,  blacking,  saddle  and  bridle,  tortoise-shell  comb  and  case,  box  of  mercurial  oint- 
ment, silver  spoon,  mattress  and  pillow,  three  blankets,  three  sheets,  two  towels,  linen  for  a  cot,  two  volumes  M'KeiizleV 
Travels,  two  maps,  spy-glass,  gold  watch,  brace  of  silver-mounted  pistols,  nmbrella,  sword,  two  pairs  of  epurs— oneot 
silver.  Ci.otiifb  :  Hat,  one  pair  of  shoes,  one  pair  of  boots,  regimental  coat,  great-coat,  bottle-green  coat,  scnrii  ivalsl- 
coat,  blue  casslmere  and  buff  cassimere  waistcoat,  striped  jean  waistcoat,  two  pair  cotton  colored  pantaloons,  one  pair 
bottle-green  pantaloons,  one  pair  queen-cord  pantaloons,  one  pair  buff  short  breeches,  one  pair  red  flannel  drnwerf,  one 
red  flannel  waistcoat,  red  flannel  shirt,  five  white  linen  shirts,  two  check  shirts,  nine  cravats,  six  chamois,  two  pair 
thread  stockings,  three  pair  of  thread  socks,  hunting  shirt,  one  pair  of  woolen  gloves,  one  pair  of  leather  gloves." 

"A  complete  ration"  at  that  time  was  estimated  at  fifteen  cents,  and  was  composed  and  charged  as  follows:  meal, 
Ave  cents ;  flour,  six  cents ;  whisky,  three  cents ;  salt,  isoap,  candles,  and  vinegar,  one  fourth  of  a  cent  each. 

'  Captain  Combs  is  ye'  <1867)  living  in  his  native  state  of  Kentucky,  vigorous  in  mind  and  body,  and  bearing  the  title 
of  general  by  virtne  of  liis  commission  as  sucli  in  the  militia  of  his  state.  He  is  descended,  on  his  mother's  Me,  from 
•  Quaker  family  of  Maryland.  His  father,  a  Virginian,  was  a  "  Revolutionary  Ofllcer  and  a  Hunter  of  Kentucky  "  * 
say*  a  simple  inscription  on  his  tomb-stone.  Leslie  was  the  youngest  of  twelve  children.  He  joined  the  army  In  I^IJ, 
when  Just  past  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  was  af,  once  distinguished  for  his  energy  and  bravery.  He  was  employed,  as 
we  have  seen  (page  .ISO),  on  perilous  duty,  and  never  disappointed  those  who  relied  upon  him.  He  was  made  a  caplain 
and  wounded  near  Fort  Meigs,  and  uarrowly  escaped  death.  He  was  paroled,  and  late  in  May,  1818,  returned  home. 
He  commenced  the  study  of  law,  and  was  not  again  in  the  fleld  until  18B0,  when  he  raised  a  regiment  for  the  south- 
woiteni  frontier  at  the  time  of  the  revolution  in  Texas.    He  became  very  active  in  political  life.    His  borne  wai  Lei- 


-^&>n^ 


9— 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


481 


fW)8'«  Voyage  down  the  Maumco  Klver.  Qreetini;  uf  ihe  Flag  at  Fort  Meigs.  Combs  attacked  by  Indiana. 

.  also  by  young  Jilack  Fish^a,  Shawnoese  Avarrior,'  With  the  latter  at  tlie  helm, 
the  other  four  engaged  with  the  rowing,  and  hmiseU'  at  the  bow  in  charge  of  the  rifles 
111(1  ammunition  of  the  party,  Combs  pushed  off  from  Defiance,  amid  cheera  and  sad 
adieus  (for  few  expected  to  see  them  again),  determined  t  j  reach  Fort  Meigs  before 
jjjyli^ht  the  next  morning.  The  voyage  was  full  of  danger.  Rain  was  falling  heavi- 
ly and  the  night  was  intensely  black.  They  passed  the  Kapids  in  safety,  but  not  until 
niiite  late  in  the  morning,  when  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  the 
t'oit.  It  was  evident  that  the  expected  siege  had  commenced,  and  that  the  perils  of 
the  mission  were  increased  manifold.  For  a  moment  Combs  was  perplexed.  To  re- 
turn would  be  prudent,  but  would  expose  his  courage  to  doubts ;  lo  remain  until  the 
•.ext  nii?ht,  or  proceed  at  once,  seemed  equally  hazardous.  A  decision  was  soon  made 
by  the  brave  youth.  "  We  must  go  on,  boys,"  he  said ;  "  and  if  you  expect  the  honor 
of  taking  coffee  with  General  Harrison  this  morning,  you  must  work  hard  for  it." 
lie  went  forward  with  many  misgivings,  for  he  knew  tlie  weakness  of  the  garrison, 
and  doubted  its  ability  to  hold  out  long.  Great  was  his  satisfaction,  therefore,  when, 
on  sweeping  around  Turkey  Point,^  at  the  last  bend  in  the  river  by  which  the  fort 
was  liidden  frohi  his  view,  he  saw  the  stripes  and  stars  waving  over  the  beleaguered 


CP  TUE  MAIIMKR  VAI.LKY. 


camp.  Their  joy  wa  evinced  by  a  suppressed  shout.  Suddenly  a  solitary  Indian 
appeared  in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  a  moment  afterward  a  large  body  of  them 
were  observed  in  the  gray  shadows  of  the  forest,  running  eagerly  to  a  point  below 
to  cut  off  Combs  and  his  party  from  the  fort.  The  gallant  captain  attempted  to  dart 
by  them  on  the  swift  current,  when  a  volley  of  bullets  from  the  savages  severely 
wounded  Johnson  and  Paxton — the  former  mortally.  The  fire  was  returned  with 
effect,  when  the  Shawnoese  at  the  helm  turned  the  prow  toward  the  opposite  shore.^ 
There  the  voyagers  abandoned  the  canoe,  and,  with  their  faces  toward  Defiance,  sought 
safety  in  flight.  Atler  vainly  attempting  to  take  Johnson  and  Paxton  with  them, 
Combs  and  Black  Fish  left  them  to  become  captives,  and  at  the  end  of  two  days  and 
two  nights  the  captain  reached  Defiance,  whereat  General  Clay  had  just  arrived.  The 
Vi'alkers  were  also  there,  having  fled  more  swiftly,  because  unencumbered.  Combs 
ami  his  dusky  companion  had  suffered  terribly.*     The  former  was  unable  to  assunio 

Itjton,  and  he  waa  a  neighbor  and  warm  personal  fHend  of  Henry  Clay  throughout  the  long  pnblic  career  of  that  groat 
nun.  The  Mendship  was  mutual,  and  Clay  always  felt  and  acknowledged  the  power  of  General  Combs.  He  was  «l\vn.\v 
1  Unent,  eloquent,  and  most  efl'ectlvo  speaker,  and  now,  when  he  has  passed  the  goal  of  "  threescore  and  ten  yea^^/' 
he  never  Wis  to  charm  any  audience  by  his  words  of  power,  his  apt  illustrations,  and  genial  humor. 
<  ne  vas  a  grandson  of  Black  Fish,  a  noted  warr'or  who  led  the  Indians  in  the  attack  on  Boousboro',  In  Kentucky 
j  taliiS. 

'  In  the  above  picture,  a  view  of  a  portion  of  the  Maumee  Valley,  as  seen  from  the  northwest  angle  of  Fort  Melg>, 
I  tookingnpthe  river,  Turkey  Point  Is  seen  near  the  centre,  behind  the  head  of  Hollister's  Island,  that  divides  the  river. 
k  clmnp  of  trees,  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  three  small  trees  In  a  row  near  the  bank  of  t'ae  river,  marks  the  place.  Thi' 
I  Miomee  it  teen  flowing  to  the  right,  and  to  the  left  the  p1»in,  when  I  made  the  sketch  in  the  autumn  of  ISGO,  was 
I  weni  with  Indian  core,  gome  standiug  and  some  In  the  shocks.  A  canal  for  hydraulic  purposes  is  seen  In  the  fore- 
j  groraid.  It  flows  immediately  below  the  ruins  of  Fort  Meigs. 

'  It  was  first  thonght  that  the  Indians  were  friendly  Shawnoese.    So  thought  Blcrk  Fi»h ;  but  when  he  discovered  his 
I  uliuke,  he  exclaimed,  "Pottawatomie,  God  damn  I" 
*  Ptitoa  was  shot  through  the  body,  but  recovered,    during  the  political  campai|i;n  of  1S40,  when  General  Hnrrlton 

Hu 


i  ', 


-     : 

I 

48t 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


PreparstlonB  for  asMtllng  Fort  MetgE. 


Ilarrison'i  Speech  to  his  Soldlen, 


Fort  Heigs  strenglliened. 


the  command  of  his  company,  but  he  went  down  the  river  with  the  re-enforcements 
and  took  an  active  part  in  the  conflict  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Meigs.     There  we  shall 
meet  him  again  presently.' 
The  British  had  completed  two  batteries  nearly  opposite  to  Fort  Meigs  on  the 


BITE  OP  TUK   IIKITIHU  BATTEKIXB   PBOU   VOUT  MKIUB.' 

•  April,  morning  of  the  30th,*  and  had  mounted  their  ordnance.  One  of  them  bore 
1818.  ^^Q  twenty-four-pounders,  and  the  other  three  howitzers — one  eight  inches 
and  the  other  two  five  and  a  half  inches  calibre.  In  this  labor  they  had  lost  some 
men  by  well-directed  round  shot  from  the  fort,  but  neither  these  missiles  nor  the 
drenching  rain  drove  them  away.  Harrison  had  not  been  idle  in  the  mean  time, 
His  force  Avas  much  inferior  to  that  of  the  enemy  in  numbers,  but  was  animated  by 
the  best  spirit.  On  the  morning  after  the  British  made  their  appearance  near,  he  ad- 
dressed his  soldiers  eloquently  in  a  General  Order  ;^  and  when  he  discoverefl  the  foe 
busy  in  erecting  batteries  on  the  opposite  shore  that  would  command  his  works,  he 
began  the  construction  of  a  traverse,  or  wail  of  earth,  on  the  most  elevated  grouml 
through  the  middle  of  his  caanp,  twelve  feet  in  height,  on  a  base  of  twenty  feet,  and 
three  hundred  yards  in  length.  During  its  construction  it  was  concealed  by  the 
tents.  When  these  were  suddenly  removed  to  the  rear  of  the  traverse,  the  British 
engineer,  to  his  great  mortification,  perceived  that  his  labor  had  been  almost  in  vain. 
instead  of  an  exposed  camp,  from  which  Proctor  had  boasted  he  would  soon  "  smoke 

waB  elected  President  of  the  United  States,  General  CombB  spoke  to  scores  of  vast  assemblies  in  his  favor.  On  one 
occasion  he  waB  inthe  neighborhood  of  Paxton's  residence,  who  took  a  seat  on  the  platform  by  the  side  of  tho  epeaier. 
Combs  relatud  the  incident  of  the  voyage  down  the  Manmee  and  their  Joy  at  the  sight  of  the  old  flag  on  that  mombg. 
"  Here,"  said  he,  "  is  the  man  who  was  shot  through  the  body.  Stand  np,  Joe,  and  tbll  me  how  many  bullets  it  would 
have  taken  to  have  killed  you  at  that  measure."    "  More  than  a  peek  I"  exclaimed  Paxton. 

>  I  met  General  Combs  at  Sandusky  City  in  the  autumn  of  ISfiO,  when  he  gave  me  an  interesting  account  of  his  opera- 
tions in  the  Manmee  Valley  at  that  time.  Speaking  of  his  return  to  Defiance,  be  said,  "  Black  Fish  made  his  wa;  to  his 
native  village,  white  I  pushed  on  toward  Defiance.  It  rained  incessantly.  I  was  compelled  tu  swim  several  swollni 
tributaries  to  the  Maiimee,  and  was  dreadfully  chafed  by  walking  in  wet  clothes.  My  feet  were  lacerated  by  travelini; 
in  moccasins  over  burnt  prairies,  and  my  mouth  and  throat  were  excoriated  by  eating  bitter  hickory-bud!,  the  only 
food  that  I  tasted  for  forty-eight  hours.  For  days  afterward  I  could  not  eat  any  solid  food.  I  was  placed  on  a  cot  In  a 
boat,  and  in  that  manner  descended  the  river  with  my  gallant  Kentucky  friends." 

»  The  above  little  picture,  sketched  in  the  autumn  of  1860  from  the  ruins  of  Croghan  Battery  (so  named  In  hoiinrof 
the  gallant  defender  of  Fort  Stephenson),  Fort  Meigs,  looking  northwest,  shows  the  scattered  village  of  Mnumoe  ( iiv 
in  the  distance,  with  the  site  of  the  BritiBh  batteries  in  front  of  It.  This  is  Indicated  in  the  picture  by  the  distant  bluff 
with  two  houses  upon  It,  immediately  beyond  the  two  little  figures  at  the  end  of  the  railway-bridge  in  ihe  miildlt- 
ground.  When  I  visited  the  spot  In  1860,  the  ridge  on  which  the  cannon  were  planted,  lower  than  the  plain  on  wtilth 
the  village  stands,  was  very  prominent.  Behind  It  was  a  deep  hollow,  in  which  the  British  artillerymen  were  swrarelT 
posted.  On  the  brow  of  the  plain,  Just  back  of  the  British  batteries,  Indicated  by  the  second  bluff  with  one  houw  upon 
it,  was  afterward  the  place  of  encampment  of  Colonel  Johnson.  The  railway-bridge,  seen  In  the  mlddlo-grf  ,niiof  ibl" 
picture,  has  a  common  passenger-bridge  by  the  side  of  it.  Between  the  extreme  foreground  and  the  rallwsy  cmbaiik- 
ment  Is  the  ravine  mentioned  In  a  description  of  Fort  Meigs  on  page  474,  and  indicated  In  the  map  on  pajte  *w  by » 
stream  of  water. 

»  "Can  the  citizens  of  a  ft-ee  country,"  he  said,  "  who  have  taken  arms  to  defend  its  rights,  "hlnk  of  snbralttinKtoan 
army  composed  of  mercenary  soldiers,  reluctant  Canadians,  goaded  to  the  field  by  the  bayonet,  and  of  wretched,  Mkfd 
savages  ?  Can  the  breast  of  an  American  soldier,  when  he  casts  his  eyes  ts  „oe  opposite  shore,  the  scene  of  ills  coun- 
try's triumphs  over  the  same  foe,  bo  influenced  by  any  other  feelings  than  the  hope  of  glory  J  Is  not  this  army  mm 
posed  of  the  same  materials  with  that  which  fought  and  conquered  under  the  immortal  Wayne  r  Yes,  lfellow-«o!difr> 
your  general  sees  yonr  coantenances  beam  with  the  same  fire  that  he  witnessed  on  that  glorions  occasion ;  and,  al- 
though it  would  be  tho  height  of  presumption  to  compare  himself  with  that  hero,  he  boasts  of  being  that  hero's  pupil' 
To  your  posts,  then,  fellow-cltlzens,  and  remember  that  the  eyes  of  yonr  country  are  upon  yon  I" 

•  Wayne's  battle-ground  in  ITfti,  and  the  theatre  of  his  victory,  were  In  sight  of  the  soldiers  thus  addressed,  Harrl-  j 
«on  was  Wayne's  aid-de-camp  on  that  occasion,  and,  as  wo  have  obs  en-sd  on  page  88,  was  one  of  his  most  usefiil  offlcen.  | 


I'  r 
I 


mm 


engUieoed. 

cements, 
we  shall 

s  on  the 


them  bore 
;ht  inches, 

lost  some 
!8  nor  the 
nean  time, 
limated  by 
icar,  he  ad- 
rec*  the  foe 
i  works,  he 
ted  ground 
ty  teet,  and 
lied  by  the 

the  British 
lost  in  vain. 

ion  "  smoke 

fiivor.    On  one 

of  thcfpeaKcr, 

^n  that  momiDg. 

bullets  It  would 

ant  of  his  opera- 
le  his  way  to  his 
J  several  swollen 
Ited  by  travel'.oc 
}y-bud!,  the  only 
ced  on  a  cot  In  a 

ncd  In  honor  ol 
I  of  Mnomce  Cilt 
|the  distant  MnH 
■  In  ihe  middle- 
!  plain  on  whlrt 
|en  were  secure!' 
i  one  hi>UK  upot. 
llc-Rrf  lOilottlii' 
iallway  emlitnk- 
Ion  pajje  m  bj » 

lenbrnlttlngtoM 
I  wretched,  nsked 
Jceneofhlscw- 
It  this  army  com- 
li,  fellow-soldier". 
Iccaslon;  si"l.»'- 
%8t  hero's  pupil-' 

Caressed.   n«rri- 
bst  useful  o(llMf«.  j 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


468 


Uritlib  and  Indians  cross  the  River. 


A  Onn-boat. 


Fort  Meigs  attaclied. 


•Colonel  Christy. 


out  the  Yankees" — in  other  words,  speedily  destroy  it  with  shot  and  shell,  ho  saw 
nothing  but  an  immense  shield  of  earth,  behind  which  the  Americans  wore  invisible 
and  thoroughly  shelterfed.  Proctor  accordingly  modified  his  plans,  and  sent  a.  con- 
siderable force  of  white  men  iindci  Captain  Muir,  and  Indians  under  Tecuratha,  to 
the  eastern  side  of  the  river,  under  cover  of  the  gun-boats,  with  the  evident  intention 
of  preparing  for  an  attack  on  the  fort  in  the  rear.  When  night  fell  the  British  bat- 
teries were  yet  silent,  and  remained  so ;  but  a  gun-boat,  towed  up  the  river  near  the 
fort  under  cover  of  the  darkness,  fired  thirty  shots  without  making  any  other  im- 
pression than  increasing  the  vigilance  of  the  Americans,  who  reposed  on  their  arms. 
Early  in  the  morning  the  gun-boat  went  down  the  river  barren  of  all  honor. 

Late  in  the  mornirg  on  the  Ist  of  May,*  notwithstanding  heavy  rain-clouds 
vere  driving  down  the  Maumee  Valley,  and  drenching  every  thing  with  fitful 
discharges,  the  British  opened  a  sevete  cannonade  .ind  bombardment  upon  Fort  Meigs, 
and  continued  the  assault,  with  slight  intermissions,  for  about  five  day  ,'  but  without 
much  injury  to  the  fort  and  garrison.  The  fire  was  returned  occasionally  by  eight- 
een-pounders.  The  supply  of  shot  for  these  and  the  twelve-pounders  was  very  small, 
there  not  being  more  than  three  hundred  and  sixty  of  each.  They  were  used  with 
.judicious  parsimony,  for  it  was  not  known  how  long  the  siege  might  last.  The  Brit- 
ish on  the  contrary,  appeared  to  have  powder,  balls,  and  shells  in  great  abundance, 
and  they  poured  a  perfect  storm  of  missiles — not  less  than  five  hundred — upon  the 

I A  mrvivor  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  one  of  the  most  active  and  remarkable  men  of  the  day  when  the  late  civil  war 
take  out,  was  Colonel  William  Christy.  He  was  acting 
qurter-master  at  Fort  Meigs,  and  had  charge  of  all  the 
(tores  and  flags  there  at  that  time.  He  was  only  twenty- 
two  years  of  age,  yet  he  had,  by  his  energy  and  patriot- 
Ian,  ttcured  the  love  and  coi  '  ience  of  General  Harrison 
In  t  remarkable  degree.  W  .len  the  first  gun  was  fired 
jpon  Fort  Meigs,  Harrison  called  him  to  his  side,  and 
aid,  "Sir,  go  and  nail  a  banner  on  every  battery,  where 
Itay  shall  wave  so  long  as  an  enemy  is  in  view."  Chrij- 
i;  olieyed,  and  there  the  Cags  remained  during  the  en- 
tire siege. 

Mr.  Christy  was  born  in  Georgetown,  Kentucky,  on  the 

nil  of  December,  ITOl.    \t  an  early  age  Le  went  with  his 

ftlher  to  reside  near  the  Ohio,  not  far  dUtant  from  Cln- 

diiMti.  He  was  left  an  orphan  at  the  age  of  fourteen 

j(an.  He  studied  law,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of 

tint  pMfesslou  in  1811.    V  "oen  war  was  declared  he  join- 

(dthc  army  under  Harrison.    That  officer  knew  lAa  fa- 

Her.and  kindly  gave  the  t,un  of  his  old  ft-iend  a  place  in 

hi' military  family  as  aid-de-camp,  and,  as  we  have  just 

obserred,  he  was  made  acting  quarter-master  at  Fort 

Keigi.  He  behaved  gallantly  there  in  the  sortie  in  which 

Ciptaln  Silver  was  engaged,  and  in  which  his  company 

suffered  terribly.    Christy  was  in  subordinate  command 

inthat  light,  and  received  the  commendations  of  his  gcn- 

titl.  He  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  in  the  old  First 

Rdment  of  United  States  Infantry.    After  tho  close  of 

!l(  Harrison  campaign,  which  resulted  in  victory  at  the 

Humes,  he  was  ordered  to  Join  his  regiment,  then  at 

Sukett's  Harbor,   There  General  Brown  appointed  him 

idjnunt,  and  he  was  in  active  service  in  Northern  New 

M  for  some  time.    When  the  army  was  dtsband- 

td.  Christy  was  retained,  and  was  stationed  for  a  while 

ij  Sew  Orleans.    He  left  the  army  in  1816,  and  com- 

Kntcd  the  career  of  a  commission  merchant  in  New  Or- 

tai.  He  married  there,  and  soon  amassed  a  fortune, 

wbltli  he  lost,  however,  by  the  dishonesty  of  a  partner. 

Beresnmed  the  practice  of  the  law,  and  In  1826  published 

to  "Digest"  of  the  Decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 

die  Stitc  of  Lonlsiana.    Again  he  amassed  a  large  for- 

iMe.  He  espoused  the  cause  of  Texas,  and  soon  after- 

nri  lost  his  property,  but  gained  the  praise  of  being  "  the  flrst  fllibuster  in  the  United  States."    Eia  natnre  was  Im- 

("Wre,  and  daring  his  residence  of  more  than  forty  years  in  New  Orleans  he  had  several  "affairs  of  honor,"  growing 

*  o'  political  quarrels  chiefly.    He  was  a  ready  and  Bnent  speaker,  and  dnring  the  campaign  when  Harrison  was 

lUdldate  for  the  Presidency,  Colonel  Christy  >>ccompanled  his  chief  in  person  throughout  Ohio,  and  made  more  than 

oee  handred  speeches  in  his  behalf.   His  kindness  of  heart  and  ungnidging  hospitality  ever  gained  blm  hocts  of  wann 

Hfflds. 


"I, 


'ii 


I  it! 


484 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


New  Battery  ope'ned  on  Fort  MelgH.  HarriBon'i  Defenies. 


Critical  Situation  of  the  Port  and  Garrlwn 


PLAN  OF  FOBT  MEIG8.* 


fort  all  of  the  first  day,  and  until  eleven  o'clock  at  night.'  One  or  two  of  the  garri- 
son wore  killed,  and  Major  Stoddard,  of  the  First  Regiment,  a  soldier  of  the  liovolu 
tion,  who  commanded  the  fort  when  Leftwitch  retired,  was  so  badly  wounded  by  a 
fragment  of  a  shell  that  he  died  ten  days  afterward.* 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d  the  British  opened  a  third  battery  of  throe  twelve. 
pounders  upon  the  fort  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  which  tliey  had  eom|)lt'te(l 
during  the  night,  and  all  that  day  the  cannonade  was  kept  up  briskly.  Within  the 
next  twenty-four  hours  a  fourth  battery  was  opened.'  Tliat  night  a  detachment  of 
artillerists  and  engineers  crossed  the  river,  and  mounted  guns  and  mortars  upon  two 
mounds  for  batteries  already  constructed  in  the  thickets  by  the  party  that  crossed  on 
the  30th,  within  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  rear  angles  of  the  fort.  One  of 
these,  nearest  the  ravine  already  mentioned,  was  a  mortar  battery ;  the  other,  a  few 
rods  farther  south  ward,  was  a  three-gun  battery.  Expecting  an  operation  of  this 
kind,  the  Americans  had  constructed  traverses  in  time  to  foil  the  enemy ;  and  when 
toward  noon  of  the  3d,  the  three  cannon  and  the  howitzer  opened  suddenly  upon  the 
rear  angles  of  the  fort,  their  fire  was  almost  harmless.     A  few  shots  from  eighteen- 

pounders,  directed  by  Gratiot,  «ho 
was  convalescing,  soon  silenced  th» 
gun -battery,  and  the  pieces  were 
hastily  drawn  off  and  placed  in  posi- 
tion near  the  ravine. 

Shot  and  shell  were  hurled  upon 
the  fort  more  thickly  and  steadiiv 
on  the  3d  than  at  any  other  time, 
but   with  very   little  efiect.    This 
seemed  to  discourage  the  besiegers, 
and  on  the  4th  the  fire  was  materially 
slackened.    Tlien  Proctor  sent  Major  Chambers  with  a  demand  for  the  surrender  of 
the  post.     "  Tell  General  Proctor,"  responded  Harrison,  promptly,  "  that  if  he  shall 
take  the  fort  it  will  be  under  circumstances  that  will  do  him  more  honor  than  a  thou- 
sand surrenders."     Meanwhile  the  cannonading  from  the  "fort  was  feeble,  because  of 
the  scarcity  of  ammunition.     "  With  plenty  of  it,"  wrote  Captain  Wood,  "  we  shoul'l ! 
have  blown  John  Bull  from  the  Miami."    The  guns  were  admirably  managed,  and  I 
did  good  execution  at  every  discharge.    The  Americans  were  well  supplied  with  I 
food  and  watei**  for  a  long  siege,  and  could  well  aftbrd  to  spend  time  and  weary  the 
assailants  by  merely  defensive  warfare  sufficient  to  keep  the  foe  at  bay.    They  ex- 
hibited their  confidence  and  spirit  by  frequently  mounting  the  ramparts,  swuiginj  I 
their  hats,  and  shouting  defiance  to  their  besiegers.     Nevertheless,  Harrison  was 
anxious.     Hull  and  Winchester  had  failed  and  suffered.    The  foe  was  strong,  wily,  1 
and  confident.     So  he  looked  hourly  and  anxiously  up  the  Maumee  for  the  hoped-for] 
re-enforcements.     Since  Navarre  and  Oliver  went  out,  he  had  lieard  nothing  fronij 

'  Ae  the  enemy  were  throwing  large  nnraberg  of  cannon-balls  Into  the  fort  firom  their  batteries,  Harrison  offered  a  sill  J 
(it  whisky  for  every  one  delivered  to  the  magazine-keeper,  Thomas  L.  Hawkins.  Over  one  thousand  gills  were  tho'l 
earned  by  the  soldiers. — Howe's  HUtorical  CoUectiona  qf  Ohio,  page  532.  An  eyewitness  (Reverend  A.  M.  Lorraine)  r^i 
lates  that  one  of  the  militia  took  his  station  on  the  embankment,  watched  every  shot,  and  forewarned  the  irarrisoul 
thus:  "  Shot,"  or  "bomb,"  as  the  cose  might  be ;  sometimes  "  Block-house  No.  1,"  or  "Look  out,  main  battery,"  "Xo»| 
for  the  meat-house,"  "  Oood-by,  if  yon  will  pass."    At  last  a  shot  hit  him  and  killed  him  Instantly. 

«  Amos  Stoddard  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  was  commissioned  a  captain  of  artillery  in  1708.    He  ws«  re-i 
tained  in  1802.    In  1804  and  '06  he  was  governor  of  the  Missouri  Territory.    He  was  promoted  to  major  in  1S07.  B^ 
was  depi.ly  qnarter-master  in  1S12,  but  left  the  staff  in  December  of  that  year.    He  died  of  tetanus,  or  lockjaw,  on  t' 
11th  of  May,  1813.    He  was  the  author  of  "  Sketches  of  Louisiana,"  published  in  1810. 

>  These  were  named  as  follows,  as  Indicated  on  the  above  map :  a,  Mortar ;  b.  Queen's ;  c,  Bailor's :  and  d,  Ring's. 

♦  This  plan  is  fi-om  a  sketch  made  by  Joseph  H.  Larwell,  on  the  19th  of  July,  1818.  All  the  dotted  lines  represent  tl 
traverses,  a  a  a  a  a  Indicate  the  block-houses ;  b  b,  the  magazines ;  e  o  e  e,  minor  batteries.  The  grand  and  mort 
batteries  and  tbe  well  are  indicated  by  name. 

'  During  the  Arst  three  days  of  the  siege  the  Americans  were  wholly  dependent  upon  the  rain  for  water.  Thoie  whi 
wet*  sent  to  f«*3h  it  were  exposed  to  the  Are  of  the  enemy.  On  the  fourth  they  had  completed  a  well  within  the  M 
vblch  gave  them  an  ample  supply. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


485 


Qttttni  Clay  moving  down  the  Manmee. 


Harriiiou'i  Plans  developed. 


Movement*  near  Fort  Melgi. 


abroad.  His  suspense  was  ended  at  near  midnight  on  the  4th,  when  Captain  Oliver, 
with  Major  Uavid  Trimble  and  fifteen  men  who  had  come  down  the  river  in  a  boat, 
made  their  way  into  the  fort  as  bearers  of  the  glad  tidings  that  General  Clay  and 
ili'ven  hundred  Kentuckians  were  only  eighteen  miles  distant,  and  would  probably 
reach  the  post  before  morning. 

Captain  Oliver  had  found  Clay  at  Fort  Winchester  on  the  3d.  The  cannonading 
it  Fort  Meigs  was  distinctly  heard  there,  and  Clay  pressed  forward  as  speedily  as 
possible  with  eighteen  large  flat  scows,  whose  sides  were  furnished  with  shields 
against  the  bullets  of  Indians  who  might  infest  the  shores  of  the  river.  It  was  late 
in  the  evening  when  the  flotilla  reached  the  head  of  the  Rapids,  eighteen  miles  from 
the  scene  of  conflict.  The  moon  had  gone  down,  and  the  overcast  sky  made  the  night 
so  in'icnsely  dark  that  che  pilot  refused  to  proceed  before  daylight.  It  was  then  that 
Tri.nble  and  his  brave  fifteen  volunteered  to  accompany  Captain  Oliver  to  the  fort, 
to  cliecr  the  hearts  of  Harrison  and  his  men  by  the  tidings  '  "  succor  near.  It  did 
cheer  them.  Harrison  immediately  ci  iceive  ?  plan  of  operations  for  Clry,  and  dis- 
mtched  Captain  Hamilton  and  a  subaltern  in  a  canoe  to  meet  the  general,  and  say  to 
him  with  delegated  authority, "  You  must  detach  about  eight  hundred  men  from  your 
briijade,  and  land  them  at  a  point  I  will  show  you,  about  a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a  half 
above  Camp  Meigs.  I  will  then  conduct  the  detachment  to  the  British  batteries  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  river.  The  batteries  must  be  taken,  the  cannon  spiked,  and 
carrias^es  cut  down,  and  the  troops  must  then  return  to  the  boats  and  cross  over  to 
the  fort.  The  balance  of  your  men  must  land  on  the  fort  side  of  the  river,  opposite 
the  first  landing,  and  fight  their  way  into  the  fort  through  the  Indians.  Tlie  route 
they  must  take  will  be  pointed  out  by  a  subaltern  oflUcer  now  with  me,  who  will  land 
the  canoe  on  the  righi  bank  of  the  river,  to  point  out  the  landing  for  the  boats." 

Tills  explicit  order  reveals  much  of  Harrison's  ^jivell-devised  plan.  He  knew  that 
the  British  force  at  the  batteries  was  inconsiderable,  for  the  main  body  were  still 
near  old  Fort  Miami,  and  the  bulk  of  the  Indians  with  Tecumtha  were  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  river.  Ilis  object  was  to  strike  simultaneous  and  effectual  blows  on  both 
banks  of  the  stream.  While  Dudley  was  demolishing  the  British  batteries  on  the 
left  bank,  and  Clay  was  fighting  the  Indians  on  the  right,  1^  intended  to  make  a  gen- 
eral sally  from  the  fort,  destroy  the  batteries  in  the  rear,  rod  disperse  or  capture  the 
whole  British  force  on  that  side  of  the  river. 

It  was  almost  stnirise  when  Clay  left  the  head  of  the  Rapids.  He  descended  the 
river  with  his  boats  arranged  in  solid  column,  as  in  a  line  of  march,  each  oflicer  hav- 
ing position  according  to  rank.  Dudley,  being  the  senior  colonel,  led  the  van. 
Hamilton  met  them,  in  this  order,  about  five  miles  above  the  fort.  Clay  was  in  the 
thirteenth  boat  from  the  front.  When  Harrison's  orders  were  delivered,  he  directed 
Dudley  to  take  the  twelve  front  boats  and  execute  the  commands  of  the  chief  con- 
[  cerning  the  British  batteries,  w^hile  he  should  press  forward  and  perform  the  part  as- 
I  signed  to  himself. 

Colonel  Dudley  executed  his  prescribed  task  most  gallantly  and  successfully.  The 
I  current  was  swift,  and  the  shores  were  rough,  but  his  detachment  efltcted  a  landing 
in  fair  order.  They  ascended  to  the  plain  on  which  Maumee  City  stands  unobserved 
by  the  enemy,  and  were  there  formed  for  marching  in  three  parallel  columns,  the 
I  right  led  by  Dudley,  the  left  by  Major  Shelby,  and  the  centre,  as  a  reserve,  by  Acting 
Major  Morrison.  Captain  Combs,  with  thirty  riflemen,  including  seven  friendly  In- 
diiins,flanked  in  front  full  a  hundred  yards  distant.'    In  this  order  they  moved  through 

I  woods  a  mile  and  a  half  toward  the  British  batteries,  which  were  playing  briskly 
I  upon  Fort  Meigs,  when  the  columns  were  so  disposed  as  to  inclose  the  enemy  in  a 

'At  the  reqnest  of  General  Clay,  Captain  Comba  fornlshed  him  with  mlnnte  infoniiatioii  respecting  the  operations 
I  Bder  Dudley,  in  a  letter  dated  May  6, 1815.  The  writer  has  kindly  Atmiahed  me  with  «  copy  of  that  letter,  fh>m  which 
I  Ike  Duin  beta  of  thia  portion  of  the  namtive  have  been  drawn. 


.ff 


•i 


1  ■) 


I    I 


486 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Dudley  half  wini  Victory,  and  losei  It.     Sad  Reanlt  of  Zeal  and  Hamaulty,     Americana  defeated  and  made  Priwnin. 

crescent,  with  every  prospect  of  capturing  the  whole  force.  Dudley  had  failed  to  in. 
form  hiH  Hubalterns  of  his  exact  plans,  and  that  remissness  was  a  fatal  mistake.  Shel- 
by's column,  by  his  order,  penetrated  to  a  point  between  the  batteries  and  the  Brit- 
ish camp  below,  when  the  right  column,  led  by  Dudley  in  person,  raised  the  horrid 
Indian  yell,  rushed  forward,  charged  upon  the  enemy  with  wild  vehemence,  captured 
the  heavy  guns  and  spiked  eleven  of  them  without  losing  a  man.  Tlie  riflemen 
meanwhile,  had  been  attacked  by  the  Indians,  and,  not  aware  of  Dudley's  designs 
thought  it  their  duty  to  fight  instead  of  falling  back  upon  the  main  body.  This  was 
the  fatal  mistake.  The  main  object  of  the  expedition  was  fully  acconij)lishe(l  al- 
though the  batteries  were  not  destroyed.  The  British  flag  was  ])ulled  down,  and  as 
it  trailed  to  earth  loud  huzzas  went  up  from  the  beleaguered  fort. 

Harrison  had  watched  the  moment  with  intense  interest  from  his  chief  battery,  and 
when  he  saw  the  British  flag  lowered,  he  signaled  Dudley  to  fall  back  to  his  boats 
and  cross  the  river,  according  to  explicit  orders.  Yet  the  victors  lingered,  and  sliarii 
firing  was  heard  in  the  woods  in  the  reai'  of  the  captured  batteries.  Harrison  was 
indignant  because  of  the  disobedience.  Lieutenant  Campbell  volunteered  to  carry  a 
peremptory  order  across  to  Dudley  to  retreat,  but  when  he  arrived  the  victory  sd 
gloriously  won  was  changed  into  a  sad  defeat.  Humanity  had  caused  disobedience, 
and  terrible  was  the  penalty.  At  the  moment  when  the  batteries  were  taken,  as  •vc 
have  just  observed,  Indians  in  ambush  attacked  Combs  and  his  riflemen.  With  quick 
and  generous  impulse,  Dudley  ordered  fhem  to  be  re-enforced.  A  greater  part  of 
the  right  and  centre  columns  instantly  rushed  into  the  woods  in  consideiable  dis- 
order, accompanied  by  their  colonel.  Thirty  days  in  camp  had  given  them  very  little 
discipline.  It  was  of  little  account  at  the  outset,  for,  disorderly  as  they  were,  tliev 
soon  put  the  Indians  to  flight,  and  relieved  Combs  and  his  little  party.  That  work 
accomplished,  discipline  should  have  ruled.  It  did  not.  Impelled  by  the  entluisiasm 
and  confidence  which  is  born  of  victory,  and  forgetful  of  all  the  maxims  of  prudence, 
they  pursued  the  flying  savages  almost  to  the  British  camp.  Shelby's  column  still 
held  possession  of  the  batteries  when  this  pursuit  commenced,  but  the  Britisli  artil- 
lerists, largely  re-enforced,  and  led  by  the  gallant  Captain  Dixon,  soon  retuined  and 
recaptured  them,  taking  Sfime  of  the  Kentuckians  prisoners,  and  driving  the  otiiers 
toward  their  boats.  >  Meanwhile  the  Indians  had  been  re-enforced,  and  had  turned 
fiercely  upon  Dudley.  His  men  were  in  utter  confusion,  and  all  attempts  at  command 
were  futile.  Shelby  had  rallied  the  remnant  of  his  column  and  marched  to  the  aid 
of  Dudley,  but  he  only  participated  in  the  confusion  and  flight.  The  Kentuckians 
were  scattered  in  every  direction  through  the  woods  back  of  where  Maumee  City  now 
stands,  making  but  feeble  resistance,  and  exposed  to  the  deadly  fire  of  the  skulking 
savages.  The  flight  became  a  rout,  precipitate  and  disorderly,  and  a  greater  part 
of  Dudley's  command  were  killed  or  captured,  after  a  contest  of  about  three  hours. 
Dudley,  who  was  a  heavy,  fleshy  man,  was  overtaken,  tomahawked,  and  scalped,  and 
his  captive  companions,  including  Captain  Combs  and  his  spies,  were  marched  to  old 
Fort  Miami  as  prisoners  of  war.  Of  the  eight  hundred''  who  followed  him  from  tlic 
boats,  only  one  hundred  and  seventy  escaped  to  Fort  Meigs.* 

>  When  Proctor  was  apprised  of  the  approach  of  the  detachment  nnder  Dudley,  he  rappoeed  It  to  be  the  advance  of 
the  main  American  army,  and  he  immediately  recalled  a  large  portion  of  his  force  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  rinr. 
Abont  seven  hundred  Indians  were  among  them,  led  by  Tecumtba.  They  did  not  arrive  in  time  to  participate  In  tlie 
battle,  bnt  they  allowed  Proctor  to  send  large  re-enforcements  n-om  his  camp. 

!>  The  exact  number  of  offlcers  and  private  soldiers  were,  of  Dudley's  regiment,  T61 ;  Boswell's,  00,  and  regulars,  49- 
total,  806.— Manuscript  Reports  among  the  Clay  papers. 

'  General  Harrison  censured  Colonel  Dndley's  men  in  General  Orders  on  the  9tb  of  Hay,  signed  by  John  O'Falloii, 
hip  ictlng  assistant  adjutant  general.  " It  rarely  occnrs,"  he  said,  "that  a  general  has  to  complain  of  the  excenlTC  ! 
nrdor  of  his  men,  yet  such  appears  always  to  be  the  case  whenever  the  Kentucky  miiitia  are  engaged.  Indeed,  11  ii 
the  source  of  all  their  misfortnnes."  After  spealcing  of  the  rash  act  in  pursuing  the  enemy,  he  remarked, "  Snch  temer- 
ity, although  not  so  disgracaftil,  is  scarcely  less  fatal  than  cowardice."  In  a  letter  to  Governor  Shelby  on  the  18th,  Oen- 
•ral  Harrison  censured  Colonel  Dudley.  "  Had  he  retreated,"he  said, "  after  taking  the  batteries,  or  bad  be  made  i  j 
dls]>osition  to  retreat  in  case  of  defeat,  all  would  have  been  well.    He  could  have  crossed  the  river,  and  even  If  he  bad  j 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1  8  1  J. 


*^1 


Ci«y'i  iBCountw  with  tto  ludlmi. 


K  Sallylng-iMrty  ud  tlMlr  Parlls. 


A  ^lant  MMMBgfr. 


\Vliile  thcHC  tragic  Bcciiea  were  traiirtpiriug  on  the  k>fl  bank  of  the  river,  othem 
cuiially  htirring  were  in  progrcHsion  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Meigs.  General  Chiy  had 
Httonipted  to  land  the  Hix  remaining  boats  under  his  command  nearly  opposite  the 
iilace  of  Dudley's  debarkation,  but  the  swiflness  of  the  current,  swollen  by  the  heavy 
raiiiH  drove  five  of  them  ashore.  The  other,  containing  General  Clay,  with  Captiiin 
IVtur  Dudley  and  fitly  men,  kept  the  stream,  separated  from  the  rest,  and  Hiially  luiid- 
I'J  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  river  opposite  to  llollister's  Island.  There  they  were 
aKsailed  by  musketry  from  a  cloud  of  Indians  on  the  left  flank  of  the  fort,  and  by 
round  shot  from  the  batteries  opposite.  Notwithstanding  the  great  peril,  Clay  and 
his  party  return<?d  the  Indians'  attack  with  spirit,  and  reached  the  fort  without  the 
lo88  of  a  nniri. 

Colonel  iioBwell's  command  in  the  other  boats,  consisting  of  a  part  of  the  battalions 
of  Kentucky  militia  under  Major 

■"illiani  Johnson,  and  two   other      ^  ">^    /^l         *  •    ) 

companies  ofKentucky  levies,  land-  /y^o^^  Q?  .  / CJ  ^^ O^f't-'^C/ 
cd  near  Turkey  Point.  He  was  im- 
mediately o'i'.ered  by  Captain  Hamilton,  General  Harrison's  representative,  to  fight 
his  way  into  the  fort  The  same  Indians  who  assailed  Clay  disputed  his  passage. 
IJoswell  arranged  his  men  in  open  order,  marched  boldly  over  the  low  plain,'  engaged 
the  savages  on  the  slopes  and  brow  of  the  high  plati-au  most  gallantly,  and  reached 
the  fort  without  suft'ering  very  serious  loss.  There  he  was  greeted  by  thanks  and 
shouts  of  applause,  and  met  by  a  sallying-party'*  coming  out  to  join  him  in  an  imme- 
diate attack  upon  that  portion  of  the  enemy  with  whom  he  had  just  been  engaged, 
nursuant  to  Harrison's  original  plan  of  assailing  the  foe  on  both  sides  of  the  river  at 
tlie  same  time.  There  was  but  a  moment's  delay.  Boswell  on  the  right,  Major  Al- 
exander and  his  vohmteers  on  the  left,  and  Major  Johnson  in  the  centre,  was  the  or- 
der in  which  the  party  advanced  against  their  dusky  foe.  They  fell  upon  the  sav- 
ages furiously,  drove  them  half  a  mile  into  the  woods  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and 
utterly  routed  them.  In  their  zeal  the  victors  were  pursuing  witlia  recklessness  that, 
if  continued,  would  have  resulted  in  disaster  like  that  which  overwhelmed  Dudley. 
Fortunately,  General  Harrison,  always  on  the  alert,  had  taken  a  stand,  with  a  spy- 
glass, on  one  of  his  batteries,  from  which  he  could  survey  the  whole  field  of  opera- 
tions. He  discovered  a  body  of  British  and  Indians  gliding  swiftly  along  the  bor- 
ders of  the  woods  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  pursuers,  when  he  dispatched  a  volun- 
teer aid  (John  T.  Johnson,  Esq.)  to  recall  his  troops.  It  was  a  perilous  undertaking. 
Tlie  gallant  aid-de-camp  had  a  hoi-se  shot  under  him,  but  he  succeeded  in  communi- 
cating the  general's  orders  in  time  to  allow  the  imperiled  detachment  to  return  with- 
out much  loss. 

(ienoral  Harrison  now  ordered  a  sortie  from  the  fort  against  the  enemy's  works  on 
the  right,  near  the  deep  ravine.     For  this  purpose  three  hundred  and  fifty  men  were 

loctone  or  two  hnndred  men,  he  would  have  brought  over  a  re-enforcement  ofelz  hundred,  which  wonld  have  enabled 
inf  touke  the  whole  British  force  on  this  side  of  the  river."  Harrison  did  not  then  Icnow  that  Dadley  had  sacrificed 
lh(  gtater  portion  of  bis  little  army  and  his  own  life  in  the  hnmane  attempt  to  save  Combs  and  his  party  from  destmc- 
llon.  Combs  afterward  called  General  Harrison's  attention  to  the  Injustice  of  hia  censure.  It  was  too  late ;  it  had 
pamd  into  history,  and  has  l>een  perpetuated  by  the  pens  of  successive  chroniclers. 

WUIiun  Dudley  was  a  citizen  of  Fayette  County,  Kentucky,  at  that  time,  but  was  a  native  of  Spottsylvania  County, 
Virginia.  U«  was  a  magistrate  in  Kentucky  for  many  years,  and  was  highly  esteemed.  He  was  overtaken,  as  we  have 
obwrved  in  the  text,  by  the  Indians,  and  sliot  in  the  body  and  thigh.  When  last  seen  he  was  sitting  on  a  stump  in  a 
fwtmp,  defending  himself  against  a  swarm  of  savages.  He  was  finally  killed,  and  his  body  was  dreadhilly  mutilated. 
I  wu  mformed  by  Abraham  Miley,  of  Batavia,  Ohio,  who  was  in  Fort  Meigs  at  the  time  of  ths  siege,  that  when  the  body 
of  Diillcy  was  found  a  large  piece  had  been  cut  from  the  fleshy  part  of  his  thigh  by  the  savages,  which  they  doubt- 
Im  ate. 

'  8e«  pictnre  on  page  481,  and  note  i  on  the  some  page. 

■  CompoBed  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  Volunteers  (the  former,  except  a  small  company,  known  as  the  PitUitmrrf 
Bl«a,  and  the  latter  the  PiCarsturi;  Ko<iin(eer«),  a  company  of  the  NIneteeBUi  United  States  Begiment  nnder  Captain 
Waring,  and  Captain  Dudley's  company,  who  had  followed  Clay  Into  the  fort.  The  PitUlmrg  £jue<  were  commanded  by 
Captain  James  Bntler,  son  of  the  General  Butler  vrho  fell  at  St.  Clair's  defeat  la  1T91.  See  pages  4T  and  48.  The  Vir- 
iiiiana  were  under  Captain  M'Crea. 


iA.'i 


lii  i 


*! ' 


lii: 


481 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Sortl*  IVom  Port  MalR*. 


Proctor  4MMWtM*d. 


H>  III  d— rfd  by  bU  ftllow-wtm^ 


(lotaiU-d,  uiul  pliict'd  uiidor  tho  cnniniitri<l  of  Colonel  John  Miller,'  of  tlip  I'l'^iiJur  w^y. 
ict',  Tlu-y  <'oiiMiMlfil  of  the  eoni|niiiieM  of  United  StiiteM  troopM  under  ('ii|»luinH  F.aiii/- 
hum,  Croglian,  Itmdford,  Neiirinj;,^  Klliott,^  and  <»wynne,*  iintl  I.ieuteniiiil  ('iiiiiiiIh  Ij. 
Major  AlexanderV  volunteern,  and  a  eompany  of  KentiK-ky  militia  under  ('aptain  Sc' 
bree."  Miller  wan  aeeompanietl  by  Major  (Jeorjjje  Todd,  of  the  Nineteenth  Iiil'atitrv 
and  led  his  eoniinand  with  the  tjreati'Ht  bravery.  They  charged  with  the  fiercent  iin' 
{H'tucmity  upon  the  motley  foe,  eight  Inindred  and  tif\y  Htrong,  drove  then>  from  tlicir 
batterieK  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  Hpiked  their  gunw,  and  Keatteretl  tliiiii  in  ((inrn. 
sion  in  the  woods  beyond  the  ravine  toward  the  nite  of  the  present  village  of  iVrrys. 
burg.  The  enemy  fought  desijerately,  and  Miller  lo8t  fleveral  of  hin  brave  men.  At 
one  moment  the  utter  deHtructiou  of  Sebree'w  company  Heemed  inevitable.  They  werp 
surrounded  by  four  times  their  number  of  Indians,  when  (iwynne,  of  the  Nineteenth 
perceiving  their  peril,  rushed  to  their  rescue  with  a  part  of  Elliott's  company.  Tlu'v 
were  saved.  The  object  of  the  sortie  was  aGcom|)Jis]ied,  and  the  victors  reliinud  u, 
the  fort  with  forty-three  prisoners,  followed  by  the  enemy,  who  had  rallied  in  con- 
siderable force.' 

Arter  these  sorties  on  the  5th  the  siege  of  F'ort  Meigs  was  virtually  abandoned  by 

Proctor.  The  result  of  that 
day's  fighting,  conibinud  with 
the  ill  success  of  all  itrcccdini; 
efforts  to  reduce  the  fort,  wvn 
so  disheartei;ing  that  his  In- 
dian allies  deserted  him,  ami 
the  Canadian  militia  tunitd 
their  faces  homeward.*  The 
sjilendid  Territory  of  Mirhi- 
gan  had  been  promised  to  the 
Prophet  as  a  ivward  ftir  his 
services  in  the  capture  of  Fort 
Meigs,  and  Tecumtha  was  to 
Iiave  the  person  of  General 
Harrison,  whom  he  had  hated 
intensely  since  the  battle  of 
Tippecanoe  in  18 II,  as  hig  pe- 
culiar trophy.     These  prom- 


B1I;(JK  or  roBT  uiiUB. 


'  Colonel  of  the  Nineteenth  Regiment  orRcf^lara.  He  was  a  native  of  Ohio,  and  was  commiaBloued  colonel  on  the 
Olh  of  July,  1812.  He  was  traniifbrred  to  tho  Seventeenth  Infantry  In  May,  1S14.  In  IfilS  he  left  the  army.  He  wu«  gov- 
ernor (if  Hluourl  ft-om  1828  to  188S,  and  a  representative  In  Cougreoei  trom  183T  to  1843.  Ho  died  at  Floriuunt,  Mliuouri, 
on  the  IRth  of  March,  1840. 

>  Abel  Nearlug  was  trom  Connecticnt  He  aarvlved  the  siege,  bat  died  on  the  18th  of  September  following  f^om  the 
effect*  of  fever. 

'  Captain  Klllott  was  a  nephew  of  the  notoriona  Colonel  Blltott  In  the  British  service,  and  then  with  Proctor,  and  of 
Captain  Jengo  Blltott,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  on  Lake  Erie  at  that  time. 

♦  David  Gwynnc,  as  first  lienlenant  and  regimental  paymaster,  had  accompanied  Colonel  J.  B.  Campbell  against  the 
MIssisslnawa  Towns  (see  page  84«).  He  was  made  captain  In  March,  181.1.  In  August  lie  was  made  brigade  miOor  to 
Oeneral  M'Arthnr,  and  In  1R14  was  raised  to  major  of  riflemen.    He  left  tho  army  In  1816,  and  died  near  St.  Loul«  In  l'i45. 

»  Mt^or  Alexander  was  a  brave  ofllcer.  He  commanded  a  rifle  company,  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  in  Campbell'e  ei- 
pedltion  against  the  Misslssinawa  towns  In  December,  1812. 

'  Uriel  Sebree  was  a  captain  in  Scott's  Kentucky  Volonteera  in  Angnst,  1918,  and  was  with  Hi^or  HadUon  at  French- 
'  '>'  n,  nnder  Wlachester.    He  was  >i  gallant  ofllcer. 

^''he  Americans  lost  in  this  sortie  28  killed  and  SS  wounded.— ifS^.  Report. 

•  "I  had  notthe  option  of  retaining  my  position  on  the  Miami.  Halfof  the  militia  had  left  ns.  .  .  .  Before  the  ord- 
nance could  be  withdrawn  from  the  batteries  I  was  left  with  Tecumtha  and  less  than  twenty  chicfi)  and  warrior9-« 
circnmstanco  which  strongly  proves  that,  uiutrr  praent  cireuvutanca  at  Uxut,  our  Itidian  force  i»nota  dispomUe  oiw,  or 
ptrmatwnt,  thtmgk  oeea»imuUly  (( maU  poaer/ul  aid."— Proctor's  Dispatch  to  Qovemor  Prevoet. 

In  his  dispatch  to  Sir  Oeorgc  I'rcvost  from  Sandwich  on  tito  Uth  of  May  Troctor  fairly  acknowledged  hlmrelf  defeat- 
ed, and,  admitting  that  he  haA  no  data  forjudging  how  many  the  Americans  had  lost  In  killed,  "  conceived"  the  nam- 
her  to  have  been  between  a  thousand  and  twelve  hundred ;  whereupon  Sir  Oeorga  deceived  the  Canadians  and  (MM 
history  by  asserting,  In  a  General  Order,  he  had  "  crreat  satisfaction  tn  annonncing  to  the  troops  the  brilliant  result  of 
an  action  which  took  place  r  n  the  banks  of  the  Miami  River,"  Md  "  which  terminated  in  the  aimphte  defeat  4/  the  m- 
my,  and  capture,  dispersioD,  or  destmction  of  thirteen  hundred  men  I"    By  a  comparison  of  the  most  reliable  accoiuti 


OF    THE    WAU    OK    18  12. 


489 


for  his 

of  Fort 

was  1(1 

(ii'iicnil 

iid  hiited 

battle  of 

as  his  pe- 

ese  prom- 


ell  against  the 
gado  m«)or  lo 
.LoulnlnW 
Dampbell'B  ei- 

son  at  French- 


Ihlmcelfdefeit- 
liTed"  the  nam- 
ka  and  faleUM 
ImBDtroiuUot 

|u»b)e  iccounti 


fUfkl  MfthK  Rrlll'h  anil  Indians, 


MMMtei*  of  PrUontn  at  fort  lllaml. 


TeeaatlM'i  Rabtte  of  Praetor. 


jKt'H  wtTi'  !tll  imfulfilU'il.  Tho  Iiulmiifl  \vft  in  dinKui*t,  and  probably  nothinf:^  bnt  Te- 
(iiMilliit'"  ('iiiniiiiHHion  and  pay  um  hrigiidiiM-  in  thi!  HritiHh  urniy  Hoourod  Ium  farthur 
stTviofH  in  tlio  cauHC. 

IVix'tor^H  t>yi>8  Haw  hin  nava^o  allioH  Icavini;  him  and  bin  Cana<lian  militia  diHcon- 
tciitt"!  iiiidhiH  cars  heard  tiic  Hiartlinj;  intt'ilini'nci!  that  Fort  (tt-orgc,  on  tho  Niuf^ara 
frontiiT  waH  in  tlu!  iiaiuJH  of  tlif  AinoricaiiH.  and  tliat  ri'-onforcftnonts  wero  coming 
fniin  Ohio  for  the  littlo  army  at  Fori,  Mcij^s.'  Ho  saw  nothinfr  bidorc  him,  if  ho  re- 
niuiiH'd  hut  the  t-aptiirc  or  diwjH'rHion  of  liiH  troopM,  and  ht'  r»'Molv«'d  to  llco.  Witb 
the  (i(mii(n  of  cotK-i-aiinp  tiiiH  fiict  that  ho  inifiht  move  ott"  willi  Hafoty,  lu'  ajjaiii  sent 
Caiitaiii  ChainberH  to  demaiul  tho  HiirreiuU'r  of  tlio  tort.  IlarnHon  n-jjanU'd  tiio  ab- 
stiri  inci'xn^o  an  an  intended  iiiHiilt,  and  re<{ueHted  that  it  Hlioidd  not  bu  repeated.  It 
wiiH  tlic  InHt  friendly  eommnnieation  between  the  belligerentH.* 

Proctor  attempted  to  bear  away  from  IiIh  batterien  Iuh  unharmed  cannon,  but  a  few 
allots  from  Fort  MeijjjH  made  him  withdraw  Hj)eedily.  A  parting  roHponHO  in  kind 
I'rciin  one  of  hiw  gun-boatH,  in  return,  nlew  several,  among  them  Lieiitemmt  Uobert 


W'alkiT,  of  the  Pittsburg 
IJlucH,  whoso  grave  may  yet 
Ix'  identified  within  the  re- 
mains of  tho  fort  by  a  plain, 
riiiii^h  stone,  with  «  siin|)le 
in!trri|ition,  that  stands  at 
its  lit'ud.'  This  was  tho  last 
lit;,  lost  in  tho  siege.  In  the 
:.iimo  vessels  that  brought 
him  to  the  Maumee,  Proctor 
(if  tilt!  Engineers,  and  others.* 


UKMAiNit  ur  wai.kkb'i  momcmmt. 


roturiutd  to  Amherst  burg 
with  tho  rumaiiis  of  his  lit- 
tle army,  leaving  behind 
him  a  record  of  infamy  on 
the  shores  of  tliat  stream 
in  tho  wihieniess  equal  in 
blackness  to  that  upon  the 
banks  of  tho  Haisin.*  Here, 
in  few  words,  is  the  record, 


attested  by  Captain  Wood, 
()n  the  surrender  of  Dudley's  command  the  prisoners 
were  inarched  down  to  Fort  Miami  with  tin  escort,  and  there,  under  the  eye  of  J>oc- 
toraiidhis  officers,  the  Indians,  who  had  already  plundered  them  and  nmrdercd  nuuiy 
on  the  way,"  were  allowed  to  shoot,  tomahawk,  and  scalp  more  than  twenty  of  thorn. 
Tills  butchery  was  stopped  by  Tooiinitha,  who  proved  himself  to  be  more  huin{;ne 
li:an  his  British  ally  and  brother  officer,  Henry  Proctor.' 


im  both  tldei,  the  low  of  tin-  Americans  during  the  elege  may  fa'rly,  It  seema,  he  pnt  down  at  ahout  80  killed,  470  wonnd- 
ed,  »od  4'iO  prigonera.    The  Brlttah  loM  was  IB  killed,  47  wounded,  and  44  made  priaouera. 

1  vye  have  ohservcd  {pago  47S)  that  Peter  Navarre  was  nent  from  Fort  Melga  with  a  letter  to  the  Governor  .>f  Ohio. 
Thit  enersctlc  man  immediately  aent  meaaeuKera  In  all  directloua  for  volunteers,  and  he  waa  very  aoon  on  Ula  way  tc 
the  relief  of  (he  beleaguered  (farrison.    lila  march  was  arrcatcd  by  tho  (light  of  the  bcalegerc. 

'  Ilurrlsdii'i!  dispatches  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  May  9,  1S13 ;  Proctor's  dispatch  t><  Sir  Oeoryo  Prevost,  May  14, 1818 ; 
H'Mce'i  HitbrriKif  the  l,aU  War;  Perklna'a  and  Thomson 'a  Sktkhtt,  rte. ;  Captali.  Wood'a  Narratlvo.  cited  by  M'Afee; 
Major  Rlchurdson's  Narrative  ;  Auchlnleck'e  History  qf  the  War  a/lt^\9i  Genera'.  Clay's  Letter  to  General  Harrison,  May 
1J,1S13;  Captain  Combs'a  Letter  to  General  Clay,  May  B,  181B;  General  Harrison  to  Governor  Shelby,  Miiy  IH,  1813; 
Amstrong's  A'oOWa  i\f  the  War  nf  ISli :  Onderdonk's  MS.  lAft  of  Tectm\mK ;  Speech  of  Eleutheros  Cook,  Esq.,  of  San- 
aiifky  City,  at  Fort  Meigs,  June  11,  1840 ;  Narratives  of  Bev.  A.  M.  Lorraine  and  Joseph  R.  Underwood,  eyewitnesses, 
nooledhy  Hmve;  Boomer's  Early  Uintory  o/  the  Maumee  Ko/to/,-  oral  statcnenls  to  the  Author  by  Peter  Navarre. 

>  The  little  ninnnmciit,  which  contained  only  the  words,  Lieutenant  Walker,  May  9, 181!l,  had  been  greatly  mutilated, 
when  I  vUited  the  spot  In  the  antnmu  of  1800,  by  relic-seekers,  those  modem  Iconoclasts  whose  bnslnees,  when  thns 
purraedtii  simply  infamous.  The  remains  of  the  stone,  as  delineated  In  the  picture,  was  only  ahout  Ave  Inches  alM>ve 
the  (ground.  It  is  of  limestone,  and  was  wrought  by  a  stone-cutter  In  the  garrison  not  long  after  his  burial.  A  few  rods 
eutofitls  the  grave  of  Lieutenant  M'Culloch,  who  waa  killed  during  the  summer  by  Indians  while  out  hunting. 

•  See  the  close  of  Chapter  XVII. 

'  In  Howe's  Hutorieal  Collections  nf  Ohio,  page  B88,  may  be  fonnd  a  very  Interesting  narrative  of  the  horrid  events  at 
Fort  Vlanil,  by  Joseph  R.  Underwood,  who  was  present.  It  is  more  circumstantial  than  the  letter  of  Captain  Comba 
to  General  Clay,  mentioned  below. 

'  Mi^jor  Richardson,  of  the  British  anny,  who  wrote  an  account  of  events  under  Brock  and  Proctor  In  the  West,  saya 
Ihit  the  Indians  who  made  the  attack,  In  spite  of  the  eir<ir*«  of  the  gtiard,  were  some  who  had  taken  no  part  in  the  bat- 
t'e  "An  old  and  excellent  soldier,"  he  says,  "of  the  name  oi  Russell,  of  the  Forty-flrst,  was  shot  throngh  tba  heart 
iblle  endeavoring  to  wrest  a  victim  from  the  grasp  nf  his  assailant." 

'  Major  Richardson,  Just  quoted,  says,  lu  speaking  of  the  massacre:  "  More  than  forty  of  these  unhappy  men  had  fall- 
to  beneath  the  steel  of  the  infuriated  party,  when  Tecumtha,  apprised  of  what  waa  doing,  rode  up  at  fUll  speed,  and, 
nlflni!  hia  tomahawk,  threatened  to  destroy  the  llrst  man  who  resisted  his  injunction  to  desist. 

toeral  Leslie  Combs,  then,  as  we  have  seen,  n  captain  of  spies,  and  one  of  the  prisoners.  In  a  letter  to  Oener:;:  Clay, 

tlreail;  alluded  to,  gave  a  very  particular  account  of  the  aflfalr.    A  copy  of  that  letter,  (tarnished  by  General  Comix  in 

i  WM  before  me.    He  aaye  that  the  prisoner*,  on  their  march  toward  Fort  Meigs,  met  a  body  of  Indians,  who,  in  tb« 


^IW 


..       !■      ^               *           .     . 

'  •■■    i 

^  i'p' 

i  P/H  i 

-  £i 

■  i 

11 

,»4<^*WI!^'. 

filUk..V        < 

480 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


A  VMt  to  tbe  Maumee  Valley. 


IntoTOBtlng  traveling  Compaulons. 


Peter  Nanrw. 


I'KTKB  MAVABKE. 


I  visited  the  theatre  of  events  just  de- 
8cril)ed,  on  the  24th  of  Septemher,  18(i0, 
and  had  the  singuhir  good  fortune  to  he 
accompanied  by  L.  H.  Ilosmer,  Esq.,  of  To- 
ledo, author  of  The  Early  History  of  the 
Maumee  Valley,  and  the  vcnerahh!  IVtei- 
Navarre  (a  Canadian  P'renchman),  General 
Harrison's  trusty  scout,  already  mention- 
ed.' Navarro  resided  about  twenty  miles 
from  Toledo,  and  had  come  into  the  city 
on  bushiess  two  or  three  days  before.  Mr. 
llosmor,  aware  of  my  intended  viwit  at  that 
time,  hid  kindly  detained  hira  until  my  ar- 
f  ival.  Only  two  days  before,  I  had  enjoyed 
a  long  conversation  at  the  "  West  Uouse," 
in  Sandusky  Cityy  with  GentTal  Leslie 
Combs,  who  had  just  visited  Fort  Meigs 
for  tho  firat  tiriio  since  he  was  there  as  a 
soldier  and  prisoner  in  1813.  That  visit 
had  recalled  the  incidents  of  the  campaign 
most  viviilly  to  his  mind,  and  he  related  them  to  me  with  his  usual  entliusiasm  and 
perepicuit  y.  With  the  soldier's  description  in  my  memory,  and  the  historian  aud 
scout  at  my  side,  I  visited  Fort  Meigs  aud  its  historical  surroundings  under  the  most 
favorable  circumstances. 

The  night  of  my  arrival  at  Toledo  had  been  a  tempestuous  one — wind,  liglitninc, 
rain,  and  a  sprinkle  of  hail.  The  following  morning  was  clear  and  cool,  with  a  blus- 
teriiig  wind  from  tht!  youthwest.  We  left  the  city  for  our  ride  up  the  Maumee  Val- 
ley at  nine  o'clock,  in  a  light  carriage  and  a  strong  team  of  horses.  Mr.  Ilosmer  vol- 
unteered to  be  coachiuaii.  Our  road  lay  on  the  righ .  side  of  the  river;  and  when 
nearly  seven  milet,  from  Toledo  we  came  to  the  site  of  Proctor's  encanipmeut,  on  a 
level  plateau  a  short  distance  from  the  Maumee,  upon  land  owned,  when  we  visited 

presence  and  withoat  the  Interference  of  General  Proctor,  Colonel  Blllott,  and  other  officers,  as  well  m  tho  Britifh 
guard,  commenced  robbing  the  ■captives  of  clothes,  money,  watches,  etc  Combs  showed  his  wound  na  a  plea  fnr  con- 
sideration, bat  withont  effect.  He  too  was  stripped.  A«  they  passed  on,  the  prisoners  saw  ten  or  twelve  dead  mn. 
tisked  and  scalped,  and  near  them  two  lines  of  Indians  wete  formed  from  tho  entrance  of  a  trisngnlnr  ditch  in  front  In 
1  he  old  gate  of  the  fort,  a  distance  of  forty  or  fifty  feet  Between  tlicse  the  prisoners  were  comj,.  oil  to  run  tlic  pauni- 
let,  and  In  that  race  many  were  killed  or  maimed  with  pistols,  war-clubs,  Bcalplup-knives,  and  tomahawks.  Tlie  unm- 
ber  of  prisoners  thus  slaughtered,  without  Proctor's  attempt  at  interference^  was  estimated  at  a  number  nearly,  if  doI 
quite  equal  to  those  slain  in  battle. 

When  the  sur-ivlng  p'isoners  were  all  Inside,  the  savages  raifed  the  war-whoop  imd  commenced  loading  their  ptw. 
The  massacre  already  accomplished,  and  this  preparation  for  a  teuc-.ynl  of  it,  •.-ere  made  known  to  Teoumtlia,  who  li«»- 
tened  to  the  fort  witti  all  the  rapidity  of  his  horse's  sjwed,  and,  more  humane  ihan  his  white  ally,  instantly  intcriXMei! 
and  saved  the  lives  cf  the  remainder.    Elliott  then  rodo  In,  waved  his  sword,  and  the  savages  retired. 

Drake,  iu  his  Lifenf  Tecuvitha,  says  that  the  warrior  anthorltalvcly  demanded,  "Where  Is  General  Proctor f"  Sfoinf 
him  near,  he  sternly  Inquired  of  him  why  he  had  not  put  a  stop  to  the  massacre.  "  Your  Indians  can  not  be  command- 
ed," replied  Proctor,  who  trembleij  wltli  fear  In  tha  presence  of  the  enraged  chief.  "Begone  I"  retorted  Tecnmiha, ir 
perfect  disdain.    "  You  are  unfit  to  command  ;  go  and  put  on  petticoats !" 

The  half-naked  prisoners  were  taken  In  e  cold  rain-storm  that  night,  in  open  boati,  to  the  month  of  Swan  Creek,  anH 
thence  to  Maiden.  After  a  brief  confinement  there  they  v.-erc  sent  across  the  river,  and  at  the  month  of  the  Huron  wm 
left  to  find  their  way  to  the  nearest  tjttiement  In  Ohio,  fifty  miles  distant. 

'  Peter  Navarre  was  a  grandson  of  Robert  Navarre,  a  French  officer  who  came  to  America  In  1T48.  He  settled  at  l)^ 
troll,  and  'here  Peter  was  born  about  the  ycarlTlH),  and,  with  his  father  and  family,  settled  at  the  montii  of  the  M.ium« 
iu  ISflT.  At  that  time  Kan-fwk-ee-mtn,  tho  widow  of  Pimtiac,  was  living  there  with  her  son,  Otiimi.  She  was  rery  old, 
and  was  held  In  great  reverence.  Navarre  was  at  the  Prophet's  Town,  on  the  Wabash,  with  a  French  trader,  wlien  Har- 
rison arrived  thet :;  Just  before  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  but  escaped '  He  Joined  Hull  s  army  at  the  Tinplds,  w  iih 
him  at  netiolt.,  and,  after  the  surr.^ider,  returned  to  the  liaisiii  and  enlisted  in  Colonel  Anderson's  regiment-  lie *»-* 
there  when  Brock  was  ordeied  to  surrender  (see  page  291),  but  w«s  afterward  compelled  to  accompany  the  BrltlaliaJi 
guide  up  the  Maumee.  where,  as  we  have  seen,  he  deserted  and  fled  to  Winchester's  camp.  He  was  an  eyewltnei*  «i 
the  massacre  at  tbe  Kiver  Kiiislu.  After  that,  Navarre  and  his  brothers  were  employed  aa  ncouts,  aud  performed  n- 
cellent  service.  He  Is  a  stout-built  man,  of  dark  complexion,  and  la  now  [18(17]  about  eighty  years  of  age.  Hu  tfttto 
Kngllih  imperfectly,  as  the  Canadian  French  tisually  do.  The  above  portrait  is  (t-om  a  daguerreotype  taken  In  Toledo 
when  be  waa  about  seventy  years  of  age,  and  kindly  presented  to  me  by  Mr.  Hosmer. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


401 


It  Mavam. 


{tematna  of  Fort  Miami. 


Haamee  City  and  ita  historical  Blm-t'.«e. 


Preaque  lale  Hill. 


usiasm  and 
storiiiii  and 
cr  the  mo8l 

1,  liglitning, 
with  a  bins- 
laumce  Val- 
Ilosmer  vol- 

;  and  when 
iipiutut,  ou  a 

11  we  visited 


■\1  n«  Iho  BrtUsli 
lis  n  plea  fof  t""- 
fwi'lvp  ilcad  men. 
|r  ditch  In  from  In 

to  ruu  the  gaum- 
lawks.    The  rnim- 

iber  nearly,  il  uol 

Uding  their  mi. 
Icumlba,  who  bu- 
Vantly  iutcriKised 

Proctor?"  tolnf 
Fuot  be  commMil- 
|rteclTecumtha,ir 

rSwaiif'rei'k.'"''' 
of  the  Huron  vm 

J  He  settle*  atll^ 
■,thoftheM.mm« 
1  She  wa(  very  old, 
I  trader,  when  Ito 
lRni)lil»,w  "' 
Iciflraeiit.  He*« 
%iy  theBrilUh"' 
Ian  ejewltnean  of 
knil  performed  n- 
tfaKB.  He  »!«•'' 
%  taken  In  ToWo 


BUINU   or  tURT   MIAMI. 


it  by  Henry  W.  Horton.  Across  a  small  ravine,  a  few  rods  farther  southward,  were 
t'le  remains  of  old  Fort  Miami,  famous,  as  wo  have  seen,  in  Wayne's  time,  as  one  of 
the  outposts  of  the  British, 
impudently  erected  in  the 
Indian  country  within  the 
acknowledged  territory  of 
the  United  States.'  It  was 
upon  the  land  of  Benjamin 
Starbird,  whoso  dwelling 
was  just  beyond  the  south- 
ern side  of  the  fort.  It  was 
a  regular  work,  and  covered 
about  two  acres  of  land.  The 
embankments  were  from  fif- 
teen to  twenty  feet  in  height. 
They  were  covered  witli 
heavy  sward,  and  fine  hon- 
ey-locust and  hickory  trees 
were  growing  upon  them. 
These  were  in  full  leaf,  and 
the  grass  was  very  green, 
wlien  we  were  there.  From  th'j  northwest  angle  of  the  fort  I  made  the  accompany- 
ing sketch,  which  includes  the  general  appearance  of  the  mounds.  On  the  right  is 
seen  a  barn,  which  stands  within  the  triangular-  outwork,  at  the  sally-port  mentioned 
by  Captain  Combs  in  his  narrative,  substantially  given  in  Note  1,  page  489,  where  he 
was  compelled  to  run  the  gauntlet  for  his  life ;  and  on  the  left  a  glimpse  of  the  Mau- 
ir.ce.  All  about  the  old  fort  is  now  quiet.  For  more  than  fifty  years  peace  has  smiled 
upon  the  Maumce  Valley ;  and  Proctor  aiui  Tecumtha,  Elliott  and  The  Pro])het,  and 
the  other  savages  of  the  war,  white  and  rj'l,  are  almost  forgotten,  except  by  those 
families  who  suffered  from  their  cruelty. 

From  Fort  Miami  we  rode  up  to  Maumee  City,  opposite  Fort  Meigs,  a  pleasant  lit- 
tle village  of  about  two  thousand  inhabitants,  situated  at  the  head  of  river  naviga- 
tion, eight  n.iles  from  Toledo.  It  is  the  capital  of  Lucas  County,  Ohio,  and  was  l.iid 
out  in  1817  by  Major  William  Oliver  and  others,  within  a  reservation  of  twelve  miles 
square.  The  bank  of  the  river,  curving  gracefully  inward  here,  is  almost  one  hund- 
red feet  in  height.  Nearly  opposite  lies  the  little  village  of  Pcrrysburg,  and  between 
them  is  a  fertile,  cultivated  island  of  two  hundred  acres,  with  smaller  islands  around 
it.  Directly  in  front  are  seen  the  mounds  of  Fort  Meigs  and  a  forest  back  of  them ; 
and  up  the  Maumce  are  the  considerable  islands  known  respectively  as  Hollistor's  and 
Buttonwooil,  or  Peninsula.  The  latter  view  is  delineated  in  the  sketch  on  the  next 
page,  taken  from  the  main  road  along  the  brow  of  the  river  bank  in  front  of  the 
village.  In  it  is  seen  the  magnificent  elm-tree  that  stood  near  the  old  "  Jefferson 
Tavern ;"  and  in  the  middlp,  in  the  distance,  over  Ilollister's  Island,  is  seen  Turkey 
Point,  memorable  in  connection  with  the  adventures  of  Combs  and  the  landing  of 
Boswell.  That  elm  is  famous.  We  have  observed  that,  at  the  beginning  of  the 
siege,  the  water  used  by  the  garrison  was  taken  from  the  river  at  great  risk.  From 
the  thick  foliage  of  this  elm  several  bullets  from  rifles  in  the  hands  of  Indians  went 
fin  death-errands  across  the  ri  er  to  the  water-carriers.  These  were  returned  by 
Kentucky  riflemen,  and  tradition  says  that  not  less  than  six  savages  were  brought  to 
the  gro'ind  out  of  that  tree  by  those  sharp-shooters. 

From  Maumee  City  we  rode  three  miles  up  to  Presque  Isle  IlilP  (the  scene  of 
Wayne's  operations),  wandered  over  the  battle-ground  of  The  Fallen  Timber,'  and 


'  See  page  M. 


a  See  ^age  05. 


>  See  Mup  on  page  OS. 


■II 


.1 


siinir 


492 


riCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Remains  o  t  Fort  Melge. 


The  Well. 


Political  RomlnlscencM. 


sketched  Turkey-Foot's  Rock,  given  on  page 
55.  We  then  returned  to  the  bridges  (com- 
mon carriage  and  railway  bridge),  and  crossed 
to  Fort  Meigs,  the  form  of  which  we  found  dis- 
tinctly marked  by  thj  mounds  of  earth.  That 
of  the  Grand  Traverse'  Avas  from  four  to  six 
feet  in  iieight,  and  all  were  covered  with  green 
sward.  The  fort  originally  included  about 
ten  acres,  but  was  somewhat  reduced  in  size 
before  the  second  siege,  which  we  shall  no- 
tice presently.  The  places  of  the  block- 
houses were  visible,  and  the  situation  of  the 
well,  near  the  most  easterly  angle  of  the  fort, 
was  mai'ked  by  a  shallow  pit,  and  a  log  in  an 
upright  position,  seven  or  eight  feet  in  height.^ 


DP  TUB  MACHEE,  PROM  HACMKE  OITY. 

On  leaving  the  frirt  we  strolled  along  the  ravine  on  itK  right  and  rear  to  the  site  of 
the  British  battery  captured  by  Colonel  Miller.  There  yet  stood  the  primeval  for- 
est-trees— the  veiy  woods  in  which  Tecumtha  and  his  Indians  were  concealed.  A 
lit'le  brook  was  .lowing  peacefully  through  the  shallow  glen,  and  the  high  wind  tliat 

>  See  Plan  of  Fort  Meigs  on  page  484. 

»  That  log  has  a  history.    In  1840,  General  Ilarrison,  tlien  living  nt  North 
Bend,  on  the  Ohio,  was  nominated  for  President  of  the  ITnited  States.   It 
WftB  snld  that  the  hero  lived  in  a  log  cabin,  was  very  hospitable,  and  was  ever 
ready  to  give  the  traveler  a  draught  of  hard  cider.    Politicians,  who  are  al- 
ways anxious  to  And  something  to  charm  the  popular  mind,  took  the  hint, 
and  when  the  partisans  of  the  general,  during  the  political  cnnvoss  that  en- 
sued, held  large  meetings,  they  erected  a  log  cabin,  and  had  a  barrel  of  elder 
for  the  refreshment  of  oil  comers.    In  a  short  time  there  were  log  cabins  In 
every  city  and  village  In  the  land.    The  partisans  of  the  general  made  a  cap- 
ital "  hit,"  and  he  was  elected  by  an  overwhelming  majority.    During  that 
canvass  a  mass  meeting  of  his  partisans  in  Northern  Ohio  was  appointed  to 
4  JPll  Ji^"'^!:S#S;V-  '^Ife^Vi^         be  held  at  Fort  Meigs,  and,  on  the  day  previoH"*  to  the  time  appointed  for  it, 
^^S^bAsT^  ■  'V^^^^^SiMTA      '•'SS  were  taken  there  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  cabin.    On  that  night 
~  ~  '"  some  po'.itical  oppouents  in  the  neighborhood  s])olled  the  logs  l)y  favsing 

them  in  two.  The  cabln-bullding  was  abandoned.  One  of  the  lo^s  was 
placed  in  an  upright  position  in  tlie  nearly-filled  old  well,  a  large  hole  was 
bored  in  the  end,  a  small  pole  was  inserted,  and  upon  It  was  raised  ii  banner 
before  the  eyes  of  the  assembled  multitude,*  having  on  it  a  rude  picture  Jt 
man  sawing  a  log,  and  the  words  "  i,ooo  kooo  zeal."  In  those  days  the  Den.- 
ocratic  paity  were  called  //oco  F.ico*,  the  origin  of  which  name  was  as  follows :  A  faction  of  the  Democratic  party  met 
to  organize  in  the  city  of  New  York,  when  some  opponents  suddenly  turned  olT  the  gas.  This  trick  had  Iwen  pln.ved  be- 
fore, and  they  were  prepared.  In  an  instant  loco  foco  matches  were  produced  from  their  pockets,  and  the  gas-lamps 
relighted.  From  that  time  they  were  called  the  Loco  Poco  Party,  and  it  became  the  general  name,  in  derision,  of  the 
whole  Democratic  party.  

•  This  meeting  was  held  on  the  11th  day  of  June.  It  was  estimated  that  forty  .housand  persons  were  present,  The 
orator  of  the  day  was  Elontherog  Cooke,  Esq.,  of  Sandusky  City.  The  Reverend  Mr.  Badeau,  the  clergyman  who  olll- 
elated,  was  the  chaplain  of  Harrison's  army,  and  in  the  fort  at  the  siege. 


WEI.I.   AT    FORT  UEIGS. 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


403 


Vlilt  to  Fort  Meigg  and  lU  Vicinity. 


J'jumev  back  to  Toledo. 


Adieu  to  the  Guide  and  Uiatorlau. 


made  the  great  trees  rock  was  scarcely  felt  in  the  quiet  nook.  There  we  three — his- 
torian scout,  and  traveler — liad  a  "  picnic"  on  food  brought  from  Toledo,  and  clear 
water  from  the  brook,  and  at  one  o'clock  we  departed  for  the  city,  passing  down  the 
ri<Tht  bank  of  the  Maumee.  Just  after  leaving  the  fort  we  rode  through  Perrysburg, 
a  pleasant  village  about  the  size  of  Maumee  City,  and  the  capital  of  Wood  County, 
Ohio.  It  was  laid  out  in  1816,  and  named  in  honor  of  the  gallant  victor  on  Lake 
Erie  three  years  before. 

When  we  arrived  at  the  ferry  station  opposite  Toledo,  the  boat  had  ceased  ninning 
because  of  low  water.  The  wind  had  been  blowing  stiffly  toward  the  lake  all  day, 
and  expelled  so  much  water  from  the  river  that  the  boat  grounded  in  attempting  to 
cross  so  we  left  our  team  to  be  sent  for,  were  borne  over  in  a  skitf  at  the  moderate 
price  of  three  cents  apiece,  and  were  at  the  "  Oliver  House"  in  time  for  a  late  dinner, 
and  a  stroll  about  the  i-eally  fine  little  city  of  Toledo'  before  sunset.  At  that  hour  I 
irtirted  company  with  Mr.  Navarre,  with  heartfelt  thanks  for  his  services,  for  ho  had 
been  an  authentic  and  intelligent  guide  to  every  place  of  interest  at  and  around  Fort 
Meigs.  I  spent  a  portion  of  the  evening  with  ('  i-al  John  E.  Hunt  (a  brother-in- 
law  of  General  Cass),  who  was  born  in  Fort  Wayne  in  1798.  His  father  was  an  offi- 
cer under  General  Wayne  at  the  capture  of  Stony  Point,  on  the  Hudson,  in  1779,  and 
composed  one  of  the  "  forlorn  hope"  on  that  occasion.  Although  General  Hunt  was 
only  a  boy  at  the  time,  he  was  attached  to  General  Hull's  military  family  duri'^ff  Mq 
entire  campaign  which  ended  so  disastrously  at  Detroit  at  midsummer. 

At  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening  I  bade  good-by  to  kind  Mr.  Hosmer,  and  went  tip  the 
Manmee  Valley  by  railway  to  Defiance,  where  I  landed  at  midnight,  as  already  men- 
tioned,'^  in  a  chilling  fog. ^ 

I  Toledo  is  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Maumee  River,  near  its  entrance  into  Manmee  Bay,  at  the  lake  terminng  of  the 
Wabash  and  Erie  Canal.  It  covers  the  site  of  Fort  Industry,  a  stockade  erected  there  about  the  year  ISOO,  near  what  is 
now  Snmmit  Street.  It  stretches  along  the  river  for  nearly  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  the  business  was  originally  concen- 
trated at  two  points,  which  were  two  distinct  settlements,  known  respectively  as  Port  Lawrence  and  Vistula.  Toledo 
was  Incorporated  as  a  city  in  1836,  and  has  now  [1867]  almost  twenty  thousand  inhabitant?.  Little  more  than  thirty 
vears  ago  Ohio  and  Michigan  disputed  firmly  for  the  possession  of  Toledo— a  prize  worth  contending  for,  for  it  is  a  port 
of  great  importance.  They  armed,  and  an  inter-state  war  seemed  inevitable  for  a  while.  It  was  Anally  settled  by  Con- 
jress,  and  Toledo  is  within  the  boundaries  of  Ohio.  For  a  ft\ll  account  of  this  "  war,"  see  Howe's  Historical  CoUectiom 
«/  Ohio,  and  Major  Stlckney's  narrative  in  Hosnier's  Early  History  of  the  Maumee  VaUey.  »  See  page  332. 


■■■..■'. 

:ii 

^■i' 

|r 

1 

V  ■ 

Wa' 

t   ^ 

rt 

m'^' 

(present.  Tlie 
lyman  who  offl- 


living  at  North 
Iteil  States.  It 
s,  an  J  was  ever 
IS,  who  are  al- 
took  the  hint, 
mvnss  that  en- 
jbiirrel  of  elder 
le  log  cabins  in 
ral  made  a  cap- 
During  that 
18  appointed  to 
jpointcd  for  It, 
■  On  that  night 
ogs  by  sawiiii! 
\(  the  logs  was 
Ilnrgo  hole  was 
(raised  a  banner 
|uilc  picture  v-t« 
J  days  the  Den.- 
Iratlc  party  met 
llwenplayenl'e- 
the  gas-lamp* 
derision,  of  the 


M 


Hi 


404 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


BMTison'B  Provision  for  the  frontier  Defence.    At  hie  Hesd-qaarters  In  Ohio.    Colonel  Jobneon's  propoaed  Camn>i  ^H        

— — . »'"p»igii.         ^H        joiinw 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


'Sound,  oh  soand  Columbia's  shell ! 
High  the  tbnndering  pean  raise  1 
Let  the  echoing  bngle's  swell, 

Loudly  answering,  sound  bis  praise  I 
'Tl8  Sandusky's  warlike  boy, 

Crowned  with  Victory's  trophies,  comeB  I 
High  arise,  ye  shonts  of  joy, 
Sound  the  loud  triumphant  sound, 

And  beat  the  Orams."  C.  L.  S.  Jonxs. 


S  soon  as  General  Harrison  was  certain  that  Proctor  had  abandoned 
the  attempt  to  gain  possession  of  the  Maumee  Valley  and  had  re- 
tnrned  to  Maiden,  he  placed  the  command  of  the  troops  at  Fort 
Meigs  in  charge  of  the  competent  General  Clay,  and  started  for 
Lower  Sandusky  and  the  interior,  to  make  provision  for  the  de- 
fense of  the  Erie  frontier  against  the  exasperated  foe.  He  left  the 
fort  under  an  escort  of  cavalry  commanded  by  Major  ^all,  whose 
horses  had  been  sheltered  by  the  traverses  during  the  siege.  He 
arrived  at  Lower  Sandusky  on  the  12th  of  May,  where  he  met 
Governor  Meigs  with  a  large  body  of  Ohio  volunteers  pressing 
forward  to  his  relief.  Believing  that  their  services  would  not  be  needed  immediate- 
ly, he  thanked  them  cordially  for  their  promptness  and  zeal,  and  directed  them  to  be 
disbanded.  He  then  hastened  toward  Cleveland,  and  ordered  the  country  along  the 
shores  of  Lake  Erie,  from  the  Maumee  to  the  Cuyahoga,  to  be  thoroughly  reconnoi- 
tred. Having  thus  provided  for  the  immediate  safety  of  iIi"  frontier  settlements,  he 
took  up  his  quarters  again  at  Franklinton,  and  inaugurated  measures  for  meeting  the 
future  exigencies  of  the  service  in  that  region  by  the  establishment  of  military  posts 
not  far  from  the  lake,  one  of  the  most  important  of  which  was  at  Lower  Sandusky. 
The  general  was  delighted  with  the  evidences  of  spirit,  courage,  and  patriotism  that 
appeared  on  every  side.  The  Ohio  settlements  were  alive  with  enthusiasm.  The 
advance  of  Proctor  had  spread  general  alarm  throughout  the  state,  and  hundreds, 
discerning  the  peril  that  menaced  their  homes,  had  hastened  to  the  field  at  the  call 
of  the  patriotic  Governor  Meigs.  These  revelations  of  strength  and  will  assured 
Harrison  that  when  he  should  call  for  aid,  the  sons  of  Ohio  would  immediately  ap- 
pear in  power. 

While  these  events  were  occurring  in  the  extreme  Northwest,  the  naval  prepara- 
tions were  going  on  vigorously  at  Presque  Isle  (Erie),  and  another  and  efficient  arm 
of  the  service  had  been  created,  or  rather  materially  strengthened.  Richard  M.  John- 
son, a  representative  of  Kentucky  in  Congress,  who  had  been  with  Harrison  the  pre- 
vious autumn,  had  proposed  to  the  Secretary  of  War  the  raising  of  a  regiment  of 
mounted  men  in  his  state,  to  traverse  the  Indian  country  from  Fort  Wayne  along  the 
upper  end  of  Lake  Michigan,  round  by  the  Illinois  River,  and  back  to  the  Ohio  near 
Louisville.     The  secretary  approved  the  plan,  and  early  in  January*  laid  it 


■1818. 


before  Harrison,  The  general  perceived  its  utter  impracticability  in  winter. 
Campbell's  expedition  to  the  Mississiniwa  Towns'  had  taught  him  that.  "  Such  an 
expedition  in  the  summer  and  fall,"  he  said, "  would  be  highly  advantageous,  because 
the  Indians  are  then  at  their  towns,  and  their  com  can  be  destroyed.    An  attack  upon 


1  See  page  847. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


496 


DtBRatlsfiction  of  the  Volnnteera. 


Proctor  and  the  Indlani. 


.[ohnwn'iMuonteq  Kentncklsng. 

a  particular  town  in  the  winter,  when  the  inhabitants  are  at  it,  as  we  know  they  are 
at  Mississiniwa,  and  which  is  so  near  as  to  enable  the  detachment  to  reach  it  with- 
out killing  their  horses,  is  not  only  practicable,  but,  if  the  snow  is  on  the  ground,  is 
perhaps  the  most  favorable.    But  the  expedition  is  impracticable  to  the  extent  pro- 


The  projected  incursion  was  abandoned,  but  Johnson  was  authorized*  ,  pcbmary  «6, 
to  raise  a  full  regiment  of  mounted  men  in  Kentucky,  to  serve  under  Gen-  ***'''• 
eral  Harrison.  As  soon  as  Congress  adjourned,  he  hastened  homeward  and  entered 
zealously  upon  the  business  of  recruiting.  He  published  his  authority  with  a  stirring 
address. *"  The  regiment  was  soon  raised ;  and  toward  the  close  of  May, 
Johnson  wa'  at  the  head  of  several  companies,  on  their  way  to  the  appoint- 
ed general  rendezvous  at  Newport,  opposite  Cincinnati,  when  a  note  from  one  of 
General  Harrison's  aids  was  handed  to  him.  It  had  already  been  read  to  the  com- 
manders of  the  advanced  companies,  and  produced  the  greatest  dissatisfaction  among 
the  troops.  After  thanking  all  patriotic  citizens  who  had  taken  up  arms  in  defense 
of  the  country  in  general  terms,  the  note  assured  them  that  as  the  enemy  had  "  fled 
with  precipitancy  from  Camp  Meigs,"  there  was  no  "  present  necessity  for  their  longer 
continuance  in  the  field."  Disappointment,  chagrin,  anger,  and  depression  took  the 
place  of  patriotic  zeal  for  a  moment ;  but  Johnson  soon  allayed  these  feelings.  He 
did  not  choose  to  regard  the  note  as  an  order  for  disbanding  his  troops,  and  he  pressed 
forward  to  Newport.  There  he  met  General  Harrison,  when  arrangements  were  made 
for  the  regiipent  to  enter  the  United  States  service,  to  traverse  a  portion  of  the  Indian 
country  according  to  Johnson's  original  plan,  and  to  rendezvous  at  Fort  Winchester 
on  the  18th  of  Juna  It  was  believed  that  the  fleet  on  Lake  Erie,  designed  to  co-op- 
erate with  the  army,  would  be  ready  at  that  time  for  a  movement  against  Maiden 
and  Detroit.  The  regiment  arrived  at  Dayton  on  the  28th  of  May,  and  there  the  final 
organization  was  completed. '^  Under  the  brave  Johnson  that  regiment  performed  im- 
portant servi;e.^ 

Proctor  appears  to  have  been  disheartened,  for  the  moment,  by  his  failure  before 
Fort  Meigs,  and  on  his  return  to  Maiden  he  disbanded  the  Canadian  militia,  and  can- 
toned the  Indians  at  different  plpces  in  the  neighborhood.  Some  of  them  were  era- 
ployed  as  scouts,  others  hunted,  but  the  most  of  them  lived  upon  rations  furnished 
by  the  British  commissariat.  Meanwhile  British  emissaries,  white  and  red,  were  busy 
among  the  tribes  of  the  Northwest,  stirring  them  up  to  make  war  on  the  Americans. 
A  Scotchman  and  Indian  trader,  named  Dickson,  was  one  of  the  most  efficient  of  these 
agents.    He  was  sent,  before  Proctor  moved  for  the  invasion  of  the  Maumee  Valley, 

1  General  Harrison's  Letter  to  the  War  Department,  Jannary  4, 1818. 

>  Bichard  H.  Johnson  was  appointed  Colonel;  James  Johnson,  Lieutenant  Colonel;  Dnval  Payne  and  David  Thomp- 
lOD,  Slajort;  B.  B.  M'Afee  (the  author  of  a  HUtory  nf  (A«  War  {n  (A«  We»t,  already  quoted  freiinently),  Richard  Matson, 
Jacob  KlUston,  Benjamin  Warfleld,  John  Payne,  Elijah  Craig,  Jacob  Stucker,  James  Davidson,  S.  R.  Combs,  W.  M. 
Price,  and  James  Coleman,  Captaint;  Jeremiah  Kertly,  Adjutant;  B.  8.  Chambers,  (^varter-nuuter ;  Samuel  Theobalds, 
Mife  Advocate;  L.  Dickinson,  Sergeant-major ;  James  Suggett,  Chaplain  and  Major  of  the  Spies;  L.  Sandford,  Quarter- 
muttr  rieneral;  Doctors  Ewing,  Coburn,  and  Richardson,  Surgeon*. 

'  Richard  Mentor  Johnson  was  bom  at  Bryant's  Station,  Ave  miles  northeast  of  Lexington,  Kentucky,  on  the  ITth  of 
October,  1T81.  At  the  age  of  flfteen  years  he  acquired 
the  mdlments  of  the  Latin  language,  and  then  entered 
Trunylvania  University  as  a  student.  His  mental  and 
physical  energies  were  remarkable.  He  chose  the  law 
for  n  profcsBlon,  and  he  soon  took  a  conspicuous  place 
In  that  avocation.  During  the  excitement  In  the  South- 
west at  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  when 
hostilities  between  the  Spaniards  at  New  Orleans  and 
the  settlers  of  the  MIsslaslppi  Valley  seemed  imminent, 
Tonng  Johnson  took  an  active  part,  and  volunteered,  with  others,  to  make  an  armed  descent  on  New  Orleans.  Before 
he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age  he  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  Kentucky  Legislature,  where  he  served  two  years.  He 
w«i  elected  to  Congress  in  180T  d  took  his  se^t  when  he  was  just  twentyflve  years  of  age.  He  took  a  prominent  pos'- 
tlon  fwm  the  beginutng.  He  1  ■ild  that  seat  by  continued  re-election  until  1810.  In  the  debates  in  Congress  and  move- 
ments in  the  fled  he  was  very  active  dnrlng  the  Second  War  for  Independence.  These  will  And  proper  notice  )n  the 
teit 

When,  In  1810,  Color  el  Johnson  retired  IVom  Congress,  he  was  immediately  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  Kentucky  Legislatnre. 
He  wti  chosen  a  repr  isentative  of  his  state  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  where  be  served  his  country  faithftilly 


'y^^^^^^C^^ 


if-B^ 


t 
1 

;  jit  ^ 

K 

til 

P 

'^^^^^^^HP'  ^ 

\  • 

wk' 

:"    f 

L 

.^il 

1 

496 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Dickson  and  hia  Savages. 


Teciimtha  restive  In  Inaction. 


Fort  Me igg  to  be  again  attacked. 


to  visit  all  the  tribes  for  that  purpose  on  the  Illinois  and  Mississippi  Rivers  from 
Prairie  du  Chien  to  Green  Bay,  making  desolated  Chicago  the  grand  rendezvous  for 
liis  savage  recruits.  There  he  had  collected  more  than  one  thousand  of  them  early 
in  June.*  He  marched  them  across  Michigan  to  Detroit,  and  barely  missed 
falling  in  with  Colonel  Johnson  and  his  mounted  men  at  White  Pigeon's  Town 
on  the  way.'  His  influence  had  been  such  that  the  Indians  were  incited  to  many 
acts  of  violence  in  the  Territories  of  Illinois  and  Missouri.  They  were  even  so  bold 
as  to  invest  Fort  Madison,  and  at  one  time  it  was  apprehended  that  the  powerful 
Osage  nation  would  rise  in  open  war  against  the  Western  frontier.  But  that  calam- 
ity was  arrested  by  prompt  measures  in  Illinois  and  Missouri. 

Tecumtha  had  not  ceased,  since  their  return  to  Maiden,  to  urge  Proctor  to  renew 
the  attempt  to  take  Fort  Meigs.  Proctor  was  reluctant ;  but,  toward  the  close  of 
June,  he  consented,  and  au  expedition  was  organized  for  the  purpose.  At  about  that 
time,  a  Frenchman,  taken  prisoner  on  the  field  of  Dudley's  defeat,  and  kept  at  Mai- 
den ever  since,  escaped.  As  the  enemy  suspected,  he  fled  to  Fort  Meigs,  and  inform- 
ed General  Clay  of  tho  preparations  to  attack  him.  Clay  immediately  communicated 
the  fact  to  Harrison  nt  Franklinton,  and  Governor  Meigs  at  Chillicothe.  It  was  ru- 
mored that  the  expected  invading  force  was  composed  of  nearly  four  thousand  In- 
dians and  some  regulars  from  the  Niagara  frontier.  The  vigilant  Harrison  was 
quickly  in  the  saddle.  He  did  not  believe  Fort  Meigs  to  be  the  object  of  attack  but 
the  weaker  posts  af  Lower  Sandusky,  Cleveland,  or  Erie.  He  ordered  the  Twenty- 
fourth  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry,  under  Colonel  Anderson,  then  at  Upper 
Sandusky,  to  proceed  immediately  to  Lower  Sandusky.  Major  Croglian,  with  a  part 
of  tlie  Seventeenth,  was  ordered  to  the  same  post,  and  also  Colonel  Ball  with  his 
squadron  of  cavalry,*    Harrison  followed,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  26th  he  over- 


ton  years.  Then  [1829]  he  again 
took  a  seat  in  the  Lower  Honse, 
and  held  that  position  until  1837, 
when,  having  been  elected  Vice- 
president  of  the  United  States, 
be  took  his  place  as  President 
of  the  Senate.  At  the  end  of  his 
official  term  he  retired  from  pnb- 
lic  life,  and  passed  the  remain- 
der of  bis  days  on  bis  farm  in 
Scott  Connty,  Kentucky,  except- 
ing a  brief  period,  when  he  was 
again  in  the  Legislature  of  that 
state.  While  engaged  in  that 
service  at  Frankfort,  he  was 
prostrated  by  paralysis,  and  ex- 
pired on  the  15tb  of  November, 
1860.  In  the  cemetery  near 
Frankfort,  Kentucky,  is  a  splen- 
did monument  erected  to  the 
memory  of  soldiers  of  the  Com- 
monwealth who  had  fallen  in 
battle,  within  its  inclosure  is 
a  benutlftil  monument,  made  of 
slightly  clouded  Italian  marble, 
to  the  memory  of  Colonel  John- 
son, bearing  the  following  In- 
acriptions:  on  one  side  of  the 
pedestal,  "  Righabd  Mentor 
Johnson,  bom  at  Bryant's  Sta- 
tion, Kentucky,  on  the  ITth  day 
of  October,  1781 ;  died  in  Prank- 
fort,  Kentncky,  on  the  15th  of 


JOHNSON  B  MONCMENT. 


November,  1850."  Outheoppo- 
site  side:  "To  the  memory  of 
Colonel  Richard  M.  Johnson,  a 
faithful  public  servant  for  near- 
ly half  a  century,  as  a  member 
of  the  Kentucky  Leglslatore, 
and  Representative  and  Senator 
In  Congress;  author  of  the  Soa- 
diiy  Mail  Report,  and  of  the  law* 
for  abolishing  imprisonment  for 
debt  In  Kentncky  and  In  the 
United  States.  Distinguished  bj 
his  valor  as  colonel  of  a  Ken- 
tucky regiment  at  the  battle 
of  the  Thames.  For  four  years 
Vice-president  of  the  United 
States.  Kentucky,  his  native 
state,  to  mark  her  eense  of  his 
eminent  services  In  the  cablaet 
and  in  the  field,  has  erected  this 
monument  in  the  resting-place 
of  her  illnstriuus  dead." 

On  the  northeast  side  of  the 
pedestal  Is  a  bust  of  Johnson  in 
low  relief;  and  on  the  southwest 
side  an  historical  group,  in  the 
same  style.  In  which  he  is  repre- 
sented as  shooting  Tecumtha  at 
the  battle  of  the  Thames.  Some 
remarks  on  that  subject  will  ta 
found  in  our  account  of  that  bat- 
tle. 
'  Dickson's  recruits  are  repre- 
The  principal  cJUef  among  them  was  Jfo- 
"It  Is  remarkable,"  says  M'Afee, 


sented  by  eyewitnesses  as  being  the  moat  savage  and  cmel  in  their  nature. 
ijpoek,  whose  girdle  was  covered  with  hnman  scalps  as  trophies  of  bis  prowess. 
"that  After  the  savages  joined  the  British  standard  tu  combat  fur  ■  the  Defciiders  of  the  Faith,'  victory  never  again  d& 
dared  for  the  allies  in  the  Northwest.    For  the  cruelties  they  had  abeady  committed,  and  those  which  were  threat- 
ened by  this  inhuman  association,  a  Just  Qod  frowned  indignant  on  all  their  subsequent  operations."   fliatori/iif  th 
£ate  War,  page  298. 
>  General  Harrison  bad  just  held  an  important  conncil  with  the  Shawnoese,  Delaware,  Wyandot,  and  Seneca  Indians 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


4W 


aln  atUcked. 
k'ers,  from 

2ZV0UB  for 

liem  early 
ily  missed 
oil's  Town 
I  to  many 
en  so  bold 
3  powerful 
bat  calam- 

r  to  renew 
lie  close  of 
about  that 
jpt  at  Mai- 
iiicl  inform- 
imunicated 
It  was  ru- 
tiousand  In- 
irrison  was 
'attack,  but 
bo  Twenty- 
m  at  Up])er 
•witb  a  part 
all  with  his 
5tb  be  over- 


0."  Oil  the  oppo- 
\>  the  mcraory  ot 
d  H.  Johnson,  a 
servant  for  neat- 
as  a  membei 
cky  Legislalnre, 
tttlve  and  Siinator 
utlioroftlicSnn- 
audofthelavt 
impriBonmeutfoT 
acky  and  In  tbe 
Distinguished  by 
olonel  of  a  Ken- 
at  the  battle 
For  four  yean 
of  the  United 
iicky,  his  native 
her  sense  of  his 
les  In  the  cabinet 
has  erected  this 
the  resting-place 
us  dead." 
beast  side  of  tbe 
nst  of  Johnson  in 
on  the  southwest 
leal  group,  in  the 
whlchheisrcpre- 
ting  Tecumlha  at 
e  Thames.  Some 
at  subject  will  be 
Mjountofthatbat- 

ecroits  are  repre- 
mg  them  was  *«• 
le,"  says  M'Afee, 
r  never  again  de- 
hlch  were  threat- 
Bittory(ifttt 

d  Seneca  Indians 


7  hDWn's  Heconnolssanco  to  the  Balsln.  At  Fort  Stophenson. 


Departure  for  the  Wilderness,  and  Itccalt. 


took  Colonel  Anderson.  Scouts  had  reported  tbe  appearance  of  numerous  Indians 
on  the  Lower  Maumee,  and  tbe  general  selected  tbree  buiidred  men  to  make  a  forced 
march  to  Fort  Meigs.  He  arrived  tbere  bimself  on  tbe  28tb,  ami  tben  ordered  Col- 
onel Johnson,  who  bad  come  down  from  Fort  Winchester  with  his  seven  hundred 
men  after  forty  days  of  hard  service  in  traversing  the  Wilderness,  to  make  a  recon- 
noissance  toward  the  Raisin  to  procure  intelligence.  Obedience  followed  command. 
The  movement  was  successful.  Johnson  ascertained  that  there  was  no  immediate 
danf^er  of  an  invasion  from  Maiden  in  force.  Satisried  of  this,  Harrison  left  Fort 
Jleiss  on  the  Ist  of  July,  escorted  by  seventy  mounted  men  under  Captain  M'Afee 
(13  far  as  Lower  Sandusky.  From  tbere  be  went  to  Cleveland,  escorted  by  Colonel 
Ball  to  make  farther  defensive  provisions.  There  be  left  Ball  and  bis  cavalry  in 
charge,  and  returned  to  bis  head-quarters  after  ordering  Colonel  Johnson,  with  bis 
mounted  men,  to  take  post  at  tbe  Huron  River.  That  efficient  officor  again  prompt- 
ly obeyed.  He  arrived  at  Lower  Sandusky  on  the  4th  of  July.  Flags  were  flying, 
and  music  filled  the  air.  The  garrison  of  Fort  Stephenson,^  under  Major  Crogban, 
were  about  to  celebrate  the  day  with  appropriate  ceremonies,  and,  at  their  request, 
Colonel  Johnson  delivered  a  patriotic  oration.  Toasts  were  given,  and  good  cheer 
abounded.  But  duty  called  from  pleasure,  and  the  mounted  men  resumed  their  sad- 
dles to  press  onward  to  tbe  Huron.  An  order  from  tbe  War  Department  arrested 
them.  Johnson  was  directed  to  turn  back,  and  hasten  to  the  defense  of  the  Illinois 
and  Missouri  Territories,  then,  in  the  opinion  of  the  authorities  tliere,  seriously  men- 
aced by  Dickson  and  bis  savage  followers.  He  was  disappointed  and  mortified ;  but, 
at\er  writing  to  Harrison  expressing  his  strong  desire  to  remain  in  the  army  destined 
for  Detroit  and  Maiden,  he  turned  bis  horse's  bead  again  toward  the  Wilderness. 
The  commander-in-chief  urged  tbe  Department  to  comply  with  Johnson's  Avisbes,  as- 
surintr  the  Secretary  that  Dickson's  savages  were  on  the  Detroit.  The  order  was 
countermanded,  and,  when  far  on  bis  Avay  toward  tbe  Mississippi  as  an  obedient  sol- 
dier, Johnson  Avas  recalled.  It  Avas  well  fot  the  country  that  bo  was  left  to  serve 
under  the  direct  command  of  General  Harrison  at  that  time. 

Late  in  July  the  British  had  collected  on  the  banks  of  the  Detroit  nearly  all  of  the 
warriors  of  tiie  Northwest,  full  tAventy-five  hundred  in  number.  These,  Avith  Proc- 
tor's motley  force  already  there,  made  an  army  of  about  five  thousand  men.  Early 
in  the  month  bands  of  Indians  began  to  appear  in  tbe  vicinity  of  Fort  Meigs,  killing 
and  plundering  Avbenever  opportunity  offered.     Tecumtba,  meanAvbile,  had  become 


at  Us  head-quarters  ntFrnnkllnton.  Circumstances  had  made  him  suspect  their  fidelity  to  their  promises  of  strict  neu- 
trality. It  was  a  crisis  when  all  should  be  made  plain.  Be  required. them  to  take  a  decided  stand  for  or  against  the 
Americans ;  to  remove  their  families  into  the  interior,  or  the  warriors  must  accompany  him  in  the  ensuing  campaign,  and 
tight  for  the  United  States.  The  venerable  Ta-he,  who  was  the' acknowledged  represeutatlve  of  them  all,  assured  the 
general  of  their  uutlinching  friendship,  and  that  the  chiefs  and  warriors  were  anxious  to  take  part  in  the  campaign.  He 
accepted  their  assurances  as  true,  and  told  them  he  would  let  them  know  when  he  wanted  them.  "  But,"  he  said,  "  yon 
must  conform  to  our  mode  of  warfare.  You  are  not  to  kill  defenseless  prisoners,  old  men,  women,  or  children.  By  your 
good  conduct  I  shall  be  able  to  tell  whether  the  British  can  restrain  their  Indians  If  they  wish  to  do  so."  He  then  told 
them  that  he  had  heard  of  Proctor's  promise  to  deliver  him  into  the  hands  ofTecumtha.  "Now,"  he  said,  jocularly, 
"id  can  succeed  In  taking  Proctor,  you  shall  have  him  for  your  prisoner,  provided  you  will  treat  him  as  a  squaw,  and 
oaly  put  petticoats  upon  him,  for  he  must  be  a  coward  who  would  kill  a  defenseless  prisoner." 
!  Fort  Stephenson  was  erected  In  the  supipier  of  1812.  Lower  Sandusky  (uow  the  village  of  Fremont)  was  a  mere 
!railiug-poft,  the  only  buildings  being  a  govenimcnt  store  and  a  Roman  Catholic  mission-house  Iq  charge  of  two  priests. 
Thomas  Butler,  who  had  been  in  Wayne's  array,  was  charged  with  the  duty  of  selecting  the  site  and  superintending  the 
coustmctlon  of  a  stockade  at  that  place.  He  drew  tbe  lines  of  the  furt  around  the  store-house,  about  one  hundred 
yards  In  one  direction,  and  about  fifty  yards  in  the  other.  The  men  employed  In  the  work  were  a  company  under  Cap- 
tain Norton,  of  Connecticut,  who  were  ordered  to  Lower  Sandusky  by  Governor  Meigs  for  the  parpose.  Sergeant  Eras- 
ins  Bowe,  of  Tiffin,  Ohio,  one  of  the  three  known  survivors  of  the  detachment  In  1800,  was  the  first  to  break  ground, 
^a.ving, "  Captain,  I  don't  think  there  will  be  mnch  fighting  here,  but  I  believe  I  will  make  a  hole  here."  His  remark 
was  caused  by  the  general  belief  that  the  British  would  never  be  able  to  penetrate  so  far.  The  pickets  for  the  fort 
we  cut  near  the  present  railway  station,  and  In  the  course  of  twenty-five  days  they  were  all  set.  A  block-house  was 
cmstnicted  on  the  northeast  corner,  and  another  In  the  middle  of  the  north  side  of  the  fort.  Croghan  strengthened  the 
fort  in  the  lummer  uf  1818  by  the  erection  of  two  more  block-hou!>es,  one  of  which  was  built  against  the  middle  block- 
lionse  on  the  north  side,  and  the  other  on  the  southwest  comer.  He  also  i  onstructed  an  embankment  and  dit^'^ ,  and  In 
the  block-house  on  the  northeast  angle  placed  his  slx-pounder.— Sfafenu>iit  (ifBrasUu  Boire  in  the  "San^ltuky  Dtnw- 
ml,"  My  2T,  ISOO.  The  other  two  known  survivors  of  the  constructors  of  the  fort  at  that  time  were  Samuel  Scrlbner, 
o(Slarion,nnd  Ira  Carpenter,  of  Delaware,  Ohio. 

Ti 


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PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Tecumtha'a  Plan  for  Capturing  Fort  Hetg«. 


Vigilance  of  the  American!. 


The  Attempt  a  Fillure, 


very  restive  under  the  restraints  of  inaction,  especially  when  ho  saw  so  large  a  body 
of  his  countrymen  ready  for  the  war-patli,  and  he  at  last  demanded  tliat  another  at- 
tempt should  be  made  to  capture  Fort  Meigs,  lie  submitted  to  Proctor  an  iin»onioii> 
plan  by  which  to  take  the  garrison  by  stratagem  and  surprise.  He  proposed  to  land 
the  Indians  several  miles  below  the  fort,  march  through  the  woods,  unobservi'd  h\ 
the  garrison,  to  the  road  leading  from  the  Maumee  to  Lower  Sandusky  in  the  rear 
and  there  engage  in  a  sham-fight.  This  would  give  Clay  an  idea  that  some  approacli' 
ing  re-enforcements  had  been  attacked,  and  he  would  immediately  sally  out  with  tin 
garrison  to  their  aid.  The  Indiana  would  form  an  ambuscade,  rise,  and  attack  the 
unsuspecting  Americans  in  their  rear,  cut  off  their  retreat,  and,  rushing  to  the  fort 
gain  an  entrance  before  the  gates  could  be  closed.*  Proctor  accepted  tlie  plan  and 
arranged  for  the  expedition,  but  the  vigilance  and  firmness  of  General  Clay  defeated 
the  well-devised  scheme  and  saved  the  fort. 

On  tlie  20th  of  July  Proctor  and  Tecumtha  appeared  with  their  combined  forces 
about  five  thousand  strong,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Maumee.*  General  Clay  iinmediatelv 
dispatched  a  messenger  to  Harrison,  at  Lower  Sandusky,  with  the  information.  The 
commander-in-chief,  doubtful  Avhat  post  the  enemy  intended  to  attack,  sent  the  mes- 
senger (Captain  M'Cune)  back  with  an  assurance  for  General  Clay  that  he  should 
have  re-enforcements  if  needed,  and  a  warning  to  beware  of  a  surprise.  He  tliefi  re- 
moved his  head-quarters  to  Seneca  Town,^  nine  miles  farther  up  the  Sandusky  River, 
from  which  point  he  might  co-operate  with  Fort  Meigs  or  Fort  Stephenson,  as  eir. 
cumstances  should  require.  There,  with  one  hundred  and  forty  regulars,  he  com- 
menced fortifying  bis  camp,  and  was  speedily  joined  by  four  hundred  and  fifty  mori' 
United  States  troops  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Paul,*  of  the  infantry,  and  Ball,  of 
the  dragoons ;  also  by  M' Arthur  and  Cass,  of  Ohio,  Avho  had  each  been  promoted  to 
brigadier  general.  Colonel  Theodore  Deye  O wings  was  also  approaching  with  livi 
hundred  regulars  from  Fort  Massac,  on  the  Ohio  River. 

Tecumtha  attempted  to  execute  his  strategic  plan.  On  the  afternoon  of  the 
•July,  25th,*  Avhile  the  British  were  concealed  in  the  ravine  already  described, just 
1813.  |)elow  Fort  Meigs,  the  Indians  took  their  prescribed  station  on  tin.  Sandusky 
road,  and  at  sunset  commenced  their  sham-fight.  It  was  so  spirited,  and  tlie  yells 
of  the  savages  were  so  powerful,  that  the  garrison  had  no  doubt  that  the  command 
er-in-chief,  with  re-enforcements,  had  been  attacked.  Tliey  were  exceedingly  aiuioib 
to  go  out  to  their  aid.  Fortunately,  General  Clay  was  better  informed.  Captain 
M'Cune  had  just  returned  from  a  second  errand  to  General  Harrison,  after  many  hair- 
breadth escapes  in  penetrating  the  lines  of  the  Indians  swarming  in  the  woods.  Al- 
though Clay  could  not  account  for  the  firing,  yet  he  was  so  certain  that  no  Americans 
were  engaged  in  the  contest,  whatever  it  might  be,  that  ho  remained  firm,  even  when 
ofliccrs  of  high  rank  demanded  permission  to  lead  their  men  to  the  succor  of  their 
friends,  and  the  ti'oops  were  almost  mutinous  because  of  the  restramt.  Clay's  firm- 
ness saved  them  from  utter  destruction.    A  heavy  shower  of  rain,  and  a  few  cannoii- 

'  statement  of  Major  Richardson,  of  the  British  army. 

"  Proctor  commanded  the  white  troops  in  person.  Dixon,  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  commanded  the  Mackinaw  nnd  otb- 
er  Northern  tribes ;  Tecumtha  those  of  the  Wabash,  Illinois,  and  St.  J')seph ;  and  Ronnd-Head  (see  page  '291)  thoE«  of 
the  Cbippewas,  Ottawas,  and  Fottawatomies  of  Michigan.— Harrison's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Seneca  Tomi. 
Angnst  4, 1818. 

'  The  IntUane  who  occnpied  this  region  were  called  "the  Senecas  of  Sandusky"— why  does  not  appear,  for  they  wtre 
composed  of  Cayngas  chiefly,  with  a  few  Oneidas,  Mohawks,  Onondagas,  Tuscaroras,  and  Wyandots.  They  iiumlioreii 
about  four  hundred  souls  at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  were  the  remnant  of  the  tribe  of  Logan,  the  chief  immortalW 
by  Mr.  Jefferson.  In  181T  and  181S  forty  thousand  acres  of  land  lying  on  the  east  side  of  the  Sandusky  River  werf 
granted  to  them.  In  1831  they  ceded  their  lands  to  the  United  States,  and  went  west  of  the  Mississippi.  Seneca  Counly, 
of  which  Tiffin  is  the  connty  seat,  derived  its  name  from  these  so-called  Seneca  Indians.  The  fortified  camp  of  Harri- 
son itssnraed  the  form  of  a  regular  work  known  as  Fort  Seneca,  having  a  stockade  and  ditch,  and  occupied  several  acra 
of  a  plain  on  the  bank  of  the  Sandnsky.    Slight  remains  of  the  work  were  yet  visible  in  1800. 

*  George  Paul  was  a  m^jor  of  Pennsylvania  militia  under  General  Harrison'.  He  afterward  resided  in  Ohio,  and  m- 
tered  the  service  again  early  in  the  war.  He  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  colonel  in  April,  1818,  and  colonel  at  tlie 
close  of  June  following.    He  resigned  in  October,  1814. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


490 


Koti  Stcphcn«on  to  be  attacked. 


Major  CroghsD'e  InttrnctioDi. 


A  Council  of  War. 


,hot  hurled  from  the  fort  in  the  direction  of  the  suppoacd  fight,  put  an  end  to  the 
tirinir  nnd  that  night  was  as  quiet  at  Fort  Meigs  as  in  a  time  of  peace.  Tl»o  strategy 
f  To'cnmtha  had  failed,  to  the  great  mortification  of  the  enemy.  Ignorant  of  the 
Itrcnsjth  of  the  fort  and  garrison,'  they  did  not  attempt  an  assault.  After  lingering 
iroiind  their  coveted  prize  about  thirty  hours,  the  besiegers  withdrew"  to  .juiyzr, 
I'roctor's  old  encampment,  near  Fort  Miami,  and  on  the  28th  the  British  ^'*"- 
e.mbnrkcd  with  their  stores  and  sailed  for  Sandusky  liay,  with  the  intention  of  at- 


Fort  Stephenson  was  garrisoned  by  one 
hundred  and  sixty  men,  nnder  tlie  command, 
,19  we  have  observed,  of  a  gallant  young  Ken- 
tuckian,  Major  George  Croghan,  of  the  Regu- 
lar Army,  then  only  twenty-one  years  of  age. 
Tlieir  only  ordnance  was  an  iron  six-pounder 
cannon,  and  their  chief  defenses  were  three 
block  -  houses,  circumvallating  pickets  from 
fourteen  to  sixteen  feet  in  height,  and  a  ditch 
about  eight  feet  in  width  and  of  equal  depth. 

Already  an  examination  of  Fort  Stephenson 
bv  General  Harrison  had  convinced  him  that 
it  would  be  untenable  against  heavy  artillery, 
and,  in  orders  left  with  Major  Croghan,  he 
said  "  Should  the  British  troops  approach  you 
in  force  with  cannon,  and  you  can  discover 
them  in  time  to  cfiect  a  retreat,  you  wUl  do 
so  immediately,  destroyhig  all  the  public 
stores.  You  must  be  aware  that  to  attempt 
to  retreat  in  the  face  of  an  Indian  force  would 
be  vain.  Against  such  an  enemy  your  gar- 
rison would  be  safe,  however  great  the  num- 
ber." 

On  the  receipt  of  the  intelligence  from 
General  Clay,  General  Harrison  called  around 
him  in  council''  M' Arthur,  Cass,  Ball,  Wood,  Hukill,  Paul,  Holmes,  and  Gra-    ,  ^  , 

•  July  29. 

ham,  and  it  was  unanimously  agreed  that  Fort  Stephenson  was  untenable, 
and  that,  as  the  approaching  enemy  had  cannon.  Major  Croghan  ought  immediately 
to  comply  with  the  standing  order  of  his  general.  Believing  that  the  innate  bravery 
of  Croghan  would  make  him  hesitate.  General  Harrison  immediately  dispatched  to 
him  an  order  to  abandon  the  fort.^  The  beai-ers  started  at  midnight,  and  lost  their 
way  in  the  dark.  They  did  not  arrive  at  Fort  Stephenson  before  eleven  o'clock  the 
next  day,  when  the  forest  around  was  SAvarming  with  Indians. 

Major  Croghan  consulted  his  ofiicers  concerning  a  retreat,  when  a  majority  agreed 
with  him  that  such  a  step  would  be  disastrous,  and  that  tJie  post  might  be  maintain- 
ed. A  few  moments  aft;er  the  conference,  he  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  mes-  ,  j„,  ^^ 
....,.:  from  General  Harrison  the  following  answer  to  his  chief:"  "Sib,- 


1813. 


I  The  garriaon  nnmbered,  In  rank  and  flic,  only  abont  eighteen  bnndred  men.  There  were  a  little  over  two  thonsand 
It  the  close  of  May,  but  hill  two  hundred  had  died  of  camp  fever. 

'Theorderwassentby  a  whltemau  (Conner)  and  two  Indians,  who  found  some  dlfflculty  in  the  performance  of  their 
mlMJon.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  order:  "  8ie,— Immediately  on  rccclTlng  this  letter  yon  will  abandon  Fort 
SlfphenBon,  set  fire  to  It,  and  repair  with  yonr  command  this  night  to  head-quarters.  Cross  the  river  and  come  up  on 
Ihe  opposite  side.  If  you  should  deem  and  And  it  impracticable  to  make  good  your  march  to  this  place,  take  the  road 
10  Huron,  and  pursue  it  with  the  utmost  circumspection."    The  order  was  dated  29th  July. 


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500 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


CroithMi  diMil 


Ilta  BzplnnatloiM  jDitliy  the  Act. 


Colonel  B«iri  Fight  with  Indlu,,. 


I  hiivf  jiut  wc'i'ived  yours  of  yesterday,  ten  o'clock  P.M.,  ordering  me  to  dcstrov 
this  iilacc  nnd  nmko  good  my  retreat,  wiiich  was  received  too  late  to  l»e  carricil 
into  execution.     We  have  determined  to  maintain  this  place,  and,  by  heavens!  w 


can. 


This  positive  disobedience  of  orders  was  not  intended  as  such.  The  gallant  yotin" 
Kentuckian  gladly  perceived  sufficient  latitude  given  him  in  the  clause  of  tlie  ouHilt 
order,  in  which  tlio  tlangcr  of  a  retreat  in  the  face  of  an  Indian  force  was  nientiniu,] 
to  justify  him  in  remaining,  especially  as  the  later  order  did  not  reach  him  initil  snd, 
force  was  apparent.  But  the  general  could  not  permit  disobedience  to  pasH  mino. 
ticed,  and  he  inunediately  ordered  Colonel  Wells  to  repair  to  Fort  Stephenson  and 

Hupcrsede  Major  Croghan.'    The  latter  was  ordered 

to  head-quarters  at  Seneca  Town,      lie  eliceifiillv 

<?(.^^K9BflBfli9^  obeyed  the  summons,  and  made  so  satisfiictory  nii 

explanation  to  C4eneral  Harrison  that  he  was  diioct. 
ed  to  resume  his  command  the  next  mornini;,  witL 
Avritten  instructions  similar  to  the  ones  he  Iiad  be- 
foro  received.  Croghan  was  now  more  dctciiiiiiieil 
than  ever  to  maintain  the  post. 

General  Harrison  kept  scouts  out  in  all  direc- 
tions Avatching  for  the  foe.  On  the  evening  of  Sat. 
urday,  the  31st  of  July,  a  reconnoitring  party,  lin- 


VIKW    AT   KBEMONT,  UB   LUWBB  BAMIIITHKY.' 


>  Coloucl  Wella  was  escorted  by  Colonel  Ball,  with  his  corps  of  draf;oons,  and  hore  the  f>/itowing  letter  to  Major 
Croghan :  "  8ik,— The  general  has  Jnst  received  your  letter  of  this  date  iufurmiug  him  that  yon  had  thought  pro|ier  u 
disobey  the  order  Issued  from  this  office,  and  delivered  to  you  this  morning.  It  appears  that  the  information  vrlilih 
dictated  the  order  was  incorrect,  and  as  you  did  not  receive  it  in  the  night,  as  was  expected,  it  might  have  been  proptr 
that  yon  shonid  have  reported  the  circumstances  and  yonr  situation  before  yon  proceeded  to  its  execution.  This  inlirbt 
have  been  passed  over,  bnt  I  am  directed  to  soy  to  yon  that  an  officer  who  presumes  to  aver  that  he  has  made  liis  nt- 
olution,  and  that  ho  will  act  In  direct  opposition  to  the  orders  of  his  general,  can  no  longer  be  intrusted  with  a  eeparat; 
command.  Colonel  Wells  is  sent  to  relievo  you.  You  will  deliver  the  command  to  him,  and  repair,  with  Colonel  Bull'i 
squadron,  to  this  place.    By  command,  etc.,  A.  II.  Holmes,  Assistant  Ad,|ntant  General." 

On  the  way,  about  half  a  mile  southwest  of  the  present  village  of  Ballsville,  Colonel  r.ali's  detachment  were  atlackid 
by  about  twenty  Indians,  and  quite  a  severe  skirmish  ensued.  Seventeen  of  the  Indians  were  killed ;  and,  nntll  withio 
a  few  years,  an  oak-tree  stood  on  the  site  of  the  contest,  bearing  seventeen  marks  of  a  batchot,  to  indicate  the  uumbci 
of  Indians  slain. 

»  This  view  was  taken  from  the  verge  of  the  hill,  near  where  the  howitzer,  or  mortar,  of  the  British  was  planted  aflor 
landing,  so  as  to  be  bronght  to  bear  npon  the  fort.  In  the  Ihint  is  seen  a  magnificent  elm-tree,  of  large  growth  at  the 
time  of  the  invasion.  Tradition  avers  that  an  Indian,  who  climbed  Into  its  top  to  reconnoitre  Fort  Stephenson,  was 
shot  by  one  of  the  Kentucky  riflemen  in  the  garrison.  In  this  view  we  are  looking  down  tho  Sandusky  River,  lu  Ibe 
little  cove,  seen  nearly  over  the  roof  of  the  small  building  nearest  the  left  of  the  picture,  is  the  place  where  tho  British  . 
landed.  The  island  opposite  is  seen  more  to  the  left.  In  the  extreme  distance  are  store-housos,  at  which  point  tbf 
British  gnn-boats  were  ftrst  discovered  by  the  garrison.  On  the  extreme  right  Is  the  gas-honse,  and  over  It,  on  the  cast  i 
Bide  of  the  river,  is  the  elevated  plain  where  Croghanville  was  laid  oat,  and  where  the  Indians  were  first  seen. 


t  with  Indluu. 

to  destroy 
1)0  csvrru'il 
(avens!  Wf 

llaiit  youni; 
I'  the  oarliir 
mt'i\tioiic(l, 
ti  tiiitil  siicli 
pass  umio 
ilu'iiRcm  ami 
was  onlertd 
e  clu'crfiillv 
.isfactory  an 
)  was  direct- 
orniii<;,  will, 
s  he  had  In- 
!  determined 

in  all  dircc- 
eniiig  of  Sat. 
iig  party,  lin- 


ing letter  to  MaJT 

thought  proper  ii 

information  wlilcn 

have  been  proptr 

cution.    ThU  ralilit 

hne  made  liis  rev 

sled  with  a  separai* 

with  Colonel  Ball's 

ment  were  ntlacW 
I ;  and,  until  niihin 
ndicate  the  numte 

Bh  was  planted  nflet 
large  growth  a(  the 
)rt  8tephcnB0D,ira 
usky  River.  lu  tie 
;e  where  the  BrlliA  '. 
,  at  which  point  tie 
lover  It,  on  the  east  : 
)  first  seen. 


OF  THE  WAU   OP   1812. 


501 


Fori  8ieph«n6on  uninmoued  to  aurrender, 


Incldeuta  under  a  V\ng  uf  Truce. 


The  Surroudor  teftiied. 


(forinjr  wpo"  t''*  shores  of  Sandusky  Hay,  about  twenty  miles  from  Fort  Steplien 
discovered  the  approueh  of  Proctor  by  water.    Tliey  hastened  back,  stopping  at 


nson. 


the 

■  August  1. 


(iirt  on  tlie  way  at  about  noon  the  next  day."    Croghan  was  on  the  alert. 
Vireiidy  many  Indians  had  appeared  iijjon  tiie  eminence  on  the  eastern  side 
lit' the  Sandusky  Kiver  (wliero  Croghanville  was  laid  out  in  1H17),  and  had  scamp- 
oit'd  away  afU-r  a  few  discliarges  of  the  si  x-pouiuler  in  tiie  fort. 

At  four  o'clock  that  afternoon  the  liritislt  gun-boats,  with  Proctor  and  liis  men, 
■iiinoared  at  a  turn  in  the  river  more  than  a  mile  distant.  In  the  face  of  shots  from 
the  six-pounder  tliey  advanced,  and,  in  a  cove  not  quite  a  mile  from  the  fort,  the  Hrit- 
i<li  hiiuled,  with  a  fivc-and-a-half-inch  howitzer,  opposite  a  snmll  island  in  tlie  stream. 
At  tiio  same  time  the  Indians  displayed  themselves  iu  the  woods  in  all  directions,  to 
iiit  oflfa  retreat  of  the  garrison. 

General  Proctor  entered  inmiediatcly  upon  tlie  business  of  his  errand.  Ilis  attack- 
iiifr  force  consisted  of  a  portion  of  the  P\)rty-fir8t  Uegiment,  four  hundred  strong,  and 
H'veral  hundred  Indians.  Tecumtlia,  with  almost  two  thousand  more,  was  stationed 
upon  tlie  roads  leading  from  Fort  Meigs  and  Keucca  Town,  to  intercept  apprehended 
ic-cnforccments  from  those  directions. 

Having  di8[)08ed  of  his  forces  so  as  to  cut  off  Croghan's  retreat.  General  Proctor 
sent  Colonel  Elliott,  accompanied  by  Captain  Ciiaiabers  with  a  Hag  of  truce,  to  de^ 
mand  the  instant  surrender  of  the  ibrt.  Tliesc  officers  were  accompanied  l)y  Cap- 
tain Dixon,  of  the  Uoyal  Engineers,  wlio  was  in  command  of  the  Indian  allies. 

Major  Croghan  sent  out  Second  Lieutenant  Shipp,'  as  liis  representative,  to  meet  the 
\\[\<r.  After  the  usual  salutations.  Colonel  Elliott  said :  "  I  arh  instructed  to  demand 
tlie  instant  surrender  of  the  fort,  to  spare  the  effusion  of  blood,  which  wc  can  not 
(111  sliould  we  be  under  the  necessity  of  reducing  it  by  our  powerful  force  of  regulars, 
Indians,  and  artillery." 

"My  commandant  and  the  garrison,"  replied  Shipp,  "are  determined  to  defend  the 
|,i)St  to  the  last  extremity,  and  bury  themselves  in  its  ruins,  rather  than  surrender  it 
I,,  any  force  whatever." 

"Look  at  our  immense  body  of  Indians,"  interposed  Dixon.  "They  can  not  be 
restrained  from  massacring  the  whole  garrison,  in  the  event  of  our  utidoubted  suc- 
cess." 

"Our  success  is  certain,"  eagerly  added  Chambers. 

"It  is  a  great  jnty,"  said  Dixon,  in  a  beseeching  tone,  "that  so  fine  a  young  man 
;iv  you,  and  as  your  commander  is  represented  to  be,  should  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
^a\  ages.  Sir,  for  God's  sake,  surrender,  and  prevent  the  dreadful  massacre  that  will 
111'  caused  by  your  resistance." 

Shipp,  who  had  lately  dealt  with  the  same  foe  at  Fort  Meigs,  coolly  replied :  "  When 
the  fort  shall  be  taken,  there  will  be  none  to  massacre.  It  will  not  be  given  up  while 
;i  man  is  able  to  resist." 

Shipp  was  just  turning  to  go  back  to  the  fort,  when  an  Indian  sprutig  from  a  bushy 
ravine  near  and  attempted  to  snatch  his  sword  from  him.  The  indignant  American 
was  about  to  dispatch  the  savage,  when  Dixon  interfered.  Croghan,  who  had  stood 
upon  the  ramparts  during  the  conference,  observed  tlie  insult,  and  shouted, "  Shipp, 
eome  in,  and  we  will  blow  them  all  to  hell !"  The  ensign  hastened  into  the  fort,  the 
flag  returned,  and  the  British  opened  a  fire  immediately  from  their  gun-boats,  and 
tioin  the  five-and-a-half-inch  howitzer  which  they  had  landed.    For  some  reason,  never 

1  Edmnnd  Sblpp,  Jr.,  whs  a  native  of  Kentucky,  and  was  appointed  ensign  of  the  ITIh  regiment  of  infantry  in  May, 
l!jl2.  He  was  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  in  March,  1S13,  and  distinguished  himself  in  the  defense  of  Fort  Meigs 
the  following  year.  After  the  affair  at  Port  Stephenson  he  became  General  M'Arthur's  brigade  major.  In  Mai  ^h, 
l*H,lie  was  promoted  to  first  nontenant,  and  to  captain  in  May,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  was  retained  in  the  serv- 
ice. He  died  at  Bel'efontaine,  Ohio,  on  the  22d  of  April,  1817.  On  the  13th  of  February,  1S38,  the  Congress  of  the  United 
Slates  voted  a  sword,  to  be  received  by  bis  nearest  male  relative,  iu  testimony  of  their  sense  of  his  services  at  Fort  Ste- 
phenwn.— Gardner's  Lictiotutry  nf  the  Army. 


w. 


1  n 


l! 


S09 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Fort  HtephenioD  besieged. 


The  Oerrison. 


Approach  for  an  Aiinnlt. 


until  rt'coiitly  j-xplftiiicd,  they  commenced  the  attack  hi  great  liaHto,  before  proper  ai- 
rungenientH  were  niiide.' 

All  night  long,  five  six-pounders,  which  had  been  landed  from  the  IkitiHh  guii-hoatu 
and  the  howit7,er  upon  the  land,  played  upon  the  Htockade  without  HcrioiiH  effect 
They  were  answered  occasionally  by  the  solitary  cannon  in  the  fort,  which  wan  hIiU'i. 
ed  from  one  block-house  to  another,  so  as  to  give  the  impression  that  the  garrison  lunl 
several  heavy  guns.  Hut  tlieir  siipply  of  ammunition  was  small,  and  Major  Crojriian 
determined  to  use  his  powder  an<l  ball  to  better  a<lvantage  than  firing  at  raiulom  in 
the  dark.  He  silenced  the  gun,  and  ordered  Captain  Hunter,''  his  second  in  cornniiind 
to  place  it  in  the  block-house  at  the  middle  of  the  north  side  of  the  fort,  so  as  to  rake 
the  ditch  ui  the  direction  of  the  northwest  angle,  the  jMjint  where  the  foe  would  doubt- 
less make  the  assault,  it  being  the  weakest  pai't.  This  was  accom|)lished  before  day- 
light, and  the  gun,  loaded  with  a  half  charge  of  powder  and  a  double  charge  of  slugs 
and  grapeshot,  was  completely  masked. 

During  the  night  the  British  had  dragged  tlirco  six-pounderfl  to  a  point  of  woods 
on  ground  higher  than  the  fort,  and  about  two  himdred  and  fifty  yards  from  it  (near 
the  sjjot  where  the  court-house  in  Fremont  now  stands,  westward  of  Croghan  Street), 
and  early  in  the  morning  they  opened  a  brisk  fire  upon  the  stockade  from  those  and 
the  howitzer.  Their  cannonade  produced  but  little  effect,  and  for  many  hours  tjic 
little  garrison  made  no  rejjly.  Proctor  became  impatient.  That  long  day  in  August 
was  rapidly  passing  away,  and  he  saw  before  him  only  a  dreary  night  of  futile  effort 
in  his  jiresent  position.  His  Indians  were  becoming  uneasy,  and  at  length  he  resolved 
to  storm  the  fort.  At  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  he  concentrated  the  fire  of  all  his 
guns  upon  the  weak  northwest  angle.  His  suspected  purpose  was  now  apjiaicnt. 
Toward  that  Aveak  point  Croghan  directed  his  strengthening  efforts.  Bags  of  sand 
and  sacks  of  flour  were  piled  against  the  pickets  there,  and  the  force  of  the  cannon- 
ade was  materially  broken. 

At  five  o'clock,  while  the  bellowing  of  distant  thunder  in  the  westeni  horizon,  ■where 
a  dark  storm-cloud  was  brooding,  seemed  like  the  echo  of  the  great  guns  of  ilio  foe, 
the  British,  in  two  close  columns,  led  by  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Short  and  Lieu- 
tenant Gordon,  advanced  to  assail  the  works.  At  the  same  time  a  party  of  grena- 
diers, about  two  hundred  sti-ong,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Warburton,  took  a  wide 
circuit  through  the  woods  to  make  a  feigned  attack  upon  the  southern  front  of  the 
fort,  where  Captain  Hunter  and  his  party  were  stationed.  Private  Brown,  of  the  Pe- 
tersburg Volunteers,  with  half  a  dozen  of  Jiis  corps  and  Pittsburgh  Blues,  happened 
to  be  in  the  fort  at  the  time.  Brown  was  skilled  in  gunnery,  and  to  him  and  his  coni- 
piinions  was  intrusted  the  management  of  the  six-pounder  in  the  fort. 

As  the  British  storming-party  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Short  advanced,  their  ar- 
tillery played  incessantly  upon  the  northwestern  angle  of  the  fort,  and,  under  cover 
of  the  dense  smoke,  tV^^y  approached  to  within  fifteen  or  twenty  paces  of  the  out- 
works before  they  we',  ;■  discovered  by  the  garrison.  Every  man  within  the  fort  was 
at  his  post,  and  these  v.vre  Kentucky  "  sharp-shooters  !"  They  instantly  poured  upon 
the  assailants  such  a  shower  of  rifle-balls,  sent  with  fatal  precision,  that  the  British 
line  was  thrown  into  momentary  confusion.     Tliey  quicMy  rallied,     Tlie  axe-men 


i.U  i 


.  :  iiliii 


■  The  late  Hon.  Elisha  Whittlesey,  In  his  address  at  Fremont  (Lower  Sandnsky),  on  the  forty-fifth  anniversary  of  the 
defense  of  Fort  Stephenson,  explained  the  canse.  Aaron  Norton,  of  Portage  County,  Ohio,  told  him  that  on  that  Son- 
day  afternoon,  in  total  ignorance  of  the  proximity  of  the  British  and  Indians,  he  was  approaching  the  fort  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  Sandusky,  when  he  discovered  quite  a  large  hody  of  Indians  scattered  along  the  bank  of  the  river,  half 
concealed  by  bushes.  He  wheeled  his  horse  and  fled  in  the  direction  of  Seneca.  The  startled  Indians  fired  several 
shots  at  him,  but  without  effect.  This  occurrence  was  donhtless  coromnnicated  to  the  British  commander.  He  knew 
Harrison  was  near,  and  feared  that  he  might  sally  forth  ftom  his  fortified  camp  with  re-enforcements  from  Cleveland 
or  Mansfield,  beat  back  Tecumtha,  and  fall  upon  him  at  Sandnsky;  hence  his  haste  in  assailing  the  fort. 

"  James  Hunter  was  a  native  of  Kentucky,  and  was  adjutant  of  the  Kentncky  mounted  rifiemen  in  the  battle  of  Tip- 
pecanoe. He  was  wounded  there.  He  was  promoted  to  captain  in  the  17th  regiment  of  infantry  In  March,  1812.  He 
left  the  army  in  May,  1S14.  On  the  18th  of  February,  1835,  the  Congress  of  the  Ufaited  States  voted  him  a  sword  be- 
cause of  hi8  distinguisbed  services  at  Fort  Stephenson.— Gardner's  Dictionary  of  th»  Army. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


fi03 


M„rmlM  "f  •'""  ■*••>'•«"*'' 


SiMgbMr  of  lb*  AiMtlantt. 


Thfl  BrilUh  onil  Indlsni  repniMd. 


ri.AN    OK    I'OIIT   mUrilK.NHON.' 


liravcly  pushed  forward  over  the  glacis,  and  leaped  into  the  ditch  to  assail  the  pick- 
ets. Lieutenant  Colonel  Short  was  at  the  head  of  the  gallant  party,  and  when  a  siif- 
ticient  number  of  men  were  in  the  ditch  behind  him,  ho  shouted, "  Cut  away  the  pick- 
ets, my  brave  boys,  and  show  the  damned  Yankees  no  quarter !"  Now  was  the  mo- 
ment for  the  voice  of  the  unsuspected  six-pounder  to  be  heard.  Tlie  masked  port  flew 
open  instantly.  The  gun  spoke  with  terrible  eifeet.  Slugs  and  grapeshot  streamed 
along  that  ditch  overflowing  with  human  life,  and  spread  terrible  havoc  there.  Few 
escaped.  A  similar  attempf,  Avas  made  by  the  second  column  of  the  storming-party, 
w!  n  another  discharge  from  the  eix-pou  .der  and  a  destructive  volley  of  rifle-balls 
ended  the  contest.  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Short  and  Lieutenant  Gordon,  of  the 
Forty-first  Regiment,  Laussaussiege,  of  the  Indian  department,  and  twenty-five  pri- 
vates, were  left  dead  in  the  ditcli,'^  and  twenty-six  of  the  wounded  were  made  pris- 
oners. Captain  Dixon  and  Captain  Muir,  and  Lieutenant  M'Lityre,  of  the  Forty-first 
Kcgiraent,  were  slightly  wounded  and  escaped.  A  precipitate  and  confused  retreat 
immediately  followed  this  repulse.  Warburton  and  his  grenadiers  did  not  reach  the 
south  front  of  the  fort  until  after  the  disaster.  They  were  assailed  with  a  destruc- 
tive volley  from  Hunter's  corj)8,  and  fled  for  shelter  to  the  adjacent  woods. 

Tiie  whole  loss  of  the  garrison  was  one  man  killed  and  seven  slightly  wounded. 
Tlie  loss  of  the  British  in  killed  and  wounded,  according  to  the  most  careful  estimates, 
was  one  hundred  and  twenty.    The  cowardly  Indians,  as  usual  when  there  was  open 

1  EspLANATioN  OF  TiiK  Plah.— 1,  Hdo  of  plcketB ;  2,  embankment  from  the  ditch  to  and  against  the  pickets;  8,  dry 
ditch ;  4,  ontward  embankment  or  glacis ;  A,  block-honse  first  attacked  by  cannon  ;  B,  bastion  or  block-house  from 
ffhich  the  ditch  was  raked  by  the  slx-ponndcr  In  the  fort ;  C,  gnard  block-bonse ;  D,  hospital  while  attacked ;  E  E  E, 
military  store-honses;  F,  commissary's  Rtore-honse ;  O,  magazine;  H,  fort  gate;  KKE,  wicker  gates;  L,  partition  gate : 
5,  position  of  the  five  six-ponnders  of  the  British  on  the  night  of  the  2d  of  Angnst ;  P,  the  graves  of  Lientenant  Colonel 
Short  and  Lieutenant  Gordon,  who  were  killed  in  the  ditch.  The  mortar  or  liowitzcr  shifted  position,  as  indicated  on 
the  plan.  Tn  the  first  ossanlt  there  were  four  six-pounders  in  battery,  only  one  being  left  In  the  first  position  near  the 
ri«r.  This  Plan  was  first  published,  from  the  oflicial  drawing,  in  the  Port  Folio  for  March,  1815,  and  soon  afterward  in 
Thomson's  carefully  prepared  Ilintorical  Sketehea  of  the  Late  War.  The  graves  of  the  two  British  officers  are  a  few  yards 
northcaihrard  fl-om  the  junction  of  High  and  Market  Streets. 

>  It  Is  said  that  Lientenant  Colonel  Short,  when  he  fell,  twisted  a  white  handkerchief  on  the  end  of  his  sword  as  a 
itippllcatlon  for  that  mercy  which  bis  battle-cry  a  moment  before  denied  to  his  foe. 


1 

m- 

I 

' 

'ill 


'^m 


HllW 


504 


riCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Dead  and  V/ouudcd  borne  away. 


The  Night  succeeding  the  Struggii,, 


figliting  or  great  guns  to  face,  kept  themselves  out  of  harm's  way  in  a  ravine  near 
by,  find  the  wliolc  battle  was  fought  by  the  small  British  "force,  Avlio  behaved  most 
gallantly.  During  the  night  Proctor  sent  Indians  to  gather  up  the  dead  a.-d  wound- 
ed, and  at  tlirce  o'clock  in  the  morning"  the  invaders  sailed  down  the  San- 
dusky, leaving  behind  them  a  vessel  containing  clothing  and  military  stores. 
At  about  tlin  same  Jiour  the  gallant  Major  Croghan  wrote  a  hurried  note  to  General 
Harrison,  informing  him  of  his  victory  and  the  retreat  of  Proctor. 

The  assault  lasted  only  about  half  an  hour.  The  dark  storm-cloud  in  the  west 
passed  northward,  the  setting  sun  beamed  out  with  peculiar  splendor,  a  gentle  breeze 
from  the  southwest  bore  the  smoke  of  battle  far  away  over  the  forest  toward  Lake 
Erie,  and  in  the  lovely  twilight  of  that  memorable  Sabbath  evening  the  brave  youn;; 
Croghan  addressed  his  gallant  little  band  with  eloquent  words  of  praise  and  grateful 
thanksgiving.  As  the  night  and  tho  silence  deepened,  and  the  groans  of  the  wound- 
ed in  the  ditch  foil  upon  his  ears,  his  generous  heart  beat  with  sympathy.  Buckets 
filled  with  water  were  let  down  by  ropes  from  the  outside  of  the  pickets;  and  as  tiie 
gates  of  the  fort  could  not  be  opened  with  safety  durhig  the  night,  he  made  a  com- 
municition  with  the  ditch  by  means  of  a  trench,  through  which  the  wounded  were 
borne  into  the  little  fortress  and  tiieir  necessities  suj)plied.' 

Intelligence  of  this  gallant  defense  caused  the  liveliest  sentiments  of  admiration 
th  )ughout  the  country,  and  congratulations  were  sent  to  Major  Croghan  from  every 
quarter.  His  general,  in  his  official  report,  spoke  of  him  in  words  of  highest  praise.^ 
The  ladies  of  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  jmrehased  and  presented  to  him  an  elegant  sword  ;^ 
and  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  voted  him  the  thanks  of  the  nation.*  Twenty- 
two  years  la*er  the  Congress  gave  him  a  gold  medal,  in  commemoration  of  his  signal 
service  on  that  day.     Posterity  will  ever  regard  his  name  with  honor.* 


'  Major  Croghnn'B  Report  to  General  Ilarrtson,  Angnst  8, 1S18 :  General  Ilarrison's  Renort  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
August  B,  ISia ;  M'Afee's  IlinUny  of  the.  Lata  War,  pages  322  to  328 ;  Auchlnleck's  Hiatori,  of  the  War  nf  1812,  pajjes  1S4  lo 
1S7 ;  James's  Military  Occurrences,  etc.,  pages  2B2  to  200 ;  Mles's  Register,  August  14, 1813 ;  The  Pirrt  Folin,  March,  KK; 
The  War,  volume  11.,  pages  3(1,  43, 47, 49,  61,  01 ;  Address  of  Colonel  Elisha  Whittlesey  at  Fremont,  August  2, 1S5S;  Ad- 
dress of  Homer  Everett,  Ksq.,  at  Fremont,  February  24th  and  25th,  ISUO ;  Perkins's  History  of  the  Late  War,  pages  23, 
224 ;  SkcteheK  of  tlu:  War  (Rutland,  ISIB),  pages  100  to  lOS ;  Atwater's  Hietory  of  Ohio,  pages  22(1  to  229 ;  Dawson's  Life 
of  Oi'ncral  llarrimn,  pages  249  to  251 ;  MS.  of  Dr.  Brainerd,  quoted  by  Homer  Everett,  Esq. 

2  "  I  am  sorry,"  wrote  General  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  4th  of  Augu.ft,  "that  I  can  not  trauemlt  jou 
Major  Croghan's  official  report.  He  was  to  have  sent  it  to  mo  this  morning,  but  I  have  just  heard  that  he  was  bo  much 
exhausted  by  thirty-six  hours  of  continued  exertion  as  to  be  unable  to  make  it.  It  will  not  be  among  the  least  of  Gen- 
oral  Proctor's  mortiflcatlouo  to  find  that  he  has  been  baffled  by  a  youth  who  has  Just  passed  his  twcnty-Urst  year,  lie 
is,  however,  a  hero  worthy  of  his  gallant  uncle.  General  George  Rogers  Clarke." 

3  This  gift,  at  their  request,  was  presented  to  him  by  Samuel  Fluley  and  Joseph  Whcaton,  with  the  following  letter 
bearing  tho  signatures  of  the  donors : 

"  Cnn.i.ioornE,  August  13,  ISl.l. 

"Sin,— In  consequence  of  tho  gallant  defense  which,  under  Divine  Providence,  was  cfTected  by  you  and  the  Iroiips 
under  your  command,  of  Fort  Stephenson,  at  Lowor  S.r  .dusky,  on  the  evening  of  tlie  2d  inet.,  the  ladies  of  tlic  town  ot 
Chillicothe,  whose  names  are  un-lorsigned,  impressed  with  a  high  seiiBC  of  your  merits  as  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman, 
and  with  great  confidence  in  your  patriotism  and  valor,  present  yon  with  a  sword.  Mary  Flnlcy,  Mary  Stcrret,  Aim 
Crelghton,  Eliza  CreJL'hton,  ..:eanor  Lamb,  Nancy  Waddle,  Eliza  Carlisle,  Mary  A.  Southward,  Susan  D.  Whcnton.of 
Washington  City,  Rlchamah  Irwin,  Judith  Delano,  Margaret  M'Lnnburg,  Margaret  Miller,  Elizabeth  Martin,  Nancy 
M'Arthur,  ,Ti,no  M'Coy,  La-ina  Fnlton,  Catharine  Fnllerlon,  Rebecca  M.  Orr,  Susan  Wake,  Ann  M.  Dunn,  Marjarct 
Keys,  Charlotte  James,  Esther  Doolittlc,  Eleanor  Buchannnn,  Margaret  M'Farland,  Deborah  Ferree,  Jauc  M.  Evaii'. 
Frances  BriLsh,  Mary  Curtis,  Mary  P.  Brown,  Jane  Heylin,  Nancy  Kerr,  Catharine  Hough,  Eleanor  Worthiugton,  5Isr- 
tha  Scott,  Sally  M'Lean." 

To  this  letter  Major  Croghan  replied  at  Lower  Sandusky  on  the  SKth  of  Angnst; 

"Lapiks  or  Cnii.i.inoTnR,— I  have  received  tho  sword  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  present  to  me  as  a  tost.raoiiial 
of  your  approbation  of  my  conduct  on  the  2d  instant.  A  mark  of  distinction  so  nattering  and  unexpected  has  cxiiuil 
feelings  which  I  can  not  express.  Vet,  while  I  return  you  thanks  for  tho  unmerited  gift  you  have  thus  bestowed,  I  feci 
well  aware  that  my  good  fortune  (which  was  bought  by  tho  activity  of  the  bravo  soldiers  under  my  command),  te 
raised  in  yon  expectations  from  my  future  cITorts  which  must,  I  f  ar,  be  sooner  jr  later  disappointed.  Still,  I  plcda 
myself  (even  though  fortune  should  not  bo  again  propitious)  tliat  my  exertions  shall  bo  such  as  never  to  couee  yon  in 
the  least  to  regret  the  honors  you  '.uive  been  pleased  to  confer  on  your  'youthftil  soldiei.'  " 

*  On  the  8th  of  February,  1814,  the  Committee  on  Militar/  Aflfalrs  reported  a  resolution,  among  others  similar,  to  rfr 
quest  the  President  to  present  an  elegant  sword  to  Colonel  Croghan.  This  resolution  was  passed  by  at  the  time,  and 
never  called  up  again. 

»  George  Croghan  was  a  son  of  Major  William  Croghan,  of  the  Revolntionary  army.  His  father  was  a  native  of  Ire- 
land ;  hie  mother  was  a  sister  of  General  George  Rogers  Clarke,  sometimes  called  the  F.ither  of  tho  Northwest.  Ik 
W08  bom  at  Locust  Grove,  near  the  Falls  of  tho  Ohio  (now  Louisville),  in  Kentucky,  on  the  16th  of  November,  1191.  Ut 


the  8lri\gg\c. 

.vine  near 
ived  most 
.d  wound- 
n  the  S;m- 
ary  stores. 
to  General 

1  tl\c  west 
ntle  breeze 
ward  Lake 
rave  youiii]; 
.nd  grateful 
the  wound- 
f.    Buckets 
;  and  as  the 
lade  a  com- 
>unded  were 

[■  admiration 
a  from  every 
'hcst  praise.^ 
rant  sword;' 
n.*  Twenty- 
i  of  liis  signal 


Secretary  of  War. 

1812,  paj;cs  W  lo 
ii'(i(/(),Mnrcti,l<W; 
.ugusti.lSS'*;  Ad- 
,ttte  War,  piigca  23, 
129;  Dawson's  li/< 

a  not  transmit  you 

lilt  he  was  so  much 

the  least  of  Gcu- 

■iily-urst  year.  Uc 

|,hc  following  letter 

kAusnstia.lStt 
Lou  ami  the  trocips 
Wiesofthctownot 
Jpr  nml  ft  Kcntlciunii. 

I,  M«ry  Sicrre'.  ^™ 
IsaiiU.  Whcatou.ot 

Tlicth  Martin,  Kiuicy 
JM.nmiu,  Marc.ir*" 
lice,  .laucM.Evaii'. 
\  Worthlugton,  Mar- 


Ime  nB  a  tcsl'.m™''' 
Ixpcctcd  has  cxriii'l 
IbuB  bcstowcil,  1  tw'l 
1  my  commniiil).  Ir.s 

Led.    StilUl'Wa 
Ever  to  cause  yon  m 

LhcrBBimilnf.t<"«- 
I  by  at  the  time,  »4 

JwasnnRt>«°"!!; 
Itlic  Northwest.  W 

November,  nol.  U' 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


605 


Miidal  presented  to  Croghan. 


A  Visit  to  Sandusky. 


A  Hide  to  C'astalinn  8priUK«. 


aOLD  MEDAL  AW  ADDED  TO  OENER'  L  flB0nUAH.> 

It  was  a  soft,  hazy,  half  sunny  day,  late  in  September,*  when  I  visit-  ■September  24, 
ed  tiie  site  of  Fort  Stephenson  and  the  places  of  events  that  made  it  fa-  ^*™" 

inous.  I  had  come  up  by  railway  during  the  early  hours  of  the  morning  from  pleas- 
ant Sandusky  City,  where  I  had  spent  two  or  three  days  with  friends,  vainly  en- 
deavoring to  visit  Put-in-Bay,  where  Perry's  fleet  rendezvoused  before  the  battle 
n'hicli  gave  him  victory  and  immortality.  Tlie  excursion  steam-boat  to  that  and 
otiier  places  had  been  Avithdrawn  for  the  season,  and  the  wind  was  too  high  to  make 
a  voyage  thither  in  a  sail-boat  safe  or  pleasant.  I  was  less  disappointed  than  I  should 
iitherwise  have  been,  by  the  discovery  that  an  artist  (Miss  C.  L.  Ransom),  11100  in 
Sandusky  City,  had  made  careful  drawings  of  the  historical  points  about  Put-in-Bay. 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  her,  and  availing  myself  of  her  courteous  permission 
to  copy  such  of  her  drawings  as  I  desired.  Of  these  more  Avill  be  said  when  giving 
an  account  of  the  naval  battle  near  tliere. 

In  company  with  Mr.  Barney,  with  whom  I  was  staying,  I  visited  the  famous  Cas- 
talian  Springs,  at  the  village  of  Castalia,  five  or  six  miles  south  from  Sandusky  City. 
Tliey  flow  ''p  from  subterranean  fountains,  almost  as  limpid  as  air,  and  in  volume  so 
itreat  that  along  the  outlet,  wliich  is  called  Cold  Creek,  in  its  course  of  three  miles 
tluongh  a  beautiful  prairie  of  three  thousand  acres  to  Sandusky  Bay,  no  less  tlian 

wns  graduated  at  William  and  Mary  College,  in  Virginia,  in  the  summer  of  1810 ;  entered  its  law  Bchool,  and  remained 
ilicre  until  the  fall  of  ISll,  when  he  Joined  the  army  under  Harrison  at  Vincennea.  He  was  volunteer  aid  to  Colonel 
Boyd  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe.  On  account  of  his  services  in  the  Wabash  expedition,  he  was  appointed  a  captain  of 
iuf.uitry  in  the  spring  of  1S12,  and  in  August  he  marched  with  the  forces  under  General  Winchester  to  the  relief  of  Gen- 
eral Hall  in  Canada.  In  March,  1813,  ho  was  promoted  to  major,  and  became  aid-ue-camp  to  General  Harrison.  In  that 
capacity  he  distinguished  himjelf  In  the  defense  of  Fort  Meigs,  and  the  sortie  on  the  8th  of  May  under  the  gallant  Col- 
onel Miller.  For  his  gallantry  at  Fort  Stephenson  he  was  breveted  a  lieutenant  colonel,  and  was  appointed  colonel  of 
a  rifle  corps  in  February,  1814.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  retained  In  service,  but  married  In  ISU  and  resigned.  In 
b!4  he  wno  appointed  postmaster  at  New  Orleans,  and  re'.irned  to  the  service  in  tS25  as  Inspector  general,  with  the 
r„uk  of  colonel.  In  1836  Congress  awarded  him  a  gold  medal  for  his  gallantry  at  Fort  Stephenson.  He  died  at  New 
Orleans  on  the  8th  of  ilanuary,  1840. 

I  On  Tuesday,  the  27th  of  January,  1S3B,  a  Joint  resolution  passed  the  House  of  Representatives,  authorizing  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States  to  "  present  a  gold  medal  to  General  Croghan"  (he  was  then  inspector  general  of  the  army), 
and  swords  to  several  officers  under  his  command.  These  were  Captain  Jamss  Hunter,  and  Lieutenants  Benjamin 
Johuion  and  Cyrus  A.  Baylor,  of  the  Seventeenth  Regiment,  Mcutennnt  .lohn  Meek,  of  the  Seventh  Regiment,  and  En- 
siuns  Edward  Shipp  and  Joseph  Duncan.    The  latter  was  nfierward  Governor  of  Illinois. 

lieiilennnt  Johnson  was  promoted  to  captain  of  a  rifle  corps  in  Mnrch,  1814,  and  left  the  service  at  the  close  of  the 
war,  Lieutenant  Baylor  also  left  the  servlrfl  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Lieutenant  Meek  reslrrned  in  May,  1814.  He  was 
ai)|i()inted  military  store-keeper  at  Llllle  Rock,  Arkansas,  In  tlie  summer  of  1838,  and  was  removed,  on  n  change  of  ad- 
ministration, in  1841.  Ensign  Duncan  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  of  infantry  in  July,  1814,  and  was  disbanded  'n 
M5.  lie  wns  a  representiUive  In  Congress  from  Illinois  fi-om  1827  to  1835,  Governor  of  illluois  from  »834  to  18S8,  and 
died  at  Jnrksoiiville  on  the  16th  of  January,  1844. 

It  Is  proper  to  observe  that  the  representation  of  the  fort  an  1  its  surronndlngo,  on  this  medal,  presented  to  General 
CroRhnn,  is  Incorrect.  It  was  not  a  regular  fort,  but  a  picketed  inclosiire,  with  rudely-built  block-bousos.  The  8an- 
ilusky  River  Is  here  a  narrow  s'  earn,  and  not  such  an  expanse  of  water  as  the  place  of  the  vessels  represent.  It  may 
liarc  been  Intended  for  Sandusky  Bay. 


1. 


m  i 


1 1 


506 


riCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Appearance  and  Character  of  the  Castalian  Springe. 


Au  Evening  in  Sanduslsy. 


Journey  to  Fremom. 


I.OWEU  OAHTALIAN   BPBIMO. 


fourteen  sets  of  mill-stones  were  kej)t  in  motion  by  it.     In  a  rough  scow  we  liovirod 

over  the  centre  of  tin 
spring,  and,  peering 
clown  into  its  cloar", 
mysterious  depth?' 
saw  logs,  and  plants' 
and  earth  in  grotto 
form,  made  iridescent 
!^'-  by  the  light  in  tiio 
aqueous  prism.'  AVe 
intended  to  visit  the 
somewhat  marvelous 
cave  in  the  range  of 
limestone  about  two 

miles  from  the  springs,  but  the  day  Avas  too  far  f^cnt  when  I  liad  completed  mv 
sketch  of  the  fountains  to  allow  us  to  do  so.  We  returned  to  the  town  by  the  way  of 
Mr.  Barney's  fine  vineyard,  and  arrived  at  sunset.  I  spent  the  evening  with  General 
Leslie  Combs  at  the  "  West  House,"  and  in  a  public  meeting.'*  The  next  day  was 
the  Sabbath,  and  on  Monday  morning  I  started  by  railway  for  Lower  Sandusky  with 
impressions  which  have  crystallized  into  pleasant  memories  of  a  delightful  little  citv 
on  a  slope  overlooking  one  of  the  finest  bays  that  indent  the  ^outl  '• "  shores  of  Lake 
Erie.^    On  our  way  we  stopped  a  few  minutes  at  the  little      "v  Clyde,  whoro 

the  railways  from  Cleveland  and  Toledo  and  from  Cincinnati  and  Sandusky  Citv 
cross  each  other.  There  a  crowd  had  collected  to  sec  and  hear  the  late  Judge  Douo- 
las,  then  one  of  the  andidates  for  the  presidency  of  the  United  States,  who  was  trav- 
eling foV  his  political  health,  weary  and  wayworn.  Eager  eyes,  vociferous  shouts. 
loud  huzzas,  and  the  swaying  of  a  little  mnltitude,  is  the  picture  of  a  few  minutes  of 
time  impressed  upon  the  memory.  An  hour  later  I  was  in  Fremont,  as  the  old  vil- 
lage of  Lower  Sandusky  was  named  a  few  years  ago  in  honor  of  the  accomitlishtil 
explorer  in  earlier  years,  and  general  in  the  army  of  the  republic  during  a  portion  of 
the  late  Civil  War. 

Very  soon  after  my  arrival  I  was  favored  with  the  company  of  Messrs.  Sardis  Biidi- 
ard  and  Homer  Everett  (residents  of  the  village,  and  familiar  with  its  history)  in  a 
pilgrimage  to  places  of  interest  in  and  around  that  shire-town  of  Sandusky  County.' 

'  The  Castalian  Springs  are  great  natural  curiosities,  and  are  mnch  visited'.  There  are  two,  Icnown  respectively  as 
Upper  and  Lower.  They  arc  about  one  fourth  of  a  mile  apart,  and  are  connected  by  a  race.  At  the  lower  one,  where 
Messrs.  Cochrane  and  Weston  had  o  flouring-mlll,  a  dike  had  been  raised  (seen  in  the  above  sketch)  to  p'-  •  im,,''-  'r.ll 
to  the  water.  The  two  springs  are  of  about  equal  dimensions.  That  of  the  lower  one,  which  I  visited. '  ;  rir!j 
feet  in  depth.  The  water  is  so  limpid  that  a  white  ol)Jcct  an  inch  In  diameter  may  be  plainly  seen  lyin"  .  ■'•  Imw. 
Tlie  tcmiierature  of  the  woter  Is  about  40°  Fahrenheit,  and  holds  in  solution  lime,  soda,  magnesia,  and  I  ■  '  ■»  i- 
fles  every  thing  with  which  it  conies  in  contact.  This  process  makes  the  mill-wheels  indestnictible.  M.i.  v  -Mi 
a  half  from  the  sprint's  is  a  limestone  ridge  covered  with  alluvium.  From  beneath  this  these  sprlngo  up;  ;  it  ft 
and  are  doubtless  the  lirst  appearance  on  the  earth  of  a  little  subterranean  river,  like  that  of  the  Eutaw  in  S  n. 
Una.  ■  »  See  pnffe  ;'  , 

'  Sandusky  City  is  the  capital  of  Erie  County,  Ohio.  It  was  named  Portland  when  it  was  first  laid  out  in  isn,  nhoo 
there  were  only  two  log  houses  there,  ono  on  the  site  of  the  "Veranda  Hotel,"  and  the  other  about  sixty  rods  cost  of  ll. 
The  town  stands  upon  an  inexhaustible  quarry  of  the  finest  limestone.  It  wns  a  favorite  resort  of  the  Indians,  mi 
previous  to  the  War  of  1S12  it  w.ns  known  as  Ogontz's  Place,  Ogont/.  being  the  name  of  a  Wyandot  chief  who  rosldoil 
there.  A  writer  in  the  AmfHeaii  I'Inneer,  I.,  WD,  says  the  name  of  Sandnsky  is  derived  from  that  of  a  Polish  trader  who 
was  with  the  French  when  they  wen'  establishing  their  lino  of  trading-posts  on  the  Maumee  and  Wabash  Hirers.  Hi* 
name  was  Sanduski,  and  established  himself  near  the  present  village  of  Fremont.  Ills  trading  operations  were  cm:- 
flncd  to  the  river  and  bay  there,  and  these  became  known  to  both  Indians  and  Euroi)eans  as  Sauduski's  River  mid  Saii- 
ctii'ki's  Bay.  Sauduskl  quarreled  with  the  Indians,  fled  to  Virginia,  and  was  there  killed  by  some  of  those  who  followcil 
him. 

On  the  peninsula,  across  the  bay  opposite  Sandnsky,  is  a  rough  monument,  erected  there  by  the  n-1cr  and  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  late  Honorable  Joshua  R.  Oiddings,  to  ])erpetuate  the  memory  of  the  spot  where  he  am  enty-oue  ()tlier« 
had  a  skirmish  with  the  Indians  on  the  20th  of  September,  lSt2.  He  was  a  suljstltnte  for  an  older  bn'i  jr,  audwnsonlr 
fourteen  years  of  age.  The  regiment  to  which  he  belonged  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Rlchar'  ■>  i'  and  the  little 
company,  who  had  been  ordered  on  duty  on  the  peninsula  after  the  defeat  of  General  Hull,  was  lei.  v  ;  ,.(nii'  Colloii 
They  had  two  skirmishes  with  the  savages,  in  which,  of  the  twenty-two  soldiers,  six  were  killed,  and  .in  equal  nninber 
were  wounded.    Mr.  Oiddings  was  the  youngest  soldier  of  the  regiment. 

•  This  town  stands  at  the  head  of  the  navigation  of  Sandusky  River,  eighteen  or  twenty  miles  (^om  Sandusky  Biv 


H'ii 


10  Fremont. 

liovcrod 
;rc  of  tin 

peering 
its  eloar, 
depths, 
1(1  pliiiits, 
ill  grotlii 
iriclescent 
it  ill  the 
sm.'    Wo 

visit  the 
marvelous 
1  range  of 
ibout  two 
ipleted  my 
the  way  of 
itli  General 
it  (lay  was 
xlnsky  with 
il  little  city 
jres  of  Lake 
Hyde,  where 
idusky  City 
[iidge  Doug- 
ho  was  trav- 
rous  shouts. 
y  minutes  of 

the  old  vil- 
iccomplishcil 

a  portion  of 

Sardis  Birch- 

liistory)  in  ii 

vv  County/ 

vu  rcspeclivdy  as 
lower  one,  where 


to  p'- 
ted.'   . 
iV 
,ud  I 


•V     1- 
•,)<C 


go  ilpl 

aw  In  IS  n. 

I  See  page  •'  • 

1  out  in  isn,  whfn 

xty  rods  cast  o(  it. 

if  the  Indians,  ami 

,  cliicf  who  refiilod 

Polish  trader  wlio 

ibiish  Kivcre.  His 

r.atlons  were  con- 

i'8  Uivcr  nud  San- 

hoae  who  foUO'Vwl 

rier  and  at  the  "• 
-entv-one  olhers 

M,  jr.iinclw""* 
liT.  •  and  the  lit* 
J-,.t  ;,,.mlr  Colton. 
Id  .in  equal  immlur 

Lm  Sandusky  Ba? 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812, 


507 


sue  of  Fort  Stephenson. 


Its  Locality  and  A;ipcsranpc. 


The  Six-ponnder  "Good  Bess." 


The  site  of  Fort  Stephenson  is  in  the  bosom  of  tlie  village  of  Fremont.     It  occu- 
pies about  two  thirds  of  the  square  bounded  by  Croghan,  High,  Market,  and  Arch 


SITK  (IF    FUllT   BlEl'UENBON. ' 

Snoots.  The  dwelling  of  the  late  Honorable  Jacques  ITurlburd  stands  within  the 
area  of  the  old  stockade,  and  a  few  yards  south  of  the  block-house  in  Avhich  Avas 
iilacod  the  cannon  that  swept  the  ditch.  The  northwest  angle,  where  the  British 
made  tlieir  chief  assault,  is  at  the  junction  of  High  and  Croghan  Streets.  Near  the 
iiouse  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Wilson,  on  Croghan  Street,  was  the  head  of  the  ravine  and  small 
stream  of  water  (sec  Plan  of  Fort  Stephenson  on  page  503)  between  the  stockade  and 
the  British  battery.  It  was  to  the  shelter  of  that  ravine  that  the  aftrighted  Lidians 
fled  after  the  first  discharge  of  rifle-balls  from  the  garrison. 

From  the  site  of  the  fort  we  went  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  overlooking  the  landing- 
place  of  the  British.  When  I  had  finished  my  sketch  (printed  on  page  500)  we  vis- 
ited the  Good  Bess,  the  iron  six-pound  cannon  that  performed  such  fearful  service 
ill  the  defense  of  the  fort.^    I  then  rode,  in  company  with  Mr.  Birchard,  to  old  Cro- 

bvlts  course.  Here,  at  the  Lower  Rapids  of  the  Sandusky,  the  Indians  wer^,  prantcd  a  rcser\-ation  hy  the  treaty  of 
Greenville.  The  French  had  a  trading-station  hero  at  an  early  day.  Here  was  the  residence  of  a  hand  of  Wyandot  In- 
dian!, called  the  Neutral  Nation.  They  had  two  villages.  They  were  "  cities  of  refuge"  for  all.  Whoever  sought  safe- 
ty In  tbcm  found  it.  During  the  bloody  wars  between  the  Iroquois  and  the  Europeans,  tliis  band  of  Indians  were  nl- 
nav?  peace-mi'.kers.  Their  two  towns  were  walled,  and  remains  of  their  works  may  yet  be  seen.  Indian  tribes  at  war 
recDsnized  them  as  neutral.  Those  coming  from  tlie  West  might  enter  the  Western  City,  and  those  from  the  East  tho 
Easlcm  City.  The  inhabitants  of  one  city  might  Inform  those  of  the  oilier  that  war-parties  had  been  there,  but  who 
llicy  were,  or  where  from,  ntnst  never  be  mentioned.  At  length  the  inhabitants  of  the  two  cities  quarreled,  and  one  de- 
ftraycd  or  dispersed  the  other.— Stickncy's  lecture  at  Toledo,  184(1,  quoted  by  Howe. 
'  This  view  is  from  the  northern  side  of  Croghan  Street,  opposite  the  residence  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Wilson.    Tlie  building 


ffcn  111  the  centre  is  the  late  residence  of  Honnrn- 
WcJiicqiiee  Ilurlburd.  Croghan  Street  descends 
in  llie  loft,  to  the  business  part  of  the  village,  and 
lliih  Street  passes  to  the  right.  On  the  extreme 
Ipfi.on  IIi!;h  Street,  is  seen  a  ham.  This  is  just 
lieyomi  tlic  southwest  angle  of  the  fort,  where 
Croghan  placed  a  block-house.  At  the  foot  of  the 
bank  1)1)  Croghan  Street  is  the  site  of  the  ditch 
™opt  by  the  six-pounder,  and  a  little  way  cnst- 
wrd  from  the  comer  of  High  Street  is  the  place 


TAUT  OP  shout's 

8WORI)-8CA)lHABI). 


where  tho  body  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Short  was 
found,  li'  1860,  when  the  street  and  side-walk 
were  being  iog.i'ated,  the  brass  piece  at  the  top 
of  a  Bword-pcahliard  was  found  upon  that  spot, 
supjioscd  to  have  belonged  to  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Short.  It  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Sardis  Birch- 
ard, Esq.,  of  Fremont. 

Tho  ground  occupied  by  Fort  Stephenson  be- 
longs to  Chester  Edgerton,  Esq.  Tlic  citizens  have 
manifested  a  laudable  desire  to  purchase  the  prop- 


erty, that  it  may  be  converted  into  a  public  square,  and  the  site  kept  ft-ee  from  buildings. 
'  The  garrison  named  the  ^\cce  the  Onnd  Hens.  It  was  taken  to  Pittsburg,  where  It  remained  nntil  It  was  presented  to 
the  Corporation  of  Lower  Sandusky  (Fremont)  in  ISWI.  It  was  then  nicely  mounted  as  a  fleld-plece,  and  is  used  on  the 
anniversary  of  the  battle  for  salutes,  and  sometimes  by  political  parties.  Tho  breech  is  somewhat  mutilated,  it  having 
l^en  jpllicd  by  contending  political  parties  at  different  times.  It  was  carcfUlIy  preserved  in  a  small  building  on  Cro- 
etaD  Street,  l)etween  Forest  Street  and  the  site  of  the  fort. 


~  ■  ^  -^ 


M  i 


'■  *  ■^         !i 

Hi*     ' 


III 


mr 


608 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Works  of  Art. 


Journey  to  Toledo. 


General  Harrison's  Military  Character  assailed  and  vlndicatei 


ghanvillo,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Sandusky,  and  afterward  to  the  place  of  Ball's 
skirmish  with  the  Indians,  mentioned  in  Note  1,  page  600.  It  was  between  the 
dwelling  of  Mr.  Villetti  (the  residence  of  Mr.  Bircliard)  and  Mr.  Piatt  Brush  on  tlic 
road  from  Fremont  to  Tiffin  and  Columbus.  The  oak-tree,  with  the  hatchet-maiks! 
stood  on  the  west  side  of  the  road,  near  Mr.  Brush's  house. 

At  Mr.  Villetti's  I  enjoyed  the  pleasure  of  seeing  some  valuable  paintings  belong- 
ing to  Mr.  Birchard,  among  them  the  fine  picture  of  The  Dog  and  Dead  Duck  a,  Avoik 
of  art  of  the  Dusseldorf  school  that  attracted  much  attention  during  the  exliibitiou 
in  the  Crystal  Palace  in  New  York  in  1854.  Leaving  his  attractive  gallery,  we  re- 
turned to  the  village,  stopping  on  the  way  in  the  "  Spiegel  Wood,"  a  lovely  spot  not 
far  from  tlie  banks  of  the  winding  Sandusky,  where  he  was  erecting  an  elegant  sum- 
mer mansion. 

The  day  Avas  now  far  spent.  Dark  clouds  were  gathering  in  the  western  sky,  and 
in  that  direction  I  was  soon  moving  swiftly  over  the  railway  toward  Toledo,  tliinv 
miles  distant.  I  arrived  at  the  "  Oliver  House,"  in  that  city,  a  few  minutes  before  a 
heavy  thunder-storm  burst  i  pon  it  and  the  surrounding  country.  On  the  followiin' 
day  I  made  the  visit  to  Fort  Meigs,  up  the  Maumee  Valley,  already  described  on 
p     c^i  490  to  493  inclusive. 

!  -i  repulse  of  the  British  at  Fort  Stephenson,  very  little  of  importance  oc- 
currt  he  Northwest  until  the  battle  on  Lake  Erie,  at  near  the  middle  of  Septem- 

ber, wilt,  the  aspect  of  aiFairs  in  that  quarter  was  entirely  changed.  Harrison's  re;;- 
iilar  force  in  the  field  did  not  exceed  two  thousand  men,  yet  he  considered  them  suf- 
ficient for  all  present  purposes.  The  din  of  a  second  invasion  of  the  state  had  atraiii 
aroused  the  people,  and  hundreds  of  volunteers  had  flocked  to  the  field  only  to  lie 
again  disbanded.  These  volunteers  were  ofiended.  They  regarded  the  action  of  tlie 
general  as  an  indication  that  he  believed  them  to  be,  as  soldiers,  unworthy  of  his  con- 
fidence ;  and  their  indignant  officers,  in  published  resolutions,  attacked  the  niilitary 
character  of  General  Harrison,  and  declared  that  they  would  never  again  rally  to  Iiis 
flag.  His  personal  and  political  enemies  joined  in  the  hue  and  cry;  and  men  sittiiis; 
at  home  in  ease,  utterly  ignorant  of  military  affiiirs,  assailed  him  with  jeers  as  an  im- 
becile or  a  coward,  because  he  did  not,  with  his  handful  of  regulars  and  a  mass  of 
raw  troops,  push  forward  against  Maiden  and  Detroit,  before  the  tardily-buikliiii; 
navy  was  completed.  Misrepresentation  followed  misrepresentation,  for  the  purpose 
of  poisoning  the  public  mind.  Fearing  their  cflTects,  his  general,  field,  and  staft'  officers, 
"  Angnst  14,     fourteen  in  number,'  held  a  niteting  at  head-quarters.  Lower  Seneca  Town," 

1*1^-  and  in  an  address  to  the  public,  drawn  up  by  General  Cass,  they  expressed 
their  entire  confidence  in  the  military  abilities  of  their  chief,  and  their  belief  that  liis 
coui-se  "  was  such  as  was  dictated  by  military  wisdom,  and  by  a  due  regard  to  cm' 
circumstances  and  to  the  situation  of  the  enemy." 

Up  to  this  time  General  Han-ison's  efforts  had  been  mainly  directed  to  defensive 
measures ;  now,  the  fleet  at  Erie  being  nearly  ready,  and  Captain  Perry,  who  was  to 
command  it,  having  received  orders  to  co-operate  with  Harrison,  the  latter  bent  all 
his  energies  to  the  creation  of  a  well-ajjpointed  army  for  another  invasion  of  CaT'.ada. 
Let  us  leave  General  Harrison  for  a  while  at  his  head-quarters  at  "  Camp  Seneca,'' 
and  consider  the  naval  preparations  to  co-operate  with  him. 

We  have  observed  that  General  Huil's  advice  respecting  the  creation  of  a  fleet  on 
Lake  Erie,  before  attempting  an  invasion  of  Canada,  was  unheeded,'^  and  that  tlu 
army  of  the  Northwest  was  involved  in  disaster,  and  its  commander  was  covcreil 
with  a  cloud  of  disgrace.    The  event  taught  the  rulers  wisdom,  and  they  profited  by 


'  General  Cass ;  '  oloncls  Wells,  Owlngs,  Pnnl,  ond  Bartlctt ;  Ltentenant  Colonels  Ball  and  Morrison ;  M^ors  ToiM, 
Trigg,  Smiley,  Graham,  Croghon,  Ilnklll,  and  Wood.  The  gallant  Croghan,  in  a  special  let'er  on  the  27th,  silenced  the 
slanderers  who  were  making  political  capital  of  Harrison's  order  for  him  to  evacuate  Fort  Stephenson,  and  his  dleok- 
dience.  "The  measures  recently  adopted  by  him,"  wrote  Croghan,  "so  far  from  deserving  censure,  are  the  dearest  )nif» 
of  hit  keen  perutratimi  and  able  generalship."  »  See  page  251. 


OP   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


500 


Captain  Perry  ordered  to  Lake  Eric. 


His  Journey  thither. 


Preaqn'  leie  and  Captain  Dobbiue. 


the  lesson.    They  resolved  to  dispute  the  supremacy  of  the  lakes  with  the  British, 
and  to  Commodore  Chauncey  was  intrusted  the  necessary  preparations. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1812,  Captain  Oliver  II.  Perry,  of  Rhode  Island, 
ii  zealous  naval  officer  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  was  in  command  of  a  flotilla  of  gun- 
boats on  the  Newport  station.  11^  was  very  anxious  for  service  in  a  wider  field  of 
action — on  the  lakes  or  the  broad  ocean — where  he  might  encounter  the  enemy  and 
win  distinction.  In  November*  he  offered  his  services  for  the  lakes ;  and  on  •  isi2. 
tlie  first  of  February  following''  he  received  a  cordial  letter  from  Chauncey,  in  '  1813- 
which  that  gentleman  said,  "You  are  the  very  person  that  I  want  for  a  particular 
service,  in  which  you  may  gain  reputation  for  yourself  and  honor  for  your  country." 
This  service  was  the  command  of  a  naval  force  on  Lake  Erie.  Perry  was  delighted ; 
and  his  joy  was  complete  when,  on  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  he  received  ordei's 
from  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  report  to  Commodore  Chauncey,  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bor, with  all  of  the  best  men  of  his  flotilla  in  Narraganset  Bay.  Before  sunset  that 
(lay  he  had  dispatched  Sailing-master  Almy,  with  fifly  men  and  officers,  for  the  east- 
ern shore  of  Lake  Ontario.  Two  days  afterward  an- 
other company  of  fifly  men  were  sent  to  the  same  des- 
tination, under  Sailing-master  Champlin ;  and  on  the 
•21st  fifty  more,  under  Sailing-master  Taylor,  left 
Providence  and  followed  their  companions.  Twen- 
ty hours  later  Perry  left  his  pleasant  home  in  New- 
port, with  his  little  brother  Alexander,  then  only 
thirteen  years  of  age,  and  was  on  his  way  in  a  sleigh. 
He  stopped  part  of  a  day  at  Lebanon,  in  Connecticut, 
to  visit  his  parents,  and  on  the  26ch  he  met  Chauncey 
at  Albany.  They  journeyed  together  northwardly 
through  the  Wilderness,  and  arrived  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bor on  the  evening  of  the  3d  of  March.  There  Perry 
remained  a  fortnight  on  account  of  an  expected  at- 
tack by  the  British.  The  menaces  of  danger  ceased,  and  the  young  commander  was 
ordered  to  proceed  to  Presqu'  Isle  (now  Erie),  and  hasten  the  equipment  of  a  little 
squadron  then  in  process  of  construction  there.^    He  arrived  at  Buffalo  on  the  24th, 

'  Perry'8  house,  a  well-preserved  mansion,  stood,  when  the 
writer  sketched  it  In  1S48,  on  the  south  side  of  Wushingtou 
Square,  Newport,  a  few  doors  from  Thames  Street.  It  was  a 
spacious,  square  building,  and  was  erected  almost  a  century  aijo 
by  Mr.  Levi,  a  Jew.  To  that  house  Perry  took  his  bride,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Dr.  Mason,  of  Ne\vport,  and  there  she  lived  a  widow  al- 
most forty  years.    She  died  in  February,  185S. 

»  Erie  was  chosen  for  this  purpose  on  the  recommendation  of 
Captain  Daniel  Dobbins,  one  of  the  most  experienced  naviga- 
tors on  Lake  Eric.  He  suggested  Its  advantages  as  a  place  for 
building  gun-boats  early  In  the  autumn  of  1S12.  The  bay  being 
completely  land-locked,  and  its  only  entrance  too  shallow  for 
large  vessels  to  enter,  but  deep  enough  for  the  egress  of  gun- 
boats, he  regarded  it  as  the  safest  place  on  the  lake  for  the  con- 
struction of  small  vessels.  He  was  appointed  sailing-master  in 
the  navy  at  the  middle  of  September,  1S12,*  and  received  instrnc- 
tions  from  the  government  to  commence  the '  ■♦'uctlon  of  gnu- 
boats  f.t  Erie.  On  the  12th  of  December  _  >rmed  the  De- 
partment that,  nnder  the  lead  of  Ebenezer  Crosby,  a  good  ship- 
wright, and  such  honse-carpcntcrs  as  he  could  supply,  he  had 
two  of  the  gun-boats— 60  feet  keel,  IT  feet  beam,  and  6  feet  hold 
—on  the  stocks,  and  would  engage  to  have  them  all  ready  by  the 
time  the  ice  was  out  of  the  lake. 


rEBBV's  BESninsrE.' 


C^yO/vuU^      ]D a-^^trt^iy^^ 


•  On  his  return  from  Detroit  ha  wos  sent  by  Qeneral  David 
Mead  with  dispatches  to  Washington.  There  he  was  summoned 
to  a  Cabinet  council,  and  was  ftally  interrogated  concerning  the 
lakes.  His  opinions  were  received  with  deference ;  and  such  was 
the  confidence  of  the  Cabinet  in  his  judgment  that  he  was  ap- 
pointed sailing-master,  and  directed  to  construct  gnu-boats  at 
Erie. 


II  i 

1 

m  I 


M 
It  II 


f 


1 1 


i*  "  '    '   -'  i 


!fiir 


6ie 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Harbor  of  Erie  or  Prcsqa"  IbIc. 


History  of  the  Locality. 


Villnj;eofErie. 


spent  the  next  day  in  examining  vessels  on  the  stocks  at  the  navy  yard  at  Black 
llock,  then  superintended  by  Lieutenant  Pettigru,  and  made  arrangements  for  liaviii" 
stores  forwarded  to  him.  He  pressed  onward  by  land,  and  at  an  inn  on  the  way  he 
was  informed  by  the  keeper,  who  had  just  returned  from  Canada,  tliat  the  British 
were  acquainted  with  the  movements  at  Erie,  and  would  doubtless  soon  attempt  to 
penetrate  the  hal-bor,  and  destroy  the  naval  materials  collected  there. 

The  harbor  of  Eric  is  a  large  bay,  within  the  embrace  of  a  low,  sandy  peninsula 
that  juts  five  miles  into  the  lake,  and  a  bluff  of  main  land  on  which  the  pleasant  vil- 
lage of  Erie,  the  capital  of  Erie  County,  Pennsylvania,  stands.  The  peninsula  has 
sometimes  been  an  island  when  its  neck  has  been  cleft  by  storms,  and  the  harbor  has 
been  entered  from  the  west  by  small  vessels.  Within  the  memory  of  livinir  men 
Presqu'  Isle  (the  peninsula)  has  been  a  barren  sand-bank ;  now  it  is  covered  by  a 
growth  of  young  timber.  It  is  deeply  indented  toward  its  extremity  by  an  estuary 
called  Little  Bay.  The  harbor  is  one  of  the  finest  on  the  lake  when  gained,  but  at 
the  period  in  question,  and  until  lately,  its  entrance  was  by  a  shallow  channel,  tortu- 
ous and  difficult  on  account  of  sand-bars  and  shoals.  Although  Presqu'  Isle  Avas  a 
place  of  historic  interest  in  colonial  times,*  it  was  an  insignificant  village  in  1812,  and 
less  than  twenty  years  of  age.^  Many  miles  of  wilderness,  or  a  very  sparsely-popu- 
lated country,  lay  betAveen  it  and  the  thick  settlements ;  and  the  supplies  of  every 


Cnptnin  Dobbins  was  nn  efficient  man  and  faithful  officer.  He  was  duly  appointed  a  sailing-master  in  the  navy,  and 
was  highly  esteemed  by  Commodore  Perry.  He  was  born  in  Mifflin  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  Bth  of  July,  ijto,  ami 
first  visited  Erie,  with  n  party  of  surveyors,  in  1796.  It  was  then  a  ivilderncss.  He  was  there  with  General  Wayne  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  settled  there,  and  became  a  navigator  on  the  lakes.  He  was  at  Mackinaw  with  his  vcfscl 
thcSiifina,  when  that  place  was  captured  by  the  Biitish  in  1S12,  and,  with  R.  S.  and  William  Held,  of  Erie,  he  was  pa- 
roled. At  Detroit  he  was  again  made  prisoner,  and  paroled  unconditionally.  He  was  very  efBclcnt  in  fittliig  out  tli» 
squadron  at  Erie,  and  in  the  expedition,  under  Commodore  Sinclair,  that  attempted  to  retake  Mackinaw.  After  the  nar 
he  was  in  command  of  the  Wanliingion,  and  in  ISlC  he  conveyed  troops  in  her  to  Green  Bay.  She  was  the  first  vessel,  ex- 
cept n  canoe,  that  ever  entered  that  harbor.  A  group  of  islands  in  that  vicinity  were  named  Dobblns's  Islands  In  honor 
of  him.  He  was  ordered  to  sea  iu  1820,  when  he  resigned  his  commission  In  the  navy,  but  remained  in  the  government 
employment.  In  1829  President  Jackson  appointed  him  commander  of  the  revenue  cutter  /Jun/i,  He  left  active  senlce 
iu  1849,  and  died  at  the  age  of  almost  eighty-one,  February  29, 1850.  The  likeness  of  Captain  Dobbins,  given  cii  the  pre- 
ceding page,  is  from  a  portrait  painted  by  Moses  Billings,  of  Erie,  when  he  was  seventy-five  years  of  age. 

1  Here  was  erected  one  of  the  chain  of  French  forts  in  the  wilderness  which  first  excited  the  alarm  and  jeiilonsy  of 
the  English  colonies  in  America  and  the  government  at  home.  The  remains  of  the  ramparts  and  ditches,  seen  In  the 
sketch  on  the  opposite  page,  are  very  prominent  upon  a  point  overlooking  the  entrance  to  the  harbor,  which  It  com- 
mands, and  a  deep  ravine,  through  which  Mill  Creek  flows,  wltliin  the  eastern  limits  of  the  borough  of  Erie.  The  fort 
is  supposed  to  have  been  erected  early  in  1749,  that  being  the  year  when  the  French  sent  armed  emissaries  thronghout 
the  Ohio  Valley  to  drive  off  the  English  traders.  It  was  constnicted  under  the  direction  of  Jean  Cceur  (commonly  writ- 
ten Joucoire  in  history),  an  influential  Indian  agent  of  the  French  governor  general  of  Canada.    This  was  Intended 

by  the  French  for  an  important  entrepot  ofstip- 
plles  for  the  interior  forts  j  but  when  Cauada  passed 
into  the  possession  of  the  English,  a  hundred  years 
ago,  the  fort  was  abandoned,  and  fell  Into  decay. 
General  Wayne  established  a  small  garrison  there 
In  1794,  and  caused  a  block-house  to  he  bnilt  on 
the  bluflf  part  of  Mill  Creek,  at  the  lake  shore  of 
Garrison  Hill.  On  his  return  as  victor  over  the 
Indians  iu  the  Maumee  Valley,  he  occupied  a  lo;; 
house  near  the  block-house.  There  he  died  of 
gout,  and,  at  his  own  request,  was  burled  at  the 
foot  of  the  flag-sti'^T.  His  remains  were  removed 
to  Radnor  ChnrcU-yard,  Pennsylvania,  in  ISW. 
The  block-house  fell  into  decay,  and.  In  the  win- 
ter of  1813-'14,  another  was  built  oil  Its  site ;  nlsu 
one  on  the  Point  of  the  Peninsnia  of  Presqu'  Isle, 
The  former  remained  until  1863,  when  some  mis- 
creant burnt  It.  It  was  the  last  relic  of  the  War 
of  1812  in  that  vicinity.  I  am  indebted  to  B.F. 
Sloan,  Esq.,  editor  of  the  Brie  Observer,  for  the  ac- 
companying sketch  of  the  block-house,  made  by 
Mr.  Chevalier,  of  Erie.  The  view  is  fi-om  the  edge 
of  the  water  at  the  month  of  Mill  Creek,  just  below  the  old  mill.  On  the  left  Is  seen  the  open  lake,  and  on  the  right  of 
the  block-house,  where  a  small  building  Is  seen,  was  the  place  of  the  flag-staff  and  Wayne's  grave. 

'  It  was  laid  oat  in  ITOfi,  when  reservations  were  made  of  certain  lots  for  the  use  of  the  United  States.  The  first  while 
settler  there  ivas  Colonel  John  Reid,  fl-om  Rhode  Island,  who  built  a  log  cabin,  enlarged  It,  and  called  It  the  Presqu'  We 
Hotel,  entertained  travelers,  soldiers,  traders,  speculators,  and  Indians,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  a  large  fortase.  His 
fson  built  the  "  Reld  House,"  iu  Krle,  one  of  the  finest  hotels  Iu  the  country  out  of  the  large  cities. 


WATME  B  BLOOK-aODBE  AT  ERIE. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


511 


lOKeofErle. 

at  Black 
31"  liiiving 
e  way  lie 
le  British 
tteiupt  to 

peninsula 
easant  vil- 
insula  has 
liavbor  has 
iviiiiT  men 
leered  by  a 
an  estuary 
lied,  but  at 
nnel,  tortu- 
Isle  was  a 
.n  181 2,  and 
ivsely-popu- 
es  of  every 


In  the  navy,  and 
of  July,  I'TC,  and 
Icnernl  Wayne  at 
V  with  his  vessel, 
r  Erie,  he  was  pa- 
in flttlnK  out  the 
w.  After  the  war 
he  first  vessel,  ex- 
i  Islands  in  honor 
1  the  govcrnrociit 
left  active  6er\lce 
given  I'n  the  prc- 

uiul  Jeulonsy  ot 
_  hcs.  Been  in  the 
lor,  which  it  com- 
ofErie.   Thefott 
saries  throughout 
(commonly  writ- 
his  was  intended 
entrepot  of  sup- 
len  Canada  passed 
a  hundred  years 
id  fell  into  decay, 
ittll  garrison  tliere 
sc  to  he  hnilt  on 
ihc  lake  shore  of 
^g  victor  over  tlic 
tie  occupied  a  los 
There  he  died  ot 
.■asi  hurled  at  tlio 
ins  were  removed 
sylvania,  in  1S«. 
,  and,  in  the  win- 
t  oil  its  site;  also 
laofPresqu'lelc. 
when  some  mis- 
relic  of  the  War 
[indehted  to  B.F. 
...'tier,  for  the  ac- 
;.hoHse,  made  by 
Is  from  the  edfc 
id  on  the  right  lit 

The  first  white 
fit  the  Prr»q«'  '* 
Irgo  fortune,  nis 


Pcrrj'9  Arrival  ut  Krle^ 


Cuuatructlon  of  a  Fleet  begun. 


Cascade  Creek,  and  Block-bonse  near. 


yitW  OF  TUB  BITE  Of  TUK  FUE.NUU  FUUT  AND  KMTBANOI  TO  KBIE  IIAOUOB.' 

kind  but  timber,  for  naval  preparations,  had  to  be  brought  from  far-away  places  with 
creat  labor.     Zeal  and  energy  overcame  all  difficulties. 

Perry  arrived  at  Erie,  as  we  have  observed,  on  the  27th  of  March.  He  established 
his  quarters  at  Duncan's  "  Erie  Hotel,"  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  important 
errand  by  calling  around  him  the  employ6s  of  the  government  there.  Much  pre- 
liminary work  had  al- 
ready been  done  under 
the  direction  of  the 
ouergetic  Sailing-mas- 
ter Dobbins  and  Noah 
Blown,  a  shipwright 
tVoni  New  York.  For- 
est-trees around  Erie 
li.id  been  felled  and 
iiewn ;  the  keels  of  two 
twenty-gun  brigs  and 
;i  clipper  schooner  had 
been  laid  at  the  mouth 
ofCascade  Creek; 
two  gun -boats  were 
nearly  planked  up  at 
tlie  mouth  of  Lee's 
Run,hetween  the  pres- 
ent Peach  and  Sassa- 
fras Streets;  and  a 
tiiird,  afterward   call- 


.5»ff~-- 


C'^^^. 


MODTII   OF  GABOAUE  OBEEK." 


I  This  view  of  the  entrance  to  Krle  Harbor  was  taken  from  the  site  of  the  old 
French  Fort  de  la  Presqu'  Isle,  mentioned  in  the  note  on  the  preceding  page.  The 
mounds  Indicating  the  remains  of  the  fort  are  seen  on  the  right,  and  near  them, 
ill  the  centre  of  the  picture,  is  a  small  building  used  as  a  powder-house.  On  the 
bluff  on  the  extreme  right  is  seen  a  little  structure,  indicating  the  site  of  the 
block-house  mentioned  in  the  note  on  the  preceding  page,  which  is  not  far  from 
the  present  light-house.  On  the  left,  in  the  extreme  distance.  Is  Presqu'  Isle 
Point,  and  in  the  water,  piers  that  have  been  constructed  for  the  Improvement  of 
the  entrance  channel,  and  a  light-house. 

»  This  is  a  view  of  the  site  of  the  navy  yard  at  the  month  of  the  uascade  Creek, 

and  of  a  portion  of  the  harbor  of  Erie,  made  by  the  author  early  in  September, 

1800.    The  creek  and  the  gentle  cascade,  which  gives  Its  appropriate  name,  are 

seen  in  the  foreground.    Beyond  It,  and  the  small  boats  seen  in  Its  waters,  is  the 

beach  where  the  Laturenee,  Xiagara,  and  Ariel  were  built.    On  the  clay  and  gravel 

bluflr  at  the  extreme  right,  the  fence  marks  the  site  of  a  block-house  built  to 

protect  the  ship-yard,  whose  stout  flag-staff,  with  cross-pieces  for  steps,  served 

as  an  observatory.    From  its  top  a  Ml  view  of  the  lake  over  Presqn'  Isle  could 

be  seen.    The  lower  part  of  the  block-house  was  heavy,  rough  logs ;  the  upper, 

or  battery  part,  was  made  of  hewn  timber. 

Ic  the  distance.  In  the  centre  of  the  picture,  is  seen  the  landing  at  Erie,  and  on  the  left  the  pier  and  llght-honse  at  the 

entrance  to  the  harbor.    Just  behind  the  bluff,  in  the  distance,  is  the  mouth  of  Lee's  Rua,  where  the  Poreupine  and 

njiTM  were  Imilt.    The  cascade  is  about  flfteeu  feet  in  perjiendlcnlar  full  In  iU  passage  over  a  ledge  of  slate  rock,  and 

1«  alKint  one  mile  from  the  public  square  lu  Erie. 


BI.OOK-UIHSK. 


! 


1:1  I 


m 


512 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  GaarJ  at  Erie. 


Perry  baateiis  to  Cbaarcey. 


Eventa  on  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


ctl  Scorpion,  waa  just  commenced.  To  guard  against  surprise  and  the  destruction 
of  the  vessels  by  the  Britislj,  a  volunteer  company  of  sixty  men,  under  Captain  Fos- 
ter, had  been  organized.  Captain  Dobbins  had  also  formed  a  guard  of  the  ship-cai. 
I)enter8  and  other  mechanics  engaged  on  the  vessels. 

On  the  arrival  of  Sailing-master  Tiiylor,  on  the  3d  of  March,  with  officers  and  mon 
Perry  hastened  to  Pittsburg  to  urge  forward  supplies  of  every  kind  for  the  comple. 
tion  and  equipment  of  his  little  squadron.  He  had  already  ordered  Dobbins  to  Ijuf. 
•  April  10,     falo  for  men  and  munitions ;  and  on  his  return"  ho  was  gratified  to  find  that 

^^^^-  faithful  oflicer  back  and  in  possession  of  a  twelve-pound  cannon,  four  cliests 
of  small  arms,  and  ammunition.  The  vessels,  too,  were  in  a  satisfactory  state  of  for- 
wardness.  They  were  soon  off  tlio  stocks.  Early  in  May  the  three  smaller  ones  were 
launched,  and  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  the  two  brigs  were  put  afloat.' 
'  M  21  "^'  sunset  of  tlie  day  before  the  launching  of  the  brigs,''  Perry  k-ft  Erie  in 
an  open  four-oared  boat,  to  join  Chauncey  in  an  attack  upon  Fort  Geove  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River.  Tlie  commodore  had  promised  him  the  command 
of  the  marines  in  the  enterprise.  All  night  he  buffeted  the  angry  waves  of  Lake  Erie 
and  arrived  at  Buffalo  the  next  day.  Perry  was  accompanied  from  Erie  as  far  as 
Lewiston  by  his  faithful  coadjutor,  Captain  Dobbins.  From  that  point  the  latter  was 
sent  back  to  Schlosser,  to  prepare  boats  for  seamen  who  were  to  be  sent  up  after  tlic 
reduction  of  Fort  George,  and  to  the  Black  Kock  navy  yard,  to  hasten  the  equipment 
of  some  government  vessels  that  were  to  join  the  growing  squadron  at  Erie. 

Fort  George  fell,"  Fort  Erie  was  evacuated  and  burnt,  and  the  British 
abandoned  the  entire  line  of  the  Niagara  River.  This  enabled  Perry  to  take 
safely  from  that  stream  ijito  Lake  Erie  and  the  sheltering  arms  of  Presqu'  Isle  five 
vesselswhich  Henry  Eckford  had  prepared  for  warlike  service,  and  Avhicli  had  been 
detained  belo^v  Buffalo  by  the  Canadian  batteries.  They  were  loaded  Avith  stores  at 
the  Black  Rock  navy  yard;  and  on  tlie  morning  of  the  6th  of  June,  oxen,  seamen, 
and  two  hundred  soldiers,  under  Captains  Brevoort  and  Younge,  who  had  been  de- 
tailed to  accompany  Perry  to  Erie,  with  strong  ropes  over  willing  shoulders  com- 
menced warping  or  "tracking"  them  up  the  swift  current.  It  Avas  a  task  of  incredi- 
ble labor,  and  occupied  full  six  days. 

The  little  flotilla'^  sailed  from  Buffalo  on  the  13th.  Perry  was  in  the  Cakthin". 
sick  with  symptoms  of  bilious  remittent  fever.  Head  Avinds  prevailed.  "  Wo  inadi 
tAventy-fivo  miles  in  tAventy-four  hours,"  Avrpte  Doctor  Usher  Parsons,  Perry's  sni- 
geon,  in  Ms  diary.^  It  Avas  not  imtil  the  19th  that  they  entered  the  harbor  of  Erie, 
just  in  time  to  avoid  the  little  cruising  squadron  of  the  enemy  under  tlie  gallant 
Captain  Finnis,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  which  had  been  on  the  look-out  for  them.  Of 
this  Perry  had  been  informed,  on  his  way,  by  men  in  a  small  boat  that  shot  out  from 
the  southern  shore  of  the  lake,  and  he  had  prepared  to  fight.  "When  the  last  vessel 
of  the  flotilla  had  crossed  the  bar  at  Erie,  the  squadron  of  the  enemy  hove  in  sicht 
off  Presqu'  Isle  Point.*  Three  or  four  days  afterward  the  flotilla  went  up  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Cascade  Creek,  Avhere  the  tAvo  brigs  and  a  gun-boat  lay. 

Perry's  fleet  was  completed  and  finished  on  the  10th  of  July;  but,  alas!  be  had 


'  The  timber  for  the  veesels  was  fonnd  on  the  spot.  Their  frames  were  made  of  white  and  black  oak  and  chesliin!, 
the  onteide  planking  of  oak,  and  the  decks  of  pine.  Many  trees  found  their  places  as  timber  In  the  vessels  on  the  veir 
day  when  they  were  felled  in  the  forest. 

"  It  consisted  of  the  prize  brig  Caledonia  («ce  page  3Sfl) ;  the  schooner  Homers  (formerly  Catharine),  carrying  one  loog 
24 !  schooner  Amelia  (formerly  Ti;iress),  carrying  one  long  18 ;  and  schooner  Ohio,  carryiii.;  one  long  24 ;  the  sloop  Con- 
tractor (now  called  Trippe),  carrying  one  long  18.  The  commanders  of  this  flotilla,from  Buffalo  to  Eric  were  Peirr, 
Almy,  Uoldnp,  Darling,  and  Dobbins. 

'  Doctor  Usher  Parsons,  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  Is  the  last  surviving  commissioned  officer  of  Perry's  fleet.  Iiiii 
greatly  indebted  to  him  for  many  valuable  contributions  to  this  portion  of  my  work,  both  oral  and  written,  cspfcijlly 
for  the  use  of  his  diary  kept  daring  the  campaign  of  1813.  We  shall  meet  him  presently  as  the  surgeon  of  Ihcioir- 
reiuf,  Perry's  flag-ship,  In  the  battle  of  the  10th  of  Sepfernber. 

*  This  crnising  squadron  consisted  of  the  ship  Queen  Clmrlotte,  mounting  IT  gnns :  the  fine  schooner  Ladti  Preml, 
mounting  13  guns ;  the  brig  Hunter,  a  smaller  vessel  of  10  gnns ;  the  schooner  Little  Belt,  of  3  guns ;  and  the  CMppKt, 
of  1  gun. 


ti 
I 

!    ■■!■ 


OF  THE  WAR   OF    1812. 


518 


Brig  Xaictwt  to  bo  the  Flag-nhlp. 


Lnck  of  Men, 


Perry's  Earue«tne9>  uud  UnnelOiibneM, 


Jnly  19. 


only  men  enough  to  officer  and  man  one  of  the  brigs,  and  he  was  compelled  to  lie 
idle  in  the  harbor  of  Erie,  an  unwilling  witness  of  the  insolent  menaces  of  the  enemy 
on  the  open  lake.  The  brig  that  was  to  bear  his  broad  pennant  was  named  (by  order 
of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  received  on  the  12th)  LaxDrence,  in  honor  of  the  gallant 
captain  of  the  Chesapeake^  who  had  just  given  his  life  to  his  country."  The  .jnnc, 
other  bris?  was  named  Niagara,  and  the  smaller  vessels  constructecl  at  Erie  '^**- 
ttcre  called  respectively  Ariel  (the  clipper  schooner),  Porcujniie,  and  Tigress.  But 
what  availed  these  vessels  without  officors  and  crews?  The  two  hundred  soldiers 
lent  as  a  guard  for  the  flotilla  on  its  voyage  from  ButTalo  had  been  ordered  back. 
Only  Captain  lirevoort,  who  was  familiar  with  the  navigation  of  the  lake,  remained, 
and  he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  marines  of  the  Niagara.  Perry  was 
sick  and  almost  one  fifth  of  his  men  were  subjects  for  the  hospital  in  the  court-liouse, 
under  Doctor  Horsley,  or  the  one  near  the  site  of  Wayne's  block-house,  under  Doctor 
Hoherts.  And  yet  the  government,  remiss  itself  in  furnishing  Perry  with  men,  was 
aUIn"  loudly  upon  him  to  co-operate  with  Harrison.  Twice  within  four  days  he  re- 
(cfved  orders  to  that  eiFect  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.''  Ilarri-  ^ 
snii  too,  was  8endin<i;  messages  to  him  recounting  the  perils  of  the  situation 
iif  his  little  array,  f  nd  intelligence  came  that  a  new  and  powerful  vessel,  called  Detroit, 
ffus  nearly  ready  for  service  at  Maiden.  This  was  coupled  with  the  assurance  that 
the  veteran  Captain  Robert  II.  Barclay,  who  had  served  with  Nelson  at  Trafalgar, 
had  arrived  with  experienced  officers  and  men,  and  was  in  chief  command  oi  the  hos- 
tile squadron  seen  off  Presqu'  Isle.  In  the  bitterness  of  a  mortified  spirit  Perry 
iviotc  to  Chauncey,"  his  chief,  saying,  "The  enemy's  fleet  of  six  sail  are  now 
off  the  bar  of  this  harbor.  What  a  golden  opportunity,  if  we  had  men ! 
Their  object  is,  no  doubt,  either  to  blockade  or  attack  us,  or  to  carry  provisions  and 
re-enforcements  to  Maiden.  Should  it  be  to  attack  us,  we  are  ready  to  meet  them. 
I  am  constantly  looking  to  tlie  eastward ;  every  mail  and  every  traveler  from  that 
iliiarter  is  looked  to  as  the  harbinger  of  the  glad  tidings  of  our  men  being  on  the  way. 

Give  me  men,  sir,  and  I  will  acquire  both  for  you  and  myself  honor  and  glory 

on  this  lake,  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  Conceive  my  feelings ;  an  enemy  within  strik- 
ing distance,  my  vessels  ready,  and  not  men  enough  to  man  them.  Going  out  with 
those  I  now  have  is  out  of  the  question.  You  Avould  not  suffer  it  were  you  here. 
Tliink  of  my  situation :  the  enemy  in  sight,  the  vessels  under  my  command  more  than 
sufficient  and  ready  to  make  sail,  and  yet  obliged  to  bite  my  fingers  with  vexation 
for  want  of  men."'  Again,  on  the  23d  of  July,  when  Sailing-master  Champlin  >'ad  ar- 
rived with  seventy  men.  Perry  wrote  to  Channcey :  "  For  God's  sake,  and  yours,  and 
mine,  send  me  men  and  officers,  and  I  will  huve  them  all  [the  British  squadron]  in  a 

(lay  or  two.    Commodore  Barclay  keeps  just  out  of  the  reach  of  our  gun-boats 

The  vessels  are  all  ready  to  meet  the  enemy  the  moment  they  are  officered  and  man- 
ned. Oiu"  sails  are  bent,  provisions  on  board,  and,  in  fact,  every  tiling  is  ready.  Bar- 
day  has  been  bearding  me  for  several  days ;  I  long  to  be  at  him."  Tlien,  with  the 
most  generous  patriotism,  he  added,  "  However  anxious  I  am  to  reap  the  reward  of 
the  labor  and  anxiety  I  have  had  on  this  station,  I  shall  rejoice,  whoever  commands, 
to  see  this  force  on  the  lake,  and  surely  I  liad  rather  be  commanded  by  my  friend 
i  than  by  any  other.     Come,  then,  and  the  business  is  decided  in  a  few  hours." 

Perry's  importunities  were  almost  in  vain.     Few  and  mostly  inferior  men  came  to 

him  from  Lake  Ontario,  and,  so  far  as  the  government  was  concerned,  he  was  left  to 

I  call  them  from  the  forest  or  the  deep.     When  he  gave  Harrison  the  tnie  reason  for 

failing  to  co-operate  with  him,  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  reproved  him  for  exposing 

'  Two  days  aficrwnrd  [.Tnly  81]  the  enemy  were  becalmed  off  the  harbor,  when  Perry  went  ont  with  three  gnn-boat* 
from  Cajcnde  Creek  to  attaoi.  him.  Only  a  few  shots  were  exchanged,  at  the  distance  of  a  mile.  One  of  Perry's  shots 
Suck  the  mizzen-mast  of  the  Qu«ett  Charlotte.    A  breeze  sprung  np,  and  the  enemy's  sqnadron  bore  away  to  the  open 

like. 


1 

1  , 

1; 
'■   1 

'.,,  . 

Hi  ^ 

^^^^^^BTii<^ ' 

jk 

■V 

Ek 


iij. 


If'         !! 


I  hi 


fili 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Belatiunt  ofC'hnuuccy  iiud  Perry. 


Erie  menaced. 


Prepar«tlon«  for  nu  AitMk. 


his  wt'iiknosH ;  and  when  ho  complained  to  Chaunccy  of  tho  inferiority  of  the  men 
Bent  to  him — "  a  motley  set,  blacks,  Boldiers,  and  boys" — he  received  from  the  irritated 
commodoi-e  a  letter  ho  tilled  with  caustic  but  half-concealed  irony,  that  ho  felt  con- 
strained to  ask  for  a  removal  from  the  station,  because,  as  he  alleged,  he  "  could  not 
serve  longer  under  an  officer  who  had  been  so  totally  regardless  of  his  feelingg."'  a 
nianly,  generous  letter  from  Chauncey  soon  afterward  restored  ^'le  kindUness  of  fed- 
ing  between  them. 

In  the  mean  time  tho  post  of  Erie  had  been  Boriously  menaced.  General  Porter  at 
Black  Koi'k,  sent  word  that  the  enemy  were  concentrating  at  Long  Point  on  tin- 
Canada  shore  of  the  lake,  opposite  Erie.  At  about  the  same  time  a  hostile  movement 
was  made  toward  Fort  Meigs,  and  tho  British  fleet  mysteriously  disappeared.  Ko 
doubt  was  entertained  of  a  design  to  attempt  the  capture  of  Erie,  with  the  vessels 
and  stores,  by  a  combined  land  and  naval  force.  A  panic  was  tho  conseijuence.  Tlie 
families  of  many  citizens  fled  with  their  valuables  to  the  interior.     Already  a  block- 


house had  been  erected  on  the  bluif  east  of  (Cascade  Creek  to  protect  the  ship-yard,- 
and  a  redoubt  mounting  three  long  twelve-pounders  had  been  planted  on  the  heiglits 
(now  called  Garrison  Hill),  near  the  present  light-house,  and  named  J^ort  Waynu. 
Barracks  had  been  erectefl  u  the  village,^  and  a  regiment  of  Pennsylvania  militia 
were  encamped  near  Fort  ^^  ayne.  The  vessels  were  as  well  manned  as  possible,  and 
boats  rowed  guard  at  tho  entrance  to  the  harbor.  But  these  means  of  defense  were 
not  considered  sufficient,  and  Perry  called  on  Major  General  David  Mead,  of  Mead- 
ville,  to  re-enforce  the  troops  with  his  militia.  This  was  done,*  and  in  the  course  ofa 
few  days  upward  of  fifteen  hundred  soldiers  were  concentrated  at  a  rendezvous  near. 
But  an  invasion  from  the  lake  was  not  attempted,  owing,  as  was  afterward  ascertain- 
ed, to  the  difficulty  of  collecting  a  sufficient  number  of  troops  in  time  at  Long  Point. 
At  the  close  of  July  Perry  had  about  three  hundred  eifective  officers  and  men  at 

'  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  on  board  the  Lawrence,  at  Eric,  August  10, 1813. 

>  See  note  2,  page  511. 

'  These  occupied  a  portion  of  the  space  now  bonnded  by  Third  and  Fifth  and  State  and  Sassafrne  Streets.  Th«( 
objects  and  locnlllies,  and  others,  are  indicated  on  the  above  map,  in  the  constrnction  of  which  I  nclsnowledge  jld 
kindly  afforded  mo  by  Giles  Sanford,  Esq.,  of  Erie.  The  public  square  is  indicated  by  the  white  space  on  the  village 
plan,  and  the  court-house  by  the  shaded  square  within  it. 

*  Doctor  Parsons  wrote  in  bis  diary,  under  date  of  Augnst  1, 1818,  "General  Head,  of  Headville,  arrived  two  ortbrw  : 
days  afro,  and,  with  his  suite,  came  on  board  the  Laurence  under  a  salute  of  thirty-two  guns." 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


016 


fuugt  of  V«Mel»  over  Krie  Bar.  FIrrt  Crulie  of  Perry'i  Fleet. 


Re^enforcements  nnder  Captain  Elllolt. 


gric  with  which  to  man  two  20-giin  brigs  and  eight  smaller  veHscls.  The  enemy 
jj^jppeared  ."••''  *-o  lake  was  calm.  lie  was  so  restive  umler  the  bearding  of  Bar- 
ilav  and  the  chafing  from  superiors,  that  he  resolved  with  these  to  go  out  upon  the 
lake  and  try  the  fortune  of  war.  On  Sunday,  tho  first  of  August,  he  moved  his  flo- 
tilla down  to  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  intending  to  cross  early  the  next  morning. 
'file  lake  was  lower  than  usual,  and  the  squadron  would  not  float  over  the  bar.  Even 
the  smaller  vessels  had  to  be  lightened  for  the  purpose,  and  at  one  time  it  was  con- 
sidered doubtful  whether  the  Lawrence  and  Niagara  could  be  taken  otit  of  the  har- 
l,or  at  all.  The  flag-ship  was  tried  first.  Her  cannon,  not  "  loaded  and  shotted,"  as 
the  historians  have  said  (for  they  had  been  discharged  in  saluting  General  Mead), 
«cre  taken  out  and  placed  on  timbers  on  the  beach,  while  the  Niagara  and  smaller 
vessels  lay  with  their  broadsides  toward  the  lake  forlicr  protection,  iu  the  event  of 
tiie  reappearance  of  Barclay.* 

By  means  of  "  camels"^  the  Lawrence  was  floated  over  on  the  morning  of  the  4th, 
and  by  two  o'clock  that  day  her  armament  was  all  on  board  of  her,  mounted  and  prc- 
iiiircd  for  action.  The  Niagara  was  taken  over  in  the  same  way  with  very  little 
(rouble,  and  the  smaller  vessels  reached  the  deep  water  outside*  without  .  Angust  ^ 
much  difficulty.  The  labor  of  this  movement  had  been  exciting  and  ex-  ^^'*' 
hausting,  and  the  young  commander  scarcely  slept  or  partook  of  food  during  the 
four  days.  The  enemy  was  expected  every  moment.  Should  he  appear  while  the 
tliitilla  was  on  the  bar,  H  might  be  lost.  Fortunately,  Commodor..  liarclay's  social 
wiakness — the  inordmate  love  of  public  festivities — j)rolonged  his  absence,  and  his 
sniadron  did  not  heave  in  sight  until  the  6tli,  just  as  the  Niagara  M'as  safely  moving 
into  deep  water.^  The  Ariel,  Lieutenant  Packet,  and  Scorpion,  Sailing-master  Cham- 
iiHii,  were  sent  out  boldly  to  engage  and  detain  the  squadron.  Barclay  was  surprised 
at  this  movement,  and  ]K;rceiving  that  his  golden  opportrnity  was  lost,  he  bore  away 
toward  Long  Point.  The  whole  of  Perry's  flotilla  was  in  perfect  preparation  before 
night.  That  evening  it  weighed  anchor,"  and  stood  toward  Long  Point 
on  its  first  cruise.  Perceiving  no  farther  use  for  the  militia,  who  were  anx- 
ious to  get  into  their  harvest-fields,  General  Mead  discharged  them,  and  the  aimed 
citizens  of  Erie  resumed  their  accustomed  avocations. 

Perry  cruised  between  Erie  and  the  Canada  shore  for  two  or  three  days,  vainly 
searching  for  the  enemy,  who  had  gone  to  INIalden  to  await  the  completion  of  the 
Detroit,  a  ship  that  would  make  the  British  force  superior  to  that  of  the  Americans. 
But  the  latter  now  received  accessions  of  strength.  On  the  9th  the  squadron  was 
joined  at  Erie  by  Captain  Jesse  D.  Elliott,*  who  brought  M'ith  him  about  one  hundred 
officers  and  superior  men.  With  these  he  manned  the  Niagara  and  assumed  com- 
mand of  her.  Thus  re-enforced,  Perry  resolved  to  sail  up  the  lake  and  report  himself 
ready  to  co-operate  with  Harrison. 

The  squadron  left  Erie  on  the  12tli°  in  double  column,  one  line  in  regular  '  August. 
battle  order,'  and  rendezvoused  in  an  excellent  harbor  called  Put-in-Bay,''     "  Auguat  is. 

• 

1  MamiBcript  corrections  of  the  text  of  M'Kenzle's  Life  qf  Perry,  by  Captain  Daniel  Dobbins,  who  assisted  .,n  the 

EOTeraent.   I  am  indebted  for  the  use  of  these  notes  to  his  son,  Captain  W.  W.  Dobbins,  of  Erie,  Pennsylvania. 

i    1 A  "camel"  Is  a  machine  invented  by  the  Dutch  for  carrying  vessels  over  shallow  places,  as  bars  at  tlie  entrance  of 

I  hu!wr«.  It  is  a  huge  box  or  kind  of  scow,  so  arranged  that  water  may  be  let  in  or  pumped  out  at  pleasure.   One  of 

ihem  is  placed  on  each  side  of  a  vessel,  the  wafer  let  In,  and  the  camels  so  snnkcn  that,  by  means  of  ropes  nnder  the 

keel  and  windlasses,  the  vessel  may  be  placed  so  that  beams  may  bear  it,  resting  on  the  camels.    The  water  iu  the 

j  tsnieli  is  then  pnraped  out,  they  float,  and  the  vessel,  raised  by  them,  Is  carried  over  the  shallow  place. 

'  Captahi  Dobbins,  in  his  MS.  notes  on  M'Kenzle's  Life  qf  Commodore  Perry,  says  that  the  citizens  of  Port  Dover,  a 

saisll  village  on  Ryason's  Creek,  a  little  below  Long  Point,  in  Canada,  oflTered  Commodore  Barclay  and  his  officers  a 

I  [ubllc  dinner.   The  invitation  was  accepted.   While  that  dinner  was  being  attended  Perry  was  getting  his  vessels  over 

I  the  bar,  and  thereby  acquired  power  to  successfully  dispute  the  supremacy  of  Lake  Erie  with  the  British.    At  the  din- 

jner  Captain  Barclay  remarked,  in  response  to  a  complimentary  toasts  "I  expect  to  And  the  Yankee  brigs  hard  and  fast 

I  on  ihe  bar  at  Erie  when  I  return,  in  which  predicament  it  will  be  but  a  smf.U  Job  to  destroy  them."    Had  Barclay  been 

limmlndfnl  of  duty,  his  expectations  might  have  been  realized.    Captain  Dobbins  makes  this  statement  on  the  au- 

jihoriiyofan  old  lake  acquaintance,  Mr.  Ryasou,  who  was  at  the  dinner.  ♦  See  page  .188. 

•  Penj's  nsgregato  force  of  officers  and  men  was  less  than  four  hundred.    His  squadron  was  composed  as  follows: 


Ir 


I. 


'  I 


»    ^!l 


i 


sie 


I'ICTOUIAL    FlKLU-nOOK 


bUndi  aronnd  Pnt-ln-Bny, 


HtrrUon  vlilU  Parry  on  hti  Fl«g-*hlp. 


BIcknni  In  the  V\m. 


formed  by  ii  proup  of  iHliuuls  known  as  the  North,  AliihUo,  and  South  Huhr,  Put-jn. 
Bay,  Siij:jiir,  (iihraltar,  and  Strontian,'  and  nuiucrous  wmall  iHlotB,  Home  of  tluin  con. 
taining  not  more  than  lialf  an  aero.  These  lie  ott'Port  Clinton,  the  eapital  ofOttuw  i 
County,  Ohio.  Nothint;  wan  Been  of  the  enemy ;  and  on  the  following  day,  towanl 
evening,  the  wiuadron  weighed  anchor  and  sailed  ft)r  Sandusky  Bay,  when  a  straiii'. 
eail  was  discovered  ott"  Cunningham  (now  Kelly)  Island  by  Champlin,  of  du.  ,sv„,.. 
pion,  who  liad  been  sent  out  as  a  sort  of  scout.  lie  signaled  and  gave  oliaxc  i',,|. 
lowed  for  u  short  time  by  tlie  whole  sijuadron.  It  was  a  British  sehoontT  reconnoi. 
tring.  She  eluded  her  pursuers  by  darting  among  the  islands  that  form  I'ut-in  Hnv 
under  cover  of  the  night.  A  heavy  storm  of  wind  and  rain  came  with  the  darkness 
The  Scorjiion  j)artly  grounded,  the  schooner  ran  ashore  in  the  gale,  and  the  ^(luadrnii 
lay  at  anchor  all  night.^  On  the  following  morning  the  point  of  the  peiiiiiMiiJa  oti' 
Sandusky  Bay  was  reached,  when  Perry  fired  signal-guns,  according  to  agrecnicnt  \» 
ap[)riBc  Harrison  at  his  quarters  at  Camp  Seneca  of  his  j)resencc.  That  eveninu  ('(,i. 
onel  E.  P.  Gaines,  Avitli  a  few  officers  and  a  guard  of  Indians,  appeared  on  board  iIk 
Lmcrence,  and  informed  Perry  that  Harrison,  with  eight  thousand  men — militia  ric- 
ulars,  and  Indians — was  only  twenty-seven  miles  distant.  Boats  were  innncdiatclv 
dispatched  to  bring  the  general  and  his  suite  on  board.  lie  arrived  late  in  the  even- 
ing of  the  19th,  during  a  heavy  rain,  accompanied  by  his  aids,  M'Arthur  and  Cass, 
and  other  officers  composing  his  staff,  and  a  large  number  of  soldiers  and  Indians, 
twenty-six  of  the  latter  being  chiefs  of  the  neighboring  tribes,  whose  friendship  it 
was  thought  important  to  maintain.  The  plan  of  the  campaign  was  then  anani;eil 
•  AugiiBt,  by  the  two  commanders.  The  20th,''  a  bright  and  beautiful  day,  was  spent 
18111.  ju  reconnoitring  Put-in-Bay,  with  the  view  of  concentrating  the  army  tlieu 
for  transportation  to  Maiden,  and  on  the  21st  the  general  returned  to  his  camp. 

Ah  Harrison      ns  not  quite  ready  for 


'  AngiiM 


^ZtijHe^ 


the  forward  '  uent.  Perry 

sailed''  on  a  )itring  ex- 

pedition toward  Maiden,  first  ordcrinff  tin 
ever-trusty  Captain  Dobbins  to  hasten 
with  the  Ohio  to  Erie  on  the  important 
e"rand  of  procuring  additional  stores.  He 
found  the  enemy  within  the  mouth  of  the 
Detroit  River.  The  new  vessel  had  not 
yet  joined  the  squadron,  and  he  rcsolvi  1 
to  strike  a  bold  blow.  Unfavorable  wind- 
made  the  measure  very  perilous ;  and  be- 
fore the  elements  were  pro])itious  he  was 
prostrated  by  an  attack  of  bilious  remit- 
tent fever,  then  very  prevalent  in  the 
squadron.  His  surgeon  and  chaplain, 
and  his  young  brother  Alexandtr,  who 
had  accompanied  him  from  Rhode  Island, 
were  also  severely  ill,  and  the  assistant 
surgeon.  Doctor  Parsons,  was  too  weak 
from  a  similar  attack  to  walk.^  Tlie  en- 
terprise was  abandoned  for  the  time,  ami 


ryatrrerue,  commanded  by  Commodore  Perry;  Niagara,  Captain  Elliott;  CatefoiWn,  Pnreer  M'Orath;  Ariel,  Llcntenanl  : 
I'ackct;  Sarnert,  Salltug-maBter  Almy;  Tirrrem,  Master'g-mate  M'Donald;  Soorpion,  Sailing-maBter  Champlln;  hra-  \ 
pirn,  Midshipman  Senat ;  Ohio,  Sailing-master  Dobbins ;  TripjMt,  Lieutenant  Smith. 

I  So  named  becanee  of  the  quantity  of  that  mineral  found  there. 

'  I'arsons's  Diary,    MS.  statement  of  Captain  Champlln,  communicated  to  the  Author. 

'  "Though  80  111  as  to  be  incapable  of  wnlking,"  gays  M'Kenzle,  "with  a  humane  self-devotion  most  honorable  to  1 
hhn,  be  continued  to  attend  at  the  bedside  oi  the  sick,  to  which  he  was  carried,  aud  to  prescribe  for  them,  not  oiil;oii  i 


OF   Tllli   WAR   OF   1813. 


»17 


«•  III  the  Vim 


|'ut.|ii-B»r- 


A  Rsconnoliunca  bjr  Parry. 


The  Clrcum>peetlon  oftba  Britlih  eominapiter. 


Ih ;  Ariel,  LicnltMit 
%t  Cliamplin;  ft'«-  \ 


oil  the  27tli,*  ftt  c'itcht  oVIock  in  tlio  ovoiiing,  the  Bqundron  ngnin  nncliorocl     •  Aneuiit, 
ill  I'lit-iii-Hiiy.     Tlicrc,  on  tlu^  31»t,  IVrry  rcccivctl  from  Harrison  n  tf-cn-        '""'• 


ruT-iN-iur. 

forccment  of  thirty-six  men,  to  act  as  marines  and  supply  the  i)lace8  of  some  of  the 

sii'k. 

At  the  end  of  a  week's  confinement  !*(  rry  gave  orders  for  another  cruise,  and  on 
the  first  of  September  the  sqiiadron  Meighed  anchor  and  sailed  again  for  ]Malden, 
where  he  challenged  Barclay,  who  did  not  then  choose  to  respond,  but,  under  shore 
l)attcries,  lay  securely  and  unmoved.  On  the  following  morning  Perry  sailed  for 
Siiiuliisky  Bay,  to  communicate  with  General  Harrison,  and  then,  with  his  whole 
«(luiulron,  returned  to  anchorage  in  Put-in-Bay.^ 

luiard  of  the  Laierenee,  but  of  the  smaller  vessclg,  bein^  lifted  for  the  purpose  In  his  cot,  and  the  sick  brought  on  deck 
(ir  tils  prescriptions."— iy«  nf  I'ernj,  i.,  203. 

r»hcr  Parsons  was  born  at  Alfred,  Maine,  on  the  18th  of  August,  1T88.  Ho  chose  the  medical  profession  as  a  life- 
l-ur»ult,  and  Btiidicd  with  Dr.  John  Warren,  of  Cambridge,  Massachnsctts.  On  the  promulgatlim  of  the  declaration  of 
war  ht  entered  the  navy  as  surgeon's  mate.  lie  volunteered  to  accompany  Perry  to  Lake  Erie  with  the  crow  of  the 
John  .\dams.  In  the  battle  on  Lake  Eric,  described  In  the  next  chapter,  he  was  on  the  flng-ship  Latrmiee  as  acting 
snrcfon,  his  Biiperlor  being  too  111  to  attend  to  his  duties.  Indeed,  the  duties  of  both  Dr.  Barton  and  Dr.  Ilorseley 
devolved  on  Dr.  Parsons  wlien  the  battle  was  over.  Speaking  of  him  In  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Perry 
(ail  lean  only  say  tliut  In  the  event  of  my  having  another  command,!  should  consluer  myself  particularly  fortu- 
iialc  m  having  him  with  me  as  a  surgeon."  In  1814  he  served  on  the  upper  lakes  under  Commodore  Sinclair,  At 
the  request  of  Perry,  Parsons  became  the  snrgeon  of  the  new  frigate  Java,  44,  commanded  by  the  hero  of  Laka  Erie. 
After  ten  years'  service  In  the  navy  he  retired,  settled  as  a  physician  and  surgeon  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  wa.t 
professor  In  Brown  University  and  other  colleges,  president  of  the  Rhode  Island  Medical  Society,  and  first  vice-presi- 
dent of  the  National  Medical  Society.  In  1822  he  married  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Holmes,  of  Cambridge,  the  author  of 
\U  Anml»  ({f  America.  She  died  three  years  afterward,  bearing  one  son.  Dr.  Charles  W.  Parsons,  now  [1S6T]  president 
of  the  Rhode  Island  Medical  Society.  Dr.  Parsons  is  the  enthor  of  several  medical  works  and  historical  discourses,  and 
jvvcll-wrlttcn  Li/e  of  Sir  William  Pepjtereii,  liart.  Dr.  Pirsons  is  stUl  [180T]  In  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  physical  and 
mental  health,  at  the  ago  of  seventy-nine  years. 

I  Pul-in-Bay  Harbor  is  on  t'.ie  north  side  of  Put-in-Bay  Island,  one  of  the  largest  of  the  group  of  aboat  twenty  In  that 
neighborhood.  The  view  of  the  harbor  from  Pat-ln-Bay  Island,  given  above,  is  from  a  drawing  made  on  the  spot,  in 
September,  185!),  by  Captain  Van  Cleve,  a  veteran  Lake  Ontario  steam-boat  commander,  who  kindly  presented  it  to  me. 
llirectly  In  front  is  seen  Oibraltar  Island,  and  the  place  of  "Perry's  Look-out,"  delineated  In  the  little  picture  at  the 
lednning  of  the  next  chapter.  Is  Indicated  by  the  flag.  The  smoke  In  the  distance  points  out  the  place  of  the  battle, 
ten  itiilcs  In  a  northwardly  direction  from  Put-In-Bay.  The  Bass  Islands  are  seen  on  the  right,  and  Rattlesnake  Island 
tn  the  left.   The  beaches  of  all  are  chiefly  of  white  pebbles.    The  view  is  from  Pat-iu-Bay  Island,  near  the  landing. 


■fei   a 


101^' 


518 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Perry's  Antagonist  in  Sight. 


Preparations  for  Bnttle. 


Rcndczvoiis  at  Put-in-Bay. 


CHAPTER  XXV, 

"  September  the  tenth  ftill  well  I  ween, 
lu  eighteen  hundred  and  thirteen, 
The  weather  mild,  the  eky  serene. 

Commanded  by  bold  Perry, 
Onr  saucy  fleet  at  anchor  lay 
In  safety,  moor'd  at  Put-in-Bay ; 
'Twixt  sunrise  and  the  break  of  day. 
The  British  fleet 
We  chanced  to  meet; 
Our  admiral  thought  he  would  them  greet 

With  a  welcome  on  Lake  Eric."— Old  Soaa. 

i-Sjc-^  AIL  ho!"  were  the  etirring  words  that  rang  out  loud  and  clear 
from  the  mast-head  of  tlie  Lawrence  on  the  warm  and  pleasant 
morning  of  the  10th  of  September,  1813,  That  herald's  pioc- 
lamation  was  not  unexpected  to  Perry,  Five  days  before  lie 
had  received  direct  and  positive  information  from  Maiden  that 
Proctor's  array  were  so  short  of  provisions  that  Barclay  was 
preparing  to  go  out  upon  the  lake,  at  all  liazards,  to  open  a  com- 
munication with  Long  Point,  the  chief  deposit  of  supplies  llir 
the  enemy  on  the  banks  of  the  Deti'oit  River.  Perry  had  made  preparations  accord- 
ingly ;  and,  day  after  dny,  from  the  rocky  heights  of  Gibraltar  Island,  now  known  as 

"  Perry's  Look-out,"  he  had 
pointed  his  glass  anxiously 
in  the  direction  of  ^lakleii.' 
On  the  evening  of  the  9th 
he  called  around  him  the  offi- 
cers of  his  squadron,  ami 
gave  instructions  to  each  in 
writing,  for  he  was  determ- 
ined to  attack  the  enemy  at 
his  anchorage  the  next  dav 
if  he  did  not  come  out.  His 
plan  was  to  bring  on  a  close 
action  at  once,  so  as  not  to 
lose  the  advantage  of  his 
short  carronades.  To  cadi 
vessel  its  antagonist  on  thi' 
British  side  was  assigned, 
the  size  and  character  of 
PEHBY's  J.00K-ODT,  QiBBALTAtt  IS-.AND,  I'UT-iN-iiAY."  thcm  haviug  bccn  commuiii- 

'  Perry  also  kept  two  of  thr-  smaller  vessels  as  look-outs  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Sister*  Islands. 

»  This  little  picture  is  ftom  ■»  painting  made  on  the  spot  by  Miss  C.  L.  Ransom,  who  kindly  permitted  me  to  copy 
it  (sec  pace  B06).  "Perry's  Look-out"  is  on  t.ie  left,  and  is  composed  of  limestone  piled  about  fifty  feet  above  tbe  wa- 
ter. In  front  is  a  natural  arch.  On  the  uumrait  is  a  representation  of  a  monument  jjroposcd  to  be  creeled  then',  of 
which  the  comer-etone  was  laid  several  years  ago  with  imposing  ceremonies.  On  the  left  nre  seen  the  griivcs  of  wrnic 
sailors  who  died  of  choiera.  In  the  middle  is  seen  Rattlesnake  Islard.  On  the  right,  in  the  extreme  distnncc,  ia  N'nnh 
BasK  Island,  and  between  tlie  two  ir,  lie  pissoge  toward  Detroit  The  Middle  Bass  is  also  seen  on  the  rlpht.  Tliisis 
a  faithful  copy  of  Miss  RaDdom's  picture,  with  the  exception  of  tt  ue.  It  has  been  made  a  moonlight  eccuc,  forcfTcci, 
instead  of  a  day'ight  one. 

Near  the  site  of  the  propcseJ  monument.  Jay  Cooke,  an  eml.ient  banker,  ha"  a  fine  dwelling,  oisd  on  the  fonndatloi! 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812, 


519 


Perry's  Battle-flag. 


Ilia  final  Instracttona. 


The  British  Fleet  in  Sight. 


I  on  the  foondJtlons 


cated  to  him  by  Captain  Brevoort,'  whose  family  lived  in  Detroit.  The  Lawrence 
was  assigned  to  the  Detroit ;  the  Niagara  to  the  <^ueen  Charlotte,  and  so  on ;  and 
to  each  officer  he  said,  in  substance,  Engage  your  an+ajronist  in  close  action,  keeping 
on  the  line  at  half-cable  length  from  the  vessel  of  our  squadron  ahead  of  you. 

It  was  about  ten  o'clock  when  the  conference  ended.  Tue  moon  was  at  its  full, 
and  it  was  a  splendid  autumn  night.  Just  before  they  parted.  Perry  brought  out  a 
large  square  battle-flag,  which,  at 
his  request,  Mr.  Hambleton,^  the 
purser,  had  caused  to  be  privately 
prepared  at  Erie.  It  was  blue, 
and  bore,  in  lai-ge  letters,  made  of 
white  muslin,  the  alleged  dying 
words  of  the  gallant  commander 
of  the  Chesapeake,  "  don't  give 
vp  THE  SHIP !"  "When  this  flag 
shall  be  hoisted  to  the  main-royal 
mast-head,"  said  the  commodore, 
"  it  shall  be  your  signal  for  going 
into  action."  As  the  officers  Avere 
leaving,  he  said,  "  Gentlemen,  re- 
member your  instructions.  Nel- 
son has  expressed  my  idea  in  the 
words, '  If  you  lay  your  cncray 
(lose  alongside,  you  can  not  be  out 
of  your  place.'    Good-night." 

The  cry  of  "  Sail  ho  !"  was  soon 
followed  by  signals  to  the  fleet  of 
"Enemy  in  sight;"  "Get  underweigb ;"  and  the  voices  of  the  boatswains  sounding 
through  the  squadron  and  echoing  from  the  shores  the  command, "  All  hands  up 
;,  I'hor,  ahoy  !"  At  sunrise  the  British  vessels  were  all  seen  upon  the  northwestern 
horizon — 


i  DO  NT  GIVE  UP 
THE   SHIP 


PEHBY'S    BATTLE-FI.AG.' 


"  Six  barques  trnined  for  buttle,  the  red  flag  displaying, 
By  Bniclny  commanded,  their  wings  wide  outspread, 
Forsake  tlieir  strong-hold,  on  broad  Erie  essaying 
To  meet  with  that  foe  they  so  lately  did  dread."— Old  Ballad. 

A  light  wind  was  blowing  from  the  southAvest.  Clouds  came  upon  it  from  over  the 
Uhio  wilderness,  and  in  p-issing  dropped  a  light  shower  of  rain.  Soon  the  sky  be- 
cime  serene,  and  before  ten  o'clock,  when,  by  the  aid  of  the  gentle  breeze  in  beat- 

jircpared  for  that  monument  he  caused  to  be  erected,  II  ISOfl,  a  small  one,  composed  of  yellowish  limestone.  It  is  abont 
ten  feet  in  height,  and  sormounted  by  a  bronze  vase  for  flowers.    On  its  sides  arc  naval  devices  of  the  same  metal. 

'  Henry  Brevoort,  of  New  York,  was  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  in  Third  Infantry  In  ISOl.  He  commanded 
transports  on  Lake  Erie,  and  in  May,  1811,  was  promoted  to  caiitain.  He  distinguished  himself  In  the  battle  of  Ma^jua- 
;a  (sec  page  279),  and  also  as  commander  of  marines  lu  the  Niagara  In  the  battle  of  Lake  Erie.  He  received  a  silver 
meiliil  for  his  gallantry  there.  He  was  promoted  to  major  in  1814,  and  was  disbaided  in  1816.  In  1822  he  was  made 
Inited  Klnlcs  Indian  Agent  at  Green  'Bay .—QauXnar's  Dictiotutry  nf  tlf.  Army. 

'Samuel  llamblcton  was  a  native  of  Talbot  County,  Marylai  "  where  he  was  bom  .n  IT"",.  He  was  first  a  merchant, 
then  a  clerk  In  the  Navy  Department,  and  in  180«  was  appointed  purser  in  the  navy.  After  the  battle  of  Lake  Kri  j,  the 
officers  and  crews  of  the  American  eqpadron  appointed  him  prhe  agent,  and  more  than  $200,000  passed  throu/,'h  his 
hanils.  lie  left  the  lake  in  1814,  and  performed  good  service  afloat  and  ashore  tor  many  years.  He  died  at  h's  reei- 
denre  In  Maryland,  near  St.  Michael's,  called  "  Perry's  Cabin,"  Jannary  IT,  1861. 

=  This  Is  a  picture  of  the  flag  as  seen  In  the  Trophy  Room  of  the  Saiiltary  Fair  In  the  City  of  New  York  in  the  month 
of  .\pr;i,  19(!4.    It  is  between  eight  and  nine  feet  sqnare.    The  form  of  the  letters  is  preserved  in  the  engraving.    They 
are  about  a  foot  in  length,  anO  might  be  seen  at  a  considerable  distance. 
The  ftjllowlng  lines,  in  allusion  to  this  flag,  are  from  a  fine  poem  on  Tht  Hero  nfhake  ErU,  by  Henry  T.  Tnckerman, 
Esq.: 

"Behold  the  chieftain's  glad,  prophetic  smile, 
As  a  new  banner  he  unrolls  the  while ; 
Hear  the  gf;  y  shout  of  his  elated  crew 
When  the  dear  watchword  hovers  to  their  view, 
And  Lawrence,  silent  in  the  arms  of  death. 
Bequeathe  deflauce  with  his  latest  breath  I" 


Ml 


m    ^ 


ill 

ii 


620 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Perry's  Detormination  to  flght. 


NnmcB  and  Character  of  the  opposing  Vessels. 


Signal  for  Bntilc. 


ing  and  strong  arms  with  oars,  the  squadron  had  passed  out  from  the  labyrinth  of 
islands  into  the  open  lake,  within  five  or  six  miles  of  the  enemy,  not  a  cloud  was 
hanging  in  the  firmament,  nor  a  fleck  of  mist  was  upon  the  waters.  It  was  a  spkn. 
did  September  day. 

Perry  was  yet  weak  from  illness  when  the  cry  of"  Sail  hoi"  was  repeated  to  him 
by  Lieutenant  Dulaney  Forrest.  That  announcement  gave  him  strength,  and  the  ex- 
citement of  the  hour  was  a  tonic  of  rare  virtue.  The  wind  was  variable,  and  lie 
tried  in  vain  to  gain  the  weather  -  gage  of  the  enemy  by  beating  around  to  the  wind- 
ward of  some  of  the  islands.  He  was  too  impatient  to  fight  to  long  brook  tlie  wasto 
of  precious  time  in  securing  an  advantage  so  small  with  a  wind  so  light.  "Run  to 
the  leeward  of  the  islands,"  he  said  to  Taylor,  his  sailing-master.'  "Then  you  will 
have  to  engage  the  enemy  to  leeward,"  said  that  ofiicer,  in  a  slightly  remonstrant 
manner.  "I  don't  care,"  quickly  responded  PeiTy;  "to  windward  or  to  leeward 
they  shall  fight  to-day."  The  signal  to  Avear  ship  followed  immediately,  Avhcn  the 
wuid  shifted  suddenly  to  the  southeast,  and  enabled  the  squadron  to  clear  the  isl- 
ands, and  to  keep  tlie  weather  -  gage.  Perceiving  this,  Barclay  hove  to,  in  close  or- 
der, and  awaited  Perry's  attack.  His  vessels,  newly  pauited  and  with  colors  flying, 
made  an  imposing  appearance.  They  were  six  in  number,^  and  bore  sixty-three  car- 
riage-guns, one  on  a  pivot,  two  swivels,  and  four  howitzer.-?.  Perry's  squadron  num- 
bered nine  vessels,  and  bore  fifty-tour  carriage-guns  and  two  swivels.^  Barclay  had 
thirty-five  long  guns  to  Perry's  yf/'/ccw,  and  possessed  greatly  the  advantage  in  action 
at  a  distance.  In  close  action,  tlie  weight  of  metal  was  Avith  the  Americans,  and  for 
that  reason  Perry  had  resolved  to  close  upon  the  enemy  at  once.  The  British  com- 
mander had  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  from  the  royal  navy,  eighty  Canadian  sailors, 
tAvo  hundred  and  forty  soldiiMs,  mostly  regul.ars,  and  some  Indiii.-.s.  His  Avhole  force, 
oflicers  and  men,  Avas  a  little  more  than  five  hundred.  The  American  commander 
had  upon  his  muster-roll  four  hundred  and  ninety  names.  Of  these  the  bearers  of 
one  hundred  and  sixtitu  Avere  sick,  and  most  of  them  too  Aveak  to  go  upon  deck. 
About  one  fourth  of  Perry's  crew  were  from  Rhode  Island ;  one  fourth  were  regular 
seamen,  American  and  foreign ;  about  one  fourth  were  raw  volunteers,  chiefly  from 
Kentucky  ;  and  about  another  fourth  Avere  negroes. 

At  a  little  past  ten  o'clock  Perry's  line  Avas  formed  accordhig  to  the  plan  arranged 
the  previous  evening,  the  Niagara  in  the  van.  The  Lawrence  Avas  cleared  for  ac- 
tion, and  the  battle-flag,  bearing  the  Avords"  don't  give  up  the  ship,"  in  letters  large 
enough,  as  Ave  have  observed,  to  be  seen  by  the  Avhole  squadron,  Avas  brought  out 
and  displayed.  Tlie  commodore  then  addressed  his  officers  and  crew  a  fcAV  stirring 
wo'"ds,  and  concluded  by  saying, "  My  brave  lads  !  this  flag  contains  the  last  Avoids 
of  Captain  Lawrence.  Shall  I  hoist  it?"  "Ay,  ay,  sir!"  they  all  sl">uted,  as  Avith 
one  voice,  and  in  a  moment  it  Avas  run  up  to  the  main-royal  mast-head  of  the  flag- 
ship, amid  cheer  after  cheer,  not  only  from  the  Laicrence,  but  the  Avhole  squadron. 
It  Avas  till'  signal  for  battle. 

'  William  Vlgcron  Taylor  was  of  French  descent,  lie  was  n  captain  in  the  merchant  service,  and  entered  that  of  tbe 
navy  under  Perry  as  sailing-master.  Perry  esteemed  him  highly,  and  made  him  Bailing-master  ofhls  flag-ship  on  Liko 
Eric.  He  rendered  efficient  service  in  the  fitting  out  of  the  squadron.  In  the  battle  on  the  10th  of  Septemher  he  re- 
ceived a  wound  In  the  thigh,  but  kept  the  deck  until  the  closi;.  On  the  return  of  the  Lawrence  to  Erie,  Mr.  Taylor  wa< 
Hcnt  with  dispatches  to  Chaunccy.  In  1S14  he  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  in  the  navy.  lie  was  promoted  to  com- 
mander in  1S31,  and  to  post  captain  in  1841.  He  commai'-'ed  the  sloops  Warren  and  Erie  In  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  After 
his  promotion  to  post  captain  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  ship-of-thc-line  Ohio,  and  took  her  around  Cape  Horn  to 
the  Pacific.  He  was  then  sixty-eight  years  of  age.  On  the  11th  of  February,  1S61,  he  died  of  apoplexy,  in  tbe  sevent.v- 
eighth  year  of  his  age. 

It  is  proper  here  to  mention  that  most  of  the  biographical  sketches  of  the  oflScers  of  Perry's  squadron  contained  In 
tills  chapter  arc  compiled  from  a  paper  on  the  subject  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Usher  Parsons,  published  In  the  Sew  England 
Hixtnriml  and  Oenealortieal  Refiinter  for  Janriarij,  188,1. 

'  These  were  as  follows:  Ship  Detroit,  10  gun?,  1  in  pivot,  and  2  howitzers;  ship  Queen  Charlotte,  17,  and  1  howitzer; 
schooner  Ladtj  Prevont,  13,  and  1  howitzer ;  brig  Hunter,  10 ;  sloop  Litlte  Belt,  3 ;  and  schooner  Chippewa,  1,  and  2  swivel*. 

'  These  were  as  follows:  Brig  TAiu)renee,W  guns;  brig  Niagara, iO :  brig  Caledonia,  S ;  schooner  Ariel, 4;  schooner 
iSanrpion,  2,  and  2  swivels ;  sloo])  Trippe,  1 ;  schooner  Tigrem,  1  j  and  schooner  Poraipint,  1.  The  Ohio,  Captain  Dob- 
bins, had  gone  to  Erie  for  supplies,  and  was  not  in  the  action. 


■555 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


521 


Perry's  Care  for  his  Men. 


Change  In  the  Order  of  Battle. 


Blofiraphlcnl  Sketch  of  Perry. 


OUVliB  U.  I'iiUUV.' 


.As  the  dinner-hour  would  occur  at 
the  probable  time  of  acti<)n,  the  thought- 
ful Perry  ordered  refresliments  to  be  dis- 
tributed, Tiie  decks  were  then  wetted 
and  sprinkled  with  sand  so  that  feet 
should  not  slip  when  blood  should  begin 
to  tlow.  Then  every  man  was  placed 
in  proper  position.  As  the  squadron 
moved  slowly  and  silently  toward  the 
enemy,  with  a  gentle  breeze,  at  the  rate 
of  less  than  three  knots,  the  Niagara, 
Captain  Elliott,  leading  the  van,  it  was 
discovered  that  Barclay  had  made  a  dis- 
position of  his  force  that  required  a 
change  in  Perry's  prescribed  order  of 
battle.  It  was  instantly  made,  and  the 
American  squadron  moved  to  the  at- 
tack in  the  order  best  calculated  to  cope 
with  the  enemy.  Barclay's  vessels  were 
The  flag-ship  Detroit, 


near  together. 


1  Oliver  Hazard  Perry  was  born  in  South  Kinf;sli>u,  Rhode  Island,  on  the  23d  of  Angnst,  1785.    His  father  was  then 
1  the  naval  service  of  the  United  States,    lie  entered  the  navy  as  midshipman  at  the  age  of  rtfteen  years,  on  board  the 


«loop-of-warffim«-al  Oreene,  when  war 
with  France  seemed  inevitable.  Ha 
6rsl  saw  active  service  before  Tripoli, 
m  the  squadron  of  Commodore  Preble. 
He  was  coinraiesioned  a  lieutenant  In 
KIO,  and  placed  in  command  of  the 
•chooner  Hecenffe,  attached  to  Com- 
modore Eodgcrs's  squadron  In  Long 
Island  Sound.  She  was  wrecked,  but 
liis  conduct  in  saving  public  property 
was  highly  applauded.  Early  in  1812 
he  was  placed  in  command  of  a  flotil- 
la of  gnn-boats  In  Newport  Harbor. 
.\lter  his  victorious  battle  on  Lnlie 
Erie  in  1813,  he  was  promoted  to  post- 
captain,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  be 
was  placed  in  command  of  the  Java, 
41,  a  flrst-class  frigate,  and  sailed  with 
Decatur  for  the  Mediterranean  Sea, 


VIEW    Of    11., 


On  his  return,  while  his  vessel  was 
lying  in  Newport  Harbor,  In  mid-wlu- 
ter,  a  fearful  storm  arose.  He  heard 
of  the  wreck  of  a  merchant  vessel  upon 
n  reef  six  miles  distant.  He  Immedi- 
ately manned  his  barge  and  said  to  his 
crew,  "  Come,  my  boys,  we  arc  going 
to  the  relief  of  shipwrecked  seamen ; 
pull  away !"  He  rescued  eleven  almost 
exhausted  seamen  h'om  death. 

On  account  of  piracies  in  the  West 
Indies,  the  United  States  government 
delcri.  iued  to  send  a  little  squadron 
til        lor  the  protection  of  American 
comnicrce.   Perry  was  assigned  to  the 
command  of  It,  and  In  1810  he  sailed 
m  the  John  Adams,  accomp     'ed  by 
itii'  yonmich.    In  Aiil'u      (       .;is  at- 
tacked by  the  yellow  fi       ,  ai     on  his 
birthday  (August  23d)  he  expired,  .r  'ho  agi-  of  thirly-foiir  year.-^.    He  was  bur- 
led at  Port  Spain,  Triuldad,  witl         itary  honors.    Uti  (u  ah  prodncp'l  a  most 
profound  sensation  throughout  the  Uni!    1  Stales,  tor  it »      regarded  i-  a  great 
public  calamity.     Tributes 
of  national  grief  were  dis- 
played, and  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States  made  a 
liberal  provision  for  his  fam- 
ily, and  his   mother,  who 
was  dependent  on  him  for 
support.  In  1820  his  remains 
were  conveyed  from  Trini- 
dad to  Newport  In  the  sloop- 
of-war  Ijexington,  and  land- 
ed on  the  2Tth  of  Novem- 
ber. On  Monday  (December 
4th)  following  he  was  Inter- 
red with  funeral  honors  due 
to  his  rank.    Hin  coflln  rest- 
ed in  a  sort  ot  eatafnla},  the 
lower  part  being  in  the  form 
OATAyAi.00.  of  a  boat.    The  canopy  was 

decorated   with   stars  and 

jrimmed  with  black  curtains,  and  at  each  corner  were  black  plumes.  The  State  of  Rhode  Island  afterward  caused  to 
w  erected  a  sttbstantial  granite  monument  to  his  memory.  It  stands  upon  a  grassy  mound  on  the  west  side  of  the  Isl- 
md  remelery,  and  at  the  base  rest  the  remains  of  the  commodore  and  the  deceosed  of  his  family.  The  monument  beam 
tue  following  Inscriptions.    ii'<m<  side :  "  Ouivee  U  azabi>  Pkbbv.    At  the  age  of  27  years  he  achieved  the  victory  of  Lake 


pkbhy'h  monument. 


'^  I, 


i 


warn 


522 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Relative  Position  of  the  two  SquadroDi<. 


Opening  of  the  Battle. 


Choice  of  Autagonlji*. 


19,  was  in  the  van  supported  by  the  schooner  Chippewa,  with  one  long  18  on  a  pivot 
and  two  swivels.  Next  was  the  brig  Hunter,  10  ;  then  the  Queen  Charlotte,  11  com- 
manded by  Finnis.  The  latter  was  flanked  by  the  schooner  Zadt/  Prevost,  13  and 
the  Xittle  Bdt,  3,  Perry,  in  the  brig  Lawrence,  20,  moved  forward,  flanked  on  tlie  left 
by  the  schooner  Scorpion,  under  Champlin,  bearing  two  long  guns  (32  and  12),  am! 
the  schooner  ylrisW,  Lieutenant  Packet,  which  carried  four  short  12'8.     On  the  riirht 


^4^ 


^M 


4^ 


J\ 


of  the  Lawrence  was  the  brier 
Caledonia,  Captain  Turner 
with  three  long  24*8.  Those 
were  intended  to  encounter  tlie 
Chippewa,  Detroit,  and  Hunt- 
er. Captain  Elliott,  in  the  fine 
brig  Niagara,  20,  followed, 
with  instructions  to  fight  the 
Queen  Charlotte;  while  Ahnv, 
in  the  Somers,  with  two  lonr; 


tus  two  Bqn&DBOKB  jcbt  bifob^  tug  battle. 
32'8  and  two  swivels,  Senat,  in  the  Porcupine,  with  one  lon^  32,  Conklin,  in  thj  Tl- 
gress,  with  one  long  24,  and  Holdup,  in  the  Trippe,  one  long  32,  were  left  in  tlic  rear 
to  engage  the  Lady  Prevost  and  Little  Pelt.^ 

The  sun  was  within  fifteen  minutes  of  meridian  when  a  bugle  "bounded  on  board 
the  Detroit  as  a  signal  for  action,  and  the  bands  of  the  British  squadron  struck 
up  "  Rule  Britannia."  A  shout  went  up  from  that  little  squadron,  and  a  24-jjomKl 
shot  from  the  enemy's  flag-ship  was  sent  booming  over  the  water  toward  tlie  Xaw- 
rence,  then  a  mile  and  a  half  distant.  It  was  evident  that  Barclay  appreciated  the 
advantage  of  his  long  guns,  and  Avished  to  fight  at  a  distance,  Avhile  Perry  resolved 
to  press  to  close  quarters  before  opening  his  fire. 

That  first  shot  from  the  enemy  fell  short.  Another,  five  minutes  later,  went  crash- 
ing through  the  bulwarks  of  the  Lawrence.  It  stirred  the  blood  of  her  gallant  men, 
but,  at  the  command  of  Perry,  she  remained  silent.  "  Steady,  boys  !  steady !"  he  said, 
while  his  dark  eye  flashed  with  the  excitement  of  the  moment  —  an  excitement 
which  was  half  smothered  by  his  judgment.  Slowly  the  American  line,  with  tin' 
light  wind  abeam,  moved  toward  that  of  the  cnjmy,  the  two  forming  ?.n  acute  angh' 
of  about  fifteen  degrees. 

"  Snblltnc  the  panse,  when  dowr  the  gleaming  tide 
The  virgin  galleys  to  the  conflict  glide; 
The  very  wind,  as  if  in  awe  o/  grief, 
Scarce  makes  a  ripple  or  dicturbs  a  leaf."— H.  T.  Tuckebman. 

Signals  were  given  for  each  vessel  to  engage  its  prescribed  antagonist.  At  five  min- 
utes before  twelve  the  Lawrence  had  reached  only  the  third  one  in  the  enemy's  line, 
and  was  almost  as  near  the  Queen  Charlotte  is  the  Detroit,\{\\ki  tlie  CWet?o««a hall- 
cable  length  behind,  and  the  Nianara  abaft  ti:e  beam  of  the  Charlotte  and  opposite 
the  Lady  Prevost. 

The  battle  now  began  on  the  part  of  the  Americans.     The  gallant  young  Champlin, 

Erie,  September  10, 1813."  North  Mile :  "Bom  in  Sonth  Kingston,  R.  I.,  Au^nist  28, 1786.  Died  at  Port  Spain,  Trinidad, 
AnguBt  23, 1819,  aged  34  years."  Went  side:  "  lllb  rPTialns  were  conveyed  to  i.is  native  land  In  a  ship-of-wnr,  accordln! 
to  a  resolution  of  Congress,  and  were  here  interred  December  4, 1S20."  .SotrtA  siV.'.,.  Erected  by  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island." 

In  person  Commodore  Perry  was  tall  and  well-proportioned,  of  exquisite  symmetry,  and  graceful  in  every  morfr 
ment.  He  was  every  Inch  a  man.  He  possessed  splendid  talents ;  was  prudent  and  brave  in  the  highest  degree.  In 
private  life  he  was  gentle,  and  his  con.|ngal  love  and  faithnUncss  were  perfect.  Ills  respect  for  his  wife  araonnted  lo 
reverence,  and  he  was  ever  ready  to  acknowledge  her  salutary  influence.  Doctor  Parsons  relates  that  his  Srst  reranrk 
on  regaining  the  iMwnnce,  after  the  battle,  was  addressed  to  his  friend  Hambleton,  the  purser.  He  said,  "  The  prajers 
of  my  wife  have  prevailed  in  saving  me." 

'  The  above  diagram  shows  the  position  of  the  fwo  squndrons  when  the  American  was  approaching  that  of  tlie  Bril- 
ish  In  battle  order.  A  is  the  British  squadron,  a'  its  v«»»ol8  are  designated  by  Roman  numerals.  I.,  Ckippnea;  II, 
Detroit;  III.,  Hunter;  IV.,  Qiieen  Charlotte;  V.,  /  ./  Prevost;  VI.,  Utile  Belt.  B  Is  the  AmerlCiin  squadron,  nnrt  the 
vessels  are  designated  by  Arabic  numerals.  1,  ."-.v.jjn'mi;  i,Ariei;  3,  Lawrence ;  4,CaMonia;  6,Xiamra;  B,  SomOT;  I, 
Poreupine;  8,  Ti(rre»ii;  9.  Trippe.  I  have  been  I  .  nishcd  wltl\  these  diagrams  by  Commodore  Stephen  Champlin,"! 
the  U.  B.  Navy,  the  commander  of  the  Seorpion  ii.  the  battle. 


OF  THE  WAK   OF  1812. 


523 


ijT'fl^  Shot  fired  by  the  Americans.  Salling-maater  ChnDpUn.  First  Poeltlon  of  the  Vegsels  In  the  Fight. 

then  less  than  twenty-four  years  of  age,  who 
still  (1867)  lives  to  enjoy  a  well-earned  reputa- 
tion *  had  already  fired  the  firet  (as  he  did  the 
last)  Bhot  of  the  battle  from  the  guns  of  the 
Scorpioti. 

"  But  see  that  sliver  wreath  of  cnrllng  smoke— 
'TIs  Barclay's  gnu !    The  silence  now  Is  broke. 
Cbamplin,  with  rapid  move  and  steady  eye, 
Sends  back  in  thunder-tones  a  bold  reply." 

Tilts  was  followed  by  a  cannonade  from  Pack- 
et ^  of  the  Ariel;  and  then  the  Lawrence, 
which  had  begun  to  suffer  considerably  from 
the  enemy's  missiles,  opened  fire  upon  the  De- 
troit with  hor  long  bow-gun,  a  twelve-pounder. 
Tlie  action  soon  became  general.  The  small- 
er slow-sailing  vessels  had  fallen  in  the  rear, 
and  when  the  battle  began  the  Tri2ype  was 
more  l''^    two  miles  from  the  enemy. 

The  ficorpion  and  Ariel,  both  without  bul- 
warks, fought  bravely,  and  kepi  their  places 
with  the  Lawrence  throughout  thv^  entire  ac- 
tion. They  did  not  suffer  much,  for  the  en- 
emy concentrated  his  destructive  energies 
upon  the  Lawrence  and  neglected  the  others. 
From  the  Detroit,  the  Hunter,  the  Queen  Charlotte,  and  even  from  the  Lady  Prevoat, 

shots  were  hurled  upon  the  Amer- 
ican flag-ship,  with  the  determin- 
ation to  destroy  her  and  her  gal- 
lant commander,  and  then  to  cut 
up  the  squadron  in  detail.     No 
^  less  than  thirty-four  heavy  guns 
/\a  were  brought  to  bear  upon  her. 
g        The    Caledonia,  with    her    long 
guns,  was  enabled  to  do  good  ex- 


AyZc^^^K-^n-cty^  Cyn-ofyyt^^.^^iA^ 


^■A  A 


-u 


4 


-4^ 

7 


FIB8T  POSmOH  IN  THE  ACTION.' 


1  Stephen  Champlln  was  bom  In  South  Kingston,  Rhode  Island,  on  the  17th  of  Novenib*,  1789.  His  father  was  a 
TOlnntecr  soldier  In  the  Kevolntlon.  His  mother  was  a  sister  of  Commodore  Perry's  father,  making  the  two  command- 
ers first  cousins.  He  went  to  sea  as  a  sailor  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-two,  having  passed 
through  all  grades,  he  was  captain  of  a  ship  that  sailed  from  Norwich,  Connecticnt.  On  the  22d  of  May,  1812,  he  was 
appoiuted  saillug-mastcr  in  the  navy,  and  commanded  a  gun-boat,  under  Perry,  f>t  Newport.  As  we  have  seen,  he  was 
wnl  to  Lake  Erie.  On  bis  arrival  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Scorjiion,  which  he  gallantly  managed 
ihronghout  the  battle.  Subsequently  to  the  battle  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  Queen  Charlotte  and  Detroit,  two 
prize-sliips  taken  from  the  enemy.  In  the  spring  of  1814  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  Tinreaa,  under  Commander 
Sinclair,  and,  with  Captain  Turner,  he  blockaded  the  port  ofMackinaw.  His  serilccs  on  the  Upper  Lake  will  he  noticed 
In  tlie  future  text.  Snfllce  it  to  say  here  that  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  while  in  that  service  by  canister- 
ekot,  and  taken  prisoner.  That  wound  has  been  troublesome  to  him  until  this  hour.  In  ISIO  he  was  appointed  to  the 
tommand  uf  the  Poretipine,  and  conveyed  a  party  of  topographical  engineers  to  the  Upper  Lakes,  who  were  to  consider 

the  boundary-line  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.    His  wound  prevented  his  doing  much  active  service. 

He  was  ordered  to  the  steam-ship  Fulton  at  New  York,  and  had  left  her  but  a  short  time  when  she  blew  up.    In  1R42  he 

wm  placed  in  command  of  the  naval  rendezvous  at  BufTalo,  and  was  successfnl  in  shipping  apprei^lces  for  the  service. 

In  1$45  ho  was  ordered  to  the  command  of  the  Michigan  at  Eric,  and  continued  there  abont  four  years  and  a  half.    A 

lew  years  ago  he  was  placed  on  the  reserve  list,  with  full  pay,  and  remains  so.    He  now  bears  the  title  of  commodore. 

He  resides  at  Buffalo,  and,  with  the  exception  of  tbe  sufTerings  caused  by  his  wound,  he  is  in  the  enjoyment  of  fair  health, 

ittbe  age  of  seventy-eight  year3.    He  Is  a  stout,  thick-set  man,  of  middle  size.    He  is  tbe  last  survivor  of  the  nine  com- 

numlers  in  Perry's  squadron  in  the  great  battle  In  1813. 
'•  John  II.  Packet  was  a  native  of  Virginia.    He  received  his  warrant  as  midshipman  In  1809,  and  was  commissioned 

a  lieutenant  a  few  days  before  this  battle.    Ho  was  with  Bainbridge  when  the  Constitution  captured  the  Java.    He 

ttnei  at  Erie  some  years  after  the  battle,  and  died  there  of  fever. 
The  acting  sailing-master  of  the  Ariel  in  the  battle,  Thomas  Brownoll,  was  fl-om  Rhode  Island,  and  went  to  Erie  as 

raajter's-mate,  where  he  was  promoted.    Ho  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  in  1&13,  when  he  was  placed  on  the  retired 

Iltt.  He  now  (1807)  resides  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island.    He  was  always  an  active  and  esteemed  ofllcer. 
'  TiU  diagram  shows  the  position  of  the  vessels  at  the  beginning  of  the  action.    The  British  vessels.  A,  are  indicated 

b;ltomaii  nmnerals,  and  the  American  vessels,  B,  by  Arabic.    I.,  CMppttea;  11.,  Detroit;  III.,  Hunter;  IV.,  Qtier.n 


r^-^ik- 


I- 


■n 


'ill 


,!  ^j:|t  :;j||y  ^^   I'if'i'f  ' 


524 


PICTOUIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


Perry  clones  upon  Barclay. 


Prof^resg  of  the  Fl);ht. 


Sceues  oil  board  the  Laicrentt, 


ccution  from  the  beginning,  but  the  shot  of  the  carronades  from  the  Nicujara  fell 
short  of  her  antagonist.  Of  her  twenty  guns,  only  a  long  12  was  serviceable  for  a 
while.  Shifting  another, Elliott  brought  two  to  bear  with  eflect,  and  these  were 
served  so  vigorously  that  nearly  all  of  thi'  hhot  of  that  calibre  were  exhausted.  The 
smaller  vessels  meanwhile  were  too  far  astern  to  be  of  much  service. 

Perry  soon  perceived  that  he  was  yet  too  far  distant  to  damage  the  encniv  mate- 
rially, so  he  ordered  word  to  be  sent  from  vessel  to  vessel  by  trumpet  for  all  to 
make  sail,  bear  down  upon  Barclay,  and  engage  in  close  combat.  The  order  was 
transmitted  by  Captain  Elliott,  who  Avas  the  second  in  command,  but  he  failed  to 
obey  it  himself  His  vessel  was  a  fast  sailer,  and  his  men  were  the  best  in  the  squad. 
ron,  but  he  kept  at  a  distance  from  the  enemy,  and  continued  firing  his  lonii  guns, 
Perry  meanwhile  pressed  on  with  tlie  Latorence,  accompanied  by  the  Scorpion,  Arid 
and  Caledonia,  and  at  meridian  exactly,  Avhen  he  supposed  he  Avas  near  enoiifjli  for 
execution  Avith  his  carronades,  he  opened  the  first  division  of  his  battery  on  the  star- 
board side  on  the  Detroit.  His  balls  fell  short,  while  liis  antagonist  and  her  consorts 
poured  upon  the  Xatrrence  a  heavy  storm  of  round  shot  from  their  long  gmis  still 
leaving  tha  Scorpion  and  Ariel  almost  unnoticed.  The  Caledonia  meanwliile  en- 
gaged with  the  Hunter,  but  the  Niagara  kept  a  respectful  distance  fi'om  the  Qmm 
Charlotte,  and  gave  that  vessel  an  opportunity  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  the  Detroit. 
She  passed  the  Hunter,  and,  placing  herself  astern  of  the  Detroit,  opened  heavily  upon 
the  Lawrence,  now,  at  a  quarter  past  tAvelve,  only  musket-shot  distance  from  her 
chief  antagonist.  For  two  hours  the  gallant  Perry  and  liis  devoted  ship  bore  the 
brunt  of  the  battle  M'ith  twice  his  force,  aided  only  by  the  schooners  on  his  Aveather- 
boAV  and  some  feeble  shots  from  the  distant  Caledonia  Avhen  she  could  spare  tlieni 
from  her  adversary  the  Hunter.  During  that  tempest  of  Avar  his  vessel  Avas  terribly 
shattered.  Her  rigging  was  nearly  all  shot  aAvay ;  her  sails  were  torn  into  slneds; 
her  spars  Avere  battered  into  splinters ;  her  guns  were  dismounted ;  and,  like  the  Gwr- 
riere  Avhen  disabled  by  the  Constitution,  she  lay  upon  the  Avaters  almost  a  helpless 
wreck.  The  carnage  on  her  deck  had  been  terrible.  Out  of  one  hundred  and  three 
sound  men  that  composed  her  oflicers  and  creAV  Avhen  slie  Avent  into  action,  twenty- 
two  Avere  slain  and  sixty-one  were  Avounded.  Perry's  little  brother  had  been  struck 
doAvn  by  a  splinter  at  his  side,  but  soon  recovered.^  Yarnall,^  his  first  lieutenant, had 
come  to  him  bleeding,  his  nose  swelled  to  an  enormoue  size,  it  having  been  perforated 
by  a  splinter,  and  his  Avhole  appearance  the  impersonation  of  carnage  and  ill  luck, 
and  said, "All  the'officers  in  my  division  are  cut  doAvn;  can  I  have  others?"  They 
Avere  sent ;  but  Yarnall  soon  returned,  again  AVOunded  and  bleeding  profusely,  \\\\\\ 
the  same  sad  story.  "  I  have  no  more  officers  to  furnish  you,"  replied  Perry ;  "  you 
must  endeavor  to  make  out  by  yourself."  The  brave  lieutenant  did  so.  Tliriee 
Avoundtd,  he  kept  the  deck,  and  directed  every  shot  from  his  battery  in  pei'son. 
Forest,  the  second  lieutenant,  fell  stunned  at  Perry's  feet  ;*  and  the  gallant  Brooks, 

Charlotte;  V.,  t<idi/  Pretont;  A^.,  Little  Belt.  l,Seorpion;  2,  Ariel;  8,  Lawrence;  4,  Caktlonia;  6,  Xiagara;  6,  Sonifr*; 
7,  Pormpine;  8,  Tirrresa;  9,  Triqipe. 

'  Dr.  Uehcr  Pareons's  Diaeour«e  on  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie,  delivered  before  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  Feb- 
ruary 10, 1852,  page  10. 

>  Two  muslcet-baVs  had  already  passed  through  his  hat,  and  his  clothes  had  been  torn  by  splinters. 

'  John  J.  A'amall  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  in  July,  1813,  having  been  lu  tht 
service  as  midshipman  since  1809. 
Ten  days  after  the  battle  on  Lake 
Erie  he  was  sent  to  Erie  with  the 
Laiorencr,  and  soon  afterward 
was  ordered  to  the  John  AdanM. 
Ho  was  appointed  commander 
of  the  Epernier  In  1816.  She  was 
the  dedication  of  the  statne  of  Perry  in  that  city  in  September,  1800.  I  copied  the  followirg  inscription  trom  thcWaile: 
"In  testimony  of  the  undaunted  /.illantry  of  Lieutenant  Jolin  J.  Yarnall,  of  the  United  States  ship  tatiwuiv,  under 
Commodore  Perry,  in  the  captnre  of  the  whole  English  fleet  on  Lake  Eric,  September  lo,  1818,  the  State  of  VIrglnli '.«■ 
stows  this  cword."    It  was  brought  from  Wheeling  to  Cleveland  by  Mr.  Fleming,  of  the  former  place, 

*  He  was  struck  in  the  breast  by  a  spent  grape-shot.    Perry  raised  him  op,  assured  him  that  he  was  not  hurt,  as  tbert 


cii'W^ 


C^>t-<ny 


lost  at  sea  with  all  on  board. 
^  '^./C^  ^^       The  State  of  A'lrglnlapremileil 

^  ^i:yt/t^''9^.^CC.^^  Lieutenant  A'arnall  with  n  sword 
^  soon  after  the  battle  of  Lake 

Eric.  It  was  exhibited  at  Ihc 
head-quarters  of  the  Old  SoWie^ 
at  Cleveland,  on  the  occasion  o( 


UPPP^PP 


OP  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


525 


le  Lawrentt. 

'jam  fell 
li)le  for  a 
n'se  were 
tt'd.    The 

my  mate- 
for  all  to 
31'clcr  was 
!  i'ailtd  to 
the  scjuad- 
oiig  guns, 
lion,  Arkl, 
niough  for 
n  the  star- 
cr  Consort? 
guns,  still 
nwhilc  en- 
tile Queoi 
he  Detroit. 
2a\\\\  u])on 
•c  from  iicr 
ip  bore  the 
lis  weather- 
spare  them 
ivas  terribly 
into  shreds; 
ce  the  Gucr- 
it  a  helpless 
k1  and  three 
ion,  twenty- 
been  struck 
utenantjhad 
n  perforated 
and  ill  lucl;, 
3rs?"    They 

usely,  witii 
•'erry;  "you 

so.    Thrii'c 
in  pei-son, 

ant  Brooks, 

jgara;  6,  Somffi; 
rical  Society,  Fel> 

inving  been  in  the 
i-llh  nil  on  board. 
I'lrglnln  prescntfil 
Tiinllwithn  nvoril 
e  battle  of  Lake 

cxliibileil  at  Ihf 
oftheOia  Soldier* 
on  the  occislou  ot 
on  from  theWailf: 
Ip  Laurfnt*,wi(t 

ate  of  Virginia '.t- 

s  not  hurt,  as  ttert 


Death  of  lilenlenant  Brookg.  Terrible  Scenes  on  board  the  Lamrmce.  Strange  Conduct  of  Captain  Klllott. 

80  remarkable  for  his  personal  beauty,'  a  son  of  an  honored  soldier  of  the  old  Avar  for 
independence,  and  once  governor  of  Massiachusetts,  was  carried  in  a  dying  state  to 
the  cockpit,  where  balls  were  crashing  through,  liis  mind  more  exercised  about  his  be- 
loved commander  and  the  fortunes  of  the  day  tlian  himself.  When  the  good  surgeon, 
Parsons,  who  liad  hastened  to  the  deck  on  hearing  a  shout  of  victory,  returned  to 
cheer  the  youth  with  the  glorious  tidings,  the  young  hero's  ears  were  closed — the 
doors  of  the  earthly  dwelling  of  his  spirit  were  shut  forever. ^^ 

While  the  Lawrence  Avas  being  thus  terribly  smitten,  officers  and  crew  were  anx- 
iously wondering  why  the  Niagara — the  swift,  stanch,  well-manned  Niagara — kept 
aloof  not  only  from  Iter  prescribed  antagonist  the  Queen  Charlotte,  now  battling  the 
Lawrence,  but  the  other  assailants  of  the  flag-ship.  Her  commander  himself  had 
passed  the  order  for  close  conflict,  yet  he  kept  far  away ;  and  when  afterward  cen- 
sured he  pleaded  in  justification  of  his  course  his  perfect  obedience  to  the  original 
order  to  keep  at  "  half-cable  length  behind  the  Caledonia  on  the  line."  It  may  be 
said  that  his  orders  to  fight  the  Queen  Charlotte,  who  liad  left  her  line  and  gone  into 
the  thickest  of  the  fight  Avith  the  Lawrence  and  her  supporting  schooners,  Averc  quite 
83  imperative,  and  that  it  Avas  his  duty  to  folloAV.  This  he  did  not  do  until  the  guns 
of  the  Lawrence  became  silent,  and  no  signals  Avere  displayed  by,  nor  special  orders 
came  from  Perry.  These  significant  tokens  of  dissolution  doubiless  made  Elliott  be- 
lieve that  the  commodore  Avas  slain,  and  himself  had  become  the  cliief  commander  of 
the  squadron.     He  then  hailed  the  Caledonia,  and  ordered  Lieutenant  Turner^  to 

mre  no  signs  of  a  woand,  and,  thns  enconrngcd,  he  soon  recovered  ft-om  the  shock.  The  ball  had  lodged  in  his  clothes. 
"1  am  not  hurt,  sir,"  he  said  to  the  commander,  "but  this  is  my  shot,"  and  coolly  put  it  in  his  pocket. 

I  John  Brooks  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts.  He  studied  medicine  with  his  father.  Haviug  a  military  taste,  he  ob- 
tained the  appointment  of  lieutenant  of  marines,  and  was  stationed  at  Washington  when  the  war  broke  out.  He  was 
sent  to  Lake  Erie  under  Perry;  and  at  Eric,  while  tno  r-^uadrcn  was  a-buildiug,  he  was  engaged  hi  recruiting  for  the 
(er\icc.  There  he  raised  a  company  of  marines  for  the  squadron.  He  was  an  excellent  drill  officer,  and  gave  great 
promise  of  fiiture  distinction.  So  intense  was  his  agony  when  he  fell,  his  hip  haviug  been  shattered  by  a  cannon-ball, 
Ihathebegged  Perry  to  shoot  him.  He  uied  In  the  course  of  an  hour.  "  Mr.  Brooks,"  says  Doctor  Pnrions,  "was  prob- 
ably surpassed  by  no  officer  In  the  navy  for  manly  beauty,  polished  manners,  and  elegant  personal  appearance." 

>  The  scenes  in  board  the  Lawrence,  as  described  to  me  by  Doctor  Parsons,  must  have  been  extremely  terrible.  The 
vcwel  was  shallow,  and  the  ward-room,  used  as  a  cockpit,  to  which  the  wounded  were  taken,  was  mostly  above  water, 
and  eipoeed  to  the  shots  of  the  enemy ;  white  nothing  I)ut  the  deck-planks  separated  it  from  the  terrible  tumult  above, 
cansed  by  the  groans  and  shrieks  of  the  wounded  ntfd  dying,  the  deep  rumbling  of  the  gun-carriages,  the  awful  explo- 
jions  of  the  cannon,  the  crash  of  round-shot  as  they  splintered  spars,  stove  the  bulwarks,  dismounted  the'  heavy  ord- 
nance, and  cut  the  rigging,  while  through  the  seams  ot  the  deck  blood  streamed  into  the  surgeon's  room  in  many  a. 
crimson  rill.  When  the  battle  had  raged  half  an  hoar,  and  the  crew  of  the  Latorence  were  falling  one  by  one,  the  com- 
modore called  from  the  small  skylight  for  the  doctor  to  send  up  one  of  his  six  assistants.  In  Ave  minutes  the  call  was 
rc|ieited  and  obeyed,  and  again  repeated  and  obeyed,  until  Parsons  was  left  alone.  "  Can  any  of  the  wounded  pull  a 
n\KV'  inquired  Perry.  The  question  was  answered  by  two  or  three  crawling  upon  deck  to  lend  a  feeble  hand  in  pull- 
inc  at  the  Inst  guns  in  position. 

Midshipman  Lamb  had  his  arm  badly  shattered.  While  moving  forward  to  lie  down,  after  the  doctor  had  dressed  the 
wonnd,  a  round-shot  came  crashing  through  the  side  of  the  vessel,  stnick  the  young  man  in  the  side,  dashed  him  across 
the  room,  and  killed  him  instantly.  Pohig,  o  Narraganset  Indian,  badly  wounded,  was  released  iVom  his  sufferings 
in  the  same  way  by  another  ball  that  passed  through  the  cockpit.  No  less  than  six  round-shot  entered  the  surgeon's 
room  during  the  action. 

Some  of  the  incidents  witnessed  by  the  doctor  were  not  so  painfal.  A  cannon-ball  passed  through  a  closet  contain- 
ing all  the  brig's  crockery,  dashing  a  greater  portion  of  it  in  pieces.  It  was  an  iliustratlon— that  ball  from  John  Bull— 
ofabnll  in  a  china-shop."  The  commodore's  dog  had  secreted  himself  in  that  closet  when  the  war  of  battle  com- 
menced, and  when  the  destructive  intruder  came  ho  set  up  a  fiirious  barking— "a  protest,"  said  the  doctor,  "against 
the  right  of  such  an  invasion  of  his  chosen  retirement." 

Wc  have  observed  that  Lieutenant  Yamall  was  wounded,  yet  kept  the  deck.  He  hod  his  scalp  badly  torn,  and  "  came 
below,"  said  the  doctor,  "with  the  blood  streaming  over  his  face."  Some  lint  was  applied  to  the  wound  and  conflncd 
by  a  handkerchief,  and  the  lieutenant  was  then  directed  to  come  for  better  dressing  after  the  battle,  as  he  insisted  upon 
returning  to  the  deck.  It  was  not  long  before  he  again  made  his  appearance,  having  received  a  second  wound.  On  the 
deck  were  stowed  some  hammocks  stuffed  with  reed-tops,  or  "cat-tails,"  as  they  are  popularly  called.  These  filled  the-- 
air  like  down,  and  had  settled  like  snow  upon  the  blood-wet  head  and  face  of  Yamall.  When  he  made  his  appearance 
below,  his  visage  was  ludicrons  beyond  description ;  his  head  appeared  like  that  of  a  huge  owl.  The  wounded  roared 
with  laughter,  and  cried  out,  "The  de\  11  has  come  among  ne !" 

'  Daniel  Turner  was  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was  appointed  a  midshipman  in  1808,  and  in  1813  was  commissioned 
a  lieutenant.  He  was  efBcient  in  getting  the  little  lake  squadron  ready  for  service.  In  its  first  cniisc  across  the  lake, 
young  Turner,  less  than  twenty-one  years  of  oge,  commanded  the  Xiagara,  On  the  arrival  of  Captain  Elliott,  he  was 
ordered  to  the  third  ship,  the  Caledonia,  and  managed  her  gallantly  during  the  action.  He  continued  in  the  lake  ser\'ice 
the  followlDg  year,  and  was  made  a  prisoner  and  sent  to  Montreal.  He  was  exchanged,  and  accompanied  Perry  In  the 
Jam  to  the  Mediterranean.  For  his  services  in  the  battlp  of  Lake  Erie  his  native  stAte  presented  him  with  an  elegant 
sword.  He  was  at  one  time  commander  of  the  naval  station  at  Portsmouth  ;  at  another  of  the  Pacific  squadron,  and 
always  performed  his  duties  with  the  greatest  promptness.    He  was  temperate,  brave,  generous,  and  genial.    He  was 


H 


"f^^vmKfi 


:  1 .; 


S20 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Niagara'i  Treatment  of  the  Lawrence, 


Condition  of  the  Lawrenee. 


Perry  abanaons  tier. 


leave  the  line  and  bear  down  upon  the  Ilmiter  for  close  conflict,  giving  the  Niagara 
a  chance  to  pass  for  the  relief  of  the  Lmcrence.  The  gallant  Turner  inntantly  oheyed 
and  the  Caledonia  fought  her  adversary  nobly.  The  Niagara  spread  her  canvas  be-' 
fore  a  freshening  breeze  that  hadjufe*  sprung  up,  but,  instead  of  going  to  the  relief  of 
the  Lawrence,  thus  silently  pleading  for  protection,  she  bore  away  toward  the  lipnd 


\9. 


of  the  enemy's  s(iu!uli-oii,i)ass- 
ing  the  American  flag-ship  to 
the  windward, and  leaving h^ 
exposed  to  the  still  galling 
_:<Ml  ^''*'  ^^  *^®  enemy,  because,  a^ 

jj  ^  „     -        g,     |/*  was  alleged  in  extenuation  of 

y/  "^  Ai  ~ ^ — "^^      *'"^  apparent  violation  of  the 

W^  *  a  rules  of  naval  warfare  and 

BFCONP  POSITION  IN  THE  UATTLE.'  ^Jj^    gjjjjj^g    ^f  humaility,  both 

squadrons  had  caught  the  breeze  and  moved  forward,  and  left  the  crippled  vessel 
floating  astern.  Elliott  seemed  to  notice  her  only  by  sending  a  boat  to  bring  round 
shot  from  her  to  replenish  his  own  scanty  store. 

As  the  Niagara  bore  down  she  was  assailed  by  shots  from  the  Queen  Charlotte 
Lady  Prevost,  and  Hunter,  and  returned  them  with  spirit.  It  was  while  she  was 
abreast  of  the  Latorence's  larboard  beam,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  distant,  that  Pern- 
performed  the  gallant  feat  of  transferring  his  broad  pennant  from  one  vessel  to  the 
other.  He  had  fought  as  long  as  possible.  More  than  two  hours  had  worn  away  in 
the  conflict.  His  vessel  lay  helpless  and  silent  upon  the  almost  unruflled  bosom  of 
the  lake,  utterly  incapable  of  farther  defense.  His  last  effective  heavy  gun  had  been 
fired  by  himself,  assisted  by  his  purser  and  chaplain.  Only  fourteen  unhurt  persons 
remained  on  his  deck,  and  only  nine  of  these  were  seamen.  A  less  hopeful  man  would 
have  pulled  down  his  flag  in  despair;  but  Perry's  spirit  was  too  lofty  to  be  touched 
by  common  misfortunes.  From  his  mast-head  floated  the  admonition,  as  if  audibly 
spoken  by  the  gallant  Lawrence,  Don't  give  up  the  ship.  In  the  dash  of  the  Cdl 
edonia  and  the  aj^proach  of  the  \ov\g-\aigging  Niagaraho  felt  the  inspiration  of  hope; 
and  when  he  saw  the  latter,  like  the  priest  or  the  Levite,  about  to  "  pass  by  on  the 
other  side,"  unmindful  of  his  wounds,  resolutions  like  swift  intuitions  filled  his  mind, 
and  M'ere  as  quickly  acted  upon.  The  Niagara  M'as  stanch,  swift,  and  apparently 
unhurt,  for  she  had  kept  far  away  from  great  danger.  He  determined  to  fly  to  her 
deck,  spread  all  needful  sail  to  catch  the  stiffening  breeze,  bear  down  swiftly  upon 
the  crippled  enemy,  break  his  line,  and  make  a  bold  stroke  for  victory. 

With  the  calmness  of  perfect  assurance.  Perry  laid  aside  his  blue  nankeen  sailor's 
jacket  Avhich  lie  had  worn  all  day,  and  put  on  the  uniform  of  his  rank,  as  if  conscious 
that  he  should  secure  a  victory,  and  have  occasion  to  receive  as  guests  the  conquered 
commander  and  officers  of  the  British  squadron.^  "Yarnall,"he  said,  "I  leave  the 
Laiorence  in  your  charge,  with  discretionary  powers.  You  may  hold  out  or  sunen- 
der,  as  your  judgment  and  the  circumstances  shall  dictate."  lie  had  already  ordered 
his  boat  to  be  lowered,  his  broad  pennant,  and  the  banner  with  its  glorious  words,  to 
be  taken  down,^  but  leaving  the  Stars  and  Stripes  floating  defiantly  over  the  battered 

made  master  commonder  m  1$2S,  and  post-captain  in  1835.  He  died  on  the  4tli  of  Febraary,  ISfiO,  leaving  a  widovr  and 
one  daughter,  who  still  survive  him. 

'  This  shows  the  relative  position  of  the  two  squadrons  at  the  time  when  tlie  A'lci/ambore  down  upon  the  headottlie 
British  Hue,  the  change  of  her  course  after  Perry  took  command  of  her,  and  the  penetration  of  that  line  by  her.  One 
dotted  line,  from  4  to  4,  shows  the  attack  of  the  Caledonia  on  the  Hunter,  and  the  other,  from  6  to  B,  the  course  oftlie 
Niagara  as  described  on  this  and  the  next  page.  The  vessels  of  the  British  squadron,  A,  are  desi^ated  by  Homan  m- 
merals,  thus:  I.,  Chippewa;  II.,  Detroit;  III.,  Hunter;  IV.,  Queen  Charlotte ;  V  LadjI'revoBt;  \i ..  Uttle Belt.  Thoseof 
the  American  squadron, B,  are  designated  by  Arabic  numerals, thus :  l,Seorp.on;  i,  Ariel;  3,  Laurence;  i,Caleamia; 
5,  Niagara;  0,  Somers;  1, Pnrcupiiie ;  8,  Tiijresa;  9,  Trippe. 

'  Letter  of  Rev.  Francis  Vinton,  D.D.,  son-in-law  of  Commodore  Perry,  to  the  Author. 

'  This  was  rolled  up  and  cast  to  bim,  after  he  had  entered  his  barge,  by  Hosca  Sargent,  now  [1807]  living  at  Can' 
bridge,  Massachusetts. 


^j^mmiss^mm 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


827 


107]  living  «t  emu- 


'Zm'i  Voyage  from  the  taicrerue  to  the  Siagara.         Its  Perils  and  Its  Succocs.  A  British  Sorvlvor  of  the  Battle. 

hulk.    With  these,  his  little  brother,  and  four  stout  seamen  for  the  oars,'  he  started 
upon  bis  perilous  voyage,  anxiously  watched  by  Yarnall  and  his  companions. 

"  A  soul  like  his  no  danr^er  fears ; 
Ills  pendant  from  the  ni/   t  he  tears, 
And  in  his  gallant  bosom  bears, 

To  grace  the  bold  Xiaijara. 
See  I  he  quits  the  iMtorenee't  side, 
And  trusts  him  to  the  foaming  tide, 
Where  thundering  navies  round  him  ride, 

And  flash  their  red  artillery."— Old  Sono. 

He  stood  upright  in  his  boat,  the  pennant  and  the  banner  half  folded  around  him, 
a  mark  for  the  anxious  eyes  of  his  own  men  and  for  the  guns  of  the  enemy.^  The 
latter  discovered  the  movement.  Barclay,  who  was  badlj  wounded,  and  whose  flag- 
ship was  almost  dismantled,  well  knew  that  if  Perry,  who  had  fought  the  Laiorence 
80  gallantly,  should  tread  the  quarter-deck  of  the  fresh  Niagara  as  commander,  his 
squadron  would  be  in  great  danger  of  defeat.  Ac  therefore  ordered  great  and  little 
guns  to  be  brought  to  bear  upon  the  frail  but  riclily-laden  vessel — laden  with  a  hero 
of  purest  mould.  Cannon-balls,  grape,  canister,  and  musket-shot  were  hurled  in  show- 
ers toward  the  little  boat  during  the  fifteen  minutes  that  it  was  making  its  way  from 
the  Laiorence  to  the  Niagara.^  The  oars  were  splintered,  bullets  traversed  the  boat, 
and  the  crew  were  covered  with  spray  caused  by  the  falling  of  heavy  round  and 
grape-shot  in  the  water  near.  Perry  stood  erect,  unmindful  of  danger.  His  men  en- 
treated him  to  be  seated,  for  his  life  at  tha*,  critical  moment  seemed  too  precious  ♦o 
be  needlessly  exposed  to  peril.  It  was  not  foolliardiness  nor  thoughtlessness,  but  the 
innately  brave  spirit  of  the  man,  that  kept  him  on  his  feet.  At  length,  when  his  oars- 
men threatened  to  cease  labor  if  he  did  not  sit  down,  he  consented  to  do  so.  A  few 
minutes  later  they  were  all  climbing  to  the  deck  of  the  Niagara,  entirely  unharmed, 
;in(l  greeted  with  the  loud  cheers  of  the  Americans,  who  had  watched  the  movement 

1  One  of  these  was  Thomas  Penny,  who  <dlcd  In  the  Naval  Asylum,  near  Philadelphia,  In  1S63,  ot  the  age  of  eighty-one 

vears. 

1  Perry's  portrait  belonging  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and 
hanging  in  the  Governor's  Room,  1-om  which  ours  on  page 
HI  was  copied,  l£  what  artistb  call  a  kit-kat,  or  thrce-quar- 
iors  length.  It  was  painted  by  John  Wesley  jarvis,  and  rep- 
ro>cnl9  Perry  standing,  with  the  banner  floating  like  a  huge 
jcarf  ffom  his  shoulders. 

'  Among  the  survivors  of  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie  whom  I 
Mvemet  was  John  Chapman,  a  resident  of  iludson,  Ohio,  a 
^mall,  energetic  man,  who  related  his  past  experience  in  an 
attractive,  dramatic  style,     lie  was  in  the  British  fleet  as 
•.tinner,  maintop-man,  and  boarder  In  the  Quern  Charlotte, 
lud  claimed  the  distinction  of  having  flred  the  first  shot  at 
the  Umreme  from  a  24-ponndcr.    He  also  said  that  he  aim- 
ed a  eliot  at  Commodore  Perry  when  making  his  perilous 
passage  from  the  Lawrence  to  the  Xiagara.   Mr.  Chapman  was 
I  native  of  England.    He  came  from  there  in  the  transport 
todrici  early  in  1812,  and  landed  at  Quebec.    From  that 
I  ily  lie  went  up  the  St.  Lawrence  in  May,  and  took  post  in 
Fori  George,  o«  the  Niagara  River.    He  afterward  went  np 
10  atsist  la  the  erection  of  Fort  Brie.   Ho  was  present  at  the 
>nrrender  of  Hull,  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Queens- 
ton  Heights.  In  the  summer  of  181.3  he  was  placed  on  board 
the  schooner  Lady  Prevost,  at  Long  Point,  and  arrived  at 
.Maiden  about  three  weeks  before  the  battle  of  Lake  Erie. 
He  was  with  Proctor  at  the  attack  on  Fort  Stephenson.    He 
vas  one  of  the  survivors  in  the  fatal  ditch  (sec  page  603),  and 
escaped  to  the  woods  under  cover  of  the  darkness.    On  the 
retarn  of  Proctor  to  Maiden  he  went  on  board  the  Queen 
CkrtoHt',  and  was  with  her  in  the  battle.    He  was  sent  to 
Ohio  \yith  other  prisoners,  and  was  one  if  those  who 
were  held  as  hostages  for  the  safety  of  the  Irishmen 
imder  Scott  who  were  sent  to  England,  as  mentioned 
on  page  408.    He  was  released  on  the  20th  of  Octo- 
ber, at  Cleveland.   He  went  Immediately  to  Hudson, 
a  few  miles  distant,  where  he  resided  until  his  death 
In  1S6S.   I  nm  indebted  to  the  Rev.  T.  B.  Fairchlld,  of  Hudson,  for  the  substance  of  the  above  brief  sketch  of  the  pub- 
lic career  of  Mr.  Chapman,  and  to  the  soldier  himself  for  his  likeness,  taken  in  the  spring  of  1862. 


*i 


•'   !■, 


■'"■^^pup 


528 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Meettn);  uf  Perry  and  Elliott. 


Surrender  of  the  belpleii  /yaiermM. 


Perry  rtrilwttlwBtltlih  tint. 

with  breathless  anxiety.  Perry  was  met  at  tlie  paiigway  by  the  astonished  Elliott 
There  stood  the  hero  of  the  fifjht,  blackened  with  the  smoke  of  battle,  but  unharmed 
in  person  and  unflinching  in  his  determination  to  win  victory — he  whom  the  com 
raander  of  the  Niagara  thought  to  be  dead.  There  were  hurried  questions  and  an- 
swers. " How  goes  the  day  ?"  asked  Elliott.  "  Bad  enough,"  responded  Perry ;  "  why 
are  the  gun-boats  so  far  astern  ?"  "  I'll  bring  them  up,"  said  Elliott.  " Do  so,"  lospomi. 
ed  Perry.  Such  is  the  rej)orted  substance  of  the  brief  conversation  of  the  two  conimaiid- 
crs,'  at  the  close  of  which  Elliott  pushed  off  in  a  small  boat  to  hurry  up  the  lafcinir 
vessels.  Having  given  his  orders  to  each  to  use  sails  and  oars  with  the  greatest  vigor 
he  went  on  board  the  Somer8,a\\{\  behaved  gallantly  until  the  close  of  the  action. 

At  a  glance  Perry  comprehended  the  condition  and  capabilities  of  tlie  Niagara 
There  had  been  few  casualties  on  board  of  her,  and  she  was  in  perfect  order  for  con- 
flict. He  immediately  ran  up  his  pennant,  displayed  the  blue  banner,  hoisted  tla 
signal  for  close  action,  and  received  quick  responses  and  cheers  from  the  whole  Hcniad- 
ron ;  hove  to,  altered  the  course  of  the  vessel,  set  the  proper  sails,  and  bore  down  tn  m 
the  British  line,  which  lay  Iialf  a  mile  distant.  Meanwhile  the  gallant  Yaniall,  at'toi 
consulting  Lieutenant  Forrest  and  Sailing-master  Taylor,  had  struck  the  flag  of  the 
Lawrence,  for  she  was  utterly  helpless,  and  humanity  required  that  firing  upon  hcv 
should  cease.  As  the  starry  flag  trailed  to  the  deck  a  triumphant  shout  went  nii 
from  the  British.  It  was  heard  by  the  wounded  on  the  iMtcretice.  When  informod 
of  the  cause,  their  hearts  grew  almost  still,  and  in  the  anguish  of  chagrin  they  refused 
to  be  attended  by  the  surgeon,  and  cried  out,  "  Sink  the  ship  !  sink  the  ship !  Let  us 
all  sink  together  I"^  Noble  fellows !  they  were  worthy  of  their  commander.  In  les> 
than  thirty  minutes  after  they  had  offered  themselves  a  Avilling  sacrifice  for  the  honor 
or  their  country's  flag,  they  wore  made  joyful  by  hearing  the  step  and  voice  oftlieii 
beloved  commander  again  upon  the  deck  of  the  Laicrence. 

Perry's  movement  against  the  British  line  was  successful.  He  broke  it ;  passed  at 
half  pistol-shot  distance  between  the  Lady  Prevosfi  ancT  Chippeioa  on  his  larboard,  and 
the  Detroit,  Queen  Charlotte,  and  Hunter  on  his  starboard,  and  poured  in  tremendous 
broadsides  right  and  left  from  double-shotted  guns.  Ranging  ahead  of  the  vessels 
on  his  starboard,  he  rounded  to  and  raked  the  Detroit  and  Queen  Charlotte,  M'liich  had 
got  foul  of  each  other.*  Close  and  deadly  was  his  fire  upon  them  with  groat  guns 
and  musketry.  Meanwhile,  the  Laicrence  having  drifted  out  of  her  place  in  the  line, 
her  position  against  the  Detroit  was  taken  by  the  Caledonia,  Captain  Turner;  the 
lattcr's  place  in  Hue,  as  opposed  to  the  Hunter,  was  occupied  by  the  Trippe,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Holdup.*    These  gallant  young  officers  had  exchanged  signals 

'  Mr.  Hnmbleton,  the  purser  of  the  LatDrenee,  hns  left  on  record  an  ncconnt  of  this  interview  between  Perry  and  El- 
liott. "  Ab  Perry  reuched  the  dock  of  the  Siagara"  he  says,  "  he  was  met  at  the  gangway  by  Captain  Elliott,  who  in- 
qnlred  how  the  day  was  going.  Captain  Perry  replied,  Badly ;  thot  ho  had  lost  almost  all  of  his  men,  and  that  his  ship 
was  a  wreck,  and  asked  what  tlie  gim-boata  were  doing  so  far  astern.  Captain  Elliott  olfcrcd  to  go  and  bring  them 
up;  and,  Captain  Perry  consenting,  he  sprang  into  the  boat  and  went  olT  on  that  duty.— Uambieton'g  Journat,  died  by 
M'Kenzie. 

»  Oration  by  George  H.  Calvert,  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  on  the  10th  of  September,  1808,  on  the  occnsion  of  the  cel- 
ebration of  the  fortieth  anniversary  of  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie. 

3  Lieutenant  Buchan,  the  commander  of  the  Ladij  Prevost,  was  shot  through  the  face  by  a  musket-ball  from  Pcrry'i 
marines.  Perry  saw  him  stn'iding  alone,  leaning  on  the  companion-way,  his  face  resting  on  his  hand,  andlonldiisimih 
fixed  goze  toward  the  Siagara.  His  companions,  unable  to  endure  the  terrible  Are,  had  all  fled  below.  Perry  immedi- 
ately silenced  the  marines  en  the  quarter-deck.  He  afterward  learned  that  the  strange  conduct  of  Buchan  was  omt 
to  sudden  derangement  caused  by  liis  wound.  Poor  fellow !  he  was  a  brave  ofHcer,  and  had  distinguished  blmeeir  un- 
der Nelson. 

*  The  position  of  the  Detroit  and  Qtieen  CharUitte  at  this  time  may  bo  seen  by  reference  to  II.  and  IV.  in  the  dingram 
on  page  020.  In  the  same  diagram  the  course  of  the  Siagara  in  breaking  the  British  line  may  be  seen  along  the  dolKd 
line  from  0  tn  0. 

» Thomas  Holdup  wasanntivcofSomli 
Carolina,  and  was  an  inmate  and  pupil 
of  the  Orphan  Asylnm  in  Charleston.  He 
became  a  protegi  of  General  Stevens,  of 
that  city,  who  obtained  a  midshipman'' 
warrant  for  him  in  1^09.  He  was  on  board 
the  John  Adam*,  at  Brooklyn,  in  ISli, 


OF  THE  WAU   OF    1812. 


52» 


Perry  brcnlw  the  Brltlfh  Line. 


Brltiah  VoimIi  attempt  to  escape. 


Perry's  Victory  complete. 


to  board  the  Detroit,  when  tlioy  saw  the  Niayara  with  the  commodore's  pennant 
k'urlnj;  down  to  break  tlie  Uritiwlt  line.  Turner  followed  her  closely  with  the  Col- 
edonia;  and  the  i'reshened  breeze  having  brought  nj)  the  iSotuers,  Mr.  Aliny,'  the 
Tigreis,  Lieutenant  Coneklin,''  and  the  Porcupine,  Acting  Master  Senat,^  the  whole 
\mcrican  scjuadron  except  the  JMicrence  was,  for  tlie  first  time,  engaged  in  the  eon- 
Hict.  The  fight  was  terrible  for  a  few  minutes,  and  the  combatants  were  comjdetely 
fiiveloped  in  smoke. 

Eight  minutes  after  Perry  daslied  through  tlie  IJritish  line  the  colors  of  the  De- 
troit were  struck,  and  her  example  was  speedily  followed  by  all  the  other  vessels  of 
.  Barclay's  scpiadron,  excepting  the 

I 


1 


0 


4  4    ^Mk'^^A^ 


Little  licit  and  Chippewa  (I,  and 
IV.  in  tlie  annexed  diagram),  which 
attempted  to  escape  to  leeward. 
Cliami)lin  with  tlie  t^eorpion,  and 
lloldiij)  with  the  Trij)j}e,  made 
chase  afler  the  fugitives,  ami  both 
fosmoH  or  tiik  squapbons  at  tub  closk  ok  thk  batti.]!.*  were  Overtaken  and  brouglit  back 
to  crace  the  triumph  of  the  victor,  the  Little  Belt  by  the  former,  and  the  Chippewa 
1)V  tiic  latter.  It  was  in  this  chase  that  Champlin  fired  the  last  gun  in  that  memo- 
rable battle.  "  So  near  were  they  to  making  their  escape,"  says  Champlin  in  a  letter 
to  the  author, "that  it  was  10  o'clock  in  the  evening  before  I  came  to  an  anchor  un- 
ilcr  the  stern  of  the  Lawrence  with  tlie  Little  Belt  in  tow." 

It  was  three  o'clock  in  the  aflernoon  Avhen  the  flag  of  the  Detroit  was  lowered. 
Till'  roar  of  cannon  ceased;  and  as  the  blue  vapor  of  battle  was  borne  away  by  the 
liK  oze,  it  was  discovered  that  the  two  squadrons  were  intermingled.*  The  victory 
\i:is  complete.  The  flag  of  the  lAiwrence  had  indeed  been  struck  to  the  enemy,  but 
'111  had  not  been  taken  possession  of.     She  was  yet  free,  and,  with  a  feeble  shout 


= -Tk 


^1 


I 


loccBsionofthecel- 


.md.wltli  others,  volunteeretl  for  the  lake  service 
vear.aiul  was  comniiBsloncd  a  lieutenant.    In 
fqnudron  there.   lie  fought  his  vessel  brave- 
ly in  the  action  of  the  10th  of  September, 
and  lie  and  Champlin  pursued  the  two  fiigi- 
lives  of  the  British  eqnadron.    He  was  lu 
Mrvicc  on  the  npper  lakes  the  following 
ieir,and  tliere  was  Invited  to  the  Java  by 
Perry.  He  had  married,  and  declined  the 
oJer  ot  a  good  post  on  that  vessel.    He  sub- 
'■  leqnently  commanded  several  different  vcs- 
I  Mlj,aDdwa8  promoted  to  master  coramand- 
\  anllnlSM.  lie  was  commisslpned  post-ca])- 
ulninl836.  He  died  suddenly  while  in  com- 
raand  of  the  Washington  Navy  Yard,  in  Jan- 
;  isrr,154t.  His  widow,  who  was  a  Miss  Sage, 
I  died  soun  aftcnvard.    By  act  of  the  Legisla- 
1  terc  of  South  Carolina  ho  assumed  the  name 
I  ot  his  bencfnctor,  with  a  promise  that  he 
I  ihould  inhci  it  his  fortune.    From  that  time 
I  [1815]  he  is  known  as  Thomas  Holdup  Ste- 
He  was  possessed  of  a  high  order  of 
I  literary  ability,  and  was  beloved  by  all.   His 
I M,  Thomas  Holdup  Stevens,  behaved  gal- 
y  In  the  naval  action  off  Hilton  Head  In 
|tbe  hlc  civil  war. 

'Tliomas  C.  Almy  was  a  native  of  Rhode 
lUlmd,  of  Quaker  parentage.  lie  became  a 
lailorin  early  life,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
|oBf  years  he  was  commander  of  a  ship.  He 
« in  the  flotilla  at  Newport,  went  to  Lake 


■  perfbrmed  gallant  service  near  BnlTalo  toward  the  close  of  the 
13,  he  went  to  Erie  with  men,  and  assisted  in  fitting  out  the 
Erie,  and  was  cftlclent,  useful,  and  brave 
there.  He  died  at  Eric  In  December,  1813, 
only  three  mouths  after  the  battle  that  has 
made  his  name  immortal.  His  disease  was 
pneumonia. 

The  annexed  engraving  Is  a  picture  of  the 
hilt  of  the  sword  awarded  to  Almy,  and 
which  was  given  to  his  next  of  kin.  On  one 
side  of  the  blade  are  the  words  "Tiio.\ias  C. 
Aijkiv,  Sailing-master  commandinur.  Lake 
Erie,  10th  September,  1813."  On  the  other 
side  the  words  "AtTirs  iupnt  am  ad  bum- 
ma  NiTCNTKii,"  with  a  little  view  of  shipa-of- 
war. 

'  Augustus  H.  M.  Concklln  was  a  native  of 
Virginia.  Ho  was  appointed  midshipmaU  in 
1S0«,  and  lieuteuautln  1813.  He  followed  El- 
liott to  Erie.  On  a  dark  night  in  1814  bis 
vessel  was  captured  by  a  party  In  boats  ofif 
Port  Erie.  He  left  the  service  In  1S20,  while 
stationed  at  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire. 

'  George  Senat  was  a  native  of  New  Or- 
leans, of  French  extraction.  He  commenced 
active  life  as  a  sailor,  but  of  his  career  pre- 
vious to  his  joining  the  squadron  at  Erie 
nothing  appears  on  record.  He  served  on 
the  upper  lakes  In  1814.  On  his  return  to 
Erie  ho  bk.came  involved  lu  a  quarrel  with 
Sailing-master  M'Donald.    A  duel  ensued, 


AI.UV  8  BWCRn, 


Bdyonng  Senat  was  killed.    They  fought  at  what  Is  now  the  corner  of  Third  and  Sassafras  Streets,  Erie. 

[ '  In  this,  as  in  the  preceding  diagrams,  furnished  by  Commodoro.  Champlin,  the  British  vessels  are  design-ited  by  Ho- 

un  numerals,  and  the  American  vessels  by  Arabic  numerals.  This  diagram  shows  the  relative  position  of  the  vessels 
^tihe  two  squadrons  at  the  close  of  the  battle.  The  respective  iiumbers  indicate  the  same  vessels  as  In  the  other  dia- 
mi.  '  See  the  above  diagram  and  note  of  explanation. 

Ll      ^ 


4* 


08d 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Perry'a  Triumph  a  roniarkable  ono.  IIli  ramniiii  DIapntch  to  llurrliion.  IIli  Dlipatch  to  hU  Ooverninr 

that  floated  not  far  over  (lie  watern,  her  exhausted  crow  flung  out  the  flag  of  thoir 
country  from  lier  maHt-liead. ' 

This  triumph  was  a  remarkable  one  in  AnMsrican  and  British  history.  Never  he 
fore  hud  an  Ameriean  fleet  or  Hijuadron  encountered  an  enemy  in  regular  Hue  of  Imt. 
tie,  and  never  before,  since  England  created  a  navy,  and  boasted  that 

"  Britannia  nilcn  tho  wave," 

had  a  whole  British  fleet  or  squadron  been  captured.     It  was  a  proud  moment  for 

Perry  and  his  companions. 

"An  IlftR  thn  «mnlie,  what  tongne  can  fltty  toll 
The  tranHportn  which  thotio  manly  boBoina  hwoII, 
When  Ilritniirn  cnHi^n  ilown  tho  reeling;  niaat 
Sinks  to  proclaim  the  dospcrnto  atrnei;lo  pait  I 
Electric  cheers  along  tho  Bhatterod  fleet, 
With  raptnrous  hail,  her  youthful  hero  greet  j 
Meek  in  his  triumph,  as  in  danger  calm. 
With  reverent  hands  ho  takes  the  victor's  palm  ; 
Ills  wreath  of  conqnest  on  Faltli'H  altar  lays,' 
To  his  bravo  comrades  yields  the  meed  of  praise."— II.  T.  Tdokxbman, 

When  Perry's  eye  perceived  at  a  glance  that  victory  was  secure,  he  wrote,  in  pen- 
cil, on  tho  back  of  an  old  letter,  resting  it  upon  his  navy  cap,  that  remarkable  dis- 
patch  to  General  Harrison  whoso  first  clause  has  been  so  often  quoted — 

"  We  have  met  the  enemy,  and  they  are  ours :  two  ships,  two  brigs,  one  schooner, 
and  one  sloop.     Yours,  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  O.  II.  Peurv.' 


FA0-8IMII.E  OF  TERBy'S  DISPATCH. 


A  few  minutes  afterward,  when,  as  Bancroft  says, "  a  religious  awe  seemed  to  como 
over  him  at  his  wonderfid  preservation  in  the  midst  of  great  and  long-contiiuictl  dan 
ger,"^  he  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  as  follows : 

"  U.  8.  Brig  Niatjara,  off  tho  Western  Sister,*  Head  of  Lake  Erie,  September  10, 1813, 4  P.M. 

"  Sir, — It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  give  to  the  arms  of  the  United  States  a  si? 
nal  victory  over  their  enemies  on  this  lake.     The  British  squadron,  consisting  of  two  I 
ships,  two  brigs,  one  schooner,  and  one  sloop,  have  this  moment  surrendered  to  tk 
force  under  my  command  after  a  sharp  conflict, 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"O.  II.  Perrt. 

"  Honorable  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy." 

J  "The  shattered  Lmorenet,"  soys  Dr.  Parsons,  "lying  to  the  windward,  was  once  more  able  to  hoist  her  flag, \tliMi I 
was  cheered  by  a  few  feeble  voices  on  board,  making  a  melancholy  sound  compared  with  the  boisterous  cheering  tin  J 
preceded  the  battle."— iMdcourse,  page  18. 

»  See  Perry's  Dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Novy,  printed  above.  '  Xew  Yorl  Mm. 

*  This  is  the  most  southwardly  of  three  Islands  near  the  western  end  of  Lake  Erie,  named  respectively  Eustera  Sislir,  I 
Middle  Sister,  and  Western  Sister,  lying  in  a  line  from  the  southwest  to  the  northeast.  It  was  a  little  westward  oftt(| 
island  named  in  the  dispatch  that  ttie  battle  occurred. 


¥i 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


A31 


to  aovcrniMm. 


Hurrander  uf  tba  British  OBeun. 


Burial  at  the  Dead  la  the  Lake. 


p,^  rtlani*  to  th«  Uurmce. 

These  hiirriod  but  iiiliuirably-wordcd  diapatohes  were  Hcnt  by  the  same  express  to 

loth  Harrison  uikI  the  8ecrctury  of  the  Navy.'    Then  the  eeremony  of  taking  jwm- 

PMnion  of  tli«'  coiMiiu'rccl  voshi'Ih,  ami  receiving  the  formal  KubniinMion  of  llio  vancjuinh- 

1  ^.^g  pcrforn>e<l.  IVrry  gave  the  wignal  to  anchor,  and  Htarted  lor  IiIh  battered 
|i  '  gliip  determined,  on  her  deck,  and  in  the  presence  of  her  Hurviving  officers  and 
prew  to  receive  the  commanderH  of  tlio  captured  Hcpiadron.  "It  was  a  time  of  con- 
ftictiiil?  emotionh,"  Hays  Dr.  I'arsons,  "  when  ho  Mtepped  upon  deck.  The  battle  was 
won  and  ho  was  safe,  but  the  deck  was  slippery  with  l)lood,  and  strewn  with  the 
boilieH  of  twenty  officers  and  men,  seven  of  whom  had  sat  at  table  with  us  at  our  last 
meal  a"J  ''"'  "'''P  rcHounded  every  where  with  the  groans  of  the  wounde<l.  Those 
of  U8  who  were  spared  an<l  able  to  walk  met  him  at  the  gangway  to  welcome  him 
on  board,  hut  the  salutation  was  a  silent  one  on  both  siiles ;  not  a  word  could  find 
uttemnce."^ 

The  next  movement  in  tlie  solemn  drama  was  the  reception  of  the  Hritish  officers, 
ono  fro">  t''''"''  '^^  ^'"'  <">ptnred  vessels.  I'erry  stood  on  the  afVcr-])art  of  the  deck, 
iinil  hin  sad  visitors  were  compelled  to  pick  their  way  to  liim  among  the  slain.  He 
received  them  with  solemn  dignity  and  unaft'ected  kindness.  As  they  presented 
llii'ir  swords,  with  the  hilts  toward  the  victor,  he  spoke  in  a  low  but  firm  tone,  with- 
out the  betrayal  of  the  least  exultation,  and  recpiested  them  to  "etaiii  their  weapons. 
lit!  iiKiuired,  with  real  concern,  about  Commodore  Harclay  and  \.\h  fellow-suft'erers 
from  i<evere  wounds ;  and  he  made  every  captive  feel,  at  that  sad  an<l  solcnm  mo- 
iiunt,  the  thrill  of  pleasure  excited  by  the  conduct  of  a  Christian  gentleman  in  the 
moment  of  the  adversity  of  the  recipient  of  his  kindness. 

"  A  chaBtcned  rapturo,  Perry,  fllls  thy  brenBt ; 
Thy  Bacrcd  tear  cnibnIiiiB  the  herocH  elaiu ; 
The  i;cm  of  pity  shines  In  jjlory's  crcut 
More  brilliant  thuii  the  (llamoiid  wrontli  of  fame." 

Wlien  this  sad  ceremony  was  over,  the  con<|ucror,  exhausted  by  the  day's  work  upon 
wliieli  he  Iiad  entered  witli  fever-enfeebled  body,  lay  down  upon  the  deck  in  the 
midst  of  his  dead  companions,  and,  surrounded  by  jirisoners,  and  with  his  hands  fold- 
id  over  his  breast,  and  his  drawn  sword  held  in  one  of  them,  ho  slept  as  sweetly  as  a 
woiu'ieJ  child.' 

There  was  yet  another  sad  service  to  be  performed.  The  dead  of  the  two  squad- 
iiiiw  were  yet  unburied.  When  twilight — the  rich,  glowing  twilight  at  the  end  of  a 
.'iirgeous  September  day — lay  upon  the  bosom  of  the  lake  like  a  luminous,  deepening 
mist,  the  bodies  of  all  the  slain,  excepting  those  of  the  officers,  wrapped  in  rude 
-hroiids,  and  with  a  cannon-ball  at  the  feet  of  each,  were  dropped,  one  by  one,  into 
ilif  bosom  of  the  clear  lake,  at  the  close  of  the  beautiful  and  impressive  burial  serv- 
ice of  the  Anglican  Church. 

"  'Neath  the  dnrk  waves  ofBrle  now  slumber  the  brave. 
In  the  bed  of  Its  waters  forever  thoy  rest  J 
The  flag  of  their  glory  floats  over  their  grave  ; 
The  souls  of  the  heroes  In  memory  are  bk'geed..'V-W.  B.  Tappan. 

'  The  gsllant  Lieutenant  Dnianey  Forrest  was  Perry's  chosen  courier.  He  was  a  native  of  the  District  of  Colnmhia, 
1  udhad  bwa  In  the  service  since  1800,  when  he  was  appointed  miilshipmnn.  He  was  with  Bainbrldge  when  the  Con- 
I  (dWioii  captured  the  Jocn.  He  was  acting  lieutenant  on  board  Perry's  flag-sblp,  and  was  chief  signal  officer.  His  con- 
j  duct  wi«  brave,  and  he  was  greatly  beloved  by  his  companions.  He  bore  to  Washington  not  only  the  dlspntchos  of  his 
I  commander,  but  the  flags  captured  from  the  Drltish.  Forrest  also  took  with  him  the  blue  banner  with  the  words  of 
Uimncc,  mentioned  on  page  620.  Forrest  accompanied  Perry  to  the  Mediterranean  in  the  Java.  He  was  commlsaion- 
I  ri « lieutenant  at  that  time.    He  died  of  fever  in  1S2B. 

Colnuel  Peter  Force,  of  Washington  City,  has  a  piece  of  every  flag  captured  In  this  battle,  and  of  nearly  every  trophy- 
!  ti(  of  the  war.  Thoy  were  all  tsken  to  Wnshington,  where.  In  course  of  time,  through  neglent,  they  fell  into  decay. 
JThe  pieces  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Force  are  carefully  preserved  In  a  scrap-book,  with  the  place  and  date  of  their  cap- 
I  tare  recorded,  and  make  an  Interesting  collection  of  bits  of  bunting. 

J  Tlie  Intelligence  of  the  victory  on  Lake  Erie  was  carried  to  Pennsylvania  from  Detroit  by  Samuel  Docluft,  Samuel 
JBiinietl,and  Cyrus  Bosworth.    The  first  was  a  mail-carrier  from  Detroit  to  Cleveland ;  the  second  from  Cleveland  to 
jWirren,Ohio,  and  the  third  from  Warren  to  Pittsburg.    They  were  nil  three  living  at  the  time  of  the  Inauguration  of 
|fntj'«it«tuc  at  Cleveland  In  September,  1800.    Mr.  Bosworth  participated  in  that  celebration. 
'  Dinmrit,  page  14.  >  CalveH's  Oration,  page  21. 


wma 


m 


fi  ■ ' 


friiiiiiffii 

V 


032 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Burial  of  Offlceri  on  the  i  there. 


Sad  Effects  of  the  Battle. 


"Illlnck"oftheBritlii|i. 


TBK    BDBIAI.-PI.AOK. 


•  September  n,    The  inoon  soon  spread  her  silver  slieen  over  their  common  grave  and 
^*^^'  all  but  the  sufterinp;  wounded  slumbered  until  the  dawn,» 

The.  two  squadrons  weighed  anchor  at  nine  o'clock  and  sailed  into  Put-in-Bay  Har- 
bor, and  thp'v,  twenty-four  hours  afterward,  on  the  mn.gin  of  South  Bass  IhIs'iiI 

from  whi^-h,  on  the  right,  may  be  Roen  tiio 
channel  leading  out  toward  ('aiiada  and 
on  the  left  the  open  way  toward  Detroit 
where  now  wil  ow,  hickory,  and  maplu- 
trees  cast  a  pleasant  shade  in  summer 
three  American  and  throe  British  officers' 
were  buried^  with  the  same 
solemn  fuTicral  rites,  in  the  "^'^^"^^'^'■ 
presence  of  their  respective  conntryraen.= 
The  lialit  of  the  morning  of  the  lltli 
revea'od  sad  sights  to  the  eyes  of  the  bel- 
ligerents. Vessels  of  both  squadroii.s  were 
dreadfully  shattered,  especially  the  two 
flag-ships.  Sixty-eiglit  persons  had  bee- 
killed  and  one  hundred  and  ninety  wound- 
ed during  the  three  hours  that  the  battle 
lasted.  Of  these,  the  Americans  lost  one 
hundred  and  twenty-three,  twenty-seven 
of  xvhom  were  killed  ;  the  Briiisli  lost  one  hundred  and  thirty-f  ve,  forty-one  of  wliom 
wen  killed.^  Barclay,  of  the  Detroit  (the  British  commander),  who  had  lost  an  arin 
at  Trafalgar.,  was  first  wounded  in  the  thigh,  and  then  so  severely  injured  in  tin 
shoulder  as  to  deprive  liini  of  tlie  use  of  the  other  arm.  Finnis,  of  the  Queen  Char- 
lotte, the  fpiond  in  comniand,  was  mortally  wounded,  and  died  that  evening,  Uoth 
w^re  jallant  men ;  and  justice  to  all  demands  the  acknowledgment  that  the  Ameri- 
cans and  Briiish  carried  ')n  that  lerrible  conflict  with  the  greatest  courage,  fortitude, 
and  skill.  It  is  also  just  to  say  that  the  British  <>Xj)erienced  what  is  called  "ill  luck" 
from  the  beginning.  First,  the  wind  suddenly  turned  in  favor  of  the  Americans  a; 
the  commencem'?.  t  of  the  action,  giving  them  the  weather- gage  ;  then  the  two  prin 
cipal  British  commanders  were  struck  down  early  in  the  action;  then  Iho  niddordl 
the  Lady  Freoost  was  disabled,  which  caused  her  to  drift  out  of  the  line ;  the  ontan 
glement  of  the  Detroit  and  Queen  Charlotte  gave  the  Niagara,  under  Perry,  an  oppoi 
tunity  to  rake  them  severely ;  and,  lastly,  the  men  of  the  British  squadron  had  not. 
with  the  exception  of  those  from  the  Koyal  Navy,  received  the  training  Avith  sjuns 

'  These  worr  Lieutenant  Brooka  and  Midshipmen  Lunt  and  Clarke,  rf  the  American  service,  and  Captain  Finnis  and 
Lienteuant«  Stokoe  and  fSarland,  of  the  British  wrvice.  The  view  here  given  of  the  burial-place  of  these  officere  1  cop- 
ied, by  pcrmii'slon,  from  one  of  the  paintiugK  of  Miss  0.  L.  Kansom,  already  mentioned. 

»  Samuel  U.  Brown,  \,ho  arrived  at  Put-in-Bay  I»laud  on  the  evening  of  the  Otli,  and  from  the  head  of  it  w.is  a  Mil 
ncsR  of  the  battle  at  about  ten  miles  distant,  was  present  at  the  burial.  "  An  oiKinlnti;  <ra  the  inarpln  of  the  b,iy,"hi 
says,  "  was  selected  for  the  interment  of  the  biKllcs.  The  crews  of  both  fleets  attended.  The  weather  was  line;  the 
elemeuts  aeemcd  to  participate  in  the  solemnities  of  the  day,  for  every  breeze  was  hushed,  and  not  n  wave  ruffled  the 
surface  of  the  water.  The  pro.;es8ion  of  boats— the  neat  appearance  of  the  officers  and  men— the  music— the  (low  hlJ 
reunlated  motion  of  ihc  oais,  striking  in  exact  time  with  the  notes  of  the  solemn  dirge  -the  mournful  wavhifr  "f  Itf 
fines— the  sound  of  the  minute-gnus  f.ot.i  the  difrerei\t  ships  in  the  harbor— the  wild  and  solitary  aspect  of  the  plurp  ■ 
"In  stillnoss  of  nature— gave  to  the  scjne  an  air  of  melancholy  grandeur  better  felt  than  described.  All  acknowledjal 
its  influence,  all  were  sdisibly  aft'ectod." -I'lVirs  on  Uike  Kru^  printed  in  Albany  in  1814. 

3  The  American  loss  was  distrlba'ed  as  follows :  On  the  Lmtrrmi*,  SI) :  Xiagara,  27  :  CaMonta, !) ;  Somert,  2 ;  AritH. 
mi>f>i!  and  Seorpioti,  2  each.  Besides  the  officers  mentioned  in  Note  1,  above,  the  British  lost  In  wounded  Midshiii- 
man  Foster,  of  the  (^uemCliarlutU;  Lieutenant  Commanding  Bnchau  and  First  Lieutenant  Roulette,  of  the  UnlttPf^ 
rmt;  Lieutenant  Commandant  Briirnall  and  Master's  Mate  Oateshill,  of  the  Hunter;  Master's  Mate  Campbell, com- 
riiandlng  the  Chijtpnoa:  and  PiirsiT  Hoffmeistet,  of  the  Detrnit. 

Doctor  Honw^ley,  the  siirgeo-i  of  the  squadron,  being  ill,  the  duties  devolved  wholly  upon  Ms  yonng  assistant,  Dnd'r 
''sher  Parsons,  then  only  twonty-flve  years  of  iigc.  During  the  action  he  removed  six  legs,  which  were  nearly  divii'  i 
by  canuon-bnlls.  On  the  morning  of  the  1 1th  he  went  on  board  the  SUujixrn  to  attend  to  her  wounded,  nn;l  tln'ii  tlioci 
of  the  other  vessels  requiring  surgical  attention  were  sent  to  the  iMwreruv.  The  skill  of  Doctor  Parsons  Is  atleeleil  In 
ihe  fact  th.1t  oi'  the  Thole  nlTiety-«ix  wounded  only  three  died.  He  modestly  altribnted  the  result  to  ft^sh  nir,  p>d 
spiriba  ckused  by  the  victory,  and  the  "devoted  attention  of  the  commodore." 


%■■ 


w 


OF  THE  WAR  OP   18  12. 


533 


rtbeBriUih. 

rave,  and 

■Bay  Har- 

fiS  Island, 
e  ficen  the 
mada,  and 
■d  Detroit, 
nd  niajiki- 
I  suinnipr, 
all  officers' 

'  September  12, 

nntrymen/ 
)f  the  lltli 
>  of  the  hel- 
idrons  were 
ly  the  tWii 
IS  had  k'(" 
lety  wound- 
it  the  battle 
ans  lost  one 
wenty-scven 
)ne  of  whom 
I  lost  an  arm 
jured  in  ttie 
Queen  Char- 
:'iiing.    Both 
,t  tlie  Aniori- 
<j;o,  fortitude, 
iod"  ill  luck" 
\iiicricans  at 
K'  two  jirin- 
10  rudder  of 
the  entail- 
rry,  an  opjior- 
on  had  not. 
with  gun- 

.'ai)taiiiriiinl«aiiii 
hesc  ofliccra  1  cop- 

nd  of  it  was  a  »i! 
lu  of  the  bay,"  111 
ither  wttB  tine-,  the 
a  wave  riifBedlhe 
uBlc_tbe  flow  niiil 
nful  waviiip  "'  ll" 
^  'cl  of  the  place - 
All  acknuwleitol 


onnilod  Miil*!"!'- 
te,  of  the  Lwh  ''"• 
Btc  Campbell,  cura- 

g  assUtant,  Dofi"' 
ficn  luuirly  divi''  i 
dcil,  and  then  tli« 
rsonslsatlesNlij 
11  to  fresh  air,  P'mI 


>g 


IraportWice  of  Porry's  Victory. 


Its  KffectH. 


Uow  hie  Cauuon  were  anemrard  naed. 


that  most  of  the  Americans  had  just  experienced,  for  they  came  out  of  port  the  mom- 
inif  of  the  battle.' 

Perry's  victory  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  events  of  the  war.  At 
that  moment  two  arm'os,  one  on  the  north  and  the  other  on  the  south  of  the  wamng 
sciiiadrons,  were  waiting  for  the  result  most  anxiously.  Should  the  victory  remain 
with  the  Ihitisli,  Proctor  and  Tecnmtha  were  ready  at  Maiden,  with  their  motley 
arniv  ^'ve  thousand  strong,  to  rush  forward  and  lay  waste  the  entire  frontier.  Should 
the  victory  rest  with  the  Americans,  Harrison,  with  his  army  in  the  vicinity  of  San- 
dusky Hay,  was  prepared  to  press  forward  by  land  or  Avater  for  the  seizure  of  IVFalden 
and  Detroit,  the  recovery  of  Michigan,  and  the  invasion  of  Canada.  All  along  the 
borders  of  the  lake  witliin  soimd  of  the  cannon  in  the  battle  (and  they  were  heard 
I'roin  Cleveland  to  Maiden-),  women  with  terrified  children,  and  decrepit  old  men,  sat 
listenim?  with  the  deepest  anxiety;  for  they  knew  not  but  with  the  setting  sun  they 
would  he  compelled  to  flee  to  the  interior,  to  escape  the  fangs  of  the  red  blood-hounds 
ffho  were  ready  to  bo  let  loose  u])on  helpless  uiaocency  by  the  approved  servants  of 
a  [Toveniment  that  boasted  of  its  civilization  and  Christianity.  Happily  for  Ameri- 
ca—happily for  the  fair  fume  of  Great  Britain — happily  for  the  cause  of  humanity — 
the  victory  was  left  with  the  Americans,  and  the  savage  allies  of  the  British  were 
net  allowed  to  repeat  the  tragedies  in  which  they  had  already  been  permitted  to  en- 
mae.  Joy  spread  over  the  northwestern  frontier  as  the  glad  tidings  went  from  lip 
itoiip.  That  whole  region  was  instantly  relieved  of  the  most  gloomy  forebodingn  of 
comiiij;  evil.  That  victory  led  to  the  destruction  of  the  Indian  confederacy,  and  wi]>ed 
out  the  stigma  of  the  surrender  at  Detroit  thirteen  months  before.  It  opened  the  way 
for  Harrison's  army  to  repossess  the  territory  then  surrendered,  and  to  penetrate  Can- 
.ida.  It  was  speedily  followed  by  the  overthrow  of  British  power  in  tlie  Canadian 
ncninsula  and  the  country  bordering  on  the  upper  Lakes,  and  the  absolute  security 
forever  of  the  whole  '■orthwestern  frontier  from  British  invasion  and  Indian  de]>rcda- 
tions.  From  that  moment  no  one  doubted  the  ability  of  the  Americans  to  maintain 
llie  mastery  of  our  great  inland  seas,  and  the  faith  of  the  people  in  this  ability  was 
well  expressed  by  a  poet  of  the  time,  who  concluded  an  epic  with  the  following  lines: 

"  And  though  Brltone  may  brag  of  their  ruling  the  ocean, 
And  that  sort  of  thing— by  the  Lord  I've  a  notion— 
I'll  brt  all  I'm  worth— who  takes  it  f— who  takes f— 
Though  they're  lords  of  the  oot,  we'll  be  lords  of  the  Utke»."^ 

The  effect  of  this  victory  upon  the  whole  country  was  electric  and  amazingly  in- 

1  The  great  g"iis  used  by  Perry,  and  those  captured  by  hira  from  the  British,  remained  In  the  United  States  Naval 
Dipot  at  Krie  \intil  the  autumn  of  1826,  when  they  were  transferred  to  the  Naval  Station  at  Brooklyn.  They  were 
.ilxral  to  he  removed  throngh  the  ugt'ucy  of  Dows,  Cary,  and  Meecb,  wlio  had  prepared  a  line  of  boats  for  the  just  com- 
fletcil  Erie  Canal.  The  happy  thought  occurred  to  some  one  that  these  rannon  might  be  used  for  telegraphic  iinvposes 
in  connection  with  the  celebration  of  the  tlrst  opening  of  the  canal.  Thoy  were  accordingly  placed  at  lutervals  of  about 
!cii  miles  along  the  whole  line  of  the  canal.  When  the  first  fleet  of  boats  left  Buffalo  (m  thai  occaxion,  the  fact  was  an- 
nnnncod  to  the  citizens  of  New  York  in  (mo  hour  and  twenty  minutes  by  the  serial  discharges  of  these  cannon.  This 
;nn(jnneemcnt,  literally  conveyed  in  "  thuuder-tones"  from  the  lake  to  the  sea-board,  was  responded  to  in  like  manner 
.i:(l  In  the  same  space  of  time.— Statement  of  Orlando  Allen  to  the  Buffalo  Historical  S.xlety,  April,  18fi3. 

The  authorities  consulted  lu  the  preparation  of  the  foregoing  account  of  the  Battle  of  Lake  Erie  are  the  official  dis- 
l«(hes  of  Perry  and  Barclay  :  Niles's  Register ;  The  War ;  Port  Folio :  Analectic  Magazine ;  Political  Register :  M'Kan- 
lios  Life  of  Perry ;  Life  of  Elliott,  by  a  citizen  of  New  York ;  Cooper's  Naval  History ;  Discourses  by  Parsons,  Bur- 
'.■««!,  and  Calvert;  oral  and  written  statements  communicated  to  the  anthor  by  the  sarviivors;  Brown's  Kifw«  on  toic 
ft-if,  «nd  Ix)g-book  of  the  Laui-m/v,  kept  by  Sailing-master  Taylor. 

'  1  was  Informed  by  Captain  Levi  Johnson,  whom  1  met  at  Cleveland  In  the  autumn  of  IRBO,  that  he  and  others  were 
ramL'cd  in  the  last  work  upon  the  new  court-honsc,  which  stood  in  front  of  the  present  First  Presbyterian  Church,  on 
llie  day  of  the  battle.  They  thought  they  heard  thunder,  but,  seeing  no  clouds,  ('(included  that  the  two  squadrons  had 
mel.  He  and  several  others  went  down  to  the  lake  bank,  near  the  present  residence  of  Mr.  Whittnkcr,  on  Water  Street. 
N'urly  all  the  villagers  assembled  there,  numbering  about  thirty.  They  waited  until  tt»e  firing  ceased.  Although  the 
dijunoe  In  a  straight  Hue  was  full  seventy  miles,  they  could  easily  distinguish  the  sounds  of  the  heavier  and  lighter 
?aD.».  The  last  Ave  reports  were  from  the  heavy  guns.  Knuwing  that  the  Americans  had  the  heaviest  ordnance,  they 
(Moclnded  that  victory  remained  with  them,  and  wi,h  that  conviction  they  gave  three  cheers  for  Perry.  Miss  Reynolds, 
tisler  of  the  venerable  Robert  Reynolds,  of  the  British  army,  whom  I  also  visited  in  the  autumn  of  ISflO,  told  me  Uiat 
the  listened  to  the  flring  during  the  whole  battle.    The  distance  was  less  than  forty  miles. 

A  letter  dated  at  Erie,  September  24.  IStit,  says  that  a  gentleman  from  the  New  York  state  line  heard  at  his  house  the 
ctiiao<:i>dliig  on  the  lake  one  hundred  ami  MiUy  viilen  dittant  I  It  was  heard  at  Erie,  and  at  first  was  supposed  to  be 
iltUuit  thimder.  '  AnaUctie  Magiuitu,  lii.,  84. 


i'i'f:-  ;'' 


POB^PilB^ 


?mmmB 


I  liifiit 


694 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


Bxaltation  of  the  Americans. 


FabUc  ColebratlunB. 


Songs  and  Carlcatoroi. 


spiriting.  There  had  been  a  prevailing  apprehension  that  the  failures  of  1812  were 
to  be  repeated  in  1813.  This  victory  dissipated  those  forebodings,  and  kindled  hope 
and  joy  all  over  the  land. 

"  O'er  the  monntains  the  snn  of  our  fame  was  decUning, 

And  on  Tbctis'  billowy  breast 
The  cold  orb  had  reposed,  all  his  splendor  resigning, 

Bedinuncd  by  tlie  mists  of  the  West. 
The  prospect  that  rose  to  the  patriot's  sight 

Was  cheerless,  and  hopeless,  and  dreary  ; 
But  a  bolt  burst  the  cloud,  and  ilhwnincd  the  night 

That  enveloped' the  waters  of  Eric."— Olu  Sono. 

It  is  diiBcult  at  this  time  to  iiuag'iie  the  exultation  then  felt  and  exhibitecl  evorv 
where.  Illuminations,'  bonfires,  salvos  of  artillery,  public  dinners,  orations,  and  mim 
were  the  vi>*ible  indications  of  the  popular  satisfaction  in  almost  every  city,  viliatru 
and  hamlet  within  the  bounds  of  the  republic.  The  newspapers  teemed  Avith  eulo- 
gies of  the  victor  and  las  companions,  and  the  jiulpit  and  rostrum  were  resonant 
with  words  of  thanksgiving  and  praise.     The  lyre^  and  the  peiiciP  made  many  con- 

'  The  City  Hall  and  other  buildings  in  New  York  were  splendidly  illuminated  on  the  evening  of  Saturday,  October 
23, 1813.  There  was  a  band  of  music  in  the  gallery  of  the  portico,  and  transparencies  were  exhibited  showing  uaval 
battles;  also  the  words  of  Lawrence,  "  don't  uivf  up  tuk  suit,"  and  those  of  Perry's  dispatch,  "  we  have  jiki  m, 
KNEMY,  AND  TUKv  ARK  OCRS."  The  last-uamed  transparency  was  exhibited  at  the  theatre,  with  a  picture  of  the  tlgbi 
between  the  Hornet  and  I'eamek. 

'  Many  songs  were  written  and  sung  in  commemoration  of  Perry's  victory.  One  of  the  most  popular  of  these  wjs 
Avurican  Perry,  which  commences  thus : 

"  Bold  Barclay  ona  day  to  Proctor  did  say, 
I'm  tired  of  Jamaica  and  Cherry ; 
So  let  us  go  down  to  that  new  floating  town, 
And  get  some  Araericau  Perry.* 
Oh,  cheap  American  Perry  ! 
Most  pleasant  American  I'erry  I 
We  need  only  all  bear  down,  knock,  and  call. 
And  we'll  have  the  American  Perry." 
'  Among  t|ie  caricatures  of  the  day  was  one  by  Charles,  of  Philadelphia,  representing  John  Bull,  In  the  person  of  iht 
king,  seated,  with  hie  baud  pressed  upon  his  stomach,  indicatlug  pain,  which  tlie  fresli  juice  of  the  pear,  called  perry, 


iXJimj/,  mtllMutalie  iome  more 
Way? 


Oh!  'hny  !!!  Cunt  tuhnyl 
>-p£r~       —Oiie  c/isntlerc^r  amHier  -  J/iaw 
"^        ^ham  mt  Inlf  mmrred  offfieBhedij  iKH 
J  golal  iV'iJ^  tioxiagntulcli.' 


2uwn  diarltJk  anJ  Sohuuj  VuUjBt  thir  dote  tf  &hru. 


will  produce.  Qiwmi  Chariotte,  the  king's  wife  <a  fair  likeness  of  whom  is  given),  enters  with  •\  bottle  labeled  mw. 
out  of  which  the  cork  has  flown,  and  in  the  foam  is  seen  the  names  of  the  vessels  composing  the  American  «]»» ' 
ron.  She  says,  "  Johnny,  won't  you  have  some  more  Perry  V  .John  Bull  replies,  while  writhing  in  pain  prodno  !  tn 
perry,  "  Oh  !  Perry ! !  I  Curse  that  Perry !  One  disaster  after  another— I  have  not  half  recovered  of  the  bloody  noa  1 
got  at  the  Boxing-niatch."  This  last  exprenslon  refers  to  the  capture  of  the  boxer  by  the  American  schnonsr  AW/r 
prine.    This  caricature  is  entitled  "Qiieen  ChnrloUe  and  Johnny  Bull  got  their  done  of  Ptrrij."    This  will  be  better  pet 

*  See  the  next  note  on  this  page. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


536 


Ilouorfl  awarded  to  Perry. 


C'ongrees  presents  a  Gold  Medal  to  both  Perry  and  Elliott. 


tributions  to  the  popular  demonstrations  of  joy,  and  public  bodies  testified  their  grat- 
itude by  appropriate  act».  Tlie  Legislatui'c  of  Pennsylvania  voted  thanks  and  a  gold 
medal  to  Perry;  also  thanks  and  a  ailver  medal  to  every  man  engaged  in  the  battle.' 


THE  PERBT  MEHAI.. 


The  corporate  authorities  of  New  York  ordered  the  illumination  of  the  City  Ilall  in 
honor  of  the  victory  -^  and  the  National  Congress  voted  thanks  and  a  gold  medal  to 
both  Perry  and  Elliott,  to  be  adorned  with  appropriate  devices,^  and  silver  ouee,  with 


THE  KLLIOTT  HROAL. 

tlie  same  emblems,  to  the  nearest  male  relatives  of  Brooks,  Lamb,  Clarke,  and  Clax- 
toii,  who  were  slain.  Three  months'  extra  pay  Avfi«  also  voted  for  eacli  of  the  com- 
missioned officers  of  the  navy  and  army  who  served  in  the  battle,  and  a  sword  to 

reived  by  rcmemberlug  that  one  of  the  principal  vessels  oftho  British  squndrou  was  named  the  Qut^i  CAarioKi!,  In  honor 
of  tlie  royal  consort.    In  a  ballad  of  the  day  occurs  the  following  lines : 

"  On  Erie's  wave,  while  Barclay  bravo, 
With  Charlotte  niakhif;  merry, 
He  chanced  to  take  the  l)elly-ache, 
Wo  drenched  him  so  with  Perry." 
>  Thf  War,  page  127.  »  Sec  note  1,  page  HU. 

'On  one  side  of  Perry's  medal  ia  a  bnst  of  the  commodore,  surrounded  by  the  followlui;  words:  "oi.ivtBL's  ii. 
riBBv.  rBiNoKi-s  BTAONo  EBiKNBK.  oi.ABBAM  ToTAM  ooNTiiiiiT."  Ou  thc  rcverflc  ft  squadrou  of  vessels  closely  cngBKed, 
nud  the  legend  "viAM  invbnit  virtcb  act  kaoit."  ExcrKue:  "intkb  oi.ars.  amrbi.  et  iibit.  ihb  x.  bep.  Hnoooxm," 
Ononesidoof  Elliott's  medal  is  a  bust  of  the  commander,  and  the  words  ".lEBSK  i>.  ri.i.iott.  nil  aotiim  bepdtanb  hi 
inn.  budbebskt  auendum."  On  the  reverse  a  squadron  engaged,  and  the  legend  "viam  lmvenit  virtcb  axtt  i-aoit." 
The  exergue  the  eame  as  on  Perry's. 


51 

V,\l 

■ 

i 
1? 

536 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


"  November. 


Effect  of  the  Victory  on  the  Britlab.  A  Pleii  for  a  BrltlBh-Indian  Alliance.  Waehlngtou  Irvine's  PredlctionT 

each  of  the  midshipmen  and  sailing-masters  "  who  so  nobly  distinguished  themselves 
on  that  memorable  occasion."'  In  after  years,  when  the  dead  body  of  Perry  was 
buried  in  the  soil  of  his  native  state,  her  Legislature  caused  a  monument  to  be  erect- 
ed to  his  memory,^  for  she  claimed,  with  much  justice,  a  large  share  of  the  glory  of 
the  battle  of  Lake  Erie  for  her  sons.^ 

The  effect  of  this  victory  was  deeply  impressive  on  the  British  mind,  and  the  news- 
papcni  in  the  provinces  and  the  mother  country  indulged  in  lamentations  over  tlip 
want  of  vigor  in  the  prosecution  of  the  war  manifested  by  the  ministry.  "  We  have 
•  October,     been  conquered  on  Lake  Erie,"  said  a  Halifax  paper,*  "  and  so  we  shall  be 

**^'  on  every  other  lake,  if  wo  take  as  little  care  to  protect  them.  Their  success 
is  less  owing  to  their  prowess  tlian  to  our  neglect."  A  London  paper  consoled  the 
people  by  saying,**  "  It  may,  however,  serve  to  diminish  our  vexation  at 
the  occurrence  to  learn  that  the  flotilla  in  question  was  not  any  branch 

of  the  British  Navy It  wfls  not  the  Royal  Navy,  but  a  local  force — a  kimi  of 

mercantile  military."  Others,  conscious  of  the  inability  of  the  British  force  in  Can- 
ada to  cope  Avitli  the  Americans,  urged  the  necessity  of  extending  the  alliance  with 
the  Indians.  "We  dare  assert,"  said  a  writer  in  one  of  the  leading  British  Beviews' 
"  and  recent  events  have  gone  far  in  establishing  the  truth  of  the  proposition  that 
the  Canadas  can  not  be  effectually  and  durably  defended  without  the  frieiulship  ot' 
the  Indians,  and  command  of  the  lakes  and  the  River  St.  Lawrence."  Ho  ur<>-e(l  his 
countrymen  to  consider  the  interests  of  the  Indians  as  their  own ;  "  for  men,"  he  said, 
"  whose  very  name  is  so  very  formidable  to  an  American,  and  whose  frieiulsliij)  lias 
recently  been  sliown  to  be  of  such  great  importance  to  its,  we  can  not  do  too  mudi,'' 

The  name  of  Perry  is  cherished  with  increasing  reverence  by  successive  genera- 
tions ;  and  the  vast  population  that  now  swarm  along  the  southern  borders  of  Lake 
Erie  regard  the  battle  that  has  made  its  name  immortal  in  history  as  a  classical  nos- 
session  of  rare  value.  Only  a  few  weeks  after  the  victory,  Washington  Irving,  in  a 
cha:  ,,3  biographical  sketch  of  Commodore  Perry,*  said:  "The  last  roar  of  cannon  that 
died  along  her  shores  was  the  expiring  note  of  British  domination.  Those  vast  in- 
ternal seas  will  perhaps  never  again  be  the  separating  space  between  contendirg  na- 
tions, but  will  be  embosomed  within  a  mighty  empire  f  and  this  victory,  which  de- 
cided thcii"  fate,  will  stand  imrivaled  and  alone,  deriving  lustre  and  i)erpctuity  from 
its  singleness.  In  future  times,  when  the  shores  of  Erie  shall  hum  with  busy  popu- 
lation ;  when  towns  and  cities  shall  brighten  where  now  extend  the  dark  and  tangled 
forests;  v\  hen  ports  shall  spread  their  arms,  and  lofty  barks  shall  ride  where  now  the 
canoe  is  fastened  to  the  stake ;  when  the  present  age  shall  have  grown  into  venera- 
ble antiquity,  and  the  mists  of  fable  begin  to  gather  round  its  history,  then  will  tin 
inhabitants  look  back  to  this  battle  we  record  as  one  of  the  romantic  achievements 
of  the  days  of  yore.  It  will  stand  first  on  the  page  of  their  local  legends  and  iu  the 
marvelous  tales  of  the  borders." 

This  prophecy  of  the  beloved  Irving  has  been  fulfilled.  The  archipelago  that  em- 
braces Put-in-Bay  has  become  a  classic  region.  At  Erie,  and  Cleveland,  and  San- 
dusky, and  Toleclo,  where  the  Indian  then  "  fastened  his  canoe  to  a  stake,"  "  ports 

'  We  have  cbeerved  In  Note  2,  pnge  BIO,  that  Mr.  Hamblcton,  purser  of  the  fMvtreitee,  was  chosen  prize  ogcnt.  .\ 
board  of  officers  from  Lake  Ontario,  assisted  by  Henry  Eckford,  naval  constrnctor,  prized  the  captured  sqnadrou  al 
$225,000.  Commodore  ("hauncey,  the  commander-in-chief  on  the  lakes,  received  one  twentieth  of  the  whole  eum,  or 
1(12,750.  Perry  and  Elliott  each  drew  $7140.  The  Congress  voted  Perry  $6000  in  addition.  Each  commniuler  of  a 
sjun-boflf  sallinK-master,  lieutenant,  and  captain  of  marines,  received  $22115 ;  each  midshipman,  $811 ;  each  petty  officer, 
$447;  and  each  marine  and  sailor,  $20!).— Miss  I.anra  O.  Sanford's  Ilintory  nf  Erie,  page  273.  »  See  pn:,'e  K.\. 

'  Perry  took  with  him  from  Rhode  Island,  as  we  have  seen  (page  509),  a  large  number  of  men  and  officers.  It  wash; 
them  chiefly  that  the  vessels  built  at  Erie  were  constnicted.  The  commodore  and  three  of  his  commanders — Chaniijliii, 
Almy,  and  Turner,  and  Ave  other  officers— Taylor,  Hrownell,  Breese,  Dnnham,  and  Alexander  Perry,  were  ftoin  Uliwlc 
Island.    In  the  flght  forty-seven  of  the  flfty-llvo  guns  i.f  the  squadron  wore  commanded  by  Rhode  Islandc.s. 

♦  -Veic  Quarterlii  Rtvieii-  and  Britii*  Cobmml  HegMef,  No.  4;  8.  M.  Richardson,  Comhill,  London. 
»  Annlfrtir  Mafiazinf,      rem  her,  1818. 

•  He  had  .Inst  heard  of  iarrlson's  victorious  Invasion  of  Canada,  and  It  was  believed  at  that  time  that  the  upper  prov- 
ince would  assuredly  bect>mc  a  portion  of  thi-  L'uitcd  States. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


537 


Predictions. 

smselves 
3rry  -was 
lie  erect- 
glory  of 

the  news- 
over  the 
We  have 

0  shall  be 
ir  success 
isoled  tlu' 
Dxation  at 
ny  branch 
-a  kind  of 
'ce  in  Can- 
"mnee  witli 

1  Reviews,' 
sition,  that 
cndship  of 
3  urged  his 
in,"  he  said, 
Midsliip  has 
too  much." 
dvc  genera- 
[ers  of  Lalvc 
lassical  pos- 

Irving,  in  a 
icannon  that 
loso  vast  in- 
itendirg  na- 
vvhich  do- 
)etuity  from 
)usy  popu- 
aiul  tangled 
re  now  the 
into  vencra- 
ipn  will  the 
chievements 
8  and  in  the 

igo  that  em- 
id,  and  Sau- 
ike,"  "ports 

prize  agent.  .\ 
jrcd  squadron  s! 
le  whole  mm,  or 
commander  ot  a 
encli  petty  officer, 
See  page  521. 
,, leers.  Itwa.'l'y 
idcns— Cliampliu, 
,vcro  from  llhodc 

It  the  upper  proT- 


Jonrney  to  Cloveliuid. 


HlUorlc  Places  at  Brie. 


Night  Travel. 


spread  their  arms ;"  and  every  year  the  anniversary  of  the  battle  is  somewhere  cel- 
ebrated with  appropriate  ceremonies.  Already  tlie  corner-stone  of  a  monumental 
shaft  in  commemoration  of  the  battle  has  been  laid  upon  Perry's  Look-out  on  Gibral- 
tar Island  ;'  and  in  the  beautiful  city  of  Cleveland — an  insignificant  hamlet  on  the 
bleak  lake  shore  in  1813,  now  [1867]  a  nuxrt  of  commerce  with  about  fifty  thousand 
iiihfibitants — a  noble  statue  of  Perry,  wrought  of  the  purest  Parian  marble  by  a  resi- 
dont  artist,  has  been  erected  by  the  city  authorities.^ 

I  was  present,  as  an  invited  guest,  at  the  inauguration  of  that  statue  of  Perry  on 
the  10th  of  September,  1860.     Never  will  the  impressive  spectacles  of  that  day,  and 
the  inflixcnce  of  the  associations  connected  with  them,  be  effaced  from  memory,    llie 
journey  thither,  the  mementoes  of  history  seen  on  the  way,  and  the  meeting  of  scores 
of  veterans  of  the  War  of  1812  at  the  great  gathering,  made  a  deep  impression  on 
the  mind.    I  lefl  my  home  on  the  Hudson,  with  my  family,  on  the  morning  of  the 
Cth,"  Avith  the  intention  of  stopping  at  Erie  (where  a  portion  of  Perry's    .  September, 
squadron  was  built)  on  my  way  to  Cleveland.     It  was  a  day  like  one  in         ^**'^"* 
midsummer — sultry  and  showery ;  yet  in  the  railway  carriage,  whose  steeds  never 
(Trow  w'cary,  and  wherein  shelter  from  sun  and  rain  are  ever  afforded,  we  traversed 
during  the  day,  with  very  little  fatigue  or  inconvenience,  more  than  the  entire  length 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  through  the  Hudson  and  Mohawk  valleys  and  the  great 
levels  westward,  to  Buffalo,  a  distance  of  three  hundred  and  seventy  miles.     There 
I  left  my  family  in  charge  of  the  veteran  Captain  Champlin,  one  of  the  heroes  of 
the  fight,  to  accompany  him  by  water  to  Cleveland ;   and  early  the  next  morn- 
inc''  I  pushed  on  by  railway  to  Erie,  where  I  had  the  good  fortune  to 
meet  Captain  W.  W.  Dobbins,  son  of  the  gallant  officer  of  that  name  al- 
ready mentioned.     Ho  kindly  accompanied  me  to  the  places  of  interest  about  Erie — 
tlie  site  of  Fort  Prestju'  Isle^ — of  Wiiyne's  block-house — of  Fort  Wayne,  on  Garrison 
Hill,  by  the  light-house* — of  the  navy  yard  at  the  mouth  of  C'ascade  Creek,*  and  the 
old  tavern  where  Perry  made  his  head-quarters  before  and  after  the  battle.     When, 
at  the  close  of  the  day,  we  returned  to  the  village,  heavy  black  clouds  were  brooding 
over  the  lake  in  the  direction  of  the  great  conflict,  and  the  deep  bellowing  of  the  dis- 
tant thunder  gave  a  vivid  idea  of  the  tumult  of  the  battle  lieard  from  that  very  spot 
■almost  half  a  century  before.     I  had  completed  my  sketches  and  observations,  and  I 
spent  the  evening  pleasantly  and  profitably  with  Captain  Dobbins  and  his  venerable 
mother,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  kind  courtesies  and  valuable  information.^    At 
almost  two  o'clock  in  the  morning'^  I  left  Erie  in  the  railway  cars  for 
Cleveland,  just  after  a  heavy  thunder-shower  had  passed  over  that  re- 
gion, making  the  night  intensely  dark,  and  drenching  the  country. 

We  arrived  at  Cleveland  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Heavy  mists  were  scurry- 
ing over  the  lake  upon  the  wings  of  fitful  gusts,  and  dashes  of  rain  came  down  fre- 
quently like  sudden  shower-baths.  For  almost  three  liours  I  waited  at  the  wharf 
where  the  passengers  on  the  boat  from  Buffalo  were  to  land.  She  was  The  Western 
Mdropolis — a  magnificent  vessel — one  of  th  j  finest  ever  built  on  the  lakes.    All  night 


"  September  T. 


=  September  8. 


'  See  pictnrc  on  page  61R  On  the  4th  of  July,  1862,  the  national  anniversary  was  celebrated  on  Put-in-Bay  Island  by 
Jte  companies  of  Ohio  vijiimtccr  militia.  Their  encampment  was  the  first  ever  seen  there  since  Harrison  loft  it  wltji 
Ml  troops  in  the  autumn  of  tSlS.  At  that  time  it  was  agreed  to  talie  measures  for  erecting  a  monument  iu  coramemo- 
mlon  of  the  victory,  and  The  Ilattlc  of  Lake  Krie  Monument  Aimoeiatvm  was  formed.  A  Constitotion  was  adopted,  and 
(Jmcral  Lewis  Cass,  of  "Detroit,  was  appointed  president  of  the  association.  J.  G.  Camp,  E.  Cooke,  E.  Bili,  A.  P.  Ed- 
turd!,  and  J.  A.  Harris,  were  appointed  a  provisional  executive  committee. 

'  Tlie  project  of  erecting  a  statue  of  Perry  at  Cleveland  originated  with  the  Hon.  Harvey  Rice,  of  that  elty,  who,  as 
umber  of  llie  Common  Council,  brought  the  subject  before  that  body  in  June,  1S57,  in  a  series  of  resolutions.  A  eom- 
mittce  was  appointed  to  take  the  matter  in  hand,  composed  of  Harvey  Kice,  p.  M.  Ovialt,  J.  M.  Coflinlicrry,  J.  Kirkpnt- 
tick,  and  C.  D.  Williams.  They  contracted  with  T.  .Tones  and  Sons,  of  Cleveland,  to  erect  a  monument  surmounted  liy  a 
itunc  of  Perry,  for  the  sum  of  eight  thousand  dollars.  The  designs  of  monument  and  statue  were  made  by  William 
Wslcntt,  the  sculptor,  of  Cleveland,  and  the  figures  were  executed  by  him. 

'  See  page  511.  «  See  note  1,  page  510.  'See  page  511. 

'Mm. Dobbins  is  of  English  and  Irish  extraction,  and  was  married  to  Mr. Dobbins  at  Canuonsbnrg,  Pennsylvunia, 
iiily  in  the  year  1800,  by  whom  she  had  ten  children. 


v-\  i 


|-.;ilH 


jljfl  !iifj|(':-'j 


638 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Pilot  of  the  Ariel. 


Croivdi  fill  Cleveland. 


"Camp  Perry"  on  Sundaj. 


long  she  liad  battled  with  the  storm,  yet  she  was  so  staneli  that  her  passoiicers  had 
slept  securely  ami  soundly.  A  line  state-room  liad  been  assigned  to  Captain  Cliamp- 
lin.  Among  the  survivors  of  the  war  who  accompanied  him  was  Captain  Asel  Wjl. 
kinson,  of  Golden,  Erie  County,  New  York,  who  was  the  pilot  of  the  Ariel — a  tall 
slender  man,  seventy-two  years  of  age.  He  stood  at  the  helm  of  his  vessel  all  tlnoiu'li 
^  ^^  '  the  battle  of  the  10th  of  Soj). 

rifonf)  yf//^/-?    '       n  tember.     His   cartridge-box 

^J^ll^  ^y/Ci^CynyO'r^S.'V^yi/'  ^vas  shot  from  his  side  by  a 

cannon-ball,  and  tlie  tliunder 
of  the  great  guns  brought  the  blood  from  his  ears  and  nose,  and  permanently  ini|i;iir 
ed  his  hearing.  I  received  many  remiaiscences  of  the  fight  from  his  lips  diii.ni^^  ^ 
brief  hour  that  I  spent  with  him.  His  vigor  of  mind  and  body  gave  promise  \  years 
of  future  usefulness,  but  his  days  were  nearly  numbered.  On  the  4th  of  Julv,  1861 
he  was  in  Buffalo  with  liis  wife  to  part'cipate  in  the  celebration  of  the  day.  When 
they  were  passing  tlie  corner  of  Pearl  and  Mohawk  Streets  he  suddenly  fell  to  the 
pavement  and  expired. 

In  the  midst  of  a  furious  thunder-storm  wo  rode  to  the  residence  of  a  gentleman  on 
Euclid  Street,  to  the  hospitalities  of  which  we  had  been  invited,  and  there  we  found 
a  pleasant  home  during  our  brief  sojourn  in  Clevelaiid.  It  was  the  last  day  of  the 
week.  On  Monday  the  appointed  ceremonies  were  to  be  performed,  and  visitors  were 
pouring  into  the  "  Forest  City"  by  tliousands  from  every  direction.  Tiiat  evcnina 
the  hotels  and  large  numbers  of  private  houses  were  filled  with  guests.  Mr.  Bancioit 
(the  historian),  who  was  one  of  tlie  chosen  orators  for  the  occasion,  liad  arrived ;  alsd 
a  large  delegation  from  Rhode  Island,  including  Governor  Sprague,  Mr.  Bartlett,  the 
Secretary  of  State,  Dr.  Parsons,  Bishop  Clarke,  and  Captain  Thomas  Brownell,  who 
was  the  acting  sailing-master  of  the  Ariel  in  the  battle.  Members  of  the  Perry  fam 
ily  and  scores  of  tlie  survivors  of  the  war  were  also  there,  and  the  bright  and  beau 
tiful  Sabbath  found  Cleveland  full  of  strangers. 
It  was  indeed  a  bright  and  beautiful  Sabbath.     The  storm-clouds  were  gone,  and 

the  first  cool  breath  of  autumn  came  from 
the  lake  and  gave  warning  of  the  ap- 
proaching season  of  hoar-fi-ost.  At  an 
early  hour  Euclid  Street  —  magnificent 
Euclid  Street  —  was  full  of  animation, 
Crowds  were  making  their  way  to  "Camp 
Perry,"  on  the  county  fair-grounds,  the 
head-quarters  of  the  military,  who  were 
under  the  command  of  Brigadier  General 
J.  W.  Fitch.  In  the  spacious  marquee  of 
that  officer  we  met,  just  before  tlie  horn' 
for  morning  religious  services  (in  which 
Bishop  Clarke  led),  most  of  tlie  Rhode 
Island  delegation.  Governor  Dennison,of 
Oliio,  and  his  staff,  and  Benjamin  Fleming, 
of  Erie,  a  lively  little  man,  then  seventy- 
eight  years  of  age,  who  was  a  maintop- 
man  in  the  Niagara  during  the  battle, 
He  was  yet  living  in  1863,  and  was  one 
uENJAMiN  FLMiiNo.  gf  t^fpe  gurvlvors  of  the  battle  who  arc 

residents  of  Erie.'    Fleming  was  a  native  of  Delaware.'^    He  was  dressed  in  full  sail- 

'  The  other  two  Were  John  Murray,  a  mnrinc  from  Peniioylvanla,  aged  abont  sevcuty-three,  mid  Jesse  Wall,  a  colored 
man,  nged  about  eeventy-four  years,  who  was  a  flfer  on  board  the  Niagara. 
•  ficujamiu  Flemiot;  was  bom  in  LewlBtou,  Delaware,  on  the  20th  of  July,  1T82.    He  entered  the  naval  service  on 


OF  THE  WAB    OF    1812. 


fi39 


Son  IvldH  Soldiers  of  the  War  of  1812. 


Tnaugnratloa  of  the  Statne  of  Perry. 


PreUininai7  Proceedings. 


or's  costume,  and  on  liis  right  breast,  in  the  form  of  a  shield,  on  which  was  inscribed  his 
name  and  the  occasion,  was  the  silver  medal  presented  by  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.' 


pebby'b  lantern. 


for  some  soldiers  were  on  those 
vessels  and  upon  Put-in-Bay 
Island.  There  was  also  Ilosea 
Sargent,  of  Cambridge,  Mas- 
sachusetts, a  survivor  of  the 
Lawrence,  who  handed  Perry 
his  flag  as  he  was  leaving  his 
vessel  for  the  Niagara.  A 
mute  relic  of  the  battle  was 
also  on  the  ground.  It  was 
Perry's  signal  lantern,  and  be- 
longed to  Lieutenant  Selden, 
It  was  made  of  tin,  with  win- 


There  wc  also  met  Dr.  Nathan 
Eastman,  of  Medina,  Ohio, 
who,  as  volunteer  surgeon,  as- 
sisted in  dressing  the  wounds 
of  those  injured  hi  tlu'  battle 
who  were  taken  to  the  marine 
liospital  at  Erie.  He  was  after- 
ward appointed  assistant  sur- 
ijeon,  and  spent  the  dreary 
winter  of  1813-14  in  that  ca- 
pjicit y  on  board  the  prize-ships 
Detroit  and  Queen  Charlotte, 

of  the  "  Wayne  Guards"  of  Erie,  who  were  present, 
(lows  of  scraped  horn,  and  had  a  venerable  appearance. 

Monday  dawned  gloomily.  Tlie  sky  was  lowering  with  heavy  clouds,  the  tem- 
perature-was  chilling,  and  as  the  time  approached  for  the  commencement  of  the  pub- 
lic ceremonies  there  were  indications  of  early  rain.  But  these  hindered  nothing.  At 
an  oarly  hour  I  went  to  the  City  Hall,  the  head-quarters  of  the  "  soldiers  of  1812," 
anil  assisted  in  the  interesting  task  of  making  a  register  of  the  names  and  ages  of 
tliose  who  were  present,  about  three  hundred  in  numb'.r.^  The  air  was  full  of  mar- 
tial music,  the  streets  and  buildings  were  gay  with  b.anners,  and  as  the  appointed 
time  for  uncovering  the  statue  drew  near,  the  public  square  of  ten  acres,  in  the  cen- 
tre of  which  it  stoo;!,  began  to  fill  with  people.  I  had  made  my  way  with  difficulty 
through  the  crowd  from  the  old  soldiers'  head-quarters  to  the  stage  erected  for  the 
ooiuluctors  of  the  pageant  and  invited  guests.  Mr.  Bancroft  soon  arrived,  alone,  but 
was  followed  almost  immediately  by  the  mayor  of  the  city,  the  committee  of  arrange- 
ments, Dr.  Parsons  (the  associate  orator),  the  Perry  family,  and  other  invited  guests. 
Very  soon  the  immense  military  and  civic  procession  came  filing  into  the  square  in 
2ay  and  sombre  costumes,  accompanied  by  a  miniature  brig  Laiorence,  on  wheels, 
drawn  by  four  horses.  The  inclosure  was  filled  with  the  living  sea,  and  broad  On- 
tario ami  Superior  Streets  were  crowded  with  people  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach. 
"  All  Cleveland  is  out !"  exclaimed  a  gentleman  at  my  elbow.  "  All  creation,  you 
hiul  hotter  say,"  responded  another.  It  was  estimated  that  fifty  thousand  strangers 
wore  present. 

The  ceremonies  before  the  statue  were  opened  by  prayer  from  the  lips  of  the  Rev- 
ireiid  Dr.  Perry,  of  Natchez,  Mi88is8i])pi.  Then  Mr.  Waloutt,  the  sculptor,  unveiled 
the  statue.  There  it  stood,  upon  a  green  mound,  surrounded  by  an  iron  railing,  im- 
posing, beautiful,  and  remarkable  because  of  its  extreme  whiteness.^  Tens  of  thou- 
•iinils  of  voices  sent  up  loud  cheers  as  that  chaste  work  of  art  was  clearly  revealed, 
I'lirjust  as  the  covering  was  removed,  rays  of  sunlight,  that  had  struggled  thi^ugh 

board  the  fflgnte  Eimx  in  1811,  and  at  New  York  volunteered  for  the  Inke  service.  He  \vi<>wUh  Elliott  at  the  captnre 
iif  the  Caltiionia  and  Adam».  See  list  uf  nnmcs  In  Note  S,  page  3S5.  He  had  lived  In  Brie  (  er  since  this  war.  Two 
of  bis  sons  were  in  a  Pennsylvania  regiment  during  the  late  Civil  War,  and  both  were  wonnded  in  the  b.ittJeB  befon^ 
Richmond.  >  See  page  BS5. 

>  .\monf;  these  were  Benjamin  Le  Reanx,  a^d  seventy-«even  years.  He  was  f^om  La  Salle  City,  Illinois.  He  ivas  a 
imall,  lively,  spnrkliug-fnced  man,  and  was  dressed  in  the  same  military  suit  of  gray  in  which,  as  orderly  serc^uant,  he 
tonghi  under  General  Scott  in  the  battle  of  Niagara,  or  Lundy's  Lane.  lie  was  in  Jesnp's  command.  A  liistory  of  that 
gray  uniform  will  he  given  liereaftcr.    Mr.  Lc  lieaiix's  father  was  a  Frenchman,  and  Kprved  as  captain  nnder  LafuyiUte. 

'  The  monument  and  statue,  represented  ou  the  following  page,  present  to  the  eye  one  of  the  most  chaste  memorials 
of  sreatness  to  l>e  found  in  the  country.  Indeed,  it  is  believed  that  nothing  equals  it.  The  pedestal  is  of  Khnde  Island 
liraiiite,  twelve  feet  in  height,  on  one  side  of  which  Is  sculptured.  In  low  relief,  the  scene  of  Perry's  passage  from  the 
Imrrma  to  the  Maijara.  On  one  side  of  It  is  a  small  statue  of  a  Sailor-boji,  bareheaded,  and  on  the  other  one  of  a  Mid- 
iki|)m(in,  with  his  cap  on,  in  the  attitude  of  listening.  The  statue  is  of  Parian  marble,  and  remarkable  for  its  purity. 
Il  It  i^l^lit  fejt  in  height,  but  at  the  altitude  of  the  top  of  the  pedestal  or  monument  it  appears  lilfa-slze.  The  entire 
litii;ht  of  the  monument,  including  the  base,  is  twenty-live  feet. . 


i-M 


MO 


PrCTOBIAL  FIELn-BOOK 


The  Statnc  unveiled. 


Orations  by  Bancroft  and  Pari>ona. 


A  remarlcnblu  Dinner 


'  li   i 


|i 

7f1 

1 

the  clouds,  fell  full  upon  it.  Mr.  WuJPutt 
made  a  brief  address,  which  was  resiiondci^ 
to  by  Mayor  Scnter.  Then  followed  Mr 
Ban'^roft's  oration,'  and  an  historical  dis^ 
course  by  Dr.  Parsons.'*  Oliver  Hazard  IVr- 
ry,  the  only  surviving  son  of  the  ((.iiiiiio. 
dore,  addressed  the  people  briefly,  when  the 
masonic  ceremonies  of  dedication  were  m- 
formed.  The  proceedings  closed  with  a  soncj, 
written  by  E.  (4.  Knowlton,  of  Cleveland 
and  sung  by  Ossian  E.  Dodge. 

I  had  been  invited  to  dine  with  the  vof- 
crans  of  1812,  and  when  the  eerenKniies  he- 
fore  the  statue  were  ended,!  hasi  ened  from 
the  crowded  city  to  the  old  soldiers'  han- 
quet-hall  in  the  railway  buildings  on  the 
margin  of  the  lake.  The  scene  was  a  most 
interesting  and  remarkable  one.  Almost 
three  hundred  survivors  of  the  war,  who  iiad 
been  participants  in  its  military  events,  wort- 
seated  at  the  table,  with  their  commander 
for  the  day  (General  J.  M.  Hughes),  and 
Deacon  Benjamin  Rouse,  the  president  of 
the  Old  Soldiers'  Association,  at  their  head. 
There  were  very  few  among  them  of  foclih 
step.  Upon  every  head  not  disfigured  liy  a 
wig  lay  the  snows  that  never  melt.  It  was 
;i  dinner-party,!  venture  to  say,  that  has  no 
|iarallel  in  history.  The  ages  of  the  guests 
(excepting  a  few  younger  men,  like  niystlf, 
who  were  permitted  by  courtesy  to  be  jires- 
ent)  ranged  from  fftysev en  to  ninety  years.' 
The  average  was  about  seventy  years;  and 
the  aggregate  age  of  the  company  Avas  about 
twenty  thousand  years  t 

When  I  left  the  banquet-liall  a  spectacle  of  rare  beauty  met  the  eye.  Tlic  high 
banks  of  the  lake  in  front  of  the  city  were  covered  with  men,  women,  and  oliikhvn, 
thousands  in  numbei-,  who  had  come  out  to  be  witnesses  of  a  promised  sham-fight  on 
the  lake,  in  nearly  exact  imitation  of  the  real  one  forty-seven  years  before.  Iciiuilnd 
the  steep  bank,  up  a  long  flight  of  stairs  at  the  foot  of  Warren  Street,  to  a  good  po- 
sition for  observation,  and  found  myself  by  the  side  of  Mr.  Fleming,  the  jolly  little 
maintop-man  of  the  Niagara,  with  his  sailor's  dress  and  silver  medal.  The  clouds 
had  dispersed,  and  the  afternoon  was  almost  as  bright  and  serene  as  when  the  old 
battle  was  waged.  One  by  one  the  vessels  representing  the  belligerent  squadrons  of 
Perry  and  Barclay  went  out  from  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga,  not  "  with  a  light 
breeze"  alone,  but  by  the  more  certain  power  of  steam-tugs.  Captain  Champlin  com- 
manded the  mock-American  squadron,  and  Mr.  Chapman*  that  of  the  mock-lJritisli. 

•  Imtnedtately  after  the  noncluBlon  of  Mr.  Bancroft's  addrcee,  he  wns  presented  with  i\  cane,  made  of  the  ttrabcr  of  (he 
Lmcreiux,  by  the  "Wayne  Guards,"  of  Erie.    The  head  is  of  i»old,  and  tho  fernle  a  spike  fi-om  the  Lawrenoe. 

'  During  the  delivery  of  Dr.  Parsons's  disconrse,  an  intellii;ent  old  man.  named  Quiun,  ttom  Pittsburg,  Poiinsylvania, 
came  upon  the  stand,  and  reported  himself  as  the  man  who  made  the  corda^  nsed  in  rigging  the  vessels  of  Perrv'i 
eqnadron.    He  had  with  him,  in  a  box,  the  identical  tools  that  were  nsed  in  that  service. 

3  The  oldest  man  among  them  was  a  colored  soldier  named  Abraham  Chase.  He  was  ninety.  Two  of  them  (8.  F. 
Whitney  and  Bichard  M'Cready)  were  only  flfty-seven.    They  were  boys  in  the  service.  «  See  page  B2T, 


PERBV'S  STATUE. 


the  timber  of  thr 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


541 


Sbam  BattU'  on  Lake  Erie. 


VUit  to  early  Reaidents  of  Cleveland. 


Captain  Stanton  Sboles. 


lUdO. 


.  gingnlar  coincidence  occurred.  Ab  in  the  real  battle,  so  in  this,  there  waH  a  light 
Vn-e/t'  ar  Hrnt,  which  freshened  before  the  close.  It  was  lui  excitinfj  scene,  and  little 
Fli-niuB  iUirly  danced  with  exhilaration  as  he  observed  the  flashes — the  booming 
of  groat  guns — the  fleet  rnveloped  in  smokt; — Champlin,  like  Perry,  leaving  the  Law- 
rence and  going  to  the  Niagara,  and  the  latter  sweeping  down,  breaking  the  Chap- 
inan-Harclay's  line  and  winning  victory.  With  this  extraordinary  pa^^eant  closed  the 
public  ceremonies  of  the  day.' 

On  the  following  Jay,  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  T.  B.  Fairchild,  of  Hudson,  Ohio,  1 
viiiited  several  jjcrsons  and  places  in  Cleveland  connected  with  its  history.  Among 
the  former  were  Judge  liarr,  to  whose  kind  courtesy,  through  the  medium  of  letters, 
I  was  under  many  obligations,  and  the  widow  of  Dr.  David  J^ong,  a  daughter  of  John 
Wadsworth,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  that  region.  She  was  a  resident  of  Cleve- 
land at  the  time  of  the  battle.  =*  When  I  visited  her*  she  and  Levi  John-  .September, 
nor.  and  his  wife  were  the  only  survivors  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  place 
in  1813.  At  the  time  of  Hull's  surrender 
there  was  great  alarm  at  Clevelaiul,  and 
Mrs.  Long  was  the  only  woman  who  re- 
mained. Her  husband  would  not  desert 
the  sick  there,  and  she  would  not  desert 
her  husband.  At  that  time  they  had  no 
military  ])rotection,  but  in  the  spring  of 
1813  Major  Jesup  was  stationed  there 
with  two  companies  of  Ohio  militia. 
These  were  joined  in  May  by  Captain 
Stanton  Sholes,  now  [l  ^67]  a  resident  of 
Columbus,  Ohio,^  with  a  company  of 
United  States  Artillery  from  Pennsylva- 
nia. He  was  cordially  welcomed  by 
Governor  Meigs,  and  made  his  quarters 
at  Major  Carter's  tavern.  Tie  immedi- 
iitcly  set  about  felling  the  timber  on  the 
-iite  of  the  present  city  of  Cleveland,  with 
which  to  build  a  small  stockade  fort. 
This  was  erected  near  the  present  light- 
house, about  fifty  yards  from  the  lake. 


JtmJiM,'fh.di^, 


'  At  lilt  close  of  the  pnbltc  proccedingB  the  members  of  the  Mnsonlc  Order  who  were  present  dined  together  ot  the 
Weddell  Flonse.  H.  L.  HoHmer,  Dnpnty  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  presided.  The  banqueters  were  enlivened  by  toasts  and 
spctflien,  and  the  festivities  closed  with  a  song  written  for  ihe  occasion  by  William  Ross  Wallace,  and  sung  by  Ossian 
E.  Doilgc— a  song  of  three  stanzas,  of  which  the  Idlowing  scirrlng  one  is  the  conclu<-'on: 

"  Roll,  roll,  ye  waves !  otemni  roll  I 
For  ye  are  holy  from  his  might: 
Oh,  Banner,  that  his  valor  wreathed, 

Forever  keep  thy  victor-light  1 
And  if  npon  this  sacred  lake 

Slionld  ever  come  invading  powers, 
Like  him  may  we  exulting  cry, 

Wk'vK  met  TIIK  1.-OK,  ANB  THEY  AKE  0ITE8  1" 

■  Dr.  Long's  dwelling  was  on  the  site  of  the  present  light-house  at  Cleveland.  It  still  exists,  bnt  at  some  distance 
frnm  the  place  where  it  was  built.  It  now  stands  on  the  north  side  of  Frankfort  Street,  between  Bank  and  Water  Streets. 
It  in  a  small  building,  one  story,  about  20  by  '2fi  feet  square. 

'  Mr.Sholcs  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  born  before  the  breaking  ont  of  the  Revolntlonary  War,  and  Is  now  CISC") 
nbout  ninety-six  years  of  age.  His  father  was  a  British  soldier  at  the  capture  of  (Jnebec  ftom  the  French,  and  served 
four  yeiirs  in  our  old  war  for  Independence.  In  early  life  Captain  Gholes  engaged  in  tlie  bnslness  of  a  sailor,  and  visited 
many  parts  of  the  world.  He  qnit  the  ocean  in  1803,  and  settled  In  the  Slate  of  New  York.  After  a  few  years  he  took 
'ip  bi«  abode  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  River,  about  twenty  miles  below  Pittsburg.  In  May,  ISl'.!,  he  received  from  Pres- 
ident Madison  a  captain's  comn\l88ion  in  the  second  division  LTnited  States  Artillery,  with  orders  to  recruit  a  company 
ofonp  hmidred  men  tor  five  years.  This  he  accomplished,  and  in  May,  1813,  arrived  with  them  at  Cleveland,  as  we  have 
ibjcrv'ed.  He  served  faithfully  in  the  Northwest,  during  the  hostilities  In  that  region,  under  Harrison.  I  am  indebted 
loCnptain  Sholes  (br  much  valuable  information  concerning  operations  there.  He  is  an  honored  hero  of  two  wars,  fbr 
hefore  the  close  of  the  Revolution  be  ran  away  from  home,  and  entered  the  service  of  his  country  as  a  boy-aoldler. 


■  -V 


ill 


OM 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Parrjr  tnd  hia  Csptlvei. 


Terrible  Storm  on  IjUie  Brte. 


Fate  of  the  chief  Vemelg  In  the  Bwtit 


I,  .1 


IIo  also  erected  a  comfortable  hospital.  During  that  summer  he  was  on  active  dntv 
there,  but  two  ilays  before  the  battle  on  the  laki'  he  received  orders  from  <i('noral 
Harrison  to  break  up  his  encampment,  and,  with  his  comjjany  and  all  the  >Xf>veriiinont 
boats  at  Cleveland,  movo  on  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mauinee,  preparatory  to  a  Hpt^dy 
invasion  (if  Canada. 

•  iMO  ^  ^'''^^  Cleveland  on  the  morning  of  the  1 2th  of  September"  for  Southern  Ohio 
and  the  residence  and  ((tmb  of  lieneral  Harrison.  Of  the  incidents  of  tlmt 
jounioy  I  sh.iU  hereafter  write.  Lot  us  occupy  a  few  moments  in  consKU'ring  tlic 
farther  movements  of  the  lake  squadron  so  lately  in  battle.  We  left  them  in  Put  in- 
"  September,     l^ay  on  the  morning  of  the  t'ith,''  after  the  sad  task  of  burying  the  slain 

•'A®'^-  officers  had  been  performed. 

In  the  course  of  the  i'  ly  after  the  battle  Perry  visited  the  wounded  Barclay  oii 
board  the  battere<l  Detroit.  They  met  there  for  the  first  time  face  to  face,  and  it  was 
the  beginning  of  a  lasting  personal  friemlship.  His  kindness  to  IJarclay  and  his  men 
on  this  occasion  el'cited  the  i)raise8  of  thiU  officer  in  his  official  dispatch.  Kvery  tliin,, 
that  friend  could  do  for  friend  was  performed  by  the  victor  toward  the  captive' 

Perry  now  prepared  for  the  transportation  of  Harrison's  army  to  C.-inada.  I'nr 
that  purpose  he  ji'  ced  all  the  wounded  Americans  on  board  the  L<(wrence.,  and  i|i|. 
wounded  British  on  board  the  Detroit  and  Queen  Charlotte,^  and  arranired  the  Ki- 
agara  and  the  lighter  vessels  of  both  sipiadrons  as  transports.  Ho  made  the  .Vwy. 
ara  his  flag-ship;  and  on  board  of  her,  on  the  13th,  while  a  furious  gale  from  tin 
southwest  was  sweeping  over  the  lake,  he  wrote  a  detailed  account  of  the  battle  tin 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.'  The  shattered  Britisii  vessels  were  made  to  sutler  liv 
that  storm.  It  drove  heavy  swells  into  the  harbor,  which  so  shook  the  Detroit  that 
her  masts  fell  u])on  her  decV  with  a  terrible  crash,  wrecking  every  thing  near  them. 
The  main  and  m'zzen  mas  he  Queen  (Jharlotte  also  fell;  and  there  lay  the  tlim 

vessels  helpless  hulks.  Tluj  •,  ere  converted  into  hospital  ships.  The  crippled  Lav- 
rence,  devoted  to  the  same  uses,  sailed  sluggishly  for  Erie  on  the  21  st, 
and  wns  soon  followed  by  the  Detroit  and  Queen  Charlotte.*    She  arrived 


'  September. 


Captain  SIkiIom  is  the  subject  of  an  extraordinary  phyBlological  chii'  re.  For  fifty  years  he  was  bald  and  woreanln 
Then  he  was  afflicted  with  cevere  headache,  for  the  relief  of  which  iluihs  dipped  In  warm  water  and  wriui),'  out  wen 
applied.  The  pain  teaxcd  and  a  new  growth  of  hair  commenced.  In  the  summer  of  1804,  uh  I  was  informed  l)y  hln  pa*. 
tor,  Rev.  Mr.  liyers,  his  head  wa»  thickly  covered  with  glossy,  snowy-white  hair,  so  long  that  it  was  combed  back  from 
the  forehead  and  tied  with  a  ribbon  at  his  neck.  Ills  face,  also,  which  was  formerly  maclt  wrinkled,  had  become  smootb, 
"  with  much  of  the  restored  fairness  of  youth." 

'  While  Perry  was  on  the  Dttrnil,  two  savages,  who  had  been  concealed  in  the  hold  of  the  vessel,  were  bronght  to  hlni 
They  were  Indian  chiefs,  and  had  been  taken  on  board  clothed  in  sailors'  suits,  and,  with  others,  were  placed  in  the  to|i> 
as  sliarp-shooters.  The  noise  of  great  gnns  and  the  dangers  of  the  fight  unnerved  tliem,  and  they  had  lied  to  the  hold 
in  terror.  Wlien  brought  before  Perry  they  expected  torture  or  scalping.  Their  astonishment  was  great  when  he  gpokf 
kindly  to  them,  directed  them  to  be  fed,  and  scut  them  on  shore  with  assurances  of  protection  from  the  Indiaus  friendlj 
to  the  Americans. 

2  The  prisoners  conveyed  to  Brie  were  sent  to  Pittsburg,  In  the  Interior,  for  greater  gecurlty.  The  wounded  were 
well  cared  for. 

3  In  this  dispatch  Perry  spoke  In  terms  of  praise  of  all  his  officers  who  were  conspicuous  in  the  battle.  Captain  El- 
liott received  a  bountlftil  share,  contrary  to  the  judgment  and  wishes  of  many  of  Pc^r^'J^  officers.  They  expressed  Iheir 
opinions  fteeiy  in  disparagement  of  Elliott.  A  quarrel  between  the  two  commn«diis  and  their  friends  ensued.  The 
controversy  was  revived  in  after  years  by  Mr.  Cooper,  the  historian  of  the  United  States  Navy,  and  old  animoslllcs  wcrr 
awakened  to  unwonted  vigor.  They  have  ^^  t.'aptain  George  Miles,  of  Erie.  Theymn 
now  slept  for  many  years,  and  I  do  not  »  |^M  A  converted  into  merchant  ships,  but  In  lb 
choose  to  disturb  them  by  any  remarks  l^fl^HR  course  of  five  or  six  years  they  became  Ufc 
here.  The  public  verdict  has  determined  ^^I^^H  '^'^'  "^'^  IMmit  lay  at  Buffalo  sonic  time, 
the  relative  position  of  the  two  command-  l^RBIA  when  she  was  purchased  by  the  hotel-keep- 
ers in  the  history  of  the  country.  So  let  it  wHPmI^&=:;^v.  ers  at  Niagara  Falls,  with  which  to  mskeii 
be.                                                                                 Ug^a^HMylft     spectacle  for  the  visitors  there  in  the  sum- 

*  The  liatrrmcf,  Dftrmt,  and  Qtteen  Char'  fj|k_  I^RH^^^^a^  """''■  ''''"'y  P'oeed  a  live  bear  and  olhfr 
fo'te  were  afterward  sunk  in  Little  Bay  (see  j^^k  I^^^B^BiifeB  animals  on  board  of  her,  and  sent  her 
map  on  page  SU),  on  the  northerly  side  of  l|^^B  ^^^^BSr^l  adrift  above  the  Fails,  in  the  presence ofn 
the  harbor  of  Erie.  The  .Vtar^m  was  kept  '^^^K  I^^^^^E^^  great  crowd  of  |>eople,  who  expected  to  tee 
at  Brie  as  a  receiving  ship  for  a  long  time.  --M^Ky^^^B^^^^  J  her  plnnue  over  tlie  great  cataract.  Bn; 
She  was  finally  abandoned,  and  also  sunk  "y^^^^B^g^F^^^  T  she  lodged  In  the  rapids  above,  and  ther' 
In  Little  Bay.  Here  her  bottom,  partly  ^^^^^HP^B?^?"^  went  to  pieces.  Such  was  the  end  ofCom 
covered  by  sand,  may  still  be  seen.    In  ^^H^^^jT-**^!"'      mander  Barclay's  flag-ship  Ikrynii.  Pieer* 

1837  the  Detroit  and  i^uen  Charlotte  were  ^^^^^Ei'^^^vJ^        "f  "i^  iMwrerwe  have  been  sniinlit  for  »> 

pnrchasedofthe  government,  and  raised  by  ■    >•-;-  relics  by  the  curious,  and  many  caue«  and 


m!> 


OF  THE   WAU   OF   1813. 


Ai3 


,c  wonndcd  vrtre 


Pen,  and  tliirrl«i)n  at  Brio. 


Their  Horeptlon. 


Incident!  at  Biie. 


Biecutlon  of  BM. 


ri.UllV>    gllAKTEBB. 


at  Erie  on  the  'iail,  and  was  grooted  by  a 
Kaliite  of  seventeen  giiiiH  on  shore.  A  month 
.0.)  later,"  wlien  Canada  liad  been 
m;'-  •  siieeesstully  uivaued  by  Harri- 
son, and  Perry,  as  his  vohmleer  aid,  had 
sliiircd  in  tlie  lionors  of  victory,  tlie  Ariel 
sailed  into  K'"'«  with  these  eonimaiiders, 
fllio  were  accoin])anied  by  Coniniodori' 
Barcliiy,  then  admitted  to  liis  paroU^  and 
Colonel  E.  r.  Gaines.  Tiiese  ottieers  took 
locl'lniis  ai  Duncan's,  Perry's  old  head- 
nuiirtd^,  yet  standinj,'  (glorious  because  of 
its  uHJtdciations,  though  in  ruins),  on  the 
corner  of  Third  and  French  Strei'ts. '  They 
were  received  -with  the  booming  of  can- 
non, the  shouts  of  the  people,  and  the  kind- 
ly greeting  of  every  loyal  heart.  The  town 
wa»  illiiuuiiated  in  the  evening,  and  the  streets  were  enlivened  by  a  torch-liglit  pro- 
cession, bearing  transparencies,  made  at 
the  suggestion  and  under  the  direction 
of  the  accomplished  Lieutenant  Thomas 
Holdup.^  On  one  of  these  were  the  words 
"  Commodore  I'erry,  1 0th  of  September, 
1813;"  on  another,  "  (4eneral  Harrison, 
5th  of  October,  1813;"  cm  another, "  Free 
Trade  and  Sailors'  liights;"  and  on  a 
fourth, "  Erie."  The  Niagara  arrived  the 
same  afternoon,  and  other  vessels  soon  fol- 
lowed.^ 

The  succeeding  winter  was  passed  in 
much  anxiety  by  the  inhabitants  of  Erie 
on  acx'onnt  of  an  expected  attack  by  the 
British  and  Indians,  who,  it  was  reported, 
were  preparing  to  cross  the  lake  on  the 
ice  from  the  Canada  shore.  False  alarms 
were  frequent,  and  midnight  2)acking8  of 
valuables  preparatory  to  an  exodus  were 
quite  common.  The  summer  brought 
guaranties  of  repose,  and  during  the  last 
half  of  the  year  1814  only  a  company  of 
volunteers  were  stationed  there,  most  of  them  at  the  block-house  at  Cascade  Creek.* 

ilifr  artlclen  have  been  made  of  the  wood.  Captain  Chainplin  and  Dr.  Parsons,  snrvlvors  of  the  battle,  both  hnvp 
lisira  made  from  the  oak  wood  of  the  flag-ship.  Our  little  eniiraving  on  the  opposite  page  shows  the  form  '>f  Chnni- 
liliii's  chnlr.    I  saw  the  stern-post  of  the  Lawretue  In  possession  of  Captain  W.  W.  Dobbins,  at  Erie. 

1  Tliis  is  known  as  the  "  Eric  Hotel."    The  above  picture  shows  its  appearance  when  I  sketched  it  in  September, 
1^C(|.   Tlie  most  dii^tiuit  window  of  the  second  story,  seen  in  the  gable  of  tho  main  building,  and  boarded  up,  was  point- 
ed out  to  me  as  the  one  that  lighted  the  room  occupied  by  Perry. 
'  See  Note  S,  page  528.  '  Doctor  Parsons's  Diary.    Mi.ss  Laura  O.  Sanford's  History  of  Erie. 

'  Tliree  men  wore  executed  at  Erie  for  desertion  in  the  autumn  of  1S14.  One  of  them  was  a  young  man  of  some 
standing,  mimed  Bird,  who  had  fought  gallantly  on  the  Niagara  in  the  battle  on  Lake  Erie.  Ills  ofTenee  could  not  be 
overlooked,  and  he  was  shot.  It  was  thought  by  some  that  his  pardon,  under  tho  circumstances,  might  not  have  been 
detrimental  to  the  public  good.  A  doleful  ballad,  called  The  vmurnful  Tragedn  o,t  James  Bint,  was  written,  and  became 
very  popular  throughout  the  country,  drawing  te£  's  from  nnrctlned  and  sensitive  listeners.  Older  readers  will  doubt- 
less remember  with  what  pathos  the  singers  would  chant  tho  following,  which  was  the  last  of  tho  eleven  verses  of  the 
ballad: 

"See, he  kneels  upon  his  cofHn  1  sure  his  death  can  do  no  good. 
Spare  hini  I    Iliirk  I    Oh  God  1  they've  shot  him ;  his  bosom  streams  with  blood. 
Farewell,  Bird  !  farewell  forever !    Friends  and  home  he'll  see  no  more  I 
But  his  mangled  corpse  lies  buried  '^  Erie's  distant  shore." 


THOMAS  nOLDUP  STEVENB. 


1  i  »' 


Ml 


044 


I'ICTOHIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Arrapgemenu  fur  Invading  Cansd«. narrlmn'a  Dlilnt«fWt«dneM. Qowrnor  Shelby  and  hia  Full^liijr 


CITAPTEU  XXVI. 

"'Twftd  on  LaTranche'H  fcrtllo  banka 

A  KUlli'Xt  l«>it  iipiK'iircd  ; 
But  rmirtmn  hundred  fiirniivl  their  ranks— 

No  chnnro  of  war  they  foiirt'd. 
Their  counlry'B  chuhc  htid  called  them  forth 

To  Imttle'H  Htormy  Held  ; 
They  deemed  the  mnu  of  llltlo  worth 

WhoHO  rnind  but  tliou^'ht  to  yield. 
There  onr  Columhlit'K  warrior  bnnda 

The  Htnr-Rtud  enHli;n  bear, 
And  General  llarrlHon  commands 

The  men  to  valor  dear." 

g>ftPFjj|^;;-.2 '      .,  11  KN  Perry's  victory  gave  the  sovereignty  of  Lake  Eric  ♦',  tiio 
/Vlu  AincricaiiH,  General  Harrison  had  conipleted  liis  arraiigoiiu'iits 

for  invading  Canachi.  lie  liad  called  on  Governor  SiuHiv  of 
Kentuclvy,  lor  fifteen  Inindred  men,  and,  with  the  generosity  of 
an  nnselfish  patriot  as  he  was,  invited  that  veteran  to  the  field 
and  to  the  chief  command,  Haying,  "Wliy  not,  my  dear  Hit-,  comp 
in  i)erHon  ?  You  would  not  object  to  a  command  tiiat  would  be 
nominal  only.  I  have  Huch  confidence  in  your  wisdom,  that  you, 
in  fact,  should  '  be  the  guiding  head  and  I  the  hand.'  Tiie  situation  you  would  W 
placed  in  would  not  be  without  its  parallel.  Scipio,  the  concpieror  of  Cartliano,  did 
not  disdain  to  act  as  the  lieutenant  of  his  younger  and  less  experienced  brother 
Lucius." 

This  invitation  roused  the  martial  spirit  of  Shelby,  and  he  resolved  to  lea(l,nolto 
«cn(?lt  H  people  against  the  foe.  He  called  for  mounted  volunteers  to  assemble  at 
•July  81,  Newport,  opposite  Cincinnati,  at  the  yiose  of  July."  "I  will  meet  you  tlieiv 
*^'^-  in  person," lie  said;  "I  will  lead  you  to  the  field  of  battle,  and  share  Avitli 
you  the  clangers  and  honors  of  the  campaign."  His  words  were  electrical ;  Kentucky 
instantly  blazed  with  enthusiasm.  "  Come,"  said  the  young  men  and  veterans, "  let 
us  rally  round  the  eagle  of  our  country,  for  Old  KliHf''s  Mountain^  will  certainly  lead 
us  to  victory  and  conquest."  Twice  the  required  number  flocked  to  his  standard; 
and  with  Major  John  Adair,''  and  the  late  venerable  United  States  senator  .lolin 
J.  Crittenden,^  as  his  aids,  and  wearing  upon  his  thigh  a  sword  just  presented  to 

1  Oovernor  Shelby  wn»  one  of  the  lendcrB  of  the  militia  who  defeated  the  bunded  Tories  nndcr  Major  Fcrgnfnn  on 
Kiuij's  Mountain,  on  the  upper  borders  of  South  t'arolinu,  on  the  7th  of  Octobf  r,  1781.  Slielby'8  valor  on  that  occusioo 
was  conspicuous,  and  he  was  known  in  late* .  cars  by  the  familiar  nairo  of  Old  Kmg'n  Mountuhi. 

'  John  Adair  was  a  North  Carolinian,  and  emigrated  to  Kentucky  in  1780,  at  the  age  of  thirty-one  years.  lie  wasnn 
active  ofllcer  in  the  Indian  ware  on  the  Northwestern  frontier.  He  held  the  rommlBsiou  of  major  In  1792.  He  was  pop 
nlar  in  his  adopted  state  until  isn7,  when  his  unfortunate  connection  with  Burr  obscured  his  rei)utatlon  for  a  while,  lie 
seems  not  to  have  been  aware  (like  other  of  Burr's  dupes)  of  the  traitor's  real  desi^rns.  In  politics  he  was  a  Kcdorolist. 
His  conduct  during  the  campaign  of  1813  was  every  way  praiseworthy.  lie  was  afterward  apiiointcd  adjutant  geneml 
of  the  Kentucky  troops,  with  the  brevet  rank  of  brigadier  general.  In  that  capacity  he  commanded  the  KcnIiicliUiis 
in  the  battle  of  New  Orleans.  In  1820  he  was  elected  Governor  of  Kentucky,  and  was  often  a  member  of  the  Stale  Ugls- 
lature.  lie  had  been  United  States  senator  in  ISO,"* ;  in  1831  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  lower  house  of  Confres!. 
He  died  on  the  l'.)th  of  May,  1S40,  nt  the  age  of  eighty-three  years. 

3  John  .T.  Crittenden  was  born  in  Woodford  County,  Kentucky,  in  September,  17Sfi.  His  father  was  an  early  Mttler 
in  that  state.  Young  Crittenden  studied  law,  and  commenced  Us  practice  in  Russellville,  Logan  County.  He  was  amonf 
the  first  voliuitcera  raised  by  Oovernor  Shelby  for  Harrison  in  1S1S>.  He  accompanied  General  Hopkins  in  his  cx|)Cili- 
tion  on  the  Wabash  (see  page  330),  and  the  next  year  was  with  Harrison  on  the  Northwestern  frontier.  He  performed 
gallant  service  In  the  battle  on  the  Thames,  after  which  ho  resumed  his  profession  at  RnssellvlUe.  He  was  several 
times  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature,  and  was  elected  United  States  senator  in  1817.  He  afterward  removed  to 
Frankfort,  where  he  practiced  his  professhm  uutil  IS36,  Bcr\-ing  bis  constituents  as  legislator  occasionally.    That  year 


OF   THE   WAU   OF   1818. 


S40 


li  FuUi 


Eric  t",  iiio 
raiigcnu'iits 
p  Slielby,  of 
LMUTOsity  (if 
to  the  iiflil 
iar  sir,  come 
i.at  would  1)0 
iin,  lliiit  yim, 
Oil  would  1)1' 
!artlia;,'t',  did 
ced  brother, 

had,  not  to 
aKsonibli,'  at 
set  you  tlii'i'c 

share  witli 
Ki'iiluoky 
etcrans, "  kt 

rtainly  lead 
is  Btandaiil; 

iiator  Joliii 

)  resented  to 


Injor  ForRnson  on 
■  on  that  occasion 

years.   Howium 

7>.)2.   Ilcwaspor 
)ii  for  a  while.  Hi' 

wns  i>  Federalist. 

ndjntnnt  Kcnnal 
_  the  Konlufklflns 
nftheStntoUiri?- 
lOUBC  of  Coiifrcss, 


->■' 


as  an  early  Mttlfr 

He  was  amon,; 

lis  in  his  cxpcili- 

r.    He  iicrformcl 

He  was  several 

irwaril  removed  to 

onally.   Thotyeu 


T^i^riart—ntei  U>  Ooternor  Hhelbjr.  Annr  «' the  Northwest  In  Mutlon.  ItilabulMtion  forC'iiniuU, 

him  by  Henry  Clay,  in  tho  iiamo  of  tho  State  of  North  CaroUnn,  in  testimony  of  ap- 
nreciittio"  of  liin  HerviccH  in  t\w  old  war  for  independence,'  lie  led  thirty-five  hund- 
red mounted  men,  ineludinjx  Colonel  H.  M.  Johnsoii'H  troop,  in  the  direction  of  Lak<' 
Eric.  At  IJrhana  he  or<;anized  Ium  volnnteerH  into  eleven  re^'imentH,''  and  on  the  12th 
(if  September  reached  Upper  Sandimky.  From  that  poHt  Shelby  pnwiied  forward  with 
bin  start", and  at  Fort  l>.ill  (Tittin)  he  heard  of  IVrryV  victory.  He  dispatched  a  cour- 
ier to  Major  (leneral  Henry,  whom  he  had  lell  in  command  at  Lower  Sandusky,  j^iv- 
iiiffhini  the  glorious  news,  and  directing  him  to  press  forward  with  tho  troops  us  fast 
as  posnible.  The  intelligence  of  success  nerved  them  to  more  vigorous  action;  and 
on  the  15th  am!  10th"  the  wliole  army  of  the  Northwest,  excepting  tho  •  seiiiombor, 
troops  at  Fort  Meigs  and  minor  posts,  were  on  the  bordera  of  Lake  Eric,  "'"• 

on  the  ])leasant  peninsula  between  Sandusky  Ihiy  and  the  lake  below  llio  nioutli  of 
the Portatjc  liiver,  now  i'ort  CMinton.^  Shelby  arrived  there  on  llic  14th,  a  few  inin- 
iit(»  before  a  jtart  of  Perry's  s(|ua<lron  apjjeared  bearing  three  Iniodred  Hritish  jiris- 
oiieis.  These  were  landed  at  the  mouth  of  the  Portage,  placed  in  charge  of  the  in- 
fantry, and  a  few  days  afVerward  were  marched  to  Fianklinton  and  Chillicothe, es- 
corted by  a  guard  of  Kentucky  militia  unch/r  (Quartermaster  Payno. 

Preparations  were  now  made  for  the  embarkation  of  the  army.  Harrison  had  been 
joined  at  Seneca  by  about  two  hundred  and  si.xty  friendly  Wyandot,  Shawnoese,  and 
Seneca  Indians  under  chiefs  Lewis,  IJlack  Hoof,*  and  IJlacksnake.  General  M'Arthur, 
Clay's  successor  in  command  of  Fort  Meigs,  was  ordered  to  embark  artillery,  provis- 
ions, and  stores  from  that  now  reduced  ]>ost,  and  to  march  the  icgulars  there,  with 
Clay's  Keiituckians,  to  the  Portage.  Colonel  Johnson  was  directed  to  remain  at  Fort 
Melius  with  his  mounted  regiment  until  the  expedition  sliould  sail,  and  then  nmrch 
toward  Detroit,  keeping  abreast  of  the  army  on  the  trans))orts,  as  nearly  as  possible. 

The  embarkation  of  the  army  commenced  on  the  20th.''     The  Aveather 
was  delightful.     On  tho  24th  tho  troops  rendezvoused  on  Put-in-liay  Isl- 

l;f  was  elected  to  the  United  .States  Senate.  lie  was  called  to  the  cabinet  of  Picsldcnt  Harrison,  In  1S41,  as  attorney 
;  iicral.  Ue  was  agahi  elected  to  the  Senate,  and  In  1S4.S  was  chosen  Governor  of  Kentucky.  President  Fillmore  called 
lira  to  his  cnbinet  In  July,  1H60,  as  attorney  general.  Ho  entered  the  United  Slates  Senate  again  as  a  nienilicr  In  ImM, 
:i!iil  lield  his  seat  there  until  IMl,  when  his  term  of  ofllce  expired.  He  took  an  active  part,  as  u  Union  man,  In  leglsla- 
I  .('  measures  |H>rtalning  to  the  Urcat  Rebellion,  and  his  proposition  for  conciliation  will  ever  be  known  In  history  as 
;  .  Critleiulen  Cmnprnmiiie.  In  ISfil  he  was  elected  a  representative  of  tho  lower  house  of  the  Thirty -seventh  Congress, 
uidili  position  he  occupied  until  the  close  of  the  session  on  the  3d  of  March,  1S03,  when  he  ."  •>  agam  put  In  uomtna- 
i:  111  for  the  same  offlce.  But  he  did  not  live  until  the  time  for  the  election.  His  physical  powers  had  been  gradually 
L-ivinB  way  for  some  time,  and  at  half  past  three  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning,  July  26,  lstl3,  ho  died  at  his  residence  at 
1  ranlifort,  without  a  struggle,  at  the  age  of  almost  seventy-seven  years. 
1  have  before  me  Mr.  Clay's  autograph  letter  to  Governor  Shelby  ou  the  subject.  -The  following  Is  a  copy: 

"  Lexinoto.v,  22d  August,  1813. 
•Mr  DEAB  Sib,— I  have  seen  by  the  public  prints  that  yon  Intend  leading  a  detachment  ft'om  this  state.  As  you  will 
Hint  a  Bword,  I  have  the  pleasure  to  Inform  you  that  1  am  charged  by  Governor  Turner  and  Mr.  Macon  with  delivering 
;  yiin  that  which  the  State  of  North  Carolina  voted  yon  In  testimony  of  the  sense  It  entertained  of  your  conduct  at 
Kiis's  Moimliiin.  I  would  take  It  will,  me  to  Frankfort,  In  order  that  1  might  personally  e-tecnte  the  commission,  ar.* 
■  Hie  same  time  have  the  giatlflcatlon  "f  seeing  you,  If  I  were  not  excessively  oppressed  with  fatigue.  I  shall  not  fr  ' 
i  rwcver,  to  avail  myself  of  the  first  safe  conveyance,  and  If  any  should  offer  to  you  I  will  thank  you  to  Inform  mo.  t'  ■ 
\\  aci|aire  additional  lustre  in  the  patriotic  and  hazardous  enterprise  in  which  yon  are  embarking  I 

"Your  friend,  H.  Clav. 

Tlic  Bword  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  W.  T.  Barry,  a  mutual  friend,  on  tho  day  when  tho  letter  was  written,  who 
nveyed  It  to  Ooveruor  Shelby,  at  Frankfort. 

'■  The  reglnu'iits  were  officered  respectively  as  follows:  I.lentenant  Colonels  Trotter,  Donaldson,  Poague,  Mountjoy, 

Idinlck,  Davfiijiort,  Paul,  Calloway,  Simrall,  Barbour,  and  Williams.    They  were  formed  Into  Ave  brigades,  under  Brig- 

!:fr«  Calmes,  Chiles,  King,  Allen,  and  Caldwell.    The  whole  were  formed  Into  two  divisions,  under  Major  Generals 

w  illian  Henry  and  Joseph  Deaha.    W.  T.  Barry  was  appointed  the  governor's  secretary,  Thomas  T.  Barr  judge  advo- 

,  :ic  scneral,  and  Doctor  A.  J.  Mitchell  hospital  surgeon. 

•  The  Portage  Is  a  deep,  sluggish  st'cam.  It  rises  in  the  Black  Swamp,  and  flows  between  thirty  and  forty  mile*. 
litre  is  a  nood  harbor  at  Port  Clinton. 

'  lllack  Hoof  was  a  famous  Shnwnoese  chief.  He  was  born  In  Florida,  and  remembered  his  tribe  moving  from  there 
■ '  rcnnaylvanla  and  Ohio.  He  was  promhient  In  tho  fight  against  Braddock  In  I'M,  and  was  In  all  the  Indian  wars 
uiili  the  Americans  In  the  Northwest  toward  the  close  of  the  last  century,  until  the  treaty  of  Greenville  in  liflS.  Up  to 
:  ilui  lime  he  had  been  the  bitter  enemy  of  the  white  man ;  afterward  he  remained  falthftil  to  that  treaty.  Tecnmtha 
■  tried  to  seduce  him,  bnt  failed,  and  by  his  Influence  he  kept  a  greater  portion  of  his  tribe  from  joining  tho  British  hi 
I  the  War  of  ISI'2.  He  became  the  ally  of  the  United  States,  bnt  bodily  Infirmity  kept  him  f^om  active  service.  In  the  in- 
I  lUnce  of  his  fHeudsblp  just  mentioned,  he  simply  brought  his  people  to  camp,  and  left  younger  chiefs  to  conduct  them 
I  in  the  campaign. 

Mm 


IV.   ^>- 


ii  3. 


640 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Army  crosses  Luke  Erie.       It  lands  wlihont  Opposition.       VeuKeniice  of  the  Kcutncltiiuis  iind  Fenrs  of  I'roctor 

and,  and  on  tho  25tli  they  were  upon  the  Middle  Sister,  an  island  containintf  six  or 
seven  acres.  Upon  that  small  space  almost  five  thousand  men  were  encamped.  The 
Kentuckians  had  left  tlieir  horses  on  the  peninsula,  and  were  acting  as  infanti-y.'  The 
elements  were  iavoring.  There  was  a  fresh  hreeze  from  the  south,  and  General  Har- 
rison and  Commodore  Perry  sailed  in  the  Ariel  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy  at  llaidcn 
They  acc<)ni|ilished  their  ohject  fully  and  returned  at  sunset.  Directions  wore  at 
once  given  for  the  embarkation  of  the  troops  the  next  morning,  and  in  a  general  or- 
der issued  that  evening,  the  place  and  manner  of  landing,  the  arrangement  of  the 
order  of  march,  the  attack  on  the  foe,  and  other  particulars,  Avere  prescribed  with 
gi'cat  minuteness.  It  Avas  believed  that  the  (Mieniy  would  meet  them  at  the  laiuliiur. 
place.  This  order  was  signed  by  E.  P.  (iaines,  the  adjutant  general,  and  contaiiud 
the  following  exhortation:  "The  genei'al  entreats  his  bi-ave  troops  to  remember  tliat 
they  are  the  sons  of  sires  whose  fame  is  immortal ;  that  they  are  to  fight  for  (ho  ri"lits 
of  their  insulted  cotintry,  while  their  opponents  combat  for  the  unjust  pretension^  of 
a  master.  Kentuckians!  remember  the  Kiver  liaisin !  but  remember  it  o?*/y  wliile 
victory  is  suspended.  The  revenge  of  a  soldier  can  not  be  gratified  upon  a  fallen 
enemy,"^ 

•>  September,  The  filial  embarkation  took  place  on  the  morning  of  the  2Vth.''  Xo  lovo- 
1813.  jjpj.  ..xntumnal  day  ever  dawned  upon  the  earth.  The  sky  was  eloiulles-;, 
the  atmosphere  balmy,  and  a  gentle  breeze  from  the  southwest  lightly  rippled  thi 
waters.  In  sixteen  armed  vessels  and  almost  one  luindred  boats  that  little  ainuMvas 
put  aflo.at.  All  was  in  motion  at  nine  o'clock,  and  as  the  great  flotilla  moved  north- 
ward toward  the  hostile  shore,  Harrison's  stirring  address  was  j-ead  to  the  nun  on 
each  vessel.  From  these  Avent  up  a  hearty  shout  of  Ilamson  and  Victori/,  and 
then  all  moved  on  silently  into  the  Detroit  River.  The  sjiectacle  was  lieaiitil'iil  and 
sublime. 

Hartley's  Point,  three  or  four  miles  below  Amherstburg  (Maiden),  and  opposite 
the  lower  end  of  Bois  lilanc  Island,  had  been  selected  by  Harrison  and  Perry  ax  the 
landing-place.  The  debarkation  took  place  at  about  tour  o'clock,  on  a  low,  sandy 
beach  there,  which  stretched  out  in  front  of  high  sand-drifts,  behind  which  it  was  be- 
lieved the  enemy  lay  concealed.  The  army  landed  in  perfect  battle  order,  the  Ken- 
tucky Volunteers  on  the  right,  the  regulars  on  the  U;ft,  and  Ball's  Legion  and  th" 
friendly  Indians  in  the  centre.  But  no  enemy  was  there.  I'roctor,  who  Avas  in  com- 
mand at  Maiden,  taking  counsel  <»f  Prudence  and  Fear,^  and  contrary  to  the  solemn 
advice,  earnest  entreatie,  and  indignant  remonstrances  of  his  more  coura<>eous  broth- 
er officer  Tecumtha,"*  had  fled  northward  Avith  his  army,  and  all  that  he  could  take 

'  There  were  not  vessels  enough  to  transport  tho  horses  with  forage,  and  they  were  left  behind.  A  .strong  fence  of 
brnsh  and  fallen  timber  was  constructed  across  the  iathmii  from  near  Port  Clinton,  a  dLstance  of  not  more  tlian  twn 
miles,  maliiug  the  whole  peniiisnia  an  inclosnre  for  ilie  horpet  l-i  pasture  in.  One  of  ever)-  twenty  Kcutuckinns  wm 
draft'-'d  to  form  a  guard  for  the  horse?,  and  these  were  placed  iimliT  the  command  of  Colonel  Christopher  Rife. 

3  The  terrible  niiissacre  at  the  River  Fai.'^iii,  and  tho  circnnif  "i  ccs  attending  it,  inspired  the  Kentucliiimn  with  dim"-' 
savage  desires  for  -.cngcance.  Quo  "f  their  songs  s'.ina;  aiound  camp-Hres  recounted  the  cruellies  of  the  Indians  .hi. 
the  inhumanity  of  Proctor  on  that  ■  tcasiou.    The  following  if  one  of  the  slanzati  : 

Freemen  1  no  lonaer  bear  snoh  slaughters; 

Avenge  v   .  r  country's  cruel  woe ; 
ArnuBO,  ami  ■a\!^  yonr  wives  and  dnughters ! 
•  iv  •       Arouse,  and  smltr  the  faithless  foe  1 

•  CuoBus.— Scalps  ■  ro  bought  at  stated  prices, 

Ma'i'eu  pays  the  price  in  gold." 
'  Proctor,  like  the  Kentuckians,  rmembered  the  Ihrer  Raimn,  ami  was  afraid  of  fnlUng  into  f^ie  hands  of  th"M  vrhwe 
eons  and  brothers  had  he  'n  butchered  a  few  months  before  by  hii*  iiermissloii.    His  scouts  had  peen  tho  Amcriiaii*  mi 
the  Sandusky  Penliisula,  ■  i.il  had  reported  their  number  ntji/tcni  thmuaiid,  at  le.:st  ten  tbunsand  nf  whom  weioKfc- 
tuckiaiin  buni'iig  with  revrnge.    The  fear  of  these  cave  tieetness  to  bis  feet. 

*  The  defeat  and  r.ipttire  of  the  British  sipitidron  h.t<i  i)et>n  foolishly  irniucaled  f'om  Tecumtha  f'/f  fear  of  itsd'raorali!- 
Irg  effect  on  his sa»  il'c  followers.  The  Iiidian  leader  waf  thcrefoic gr»«tly  astonislu  li  -.vhiin  hii .  Iisened  Prnctor pre\i>T- 
ing  to  flee.  Re  hnd  l^"en  delighted  when  the  British  veBsels  went  out  to  fight.  He  crossed  ever  to  Bois  BUni  WunJ 
to  WBtcb  the  fln  iiijH.irancf  of  them  returning  willi  the  vinqnishBd  American  siiuadron— an  apparition  which  Pm- 
tor's  boastirt'  made  him  believe  would  certainly  be  rv  v,  .led.    lie  was  disappointed,  bewildered,  and  perpleicil: 

BUfi,  with  giiiii  \i  i.<>mcncc  of  manner,  he  addressed  Proctor,  saying, 
"Father,  I  Men!    Our  fleet  has  gone  out ,  we  know  th^.y  have  fought ;  w.  iiavB  heard  the  great  guM;  bat  wc  iiiii" 


BOU^     — 


OF  THE   WAR  OF   1812. 


5-JT 


;ar8  of  I'roctot. 


Tbe  Americana  |parK«n. 


gaiMi  lint  we  taw* 


rilj^iha^  scornful  Kebuke  «f  Proctor.      The  British  and  Indians  fly  toward  tbe 

with  hini)  leaving  Fort  Maiden,  the  navy  buildingK.  and  tbe  store-housea  smoking 
ruins.  As  the  Americans  approached  the  town,  wita  Goverwr  Shelby  in  advance, 
'hev  met,  not  valiant  Jiritissli  regulars  nor  painted  wavajjf^^but  a '  roop  of  modest,  well- 
hcssed  women,  who  came  to  implore  mercy  and  protet-.ion.  Tbt-  kind-hearted  vet- 
eran soon  calmed  their  fears.  The  army  entered  AmherstUurg  with  the  bands  play- 
iiiiY  Yaiiliee  Boodle.  The  loyal  iidiabitants  had  fUA  w't"  '  army.  The  ruins  of 
port  Maiden,  the  dock-yard,  and  the  public  stores  wer    -         ^  u]>  iMfc^c  volumes  of 

smoke.  _  *      _  _ 

Proctor  had  impi'essed  into  his  service  all  the  horwK  of  the  itihabitants  to  facilitate 
his  fliffht,  yet  Harrison  wrote  courageou^i  v  to  the  S-cretary  v*'  War,  on  the  evening 
after  his  arrival  at  Amherstburg,"  sayhig,  •  I  will  pursue  the  «»emy  to-  •  September  27, 
morrow,  although  there  is  no  probability  '^4"  overtakin)^  him,  as  he  lias  '*"*• 

upward  of  a  thousand  horses,  and  we  lia\«'  not  one  in  the  army.  I  shall  think  my- 
self fortunate  to  collect  a  sufficiency  to  nvmnt  the  general  ofHcers."  Only  one,  and 
tiiitt  a  Canadian  pony,  was  procured,  and  «»«  that  the  venerable  Shelby  was  mounted. 
When  Harrison's  vanguard  arrived  at  AuihrfTstburg,  the  rear-guard  of  the  enemy 
had  not  been  gone  an  hour.  Colonel  Ball  immediately  sent  an  officer  and  twenty  of 
his  cavalry  after  them,  to  prevent  tli.m  destroying  the  bridge  over  the  Aux  Canards, 
or  Ta-ron-tee.  They  had  just  fin  .  it  when  the  Americans  appeared.  A  single  vol- 
ley scattered  the  incendiaries,  and  the  bridge  was  saved.  The  ne.\t  morning  Harri- 
son's army,  excepting  a  regiment  of  riflemen  under  Colonel  Smith  left  at  Amlierst- 
burg,  crossed  it,  and  encanijx'd  in  tlie  Petit  Cote  Settlement,'  and  at  two  o'clock  on 
the  29th  they  entered  Sandwich.  At  the  same  time  the  American  flotilla  reached 
Detroit;  and  on  the,  following  day,  Colonel  Johnson  and  his  mounted  regim.'iit  ar- 
rived tlure.  M'Arlhur,  wil'i  seven  hundred  eftective  men,  had  already  crossed  over, 
ihiven  off  a  body  of  Indians  who  were  hovering  around  the  place,  and  retaken  the 
town.  General  Ilarrison  had  also  declared  the  martial  law  enforced  by  Proctor  at 
an  end,  and  the  civil  government  of  Michigan  re-established,  to  the  great  joy  of  the 
inhabitants.^ 

On  the  arrival  of  Johnson  the  general-in-chief  sent  on  one  of  his  aids-de-camp. 
Captain  0.  S.  Todd,^  to  order  the  colonel  to  cross  immediately  with  his  troops,  for  he 

nothing  of  what  has  happened  to  our  father  with  one  ami  tCriptain  Barclay].  Our  ships  have  Koiie  one  way,  and  we 
aif  much  astonished  to  sec  our  lather  tyiiiK  up  every  thing,  and  jjreparing  to  run  the  other  way,  without  letting  his  red 
tliililrcn  know  what  his  intentions  arc.  You  always  told  us  to  remain  here  and  take  care  nf  our  Innds.  You  always 
told  ns  you  woalrt  never  draw  your  foot  off  British  ground  ;  but  now,  father,  wc  see  you  arc  drnxflng  back,  and  we  arc 
(orry  to  fee  our  father  doing  no  without  seeing  the  enemy.  We  must  compare  our  father's  conduct  to  a  fat  dog  that 
curries  its  tail  upon  its  back,  bat  when  alTrighted  It  drops  it  between  Its  legs  and  runs  oft. 

"Fatlier,li»tenl  The  Americans  have  not  yet  defeated  us  by  land,  neither  arc  we  sure  that  thev  have  done  so  by 
iialer;  itelher^are  loi'nA  to  remain  hfrc  nrA  Jieiht  onr  eiicm;/,  Hhould  tlieii  nuike  thrir  appcarawe.  If  tliev  defeat  us  we  '  i\\ 
iki mreat  v'ith  our  father.  .  .  .  Youhii.o  got  the  arms  and  ammunition  which  our  groat  father,  the  king,  sent  .'ui  his 
red  fliildren.  if  yon  have  an  Idea  of  going  away,  give  tlicm  to  us,  and  you  may  go  and  w(>Iconie  for  us.  Our  lives  are 
in  ihc  hauda  of  the  Great  Spirit.  We  are  determined  to  defend  our  lands,  and.  If  It  be  his  will,  we  wish  to  leave  our 
lune ,  upon  them." 

This  speech  was  addressed  to  Proctor  at  a  ronncil  held  on  the  ISth  of  September  in  one  of  the  store-houses  at  Am- 
hersthiirg.  Its  efle<t  was  powerful.  The  IiKliaus  all  started  ti>  their  feet,  and  brandished  their  tcunahawks  In  a  men- 
.itini;  manner.  Proctor  had  resolved  to  flee  to  the  Niagara  frontier,  hut  this  demonstration  maiie  him  hesitate.  He 
Snilly  (luietcd  Tecumtha  and  his  followers  by  promising  to  fall  back  only  to  the  Moravian  Towns,  on  the  Thames,  and 
ihere  malte  a  stand.  These  were  about  half  way  between  Amher.slburg  and  the  outposts  of  tlie  centre  division  of  the 
Wlish  nrray,  on  the  western  borders  of  Lake  Ontario.  On  the  day  of  the  conncll  Prortor  left  Amherstburg  with  a  large 
ftiti'dii  (if  his  r.irce.  Mnjor  Wurburlon  remained,  charged  wltli  destroying  the  public  property  on  the  appearance  of 
lie  Aii:ericans.  ■  See  Maj)  on  jinge  '.'«(). 

'  iitfoi  ^  the  Americans  landed,  the  joyons  Inhabitants  ran  nj)  the  United  States  flag.  They  had  suffered  dreadfiilly. 
Fornioiilhs  thf  insolent  savagr-s  had  made  tiicir  dwellings  (ice  qu.utcrs.  When  they  fled  ;  e  Indians  tired  the  fort. 
TbeH.imc.i  wore  "i  on  extinguished. 

'  ilarriaon'j  gallant  aid-de-eamp,  Charles  Scott  Todd,  is  yet  [ISeT]  'Iving  in  his  n..tlve  state,  Kentucky,  where  he  was 

l»ni  oil  the  i'ia  of  January,  1701.    I  met  him  In  W.ishington  ('ity  at  near  the  close  of  ISdl,  wher.  he  wa^  almost  seven- 

ivoiie  years  of  agi;.    llii  mcnif.l  and  physical  vigor  seemed  equal  to  those  of  most  men  at  fifty,    ile  was  there  lO  offer 

Mfwnkc   '«  the  field  t<i  Ids  government  In  Its  war  again.^t  the  (lieat  Kcliclliop.    Colonel  Todd  is  one  of  the  mostem- 

iaentof  the  public  servants  of  this  country.    Ho  was  edncntcd  at  the  College  "f  \i'llllam  and  M.iry,  in  VlrL'inla.  where 

hfitasi:r(i.iuated  with  dlstlm-Jon  In  ISOi).    Law  oecnnie  liia  profession,  but  cr,  the  brj.ikliig  out  ,)f  the  war  he  entered 

:  lltt military  service  as  ensign  of  a  company  of  vr.lnntceis  raised  for  Ilarrison  at  Lexington,  wtiere  ho  was  engaged  in 

j  ki<  [irofesiilmi.   He  became  acting  quarter-nir.ster  and  Judge  advocate  of  Winchester's  wing  of  the  Northwestern  Army, 

:  ud  Willi  cjceudlngly  active  ia  the  wUderneas.    "  Ub  combined,"  said  Uarrisou  »l  taai  time,  "  the  ardor  of  yoiUh  wlik 


648 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Johnsuii  find  hlB  Horsemen  cross  Detroit  River.     Vlgoroiia  Pursuit  of  the  British.      Perry's  Squadron  In  the  Thamej 

'was  resolved  to  push  on  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy  as  quickly  as  possil)U..  ]j(, 
calletl  a  council  of  his  general  oHioers 
informed  them  of  his  intention  and 
consulted  with  them  concernincr  \]^^ 
best  route  to  pursue,  only  two  IjciiK- 
feasible,  namely,  by  land  in  rear  of  tho 
British,  or  by  Lake  Erie  to  Lou"  Vm^ 
wlierc  the  Americans  miglit  make  a 
rapid  march  across  the  country,  and 
intercept  the  fugitives.  The  land  route 
was  chosen. 

Johnson  and  his  mounted  men  cross- 
ed the  river  to  Sandwich  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  1st,"  and  on  tiie  .qco^ 
following  morning  the  j)ur-  '*"•  ' 
suit  M'as  ex)mmenced.  M'Artluir  ami 
his  brigade  were  left  to  hold  Detroit' 
Cass's  brigade  and  Ball's  regiment 
were  left  at  Sandwich  ;  and  ahnut  one 
hundred  and  forty  regulars,  JolinsonV 
mounted  corps,  and  such  of  Slielljv's 
Kentucky  Volunteers  as  were  fit  ihr 
long  and  rapid  marches,  the  wliolc 
three  thousand  live  hundred  in  number,  left  Sandwich,  and  pressed  ou  toward  Clia*- 
ham,  on  the  Thames,'  near  which,  it  was  alleged.  Proctor  was  encam])ed.  Geinial 
Marquis  Calmes,  and  Adjutant  General  Gaines  were  compelled  by  illness  to  reiiiiiiu 
iit  Sandwich;  and  General  Cass  accompanied  Harrison  as  volunteer  aid. 

Information  had  been  received  two  days  before''  that  some  sinall  v  . 
"  fleptomber  30.  ,         .  ,      ,  ,  -,,  ,  i 

sels,  Vt'itn  the  enemy  s  artillery  and  baggage,  were  escaping  uj)  Lalce^t. 

Clair  toward  the  Tliames,  when  Commodore  Perry  dispatched  a  povtion  of  his  sqiuii]. 

ron,  consisting  of  the  N^iagara,  Lady  Pi'evost,  (Scorpion,  and  Tii/ress,  under  Cajitain 

Elliott,  in  pursuit.    Perry  soon  followed  in  the  Ariel,  accompaniee.  by  the  Caledinih ; 

and  on  the  day  when  Harrison  left  Sandwich*^  the  little  squadron  appea-eii 

oft"  the  mouth  of  the  Thames,  having  in  charge  the  baggnge,  provisions,  ani 

ammunition-wagons  of  the  American  army.     Th'!  enemy's  vessels,  having  iiiiuli  tin 

start,  escaj>ed  up  the  Thames.- 

Proctor  seems  not  to  have  expected  pursuit  by  land,  and  the  Americans  found  all 

the  bridges  ov«'r  the  streams  that  fall  into  Lake  St.  Clair  uninjiiieu.    Harrison  jiic's-tl 


the  maturity  of  sge."   In  May,  1113,  he  was  commlpsloned  a  captain  In  the  Vnltcd  States  army,  and  IlnrrlBoii  nppoliiK! 
him  hie  aid.    His  oonduct  in  llio  campaign  in  the  autnmn  of  that  year  was  highly commendeil, cspecliiliy at  llntanlt 
on  the  Thames.    He  sui  cecilcd  Major  HukiU  as  deputy  Inspector  general  of  tlie  Klgluli  Military  l)i8tri<  ■.,  and  was  .1(1;: 
lant  general  of  the  district  the  followln';  year,  when  he  served  with  General  M'Arllmr  with  great  accei)tnuce.  Hi  k- 
came  iusiwctor  general  in  March,  isift,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  Imt  left  the  army  in  .lune  following ;  and  after  tlie  n  j 
Harrlsim  said  that  "Colonel  Toiiil  was  equal  In  bravery  and  superior  in  intelligence  to  any  ofllrer  of  his  raukio  iht 
army."    He  resumed  hie  prn^  lire  of  the  law  r.t  Krnnkfort,  where  he  married  a  daughter  of  Governor  Sliclliy.   He  sooi  I 
became  secretary  of  slate,  tin  n  a  meml)er  of  the  Legislature,  and  was  tlnally  sent  by  President  Monroe  on  a  coniiiiemld  ] 
mission  to  Colombia,  South  .'.inerlca-   His  services  there  were  very  important.   In  the  spring  of  lR4fl  he  assisted,  liy  rt- 
iinesi,  in  the  preparation  o'  a  Mfe  of  General  Harrison,  and,  as  editor  of  a  Cincinnati  paper,  he  warnilv  advocated  fc 
general's  election  to  the  iiiesidency.    In  the  summer  of  1841  he  was  appointed  United  Stales  minister  to  Rufsia.mt  j 
served  his  eouiilry  in  that  capacity  to  the  perfect  satisfaction  of  both  governments.    It  was  while  he  was  there  Ibatltt 
portrait  from  whi'h  the  above  likeness  was  talcen  was  painted.    In  private,  as  In  public  life,  Colonel  Todd  is  a  miit'. 
uf  A  Christian  gentlvman. 

'  This  consldornlile  stream  was  called  Im  TVamhf  by  the  French.  It  is  sometimes  called  the  Trait, but  now Ukiic?! 
only  by  the  name  of  Thames.    In  the  poetic  epigraph  to  this  chapter  it  is  called  Im  Tranrhf. 

'  M'Afee  (page  I'Xl)  says  that  when  the  American  armv  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Thames,  an  eagle  was  »fcu h"- 
ering  over  it.  "Tliat,"  said  Ilarri.wn,  "  is  e  presage  of  success."  Perry,  who  had  landed  and  was  wtlli  the  goceral, 
remarked  that  an  eagle  hovered  over  his  squadron  on  ilie  morning  of  the  inth  of  SJcplcmbei. 


OF  THE  WAU   OF   1812. 


649 


*  Octohfr, 
1S13. 


an  ia  the  Thamo 

in  pursuit  of 
possiljk'.  Hi, 
iieral  oSicers, 
iitentiou,  uH 
mceniiiig  the 
ly  two  bciii" 

in  rear  of  tlic 
,0  Long  Toiiit, 
iiij^ht  make  a 

country,  \m\ 
The  luud  vwiw 

itod  mon  cross- 
li  on  the  evoii- 
1  the 
})ur- 

M' Arthur  and 
)  hohl  Detroit; 
lall's  regiment 
and  ahont  one 
ihirs,  JolmsonV 
ich  of  Slii'Uiy's 
as  ■wore  tit  for 
hes,  the  wliolc 
u  toward  Clia'- 
mped.  GeiRMiil 
llness  to  remain 
lid. 

some  small  v 

)ing  n|>  Luke  St. 

1011  of  his  s(|uail' 

|,  nndor  ("ajitaiii 

the  Caledonin : 

adron  appoiireii 

,  provihiims,  anil 

aving  much  tlie 

h'lcans  found  all 
iLirrisoupros^i'il ! 


Ind  HiirrlBou  a;)piiiiiieJ  i 
lcsi)ei'iiil!j'  !it  llii>  iun't 
ll)istrif.,iiiul«f  nil;-; 
Int  (icceptancc.   Hr  K-- 
Iln(,';  aiidoftiTllicra 
leer  of  his  rauklnltii  j 
Irnor  Sli<'ll>y.   Ue  »  I 
li)nrnn  on  a  oontUtntid  I 
llR4nhens8i8'.cil,n,vrt- 

warmlv  ndvocaleil  Ik 
Inlnlstcr  toRui-sia.ao'l 
lolic  wiiiillien'lhalllif  I 

iloncl  Todd  1«  a  modt! 

hreiO,  but  now  is  km"  j 

Ian  eaijle  wae  m«  li"'- 1 
IwaBwUh  lkgciier«l.| 


Pursuit  up  the  Thames^ 


A  Halt  at  DolHen's. 


The  Amerlcau  Truopu  at  Chatham, 


forward  rapidly  along  the  good  road  by  the  boi'ders  of  the  lake  for  twenty  miles, 
when  seven  British  deserters  informed  him  that  Proctor,  with  seven  hundred  white 
men  and  twelve  hnndred  Indians,  was  encamped  at  Dolsen's  farm,  ahont  fifteen  miles 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Thames,  on  its  right  or  noi'thern  bank,  and  fifty-six  miles  from 
Detroit  by  water.     This  information  stimulated  the  Aniericaiis  to  greater  exertions, 

I  ^vlien  they  halted  at  night  on  the  banks  of  the  Kuscom,  they  had  marched  twen- 
tv-tivc  miles  from  Sandwich.  At  dawn  the  next  morning  the  ])ursnit  was  renewed, 
ind  near  the  month  of  the  Th.ime8  Johnson's  regiment  captured  a  lieutenant  of  dra- 
,T(i(iiis  and  eleven  privates,  who  had  just  commenced  the  destruction  of  a  bridge  over 
■1  small  tributary  of  the  river.  This  was  the  first  intimation  to  ILarrison  that  Proc- 
tiir  was  aware  of  the  pursuit.  Tlie  capture  of  this  little  party  was  considered  r,  good 
, linen.  The  pursuit  was  continued,  and  that  night  the  Americans  encamped  on  Drake's 
farm,  on  the  lefl  bank  of  the  Thames,  about  four  miles  below  Dolsen's.  The  iScoi-jnon, 
commanded  by  the  gallant  Champlin,  the  Tigress,  and  the  Porcupine.,  had  followed 
the  army  up  tlie  river  as  convoys  to  the  transports,  and  to  cover  the  passage  of  the 
tiooiis  over  the  mouths  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Thames,  or  of  the  river  itself.  At 
this  tioini  the  character  of  the  stream  and  its  banks  changed.  Below,  the  channel 
«as  hroad,  the  cur- 
rent sluggish,  and  the  .-::^lr^^ 

siiores  were  extended  ;  ' 

Hat  prairies ;  here  the 
country  became  hilly, 
the  banks  high  and 
precipitous,  the  chan- 
icl  narrow,  and  the 
c:rrent  rapid.  On 
these  accounts,  and 
hecausc  of  the  expo- 
-ure  of  the  decks  to 
Iiiilian  sharp-shooters 
from  the  lofty  wooded 
hanks,  it  was  conclud- 
eil  not  to  take  the  ves- 
sels higher  than  Dol- 
sen's, Perry  now  left 
tl'.e  vessels,  ofl'ered  his 
services  us  volunteer 
aid  to  General  Harri- 
son, and  Joined  the  army  In  the  exciting  pursuit  of  the  fugitives. 

Harrison  pressed  forward  on  the  morning  of  the  4th.  Proctor  fled  up  the  Thames 
iiom  Dolscu'.-i,  cursed  by  Tecumtha  for  his  cowardice,  to  Chatham,  two  and  a  half 
miles,  where  an  impassable  stream,  called  M'tiregor's  Creek,  flows  into  the  Thames 
hetween  steep  banks.  There  Proctor  j)romised  Tecumtha  he  would  make  a  final 
stand,  "  Here,"  he  said  on  his  arrival, "  we  will  defeat  Harrison  or  lay  our  bones." 
Tliese  words  pleased  the  wavv',or,  and  he  regarded  the  position  as  a  most  favorable 
one.  "  When  I  look  on  these  two  streams,"  he  said,  "I  shall  think  of  the  AV abash  .md 
the  Tippecanoe."  A  l)ri<lge  at  the  mouth  of  tlie  creek,  and  another  at  M'GregoiV 
mill,  a  mile  above,  had  been  partially  dastroyed,  and  a  consiilerablc  body  of  Indians 


■"''^'■;'i. . 


I>OL8EN*8,I 


'  The  above  skotrh  if  a  vlow  of  Dolsen's  lioii-3e,  made  whpii  I  visited  the  spot  in  the  nntninri  of  18(10.  Il  is  a  hewn 
kif  Mructnrc,  and  atands  very  near  the  rljjht  or  north  haiiU  nf  ihc  Thames.  It  Is  aoout  two  miles  and  a  half  iiclow 
Chatham.  The  owner  snd  resident  there  In  isia,  Isaai'  Dolsen,  Ksq.,  was  then  living  in  Chatham,  but  was  absint  at 
Ihe  llmc  of  my  visit  He  was  then  about  clRhty  years  of  a^e.  He  and  his  brother  .Tohn  were  natives  of  the  Molinwi; 
V«llpy,  of  Dutch  desec't.  On  their  return,  after  the  battle  some  miles  above,  tlic  Amerlcon  army  eniiimpell  on  the  farm 
iitJiihii,haira  mi'''  mcIow  Isaac's.    The  Tlianies  Is  here  sluggish,  and  about  three  hundred  yard*  wide. 


m 


4 


650 


rici^lffjetiL 


flkirmiah  8t  M'Onwor'a  Mill. 


DeM^»ili)t»  aTTiiipuMi, 


Thy  Brltl«fa  nearly  overtnk^ 


VUIW    »1  JLUXIO.N    op     ,41:   THAMES   AKD   H'OSEUOBB    CREKK.  > 


^•'^?t£i« 


wwre  at  each,  to  dispute  the 
pamugfc  of  the  pursiKTs  or 
tbttir  attempts  to  make  re- 
fairs.  Two  six-pound  n\\. 
iiTidi  I  thcflimitioiiof 

,r^'    VVood,  soon  drovi 

tliOBii.  /'  'omthf  liridrr, 
at  ('WAtimuu  and  a  dash  nt 
(V/lonel  Jolinson  and  his 
liorsemen  upon  the  dusky 
foe  at  M'Grejtor's  also  stu't 
tliem  flying  after  Proctor, 
JohiiHon  lost  two  men  kill. 
ed  and  six  or  Bcvcn  wound- 
ed, The  Indians  had  thir- 
teen killed  and  a  larf'c 
miinbor  wounded. 

Botli  bridges  were  speed- 
ily repaired,  and  the  troops 
were  abowt  Vr  pns'h  forw^ird,  when  Walk-in-tlie-water,  the  Wyandot  chief  ahc.iK 
mentioned,  who  iw^  left  tht-  banner  of 
I'l'iH'tric  Willi  NJufy  warriors,  c/Mt\^  to  Har- 
rison anil  i\\\'i'iit\  III  loin  )iis  army  condi- 
tionally. The  general  iiad  no  I'liiir  Ut  treat 
^♦H))  the  Bavage,  so  ho  told  him  tiitii  St  iw 
\i'\\  '|'|i('limlliil  he  must  'vcepout  oftlie  way 
ol'llie  American  army,  f (<•  ^id  so,  and  re- 
ttirned  (ii  the  Detroit  River. 

Tlie  enemy  sjyread  destrnclion  in  theii 
flight.  Near  Cliatham  'ley  Hred  a  hoiis' 
containing  almost  a  thonsand  muskets. 
The  flames  were  (juenched  and  the  arms 
were  saved.  Half  a  mile  flirther  np  the 
river  they  burned  one  of  their  own  ves- 
sels laden  with  ordnance  and  military 
stores;  and  o](posite  Bowles's  farm,  where 
Harrison  mcamped,  two  more  vessels  and 
a  distillery,  containing  ordnance,  naval  and  military  stores,  and  other  property  ol';in;it 
value,  were  in  flames.  The  Americans  secured  two  24-pounders  and  a  cpiautityot 
shot  and  shell.  Certain  intelligence  was  received  that  the  enemy  were  only  a  few 
miles  distant,  and  tlial  night  Harrison  intrenclied  his  camp  and  set  a  double  guard. 
At  midnight  Proctcn-  and  Tecumtha  reconnoitred  the  camp,  but  prudently  refraineJ 
from  attacking  it. 

1  Tills  sketch  Is  a  view  of  the  junction  of  tlie  Thames  and  M'Gregor's  Creek,  from  the  i)re8eut  bridge  nt  Challiani, 
looking  lip  the  river.  The  Thonies  Is  seen  on  the  left,  and  M'are;{or's  Creek  on  the  right.  The  ujiper  tern  utidii  of 
ihc  l)rl<l|;c,  mentioned  In  the  text,  was  betwein  the  two  clump.')  of  trees  on  the  bliifT.  In  the  distance  is  sceu  llu'  cniir: 
hoHfi'  und  Jail  of  Chatham.  On  the  flat  belwoen  it  and  the  creek  the  British  built  two  or  three  gun-bontK,  nndcrlhi 
superinteiidcnce  of  Captain  liakcr,  the  Kami  person  who  constructed  the  barirn  that  bore  M'as'iingtoii  from  Kliznlnih- 
town  to  New  Y(nk  in  ITS'.i,  wli-n  going  there  to  be  iuaugiiniied  President  of  the  XTnlted  .'^lalef^.  Lookiu);  bcydnd  llir 
point  of  the  blnlT,  up  the  Thames,  Is  seen  the  residence  of  Henry  .Tones.  II  is  upon  the  site  of  llie  bulidinj:,  meiiliim ! 
ill  the  text,  111  which  were  e  larpe  quantity  of  muskets  saved  from  tlic  llanies  by  the  .\nieric,ins.  Farther  up  the  fin  mi 
lay  a  sunken  steam-jioat,  that  craft  being  in  the  habit  of  plyin;:  between  Detroit  and  Chatham.  On  the  opposite  eide of 
the  Thames  is  seen  a  tannery.    The  iilain  on  which  tlie  gnn-boats  were  built  is  now  a  ml!ifHry  rcFSrve. 

'  This  little  skelrli  siiows  the  appearance  of  the  ruins  of  M'flreiror'smill  when  I  visited  't  in  the  autumn  of  1S60.  Tbc 
timbers  of  Ihc  ends  of  the  dam  are  seen  on  the  shores.  The  bridge  carried  by  Johnson  cros?ed  liie  Hlmam  vitv  licit 
the  mill.  In  this  view  wc  are  looking  oast  from  the  southwest  uidu  uf  thu  creek.  Abeautifully  shaded  rainc,  withi 
■mall  creek,  Is  seen  here. 


.y  oitKoims  .Mii.i,. 


■■rtjr  o»f  rtnken. 

dispute  the 
pursiuTB  ov 
to  make  re- 
^-pound  f'tui- 
clirectioii  of 
^oon  (Irovi 
intlicliriilm 
id  a  dash  nf 
on    and  lii> 

11   tllL'  (liiskv 

ar's  also  sent 
ftcr  Proctnr. 
,wo  iiicn  kill- 
leven  wouiul- 
aiis  had  tliir- 
iiid  a  lar!.'p 
ded. 

's  wore  speed- 
lid  the  ti(Mi]i« 
chief  alreiiK 


I  quaiiliiy  "f 
've  only  a  t'lvi 
d:)iihle  !iu:iril. 
nilly  n'fraiiicil 


biidfre  (it  Chalham, 
liper  k'rr  '  itii'U  «f 
ic«  Is  BCC'ii  lh«  com!- 
;ini-l>i)Bti',  under  lt( 
jtoii  from  Eliinliclh- 
LdDkliijibcjomltk' 
l)ullilinfr,  meiili""'! 
arthpr  up  the  fWm 
the  oppodlwi''"' 
srvc. 

mtumnoflSW.  The 
llip  Rtream  virymir 
liaded  ravine,  wUbi 


OF   THE   WAK   OF   1812. 


HI 


551 


The  fugitive  BrltlBh  and  Indlniis  discovered. 


The  chusen  Battle-^rouud. 


Tecumtba'a  cbief  Lleutenaut. 


The  Americans  were  in  motion  at  dawn,  the  mounted  lortimeuts  in  front,  led  by 
reiH'Viil  Harrison  and  his;  staff.  The  Kentuckians,  under  Shelby,  iV.Mowed.  They  soon 
eai)tured  two  of  the  enemy's  gun-boats  and  several  bateaux,  with  army  supplies  and 
iinmunition,  and  several  prisoners.  At  nine  o'clock  they  reached  Arnold's  Mill,  at 
the  foot  of  rapids,  where  the  Thames  Avas  fordable  by  horses.  There  Harrison  de- 
termined to  cross  the  river  and  tbllow  directly  in  the  rear  of  Proctor.  The  mounted 
men  each  took  one  of  the  infantry  behind  him,  and  at  meridian,  by  this  means  and  the 
liatcaux  the  whole  American  army  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  Thames,  and  press- 

,,,  y„  viijrorously  after  the  fugitives.     Every  where  on  the  way  evidences  of  the  pre- 

uitation  of  the  retreat  were  seen  in  property  abandoned. 
\t  two  o'clock,  when  eight  miles  from  the  crossing  place,  the  Americans  discovered 

e  smouldering  embers  of  the  recently-occupied  camp  of  the  enemy's  rear-guard,  un- 

,.r  Colonel  Warburton.  It  was  evident  that  the  fugitives  were  nearly  overtaken. 
(iilonol  .Toiin«^*>n  dasheil  forward  to  gain  intelligence.  Within  about  three  miles  of 
the  .Moravian  Town'  he  captuied  a  British  wagoner,  and  from  him  learned  that  Proc- 
lor  had  halted  across  the  pathway  of  the  pursuers,  only  three  hundred  yards  farther 
(,ii.  Johnson,  with  ]\[ajor  James  Suggett  and  his  spies,  immediately  advanced  cau- 
tiously, und  found  the  enemy  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  Americans  in  battle  order, 
lie  obtained  sufficient  information  resjiecting  their  position  to  enable  General  ITarri- 
«\n  and  a  council  of  officers,  held  on  horseback,  to  determine  the  proper  order  for  at- 
t;nk.  His  force  was  now  little  more  than  three  thousand  in  number,  consisting  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty  regulars  of  the  27th  Regiment,  five  brigades  of  Kentucky 
mhinteers  under  Governor  Shelby,  and  Colonel  Johnson's  regiment  of  mounted  iii- 

.iitry. 

The  ground  chosen  by  the  enemy  to  make  a  stand  was  M^ell  selected.     On  his  left 
IS  ('u   ilivcr  Thames,  with  a  high  and  precipitous  bank,  and  on  his  right  a  marsh 
iintiiii((  ii\uiii:*l  paralh  I  with  the  river  for  about  two  miles.     Between  these,  and  two 
iml  (hree  iiiin<lred  yiinlH  hnin  l](b  river,  was  a  small  swamp,  quite  narrow,  with  a 
iil|i  of  solid  (fniiind  between  l(  uiid  the  large  '    fsh.     The  ground  over  which  the 
>;k1  liiy,  and  liidt'cd  Mn    *vhole  spiu'c  between  river  and  the  great  swamp,  was 

iivered  with  beech,  sugar-maple,  and  oak  trees,  with  very  little  undergrowth.  The 
llrilisli  regulais  (a  piirt  of  the  Forty-tirst  Kegiinent)  were  formed  in  two  lines,  be- 
tween till'  sm-dl  swamp  and  the  river,  their  artil'  ly  behig  planted  in  the  road  near 
iiebank  of  the  stream.  The  Indians  were  postetl  between  the  two  swamps,  where 
lie  undergrowth  was  thicker,  their  right,  commanded  by  the  brave  Oshawahnah,'* 
,;  Chippewa  ciiief,  extending  sciue  distance  along  and  just  within  the  borders  of  the 
larger  niarsli,  and  so  disposed  as  to  easily  flank  Harrison's  left.    Their  left,  command- 

'  This  village  is  in  tiio  townsliip  of  Oxford,  Caiiiida  West,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Thames.  The  settlers  were  In- 
dians converted  to  Chrlstlnulty  by  the  Moravians,  who  fled  to  Canada  from  the  Muskingum,  in  Ohio,  in  17'Jli.  By  an 
order  of  the  Provincial  Council  In  IT'.tlt,  a  large  tract  of  land,  comprisin)»  about  ttfty  thousand  acres,  was  granted  for 
Itieir  II6C,  on  which  they  proceeded  to  build  a  church  and  villace.  The  Rev.  John  Scott,  of  Bethlehem,  ministered  there 
for  some  lime.  At  the  period  we  are  consldcrinjj;  this  Christian-Indian  vllliijrc  had  nearly  one  hundred  houses,  mostly 
well  built.  liiW.y  of  the  Indians  spoke  Kn^jllsh.  They  had  a  scliool-houso  and  a  chapol,  and  very  rtne  gardens.  Village 
aud  crops  were  destroyed  by  the  American  troops.  It  havlni'  '.,een  allegod  that  eonic  of  the  Indians  iCsldIng  there  had 
beoi'  .'icmost  In  the  massacre  on  the  Raisin.  In  isao  the  Indians  surrendered  a  large  i)i)rtlon  of  their  lands  to  tnc  Ca- 
ladian  government,  for  an  annuity  of  one  hundred  and  tifty  pounds  Btcrlliig.  The  present  Moravian  Tov.u  Is  back  from 
ilic  Thames,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  original  site. 

'  The  likeness  on  the  next  page  of  this  chief,  Tccumtha's  lleutenaut,  or  fecond  in  command,  in  the  battle  on  the 
Thames,  is  from  a  daguerreotype  taken  from  life  at  Brantford,  in  Canada,  in  Seplcmher,  ISTiS,  and  pre.«entcd  lo  mo  by  G. 
11.  M.  .Iiihnson,  chief  of  the  Six  Nations  on  the  Orand  River  (see  page  i-n),  in  the  summer  of  tSCO.  Tlie  old  chief  at- 
tended a  grand  council  of  all  the  Indians  in  Canada,  at  Brantford,  and  was  the  guest  of  Mr.  .lohnson.  In  tli"  council  ho 
appeared  with  all  .i  s  testimonials  of  bravery— his  "  stars  and  gartiMs"-ns  scon  in  the  picture.  Arou  -d  his  hat  was  a 
filler  l)au('.  He  also  displayed  a  sliver  go'  .-et,  medals,  etc.,  a  sash  of  bead-work,  strings  of  wam|)uia,  and  an  orna- 
menteil  tomahawk  pipe,  like  the  one  on  iiage  -t'.'l.  He  was  then  about  ninety  years  of  age.  He  had  been  a  famous  war- 
rior—the hero  of  tlfteeu  battles.  He  was  a  mild-spoken,  pleasant  man,  very  vigorous  in  mind  and  body.  lie  was  yet 
'Iviiig  in  ISdl,  the  principal  of  seven  or  eight  chiefs,  on  Walpole  Island,  In  Lake  St.  Clair,  opposite  the  town  of  Algomac, 
Michigan,  llfty  miles  above  Detroit.  Walpolp  Island  Is  about  ten  miles  in  length.  The  Indians  are  Chippewas,  I'otta- 
■(atomies,  and  Oltawae.  They  were  settled  hero  by  the  Indian  Agent  of  lh«  British  government  at  the  close  of  the  War 
"flite.  They  were  placed  in  charge  of  a  superintendent  In  is.ii).  The  number  now  (1S<)7)  Is  about  one  thousand. 
■''VlrprluclpBl  business  Is  huulirig  In  the  country  around  the  Canadian  borders  of  Lake  St.  Clair. 


552 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Ilarrlson'ii  Arrangcmciita  fur  Battle. 


The  British  Llue  of  Battle. 


OHUAWAU.NAll. 


ed  in  person  by  Tecumtha,  occupied 
the  isthmus,  or  narrowest  point  be- 
tween the  two  swamps. 

In  the  disposition  of  his  army  for 
battle, General  Harrison  made  arianrr,,. 
raents  for  the  horsemen  to  full  bmi; 
allow  the  infantry  to  make  tlie  attaik 
and  then  charge  upon  the  British  lines. 
For  this  puiijose  General  Cainus's 
brigade,  five  hnndred  strong,  undir 
Colonel  Trotter,*  was  placed  in  the 
front  line,  which  extended  from  the 
road  on  the  right  toward  the  greater 
marsh.  Parallel  with  these,  one  Imnd- 
red  and  fifty  yards  hi  the  rear,  was 
(4eneral  John  E.  King's  brigade,  and 
in  the  rear  of  this  was  General  David 
(^hile's  brigade,  posted  as  a  reserve. 
These  three  brigades  were  under  the 
command  of  Major  General  Ileniv. 
Two  others  (James  Allen's  and  Cald- 
well's^) and  Simrall's  regiment,  form. 
ing  General  Desha's^  division,  vm 
formed  uj)on  the  left  of  the  front  line, 
so  as  to  hold  the  Indians  in  check  ami 
prevent  a  serious  flank  movement  by  them.  At  the  crotchet  ft)rmed  by  Desha's  corps 
and  tlie  front  line  of  Henry's  division  (sec  map  on  page  554),  the  venerable  Gover- 
nor Shelby,  then  sixty-six  years  of  age,  took  his  position.  In  front  of  all  these  was 
Johnson's  mounted  regiment  in  two  columns  (one  under  the  colonel,  and  the  other 
commanded  by  his  brother  James,  the  lieutenant  colonel''),  its  riglit  extendiiif;  to 
witliiirfifEy^yaitls  of  the  road,  and  its  left  resting  on  the  smaller  swamp.  A  small 
corps  of  regulars,  under  Colonel  Paul,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  in  numl)or,  were 
posted  between  the  road  and  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  advancing  in  concert  with 
some  Indians  imder  the  wooded  bank,  to  attempt  the  capture  of  the  enemy's  cannon, 
Tliese  Indians,  forty  in  number,  were  to  stealthily  gain  the  British  rear,  fire  upmi 
them,  and  give  them  the  fearful  impression  that  their  own  savage  allies  had  turned 
upon  them.     Tlie  defection  of  Walk-in-the-water  would  be  instantly  remembered. 

When  every  preparaticm  for  attack  was  completed.  Major  Wood,  who  had  just 
been  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  position,  informed  General  Harrison  that  the  British 
lines  were  drawn  up  in  open  order.     This  information  induced  the  general,  contrary 

1  George  Trotter  wns  then  licntenniit  colonel.  He  was  a  captain  In  Simrall's  regiment,  and  was  lUstlngnlshcil  nn! 
womided  in  the  action  of  Colonel  Campbell  at  the  Mississinlwa  Towns  in  December,  ISI'2.  He  was  acting  brlgailior 
general  in  the  battle  on  the  Thames.  lie  was  a  native  of  Kentucky,  and  died  at  Lexington,  in  that  state,  on  tlic  13th 
of  October,  1315. 

'  Samuel  Caldwell  was  a  distinguished  Kentuckian.  He  was  a  major  of  Kentucky  levies  in  1T91,  and  diBtingiilfhed 
himseli'  with  Wilkinson  In  the  Wabash  country  in  August  of  that  year.  lie  was  lieutemiut  colonel  commaudlii);  vdlnn- 
tecrs  in  the  autumn  of  1S12,  and  was  in  General  Green  Clay's  brigade  the  following  year.  He  was  made  brigadier  geu- 
erril  of  volunteers  in  August,  ISl,'!,  and  r->  such  comn-anded  in  the  battle  on  the  Thames. 

'  Jotepli  ncsha  was  a  descendant  Mt'i  Huguenot  family.  He  was  born  In  Western  Pennsylvania  in  December,  Ki'\ 
and  emigrated  to  Kentucky,  with  his  laaier,  in  17S1.  In  171)0  he  settled  permanently  in  Mason  County,  Kentuck.v.  H 
performed  military  service  under  Wayne  in  17M  and  'M,  having,  at  the  early  age  of  fifteen,  been  engaged  in  coiillii; 
with  the  Indians.  He  represented  Mason  County  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  In  ISIO  was  "lioseu  a  member  of  Con- 
gress, his  only  military  service  in  the  sVar  of  1812  was  under  Harrison  in  the  campaign  in  Canada.  In  lS241ie»a< 
elected  governor  of  Kentucky,  and  held  the  office  four  years.  He  then  retired  to  private  llfb.  He  died  at  OeorgcloMi, 
Scott  County,  on  the  Uth  of  October,  1S42. 

*  The  spirit  of  the  Keutnckians  who  formed  thot  corps  may  bo  Inferred  by  the  fact  that  Lie  itenant  ColonelJamM 
Johnson  had  with  lilm  his  two  sons,  Kdwnrd  P.  and  Willlnm,  the  one  feventecn  and  the  other  only  flftcsn  yci.."8  of  age. 
James  Johnson  was  a  representative  In  Congress  In  1S25  and  '20.    Ho  died  In  August,  1820. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


553 


ChMgeofBattleOrder^ 


Battlo  of  the  Thames. 


Flight  of  Proctor. 


to  all  precedent,  to  incur  the  peril  of  changing  the  prescribed  mode  of  attack  at  1 
hst  moment.     Instead  of  having  Henry'a  division  fall  upon  the  British  front,  he 


the 

hst  momeiii.  insiuitu  ui  nuving  nvmy  a  uiviBiuii  liiii  mjiMi  iiiu  uriiiHii  jiuiii,  iio  Or- 
dered Johnson  to  charge  their  line  with  his  mounted  riflemen.'  That  gallant  oflicer 
made  immediate  preparations  for  the  bold  movement,  but  found  the  space  between 
the  river  and  the  small  swamp  too  limited  for  his  men  to  act  efliciently.  In  the  ex- 
ercise of  discretion  given  him,  he  led  his  second  battalion  across  the  little  swamp  to 
attack  the  Indian  left,  leaving  the  first  battalion,  under  his  brother  James  and  Major 
Payne,  to  fall  upon  the  British  regulars.  The  latter  were  immediately  formed  in  four 
columns  of  double  files,  with  Major  Suggett  and  his  two  hundred  spies  in  front.  Col- 
onel Johnson  formed  the  second  battalion  in  t  wo  columns,  in  front  of  Shelby,  with  a 
company  of  footmen  before  him,  the  right  column  being  headed  by  himself,  and  the 
l(>ft  by  Major  David  Thompson.  Harrison,  accompanied  by  Acting  Adjutant  Gen- 
oral  Butler,^  Commodore  Perry,  and  General  Cass,  took  position  on  the  extreme  right, 
near  the  bank  of  the  river,  where  he  could  observe  and  direct  all  movements. 

A  bii"'lc  sounded,  and  the  Americans  immediately  moved  forward  with  coolness 
and  precision  in  the  prescribed  order, 
amoni?  huge  trees,  some  undergrowth,  and 
over  fallen  timber.  They  were  compelled 
to  move  slowly.  When  at  some  distance 
i'rom  the  front  line  of  the  British  regulais, 
the  latter  opened  a  severe  fire.  The  horses 
ut'the  mounted  Keiituckians  were  frighten- 
ed recoiled,  and  produced  some  confusion 
at  the  head  of  the  columns.  Before  order 
was  restored,  anotlicr  volley  came  from  the 
enemy.  With  a  tremendous  shout  the 
American  cavalry  now  boldly  dashed  upon 
the  British  line,  broke  it,  and  scattered  it 
in  all  directions.  The  second  line,  thirty 
|i;ices  in  the  roar,  was  broken  and  confused 
in  tlic  same  way.  The  horsemen  now 
wlieeled  right  and  left,  and  poured  a  de- 
stnictive  fire  upon  the  rear  of  the  broken 
coinmns.  The  terrified  foe  surrendered  as  fast  as  they  could  throw  down  their  arms, 
and  in  less  than  five  minutes  after  the  first  shot  of  the  battle  Avas  fired,  the  whole 
British  force,  more  than  eight  hundn  d  strong,  were  totally  vanquished,  and  most  of 
thiin  made  prisoners.  Only  about  fifty  men  and  a  single  officer  (Lieutenant  Bullock), 
nt'thc  Forty-first  Regiment,  escaped.  Proctor  fled  in  his  carriage,  with  his  personal 
^lafl;  a  few  dragoons,  and  some  mounted  Indians,  hotly  pursued  by  a  part  of  John- 
son's corps  under  Major  Payne. 

"  When  Proctor  anw  lost  wns  the  day, 
He  fled  La  Tranche's  plain  ; 
A  carriage  bore  the  chief  away, 
Who  ne'er  rctunied  again."— Old  Sono. 

Tlie  battle  on  the  right  was  over  before  the  advancing,  columns  of  General  Henry 
were  fairly  mi  sight  of  the  combatants. 

When  the  bugle  sounded  for  attack  on  the  right,  the  notes  of  another  on  the  left 
rang  out  on  the  clear  autumn  air.     Colonel  Johnson  and  the  second  battalion  of  his 


VIEW   O.N    THE  TUA.ME8-' 


1  The  measure,"  said  General  Harrison,  in  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  «th  of  October,  "  was  not  sanc- 
tlonodby  any  thing  that  I  had  seen  or  heard  of,  but  1  was  fully  convinced  that  it  would  succeed.  The  American  back- 
woodsmen ride  better  in  the  woods  than  any  other  people.  A  mnsket  or  rifle  is  no  impediment,  they  being  accustomed 
tocirryliip;  Ihoni  on  horseback  from  their  earliest  youth.  I  was  ijersuaded,  too,  that  the  enemy  would  be  qiUte  unpre- 
pirort  for  the  shock,  and  that  they  conld  not  resist  it." 

'Weehall  meet  Adjutant  Robert  Butler  hereafter  in  the  battle  of  Now  Orleang. 

'Thl8Ylo-.v  ia  from  the  road-side,  on  the  hieh  rive-  l)ank,  at  the  point  where  the  British  left  rested  on  the  Tliames, 
ana  a  few  rods  from  the  residence  occupied  by  Mr.  Wa  ts. 


!    » 


ill 


'1          1  1 

■ 

i!         j  i; 
•  \;       ill 

!f    11 

!'■       ■' 

li||' 

i  'Wi 


:iiil 


554 


nCTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  Contest  with  tho  Iiidiiius. 


The  Fight  n  flerco  one. 


The  8Bv»){e»  Attuiti. 


troops  moved  against  the  Indians  almost  simultaneously  with  the  attack  on  the  Brit- 
ish  line.  The  savages,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Tecumtha,  reserved  tlieir 
fire  until  the  Americans  were  Avitliin  a  few  paces  of  them,  when  tliey  hurled  a  ninsf 
deadly  shower  of  bullets  upon  tiiem,  prostrating  a  greater  i)ortiou  of  the  vanifuard 
or  forlorn  hope,  and  wounding  Colonel  Johnson  very  severely. 

"Sudden,  from  tree  and  tliickct  srecn, 
From  trunk,  nud  mound,  nnd  'junhy  screen, 
Hharp  llghtiiin<{  flashed  with  in>>tunt  sbeeu, 

A  tbousiuid  death-bolts  sung  1 
Like  ripcu'd  fruit  before  the  blast. 
Rider  and  horse  to  earth  were  cast, 

Its  miry  roots  among ; 
Then  wild,  as  If  that  earth  were  riven. 
And,  poured  beneath  the  cope  of  heaven, 
All  bell  to  upper  air  was  given, 

One  fearful  whoop  was  rung ; 
And,  bounding  each  from  covert  forth. 
Burst  ou  their  front  the  demon  birth." 

The  branches  of  the  trees  and  the  undergrowth  in  this  part  of  the  field  were  too 
thick  to  allow  the  mounted  riflemen  to  do  much  service  on  horseback.  PeiceiviiKr 
this,  Johnson  ordered  them  to  dismount,  and  carry  on  the  conflict  on  foot  at  close 


\ 


rtOMPSCv""' ''■'■'•     -  ■     '/       .. 

Cs  J-'         -'  S)        PIS         llj     ItBRITISHAtia    *     ^. 

-5^  .'   Jl         ^        Us       II    II  WDIANS 


1UTT1.E   OV   THE   THAMES. 


quarters.  For  seven  or  eight  minutes  the  battle  raged  furiously,  and  there  were 
many  hand-to-hand  fights  between  the  Rentuckians  and  savages,  Avhile  the  foniifv 
raised  the  fearful  cry,  at  times,  "  Kemember  the  River  liaisin  !"  Victory  was  poiseil 
for  a  while.  Perceiving  this,  Shelby  ordered  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Donaldson's 
regiment  to  the  support  of  Johnson,  and  directed  General  King  to  press  forward  to 
the  front  with  his  brigade.  The  Indians  had  already  recoiled  from  the  shock  ot'tlu 
Kentucky  rifles,  and  only  a  part  of  Donaldson's  regiment  participated  in  tl-e  fiirlit. 
Tlie  savrges  fled,  and  a  scattering,  running  fire  was  kept  up  for  some  time  aloMg  tin 
swamp  in  front  of  Desha's  division,  and  by  the  fugitives  pursued  by  Major  Tiiomp^ra 
and  his  men.  Other  movements  were  ordered  by  Governor  Shelby,  but  the  Iiuliaiis 
had  given  up  the  contest,  and  the  battle  was  over  before  they  could  be  efi'ected.   Tlie 


«v 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   181: 


655 


IlKjpe  of  Proctor. 


Death  ofTecumttaa. 


Who  killed  Tecnmthar 


amp, 
and 


paf  an  allies  of  the  British  scattered  througli  the  forest  in  rear  of  the  greater  sw: 
wliilt'  Proctor  and  his  few  followers  were  tlyinj;  like  hunted  doer  before  Payne 
Ills  horsciiieii,  who  imrsncd  hiiu  fur  beyond  tlie  Moravian  Town,  killing  sonic  Indians, 
(•■ii)tiiiiii'4  some  ])risoners,  and  securing  valuable  s))()ils.  Among  the  latter  were  six 
brass  cinnion,  three  of  wiiieii  were  taken  from  the  Jiritisli  in  tlie  War  of  the  Uevolu- 
ijon  and  were  retaken  from  Hull  at  Detroit.  Majors  John  Payne,  E.  D.Wood,  ('. 
S  Todil  John  Chambers,  and  A.  L.  Langham,  and  Lieutenants  Seroggin  and  Hell, 
with  three  )irivatC8,  continued  the  pursuit  of  the  fugitive  general  until  dark,  bub  could 
not  overtake  him.  lie  abandoned  his  carriage,  left  the  road,  and  escajied  by  some 
liv-nath.  Within  twenty-four  hours  he  was  sixty-tive  miles  from  the  battii  uround ! 
liis  carriage,  sword,  and  valuable  papers  were  captured  by  Major  Wood.'  and  the 
party  returned  to  i\[oravian  Town,  taking  with  them  sixty-three  prisonei  -.  They 
t'ouiid  the  little  village  deserted.  So  panic-stricken  were  some  of  the  women  that, 
when  they  left,  being  unable  to  carry  tlieir  children  in  their  flight,  they  threw  tliem 
into  the  Thames  to  prevent  their  being  butcheri'd  by  the  Americans  I^ 

The  loss  in  this  short,  sharp,  and  decisive  battle  was  not  large.  The  exact  nundicr 
was  not  ascertained.  That  of  the  Americans  was  ])robably  about  fifteen  killed  and 
thirty  wounded.  The  British  lost  about  eighteen  killed,  twenty-six  wounded,  and  six 
hnnilred  made  prisoners;  of  these,  twenty-five  were  officers.  Harrison  estimated  the 
;,uml>er  of  small-arms  taken  from  the  enemy  during  the  pursuit  and  the  battle,  with 
those  destroyed  by  them,  at  more  than  five  tliousand,  nearly  all  of  Avhich  had  been 
captnred  from  the  Americans  at  Detroit,  Frenchtown,  and  Dudley's  defeat  on  the 
Mauince.  The  Indians  left  thirty-three  of  tlieir  dead  on  the  field.  How  many  they 
lost  by  death  and  wounds  in  the  contest  was  never  ascertained.  Tecumtha,  their 
irroat  leader,  and  really  great  and  noble  man,  all  things  considered,  was  among  the 
slain.  He  Avas  much  superior  to  Proctor  in  manhood,  military  genius,  and  courage, 
nml  is  wortliy  to  be  remembered  witli  jirofoiind  respect.  He  was  killed  early  in  the 
action,  while  ins})iriting  his  men  by  words  and  deeds.  Tradition  and  History  relate 
that  he  had  just  wounded  Colonel  Jolinson  with  a  rifle-bullet,  and  was  springing  for- 
ward to  dispatcli  him  \a  ith  his  tomahawk,  wlicn  that  oflicer  drew  a  pistol  from  his 
licit  and  shot  the  Indian  through  the  head. 

" The  moment  was  feiuful ;  n  mij,'litier  foe 

Ilml  ne'er  swung  his  battle-nxc  o'er  him ; 
But  hope  nerved  his  urm  for  ii  ilciipernte  blow, 

And  Tcciimthn  fell  prostrnle  before  him. 
Ifc  fought  In  defense  of  his  kindred  and  king, 

With  a  spirit  most  loving  and  loyal, 
And  long  shall  the  Indian  warrior  "ijig 

The  deeds  of  Tecumtlia  the  roj-al." 

The  statement  of  tradition  and  history  has  been  made  in  enduring  marble  by  the 
sculptor  on  Johnson's  monument  in  the  cemetery  at  Frankfort,  Kentucky.^  It  has 
hoen  questioned,  and  positively  denied ,  and  during  the  political  campaign  when 
Johnson  was  a  candidate  for  the  chair  of  Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  the 
(|ucstion  caustid  much  warm  discussion.  Johnson,  it  is  said,  never  affirmed  or  denied 
the  story.  He  killed  an  Indian  under  the  circumstances  and  in  the  manner  just  re- 
lated, on  the  spot  where  two  red  warriors,  stripped  naked,  were  found  after  the  bat- 
ik, one  of  whom  it  was  believed  was  Tecumtha.'' 

'  In  « letter  to  the  author,  Captain  Stanton  Sholes  (see  page  641),  who  was  in  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  says,  "  I  had 
« very  pleasant  ride  back  to  Detroit  in  Proctor's  beautiful  carriage.  I  found  in  it  a  hat,  a  sword,  and  a  trunk.  The 
l.ittcr  contained  many  letters,  mostly  written  in  the  handsomest  writing  I  ever  saw,  by  Proctor's  wife  to  her  'dear 
Henry.'" 

'  "I  had  this  fact,"  says  Samuel  R.  Brown,  in  his  Vieica  on  Lake  Erie,  page  63,  "  from  an  American  gentleman  who  was 
It  C^ford  when  Proctor  and  vhe  Indians  passed  through  there.    The  squaws  were  lamenting  the  loss  of  their  children." 

'  Sec  page  4!>«. 

•  Tlio  solution  of  the  question,  "Who  killed  Tecumtha  V"  is  of  no  historic  Importance,  yet.  It  having  been  the  subject 
otmiich  discussion,  a  few  facts  bearing  upon  It  may  be  appropriately  Introduced  here.  Thi  se  facts  liavc  been  drawn 
fhleliy  from  a  very  i;,fere8ting  written  communication  made  to  me  in  January,  1S(11,  by  Dr.  Samuel  Theobald,  who  was 
Johusou'a  judge  advocate,  and  with  him  in  the  battle.    When  Dr.  Theobald  (see  a  sketch  of  him  in  note  2,  page  560) 


:f 


•il 


i  ;  :  !;(, 


iiMI 


650 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tho  (ittllaulry  urciohiuci  Jiilinaoii  In  the  BiUtlc. 


Ills  WonndB. 


Hamuei  ThK,* 


JuhuHon  bcliiivod   most  t;alluiitly  in  tli, 
action.     He  was  niouiitcd  on  a  wliito  nony 
that  his  Horvant  had  riihh-ii,  liis  own  hor/f 
having  bei-ii   disabloil.     Tills   maik'   hini  a 
conspicuotis  mark  for  the  enemy.    At  the 
sound  of  the  bugle   ciiargc  he   (hislicd  for. 
ward  at  the  head  of  Jiis  Forlorn  Hone,  and  nt. 
tacked  the  Indian  left,  where  Tecunitlia  \v;i< 
stationed.'     The  first  volley  of  bullets  fmin 
the  foe  wounded  lilni  in  the  hip  and  tlii,rl| 
He  almost  innnediately  received  anoilu'iliiil. 
let  in  his  hand  from  the  Indian  that  he  shot 
which  traversed  his  arm  for  some  distance 
Ho  was  disabled,  and  said  to  Dr.  Tlicoliald -• 
one  of  his  start",  who  was  dismounted  anil 
fighting  near  him,  "  I  am  severely  woundiil' 
where  shall  I  go  ?"     "  Follow  me,"  answcml 
Theobald.     lie  did  not  know  where  to  find 
the  surgeon  of  the  regiment,  so  he  led  him 
across  the  smaller  swamp  to  the  road,  aiil 
about  three  Imndred  rods  in  the  roar,  to  llic 
stand  of  Dr.  j\Iit(dudl,  (4overnor  Shelby's  sur- 
geon g''neral.     The  colonel,  fahit  with  the 
loss  of  blood,  was  taken  from  his  horse,  when 
the  little  animal,  having  performed  its  duty  to  the  last,  fell  dead,  having  Iteen  wound- 
ed in  seven  places.     Theobald  ran  to  the  Thames  for  water,  which  revived  the  colo- 
nel.    His  woimds  were  dressed,  and  he  was  conveyed  to  a  vessel  a  few  miles  below, 

WTote  to  mo  lie  wns  residing  near  Grecnvlllp,  WashltiKton  Connty,  Mleslsslppl.  lie  snys  that,  early  in  the  cnmpilL'n. 
Johnson  organized  a  small  corps,  composed  of  the  Btaff  of  his  regiment,  which  he  denominated  the  Forlorn  Ilnpc.  |; 
was  designed  to  accompany  him  immediately  in  the  event  of  a  hattlc.  One  of  these  was  the  venerahle  Colonel  William 
Whitely,  who  had  been  dIstinfinlBhed  In  conflicts  with  the  Indians  In  the  early  years  of  scttloments  In  Kenlucky.aml 
then  over  seventy  years  of  age.  lie  had  volunteered  as  n  j)rivate  In  Captain  Davidson's  company.  The  others  who 
composed  the  Forloni  Hope,  and  charged  upon  the  enemy  at  the  o))cnlng  of  the  battle,  were  Benjamin  S,  C'linmlh  ■■ 
Robert  Payne  (a  nephew  of  t^olonel  Johnson),  Joseph  Taylor,  William  Webb,  Garrett  Wall,  Ell  Sliort,  and  Dr.  S.  Tli. 
bald.  Whitely  was  lillled,  and  was  found  lying  near  the  two  Indians  mentioned  In  the  text  by  Theobald  and  Wall, 
after  th('  battle.  They  found  th«  Iwdies  of  the  two  Indians  lying  a  little  way  apart.  On  the  following  moriilnsthf 
news  spread  that  the  body  of  Tecnmtha  had  been  found.  One  of  the  Indians  alluded  to  was  designated  as  the  fiilloi 
chief.  Theobald  felt  a  desire  to  identify  the  1)ody  of  the  chief,  and  took  Anthony  Shnnc',  a  half-breed  Shnwnoese,  who 
knew  Tecuintlia  well,  to  view  it.  The  body  was  entirely  naked,  and  several  strips  of  skin  had  been  taken  frum  Iho 
thighs  l)y  some  of  the  Kentucklans,  who  had  reason  to  renuvilier  the  River  Itdwin,  and,  as  I  was  informed  by  a  soliliw 
who  was  In  the  battle,  these  strips  were  used  for  making  razor-strops  I  Shane  did  not  recognize  the  body  as  thnt  of  Te- 
cnmtha. The  late  Colonel  John  Johnston,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  who,  as  Indian  agent,  often  employed  Shane,  informcil  mf 
that  he  told  him  that  Tecnmtha  once  had  his  thigh-bone  broken,  and  that  a  sort  of  ridge  had  been  formed  around  the 
fracture  that  might  he  easily  felt.  No  such  ridge  was  observed  in  the  thigh  of  the  Indian  claimed  to  lie  Tecnmiha, 
found  on  the  ground  where  the  charge  of  the  Forlorn  Hope  was  made  and  Johnson  was  wounded.  Dr.  Theobnld  far- 
ther infoi-ms  me  that  his  friend,  (  aptaln  Benjamin  Wartleld,  commander  of  a  company  in  Johnson's  regiment,  tdid  hiia 
that  he  was  directed  to  search  the  l)attle-fleld  for  wounded  soldiers.  He  found  a  British  soldier,  named  Clarke,  lyii; 
there  mortally  wounded.  He  was  the  Indian  interpreter  for  I'roctor,  and  asserted  positively  thatTecutntha  vimi  kiileil, 
and  his  body  was  carried  off  by  the  Indians.  I  have  since  been  Informed  by  Colonel  C.  H.  Todd,  one  of  Hnrripon's  iiid< 
at  that  time  <see  page  B47),  that  he  was  told  by  the  celebrated  chief  Black  Hawk  that  he  was  i)rcsent  at  that  liatlle,  and 
that  Tecumtha's  body  was  certainly  carried  off  by  his  followers.  These  facts  show  that,  wlille  Colonel  Johnson  may 
have  shot  Tecnmtha,  the  body  supposed  to  be  hi'»,  and  so  barbarously  mutilated  by  the  exasperated  Keutucklaui',  was 
that  of  another  warrior. 

'  Tccumtha,  as  we  have  seen,  hnd  reason  to  doubt  the  word  and  courage  of  Proctor.  Ho  doubtless  took  his  position 
nt  the  junction  of  the  British  and  Indian  lines,  so  as  to  have  a  near  and  direct  communication  between  hinifolf  and 
Proctor.  He  knew  that  Proctor  was  flying  throngh  fear.  Tlic  Canadians  (m  the  route  of  the  retreat  had  told  him  Ihat 
Proctor  would  not  fight  if  he  could  help  it.  Proctor  knew  that  Tecnmtha  would  compel  him  to  fight  here,  or  feel  ihe 
force  of  savage  resentment,  so  ho  fled  at  the  commencement  of  the  battle  ;  and  no  doubt  the  haste  of  his  white  troops 
to  surrender  was  to  secure  themselves  from  the  vengeance  of  Tecnmtha  and  his  followers. 

'  Samuel  Theobald  was  born  near  Paris,  Bourlx)n  County,  Kentucky,  on  tho  22d  of  December,  I'liO.  He  wa?  "jrradi- 
ated  In  medicine"  at  Transylvania  University,  at  Ixxington,  and  in  tliat  borough  practiced  medicine  for  twenty  y^  ar^ 
For  tho  last  thirty  years  he  has  been  engaged  in  cotton-planting,  most  of  tho  time  residing  n(!ar  Greenville,  ilis>iv 
sippi.  His  ancestors,  paternal  and  maternal,  were  Kentucky  pioneers.  His  younger  brotlier,  James,  was  with  him  in 
the  battle  of  the  Tliames,  and  another  brother,  Thomas  8.,  was  in  tho  military  service  on  the  frontier  for  twelve  months 
as  a  lieutenant  of  rangers. 


-^fii^lllNFH' 


m 


OP  THE   WAlt    OF    18ia, 


507 


muel  ThaolMlii. 

itly  ill  the 
ivlliU'  jioiiy 
own  horse 
iiile  liini  !i 
ly.    At  tlic 

(luHhed  for- 
loiii',iui(lat- 

I'llllltllll  \VIIS 

l)iilli'ts  tVum 
)  iiml  llii^li. 
jviidtlu'vlnil- 
lial  lie  slint, 
ni'  (listancc. 
r.  Tlu'oliald,- 
lountcd,  and 
ly  Wdiindfil; 
e,"  aiiswcrfil 
■lu'iv  to  find 
)  he  led  him 
he  road,  and 
I'  roar,  to  tin- 
SliplliyV  sur- 
hit  with  the 
s  horse,  when 
been  wound- 
ivcd  the  colo- 
•  miles  hclow, 

r  in  till!  cnmiialini. 
FdrWirn  Uiipi'.   It 
lie  I'oloiiclWillijra 
n  in  Ki'iiliiiky,  oiiil 
.    The  others  who 
nmiii  S,  (.'hnraher?, 
rt,  mid  Dr.  S.  Tliw- 
heolwlil  ami  Wall, 
iwiiiK  moriiliis  till' 
iiateil  as  the  fall™ 
;il  Shii\vnncsi\\vli.i 
en  tiiliPii  from  thf 
irnu'il  by  a  folilifr 
body  as  that  (if  Ti- 
iluiiie,  iiiformcii  nv 
formed  around  Ite 
1(1  to  lie  TecnralliJ, 
Dr.  Theobald  far- 
■('•.:impnt,  t(ddW'n 
iiiiodrlarkp,  lyiiii- 
cmiilba  waskilM, 
f  Harrison's  aiils 
I  at  that  battle,  anil 
lonel  JoliuBon  may 
d  Kentuckians,  was 

US  took  his  posllioii 
ctwccn  hini>elf  anil 
it  Uiid  told  him  Ibat 
jiht  here,  or  feel  Ht 
of  his  white  troop! 

I.  Hewa?"?rBdn- 
,iC  for  twenty  years. 
•  Greenville,  Miffif- 
iCB,  was  with  hlni  in 
ir  for  twelve  months 


johiuoii  cMVcyad  Honi«wanl.  Rejolclnsi  bacauie  of  the  Victory.  Ilnrrlnou  nuil  I'nictur  propwly  rcnrudad. 

under  charge  of  Captain  CImnipliii,  of  the  Scorpion,  whieh  that  gallant  ofHcer  ha«l 
eaptiiied  from  the  Mritinh.  In  that  vesHcl  lie  wsis  conveyed  to  the  Sroipiou,  at  Dol- 
peiiV  and  in  her  to  Detroit.  There  he  reinaiiied  a  short  time,  and  then,  with  iiiiuh 
Mitterinii,  li"  made  his  way  honn  waril.'  lie  reaehed  Frankfort  early  in  N<neiiil)er, 
and  in  Fein  nary,  after  kind  and  Hkillfnl  nurHing  by  Major  C.  8,  Todd,  althouj^h  «na- 
Ide  to  walk, he  rewnined  liis  Heat  in  C-ongress,  ui  WaHliiiii^ton.  IIIh  journey  thither 
was  a  eontinued  o\  ation,  for  hiw  gallantry  (m  the  ThameH  was  known  to  the  nation.'* 

Ilarrison'H  Hncces«es,  and  the  annihilation  of  tlie  allied  armies  of  tho  foe  westwanl 
ot'Liike  Ontario,  jirodiieed  groat  rejoicing  throiight/ut  the  United  States.'  All  tliat 
Hull  had  lost  ha<l  now  hee.i  recovered,  and  more.  The  hopes  of  the  Americans  wt're 
stiiiiulati'd.  They  felt  that  a  really  able  general  was  in  the  iield,  and  all  the  arts  of 
Harrison's  ])oIitical  and  jKisonal  enemies  coidd  not  blind  them  to  the  fact  tlnit,  by 
(he  c.vercise  of  military  genius,  indomitable  perseverance,  iind  unHiiudiing  courage,  he 
had  at'coinplished  more  than  all  thp  other  leaders,  and  had  fnlly  vindicated  his  coun- 
tiy's  honor.  His  praises  were  on  every  honest  lip.  In  the  chief  cities,  from  IMaiiie 
III  (teorijia,  liontires  and  illnminations  attested  the  pnblie  satisfaction,  and  in  many 
iilact's  joint  honors  were  paid  to  the  heroes  of  Lake  Erie  and  the  Thames — Perry  and 
Ilanison.''  As  iisnal,  songs  written  i'or  the  occasion  were  heard  in  theatres  and  in 
tlie  streets,  and  at  every  festive  table  Harrison  was  toasted  as  The  Hero  of  Tijipeea- 
noc  and  of  the  Thames.  The  Congress  of  tlie  United  States,  in  testimony  of  their 
appreciation  ol'  his  services,  afterward  gave  liiin  their  cordial  thanks,  and  voted  him 
a  gold  medal.  ^ 

rroctor  received  his  reward  in  the  form  of  the  censnre  of  his  sujieriors,  the  severe 
rohiike  of  his  sovereign,  and  the  scorn  of  all  hcmorable  men.  lie  had  the  meanness 
1 0  shift  the  disgrace  of  defeat  from  his  own  cowardly  slnmlders  to  those  of  his  gal- 
lant regulars,  and  there  it  remained  for  more  than  twelve  months.  Upon  liis  mis- 
ivpieseiitations  Sir  (Jeorge  Prevost  severely  censnred  the  detachment  of  the  Forty- 
lirst  Keginient  that  were  in  the  battle,  ir  i  general  order  issued  at  Montreal  on  the 
24th  of  November."  lint  ihey  were  vimluited  by  the  trial  of  Proctor  in  Ue-  •  iris. 
cemher  the  next  year,''  when  the  cause  of  his  defeat  and  the  loss  of  the  West-  'i^"' 
(111  province  were  found  to  be  in  his  o\\  u  demerits  as  a  s(ddier,  lie  was  found  gnilty 
of  misconiUict  in  not  i)roviding  measnres  for  a  retreat,  while  the  court,  with  singular 
inconsistency,  acquitted  him  of  any  lack  of  personal  bravery  or  indiscretion  at  the 

1  He  remained  scvcrnl  days  under  a  stirgeon'a  care  at  Urbnnn,  tu  a  commiegary  office  near  Uoollttlc's  tnvcni,  then 
the  head-quarters  of  Governor  Mc1(,'h. 

:  The  authorities  from  wliicli  1  luive  drawn  the  chief  ninterlnle  for  the  forcijoinc  narrative  in  this  chajiter  are  the  olB- 
( ial  reports  of  General  Harrison  to  the  Secretary  of  War ;  the  several  histories  of  tlie  period  already  cited ;  written  and 
oral  statements  of  snrvivors ;  official  reports  of  the  British  officers ;  tlic  newspaiiers  of  the  day,  and  biograpliies  of  Ilur- 
rison,  Johnscjn,  Cass,  and  Tccnnitha,  etc. 

=  Harrison,  in  his  official  letter  to  the  War  Department,  spoke  In  the  highest  terms  of  his  officers  and  troops.  "  I  am 
It  a  loss,"  he  said,  "  how  to  mention  the  coiidnct  of  Oovernor  Shelby."  After  paying  a  well-merited  compliment  to  the 
veteran,  and  the  major  generals  and  brigadiers,  he  said,  "Of  Governor  Shelby's  stafl',  his  adjutant  general,  tUilouel 
M'Dowell,  and  his  (innrter-mastcr  general.  Colonel  Walker,  rendered  great  services;  as  did  his  aids-decamp.  General 
Adair,  and  Majors  Barry  and  Crittenden.  The  military  skill  of  the  former  was  of  great  service  to  us,  and  the  activity 
iif  the  two  latter  gentlemen  could  not  he  surpassed."  He  highly  commended  Acting  Adjutant  General  Butler,  and  said, 
"Myai(ls-de-camp,  Lieutenant  O'Fallon  and  Captain  Todd,  of  the  line,  and  my  vulunteer  aids,  .lohn  8.  Smith  and  .John 
Chambers,  Es(iuires,  have  rendered  nic  most  important  ser\'lce  from  the  ojicning  of  tho  campaign.  I  have  already 
Mated  that  General  Cass  and  Commodore  Pony  assisted  me  in  forming  the  troops  for  action.  The  former  is  an  officer 
of  the  highest  merit,  and  the  appearance  of  the  brave  commodore  cheered  and  animated  every  breast."  lie  highly  com- 
|ilimentcd  the  officers  and  men  of  the  mounted  regiment,  and  Major  Wood,  of  the  Kngineers. 

<  On  the  '23d  of  October  the  new  City  Hall  in  New  York  was  splendidly  illnmiiiatod  In  honor  of  these  two  victories. 
.\l™  Tammany,  Washington,  and  Mechanics'  Halls,  the  theatre,  the  City  Hotel,  and  hundreds  of  private  residences,  were 
illaminatcd.  In  the  windows  of  the  City  Hall  were  several  transparencies.  One  of  them  represented  the  battle  on  Lake 
Erie, and  the  words  "Don't  oivk  vv  tiik  Siiiv!"  In  front  of  Tammany  Hall  was  a  snpcrh  painting  exhibiting  a  full- 
li'nplh  portrait  of  Harrison,  and  tlie  figures  of  several  Indian  warriors,  the  chief  of  whom  was  on  his  bended  kuoes  su- 
inc  for  peace,  and  ofTerlng  at  the  same  tln--^  a  sqnaw,  and  her  papoose  on  her  back,  as  hostages  for  their  fidelity.  On  it 
was  also  rcjiresented  the  naval  enpagem       on  Lake  Eric. 

» On  o'le  side  Is  a  hust  of  General  Harrison,  and  the  words  Majob  Oenkbai,  Wii.uam  H.  HAuntsoN.  On  the  reverse 
i«  fccn  a  woman  placing  a  wreath  around  two  bayonets  fixed  on  mnskets,  and  a  color-staff,  stacked  over  a  drum  and 
nnnon,  bow  and  quiver.  Her  right  hand  rests  upon  the  T'liion  shield,  and  holds  a  halbert.  Prom  the  jm  lint  of  union 
of  the  stack  haugs  a  banner,  on  which  is  Inscribed  Fobt  MKUiS— Battle  of  tiik  Tiiamks.  Over  these.  In  i  semicircle, 
.".re  the  words,  Resoi.ctio.n  or  Conuukbs,  At-Bii,  4,  ISIS.     Beneath,  Batti.k  of  tuk  Tiia.meb,  OoToiiKit  5, 1S13. 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Coipordtion 


33  WeST  MAIN  STRiPT 

WeBSTIR.N.Y.  I4SS0 

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mmmms 


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668 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Proctor's  PuulBbment  considered  too  mild  by  the  Prince  Regent. 


The  Remnant  of  Proctor's  Arniy 


TUK  BARBI80N  MEnAI,, 


time  of  the  battle.  He  was  sentenced  lo  be  "  publicly  reprimanded,  and  suspended 
from  rank  and  pay  for  six  months."  So  notorious  was  the  fact  of  his  cowardly  aban- 
donment of  his  army  at  the  very  beginning  of  the  battle  that  the  Prince  liegent  se- 


TIfF.  BlIELnV  UEnAI.. 


verely  reprimanded  the  court  for  its  "  mistaken  leniency,"  expressed  his  "  regret  that 
any  officer  of  the  length  of  service  and  the  exalted  rank"  attained  by  General  Proc- 
tor "  should  be  so  extremely  wanting  in  professional  knowledge,  and  deficient  in 
those  active,  energetic  qualities  which  must  be  required  of  every  officer,"  and  that 
the  charges  and  finding  of  the  court  should  "l)e  entered  in  the  general  order-book, 
and  x-ead  at  the  head  of  every  regiment  in  his  majesty's  service."  General  Proctor 
is  represented  as  a  stout,  thick-set,  fine-looking  man.  He  died  in  Liverpool  in  1858 
or  1859. 

The  few  British  regulars  and  militia  who  escaped  after  the  battle  of  the  5th  of 
October  fled  in  confusion  through  an  almost  unbroken  wilderness  toward  Lake  On- 
tario. They  rendezvoused  at  Ancaster,  seven  miles  westward  of  Hamilton  and  tin' 
head  of  the  lake,  on  the  17th,  when  their  numbers,  inclusive  of  seventeen  officers, 
amounted  to  two  hundred  and  fifty-six.  Their  flight  spread  consternation  ove-  all 
that  region. 

The  victory  in  itself  and  its  subsequent  effects  was  raoat  complete.  It  broke  u]> 
the  Indian  confcdci'acy  of  the  Northwest,  and  caused  the  disheartened  warriore  to 


OF  THE   WAB    OF   1812. 


559 


Effects  of  the  Victories  of  Perry  and  Harrison. 


Disposition  of  thn  Troops. 


A  Jonrney  to  the  Thame:<. 


forsake  their  wliite  allies,  and  sue  Immbly  for  peace  and  pardon  at  the  feet  of  the 
Americans.  Their  very  personal  existence  compelled  them  to  endure  this  humilia- 
tion. The  winter  was  approaching,  and  ihey  and  their  families  were  destitute  of 
provisions  and  clothing,  without  tlie  means  of  procuring  either.  Their  prayers  were 
heard  and  heeded  ^  and  those  whom  they  had  fought  against  at  the  instigation  of  a 
professed  Christian  government,  became  tlieir  saviors  from  the  deadly  fongs  of  hun- 
<ti'r  and  frost.'  The  base  conduct  of  Proctoi',  and  the  kindness  of  Harrison,  gave  a 
tii'.il  blow  to  British  influence  among  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest. 

The  American  troops  occupied  the  battle-ground  on  the  Thames,  and  on  the 
:th'  General  Harrison  departed  for  Detroit,  leaving  Governor  Shelby  in  .  ojtoi)er, 
ooinmanil.  The  army  commenced  moving  that  day  in  the  same  direction,  ^'*'^- 
takiii<^  with  them  the  property  they  had  captured  and  the  prisoners.  On  the  10th 
they  arrived  at  Sandwich  in  the  midst  of  a  furious  storm  of  Avind  and  snow,  during 
which  several  of  the  vessels  from  the  Tha  r^es  were  injured,  and  much  of  the  captured 
property  was  lost.  Harrison  and  Perry  had  planned  an  immediate  attack  on  Mack- 
inack,  and  Captain  Elliott  had  volunteered  to  command  the  naval  force,  but  the  ex- 
treme cold  and  the  blinding  storm  warned  them  of  the  near  approach  of  winter  and 
the  dahgers  that  might  be  encountered,  and  they  prudently  abandoned  the  enter- 
prise. Rumors  came  that  the  enemy  had  fled  from  Maakinack;  so,  after  concl  "Vng 
an  armistice  with  the  chiefs  of  several  of  the  hostile  tribes,  among  whom  was  Mai- 
pock,  the  fierce  and  implacable  Pottawatomie,  and  receiving  hostages  for  their  faith- 
fulness,' Harrison  prepared  to  go  down  the  lake  witn  M'Arthur's  brigade,  a  battal- 
ion of*  regular  riflemen  under  Colonel  Wells,  and  mounted  men  under  Colonel  Ball, 
to  join  the  American  forces  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  The  Kentuckians  returned 
home,  after  stopping  at  the  Raisin  to  bnry  the  whitened  bones  of  their  massacred 
countrymen,  and  on  the  Sandusky  peninsula  to  recover  their  horses,^  suffering  much 
from  fatigue,  hunger,  and  cold  on  the  Avay. 

General  Harrison  appointed  General  Cass  military  and  civil  governor  of  Michigan, 
and  directed  him  to  retain  his  brigade  (about  one  thousand  in  number)  to  keep  the 
Indians  in  check,  and  hold  possession  of  that  portion  of  Canada  lately  conquered  by 
tlie  Americans  west  of  Lake  Ontui'io.  Hari-ison  arrived  at  Buffalo  on  the  24th  of 
October,  with  about  thirteen  hundred  men,  only  one  thousand  of  them  effective  sol- 
diers.   There  he  joined  General  M'Clure  in  active  preparations  against  the  enemy. 

I  visited  the  battle-ground  on  the  Thames  on  a  cold,  blustering  day  in  Octo- 
ber,'' I860,  accompanied  by  Miles  Miller,  Esq.,  of  Chatham,  Canada  West,  b  octoher  ii, 
formei'ly  ■  litor  of  The  Western  Planet  newspaper.  I  left  Detroit  in  the  ^®"''' 
morning  with  my  family,  crossed  the  river,  took  seats  in  a  carriage  on  the  Great 
Western  Railway,  and,  after  a  swift  journey  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  over  a  space  of 
fit'ty-foiir  miles  along  the  borders  of  Lake  St.  Clair,  thi'ough  oozy  swamps,  broad 
prairies,  tangled  forests,  and  wealthy  farms  to  the  Thames,  following  the  route  of 
llarrison's  pursuing  army,  we  alighted  at  Chatham,  a  pleasant  village  of  six  thou- 
sand inhabitants,  on  the  left  or  south  bank  of  the  Thames,  and  the  capital  of  the 
comity  of  Kent.  It  lies  upon  a  plain  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  agricultural  country,  at 
the  head  of  steam-boat  navigation  on  the  Thames.    It  was  originally  laid  out  by 


'  An  eye-witness  says :  "  A  few  days  after  Proctor's  defeat,  Detroit  was  so  fnll  of  famished  savages  that  the  issne  of 
ralions  to  them  did  not  Iteep  pace  with  their  hniiger.  I  have  seen  the  women  and  children  searching  about  the  gronnd 
fjr  lionci  and  rinds  of  porlc  \vhlch  had  liccn  thrown  away  by  the  soldiers.  Meat  in  a  high  state  of  pntrefaclion,  which 
kadbeen  thrown  into  the  river,  was  carefully  piclced  up  and  devoured.  The  feet,  heads,  and  entrails  of  the  cattle  slaugh- 
lerod  by  the  public  butchers  were  collected  and  sent  off  to  the  neighboring  villages.  I  have  conntcd  twenty  horses  in 
a  drove  fanclftilly  decorated  with  the  offals  of  the  slnughtcr-ynrd."—  V'ieiet  on  Ijoke  Erie,  by  Samuel  R.  Brown,  pnire  !'B. 

'  Wc  have  already  observed  that  Wallt-ln-the-water,  and  many  of  his  followers,  deserted  Proctor  at  Chatham.  Whih 
Hiirrlson  was  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  up  the  Thames,  chiefs  of  the  Mlamis,  Ottuwos,  Pottawatomies,  Chippcwas,  and 
Kioknpoos  proposed  to  Oeneral  M'Arthur,  at  Detroit,  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  and  agreed  to"talte  hold  of  the  some 
lomihiiwlt  tt-ith  the  Americans,  and  to  strike  all  who  are,  or  may  he  enemies  of  the  t'nited  States,  whether  British  or 
Indians."   They  brought  in  their  women  and  children,  and  offered  them  .f  hostages  for  tljelr  own  good  behavior." 

'  See  page  540, 


ii 


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■J     ',  ■  ;     i 

m\  1 

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fii 


660 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


AVIuit  to  tbc  Battlfc-licld  on  the  Thames. 


KecollectionB  of  an  old  Iteeident. 


Tecnmtha  and  his  Pistol. 


Governor  Simcoe,  who  reserved  six  hundred  acres  for  a  town  plot.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river,  in  the  township  of  Dover,  is  the  little  suburban  village  of  North 
Chatham,  connected  with  the  main  town  by  a  toll-bridge. 

We  took  rooms  at  the  Moyal  Exchange  Hotel,  and,  as  soon  as  a  vehicle  could  be 
procured,  I  started  with  Mr.  Miller  for  the  Thames  battle-ground,  about  eighteen 
miles  distant.  The  sky  was  overcast  by  broken  masses  of  clouds,  and  a  bitincr  nortii 
wind  came  from  the  great  Canadian  wilderness,  with  Winter  Tales  upon  evei-y  blast 
We  followed  the  route  of  the  American  army,  sketching  the  ruins  of  M'Gregor's  mill 
(see  page  550)  on  the  way,  and  at  about  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  were  at  the  lit- 
tle village  of  Tecumseh  (Thamesville  Station),  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  historic 
ground.  There  we  dined,  and  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  David  Sherman,  Esq.  a 
life-long  resident  of  that  spot,  who  was  a  lad  nine  or  ten  years  of  age  when  the  bat- 
tle occurred,  and  had  a  clear  recollection  of  the  events  of  the  day  Avhich  came  iinder 
his  observation.  He  informed  us  that  the  Americans  encamped  on  his  father's  farm, 
where  tlic  village  of  Tecumseh  now  stands,  on  the  night  before  the  battle.  His  fa- 
tlier  was  ;i  soldier  with  Proctor,  and  left  home  twenty-four  hours  before.  During 
the  forenoon  of  the  day  of  the  battle,  young  Sherman  went  up  to  within  half  a  inilc 
of  the  place  where  Johnson  discovered  the  British  line,  and  saw  Tecumtha  sitting' 
on  a  log  near  where  a  white  cow  that  belonged  to  a  neighbor  had  been  killed  and 
was  then  a-roasting.  Tecumtha  asked  him  whose  boy  he  Avas.  He  told  him,  Avheii 
the  chief,  who  was  acquainted  Avith  his  father,  said, "  Don't  let  the  Americans  know 
that  your  father  is  in  the  army,  or  they'll  burn  your  house.  Go  back,  and  stay  home, 
for  there  will  be  a  fight  here  soon." 

Mr.  Shennan  said  he  scanned  the  great  chief  with  the  wide-open  eyes  of  wonder 
and  curiosity  of  a  boy  of  his  age,  and,  among  other  thipgs,  saw  two  pistols  in  the 
warrior's  belt,  unlike  the  English  ones  he  liad  been  accustomed  to.  Having  satisfied 
his  cuiiocity,  he  took  Tecumtha's  advice,  and  hastened  homeward.  He  saw  the 
Americans  passing  rapidly  onwai'd  toward  the  place  where  he  left  the  chief,  and 
heard  the  din  of  battle  during  the  afternoon.  All  was  quiet  before  sunset  and  dur- 
ing the  night ;  and  early  the  next  morning  he  ventured  to  go  upon  the  battle-ground, 

where  he  saw  the  two  Indians, 
one  of  whom  was  supposed  to 
be  General  Tecumtha.  On  that 
spot  a  pistol  precisely  like  cm- 
of  those  that  he  saw  in  Tecum- 
tha's belt  was  found  by  a  neigh- 
bor, and  was  in  his  possessioa 
He  has  no  doubt  of  its  beinsr 
one  of  the  great  leader's  weaji- 
ons,  and  cherishes  it  as  such. 
teo^tbVb  piBToi.  j^  jg  of  American  manufacture. 

fourteen  inches  in  length,  has  a  flint-lock,  is  rifled,  and  bears  the  name  of  "H.  Al- 
bright," maker.  I  made  a  sketch  of  it,  and,  upon  the  circumstantial  evidence  of  Mr. 
Shennan,  present  it  to  the  reader  as  a  picture  of  one  of  the  pistols  of  the  great  Shaw- 

noese  chief 

From  Mr.  Sherman  we  learned  some  interesting  facts  concerning  the  locality  of  the 
battle-ground,  but  he  refused  to  indicate  the  exact  place  where  Tecumtha  fcdl,givin2 
as  a  reason  for  his  reticence  on  that  point  that  he  had  been  making  efforts  to  induct 
the  provincial  government  to  erect  a  monument  on  the  spot,  and,  until  that  should  be 
accomplished,  lie  should  keep  the  secret  in  his  own  bosom.  I  think  the  place  desig 
nated  on  the  map  on  page  554  is  the  correct  one. 

After  dinner  we  rode  up  to  th;'  dwelling  of  the  old  Watts  Farm,  on  which  most  of 
the  battle  was  fought,  while  the  troops  under  Shelby  occupied  a  portion  of  the  iand^ 


^  I    1  •..\.      '  .■   ^  ; 


a  and  his  Pigtol. 


OF   THE    WAU    OF    18  12. 


.561 


Auuearsnce  of  the  Battle-flekl  of  the  Thames. 


Moravian  To\vu. 


Retarn  to  Chatham. 


owned  by  James  Dixon  at  the  time  of  our  visit.  We  liad  very  little  trouble  in  find- 
iu2  the  places  sought.  The  forest  had  disai)j)eared,  and  nothing  remained  of  the 
crand  old  trees  except  a  few  ravaged  and  mo.stly  dead  stems,  many  of  them  black- 
ened by  fii'C-  The  smaller  swamp  had  also  disappeared,  but  its  jilace  was  distinctly 
marked  by  deep  black  mould.  In  the  rear  is  the  great  swamp  still,  and  in  front,  be- 
tween louy  wooded  banks,  flows  the  beautiful  La  Tranche  or  Thames,  near  which  are 
o>ave3  of  the  slain.  From  a  corn-field  between  the  smaller  and  larger  swamps,  near 
the  spot  where  Johnson  and  Tecumtha  met,  I  made  a  sketch  of  the  battle-field. 


)i 


• 


''^'mw- 


THAMES   UATTI.E-fiUOU.Nll.' 

Around  us  were  golden  pumpkins  and  wealthy  shocks  of  Indian  com,  and  in  the  re- 
tiiitly-cleared  field,  where  the  small  swamp  loy,  cattle  were  quietly  grazing  on  the 
frost-nipped  grass.  It  is  an  attractive  spot  for  the  historical  student,  and  our  visit 
was  an  item  in  the  fulfillment  of  the  poet's  prophecy,  that 

"Oft  to  La  Tranche's  battle-fleM 

In  future  times  ehnll  traveler  come, 
To  mute  reflection's  power  to  yield, 

And  gaze  on  lowly  warriors'  tomb. 
'Here,'  shall  he  eaj-,  'our  soldiers  stood ; 

There  were  the  Indians'  unraerons  host; 
Here  flowed  the  gallant  Johnson's  blood ; 

There  died  the  Shawnoean  boast.' " 

We  intended  to  visit  the  Moravian  town,^  but,  after  sketching  the  battlc-grormd, 
and  the  little  view  of  the  Thames  printed  on  page  553,  the  day  was  so  fiir  spent  that 
w  ft'lt  compelled  to  turn  back  toward  Tecumseh,  where  we  partook  of  refreshments, 
ami  at  twilight  started  on  our  return  to  Chatham.  We  arrived  at  the  "  Royal  Ex- 
change" at  nine  in  the  evening,  cold  and  weary,  but  full  of  satisfaction. 

Before  sunrise  on  the  following  morning  I  sketched  the  view  at  the  mouth  of 
M'Gregor's  Creek,  printed  on  page  550,  and  after  an  early  breakfa-st,  again  accompa- 

■  In  this  sketch  the  spectator  Is  looking  southward,  toward  the  Thames.  Its  line  is  marked  by  the  distant  trees.  The 
leoM  Men  along  the  edge  of  those  trees  Indicates  the  position  of  the  road  hat  leads  to  Detroit,  across  which  stood 
Proctor's  regulars,  and  on  which  were  his  cannon.  The  line  of  Proctor's  aim  '  was  north  and  south,  across  the  upper 
tkt  ofihe  Fmaller  swamp,  near  where  the  cattle  are  seen. 

'  1 WM  Informetl  that  the  Sloraviaus  there  were  all  Indians  except  their  mini  iter,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vogler.  There  were 
I'lOUt  Wty  families,  mostly  Delawares,  and  descendants  of  the  e.irly  settlers.  E  ich  family  had  a  plank  house  and  forty 
icrw  of  land,  famished  by  the  government.  The  houses  appeared  very  mnrn  like  those  of  the  pensioners  at  Am- 
kffftbmg,  mentioned  on  page  290.  They  had  a  neat  church.  Some  of  the  '  .a  honses  of  the  orieinal  town,  a  mile  and  a 
hi'f  from  the  present  village,  not  destroyed  in  !>!.'!,  were  yet  standing.  The  chief  or  military  leader  of  the  Indians 
itu  Philip  Jacobs,  who  lived  ou  the  site  of  the  old  town.    He  was  abou  sixty  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  my  visit. 


ria 


■nit 


.llifjjii  1^ 


m  i 


It* 


iJMfM 


:  a  fit   .  TTfl 


562 


riCTOllIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Dolsen'a. 


Journey  eastward. 


Harrison  on  the  Northern  Frontier 


nied  by  the  courteous  Mr.  Miller,  crossed  the  river,  and  rode  down  to  Dolscn's  to  pro- 
cure  a  drawing  of  his  residence,  made  famous  by  the  ave.its  of  the  campaign  of  Har- 
rison against  Proctor,  We  returned  in  time  for  myself  and  party  to  take  the  cars  for 
the  East  at  half  past  nine  o'clock.  We  passed  through  London  (a  flouri8hin<»  town 
of  about  seven  thousand  inhabitants,  pleasantly  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  north 
and  east  branches  of  the  Thames)  at  noon,  and  arrived  at  Paris,  forty-seven  miles  far- 
ther eastward,  in  time  for  dinner.  There  we  left  the  railway,  and  traveled  in  a  pri- 
vate carriage  to  Norwichville,  twenty-five  miles  southward,  where  we  were  received 
at  twilight  by  relati.es — descendants  of  tie  first  settlers  of  that  region,  who  built 
log  huts,  and  felled  the  primeval  forest  there  only  a  little  more  than  fifty  years  a<ro, 
Now  it  is  a  fertile,  well-cultivated,  and  highly-picturesque  country,  bearing  few  traces 
of  a  settlement  so  new  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  remember  its  beginning.  Wo 
tarried  there  a  few  days,  and  then  returned  to  our  home  on  the  Hudson  by  way  of 
the  Niagara  Suspension  Bridge,  after  an  absence  of  more  than  five  weeks,  bearing  rich 
treasures  from  the  historic  fields  of  the  Northwest. 

As  the  campaign  that  closed  on  the  banks  of  the  Tliamcs  was  the  last  in  which 
General  Harrison  was  engaged,  Ave  will  here  consider  a  brief  outline  of  his  career  from 
his  arrival  on  the  Niagara  frontier  until  he  left  the  service  in  the  spring  of  1814. 

Harrison,  as  avc  have  observed,  arrived  at  Buffalo  on  the  24th  of  October.  He  Mcnt 
immediate.y  down  to  Newark,  the  head-quarters  of  General  M'Clure,  of  the  New  York 
Militia,  and  soon  afterward  commenced  active  operations,  by  order  of  the  Secrctarr 
of  War,  for  an  expedition  against  the  British  at  Burlington  Heights,  at  the  west  ciiil 
of  Lake  Ontario,  the  "  capture  or  destruction  of  which,"  the  Secretary  said  in  his 
letter,  "  Avould  be  a  glorious  j^«afc  to  his  campaign,"  While  in  the  midst  of  these 
preparations,  another  letter  came  from  the  same  functionary,  written  only  four  days 
later  than  the  former,  requiring  General  Harrison  to  send  M' Arthur's  brigade  t« 
Sackett's  Harbor,  as  Montreal,  not  Kingston,  would  be  the  point  of  attack  on  the  cii 
omy  by  Wilkinson's  army,  by  which  the  country  eastward  of  Lake  Ontario  might  be 
exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the  British  from  the  latter  place.  There  were  valuahlc 
stores  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  it  was  thought  to  be  mCxC  important  to  save  tlicse 
than  to  assail  the  enemy  farther  west.  Like  an  obedient  soldier,  Harrison  obeyed, 
His  troops  were  embarked  on  Chauncey's  fleet  at  the  middle  of  November,  Thepm- 
gramme  having  been  changed,  the  Secretary  of  War  gave  General  Harrison  permis- 
sion to  visit  his  family  near  Cincinnati.  The  general  accompanied  his  troops  to  Sack- 
ett's Harbor,  and  then  journeyed  homeward  by  the  way  of  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  and  Washington,  every  where  receiving  the  plaudits  of  his  countrymen. 

The  campaign  under  the  old  generals  (Dearbora,  Hampton,  and  Wilkinson)  on  the 
northern  frontier  in  1813  having  been  fruitless  of  much  good  to  the  American  cause, 
the  eyes  of  the  people  tvere  turned  in  expectation  toward  General  Harrison,  the  suc- 
cessful leader,  as  the  future  acting  commander-in-chief  of  the  American  army,  or  at 
least  of  that  portion  of  it  on  the  northeni  frontier.  Such  was  the  expectation  of  his 
companions  in  arms.  "  Yes,  my  dear  friend,"  Perry  wrote  to  him, "  I  expect  to  hail 
you  as  the  chief  who  is  to  redeem  the  honor  of  our  arms  in  the  North,"  "You,  sir," 
wrote  M' Arthur  to  him  from  Albany,  in  New  York,i  "  stand  the  highest  with  the  mi- 
litia of  this  state  of  any  general  in  the  service,  and  I  am  confident  that  no  man  can 
fight  them  to  so  gv  ^at  an  advantage,  and  I  think  their  extreme  solicitude  may  be  the 
means  of  calling  you  to  this  promotion." 

These  expectations  were  not  realized.  For  reasons  unexplained,  the  feelings  oi 
General  Armstrong,  the  Secretary  of  War,  appear  to  have  been  suddenly  and  greatly 
changed  toward  General  Harrison,  and  his  treatment  of  that  ofiicer  deprived  the 
country  of  his  military  services  at  a  most  critical  time.    He  persistently  interfered 

>  M'Arlhur  was  then  In  attendance  as  n  witness  npon  the  court-martial  for  the  trial  of  Brigadier  General  Hull.  See 
page  234. 


■ 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


663 


rthern  Frontier. 


Treatment  of  Harrison  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 


Harrison  leaves  *be  Army. 


A  Journey  In  Ohio. 


fl-i '  Harrison's  prerogatives  as  commander-in-cliiof  of  the  Eighth  Militaiy  District, 
<ind  the  general  became  convinced,  by  circumstances  not  necessary  to  detail  here,  tliat 
the  secretary  disliked  him,  and  was  determined  to  deprive  him  of  all  active  command, 
lie  remembered  Armstrong's  unasked  permission  to  visit  liis  family  at  Cincinnati,  and 
he  now  construed  it  as  a  deliberate  hint  that  he  might  retire  from  the  army  a  while. 
These  suspicions  were  fostered  and  confirmed  by  subsequent  events,  and  on  the  11th 
of  May,  1814,  Harrison,  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  another  to  the  Prfi- 
dent  of  the  United  States,  oifered  to  resign  his  commission.  When  Governor  Siielby 
heard  of  the  movement  he  wrote  an  earnest  letter  to  the  President,  urging  him  not  to 
accept  the  resignation,  and  saying, "  Having  served  in  a  campaign  with  General  Har- 
rison, by  which  I  have  been  enabled  to  form  some  opinion  of  his  military  talents  and 
capacity  to  command,  I  feel  no  hesitation  to  declare  to  you  that  I  believe  him  to  be 
one  of  the  first  military  characters  I  ever  knew,  and,  in  addition  to  this,  he  is  capable 
of  making  greater  personal  exertions  than  any  officer  with  whom  I  have  ever  served."' 
Harrison  was  then  forty  years  of  age. 

Unfortunately  for  the  country,  tlic  President  was  absent  from  Washington,  at  his 
home  in  Virginia,  when  the  letters  of  Harrison  and  Shelby  reached  the  cajutal.  They 
were  both  forwarded  to  Madison.  Meanwhile  the  Secretary  of  War,  without  con- 
sulting the  President,  accepted  the  general's  resignation.  This  was  an  assumption 
of  authority  never  exercised  before  nor  since.  In  a  letter  to  Governor  Shelby,  the 
President  expressed  his  sincere  regret  that  the  valuable  services  of  General  HariMson 
could  not  have  been  secured  to  the  government  for  the  approaching  campaign.  Har- 
rison left  the  army,  and  during  the  ensuing  summer  he  Avas  appointed,  in  conjunction 
■vitli  Governors  Shelby  and  Cass,  to  treat  with  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest  concern- 
ing all  things  in  dispute  between  the  tribes  and  the  United  States. 

As  we  shall  not  meet  General  Harrison  again  in  active  military  service,  nor  men- 
tion his  name  except  incidentally,  I  Avill  take  this  occasion  to  notice  a  short  journey 
in  Ohio,  in  the  autumn  of  1 860,  Avhile  collecting  materials  for  this  Avork,  in  Avhich  Avas 
included  a  visit  to  the  home  and  grave  of  that  faithful  jjublic  servant  at  North  Bend, 
on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio. 

In  a  former  chapter  (see  page  542)  1  have  mentioned  my  departure  from  Cleveland 
after  the  inauguration  of  Perry's  statue,  for  Columbus,  the  capital  of  Ohio.  The  rail- 
way betAveen  the  tAvo  places  lies,  much  of  the  distance  from  Cleveland  to  DelaAvare, 
throuijli  a  flat,  not  very  fertile,  and  a.ncAvly-cleared  country,  the  latter  fact  being  at- 
u'sted  by  a  profusion  of  stumps  of  trees  in  most  of  the  clearings.  On  the  summit 
of  the  Avater-shed  betAvcen  Lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio  River,  the  country  is  more  rolling 
and  fertile.  We  journeyed  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  mUes  in  the  course  of  five 
hours  and  forty  minutes,  and  reached  Columbus  at  about  tAVO  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon of  a  delightful  September  day.*  At  three  I  lefl  for  NcAvark,  the  •  September  12. 
capital  of  Licking  County,  thirty-three  miles  eastAvard  of  Columbus,  for  ^**"*- 

the  tAS'ofold  pui-^ose  of  visiting  an  old  and  highly-esteemed  friend,*  and  viewing,  in 
the  neighborhood,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of  the  tumuli,  or  ancient  mounds,  Avith 
!  which  the  Ohio  country  abounds.  I  found  my  friend  very  ill — too  ill  to  endure  more 
[  tlian  a  few  minutes'  conversation.  During  the  evening,  in  company  with  his  son,  I 
visited  ^^r.  David  Wyrick,  a  resident  of  the  village,  an  engineer  by  profession,  and  an 
enthusiastic  antiquary,  who  had  lately  been  made  famous  as  the  discoverer  of  a  stone, 
with  Hebrew  inscriptions,  in  a  portion  of  the  ancient  earth-works  that  abound  in  the 
neighborhood  of  NcAvark.  I  found  him  a  plain,  earnest  man,  and  bearing,  among 
those  who  know  him  best,  a  character  above  reproach  for  truth  and  sincerity.  He 
sliowod  me  a  large  number  of  curious  things  taken  from  mounds  in  the  neighbor- 

'  OoTemor  Shelby  to  President  Madison,  May  16, 1814. 

'  Samuel  0.  Arnold,  Esq.,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Xmark  North  American,  and  anthor  of  a  Life  of  Pntriclc  Henry, 
«j(l  one  or  two  other  small  volumes. 


m 


1' 

\                      1, 

1 

h 


iiiUi 


li 


'^m^w 


504 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


w 


wm 


ii.: 


Andent  Monuda  and  Rclica  nt  Newark,  Ohio. 


Ancieut  Coffin  and  Inncrlbed  Stucet 


HI-MAINH   or  AN    ANCIENT   UOFFIN. 


hooil.  Among  them  was  a  portion  of  a 
coffin,  made  of  a  liollowed  oak  log,  fouiul 
beneath  a  truncated  circular  jtyraniid  for. 
ty  feet  in  height,  with  a  base  one  liniidii,! 
and  eighty-two  feet  in  diameter,  evidi-ntiv 
constructed  by  a  people  ignorant  of  nu'tai- 
lic-cdged  tools. '  But  the  most  ctnious  of 
nil  the  relics  was  the  stone  upon  the  four  sides  of  which  are  words  in  Hebrew  kt- 
ters.  Mr,  Wyrick  found  tl'em  while 
searching  for  human  remains  in  the 
centre  of  a  small  depression  of  the 
earth  connected  with  the  system  of 
ancient  earth-works  in  that  region. 
The  stone  is  in  the  form  of  a  trunc- 
ated cone,  five  inches  in  length,  with 
two  sides  broader  tlian  the  other  two 
sides,  and  a  neck  and  knob,  evidently 
Ibrmed  for  suspending  it  by  a  cord 
or  chain.     It  has  the  appearance,  in  ™'  '"•"'  "'•"'•»  o^  ^me  holy  stone. 

texture  and  color,  of  a  novaculite,  or  "  hone-stone,"  and  is  finely  polished.  Tho  let- 
ters (said  by  those  who  are  competent  to  decide  to  bo  ancient  Hebrew)  are  neatly 
made  in  intaglio  upon  each  of  the  four  sides.  How,  and  Avhen,  and  for  what  iiiao- 
tical  or  symbolical  purpose  that  stone  was  deposited  in  the  earth  there,  may  forever 
remain  a  mystery.^ 

>  This  coilin  is  quite  shallow,  nudmoro  like  the  hollowed  platform  of  a  scaffolding.    It  bears  evidence  of  lmvlii"licoi 
liollowcd  by  the  processes  employed  by  The  coffin,  when  found,  was  in  a  cui' 

the  aborigines  when  liuropeans  first  vis-      >^--7>>  MBife>t        cavity  of  earth  lined  with  clay  mn(l»  m 

Ited  America,  namely,  by  lire  and  stone  ^.  \l,l  .^^HkI  pcrvlonn  to  water.  It  lay  In  water  twelve 
axes.  With  these  they  felled  trees  and  l^s^  ^^^^^^  Inches  in  depth,  resting  npou  seven  niece, 
hollowed  out  logs  for  canoes.  They  first  K|^S  .^HH^^V  "f  ^^all  timber,  these  resting  npoii  tm 
bnrnt  the  timber,  and  then  removed  the  ^pgWfc  ^^^^^^fc\  larger  p'eccs,  as  seen  in  the  above  >ketcli 
charred  part  with  the  blunt  stone  axe,  for  ^gej  ^HIHi^to^  These,  like  the  coffin,  wore  coninleteiv 
these  could  not  be  made  sharp  euongh  to     JPK^  g-:  -^^T     "  water-sogged."    The  coffin  was  lined 

ci't.andondnrc.  These  processes  were  re-  ^^^^^^§^^S|  with  a  faliric  resembling  old  carne-in' 
pcated  until  the  requisite  depth  was  ob-  9-^^-  JM.  ^^^SS^^  go  fragile  that  it  ernmblcd  at  the  fliOu- 
taiued.  Kvery  part  of  the  Iiollowed  por-  S,^_^  ^^^^^^  est  touch.  On  this  the  body  of  thc'de- 
tiouH  of  the  ancient  coffin  tliat  I  saw  bore  btone  axes.  ceased  had  been  laid ;  and  thereon  wa. 

clear  marks  of  these  operations.  found  the  skeleton  'n  fragments,  lock-  ol 

beautiful  black  hair,  and  ten  copper  rings  lying  near  where  the  hands  might  have  been  folded  over  the  breast.  The 
whole  were  Imbedded  in  clay,  over  which  was  an  arch  of  small  and  large  stones.  Over  this  was  a  mound  ofclav,  mak- 
mg  the  whole  structure  inclosing  the  coffin  about  seven  feet  in  height.  The  remainder  of  the  pyramid  was  cnmpnwd 
of  stone.  These  the  State  of  Ohio  purchased  for  constructing  the  "  Licking  Summit  Reservoir"  for  the  use  of  the  Oliin 
Canal,  and  removed  about  fifty  thousand  wagon-loads.  The  sepuichrc  was  found  when  these  stones  were  removed,  acd 
was  explored  by  Mr.  Wyrick.    The  clay  was  brought  ft-om  u  distance,  for  there  is  none  like  it  in  the  vicinity. 

The  annexed  diagram,  kindly  drawn  for  tne  by  Mr, 
Wyrick,  shows  a  sectional  view  of  the  clay  mounds,  ite 
email  stone  arch,  and  the  position  of  the  coffin.  A  the  I'p- 
per  part  of  tho  clay  mound,  and  B  the  lower  portion.  In 
these  the  open  dots  indicate  the  places  where  it  was  evi- 
dent timbers  had  been  placed,  and  had  rotted  away.  C 
the  arch  of  stone,  1111  Indicating  two  layers  of  small 
stones  from  six  to  ten  inches  in  diameter,  and  2  a  layer 
of  broad  flat  stones.  D  the  coffin  and  skeleton,  and  E  the 
conc.ivlty  filled  with  water,  in  which  they  rested.  The  clay 
had  evidently  been  formed  into  a  kind  of  mort.-r,  and  ffa< 
as  hard  as  sun-dried  brick.  The  pyramid  was  on  an  en- 
Inence  seven  miles  south  of  Newark,  and  five  hundred  feet  above  the  level  of  any  stream  of  water  near. 

a  The  cavity  in  which  Mr.  Wyrick  found  this  stone  was  about  twenty  feet  in  circumference,  and  nbont  two  feet  in 
depth  at  the  centre.  When  he  had  excavated  through  dark  and  rich  alluvium  about  fourteen  inches,  he  came  to  alighl- 
er  soil  of  a  clayey  nature,  in  which  were  pebbles.  One  of  these,  of  oblong  form,  composed  of  reddish  quartz,  tirst  at- 
tracted his  attention.  Soon  afterward  he  found  the  inscribed  stone  Imbedded  in  the  "ilay.  Gentlemen  of  learning  ei- 
nmined  it,  and  proved  the  letters  to  be  obsolete  Hebrnic.  The  Reverend  J.  W.  M'Carty,  of  Newark,  a  Hebrew  ffholar, 
translated  the  words  on  three  of  the  four  sides  as  follows :  "Hnli/  of  HhHok  ;"  "  7'he  \y'ord  u/  tlie  Imw  ;"  and  "  The  Wh) 
cf  the  Lnrd."  At  a  meeting  of  some  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Newark,  held  at  the  Court-house  about  two  months  afte: 
my  visit  there,  to  consider  tho  character  and  the  circumstances  of  tho  finding  of  the  "  Boly  Stone,"  General  Dllle  pre- 
elded,  and  Mr.  M'Carty  gave  au  interesting  account  of  the  whole  matter.    It  was  stated  that  only  four  or  five  of  itc 


SECTIONAL  VIEW  OK  THE  PVnAMII). 


OF   THE  WAK   OF   1812. 


665 


Bcrlbed  Stonei. 

ortkm  of  a 
lo;^,  t'omiil 
yramid  tor- 
ue  Imiiilnd 
r,evi(k'utly 
.lit  of  metal- 
t  envious  of 
llclji-ow  lot- 


cd.  The  let- 
\v)  arc  neatly 
or  what  prac- 
},  may  forever 


Mice  ofhavinslicfii 
iiind,  was  in  a  cm;- 
with  clay  inail^  iiii- 
t  lay  in  water  twoU\ 
pg  upon  eevcn  piece- 
resting  upon  two 
the  aliove  fkcick, 
were  coraplelciy 
coffin  was  liueil 
Jinij  old  carpciin:, 
;nl)lo(l  at  the  fli:lit- 
the  body  of  the  ic- 
and  thereon  «i- 
fraiimcnts,  locks  "1 
. . .  the  breast.  Ttt 
monnd  of  clay,  mak- 
■amid  was  compnH-fl 
the  use  ot  the  Ohio 
were  removed,  aul 
vicinity. 

■n  for  mc  by  Mr. 
jC  clay  moumls,  Ibe 
he  coffin.   A  the  cp- 
lower  portion.  In 
_'8  where  it  was  cvi- 
lad  rotted  away.  C 
two  layers  otsmali 
nc^cr,  and  2  a  layer 
skeleton,  and  E  the 
jey  rested.  The  clay 
dofmorfr.onilffa' 
imid  was  on  an  ck- 
near, 
nd  nhont  two  feet  in 
s,  hecametoallghi- 
Jdish  quartz,  tirst  at. 
emeu  of  learning  «• 
■k,  a  Hebrew  Bcholar, 
'10 ;"  and'Tftf"*' 
out  two  months  o(te: 
General  Dille  !«■ 
ly  four  or  five  of  ttc 


An  ancient  stone  Box  and  Its  Contcntn. 


An  Immense  niicieut  Enrth-work  neur  Newark  visited  and  described. 


Early  the  following  momiiiEf,  ftccompanicd  by  my  young  friend,  I  visited  the  "  Old 
Fort  "  i'**  t''*^  i)eoi)le  there  call  one  of  the  most  nia^nificunt  of  the  ancient  earth-works 
that  abound  in  that  section  of  Ohio.  It  is  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Newark,  in  the 
miilst  f *  '''  pi'i'iicval  forest,  and  forms  a  pleasant  resort  in  fiummer.  It  is  composed 
of  a  continuous  mound,  that  sweeps  in  a  perfect  circle  a  mile  in  circumference,  broken 
only  )iy  the  entrance  to  it,  wliero  the  banks,  higher  than  any  where  else,  turn  outward 
foi'tifty  feet  or  more,  and  form  a  magnificent  gateway.     The  embankment  averages 


QUKAT   EABTll-HdKK   NKAU   MKU'ABK. 

from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in  height,  and  is  covered  with  maple,  beech,  and  hickory 
trees  of  every  size,  from  the  huge  Anak  of  the  forest  to  the  lithe  sapling — the  formei* 
indicating  the  origin  of  the  strncturc  to  be  far  more  remote  than  the  atlvent  of  Euro- 
iicaas  in  the  New  World.  These  also  cover  the  area  inclosed  by  the  mound.  The 
ditch  from  which  the  earth  was  thrown  is  within  the  embankment,  and  is  visible 
around  the  entire  line  of  the  work,  proving  it  not  to  have  been  a  fortification.  Li  the 
centre  of  the  area  (which  is  perfectly  level)  is  a  slight  elevation,  in  the  form  of  a 
sprcau  eagle,  covering  many  yards,  and  is  called  the  Eagle  Mound.' 

char.ictcrs  correspond  to  those  now  In  use  In  the  Hebrew  books,  but  these  furnished  a  key  to  the  translation.  It  had  al- 
ready been  stated  by  a  gentleman  familiar  Mth  the  history  and  practice  of  the  Freemasons,  and  who  was  a  member  of  the 
fraternity,  that  the  stone  was  of  the  kind  used  by  masons  of  a  certain  grade  in  the  East  soon  after  the  b-iilding  of  the 
lirit  temple  by  Solomon.  It  has  in  their  system,  he  said,  a  well-known  meaning,  its  principal  use  In  ancient  times  be- 
ins  for  deposit  beneath  whatever  structure  the  master  mason  might  superintend.  This  symbol,  he  said,  was  uot  nec- 
osrarily  furnished  with  inscripticms,  but  masons  entitled  to  use  It  might  put  buch  sentences  upon  i*  as  that  one  has.  It 
would  be  placed  In  the  northeastern  part  of  the  foundation,  and  if  it  stood  on  Its  point  would  Indicate  that  something 
more  was  deposited  beneath.  If  it  lay  on  Its  broadest  face,  the  point  ir  small  end  would  indicate  the  direction  where 
clhor  deposits  would  be  found.  These,  If  found,  would  disclose  facts  connected  with  the  building.  Was  uot  the  cavity 
in  which  the  stone  was  found  the  foundation  of  a  structure  never  erected  f 

A  few  weeks  subsequent  to  my  visit,  Mr.  Wyrick  found,  in  one  of  the  mounds  in  that  vicinity,  a  stone  box,  nearly 
eis'-shaped,  the  two  halves  fitting  together  by  a  joint  whi"'.  runs  around  the  stone  lengthwise.  Within  this  box  was  a 
stone  seven  inches  long  and  three  wide,  ou  a  smooth  surface  of  which  Is  a  figure,  in  dan  relief,  well  cut,  and  surrounded 
by  characters  thus  described  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Carty :  "The  words  over  the  head  of  the  human  figure  contain  three 
letters.  Two  of  them  are  Hebrew,  Sheir  and  He  (or  Heth).  The  third  I  Inferred  to  be  3fpm— a  conjecture  most  readily 
suggested  by  its  form,  It  being  exactly  that  of  the  old  Gaelic  Muin  (M),  and  afterward  fully  borne  ont  by  Its  always  an- 
swering thereto.  This  gave  tlie  word  Mosheh  (Moses)  or  MesMach  (Messiah)."  Of  the  characters  Mr.  M'Carty  said  "  some 
looked  like  the  Hebrew  coin  character,  some  like  the  Phffiulcian  alphabet,  a  few  bore  resemblance  to  those  on  the  Grave 
Creek  stone,*  and  some  I  could  not  Identify  with  any  known  alphabet."  He  at  last  found  that  the  language  was  really 
Hebrew,  much  like  that  found  In  the  Bibles  of  the  Gennan  Jews,  and,  after  great  and  patient  labor,  he  discovered  that 
tlie  whole  constituted  an  abridged  form  of  the  Ten  Commandments. 

This  is  uot  the  place,  nor  has  the  writer  the  knowledge  requisite  for  a  discussion  of  the  matter.  I  have  simply  stated 
the  curious  facts— facts  well  worthy  of  the  earnest  Investigation  of  archieologists,  for  they  raise  the  ethnological  and 
historical  question  whether  the  mound-bui'ders  of  this  continent  were  of  Asiatic  origin,  c  .•  were  related  to  the  Indian 
tribes  whose  remnants  still  exist. 

'  Other  mounds  In  this  vicinity  are  In  the  shape  of  animals.  One  of  the  most  curious  and  extensive  of  these  is  about 
four  miles  from  Newark,  on  the  road  to  Granville.  It  Is  in  the  shape  of  a  lizard,  and  covers  the  whole  summit  of  a  hill. 
Its  dimensions,  in  feet,  are  aa  follows :  Length  of  the  head  and  neck,  32 ;  of  the  body,  73 ;  of  the  tall,  105 :  width  from 
the  ends  of  the  fore  feet  over  the  shoulders,  100 ;  l^om  the  ends  of  the  hliid  feet  over  the  hips,  !)2 ;  between  tlie  legs, 
across  the  body,  82 ;  across  the  tall,  close  to  the  body,  IS ;  height  at  the  highest  point,  7 ;  whole  length,  210.  It  appears 
lobe  mainly  composed  of  clay,  and  Is  overgrown  with  grass.  Visitors  have  made  a  path  from  the  nose,  along  the  back, 
to  wliere  the  tall  begins  to  curl,  at  which  point  stands  a  large  black  walnut-tree.— See  Howe's  Historical  ColUxtions  of 
Ohio,  page  298. 

'  A  small  stone  tablet,  fonnd  in  a  large  mound  near  Grave  Creek,  In  the  vicinity  of  Winchester,  Virginia,  having  an 

inscription  in  cuneiform  characters  like  the  anclcut  Phoenician. 


f,- 1 , ' 


wm\ 

1 

) 

!■! 

I 

\ 

■iw' 

1 

1       1 

1 

iH' 

A 

' 

\ 

st'-  -i^j 


oiid 


I'ICTOUIAL    ilELU-BOOK 


TbuoKbti  coucuruluK  the  Muund-biiilden. 


City  of  CiilumbUH. 


Jourui'y  down  the  Hcl.ito  Vulley. 


The  ground  covered  by  this  ancient  work  is  owned  by  the  Licking  County  Agri- 
cultural Society,  and  witliln  the  earth-walled  inclosure  their  annual  lairs  arc  held  lor 
the  acconiniodaiion  of  which  some  buildingn  have  been  erected.  These,  with  the  ijcn. 
oral  aj)j)earance  of  the  work,  and  the  trees  upon  the  banks,  as  seen  from  the  ciitruini' 
may  be  observed  in  the  picture  on  page  505.  After  finishing  that  sketch,  and  ex- 
j)loring  every  part  of  this  strange  old  structure  by  an  unknown  people  in  an  unknown 
age,  I  rettirned  to  Newark,  the  quickened  imagination  tilling  the  mind  with  Wdiidious 
visions  of  the  earlier  ages  of  our  continent,  while  jNIemory  recalled  those  suggestive 
lines  of  Bryant  in  his  '  Prairie,"  in  which,  turning  to  the  Past,  he  Boliloquizes  concern. 
ing  the  mound-builders,  saying,  as  introductory, 

"  And  did  the  dust 
or  these  fair  BolitndcH  once  stir  with  Ufa 
And  bum  with  passion  t    Lrt  the  mighty  mounds 
Thnt  overl<ioli  the  rivers,  or  lliat  rise 
In  tlic  dim  forest,  crowded  with  old  oaks, 
Answer.    A  rnco  Hint  long  has  passed  away 
niiilt  them  ;  a  disciplined  and  popnions  race 
Heaped  with  Ion;;  toil  the  eaitli,  while  yet  the  Greek 
Was  hewing  the  Pcntellcus  to  forms 
Of  symmetry,  and  rearing;  ou  its  rock 
The  glittering  Parthenon." 

I  returned  to  Columbus  in  time  to  visit  the  magnificent  State-house,  dine,  and  leave 
in  the  stage-coach  at  two  o'clock  for  Chillicothe,  forty-five  miles  down  the  Scioto  V.il. 
ley,  toward  the  Ohio  Itiver.  CoUunbus  is  a  beautiful  city,  of  almost  twenty  tlionsaiul 
inhabitants,  standing  upon  a  gently-rolling  plain  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Sciotn 
lliver,'  about  h.ilf  a  mile  below  its  confluence  with  the  Olentangy.  The  streets  are 
broad,  its  public  buildings  are  attractive,  and  many  private  mansions  display  great 
elegance.  It  is  pleasant  in  every  feature  as  the  political  capital  of  a  great  state. 
Where  it  now  stands  was  a  dark  forest  when  Harrison  had  his  head-quarters  at  Frank- 
linton,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Scioto,  in  1812  and  1813.  Then  a  settlement  wa< 
commenced  there,  and  in  1810  it  was  made  the  seat  of  the  state  government.  Tin 
county  seat  of  Franklin  was  removed  to  Columbus  from  Franklinton  in  1824,  and  tlie 
present  city  was  chartered  in  1834. 

The  journey  from  Columbus  to  Chillicothe,  in  an  old-fashioned  elliptical  stage-coaeli 
drawn  by  four  horses,  Avas  a  veiy  delightful  one.  The  day  was  perfect  in  purity  of 
air  and  in  temperature ;  the  sky  Avas  unflecked  by  the  smallest  cloud,  and  the  whole 
country  was  green  with  verdure.  I  was  granted  the  privilege  of  a  seat  by  the  side 
of  the  driver,  and  thus  I  secured  uninterrupted  views  of  the  country,  which  exhibited 
all  the  picturesque  beauty  possible  without  the  charms  of  mountains  or  high  hills. 
Our  route  lay  along  tlie  gentle  slopes  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Scioto  until  we 
reached  Shadeville,  a  pleasant  little  emboAvered  village,  Avhere  we  first  struck  the  bot- 
tom of  th.T  Scioto  Valley,  nine  miles  from  Conimbus.  There  we  changed  hoi'ses,  and, 
eight  miles  farther  on,  stopped  at  Bloomfield,  another  little  village,  where  fresh  horses 
were  waiting  our  arrival.  A  little  before  sunset  we  rode  into  Circleville,  a  large  town 
at  the  head  of  the  great  Pickaway  Plains.^  Our  route  had  been  through  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  regions  of  Ohio,  and  would  increase  in  interest,  we  were  told,  as  we 
advanced  toward  Chillicothe.  But  the  night  was  near.  We  liad  passed  broad  fields 
of  Indian  corn,  plants  full  tweh'c  feet  in  height,  heavily  laden  wutli  ears,  beneath  whieli 
droves  of  swine  Avere  frequently  seen.  The  streams  were  fringed  with  heavy-foliaged 
trees  and  shrubbery,  interspersed  with  magnificent  sycamores,  while  the  little  forests 

'  According  to  n  statement  of  Rev.  David  Jones  in  his  journal  in  17T4,  Scioto,  in  the  Shawnoese  language,  elgnlflfs 
hainj  ricer,  so  called  because  that  stream  in  the  spring  was  filled  with  hairs,  from  the  immense  number  of  deer  tbat 
came  to  it  to  drink  when  shedding  their  coats. 

'  Circleville  is  the  capital  of  Pickaway  Connty,  situated  on  the  Ohio  Canal  and  Scioto  Blver.  It  stands  upon  the  sito 
of  one  of  the  ancient  earth-works  that  abound  in  that  region,  which  was  of  circular  form,  and  gave  the  name  to  the  vil- 
lage. The  court-honse  stood  in  the  centre  of  the  circle,  and  the  town  grew  up  around  it.  For  an  interesting  account  of 
the  mounds  In  that  vicinity,  the  reader  is  referred  to  Howe's  Historical  CoUeetlona  of  Ohio,  f  age  410. 


OF   Tllli    WAU   Ul'"    181 


567 


CIrclevllle. 


Arrival  at  Chllllcothe. 


lu  Site  and  early  Building*. 


and  i)li'a8.iiit  proves  tlirouixli  whicli  we  rode  prosonted  to  the  eyo  timber-giants  of  a 
jjjjj.  ni.ldom  Hceii  I'listwiinl  oftlio  Allenliiiiiy  MoiintiiiiiH. 

\Ve  tbmul  Circlovillo  crowded  with  ik'o])1o  ofcvery  sex,  color,  and  condition,  in  nt- 
tendiinee  upon  a  eounty  fUir— ho  crowded  that  our  most  earncHt  eiidi-avors  to  pro- 
cure some  Hiipper  at  tiie  tavern  where  the  eoaeh  Htopjied  failed.  We  tarried  tliere 
l)iit  a  short  time,  and  at  Hunset  resumed  our  jouniey  with  fresh  horses.  To  avoid  the 
heavy  dew  and  chilly  i:if,'ht  air,  I  took  a  seat  inside  the  eoaeh,  with  eight  other  adults 
and  two  children,  and  enjoyed  a  deli;j;htful  ride  across  the  I'ickaway  Plains'  during 
the  strangely  luminous  twilight  that  lingered  long  at  the  close  of  that  lovely  Septem- 
ber ilav.  J"St  iis  "'g''<^  ''^'l*  "P""  ^'"'  li»»l"cape,  we  diverged  from  the  I'lains  to  jjass 
tliroui;h  the  village  of  Kingston,  and  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening  we  sat  down  to  an 
excellent  supper, with  keen  appetites,  at  the"  Valley  Hotel"  in  Chillieothe. 

Cliillicothe,  the  capital  of  Uoss  County,  and  centre  of  the  trade  of  the  Scioto  rc- 
I'ion.is  delightfully  situated  on  a  perfectly  level  plain,  at  a  narrow  and  picturesque 
part'of  the  valley,  with  lofty  and  rugged  liills  rising  around  it.  In  ancient  times  it 
las  a  place  ofgre.it  attraction  for  the  iiihabitants,  and  was  one  of  the  principal  rcn- 
(lezvons  of  the  Shawnoesc  when  the  white  man  began  to  seat  hii^self  in  the  Ohio 
country.  It  was  early  settled,  and  in  the  year  1800  the  seat  of  government  of  the 
Xorthwostern  Territory  was  removed  from  Cincinnati 

to  Chillieothe.    The  building  of  a  state-house  there  was  1       '<I^«►. 

commenced  the  same  year,  and  was  completed  early 
enouffh  in  1801  for  the  Territorial  Legislature  to  meet 
ill  it.^  In  the  same  room,  the  Convention  tiiat  framed 
the  Constitution  for  the  State  of  Ohio  met  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1802.  It  was  built  of  stone,  and  was  the  first 
]nil)lic  edifice  made  of  that  material  in  the  Territory. 
Tliat  venerable  and  venerated  structure  was  demol- 
ished about  the  year  1850,  and  on  its  sito  was  erected 
tlic  present  court-house  ibr  the  county,  of  light  brown 
fiet'stone,  and  remarkable  as  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
public  buildings  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  The  old  jail,  also  built  in  1801,  was  yet 
standing  when  I  visited  Chillieothe.  The  above  sketch  of  the  state-house  is  copied, 
l)v  permission,  from  Howe's  Historical  Collections  of  Ohio^  page  430. 

Chillieothe  was  an  important  rendezvous  of  United  States  soldiers  during  the  War 
of  1812,  as  we  have  already  incidentally  observed.  They  were  stationed  at  Cam]) 
liull,  about  a  mile  north  of  the  town,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Scioto.  There  several 
liundred  British  prisoners,  captured  by  Perry  and  Harrison,  Avere  confined  for  some 
time. 

On  the  morning  after  my  arrival  I  rode  out  to  "  Fruit  Hill,"  the  residence  of  Gen- 
eral Duncan  M'Arthur  during  a  greater  portion  of  his  life,  and  then  (1800)  tlie  prop- 
erty and  dwelling  of  his  son-in-law,  Honorable  William  Allen,  late  member  of  Con- 
gress. It  was  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  court-house  in  Chillieothe,  upon  the 
lofty  plain  between  the  Scioto  and  Paint  Creek  Valleys,  and  was  so  situated  as  to  com- 

1  These  j.lnlna  He  sonth  of  CIrclevllle,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Scioto,  and  are  snld  to  contain  the  rlchert  body  of  land 
in  Ohio.  They  are  called  respectively  npper  and  lower  plains.  The  black  soil  Is  the  rcKnlt  of  vegetable  decomposition 
dnrin?  many  ages.  Beneath  It  is  a  bed  of  pebbles  and  gravel,  and  the  surface  of  the  Plains  is  from  forty  to  fifty  feet 
above  the  Scioto.  These  plains  were  the  resort  not  only  of  the  monnd-bnllders,  bnt  of  the  Indians  before  the  Enrope- 
aiiBcame.  There  they  had  a  Rcneral  conncll-flre  for  all  the  associated  tribes  in  that  region ;  there  it  was  that  the  war- 
riot!  assembled  to  confront  tlie  army  of  Lord  Dcnmore  In  1TT4,  and  there  the  horrid  rites  of  torturi  ig  prisoners  were 
frequently  performed.  There,  on  that  classic  Indian  prronnd,  Logan,  the  bereaved  Mingo  chief,  made  '.he  famons  speech 
pre'crved  by  Mr.  .lelTerson ;  and  there  was  "Camp  Charlotte,"  on  Sclppo  Creek,  seven  miles  sonthwest  fl-om  Clrcle- 
»illf,  where,  by  treaty,  Dnnmore's  campaign  was  brought  to  a  close.  For  a  full  acconnt  of  Dnnmorc's  expedition,  and 
l"?«n  and  his  famous  speech,  the  reader  Is  referred  to  Lossing'g  Pictorial  Field-book  (\f  the  Revolution,  11.,  281  and  284  In- 
tluslve. 

'  The  first  two  sessions  of  the  Territorial  Legislature  were  held  In  a  small,  two-storied  log  house  that  stood  on  the 
corner  of  Second  and  Walnut  Streets.  This  had  a  wing,  la  which  were  public  offices.  This  building  was  used  for  bar- 
racks during  the  War  of  1S12. 


TlIK    01.l>  HTATK-IIOCSK. 


* 


-t      1 


'fff 


IV 

li'  if 

'ii 


668 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Vide  tu  "r.iilt  IIIU"  Md  "Adeua." 


(Icvernor  WurthiujftDii. 


yUlIT  IIILI.,  UKNEHAI. 


U'AUIUI'U'S  UlblllUNUC. 


inand  a  tints  view  ol'tlie  town 

and  tlie  Hurroiuuliui?  ckuii- 

try.     It  was  rcacluMl  iVoni 

tlic  valley  by  a  windinj;  road 

amoii<?  tliu  liillH.     The  iiiaii- 

rtioii  was  ot'lii'Wn  HaiulHtoiic, 

spacious  and  flugant  in  Hii- 

inli  within  and  without.     It 

was   ert'Ctfd   in   1802,  and 

stood  in   tho   midst   of  a 

pleasant  grassy  lawn,  dot- 
ted with  a  variety  of  orna- 

raontal  trees  and  fruit-Lcar- 

ing  Osage  orange -trees.     I 

was  disai)pointed  in  not  find- 
ing the  proprietor  at  home, 

but  this  was  lessened  by  the 

kind  hospitalities  of  a  young 

woman,  a   member   of  tho 

family,  who  led  mo  to  the  observatory  on  the  top  of  the  house,  from  which  may  1)o 

obtained  charming  views  of  the  Scioto  and  Paint  Creek  Valleys. 
Having  sketched  the  "Fruit  Hill"  mansion,'  I  rode  to  "  Adena,"  the  fine  old  res- 
idence  of  Govenior  Thomas  Wortliington, 
chief  magistrate  of  Olii'i  fiom  1814  to  181h, 
It  is  situated  upon  the  same  ridge,  two  hund- 
red feet  above  tho  Scioto,  and  lialf  a  inilo 
north  from  M'Arthnr's  mansion.    It  overlooks 
the  same  valleys,  and,  because  of  the  beauty 
of  its  situation,  it  was  called  "  Adena,"  or  Par- 
adise.    The  building  is  of  hewn  sandstone, 
and  Avas  erected  in  1805,  at  great  expense, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  elder  LatroLe, 
of  Washington  City.     Its  elegance  and  nov- 
elty were  such,  in  its  form,  its  large  panes  of 
glass,  its   papered  rooms,  and  marblo  fire- 
places, that  persons  came  from  long  distances 
to  see  it,  and  considered  its  name  appropri- 
ate.    It  was  the  finest  mansion  m  all  that 
region ;  and,  so  much  was  Worthington  re- 
spected, that  all  agreed  that  man  and  dwell- 
ing were  worthy  of  each  other. 
He  was  an  early  settler  in  the  vi- 
cinity.    In  1798  he  built  the  first 
frame   house,  with   glazed  win- 
dows, erected  in  Chillicothe,  oiled 
paper  being  then  the  eubstitute 

for  gla8S.2    He  erected  a  saw  ..nd  grist  mill  for  the  acc.mmodation  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, and  in  every  way  was  a  very  public-spirited  man.' 


/^^^^:{y2^^^^ 


1  Thi«  vtew  is  from  the  Inwr,  looking  toward  Cliillicothe,  a  glimpse  of  which  In  seen  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  picture. 

»  The  first  dwelling  for  a  white  man  on  the  site  of  Chillicothe  was  a  bark  cahin  erected  by  General  M'Arthnr. 

3  Thomas  Worthington  was  bom  in  Jefferson  County  (then  Berkeley),  Virelnia,  about  the  year  1709.  He  took  wiin 
him  to  the  Ohio  country  quite  a  number  .if  slaves,  whom  he  emancipated.  He  was  one  of  the  most  energetic  of  tlio  pi- 
oneers to  that  reclon,  and  soon  bec.nme  a  leading  man  among  the  settlers.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Convention  m 
formed  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Ohio  in  180.1.    Soon  after  that  he  was  chosen  to  represent  the  new  state  in  (lie 


wu  ^  pip 


OF  THE  WAlt  OF   1812. 


AOt 


fiirthluxton. 


rhii'h  may  1)c 

fine  old  xv^- 
VVorthinstoii, 
1814  to  m\ 
gc,  two  liuml- 
d  half  a  milo 
It  ovorliMiks 
of  the  beauty 
■vdciia,"  or  Par- 
ivn  sandstone, 
reat  expense, 
dder  Latrolje, 
lance  ami  nov- 
lai'ge  i)anes  ut' 
marblo  fire- 
hong  distances 
lame  appvoitvi- 
»n  in  all  tkit 
irthington  re- 
an  and  dwell- 
jf  each  other. 
[ttler  in  the  vi- 
built  the  iirst 
glazed  win- 
lillicothe,  oiled 
;hc  Euhstitute 
,f  the  inhabit- 


[eleftoftheiilctmf' 
ll  M'Arthnr. 

Ilea.  He  took  ww 

Tenerpetkofthcpl- 
Ihe  Convention  m 
[be  new  etale  In  tbt 


p^riiHtoBoTVAdM^ 


M'ArlhurV  I>ortnlt. 


▲  VMi  to  CiMlasMl  Mid  It!  VIctoity. 


AIIKMA,  OUVIcaNUH  wubtuinotom's  buidkmok. 


Ader.a  waH  then  owned  by  (tnveriior  Worth- 
iiiBton's  H«".  Cieneml  Jiinu'H  Worthington. 
Tlio  court  in  fron*  of  the  ninnHion  whh  Klle<l 
with  trecH,  Hhrubbery.  an<l  I'owerH.  On  tlie 
liL'lit  W.IH  an  onornutus  cherry-troo,  piantetl 
in  1708  by  the  Hitle  of  tho  log  cabin  in  wliicb 
(Jovcmor  Worthington  an.l  hi«  family  li'ed 
until  tho  hou«c  in  Cliillicothe  wan  wimpieted. 
Thoro  waH  a  fine  garden  attached  to  tlie  nnm- 
>i(in  and  from  varionw  points  in  the  vieinity 
most  (harming  views  of  tlio  Seioto  Valley 
may  ho  obtained.  The  proprietor  was  not  at 
Imnic  at  the  time  of  my  viwit,  but  I  liave  very 
iili-awnl  rccollcctionR  of  t!ic  kind  courtesy 
1  received  from  his  family  in  showing  me 
works  of  art  and  curiosities,  and  imparting 
information.  Among  the  relies  of  tlie  j>ast 
which  I  saw  there  was  a  hatchet-pipe,  almost  precisely  like  the  one  shown  me  at 
llrantfoi-d,  in  Canada,  and  delineated  on  page  421.  It  was  presented  to  Governor 
Woi'thington  by  Tecnmtha,  and  is  higlily  valued  by  the  family. 

Leaving  "Adena,"  I  passed  down  the  winding  road  through  the  hills  to  the  plain, 
liy  a  beautif.d  little  lake  at  the  foot  of  tho  wooded  acclivity,  and,  on  reaching  Cliilli- 
nithc,  called  at  the  residence  of  the  Honorable  C.  A.  Trimble,  member  of  Congress, 
unci  son  in-law  of  M'Arthnr,  who  owns  the  fine  portrait  of  the  general  from  which  tht- 
e'i<»raving  on  page  267  was  copied.  He,  too,  was  absent,  but,  tlirongh  the  kind  oftices 
of  his  brother,  I  was  permitted  to  have  a  daguerreotype  of  the  i)ainting  made.  This 
was  completed  just  in  time  to  allow  me  to  take  the  cars  on  the  Marietta  a;id  Cincin- 
nati Railway  for  tho  latter  i)lace  at  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  We  reach- 
n\  the  "Queen  City"  at  seven  in  tho  evening,  having  journeyed  ninety-six  miles 
tiiroiigh  an  interesting  country  from  the  Valley  of  the  Scioto  to  that  of  the  Little 
Miami. 

During  the  three  succeeding  days  I  visited  men  and  places  of  interest  in  and  about 
Cincinnati.  I  crossed  the  Ohio  to  Covington  and  Newport,  cities,  on  the  Kent  .^y 
i.horc,  flanking  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River.  I  also  rode  out  to  Batavia,  the  cap- 
ital of  Clermont  County,  about  twenty  miles  distant,  one  hot  afternoon,  fortunately 
occupying  a  portion  of  the  driver's  seat  on  a  stage-coach.  Our  route  lay  along  tho 
Ohio  through  Columbia,  a  suburban  vilhige  (settled  before  the  seed  of  Cincinnati  Avas 
jilanted),  to  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Miami,  the  eye  every  where  delighted  Avith  the 
li'.cturcsque  beauty  of  the  shores  of  the  great  river,  covered  with  vineyards  then 
wealthy  with  immense  stores  of  grapes,  on  tl     Ohio  side. 

"There  prows  no  vlii 

By  the  hnunted  Rhi.ie, 
By  Diuuibe  or  Guadalquivir, 

Nor  on  Ivlnnd  or  cape, 

That  benrB  such  grape 
As  grows  by  the  Beautiful  River."' 

We  crossed  the  Miami,  and  made  our  Avay  along  the  level  country  on  its  oastern 
side  a  few  miles,  when  our  course  bent  more  eastward  among  lofty  cultivated  hills. 
Toward  sunset  we  looked  down  from  a  rugged  eminence  into  the  fertile  vale  of  the 
east  branch  of  the  Little  Miami,  then  flooded  with  the  evening  sunlight,  which 

i  S«iif!e  of  the  United  States,  and  was  an  active  pnpporter  In  Congress  of  Jefferson's  administration.  He  was  clccttd 
meraorof  the  state  In  1814,  and  held  tho  office  four  years.  After  his  retirement  from  the  chief  magistracy  he  was  ap- 
pointed a  member  of  the  first  board  of  Canal  Commissioners,  and  held  that  office  until  his  deatb  la  the  year  1827,  hav- 

I  ii?b«en  in  public  station  abont  thirty  years. 
'  Olio  U  the  Shawnocse  word  for  Beautiful  River.    The  French  called  it  La  Belle  Riviere, 


• 


1. 


i! 


570 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Veterans  of  the  War  of  1S12  at  Bntavia. 


An  Evening  with  h  IMnghter  of  General  llarrlsca 


hrotight  out,  in  luminous  relief,  against  the  grc  en  verdure  back  of  it,  the  quiet  villaTo 
of  IJatavia,  that  lay  nestled  in  the  lap  of  the  hills  at  the  head  of  the  valley.  There 
at  the  houses  of  relatives  and  friends,  I  passed  the  Sabbath,  and  met  three  survivinir 
soldiers  of  the  War  of  1812,  namely,  John  Jamieson,  Abraham  Miley,  and  James  C'ln" 
t^r.  Mr.  Jamieson  was  fr«m  Kentucky,  and  belonged  to  a  comjKi.ny  of  spies  in  Pop 
ter's  regiment.  He  was  active  on  the  frontier  in  the  vicinity  of  Detroit  durini;  a 
greater  portion  of  the  war.  In  1814  he  saw  the  infamous  Simon  Girty  on  the  rack 
of  severe  rheumatism  at  his  house  a  few  miles  below  Maiden.  The  villain's  eabin 
was  decorated  with  scalps.  Mr.  Miley  was  a  rifleman  in  Fort  Meigs  at  the  time  of 
the  siege  in  May,  1813.  Mr.  Jamieson  and  Mr.  Carter  confirmed  the  horrid  story  of 
the  conversion  of  some  of  the  skin  of  Tt'iumtha  into  razor-sti  ops.  One  of  them  had 
seen  pieces  of  the  skin  in  the  hands  of  a  Kentuckian  who  took  it  from  Tecumtha's 
thigh ! 

•  September  IS,        On  tho  evening  after  ray  return  to  Cincinnati  from  Batavia"  I  de. 
1800.  parted  for  North  Bend,  fourteen  miles  westward,  on  the  Ohio  and  Mis- 

sissippi Railway,  where  General  Harrison  was  wedded  while  yet  a  subaltern  in  the 
army  of  the  tTnited  States,  where  he  lived  when  he  bore  the  honorc  of  a  gallant  Gen- 
eral of  that  arm}',  and  where  he  was  buned  while  the  laurels  which  composed  the 
most  precious  civic  crown  in  the  power  of  a  people  to  bestow  were  yet  fresh  unoa 
his  blow. 

The  atinual  fair  of  the  United  States  Agricultural  Society  was  about  to  close  in  Cin- 
cinnati, an(l  thousands  of  visitors  were  making  their  wa,y  homeward.  The  cars  were 
densely  y  .eked,  and,  because  of  oomc  detentioi:  in  tho  lower  part  of  the  city,  we  did 
not  reacn  North  Bend  until  after  dark.  The  nearest  public  h^use  was  at  the  little 
village  of  Cloves,  a  mile  distant  over  the  hills,  and  thitherward  I  made  my  way  on 
foot,  accompanied  by  a  grandson  of  General  Harrison,  son  of  W.  W.  H.  Taylor,  Esq., 
at  whose  house  I  supped  and  spent  the  evening.  Their  dwelling  is  pleasantly  situ- 
ated on  a  slope  overlooking  tlie  village  of  Cleves  and  the  Great  Miami  Valley  at  that 
point,  and  is  only  half  a  mile  from  the  tomb  of  Harrison.  3Irs.  Taylor  is  a  daughter 
of  the  general  She  kindly  invited  me  to  pass  the  night  under  their  roof,  but  cir- 
cumstances made  it  proper  for  me  to  take  lodgings  at  the  tavern  in  Cleves.  In  the 
possession  of  Mrs.  Taylor  were  poilr-aits  of  her  father  and  mother,  the  former  painted 
in  the  winter  of  1840-41  by  J.  G.  H.  Beard,  of  Cincinnati,  and  pronounced  a  faitliful 
likeness  by  the  family.  The  latter,  an  equally  faithful  likeness,  was  painted  in  1828 
by  a  young  artist  named  Corvin,  who  died  in  New  York  when  about  to  embark  lor 
Italy.  It  is  the  portrait  of  a  small  and  beautiful  woman  at  the  age  of  fifty-three 
years.     Mrs.  Taylor  khidly  furnished  me  with  photographic  copies  of  the  portraits. 

When  I  visited  North  Bend,  Mrs.  Harrison,  who  had'jusl.  passed  the  eighty-fifth 
year  '>f  Iter  age,  was  residing  with  her  son,  Scott  Harrison,  Esq.,'  at  Lawrcncobur<r, 
five  miles  farther  down  the  Ohio.  I  was  informed  t'  at  she  had  not  received  visits 
from  strangers  for  a  long  time,  her  sensitive  nature  instinctively  shrinking  from  the 
notoriety  which  her  husband's  exalted  position  had  given  her.  It  was  said  tliat  slie 
retained  much  of  the  rare  beauty  of  her  earlier  years,  and  that  the  portrait  of  her 
given  on  the  opposite  page  is  a  fair  likeness  of  her  in  her  extreme  old  age.^  Shewn- 
.\nua  Symmes,  daughter  of  the  Honorable  John  Cloves  Symmes,  of  New  Jer  ey, 
who,  as  we  have  observed  (page  36),  purchased  an  immense  tract  of  land  hetweeu 

■  Mr.  Hnnison  liaJ.  in  his  possession  tho  telescope  used  b.v  Commodore  Perry  in  tho  engagement  on  Lalce  Eric,  wliiA 
that  callaut  commander  presented  to  Oeneral  Harrison  as  a  token  of  his  regard. 

»  Mrs.  Harrlscn  died  on  the  2«th  of  Bebniary,  1884,  when  lacking  exactly  five  months  of  being  eighty  nine  years  of 
age.  She  was  born  in  Sussex  County,  New  Jersey,  on  the  2Bth  o.'  July,  1T7B.  Her  remains  were  taker,  to  the  lionw  o( 
htr  daughter,  Mrs.  Taylor,  at  Cleves,  and  at  the  Presbyterian  Church  In  that  village  the  Reverend  Mr.  Bus hnoll  preach- 
ed a  fimeral  se'mon,  fTom  the  text  which  she  had  selected  for  the  occnjlon  a  year  before—"  Be  still,  and  kno"-  thai  I  - 
am  God."  Her  remi.lns  were  then  laid  In  the  vault  overlooking  the  North  Bend,  by  the  side  of  those  o'her  hiislmnil. 
Mrs.  Harrison  was  distinguished  for  personal  courage,  good  sense,  modesty,  and  sincere  piety.  Uer  life  was  made  ap 
of  alternate  excitement  and  repose.    She  was  loved  most  dearly  by  all  who  knew  her. 


iern\  llarrlsca. 


OF  THE  WAB  OF   1812. 


571 


S«uleniei.i  at  North  Beud. 


BymmeB'H  City  to  be  the  fiiiiirc  Cnpitnl  of  Ohio. 


A  BiicceMfr.l  Uiviil. 


the  Great  and  Little  Miami  Rivers,  and 
who  early  in  February,  1  TOO,  landed  with 
some  settlers  at  the  most  northerly  bend 
of  the  Ohio  River  in  its  course  below 
Wheeling,  and  proceeded  to  found  a  set- 
tlement by  laying  out  a  village  upon  the  el- 
evated plateau  throu'^h  which  the  White- 
water Caniil  courses  at  the  present  North 
Bend  Station.  He  commenced  the  con- 
struction of  licwn-log  huts,  with  substan- 
tial stone  chimneys,  and  the  town  was 
named  "  Symmes's  City."  The  first  house 
erected  is  yet  [1807]  standing  on  the 
l)aiik  of  the  canal,  a  few  rods  from  the 
Ohio,  and  abo'.it  eighty  rods  from  the 

North  Bend 
Station,  The 
chimneys  of 
two  others 
might  be 
setn  at  the 
time  of  my 
visit  nearer 
the  station  and  the  river. 

Settlers  on  the  "Miami  Purchase"  had  already  built 
'  v^-  huts  at  Columbia  and  on  the  site  of  Cincinnati,  but  at 
North  Bend  Judge  Symmes  designed  to  plant  the  fruitful 
seed  of  a  commercial  city;  but  the  choice  of  the  site  of 
Cincinnati  for  a  block  house  to  protect  the  Miami  settlers  deranged  all  the  judge's  plans 
anadestroyedhis  liopes.  The  settlers  that 
came  preferred  to  place  their  families  un- 
ilcrthe  immediate  wing  of  niilitary  protec- 
tion, and  Cincinnati,  instead  of  "Symmes's 
City,"  or  North  Bend,  became  the  great 
cn'.porium  of  the  Ohio  region. '  There  Fort 
Washington  was  built  and  a  garrison  sta- 
tioned,'' and  there,  after  the  treaty  of 
Orecnville'  in  1795,  Captain  Harrison  Avas 
stationed  as  commander.  Meanwhile  a 
j  Uock-house  had  been  erected  at  North 
Bend,  and  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  above 
llie  present  railway  station,  on  the  bank  of 


/>i/<*a,  CC 


ou/i/i-^<^  £ry<^ 


nOSEEIl  H0U8K,  NOBTII   UESD. 


BLOOK-HOrSE  AT  MOBTII  OKKD.* 


'Ve  have  obsen-ed  in  Note  4,  pnge  40,  that  Ensign  Lnce,  of  the  United  States  Army,  In  the  Exercli>e  of  his  discre- 
I  im.cbose  thj  site  of  Cincinnati  for  the  block-honse  In  opposition  to  the  powerful  influence  of  Judge  Symmc.".  Ac- 
I  Miiiijto  cummon  tradition,  It  was  passion,  not  judgment,  that  fashioned  the  ensign's  decision.  He  had  formed  an 
I  K'luintancL  with  the  bennttful  young  wife  of  one  of  the  settlers  at  the  Bend.  When  the  husband  discovered  the  gnl- 
I  liii  officer's  too  great  attention  to  his  blaclt-eyed  pponec,  he  removed  to  Cincinnati,  th.it  she  might  l)e  beyond  the  power 
j  rfihe  tempter.  This  movement  suddenly  changed  the  mind  of  the  ensign.  He  had  resolved  to  build  the  block-house 
I  iiiheBemt ;  now  he  discovered  that  Cincinnati  was  a  much  more  ellgltile  site.  He  accordingly  marched  his  troops  to 
1  ikjt  Ikile  settlement.  Judge  Symmes  warmly  remonstrated,  but  in  vain.  The  ensign  was  fairly  captivated  by  the 
I  fpukling  eyes,  and  they  decided  the  question.  " Thus  we  see,"  says  Judge  Burnet,  from  whose  "  Notes"  these  facts 
pvfbeen  gleaned,  "the  incompHrable  beauty  of  a  Spartan  dame  produced  a  ten  ye.'-s'  war  which  terminated  in  the 
iKtiMilon  of  Troy,  and  the  irresistible  charms  of  another  female  transferred  the  commei  'al  emporium  of  Ohio  from 
|*plifc  where  it  had  been  commenced  to  the  place  where  it  now  Is.  If  this  captivating  ^kraerlcan  Heiim  had  rcmaln- 
l«iit  ihe  Bend  the  block-house  would  have  been  erected  there,  population,  capital,  and  business  would  have  centred 
|«im.  md  there  would  have  been  the  Queen  City  of  the  West."  a  Sec  page  40.  '  8co  page  67. 

'Tliif  It  copied,  by  permltelon,  from  a  sketch  In  Howe's  Bistorical  Collectiotu  of  OAio,pago  288. 


%\% 


■ 


I  , 


I  , 


i^  •■ 


«• 


mm 


672 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Captain  Harrison  nud  Anna  Symmes  as  Lovers.  Their  Marriage  oppceed.  Its  Consummation  and  RiTT 

the  river,  Jtulge  Syinmes  had  erected  quite  a  commodiou,.  house  for  himself,  the  ruins 
of  whose  cliimney  and  fire-place  might  yet  be  seen  in  1860.  To  that  dweliiiifr  cj«,,, 
his  family  in  January,  1795,  one  of  whom  was  the  beautiful  Anna,  tlien  a  girl  twemv 
years  of  age.  The  block-house  was  a  dependency  of  the  post  at  Cincinnati,  and  it 
received  the  early  personal  attention  of  Captain  Harrison,  then  a  young  man  twenty. 
two  yeai's  of  age.  He  was  the  son  of  a  leading  citizen  of  Virginia,  and  bcarinf  tlf 
highest  praises  of  his  commander.  General  Wayne,  as  a  gallant  soldie;-.  Ih;  ^as  i 
welcome  guest  in  the  hospitable  house  of  Judge  Symmes ;  and  his  visits,  whicli  W- 
came  more  and  more  frequent,  were  especially  ])lcasing  to  the  gentle  Anna,  who  hac] 
first  met  him  at  the  house  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Major  Short,  near  Lexington,  Kentuckv 
The  young  friends  soon  became  lovers,  and  tne  judge  gave  his  consent  to  tlieii  niai- 
riage.  Hearing  some  slanderous  stories  concerning  Captain  Harrison,  he  witli(li(.,v 
that  consent,  but  the  loving  Anna,  like  a  true  M'oman,  had  implicit  confidence  in  jifr 
affianced.     She  resolved  to  marry  him,  and  her  faithfulness  verified  the  sayino'  that 

"  Love  will  llnd  its  way 
Throngh  paths  where  wolves  would  fear  to  prey." 

On  the  morning  of  the  day  fixed  for  the  marriage,  Judge  Symmes,  without  anv  sii<. 
picion  of  such  an  event  then,  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  to  Cincinnati.    The  lovirs 
•  November  22,    were  united  at  his  house,"  in  the  presence  of  Anna's  stcp-motber  ami 
"^-  many  friends,  by  Dr.  Stephen  Wood,  then  a  magistrate.     The  judge  did 

not  see  his  son-in-law  until  a  few  weeks  afterward,  when  he  met  him  at  a  duiner-par- 
ty  given  by  General  Wilkinson,  then  in  command  of  Fort  Washington,  to  General 
Wayne.  "  Well,  sir,"  the  judge  said,  somewhat  sternlj^, "  I  understand  you  have  mar- 
ried Anna."  "  Yes,  sir,"  responded  Captain  Harrison.  "  How  do  you  expect  to  sup- 
port her  ?"  the  father  inquired.  '"  By  my  sword  and  my  oaVu  right  arm,"  quickly  an- 
swered the  young  officer.  Judge  Symmes  was  pleased  with  the  reply,  and,  like  a 
sensible  man,  Avas  reconciled,  and  gave  them  his  blessing.  He  lived  to  be  proud  (f 
th.at  son-in-law  as  governor  of  the  Indiana  Territory,  and  the  hero  of  Tippecanoe,  Fuii 
Meigs,  and  the  Thames ;  and  the  devoted  wife,  after  sharing  his  joys  and  sorro\vs  for 
five-and-forty  years,  laid  him  in  the  grave  witliiu  sight  of  tlie  place  of  their  nuptial*, 
while  the  nation  mingled  its  tears  with  hers,  for  he  was  crowned  witii  the  unsuipasj- 
able  honor  of  being  the  chief  magistrate  of  this  republic' 


'  William  Henry  Harrison,  the  youngest  of  fifteen  children,  was  born  at  Berkeley,  on  the  James  Eiver,  in  Virginia,  a 
the  9th  of  February,  1773.    He  was  descended  from  a  celebrated  leader  of  the  same  name  in  Crom^ieil's  army.   Ho\f;,i 
educated  at  Harapdeu-Sydney  College,  in  Virginia.   On  the  death  of  his  father,  Robert  Morris,  of  Phlladelnhia,  became  l:< 
guardian.    Contrary  to  the  advice  of  that  gentleman,  he  entered  the  army.    He  hastened  to  the  Northwest,  but  tuols:? 
to  share  in  the  horrors  of  St.  Clair's  defeat.    His  services  with  Wayne  have  already  (page  53)  b-ien  noticed.    Soon  if  : 
his  marriage  he  resigned  his  commiseiou,  and  entered  npon  the  duties  of  civil  life,  at  the  age  of  twenty-fonr,  as  Seen; 
of  the  Northwestern  Territory.    In  1790  he  was  elected  the  first  delegate  in  Congress  for  that  extensive  region.  .^ 
aftenvard,  when  Indiana  was  erected  into  a  separate  Territory,  he  v.  as  appointed  governor,  and  clothed  witli  exirs  r 
dinary  powers.    He  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  ofBce  at  the  old  military  post  of  V'ncennes  in  ISOl,  and  disoliarjci 
hit  duties  for  several  years  with  great  wisdom  end  fidelity.    His  troubles  with  the  Indians,  and  his  military  piovcmenii 
In  the  Wabash  Valley,  are  recorded  in  Chapter  X.  of  this  work.    In  subsequent  chapters  may  be  found  a  deiaileJ  .t- 
count  of  his  conduct  as  a  military  commander.    His  services  in  the  field  ended  with  the  battle  on  the  Thames,  tn  Otto  j 
ber,  1813,  and  in  the  following  spring  he  retired  to  his  farm  at  North  Bend.    He  was  frequently  called  to  serve  hie  adof: 
od  state  in  public  capacities.    De  was  a  member  of  the  Ohio  Legislature  and  of  the  United  States  House  of  ReprtifM.  j 
ntives.    In  IS"*  he  was  elected  to  a  reat  lu  the  United  States  Senate,  and  In  1829  was  appointed  minister  to  rnlmf'ciJ 
Differing  wi'h  President  Jackson  In  some  \iews  respecting  Panama,  he  was  recalled.    In  1S40,  after  living  iu  retircnie!;!  j 
many  years,  he  was  nominated  by  the  party  then  called  Whig  for  the  chief  magistracy  of  the  United  States,  and  wa.«  eleci-l 
cd  by  an  o-  erwhelniingvotc.    He  was  luangurated  on  the  4th  of  March,  1841,  being  then  a  little  past  si-cly-eightvcars  of  j 
B^e.    Precisely  a  mouth  afterward  he  died,  leaving  behind  him  a  clean  record  of  almost  fifty  years  of  public  eerri% 
"  Calm  was  the  life  he  led,  till,  near  and  far, 
The  breath  of  millions  bore  his  name  along, 
Throii;;h  praise,  and  censure,  nud  continnons  jar—" 

I'ot  long  at  on  Ohio's  conrslng  wave 

is  borne  one  freeman  toward  the  glowing  West, 
HI"  eye  and  tongne  above  the  chieftain's  grave 

Shall  hail  the  marble  honors  of  his  rest ! 

And,  long  as  Dian  lifts  her  waning  crest 
Where  Liberty  yet  holds  what  she  hath  won, 

A  pensive  thought  shall  haunt  the  patriot's  breast 


■K*WW- 


',  the  ruhb 
liing  came 
;irl  twenty 
lati,  and  it 
lan  twenty- 
scaring  tlio 
He  was  ;i 
i,  -whicli  lie- 
la,  who  Iwil 
,  Kentucky. 
0  then  \m\- 
\c  withdrew 
deuce  in  Iut 
saying  th:\t 


OF  TJIE   WAR   OF   1812. 


573 


An  evly  Settler  In  Ohio. 


A  Visit  to  the  Tomb  of  General  lliirrlsou. 


C'nptuiu  Syramca  and  his  Theory. 


I  passed  the  night,  as  I  have  intimated,  at  the  tavern  in  Cleves,  and  in  the  niorn- 
inf  had  the  good  fortune  to  meet  tlie  venerable  Daniel  G.  Howell,  who  was  the  first 
man-child  bora  on  "  Symmes's  Purchase."  That  event  occurred  at  North  Bend,  on 
the  ^Sd  of  August,  1790.  A  child  of  the  opposite  sex,  the  first  in  the  settlement,  was 
l)oni  nine  days  earlier.  Mr.  Ilowell's  family  were  from  New  Jersey,  and  came  West 
with  Judge  Symmes.  He  gave  me  some  interesting  particulars  concerning  the  hai-d- 
;hip8  of  the  early  settlers,  and  his  adventures  as  one  of  the  volunteers  for  the  relief 
of  Fort  Meigs.  At  first  the  settlers  could  not  spare  land  enough  for  raising  flax,  but 
they  fortunately  found  a  useful  substitute  in  a  species  of  nettle  that  grew  on  the  open 
(rlades  in  the  Miami  Valley  to  the  height  of  about  three  feet.  The  autumn  winds 
\\oukl  prostrate  it,  beneath  the  winl  v  snows  it  would  rot,  and  in  the  spring  all  the 
bovs  of  the  settlement  would  be  engaged  in  carrying  the  crop  to  North  Bend,  where 
it  was  treated  like  flax,  spun  by  the  women,  and  woven  into  cloth  for  summer  wear. 
This  was  all  the  Unefi  in  use  there  for  some  time.  It  was  very  dark  at  first,  but  was  sus- 
•cntible  of  bleaching.  They  used  dressed  deer-skin  for  external  clothing,  and  wild  tur- 
keys came  over  from  Kentucky  in  abundance,  like  the  quails  to  the  Hebrews,  ar  d  sup- 
plied them  with  mucli  food. 

After  breakfast  I  called  at 
Mr.  Taylor's,  and  his  son  ac- 
companied me  to  the  tomb 
of  Harrison.  On  an  adjacent 
hill,  about  thirty  rods  west- 
ward from  it,  is  a  family  bu- 
rial-ground, in  Avhic'h  is  the 
crave  of  Judge  Symmes,  cov- 
ered by  a  marble  slab,  rest- 
ing a  little  above  the  ground, 
on  brick- work.'  From  this 
little  cemetery  we  crossed  a 
srassy  hollow  and  ascended 
to  the  tomb  of  Harrison,  or. 
a  beautiful  knoll  about  two 
hundred  foet  above  the  Ohio 
River.    It  was  built  of  brick,  iuekison-s  oravk. 

Of  him,  whose  reign  in  her  brief  year  was  done, 

And  fro.^  his  heart  shall  rise  the  name  of  IlAnEiBON."— '  Ieohqe  II.  Coi.ton. 

1  The  followinfr  Is  the  Inscriptiou  on  the  slab :  "  Here  rest  the  rcraaiua  of  John  Cleves  Symmes,  who,  at  the  foot  of 
thtw  hills,  made  the  Jlrst  settlement  between  the  Miami  Rivers.  Born  on  Long  Island,  New  York,  July  21,  A.D.  1T42. 
Died  at  Cinciunati,  February  iC,  *..D.  ISU." 

John  Cleves  Symmes  was  bom  i\l  Riverhead,  Long  Isl.ind,  and  in  early  life  was  a  surveyor  and  school-teacher.  lie 
carried  a  daughter  of  Governor  William  Livingston,  o'  New  Jersey,  and  sister  of  the  wife  of  John  Jny.  He  was  active 
during  the  Revolution,  and  in  1777  was  made  an  associate  jndpe  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  State  of  New  Jersey.  On  his  removal  to  the  Northwestern  Territory  he  was  appointed 
one  of  the  United  States  district  judpcs.  Near  the  present  village  of  Cleves  he  built  a  flne 
house,  at  a  cost  of  $12,(iOO,  the  brick  for  which  was  burned  on  the  spot.  A  political  enemy, 
named  Hart,  sot  it  on  Arc  on  the  Ist  of  March,  1811,  and  it  was  entiraly  consumed.  Judge 
Symmes  died,  as  his  monument  says,  In  1S14,  at  the  ape  of  about  seventy-four  years. 

A  nephew  and  namesake  of  Judge  Symmos  attracted  much  public  attention  and  consid- 
erable ridicule,  abont  forty  years  ago,  by  the  promulgation  of  his  belief  that  the  earth  was 
o])en  at  the  poles,  and  that  its  interior  was  accessible  and  habitable.  He  had  held  the  of- 
fice of  captain  In  the  army  In  the  War  of  1812,  and  performed  gallant  service  at  Fort  Erie. 
He  petitioned  Congress  in  1822  for  aid  In  performing  a  voyage  of  discovery  to  the  Inner 
earth,  setting  fo.fi  the  honor  and  wealth  that  would  accrue  to  his  country  from  a  discov- 
ery which  ho  deemed  certain.  His  memorial  was  presented  by  Colonel  Richard  M.  John- 
son, of  Kentucky,  b.it  was  laid  on  the  table.  He  fo;ind  very  little  enconragcment  or  sup- 
Dort  from  any  quarter.  His  nrgnmiMits  were  ingenious,  and  he  had  a  few  believers.  He 
died  at  Ilamlltcf.,  Butler  Conni>,  Ohio  (the  site  of  old  Fort  Hamilton),  on  the  2Sth  of  May, 
182S,  and  some  admirer  of  his  caused  a  monument  to  his  memory,  havii.n;  as  a  part  of  it  a 
globe  open  at  both  ends,  to  be  constructed.  The  picture  of  It  here  given  Is  from  Howe's 
Hintoricat  CoUeaioiu  (\f  Ohio,  page  77. 


STXIIE8B  MOMUHEMT. 


i! 


Il 

'til 


^  '  '§ 


m 

M 


574 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bite  of  General  Ilairlsou's  Hesldeucc. 


DeBtruction  of  h\f  Huuee  by  Fire. 


Meincntocj, 

was  ten  by  twelve  feet  in  size,  and  was  surrounded  by  trees,  shrubbery,  and  greo, 
sward.  At  its  foot  was  a  noble  mulberry-tree,  and  at  its  head  was  the  entrance  witl 
doors  slightly  inclined.  The  only  tenants  when  I  was  there  were  the  remains  of  Gpu 
eral  Harrison  and  his  second  daughter,  Mrs.  Doctor  Thornton.  The  engravini;  show* 
the  appearance  of  the  spot,  and  a  view  of  the  great  North  Bend  of  the  Ohio  as  we 
look  eastward  from  the  grave.  On  the  right,  near  the  bank  of  the  river,  is  seen  oii" 
of  the  stone  chimneys  already  mentioned,  a  few  rods  from  the  North  Bend  Station 

Descending  from  Harrison's  tomb,  we  crossed  the  Whit.- water  Canal,  and  after 
sketching  the  old  house  seen  on  page  671,  visited  the  site  of  General  Harrison's  resi- 
dence, on  ti  level  spot  at  the  foot  of  gentle  hills,  about  three  hundred  yards  from  the 


UABBISUN  H  BESIDEMUli  AT  NUUTU  IIKMI. 


Ohio,  and  in  full  view  of  the  North  Bend  Railway  Station.  Nothing  of  it  remained 
but  the  ruins  of  cellar  and  fire-places,  and  these  were  cove-red  with  bramb'cs.  The 
house  Avas  set  on  fire  by  a  dismicsed  servant-girl,  it  was  believed,  a  few  years  ago, 
and  entirely  consumed.  All  of  General  Harrison's  military  and  other  valuable  papers 
were  burned ;  also  many  presents  that  were  sent  to  him  by  political  frieads  duiinir 
the  presidential  canvass  in  1 840,  The  family  portraits  and  a  few  other  things  were 
saved.'  I  sketc?:'?d  ♦he  locality  from  the  railway  station.  Placing  a  drawing  of  the 
mansion,  from  one  in  Howe's  Ilistorical  Collections  of  Ohio,  in  the  proper  position,  I 
give  to  the  reader  a  correct  view  of  the  residence  and  its  surroundings  before  the  iiio. 
The  tvater  seen  in  the  foreground  is  that  of  the  Whitewater  Canal.  I  returned  tn 
Cincinnati  toward  noon,  and  left  the  same  evening  for  Dayton  and  the  shores  of 
Lake  Erie. 

>  Among  these  wa8  a  beautiful  black  cane  with  a  silver  head,  on  which  was  engraved  a  log  cabin,  a  cider-barrfl,,i 
sheaf  of  wheat,  a  steam-boat,  and  other  devices ;  also  his  name,  and  presentation  "  by  o  gentleman  of  Louisiana."  The 
log  cabin  and  cider-barrel  refer  to  a  peculiarity  in  the  features  of  that  campaign.  The  oastem  end  of  Harrison's  man- 
sion was  one  of  '.he  original  log  houses  built  by  the  settlers  at  North  Bend,  and  clap-boarded  over.  His  partiean(,  wlifu 
he  was  nominated,  started  the  story  that  he  lived  in  a  log  cabin,  whose  latch-strlng  was  always  on  the  outside,  so  that 
the  traveler  might  enter,  and  that  a  mug  of  cider  was  alwayd  ready  there  for  the  wayfarer.  The  story  was  popularirith 
the  masses.  Log  caliins  were  erected  all  over  the  country,  in  which  Harrison  meetings  were  held,  and  n  barrel  of  cidfr 
was  always  ready  for  li-ee  distribution  at  these  meetings.  The  canvass  was  known  as  "  the  Hard  Cider  CampalgD,"  aoJ 
the  demoralization  produced  by  it  was  very  great.  Many  a  song  was  composed  in  bis  praise  and  eung  at  these  mce:- 
ings,  in  one  of  the  most  popular  of  which  occurs  the  following  verse,  that  may  be  appropriately  quoted  iu  this  con- 
nection: 

"  Hurrah  for  the  log  cabin  chief  of  onr  choice ! 
For  the  old  Indian  fighter,  hurrah  1 
Hurrah  !  and  from  mountain  to  valley  the  voice 

Of  the  people  re-echoes  hurrah  I 
Tlien  come  to  the  ballot-box— boys,  come  along, 

He  never  lost  battle  for  you : 
Let  us  down  with  oppression  and  tyranny's  tbrongi 
And  up  with  Old  Tippecanoe  1" 


^ii-iH 


P!<BW»""«W««' 


^'iiEilAi 


Mememoet. 

uiiel  green 
•auce,  with 
iu8  of  Gen- 
ving  shows 
)hio,  as  we 
is  seen  on" 
d  Station. 
I,  aiul,  after 
prison's  resi- 
(Is  from  the 


of  it  remaineil 
ramWcs.    Tlic 
'ew  years  ago, 
aluable  papers 
friends  during 
er  things  were 
drawing  of  the 
•per  position,! 
[before  tlie  fire. 
I  returned  tn 
the  sliores  of 


Ibln,  a  cidcr-baml,  n 
T  of  Louisiana."  The 
a  of  Harrison's  man- 
His  partisans,  whfu 
a  the  outside,  so  thai 
Jory\Tas  popular  wili 
land  a  barrel  ofcidfr 
lider  Campaign,"  anil 
I  BUns  at  these  mtei- 
quoted  in  this  con- 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


576 


Tlie  Energies  of  England  displayed. 


Respect  for  the  Skill  and  Valor  of  tbc  Americans. 


CHAPTER  XXVn. 

"  Once  this  soft  tnrf,  this  rlv'let's  gands, 

Were  trampled  by  a  hurrying  crowd, 
And  flery  hearts  and  armdd  hands 

Kncounter'd  In  the  bottle  >'.;-•' 
Ah  !  never  shall  the  land  forget 

How  gash'd  the  life-blood  of  her  brave— 
Gnsh'd,  warm  with  hope  and  courage  yet, 

Upon  the  soil  they  fought  to  suve."— Williaii  Ccllen  Butakt. 

IIILE  the  army  of  the  Northwest,  under  Harrison,  was  slowly 
recovering  what  Hull  had  lost,  and  more,  stirring  and  important 
events  were  occurring  on  the  frontiers  of  Niagara,  Lake  Ontario, 
and  the  St.  Lawrence  River. 

England  was  then  putting  forth  her  mightiest  efforts  to  crush 
Napoleon,  and  her  display  of  energy  and  resources  was  marvel- 
ous. It  required  the  most  vigilant  exercise  of  these  on  the  Con- 
tinent, yet  she  withheld  nothing  that-  seemed  necessary  to  secure 
gnccess  in  America.  The  naval  victories  of  the  Americans  during  1812  were  very 
mortifying  to  the  "  Mistress  of  the  Seas,"  and  it  was  resolved  by  the  British  cabinet 
to  prosecute  the  war  on  the  ocean  with  the  greatest  vigor.  A  most  profound  and 
wholesome  respect  for  the  skill  and  valor  of  American  seamen  had  been  suddenly  ci-e* 
ated  in  the  British  mind,  and,  to  prevent  farther  disasters  on  that  theatre  of  action, 
it  was  determined  that  no  more  conflicts  with  American  ships  should  be  hazarded 
but  with  such  superior  force  as  would  seem  to  insure  success.  The  American  coast 
was  to  be  practically  blockaded,  and  Avith  so  much  rigor  as  to  prevent  the  egress  of 
privateers  and  the  return  of  them  with  prizes ;  and  the  fiat  went  forth  from  the  Brit- 
ish court  that  ever'^  thing  American  found  afloat  should  be  captured  or  destroyed, 
while  all  of  her  maritime  towns  should  be  menaced  and  annoyed  by  the  presence  and 
movements  of  British  cruisers. 

Tlie  success  of  the  allied  powers  against  Napoleon  during  1812  greatly  relieved 
England  for  the  moment,  and  enabled  her  to  give  more  force  to  her  conflict  in  the 
Western  world.  During  the  winter  of  1812-13  a  body  of  troops  were  sent  to  Hali- 
fax, to  re-enforce  those  in  Canada  in  the  spring,  the  ])rincipal  object  to  be  accom- 
plished in  that  quarter  being  the  defense  of  the  provinces  against  invasion,  while  the 
war  should  be  carried  on  vigorously  along  the  coast  and  on  the  ocean. 
i  The  Americans  wore  disheartened  by  the  results  of  their  campaigns  on  land  during 
1812,  and  it  was  diflicult  to  increase  the  army  either  by  volunteers  or  militia.  The 
I  joveniment  had  determined  to  renew  the  efforts  for  the  conquest  of  Canada,  in  which 
service  nearly  all  of  the  regulars  were  to  be  employed.  The  remainder,  to  consist 
of  militia  and  volunteers,  were  to  compose,  witii  the  regulav,*,  an  army  of  fifty  thou- 
sand men.  By  an  arrangement  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  many  valuable  oflicers 
were  restored  to  command.  Tlie  states  were  divided  into  nine  military  districts,^ 
to  each  of  which  a  general  officer  of  the  United  States  army  was  assigned,  whose 

'The  districts  were  composed  as  follows :  1.  Massachnsetts  and  New  Hampshire.  2.  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut. 
llSew  York  from  the  sea  to  the  Highlands,  and  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  4.  Pennsylvania  from  Its  eastern  limit  to 
jtlK  ille^hany  Mountains,  and  Delaware.  5.  Maryland  and  Virginia.  0.  The  two  Carolinas.  T.  The  States  of  Tenneg- 
Iw.Loaislana,  and  the  Mississippi  Territory.  8.  Kentucky,  Ohio,  and  the  Territorial  governments  of  Michigan.  In- 
I  liuis,  nilnnls,  and  Missouri.  ».  Pennsylvania  from  the  Alleghany  Monntalne  westward,  Now  York  north  of  the  Hlgh- 
liiadf,  and  Vermont. 


NfHlP^    \ 


HI 


1 1  m 


576 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Amerlcang  prepare  for  vigorous  War.         Opcrattong  in  the  St.  Lawrence  Region.         Brockville  and  ita  yiciiilT 

duty  it  was  to  superintend  and  direct  all  the  means  of  defense  witliin  liis  niilitarv 
district.  Detachments  of  troops  were  stationed  ot  the  most  exposed  places  on  the 
sea-board  to  form  rallying  points  for  the  militia  in  the  event  of  invasion ;  and  tlic 
commandant  of  each  district  was  authorized  to  call  upon  the  governors  of  tlio  re- 
spcctive  states  for  such  portion  of  the  militia  most  convenient  to  the  menaced  ixjint 
as  he  should  deem  necessary,  the  operations  of  such  troops  to  be  combined  with  tliosi 
of  the  regular  force,  and  the  whole  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  commandant  ut' 
the  district,  and  while  in  service  to  be  paid  and  supported  by  the  United  States.  By 
this  arrangement,  designed  to  prevent  any  serious  interference  on  the  part  of  UK- 
governors  of  states  who  were  opposed  to  the  Avai-,  there  was  in  each  district  a  mru- 
lar  officer  of  rank  equal  with  any  militia  officer  who  might  be  ordered  out,  and  un- 
der the  Articles  of  War,  entitled  to  chief  command.  Strict  orders  were  also  issued 
to  receive  no  militia  major  general  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  except  at  tlic 
head  of  four  thousand  men,  or  a  brigadier  general  without  half  as  many.  Eight  new 
brigadiers  were  commissioned ;'  and  each  district,  besides  its  commissary  genera! 
was  to  have  an  adjutant,  a  quartei--master,  and  an  inspector  of  its  own.  Meanwhile' 
vigorous  preparations  bad  been  making  by  the  Northern  Army  on  the  St.  Lawrence 
and  its  vicinity,  and  the  Army  of  the  Centre  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  for  an  invasion 
of  Canada. 

Early  in  February,  1813,  some  important  movements  were  made  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence at  Ogdensburg  and  its  vicinity.  In  a  former  chapter  we  have  observed  some 
interesting  occurrences  between  the  hostile  pai'ties  in  that  region  during  the  preced- 
ing autumn  and  early  winter.  Both  were  vigilant,  and  both  had  committed  "  inva- 
sions" and  made  i>risoners.  British  deserters  had  fled  to  the  American  linos  and 
parties  of  troops  from  Canada  had  crossed  the  river,  captured  some  of  these,  and 
<fciade  prisoners  of  American  soldiers  and  civilians.  A  number  of  these  captives  wor 
confined  in  the  jail  at  Elizabethtowni,  now  Brockville,  in  Canada,  eleven  or  twebc 
miles  above  Ogdensburg,  some  of  whom  expected  to  be  shot  by  order  of  a  couit- 
martial. 

An  expedition  to  rescue  the  prisoners  in  Elizabethtown  jail  was  planned  by  Jlajor 
(late  Captain)  Forsyth,  tlien  stationed  at  Ogdensburg,  With  his  riflemen,  Lyttle's 
company  of  volunteers,  and  some  citizens,  about  two  hundred  in  all,  Forsyth  left  the 
village  in  sleighs  at  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  6th  of  Fcbruarv,' 
rode  along  the  southern  shore  of  the  St.  Lawrence  to  Morristown,  and  there 
engaged  Arnold  Smith,^  a  tavern-keeper,  to  pilot  them  across  the  river,  which  is  about 
two  miles  and  a  half  wide  there.  It  was  a  perilous  passage,  for  the  ice  was  not  very 
strong.  They  crossed  safely  by  keeping  open  order.  The  party  was  divided;  For- 
syth led  one  division,  and  Colonel  Benedict,  of  the  New  York  State  Militia,  tlie  other. 
Flanking  parties  were  thrown  out  under  the  respective  command  of  Licntonants 
Wells  and  Johnson.  In  this  order  they  approached  Elizabethtown,  on  the  bank  of 
the  river,  where  the  flanking  parties  took  post  at  opposite  ends  of  the  village,  to  \ 
check  any  attempts  at  retreat  or  approaching  re-enforcements. 

The  summer  tourist  on  the  St.  Lawrence  must  remember  with  pleasure  the  appear- 
ance of  Brockville  (Elizabethtown),  and  the  beautiful  green  ridges  around  it,  visini,  I 
one  above  another,  from  and  parallel  to  the  river.     It  is  at  the  foot  of  the  group  of  j 
the  Thousand  Islands,  in  the  St.  Lawrence ;  and  in  front  of  it,  upon  a  bare  rock  a  short  | 
distance  from  the  shore,  there  still  remained,  when  I  visited  the  place  in  1860,  a  small  j 


'  These  were  Thomas  11.  Cnshlnf:,  Thomas  Parker,  Qeorpe  Iz;irii,  and  Zcbulon  M.  Pike,  of  the  old  army;  WilliamHJ 
Winder,  Dnncan  M'Arllinr,  Lewis  Cass,  aod  Benjamin  Howard.  Bobert  Swartwont,  ofNew  York,  appointed  quarter- 
master  as  snceessor  of  Morean  Lewis,  bore  the  rank  of  briiindler. 

a  Mr.  Smith  was  one  of  the  earlier  settlers  there.  Morristo^vn  was  laid  ont  in  1799  by  Jacob  (aflenvard  Gcncra'.ii 
Brown.  Colonel  David  Ford  made  an  actnnl  settlement  there  in  1808,  and  Arnold  Smith  and  Thomas  Hill  took  np  Iheirl 
residence,  at  abont  the  game  time,  on  the  site  of  the  village.  Smith's  was  the  first  public  bouse  kept  there.  He  als^ 
erected  the  first  tavern  at  tbo  present  village  of  Edwardsville.    Morrtstowu  now  (ISOT)  contains  about  400  iubabitjuiti.  ] 


•fiisBsm 


mm 


•■=9 


A  Its  Vicinity. 

s  military 
CCB  on  the 
1 ;  ami  tliv 
1  of  the  i\- 
laced  point 
withtliosc 
nandant  uf 
States.    By 
part  of  vk' 
tvict  a  rcgu- 
3ut ,  and,  iin- 
!  also  issuc'tl 
ixccpt  at  \\w 

Eight  new 
sary  general, 

^Icanwhlk' 
St.  LaAvrence 
ir  an  invasion 

the  St.IaTv- 
jbserved  some 
r.g  the  ^ivcced- 
iniitteA  "  inva- 
[can  lines,  and 
!  of  these,  ami 
!  captives  were 
pven  or  twelve 
der  of  a  court- 

mned  hy  Major 
[\t'mcn,Lyttle"s 
orsjth  left  the 
lofFchruary,' 
[own,  and  there 
•which  is  ahoat 
■e  was  not  very 
divided;  ¥or- 
lUtia,  the  other, 
of  Lieutenants 
,n  the  hAwV  of 
the  village,  to 

luvo  the  appear- 
|roundit,visini:. 

pf  the  gronp  of 

Hire  rock  a  short' 

Iin  1860,  a  small  I 


m  B™y 


.  WilliamB. 


Irk,  nppolotcd  quarter- 

(aftcnvMfl  Genera! 

InBBnmtoolcnptte 

■  kept  there.   He  JlH 

bout  400  iuhaliltant'- 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


677 


A  general  Jail  Delivery  at  KlUabethtowii. 


The  BrittBh  determine  to  retaliate. 


Otrdeiubnri;  to  be  attacked. 


IILOOK-HOCSE  AT  IIBOOETII,I.K. 


block -house  erected  there  during  the  "Hebellion"  in 
Canada  in  1837.     On  the  first  of  those  ridges  was  the 
principal  business  part  of  IJrockville,  while  on  the  one 
ibove  stood  a  court-hous'    and  jail,  of  blue  limestone, 
■ind  churches  and  other  fine  buildings.     On  the  site  of 
that  court-house  and  jail  stood  the  building  used  for 
the  same  purpose  in  1813,  described  as  an  "elegant 
brick  edifice."    Toward  this  building  Major  Forsyth 
moved  through  the  town,  after  detaching  small  parties 
to  secure  the  different  streets  in  the  village.    On  reach- 
ing it  he  demanded  the  keys  of  the  jailer.     Tliey  were 
imraediatelj  surrendered,  and  the  major  proceeded  to 
release  every  prisoner  but  one,  who  vos  confined  for 
ranrder.    He  begged 'piteously  to  share  the  fate  of  liis  felloA  -prisoners;  but  lie  was 
a  criminal,  and  could  not  bo  taken  from  the  hands  of  justice.    Some  of  the  prominent 
citizens  were  also  seized  and  taken  to  Ogdensburg.     A  captured  physician  was  pu- 
roled  at  Morristown  and  sent  back.     The  only  show  of  resistance  was  a  shot  from  a 
window,  Avhich  slightly  Avounded  one  man.     Major  Carley,  the  commander  of  the 
post,  three  captains,  two  lieutenants,  with  forty-six  other  prisoners,  Avere  taken  in  tri- 
umph to  Ogdensburg,  where  the  expedition  arrived  before  daylight  on  the  7th,  Avith- 
out  the  loss  of  a  man.     The  spoils  were  one  hundred  and  twenty  muskets,  tAventy 
rifles,  two  casks  of  fixed  ammunition,  and  a  quantity  of  other  stores.    P'or  this  gallant 
onterpriac,  Avhich  called  forth  universal  applause,  Forsyth  Avas  made  lieutenant  colo- 
nel hy  brevet,  his  commission  being  dated  the  6th  of  February,  by  Avhich  it  was  made 
to  himself  and  family  o  memorial  of  the  event. 

This  ctpK  ,t  led  to  early  retaliation  on  the  part  of  the  British.     At  about  that  time 
Sir  George  Prevost,  the  Governor  Geii'ral  of  Canada,  arrived  at  Prescott  on  his  Avay 
to  the  capital  of  the  upper  province.     Lieutenant  Colonel  Pipr«on,  commanding  at 
Prescott,  proposed  an  attack  upon  Ogdensburg.     The  goverr  or  Avas  Avilling  to  have 
the  attempt  made ;  but  on  learning  that  some  deserters  bad  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence, 
and  would  probably  inform  the  Americans  of  the  proximity  c  f  a  prize  so  precious  as 
I  his  excellency,  he  became  alarmed  for  his  pereonal  safety,  and  ordered  Pierson  to  ac- 
j  company  him  on  an  immediate  journey  to  Kingston  Avith  an  escort.     Lieutenant  Col- 
onel M'Donell  was  charged  .vith  the  business  of  ."s.  liling  Ogdensburg,  and  Avas  di- 
I  reeled  by  the  governor  to  first  make  a  demonstnitifA!  on  the  ice  in  front  of  the  vil- 
laqe,  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  American  troops,  Avhile  his  excellency  should  put 
much  space  between  himself  and  his  enemies. 

British  spies  informed  Forsyth  of  the  intended  attack,  and  he  immediately  dis- 
Ipatched  a  courier  to  General  Dearborn  at  Plattsburg,  on  Lake  C/hamplain,  for  re-en- 
jfbrcements.  "  I  can  afford  you  no  help,"  replied  Dearborn.  "  You  must  do  as  Avell 
iMyou  are  able,  and  if  you  can  not  hold  the  place  you  are  at  liberty  to  abandon  it." 
JHe  intimated  that  the  sacrifice  of  Ogdensburg  might  be  of  public  benefit  in  arousirg 
Itlie  flagging  energies  of  the  Americans.  On  the  receipt  of  this  reply,  Forsyth  called 
la  council  of  oflicers,  Avhcn  it  was  resolved  to  hold  the  place  as  long  as  possible.  Its 
iJefenses  were  feAV  and  feeble,  yet  stout  hearts  Avere  there.  Near  the  intersection  of 
Kord  and  Euphemia  (noAV  State)  Streets  stood  a  trophy-cannon  taken  from  Burgoyne 
I  Saratoga — an  iron  six-pounder,  on  a  wheel-carriage,  commanded  by  Captain  ICel- 
logff,  of  the  Albany  Volunteers.  On  the  west  side  of  Ford  Street,  between  St^te  and 
abella  Streets,  was  a  store  used  as  an  arsenal,  in  front  of  Avhich,  like  Aviso  on  a  Avheel- 
riage,  was  a  brass  six-pounder,  manned  by  some  volunteers  and  citizens,  under 
<ph  York,  Esq.,  then  slieriff  of  the  county  and  captain  of  a  small  company  of  vol- 
Bteers.    On  the  river  bank,  a  short  distance  from  Parish's  huge  stone  store-house,' 

['Thliwas  built  by  David  Parish,  u  wealthy  banker,  who  early  in  this  century  bought  an  extensive  landed  estate  on 

Oo 


Hi' 


m 


pii 


i 

i 

r          1 

Mi: 

!    > 

«M 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


fabisu'b  stobi-uodbk. 


Preparations  to  receive  the  Brltleb.         AUJutuut  Church  nnd  hU  Auoclatei.         The  British  advance  on  U|{denibiir 

yet  (1867)  standing,  near  the  International  Ferry,  wan  i 
rude  wooden  breawtworii,  on  which  was  niountcd  (m  ., 
Hled-carriage,  an  iron  twelve-pounder,  also  taken  tVdiii 
Burgoyiie.  This  battery  was  commanded  by  Vapim, 
Joshua  Conkey.  On  the  point  where  the  liglit-houst 
now  stands,  near 
the  site  of  old 
Fort  Presenta- 
tion, was  a  brass 
nine -pounder  on 
a  sled-carriage,  in  charge  of  one  of  Captain 
Kellogg's  sergeants.  Back  of  the  old  fort,  and 
mounted  on  sleds,  were  two  old-fashioned  iron 
six-pounders,  one  of  them  commanded  by  Ad- 
jutant Daniel  W .  Church,^  and  tlie  other  by 
Lieutenant  Baird,  of  Major  Forsyth's  compa- 
ny. In  front  of  the  huge  gateway  between 
tlie  two  buildings  then  remaining  of  the  old 
fort-  was  another  brass  six-pounder  on  a  sled, 
and  about  twenty  feet  to  the  left  of  this  was 
a  six-pounder  iron  cannon  on  a  sled.  Several 
others  were  lying  on  the  edge  of  the  Oswegat- 
chie  fast  bound  in  ice.  Below  the  town,  on 
the  square  bounded  by  Washington  and  Wa- 
ter, Elizabeth  and  Franklin  Streets,  was  an  un- 
finished redoubt,  wliich  was  commenced  the  previous  autumn  by  M.  Kaniee,  a  Frencli 
engineer,  by  order  of  General  Brown,  and  named  Fort  Oswegatchie.  All  the  troops 
then  available  for  the  defense  of  the  placo  were  Forsyth's  riflemen,  a  few  volunteeiii, 
and  iibont  a  dozen  raw  recruits. 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  February,  about  eight  hundred  men,  under  Licuten 
ant  Colonel  M'Donell,  appeared  on  the  ice,  and  approached  Ogdensburg  in  two  col 
umiis.     It  was  a  singular  spectacle,  for  only  once  or  twice  before  had  the  river  Imii 
closed  between  Prcscott  aii<l  Ondciisburt;-.     TIic  right  cohiMin,  three  hundred  fitroii!.',] 
composed  of  a  detachment  from  the  (ilengary  Mght  Tnfuntry  Fencibies^  and  abodvj 
of  Canadian  militia,  was   coinmanded  by   Capliiin  .Tciikiiis.     The  left  column,  five i 
hundred  strong,  ijomposed  of  detachments^  of  tiie  King's  Regiment  and  the  IJoyalj 
Newfoundland  Corjis,  a  liuily  uf  ('anadiaii  Incal  militia  and  some  Indians,  was  ooni-j 
manded  by  Lieutenant  Cdlimol  IM'Doneli.     Tlicsc;  troops  moved  steadily  toAvard  I 
village,  while  some  of  the  inhabitants  were  yet  in  bed,  and  otliers  were  at  brcakfej 
The  right  column  proceeded  to  attack  Foreyth  and  his  command  at  the  old  fort,or| 
"  stone  garrison,"  as  it  was  called.*     Forsyth  formed  his  men  behind  the  stone  biiiidi 

the  St.  Lawrence  frontier.  He  caueed  the  large  stone  store  on  Water  Street,  Ogdensburg,  to  be  erected  in  1810,  a 
IS13  he  constructed  a  blast-rnrnaco  at  Rossie.  lie  is  regarded  as  the  early  benefactor  of  St.  Lawrence  County,! 
always  spoken  of  with  affection. 

>  Daniel  W.  Church  was  born  at  Brattleboro',  Vermont,  In  1TT2,  and  emigrated  to  Northern  New  York  in  1801,irtH* 
at  Canton,  St.  Lawrence  County,  he  commenced  the  business  of  millwrlglit  by  erecting  the  first  saw-mill  built  thcti 
He  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  in  that  county,  and  acted  a  conspicuous  part  in  its  early  history.    He  assisted  in  or<:; 
Izing  the  first  court  in  that  county,  and  was  sitting  on  the  bench  as  associate  Justice,  with  Judge  liaymond  presiding,^ 
the  court-house  at  Ogdensburg  when  the  shot  from  Prescott  passed  through  the  building,  as  mentioned  in  uotel.i 
680.    He  volunteered  In  the  military  service  at  the  beginning  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  was  appointed  adjntant  ofColonj 
Benedict's  regiment.    His  particular  services  at  Ogdensburg  and  vicinity  are  mentioned  In  the  text.    Twice  during  ll^ 
■war  he  received  the  special  thonks  of  General  Brown.    He  was  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  fond  ofhlsto^u 
science,  and  charming  in  society.    He  died  at  Morristown,  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  on  the  Tth  of  January,  1867,  in  tbc  ^ 
year  of  his  age,  universally  esteemed  and  deeply  regretted  by  the  whole  community.  "  See  picture  on  pagf  v 

'  These  were  Scotch  Roman  Catholics,  of  the  families  of  refugee  Loyalists  from  the  domain  of  the  Johnsons  in  i 
Mohawk  Valley,  the  most  of  whom  inhabit  the  County  of  Olengary. 

*  Father  Francis  Picqnet  was  a  priest  of  the  Sulpician  order,  and  was  active,  after  his  arrival  In  Canada  in  173.1  In  4 
ostabllshmeut  uf  the  Catholic  religion  and  French  political  dominion  In  the  New  World.    For  the  purpose  of  atlaf 


>-)>t««9B?* 


1  Ugdentbarg 
>rry,  was  ii 

lllttMl,  (111  W 

Liiki'U  from 
l>y  Va\)\\w\ 
lighl-liousi' 


lanicc,  a  Frencli 

All  tlie  troops 

few  voluntet'i's, 

1,  nnder  Lieutcn- 
\\\\%  in  two  col- 
li the  vivev  Iw" ' 
[luuulred  stroiii!,  j 
l)\os^  and  a  body  I 
.ft  column,  five 
and  the  Koyalj 
idi.vns,  was  com-! 
idily  toward  tki 
■re  at  hreaklast.l 
the  old  fort,ofj 
the  stone  buildl 

Wrence  County,  andl^ 

Lv  York  in  1801,  itW 
Itsaw-mmOniUtbd 
I  He  assisted  in  oipj 
|Rttymondprc»l«iif.J 
lntionodin"»'«l'f'3 
|tcdBdj«taiit';f':*3 
Ipit  Twice  (lutincu 
Wrondoflil«.d 

lee  picture  on  pagf* 
|oni»oJolm80Mta« 

aCanadftinimH 
f  the  purpose  01 1""! 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    18  12. 


071) 


Tbe  Brlllsli  driven  back  upon  the  Ice. 


Surrender  of  a  Part  of  the  AmerlcsuH. 


Hiitorlcal  Localttle*. 


iniru  tt'"l  directed  them  to  reserve  their  lire  until  lie  Hhoukl  give  the  word  of  com- 
mand. IJiiiid,  with  the  brass  six-pounder,  was  on  the  rii^lit  of  liis  line,  and  Church, 
witli  tlic  iron  six-pouniler,  was  near  the  centre.  Just  as  the  enemy  reached  the  flat, 
siiow-drifted  shore,  they  tired,  but  without  ett'ect.  Forsyth  then  gave  the  wonl,  and 
■I  full  volley  of  musketry  and  a  disclfarge  of  artillery  swept  down  eight  of  the  foe, 
iiul  threw  their  line  into  utter  confusion.  They  attempted  to  rally  and  charge  upon 
tlie  Americans,  but  the  frightened  militia  failing  to  HU|)port  the  light  infantry,  the 
luovenieiit  was  not  executed,  and  the  assailing  party,  after  losing,  besides  the  killed 
and  wounded,  a  number  of  prisoners,  fled  out  u[)on  the  frozen  river,  seriously  an- 
noyed by  the  nine-pounder  on  the  point  where  the  light-house  now  stands. 

While  these  events  were  in  progress  on  the  ujjper  side  of  the  village  beyond  the 
Oswcgatchiej  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donell  had  nmrched  up  into  the  town,  from  a 
poiut  below  the  battery,  near  the  barracks,  without  resistance.'     Captain  Conkcy 

kept  his  twelve-poui:  er  silent,  when  he  might  have 
8 we  the  enemy's  ranks  feart'ul'y,  and  perhajis  ut- 
terly checked  their  advance ;  and,  without  the  least 
resistance,  ho  surrendered  himself,  his  gun,  and  his 
mer,  to  the  invaders.  When  this  was  accomplished 
they  expected  an  easy  conquest  of  the  town,  but  they 
were  soon  confronted  by  the  cannon  undicr  Captain 
Kellogg  and  Sherift"  York.  The  gun  of  the  foi-mer 
was  soon  disabled  by  the  breaking  of  its  elevator 
screw,  and  he  and  his  men  fled  across  the  Oswegatchie 


BtTB  OF  FOBT  l>BE8ENTATION. 


Iigas  many  of  the  Iroqnois  confederac;  of  Indiana  to  the  French  and  the  Church  as  possible,  he  founded  a  mission  nt 
j  ihe  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie  in  1.748,  and  recommended  the  erection  of  a  fort  there.  The  river  was  called  L:i  Presentn- 
lion  by  the  French.  There  he  erected  a  substantial  stone  building,  on  the  comer-stone  of  which,  found  among  tlMt 
I  rains  many  years  ago,  was  the  following  inscription :  "in  nominr  t  bki  omnipotentis  nmo  uaiiitatione  initia  nEnn- 
I  rass.  PicqnBT,  1T49."  Translation :  "  Francis  Picquet  laid  the  foundations  of  this  habitation.  In  the  name  of  the  Al- 
■ilthty  God,  ill  1749."  Another  stone  building  of  the  same  size  was  erected  about  sixteen  feet  from  the  first  one  \  and 
then  a  stockade  fort  was  built  there  soon  afterword,  covering  nbont  an  acre  of  ground,  these  edifices,  standing  on  the 
ItokoftheOswegatc'ule,  formed  part  of  the  fort,  which  was  called  Presvntation.  Between  the  two  buildings  masslvo 
j  jiies  of  oak,  fifteen  feet  in  height,  were  erected.  "  The  remainder  of  the  eastern  or  southeastern  portions,"  says  Mr. 
I  tiesi,  in  his  "Recollections  of  Ogdensburg  and  Its  Vicinity,"  "  was  heavy  stone  wall ;  indeed,  this  may  be  said  to  hove 
i  inclosed  the  whole.  Here  was  held  the  first  court  in  St.  Lawrence  County,  and  here,  iho,  they  had  preaching  when 
I  lliey  were  fortunote  enough  to  obtain  a  clergyman."  Nothing  now  remains  of  these  old  works  but  a  few  traces  of  the 
jlmiilation.  The  Inscribed  comer-stone  occupies  a  conspicuous  position  In  the  State  Armory,  erected  in  Ogdensburg 
linlsM.  I  saw  It  in  1866  in  a  wall  of  the  Hasbfonck  estate  on  Ford  Street.  In  the  above  sketch  of  the  site  of  Fort 
iPitscntatlon,  taken  from  In  front  of  Judge  Ford's  mansion,  the  position  of  the  stone  buildings  above  mentioned  is  in- 
Ifalcdby  Ihe  two  little  figures  seen  between  the  low  one-story  building  toward  the  right  of  the  picture  and  the  more 
Ifcunt  landing-place  at  Ogdensburg.  Toward  the  left  of  the  picture,  on  the  point  projecting  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  is 
Im  Ihe  light-house,  and  across  the  river  a  glimpse  of  Prcscott  and  Fort  Wellington.  Toward  the  extreme  right,  on  the 
l&lant  shore,  are  seen  the  ruined  buildings  on  Windmill  Point,  desolated  dnrtng  the  "  Rebellion"  of  18,17.  The  land- 
|li?pljce  of  the  British,  on  the  marshy  shore,  to  attack  Forsyth,  was  directly  beyond  the  clump  of  trees  on  the  extrcmo 
|Ul  of  the  picture. 

'  The  British  stnick  the  shore  nt  the  foot  of  Caroline  (now  Franklin)  Street,  and  marched  up  that  street  to  Wachinu 
|li«,ilong  Washington,  past  Parl.-li's  liouso,  to  siHto  sirci'l,  and  halted  :  thou  to  the  Arfcual  in  Ford  Street,  between 
'<  ami  Isabella  Streets.  , 


i! 


if; 


:|    i 


.1 


610 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


of  8h«rlffYork.      Sketch  ufh la  Ufe,      Vllght  ofCUlMDS.      PatrlotlRin,  CnnruKo.  ouil  Fldollty  of  Mrr/v^ 


MAI*  UF   UI'UUATIUNH    A'i   tlUIIKiNblll.'lUi. 


and  joined  Forsyth,  leaving  the  indomitable  York  to  maintain  the  light  alone.'  Tin 
Hheriff  continued  to  fire  until  two  of  his  men  were  mortally  wounded,  and  liimsill' 
and  the  remainder  of  ins  party  were  made  prisoners. 

The  village  was  now  in  full  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  the  citizens  fled,  mostly 
in  the  direction  of  Remington's,  now  Ilouvelton.     M'Donell  proceeded  at  once  to 

•  Joseph  York  was  born  In  Claremont,  New  llampslilvo,  on  the  SIh  of  Jan- 
nary,  1781,  and  when  qnlto  young  settled  with  his  father  In  Hanil(il;ph,  Vot- 
mont.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  years  (17»8)  he  Joined  the  Provisional  Amiy 
under  Lieutenant  Nathaniel  Leonard,  ind  served  until  the  army  wan  ili<. 
banded  In  1800.  He  emigrated  to  Ogdensburg  In  1806.  .He  was  do|iul,v  fkr- 
Iff  three  years,  and  sheriff  four  years.  When  made  prisoner  on  the  orcifion 
above  noted,  ho  was  taken  to  Prescott,  and  thence  to  the  Johii«tn»ii  j i 
where,  through  the  active  exertions  of  his  wife,  he  was  paroled,  auil  :i  :■  i 
weeks  afterward  exchanged. 

Mr.  York's  residence  at  that  time  was  in  tlie  conrt-hoose,  a  frame  bond- 
ing that  stood  on  the  corner  of  Knox 
and  Euphoinia  (now  State)  Streets.  His 
widow  was  living  when  I  visited  Og- 
densbnrg  In  tht)  snramer  of  18(10.  She 
was  a  small,  delicate,  and  highly-Intel- 
ligent woman,  and  I  remember  my  In- 
terview with  her  with  great  pleasure. 
She  gave  me  a  graphic  account  of  the 
events  of  the  invasion,  and  kindly  al- 
lowed me  to  make  a  copy  of  the  silhou- 
ette likeness  of  her  hnsband.  She  said 
she  did  not  leave  her  home  In  the  court- 
hoffso  until  the  British  had  tired  several 
shots  into  it,  and  almost  reached  it, 
when  she  took  some  money  and  table- 
spoons, and  ran  as  fast  as  she  could  into 

the  country,  with  a  number  of  other  women.    They  retreated  about  fiflfenl 
miles.    The  next  day  she  returned,  and  fbnnd  the  honse  plundered,  the  fuJ 
ntture  broken,  and  her  husband  a  prisoner.    The  heroic  little  woman  (wliol 
had  made  many  cartridges  for  the  soldiers)  Immediately  resolved  to  go  overf 
into  Canada  In  search  of  her  hnsband.    She  crossed  tbc  riveil 
in  a  skiff,  went  to  the  honse  of  a  fHend  (Mrs.  Yates)  at  Joliu!^ 
town,  having  a  British  ofllcer  as  escort,  made  personal  applici 
tion  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donell,  procured  the  release  o 
her  hnsband  on  parole,  and  took  him  back  with  her.   Sherilfl 
York  was  very  highly  esteemed  In  St.  Lawrence  County, 
successive  years  he  represented  that  county  in  the  Leglalatareol 
New  York.   The  town  of  York,  in  Livingston  County,  was  namtj 
8th  of  May,  1827,  at  the  age  of  forty-six  years.    Mrs.  York  died  in  July,  1862, 


OOVRT-UOCSli,  OUIIKNHIII'IUI. 


i/i  honor  of  him.    He  died  on  the 


MWaML"! 


r  or  Mm,  York. 


it  alone.'    The 
id,  and  himself 

ens  flod,  mostly 
ded  at  once  to 


,;e,  on  the  Rlh  oMai!- 
icr  111  Kaniloliih.yt'- 
Iho  rrovlsluiiai  Amy 
l\  the  iirmy  wai"  ilis- 
.;ie  was  ilciraly  A"- 
floncr  1)11  the  occafiou 
I)  tlic  Johiutowu  jail, 
as  paroled,  and  a  (e» 

linui'c,  a  frame  MM- 


Iretrcated  about  «tlfeii| 

InBepliiii'lered.tlicto-l 

lolc  little  woman  («1»>| 

lely  reBolved  to  go  ontl 

fshe  crossed  the  meil 

l(Mrs.Vntc9)  atJotiui^ 

made  personal  apjlw 

-•ocnrcd  the  relea«  « 

lack  with  her.  Simla 

Iwrence  County. 

ItyintheLeplsW""^ 

ItonConnty.waBnsraej 

|dlnJtlly,1862. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  181S. 


081 


Hrtrwit  of  the  Amerlcani  ffora  OKdensburg. 


Plunder  of  the  VIIMKe. 


Priioaeni  carried  to  C«nwl*. 


coiiiplt'te  tlio  conqiU'Ht  by  tlinlod^ing  KcrHytli  and  liin  J>arty.  lie  jiaiiiiU'd  IiIh  troopH 
,^  j|,y  iiortliorn  nIioh!  of  the  OMWc^atchic,  and  Hciit  a  Hau;  to  FttrHytli  Niiiniiioiiiiig 
him  to  mirrcndi'i-  iimtantly.  "  If  yon  Mnrrcndcr,  it  shall  ho.  widl ;  if  not,  I'vcry  man 
nhali  ho  put  to  the  bayonet,"  was  a  nu'HHai^e  sent  witli  the  HnininoiiH.  "Tell  Colonel 
M'Doncll,"  replied  Forsyth, "there  must  be  more  tightinn  done  first."  The  bearers 
,it'tlie  rtai,'  had  just  reached  tlieir  line  on  Ford  Street,  near  llusbrouck's,  when  Church 
mill  Hi>'''*l  ^'■'"'  *''^'  ^^'"  six-pounders  that  stood  before  tin;  j^ate  of  the  iort,  both 
cliariji'd  with  j^rape  and  canister.  The  eft'ect  was  severe,  but  less  frightful  tiian  it 
ininlit  liave  been  had  not  Forsyth  peremptorily  ordered  Chundi  to  elevate  his  jdece 
II  little  lii,c;her.  The  discharge  frightened  the  enemy,  and  they  took  sheltt^r  behind 
I'liiinh's  store-house  and  other  buildings,  and  began  picking  oft"  the  Americans  in  de- 
mil  while  another  i^arty,  overwhelming  in  numbers,  were  preparing  to  storm  the  ohl 
fort.  Forsyth's  quitik  eye  and  judgment  e'tmprehended  the  impending  j)eril.  It  was 
heiu'liteiiL'd  by  the  wounding  of  Church  and  Haird,  and  he  gave  orders  for  a  retreat 
10  Thurber's  Tavern,  on  Black  Lake,  eight  o;-  nine  miles  distant,  where,  on  the  same 
day,  ho  wrote  a  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  which  he  gave  a  brief  account 
,(i  the  attairs  of  the  morning,  and  said,  "It  you  can  send  me  three  hundred  men,  all 
shall  he  retaken,  and  Prescott  too,  or  I  will  lose  my  life  in  the  atteini)t." 

Lieutenant  Haird  was  too  severely  wounded  to  be  taken  away,  and  he  was  left  at 
the  mansion  of  Judge  Ford,'  where  he  was  made  a  prisoner.  The  town  now  being  in 
full  pos-session  of  the  enemy,  the  work  of  plunder  commenced.  Indians  and  camp-fol- 
lowerH  of  both  sexes  came  over  from  Canada,  and  these,  with  resident  miscreants, 
defying  the  earnest  eft«)rts  of  the  British  ofticers  to  prevent  plunder,  carried  oft*  or  de- 
jtroyed  a  great  amount  of  private  property.  Flvery  house  in  the  village  except  three 
was  entered.  The  public  projierty  was  carried  over  to  Canada.  Two  armed  schoon- 
ers and  two  gun-boats  fast  in  the  ice  were  burned,  the  barracks  near  the  river  were 
laid  in  ashes,  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  fire  the  bridge  over  the  Oswegatchie.^ 
Fifty-two  ])risoners  were  taken  to  Prescott,  where  those  who  were  not  Ibund  in  arms 
were  paroled  and  sent  back.^  Some  of  the  prisoners  were  confined  in  the  jail  at  Joans- 
town,  three  miles  below  Prescott,*  and  othei-s  were  sent  to  Montreal.  Fourteen  '^f 
the  latter  escaped  from  prison  at  Montreal,  and  the  remainder  were  sent  to  Halifax. 

The  Americans  lost  in  this  aftair,  besides  the  prisoners,  five  killed  and  fifteen  wound- 
od.  The  British  lost  six  killed  and  forty-eight  wounded.  As  the  enemy  immediately 
evacuated  the  place,  the  citizens  soon  returned.  From  that  time  until  the  close  of 
the  war  Ogdensburg  remained  in  an  entirely  defenseless  state,  whioh  exposed  the  in- 
liabitants  to  occasional  insults  from  their  belligerent  neighbors  over  the  river.*  A 
little  east  of  Prescott,  on  the  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  British  erected  a  small 
fortification  during  the  war,  which  commanded  Ogdensburg.  It  was  called  Fort 
Wellington.  The  present  fort  of  that  name  was  built  upon  an  eminence  back  of  the 
other,  in  1838,  at  the  time  of  the  "  Rebellion"  in  Canada." 

'  This  mansion  stood  on  a  pleasant  spot  not  far  from  the  left  bank  of  the  Oswegatchle  River.  Nathan  Ford,  Its  own- 
I  eT,««8  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Ogdensburg.  He  was  born  in  Morrlstown,  New  Jersey,  on  the  8th  of  Decemoer, 
I  li(3.  He  served  In  the  Continental  army,  and  In  JTfl4  and  1796  he  was  employed  by  Ogden  and  others,  who  had  pur- 
I  ctod  lands  In  Northeni  New  York,  to  loofc  after  their  affairs  In  that  quarter.  He  was  ft  man  of  indomitable  energy, 
lull  early  foresaw  prosperity  for  the  little  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchlc.  He  died  in  April,  1S29,  at  the 
I  ige  of  sixty-six  years. 

'  The  plunder  of  public  property  consisted  of  1400  stand  of  arms,  with  accoutrements,  12  pieces  of  artillery,  2  standii 
|«(ti)lore,  300  tents,  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition  and  camp  equipage,  with  some  beef,  )>ork,  flour,  and  other  stores. 

'  The  prisoners  li^the  jail  at  Ogdensburg  represented  to  the  liritish  that  tbey  were  only  political  offenders,  and  then 
Iwre  all  released.  Most  of  them  accompanied  the  invaders  back  to  Prescott,  when  It  was  ascertained  that  they  had  de- 
iMivcd  the  British  officers.    Some  were  given  up  at  once,  and  Sheriff  York  Anally  recovered  the  most  of  Inem. 

•Thin  jail  was  used  as  a  place  of  public  worship  for  a  long  time,  to  which  the  inhabitants  of  Ogdensburg  ftcquently 
|ifcirted  before  the  year  1812.    Previous  to  that  time  there  was  no  regular  place  of  worship  in  Ogdensburg. 

in  May,  1813,  an  officer  came  over  from  Prescott  for  deserters,  and  Insolently  threatened  to  bum  Ogdensbnrg  If  they 
Ixte  not  given  up.  "Ton  will  do  no  snch  thing,"  said  Judge  Ford.  "  No  sooner  will  I  see  the  incendiaries  landing 
IttiD  I  will  set  fire  to  my  own  house  with  my  own  hands,  rally  my  neighbors,  cross  the  river  with  torches,  and  bum  ev- 
Ii7hnn8e  from  Prescott  to  Brockville."  The  British  officer,  perceiving  the  consequences  that  might  ensue,  afterward 
lipclojized  for  hie  conduct.— Hough's  History  qfSt.  Latcrence  CourUij,  page  685. 


!     I 


-     ;r 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


A  Villi  to  Ogilriinlmr);  unci  I'rMCOtt. 


Th«"lUbtllloti"lBC.nin. 

T  vi»itPfl  thfl  tliofttro  of  m'om'n  jnut  deflcrilx-d,  mid  placoH  of  IntoroHt  in  tlicir  ii(i(F||. 
horliood,  in  July,  IHOO,  iUUt  HjM'iidiiijj;  ft  day  or  two  niiionjj  thi'  'nioiisaiid  Islaiidx  j,, 
•.inivM,  *'"'  vicinity  oC{'a|M'  Viiicoiit.  At  dawn  on  a  liraiitifiil  inorninir"  I  cinluriicil 
on  tlui  Htoam  boat  Xcw  York  at  tliat  point  lor  Ogdcimburj;,  and  liad  the 
plt'aouro  of  nu'iitiiij;  an  old  a('(|iiaintanco  (Captain  Van  ('lev*'),  a  votoran  (ttimiiaiKlcr 
of  ntcam-l)oatH  on  halic  Kric  and  tiu'  St.  Luwivnco,  and  wlio  wiih  an  invoiiinl'iry  lutdr 
in  till!  Htiniiijj  hci'Iics  in  the  m-i^liltoiliood  of  tlit-  OHWcgatchii'  in  1H:)h,  which  wiljl),. 
noted  ])reHentiy.  Familiar  with  every  iwlaiid,  roek,  and  hush  on  t!ie  route,  I  t'iiii,|,| 
him  a  nioHt  iimtnietivo  companion  diiriiisx  that  delii^htlul  voyajj^e  ainoiii^  thcTliuii. 
sand  IslandH.  Another  paHwenger  waH  Mr.  Tierpont,  of  IMerpont  Manor,  .Icfl'iisun 
County,  New  York,  who  was  one  of  the  United  Htate«  commiHwionerH  that  tixcd  tlic 
Itoiindary-liiie  between  the  former  and  Canada  Koon  after  the  ehme  of  the  War  „f 
lsr.'-'15.  With  these  two  gentlemen  as  companions  willing  to  impart  iiifuriiiatinn. 
I  lacked  nothinu;. 

Just  above  Hrockville,  as  we  emerj.'ed  from  the  Tlionwand  Islands,  a  settleiiicnt  nf 
Tories  of  the  Uevoliition  was  pointed  out  to  me,  and  the  house  in  which  a  f^raiidsdn 
of  lJenc<Uet  Arnold  livt'd,  and  where  he  died  a  few  years  ago. 

We  arrived  at  Ogdeiisburg  early  in  the  day,  and  I  went  out  immediately  to  visit 
jdaces  of  historic  interest  there,  aceoin|)anied  by  Messrs.  Wentbrook  ami  (iut'st,  td 
whom  I  am  indebted  for  kind  attentions  while  there.  The  landing-places  of  the  Brit- 
ish from  the  ice  ;  the  sites  of  the  "stone  garrison"  and  other  Tiiilitary  works;  tlio  ar- 
senal, court-house,  and  old  burial-ground,  on  an  eininenee  south  of  the  Oswegatdiio, 
were  all  visited  before  dinner.'  Aflerward  I  went  alone  over  to  Prescott,  and,  in 
company  with  a  citizen  of  that  village,  rode  to  Wind-mill  I'oint,  a  mile  below,  to  visit 
the  scene  of  a  serious  tragedy  late  in  the  autumn  of  18.TH. 

Allusion  has  already  been  maiU'  several  times  to  the  "  Ilebellioii"  in  Canada  in  \»r, 
and  1888.     It  was  a  violent  efl'ort  on  the  ])art  of  leaders  and  followers  in  both  \tm- 
inces  to  cast  off  the  rule  of  an  oligarchy  and  establi^li  constitutional  goveninniit, 
whose  administrators  should  bo  resj)onsible  to  the  people.     The  most  eonspicuou* 
eader  in  the  upper  ])rovince  was  the  late  William  Lyon  M'Kenzie,  a  Scotchman, ami 
in  the  lower  province  the  late  Louis  Joseph  Papineau,  a  wealtliy  French  Caiiailiaii, 
These,  with  many  followers,  assumed  the  position  of  open  insurrection  against  tin 
))rovincial  authorities.     Tlity  were  Joined  by  many  sympathizers  from  tlie  Unite(f 
States  frontier,  and  in  the  autumn  of  1838  the  affair  had  grown  to  alarming  propor- 
tions— so  alarming  th  ,t,  on  account  of  the  active  sympathy  of  tlie  Americans  with 
the  Canadian  "Patriots,"  it  threatened  to  disturb  the  friendly  relations  between  the 
United  States  and  C4reat  Britain.     All  the  frontier  towns  on  both  sides  of  tlic  line 
were  kept  in  continual  excitement,  and  none  more  so  for  a  time  than  Ogdensburg  ami 
Prescott.     Matters  were  brought  to  a  crisis  there  in  this  wise.     One  of  the  most  act- 
ive of  the  "Patriots"  on  the  American  side  was  William  Johnson,  of  Frcnchtown  (now 
Clayton),  commonly  known  as"Tiill  Johnson,"  and  sometimes  called  the  "  Patriot," 
and  sometimes  the  "Pirate"  of.the  Thousand  Islands.    Of  him  we  shall  have  oceasinn  i 
10  speak  more  in  detail  hereafter,  for  he  was  an  active  partisan  in  the  War  of  IS12.  j 
Johnson's  knowledge  of  the  St.  Law-rence  from  Cape  Vincent  to.  Ogdensburg  math 
him  a  valuable  auxiliary  to  the  Canadian  insurgents,  and  lie  engaged  with  tliem  in 
j-o-operative  movements  for  seizing  Foit  WelHngton,  which  had  just  been  completed  j 
at  Prescott.     For  this  purpose  a  large  number  of"  Patriots"  went  down  the  St.  Law- j 
rence  early  in  November,  1838.     On  tlie  12th,  the  steam-boat  Wnited  States,  Csi\i[m\ 
Van  Cleve,ju8t  mentioned,  took  as  passengers  for  Ogdensburg  about  two  hundroilj 

>  I  vlnitpd  tho  fine  mansion  and  benutihil  grounds  of  Mr.  PHrii)h,  son  or  the  early  proprietor  ofvaet  landed  estates  inl 
1h»t  reijion.  There  for  many  years  was  the  residence  of  Elena  Vespucci,  a  lineal  descendant  of  the  Florentine  Amerl-I 
PHi  Vcspnrcl,  in  whose  honor  onr  continent  was  named.  She  visited  this  country  with  the  expectation  of  receiving  il 
irrftnt  of  lanil  or  money  f^om  Congress.  She  was  a  brilliant,  fascinating  woman.  She  left  for  Europe  in  1S59.  Mauri 
«r<deucoi>  <>l'  her  t:\ste  were  seen  al)ont  the  raaneion. 


OF  THE   WAH    OF    1818. 


66a 


tlu'ir  lU'igl). 
id  Isluiids  in 
'  I  ('in<i.»rkc(l 
i\ii(l  liail  till' 
1  ('i)nniiitii(lfr 
Umt'iry  iictui' 
vliicli  will  Iw 
onto,  1  t'lmiul 
1114  tlic  'riiiiii- 
luir,  .1 1'ft'i'i'sim 
(liiit  lixcltlic 
f  the  Wiir  (if 
t  iiil'onnatKm. 

settlomciit  (if 
ch  a  grandson 

iVmtoly  to  visit 
iiml  (iuest,  to 
ces  ;>f  the  Hrit- 
workH;  tliear- 
e  Oswogiitcliie, 
"rcscott,  mitl,  in 
„>  below,  to  visit 


At  Amrlcan  Niramnr  prciMd  Into  tb*  IwrviM  oftliv  "  I'litrluU." 


Hinge  <>r  II  Knriiiniiril  Wliiil-nilll. 


r^l^Tiftnded  estates  Ini 
f  the  Florentine  AmfH-l 
lectatlonofreceWngij 
lEuropclnlSM.  Mstjl 


(Mil  fifty  "  I'iitriotH"  from  Siickctt'H  Hurhor.  On  tlu'  w:iy  down  the  St.  Lawrcnco,  Van 
(  livi'  diHCovtTi'd  two  HfliooncrH  hiciilnu'd.  Oni'  of  his  pasHfiigcrs,  a  Htranjfcr  of  jjjon- 
;,il  jiiiiH'aianci',  askoil  him  to  taku  them  in  tow,  aH  tlicy  won'  hidon  with  j^ooiIh  for 
OifiU'iiHlmrg,  and  Ik>  should  he  jrlad  to  liav  them  reach  j)ort  tlie  next  morninij.  The 
ilfckft  were  covered  witii  boxes  and  barrels,  iind  only  men  »'nonj;h  to  navijjate  tlie  ves- 
s"\*  were  visible.  'I'lie  sehooners  were  taken  in  tow,  when  Van  Cleve  was  speedily 
umlceeived.  Full  two  hundrnl  arme(l  inen  <'anie  from  them  on  boiird  of  his  vessel. 
Till'  H('li<H)nerB  were  a  sort  of  Trojan  horses.  N'an  C/leve  was  perplexed.  He  resolved 
I,) "lay  to"  at  Morristown,  and  send  word  to  the  authorities  at  ()ji;donsburg.  This 
liccomim,'  known  to  tlie  "  Patriots,"  about  one  hundred  of  those  on  the  United  Staten 
«|i(i  took  |)assaiije  at  Saekett's  Harbor,  and  all  who  had  eome  from  tlie  schooners, 
wtiit  on  hoard  t)f  the  latter,  when  they  cast  offfroni  the  Hteam-boat  and  sailed  down 
ilii>  f<t.  Lawreiua'.  On  the  following  morning  they  were  at  anchor  in  the  river  be- 
iwi'cii  Oudensburg  and  I'roscott,  and  created  the  greatest  excitement  in  both  towns. 

The  Uritish  armed  HU'iinuir  Experiment  was  lying  at  Prescott,  and  made  immediate 
irrangeineiits  to  attai^k  the  schoonei-s.  One  of  them  meanwhile  had  run  aground, 
;iii(l  the  other  had  gone  down  to  Wind-mill  Point  and  landed  her  armed  men.  At 
iboiit  the  same  time  the  United  States  arrived  at  Ogdensburg.  The  "  Patriots"  pressed 
jier  into  their  service,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  the  American  steam  ferry-boat  Paul 
7Vy,  rescued  the  stranded  schooner,  and  conveyed  the  other  to  a  place  of  safety  near 
Ogdensburg.  She  was  also  employed  in  carrying  over  some  "  Patriots"  Avhom  John- 
noil  hiul  persuaded  to  accomj)any  liim  to  Wind-mill  I'oint,  in  which  service  she  lost 
hor  pilot,  Solomon  Foster,  an  excellent  young  man,  who  was  instantly  killed  by  a  ball 
from  the  Experiment  that  passed  through  the  wheel-house  of  the  United  States.  That 
evening  Colonel  Worth  arrived  at  Ogdensburg  with  United  States  troops,  aceompa- 
iiied  by  a  marshal,  who  seized  all  vessels  in  the  "Patriot"  service,  including  the 
Vnited  States,  and  effectually  cut  off  supplies  of  men,  arms,  and  provisions  from  Wind- 
mill Point. 

Tlic  "  Patriots"  at  the  Point  made  a  citadel  of  the  strong  stone  wind-mill  there,' 
took  possession  of  some  stone  dwellings,  and  cast  up  breast- 
works. They  Avore  under  the  command  of  a  brave  young 
Polandcr  named  Von  Sehoultz.  On  the  morning  of  the 
•  Nowmbcr,  UHli"  they  were  attacked  with  shot  and  shell  by 
'**•  the  Experiment  and  two  other  armed  steamers 
that  had  arrived.  These  were  replied  to  by  the  battery  that 
had  been  constructed  on  the  shore  near  the  wind-mill  during 
the  night.  There  were  cowards  among  the  "  Patriots."  So 
many  had  fled  that  when  the  cannonade  'ommenced  only 
one  hundred  and  eighty  were  left.  When,  soon  afterward, 
British  regulars  and  volunteers  to  the  number  of  more  than 
six  hundred  went  out  from  Fort  Wellington  and  attac .  ed  the 
"Patriots"  in  the  rear,  only  one  hundred  and  twenty-t"ght 
were  left ;  and  yet  these  fought  so  desperately  that,  accoi  d- 
ing  to  Dr.  Theller's  account,*  they  drove  the  British  back  to 
the  fort,  killing  one  hundred  of  them  and  wounding  many, 
after  a  conflict  of  an  lioui'. 

Little  but  burying  the  dead  occupied  the  next  day.*"    That  night,  four 
hundred  British  regulars,  sLxteen  hundred  volunteers,  cannon,  and  gun- 
boats arrived  from  Kingston.     The  "Patriots"  were  doomed.     Food,  ammunition, 
and  physical  strength  were  exhausted,  and  they  surrendered.     They  had  lost  thirty- 
six  killed ;  ninety  were  made  prisoners.     Von  Sclioultz,  only  thirty-one  years  of  age, 
[  and  several  Americans,  were  hanged  in  less  than  a  month  afterword.     Some  were  re- 

ilrheller's  Ctenodo  <n  183T-'38. 


TUB   UAITEBKU    WINII-MM.I.. 


ii 


PI 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Fort  Wellington. 


Retum  to  Ogdensburg  and  Deiiarture  nmyiui 


leased,  and  twenty-three  were  sent  to  En- 
gland, and  from  thence  to  tlu>  British  pen- 
al colony  in  Van  Dienien';'  Laud.  Eleven 
years  later  they  were  all  released  by  a 
declaration  of  amnesty  by  tl'.e  crown. 

The  British  burned  the  wood-work  of 
the  wind-mill  and  stone  houses.  In  tliai 
desolated  condition  they  yet  remained 
wlien  I  visited  the  spot  in  lb60,  and  made 
tlu'  sketch  from  which  our  little  en<Tiav- 
ing  Avas  copied.  The  wind-mill  still  n- 
hibits  many  indentations  made  by  the 
cannon-balls  during  the  siege. 

It  was  toward  evening  when  I  returned 
to  Prescott,  stopping  on  the  Avay  to  visit 
Fort  Wellington,  a  strong  work  coverinj; 
about  three  acres  of  ground.  It  was  not  garrisoned,  and  eveiy  thing  within  seemed 
neglected.  The  citadel,  iv  the  form  of  a 
block-house,  seen  in  the  engraving,  is  a 
strong  work,  the  lower  part  of  stone, 
the  upper  of  hewn  timbers.  The  bar- 
racks are  in  good  condition.  A  few  can- 
non were  on  the  ramparts,  and  on  the 
river  side  of  tlie  fort  lay  a  brass  one,  on 
which  was  inscribed  the  words  and  cliar- 
acters  "  S.  N.  Y.,  1834.  Taken  from  the 
j-ebols  in  1837."    It  was  a  trophy. 

When  I  recrossed  the  St.  Lawrence  at 
near  sunsot,  heavy  clouds  were  floatln^t 
down  from  the  iCgion  of  the  Thousand 
Islands,  and  low  thunder-peals  were 
lieard  in  the  far  soutliwest.  I  stopped 
on   the   International  Ferry  wharf  just  "'"^  wei-linuton  in  is«).i 

long  enough  to  sketch  the  Parish  store-liouse,  and  arrived  at  the  Sej  mour  House  a 
few  minutes  before  a  heavy  shower  of  rain  began  to  fall.  I  passed  nart  of  the  short 
summer  evening  with  Mrs.  Fork,  already  mentioned,  at  the  house  oi  Mr.  Chapin,  her 
son-in-law,  and  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning,  when  the  clonds,  after  a  night  of 
tempest,  were  breaking,  departed  in  tlie  cars  for  the  eastward,  tc  visit  French  Mills 
(now  Covington),  Malone,  Odelltown,  Champla'u.  Chazy,  and  Plattsburg.  Of  thosi 
visits  I  shall  hereafter  write. 

A  second  invasion  of  Canada,  as  we  have  observed,  was  a  principal  feature  in  the 
programme  of  the  campaign  of  1813.  Quebec,  on  account  of  its  military  strenjrtli 
and  accessibility  to  large  vessels  from  the  sea,  was  held  to  be  unassailable ;  but  Moii- 
treal,  the  emporium  of  the  vast  Indian  trade  in  the  immense  country  westward  of  it, 
seemed  to  promise  an  easy  conquest.  The  possession  of  that  city,  and  of  the  entire 
Upper  Province,  was  the  prize  for  which  the  Army  of  the  Noi'th  Avas  expected  to 
contend.  But  the  same  lack  of  sagacity  on  the  part  of  the  cabinet,  to  which  much 
of  the  disasters  of  1812  were  chargeable,  now  reappeared.  Instead  of  sending  "  om- 
petent  force  for  the  cnpture  of  Montreal  before  the  ice  in  the  St.  Lawrence  should 
move  and  peririt  British  transports  to  bring  le-enforcements  from  Halifax,  it  was  de- 
termined first  to  reduce  Kingstcii  and  York  (now  Toronto),  on  Lake  Ontario,  and 

'  In  this  view,  looking  toward  tUe  St.  Itawrence,  the  village  of  Ogdembnrg  is  seen  lo  the  extreme  dtstauce,  on  He  i 
height. 


OP  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


586 


■^ 


arture  eanwtnl. 


nearborn  and  Cbaancey  ou  Lake  Ontario.  Flans  for  Invading  Canada.  Preparations  for  active  Movements. 

Forts  George  and  Erie,  ^n  the  Niagara  River,  recapture  Detroit,  and  recover  the 
Michigan  Territoiy.  The  latter  enterprise  was  successfui,  as  wo  ha^e  seen  in  the  last 
chapter;  it  now  remains  for  us  to  consider  the  events  connected  with  the  prosecu- 
tion of  the  former,  namely,  the  capture  of  York,  Forts  George  and  Eric,  and  King- 
ston in  the  order  hei  e  named. 

Early  in  the  winter  of  1813,  Dearborn,  who  was  in  the  immediate  command  of  the 
Army  of  tlie  North,  had  about  six  thousand  troops  under  his  control,  and  was  em- 
powered to  call  out  as  many  of  the  local  militia  as  might  be  needed  to  supply  any  de- 
ficiencies in  the  regular  army.  Commodore  Chauncey,  by  operatiord  described  in  a 
former  chapter,'  had  acquired  such  complete  control  of  Lake  Ontr  rio  that  he  could 
confine  all  the  British  vecsels  of  war  to  the  harbor  of  Kingston. 

Orders  were  given  for  the  concentration  of  four  thousand  troops  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bor, and  three  thousand  at  BuiFalo.  The  former  were  to  cross  the  ice  to  Kingston, 
capture  that  place,  destroy  all  the  shipping  that  might  be  wintering  there,  and  then, 
as  soon  as  practicable,  either  by  land  or  water,  proceed  to  York,  seize  the  army  stores 
collected  there,  and  two  frigates  said  to  be  on  the  stocks. 

Dearborn  received  a  general  outline  cf  this  plan  from  the  War  Department  on  the 
10th  of  February.  He  was  then  at  Plattsburg  with  two  brigades  wintering  there, 
amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  about  twenty-five  hundred  effective  men.  "Noth- 
iu"  shall  be  omitted  on  my  part,"  he  wrote  on  the  ISth,"  "in  endeavoring  •Pebmary, 
to  carry  into  effect  the  expedition  proposed."^  Major  Forsyth,  Avho  re-  '®^''- 
turned  to  Ogdensburg  after  tie  British  left  it,  was  ordered  to  Sackett's  Harbor. 
General  Brown  was  directed  to  call  out  several  hundred  militia ;  and  Colonel  Zebu- 
Ion  K  Pike  (who  was  made  a  brigadier  general  »  month  later)  was  ordered  to  pro- 
ceed from  Plattsburg  to  the  Harbor  with  four  hundred  of  his  best  men  in  sleighs. 
But  Chauncey  was  detained  in  New  York,  and  the  expedition  against  Kingston  was 
abandoned,  partly  on  that  account,  and  partly  because  the  arrival  at  that  place  of 
Sir  George  Prevost  with  Pierson's  escort^  from  Prescott  gave  foundation  for  a  report 
that  the  British  there  had  received  large  re-enforcements.''  AVhen,  about  the  Ist 
of  March,  Dearborn  arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  story  was  current  there,  and 
(.'cuerally  believed,  that  Sir  George,  with  six  or  eight  thousand  men,  collected  from 
Quebec,  Montreal,  and  Upper  Canada,  ^/as  at  Kingston,  engaged  in  active  prepara- 
tions for  offensive  measures. 

Dearborn  found  only  about  three  thousand  troops  at  the  Harbor,  and  he  sent  ex- 
presses to  hasten  forward  those  on  the  way.  On  the  9th  of  March  he  wrote  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  saying, "  I  have  not  yet  had  the  honor  of  a  visit  from  Sir  George 
Prevost,"  and  expressed  some  doubts  whether  the  knight  would  make  his  appearance 
at  all.  A  week  afterward  all  causes  for  apprehensions  of  an  attack  from  Kingston 
had  disappeared,  and  at  a  council  of  officers''  the  expedition  against  that 
place  was  formally  abandoned  until  the  lake  should  be  open  and  the  co- 
operation of  the  fleet  should  be  secured.  To  the  strengthening  of  that  arm  of  the 
service  on  the  lake,  the  genius  and  industry  of  Henry  Eckford,  the  naval  constructor, 
were  now  earnestly  directed,  the  President  having,  on  the  3d  of  March,  directed  six 
sloops  of  war  to  be  built  on  Lakes  Ontario  and  Erie,  and  as  many  purchased  as  the 
exijfencies  of  the  service  might  require.  Tlie  pay  of  seamen  was  advanced  twen- 
ty-five per  cent.,  and  many  of  them  were  sent  to  the  lakes  for  active  service  there. 
Early  in  April  the  brig  Jefferson  was  launched"  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  the  « April  t. 
keel  of  the  General  Pike  was  l.i'  l.*"  On  the  14th  the  British  launched  two  "April  9. 
large  vessels  at  Kingston,  and  at  about  the  same  time  received  for  the  service  on  the 


'  Sep  Chapter  XVIII.  »  Genera)  Dearborn  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  '  See  page  677. 

'  "Chauncey  has  not  returned,"  Dearborn  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  JBth  of  Pebrtiary.  "I  am  latltfled 
that  U  he  had  arrived  rs  soon  as  I  had  expectsd  hln,  we  miKht  have  made  a  stroke  at  Kingston  on  the  lee ;  bat  bis 
preseoM  was  necessary  fur  having  the  aid  of  the  seamen  and  marines." 


I« 


M\ 


'    I 


li 


J86 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Troops  at  Sackett's  Harbor. 


Expedition  againet  Little  York. 


The  British  Defensej. 


water  large  numbers  of  seamen  from  the  Royal  Navy.  On  the  15th  the  ice  in  tho 
lake  disappeared,  and  two  days  afterward  Chauncey  sent  out  the  Growler  to  recon- 
noitre. Brigadier  General  Chandler  had  lately  arrived.  The  effective  force  at  Sack- 
ett's Harbor  at  this  time  consisted  of  about  five  thousand  regulars  and  twelve  months' 
volunteers,  two  thousand  militia,  and  thirteen  hundred  sailors. 

At  the  middk  of  April  Dearborn  and  Chauncey  matured  a  plan  of  operations.  A 
joint  land  and  naval  expedition  was  proposed,  to  first  capture  fork,  and  tiien  to  cross 
Lake  Ontario  and  reduce  Fort  George.  At  the  same  time,  troops  were  to  cross  the 
Niagara  from  Buffalo  and  Black  Rock,  capture  Forts  Erie  and  Chippewa,  join  the 
fleet  and  army  at  Fort  George,  and  all  proceed  to  attack  Kingston.  Every  tiii'  • 
being  arranged.  Dearborn  embarked  about  seventeen  hundred  men  on  Chaunccy's 
fleet  at  Sackett's  Harbor  on  the  22d  of  April,  and  on  the  2Sth  the  fleet,  crowded  with 
soldiers,  sailed  for  York.'     After  a  boisterous  passage,  it  appeared  before  tlie  little 


town  early  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  27th,  when 
General  Dearborn,  suf- 
fering from  ill  health, 
placed  the  land  forces 
under  charge  of  Gener- 
al Pike,'*  and  resolved 
to  remain  on  board  the 
commodore's  flag-shiii 
during  the  attack. 

The  little  village  of 
York^  was  then  chiefly 
at  the  bottom  of  the 
bay,  near  a  marshy  flat 
through   wliich   the 
Don,    coming    down 
from   beautiful   fertile 
valleys,    flower!    slug- 
gishly   into   lake   Ontario, 
and,  because  of  the  softness 
of  the   earth   there,  it  was 
often  called  "  Muddy  Little 


York."  It  gradually 
grew  to  the  ^\  cstward, 
and,  while  descrtiii!; 
the  Don,  it  wooed  the 
Humber,  once  a  famous 
salmon  stream,  that 
flows  into  a  broad  hav 
two  or  three  miles  wesi 
of  Toronto.  In  that 
direction  stood  the  re- 
mains of  old  Fort  To- 
ronto, erected  by  the 
French,  and  now  (1 867) 
an  almost  shapeless 
heap.  On  the  shore 
eastward  of  it,  betAveen 
the  present  new  bar- 
racks and  the  city,  were 
two  batteries,  the  most  east- 
erly one  being  in  the  form 
of  a  crescent.  A  little  far- 
ther east,  on  the  borders  of 


'  Chanticey's  fleet  consisted  of  the  flng-shlp  Madison,  commanded  by  Commander  Elliott ;  the  Oiteida,  Lieutenant  Com- 
mandin<;  Woolsey ;  the  Fair  A  merican.  Lleatenant  Chauncey ;  the  Ilamiltttn,  Lieutenant  M'Pherson ;  the  Governor  Tomjy 
kins,  Lieutenant  Brown ;  the  Conquest,  Lieutenant  Pettlgi-cw ;  the  Asp,  Llentenant  Smith  ;  the  Pert,  Lieutenant  Adamii; 
the  Julia,  Mr.  Trant ;  the  Grmeler,  Mr.  Mix  ;  the  Ontario,  Mr.  Stevens  ;  the  Scourge,  Mr.  Osgood  ;  the  iMdij  0/  the  Laki, 
Mr.  Pllnn  ;  and  liaven,  transport. 

'  Zebnlon  Mor.  i^omery  Pike  was  one  of  the  earlier  explorers  of  the  wildemcss  around  the  head-waters  of  the  Mlsfif- 
slppl  River.  He  was  born  in  Lambcrton,  New  Jersey.  .  His  father  was  an  army  ofBcer,  and  young  Pike  entered  tlit 
army  while  yet  a  boy.  His  whole  life  was  devoted  to  the  military  profession.  Soon  after  the  purchase  of  Louisiana,  in 
1803,  President  Jefferson  decided  to  have  the  vast  unknown  territory  explored,  and  sent  Captains  Lewis  and  Clnik.  10 
accomplish  a  portion  of  it.  At  the  same  time,  young  Pike  (who  was  born  on  the  Mh  of  January,  1779)  was  coraniiHtiyiiPd 
to  explore  the  present  Minnesota  region.  That  was  in  ISOB.  In  the  following  year  he  made  a  perilous  but  succeeftli'. 
rectmnoissance  of  the  wilderness  in  the  direction  of  Northern  Mexico,  and,  returning  In  the  summer  of  1807,  he  reccivod 
the  thanks  of  Congress.  He  reached  the  rank  of  colonel  of  Infantry  In  ISIO,  and  In  March,  1813,  he  was  cninmisfioiipd  a 
brigadier.  He  lost  his  life  in  the  attack  on  York  (Toronto),  In  April,  1813,  when  he  was  little  more  than  fliiity-fouryfart. 
of  age.  His  name  and  memory  arc  perpetuated,  not  only  on  the  pages  of  History,  but  In  the  titles  often  counties,  uiid 
twenty-eight  townships  and  villages  In  the  United  States,  chiefly  In  the  Western  country. 

On  the  day  before  he  left  Sackett's  Harbor,  General  Pike  wrote  as  follows  to  his  father :  "  I  embark  to-morro!v  in  thf 
fleet,  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  at  the  head  of  a  column  of  1600  choice  troops,  on  a  secret  expedition.  Should  I  be  the  happt 
mort.il  destined  to  turn  tht  scale  of  war,  will  yon  not  rejoice,  oh  my  father  ?  May  heaven  be  propitious,  and  smllo  m 
the  cause  of  my  country.  But  If  we  are  destined  to  fall,  may  my  fall  be  like  Wolfe's — to  sleep  in  the  arms  of  victor)-," 
His  wish  was  gratified. 

'  York,  or  "  Little  York,"*as  It  was  generally  called,  was  a  village  of  abont  nine  hundred  inhabitants,  «Unatcd  on  tlif 
north  shore  of  Ijake  Ontario,  a  little  west  of  the  meridian  of  the  Niagara  River.  It  was  founded  by  Qovcnior  Siniroe, 
was  made  by  him  the  seat  of  government  In  17l>7,  and  designed  to  be,  what  It  has  since  become,  a  large  and  floHri»liiiij 
city.    In  front  of  it  is  a  beautiful  bay,  nearly  circular,  a  mile  and  a  half  In  diameter,  formed  by  the  main  and  a  curioii?' 


OF   THE  WAR    OF   1812 


687 


ritleh  Dcfensei. 

e  ice  in  th" 
er  to  recon- 
rce  at  Sack- 
ilve  months' 

Bvations.  A 
tlien  to  cross 
to  cross  the 
>\va,  join  the 
Every  thi'  ; 
1  Chauncey's 
!row(lo(l  with 
'ore  the  litilc 
It  gradually 
he  ^v  estwani, 
lie  deserting 
it  wooed  the 
once  a  famous 
stream,  that 

0  a  broad  hav 
iree  miles  -wesi 
tito.     In   that 

1  stood  the  re- 
f  old  Fort  To- 
rected  by  the 
and  now  (1 86 1) 

o  s  t  shapeless 
On  the  shove 
d  of  it,  between 
isent  new  har- 
d  the  city,  were 

the  most  cast- 
ig  in  the  form 
A  little  far- 

the  borders  of 


rfrffl,  Lieutenant  Com- 
i ;  tlic  Governor  Tomp- 
[f,  Lieutenant  Adams; 
I  the  Lady  of  the  Lakt, 

l-WRters  of  the  MIffif- 
ling  Pike  entered  tht 
thnse  of  Louisiana,  in 

Lewis  iind  Clnil>'  I" 
til)  wns  comnilPhiiiiK'il 
lerilouB  but  succeffrii! 
|er  of  ISO",  be  rccciveil 

■  wns  commisfioiicil  a 
Ithantblvty-fourycarf 
Ir  of  ten  counties,  awl 

Lrk  to-morro-v  in  the 
Rhould  I  be  the  happy 
tpltlous,  and  smile  "O 
Ithe  anne  ofvlctori." 

|tant»,»ttnatedonlbt 
I  by  Oovenior  Simcot. 
I  large  and  llourlsliiiij 
!  main  and  o  curiouf- 


Seglect  of  Defenses. 


General  Pike's  Instructions. 


His  Troops  conn-onted  at  their  Landing-place. 


YORK  IN    Itilii,  rSOM   TUB  1ILOOK-UO(7BI!   EAST   OP  TUP.  DON. 


deep  ravine  and  small  stream,  was  a  picketed  block -house,  some  intrenchments 
^ith  cannon,  and  a  garrison  of  about  eight  hundred  men,  under  Major  General  Slieaffe. 
On  Gibraltar  Point, 
the  cxti.  no  western 
end  of  the  peninsula, 
that  embraced  the 
Harbor  with  its  pro- 
tecting arm,  was  a 
small  block  -  house  ; 
and  another,  seen  in 
the  engraving,  stood 
on  the  high  east  bank 
of  the  Don,  just  be- 
vond  the  present 
iiridge  at  the  eastern 

termination  of  King  and  Queen  Streets.  These  drfonses  had  been  strangely  neglect- 
ed. Some  of  the  cannon  were  without  trunnions  ,  others,  destined  for  the  war  vessel 
then  on  the  stocks,  were  in  frozen  mud  arid  half  covered  with  snow.  Fortunately  for 
the  garrison,  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  was  then  in  port  undergoing  some  repairs,  and 
her  guns  furnislied  some  armament  for  the  batteries.  These,  however,  amounted  lo 
only  a  few  si.x-pounders.  The  Avhole  country  around,  excepting  a  few  spots  on  tlio 
lake  shore,  was  covered  with  a  dense  forest. 

On  the  day  when  the  expedition  sailed  from  Sackett's  Harbor  General  Pike  issued 
minute  instructions  concerning  the  manner  of  landing  and  attack.  "  It  h  expected," 
lie  said, "  that  every  corps  will  be  mindful  of  the  honor  of  the  American  arms,  and 
the  disgraces  which  have  recently  tarnished  our  arms,  and  endeavor,  by  a  cool  and 
ilctcrmined  discharge  of  their  duty,  to  support  the  one  and  wipe  off  the  other."  "The 
unoffending  citizens  of  Canada,"  he  continued, "  are  many  of  them  our  own  country- 
men, and  the  poor  Canadians  have  been  forced  into  this  war.  Their  property,  there- 
fore, must  be  held  sacred ;  and  any  soldier  who  shall  so  far  neglect  the  lionor  of  his 
profession  as  to  be  guilty  of  plundering  the  inhabitants,  shall,  if  convicted,  be  pun- 
ished with  death.  But  the  commanding  general  assures  the  troops  that,  should  they 
capture  a  large  quantity  of  public  stores,  he  will  use  his  best  endeavors  to  procure 
them  a  reward  from  his  government."  With  such  instructions  t^c  Americans  pi'o- 
ceeded  to  invade  the  British  soil  at  about  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  27th 
of  April,  1813. 

It  was  intended  to  land  at  a  clearing  near  old  Fort  Toronto.  An  easterly  wind, 
blowing  with  violence,  drove  the  small  boats  in  which  the  troops  left  the  fleet  full 
half  a  mile  farther  westward,  and  beyond  an  effectual  covering  by  the  guns  of  the 
navy.  Major  Foi^syth  and  his  riflemen,  in  two  bateaux,  led  the  van,  and  when  with- 
in rifle-shot  of  the  shore  they  were  assailed  by  a  deadly  volley  of  bullets  by  a  com- 
pany of  Glengary  Fencibles  and  a  party  of  Indians  under  Major  Givens,  who  were 
concealed  in  the  woods  that  fringe  the  shore.  "  Rest  on  your  oars !  prime !"  said 
Forsyth,  in  a  low  tone.  Pike,  standing  on  the  deck  of  the  Madison,  saw  this  halting, 
and  impatiently  exclaimed,  with  an  expletive,  "  I  can  not  stay  here  any  longer ! 
Come,"  he  said,  addressing  his  staff,  "jump  into  the  boat."    He  was  instantly  obeyed, 

(haped  peninsula,  which,  within  n  few  years,  has  become  an  island.  It  was  only  a  few  rodd  wide,  where,  in  IS-W,  a 
siorm  cut  a  channel  and  made  most  of  the  pe  ilnsultt  an  island,  while  at  its  western  extremity  It  was  very  broad,  and 
tmbraced  several  ponds.  See  map  on  page  BOrt.  It  is  low  and  sandy— so  low  that,  from  the  moderate  elevation  of  the 
uimi  (fifteen  or  twenty  feet  above  the  water),  the  dark  line  of  the  lake  maybe  seen  over  it.  Upon  it  were,  and  still  are, 
Mme  trees,  which,  at  first  glance,  seem  to  be  standing  on  the  water.  This  gave  the  name  of  Tarnntah,  an  Iitdian  word 
lifiiifylng  "  trees  on  the  water,"  to  the  place.  When  the  French  bnilt  a  fort  there,  westward  of  the  extreme  western 
fnii  of  the  peninsula  (which  was  called  "Oibraltar  Point"),  they  named  It  Fort  Tarontah,  or  Toronto.  In  pursuance  of 
liit  plan  of  Anglicizing  the  tipper  Province,  SImcoe  named  it  York.  The  people,  at  a  later  day,  with  singular  good  taste, 
resumed  the  Indian  name  of  Tarontah,  or  Toronto. 


"• —   n  ■"#.. 


msm 


588 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  in  the  Wuode. 


Cowardly  Flight  of  the  IndianB. 


The  Biltiah  driven  to  Toronto. 


and  voiy  soon  they  and  their  gallant  commander  were  in  the  midst  of  a  fight  for 
Forsyth's  men  had  opened  tire,  and  the  enemy  on  the  shore  were  retnniing  it  hntiV. 
ly.  Tiic  vanguard  soon  landed,  and  were  immediately  followed,  in  support,  by  Ma- 
jor King  and  a  battalion  of  infantry.  Pike  and  the  main  body  soon  followed  miii 
the  whole  column,  consisting  of  the  Sixth,  Fifteenth,  Sixteenth,  and  Twenty-first  Hcfr. 
imcnts  of  Infantry,  and  detachments  of  light  and  heavy  artillery,  with  Major  For- 
syth's rifllemen  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Clurc's  volunteers  as  flankers,  pressed  for- 
ward  into  the  woods.  The  British  skirmishers  meanwhile  had  been  re-enfoi-ced  hy 
two  companies  of  the  Eighth,  or  King's  Regiment  of  Regulars,  two  hundred  strong,  a 
company  of  the  Royal  Newfoundland  Regiment,  a  large  body  of  militia,  and  sonic 
Indians.  They  took  position  in  the  woods,  and  were  soon  encountered  by  the  ad- 
vancing Americans,  whose  artillery  it  was  difficult  to  move.  Perceiving  tliis,  the 
British,  led  by  General  Sheafle  in  person,  attacked  the  American  flanks  with  a  m- 
pounder  and  howitzer.  A  very  sharp  conflict  ensued,  and  botli  parties  suffered  much. 
Captain  M'Neil,  of  the  King's  Regiment,  was  killed.  The  British  were  overpowered 
and  fell  back,  when  General  Pike,  at  the  head  of  the  American  column,  ordered  his 
bugler  to  sound,  and  at  the  same  time  dashed  gallantly  forward.  That  bugle  blast 
thrilled  like  electric  fire  along  the  nerves  of  the  Indians,  They  gave  one  horrid  yell 
then  fled  like  frightened  deer  to  cover,  deep  into  the  forest.  That  bugle  blast  was 
heard  in  tlie  fleet,  in  the  face  of  the  wind,  and  high  above  the  voices  of  the  gale,  and 
evoked  long  and  loud  responsive  cheers.  At  the  same  time  Chauncey  was  send  i  hi; 
to  the  shore,  under  the  direction  of  Commander  Elliott,  something  more  effective  than 
huzzas,  for  he  Avas  hurling  deadly  grape-shot  upon  the  foe,  which  added  to  the  con- 
sternation of  the  savages,  and  gave  fleetness  to  their  feet.  They  also  hastened  tlie 
retreat  of  Sheaffe's  white  troops  to  their  defenses  in  the  direction  of  the  village,  Avhilc 
the  dnim  and  fife  of  the  pui"suers  were  briskly  playing  Ya)ikee  Doodle. 

The  Americans  now  pressed  forward  as  rapidly  as  possible  along  the  lake  shore  in 
j)latoons  by  sections.  They  were  not  allowed  to  load  their  muskets,  and  were  com- 
pelled to  rely  upon  the  baj  onet.  Because  of  many  ravines  and  little  streams,  tlie  ar- 
tillery was  moved  with  difiicHlty,  for  the  enemy  had  uc'stroyed  the  bridges.  It  was 
a  strong  right  arm,  and  essential  in  the  service  at  hand ;  and  by  great  exertions  a 
tield-piece  and  a  howitzer,  under  Lieutenant  Fanning"  of  the  Third  Artillery,  was 
moved  steadily  with  the  column.  As  that  column  emerged  from  thick  woods,  flank- 
ed by  M'Clure's  volunteers,  divided  equally  as  light  troops,  under  Colonel  Rij)ley,h 
was  confronted  by  twenty-four  pounders  on  the  Western  Battery,  the  remains  of 


UKMAIMB  OP  TUB  WESTERll   IIATTKBY.' 

which  are  now  (ISGT)  plainly  visible  between  the  present  New  Barracks  and  the 
city  on  the  lake  shore.     Upon  that  battery  the  guns  of  some  of  Chauncey's  vessels, 

>  In  this  sketch  the  appearance  of  the  mounds  in  ISOO  is  given.  On  the  left,  in  the  distance,  is  seen  a  glimpse  of  a 
wharf  and  part  of  Toronto.  On  the  right  a  portion  of  the  peninsula,  now  an  island.  In  the  centre  of  the  picture  Is  Ihc 
opening  between  the  island  and  the  remainder  of  the  peninsula,  looking  out  npon  the  lake.  The  steam-boat  indicatct 
the  present  channel,  which  is  narrow  and  not  very  deep. 


Iven  to  Toronto. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


689 


B»ttle  »t  York. 


Explueiun  of  the  British  Powder-magaslne. 


Death  of  Ocueral  Pike  and  uthen. 


which  had  beat  up  against  the  wind  in  range  of  the  enemy's  works,  were  pouring 
heavy  shot.  Captain  Walworth  was  ordered  to  storm  it  with  his  grenadiers,  of  the 
Sixteenth.  They  immediately  trailed  their  arms,  quickened  their  pace,  and  Avere 
ibout  to  charge,  when  the  wooden  magazine  of  the  battery,  that  had  been  carelessly 
left  open,  blew  up,  killing  some  of  the  men,  and  seriously  damaging  the  defenses. 
Tlie  dismayed  enemy  spiked  their  cannon,  and  fled  to  the  next,  or  Half  moon  Battery. 
Walworth  pressed  forward,  when  that,  too,  was  abandoned,  and  he  found  nothing 
within  but  spiked  cannon.  Sheaffe  and  his  little  army,  deserted  by  the  Indians,  tied 
to  the  garrison  near  the  governor's  house,  and  tiiere  opened  a  fire  of  round  and  grape 
allot  upon  the  Americans.  Pike  ordered  his  troops  to  halt,  and  lie  flat  upon  the  grass, 
while  Mijor  Eustis,  with  his  artillery  battery,  moved  to  the  front,  and  soon  silenced 
the  great  guns  of  the  enemy. 

The  firing  from  the  garrison  ceased,  and  the  Americans  expected  every  moment  to 
see  a  white  flag  displayed  from  the  block-house  in  token  of  surrender.  Lieutenant 
Riddle,  whose  corps  had  brought  up  the  prisoners  taken  in  the  woods,  was  sent  for- 
ward with  a  small  party  to  reconnoitre.  General  Pike,  who  had  just  assisted,  with 
his  own  hands,  in  removing  a  wounded  soldier  to  a  comfortable  place,  was  sitting 
upon  a  stump  conversing  with  a  huge  British  sergeant  who  liad  been  taken  prisoner, 
his  staff  standing  around  him.  At  that  moment  was  felt  a  sudden  tremor  of  the 
(fround,  followed  by  a  tremendous  explosion  near  the  British  garrison.  The  enemy, 
despairing  of  holding 
the  place,  had  blown 
up  their  powder-mag- 
azine, situated  upon  the 
I'dge  of  the  water,  at 
the  mouth  of  a  ravine, 
near  whore  the  build- 
ma  of  the  Great  West- 
ern Railway  stand. 
The  effect  was  terrible. 
Fragnients  of  timber, 
and  huge    stones    of       '^- 

,  .    1  ,1  _         •  POWDEK-MAOAZINK  AT   TOBO.NTO. 

which    the    magazine 

walls  were  built,  were  scattered  in  every  direction  over  a  space  of  several  hundred 
vards.^  When  the  smoke  floated  away  the  scene  was  appalling.  Fifty-two  Ameri- 
cans lay  dead,  and  one  hundred  and  eighty  others  were  wounded.^  So  badly  had 
the  affair  been  managed  that  forty  of  the  British  also  lost  their  lives  by  the  explo- 
sion. General  Pike,  two  of  his  aids,  and  the  British  sergeant  were  mortally  hurt,^ 
while  Riddle  and  his  party  were  unhurt,  the  missiles  passing  entirely  over  them. 
The  terrified.  Americans  scattered  in  dismay,  but  they  were  soon  rallied  by  Brigade 
Major  Hunt  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell.  The  column  was  reformed,  and  the 
!;eneral  command  was  assumed  by  the  gallant  Pennsylvanian,  Colonel  Cromwell 

'  The  maKMino  was  abont  twenty  feet  sqiinre.  It  contained  live  hnndrcd  barrels  of  gnnpow-der,  and  on  Imineniso 
Tjaiitity  of  shot  and  shells.  It  was  bnilt  of  heavy  stone,  close  by  the  lake  shore,  with  a  heavy  stone  wall  on  Its  water 
[fimt.  Its  roof  was  nearly  level  with  the  surface  of  the  ground.  The  descent  to  its  vaults  was  by  stone  steps  inside  of 
ihc  wall.  It  was  so  situated  that  the  Americans  did  not  suspect  its  existence  there.  The  picture  of  it  above  given,  as 
il  .i|ipcared  before  the  explosion,  is  f^om  a  pencil  sketch  by  an  English  ofHcer.  It  is  paid  that  some  of  the  fragments 
otihe  magazine  were  thrown  by  the  explosion  as  far  as  the  decks  of  Chauncey's  vessels,  and,  says  IngersoU, "  the  water 
vn!  ehocked  as  with  an  earthquake." 

'  A  late  provincial  writer,  whose  pages  exhibit  the  most  bitter  spirit,  says,  in  speaking  of  this  destruction  of  life,  "We 
hfurlllj:  agree  with  James  [the  most  malignant  and  mcndacioua  of  the  British  writers  on  the  WarJ  '  that,  even  had  the 
whole  column  been  destroyed,  the  Americans  would  hut  have  met  their  deserts ;'  and  if  disposed  to  commiserate  the 
poor  soldiers,  at  least,  wo  wish,  with  him,  'that  their  places  had  been  filled  by  the  American  President  and  the  ninety- 
fight  members  of  the  Leg!  .ur<)  who  voted  for  the  war.' " — A  History  of  tht  Late  War  between  Oreat  Britain  mirf  the 
UaM  S/atot  <if  Anurica,  by  G.  Auchiuleck,  Toronto,  1S88. 

'  One  of  General  Pike's  officers  afterward  wrote :  "  I  was  so  much  injured  in  the  general  crash  that  it  is  surprising 
how  I  survived.  Probably  I  owe  my  escape  to  the  corpulency  of  the  British  sergeant,  whose  body  was  thrown  upon 
mine  by  the  concussion."— Letter  in  The  Aurora,  quoted  by  Hough  in  his  Uigtory  c/ Jefferson  County,  page  4$8. 


^^^^^^^1^ 


m 


'!! 


''W 


600 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Surrender  ot  York.  £»ca|)e  of  Ueueral  Sbeaffe  and  bl«  Kegulnrs.  The  Americans  In  Poaaesglon  of  the  Pom 

Poarce,  of  the  Sixteenth,  the  senioi-  officer.*  After  giving  three  cheers,  iho  troops 
pressed  forward  toward  the  village,  and  were  met  by  the  civil  authorities  and  militia 
officers  with  propositions  for  a  capitulation,  in  response  to  a  peremptory  demand  for 
surrender  made  by  Colonel  Pearce.  An  arrangement  was  concluded  for  an  absolute 
surrender,  with  no  other  prescribed  conditions  than  that  all  papers  belonging  to  tlu 
civil  officers  should  be  retained  by  them,  that  private  property  of  all  kinds  Hhoukll), 
respected,  and  that  the  Furgeons  in  attendance  upon  the  British  regulars  and  Cana 
dian  militia  should  not  be  considered  prisoners  of  war.^  General  Sheaft'e's  b,•^(r(r^^r( 
and  papers  were  captured.  Among  the  former  was  a  musical  simff-box  that  attract- 
ed much  attention. 

Taking  advantage  of  the  confusion  that  succeeded  the  explosion,  and  tlie  time  in- 
tentionally  consumed  in  the  capitulation.  General  ShealFe  and  a  large  portion  of  his 
regulars,  after  destroying  the  vessel  on  the  stocks  and  some  store-houses  and  tlicii 
contents,  stolo  across  the  Don,  and  fled  along  Dundas  Street  toward  Kingston.  When 
several  miles  from  York  they  met  a  portion  of  the  King's  Regiment  on  their  Avay  to 
Fort  George.  These  turned  back,  covered  Sheaffe's  retreat,  and  all  reached  Kint;. 
ston  in  safety.  Sheaffe  (who  was  the  military  successor  of  firock)  was  severely  cen- 
sured for  tlie  loss  of  York,  and  was  soon  afterward  s\iperseded  in  command  in  Upper 
.Canada  by  Major  General  De  Rottenburg.  He  retired  to  Montreal,  and  took  com 
niand  of  the  troops  there. 


On  hearing  of  the  death  of  General  Pike,  General  Dearborn  went  on  shore,  and  as- 
sumed command  after  the  capitulation.  At  sunset  the  work  was  finished;  and  at 
the  same  hour  (eight  o'clock  in  the  evening),  both  Chauncey  and  Dearborn  wrote 
brief  dispatches  to  the  government  at  Washington,  the  former  saying,  "  We  are  in 

1  Cromwell  Pearce  was  bom  in  WllHBto\vn,  Chester  Connty,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  ISth  of  August,  1772,  on  the  farai 
where  the  celebrated  "  Paoli  massacre"  occurred  in  the  autumn  of  177T.    His  father  was  a  native  of  Ireland.   Cromwell 
was  brought  up  a  farmer.    At  the, age  of  twenty-one  years  Governor  Mifflin  commissioned  him  a  captain  of  militia,  anil 
In  1799  he  entered  the  regular  army  of  the  United  States  as  first  lieutenant  in  the  Tenth  Regiment  of  Light  Infantry.  He 
was  commissioned  a  colonel  of  the  Sixteenth  Infantry  In  July,  181S,  and  marched  to  the  Northern  frontier,   lie  bore  a 
distinguished  part  in  the  capture  of  York,  and  yet  his  name  was  not  mentioned  in  General  Dearborn's  report  of  the  af- 
fair.   Only  Chauncey,  In  his  official  report,  speaks  of  him.    Pearce  was  brave,  modest,  and  unassuming,  and  pertoratil 
his  duties  nobly  throughout  the  war.    In  the  autumn  of  1813  he  was  in  the  battle  of  Chrysler's  Field,  on  the  St.Law- 
•reucB,  when,  on  the  fall  of  the  commauder,  he  again  b.ecame  the  leader  of  the  contending  forces.   At  the  close  of  the  war  ; 
he  retired  to  private  life.    In  1616  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  his  native  county.    In  1824  he  was  chosen  a  prcaiilentiil  | 
elector,  and  was  deputed  to  carry  to  Washington  City  the  electoral  vote  of  the  state.    In  1826  he  was  appointed  an  ae-  j 
sociate  judge  of  the  County  Court,  which  office  he  held  until  1839.    He  died  suddenly  on  the  2d  of  April,  1862,  Ui  the  eigm. 
ieth  year  of  his  age.— XoUe  Cestrientix,  by  William  Darlington,  M.D.,  LL.D. 

■•'  The  following  were  the  commissioners  who  arranged  the  terms  of  capitulation : 

Amtriemut:  Lieutenant  Colonel  E.  6.  Mitchell;  MtOor  Safoocl  S.  Conner,  aid-de  camp  to  General  Dearborn :  andCom-. 
mandcrKllldtt,  of  the  Navy.  Britinh :  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  Chewctt,  of  the  York  Militia ;  Mi^or  W.  Alleu,  of  the  aarsc  j 
corps ;  and  Uentenant  F.  Gaurreau. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


Sdl 


jRRlon  of  the  PoH. 

•9,  ihe  troops 
28  and  militia 
y  (lemmul  for 
)!•  an  absolute 
ongint;  to  the 
nds  sho\il(l  be 
ars  ai\(l  Cana- 
iiflV's  l)agi;agc 
X  that  attract- 

ul  the  time  in- 
portion  of  his 
uses  and  tliciv 
igston.  When 
m  their  way  to 
reached  King- 
is  severely  ecn- 
mand  in  Upper 
,  and  took  com- 


York  abandoned  by  the  Americans. 


General  Pike's  last  Homents. 


A  Scalp  adorulDK  the  Parllament-hoiu*. 


an  shore,  and  as- 
Ifinished;  and  at 
iDcarborn  wrote 
ling, "  We  are  in 

[gust,  1TT2,  on  the  f«rm 
1  of  Ireland.    Cromnell 
\  captain  of  miUtla.uil 
Jt  of  Light  Infantry.  He 
Irn  frontier.    Ilelwrea 
Iborn'a  report  of  ihc  «I- 
Isumlng,  and  perfnrmcil 
fFleld^on  the  S(.U»- 
I  At  the  close  otlhcwsr 
i  chosen  a  presiilentiil  | 
le  was  appointed  an  it-  \ 
ipril,1852,lnthcolgM-' 

kl  Dearborn ;  and  Com- : 
trW.  Alien,  of  the  same  I 


full  possession  of  this  jjlaco,"  and  the  latter, "  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  inform  you 
that  the  American  flag  is  flying  npon  the  fort  at  York."  The  post,  with  about  two 
hundred  and  ninety  prisoners  besides  tlie  militia,  the  war-vessel  Duke  of  Gloucester, 

I  a  largo  quantity  of  naval  and  military  stores,  passed  into  the  possession  of  the 
Xmericans.  Such  of  the  latter  as  could  not  bo  carried  away  by  the  squadron  were 
destroyed ;  and  before  the  victors  letl,  the  public  buildings  were  fired  by  some  un- 
liiiown  hand,  and  consumed.^  Four  days  after  the  cajjitulation  the  troops  were  re- 
einbarked,  preparatory  to  a  descent  upon  Fe  t  George.  The  post  and  village  of  York, 
possessing  little  value  to  the  Americans,  were  abandoned."  The  IJritish  re-  ,  May  s, 
possessed  themselves  of  the  spot,  built  another  block-house,  and  on  the  site  ^^'*- 
of  the  garrison  constructed  a  regular  fortification. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  the  capture  of  York  was  sixty-six  killed  and  two 
hundred  and  three  wounded  on  land,  and  seventeen  killed  and  wounded  on  the  ves- 
sels. The  British  lost,  besides  the  prisoners,  sixty  killed  r,nd  eighty-nine  wounded. 
General  Pike  A»as  cnished  beneath  a  heavy  mass  of  stone  that  struck  him  in  the  back. 
He  was  carried  immediately  after  discovery  to  the  water's  edge,  placed  in  a  boat,  and 
conveyed,  first  on  board  the  Pert,  and  then  to  the  commodore's  flag-ship.  Just  as  the 
surgeons  and  attendants,  with  the  wounded  general,  reached  the  little  boat,  the  huz- 
zas of  the  troops  fell  upon  his  benumbed  ears.  "  What  does  it  mean  ?"  he  feebly 
asked.  "  Victory,"  said  a  sergeant  in  attendance.  "  The  British  union-jack  is  coming 
down  from  the  block-house,  and  the  stars  and  stripes  are  going  up."  The  dying  hero's, 
face  was  illuminated  by  a  smile  of  great  joy.  Ilis  spirit  lingered  several  hours,  and 
then  departed.  Just  before  his  breath  ceased  the  captured  British  flag  was  brought 
to  liim.  He  made  a  sign  for  them  to  place  it  under  his  head,  and  thus  he  expired. 
Ilis  body  was  taken  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  with  that  of  his  pupil  and  aid.  Captain 
Xicholson,  was  buried  with  military  honors  within  Fort  Tompkins  there.  Of  his  final 
resting-place  I  shall  hereafter  write.' 

When  I  visited  the  site  of  York  and  the  theatre  of  events  there  in  1813,  in  August, 
I860, 1  found  on  the  borders  of  that  harbor  the  beautiful — really  beautiful  city  of 
Toronto,  containing  between  fifty  and  sixty  thousand  souls.  I  arrived  there  by  the 
Toronto  branch  of  the  Great  Western  Railway  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  liaving 
left  I'aris,  on  the  Grand  River,  at  about  five  in  the  afternoon.  We  reached  Burling- 
ton Station  at  six,  and  occupied  about  an  hour  and  a  half  in  traveling  the  remaining 


<  The  Farllament-bonses  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  jail  in  Toronto.  It  is  said  that  the  incendiary  was  instigated 
b;  the  indignation  of  the  Americans,  who  fonnd  baogiug  apon  the  walls  of  the  legislative  chamber  a  huvian  scalp  ! 
tfritlsh  writers,  ever  ready  to  charge  the  Americans  with  all  manner  of  crimes,  have  not  only  affected  to  disbelieve  this 
!toi7,but  have  charged  American  writers  who  have  stated  the  fact  with  deliberate  falsehood.  It  is  not  pleasant  to  re- 
late facts  so  shameful  to  the  boasted  civilization  of  that  country  as  this  incident  furnishes ;  but  as  one  of  the  latest  of 
British  historians  has,  withont  the  shadow  of  an  excuse,  intimated  that  the  scalp  in  question  had  been  talcen  by  Com- 
modore Cbanucey  ttom  the  head  of  a  British  Indian,  "  shot  while  in  a  tree,"  during  the  advance  of  the  Americans  on 
ibe  town  (see  Auchinleck's  History  of  the  War  of  1812,  published  in  Toronto  in  1865),  I  feel  compelled,  by  a  sense  of  jus- 
tice, to  submit  the  prooft  of  this  evidence  of  the  barbarism  of  the  British  authorities  in  Canada  at  that  time. 

On  the  4th  of  Jnne,  1813,  Commodore  Chauncey  wrote  fi-om  Sackett's  Harbor  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  saying, 
"1  have  the  honor  to  present  to  yon,  by  the  hands  of  Lieutenant  Dudley,  the  British  standard  taken  at  York  on  the  27th 
of  April  last,  accompanied  by  the  mace,  over  which  hung  a  human  scalp.  These  articles  were  taken  from  the  Parliament- 
ioiwa  bij  one  of  my  officers  and  presented  to  me.  The  scalp  I  caused  to  be  presented  to  General  Dearborn."— Autograph 
Letter,  Navy  Department,  Washington  City.  Armstrong,  who  was  Secretary  of  War  at  that  time,  writing  in  1820,  says, 
"One  regimental  standard  was  (by  some  strange  conf^ision  of  ideas)  sent  to  the  Navy  Department,  and  one  human  scalp, 
jpriie  made,  as  we  have  understood,  by  the  commodore,  was  offered,  but  not  accepted,  as  a  decoration  to  the  walls  of 
the  War  Department."— AWi'ces  of  the  War  of  1812, 1.,  132.  General  Dearborn  wrote,  "  A  scalp  was  found  in  the  execu- 
tive and  legislative  council-chamber,  suspended  near  the  speaker's  chair,  accompanied  by  the  mace."— A'ffe«'»  Btffister, 
iv.,  190.  Commenting  on  this,  Niles  says,  "  The  mace  is  the  emblem  of  authority,  and  the  scalp's  position  near  it  is  truly 
sjmbolical  of  the  British  power  in  Canada."  The  Canadian  people  had  no  part  nor  lot  in  the  matter,  and  should  not 
bear  any  of  the  odium.  If  British  writers  would  fairly  condemn  the  wrong-doingg  of  their  rulers,  they  would  be  more 
just  to  their  fellow-snbjects. 

'The  chief  authorities  consulted  in  the  preparation  of  the  foregoing  narrative  in  this  chapter  are  the  official  reports 
ot  the  commanders  on  both  sides ;  the  histories  of  the  events  by  Thompson,  Perkins,  James,  Anchinleck,  Armstrong, 
CbrisiT,  Ingersoll,  and  minor  writers ;  Whiting's  Biography  of  General  Pike :  Hough's  Histories  of  Jefferson,  Franklin, 
iii4 St. Lawrence  Counties:  Rogers's  History  of  Canada :  Smith's  Canada,  Past  and  Present ;  Cooper's  Naval  History 
otthe  United  States ;  The  War;  Niles's  Register:  the  Port  Foil  ) ;  Analectic  Magazine ;  mannscrlpt  notes  of  Dr.  Amasa 
Trowbridge;  autograph  letters  of  actors  in  the  scenes,  and  notes  f^om  the  lips  of  survivors. 


'%. 


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nCTOBIAL  FIELD. nOOK 


A  iOKHMj  to  Toronto. 


Experience  In  that  City, 


A  Veteran  of  tbe  War  of  isij 


thirty-nine  miles,  Lieiiteimnt  Franci't  Hull,  wlio  tniveled  the  saino  route  in  ihio 
more  than  ten  yearn  before  the  firnt  railway  was  built  for  the  eonveyance  of  iiaNscii- 
gerH,  Hays, "  It  took  us  three  hours  to  accoinplish  the  five  miles  of  roail  betwixt  tin 
head  of  tlu^  lake  and  the  main  road,  ealled  Dundas  Street,  whieh  runs  from  York  to- 
ward Lake  Erie  antl  And)erHtburf; The  face  of  the  country  from  the  head  of 

the  lake  to  York  is  less  varied  than  that  of  the  Niajjara  frontier.  The  thread  of'sn. 
tleinents  is  slender,  and  frecjuently  interrupted  by  long  tracts  of  hemlock  swamp  anil 
pine  barrens."  Cultivation  lias  somewliat  ehanifcd  the  features  of  the  country  since 
then,  but,  aller  leavinii;  tlio  glimpses  of  J^ake  Ontario  on  our  right,  we  found  the  route 
rather  uninteresting,  tlie  country  being  generally  flat. 

We  crossed  the  rocky  bed  of  the  liumber  at  twilight,  and  before  nine  o'clock, liav- 
ing  supped,  I  was  settled  as  a  guest  at  the"l{ossin  House"  for  two  days.  Diiriiii; 
the  night  a  fearful  tliunder-storm  burst  over  the  city,  and  the  lightning  fired  two 
btiildings.  Amid  the  din  of  tlie  tempest  came  the  doleful  pealing  of  the  fire-kll», 
At  tlie  midnight  hour, 

"Oh,  the  bolls,  I)cll8,l)e11a! 
What  a  liilc  their  terror  tells 

Of  (loHpiilr ! 
How  they  lulling,  mid  clnHh,  aud  roor; 
What  a  horror  they  outpour 
Ou  the  bosom  of  the  palpitating  air  I"— Euoar  A.  Poe. 

For  more  than  two  hours  I  lay  wondering  when  the  tumult  would  cease.  All  tliin«s 
have  an  end,  and  so  did  this  unwelcome  disturbance — unwelcome,  because  I  was  woni 
and  weary,  and  needed  full  rest  for  another  liard  day's  work  on  the  morrow. 

The  sun,  at  rising,  [leered  longitudinally  through  a  veil  of  mist  that  hiuig  ovcrtlu 
land  and  tlu;  lake.  There  was  great  sultriness  hi  the  air.  I  went  out  early  to  find 
the  venerable  John  Koss,  one  of  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  Toronto,  then  in  his  seven 

^  tieth  year.  He  settled  there  in  the  year  nt't- 
>^  ^^  y^^/    n^^^fl'^  ^''  *'  ^^'^  made  the  seat  of  the  ])iovin(ial 

///^^J'^ly  ^^^—^  ^/y  /)  government,  and  for  sixty-two  years  lie  Imd 
<^  watdied  its   growtli  from  a  few  scattered 

huts  to  a  stately  city.  lie  was  born  at  "Butler's  Barracks,"  just  back  of  Newark. 
now  Niagara.  Some  of  Butler's  Rangers,  those  bitter  Tory  marauders  in  Ceiitnd 
New  York  during  the  Revolution,  who  hi  cruelty  often  shamed  Brant  and  his  braves, 
settled  in  Toronto,  and  were  mostly  men  of  savage  character,  who  met  death  by  vio- 
lence.' In  the  War  of  1812  Mr.  Ross  belonged  to  a  company  of  York  Volunteers. 
He  w^as  with  Brock  at  Hull's  surrender,  and  in  the  battle  of  Queenstown,tAVO  months 
later,  where  his  loved  commander  fell.  He  assisted  in  the  burial  of  the  hero  in  Fort 
George,  and  he  gave  me  many  interesting  incidents  connected  with  the  event. 

Mr.  Ross  gave  me  such  minuto  and  clear  directions  concerning  the  intcrestinj 
places  in  and  around  Toronto  that  I  experienced  no  difliculty  in  finding  tlictn,  I 
hired  a  horse  and  light  wagon,  and  a  young  man  for  driver,  aud  spent  a  greater  por- 
tion of  the  day  in  the  hot  sun.  We  first  rode  out  to  the  plain  AvestAvard  of  tlic  eity, 
to  visit  the  landing-place  of  the  Americans  and  the  remains  of  old  Fort  Toronto,  Tlic 
latter,  delineated  on  the  next  page,  were  on  the  margin  of  the  lake,  where  tlic 
bank  is  only  about  eight  feet  above  the  water.  The  spot  is  about  sixty  rods  west- 
ward of  the  present  military  post  called  the  New  Barracks.  The  princijial  remains 
of  the  fort  (in  Avliich  may  be  seen  some  timber-work  placed  there  when  the  fort  was 
parti.ally  repaired  in  the  winter  of  1812-13)  are  seen  ih  the  foreground.  Thcj  ;iu 
sented  abrupt  heaps  covered  with  sod.  On  the  right,  in  the  distance,  is  seen  Gibraltar 
Point,  with  the  trees  springing  from  its  low,  sandy  surface.  On  the  left  are  the  Xew 
Barracks.     A  ic^  rods  Avestward   of  the  fort  were  the  remains  of  a  battery,  the 

■  Mr.  Ross  knew  a  Hr.  O ,  one  of  these  Bangers,  who,  when  intoxicated,  once  told  him  that "  the  sweetest  «faiibc  \ 

ever  ate  was  the  breast  of  a  woman,  which  he  ait  off  and  broiled  1" 


Ntffljii 


maaaamamer. 


iftbeWikrariMt 


OF   TIIK   WAU    OF    18  12. 


508 


^I]jjj|in7i)roi(l  Fort  Toronto,    An  Adtouture  among  the  Portlflcatloni  iit  Toronto     I)iii|i1eR8iii«  of*  Brittib  Offlclai. 


KKUAlMt  OF  Ol.ll    KdllT  TOUONTO. 


mounds  of  which  were  four  or  five  feet  in  liei^lit.  I'asHliiff  on  toward  the  city,  near 
tlic  lake  Hhore,  Ave  came  to  the  remains  of  the  Western  I  Jattery  (see  map  on  page  590), 
ililincatud  on  page  5H8,  ten  or  fifteen  rods  eastward  of  the  New  Barracks;  and,  still 
nciUTr  to  tlic  town,  the  moiuids  of  tlie  Ilalf-moon  Hattery. 

hiding  into  tlie  city,  we  j)as8ed  tlu'ougli  the  old  garrison,  where  a  few  of  tlie  One 
IIiiii(lrc'(lth  Hcgiment  occupied  a  portion  of  the  barracks.  The  gates  were  away,  and 
tliu  pul)lic  road  passed  directly  through  the  fort.  For  tlie  purpose  of  obtaining  a 
sketch  of  the  old  block-house  of  1813,1  mounted  the  half-ruined  parapet  on  the  north 
side,  when  I  was  accosted  by  the  fort  adjutant  just  as  I  had  set  my  pencil  at  work. 
With  great  discourtesy  of  manner  he  informed  me  that  it  was  a  violation  of  law  to 


OLB  FOBT  AT  TOBONTO  IS   ISOO. 


mnke  sketches  of  British  fouJifications,  and  that  I  ought  to  think  myself  fortunate  in 
being  allowed  to  escape  without  a  penitential  day  in  the  guard-house,  I  assured  him 
that  had  I  for  a  moment  dreamed  that  a  few  old  mounds  of  earth,  two  deserted  block- 
lioascs,  and  some  tumble-down  barracks,  with  a  public  road  crossing  the  very  centre 
;  of  the  group,  constituted  a  fortification  in  the  sense  of  British  military  law,  I  should 
not  have  been  a  trespasser.  This  intimation  that  a  man  with  his  eyes  open  could  not, 
in  the  chaos  around  him,  discover  a  British  fort,  did  not  increase  the  amiability  of  the 
j  adjutant,  and,  with  the  supercilious  hauteur  of  offended  dignity,  he  gave  me  to  under- 
I  stand  that  he  wished  no  farther  conversation  with  me.     This  was  tlie  only  instance 

Pp 


i 

.    i     ' 

I       1 

1 

1 

li-fff 

■ 

594 


I'ICTOUIAL    FIELI'.BOOK 


A  courteous  Sergeant. 


Viilt  to  the  Don. 


Chief  JuiMce  Roblnaon  und  William  Lyon  M'Kcnile 


of  incivility  that  I  received  during  all  my  travels  in  Canada.  I  cloned  my  jjorttblid 
passed  out  at  tlie  eastern  gateway,  and  from  the  causeway  that  crosses  the  iiivincit 
the  foot  of  Hathurst  Street,  a  short  distance  from  the  site  of  the  powder  iiiai,'a;;iin 
that  exploded,  I  obtained  a  much  more  interesting  sketch  than  I  should  have  (Kmc 
from  the  parapet.'  This  was  full  compensation  for  the  fort  adjutant's  iiuivility 
When  I  had  finished  my  sketch  I  started  into  and  through  tlie  fort,  and  fell  in  will. 
Sergeant  Barlow,  a  most  courteous  young  man,  who  invited  me  to  his  quarters  to  st, 
his  bride.  There  he  showed  me  a  number  of  relics  of  the  War  of  1812,  lately  thrown 
up  by  the  excavators  in  the  employ  of  the  railway  company.  Among  them  was  a 
military  button  marked  "P.  R." — Pennsylvania  Rangers  —  some  silver  and  copper 
coins  found  with  a  skeleton,  and  the  remains  of  an  epaulette.  There  I  also  met  Sir- 
geant  Robertson,  a  veteran  Scotch  soldier,  who  Avas  one  of  the  Glengary  l{ei;inipiit 
during  the  War  of  1812.  He  had  served  in  the  British  army  twenty  years  pii'vioih 
to  that  war.  He  was  tall  and  vigorous,  but  somewhat  lame,  and  about  ninety  years 
of  age.  He  gave  me  some  curious  details  of  the  operations  of  the  famous  Gleiifarv 
men  during  tlic  strife. 

From  tlie  old  fort  Ave  rode  out  to  the  River  Don,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the 
city.  It  is  there  about  seventy  feet  wide,  and  was  spanned  by  a  bridge  at  the  jiiiRtidn 
of  King  and  Queen  Streets,  made  of  heavy  open  timber-work.  There  (4eneral  Slicaffo 
crossed  in  his  flight,  burning  the  bridge  behind  him.  Looking  up  the  Don  from  it 
about  three  fourths  of  a  mile,  where  its  Avooded  banks  are  high,  may  be  seen  Si, 
James's  Cemetery,  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Avhicli  is  the  site  of  the  first  palaco  or 
dwelling  of  the  governor,  which  was  built  of  logs  and  called  Castle  Frank.  TIk 
spot  still  retains  that  name.  I  intended  to  visit  it,  but  Avhen  Ave  were  at  the  hiiili,'i 
the  day  Avas  Avaning,  and  a  thunder-shower  Avas  gathering  in  the  Avest ;  so  avc  turucil 
our  faces  cityAvard,  and  arrived  at  the  hotel  in  time  for  a  late  dinner  and  a  stioll 
around  the  city  to  view  its  very  beautiful  public  buildings  before  dark. 

On^the  folloAving  morning  I  called  upon  Sir  John  Beverly  Robinson,  chief  justice 
of  Upper  Canada,  at  his  pleasant  residence  on  the  southeast  corner  of  John  and  Qiictn 
Streets.  He  Avas  an  aged  man,  small  in  stature,  and  elegant  and  aifable  in  manners. 
His  father  was  a  member  of  Simcoe's  corps  of  Queen's  Rangers  during  our  old  War 
for  Independence,  and,  Avith  other  Loyalists,  fled  to  Nova  Scotia  at  its  close.  He  aft- 
erward settled  in  Upper  Canada,  where  the  chief  justice  Avas  born.  The  son  Avas  des- 
tined for  the  legal  profession,  and  finished  his  education  in  England,  Avhere  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar.  When  the  War  of  1812  broke  out  he  abandoned  his  profession 
temporarily,  joined  the  army  in  Canada,  and  was  Avith  Brock,  in  gallant  service,  at 
Detroit  and  Queenston.  He  Avas  rcAvarded  Avith  the  office  of  solicitor  general,  and 
was  afterward  made  attorney  general  and  chief  justice  of  the  province.  He  died  at 
Toronto  early  in  1863,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one  years. 

In  the  course  of  the  morning  I  met  the  famous  leader  of  the  revolt  in  Upper  Canada 
in  1837,  William  Lyon  M'Kenzie,  with  whom  I  had  been  acquainted  several  jears, 
He  Avas  still  engaged  in  his  favorite  profession  of  editing  and  publishing  a  newspaper, 
and,  though  at  near  the  end  of  the  allotted  age  of  man,  he  seemed  as  vigorous  as  ever, 
and  was  conducting  his  paper  with  that  boldness  that  ever  characterized  his  career, 
He,  too,  has  since  been  laid  in  the  grave.  Mr.  M'Kenzi*  accompanied  me  to  the  res- 
idence of  the  governor  general,  the  Parliament-house,  and  the  wharf,  Avhere  great 
preparations  were  making  for  the  reception  of  the  Prince  of  Wales,  who  Avas  then  at 
Montreal  on  his  Avay  to  the  Upper  Province.  Workmen  were  engaged  in  the  con- 
struction of  an  immense  amphitheatre  and  triumphal  arch,  not  far  from  the  Parlia- 

1  In  this  view  is  seen  the  causeway  and  bridge  over  the  ravine,  and  the  general  appearance  of  the  fort  in  ISCO.  lu 
the  embankment  Is  seen  a/raise,  or  pickets  placed  horizontally.  On  the  left  is  the  old  block-house  of  1813.  In  the  cen- 
tre, to  the  right  of  the  open  gateway,  is  another  block-house  with  a  flag  on  it,  built  after  the  Americans  left  Yorlf.  On 
the  right  is  the  governor's  house,  built  after  the  war,  with  a  poplar-tree  near  It.  In  the  ravine,  a  little  to  the  left  of  ihe 
cannon  and  horses,  was  situated  the  magazine  that  exploded. 


OF  THE   WAU    OF   1818. 


0OS 


m  Lyon  M'Kenile. 

my  |)<)rtt(ili(i, 
tlic  raviiicat 
tier  inaiiiii'.iiii 
lid  liavi'  (lom 
It's  incivility. 
ul  foil  in  wiili 
lunrters  to  sci 
,  lately  thrown 
ig  them  WHS  a 
er  and  coiiiicr 
1  also  met  Sir- 
;ary  Rejiiniciit 
years  i»revi(iih 
ut  ninety  yiiiis 
nious  Gleiigary 

xtrcmity  of  tlic 
at  the  j\inctiun 
General  Slieaffe 
;he  Don  from  it 
nay  be  seen  St. 
B  first  palace  ov 
.le  Frank.    Tin 
re  at  the  bridi.'i 
;t ;  80  we  turned 
ner  and  a  stroll 
rk. 

json,  chief  justice 

John  and  Quceii 

able  in  manners. 

ing  our  old  War 

8  close.    lie  aft- 

'he  son  Avas  des- 

Id,  where  he  was 

|ed  his  profession 

Uant  service,  at 

itor  general,  ami 

,ce.     He  died  at 

fin  Upper  Canada 
td  several  years. 
|ng  a  newspaper, 
srigorous  as  ever, 
Irized  his  career. 
Id  me  to  the  res- 
krf,  where  great 
tvho  was  then  at 
laged  in  the  con- 
■from  the  Pavlia- 

lofthe  fort  In  ISM.  lu 
lpeofl813.   In  the  MB- 
jiericona  left  York.  On 
I  little  to  the  left  of  Ibe  ; 


ftante  wroi«  Uke  Ontario. 


The  Railway  to  Lewliton. 


Arrival  at  MiaKara  i'allt. 


nient-howse,  at  the  foot  of  wide  IJrock  Street,  I  think.  Tlie  veteran  agitator  wan  to 
leave  for  Montreal  that  afternoon  for  tlio  purpose  of  meeting  the  i)rln('e,  and  so  we 
soon  i)arted,  he  to  (hish  off  some  spicy  editorials — to  hurl  a  shot  at  some  political  or 
social  evil — and  I  to  dine  and  prepare  for  a  voyage  across  tlie  lake  to  the  Niagara 

Klver. 

We  left,  Toronto  towavd  evening,*  lioping  to  reach  Lewiston  in  time  to  •AnKn»t28, 
take  the  train  that  would  connect  with  one  leaving  Niagara  Falls  early  *'*""• 
for  the  East,  but  in  this  we  were  disappointed.  The  voyage  was  a  delightful  one  in 
a  stanch  steamer.  We  passed  out  of  the  harbor  through  the  channel  across  the  for- 
mer neck  of  the  peninsula,'  and  in  a  short  time  Ave  were  out  of  sight  of  land.  All 
alon"  the  western  and  northern  liorizoiis  heavy  clouds  were  drift,ing,  and  the  watery 
e.vi)aiise  back  of  us  was  as  black  as  the  Styx.  Before  us,  as  Ave  approached  the 
mouth  of  the  Niagara  River,  the  white  mist,  which  is  eternally  rising  from  the  Great 
Cataract,  was  seen  above  Queenston  Heights,  at  least  twenty  miles  distant.  When 
we  entered  the  river  a  heavy  thunder-shower  was  rapidly  rising  in  the  direction  of 
Hiirlington  Bay.  It  burst  upon  us 
at  Lewiston,  where  Ave  entered  tlio 
railway  cars.  It  Avas  short  and  se- 
vere. As  Ave  moved  along  the  fear- 
ful shelf  in  the  rocks  forming  the 
perpendicular  banks  of  the  Niagara 
River — rocks  a  hundred  feet  above 
and  a  hundred  feet  below  the  rail- 
way that  overlooks  the  rushing  wa- 
ters—the setting  sun  beamed  out 
in  splendor,  and  revealed  clearly 
the  whole  country  fror.i  (iueenston 
Heights  to  Lake  Ontario.  Just  as 
we  had  passed  a  small  rocky  tunnel, 
we  were  detained  for  a  few  minutes 
liy  some  obstruction,  Avhcn,  from  the 
back  Avindow  of  the  last  car  in  the 
train  at  Avhich  I  was  standing,  I 
made  the  accompanying  sketch.  It 
will  convey  to  the  reader  an  idea  of 
the  nature  of  the  road.  BeloAV  is 
seen  the  waters  of  the  Niagara,  span- 
ned by  the  suspension  bridge  at 
Lewiston,  and, by  a  somewhat  wind- 
ing way,  floAving  into  Lake  Ontario 
in  the  far  distance.  W^e  ran  into 
Niagara  Falls  village  at  dark  in  the 
midst  of  another  heavy  thunder- 
shower,  and  late  in  the  evening  de- 
parted in  the  cars  for  the  East.  I 
rested  at  Rochester  that  night,  and 
on  the  following  day  reached  my 
home  on  the  Hudson,  after  a  weari- 
some but  most  interesting  tour  of  a 
fortnight  in  Canada  and  along  the  Niagara  frontier. 

We  have  observed  on  page  591  that  the  victors  at  York  abandoned  that  post  pre- 
paratory  to  an  attack  upon  Fort  George,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River.     On  ac- 

>  See  note  8,  page  S86. 


VIEW   ON  TUB  NIAOABA,  KEAB  LEWISTON. 


II 


« 


11^ 


It     -  i:,      ■ 


I  I  A 


IN 


PICTORIAL    l-IELD-BOOK 


Kxpedltloa  agalnit  FortOMTgl. 


Prapkratlooi  fur  an  Attack. 


The  rflupcctlve  t\ 


irrvK  i||o„, 


count  of  aclvorto  windH,  the  expedition  did  not  leave  York  Harbor  until  the  Htli  i,r 
May,  when  the  whole  fleet  crosHed  the  In!::  and  anchored  off  the  mouth  of  Foiir-miK. 
Creek,  four  niileH  eastwurd  of  Fort  Niiijifarii.  Dearborn  and  Chaun(;ey,  ami  dtlur 
army  and  naval  connuanilerM,  had  preeeded  the  fleet  in  the  pilot  Hehooner  JauIi/  of 
the  Lake,  and  selceted  the  place  for  an  encampment  near  the  mouth  of  tliu  ciKk 
There  the  troopw  were  deborki-il,  and  (Jhauncey  Hailed  for  Sackett's  Harbor  with  iu,„i 
of  his  fleet,  to  obtain  Hupjdies  and  re-enfbreementH  for  the  army.  lie  arrived  tlicii' .  n 
•Miiy,  the  llth.»  The  Hmaller  veHseJH  wore  continually  employed  in  convcyiiifr  Ktons 
isia.  ^,„j  troojm  to  Dearborn's  eamj»;  and  on  the  22d  the  il/rt(//so;j,  with  tlic  cum- 
modore's  pemiant  flyinj?  in  her,  sailed  for  the  same  point  with  three  hundred  ainl  Hl'tv 
troops,  including  Macomb's  artillery  corps.  She  arrived  at  Four-mile  Creek  on  tlio 
25th,  aiul  on  the  evening  of  the  same  d&y  Commander  Perry,  who  had  come  (li,\v,| 
hastily  from  Erie,johied  Chauncey,  to  the  great  delight  of  that  oflicer.  At  the  mo. 
ment  of  his  arrival,  all  the  officers  of  the  squadron  were  assembled  on  board  tlie  ilai;. 
ship  to  receive  orders.  "No  person  on  earth,"  Chauncey  said  to  Perry,  as  lie  cor- 
dially grasped  his  hand, "  could  be  more  welcome  at  this  time  than  yourselt'."  ()|, 
the  following  morning  the  commodore  and  Perry,  in  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  recon- 
noitred the  enemy's  batteries  with  care,  i)lanted  buoys  for  the  government  of  tli( 
smaller  vessels  which  it  was  intended  to  send  close  in  shore,  and  arranged  other  pre- 
liminaries  for  the  attack.  They  then  called  upon  General  Dearborn,  who  .vas  quite 
ill  at  his  quarters,  when  Chauncey  urged  the  importance  of  making  the  attack  tlu 
next  morning.  The  general  assented,  and  issued  an  order  to  that  effect,  which  was 
signed  by  Winfield  Scott,  adjutant  general  and  chief  of  staff.  Tiie  last  clause  of  the 
order  placed  the  landing  of  the  troops  in  charge  of  Commodore  Chauncey,  and  that 
Bj)ecitic  duty  was  intrusted  to  Commander  Perry.  Information  of  this  arraiifremeiit 
was  communicated  to  the  commanding  general,  Avho,  it  appears,  had  no  definite  plan 
of  attack.' 

Fort  Niagara  and  the  troops  there  were  under  the  command  of  Major  General 
Morgan  Lewis,  of  New  York.  During  the  occupancy  of  the  camp  at  Four-mile  Creek 
re-enforcements  had  come  in  from  various  points,  and  on  the  return  of  Chauncey,  pre- 
pared for  attackiii"-  the  British  post.  The  American  land  force  fit  for  duty  was  over 
four  thousand  in  number,  under  the  general  command  of  Dearborn.  He  was  too  ill 
to  take  the  field,  and  issued  his  orders  part  of  the  time  from  his  bed.  He  was  siip 
ported  by  Generals  Lewis,  Bbyd,  Winder,  and  Chandler,  and  eminently  so  by  Colonel 
Scott,  whose  skill  and  industry  in  disciplining  the  troops  during  their  detention  in 
camp  was  of  the  greatest  service. 

The  British  force  in  the  vicinity  was  composed  of  about  eighteen  hundred  regular?, 
consisting  of  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment,  and  detachments  from  the  Eighth,  Forty-first, 
Glengary,  and  Newfoundland  Corps,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier  General  John 
Vinoent.  Eight  companies  of  the  Forty-ninth,  five  companies  of  the  Eighth  or  King's, 
thrt  a  companies  of  the  Glengary,  and  two  of  the  Newtbundland  Regiment,  and  a  por- 
no;! of  the  artillery,  were  stationed  at  Fort  George  and  its  immediate  vicuiity,  with 
i  iiree  hundred  and  fifty  militia  and  fifty  Indians.  The  right,  from  Fort  Georie  to 
Brown's  Point  (the  first  below  Vrooman's,  near  Qneenston),  was  commanded  hy 
Colonel  Harvey ;  the  left,  from  the  fort  to  Four-mile  Creek,  on  the  Canada  side  of  the 
Niagara  River,  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Myers,  the  deputy  quarter-master  (gen- 
eral ;  and  the  centre,  at  the  fort,  by  General  Vincent.  In  the  rear  of  Fort  George,  in 
the  several  ravines,  companies  were  stationed  so  as  to  support  each  other  when  re- 
quired.'' 

Besides  Fort  George,  the  British  had  several  smaller  works  along  the  shores  of  the 
Niagara  River  and  Lake  Ontario,  in  the  vicinity.    Five  of  the  twenty-four-pounders  j 

»  Letter  of  Commodore  Perry,  sappoBed  to  be  to  bis  parents,  cited  by  M'Eenzie  In  his  Li/e  of  Feny,  11.,  138, 
>  Merritt's  MS.  Narrative. 


;il  the  8lh  of 

of  Ftmr-milo 
ey,  ami  otlur 
jiicr  JauIij  0/ 

of  tlif  cicik. 
i»or  with  iii(i>i 
rived  tliciv  ( n 
iivoyiiifi  Htdns 
with  th(!  com- 
ulri'd  aii'l  til'iy 
!  Cr(.'C'l{  on  tl\o 
ul  come  down 
r.     At  tlie  inn- 
boanl  the  tliv,'- 
rry,  as  lie  cor- 
yourself."    On 
he  Lake,  recon- 
LTiiment  of  the 
nged  other  j)re- 

who  .vas  qiiitf 

tho  attack  the 
BFcct,  wliieh  was 
i8t  clause  of  tk' 
lunccy,  ami  that 
Ills  arranjiement 

no  definite  jilan 

f  Major  General 

<'our-mile  Crecli 

Chauncey,prc- 

duty  wan  over 

He  was  too  ill 

,     lie  was  snp- 

y  so  hy  Colonel 

loir  detention  in 

undred  regulars, 
rhth,  Forty-first, 
er  General  Jolui 
<:ighth  or  King's, 
mcnt,  and  a  por- 
te  vicuiity,  with 
Fort  Gcorie  to 
comraandcil  Itv 
Hinada  side  of  tbe 
rter-master  gen- 
Fort  George,  in 
other  when  re- 

Ithe  shores  of  the 
Ity-four-pounders 


OF  THE  WAK   OF   1813. 


697 


CiPDoaada  batwMn  Fort*  Otorg*  and  Nlagar*. 


Tho  Americnn  Sqoadron  off  tba  Nlagar*  River. 


taken  fio'n  il"ll  had  been  brouj^ht  to  that  frontier,  four  of  which  had  bci •:.  .uounicu 
in  Fort  (Jeorgo,  and  tlio  Hflli  had  been  placed  <;«  f/arbette,*  about  half  a  mile  from  New- 
ark on  or  near  tho  Hitc  of  tlie  prcHcnt  Fort  Alississagua.  They  liad  another  buttery  at 
ihe  month  of  the  Two-mile  Creek.  Tho  Americans  had  (juite  a  jiowerful  work,  caUcd 
ilic  Salt  Battery,  in  tho  lower  part  of  Voungstown,  opposite  Fort  (ieorgc.  There 
wire  two  other  batteries  above  it,  and  two  between  it  and  Fort  Niagara. 

Arrangements  were  made  for  the  attack  on  Fort  (ieorgc  on  the  morning  of  the 
•.•7th  of  May.  A  large  number  of  boats  had  been  built  at  Five-mile  Meadow,  on  the 
Niagara  River,  and  orders  were  sent  for  them  to  be  brought  round  to  F'our-mile  Creek. 
When  they  were  launched,  towc-''.  evening  on  the  20th,  a  small  buttery  ojtpoHito  the 
Meadows  opened  upon  the  workmen.  This  brought  on  a  general  caimonading  be- 
tween the  two  forts  and  their  dependent  batteries,  during  wliich  the  Salt  Hattery  at 
Y'oungstown  inflicted  severe  injury  upon  every  wooden  building  in  and  near  Fort 
Georce,  while  the  return  fire  from  the  fort  was  slow  and  feeble,  owing,  it  is  said,  to  a 
scarcity  of  powder.  Meanwhile  night  came  on,  and  under  its  cover  the  boats  went 
down  the  river  and  reached  the  American  encamj)tnent  in  safety.  During  the  night, 
,ill  tho  heavy  artillery,  and  as  many  troops  as  possible,  were  placed  on  the  Madinon, 
Oneida,  and  Lady  of  the  Lake,  and  instructions  given  for  the  remainder  to  follow  in 
the  smaller  war  vessels  and  boats,  according  to  a  prescribed  plan. 

Generals  Dearborn  and  Lewis  went  on  board  tho  Madison,  and  between  three  and 
four  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  squadron  weighed  anchor.  The  troops  were  all  era- 
harked  at  a  little  past  four,  and  the  wliole  flotilla  moved  toward  the  Niagara  with  a 
very  gentle  breeze.  The  wind  soon  failed,  and  the  smaller  vessels  were  comi)elled  to 
employ  their  sweeps.  A  heavy  fog  hovered  over  land  and  water  from  early  dawn 
nntil  tho  sim  broke  forth  in  splendor,  when  a  magnificent  sight  was  opened  to  view 
on  the  lake.  The  large  vessels,  tilled  with  troops,  were  all  under  way,  and  the  bosom 
of  the  water  was  covered  with  scores  of  boats,  tilled  with  soldiers,  light  artillery,  and 
horses,  grandly  advancing  upon  the  enemy,  wIjo  had  been  greatly  perplexed  by  the 
fog.  The  breeze  had  now  freshened  a  little,  and  all  tho  vessels  took  their  designated 
positions  without  difliculty. 

The  Julia,  Sailing-master  Trant,  and  the  Growler,  Sailing-master  Mix,  took  a  posi- 
tion at  tho  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River,  to  keep  in  check  or  silence  a  battery  near  the 
light-house  (on  or  near  the  site  of  Fort  INIississagua),  in  the  vicinity  of  which  it  was 


lUITBANCE  TO  TIIS  HUOARA  BIVBB.> 

intended  to  land  some  of  the  troops,    The  Ontario,  commanded  by  Mr.  Stevens,  took 
a  position  north  from  the  light-house,  so  as  to  entilade  the  same  battery  and  cross  the 

>  That  Is,  on  tlie  top  of  an  embankment,  withont  embrasures  or  openings  in  tbe  banks  by  wliich  the  cannon  is  shel- 
tered and  concenled. 

'  This  view  is  from  n  drawing  made  In  1S19,  previous  to  the  attack  on  Fort  George,  and  published  in  the  Port  Polio 
in  July,  181T.   On  the  extreme  left  Is  seen  Fort  Niagara,  and  at  a  greater  distance,  across  the  river.  Fort  George  and  the 
vilage  of  Newark.    To  the  right  of  the  light-houee,  over  which  is  a  flag,  is  seen  the  battery  which  the  Julia  and  Oroickr 
<  controlled. 


illHii 


til 


598 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-EOOK 


Opeuing  of  the  Battorieo. 


T.andtng  of  the  American  Troops. 


Gallantry  of  Commodore  Perry, 


fire  of  the  other  two.  The  Governor  Tompkins,  Lieutenant  Brown,  and  the  Conquea 
commanded  by  another  lieutenant  of  the  same  name,  took  position  near  Two-mile 
Creek,  so  as  tc  command  a  battery  which  the  enemy  liad  erected  tliere.  Near  tLis 
was  tlie  designated  place  for  the  debarkation  of  most  of  the  troops.  For  the  purpose 
of  covering  them  in  that  movement,  the  Hamilton,  Lieutenant  M'Pherson,  the  Asn 
Lieutenant  Smith,  and  the  Scourge,  Sailing-master  Osgood,  took  stations  near  the  otL- 
or  two,  but  closer  to  the  shore. 

While  the  vessels  were  taking  their  positions,  and  the  troops  were  preparing  to 
land,  the  batteries  upon  both  sides  were  playing  briskly.  Colonel  Scott,  on  accept- 
ing the  position  of  adjutant  general,  had  stipulated  that  he  shovld  be  allowed  to  com- 
mand his  regiment  (Second  Artillery)  on  extraordinary  occasions.  This  he  considered 
an  extraordinary  occasion,  and  he  was  placed  in  the  command  of  the  vanguard  or  for- 
lorn hope  of  five  hundred  men  destined  to  make  the  first  attack.  The  troops  were  tu 
land  in  three  brigades,  from  six  divisions  of  boats.  Scott's  advance  was  composed  of 
his  own  corps  acting  as  infantry,  Forsyth's  riflemen,  and  detachments  from  infontrv 
regiments.  These  were  to  be  followed  by  General  Lewis's  division  and  Colonel  Moses 
Porter  with  hio  light  artillery,  and  these,  in  turn,  by  the  commands  of  Generals  Bovd 
(who  had  succeeded  General  Pike),  Winder,  and  Chandler.  The  reserve  consisted  of 
Colonel  Alexander  Macomb's  regiment  of  artillery,  in  which  the  marines  of  the  squad- 
ron, under  Captain  Smith,  had  been  incorporated.  Four  Imndred  seamen  were  also 
held  in  reserve,  to  land,  if  necessary,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Commodore 
whauncey. 

Before  the  expedition  reached  the  place  of  intended  debarkation  the  wind  had  in- 
creased, and  a  rather  heavy  sea  rolling  shoreward  made  the  landing  difficult.  The 
Tompkins  swept  gracefully  into  her  designated  position.  Lieutenant  Brown  coollv 
prepared  for  action,  and  then  opened  a  fire  upon  the  British  battery  with  so  much 
precision  that  it  was  silenced,  and  its  people  driven  away  in  less  than  ten  minutes. 
The  boats  now  dashed  in  under  the  skillful  management  of  Perry;  and  so  eager  were 
the  troops  of  the  van,  under  Scott,  to  meet  the  foe,  that  the ^  leaped  into  the  water 
and  waded  to  the  shore.  Captain  Hindman,  of  the  Second  Artillery,  being  the  first 
man  who  touched  the  beach.  They  had  already  been  under  fire ;  for,  as  the  first  bri- 
gade, under  Boyd,  with  Scott  in  the  van,  approached  the  shore,  they  were  unexpect- 
edly assailed  by  volleys  of  musketry  from  more  than  two  hundred  of  the  Glengarv 
and  Newfoundland  regiments  under  Captain  Winter,  and  about  forty  Indians  under 
Norton,  who  was  conspicuous  at  Queenston  the  year  before.  These  had  been  con- 
cealed in  a  ravine  and  wood  not  far  from  the  battery  tliat  had  been  silenced.  The 
shot  passed  over  the  heads  of  the  Americans;  and,  a  few  minutes  afterward, Scott 
and  his  party  were  on  the  beach,  sheltered  by  an  irregular  bank,  varying  from  six  to 
twelve  feet  in  height,  where  they  formed  for  immediate  action.  The  enemy,  from 
apprehension  of  the  fife  from  the  schooners,  did  not  ai)proach  the  shore  again  innne- 
diately,  but  kept  bnnk,  with  the  intention  of  assailing  the  invaders  when  they  shouhl 
ascend  tlie  bank  to  the  plain  above. 

The  conduct  of  Perry  on  this  occasion  was  remarkable.  Unmindful  of  personal 
danger,  he  went  from  vessel  to  vessel  in  an  open  boat,  giving  directions  personally 
concerning  the  landing.  With  S^ott  he  leaped  into  the  water,  and  rushed  ashore 
through  the  surf,  and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  whole  first  brigade,  un- 
der Boyd,  landed  in  perfect  order  on  the  beach,  flanked  by  M'Clure's  Baltimore  and 
Albany  Volunteers.  Meanwhile  the  schooners  were  not  firing  briskly  enough  to  suit 
the  young  hero.  He  pushed  oft'  to  the  Hamilton,  of  nine  guns,  and  while  Seott  and 
his  party  were  attempting  to  ascend  to  the  plain,  ho  opened  a  tremendous  discharge 
of  grape  and  canister  shot  on  the  Brit'sh,  who  were  now  advancing  to  repel  the 
Americans,  full  one  thousand  strong,  infantry  and  artillery,  under  Colonel  Myers. 

The  struggle  of  the  Americans  in  ascending  the  bank  was  most  severe,    Tliroe 


Sa^t-awiiWAi-'. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


600 


lommodore  Perry. 

;he  Conquest, 
ear  Two-raile 
2.  Near  this 
r  the  purpose 
son,  the  Asp, 
near  the  otli- 

preparing  to 
>tt,  on  accept- 
lowed  to  coin- 
he  conskk'red 
nguard  or  for- 
troops  Avere  to 
s  composed  of 

from  infantry 
Colonel  Moses 
Generals  Boyd 
fG  consisted  of 
s  of  the  squad- 
men  ■were  also 
of  Commodore 

le  wind  had  in- 
difficult.    The 
t  Brown  coolly 
'  with  so  mueli 
in  ten  minutes. 
Id'  so  eager  were 
into  the  water 
jeing  the  first 
as  the  first  Ijri- 
were  inicxpeet- 
the  Glenfjary 
Indians  under 
lad  heen  eon- 
silenced.    The 
fterward,  Seott 
ing  from  six  to 
10  enemy,  from 
)re  again  imme- 
len  they  should 

Iful  of  personal 
.ions  personally 

rushed  ashore 
rst  brigade,  uii- 

Baltimore  and 

enough  to  suit 
vhile  Scott  and 
idous  discharge 
ig  to  repel  the 
oncl  flyers. 

severe.    Three 


A  i«vere  Contest  on  the  Shore. 


Retreat  of  the  British. 


Capture  of  Fort  Qeorge. 


limes  they  were  compelled  to  fall  back,  hard  pushed  by  the  bayonets  of  the  foe.  In 
the  first  attempt,  Scott,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  was  hurled  backward  to  the  beach. 
Dearborn,  who  was  anxiously  watcliing  the  movement  with  his  glass  from  the  Madi- 
fon  and  who  placed  more  reliance  on  Scott  than  any  other  man,  seehig  him  fall,  ex- 
claimed in  agony,  "He  is  lost !  he  is  killed  !"  Scott  soon  recovered  himself,  rallied 
liis  men,  rushed  up  the  bank,  knocked  up  the  bayonets  of  the  enemy,  and  took  and 
lield  a  position  at  a  ravine  near  by.  He  a,  as  supported  by  Porter's  field  train  and  a 
i)art  of  Boyd's  brigade,  in  which  service  the  Sixth  Regiment,  three  hundred  strong, 
under  Colonel  James  Miller,  performed  a  conspicuous  part.  A  severe  and  gallant  ac- 
tion ensued — gallant  on  both  sides — Avhioh  Avas  chiefly  sustained  by  Scott's  corps,  and 
the  Eio'hth  (King's)  British  regiment,  under  Major  Ogilvie.  The  contest  lasted  only 
about  twenty  minutes,  when  the  severe  cannonade  from  the  Jlamilton  and  the  Avell- 
applied  fire  of  the  American  troops  caused  the  Britisli  to  break  and  flee  in  much  con- 
fusion. The  whole  body  of  the  enemy,  including  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment,  which 
had  been  brought  forward  by  Colonel  Harvey  as  a  re-enforcement,  fled  toAvard  Queens- 
ton,  closely  pursued  by  Colonel  Scott.  Colonel  Myers,  their  commander,  Avas  Avound- 
ed  and  taken  from  the  field  ;  and  the  Avbolc  corps,  officers  and  men,  Avho  fought  brave- 
ly, suffered  severely. 

General  Vincent  Avas  satisfied  that  the  victory  of  the  Americans  was  complete,  and 
that  Fort  George  was  untenable,  so  he  ordered  its  guns  to  be  spiked,  the  ammunition 
to  be  destroyed,  the  fort  to  be  abandoned,  and  the  Avliole  force  under  his  command 
to  retreat  Avestward,  by  tlie  Avay  of  Vrooman's  and  St.  David's,  to  a  strong  position 
among  the  hills,  at  a  place  called  the  Beaver  Dams,  about  eighteen  miles  dist"nt,  and 
rendezvous  tliere. 

Information  of  the  im- 
pending destruction  of 
the  fort  Avas  comUiUnica- 
ted  to  Scott  Avhile  pass- 
ino;  it  with  his  pursuing 
eolumn  by  some  prison- 
ers M'ho  came  running 
out.  He  immediately  de- 
tached two  companies, 
under  Captains  Hind- 
man  and  Suockton,'  and, 
wheeling  to  the  left, 
dashed  on  at  their  Jiead 
toward  the  fort  to  save 
the  guns  and  ammuni- 
tion, if  possible.  When 
lie  was  about  eighty 
paces  from  the  works 
one  of  the  magazines  ex- 
ploded, and  a  piece  of 
tlying  timber  thrcAV  the  impetuous  leader  from  liis  horse,  and  hurt  him  severciy.  He 
soon  recovered  from  the  shock,  and  pressed  forward.  The  gate  Avas  forced,  the  light- 
ed trains  for  firing  tAvo  smaller  magazines  were  extingnished,  and,  Avith  his  uwn 
liands,  Scott  hauled  doAvn  the  .British  flag.  Tlie  Avhole  manoeuvre  occupied  but  a  few 
minutes,  and  Scott  AA'as  soon  again  at  the  head  of  his  column,  in  hot  pursuit  of  the 


n.AN   OF  ©"-..BATIONB   AT   TUK  .MOITU    JF   THE    NIAGARA    KIVEB. 


'  Tbomas  Stockton  was  a  native  of  Delaware,  and  wns  appointed  captain  of  artillery  in  1S12.  In  If  M  he  became  ma- 
jor of  the  Forty-eecond  Infantry,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  was  retained  as  captain,  with  the  brevet  ranit  of  miv)or. 
lie  afterward  served  In  the  artillery.    Uc  resigned  In  1828.    In  1S44  he  was  governor  of  Delaware,  and  died  at  Now- 

c.i*llc  In  March,  ISIC. 


m 


'Ifi 


600 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


PurBuit  of  the  British  chocked. 


Their  Flight  to  the  Beaver  Dams  and  Burllugton  Heights 


flying  enemy,  satisfied  that  he  would  overtake  and  capture  them.  Twice  he  disre- 
garded an  order  from  General  Lewis  to  give  up  the  pursuit,  saying  to  Lieuti'iiants 
Worth  and  Vandeventer,  the  messengers,  "  Your  general  does  not  know  that  I  liavc 
the  enemy  within  my  poAver;  in  seventy  minutes  I  shall  capture  his  whole  Ibrce' 
Just  then  Colonel  Burn,'  his  senior,  Avas  crossing  the  Niagara  Itiver  from  the  Five- 
mile  Meadows  with  precisely  the  troops  which  Scott  deemed  necessary  to  make  hU 
successful  pursuit  of  the  enemy  secure.  While  waiting  for  these  he  was  overtaken 
by  General  Boyd,  who  gave  him  peremptory  orders  to  relinquish  the  chase  and  re- 
turn to  Fort  George.  He  obeyed  with  regret.  He  had  followed  the'  enemy  five 
miles,  and  was  then  so  near  them  that  he  was  in  the  midst  of  the  British  stragrrl^rs 
Lieutenant  Riddle,  who  was  not  aware  of  the  order,  pursued  the  fugiiives  almost  to  \ 
Queenston,  and  captured  and  brought  back  several  prisoners. 

At  meridian,  Fort  George  and  its,  dependencies,  with  the  village  of  Newark,  wore  in*' 
the  quiet  possession  of  the  Americans,  the  att.ack  and  conquest  having  occupied  only 
three  hours.  The  Americans  had  been  eleven  hours  on  duty  since  embarking  at  Four- 
mile  Creek.  Only  a  small  portion  of  them  had  been  actually  engaged  in  the  eouflict,- 
Their  loss  was  about  forty  killed  and  one  hundred  wounded.  The  only  officer  slain 
was  Lieutenant  Henry  A.  Hobart,  of  the  Light  Artillery.  The  loss  of  the  British  rcir- 
ulars  was  fifty-one  killed,  and  three  hundred  and  five  wounded,  missing,  and  prison- 
ers. The  number  of  British  militia  made  prisoners  was  five  hundred  and  seven 
making  the  entire  loss  of  the  enemy  eight  hundred  and  sixty-three,  with  quite  a  large 
quantity  of  munitions  and  stores  saved  from  destruction  at  Fort  George  and  the 
batteries. 

General  Vincent  and  most  of  his  troops  reached  the  '  t-  ;>j,ms  toward  suiiiJct, 
and  during  the  evening  he  was  joined  by  a  "  battalion  company"  of  the  Eightii,  and 
a  "  detachment  of  the  royal  navy"  under  Captain  Barclay,  who  had  been  escorted  bv 
the  gallant  Cf^»tain  Merritt,  of  the  mounted  militia,  from  the  Twenty-mile  Creek,' 
Between  midnight  and  dawn,  the  troops  from  Fort  Erie,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Bisshopp,  and  from  Fort  Chippewa,  under  Major  Ormsby,  reached  the  camp,  orders 
having  been  sent  to  those  commanders  to  abandon  the  entire  Niagara  frontier.  Early 
in  the  morning  Vincent  resumed  his  march  toward  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  lii> 
whole  force  being  about  sixteen  hundred  men.  From  Forty-mile  Creek  (now  Grims- 
by) he  wrote  an  official  dispatch  to  Sir  George  Prevost  that  evening,  giving  an  ac- 
count of  his  disasters,  and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  communieatioii 
with  the  army  on  Burlington  Heights  (whither  he  was  marching)  "  through  the  me- 
dium of  the  fleet."  On  the  29th  he  took  post  on  the  heights,  and  was  soon  joined  bv 
troops  from  Kingston. 

•May,        ^11  tbe  morning  of  the  28111,"  when  it  was  known  that  Vinc^^^l  I'ad  fallen 
1813.      back  to  his  deposit  of  provisions  and  stores  at  the  Beaver  Dam^     ^  t  •  \,il  Lewi- 
was  sent  in  pursuit  of  him  with  the  brigades  of  Chandler  and  Winder,     '     -^  accom- 
plished nothing.     Ascertaining  that  Vincent  had  fled  westward,  tin. y  :  y    Ircuit 


'  James  Bum  w;s  a  native  of  South  Carolina.  Ho  was  a  captain  of  cavalry  In  1799.  He  settled  in  Pennsyk.  ^.u,  and 
in  the  spring  of  1812  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Second  Light  Dragoons.  Ue  left  the  service  on  the  disbaudlng  of  Uf 
army  In  1815.    He  died  at  Frankfort,  near  Philadelphia,  in  18-.i!i. 

=  General  Deorborn,  in  a  second  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  written  on  the  8th  of  June,  spoke  in  the  liisnoa 
terms  of  aH  the  officers  and  men  engaged  in  the  affair,  especially  of  the  "animating  examples"  of  Scott  and  Boyd,  ami 
the  sen-Ices  of  Colonel  Porter,  Major  Armistead,  and  Lieutenant  Totlen,  in  their  "judicious  and  skillful  execution  in 
demolishing  the  enemy's  butteries."  Lieutenant  Totteu  Anally  became  a  brigadier  genera',  and  was  the  Chief  Eogi- 
neer  of  the  United  States  Army  fur  feveral  years  before  his  death. 

'  "  Wc  formed  again  at  the  Coiiiicil-honse"  [see  plan  on  page  5!l«],  snys  Captain  Merritt,  "when  I  was  sent  np  to  or- 
der down  the  light  company  of  the  King's,  who,  we  understood,  were  at  the  Eight-mile  Creek.  I  rode  throngli  Ite 
woods,  around  tlie  American  regiments',  followed  up  the  lake  to  the  Twenty-mile  Creek  (was  two  hours  on  the  ro,ii!;, 
where  I  met  Commodore  Barclay  with  his  sailors,  and  the  King's.  We  hurried  on  to  Shipt,  .  's,  where  I  Icanieu  lh( 
army  had  retreated  to  De  Con's  [the  Beaver  Dams].  I  took  the  party  through  the  wool's,  l.  arrived  there  nt  nine 
o'clock  In  the  evening.  Next  morning  the  mllllla  were  allowed  to  remain  or  follow  the  ar  ny  This  was  a  had  day  for 
many  as  well  as  myself.  I  went  home,  prepared  my  'kit,'  and  with  a  heavy  heart  bid  adieu,  .  bought,  to  the  place 
of  my  nativity  for  a  long  time.    I  was  determined  to  share  the  fate  of  the  army."— MS.  Narru..  ,v 


OF  THE  WAK  OF  1812. 


601 


llugton  IleighU. 

ice  he  (lisro- 

Lieutoiiants 

thai  I  havo 
rliok'  force," 
31U  the  Five- 
■  to  make  liis 
as  overtaken 
chase  and  re- 
e  enemy  five 
sh  stragglers. 
ves  ahnost  to  \ 

jwark,  wercin*' 
occuijied  only 
.rkiiig  at  Four- 
n  the  conflict.- 
ily  officer  slain 
ihe  British  rei;- 
ng,  and  prison- 
red  and  seven, 
th  quite  a  lart^c 
ieorge  and  tlic 

toward  sunset, 
the  Eighth,  and 
•een  escorted  liy 
ity-mile  Creek,- 
utenant  Colonel 
he  camp,  orders 
frontier.    Early 
akc  Ontario,  liib 
lek  (now  Grims- 
ig,  giving  an  ac- 
communicatiou 
through  the  me- 
8  800U  joined  liy 


British  Property  destroyed  by  themeelvcs. 


In.'arions  Delay. 


Expedition  scut  toward  Burlington  Heights. 


■nc' 


It  I'.id  fallen 

.-■;  dLewi" 

'      -'^  accom- 

ti    ircuit 


i  in  Penni-yl' .  '(...an'l 
ithediebaudiugotthf 

L  epokc  in  the  hlgiiMi 
Jof  Scott  and  Boyd,  anil 
Id  skillful  cxecntlon  io 
Td  was  the  Chief  Engi- 

len  1  was  sent  np toot- 
k  T  rode  through  tte 
X'o  lionrB  on  the  roail\ 
I'e,  where  I  Icnrneu  the 
1  arrived  there  at  nine 
rhie  was  a  Imil  ilny  t« 
bought,  to  the  via" 


of  many  miles  to  assure  themselves  of  tuu  Eiitish  evacuation  of  the  frontier,  and  then 
returned  to  camp. 

Forts  Erie  and  Chippewa,  and  all  public  property  from  the  former  down  to  Niagara 
Falls  were  doomed  to  destruction  by  an  order  received  from  General  Vincent  on  the 
iftornoon  of  the  27th.  In  pursuance  of  that  order,  Major  Warren,  in  command  of  the 
b.itteries  opposite  Black  Rock,  was  ordered  to  open  fire  upon  that  place,  and  keep  it 
up  all  night,  until  the  troops  should  move  oif.  He  did  so ;  and  in  the  morning  the 
magazine  at  Fort  Erie  was  blown  up,  and  magazines,  barracks,  and  store-houses  all 
alon"  the  frontier  were  fired.  In  the  evening  of  Friday  the  28th,  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel James  P.  Preston,  the  commandant  at  Black  Rock  (who  was  Governor  of  Virginia 
iu  1810),  crossed  ovef  with  the  Twelfth  Regiment  and  took  possession  of  Fort  Erie. 
He  at  once  issued  an  admirable  proclamation  to  the  people  of  Canada,  by  which  he 
allayed  their  apprehensions  and  disarmed  all  resentment.' 

Two  or  three  days  were  now  consumed  iu  apathy  at  Newark,  Dearborn  and  Chaun- 
cey  not  having  been  able  to  agree  respecting  future  movements.  The  latter,  who  had 
anchored  his  fleet  in  Niagara  River,  sailed  for  Sackett's  Harbor  on  the  31st.  jMean- 
wliile  a  rumor  came  that  Proctor  was  marching  from  the  Detroit  frontier  to  assist 
Vincent  in  recovering  that  of  the  Nir.gara.  This  determined  the  American  com- 
mander to  send  troops  in  pursuit  of  Vincent  immediately,  for  the  purpose  of  attack- 
inij  him  among  the  hills  or  arresting  his  flight  westward.  For  this  purpose  he  de- 
tached General  Wuider,  at  his  own  request,  on  the  1st  of  Juno,  with  about  eight  hund- 
red men,  including  Burn's  dragoons,  and  Archer's  and  Towson's  artillery.  He  took 
tlie  Lake  Road,  and  marched  rapidly  to  Twenty-mile  Creek,  Avherc  ho  was  informed 
of  Vincent's  position  at  Burlington  Heights  and  his  re-enforcements  from  Kingston. 
Winder  prudently  halted,  sent  to  Dearborn  for  re-enforcements,  and  waited  for  their 
lurival.  He  was  joined  on  the  5th  by  General  Chantiler  and  about  five  lumdred  men. 
Chandler,  being  the  senior  oflicer,  took  the  chief  command,  and  the  whole  body  moved 

1  "The  Albany  steara-boat  which  arrived  yesterday  (Snndny)  brings  intc'ligcncc  that  Fort  Erie  had  surrendered  to 
the  troops  of  the  United  States,  under  Generals  Dearborn  and  Lewis,  with  little  or  no  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  en- 
emy," This  announcement  appeared  In  a  New  York  paper  on  Monday  morning,  the  Tth  of  Jnnc,  ISl.'i.  This  form  of 
(Uinonucemeut  of  war  news  ftom  the  North  and  West  at  that  time  was  very  common.  Expresses  from  tne  army  at  dif- 
ferent points  were  sent  to  Governor  Tompkins,  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  State  of  New  York,  living  at  A  'any,  and 
tic  steam-boat  was  the  most  rapid  method  for  conveying  inteliigeuce  then  known.  Every  few  days  the  New  York  pa- 
pers would  say,  "  The  Albany  steam-boat  brings  intelligence,"  et  cetera.  It  must  be  remembered  that  steam  navigation 
nas  theu  iu  its  in'ancy.  It  was  not  six  years  since  Fulton's  first  successful  experiment  had  bean  made.  There  were 
only  three  steam-boats  on  the  Hudson  at  that  time,  whose  owners  had,  by  legislative  grant,  the  monopoly  of  that  kind 
of  navigation.  These  were  the  I'aragon,  Car  of  Xeptune,  and  yorthliiver.  The  average  length  of  the  passage  from  New 
Vorlc  to  Albany  was  then  about  thirty-six  hours.* 

'The  following  advertisement,  taken  from  the  New  York  ^'oiiii'' /'o"' of  the  date  under  consideration,  with  a  fac- 
simile of  a  cut  of  "  the  steam-boat"  at  its  head,  will  seem  very  curious  to  th»,  traveler  now,  at  the  distance  of  sixty  years: 

HUDSON   RIVER    STEAM-BOATS. 

For  the  Informatinn  of  the  l^iblic. 
The  Parafion,  Captain  Wiswall,  will  leave  New  York 
!  every  Saturday  afternoon,  at  5  o'clock.  The  Car  of  S'c])- 
!  (line,  Captain  Roorback,  do.,  every  Tuesday  afternoon, 
I  itJo'ciock.  The  Xorth  Rir^er,  Captain  Bartholomew,  do., 
I  every  Thursday  aftemoi.n,  at  B  o'clock. 
The  Parmion  will  leave  Albany  every  Thursday  mom- 
\K,  at  0  o'clock.  The  Car  of  \ej>tune,  do.,  every  Satnr- 
t  lijy  morning,  at  0  o'clock.  Tho  .Vorfft  Hiver,  do.,  every 
I  Tuesday  morning,  at  0  o'clock. 


PBICKR  OF  PASBAOB. 

Frm  .Vew  York  to  Verplauck's  Point,  $9 ;  W"8t  Point, 
|$i.50;Ncwburg,.'(i8;  Wnpplnger's  Creek,  $ii.2s ;  Poughkeepsic,  if-l.tlO ;  nydcPark,$4;  Ksopns,  $4.28 ;  Red  Hook,  $4.50 -. 
[Ciil!kill,$,'>;  Hudson, $5;  Coxsackie, $.VtiO ;  Kluderhook, $6.75 ;  Albauy,"$7. 

fVom.l/fiaMij  toKindcrhook,  $1.50;  Coxsackie,  $2  ;  Hudson, $2;  Catsklll,  $2.25 :  Red  Hook,  $2.  i«:  Esopup.$.T:  Hyde 
|Pari[,$3.'.>5;  Poughkeepslc,  $3.50 ;  Wappiuger's  Creek,  $4;  Newbnrg,  $4.26 ;  West  Point,  $4.76;  Verplauck's  Point, 
|(S,!!5;  New  York,  $T. 

.Mli'thcr  way  passengers  to  pay  at  the  rate  of  one  dollar  for  every  twenty  miles.    No  one  can  be  taken  on  board  and 
put  on  shore,  however  shct  tho  distance,  for  less  than  one  dollar. 

Tonng  persons  from  two  to  ten  years  of  age  to  pay  half  price.  Children  under  two  years,  one  fourth  price.  Servants 
I'honse  a  berth,  two  thirds'  price ;  half  price  of  none. 


t 

■ 

i 

H! 


602 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


BucouDter  lit  Furty-mlle  Creek. 


Ameiljans  at  Stony  Creek. 


Prepnrntlons  to  Biirprii-c  their  Camp 


forward  briskly  to  Forty -mile  Crook,  where 
thoy  rosted,  after  driving  off  a  patrol  of  mount. 
ed  militia  und"r  Captain  Merritt.  Thoy  then 
moved  forward  to  Stony  Creek,  ten  miles  fii ••. 
tlier  westward  and  within  about  seven  inijes 
of  Vincent's  camp,  where  they  encountered  a 
British  picket-guard.  These  were  dispersed 
and  hotly  pursued  by  the  American  advanee- 
guard,  consisting  of  light  infantry  under  Caii- 
tains  Hindman,  Biddle,  and  Nicholas,  part  of  a 
rifle  corps  under  Captain  Lyttle,  and  a  dotatli- 
ment  of  dragoons  under  Captain  Selden.  Near 
the  present  toll-gate,  a  little  eastward  of  Ham- 
ilton, they  encountered  another  picket.  These, 
too,  were  driven  in,  and  the  victors  pushed  on 
in  pursuit  until  they  saw  Vincent's  camp  on  tlic 
groat  gravelly  liill  at  the  head  of  Burliiiatmi 
Bay.  Then  thoy  Avheeled,  and  made  their  aviu 
leisurely  back  to  camp  at  Stony  Creek. 

The  main  body  of  the  army  encamped  upon 
ground  rishig  slightly  above  a  meadow,  throu!;h 
which  flows  a  branch  of  Stony  Creek,  and  occu- 
pied the  space  from  the  main  stream  north  of  the  village  to  the  house  ofMr.  Gasc, 
at  the  foot  of  the  hills,  on  the  site  of  which,  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  1 800,  stood  the 
residence  of  Nelson  jMiller.  The  Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth  Regiments,  and  a  com- 
pany of  artillery  under  Captain  Archer,'  took  post  on  the  lake  shore,  near  the  moutli 
of  the  ereck,  about  three  miles  fi-om  the  main  body.  The  troops  in  both  camps,  ex- 
pecting a  night  attack,  slept  on  their  arms,  and  every  precaution  was  taken  by  Cliaml- 
ler  in  the  posting  of  pickets,  throwing  out  patrols,  etc.,  to  prevent  a  surprise.  Ex- 
plicit directions  Avere  given  by  him  where  and  how  to  form  the  line  of  battle  in  tli( 
event  of  an  attack.  The  cannon  Avere  properly  planted,  and  the  horses  that  drew 
them  Avere  unharnessed. 

There  Avas  equal  vigilance  in  the  British  camp.  The  audacity  of  the  American 
vanguard  in  pursuing  the  pickets  amazed  and  alarmed  Vincent.  lie  Avas  anxious  to 
obtain  immediate  knoAvledge  of  the  numerical  strength  and  the  disposition  of  his 
foe,  and  sent  out  Lieutenant  Colonel  Harvey,  Avith  the  light  companies  of  the  Ei^litli 
and  Forty-ninth  Regiments,  to  reconnoitre  the  American  camp.  The  duty  was 
Avell  performed,  notAvithstanding  the  night  was  very  dark,  and  Ilarvey  reported,  he- 
fore  midnight,  that  "  the  enemy's  camp -guards  Avere  fcAV  and  negligent;  that  hi- 
line  of  encampment  Avas  long  and  broken ;  that  his  artillery  Avas  feebly  supported. 
and  that  several  of  the  corps  Avere  placed  too  far  in  the  rear  to  aid  in  rcpellin!;  a 
blow  Avhich  might  be  rapidly  and  vigorously  struck  at  the  front."  He  advised  a 
night  attack,  and  Vincent,  heeding  it,  made  immediate  preparations  to  execute  tlie 
movement. 

At  midnight  the  British  commander  left;  his  camp  with  about  six  hundred  men. 
composed  of  five  companies  of  the  King's  (Eighth)  Regiment  and  the  Avliole  of  tin 
Forty-ninth,  and  marched  for  Stony  Creek.  Harvey's  scout  joined  them,  and  at  abow 
two  o'clock  in  the  morning  they  all  halted  Avithin  a  mile  of  the  American  cai 
Harvey  had  discovered  the  centre  to  be  the  Aveakest  point  in  Chandler's  line,  liy 
one  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighborhood,  Avho  had  treacherously  joined  the  Amir- 

'  Lemuel  B.Archer  was  a  native  of  Virginia.  He  was  a  captain  In  Scott's  Second  Regiment  of  artillery,  and  ™| 
breveted  major  for  his  gallant  conduct  at  F'.rt  George  on  the  27th  of  May,  ISl.S.  He  was  retained  in  the  service  1d1<u| 
and  in  1921  became  Inspector  general,  with  the  rank  of  colonel.    He  died  on  the  lUh  of  December,  1823, 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


603 


irise  their  Camp. 

!reL'k,  where 

I'ol  of  mount- 
They  then 

en  miles  f!>"- 

I  seven  miles 

ncountcred  si 

re   iVis])erseil, 

ican  advance- 

•y  \inder  Caji- 

olas,  pavt  of  a 
and  a  detach- 

Sclden.    Near 

twavd  ofllam- 

pickct.    These, 

tors  pushed  on 

t's  camp  on  tlio 

i  of  BuiTnicttdii 

made  their  way 

^  Creek. 

encamped  npon 

iicadow,throui;li 

Creek,  and  ooch- 

use  ofMr.  Ga;;e, 

11 18G0,  stood  tlic 

Lcnts,  and  a  com- 

>  near  tlie  nioiUli 
both  canipi',  ex- 
taken  l)y  Chanil- 
a  sur\irise.    Ex- 

le  of  battle  in  tk 
iiorses  that  drew 

1  of  the  American 
Jc  was  anxious  to 
[disposition  ot'liis 
liies  of  the  Eiiihtli 
The  duty  ^v;l> 
Irvey  reported,  V 
To;lia;ent ;  that  In- 
^ocd)lv  supported; 
[aid  (n  repellin?  a 
I"     lie  adviseth 
Ins  to  execute  tk  j 

jriix  bnndred  raoii, 
the  whole  of  tk  I 

[hem,andatahout| 
American  car 

landler's  lino.   IM 
.  joined  the  Am«- 

,„entof.>rtlllery,aud«| 

Inert  In  the  eenlceinl*! 

nber,1823. 


j^tftalt  on  the  Americnn  Cnmp. 


UdufuHlon  and  Dlsaxter  In  the  Dtirknesa. 


.■r    ■    -  -?    ^^  ^ 


^^T^-«^-  ■  rm^g 


■HiiliMiM'J//^4i!o^  B^.'iUJ.. 


'  -^^'w!^' 


^^rr-::^rf^'' 


i'M''^' 


''MJi,: 


BATTLE-OBOD-ND  Or  BTONY  UUBEK.'  > 

icans  and  deserted,  Vincent  had  obtained  the  countersign  for  that  night,  and  through 
it  he  was  enabled  to  secure  the  sentinels  without  giving  alarm. 

It  was  now  two  o'clock  in  the  morning" — a  warm  Sabbath  morning — and  ■  jnne  e, 
the  little  army  of  Americans  Avere  sleeping  soundly,  unconscious  of  impend-  ^'"'• 
ill!!  danger.  Clouds  covering  a  moonless  sky  made  the  gloom  deep,  but  not  impen- 
etrable. Five  hundred  iJritish  regulars  loaded  their  muskets,  fixed  their  bayonets, 
and,  led  by  General  Vincent  in  person,  rushed  upon  the  Ainerican  centre  at  double- 
quick,  with  the  appalling  Indian  war-whoop,  and  plied  the  bayonet  so  fearfully  that 
the  line  was  cut,  and  that  portion  of  it  scattered  to  the  Avinds.  This  furious  charge 
was  immediately  followed  by  M.-ijor  Plenderleath  at  the  head  of  forty  men  of  the 
Forty-ninth,  Avho  fell  upon  the  artillery,  bayoneted  the  men  at  the  guns,  captured  two 
six-])ounders,  and  turned  them  with  fearful  eft'oct  upon  the  camp.  The  greatest  con- 
fusion prevailed,  Chandler's  centre  and  the  assailants  becomhig  ahnost  inextricably 
mixed  in  the  dark,  and  each  was  unable  to  distinguish  friends  from  foes. 

In  the  mean  time  Major  Ogilvie,  with  a  part  of  the  King's  Regiment,  had  fallen 
upon  the  American  left,  composed  of  the  Fiflh,  Sixteenth,  and  Twenty-third  Regn- 
1  IK,  and  some  riflemen  under  General  Winder,  to  which  was  attached  Burn's  dra- 
L'liis,  who  wore  too  far  in  the  rear  to  render  immediate  assistance.  Tiiis  attack  was 
at  first  gallantly  resisted,  the  Twenty-fifth,  of  the  centre,  lending  their  aid ;  but  a  fire 
ill  tlie  rear,  from  a  detachment  of  the  assailing  party  that  broke  througli  the  line, 
j  threw  them  into  great  confusion. 

While  Chandler^  was  making  preparations  to  meet  this  unexpected  assault,  a  heavy 

'  Tills  view,  pketched  In  the  morning  snnllght,  is  from  the  residence  of  Daniel  Lewis,  Esq.,  llcntenant  colonel  of  the 
I  Wentworth  Militin,  who  was  in  the  battle.  In  the  forcgronnd  is  eeen  the  meadow  through  which  flows  a  branch  of 
I  Sinny  Creek.  Beyond  it,  on  the  left,  is  a  gentle  elevation,  the  estate  of  Mr.  Thomas  Wudr  of  Hamilton,  and  near  the 
J  village,  ou  which  lay  the  encampment.  Miller's  (Gage's)  honse  is  seen  on  the  extreme  i  „  Ith  a  veranda  and  grove 
lollrees  in  front.  In  the  distance  is  the  range  of  hills  which  extend  westwai'd  from  Qneenoton,  and  are  called  "the 
lllonntain"  by  the  Canadians. 

iJoliii  Chiiudler  was  born  within  thcbonndf  of  the  present  State  of  Maine  (Kennebec  County),  then  a  part  of  Massa- 
Ithnsctts,  ill  the  year  1700.  His  parents  were  very  humble,  and  ho  became  an  Itinerant  blacksmith.  Ills  residence  was 
lia  General  Dearborn's  settlement  of  Monmouth,  about  fifteen  miles  west  from  Augusta.  It  Is  recorded.  In  a  late  Hin- 
Y"j  and  OemipHon  of  Aeie  Krutlaiui,  by  Coolidge  and  Mansfleld,  that  "  h"-  was  the  poorest  man  in  the  settlement."  By 
lliKlujlry  and  |)cr.«cveranco  he  became  wealthy.  Ills  talents  were  of  a  high  order.  lie  was  a  representative  In  Congress 
llrom  1S05  to  ISfis,  and  when  the  war  broke  out  and  he  was  commissioned  a  brigadier  general,  he  was  major  general  of 
iBilllln.  His  military  career  ended  at  Stony  Creek,  and  he  was  disbanded  in  1S15.  He  represented  Maine  In  the  Senate 
Icllhe  United  States  from  IS'.'O  to  1S29.    Uc  died  at  Augasta,  Maine,  September  25, 18*1,  at  the  ago  of  clghty-one  years. 


m 


id 


604 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Csptare  of  Qenernls  Chnndler  and  Winder.  Narrow  Escape  of  Oeueral  Viucent.  Hctreat  of  the  Araerlcani 

fire  was  opened  on  the  right  flank  of  the  Americans.  Perceiving  this,  he  hastened 
in  that  direction  to  prevent  its  being  turned,  when,  in  the  darkness,  his  horse  stum- 
bled and  fell,  and  the  general  was  severely  hurt.  He  soon  recovered  his  feet  suc- 
ceeded in  providing  for  the  safety  of  his  right,  and  wae  returning  to  the  centre  mov- 
ing with  difficulty  on  foot,  when  he  was  attracted  to  the  artillery,  where  there  was 
much  confusion.  He  was  not  aware  that  the  two  cannon  were  in  possession  of  the 
enemy ;  and,  under  the  impression  that  those  in  confusion  around  the  pieces  were 
some  of  his  own  command,  he  gave  orders  for  them  to  rally.  To  his  utter  astonish- 
ment  he  found  himself  among  the  enemy,  and  in  a  moment  he  was  disarmed  and  made 
a  prisoner  of  war.  At  about  the  same  time  General  Winder  and  Major  Van  De  Ven- 
ter'  fell  into  the  same  trap  and  were  made  prisoners.* 

At  this  moment  there  was  the  wildest  confusion  every  where.  Towson's  artillcn- 
had  poured  a  destructive  fire  upon  the  assailants  and  had  broken  their  ranks.  Coi- 
onel  Burn,  with  his  cavalry,  had  cut  his  way  through  the  British  Forty-ninth  ami 
was  performing  the  samp  feat  with  the  American  Sixteenth,  when  he  discovered  that 
he  was  fighting  his  own  friends.  They  had  combated  severely  for  several  minutes  he- 
fore  the  fatal  mistake  Avas  discovered.  Meanwhile  General  Vincent,  the  British  com- 
mander, had  been  thrown  from  his  horse  in  the  darkness,  and  being  unable  to  find 
either  his  animal  or  his  troops,  had  wandered  oiTin  the  woods.  His  friends  supposed 
him  to  be  killed  or  a  prisoner.  The  command  devolved  upon  Colonel  Harvey,  who. 
finding  it  impossible  to  drive  the  Americans  from  their  position,  collected  his  scat- 
tered forces  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  while  it  was  yet  dark  hastened  back  toward 
Burlington  Heights  with  his  notable  prisoners.  He  sent  Captain  Merritt  back  tn 
look  for  General  Vincent.  He  was  unsuccessful,  but  captured  two  Americans,  and 
•Jniiec,    took  them  into  camp  as  trophies.^    During  the  ensuing  day*  Vincent  wa^ 

1813.  found  by  his  friends  in  the  woods,  four  miles  from  the  place  of  conflict,  with- 
out hat  or  sword,  and  almost  famished.  His  horse  and  accoutrements  had  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

In  this  confused  and  terrible  night-battle  the  Americans  lost  seventeen  men  killed. 
thirty-eight  wounded,  and  ninety-nine  missing.  The  British  lost  twenty-three  killed. 
one  hundred  wounded,  and  fifty-five  missing.  Notwithstanding  the  Americans  held 
the  ground,  it  was  a  substantial  victory  for  the  British,  and  the  loss  of  the  two  gen- 
erals a  severe  one  for  the  former.  Through  the  gallantry  of  Lieutenant  M'Chesnev 
one  piece  of  artillery  was  immediately  recovered,  and  the  other  the  enemy  was  not 
able  to  take  away  for  the  want  of  horses.*  They  were  endeavoring  to  do  so  when 
they  were  overtaken  by  Lieutenant  Macdonough,  and  the  piece  was  seized  by  him, 

The  Americans,  fearing  a  renewal  of  the  attack,  retreated  so  precipitately  that  thev 
left  their  dead  unburied.  Under  the  command  of  Colonel  Burn  they  fleet  to  Fortv- 
mile  Creek,  near  which  they  Avere  met  by  Colonel  James  Miller  and  four  hundred 
men  sent  to  re-enforce  them.  "  I  can  assure  you,"  Colonel  Miller  wrote  to  his  wife, 
"  I  can  scarce  believe  that  you  would  have  been  more  glad  to  see  me  than  that  array 
Avas.^    On  the  follow'".g  day,^  in  the  afternoon,  they  were  joined  by  Generals 


Lewis  and  Boyd,  with  their  staffs,  and  the  little  army  encamped  there,  on  a 

1  Christopher  Van  De  Venter  was  a  native  of  New  York.    He  was  appointed  lieutenant  in  Scott's  regiment  of  artil- 
lery in  1809.    In  1812  he  was  assistant  military  agent  at  Fort  Columbus,  In  New  York  Harbor.    He  was  afterward  dtp-  j 
nty  quarter-master,  with  the  rank  of  major,  and  in  that  capacity  served  on  the  Niagara  frontier.    He  was  token  a  pris- 
oner to  Quebec.    At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  retained  In  the  service,  and  In  1810  was  ald-de-camp  to  Bri(.M(lier  General  j 
Joseph  G.  Swift.    He  resigned  In  August  that  year,  and  from  1817  until  182V  he  was  chief  clerk  In  the  War  Dcpartmect.  j 
He  died  at  Georgetown,  D.  C,  on  the  22d  of  April,  1838. 

'  Colonel  William  Fraser  (then  n  sergeant),  who  was  living  at  Perth,  back  of  Brockvllle,  In  Canada,  in  ISOfl,  took  boii  j 
the  generals  prisoners.  He  advanced  upon  the  artillery,  he  said,  with  forty-six  men,  but  when  they  drew  near  it  ifcfT 
had  only  twenty-flve  men.  The  American  cannon  In  their  front  was  loaded  with  all  sorts  of  missiles.  The  primiiij  j 
flashed,  and  the  ptin  was  not  discharged.  They  then  nished  forward,  shouting  "  Come  on.  Brant !"  The  cannon  «m  j 
taken.  Plenderleath  was  wounded.  Fraser  was  binding  up  his  wounds,  when  Chandler  and  Winder  fell  into  thi"  fnue  j 
and  were  captured.  '  Merritt's  MS.  Narrative.  ♦  The  satue 

»  Antograph  letter  to  his  wife,  dated  Fort  George,  June  13, 1813. 


I  the  Americani. 

lie  hastened 
horse  stum- 
lis  feet,  snc- 
centre,  mov- 
re  there  was 
ession  of  the 
piccca  wore 
tter  astonish- 
led  and  made 
Van  De  Ven- 

son's  artillery 
r  ranks.    Col- 
irty-ninth,  ami 
iscovered  tliat 
ral  minutes  ho- 
le British  com- 
unahle  to  fiml 
icnds  supposed 
■l  Harvey,  who. 
lected  his  seat- 
ed back  toward 
Merritt  hack  to 
Americans,  and 
ly*  Vincent  was 
of  conflict,  with- 
,8  had  fallen  into 

iteen  men  killed. 

snty-three  killed, 
Americans  held 
of  the  two  geu- 

mant  IirChesney 
enemy  was  not 
to  do  80  when 
seized  hy  him, 
litately  that  they 
.y  fled  to  Forty- 
tid  four  liumlred 
■rote  to  his  wife, 
,  than  that  anny 
lined  by  Generals 
Imped  there,  on  a 

Icott'B  regiment  of  anil- 

He  waBaftc"™^''*f  1 
J.  Hcwastokcuavn*- 
Imp  to  Brigadier  Genml 
IntheWarDcpartmeBi.! 

Lnda,lnimtook*o4! 
Ithevdrewneaiitttf?! 
jmlflsUes,  Thcpriinix? 
Int  t"  Tbe  camion  «w  ] 
Imder  tell  into  the  sum  I 
4  The  same   ■ 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


605 


A  BriUsh  Fleet  'n  Bli?ht. 


Pursuit  of  tbe  Americans. 


The  Britlab  at  Sodua  Buy. 


plain,  its  right  flank  on  tlie  lake,  and  its  left  on  a  creek  which  skirts  the  base  of  a  very 
steep  but  not  lofty  mountain. 

At  six  o'clock  that  evening  a  British  squadron  under  Sir  James  L.  Yeo  appeared  in 
the  distance.  The  Americans  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  and  in  the  inoruing  the 
hostile  vessels  '  ere  near.  There  was  a  dead  calm.  At  six  in  the  morning  an  armed 
schooner  was  tt  wed  in,  and  opened  a  fire  upon  the  American  boats  m  which  most  of 
tlieir  baggage  and  camp  equipage  was  transported,  which  lay  on  the  shore.  Mean- 
while the  artillery  companies  under  Archer  and  Towson  had  placed  four  cannon  in 
dit'ensivc  position,  and  Lieutenant  Totten  had  constructed  a  temporary  furnace  for 
lieatin<»  shot.  The  hostile  vessel  was  soon  driven  ofl".  At  about  the  same  time  some 
savasje  allies  of  the  British  appeared  on  the  bald  brow  of  the  mountain,  and  fired  in- 
effectually into  the  camp,  and  intelligence  came  that  the  British  were  moving  cast- 
ward  from  Burlington  Heights,  Sir  James  sent  an  officer,  with  a  flag,  to  demand 
from  General  Lewis  an  immediate  surrender  of  his  force,  reminding  him  that  a  Brit- 
ish fleet  was  on  his  front,  a  savage  foe  in  his  rear,  and  an  approaching  British  aiTny 
on  his  flank.  Lewis  answered  that  the  summons  was  too  ridiculous  to  merit  a  serious 
icnlv.  He  had  not  lost  a  man  in  the  whole  aflair  of  the  morning.  The  schooner  had 
beeii  driven  away,  and  he  was  prepared  to  send  oflF  the  boats  with  baggage  and  camp 
o(inipa!?e,  accompanied  by  a  guard  of  two  hundred  men  under  Colonel  Miller.  The 
bo-its  started  prematurely — before  the  troops  were  ready.  They  were  chased  by  an 
armed  schooner.  A  dozen  of  them  Avere  captured,  and  the  remainder  were  run  ashore 
and  abandoned  by  the  crews.  At  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  whole  army  com- 
menced a  retrograde  movement,  the  savages  and  local  militia  constantly  hovering  on 
their  flank  and  rear.  They  reached  Fort  George  after  losing  several  prisoners  cap- 
tured by  pursuers,  and  General  Vincent  came  forward  and  occupied  their  camp  at 
Forty-mile  Creek.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bisshopp,  who  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
riffht  division  of  the  British  force,  pushed  forward  with  detachments,  and  took  posi- 
tions which  commanded  the  cross-roads  from  a  little  west  of  the  present  Port  Dalhou- 
sie,on  the  lake  shore,  to  the  mountain  passes  at  the  Beaver  Dams.' 

The  British  squadron  in  the  mean  time  hovered  along  the  lake  coast,  and  interfered 
ireatly  with  the  supplies  for  the  American  camp.    On  the  evening  of  the  1 2th*    .  ju„e, 
tliey  captured  two  vessels  laden  with  valuable  hospital  stores  in  the  mouth      *^'^- 
of  Eighteen-mile  Creek,  eastward  of  the  Niagara  River;  and  on  Tuesday  evening,  the 
15th,  they  made  a  descent  upon  the  village  of  Charlotte,  at  the  head  of  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  Genesee  River,  and  carried  oft"  a  large  quantity  of  stores.     Sailing  east- 
ward, they  appeared  off"  Sodus  Bay  on  Friday,  the  1 8th,  and  on  the  following  even- 
in?  a  party  of  about  one  hundred,  fidly  armed,  landed  at  Sodus  Point  (now  in  Wayne 
I  Comity)  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  American  stores  known  to  be  deposited 
I  there.   These  had  been  removed  to  a  place  of  concealment  a  little  back  of  the  village. 
The  enemy  were  exasperated  on  finding  the  store-houses  erajity,  and  threatened  to 
[tetroy  the  village  if  the  place  of  the  concealment  of  their  contents  should  not  be  re- 
Irealed.    The  women  and  children  fled  in  alarm.     A  negro,  compelled  by  threats, 
[save  the  enemy  the  desired  information,  and  they  were  marching  in  the  direction  of 
[the  stores,  when  they  were  confronted  at  a  bridge  over  a  ravine  by  forty  men  under 
ICaptaiii  Turner,  of  Lyons.     A  sharp  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  each  party  lost  two 


I  moil,' 


Both  parties  fell  back,  and  the  foiled  British,  as  they  returnea  to  their  vessels, 


1  The  chief  anthoritieB  consulted  are  the  official  dispatches  of  commanders  on  both  sides,  and  the  several  histories  of 
IHewar  already  mentioned ;  Mansfield's  Life  of  General  Scott ;  antoijraph  letters  of  Colonel  James  Miller:  MS.  state- 
lanit  of  Captain  Willinm  H.  Merritt ;  Armstrong's  Notices  of  the  War  of  1812 ;  Niles's  Weekly  Register ;  The  War,  and 
Itnl  «lat8raent8  of  survivors. 

i  An  accoimt  of  my  visit  to  tbe  battle-Kronnds  of  Stony  Creek  and  the  Beaver  Dams  will  be  given  in  the  next  chapter. 
j  '  Sutemcnt  of  Captain  Luther  Rcdfield,  of  Clyde,  Wayne  County,  New  York,  in  a  letter  to  tbe  author  in  Pebmary, 
p*wheii  the  old  soldier  was  about  elshty-six  years  of  age.    He  says  that  in  a  log  house  a  few  rods  north  of  the  pres- 
BiPrcsbTterian  chnrch,  in  the  village  of  Junius,  public  worship  was  held.    The  attack  of  the  British  at  Sodus  was  on 
Bitordaj:  ercniug.    Tbe  next  day.  Just  as  the  ofleruoou  service  was  about  to  commence  at  the  bunee  above  mentioned. 


H  I    ■■ 


C06 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


DeatructiuD  of  Property  at  8odus. 


Brltlnh  Fleet  (iff  OBWeyo. 
Tliev 


burned  the  public  store-liouBcs,  five  dwellings,  and  the  old  Williamson  Hotel, 
laid  waste  by  fire  property  valued  at  about  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 
•  Jnne20,  From  Sodus  the  British  stjuadron  sailed  eastward,  and  appeared  offO.. 
1813.  wego,"  with  a  wish  to  enter  the  harbor  and  seize  or  destroy  stores  there  ■ 
but  Sir  James,  who  was  a  cautious  commander,  did  not  venture  in,  and  on  tlie  morn- 
ing of  the  21  St  his  squadron  turned  westward,  and  for  several  days  lay  oft' the  Xi- 
agara  River, 

a  horseman  came  dasblnf;  np  at  full  speed  with  the  news  of  the  British  invasion.  Redflcld  was  a  captain  in  the  rem. 
inent  of  Colonel  Philetns  Swift.  There  were  several  non-commissioned  oiBcers  in  the  chnrch.  These  were  fent  t.i 
arouse  the  military  of  the  neighborhood,  and  by  Ave  o'clock  Captain  Redfleld-was  on  the  march  with  about  one  hnni- 
red  men.  They  halted  most  of  the  night  a  few  miles  north  of  Lynns,  and  resumed  their  march  by  moonll).'lit  tuwjri 
morning.  They  arrived  at  Sodus  at  a  little  after  sunrise  on  Monday  morning,  when  they  met  a  funeral  procc''«loii  wih 
the  body  of  Turner's  slain  soldier.  The  British  bud  gone,  but  the  fleet  waa  in  eight.  "The  company  remained  abuut  s 
week  at  Sodus,  and  were  then  discharged. 


^^^Si~ 


OF  THE   WAU   OF   1812. 


007 


f'lcet  oft  Oswejp). 


^«h  De»lgiiii  against  Sackett'g  Harbor. 


The  Defences  there. 


Oeiier^l  Jacob  Brown. 


[old    'Dicy 

i. 

cared  off  Os- 
stores  thiTc; 
on  the  mom- 
iy  oti'  the  Ni- 


captain  in  tbc  nt- 
rhesc  wutc  Feul  i.i 
Ith  abonl  one  hnnj- 
y  moonlichl  lowanl 
crnl  procpfflon  wi'.h 
3y  remained  about » 


CILVPTER  XXVm. 

"To  Sackett'B  IlarborYeo  steered,  with  PrevoBt's  chosen  blood-honnda, 
iiut  Brown  his  duga  of  valor  cheered,  mUitin  blood,  but  good  lionud*. 
He  chased  them  from  the  bloody  tracic,  and  Yeo's  bull-dog8  slighting, 
Though  Chauucey  was  not  there,  he  show'd  Sir  James  the  art  of  dghting. 
Bow,  wow,  wow  1 
Fresh-water  dogs  can  tntor  them  with  bow,  wow,  wow !" 

Olii  Soko — A  NEW  Bow  Wow. 

^IIEX  the  military  and  naval  authorities  at  Kingston  were  in- 
formed of  tlie  weakening  of  the  important  post  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bor by  the  withdrawal  of  troops  and  vessels  for  the  expedition 
against  York,  they  resolved  to  attempt  the  capture  of  the  place, 
or  to  destroy  the  new  ship-of-war  then  on  the  stocks,'  and  other 
public  property  there.  The  capture  of  York  made  them  circum- 
spect, for  the  flushed  victors  might  turn  their  faces  toward  King- 
ston ;  but  when  it  was  known  that  Dearborn  and  Chauncey  were 
about  to  attack  Fort  George  and  its  dependencies,  it  was  resolved  to  assail  Sackett's 
Harbor  immediately.  Tlie  prize  was  more  attractive  now  than  ovtr  before.  Besides 
being  the  principal  place  of  deposit  on  the  lake  for  military  and  naval  stores,  and  a 
fine  vessel  was  there  nearly  completed,  all  the  property  captured  at  York^  was  de- 
iiosited  there.  The  possespion  or  destruction  of  these  by  the  British  would  have 
jiveu  them  the  command  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  a  decided  advantage  during  the  whole 
(ampaign.  With  singular  remissness  of  duty  on  the  part  of  the  commanding  gen- 
eral, tliese  had  been  left  exposed.  The  guard  detailed  for  their  protection,  under  Col- 
onel Barker,  was  utterly  inadequate  for  the  task.  It  consisted  of  parts  of  the  First 
and  Second  Regiments  of  Dragoons,  numbering  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
fifty  or  sixty  artillerists,  and  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  infantry,  composed  chiefly 
of  invalids,  recruits,  and  fragments  of  companies  left  behind  when  the  expedition 
sailed  for  York.  The  dragoons,  dismounted,  manned  Fort  Tompkins,  a  considerable 
work  on  the  blufl",  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hai'bor,^  and  covering  the  site  of  the  present 
i  Ksidence  and  garden  of  the  naval  commandant  of  the  station.  The  artillerists,  un- 
der Lieutenant  Ketchum,  were  albo  there.  A  little  north  of  the  village,  on  the  east 
I  side  of  the  Harbor,  opposite  Fort  Tompkhis,  was  a  small  work,  erected  principally  by 
[  the  labor  of  a  company  of  exempts,  called  Fort  Volunteer.     General  Jacob  Brown,* 

'  Aftpr  the  death  of  the  gallant  leader  in  the  attack  on  York,  this  vessel  was  named  General  Pike. 
■  Seepage  691. 

'  This  cousistcd  of  a  strong  block-honee  and  surronn  ling  intrenchments,  and  occupied  the  place  of  the  battery  on 

likich  the  iron  thirty-two-pounder  that  drove  off  the  British  In  1812  was  mounted.    See  page  368.    The  single  cannon 

|ti!h  which  it  was  armed  at  the  time  we  are  now  considering  was  the  same  iron  thirty-two-pounder,'    The  fort  was 

liimni  Tompkins  in  honor  of  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  then  governor  of  the  State  of  New  York.    The  bluff  on  which  it 

Ic'od  ovcrlcoki  Navy  Point,  within  which  is  the  Harbor,  where  the  ship-yard  was.    The  place  was  named  in  honor 

Iri.injnstns  Sackett,  the  first  settler.    Its  Indian  name  was  a  long  one,  and  signified  "  fort  at  the  mouth  of  Great  River." 

'Jacob  Briiwn  was  born  of  Quaker  parents,  in  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  9th  of  May,  1776.    He  was  well 

[lijeaied  early.    Wnen  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age  his  father  lost  his  property,  and  the  right-minded  youth  resolved  to 

iro  Ilia  own  livelihood.    He  taught  scliooi  in  the  Quaker  settlement  of  Crosswicks,  in  New  Jersey,  from  his  eighteenth 

•  twenty-flrst  birth-day.    For  a  while  he  was  a  surveyor  in  the  vicinity  of  Cincinnati,  and  in  1T98  was  a  school- 

ttfher  in  the  city  of  New  York.    Ue  commenced  the  study  of  law,  but  it  was  distasteful  to  him,  and  he  abandoned  it. 

I«  then  pnrchased  some  land  on  the  Black  River,  in  .Tefferson  County,  and  adopted  the  puniuit  of  a  farmer.    In  1809  he 

fu  8pp<ilnted  colonel  of  a  regiment  of  militia  in  that  section,  and  on  his  estate  a  settlemert  was  forn.ed  and  named 

roinsville.   In  1811  the  Governor  of  New  York  commissioned  him  a  brisradlcr  general  of  militia,  and,  as  we  have  seen 

f  psge  fiCrd),  he  was  intrusted  with  important  command.    From  that  time  until  the  close  of  the  war  General  Brown's 

toMiccaree  formed  an  Importaut  part  of  the  history  of  the  times,  and  the  record  may  be  found  in  these  pages.    He 


;   ( 


:|l 


ili 


-    I' 

J 

1 

i 

i  1 

(    ,     -     , 

;      f      , 

4li^ii. 


ii: 


eo8 


PlCTOniAL    1  IKLD-nOOK 


Bfown'i  Poaltlun. 


Apprnnch  of  tlio  lirlti'h. 


Uruwii  amiumeit  C'liminnihl  al  Hm  km'.  ||;, 


of  the  Now  York  Militia,  who,  Imviiij;  liiiJHli,,,! 
tho  Hix  montlm'  Hi-rvico  for  wliich  lie  was  call. 
etl  to  tho  fichl  at  the  bcj^iiuiiiig  oi'ihc  ^var 
as  we  have  hcoii,  was  residinjf  at  liis  lioinc  iii 
IJrowiiHville,  oil  the  Hhick  Hiver,  a  liw  inii,,, 
from  Sackett'H  llurhor,  liad  been  r((|U(stii| 
by  (Jeiieral  Dearborn,  and  Jirged  by  ("olond 
JSIacoi'i' ,  to  assume  chief  coininaiid  in  il|;,| 
region,  lie  was  unwiiiinj^  to  iiilerrcrc  vitl, 
liis  esteemed  friend,  Colonel  liackiis  aiKJ 
agreed  to  take  command  only  in  the  event  dt 
actual  invasion.  lie  went  to  head-iiuartds 
frequently  to  advise  with  Haekus  conceniiii" 
preparations  for  defense,  and  it  was  nndn 
stood  between  them  that  if  the  enemy  sIkmiM 
threaten  the  post,  IJrown  was  to  call  the  w'y^],. 
boring  militia  to  tho  Harbor  and  lake  ciruj 
command. 

Oil  the  evening  of  the  27th  of  iMny,  tin 
lAuly  of  the  Lake,  which  had  been  crnisiii- 
off  Kingston  to  watdi  tin 
movements  of  the  pnciiiv, 
came  into  Sackett's  Ilarliur 
with  the  startling  infoima- 
that  a  strong  Hritisli  si|iia,l. 
ron,  under  Sir  .lanios  ]..  Yen, 
had  just  put  to  sea.  Colonel  Backus  sent  an  ex])res8  to  General  J}rown  with  tlic  in- 
telligence. That  vigilant  officer  immediately  dispatched  messengers  to  the  inilitia 
officers  of  his  district  with  orders  to  hasten,  with  as  many  men  as  possible,  to  tin 
Harbor.  Tliis  accomplished,  he  mounted  his  lu)rse,  and  before  tlie  dawn  of  tlic  I'Htli 
he  entered  IJackus's  camp,  took  command,  ordered  alarm 
guns  to  be  ffred  to  arouse  the  country,  and  sent  oft*  ex-  -     .-, 

presses  in  various  directions  to  militia  officers,  and  to 


was  rctBincd  In  the  nrmy  iit  tlio  close  of  tho  wnr,  nnd  wns  appointed  to  the  com- 
mnnd  of  llic  Nortliern  Divlsl(in.  lie  became  a  general-in-clilcf  of  the  armies  of 
the  I'nited  States  in  1S21,  and  held  that  oHlce  nntil  his  death,  at  his  hend-<|imr- 
ter«  in  the  City  of  Wanhtnpton,  on  the  24th  of  February,  1S28,  at  the  ago  of  flfly- 
three  years.  His  wldo\y,  yet  (ISOT)  living,  resided,  until  recently,  in  the  lino  nnm- 
gion  erected  at  Brownsville  by  the  general  In  1S14. 

General  Brown's  remains  were  interred  with  imposing  ooremonlcs  in  the 
Congressional  liiirial-gnmnd,  and  over  them  stands  a  bcantiful  white  marble 
moMumer.t,  com  ased  of  a  trinicnted  fluted  column  and  tnbleted  base,  on  which 
arc  tho  followln    inscriptions: 

Emt  Side.—"  >  icred  to  the  memory  of  Major  General  .Iaoou  Brown,  by  Birth, 
by  Kducation,  h\  Principle,  devoted  to  Pom  i'.  In  defense  of  his  country,  and  In 
vindication  of  lu-r  rights,  a  Warrior.  To  her  ho  dedicated  his  life— wounds  re- 
ceived in  her  cnnsc  abridged  his  days." 

.SmiM  Wrfc— "  lie  was  born  in  Bncks  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  tho  9th  of 
May,  1775,  and  died  at  the  City  of  Washington,  commanding  general  of  tho  army, 
on  the  24th  of  February,  1S28. 

"  Let  him  whoe'er  in  after  days 
Shall  view  this  monument  of  praise, 
For  Honor  heave  the  Patriot  sigh, 
And  for  his  country  learn  to  die." 

West  .Sfefc— "In  both  by  the  thanks  of  the  Nation  and  n  golden  medal  from 
the  hands  of  their  chief  magistrate— and  by  this  marble  erected  to  honor  him, 
at  the  command  of  tho  Congress  of  tho  United  States." 

North  Side.— "In  War  his  services  are  attested  by  the  fields  of  Chippewa,  Ni- 
agara, Erie ;  In  Peace  by  the  improved  organization  and  discipline  of  the  army." 

Tho  monument  stands  very  near  that  of  General  Macomb,  bis  successor  iu  the 
chief  command  of  tho  armies  of  the  United  States. 


QENEB.VL  UBOWk's  MONDXEST, 


BRckett't  llMbur. 


iviiij;  fiiUHliod 
li  111'  was  call. 
H  of  the  war, 
It  liis  lidmc  in 
r,  ii  lew  inilo 

WIl    VlMlllcstcil 

I'd  by  ('i)l(iii(l 
iiniiiid  in  tliut 
iiitcrlfrc  with 
liiickus,  ami 
III  tlic  cvi'iit  (if 
i  hciitl-(|\iartir> 
kuw  CDiiccrniii'.' 
it  was  uiidir- 
I'  ciu'iny  sluMiM 
ocall  tli('iici>.'li- 
and  lake  chid' 

til  of  ^Iiiy,  tlio 
d  l)oc'ii  ('nii>iii:; 
1  to  watcli  till 

of  the  (Micniy, 
lacki'tt's  llailmr 
artliiiit  intormii- 
it  l?ntish  s(|u;iil- 
irJaiiioH  L.  Yen, 
own  willi  tlic  ill- 
's to  the  militia 
I  possible,  to  tlic 

awn  of  the  intli 


i^Aa 

»M  3j<if-.', 

€^ 

*JTP"' 

«^^ 

^^i-' 

P^ 

m^>^' 

eown'b 

MOSCHCT. 

OV   THE   WAU    OF    18  12. 


U09 


A.i«mbllnsofth«MllUla^ 


The  Brltlib  Force  upprnachei  Berkett's  Harbor. 


An  Alarm. 


Colonel  Tuttlo,  who  was  ndvanciiif;  with  rej?ular».  Diirinjj  the  day  the  people  of 
the  surrounding  country  continually  arrived  at  head-<|uarlcrs.  Some  were  armed, 
,1,(1  HOine  were  not,  and  all  were  entirely  without  disei|iline,  and  alnumt  without  or- 
jiiziition.  As  fast  an  they  appeared  they  were  armed  and  nent  to  Horse  Island,  a 
mil,,  distant,  wliere  C!olonel  Mill.s  and  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  Albany  Volun- 
leers  had  been  Btationed  for  a  week.     The  island  (on  whi(!h  the  light-house  stands') 


I.I0UT-UODHK  ON  UOKSE  ISLAND. 

lommands  the  entrance  to  the  Harbor,  and  there  it  was  believed  the  enemy  would 
attiiiipt  to  land.  Then,  as  now,  it  was  separated  from  the  main  by  only  a  shallow 
strait,  always  fordable,  and  sometimes  almost  dry.  Between  it  and  the  village  was 
atliin  wood  that  had  been  partly  cut  over,  and  was  encumbered  with  logs,  stumps, 
ami  brush.  The  main  shore  is  a  ridge  of  gravel,  about  live  feet  in  lieight,  and  at  that 
time  formed  a  natural  breast-work. 

At  midday  on  the  2!-th,"  the  Uritish  squadron,  which  left  Kingston  on  the  •«»>, 
oveiiiiig  of  the  27th,  appeared  off  Sackctt's  Harbor.  It  consisted  of  the  Wolfe,  ^*''"' 
•Jljust  finished;  Royal  Georr/e, 24;  EarlofMoira,  18;  schooners  Prince  Regent, 
Simcoe,  and  Seneca,  mounting  from  ten  to  twelve  guns  eadi,  and  ;;''out  forty  bateaux. 
The  land  troops,  ten  or  twelve  hundred  strong,  consisted  of  the  grenadier  company 
of  the  One  Hundredth  Kegiment,  two  companies  of  the  Eighth  or  King's,  a  section  of 
the  Koyal  Scots,  four  companies  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourtli,  one  comi)any  of 
the  Glengary  Kegiment,  two  of  the  Canadian  Voltigeurs,  a  detaehment  of  the  New- 
foundland Kegiment,  and  another  of  the  Koyal  Artillery,  with  two  G-pounders.  There 
was  also  a  considerable  body  of  Indians  attaelied  to  the  expedition,  and  who  accompa- 
nied it  in  canoes.  Sir  James  Lucas  Yeo  commanded  the  squadron,  and  the  whole  expe- 
dition was  under  the  direction  of  Sir  George  Prevost,  the  Governor  General  of  Canada, 
who  accompanied  it  as  leader  of  the  land  forces.     He  was  with  Yeo  ovi  the  Wolfe. 

The  British  squadron  lay  to  about  six  miles  from  the  Harbo'-,  and  u  large  number 
of  troops  were  embarked  in  boats  for  the  purpose  of  landing.  While  anxiously  wait- 
ing for  the  signal  to  pull  for  shore,  the  soldiers  were  perplexed  by  an  order  to  return 
to  the  squadron.  They  were  still  more  perplexed  when  that  squadron,  without  appa- 
rent cause,  spread  its  sails  to  the  light  breeze  and  turned  toward  Kingston.  Tlie  se- 
;  cret  was  soon  known,     A  flotilla  of  nineteen  American  gun-boats  had  been  seen  off 

'  This  is  a  view  of  ttie  liglit-tionee  as  It  appeared  when  I  visited  the  Islond  In  1S.VI.  It  stands  upon  the  spot  where  the 
I  nem;  landed,  and  the  keeper  at  the  time  of  my  visit  was  Captain  Samuel  H'Nitt,  of  whom  I  shall  hereafter  speak. 
I  The  island  contains  about  twenty-seven  acres. 

Qq 


1  ! 


i 


Wf^f 


010 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Cbua  and  Capture  of  American  Veiieli. 


PoittlonortheV 


A  Panic  and  nig^, 


Six-towiiH  Point,  njjprouching  from  tlio  wi-stward,  and  Sir  (Joorgo  Provost  did  „„. 
doubt  tlifir  lu-ing  fillrd  with  arnu'd  mon  dcHtined  to  rt'-cnforco  Suckett'H  Ilarlior.  It 
WUH  even  so.  They  were  conveying  part  of  a  regiment  under  Lieutenant  ('ol(jn(.| 
Thomas  Aspinwnll  from  Oswego  to  the  Harbor,  The  apparition  had  made  .Sir  (Jcorc,. 
nervous.  Tlie  Indians  were  not  ho  easily  frightened  as  their  pale-faced  ally.  Tlin 
darted  in  their  eanoes  toward  the  American  Hotilla.  This  movement  sliatnid  Sir 
George.  IIo  listened  to  the  advice  of  Sir  James,  turned  the  prows  of  his  vesHcJH  onoc 
more  in  the  direction  of  Haokett's  Harbor,  and  sent  several  boats  with  armed  hkh  t„ 
join  the  canoes.  Aspinwall  and  his  party,  closely  chased,  made  for  the  shore.  Twdv,. 
of  his  boats  and  seventy  of  his  men  were  captured.  The  other  seven  boats,  niorc  fleet 
than  their  companions  or  pursuers,  reached  the  haven  in  safety.  Tlie  escaiKd  i/artv 
on  shore  made  their  way  thither  by  land.  They  arrived  at  nine  o'clock  in  tiie  even- 
ing, and  added  one  hundred  men  to  the  effective  force  at  Sackett's  Harbor. 
•  May,  The  niglit  of  the  28th''  was  spent  by  the  Americans  in  active  i)r(])arations 
1813.  fy,.  ^]^^,  expected  attack.  Toward  midnight,  about  forty  Indians,  \u\dvr  J.ien. 
tenant  Anderson,  were  landed  on  the  shore  of  Henderson  Bay,  for  the  ])uijMjse  of  at- 
tacking the  American  militia  in  the  rear.  They  were  discovered,  and  Colonel  Mills 
and  hip  force,  about  li>ur  hundred  strong,  were  withdrawn  from  Horse  Island  an] 
placed  behind  the  gravel  ridge,  at  a  clearing  of  five  or  six  acres  on  the  main,  witli  ;i 
6-pounder  field-i)iece.  The  remainder  of  the  militia,  under  Colonel  Gershoni  Tutth , 
were  posted  on  the  edge  of  the  -voods,  a  little  farther  back ;  and  Colonel  Backus  wiih 
his  dismounted  dragoons,  was  stationed  on  the  skirt  of  the  same  woods,  nearer  tin 
village.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Aspinwall  was  posted  on  the  left  of  Backus,  and  the  ar- 
tillerists, under  Lieutenant  Ketchum,  were  stationed  in  Fort  Tompkins,  whose  only 
armament  was  a  32-pounder  mounted  on  a  pivot. 

Not  a  zephyr  rippled  t'lj  waters  of  the  Harbor  on  the  morning  of  the  29tli,  and  not 
a  cloud  flecked  the  sky.  Calmness,  serenity,  and  beauty  were  visible  on  every  side, 
Tlie  sails  of  the  enemy's  squadron  coul  "  ^ot  catch  the  slightest  breeze,  and  it  was  im- 
possible for  the  large  vessels  to  appro  oar  enough  to  join  in  the  attack.  At  dawn, 
thirty-three  boats,  filled  with  armed  r  \  the  British  squadron  and  made  for  Unrso 
Island,  where  they  landed  under  cover  of  two  gun-boats  directed  by  Captain  Muicas- 
ter,  of  the  royal  navy.    As  the  flotilla  rounded  the  island,  the  huge  pivot  gun  in  Fort 

Tomj)kin8   hurled  murder- 
ous enfilading  shots  in  their 


^A 


^X  I,  ^^/plt'^^C^  t^/^^^  "'''^'*'  '^^'i  ^^'^^  t^'^^y  «'^f^ 


near  the  shore  they  re- 
ceived a  scattering  fire  from  the  muskets  of  the  militia.  This  was  promptly  respond- 
ed to  by  Mulcaster's  great  guns,  loaded  with  grape  and  canister,  and  by  his  first  fire 
Colonel  Mills,  who  was  standing  near  bis  men,  was  shot  dead. 

The  British  formed  in  good  order  on  the  island,  and  with  the  grenadiers  of  the  One 
Hundredth  at  their  head,  pommanded  by  Colonel  Bayncs,  they  pressed  rapidly  across 
the  shallow  strait.     The  rank  and  file  of  the  American  militia  had  suffered  no  mat^ 
rial  injury,  but  the  Bonnd  of  bullets  among  the  bushes,  and  the  din  of  the  oncoming  ; 
foe,  struck  the  whole  line  with  an  extraordinary  panic,  and  before  th»._,  had  time  to  j 
give  a  second  fire  they  rose  from  their  cover  behind  the  gravel  bank  and  fled  with  \ 
precipitation,  leaving  their  6-pounder  behind.    The  efforts  of  the  gallant  Major  Her- 
kimer to  arrest  their  flight  were  vain.' 

This  disgraceful  retreat  astonished  and  perplexed  General  Brown,  who  was  on  the  j 

<  It  Is  said  that  one  of  the  militia  commandere,  who  had  talked  very  valiantly  and  hopefully,  became  mnch  diuour-j 
aged  ae  soon  as  he  saw  the  enemy's  boata  approaching  the  shore.  As  they  came  forward  In  a  swarm  he  became  lev : 
and  less  hopeful,  until  nt  length  he  told  bis  men  that  he  doubted  the  ability  of  the  American  force  to  cope  with  tlie  ec-j 
cmy.  "  I  fear  we  shall  be  compelled  to  retreat,"  he  eald.  After  a  pouee  ho  continued,  "  I  know  we  shall,  and  as  I  ami 
a  little  lame  I'll  start  now,"  and  away  he  went  npon  the  road  leading  to  Adams,  as  fast  as  his  legs  could  carry  bin.  josl  J 
as  Mulcaster's  guns  opened  their  fire.    He  was  among  the  "missing"  at  the  close  of  the  battle. 


t\i 


OF   TIIU   WAIi    UF    18  13. 


on 


Panic  »nd  miiht. 


Cow»rdly  Flight  of  Mlllll«. 


OtIlMtry  of  Captain  M'NItt. 


D««tnictiuii  of  Pnbllc  StorM. 


Icftof  lii«  little  army.  lie  expected  the  inilitin  wouM  Imvo  reiimiiied  firm  until  tlio 
cminy  were  finally  on  the  niuin.  IJut  their  movement  wiiH  so  Hiidfleii,  general,  and 
raiiiil,  that  he  found  himself  completely  alone,  not  a  man  Htandiiijj;  within  ncvcral  rodn 
of  him.  Stung  l»y  this  nhameful  conduct,  lie  ran  idler  the  fugitivcH  and  endeavored 
to  arrest  their  flight,  lliw  effortH  were  unavailing.  Forgetful  of  their  proiniMert  of 
coiiniije,  and  unmindful  of  the  orders  tliey  had  received  to  rally  in  tlio  woods  in  the 
(•vciil  (»f^  their  being  driven  hack,  they  continued  their  flight  until  they  were  sure  of 
beinn  out.  of  harm's  way.  Some  of  them  were  not  lieard  of  again  during  the  <fay. 
TlioHO  under  Colonel  Tuttle  were  equally  recreant  to  duty,  and  joined  in  the  dis- 
(,'raecftil  Hight,  although  they  had  not  in  any  way  been  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire. 
Hut  there  was  an  honorable  exception.  Captain  Samuel  M'Nitt,  with  uiitliuchiiig 
courage,  had  maintained  his  position  on  the  extreme  lefl,  and  stood  blazing  away  ut 
the  ciieiny  after  his  companions  had  fled.  Seeing  the  panic,  he  started  in  pursuit  of 
the  fugitives,  and,  with  the  aid  of  Lieutenant  Mayo,  succeeded  in  rallying  almost  one 
liundrcd  of  them  behind  some  fallen  timber.  From  that  cover  they  annoyed  the  en- 
emy exceedingly,  who  were  then  marching  through  tjic  woods  toward  the  town.' 
Meanwhile  Colonel  Backus  and  his  regulars  had  advanced,  and,  with  the  Albany  Vol- 
unteers, who  had  stood  firm  when  the  militia  fled,  and  liatl  retired  slowly  along  a 
wanon-road  by  the  margin  of  the  lake  before  superior  uumbers,  was  disputing  tbo 
march  of  the  invaders  incli  by  inch. 

These  demonstrations  of  courage  revived  tlio  sinking  liopes  of  the  commanding 
i;cneral.  In  hastening  from  M'Nitt's  gallant  band  to  liackus's  line,  his  affrighted 
horse  had  broken  from  him  in  the  woods.  Fortunately,  he  soon  met  a  man  on  horse- 
back, whoso  animal  he  seized  and  mounted,  and  then  pushed  forward  to  the  extreme 
ri^ht.  There  he  found  Colonel  Backus  with  his  dismounted  dragoons  on  the  right, 
assisted  by  Miijor  Lavall,  the  gallant  Albany  Volunteers  on  the  left,  and  infantry  and 
artillery  in  the  centi  while  the  gun  at  Fort  Tompkins  was  playing  upon  the  advanc- 
iiii;  column  of  the  lie.  For  an  hour  the  conflict  continued,  and  so  great  was  the 
weijjht  of  the  enemy  that  the  American  line  was  constantly  pressed  back.  Lieuten- 
ant Fanning,  in  command  at  Fort  Volunteer,  perceiving  no  danger  of  an  attack  there, 
had  led  his  little  force  forward  and  engaged  gallantly  in  the  fight.  Still  the  foe  bore 
heavily  upon  them,  and  when  the  Americans  were  most  in  want  of  encouragement  a 
disheartening  event  occurred.  Dense  smoke  arose  in  their  rear,  and  it  was  soon  as- 
certained that  the  store-houses  on  the  margin  of  the  Harbor,  filled  with  the  spoils  of 
York  and  a  vast  amount  of  other  valuable  property,  also  the  new  ship  General  Pike, 
were  in  flames.  Had  a  portion  of  the  enemy  landed  in  the  rear  and  apjilied  the  torch  ? 
No.  In  the  almost  universal  panic  that  prevailed  when  the  militia  fied.  Lieutenant 
Wolcott  Chauncey,  of  the  Navy,  who  had  the  stores  in  charge,  was  informed  that  all 
was  lost,  and  that  the  victorious  enemy  was  rapidly  marching  upon  the  post.  A 
train  prepared  for  the  emergency  Avas  lighted,  and  in  a  few  minutes  stores  and  ship 
were  in  flames.  The  friendly  incendiary  was  soon  named  to  General  Brown,  much  to 
his  relief,  and  he  hastened  to  inform  and  reassure  Colonel  Backus.  Ho  arrived  just 
in  time  to  see  that  gallant  officer  fall,  mortally  .wounded,  and  to  wipe  his  pallid  brow 
with  his  own  hand.^ 

Pressed  back,  back,  back,  the  wearied  and  worried  Americans  took  refuge  in  some 
new  log  barracks  in  an  open  space  near  the  town.  The  enemy  made  desperate  efforts 
to  dislodge  them.     Brown  saw  that  all  would  be  lost  should  they  be  driven  from  that 

'  Samnel  M'NItt  was  a  Scotchman,  and  a  brave  and  active  man.  He  wbb  for  some  time  a  member  of  ForByth'a  corps, 
ind,as  each,  saw  much  active  service  at  the  beglnnlnp  of  the  war.  lie  commanded  a  militia  company  at  the  time  we 
ire  now  considering.  He  was  In  Wilkinson's  expedition  that  went  down  the  St.  Lawrence  In  the  antnmn  of  1S13,  and 
WM  In  command  of  a  company  of  reRularg  In  the  battle  at  Chryeler's  Field.  Ho  died  on  the  9th  of  September,  ISOl,  at 
Hfpanvtlle,  in  .Jefferson  County,  at  the  age  of  about  ninety  years. 

'  Elettns  Backus  was  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was  commissioned  major  of  the  First  Light  Dragoons  In  October, 
IW.and  In  February  following  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  colonel.  He  died  eight  days  after  the  battle  (June  T,  1813), 
ud  m%  burled  at  Backett's  Harbor  with  military  honors. 


f 


mm 

wtV'S 

i  ■■ 
1! 

1 

612 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Hllttin  reosBembled. 


Prevost  alarmed. 


Ills  cUsjjraccful  Hctrcat, 


shelter,  and  he  determined  to  rally  the  fugitive  militia,  if  possible,  who,  he  was  in- 
fcined,  were  on  the  outskirts  of  the  villajfe  and  on  the  roads  leading  from  it  and 
with  tiiem  feign  a  descent  upon  the  enemy's  boats.  lie  sent  out  mounted  dia<'()oib 
instructed  to  proclaim  a  victory  gained,  knowing  that  in  the  supposed  absence  of  dan- 
ger most  of  them  would  return.  The  stratagem  was  successful.  About  thiii;  lnuid. 
red  of  them  were  collected,  tliough  in  great  disorder,  on  the  eastern  side  of  tlic  vi|. 
•  lago,  about  three  fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  place  where  the  battle  was  still  ra<fin(r. 
There  they  were  addressed  by  the  commanding  general,  who  loaded  them  with  re- 
proaches, and  informed  them  that  measures  had  been  taken  to  shoot  every  man  ol' 
them  who  should  be  found  attempting  to  run  again.  Many  of  them,  stung  by  tlic 
words  of  the  general,  begged  to  be  led  into  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  and  ahnost  two 
hundred  of  them  formed  nndej-  the  direction  of  Westcott,  a  Sackett's  Harbor  butclicr 
and  Caleb,  a  volunteer,  and,  while  others  went  toward  the  Britisli  landing-place,  tluv 
attacked  a  flanking  party  of  the  enemy  under  Captain  Grey,  the  adjutant  goiicrai, 
just  as  they  were  about  to  assail  the  log  barracks.  Grey  was  a  gallant  soldier.  He 
was  walking  backward,  Avaviug  his  sword,  and  had  just  shouted  "  Come  on,  boys ;  re- 
member York!  Tiie  day  is  ours!"  when  a  drummer-boy  among  the  rallied  militia 
cried  out,  "Periiai)S  not  yet !"  and  shot  him.     Grey  fell,  and  instantly  expired.' 


This  rallying  of  tlie  fugitive  militia  and  menacing  of  the  enemy's  boats  decided  tlio 
fortunes  of  the  d.'-y  in  favor  of  the  Americans.  Sir  (ieorge  Prevost,  sweejjing  tl-.o  ho- 
rizon with  his  glass  from  a  high  stump,  perceived  the  militia  on  his  flank  and  roar, 
and  sujjposii'^v  them  to  be  re-enforcements  of  regulars  in  large  numbers,  imiiiediatelv 
sounded  a  retreat  while  the  way  to  their  boats  was  open.^  It  was  conimenciHi  in 
good  order,  but  soon  became  a  disorderly  flight.  It  was  so  precipitate  that  tlK>  fa- 
tigued Americans  could  not  overtake  them.  They  readied  the  squadron  in  safety, 
leaving  a  large  portion  of  their  dead  and  wounded  behind.^  At  about  ten  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  Sir  George,  with  cool  imj)udence,  sent  a  flag  to  demand  the  surrender 
of  the  posi  which  he  had  failed  to  capture.  The  summons  was  treated  with  deserved 
contempt.  lie  then  asked  permission  to  send  surgeons  to  take  care  of  his  wounded. 
This  was  dei.i<'d  ;  but  an  assurance  was  given  by  General  Brown  that  Americans 
were  "  distinguished  for  humanity  as  well  as  bravery." 

It  was  believed  that  the  enemy  intended  to  renew  the  attack.  His  squadron  con- 
tinued at  anchor,  and  his  boats  remained  filled  with  soldiers  for  some  time  not  t'n 
from  Horse  Island.  At  noon  they  returned  to  the  squadron,  and  the  whole  flotill; 
sailed  for  Kingst m.  It  entered  that  port  on  the  morning  of  the  30th,  to  the  great 
mortification  of  the  inhabita'its,  who  had  expected  to  see  the  expedition  return  witli 

'  Captain  Grey  was  a  son  of  General  Grey,  tlie  commander  of  tho  corps  In  tlie  massacre  of  a  part  of  Wayne's  delacb- 
inent  at  Paoll,  In  Penr«.lvania,  In  September,  177T.  «  Oral  statement  of  E,  'ilam,/,  Esq.,  of  Sackett's  Hnrtar 

5  The  British  lost  60  killed  ana  -ill  wounded.  The  Ameri  os  lost  4T  killed,  84  wounded,  and  a*  missing.  Most  of  ihe 
latter  were  the  cowardly  militia,  who  were  ashamed  to  sbovt  ibelr  faces  t'gatu. 


OF  THE  WAK  OF   1812. 


613 


Dgraccful  Uctreai 

o,  he  was  in- 
IVoin  it,  and 
ted  drasiiooib 
isenco  oi'tlan- 
t  three  huud- 
dc  of  llic  vil- 
a  Htill  ru<,'iiiir. 
Jieui  with  re- 
jvery  man  nl' 
stuii'^  \>y  {\\v 
id  ahnost  two 
iirhur  \)utcli(r, 
iiig-l)hu'e,  tln'j 
uliiiit  goncKil, 
it  soldier,    lit 
e  oil, hoys;  rt- 
riiUied  militia 
expired.' 


How  public  Property  wan  unved. 


Conceit  and  Inefflclency  of  Sir  George  Prevost. 


A  Sort  of  "Greek  Fire." 


ats  deciJotltk' 
eepiiiji;  tlio  lio- 
auk  and  roar, 
•s,  imniediatoly 
conuneiicoil  in 
\te  that  tlu'  la- 
idron  in  saiitv, 
,t  ten  o'eloclv  in 
the  snrreiulov 
with  deservotl 
f  his  wouiicli'il 
,hat  Ameriean^ 

squadron  cim- 

le  time  not  far 

whole  flotilli' 

th,  to  the  great 

Ion  return  witli 

L  of  Wayne's  (letacb- 
1,  ofSacketl'sHiirhw 
Inlsslng.   Mostofihe 


■ill  the  garrison  at  Sackctt's  ITarhor  and  the  puhlic  property  tlu-re.'  The  whole  af- 
fair on  the  part  of  tlie  Britisli,  was  pronouiieed  at  the  time,  and  lias  heen  hy  tlieir  own 
writers  since, "  in  a  high  degree  disgraceful."^  The  skill,  courage,  and  energy  of  (ien- 
cmI  Brown,  under  the  most  appalling  difti(uilties,  seconded  by  the  like  <iiialities  in  a 
nart  of  the  troops,  made  it  a  brilliant  aehievomeht  for  the  Americans,  and  a  subject 
for  jnst  praise  of  the  commanding  general.^ 

As  soon  as  the  battle  was  eiuled  the  efforts  of  the  men  were  turned  to  the  salva- 
tion of  the  public  property  from  the  flames.  Because  of  the  gnienness  of  the  timber 
„f  the  General  Pike  she  had  bunied  but  little,  and  was  saved.  The  JMike  of  Gloiices- 
ur  caiitured  at  York,  also  escaped  destruction.  She  was  saved  by  the  gallantry  of 
huMiteiKant  Talman,  of  the  army,  who,  notwithstanding  he  knew  then*  was  a  large 
iiuaiitity  of  gunjiowder  on  board  of  her,  hastened  to  her  deck,  extinguished  the  kind- 
liiiir  flames,  and  brought  her  from  vmder  the  fire  that  was  consuming  the  store-houses. 
'X\\i>  Imir  American  and  Pert  had  cnt  their  cables  and  retreated  up  the  Jilack  Uiv- 
or  Several  of  the  guns  on  Navy  Point  were  spiked.  The  value  of  the  property  de- 
stroyed by  the  fire  was  about  half  a  million  of  dollars.  The  loss  was  severely  felt, 
liccause  tiie  distance  from  Albany,  from  which  most  of  these  stores  w-ere  drawn,  was 
such  tlip.t  they  could  not  be  seasonably  replaced.* 

No  further  attempts  were  made  by  the  enemy  to  capture  Sackctt's  Harbor,  and  it 
remained,  as  it  had  been  from  the  beginning,  the  most  important  place  of  de|)osit  for 
the  army  and  navy  stores  of  the  Americans  on  the  Northern  frontier.     During  the 


HAUKKTt'h  IIARIIOB  I.N    tS14.'^ 


1  James's  MiUtarij  Ofrurrmcen,  I.,  17.1. 

:  Thctfoiidiat  of  Sir  Ocorjjc  Prcvost  In  this  and  nthor  occnrrcncee  where  lie  became  military  commander  was  severely 
triliclsed.  WilkliiHoii,  in  his  Mminim,  i.,  B'fn,  dccli.res  that  Sir  James  Yeo  was  av-rsc  to  the  retreat.  He  says  he  was 
iDtDrmeil  that  Major  Drnmmond  (afterward  Liculcnant  Colonel  Drummond,  kilW;d  at  Fort  Krio),  when  Sir  Cmrffe  cave 
iho  nrder  to  retn'nt,  stepped  up  to  him  mid  said,  "  Allow  me  a  few  inlnulc",  sir,  and  I  will  put  you  in  possession  of  the 
|.lifc."  To  this  the  hanRhty  haronet  replied,  "Obey  yonr  orders,  sir,  and  learn  the  first  duty  of  a  soldier."  The  oon- 
impt  for  Sir  Georijc  on  the  jinrt  of  the  army,  which  his  conduct  on  this  occasion  engenderetl,  was  mnch  intensified  by 
his  iiijlorions  retreat  from  Plattsburg  the  following  year. 

■  Tlie  nuthoritles  consulted  In  the  preparation  of  this  narrative  are  the  official  i  'port-  ..f  the  respective  commanders ; 
Uie  wveral  American  histories  of  the  war ;  Auchlnlcck,  Christie,  and  .lames  on  the  British  side ;  Wilkinson's  Memoirs : 
i.«)|ier'3  Naval  History  or  the  United  States ;  manuscript  statement  found  among  General  Brown's  papers,  and  narra- 
liiM  of  survivors. 

'  Id  a  letter  to  the  author  In  October,  18«a,  the  late  venerable  Robert  Carr,  who  was  a  lieutenant  colonel  on  the  North- 
(ra  frontier,  gave  the  following  account  of  a  sort  of"  Grjek  fire"  that  wan  exhibited  at  Sackctt's  Harbor  at  about  the 
meofthcovents  recorded  in  the  text.  "AtSacketfs  Ilarlmr,"  says  Colonel  Carr,  "In  September,  WIS,  a  person  from 
:(e«r  England  called  on  General  Brown  *o  exhibit  some  preparation  which  he  called  (iijtii'f/  /frc,  or  some  such  name. 
lienml  Cnvlniiton  called  at  my  tent  and  invited  mo  to  go  «lth  him  t<.  witness  the  trial  to  be  mndr  that  morning;  bnt 
tflwaaamemher  of  a  court-martial  then  sitting,  I  could  not  en  with  him.  On  his  return  he  informed  me  that  the  af- 
fiirwaaniost  astonishing  The  Hqnld  resembled  ink,  and  he  had  it  in  two  small  porter-bottles,  one  of  which  ho  threw 
Wlnitasmall  hemlock-tree,  which  was  Instantly  in  a  blaze  from  top  to  bottom.    The  other  bottle  ho  also  broke  against 

ii'iihvr  Iroe  w'th  a  similar  result.    He  asserted  that  water  would  not  extinguish  it.    General  Covington  remarked  that 
^imijlitberalleu  'helljire.'" 
This  view  la  from  a  print  firom  a  drawing  by  BIrcb,  pabllshcd  In  the  Port  Folio  'a  ISIO.    On  the  left  Is  scon  Pike's 


i '  m 


614 


PICTORIAL    WIELD-BOOK 


Sackett'B  Uarbur,  and  Occurrences  there. 


Description  of  Its  Derciiscs. 


Map  of  the  Some. 

summer  and  autumn  of  1813  several  expeditions  were  fitted  out  there,  which  we  shal' 
hereafter  consider,  and  labor  was  vigorously  applied  by  the  troops  stationed  there  in 
the  autumn,  and  by  the  sailors  in  the  winter,  in  strongly  fortifying  the  jtost.     Kow 


I'l.AN    or  »iOKEl  •   S   lIAItllliK   A.M>    ITS    Dtl  t.NM  ■■,   1>,   i-.J. 

Tompkins  was  strengthened,  and  several 
other  works. were  constructed,  and  Ix'foiv 
tlie  midsummer  of  1814  the  post  sceiuid 
to  be  secured  agamst  any  force  the  enemy  might  bring  to  bear  upon  it.* 

cantonment,  where  were  bnrrnckH  erected  bj'  MnJor  Darby  Noon.--  Sec  pace  2(i2.  On  the  rocky  binff  nt  the  ri};lit  is  geen 
Fort  T()mi)kiu8.  Near  Pike's  cantonment  is  seen  a  block-hon»e,  on  the  site  of  Fort  Volunteer,  and  tmmedintcly  l)aik 
of  it,  a  circular  building  with  battlementcd  toj)  represents  Fort  Chuuncey.  The  little  figures  near  the  Buiall  boat,  toward 
the  centre  of  the  picture,  are  on  Navy  Point,  where  the  ship-house  now  stands. 

•  Jopeph  Bouchette,  one  of  the  most  eminent  writers  on  the  statistics  of  the  Canadas,  gave  the  following  dcsoripiinn 
of  the  place  at  the  close  of  1S14 :  "  A  low  point  of  laud  rnns  out  from  the  northwest,  upon  which  is  tlie  dock-yard,  «iH 
largo  storc-housos  and  all  the  requisite  buildings  bcUniging  to  such  an  establiKhmeut.  Upon  this  point  is  a  verjpow. 
crful  work,  called  Fort  Tompkins,  having  within  it  a  strong  Ijlock-liouse  two  stories  high ;  on  the  laud  side  it  is  covortil 
by  a  strong  picketing,  in  which  there  arc  embrasures ;  twenty  guns  are  mounted,  besides  two  or  three  mortars, witlii 
ftirnace  for  heating  shot.  At  the  bottom  of  the  harbor  is  the  villr.ge,  that  contains  from  sixty  to  seventy  housof,  ami  to 
the  southward  of  it  a  barrack  capable  of  accommodatii.  •  two  thousand  men,  and  gcunally  used  for  the  marines  lielunp- 
iug  to  the  licet.  On  a  point  eastward  of  the  liarbor 'il.iids  Fi-.rtPikc,  a  regular  work  surrounded  by  a  ditch,  in  advance 
of  which  there  is  a  strong  line  of  picketing.  In  the  centre  of  the  principal  work  there  is  a  block-house  two  stories  lii:li. 
This  fort  is  armed  with  twenty  guns.  About  one  hundred  yards  from  the  village,  and  a  little  to  the  westward  of  Fori 
Tompkins,  is  Smith's  cantonment  or  barrack,  strongly  bnilt  of  logs,  forming  n  squa.o,  with  a  block-house  at  carli  ror- 
lier.  It  Is  loop-holed  on  every  side,  and  capable  of  rnakinir  a  powerful  resistance.  Twenty-five  hundred  men  liavp  liic: 
accommodated  in  it.  A  little"  farther  westward  another  fort  presents  itself  [Fort  Kentucky],  built  of  earth  and  stniiiLit 
palisaiied,  having  in  the  centre  of  it  a  block-house  one  story  high.  It  mounts  twenty-eight  guns.  Midway  knvon 
these  two  works  [a  little  farther  iniandl  is  a  powdc-  magazine,  inclosed  within  a  very  stong  picketing. 

"l!y  the  side  of  the  road  that  leads  to  Henderson  Harbor  stands  Fort  Virginia,  a  sipiaro  work  with  bastions  atHf 
angles,  covered  with  a  strong  line  of  palisades,  1)U',  no  ditch.  It  is  armed  with  sixteen  guns,  and  has  a  l)lock-lio».«(  is 
the  middle  of  it.  [See  sketch  on  p.lilV.]  Fort  fhauncey  is  n  small  circular  tower,  covered  with  piank,  and  IcKjp-lioki 
for  tlie  nse  of  musketry,  Intended  for  a  small-arm  defense  only.  It  is  sitnated  a  small  distance  from  the  villiij;c, aid 
commands  the  road  that  leads  to  Sandy  Creek.  In  addition  to  these  works  of  strength,  there  are  several  Ijlodi-hiis* 
In  difl'erent  situations,  that  altogether  render  the  i)lace  very  secure,  and  capable  of  resisting  a  powerful  attack ;  iiulml,  j 
ttmn  recent  events,  the  Americans  have  attached  much  importance  to  It,  ann,  with  their  accustomed  celerity,  have  spared 
no  exertions  to  render  it  formidable."— Bouchctte's  CanaJn,  page  620.  To  this  account  may  be  added  the  slaliiiiiiii 
thi.t,  after  the  battle  in  May,  lS1!t,  a  breastwork  of  logs  was  thrown  up  around  the  village  from  Ilorso  Island  to  the  «li  1 
of  Madison  Barracks. 

The  above  map,  showing  a  plan  of  Sackett's  Harbor  and  its  defenses  in  1^14,  as  dcscril)ed  by  Bouchette,  in  from  s  | 
tnanuBcript  drawing  by  Patrick  May,  a  soldier  who  was  staliouod  there  for  two  years.    The  topograi)hy  may  not  be  \ix-  i 


OF   THE    WAll    01    1812. 


615 


Map  of  the  Same. 

Iiicli  we  shall 
jned  there  in 
)  jiost.     Fort 


A  VUlt  to  Snckett's  Unrbor. 


C'omtnuduro  Tattnall. 


Illetoricul  LuculitlcH, 


Henry  Kekford. 


tV"":,,/ 
/^   ■,  r.RAMDCAnAoc 


r.CHdUNCCY 


fe-^^jj 


TB    1)KIKNH1:S  liN   llU. 

iccl,  and  several 
ictecl,au(lbuf()iv 

le  post  seeintd 

it' 


luff  at  the  rlijht  is  FPcn 
\A  immediiilely  hatk 
tlie  Binall  boat,  toward 

,;  foUowiiic  ilcsfript'aa 
J  ibthcdock-jnril.wiih 
ii«  poliil  1b  a  very  \im- 
1  laud  side  It  in  covcml 
■  three  mortars,  Willi  1 
seventy  hoUBCf,  ami  tu 
for  the  niariiics  Iwliiiii;- 
1  by  n  ditch,  in  ailvaiicc 
liinisi!  two  stories  liish. 
o  the  wcetwardoflorl 
lock-liouse  at  cacl>  f» 
luudred  men  have  Imis 
it  oV  earth  and  slron;i.t 
U118.    Midway  helwctB 
licting. 

•k  with  bastions  at  Ik' 
id  has  a  lilock-lirai'o  it 
J  piank,  and  l"»l)-li"''i 
;e  from  the  villn.;' . 
re  BGVcral  l)lotli-li' »■ 
iwcrful  attack;  iiuK'l, 
led  celerity,  have  fiawi 
le  added  the  ftalcmriii  j 
lorfio  Island  to  liw'  «k  | 

r  Bnnchette,  1«  fn™  >  j 
tgrnpliy  may  not  \k  ]i:(-  ' 


I  visited  Sackett'8  Harbor  in  the  summer  of  1800.  I  roiln  up  from  Sandy  Creek 
diirin"  a  sultry  moniinjjf,  tlirough  the  wealthy  agrieultural  tinvns  of  Eilishiirg  and 
lltiiderson,  after  a  heavy  rain.  Before  noon  the  sky  was  almost  cloudless,  and  I 
spoilt  the  afternoon  in  visiting  places  of  interest  around  Sackett's  Harbor.  Coinino- 
(loreJosiah  Tattnall,  one  of  the  most  accomplished  men  in  the  navy,  and  then  in  com- 
mand of  the  naval  station  at  the  Harbor,  accompanied  me.  I  found  him  an  cxceed- 
iii'ly  courteous  man,  of  medium  size  in  stature,  and  in  tlie  sixty-fourth  year  of  his 
jiirc.  He  had  been  commander  of  the  East  India  stpiadron  for  some  time,  having  the 
i'oichatati  for  his  Hag-shij),  in  which  he  brouglit  over  the  seas  tlic  Japanese  embassa- 
ilors  in  the  spring  of  18G0.  Having  be(;n  for  several  years  in  arduous  service,  the 
('overnnient  had  kindly  orJ'ored  him  to  the  Sackett's  Harbor  station  to  enjoy  a  season 
lit"  rest.  There  he  deserted  the  flag  of  his  country,  under  which  he  had  been  cherished 
for  almost  half  a  century.  He  rec;igned  his  commissic/ii,  joined  the  traitors  in  the 
>lave-labor  states  Avho  were  then  in  open  rebellion  against  his  government,  and  be- 
came commander-in-chief  of  the  "  Confederate  Navy."' 

Yet  I  can  not  forget  the  commodore's  kindness.  He  accompanied  mc  to  the  ship- 
lioiise  on  Navy  Point,  in  which  is  the  JVeio  Orleans,  juiit  as  she  was  left  in  her  untin- 
islicd  state  at  the  end  of  the  war  in  1815,  He  also  went  with  mc  to  the  site  of  Fort 
Pike,  to  Madison  Barracks  and  the  burial-ground,  and  to  visit  the  Avidow  of  Ca|)tain 
William  Vaughan,  whose  exploits  have  alrt  ady  been  mentioned  in  these  pages.^  Mm. 
Vaiiglian  (a  small,  delicate  woman)  occupied  the  Sackett  mansion,  which  was  her  resi- 
dence in  1 81 2.  At  the  time  now  under  consideration,  Colonels  JJuckus  and  Mills  l)oard- 
(•(1  with  her  there.  The  house  was  near  the  site  of  Fort  Tomi)kins.  It  was  a  substan- 
tial lianio  building,  with  a  fine  portico,  and  was  embowered  in  shrubbery  and  trees. 

The  JV^eio  Orleans  was  to  have  been  a  huge  vessel,  made  to  cope  with  the  iSt.Zaw- 
rcnce,a,  three-det'k  man-of-war  of  120  guns,  which  the  British  launched  at  Kingston 
in  the  autumn  of  1 813.  Henry  Eckford^  Avas  the  constructor,  and  Henry  Eagle,  late 
uf  Oswego,  Avas  foreman  of  the  navy  yard.    Time  was  precious,  and  Eckford  applied 


cisoly  correct,  bnt  it  gives  n  general  idea  of  the  pains  taken,  and  the  method  adopted  for  making  the  post  as  secure  from 
capture  as  possible.    It  Hhows  the  localities  of  the  forllHcations,  and  of  the  vessels  In  the  harbor  in  the  nutumn  of  IS  14. 

1  .losinh  Tattnall  was  liorn  at  Hcniaveuture,  four  miles  from  Suvanunh,  (leorgln,  in  November,  ITflB.  lie  is  a  grandson 
111 Clovernor  Tattnall,  lie  entered  the  navy  as  a  midshipn  n  in  1S12,  and  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  in  HIS.  lie 
wan  promoted  to  commander  in  February,  lS;ts,  and  to  cap;  i  in  February,  ]K60.  lie  tirst  served  In  tlie  frigate  CuniiM- 
li/ii>ii,and  was  in  the  afl'air  al  Craney  Island  in  June,  1813.  He  was  in  tlie  Alpirii  i  war  under  Decatur,  was  with  Perry 
niithccoaPt  of  Africa,  and  wiili  Porter  in  his  expedition  nemnst  the  pirates  In  i  im  (inlf  of  Mexico.  He  was  in  command 
iiftlie  Spitfire  in  the  bombardment  of  Vera  Cm/  ^  'he  war  with  Mexico,  and  in  the  attacks  on  Tuspan,  Tampico,  and 
.Mariidi).    lie  was  In  command  of  the  Knst  In('  uulwu  during  the  trunblo  with  the  Chinese  in  the  minmcr  of  18,W, 

andin  the  spring  of  ISfiO  brought  the  Japanese  Hudois  to  thU  count  ly.    lie  resigned  his  eomml^r    .  in  ISfll,  and 

acfcptcd  one  from  the  "government"  of  the  so-calleil  Confei!  latoRtat^  of  America."  Hewa-  in  ■  mni  indofthe  ves- 
rtlsofllie  rebels  nt  Norfolk  when  the  Merrimack  wa  desti  ^vfd, ni'd  in  l»«i:(  was  In  command  of  "niusqnito  fleet" 
at  Savannah,  (Jeorgia.    His  services  were  soon  afterward  dispensed      th,  and  lie  sunk  Inin  '■hseuril.v.       =  See  pagctftS. 

:  Ilcnry  Eckford  was  born  in  Scotland  on  the  12th  of  March,  U.:>,  iiud  at  the  ago  of  lixi.  >  ii  became  an  apprentice  to 
liis  uncle,  John  Hlack,  an  eminent  naval 
cinistnictor  at  Quebec.    In  1700  be  com- 
menced the  business  of  Bhi|>-bnllding  in 

tlie  city  of  New  York,  and  soon  rose  to  /y^ /      j^  L^^       /'  -'"N 

liiclicadofhisprofession,  and  New  York-  .^'^  / ^^^^^''7'TL--/  /^"y-     ..r^^ y  J 

liailt  (hips  were  most  sought  after.   Eck-        ^       ^"^  ^       X^,       ^'^'^■-^A^^     <C-(^    ^/^ 

fird  liiid  become  thoroughly  Identilled 
iviih  the  interests  and  destiny  of  his 
iiiopted  country  when  the  war  coni- 
mi'iiceil  in  I^l'i,  and  he  made  large  con- 
iracK  with  the  govcninieiit  for  vessels  on  the  Lakes.  His  achievements  were  wonderful,  cr"  lering  (he  theatre  mi 
"hich  they  were  performed.    At  the  close  of  the  war,  his  accounts  with  the  government,  lnv  ;  several  millions  of 

iliiliars,  were  promptly  and  hon<iral)ly  settled.  Soon  after  that  he  constructed  the  IhiWn  r  ,  ,i  steam-ship  of  a  tliou- 
■iiiii  tons,  to  run  between  New  York  and  New  Orleans,    lie  became  naval  constnictfji  Brooklyn  dock-yard  of  the 

.ivemment.  His  genius  was  too  much  hampered  by  government  Interference,  and  be  -non  left  the  position  and  eii- 
sa.td  extensively  In  his  jirofession.  Orders  came  to  him  from  foreign  governments  to  ccmstruct  war  vessels.  At  the 
wiuest  of  (Jcncral  Jackson  he  furnished  a  plan  for  a  new  organlzalion  of  tlie  navy.  He  had  now  amassed  an  ample 
firtnnc,  and  had  set  aside  $'.'0,000  for  the  endowment  of  a  iirofessorshlp  of  Naval  Architecture  in  Columbia  College, 
whou  an  mifortunatc  c<mnectioii  witli  an  insurance  company  reduced  liim  almost  to  penury.    In  IVil  Mr.  Kekford  built 

loop  of  war  for  the  Sultan  of  Turkey,  and  he  sailed  in  her  to  Cimstantinople.  The  sultan  made  him  chief  naval  con- 
Hractor  of  the  empire.  He  died  euddculy  at  Constantinople  on  the  I'Jth  of  November,  1S3.',  lu  the  llf.y-^cveuth  year 
ol  Ills  age, 


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016 


PICTOIUAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  AVi»  (trltan*  Krlunlc. 


Madison  Barracks. 


A  neglected  Mi)nmncni. 


to  the  work  ull  the  force  that  ho  coultl  commaiul.  So  vigorous  were  liig  efforts,  ilmt 
■  Jmiimry  iind  Within  twcMity-sevt'ii  (hiys''  from  the  time  wlien  tiie  axe  waH  first  laid  to 
February,  isiB.  jj^j  timber  ill  the  Kurioiuulinii;  fore«t  for  the  great  uliip  slie  was  ahiidst 
ready  to  be  huiiicheil.    Hlie  was  to  have  been  a  tliree-deeker,  jiierced  for  1 10  guns  Imu 

cajiable  of  carrying  120  eighlrcus  aiiil 
forty  -  fours.  Her  frame  was  all  com. 
pleted,  and  planks  nearly  all  on,  win,, 
tidings  of  jx-aee  caused  work  ujion  lur 
to  cease.  In  the  condition  in  wliich  sin. 
was  then  letl  she  has  ever  sinro  re 
iiiained.  She  was  never  laiiiulicd.  ,\ 
sj)acious  liouse  was  built  over  her,  ami 
so  well  has  she  been  taken  care  of  tbt 
her  timbers  remain  perfectly  suiiiiil. 
Her  keel,  according  to  a  slateinciit  nt 
Mr.  Henry  Metcalf,  tlic  shiivkeeficr,  is 
IH.'t  feet  7i  inches;  breadth  of  licani, 
5(i  feet;  depth, 47  feet ;  length  overall, 
214  feet;  tonnage,  3000.  She  was  tu 
draw  27  feet.  Within  the  time  abov,. 
mentioned  all  the  timbers  for  other  pur- 
poses coiiii'ctcd  with  the  vessel  miiv 
got  out.  J  he  annexed  sketch  shows  ihc 
apjiearance  of  her  bow  as  seen  at  the  entrance  to  the  ship-house.  Near  this  buiidiii!;, 
on  the  south  side,  may  be  seen  the  sunken  hulk  oi  the  Jtfi'ersov. 

From  the  Xeir  Orleans  we  went  up  to  MdJison  Barracks,  on  the  high  ground  over- 
looking the  village,  the  harbor,  Hlaek  liiver  Bay,  and  the  wooded  country  beyoml. 
These  barracks  are  spacious  stone  buildings,  covering  three  sides  of  a  square,  ncur  the 
remains  of  Fort  Pike.  Tlu  y  were  erected  soon  after  the  war,  under  the  direction  ul 
Deputy  Quarter-master  (ieneral  Thomas  Tucker,  at  an  expense  of  $85,000.  Tluv 
have  not  been  occiijiied  by  troojis  for  a  number  of  years. 

AVe  strolled  into  the  burial-ground  attached  to  the  barracks,  and  visited  tlie  woodni 
monument  erected  to  the  memory  of  (Jeieial  Pike  and  others  who  gave  their  lives  to 
their  country  during  tlie  war.  That  monu- 
ment, utterly  neglected,  was  rajiidly  •rumb- 
ling into  dust.  I  was  there  iive  years  be- 
'Juiy,  fore,''  when  it  was  more  leaniag  than 
tlie  Pisa  tower,  and  fortunately  made  a 


ISfiS. 


sketch  of  it  and  copied  the  fading  ii  scrii)tions 
upon  it.  Sergeant  Gaines,  who  wa.*  then  tak- 
ing charge  of  the  barracks,  accompMiied  me, 
and  assisted  in  deciphering  the  insfiptions. 
He  liad  placed  a  copy  of  them,  writion  on 
parchment,  in  a  bottle,  which  was  tightly 
scaled,  and  was  then  hanging  under  the  uin, 
as  tlie  best  way  to  j^reserve  the  precious  rec- 
ords on  the  spot.  When  I  was  there  in  1860 
the  urn  and  the  bottle  had  disappeared,  the 
jianels  were  niucli  decayed,  and  the  inscrip- 
tions were  illegible.  The  remains  of  the  gal- 
lant dead  were  collected  there  during  the  ad- 
niinstration  of  Colonel  Hugh  Brady,  who  commanded  the  post  for  ten  years  after  tlio 
war;  and  the  monument,  w'  ch  was  about  eeven  feet  iu  height  to  the  top  of  the  nrn, 


I'lKK  H  UUNUMKMT. 


OP   THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


617 


5^^^^^^^ 


glected  MoDumcoi. 


i«on»  Pike  and  Virginia. 


Au  evening  Ride  to  Watertown. 


A  Vlalt  to  the  Widow  of  (lenerul  Brown. 


ff 


BEHAIMB  Or^OUT  PLKK. 


as  erected  by  tlie  officers  of  tlio  garri- 
son.' 1'^*^^  '*'"n  ^^''"  ""'"  "iitionivl  gov- 
ifiimfiit  sufVer  just  roproiich  for  neglect 
in  not  erecting  enduring  monuments  over 
llie  uraves  of  thcHo  lierooH  ? 

oil  leaving  the  barracks  wo  wont  out  to     A_ 
the  roniains  of  Fort  Pike,  Houtli  of  them,    L ,,  "*■ 
whose  grassy  mounds  skirt  the  brow  of  li^ai' 
the  lii'-f'i  hank.    Within  these  were  a  mag-  p|^^. 
azine  a  i\'sv  cannon,  and  lieaps  of  balls; 
;intl  across  the  parade,  the  deelining  sun, 
sliiniiig  brightly,  was  casting  long  sliad- 
ows  of  the  poitlar-trees  whieh  were  i)lant- 
0(1  there  when  the  fort  was  built  in  1814. 
It  was  a  beautiful  spot,  and  we  lingered 
119  long  as  time  Avoidd  ])ermit,  when  we 
returned  to  the  village  and  went  to  the 
site  of  Fort  Virginia,  whose  block-honse, 

made  of  heavy  hewn  timber,  was  yet  stand- 
ing in  perfect  preservation,  and  used  iis  a 
barn.  It  was  on  the  premises  of  Mrs.  Tisdale, 
about  twelve  rods  south  from  Washington 
Street. 

We  returned  to  the  commodore's  residence 
at  five  o'clock,  and  after  tea  I  started  in  a 
light  wagon  for  Watertown,  on  the  IMack 
River,  about  twelve  miles  distant,  where  I 
spent  the  Sabbath"  with  the  fam-  •An-jiista?, 
ily  of  an  old  friend.  On  Monday  ***"''• 
morning  he  accomiianied  mo  to  Brownsville, 
four  miles  distant,  where  I  had  the  jileasure 
ui.<i<'K-iii>i»E,  HAiKKTi'H  HAiimiu.  of  sjieiiding  a  p.'irt  of  the  forenoon  at  the  ele- 

U.int  mansion  of  the  widow  of  General  Hrown.  There  many  mementos  of  that  gal- 
lant officer  wore  j)resorved.  Among  them  was  the' portrait  painted  by  John  Wesley 
.larvis, from  which  the  engraving  on  ])age  008  was  copied;  also  a  monochrome  drawn 
by  Sully,  of  Philadelphia  (now  [1867]  the  oldest  painter  in  the  United  States),  for  the 
medal  voted  to  General  Brown  by  the  American  Congress  for  his  meritorious  con- 
duct on  the  Niagara  frontier.  That  medal  was  also  there.  There  too  was  his  sword ; 
also  the  elegantly  written  and  well  ornamented  diploma  Avhich  by  vote  of  the  Com- 
mon Council  of  New  York  conferred  njion  him  the  "freedom  of  the  city,"  and  the 
2old  box  in  which  it  was  presented  to  him.  Of  the  latter  mementos  of  the  gallant 
soldier  I  shall  have  occasion  to  write  hereafter. 

The  mansion  of  General  Brown,  which  he  built  in  1814-'1.5,i8  spacious  and  elegant. 
It  is  of  blue  limestone,  and  stands  on  the  borders  of  the  village  of  six  or  seven  hund- 
it'd  inhabitants,  in  the  midst  of  a  lawn  of  about  eight  acres,  ornamented  with  shrub- 

'  The  following  were  the  Inscriptions  on  the  montiniont: 

ll'«(  /Vint/.-"  In  memory  of  Hrigndler  Gcnernl  Z.  Af .  Pike,  killed  at  York,  IT.  c,  2Tth  April,  1818.  Captain  Joseph 
Nicliolsoii,  14th  Infantry,  iiirt-de-cnmp  to  General  Pike,  killed  at  York,  U.  C,  27th  April,  isia." 

Smth  IMnel.—"  In  memory  of  Brigadier  Oenernl  L.  Covinijtoii,  killed  at  Chryfiler'g  Field,  U.  C,  Nov.  11, 1813.  Lleu- 
:oiiaiil  Colonel  E.  Hackns,  lf>t  nragoons,  killed  at  SacV-'tt's  Harbor,  "nth  May,  1S13." 

Katl  AiiiW.— "  In  memory  of  Colonel  Tuttle,  Lientennnt  Colonel  T)lx,  Major  iTohnson,  Llentenant  Vandeventer."' 

''Mlh  I'anfl.—"lu  memory  of  r.ieiitenant  Colonel  .Tohn  Mills,  Volunteer,  killed  at  Sackett'fl  Harbor,  20th  May,  1818. 
Captain  A.  Spencer,  29th  Infantry,  killed  at  I.nndy's  Lane,  2mh  .I.ily,  ISU." 

Ocncrnl  Pike  was  first  bnried  near  Fort  Tompkins,  not  far  from  the  ship-honse.  The  remains  of  all  were  deposited 
in  the  rcmotcry  of  the  barracks  lu  ISIO,  when  the  monnraent  was  erected.  Those  of  Colonel  Mills  were  token  to  Albany 
Immediately  after  the  battle. 


!l 


ill 


^Iffi: 


iJiJII 


ii 


618 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Ueueral  Browu'ii  I{e!<Ulciicc  In  lirownvville. 


Return  to  Watcrtown. 


The  Whitllewy  Rock. 


bery  and  stately  trees.     The  view  of  it  here  given  is  from  tlie  banks  of  a  little  stream 
that  runs  through  a  gentle  SNtale  along  the  skirt  of  the  lawn. 


MAiNtllUM    Ol'   libKKlSAl,  BliOWN. 


On  our  return  to  Watcrtown  avc  rode  along  the  margin  of  the  Black  River,  where 
it  sweeps  in  swift  current  through  the  village  after  leaping  the  precipice  at  the  fall , 
and  halted  at  the  entrance  to  a  cavern  which  extends  to  an  unknown  distance  ximh 

the  town.  In  front  of  it,  projectint! 
into  the  stream  like  a  huge  buttress, 
is  a  mass  of  limestone  known  as  tlio 
Wliittlesey  Rock,  it  being  the  place 
where  the  guilty  wife  of  a  man  (if 
that  name  jumped  into  the  stream 
and  perished  over  fifty  years  ago. 
Her  liusband  Avas  a  lawyer  from 
Connecticut,  and  settled  in  Water- 
town  in  1809.  Toward  the  close  of 
the  Avar  he  v.-as  appointed  brigadi 
paymaster,  and  in  the  performaiiee 
of  his  duties  Avcnt  to  the  city  of  New 
York  for  funds,  accompaiiicil  by  lii'- 
wife.  He  received  thirty  tlioiisaml 
(hdlars.  On  the  Avay  back  she  ro1> 
bed  him  of  several  thousaTid  dollars; 
W1IITTLE8KV  BOCK,  wATKBTowN.  rj^j  Jig  -^y^s  iuduccd  by  tlio  inacliiiiii- 

tious  of  his  Avife — a  Avoman  of  education,  but  thorouglily  dejjraved,  who  AA-orked  ujwn 
liis  fears — to  report  himself  robbed  of  all,  in  order  to  secure  the  money  for  tliem 
selves.  This  was  done  on  an  occasion  Avhen  he  Avent  out  on  a  tour  to  pay  off  the 
drafted  militia.    He  oftered  two  thousand  dollars  reward  for  the  robber,  and  made 


OF  THE  WAK  OF   1812. 


610 


A  Conresaion  extorted.         Suicide  of  the  gnllty  Party.        Captaiu  Uollina.         Hovoments  uu  the  Niagara  Froutier, 

other  demonstrations  of  honesty.  But  ho  was  not  believed  by  many ;  and  his  securi- 
ties Fairbanks  and  Keyos,  of  Watertown,  were  so  well  convinced  of  foul  play,  that 
they  decoyed  him  into  a  lonely  place*  not  far  from  the  village,  and  extorted  -July it, 
from  him  a  confession,  and  the  assertion  that  a  larger  portion  of  the  money  ***'"■ 
mifht  be  found  with  his  wife.  One  of  the  sureties  and  two  or  three  others  proceed- 
ed to  the  residence  of  Whittlesey,  which  stood  near  the  bank  of  the  river,  forcibly 
entered  the  house,  and  there,  between  beds  and  quilted  in  a  garment,  most  of  the 
money  was  found.  Whittlesey  was  taken  to  his  home,  and  husband  and  wife,  bitter- 
ly criminating  each  other,  were  placed  under  a  guard.  Unperceived  by  these,  in  a 
moment  of  confusion  IMrs.  Whittlesey  glided  from  the  house,  crossed  the  present  cem- 
etery of  Trinity  Church  to  the  river,  and  plunged  in.  Her  body  was  found  floating 
near  tlic  lower  bridge.  Public  opinion  fastened  all  the  guilt  upon  the  wretched  wife, 
Wliittlesey  went  into  a  Western  state,  where  he  led  a  correct  life,  and  held  the  offices 
of  justice  of  the  peace  and  county  judge.  Mr.  Fairbanks,  one  of  the  actore  in  the  af- 
fair is  yet  (1867)  living  at  Watertown,  and  from  his  lips,  on  our  return  to  the  village, 
I  received  an  account  of  the  tragedy. > 

At  the  Woodruff  House,  in  Watertown,  I  met  Captain  HoUins,  of  the  navy,  a  stout, 
thick-set  man,  sixty-one  years  of  age.  He  was  a  midshipman  in  our  navy  toward  the 
close  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  in  the  course  of  long  years  rose  to  the  rank  of  captain. 
He  too,  deserted  his  flag  in  the  hour  of  his  country's  peril,  went  South,  and,  during 
the  Great  Rebellion,  played  traitor  with  all  the  vigor  his  abilities  would  allow.^  His 
accomplished  wife,  who  was  with  him  in  Watertown,  was  a  daughter  of  the  pa- 
triotic Colonel  Sterett,  of  Baltimore,  and,  true  to  her  family  instincts,  tried,  it  is 
said,  to  persuade  her  husband  to  stand  by  his  flag.  She  was  in  Poughkeepsie, 
New  York,  when  he  arrived  at  Boston  from  a  cruise  in  the  Massachusetts  in  IMay  or 
June,  1861,  and  hastened  to  him  to  prevent  his  apprehended  purpose.  She  failed, 
and  he  fell. 

I  left  Watertown  on  Monday  evening  for  Cape  Vincent,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting 
places  of  historic  interest  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  Concerning  my  visit  to  Carleton  Isl- 
and, French  Creek,  and  other  places  near  the  Thousand  Islands,  I  shall  hereafter  write. 
Let  iis  now  return  to  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  consider  the  hostile  movements  there 
soon  after  the  battles  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  Fort  George,  and  Stony  Creek. 

We  left  the  Americans,  under  General  Dearborn,  at  Foit  George,  and  the  enemy's 
advance,  at  the  same  time,  occupied  a  strong  position  at  the  Beaver  Dams,  among  the 
hills,  and  at  Ten-mile  Creek  (now  Homer  village,  three  miles  eastward  of  St.  Catha- 
rine's), nearer  the  lake  shore.  At  the  former  place,  De  Cou's  house,  a  strong  stone 
huilding,  was  made  a  sort  of  citadel  by  the  enemy,  where  supplies  were  collected 
from  the  surrounding  country,  especially  from  those  of  the  inhabitants  who  favored 
the  American  cause.  The  character  and  position  of  the  place  had  been  ascertained 
by  a  scout  of  mounted  riflemen  under  Major  Cyrcnius  Chapin,  of  the  New  York  Vol- 
unteers, who  was  under  Tov»'son  in  the  capture  of  the  Caledonia  at  Fort  Erie  the 
preceding  autumn.^  It  was  an  important  post,  and  General  Dearborn  determined  to 
Attempt  its  capture.  For  that  purpose  he  detached  five  hundred  and  seventy  men,  in- 
eluding  Chapin's  corps,  some  artillerymen,  and  two  field-pieces,  under  Lieutenant  Col- 
; • , . 

1  A  mlnnte  ncconnt  of  this  affair,  with  a  portrait  of  Mr.  Fairbanks,  may  be  found  in  Hough's  Histanj  qf  Jefferson 
''ountji,  page  203. 

i  Gcoijc  N.  Hollins  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  on  the  20th  of  September,  ITOW.  lie  entered  the  navy  a8  mid- 
fhlpmnn  in  Fcbrnary,  1S14,  on  the  sloop-of-wur  ISnlh'mnre,  Captain  Rldjiely.  He  was  a  volunteer,  under  Barney,  in  the 
battle  ofllladcnsburg.  He  was  also  an  aid  of  Commodore  Rodgcrs  during  the  attack  on  Baltimore,  and  carried  mes- 
sages to  Fort  M'llenry.  Up  was  in  the  battle  between  the  Prem'dent  and  Enitirmwn,  off  Sandy  Hook,  in  January,  ISIB, 
nhen  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  carried  to  Bermuda.  He  is  supposed  to  be  the  last  survivor  of  the  men  of  the  Prm- 
itnl.  lie  was  with  Decatur  in  the  Mediterranean.  His  exploit  in  the  attack  on  Grcytown,  Nicaragua,  is  fresh  in  mem- 
ory, »nd  not  productive  of  pleasant  reflections  on  the  part  of  American  citizens.  Hollins  scorns  not  to  have  been  highly 
prized  by  the  leaders  in  the  Rebellion,  and  is  almost  unknown  to  honorable  fame  among  them. 

'  See  pat,o  380.  He  was  very  efflclcnt  as  lieutenant  colonel  commanding  in  skirmishes  near  Fort  George  in  October 
following.   He  died  in  Buffalo  in  February,  1838. 


■I     * 


620 


riCTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Expedition  against  the  British  at  the  Beaver  I)am«. 


Enconnter  with  Indians. 


An  old  Ocrmnn  Chnrcb, 


<:J^ 


onel  Charles  G.  Bo-rst. 


^e^'t-^--'2>^l-^'''^f—^  Infantry.'     Tluy  !,,(■, 

Fort  CJooi-rrc!  oil  the 
evening  of  the  2.'!(l  of  June,  marched  up  the  Niagara  River  to  Queenstoii,  niid  tlan 
lialted  for  the  night.  Early  the  next  morning  they  proceeded  toward  St.  Da\  idV 
ibur  miles  west  of  Queenston,  and  Avhen  near  it  several  British  ofticers  were  koch  to 
leave  houses,  mount  their  horses,  and  ride  off  westward  in  haste.  They  fiied  alann 
guns  and  sounded  a  bugle,  by  which  means  the  several  cantonments  of  the  eiieim 
were  aroused. 

The  Americans  moved  steadily  forward  until  they  reached  the  "  Ten  Road,"  a  lit- 
tle eastward  of  the  present  village  of 
Thorold,  and  at  an  old  German  church^ 
commenced  the  ascent  of  the  "  Mountain" 
(as  the  Canadians  call  the  gentle  emi- 
nences that  extend  from  the  Niagara  to 
Hamilton  and  beyond),  through  a  forest 
of  pine  and  beech  trees,  to  the  more  level 
country  on  the  summit,  where  they  halted 
for  some  time.  On  resuming  their  march 
and  proceeding  about  a  mile,  they  saw  In- 
dians in  a  cleared  field  (Hoover's)  and 
open  woods  running  toward  a  more  dense 
forest  of  beech-trees  that  skirted  each  side 
of  the  read,  near  the  p-esent  toll-gate,  close 
by  the  residence  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  R.  II.  Ful- 
ler, rural  dean.  Cliapin  was  immediate- 
ly ordered  forward  with  his  mounted  men, 
Avho  Avere  kept  considerably  in  advance  of 
the  main  body.  These  had  passed  the  beech  woods,  and  a  greater  portion  of  tlio  otli- 
ers  had  also  gone  by,  when  a  body  of  MohaAvk  and  CaughnaAvaga  Indians,  four  Imnd- 
red  and  fifty  in  number,  under  Captain  John  Brant  and  Captain  William  John  Kerr- 
(Avho  afterward  became  his  brother-in-law),  AA'ho  had  been  lying  in  ambush,  foil  upon 
BtErstler's  rear,  Avhere  about  tAventy  light  dragoons  were  posted.  Bocrstler  imme- 
diately recalled  Chapin,  formed  his  troops,  charged  upon  the  half-concealed  foo,  and 
drove  them  almost  a  mile.  The  Indians  might  have  been  entirely  routed  had  B(crst- 
ler  followed  up  the  advantage  gained.  He  hesitated.  The  Indians  rallied,  and  hung 
upon  his  flank  and  rear,  keeping  up  a  most  galling  fire  at  every  exposed  situation. 
The  Americans  pressed  onAvard,  over  the  Beaver  Dam  Creek,  fighting  the  wily  foe  to 
immense  disadvantage,  and  made  conscious  that  they  were  almost,  if  not  altogether 
surrounded  by  them.  For  about  three  hours  this  annoying  contest  Avas  kept  up. 
Boerstler's  cannon  liad  been  posted  on  a  rise  of  ground  at  the  turn  in  the  road  near 
the  residence  of  Mr.  Schriner  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  the  Indians  fell  slowly 
back  before  the  American  bayonets. 

At  Icngtii  Bccrstler  defennined  to  retire  and  abandon  the  object  of  the  expedition. 

'  Charles  Q.  Boerstler  was  n  native  of  Maryland,  and  was  commissioned  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  Fonrtecnth  lufaiilr; 
In  March,  1812.  Ho  was  active,  as  wc  have  seen  (page  428),  In  affairs  at  Black  Rock  toward  the  close  of  that  je.ir. 
Three  days  hefore  his  unfortunate  expedition  to  the  Beaver  Dams  he  was  promoted  to  colonel  of  the  Fourteenth.  Ai 
the  close  of  the  war  he  was  disbanded. 

»  This  is  a  view  of  the  oldest  building  erected  for  the  worship  of  God  In  that  section  of  Canada  remaining  »1  tlit 
time  of  my  visit.  It  was  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  vlllogs  of  Thorold.  The  German  refugees  from  lh( 
Mohawk  Valley  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution  built  it.  It  was  formed  of  logs,  and  was  abont  twenty-five  feet  sonare. 
It  stood  In  the  midst  of  a  bnrlal-gronnd. 

'  Captain  Kerr  was  a  (rrandson  of  Sir  Wlllinra  Johnson,  b.,  Molly  Brant,  sister  of  the  great  Mohawk  chief,  ond  \rt! 
one  qnartcr  Mohawk.    He  married  Elizabeth,  the  beantifDl  and  accomplished  youngest  child  of  Brant. 


GKBMAN    CUUBCH. 


Wk^ 


11 


ii!l  ,>: 


OF  THE  WAU   OF    18  12, 


921 


Id  Ocrmnn  Charch. 

rlcs  (i.  HciTM- 
Kourtcciitli 
'  Tlu^y  l,.f, 
orgo  on  the 
stoii,  and  then 
i-(l  St.  David's, 
i  were  Kt'i'ii  tn 
oy  tiivd  alarm 
of  tlie  oueiiiv 

n  Road,"  a  lit- 


ion  of  tlio  otli- 
ians,  four  luind- 
lam  Jolui  Kerr 
nbush,  fell  upon 
Boerstler  immc- 
nccalcd  foe,  ami 
ited  had  B(crst- 
lied,  and  imng 
loscd  situation. 
the  wily  foe  to 
not  altogether 
t  was  kept  \\\). 
a  the  road  near 
ans  fell  slowly 

tlie  expedition. 


B  ronrtccnth  lufaiiiry 
le  close  of  that  year. 
f  the  Fourteenth.  .M 

nclB  remaining  at  ikf 
an  refui!ec8  from  Ihi 
■enty-five  feet  snuiire. 

ihnwk  chief,  and  \w 
tront. 


Rritlib  Troopi  Mved  by  a  Uerolne.         Hni.  Secord's  Services  and  Reward.         Bontler  and  bis  Command  captnred. 

W'hile  moving  off  he  encountered  a  (unall  body  of  militia,  under  Lieutenant  Cohmel 
Thomas  Clark,  in  tlie  IJeech  Woods.  They  had  hastened  to  tlie  field  from  all  (iiiarters. 
Iterstler  lialted,  and  sent  a  courier  to  Dearborn  for  re-enforcements.  Very  Boon  after- 
ward Lieutenant  James  Fitzgibbon, 
,vho  was  in  coinniand  at  De  (Jou's, 
iippeared  with  forty  or  fifty  men  of 
ihe  IJritish  Forty -ninth,'  lie  had 
lieeii  warned  of  tlic  expedition  of 
Birrstler,  and  the  danger  to  his  post 
iind  coinniand,  by  Mrs.  Laura  Hecord, 
then  a  resident  of  Queenston,  and 
now  (1S07)  dwelling  at  Chi})pcwa, 
who  liud  been  privately  informed  of 
the  plans  of  General  Dearborn,  Ke- 
solviiig  to  reveal  them  to  her  endan- 
(rercd  friends,  she  made  a  circuit  of 
nineteen  miles  on  foot,  and  gave  tlie 
int'ormation  which  led  to  the  Indian 
anibush  and  the  check  of  IJaTstler's 
maich.^  Fitzgibbon  displayed  his 
men,  and,  perceiving  much  confusion 
in  the  American  ranks,  conceived  the 
plan  of  boldly  demanding  their  sur- 
render in  the  name  of  Major  De  Ha- 
ven, the  commandant  of  the  district.  Fitz- 
;!il)bon  himself  approached  with  a  flag. 
He  falsely  assured  Ba'rstler  that  his  ])arty 
was  the  advance  of  fifteen  hundred  Jiritisli 
troops  and  seven  hundred  Indians,  then  approaching  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bissh- 

>  A  blacksmith  in  Smoky  Uollow,  two  miles  north  from  St.  Catharine's,  named  Yocum,  piloted  Fitzgibbon  from  De 
Cou's  to  the  Beaver  Dams. 

I  Mrs.  Secord  was  then,  as  now,  n  woman  of  light  and  delicate  frame,  and  her  patriotic  jonrney  was  performed  on  a 
very  hot  enmnier's  day.  She  is  now  (1807)  living  at  the  Canadian  village  of  Chippewa,  on  the  Niagara  River,  at  the  age 
of  ninety-two  years,  her  mental  faculties  in  full  play,  and  her  eyesight  sufficiently  retained  to  see  to  read  without  spcc- 
uclei.  She  is  the  widow  of  James  Secord,  Esq.,  who  commanded  a  company  of  militia  in  the  battle  at  (Jneenston  In 
ni2,an(l  was  severely  wounded  there.  In  a  letter  to  me,  written  on  the  18th  of  February,  ISOl,  Mrs.  Secord  has  given 
i!ic  fiillowlni,'  interesting  acconnt  of  her  exploit  here  mentioned :  "  After  going  to  St.  David's,  and  the  recovery  of  Mr. 
Sicord,  we  returned  again  to  Queenston,  where  my  courage  again  was  much  tried.  It  was  then  I  gained  the  secret  |)lan 
:.iid  to  capture  Captain  Fitzgibbon  and  his  party.    I  was  determined.  If  possible,  to  save  them.    I  had  much  difflcutly  in 

.'itini;  through  the  American  guards.  They  were  ten  miles  out  in  the  country.  When  I  came  to  a  field  belonging  to 
.  Mr.  De  Cou,'in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Beaver  Dams,  I  then  had  walked  nineteen  miles.  By  that  time  daylight  had 
i-fi  me.  I  yet  had  a  swift  stream  of  water  to  cross  over  an  old  fallen  tree  (Twelve-mile  Creek),  and  to  climb  a  high  hill, 
which  fatigued  me  very  ranch. 

"Before  I  arrived  at  the  encampment  of  the  Indians,  as  I  approached  they  all  arose  with  one  of  their  war-yells,  which 
iiiiieed  awed  me.  You  may  imagine  what  my  feelings  were  to  behold  so  many  savages.  With  forced  courage  I  went 
Done  of  the  chlef:^,  told  him  I  had  great  news  for  his  commander,  and  that  he  must  take  me  to  him,  or  they  would  be 
.11  loet.  He  did  not  understand  me,  but  said, '  Woman  1  what  does  woman  want  here  V  The  scene  by  moonlight  to  some 
:;iijhthave  been  grand,  but  to  a  weak  woman  certainly  terrifying.    With  difflcnity  I  got  one  of  the  chiefs  to  go  with  me 

'  Ihdr  commander.    With  the  Intelligence  I  gave  him  he  formed  his  plans  and  saved  his  country.    I  have  ever  found 

iif  brave  and  noble  Colonel  Fitzgibbon  a  friend  to  me ;  may  he  prosper  in  the  world  to  come  as  he  has  done  in  this. 

"Laoba  Seooud. 

"Chippewa,  U.  C,  February  18, 1801." 

Lieutenant  Fitzgibbon  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  in  the  British  army,  and  is  now  (I86T)  a  Poor  Knight  of 
Hindmr  Castle.  Ue  gave  Mrs.  Secord  a  certificate  setting  forth  the  facts  above  recorded.  It  is  signed  "James  Fltzglb. 
iwn.rormerly  lieutenant  in  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment."  That  certificate  is  printed  In  the  Angto-Ameriean  Magazine, 
mdon  page  178  of  Anchinicck's  HUtonj  qfthe  War  ()/1812,  published  in  Toronto  in  1(566. 

When  the  Prince  of  Wales  was  making  a  tour  in  Canada  In  1S60,  the  veteran  soldiers  of  1812  on  the  Niagara  fi'ontler 
went  In  Niagara  to  sign  an  address  to  his  royal  highness.  Mrs.  Secord  apiilied  for  permission  to  place  her  name  on  the 
IM.  "Wher,-!f()re?"  was  the  natural  question.  She  told  her  story,  and  it  was  agreed  that  she  was  one  of  the  most  em- 
inently deserving  of  honor  among  the  patriots  of  thut  war.  The  story  was  repeated  to  the  prince  on  his  arrival  at 
ijuccniton,  and  it  made  such  an  impression  on  his  memory  and  kind  heart,  especially  when  it  was  said  that  I  ho.  brave 
:  ad  patriotic  woman  was  not  "  rich  in  this  World's  goods,"  that,  soon  after  his  return  home,  tie  caused  the  sum  of  one 
linndred  pounds  sterling  to  be  presented  to  her.  The  likeness  above  given  la  from  a  daguerreotype  kind'y  eonl  Ui  me 
!:m  Mrs.  Secord  by  the  liand  of  Mr.  J.  P.  Merrttt,  of  St.  Catharine's. 


^^t-f-tisi^ 


■  r  » 


■ 

i 

imi 

i. 
i     ' 

1  Hi^ 

\  < 
1 

M 

\r 

■K 

i 

fMi 

5 '       ;' 

'  ': 

vlifflWi 

|i: 

rIBp       i 

.  i 

If 


IMilll 


622 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  Terms  of  Surrender  violated  by  the  ludlans.       A  bold  Stroke  for  Lll)erty.       Fort  Qeorge  inveated  by  the  Brltlik 

opp,  ftml  that  the  savages  were  bccominj?  ho  cxaHpemted  that  it  would  bo  (Htruult 
to  keep  them  from  massacring  the  Americans.  Hcerstler  believed,  and  was  alarnicd 
lie  agreed  to  surrender  on  the  eonditions  that  the  officers  should  retain  their  arms 
liorses,  and  baggage,  and  that  the  militia  and  volunteers,  with  Colonel  liocrstler  (wlio 
Avas  slightly  wounded),  should  be  permitted  to  return  to  the  United  States  on  parole  i 
By  tlie  time  the  capitulation  was  agreed  to  in  final  form,  Do  Haven,  who  had  liccn 
sent  for  by  Fitzgibbon,  came  up  with  two  hundred  men  and  received  the  sulmiissiou 
of  the  captives.  The  number  of  prisoners  8urren<lered  was  five  liundred  aiul  j'oitv- 
two,  and  the  spoils  of  victory  wure  one  12-pounder,  one  0-pounder,  and  a  staml  of 
colors. 

The  surrender  ^'.as  scarcely  completed  when  the  articles  of  the  capitulation  wcii 
violated.  The  Indians  immediately  commenced  plundering  the  prisoners  of  tlicir 
arms  and  clotliing,  and  the  militia  and  volunteers,  instead  of  being  released  on  parole, 
were  taken  to  Burlington  Heights  and  kept  there  as  prisoners  of  war.  ^./ine  oi'tiieni 
escaped  through  the  adroit  management  of  Major  Chajjin,  Avho  was  soon  sent,  with  a 
number  of  his  volunteers,  in  two  bateaux,  in  charge  of  Captain  Showers  and  a  guanl, 
to  Kingston,  there  to  be  held  as  prisoners.  When  within  two? vo  miles  of  York  tluv 
arose  and  overpowered  the  guard,  crossed  the  lake  in  the  night,  .."'^  arrived  safely  at 
Fort  Niagara  with  their  jailers  as  prisoners. '^ 

Wlicn  Boerstler's  courier  reached  Dearborn,  that  commander  sent  Colonel  Christii 
with  three  liundred  men  to  re-enforce  liim.  They  pushed  forward  rapidly  to  Queens- 
ton,  Avhere  they  heard  of  the  surrender  of  the  Americans.  Christie  hastened  hack  to 
camp  with  tlie  sad  intelligence.  It  caused  alarm  there  that  was  speedily  justifitil 
by  events.  The  British  advanced  upon  Queenston,  and,  occupying  that  place  ami 
vicinity,  soon  invested  the  Americans  at  Fort  George  with  a  formidable  force.  Gen- 
eral Vincent,  with  a  small  force,  held  Burlington  Heights,  and  General  De  Kotten- 
burg  was  encamped  with  a  strong  body  at  Ten-mile  Creek.  Dearborn,  whose  career 
as  chief  had  been  singidarly  unsuccessful,  was  soon  superseded  by  a  more  iiieom- 
potent  and  less  trustworthy  man,  General  Wilkinson,^  Avhose  movements  on  theJs'orth- 
ern  frontier  present  a  series  of  blunders  and  disasters.'' 

>  This  capltnlation,  In  four  brief  articles,  the  substance  of  which  Is  given  In  the  text,  was  signed  on  the  port  of  Colo- 
nel Boerstler  by  Captain  Andrew  M'Dowcll,  and  on  that  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bieshopp  by  Major  P.  V.  De  Havon, 
Captain  Merrltt,  in  his  MS.  Narrative,  says  that  Captain  Norton,  of  the  Indian  force,  bnmorouely  declared  that  ik( 
Caughnawagas  fought  the  battle,  the  Mohawks  got  the  plunder,  and  Fitzgibbon  got  the  credit.  "The  greater  part  ot 
the  Caughnawagas,"  says  Merrltt, "  were  displeased,  and  returned  home  in  a  few  days  afterward,  which  at  this  time  iti- 
a  very  great  loss." 

'  Major  Chnpin,  in  his  Revieio  o/  Armatromj's  Notices  of  the  War  o/1812,  page  10,  says  that  he  was  placed  in  oiieboii 
with  a  principal  part  of  the  guard,  and  Captain  Sackrlder  and  a  greater  portion  of  the  prisoners  iu  the  other  bunt,  (ir- 
ders  had  been  given  for  the  boats  to  keep  some  rods  apart,  one  ahead  of  the  other.  After  they  had  passed  out  of  Bur- 
lington Bay  upon  the  open  lake,  Chapln  made  a  signal  to  Sackrider  in  the  hinder  boat,  which  the  Ameriians  were rnw- 
ing,  to  come  up  closer.  lie  gave  the  word  in  whispers  to  the  men,  and  while  the  major  was  amusing  the  Britisli  caplaio 
with  a  story,  tlie  hinder  boat  came  up  under  the  stern  of  the  forward  one.  It  was  ordered  back,  when  Chnpin,  witli  loa  I 
voice,  ordered  his  men  not  to  fall  back  an  Inch.  Captain  Showers  attempted  to  draw  his  sword,  and  sonic  of  his  rani 
thrust  at  Chapln  with  bayonets.  The  latter  prostrated  the  captsin  with  a  blow.  He  fell  in  the  bottom  of  (he  boat,  ami 
two  of  his  men  who  were  thrusting  at  Chapln  fell  upon  him.  The  latter  Immediately  stepped  upon  them.  The  mianl 
iu  both  boats  were  speedily  overcome  and  secured.  "I  succeeded  to  the  command  of  oar  fleet  of  two  biiteaus," mts 
Chapln,  "  with  no  little  alacrity.  We  shifted  our  course,  crossed  Lake  Ontario,  and  with  the  boats  and  prisoners  arrived 
the  next  morning  safe  at  Fort  Niagara." 

»  Congress  was  in  session  when  this  "climax  of  continual  tidings  of  mismanagement  and  misfortune"  renchedWa* 
ington.  The  late  Charles  J.  Tngersoll,  one  of  the  historians  of  the  war,  was  then  a  member  of  the  House  of  Ifi-iircsenla- 
tives.  The  intelligence  produced  great  irritation.  "  On  the  Cth  of  July,  1813,  therefore,"  says  lugersoll,  "  afier  a  fhon 
accidental  communion  of  regret  and  impatience  In  the  lobby  of  the  House  of  Representatives  with  the  Spealcer  and 
General  Ringgold,  of  Maryland,  I  was  deputed  n  volunteer  to  wait  on  the  President,  and  request  General  Ue.irlmni- 
removal  fl-om  a  command  which,  so  far,  had  been  so  unfortnnate."  The  recall  of  General  Dearborn  immediately  fol- 
lowed this  request,  and  on  the  16th  of  July  that  officer,  who  had  performed  noble  service  in  the  Continental  army,  tool; 
leave  of  that  on  the  Niagara  fnmtier,  at  Fort  George,  puranant  to  an  order  from  the  Secretary  of  War  that  he  (houlJ 
"retire  from  command  until  his  health  should  be  re-established."  "The  Northern  army,"  says  Ingersoll,  "relieved of  | 
a  veteran  leader  whose  age  and  health  disqnalifled  him  for  active  and  enterprising  services.  In  his  successor,  General  ; 
Wilkinson,  did  not  get  a  younger,  healthier,  or  more  competent  commander."— Hi'storica!  Sketch  of  the  Second  War,iV.. 
1.,  28R. 

«  The  authorities  consulted  in  the  preparation  of  the  foregoing  narrative  are  the  official  dispatches;  statements  ot 
officers!  the  Histories  of  Thompson,  Perkins,  Conner,  Brackenridge,  Ingersoll,  James,  Christie,  Auchluleck;  Stone'.'  j 
Life  of  Brant ;  Chapin's  Review  of  Armstrong ;  MerrittJe  MS.  narrative ;  personal  narratives  of  sun-Ivors,  etc. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


688 


ited  l)jf  tbe  Briilih, 

id  bo  dilViciilt 
wiiH  alarmwl, 
in  thoir  arniii, 
liojrfitU'r  (wild 
tes  on  purolc,! 
who  had  hww 
the  suhmisMiMi 
red  ami  forty- 
nd  a  stand  of 

)itulation  wen 
ioners  of  tlit'ir 
jas'od  on  parole, 
^^llnc•  of  them 
)on  sent,  with  a 
rs  and  a  ijuard, 
?8  of  York  tiny 
irrivcd  safoly  at 

Colonel  Christii' 
lidly  to  Qiu'cih 
lastcnc'd  hack  t'l 
pcedily  jutitifiM 
that  place  aii'l 
Mo  force.  Gen- 
icral  Do  Kottin- 
irn,  whose  career 
r  a  more  iueom- 
iits  on  the  North- 


led  on  tliepartotCokv 

Mnjor  P.  V.  De  Hnveii. 

jiiHly  declared  that  tb 

The  grentcr  pan  of 

which  at  thiB  limo  n  ■ 

was  placed  in  one  bi  .u 
in  the  other  boat.  Or- 
hud  passed  out  ut  Bur- 

Americans  were  rm- 
Bing  the  BritlBh  captain 
i-hen  Chapin,  with  loud 

and  some  of  his  men 
iottomof  theiiiiai,,,!.: 
,p<)n  them.    The  -i; 
.  oftwo  l)ateaus,"si;( 
18  and  prleoncrs  arrivtl 

fortnne"  reai-hodWash- 
le House  ofllcirMenti- 
upersoll/'afiei' »''""' 
I  with  the  Sjieaker  acd 
est  General  Boarboni'! 

rborn  immedlntel!:  W- 
Continental  army,  tocli 

of  War  that  he  shoalJ 

InRersoll,"  relieved  ot  ^ 
^1  his  successor,  General  ' 

io/theSecondVat,tU' 

Ipatches:  statement!  ol  ! 
\e,  Anchliileclt;  Stone's 
TsurN'ivorB,  clc. 


A  Vltlt  to  St.  Catbartoe'i  and  tbe  lleaver  Unmi'  Battle-gronnd. 


De  Cou's  and  De  Con'*  Pallf . 


It  was  in  sultry  August,  1 860,  that  I  visited  the  scenes  of  Bcoi-stler's  march  and  dis- 
iifitcr  and  places  in  the  vicinity.  I  have  already  mentioned  my  trip  from  Qnoenston 
to  St.  Catharine's,  and  so  on  to  Hamilton,  Paris,  Brantfonl,  and  the  Indian  settlements 
on  the  (trand  River  in  Canada.'  It  was  at  that  time  that  I  Hto]»i)ed  at  St.  Catharine's 
for  the  purpose  of  seeing  the  Honorable  William  Hamilton  i\Ierritt,tho  brave  British 
cavalry  officer  already  mentioned,  and  of  visiting  places  of  interest  near.  I  arrived 
there  on  Saturday  evening,  and  at  a  boarding-iiouso  wlicro  I  procured  lodgings  I  had 
the  iileasiiro  of  meeting  the  family  of  a  once  valued  actpiaintance  in  Virginia,  who 
were  seeking  health  from  tlie  use  of  the  powerful  mineral  waters  that  flow  up  copi- 
ously there  from  the  deep  recesses  of  the  eartli.'*  Little  did  I  think  that  within  a  few 
montlis  tlie  accomplislied  head  of  that  family,  Avhom  I  had  learned  to  esteem  most 
hi'dily,  would  bc.sedueed  from  his  allegiance  to  the  flag  of  his  country,  under  which 
he  liad  served  with  fidelity  and  distinction  for  five-aiid-tliirty  years,  and  become  the 
.'eiieral-in-chief  of  armies  in  rebellion  against  the  government  of  tlie  Republic!  Ho 
held  tlie  narrow  view  of  American  citizenship,  engendered  by  the  doctrine  of  supreme 
state  sovereignty,  expressed  in  the  words  "I  go  witli  my  state,"  and  followed  the 
terrible  fortunes  of  his  native  Virginia  when  iier  political  charh.tans — her  selfish 
trading  politicians — declared  her  secession  from  tlie  Union,  and  brought  ruin  on  her 
licople. 

I  was  unfortunate  in  not  finding  Mr.  Morritt  at  home.  As  a  member  of  the  Cana- 
dian Pai'liament,  he  had  gone  to  (Quebec  to  receive  the  Prince  of  Wales.  To  his  son, 
Mr.  J.  P.  Merritt,  I  am  indebted  for  many  kind  courtesies  while  there.  He  gave  me 
free  access  to.his  father's  military  papers,  and  kindly  lent  me  the  MS.  Narrative  of 
Events  in  the  campaigns  on  the  Canadian  Peninsula  already  referred  to. 

Early  on  Monday  morning,*  Jvfter  a  night  made  memorable  by  a  f(  rful  •AuRnstso, 
tiiunder-storm,  I  started  for  the  Beaver  Dams,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Mer-  ^*'''- 
ritt.  On  the  way  I  sketched  the  ancient  German  church  delineated  on  page  620 ; 
and  early  in  the  forenoon  wo  reached  the  house  of  the  Reverend  Dr.  Fuller  by  the 
famous  IJeech  Woods  where  Boerstler  was  first  attacked.  From  the  roof  of  his 
dwelling  we  obtained  a  fine  view  of  the  Beaver  Dams'  battle-ground  and  the  thea- 
tre of  Bocrstler's  misfortunes,  and  from  that  elevation  made  the  sketch  seen  at  the 
top  of  the  pictn  ■  the  following  page.  On  the  right  is  seen  the  Beech  Wooc'i, 
snd  through  tl  ,  re  Beaver  Dams'  Creek.     On  the  left  is  seen  the  turn  of  the 

road  where  Bui  filer's  cannon  were  planted,  and  a  little  to  the  right  of  it  is  the 
stone  house  of  Mr.  Shrincr,  whose  orchard,  adjouiing  it,  was  the  place  where  Bojrst- 
ier  surrendered  to  De  Haven.  The  two-story  house  on  the  right  of  the  picture 
is  De  Cou's,  and  the  cascade  on  the  left  is  a  view  of  Dc  Cou's  Falls,  in  Twelve-mile 
Creek. 

From  Dr.  Fuller's  we  rode  on  through  Beaver  Dam  village  to  De  Cou's,  passing 
on  the  way  the  smoking  ruins  of  a  barn  which  had  been  fired  by  lightning  during 
the  night.  The  famous  house  Avas  of  stone,  two  stories  in  height,  spacious,  Avith  or- 
namental shrubbery  around  it.  It  was  in  an  elevated,  fertile,  and  beautiful  region. 
After  sketching  the  building  we  passed  on  to  the  lake  slopes  of  the  hills,  and,  follow- 
ing a  farm-road  a  little  distance,  came  to  De  Cou's  Falls,  where  the  Twelve-mile 
Crc'k  pours  over  a  ledge  of  rocks,  semicircular  in  form,  hito  a  Avild  ravine,  in  a  per- 
pendicular cascade  of  sixty  feet.  The  sides  of  the  ravine  are  very  precipitous,  and 
covered  chiefly  with  evergreens.    With  much  difliculty  and  some  danger,  I  made  my 

1  See  page  420. 

'  The  city  of  St.  Catharine's,  on  tho  Twclve-milo  Creek,  the  Welland  Canal,  and  the  Great  Western  Railway,  was 
known  a8"Chipman's"  during  the  war.  It  is  between  twelve  and  thirteen  miles  west  from  the  Niagara  River.  It  is 
a  port  of  entry  (Port  Dalhonsie  is  at  the  month  of  the  creek),  is  heantifuliy  situated,  and  threatens  to  rival  Hamilton. 
Its  mineral  springs  are  very  noted  for  their  belling  properties,  and  St.  Catharine's  has  become  a  place  of  great  -esort 
for  invalldB  and  fashionable  people.  It  is  a  very  desirable  place  for  those  who  love  a  quiet  watering-place  for  a  few 
weeks  in  summer.    The  population  is  about  seven  thousand. 


624 


PICTORIAL    VIELD.BQOK 


Skatch  of  Da  Cun'i  Falln. 


A  Veteran  of  the  War  uf  \HU. 


Meturn  to  81.  (.'uthirtiwi, 


A  fourth  of  a  mile  licl 


IHV 


It'll,  Biiaut'ii  Dy  cc 
dars  and  hemlocks,  were 
tlie  remains  of  an  ohl  mill. 

was  another  fall  of  thirty  feet,  wliere  tlie  ravine  (Icciuns 
and  darkens,  for  tlie  whole  declivity  down  which  the 
stream  pours  toward  the  plain  is  covered  with  a  tleuse 
forest. 

Wo  made  our  way  along  a  most  picturesque  road 
among  tlie  hills  to  tlio  I'ertilc  rolling  plain  below,  and 
stopped  at  the  little  log  cottage  of  Captain  James  Dit 
trick,  a  bachelor 
of  seventy -five, 

and  a  veteran  of  ^//C^y^t^ 
the  War  of  181 2.   ^-^ 

He  was  commandi  r  ot  the  Fourth  Lincoln  company,  and 
was  in  the  battles  at  Queenston,  Fort  George,  and  M. 
agara,  or  Lundy's  Lane,  and  was  active  on  the  froiilin 
and  over  the  peninsula  during  tlie  whole  of  the  Avar.  Ik 
arrived  at  the  Beaver  Dams  a  few  minutes  after  the  sur- 
render of  Ba'rstler,  and  participated  in  the  joy  of  the  oc- 
casion. C.'iptaui  Dittrick  was  a  bald-headed,  heavy  man, 
very  pleasant  and  communicative — ready  to  "  fight  his 
battles  o'er  again"  by  his  hearthstone.  Our  visit  was 
made  too  short  for  our  pleasure  and  profit  by  the  mm. 
bling  of  thunder.  We  rode  on  to  St.  Catharine's,  wlicrc 
we  arrived  in  time  to  escape  a  drenching  shower.  I 
dined  Avith  Mr.  Merritt  and  his  fathei-'s  family,  and  bad 
the  pleasure  of  meeting  at  the  table  the  widow  of  the  eminent  Jesse  Hawlcy,  who 
was  a  distinguished  citizen  of  Western  New  York,  to  whom  Governor  De  Witt  Clin- 
ton (autograph  letter  now  before  me)  gave  the  credit  of  being  the  chief  projector  of 
that  great  work  of  internal  improvement,  the  Erie  Canal.     He  published  a  series  of 


UK  UOU^  FALLS. 


>  St.  Cuthitlnt'i. 


OF   TlIK    VVAK    OF    1812. 


625 


TWtWilMnlltoD  Md  Stony  Creek. 


A  Renjgee  hrom  the  Wyomlnn  Valtay. 


Departure  Ibr  Brsntford. 


ablp  It'ttcrH  ovpr  the  sipnnturo  of  "Hercules,"  whoso  wise  »upfjj[eHtionH  led  to  tlie  eon- 
striictioii  *>'  t'"^^  iiii^lity  work  wiiic.ii  itnmortulizi'tl  tin;  nuiiKt  of  Clinton,  und  uddod 
millions  to  tho  wimlth  of  New  York.' 

I  left  St.  Ciitharine'M  toward  ovcninj?  for  tho  heantiful  city  of  Hamilton,  at  the  head 
,,|  ihc  livke.  The  railway  piisHeH  throiiirh  a  most  cliarininj;  country  lying  between 
I lif  "Mountain"  or  uneient  shore  of  Ontario  and  the  lake.  This  mountain  approaches 
the  liiko  within  three  fourths  of  a  mile  at  Humilton,  and  then,  turning  more  soutli- 
«iir(l  assists  in  forming  the  deep  valley  in  which  iJundas  lies  nestled.  I  passed  the 
iiiifjit  at  the  Royal  Hotel  in  Ilamiltoit,  and  at  six  o'clock  the  ne.\t  morning  started  in 
i  liclit  wagon  for  Stony  tireek,  seven  miles  eastward,  over  a  tine  stone  road.  I  was 
iliriftt'tl  to  Colonel  Daniel  Lewis  for  information  concerning  tho  battle  and  its  local- 
jij,,^.  His  residence  was  a  little  northward  of  the  village,  but  he  was  absent.  From 
jif jlcuh's,  residing  there, I  obtained  all  needful  knowledge  respecting  tho  place  of 
ihc  eiu'iunpment  and  the  combat.  After  making  the  sketch  on  page  t(0:3, 1  returned 
M  till!  village,  made  my  way  half  a  mile  southward  of  it,  and  took  a  hasty  glance  at 
the  pouring  down  of  Stony  Creek  from  the  "Mountain"  in  a  perpendicular  fall  of  one 
liuiidred  mid  thirty  feet  into  a  deep,  narrow  gorge.  Wishing  to  depart  from  Hamil- 
ton for  I'jvris  at  twelve  o'clock,  I  did  not  linger  long  at  the  falls.  On  my  way  back  I 
stoppcil  lit  the  house  of  Mr.  Michael  Aikman  to  obtain  sonic  information  concerning 
ilie  pliu'c  of  tho  liritish  encamjiment  on  Jiurlington  Heights.  He  too  was  absent,  but 
I  -pout  a  most  interesting  half  hour  with  his  mother,  Mrs.  Hannah  Aiknnin,  a  small, 
ililicate  woman,  then  ninety-one  years  of  age.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Michael 
Showers,  a  Tory  refugee  from  the  Wyoming  Valley.  She  and  her  family  were  in 
Wiiiterino'^t's  Fort,  and  her  father  was  one  of  IJutler's  liiingers.  After  the  battle 
ilure  they  were  comjielled  to  fly.  They  went  up  the  Susijuehivnna,  and  across  the 
(Oiintry  by  way  of  the  Genesee,  intending  to  go  to  Niagara  by  the  lake  in  a  small 
li(i;it  whicli  they  took  with  them.  It  Avas  so  injured  that  it  could  not  be  tised.  The 
liither  walked  to  Fort  Niagara  for  relief,  and  for  a  week  his  family  subsisted  on  roots 
wlmli  they  dug  from  tho  soil.  They  were  timely  relieved  by  some  Mississagua  In- 
,li;iiis.  Her  father  was  one  of  the  settlers  with  Butler's  Hangers  on  tlie  Canadian 
iHiiiiisula,  and  for  almost  seventy  years  she  had  lived  at  her  then  place  of  abode.-' 
\Vhcii  I  told  her  of  my  visil  to  Wifttermoot's  house,  and  described  it  as  she  remem- 
liorid  it,  and  sjioke  of  the  Wintermoots,  the  Burnets,  the  Hallenbecks,  the  Dorrances, 
mil  others  whom  she  knew,  her  eyes  brightened,  and  she  said  it  seemed  as  if  one  of 
kr  old  neighbors  had  come  to  see  her. 

1  reached  Hamilton^  just  in  time  to  take  the  cars  for  the  West,  and,  as  I  have  al- 
ready mentioned,  arrived  at  Brantford,  on  the  Grand  River,  that  evening.  Of  my 
visit  to  the  Indian  settlements  in  that  vicinity  I  have  elsewhere  written.* 

:  It  is  proper  to  sny  here  that  the  project  of  a  cnnal  to  connect  the  waters  of  Lake  Krle  with  those  of  the  Hudson 
Kivrr  wi\8  contemplated  by  General  Philip  Schuyler,  Elkanah  Watson,  and  Christopher  Colles,  many  years  before  Mr. 
llswley  wrote  his  con"incing  letters. 

'  I  have  liefore  mentioned  in  this  work  that,  after  the  Revolntion,  Butler's  Rangers  and  other  refugees  fVom  the 
limed  States  settled  on  the  Canadian  peninsula.  Each  one  of  Butler's  Rangers,  almost  tic  hundred  in  number,  was 
iri'H'nted  with  a  thousand  acres  of  land  in  this  then  wilderness,  and  that  district,  of  which  there  were  four  in  the  prov- 
I  intf.wns  called  Nassau.  Governor  Uuldlmand,  a  German,  named  tho  four  districts  respectively,  beginning  at  the  De- 
I  troll,  Hesse,  Nnssan,  Mecklenburg,  and  Lunenburg.  Haldimand  was  a  great  friend  of  the  Canadians ;  but  Simcoe,  de- 
I  iltoo!  of  making  the  province  as  English  as  possible,  and  denoting  native  nationality,  gave  British  names  to  almost 
I  mrj  place.  In  this  spirit  he  changed  the  name  of  Toronto  to  York,  in  honor  of  a  victory  by  the  Duke  of  York  on  the 
I  Continent. 

'  Hamilton  was  laid  ont  in  1813,  and  Is  sitnated  on  the  southwestern  extremity  of  Burlington  Bay.  It  is  the  chief  city 
I  ofWcst  Canada,  having  a  population  of  about  24,000.  Burlington  Heights  are  composed  of  an  immense  deposit  of 
I  invel,  sand,  aud  loam.  The  village  of  Turlington  was  the  germ  of  tho  city  of  Hamilton,  and  stood  on  its  site.  The 
I  Gtftt  Western  Railway  passes  along  the  shore  of  the  bay,  at  the  foot  of  the  heights,  aud  crosses  the  Des  Jardins  Canal, 
I  rtlch  Is  cut  directly  through  the  great  hill  north  of  the  cemetery  and  the  residence  of  the  late  Sir  Allan  M'Nab.  The 
I  present  railway  bridge  over  the  canal  is  of  iron,  and  seventy  feet  above  the  water.  The  first  one  was  of  wood.  It  gave 
I  my,  (rilh  a  train  of  cars  uj)on  It,  in  March,  1867,  when  flfty-six  persons  were  killed.  In  the  cemetery  may  be  seen  the 
I  tenutas  of  General  Vincent's  fortitied  camp.  They  form  a  ridge  across  the  grounds  (which  comprise  about  twenty-seven 
I  ims),  mnning  east  and  west.  The  palatial  residence  of  the  late  Sir  Allan  M'Nab  is  called  Dundum  Castle.  It  is  built 
I  ollimestoiie,  ft-onts  sontbeast,  overlooking  the  bay  and  Ilnmllton,  and  is  sarrounded  by  about  forty  acres  of  laud. 
•  See  pages  from  420  to  426,  tnclnsive. 

Rb 


II 


ilm      ' 


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^1   '  ' 

w\ 

626 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Raids  on  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


A  Maesacn  by  Western  Indians. 


Statement  of  Captain  Merritt  and  othcrt 


Genera'  BoyJ,  liMng  the  senior  officer  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  became  temporary 
commander-in-cliief  there  after  the  depurture  of  General  Dearborn.  He  found  liis  .,0. 
sition  an  important  and  arduoas  one.  The  success  of  the  British  at  the  Beaver  Daiib 
made  them  bold,  and  they  were  gradually  closing  upon  the  Americans  at  Fort  Geor<'( 
and  Newark.  Frequent  picket  skirmishing  occumd,  and  bold  raids  into  the  Ameri- 
can territory  were  performed.  One  of  these  occurred  on  the  night  of  the  4tli  of 
July.*  A  party  composed  ot  Canadian  militia  and  Indians,  and  led  hy  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Thomas  Clark,  crossed  the  Niagara  from  Chippewa  to  Schlosscr 
captured  the  (^""rd  there,  seized  a  large  quantity  '."provisions,  one  brass  6-pouiulci 
cannon,  several  .'^tands  of  arms,  and  some  ammunition.  With  these  spoils  they  re- 
turned in  triumph  to  the  Canada  shore. 

Four  days  later  a  sad  tragedy  was  performed  near  the  residences  of  John  and  Peter 
Ball,'  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Fo'-t  George.  The  gallant  young  leader,  Merritt. 
then  just  twenty  years  of  age,  was  sent  with  a,  small  party  to  recover  some  metlicini"- 
near  Ball's  wh'ch  the  British  had  concealed  when  they  fled  from  Fort  George  in  JIav. 
A  body  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  savages,  just  arrived  from  the  Western  wilderiHw, 
under  Captain  M.  Elliott,  and  led  by  the  bloody  Blackbird,  of  Chicago  faino,^  wm 
employed  as  a  covering  party.  Merritt  was  encamped,  and  while  breakfastins;  ai 
Bail's  a  skirmish  vith  an  American  picket-guanl  took  place  not  far  off.  Lieutciiam 
fi^ldridge  (then  adjutant),  with  *.  irty-nine  volunteers,  went  out  to  the  relief  of  tin 
guard,  and  a  larger  force,  undor  M.ijor  Malcolm,  prepared  to  follow.  Tiie  irnjxtiious 
Eldridge  dashed  forward  into  the  *.hick  Avood.  and  fell  into  an  ambush  prepared  for 
liim  by  Blackbird  and  hi.i  followers.  The  foe  was  repulsed  at  first,  but  overwiulm- 
ing  numbers  crushad  Eldridge  and  his  little  party.^  Only  five  escaped.  The  prison- 
ers and  Avounded  were  butchered  and  scalped  by  the  Western  savages,  whose  con- 
duct on  the  occasion  Avas  marked  by  the  most  atrocious  barbarity.^  This  was  su 
shocking  and  exasperatir..,'  that  General  Boyd  resolved  to  adopt  Washington's  ])lan 
of  having  "  Indians  fight  Indians,"  and  to  accept  the  services  of  the  Scnecas  andTns- 

I  The  Ball  family  ftill  occnpied  ihls  dwelling,  I  was  'uformed,  when  I  visited  Niagara  In  1800.  They  have,  as  a  cher- 
ished re'ic,  the  military  f  hapeau  woni  by  the  g;;llant  Brock  whc :.  he  fell  at  Qucemton.  s  Sec  pr.L'c » 

'  Joseph  C.  Eldridge  was  a  native  ot  New  York.  He  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant  in  the  Thirteenth  Wfii- 
lar  Infantry  in  the  spring  of  1S12.  A  year  afterward  he  was  promoted  to  first  lieutenant,  and  appointed  adjutan;  He 
was  difitlnguislied  for  bravery  at  Stony  Creek  a  month  earlier,  and  was  a  yonng  officer  of  great  promise. 

♦  Tlicrc  are  statements  by  American  and  British  writers  concerning  this  affair  too  widely  differing  to  admit  of  rociu- 
•  illation.  Soiii  'if  the  American  writei s  say  that  the  force  which  fell  upon  Eldridge  was  composed  of  liritith  atiii  In- 
dians, while  Brit  if  U  writers  declare  that  un  white  man  was  present.  The  only  statement  that  I  have  ever  met  from  an 
oye-wiliicss  Is  that  of  the  late  Hon.AA'illiani  Hamilton  Merritt  in  his  MS.  narrative,  now  before  me,  and  from  thai  1  have 
drawn  the  facts  up  to  the  ambnsh.  He  says  that  he  had  no  expectation  of  being  in  the  tlglit,  and  that  he  and  John  fell 
were  the  only  two  white  persons  engaged  ii,  it  except  a  boy  thirteen  years  old,  whose  father  was  a  jjrisoncr  and  d.in- 
geronely  wounded,  and  whose  eldest  brother  was  killed  at  Fort  George.  "This  little  fellow,"  says  Merrill,  "was  it- 
terminer  to  revenge  the  loss  his  family  had  sustained,  and  would  not  be  pcrsm\ded  to  leave  the  field  until  his  moiher 
!  Mrs.  Law,  whose  house  was  on  the  ground]  canic  out  and  took  him  away  in  her  arms  by  force."  An  American  officer. 
writing  from  Fort  George  the  nexi  day,  sold  that  two  of  the  five  survivors,  and  who  were  at  first  taken  prisoners,  Haini 
that  there  were  British  soldiers  in  the  ambufii,  i:airted  as  Indians,  "  with  streaks  of  green  and  red  around  their  eyet." 
— A'lJ.  I's  Heimter,  iv.,  .S52. 

Mr.  Merritt  says  that  his  \vho;c  attention,  after  the  fight,  was  given  to  the  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  Blackl)ird  ie^ 
his  followers,  and  that  his  own  life  was  threatened  because  he  made  intercession  for  tliosc  of  the  captives.    "Tl    ;    ■ 
devils,"  he  snys,  "were  crying  nnd  imploring  me  to  save  their  lives,  as  I  was  the  only  white  man  they  saw."   II'  ■ 
that  the  Indians,  after  getting  an  Interiireter,  promised  him  that  "  the  lives  of  the  prisoners  slnnild  he  spared-woui  1 
only  frighten  thorn  ft  great  deal,  to  prevent  them  coming  again.    I  made  a  solemn  vow,"  he  continue.",  "if  a  \mmn 
was  killed,  never  to  go  out  v  1th  an  Indian  again."    Tlie  savages  violated  their  pledge,  and  butchered  their  prisonvr;  : 
witli  a  barbarity  too  revolting  to  bo  repeated  here.    The  American  officer  above  allnded  to  says :  "  I  break  open  ihi-  j 
letter  fo-  the  purpose  of  stating  that  the  body  (as  is  supposed)  of  Lieutenant  Eldridge,  the  adjutant  of  the  Thirlctnib. 
has  been  brought  in  this  moment,  naked,  mangled  in  the  manner  mentioned  of  the  other."    The  excuse  made  for  ibf  i 
murder  of  Eldridge  was  that,  after  he  was  made  prisoner,  he  treiicherously  drew  a  concealed  pistol  and  shot  one  oflbe 
chiefs  throutrl-  the  bead.    This  was  Blackbird's  reason  for  niuruering  a/(.    Mr.  Merritt  speaks  of  Eldridge  as " the  offl- 
rer  who  forfiiited  his  life  by  firing  at  an  Indian  while  a  prisoner."    He  does  not  speak  from  his  own  knowledge.  At  ] 
investigation  proved  th"  assertion  of  the  savage  leader  to  be  wholly  untrue,  and  this  crime  (strange  as  it  may  appai; 
stands,  unconrtcmned  by  British  writers,  one  of  pure  barbarian  cruelty. 

The  following  least  revolting  recital  is  from  a  letter  from  an  American  officer  to  his  fUcnd  In  Baltimore,  dated  at  Fun  j 
George,  July  12 :  "A  recital  will  make  you  shudder.    I  will  merely  mention  the  fate  of  a  young  officer  who  came  nmln 
my  UKiire,  whose  bod>  was  fcnind,  the  day  after  the  action,  cut  and  mangled  in  the  most  shocking  manner  Immlim  I 
liirn  fmii  liM  hmlii,  and  nis  ueabt  btukfeo  in  nis  moctu  1    We  are  resolved  to  show  no  quarter  to  the  ludiuus  ato  [ 
Uiis."— -Vi/i's's  Weekli/  Itmjiiikr,  iv.,  362. 


OF   THE   WAli    OF   1812. 


«27 


11  Merritt  and  utheit. 

ame  temporarv 
le  found  liif  i)()- 
le  Beaver  Dams 
I  at  Fort  Gcoi'iii' 
into  the  Amcri- 
it  of  the  4tli  of 
,nd  led  by  Lieu- 
;wa  to  Schlosscr, 
brass  6-poun(lcr 
?  spoils  they  n- 

f  John  and  Peter 
r  leader,  Merritt, 
r  some  medicines 
t  George  in  May. 
istern  wildcrnet'S, 
cago  fame,^  weve 
3  Lreakfastinp;  at 
•  ofl".     Lieutenant 
1  the  relief  of  tlie 
,     The  impetiimis 
l)ush  prepared  for 
t,  but  overwlielm- 
,ped.     Tlic  prison- 
vages,  whose  eon- 
ty.*    Tills  was  so 
rVashington's  iil;i!i 
!  Senecas  and  Tus- 


iO.    Thcyhave,  asacher- 

'■  See  \)t.i(  >■ 
In  the  Thirteenth  Uf.ii- 

nppolnted  adjutaii!    lit 

t  promise. 

frei-iii?  to  ndmitotrf.uo- 

iipopcd  of  Ilrilitli  nod  In- 
I  have  ever  met  from  sn 
nil-,  iind  from  that  1  have 

ml  that  he  and  John  Bell 
was  a  ))i-isoncr  and  iia- 
"  i^ays  Merritt,  "was  |^^ 
lie  liold  tiiitil  his  moihet 
',"  An  American  oUccr, 
■et  taken  priponcrp.ftaidi 
id  red  aroimd  their  ove.C 

hands  of  Blaclil)ird  anJ 

Jthc  captives.    "Tl.eiiw 

Inan  they  saw."   lie  ^r^ 

Ishoiild  he  epnred-ivoiiH  : 

1  continues,  "if  a  prisonei 

butchered  their  prisoners 

Lays :  "  I  break  op«n  tbis 

Litant  of  the  ThlrtccniK 

[The  excuse  made  for  the 

listol  and  shot  one  oftle  ■ 

,jofEldridgca8"thco(l- 

liis  own  kuowlcdRC.  .At 

f  trange  as  it  rany  appra 

-inaltlmore,datedatFoni 

Ig  officer  who  came  nnilfi 
Iking  manner. /n>fii(rm» 
Irter  to  the  Imliaus  all«  ' 


;,Ti;i  il:i '  u  :i!,'HlnBt  Black  Roek. 


Qeueral  Porter  harrieii  to  its  Detetae. 


Bepolse  of  the  Britiiib. 


laroias,  who  had  proffered  them,  under  certain  conditions  which  humanity  would 

impfse. 

Clark's  success  at  Schlosscr  suggested  another  and  more  important  expedition.  It 
«as  the  surprise  of  the  American  naval  station  and  deposit  for  stores  and  munitions  of 
war  at  Black  Hock-  near  BulValo.  It  was  organized  by  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel 
(Veil  liisshopp,  of  the  British  Forty-first,  ile  left  his  head-cjuarters  at  Lundy's  Lane 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  lOtli,"  with  detachments  from  the  lioyal  Artillery,  and  •  jaiy, 
The  Eighth,  Forty -first,  and  Forty -ninth  Regiments,  and  at  Chij)pewa  was  *^'^- 
joined  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clark,  with  a  body  of  Lincoln  militia  and  volunteers, 
iiiaking  his  whole  force  between  three  and  four  hundred  in  numlxT.  They  embarked 
it  Chippewa  early  m  the  evening,  and  at  half  an  hour  before  dawn^  landed 
iiiiperceived  on  the  American  shore,  a  short  distance  below  Black  Kock. 
Tiie  block-house  there,  called  Fort  Tompkins,  was  in  charge  of  less  than  a  dozen  ar- 
tillerists; and  the  only  other  available  military  force  at  the  station  was  about  two 
hundred  militia,  under  ."Major  Adams,  with  two  or  three  pieces  of  artillery.  At  Buf- 
falo, two  miles  distant,  were  less  than  a  hundred  infantry  and  dragoon  recruits  from 
the  South,  on  their  way  to  Fort  George,  and  a  small  body  of  hulians  under  Henry 
(VBail,  the  young  tJorn-planter,  who  had  been  jiartially  educated  at  Philadelphia,  but 
who, Indian-like,  could  not  brook  the  restraints  of  civilization,  and  had  gone  back  to 
i  IS  blanket  and  feather  head-dress.  These  forces  were  under  the  command  of  Gen- 
iral  Peter  B.  Porter,  who  was  then  residing  at  his  house  near  Black  Rock.' 

Bicshopp  was  accompanied  by  Colonel  Warren.  They  surprised  Major  Adam's 
tamp,  and  he  and  his  alarmed  militia  fled  precipitately  to  Buffalo,  leaving  the  artil- 
li'iy  unharmed  on  the  ground.  General  Porter  narrdw^ly  escaped  capture  in  his  own 
hutise.  lie  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  reach  Adam's  camp  when  he  learned 
iifthe  flight  of  the  militia  and  the  garrison  at  the  block-house.  lie  followed  on  foot 
t  iward  Buffalo,  and  on  the  way  met  Ctiptain  Cummings,  with  one  hundred  regulars, 
who,  having  heard  of  the  invasion,  was  advancing  toward  Black  Rock.  In  the  mean 
lime  the  enemy  had  fired  the  block-house  and  Itarracks,  attacked  the  navy  buildings 
and  a  schooner  lying  there,  and  the  principal  officers  had  gone  to  the  house  of(ten- 
I  lal  Porter,  where  they  ordereil  breakfast.  Their  followers,  and  the  re-enforcenuuits 
luiitinually  coming  over  from  the  Canada  shore,  were  employed  meanwhile  in  plun- 
<\emg  the  inhabitants  and  public  stores  not  destroyed  by  fire. 

Oil  meeting  Captain  Cummings,  Porter  ordered  liim  to  lialt.  Then,  mounting  the 
<  of  one  of  the  dragoons,  he  hastened  to  buffalo,  rallied  about  one  half  of  Major 
.VilaniV  militia,  and,  with  these  and  about  fifty  volunteer  citizens,  he  soon  rejoined 
t'iiiiitnii:^'s.  With  the  united  force  and  about  forty  Indians, he  attacked  the  invaders, 
at  eiirht  o'clock,  from  three  different  points.  Tiu^  Indians,  who  were  concealed  in  a 
nviiie,  arose  from  cover,  tmd  gave  the  appallintj;  war-whoop  at  the  moment  of  the 
aSlaek,  and  added  much  to  tiie  surprise  and  ctnifusion  of  the  British,  who  did  not  ex- 
ptet  the  return  of  the  Amcricaus.  After  a  short,  spirited  contest,  the  foe  were  beaten, 
jinl  driven  in  confusion  toward  their  botits,  now  nnxtred  ne!>r  the  present  ferry,  where 
ility  rnllic<L  I'orter  now  concentrated  his  own. forces,  and  fell  upon  Bisshopp  with 
so  much  power  that,  after  a  contest  of  not  more  than  twenty  minutes,  he  fled  with 
ireeipitation  to  his  boats,  leaving  nine  killed  and  sixteen  or  eighteen  ])risoners,  among 
«!i(ini  was  Captain  Saumlers,  of  Bisshopp's  regiment,  who  was  badly  woundeil.'-  He 
was  earried  gently  by  the  Lxlians  in  blankets  to  General  Porter's  house.^    The  Brit- 

'  ^  page  4M. 

■  '<(one'»  l.lfe  of  Brant,  paijc  242;  Lientenant  Colonel  Clarkc'o  Oflfleial  Report  to  Llcnteuaiit  Colonel  Hanrey,  dated 

'»'«*««,  July  Vi,  1S13.    Mr.  Stone  miyd  th«t,  after  he  had  written  his  account  of  the  affair  at  Black  Hock,  ho  placed  hlii 

"■.jiiiniript  In  the  hands  of  Oeneral  Porter,  who  was  then  llvtog.    The  general  not  only  corrected  It,  bat  rewrote  the 

fh.lc  narrative,  the  snhntnnce  of  which  in  (ilven  In  the  text. 

Tlic  Indians,  after  taking  from  Captain  Hannder*  his  cap,  ppnnlettes,  sword,  and  helt,  carried  hlra  (jrntly  to  Porter"* 

!«>■    llu  was  wonnded  by  a  rlflc-bnll  passing  throiij;h  his  chest  and  lungs,  and  another  shattering  bis  wrint.    Ua  re- 


iH 

1.  ^^^H 

m 

i^HBJI 

s 

,'^iplisii 

m 

H 

■ 

m 


628 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Death  of  BUshopp. 


His  Monnment. 


Expedition  to  Barliagton  Heights. 


Descent  on  York. 


ish  suffered  a  greater  loss  after  they  had  reached  their  boats.'  Among  those  mor- 
tally wounded  was  the  commander  of  the  expedition,  a  gallant  .young  man  tliiitv 
years  of  age.  He  was  conveyed  in  sadness  to  his  head-quarters  at  Lundy's  Lane 
where,  after  Ihigoring  live  days,  he  died.  He  Avas  buried  in  the  bosom  of  a  ereen 
slope,  in  a  small  cemetery  on  the  south  side  of  Lundy's  Lane,  a  short  distance  from 

the  great  cataract  of  the  Niagara,  by  liis  brother  officers 
who  erected  over  his  grave  a  neat  monument.  In  tlJ 
course  of  time  it  fell  into  decay,  and  thirty-three  years 
afterward  the  sisters  of  the  young  soldier  replaced  it  liy 
another  and  more  elegant  one.  Upon  the  recumbent  slaii 
that  surmounts  it  is  an  appropriate  inscription.^ 

During  the  remainder  of  the  summer  there  Avoi-e  fre. 
qucnt  skirmishes  in  the  ncigliborhood  of  P'ort  Gi;or"c 
caused  by  attacks  ttpon  American  foraging  parties  inu 
no  enterprise  of  much  importance  was  undertaken  ex- 
^^^<;>-^^v  ->"—   '      cepting  an  attempt  to  capture  the  British  stores  at  Bur- 
uiBBHOPi-'H  aoNUJfENT.  llugtou  Heights,  knowii  lo  be  in  charge  of  a  feeble  (juaril 

under  M.ijor  Maule.  This  was  attempted  toward  the  end  of  July.  Colonel  Win- 
field  Scott  had  just  been  promoted  to  the  command  of  a  double  regiment  (twenty 
companies),  and  had  resigned  the  office  of  adjutant  general.  He  was  eager  for  dis- 
tinction and  useful  servitic,  and  he  volunteered  to  lead  any  land  force  that  mifrlit  lie 
sent  to  the  head  of  Ontario,  Chaunccy  was  then  making  gallant  cruises  about  iIk 
lake.  He  liad  twelve  vessels,  and  felt  strong  enough  to  cope  with  any  force  that 
might  aj)pcar  under  Sir  James  Yeo. 

Tlie  expedition  to  Burlington  Heights  was  under  the  chief  command  of  Chauncey, 
He  appeared  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River  with  his  fleet  on  the  27th  ofJnlv, 
and  on  the  following  day  he  sailed  for  the  head  of  Ontario,  with  three  hundred  lan.l 
troops  under  Colonel  Scott.  Meanwhile  Colonel  Harvey  had  taken  measures  fertile 
security  of  the  British  stores  at  Burlington.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Battersby  was  or 
dered  fiom  York  with  a  part  of  the  Glengary  corps  to  re-enforce  the  guard  umlw 
Major  Maule.  By  forced  marches  Battersby  joined  Maule  before  Chauncey's  arriyal. 
That  officer  and  Scott  soon  perceived  that  their  force  was  insufficient  for  the  pro- 
scribed work.  Convinced  of  thij,  and  informed  of  the  defenseless  state  of  York  on 
account  of  the  withdrawal  of  Battersby's  detachment,  Chauncey  spread  his  sails,  went 
across  the  lake,  and  entered  that  harbor  on  the  31st.  Colonel  Scott  landed  his  troops 
without  opposition,  took  possession  of  the  place,  burnt  the  barracks,  public  store- 
houses and  stores,  and  eleven  transports,  destroyed  five  pieces  of  cannon,  and  boro 

maincd  at  Porter's,  Itlndly  treated  nnd  attended  by  Iiis  wife,  who  wna  sent  for,  for  about  three  weelcs,  when  he  waffif- 
ficientiy  recovered  to  bo  sent  to  the  rende/.vous  of  prisoners  at  Willliimsvllie.— Stone's  Life  of  lied  Jacket,  page  246. 

'  The  entire  loss  of  the  British  dnring  this  expcd'tion,  in  liiticd,  wounded,  and  missinp;,  must  have  been  nlmont  m- 
enty.  Rome  estimated  it  as  hi-ih  as  one  hundred.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  three  liilled  and  five  wonndpd.  T»ii 
of  the  latter  were  Indians.  "The  destruction  of  property  was  not  so  great  as  has  been  generally  represented.  The 
Americans  did  not  lose,  by  destruction  or  plunder,  more  than  one  third  of  the  valuable  naval  stores  at  Black  HiK-k.rol. 
lected  for  Commodore  Perry,  nor  did  they  reach  a  particle  of  the  military  stores  for  the  use  of  the  army,  then  doposiifJ 
at  Buffalo.  The  enemy  destroyed  or  captured  4  cannon,  17T  English  and  French  musljcts,  1  three-poiuuiertravcliiiL'car 
Hage,  (!  ammunition  kegs,  a  small  quantity  of  round  and  case  shot,  I'iil  barrels  of  salt,  40  barrels  of  wiiisky,  conBldoralli 
clothing  and  blankets,  and  a  Bm.all  quantity  of  other  stores (lurk's  Ofllcial  Report. 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  inscription : 

"Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  the  ITonoraWc  Cecil  Bisshopp,  1st  Foot  QnnrdB,  and  tnspcciini; flel'- 
ofllcer  in  TTpper  Canada,  eldest  and  only  surviving  son  of  Sir  Cecil  BIsshop]),  Bart.,  Baron  de  la  Fouche,  in  Enj;liiiiil. 
After  having  served  with  distinction  in  the  British  army  in  Holland,  Spain,  and  Portugal,  he  died  on  the  ICth  of.Iuly, 
1.S13,  aged  .SO,  in  consequence  of  wounds  received  in  action  with  the  enemy  at  Black  Rock  on  the  llth  of  tlic  same 
mouth,  to  the  great  grief  of  his  family  and  friends,  and  is  buried  iicrc. 

"This  tomb,  erected  at  the  time  by  his  brother  ofBrers,  becoming  much  dilapidated,  is  now  (184(1)  renewed  byhlsaf 
fectionate  sisters,  the  Baroness  de  la  Fouche  and  the  Honorable  Mrs.  Rechcll,  in  memory  of  an  excellent  man  and  Ix- 
loved  bro'iter." 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Bisshopp  received  n  severe,  but  not  mortal  wourd  while  on  shore,  and  four  orflv-e  other?  after lif 
entered  his  boat.  The  gallant  Fitzgibbon  took  charge  of  him,  and  conveyed  him  a»  tenderly  as  possible  from  Cliip- 
pewa  to  Lundy's  Lane. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


029 


:ent  on  Totk. 

hose  mor- 
an,  tliiity 
iy's  Laiu' 
)f  a  green 
ance  from 
cr  officers, 

t.      Ill  tin- 

hree  years 
laced  it  In- 
inbent  sluii 

1.2 

e  were  fre- 
irt  George, 
|)artios,l)ut 
jrtaken  ex- 
ires  at  Bur- 
icble  guanl 
)lonel  Win- 
(lit  (twenty 
,gcr  for  (lis- 
it  might  lie 
s  about  tli( 
'  force  tliat 

f  Chauncev. 
nh  of  July, 
uiulreil  h]\'\ 
iurcs  for  the 
'sby  was  or- 
Tuard  uiulor 
cy's  arrival. 
for  the  pro- 
of  York  on 
s  sails,  went 
(1  liis  troops 
ubllc  storu- 
n,  and  bore 


i-hen  he  was  ful- 
ct,  page  'M. 
Iheen  almost  wv- 
!  womulpd.  If" 
bpvei-cntoil.  Tkf 
J  Black  RiKk,  col- 
ly, then  (lf|iosili\l 
Voi'travcliiicta:- 
sky,  coniiiiicrnblf 


J  inspcctini!  W- 
jclic,  in  Enslail. 

llth  of  tlif  ^:i^!,■ 

Incweilbyhifst- 
lent  man  and  bfr 

lo  others  after  hi 
luible  from  Chip- 


(Jeneral  Dcarboru  Bucceeiled  by  Geuerul  Wilkiuson.         Arrival  of  the  Latter  at  Wasbiugton.         Indian  eklrmlsbiug. 

away  as  spoilH  one  lioavy  gun  and  a  consitlorable  quantity  of  provisions,  cliierty  of 
flour.  The  expedition  returned  to  the  Niagara  on  tlie  3d  of  August,  carrying  with 
tlieiu  tlic  sick  and  wounded  of  Boerstler's  conunand  found  in  York.  No  military 
movements  of  much  importance  occurred  on  that  frontier  after  this  until  late  iii  the 

year.' 

Four  days  after  the  return  to  the  Niagara,  while  Chauncey's  fleet  was  lying  at  an- 
chor ill  tlio  nioutli  of  the  river,  a  British  squadron  under  Sir  James  Yeo  made  its  ap- 
pearance. Chauncey  went  out  to  attack  the  bjironet.  They  manceuvred  uU  day,  and 
after  midnight,  during  a  lieavy  squall,  two  of  the  American  vessels  wore  capsized  and 
]o8f  witli  all  on  board  excepting  sixteen.  Tliis  movement  we  sliall  consider  here- 
after ill  giving  a  connected  account  of  the  naval  o2)eratious  ou  Luke  Outario  dur- 
ing the  year  1813.  '       ,.s  »,>;<•.■   ,  ' 

We  have  noticed  the  retirement  of  General  Dearborn  from  the  command  of  the 
Xortheiu  Army.  That  measure  had  been  decided  upon  by  General  Armstrong,  tlie 
Secretary  of  War,  full  six  months  before  it  occurred.  He  considered  the  command 
of  that  army  "a  burden  too  heavy  for  General  Dearborn  to  carry  with  advantage  to 
the  nation  or  credit  to  himself,"  and  two  remedies  were  suggested  to  the  Secretary's 
,pi„j — "the  one  a  prompt  and  peremptory  recall, the  other  such  an  augmentation  of 
Ills  staff  as  would  secure  to  the  army  better  instruction,  and  to  himself  the  chance  of 
wiser  councils."^  The  former  remedy  Avas  chosen,  and  General  James  Wilkinson,  tlien 
in  command  in  the  Gulf  region,  and  General  Wade  Hampton,  stationed  at  Norfolk,  in 
Virginia,  were  ordered  to  the  Northern  frontier.  These  men  had  been  active  oflicers 
in  the  old  War  for  Independence,  the  first  on  the  staff  of  General  Gates,  and  the  sec- 
ond as  a  partisan  ranger  in  South  Carolina  in  connection  with  Marion.  Unfortunate- 
ly for  the  good  of  the  public  service,  they  were  now  bitter  enemies,  and  so  jealous  of 
each  other  that  they  would  not  co-operate,  as  we  shall  observe,  at  a  critical  moment. 

It  was  early  in  March  when  the  Secretary's  orders  were  sent  to  Wilkinson,  and 
with  them  was  a  private  letter  from  the  same  hand,  breathing  the  most  friendly  spirit, 
and  saying, "  Why  should  you  remain  in  your  land  of  vyjyi-ess  when  patriotism  and 
ambition  equally  invite  you  to  one  where  grows  the  laurdf  ....  Lf  our  cards  be 
well  played  we  may  renew  the  scenes  of  Saratoga."^  Wilkinson  Avas  flattered,  and 
as  soon  as  he  could  make  his  arrangements  he  left  the  "  land  of  the  cypress,"  jour- 
neyed through  the  Creek  country  by  way  of  Fort  Mims  to  the  cajdtal  of  Georgia, 
and  thence  northward  to  Washington  City,  where  ho  arrived,  Aveary  and  Avorn  Avith 
several  liuiidieds  of  miles  of  travel,  and  Aveak  Avith  sickness,  on  the  Slst  of  July.  He 
was  cordially  received  l»y  Armstrong  and  the  President,  and,  after  being  alloAved  to 
rest  a  few  days,  and  becoming  formally  invested  Avitli  the  power  of  commander-iii- 
ehiefoftlie  Army  of  the  North  in  place  of  Dearborn,  a  plan  of  the  proposed  opera- 
tions of  that  army  during  the  remainder  of  the  campaign,  Avhich  the  Secretary  had 
laid  before  the  Cabinet  on  the  23d  of  July,''  Avas  presented  to  him  for  con-  « isia. 

sideratioii,''  Avith  an  expressed  desire  that  if  he  should  perceive  any  thing  "  -August  6. 
ohjeetioiiable  in  the  plan  he  Avould  freely  suggest  modifications. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  Armstrong  Avas  anxious  to  secure  tbe  control 

'  There  were  frequent  picket  Hklrmishes.  Among  the  most  oonoplcnons  of  these  -n-ns  one  that  occurred  near  Fort 
OeDrge  on  the  Itlth  of  Angust  while  the  belligerents  were  near  each  other.  It  wiis  the  first,  of  any  accotmt,  in  which 
ihe  Indians  of  Western  New  York  engaged  after  their  alliance  with  the  Americans,  which  had  been  made  with  the  ex- 
plicit understanding  that  they  were  not  to  kill  the  enemy  who  were  wonndcd  or  prisoners,  or  take  scalps.  The  occa- 
►ion  referred  to  was  an  effort  to  capture  a  strong  British  picket.  About  three  hundred  volunteers  and  Indians  under 
Major  Chapin  and  General  Peter  B.  Porter,  and  two  hundred  regulars  under  Major  C'nmmings,  were  sent  out  by  General 
Ikiyd  for  the  purpose.  The  primary  ol)Jcct  was  defeated  by  a  heavy  rain,  but  a  severe  skirmish  ensued,  In  which  the 
ratmy  was  routed,  and  twelve  British  Indians  and  four  white  soldiers  were  captured.  The  principal  chiefs  who  led 
thoAmorican  Indians  were  Farmer's  Brother,  Red  Jacket,  Little  Billy,  Pollard,  Blncksnake,  Johnson,  Silver  Heels,  Cap- 
lain  Half-town,  Major  Henry  O'Bail  (Complantcr's  son),  and  Captain  Cold,  chief  of  the  Onondagas.— Boj/rf'.<  Ih'upakh. 

'  SWm  aS  the  War  of  1812, 11.,  28. 

'  .trmclronj;  to  AVilkinsoii,  March  12, 1S13.  Armstrong  and  Wilkinson  were  both  members  of  General  Oates'g  mill- 
IMj  (taff  during  the  campaign  which  resulted  in  the  aipturc  of  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga  in  the  autumn  of  177T. 


i 


Tssmmmmmm 


ir'i 


« 

4 

I'l 

B1 

630 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Secretary  ArmstroiiK  aud  Oeueral  WilkinsoD.  Generals  Wilkinson  and  Hampton.  IlanglitiuesB  of  Uarapton 


Oil' 


of  the  St.  Lawrence  by  the  capture  of  Kingston,  but  circumstances,  as  we  have  s 
prevented  an  attempt  to  do  so.  That  project  was  now  revived,  and  liad  received  the 
approval  of  the  Cabinet.  It  did  not  strike  Wilkinson  favorably,  and  on  the  Ctli  nf 
August,  in  a  written  communication  to  tlie  Secretary,  the  general  freely  sutffrostcil 
modifications,  saying, "  Will  it  not  be  better  to  strengthen  our  force  already  at  Fort 
George,  cut  up  the  IJritish  in  that  quarter,  destroy  Indian  estal>lishments,  and  (simiiM 
General  Harrison  fail  in  his  object)  march  a  detachment  and  capture  IMaldeii?  After 
which,  closing  our  operations  on  the  peninsula,  razing  all  works  there,  and  Icavinfr 
our  settlements  on  the  strait  in  tranquillity,  descend  like  lightning^  with  our  w)  ,1. 
force  on  Kingston,  and,  having  reduced  that  place,  and  captured  both  garrison  an,] 
shipping,  go  down  the  St.  Lawrence  and  form  a  junction  with  Hampton's  column'-  it 
the  lateness  of  the  season  should  permit."-'  The  object  of  that  junction  was  to  mak, 
a  combined  attack  on  Montreal.  The  Secretary  of  War,  always  impatient  when  lii- 
opinions  were  disputed,  at  once  conceived  a  dislike  of  his  old  comj)aiiion  in  ariih 
whom  he  had  invited  so  kindly  to  come  North  and  win  laurels,  and  from  that  tinun 
widening  estrangement  existed.  Long  years  afterward  the  Secretary  wrote,  "Tlii< 
strategic  labor  of  the  general  had  no  tendency  to  increase  the  executive  contiilwn, 
in  either  his  professional  knowledge  or  judgment.  Still  the  President  hoped  tliatii 
the  opinions  it  contained  were  mildly  rebuked,  the  general  would  abandon  tlioni,  ami, 
after  joining  the  army,  would  hasten  to  execute  the  plan  already  communicated  tu 
him."'* 

Armstrong  replied  courteously  to  Wilkinson.  He  adhered  to  his  own  plan,bnt  al- 
lowed that  the  fall  of  Kingston  and  the  attahiment  of  the  control  of  the  St.  Lawreiii.i 
might  be  as  etfectually  accomplished  indirectly  by  a  quick  movement  down  tiie  rivtr 
against  Montreal,  masked  by  a  feigned  at  tack  on  the  former  place.  But  he  decidedlv 
objected  to  any  fixrther  movements  against  the  enemy  on  the  Canadian  peninsula,  a« 
they  would  but  "  wound  the  tail  of  the  lion  ;"^  and  Wilkinson  departed  for  Sackott's 
•  AiiKustii.  Harbor*  without  any  definite  plan  of  operations  determined  upon,  wliili 
1S13.  Armstrong  sent  instructions  to  General  Boyd  to  keep  within  his  lines  at 

Fort  George,  and  8im])ly  hold  the  enemy  at  bay,  notwithstanding  the  American  IW 
was  much  larger  than  that  of  the  British. 

On  his  way  to  Sackett's  Harbor  Wilkinson  sent  from  Albany  his  first  orders  i 
Hampton,  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  Northern  Army.  This  aroused  the  ire  of  tlif 
old  aristocrat,  whose  landed  possessions  in  South  Carolina  and  Louisiana  were  almost 
princely,  and  whose  slaves  were  numbered  by  thousands.  His  anger  was  intensifiod 
by  his  hatred  of  Wilkinson,  and  he  immediately  Avrote  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,''  insisting  that  his  was  a  separate  command,  and  tendering  his  resif 
nation  in  the  event  of  his  being  compelled  to  act  under  Wilkinson.  Wilkinson  at  tin 
same  time  was  distrustful  of  Armstrong,  and  evidently  quite  as  jealous  of  his  own 
rights,  for  on  the  24th  of  August  he  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  saying,  "I  trust 
you  will  not  interfere  with  my  arrangements,  or  give  orders  within  the  district  of  my 
command,  but  to  myself,  because  it  would  impair  my  authority  and  distract  the  piiV 
lie  service.  Two  heads  on  the  same  shoulders  make  a  monster."  "Unhappily  for 
the  country,"  says  Ingersoll, "  that  deplorable  campaign  was  a  monster  with  tlin* 
heads,  biting  and  barking  at  each  other  with  a  madness  which  destroyed  them  allaul 
disgusted  the  country."^  This  calamity  we  shall  have  occasion  to  consider  hereatlor, 
Wilkinson  arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbor  late  in  August,''  and  found  liiiii 
self  nomintilly  in  command  of  between  twelve  and  fourteen  tlioiisaml 
troops,  four  thousand  of  them,  under  Hampton,  at  liurlington,  composing  the  riglii 
wing,  and  the  remainder  equally  divided  between  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  centre,  ami 

I  See  pa^f  58B.  »  Hampton  was  on  Lake  Champlain,  with  his  head-quarters  at  Burlingtci 

'  Noticfn      'fa!  War  i<1812,  li  ,  31.  «  The  same. 

»  Amistri  iig'8  letter  to  Wilkinson,  Angust  8, 1313.  «  Hintorieal  Sketch  of  the  Setond  War,  etc.,  I.,  !9  | 


>•  August  23. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


631 


,'htiiic«B  of  Uamplon. 

1  we  have  ->  tn,' 
lad  received  the 
i  on  the  6th  of 
recly  suggftitcil 
already  at  Fort 
iiits,  anil  (should 
INlaklen?    After 
ere,  and  lcaviii',r 
with  our  w)'  I 
)lh  garrison  und 
ton's  columii,2  if 
;ion  was  to  make 
patient  when  liis 
iipanion  in  ariii-, 
from  that  tinn-  u 
ary  wrote,  "Tlii« 
Mitivc  coniiilwiic 
ent  hoped  that  if 
landon  them,  and, 
communicated  Id 

1  own  plan, hut  al- 
i"  the  St.  Lawrinct 
nt  down  the  river 

But  he  decidedly 
idian  peninsula,  as 
arted  for  Saekett"s 
lined  upon,  vliile 
thin  his  lines  at 

le  American  I'orw 

tiis  first  orders  to 
scd  the  ire  of  tk 

isiana  Avere  almost 
er  Avas  intensififd 

o  the  Secretary  of 
ndcring  his  rcsi2- 
Wilkinson  at  tlir 
alous  of  his  own 
,  saying," I  triM 
tlie  district  of  my 
distract  the  ])\^y 
"Unhappily  fii: 
onstcr  witl>  tlun 
•oyed  them  all  and 
consider  hereaftor, 
it,<^  and  found  him- 
fourteen  thousand  I 
mposing  the  riglu 
lor,  the  centre,  and 


Wllklnso"  at  Sackett's  llnrbor. 


Afiuirs  ou  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


Scutt  marcliea  fur  Sacliett's  Harbor. 


Fort  George,  the  loft  wing.'  But  his  real  effective  force  did  not  exceed  nine  thousand 
men.  It  had  been  a  sickly  summer  on  the  frontier,  especially  on  the  Canadian  penin- 
sula and  the  hospitals  were  full.  The  British  force  opposed  to  him  amounted  to 
about  eight  thousand.  Their  right  was  ou  Burlington  Heights,  their  centre  at  Kings- 
ton, and  their  left  at  Montreal. 

Wilkinson  called  a  council  of  officers  on  the  28th.*  It  was  attended  by  n.  August, 
Generals  Lewis,  Brown,  and  Swartwout,  and  Commodore  Chauncey.  It  was  ^**^' 
determined  to  concentrate  at  Sackett's  Harbor  all  the  troops  of  tliat  department  ex- 
cent  those  on  Lake  Champlain,  preparatory  to  striking  "  a  deadly  blow  somewhere."^ 
Wilkinson  accordingly  hastened  to  Fort  George,  leaving  Lewis  in  command  at  the 
Harbor,  and  arrived  there  on  tlie  4th  of  September,  extremely  ill,  after  a  fatiguing 
voyage  tlie  whole  distance  in  an  open  boat.  As  soon  as  his  strength  would  allow  he 
assumed  active  command  there,  and  on  the  20th  held  a  council  of  officers,  at  which 
Generals  Boyd,  Miller,  and  Williams,  eleven  colonels  and  lieutenant  colonels,  and  ten 
majors,  attended.  It  was  resolved  to  abandon  and  destroy  Fort  George,  and  transfer 
the  trooj)S  to  the  east  end  of  Lake  Ontario.  But  orders  came  from  Washington  to 
"put  Fort  George  in  a  condition  to  resist  assault;  to  leave  there  an  efficient  garrist)ii 
of  at  least  six  hundred  regular  troops;  to  remove  Captain  Nathaniel  Leonard,  of  the 
First  Regiment  of  Artillery,  from  the  command  of  Fort  Niagara,  and  give  it  to  Cap- 
tain George  Armistead,  of  the  same  regiment ;  to  accept  the  services  of  a  volunteei' 
corps  offered  by  (Tcneral  P.  B.  Porter  and  others,  and  to  commit  the  command  of  Fort 
George  and  the  Niagara  frontier  to  Brigadier  General  Moses  Porter."^  These  histruc- 
tions  were  but  partially  obeyed.  Leonard  was  left  in  command  of  Fort  Niag.'ra ;  no 
arrangements  were  made  for  the  acceptance  of  the  volunteers ;  and  Colonel  Scott,  in- 
stead of  General  Moses  Porter,  was  placed  in  command  of  Fort  George,  with  a  garri- 
son of  about  eight  hundred  regular  troops,  and  a  part  of  Colonel  Philetus  Swift's  reg- 
iment of  militia,  instructed,  in  the  anticipated  event  of  the  British  abandoning  that 
frontier,  to  leave  the  fort  in  command  of  Brigadier  General  JM'Clure,  of  the  New  York 
Militia,  and  with  his  regulars  join  the  expedition  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  Having  com- 
l)leted  his  arrangements,  Wilkinson  embarked  with  the  Niagara  army  on  Chauntey's 
fleet,  and  sailed  eastward  on  the  2d  of  October. 

Colonel  Scott  immediately  set  Captain  Tottcn,  of  the  Engineers,  at  work  to  strength- 
en the  post  over  which,  a  few  months  before,  he  had  unfurled  the  American  flag  for 
tlie  first  time.  Much  had  been  accomplished  at  the  end  of  a  week,  when,  suddeidy, 
to  the  surprise  of  all,  the  British  broke  camp  and  hastened  toward  Burlington  Heights, 
(iencral  Vincent  had  received  intelligence  of  the  defeat  of  Proctor  on  the  Thames,* 
and  he  instantly  directed  the  concentration  of  all.  his  forces  at  the  head  of  the  lake, 
to  either  meet  Harrison,  should  he  push  in  from  the  field  of  victory,  or  to  renew  the 
attempt  to  repossess  themselves  of  the  Niagara  frontier.  Proctor,  with  the  small 
remnant  of  his  vanquished  army,  joined  Vincent  on  the  10th.  This  retrograde  move- 
ment of  the  British  was  the  contingency  which  Scott  longed  for,  because  he  preferred 
;i(  tive  service  down  the  St.  Lawrence  to  garrison  duty.  He  accordingly  placed  Fort 
(ieorge  in  command  of  General  M'Clure,  and  crossed  the  river  to  the  American  shorts 
with  all  the  regulars  on  the  13th  of  October. ''  He  marched  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Genesee  River,  where  he  expected  to  find  lake  transportati(Ui  for  his  troops. 
He  was  disappointed;  and  in  drenching  rain,  and  through  deep  mud, he  pressed  on 
with  his  little  army  by  way  of  the  sites  of  Rochester*  and  Syracuse^  to  Utica,''  where 


"  1813. 


ad-quarters  at  Burllngloi  | 
lie  Seamd  War,  etc,  i., »  j 


'  Report  of  tlie  adjutant  pcneral,  August  2, 1818.  '  Minutes  of  the  council. 

'  Armstrong's  Notices  of  the  H'ar  of  ISli.  *  Sec  page  664. 

'  The  only  dwelling  then  at  the  Palls  of  the  Genesee,  where  the  city  of  Rochester  now  stands,  was  the  log  house  of 
Knos  Stone,  hnilt  in  ISilT.    Now  (18«7)  the  population  of  Rochester  is  about  66,000. 

'  Syracuse  was  then  in  embryo,  in  the  form  of  a  few  huts  of  salt-boilers,  and  called  by  the  village  name.  South  Salina. 
It  uow  (1S«7)  contains  a  population  of  about  34,000. 

'  Utica  is  on  the  site  of  old  Fort  Schuyler,  a  few  miles  eastward  of  the  later  Fort  Schuyler,  originally  called  Fort  9t«n- 
wii,  uow  Rome.    It  was  then  an  incorporated  post  vlllngo,  and  considered  the  commercial  capital  of  the  great  Western 


^^    ', 


Mi 


H       ^. 

.—• j.r]mn»CTiy.-,«.i~ 

1,1 

1 

1      . 

It    ■       I 

'i                        1 

iii^^m 

mm   '^ 

MmKm 

s 

IIP 

';■'     '  ( 

a^^e;tui!a";.B!wj5«S!SIHP!HWWI 


632 


■I     ^ 

■    '  i 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


AmiRtroDg  on  the  Frontier. 


The  British  threaten  Fort  George. 


It  la  abandoned. 


Newark  buret. 


^  November  10. 


he  struck  tlie  road  that  from  there  penetrated  the  Black  River  country. •  There  he  met 
General  Armstrong,  who  luid  left  liis  post  at  Washinajton  for  the  double  purpose  of  rec- 
onciling the  differences  between  Wilkinson  and  Hampton,  and  to  superintend  in  per- 
son  the  movements  of  the  St.  Lawrence  expedition.  The  Secretary  permitted  Scott  to 
leave  tiis  troops  in  command  of  Major  Ilindman,  and  to  push  forward  to  Ogdeiishurc 
where  he  joined  Wilkinson,  and  took  part  in  subsequent  events  of  the  expedition. 
•  October  13,  When  Scott  left  Fort  George"  it  was  believed  that  tlie  British  troops 
1813.  jiad  been  called  from  the  west  end  of  Lake  Ontario  to  re-enforce  the  "ar- 

rison  at  Kingston.  Such  order  had  been  sent  to  Vincent  by  the  timid  Sir  George 
Prevost  when  he  heard  of  Proctor's  disaster.  On  the  receipt  of  it  Vincent  called  a 
council  of  officers,  when  it  was  resolved  to  disobey  it,  and  not  only  hold  the  penin- 
sula, but  endeavor  to  repossess  every  British  post  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  Mean- 
while M'Clure  was  sending  out  foraging  parties,  Avho  greatly  alarmt  >|  and  distressed 
the  inhabitants.  They  appealed  for  protection  to  General  Vinccn  .  and  he  sint  a  de- 
tachment of  about  four  hundred  British  troops  under  Colonel  Murray,  and  about  one 
hundred  Indians  under  Captain  M.  EUictt,  to  drive  the  foragers  back.  The  work  was 
accomplished,  and  the  Americans  were  very  soon  hemmed  within  their  own  lines  Lv 
the  foe,  who  took  position  at  Twelve-mile  Creek,  now  St.  Catharine's. 

While  affaii-s  were  in  this  condition  at  Fort  George  General  Harrison  arrived  there 
as  we  have  seen,^  Avith  the  expectation  of  leading  an  expedition  against  Burlington 
Heights.  But  he  was  speedily  ordered  to  embark,  with  all  his  troops,  on  Chauncey's 
squadron,  for  Sackett's  Harbor.  M'Clure  was  again  alone''  with  his  vol- 
unteers and  militia.  The  time  of  service  of  the  latter  was  about  to  ex- 
pire, and  none  could  be  induced  to  remain.^  Gloomy  intelligence  came  from  the  St. 
Lawrence — Wilkinson's  expedition  had  failed.  Startling  intelligence  came  from  the 
westward — Lieutenant  General  Drummond,  accompanied  by  Major  General  Kiall. 
had  lately  arrived  on  the  Peninsula,  with  re-enforcements  from  Kingston,  and  as- 
sumed chief  command ;  and  Murray,  with  his  regulars  and  Lidians,  was  moving  to- 
ward Fort  George.  Its  garrison  was  reduced  to  sixty  effective  regulars  of  the  Twen- 
ty-fourth United  States  Infantry.  These  were  in  great  peril,  and  M'Clure  determ- 
ined to  abandon  the  post,  and  place  his  little  garrison  in  Fort  Niagara.  The  weather 
was  extremely  cold.  Temperature  had  been  faithful  to  the  calendar,  and  winter  hail 
commenced  in  earnest  on  the  Ist  of  December.  Deep  snow  was  upon  the  ground. 
and  biting  north  winds  came  over  the  lake.  "  Shall  I  leave  the  foe  comfortable  quar- 
ters, and  thus  increase  the  danger  to  Fort  Niagara  ?"  he  asked  of  the  Spirit  and  Usage 
of  War.  They  answered  No,  and  with  this  decision,  and  under  the  sanction  of  an  or- 
der from  the  itinerant  War  Department,*  he  attempted  to  blow  up  the  fort  while  iiis 
men  were  crossing''  the  icy  flood.^  Then  he  applied  the  brand  to  the 
beautiful' village  of  Newark.  One  hundred  and  fifty  houses  were  speed- 
ily laid  in  ashes.*    The  inhabitants  had  been  given  only  a  f^w  hours'  waruiiig ;  and, 

District  of  New  York.  1  (  was  first  called  Old  Fort  Schuyler  Village.  At  the  time  wc  arc  considering  it  had  .ibont  KOO 
Inhabitants,  and  was  a  central  point  for  all  the  principal  avenues  of  communication.    Its  population  now  is  nboiil  'i5,(«M'. 

1  Tlic  present  Jefferson  County  was  then  known  as  the  Black  River  country.  '  Sec  piigo  »!', 

3  "  I  offered  a  bounty  of  two  dollars  a  month,"  says  M'Clure,  in  the  Huffalu  GazetW,  "  for  one  or  two  monthn,  butwiti- 
out  effect.    Some  few  of  Colonel  Bloom's  regiment  took  the  bounty,  and  immediately  disappeared." 

*  From  Sackett's  Harbor  the  Secretary  of  War  wrote  as  follows : 

"War  Department,  October  4, 1S13. 

"  Sib,— Understanding  that  the  defense  of  the  post  committed  to  your  charge  may  render  it  proper  to  dextrmj  the  Ima 
of  Newark,  yon  are  hereby  directed  to  apprise  the  inhabitants  of  this  circumstance,  and  Ipvite  them  to  remove  ttiem- 
selves  and  their  effects  to  some  place  of  greater  safety.  John  Ar.iibtkoso. 

"  Brigadier  General  M'Clure,  or  officer  commanding  at  Fort  George." 

Behind  this  order  General  M'Clure  took  shelter  when  assailed  by  the  public  indignation. 

'  Mr.  E.  Giddings,  a  printer,  kept  the  ferry  between  the  fort  and  Youngstown  opposite  at  that  time,  and  for  many  years 
succeeding  the  war  he  had  charge  of  Fort  Niagara.  He  narrowly  escaped  capture  when  the  British  took  the  fort  in  De- 
cember, 1818. 

«  Only  one  house  was  left  standing.  Mr.  Merritt,  in  his  Narrative,  says :  •  Nothing  but  heaps  of  boats,  and  streets 
taW  of  furniture  that  the  Inhabitants  were  fortunate  enough  to  get  ont  of  their  houses,  met  our  eyes.  Hy  old  quarter;, 
Gordon's  house,  was  the  only  one  standing." 


«  December  10. 


OF   THE    WAIi    OF    18  12. 


683 


Newark  buret. 

Fhcre  he  met 
Lirpose  of  rec- 
iitend  in  per- 
itted  Scott  to 
Ogdensburg, 
expedition. 
British  troops 
force  the  gar- 
id  Sir  George 
icent  called  ii 
old  the  penin- 
)ntier.  Mean- 
and  distres-sed 
i  he  st'iii  a  de- 
aud  about  one 
The  work  was 
r  own  lines  by 

1  arrived  there, 
inst  Burlington 
,  on  Chauncey's 
e''  with  his  vol- 
^as  about  to  ex- 
me  from  the  St. 
(  came  from  the 
■  General  Kiall. 
ingston,  and  as- 
Iwas  moving  to- 
vrs  of  the  Twen- 
I'CUire  dcterm- 
.     The  weather 
and  winter  had 
pen  the  ground, 
imfortable  quar- 
pirit  and  Usage 
.notion  of  an  or- 
iie  fort  while  his 
le  brand  to  the 
[1809  were  speed- 
'  warning  -,  and, 

leringithadabontW 
Ton  now  is  about  '&,(**>■ 
r  a  See  imj;e  8W. 

ItwomonlhB.butwitti- 

led." 

Jient,  October  4, 1913. 
[oper  to  deatroy  the  Imn 
Ithem  to  remove  ttteni- 
Jomi  Abmbtboso. 


Ime,  and  for  many  years 
l8h  took  the  fort  in  De- 

of  boats,  and  streets 
tyes.    Myoldqnnne"! 


SufferiDKB  of  the  luhabitants. 


Jnst  Indignation  of  the  Brltieb. 


Furt  Niatsora  Burrendered. 


with  little  food  and  clothing,  a  large  number  of  helpless  women  and  children  were 
driven  from  their  homes  into  the  wintry  air  houselesu  wanderers.*  Oh  !  it  was  a 
cruel  act.  War  is  always  cruel,  but  this  was  more  cruel  than  necessity  demanded. 
It  excited  hot  indignation  and  the  spirit  of  vengeance,  which  soon  cau.sed  the  hand 
of  retaliation  to  work  fearfully.  It  provoked  the  commission  of  great  injury  to  Amer- 
ican property,  and  leflb  a  stain  upon  the  American  cliaracter. 

Murray  was  at  Twelve-mile  Creek  when  he  heard  of  the  conflagration  of  Newark. 
He  pressed  on  eagerly,  hoping  to  surprise  the  garrison.  lie  was  a  little  too  late,  yet 
his  swift  a])proach  had  caused  M'Clure  to  fly  so  precipitately  that  he  failed  to  blow 
up  the  fort  or  destroy  the  barracks  on  the  bank  of  the  river ;  and  he  lefl  behind  tents 
sufficient  to  shelter  fifteen  hundred  men.  These,  with  several  cannon,  a  large  quan- 
tity of  shot,  and  ten  soldiers,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British.  That  night  the  red 
cross  of  St.  George  floated  over  the  fortress,  and  Murray's  troops  slumbered  within 
its  walls. 

"Let  us  retaliate  by  fire  and  sword,"  said  Murray  to  Druramond,  as  they  gazed, 
with  eyes  flashiiig  with  indignation,  upon  the  ruins  of  Newark.  "  Do  so,"  said  the 
commander, "  swntly  and  thoroughly ;"  and  on  the  night  of  the  1 8th  of  December — 
a  cold,  black  night — Murray  crossed  the  river  at  Five-mile  JMeadows,  three  miles 
above  Fort  Niagara,  with  about  a  thousand  men,  British  and  Indians.  With  five 
hundred  and  fifty  regulars  he  pressed  on  toward  the  fort,  carrying  axes,  scaling-lad- 
ders and  other  implements  for  assault,  and  shielded  from  observation  by  the  thick 
cover  of  darkness.  They  captured  the  advanced  pickets,  secured  silence,  and,  while 
the  garrison  were  soundly  sleeping,  hovered  around  the  fort  in  proper  order  for  a  sys- 
tematic and  simultaneous  att.ack  at  different  points.  Five  companies  of  the  One 
Hundredth  Regiment,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hamilton,  Avere  to  assail  the  main 
gate  and  escalade  the  adjacent  works ;  three  companies  of  the  same  regiment,  under 
Captain  Martin,  were  to  storm  the  eastern  demi-bastion ;  the  Royal  Scots  Grena- 
diers, Captain  Bailey,  were  to  assault  the  salient  angle  of  the  fortification;  and  the 
tiauk  companies  of  the  Forty-first  Regiment  were  ordered  to  support  the  principal 
attack.^ 

These  preparations  were  unnecessary.  Gross  negligence  or  positive  treachery  had 
exposed  the  fort  to  easy  capture.  M'Clure  had  established  his  head-quarters  at  Buf- 
falo, and  when  he  left  Niagara  on  the  12th,*  he  charged  Captain  Leonard,  >  December, 
commander  of  the  garrison,  to  be  vigilant  and  active,  for  invasion  might  ^^^^■ 

lie  expected.  This  vigilance  and  activity  the  invaders  had  prepared  for;  but  when, 
:it  about  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Hamilton  went  forward  to  assail  the  main  gate, 
lie  found  it  standing  wide  open  and  unguarded  !  Leonard  had  left  the  fort  the  even- 
m  before  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  spent  the  night  with  his  family  at  his  house  three 
miles  in  the  rear.  He  gave  no  hint  to  the  garrison  of  expected  assault,  and  his  de- 
parture was  without  their  knowledge.^  They  were  between  three  and  four  hundred 
^trong  in  fairly  effective  men,  and,  with  a  competent  and  faithful  commander,  might 
have  kept  the  invaders  at  bay.  They  had  neither,  and  when  the  foe  came  there  was 
no  one  to  lead.  The  sentinels  were  seized,  and  in  fear  gave  up  the  countersign  to  the 
i"i,aiid  the  fort  was  entered  without  much  resistance.  The  occupants  of  the  south- 
lastera  block-house,  and  the  invalids  of  the  Red  Barracks,  made  such  determined  op- 


Kisitiou  for  a  few  minutes  that  Lieutenant  Nowlan  and  fivo  men  were  killed,  and  Col- 

'  The  nnfcrnpulons  James  <il.,  8)  Bays :  "  General  M'Clnre  gave  abont  half  an  hour's  notice  to  the  Inhabitants  of  New- 
i  Hk  ttat  he  should  bum  down  their  village,"  and  says  very  few  believed  him  to  be  in  earnest.    G.;ncral  M'Clnre,  In  a 
I  coiumnnication  to  the  BtiffaU)  Oazette,  says :  "  The  luhabitants  had  twelve  hours'  notice  to  renovc  their  effects,  and 
|;llios«wlio  chose  to  come  across  the  river  were  provided  with  all  the  necessaries  of  life." 
•  Colonel  J.  Murray's  Report  to  Lieutenant  General  Drummond,  December  19, 1S13. 

'  Capinin  Leonard  was  suspected  of  treason.    It  was  stated  by  General  M'Clure,  six  days  after  the  capture  of  the  fort, 
I  Umt  be  had  given  himself  up  to  the  enemy,  "  and  that  his  family  are  now  on  the  Canada  side  of  the  strait."   It  is  known 
lliat lie  returned  to  the  fort  and  became  a  prisoner.    He  was  "disbanded,"  or  dropped  from  the  service  not  long  after- 
tard. 


-^^PIPP 


■n 


«34 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Muasncrc  ut  Fort  NIngnra. 


Snvagc  Atrocities  near  Lewistoii. 


Desolation  of  the  Niagara  Pruntier 


NTKKIOU  OK   KOIIT    NIAOAHA. 


mtMm 


oncl  ^Murray,  three  men,  and  a  surgeon  were  wounded.  This  conflict  was  over  bcfori 
the  remainder  of  the  garrison  were  fairly  awake  to  the  cause  of  the  tumult,  and  tin 
fort  was  in  possession  of  the  foe.  It  might  have  been  an  almost  bloodless  victorv 
had  not  the  unhallowed  spirit  of  revenge  for  the  outrage  at  Newark  demanded  vic- 
tims. Murray  did  not  restrain  that  spirit,  and  a  large  number  of  the  garrison,  main 
of  them  invalids,  were  bayoneted  after  all  resistance  had  ceased  \^  This  horrid  work 
Avas  performed  on  Sunday  morning,  the  19th  of  December,  1813. 

When  Murray  had  gained  full  possession  of  the  fort,  he  fired  one  of  its  largest  can- 
non as  a  signal  of  success  for  the  ear  of  General  Riall,  who,  with  a  detachment  of 
British  regulars  and  about  five  hundred  Indians,  was  waiting  for  it  at  Qucenston. 
Riall  immediately  put  his  forces  in  motion,  and  at  dawn  crossed  the  Niagara  to  Lcw- 
iston,  and  took  possession  of  the  village  without  much  opposition  from  Major  Bennett 
and  a  detachment  of  militia  who  were  stationed  on  Lewiston  Heights  at  Fort  Gicy. 
At  the  same  time  a  part  of  Murray's  corps  plundered  and  destroyed  the  little  villajje 
of  Youngstown  (only  six  or  eight  houses),  near  Fort  Niagara. 

Full  license  was  given  by  Riall  to  his  Indian  allies,  and  Lewiston  was  sacked,  plun- 
dered, and  destroyed — made  a  perfect  desolation.^    This  accomplislied,  the  invaders] 
pushed  on  toward  the  little  hamlet  of  Manchester  (now  Niagara  Falls  Village) ;  bnt, 
when  ascending  Lewiston  Heights,  they  Avere  met  and  temporarily  checked  and  driv- 
en back  by  the  gallant  Major  Mallory,  who,  with  foi'ty  Canadian  volunteers,  caint  I 
down  from  Schlosser  and  fought  the  foe  for  two  days  as  they  pushed  him  steadily  I 
back  toward  Bufliilo.^     He  could  do  but  little  to  stay  the  march  of  the  desolator,  [ 
The  whole  Niagara  frontier  on  the  American  side,  from  Fort  Niagara  to  Tonewants 
Creek,  a  distance  of  thirty-six  miles,  and  far  into  the  interior,  was  swept  with  thcb^^l 

■  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  80  killed— many  of  them  hospital  jjatients — 14  wounded,  and  344  made  prifojm.  I 
Of  the  entire  garrison  only  20  escaped.  The  epulis  consisted  of  2T  pieces  of  cannon,  8000  stand  of  arms  and  many  rilK  I 
nn  immense  amount  of  ordnance  and  commissariat  stores,  and  a  large  quantity  of  clothing  and  camp  equipage  of  evti;  I 
description.  I 

'  A  letter  to  the  editor  of  Xilea's  Weekly  RegiMer  from  a  gentleman  on  the  frontier  said ;  "  They  killed  at  and  Dtnrlft-J 
iston  eight  or  ten  of  the  inhahitants,  who,  when  fonnd,  were  all  scalped  with  the  exception  of  one,  whouc  hoadn-aMsil 
off.    Among  the  bodies  was  that  of  a  boy  ten  or  twelve  years  old,  stripped  and  scalped." 

'  General  M'Clurc'e  Report  to  Governor  Tompkins,  dated  at  liuffulu,  December  '22, 1813. 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    18  12. 


635 


0  NiRgara  Fruntltr. 


peaolatton  of  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


New  York  Mllttla  at  Buffalo. 


The  Brlllah  at  Black  Rock. 


^16»,. 


it  was  over  bcforo 
,e  tumult,  and  \\\v 
bloodless  victory 
irk  demanded  \ic- 
he  garrison,  many 
This  horrid  work 

of  its  largest  can- 
a  detachment  of 
it  at  Queenstoii. 
Niagara  to  Lew- 
•om  Major  BeumU 
Its  at  Fort  Griv, 
I  the  little  villajie 


n 


..  was  sacked,  pliin- 
ishcd,  the  invaders  j 
alls  Village)  ;H  I 
checked  and  driv- 
in  volunteers,  caino  I 
ushed  him  steadily 
of  the  desolator. 
gara  to  Tonewaiml 
swept  with  the  be- j 

^"^aiiinadeprUojml 
ind  of  arms  and  many*  I 
ind  camp  equipage  otevd!  I 

Phcykllledatan(lne«fl"] 
ofone,whobehcadwa!« 


som  of  destruction  placed  by  British  authority  in  the  hands  of  savage  pagans.'  Man- 
cliester,  Schlosscr,  and  Tuscarora  Village  shared  the  fate  of  Youiigstowii  and  Lewis- 
ton.^  Free  course  was  given  to  the  blood-thirsty  Indians,  and  many  innocent  persons 
were  hutcliered,  and  survivors  Avcre  made  to  fly  in  terror  through  the  deep  snow  to 
some  forest  shelter  or  remote  cabin  of  a  settler  far  beyond  the  invaders'  track.  Buf- 
falo too,  would  have  been  plundered  and  destroyed  had  not  the  progress  of  the  foe 
been  checked  by  the  timely  destruction  of  the  bridge  over  the  Tonewunta  Creek. 

But  the  respite  for  doomed  Buffalo  was  short,  lliall  and  his  followers  returned  to 
Lewiston,  crossed  over  to  Qucenston,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  28th  appeared  at 
Chippewa,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  General  Drummond.  In  tlie  mean  time 
the  alarm  had  spread  over  Western  New  York,  and  the  inhabitants  were  thoroughly 
iiroused.  General  M'Clure  had  sent  out  a  stirring  address*  to  the  "in-  •  December  is, 
habitants  of  Niagara,  Genesee,  and  Chautauqua,"  urging  them  to  repair  '*'^' 

immediately  to  Lewiston,  Schlosscr,  and  Buffalo.^  General  Amos  Hall,  with  his  usual 
alacrity,  called  out  the  militia 

c^. 


iind  invited  volunteers.  His 
liead-qnartcrs  were  at  liatavia, 
where  the  government  had  an 
arsenal,  thirty  or  forty  miles 
eastward  from  Buft'alo,  and 
there  General  M'Clure  resigned  his  command,  and  took  orders  from  Hall.  As  fast  as 
men  were  collected  they  were-  sent  to  Black  Kock  and  Ihitt'alo,  and  thitherward  Hall 
hastened  on  the  morning  of  the  25th.  He  reached  Bull'ilo  tAventy-four  hours  after 
his  departure  from  Batavia,  and  there  found  "  a  considerable  body  of  irregular  troops 
of  various  descriptions,  disorganized  and  confused.  Every  thing  wore  the  appearance 
of  consternation  and  dismay."*  He  ordered  their  immediate  organization ;  and  when, 
on  the  27th,  he  reviewed  the  troops,  he  found  their  number  to  be  a  little  more  than 
two  thousand  at  Buffalo  and  Black  Rock.* 

General  Drummond  advanced  to  a  point  nearly  opposite  Black  Rock  on  the  29th, 
and  reconnoitred  the  American  camp.  At  midnight  General  Riall  crossed  with  reg- 
iildrs,  Canadians,  and  Indians,  about  a  thousand  strong,  and  landed  where  Bisshopp 
did,  about  two  miles  below  Black  Rock.  JMoving  immediately  forward,  they  encoun- 
tered mounted  pickets  under  Lieutenant  Boughton,  who,  after  a  brief  skirmish  with 
the  British  vangimrd,  fled  across  Shogeoquady  Creek."  The  enemy  took  possession 
of  the  "  Sailors'  Battery"  there  and  the  bridge,  and  then  paused,  while  Boughton 

1  This  was  n  hamlet.    Augiistns  Porter,  Esq.,  had  valuable  mills  there.    These  were  destroyed. 

'  A  linndbill  printed  at  Montreal  on  the  28th  of  December,  and  cited  by  the  Plattuhurri  Republican  of  .lanuai-y  1, 1S14, 
fontniiied  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  "an  officer  of  high  rank"  (Lieutenant  General  Drummond?)  at  Queenston,  written 
on  the  Ifltli,  in  which  the  following  passage  occurs :  "  A  war-whoop  from  five  hundred  of  the  mn»t  savage  IntliaiM  (which 
ihcy  gave  just  at  daylight,  on  hearing  of  the  success  of  the  attack  on  Fort  Niagara)  made  the  i,nemy  take  to  their  heels 
[M  Lewiston  J,  and  our  troops  ari'  in  pursuit.  We  shall  not  stop  until  we  have  cleared  the  whole  frontier.  The  Indians 
are  retaliating  the  conflagration  of  Newark.  Xot  a  house  within  my  right  bttt  is  inflames.  This  is  a  melancholy  but  just 
retaliation." 

'This  address  was  Issued  on  the  day  preceding  the  capture  of  Fort  Niagara,  M'Clnre  having  been  Informed  by  his 
sconta  of  the  preparations  of  the  British  to  make  a  descent  upon  the  American  side  of  the  Niagara. 

'  Hall's  Report  to  Governor  Tompkins. 

s  There  were  129  mounted  volunteers,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Boughton  ;  433  exempts  and  volunteers,  under  Llen- 
Icnant  Colonel  Blakcslee,  of  Ontario;  13B  Buffalo  militia,  under  Colonel  Chnpin  :  9T  Canadian  volunteers,  under  Major 
Mallnry:*  332  Genesee  militia,  under  Major  Adams.  These  were  at  Buffalo.  At,  Black  Rock  were  stationed  .382  effect- 
ive men,  under  Brigadier  General  Hopkins,  composed  of  corps  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonels  Warren  and  Church- 
ill, exclusive  of  a  body  of  3T  mounted  Infantry  under  Captain  R.insom;  83  Indians,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Granger; 
•a  nrtillcry,  under  Lieutenant  Seely,  with  a  «-ponnder ;  and  about  300  Chautauqua  Indians,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
M'Mahnii.— WaU's  Report  to  Oovemor  Tompkins,  January  0, 1814. 

'  See  map  on  page  382. 

•  Mi^or  Benajah  Mallory  had  been,  in  early  yonth,  in  the  military  service  toward  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War. 
He  had  settled  in  Canada,  but,  with  others,  took  sides  with  his  own  country,  and  became  the  commander  of  the  famous 
partisan  corps  known  as  the  "Canadian  Refugees."  He  was  in  the  severe  battle  at  Niagara  Falls,  or  Luiidy's  Lane,  and 
,i.«.«i»ted  General  Scott  from  the  fleld  after  he  was  wounded.  He  resided  many  years  In  Lockport,  New  York,  and  when, 
iu  1^52,  Scott  stopped  there  ou  a  journey,  he  recogulzed  the  veteran  as  one  of  his  loved  companions  in  arras. 


! 


•!      ! 


H 


«M 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bad  Conduct  of  the  MtlltU. 


Battle  near  Black  Rock. 


The  Amcricniii  repulwa. 


hafiti'ncd  with  news  of  tho  fact  to  General  Hiill'8  quartci-H,  between  IJuffiilo  and  Hlmk 
Rock.  Tlie  niglit  waH  very  dark.  The  trooj)H  at  liead-<)uarter«  were  panKhil,  ainl 
Lieutenant  Colonels  Warren  and  I'luirohill  ((General  Hopkins  was  abfient  from  caiui,) 
were  ordered  to  go  forward  with  tlieir  corj)s  and  feel  the  position  and  strength  of  ilic. 
enemy.  Th(;y  met  the  foe,  and  at  the  first  fire  they  l)roke  an<l  fled,  and  were  no  hkhv 
seen  during  the  following  day.  Hall  then  ordered  Adams  and  Chapin,  with  tliiir 
eommands,  to  the  same  duty,  and  tho  same  result  ensued;  and  at  the  dawn  of  the 
SOtli  lie  found  himself  in  command  of  eight  hundred  troops  less  than  at  the  evcnin,' 
twilight  of  tho  20th.     They  had  actually  deserted. 

Hall  now  advanced  with  his  whole  force,  and  ordered  Lieutenant  ('oluucl  Blak(".|ic 
to  move  forward  and  commence  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  left.  They  iiiarelud  to 
ward  iJlack  Rock  on  the  Hill  Road,  and  in  tho  dim  light  of  early  dawn  •^aw  a  Hntillii 
of  British  boats  making  for  the  slioro  near  General  Porter's  mansion.  Tliese  hoic  tin 
Royal  Scots,  eight  hundred  in  number,  who  landed  under  cover  of  a  five-gun  battciv 
on  the  American  shore,  in  the  face  of  severe  opposition.  Their  })lan  of  attack  « ;,^ 
soon  revealed  to  the  American  general,  and  he  made  his  dispositions  accordinirlv, 
Oolonel  Gordon,  of  the  centre,  with  about  four  hundred  Scots,  coni  mnced  the  attack, 
while  the  JJritish  lefl  wing  attempted  to  flunk  the  American  right.  Hall  (luicklv 
foiled  this  design  by  throwing  Granger  and  his  Indians,  and  Mallory  and  his  Caiiii- 
Jian  Refugees,  in  the  way  of  the  enemy's  advancing  left  wing.  At  the  same  time 
Blakeslee  and  his  Ontario  militia  confroirted  the  centre,  and  M'Mahon  and  IiIh  C'liau- 
tauqua  troops  were  posted  as  a  reserve  at  the  battery  of  Fort  Tompkins,'  which  w;i> 
commanded  by  the  gallant  Lieutenant  John  S'-e'y. 

The  batteries  on  the  Canada  shore  and  the  cannon  of  the  Americans  opened  tin 
simultaneously  and  vigorously,  while  Rlakeslee's  men,  cool  as  veterans,  disputed  tlu 
ground  with  the  foe  inch  by  inch.  But  the  Indians  and  Canadians,  lacking  iiiornl 
Btrengfl  ve  way  almost  before  a  struggle  was  begun,  and  M'Mahon  and  liis  re- 
serves w  .)rdered  to  the  breach.  They,  too,  gave  way  and  fled,  and  could  not  In 
rallied  by  their  officers.  ILall's  power  was  thus  completely  broken,  and  he  was 
placed  in  great  peril.  Deserted  by  a  large  portion  of  his  troojis,  oj»posed  by  veter- 
ans, vastly  outnumbered,  and  almost  surrounded,  he  was  compelled,  for  tlie  safety  of 
the  remnant  of  his  little  army,  to  sound  a  retreat,  after  he  had  maintained  the  un- 
equal conflict  for  half  an  hour.  He  tried  to  rally  his  troops,  but  in  vain.  The  gal- 
lant Chapin,  with  a  few  of  the  bolder  men,  retired  slowly  along  the  jiresent  Niagara 
Street  toward  Buffalo,  keeping  the  enemy  partially  in  check,^  while  Hall,  with  the 
remainder,  who  were  alarmed  and  scattered,  retired  to  Eleven-mile  Creek,  where  ho 
rallied  about  three  hundred  men,  who  remained  true  to  the  old  flag.  With  these  he 
was  enabled  to  cover  the  flight  of  the  inhabitants,  and  to  check  the  advance  of  the 
invaders  into  the  interior. 

The  British  and  their  Lidian  allies  took  possession  of  Buffalo,^  and  proceeded  ti 
plunder,  destroy,  and  slaughter.  Only  four  buildings  were  left  standing  in  the  town, 
These  were  the  jail  (built  of  stone),  the  frame  of  a  barn,  Reese's  blacksmith-Kin ip,  and 
the  dwelling  of  Mrs.  St.  John,  a  resolute  woman,  who,  more  fortunate  than  her  neigh- 

>  This  battery,  of  three  Rtino,  was  on  the  elto  of  William  Bird's  house,  and  Fort  Tompkins  was  on  gruinid  now  ocrn 
pied  by  the  stables  of  the  Niagara  Street  Railway  Company.  It  had  six  pretty  heavy  guns,  and  was  the  largest  work 
there. 

a  "  Among  these  was  Lieutenant  John  Scely,  a  carpenter  and  joiner,  who  lived  on  the  comer  of  Auburn  ami  Nlaeara 
Streets,  and  was  lieutenant  of  a  company  of  artillery  at  Black  Rock-  lie  had  fought  his  pieces  <m  the  brow  of  the  hill, 
on  what  Is  now  Breckinridge  Street,  until  he  had  bnt  seven  men  and  one  horse  left.  Mounting  the  horse,  which  wa- 
harnessed  to  the  gun,  he  brought  It  away  with  him,  firing  upon  the  enemy  whenever  occasion  ofrerc<l  Neiir  where 
Mohawk  Street  joins  Niagara  was  then  n  slough.  Here  Seely  turned  upon  his  foe.  The  gun  was  thrown  off  from  it? 
carriage  by  the  discharge,  but  was  quickly  replaced,  and  taken  to  the  village.— Bi/jfoto  duriruj  the  War  qflS12;  a  paper 
read  before  the  Buffalo  Historical  Society,  March  13, 19«3,  by  William  Dokkiikimeb,  Esq. 

'  The  place  was  nnoflicinlly  surrendered  by  Colonel  Chapin  to  prevent  farther  bloodshed.  He  approached  the  Brit- 
ish with  a  piece  of  his  shirt  as  a  flag  of  tmce,  and  agreed  to  surrender  on  condition  that  private  pro))erty  shonld  he  re 
spocted.  It  was  agreed  to,  and  he  and  some  other  clti7,on6  became  prisoners.  When  General  Rinll  found  that  Chapii: 
had  no  authority  to  surrender  the  city,  he  declarcl  his  own  agreement  void,  and  gave  bis  marauders  free  play. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


037 


Imeiicana  rcpulwii. 


Dentructiun  uf  Buffulu  uud  Uliick  Ruck. 


Hurden  by  the  Indians. 


Uorroni  of  raUllatory  Warfare. 


lior  MrH.  Lovejoy  (who  was  murdered  and  burnt  in  her  own  house),  saved  her  own 
lit;.  uikI  her  property.'  At  Black  ISock  only  a  Hintjle  Ixiiiding  escaped  coiiflagnitiuii. 
It  \v;iH  a  log  house,  in  which  women  and  children  liud  taken  refuge.  The  Ariel,  LiU 
tie  Belt,  Chippewa,  and  Trippe,  vcHMels  that  performed  hcrvicc  in  the  battle  on  Lake 
Kric  a  little  more  than  a  hundred  days  before,  were  committed  to  the  Hames.  Fear- 
ful was  the  retaliation  for  the  destruction  of  half-inhabited  Newark,  w//erc  not  a  life 
icas  mcnjiccd!  Six  villages,  many  isolated  country  houses,  and  four  vessels  were 
consumed;  and  the  butchery  of  innocient  persons  at  Fort  Niagara,  Lewiston,  Schlos- 
scr, Tiiscarora  Village,  Ulack  Kock,  and  Buffalo,  and  hi  farm-houses,  attested  the  fierce- 
ness of  the  enemy's  revenge.'* 

1  Mrs.  St.  John  was  a  stout,  reeohitp  wnmnn.  I  wna  Informed  by  the  vcnernbic  Dr.  Trowbridge,  of  Bnffnlo,  who  wag 
tbero  i\t  tho  tlinu,  ilmt  ho  went  to  the  houBe  of  MrH.  St.  .Tohn,  hcKucd  her  to  leiu  i'  hccnudo  the  Indiana  wiiiild  kill  her, 
olTircd  her  tho  use  <if  hlH  horse  for  the  imrpose,  and  imHurcd  her  that  he  would  take  care  of  her  iliildrcn.  She  Hnlil,  "  I 
i-an'l  do  It;  here  Is  all  I  have  In  the  world, anil  I  will  stay  and  defend  It."  She  did  flo,  not  by  force  but  kIndnoHS  of 
iiiaiincr,  and  her  life  and  i)rii|iorty  wore  spared.  Mrs.  Lovejoy  was  not  so  prudent.  She,  too,  was  resolute,  hut  resisted 
the  linliiiiis  by  force  when  they  canio  to  the  house.  They  killed  and  sculped  her,  and  left  her  body,  covered  with  tho 
i<llk  In  which  she  was  dressed,  npon  tho  floor.  On  the  following  day,  when  the  savaRes  came  Into  tho  town  a(;aln  to 
cora|)letc  their  work  uf  destnictlou,  her  house  and  corpse  wen  consumed.  The  latter  had  been  laid  out  across  the  cords 
,if  a  bedstead  hy  a  nel{»hl)or.  Her  son,  Henry  Lovejoy  (sec  note  2,  iiBRO  3S7),  now  (ISOi)  living  in  Buffalo,  was  then  a  lad 
twelve  yeiirii  "T  age,  and  was  In  tho  alTalr  nt  Black  Ruck  when  IJisshopp  was  repulsed,  where  ho  carried  u  fllut-lock 
ransket,  too  liuu'e  for  his  strength  to  bear  It  long.  When  tho  enemy  approached  at  the  tlnio  we  aro  considering,  this 
lirave-hcarted  woman  said  to  tho  boy,  "  Henry,  you  have  fought  against  tho  British  ;  you  must  run.  They  will  take 
viin  prlflouer.  I  am  a  woman ;  they'll  not  harm  mo."  Ho  fled  to  tho  woods.  Her  house  stood  ou  the  situ  of  the  pres- 
ent Phffiiilx  Hotel. 

'Ill  ft  letter  of  a  gentleman  to  his  wife  in  Albany,  written  on  the  «th  of  .January,  1814,  from  Lo  Roy,  he  says:  "  Nu- 
merous wllnCBRes  testify  to  the  following  facts;  Tho  Indians  mangled  and  burned  Mrs. Lovejoy  In  Bufl"alo;  massacred 
wo  Inrgo  families  at  Black  Rock,  namely,  Mr.  LnlTcr's  and  Mr.  I.ecort'8 ;  murdered  Mr.  Gardner ;  put  all  tho  sick  to  death 
at  Ymiiigstown,  and  killed,  wcalpcd,  and  mangled  sixty  at  Fort  Niagara  after  It  was  given  up.  Many  dead  bodies  arc 
vet  lying  nnhuried  at  Buffalo,  mangled  and  scalped.  Colonel  Marvin  counted  thirty-three  this  morning.  I  met  be- 
twecu  Cayuga  and  this  place  upward  of  one  hundred  families  In  wagons,  sleds,  and  sleighs,  many  of  them  with  nothing 
but  what  they  had  on  tlnir  backs ;  nor  could  they  find  places  to  stay  at."    The  sufl'erlng  of  the  fugitives  was  terrible. 

The  almost  universal  condemnation  of  Ocnoral  M'Clure  for  tho  dosfnictlon  of  Newark,  and  the  manifold  greater  enor- 
mities committed  in  retaliation,  caused  Sir  George  Provost  to  hasten  before  tho  world  with  an  assurance  that  he  should 
ondeavor  to  stop  that  sort  of  warfare.  He  well  knew  that  the  Judgment  of  mankind  would  pronounce  farther  prosecu- 
tion'if  war  on  that  plan  to  be  atrocious,  and.  In  a  proclamation  Issued  on  the  12th  of  •January,  1S14,  after  jUHlifying  the 
retaliation  thus  far,  said:  "To  those  possessions  of  the  enemy  ah)ng  tho  whole  line  of  frontier^  which  have  hit  licrto  re- 
mained undisturbed,  and  which  are  now  at  the  mercy  of  the  troops  under  his  command,  his  ?;xcclloncy  has  determined 
III  extend  the  same  forbearance,  and  the  same  freedom  from  rapine  and  plunder  which  they  have  hitherto  experienced ; 
and  from  this  determlnatlou  the  future  conduct  of  the  American  govemmcut  shall  aloue  Induce  him  to  depart." 


%\ 


i^^&fjSi- 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


ihla  PnrcM. 


Tba  NMNtary  of  Wu  >t  Hackctt'i  llartHir. 


Colonel  J  u  |^^f^ 


CHAPTER  XXIX        . 

"  For  a  nnutlral  knight,  ■  lady  -bi'iKh-bo  I  - 
Fell  her  lioiirt  and  her  heart-iitrln(t»  to  arhcj 
To  vIkw  hU  ileiir  iKtrmiii  hIih  liH>ku(l  to  iiinl  fro. 
Tbr  name  of  the  knight  wiin  HIr  Juinca  I.iicai  Yco, 
And  the  //odj/'-'twu  iih«  <^tlu-  iMkr" 

Old  H<>nd--Tiiii  CoiRTKom  Kniiibt,  ok  Tna  Fi-viita  (Ui.n.ii 

KNKllAL  WILKINSON,  aH  w«  hav«»  wm,  arrivotl  nt  Satictt'. 
Harbor  on  ihc.  20tli  of  August,  1813,  whtTO  lio  I'oinially  UNHiitmi 
(•oimnniid  of  tlio  Nortlufii  Aniiy,  ami,  with  tho  co-oporation  ,  i 
loiuicil  of  oftitHirs,  formt'il  u  gfiu-ial  j)liin  of  o|)«rat  ioim  iii'inn. 
tho  enemy  at  Kingston  and  down  the  St.  Lawrence.  IIin  fj^ 
care  waH  to  concentrate  the  forces  ofliis  conintand,  which  wn. 
scattered  over  an  extensive  and  spar^cIy-settled  counlry,  sciin 
on  the  Niagara  frontier,  some  at  liie  eastern  end  of  Lake  Ontan. 
and  on  tlu-  Si.  Lawrence,  and  some  on  Lake  Champhtin.  lie  accordingly  diivci, - 
tliose  on  the  Niagara  and  at  Sackett's  Harbor  to  rendezvous  on  (irenadicr  Islami, ii. 
the  St.  LaMrence,  about  eigliteen  miles  from  the  Harbor,  and  at  French  Creek  (aovr 
Clayton),  about  the  same  distance  further  down  the  river.  Tliose  compoHim,'  tin 
right  wing,  on  Lake  Chatnjthiin,  were  directed  to  move  at  the  same  time  to  the  (an 

ada  border,  at "  tlie  mouth  of  the  t'lmtcan 
gay,  or  other  point  which  would  favni  tl. 
junction  of  the  forces  and  hold  ilic  cin 
my  in  check." 

For  t!ie  purpose  of  promoting  hamiom 
of  action  between  Wilkinson  ainl  llaMi|, 
ton,  as  we  have  observed,  and  to  add  ifii 
cioncy  to  projected  movements,  the  Sen 
tary  of  War,  accoiii])anieil  by  the  adjiitai, 
•general.  Colonel  Walbach,  established  th 
seat  of  his  department  at  Sackett's  llai 
bor."  He,  and  Wilkinson,  .8qm.rai,.r' 
and  the  late  venerable  (Jen-  '''" 

eral  Joseph  (rardner  Swill  (then  chief  en 
gineer  of  the  Northern  Anny,  and  l)i:ir 
ing  the  commission  of  colonel')  hold  eon 
saltations  with  (Jovernor  Tonipkins  ni 
Albany,  who,  from  the  beginning,  had  em- 
jdoyed  his  best  energies  for  the  pninietinn 
of  the  general  good,  and  especially  furiiH 
defense  of  his  commonwealth  against  ii; 
vasion. 

Before  considering  Wilkinson's  expcli 
tiori,  let  lis  turn  back  a  little,  and  taki  a 


^^^^1 


'  JnR«pb  Oardnfr  Swift  wan  horn  In  Nantnrket  on  the  last  day  of  the  year  1TSS.  He  entered  the  army  as  «  cuilftM 
Newport,  Rhode  Island,  lu  isfto,  and  was  the  tlrst  cradiiate  of  the  MHiljiry  Academy  at  West  Point.  He  beoBiiie  ttl'.»  11 
to  a  corps  of  United  States  Knirinceri",  and  in  ISOT,  having  attained  the  rank  of  captain,  he  was  «ii)>olnl<!(l  cominaii  lie: 
of  West  Point.    Ue  waa  military  agent  at  Fort  Johnson,  Soath  Carolina,  early  In  1812,  and  was  eoon  afterward  nmlf  i.- 


m  ^  J 


tlmtcl  J.O.RwUL 


OF   TIIK   VVAll    OF    18  13. 


689 


Uoner^l  Oeuboni  mai«Mlal»OMMl». 


Oowrni.™  Tonipkliu  »iirt  (l«laih». 

ithw'c  "t  niilitftry  iiiul  niival  opcrntioiiH  on  Lnko  Chnmplnin  iip  to  the  nutumn  of  1818. 
\V('  sliall  tlu'ii  lii'ttor  uiuUrHtiiiKl  hi'vitiiI  ivspcctrt  ot'tlmt  >    puditioii. 

WIk'II  Wiir  was  (ii-chinMl  in  Juin',  IHI2,  zciiltnis  Hiipportt'is  of  tlu-  iiiitional  adininiH- 
tnitii'ii  were  govt-riiorH  of  New  York  and  Vermont,'  hi'tween  wliicli  lay  important 
|,!iki'  Cliamplain.  Tlicsi'  majjistratcN,  HiiHtained  by  tlit'ir  re»pt'C'tivo  Le^iHlaturcs,  si'C- 
(iiiili'd  till'  administration  in  all  its  nu-aHnri's.  Tiu!  Lci^islatiiri'  of  V^-rmont  proliibitcd 
;ill  iiitcrcoiirHi!  with  Canada  except  with  tlie  permiHuion  of  the  governor,  and  they 
;i(l(ii)t(d  ineasureH  for  eallinfj  out  the  militia  of  the  state  when  needed.  New  York 
was  not  a  wliit  behind  her  sister  of  the  (ireen  IVIonntains  in  zeal  and  ettieieney. 

Dmini'  the  summer  of  1H12  J}ri<.;adier  tieiieral  Hloomiicld  was  sent  to  the  Cham* 


^ 


-^VWfX^r,. 


plain  frontier  with  several  regiments,  and  on  the  Ist  of  September  had  collceted 
about  eight  thousand  men  at  I'hittsburg— regulars,  volunteers,  and  militia — besides 
some  small  advanced  parties  at  Chazy  and  Cliamplain.  General  Dearborn  arrived 
tiiero  soon  afterward,  and  assumed  direct  connnand ;  and  on  the  lOth  of  November 
lie  moved  toward  the  Canada  line  Avith  three  thousand  regulars  and  two  thousand. 
militia,  and  encamj)ed  upon  the  level  ground  near  the  jiresent  village  of  Ko'tise's 
I'oint.  There  he  advanced  across  the  line  towa'-d  Odell  Town,  for  what  ultimaic  ob- 
ject no  one  knew,  ;vnd  on  the  banks  of  the  La  Colle,  a  tributary  of  the  Sorel,  he  was 
confronted  by  a  considerable  force  of  volti- 
(;cur8,  chasseurs,  militia,  and  Indians,  under 
Lieutenant  Colonel  De  .Salttberry,  an  active 
IJritisii  commander. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  just  at  dawn, 
Colonel  Zebulon  JM.  Pike,  with  about  six  < 
liiuulred  men,  crossed  tl!e  La  Colle,  and  sur- 
rounded a  block-house  which  had  been  occupied  by  a  strong  picket-guard  of  Cana- 
dians and  Indians.  These  had  tied  during  the  previous  evenirg.  At  about  the  same 
time  a  body  of  New  York  militia,  who  had  been  detached  by  an  ■-}  ;er  road,  approached 
for  the  same  purpose,  and  in  the  dim  light  of  the  early  m'  iio;  were  mistaken  by 
those  at  the  block-house  for  enemies.     Pike's  men  openc'    liVe  upon  them,  and  for 

]  U-cflinp  to  Major  General  ( ■.  {".  PInckney,  of  South  Carolina,  with  tlie  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel.  lie  succeeded 
'  nitlian  Wmii'- ;«  ns  commander  of  the  United  States  corps  of  En;;ineerfl,  with  the  rank  of  colonel.  For  his  valuable 
■  rviira  on  tlie  St.  Lawrence  frontier  in  IRIS  and  1814,  and  in  defense  of  the  city  of  New  York,  he  was  breveted  as  brlf;n- 
:  TL'onornl.  He  was  connected  with  the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  for  several  years  after  the  war,  and  in  1S18  he, 
>::li  >fvfrnl  officers  of  the  corps,  left  the  service  because  of  the  appointment  of  Oencrnl  Bernard,  a  French  ofllcer  of  dls- 
"  linn,  t(i  the  control  of  itnpdi  tant  eucineering  services  on  the  coast.  For  nine  years  General  Swift  was  Surveyor  of 
!,  port  of  New  York,  and  from  1S20  to  imti  he  was  snporintendent  of  the  harbor  Improvements  on  the  Lakes.    lie  was 

1 1  liiirte  of  several  important  works  as  civil  engineer,  nnionc;  which  may  be  named  the  Baltimore  and  Snsquchanna 
I!ailro.'.d,  the  New  Orleans  and  Lake  Pontchartrain  Railroad,  and  the  Harlem  Railroad,  lie  went  on  a  mission  of  peace, 
by  imlpr  of  President  Harrison,  to  the  British  American  Provinces  in  1S41,  and  in  1852  he  made  a  tonr  in  Europe.  Ocn- 
ml  Swift  contritmted  many  valuable  papers  to  publications  on  scientific  subjects.  After  ls;tO  he  resided  in  Geneva, 
Nfw  York,  spendinR  his  winters  in  Brooklyn,  Lone  Island.  I  am  Indebted  to  him  for  many  valuable  letters  relating  to 
ihp  fiilijcct  of  this  work.    He  retained  his  mental  faculties  in  great  perfection  until  near  the  time  of  hia  death,  which 

vnrrrd  at  Geneva  on  the  i.ld  of  .luly,  ISWi. 

■  Daniel  D.Tompkins  was  Governor  of  New  York,  and  Jonas  Gnlnsha  of  Vermont. 


» 


mmmmmmmmm 


040 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Repulse  ot  the  Britleh  at  La  Culje. 


They  rally  uud  defeat  the  Amrricnns. 


Llcnt.Ward  atid  Lioiit.  Col.  Carr 


nearly  half  an  hour  a  sharp  contest  was 
sustained.  When  they  discovered  their 
mistake,  they  found  De  Salaberry  ap- 
proaching in  force  with  a  strong  ad- 
vance guard,  when  Lieutenant  Ward,* 
of  the  Twenty-ninth  New  York  Militia, 
with  his  company  of  fifty  men,  moved 
slowly  upon  the  enemy,  and,  after  re- 
ceiving three  discharges  from  them 
without  returning  a  shot,  gave  the  or- 
der to  fire  and  charge.  This  was 
promptly  obeyed,  and  the  appalled  foe, 
taken  completely  by  surprise,  were 
driven  back  to  the  main  body.  This 
gallant  performance  of  the  lieutenant 
elicited  the  highest  praise  from  his  su- 
l)eriors.  But  De  Salaberry's  force  was 
too  overwhelming  to  be  successfully 
withstood.  To  the  Americans  a  re- 
treat was  sounded,  and  they  fled  so 
precipitately  that  they  left  five  of  their  number 
dead  and  five  wounded  on  the  field.^  It  was  a 
fruitless  expedition,  and  the  army  returned  to 
,  November  23,  Plattsburg^  out  of  luuuor  and  de- 
pressed in  spirits.     Three  of  the  regiments  of  regulars  went  into  winter 


isia. 


'  Lieutenant  Aaron  Ward  received  hie  commission  on  the  30th  ><'  April,  1813.  He  was  i)roninted  to  captain  ii  yc jr 
later.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  charged  with  the  conducting  oi  the  first  dotachnicnt  of  Dritlsh  prisoners  from  the 
States  to  Canada.  Law  was  his  chosen  iirofession,  and  in  IS'JS  he  became  a  lawmaker  by  being  elected  a  i f|irestnta- 
tive  of  his  district  in  the  State  of  New  York  in  the  National  Congress.  He  was  an  actlvf  and  efHcicut  worker,  aiici  his 
constituents  were  so  well  satislied  with  hi  i  services  that  he  kept  his  seat  twelve  out  of  eighteen  consecutive  yenrs.  Ui 
assisted  in  fiaming  the  new  Constitution  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  lS4fc,  and  after  that  he  declined  'r,  cnc,age  in  pub. 
lie  life.  He  traveled  extensively  abroad  in  1859,  and  afterward  jjublished  a  very  Interesting  volume,  entitled  ylroiind* 
Pyramids.  For  many  years  he  was  niiijor  g(!tieral  of  the  militia  of  Westchester  County.  He  died  early  in  ISiiT.  Ills  res- 
idence was  at  a  beautiful  spot  overlooking  the  village  of  Sing  Sing,  and  the  Hudson  and  its  scenery  from  the  Ilighiand; 
to  Hoboken. 

'MS.  Journal  of  Colonel  Robert  Carr.  Chrinttc's  HiHtori/ «/  tlte  War  in  the  Canadaii,  page  90.  Robert  Carr,  whose  jour- 
nal Is  here  cited,  was  born  in  Ircl.iud  on  the  '.".tth  of  January,  H";*.  He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  six  ye:^r^!,  and  m- 
tled,  with  his  father,  in  Philadelphi",  They  lived  next  door  to  Dr.  Frank'ln,  and  he  was  often  employed  by  that  jrest 
man  as  an  errand-boy.  Helearnnl  the  art  of  printing  wit'  Benjamin  Franklin  Bachc,  a  grondson  of  Dr.  Franklin,  viih 
whom  he  commenced  his  appreniicoship  in  1792,  He  r  .-o  to  the  liead  of  Ills  profession,  and  in  ISW  received  n  ilrM 
premium  as  the  best  ijrmter  iu  Philadelnhia.  He  printc  .  Wilmn's  (>rnilholn<f;i  from  rannuscrlpt ;  also  Kees's  Ciirtni^lin 
In  M  Tch,  ISl'i,  he  received  tlie  commishion  of  major  in  ilie  Sixteenth  Ki'L'iment  of  Infantry,  and  in  August,  l-i:i,\™ 
pron--  ted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Ninth,  from  whicii  he  was  transferred  to  the  Fifteenth.  He  was  disbauded  in 
ISlft,  and  for  several  years  he  was  the  last  surviving  flelil-ofticer  of  the  army  of  181'J  in  Pcunsylvanla,  Now  .TiTwy.ot 
Dclmvare.  He  was  a  member  of  the  M'l'ImHon  lUmn  of  Philadelphia,  and  one  of  the  tiring  party  on  the  occasion  of  ike 
Congressional  funeral  of  Washington  ip  that  city.    See  note  4,  page  lin. 

Colonel  Carr  married  a  danghter  of  William  Bartram,  proprietor  of  the  celebrated  Botanical  Gardens  nenr  PliiU&l- 
pbin,  and,  ii.  right  of  his  wife,  carried  on  tlie  estnlilishment  from  the  year  ISfts  to  IStiO,  a  period  of  nin.-e  than  liiri.i 
years.  Fr -n  1S21  to  l'!24  he  woe  adjutant  general  of  the  State  nf  Pennsylvania  :  and,  by  order  of  the  Legie'alure,  te 
compiled  .'  work  ou  "  Kiiles  ond  Regulations  for  the  Field  F.xercise."  He  was  a  long  time  an  aldcrtnan  and  justice 
of  the  pt..co  In  Phiiii  !■  Iphia,  and  has  ever  l)eeii  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  his  fallow-citizer.s.  Deprived  of  lii-*  prop- 
erty in  his  eld  age  by  the  viclssitn;li"<  ol  fortnue,  he  was  for  some  time  gate-keeper  at  the  Pennsylvania  AHiiliimfnrik 
Iiuane,  .iltiwited  a  a  beautiful  spm  yond  the  Schuylkill.  There  1  visited  him  on  a  blr.stiy  afternoon  late  in  Nmea- 
be.',  ;S01,  when  he  was  almost  eighiy-fo-ir  years  of  age.  IIo  was  In  excellent  health  and  spirits,  and  assured  nu'  t!i.ii  be 
bad  nut  been  sick  in  raon;  than  sixty  yecrs.  He  had  led  a  strictly  ;emperi',te  life,  never  having  been  intoxicat-d  ba: 
once.  It  was  when  he  was  a  boy,  oud  wan  pr-,dnced  by  eating  rum-chcrrles.  A  month  before  I  vinited  liim  lietuJ 
been  among  the  American  camps  in  Vir-'ini..,  near  Arlingtji;  Heights,  where  he  walked  deventecn  miles  in  one  d.iy, nil 
o"'3,  ded  a  theatre  in  Washington  the  same  evening.  '  I  could  have  danced  a  cotillon  after  thit,"  lie  B«nt  lie  nlteml- 
cd  the  celebi.ition  of  Bradford's  birth-day  by  the  N  w  York  HIsloriial  So-^iety  In  May,  ls«3,  at-  n  delegate  fl-om  Phili-  i 
lielphia,  and  \<  is  then  doubtless  the  oldest  printer  in  the  United  Siates.  On  the  22(i  of  February,  ISM,  Cnl'^ncl  Cstr. 
then  past  eiglity-aix  years  of  age,  read  W:;Hhington's  Farewell  Address  befoe  the  'eternp  soldiers  of  the  War  of  i-i; 
iit  the  t'lilon  so'diers'  ccleb-ation  in  Phiiadehdiia.  He  never  used  spectacles,  eicep'mg  when  his  photograph  who Mtefc  \ 
yet  he  ftnle  with  grace  and  facility  niitil  the  time  of  his  death,  which  recurred  n  Philadelphia  on  the  l.^ih  of  .Mstcli. 
;8<W1  I!  kindly  lent  me  his  Diary,  kept  during  the  War  of  15)12.  It  is  written  !  i  a  line  hand,  and  cimtMns  mnchvsl»  ] 
ab'<  loalter  I  shall  ever  rememl)er  with  plcoirare  my  interview  with  an  errand'ho)ir,  Ur.JfrmMtih,  an>l  utke  ;rAo  Wiu; 
t^t^r,  asapriiiter,viith  Pruide>\tWathi>igU>n  >0.itia>rr(!rliiighi»(iv>neonip(i»itiQ>i*. 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


Lieut.  Col.  Carr. 


:^^^ 


i/cnt  into  winter 

intcd  to  cnptn\n  n  jcar 
llsli  prisotRT^^  fi'im llic 
g  elected  a  vcprcpcma- 
Bcleut  worker,  and  ais 
conBCUlivo  year».  he 
liiiea  •■■•.  eiii,age  in  put)- 
mc,  eutitlcilvlroiind* 
early  linSCiT.  IHsrf^- 
cry  from  the  Uigtilonii^ 

oljcrt  Carr,  whose  jour- 
>e  of  ?ix  year!",  and  ►•'i- 
"mlilovcdliy  lliii'  ■' 
L,i  „fl)r.  Krauliliii.' 
jiii  IBW  receiveil  n  i.  ■. 
•  nlao  Ree»'»  r.i/clnjxilM. 
ml  in  August,  lxlH,vrj( 
1  He  was  disbanded  in 
ylvani«,New.Ierfey,ot 
'   on  the  occasion  o!ili« 

JoardpnBiiearPhil««tl- 
liod  of  mo.-o  than  hiitr 
Ter  of  the  Leiris'.atnrcta 
aUlcrman  ami  ■  jnslin 
,  Deprived  oflii"  prop- 
l8ylvBni,i-1";(l"'".'»'* 
ficmooii  late  in  Kovf* 
J  and  assured  met!* be 

|i<r  bopn  intoxiOiU"''  biij 
Iro  I  vi-H'^d  him  hf  U 
l.nndlesin»iied.iy,Mi 

It  "  lie  MK'     "f  """"'• 
.  ft  delejjalc  from  Phi* 

ilerVofthcWnrc.ii-'i 
ffphotoprnphwa"!*** 
WonthelS>hotM.rct. 
laiidcont-.insmncliv* 

In.  oivi  !«•«"'"' "*''"' 


Rsd  of  Deirborn'a  Canada  Bzpedltion.      Praparatlons  for  War  on  I«ka  CkampMB.      Bwly  If  i 


041 


ther*. 


niiartors  at  Plattsburg,  and  three  others  at  Btirlingto*,  the  former  under  the  com- 
mand of  Ooloiiel  I'iko,  and  the  latter  under  Jingadier  liencral  Chandler.  The  liylit 
artillery  and  dragoons  returned  to  (Trcen1)u*H  (opptjsit*'  Albany),  tW  head-quartern 
ot'lTt'neral  IVarborn,  and  the  militia  were  disbanded. 

Tlicrc  were  no  further  military  movements  os  Lake  C'hamplain  of  special  import- 
unco  until  July,  181.'}.  Naval  preparations  ha<i  b«»'n  somewhat  active  under  tlie  su- 
iKiintondence  of  Lieutenant  Thoini*«  Mafdonoujrh.  «ho,  in  the  fall  of  181'ii,  super- 
-iUhI  Lieutenant  Sidney  Smith  in  the  eomBr«and  fM  Lake  Oamplain.'  When  war 
was  declared  the  whole  American  naval  force  on  the  jake  "onsisted  of  only  two  gun- 
li.iats  that  lay  in  IJasin  Harbor  oi  th«'  Vermont  shore.  Two  small  sloops  and  four 
i,;it(iiux  were  fitted  up  and  armed  'ach  carrying  a  lonif  cighteen-pounder.  The  IJrit- 
;,|,  liad  two  or  three  gun-boats  ai-l  armed  galleys  in  the  Richelieu,  or  Sorel  Kiver, 
ilic  outlet  of  Lake  Champlain  into  ine  St  Lawr'-ne^. 

In  ihe  spring  of  1813  Macdonouffh  put  the  nt»w-armed  sloops  Growler  and  Eagle 
iiflnat,  the  former  eominaiidi'd  by   Lieutenant  Smith  and  the  latter  by  Mr.  Loomis. 
At  tiie  beginning  of  .Fune  intelligi'W**'  came  that  the  Ibitish  gun-boats  had  attacked 
Mime  American  small  craft  near  I{<mi*<-  *  Point.     Macdonough  ordered  Smith,  with  the 
Growler  a. id  Eagle,  and  one  hundred  and  twelve  men  (including  Captain  Herrick  and 
thirty-three  volunteers),  t     look  aJter  the  matter,  and,  on  the  evening  of  the  2d  of 
Jiiiu',*  these  vessels  anchr     d  near  K<»yse's  Point,  within  a  mile  of  the  Canada 
u>.    On  the  fidlowing  morning  they  went  down  the  Sorel  with  a  stiti  favoring 
hivczc  from  the  soutli,  and  at  Arch  Island  gavi    chase  to  three  British  gun-boats. 
Ww  ]pui'siiit  continued  to  a  point  within  sight  of  the  fortifications  on  Isle  aux  I^oia-, 
win  rt^  prudence  caused  Smitl;  to  tack  and  beat  up  the  Sorel  against  the  wind.    When 
tills  iiiovenient  was  discovered  by  the  British,  thn'c  armed  row-galleys  were  sent  out 
lioiii  the  shelter  of  the  lialteries  on  the  island,  and  gave  chase.     They  soon  opened 
iiiidii  the  Hying  sloops  with  long  twenty-four  pounders.     At  the  same  time  a  land 
;  force  was  sent  out  on  each  side  of  the  river,  who  poured  severe  volleys  of  musketry 
ii)H)n  the  decks  of  the  Groicler  and  Eagle.     Tliese  were  answered  by  grape  and  can- 
ister.   This  running  fight  had  been  kept  up  for  about  four  hours,  when  a  heavy  can- 
[ii'iii-shot  lore  planking  from  the  Eagle  below  Avater,  and  she  M'cnt  down  almost  im- 
mediately.   At  about  the  same  time  the  Growler  became  disabled  and  ran  ashore, 
[jiiiithe  people  of  both  vessels  were  made  prisoners.     The  Americans  lost  in  the  en- 
jaacment  one  killed  and  nineteen  wounded.    Tlu  loss  of  the  British  was  much  great- 
i— probably  at  least  one  hundred.     But  they  gained  a  victory,  and  with  it  secured, 
[tor  the  time,  the  full  control  of  the  lake.     The  captured  sloops  were  refitted  by  them, 
tiiamcd  respectively  Finch  and  Vhuhb^&wA  placed  in  the  British  naval  service.     Mac- 
donough recaptured  them  at  Plattsburg  in  September  the  follow  ing  year. 
I  Vacdonough  wis  not  dislieartcned  by  his  loss.     It  stimulated  him  to  greater  ex- 
jenions,  and  bj  tlie  6th  of  August  he  had  fitted  out  and  armed  three  h1oo})S  and  six 
jun-hoats.    Meanwhile  a  British  force  of  soldiers,  sailors,  and  marines,  fourteen  hund- 
riil  strong,  under  Colonel  J.  Murray,  conveyed  in  two  sloops  of  war,  three  gun-boats, 
pi  forty-seven  long  boats,  had  fallen  upon  Plattsburg."    That  place  was  en-     ^    ^ 
taly  uncovered,  tliere  being  no  regular  troops  on  the  west  side  of  the  lake. 
fhi'eiu'my  landed  on  Saturday  afternoon  without  opposition,  and  began  a  Avork  of 
WKtruction  which  lasted  until  ten  o'clock  the  next  day.     Major  General  Ihimpton 
pw  at  Burlington,  only  twenty  mil«>8  distant,  with  almost  four  thcmsand  men,  yet  he 
1  not  attempt  to  en  ss  the  lake,  or  in  aiiy  way  oppose  the  inroad  of  x.Iurray.     The 
'rotlicur  shamefully  violated  the  promises  made  to  the  civil  authorities  of  I'latts- 

1  Sidney  S.nHh  T?a«  flflh  lionteriaii*,  nndi>r  C'nmmftdore  Burron  In  the  Chetapeakr  at  the  time  of  her  nfliilr  with  the 
In  IKiii  hp  wi^a  ordered  tti  Lnk«  Champlain,  and  remained  In  command  there  nntil  the  arrival  of'H&cdonougb 
jiOTfeir  in  rank.    He  diet!  n.  eommardcr  in  the  .ctvico  In  ISSil . 

I' Hi'in  Harbor  '«  eoBsldeicd  the  best  on  I^ake  Chumplaln.    It  is  near  the  sonthwest  comer  of  Ferrlaburg,  Addison 
p.y, Turnout,  nud  nearlv  yppofite  Wcslpml  on  the  New  York  .>!dc  of  tlic  lak?. 


I 


042 


nCTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Colonel  Hurray's  Knid. 


Movements  ofUamptou  in  Northern  New  York. 


Operatlous  on  LakeOntaHo. 


ftifi#i 


bijrg  when  he  entered  the  villaso,  that  private  property  should  bo  respected,  and  tliai 
non-i'oinbataiits  should  remain  uiiniolestod.  After  destroyiiij^  the  bloek-liuusc  arw.. 
iiul,  armory,  and  hospital  in  the  town,  and  the  military  eantoninent  (known  as  Pike's) 
near  Fredenburg  Falls,  on  the  Saranac,  two  miles  above  the  villaj^e,  he  waiitonlv 
burned  three  private  store-houses,  and  plundered  and  destroyed  private  iner(liaii(lis(' 
furniture,  etc.,  to  the  amount  of  several  thousand  dollars.  The  value  of  public  pMi). 
erty  destroyed  was  estimated  at  twenty-Hve  thousand  dollars. ^ 

Having  accomplished  the  object  of  his  raid,  Colonel  Murray  retired  so  hastily  tlim 
he  left  a  picket  of  twenty  men,  who  were  eaj)tured.  He  went  uj>  the  lake  Rcvcnil 
miles  above  JJurlington  on  a  marauding  expedition,  destroying  transjiortation  l)oiitk 
and  on  his  way  back  to  Canada  he  jilundered  private  property  on  Cumberland  Ilra.| 
on  the  Vermont  shore,  and  at  ('hai.y  Landing.  Such  w;is  the  condition  of  afl'aiis  m. 
Lake  Champlain  at  the  close  of  the  summer  of  181  ;t,  when  Wilkinson  took  conuniiiKl 
of  the  Army  of  the  North,  and  prepared  for  his  expedition  down  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  right  wing  of  the  army,  imder  (Jeneral  Hampton,  was  first  put  in  motion,  whin 
it  was  thought  that  Kingston  would  be  the  first  point  of  attack.  He  was  ordered  k. 
penetrate  Canada  toward  Montreal  by  way  of  the  Richelieu  or  Sorcl,to  divert  the  at 
tention  of  the  enemy  in  that  direction.  For  this  purj)ose  his  forces  were  asseinMi,! 
on  Cumberland  Head  at  the  middle  of  September,  consisting  of  four  thousand  etl'eit. 
ive  infantry,  a  squadron  of  horse,  and  a  well-appointed  train  of  artillery.  On  ili, 
"September,     lOth*  he  inovcd  forward  to  the  Great  Chazy  Uiver,  the  infantry  in  |ji,;ii< 

isi.s.  convoyed  by  3racdi)nough's  flotilla,  and  the  squadron  of  horse  and  anil- 

'■  September.  ^^^^  |^y  jj^jj^j  rjij^py  formed  a  junction  at  Cham])lain  on  the  20tli,''  and  im 
the  same  day  the  advance,  under  ALijors  Wool,  Snelling,  and  M'Neil,  marched  as  far 
jis  Ovlell  Town,  just  within  the  Canada  borders,  westward  of  House's  Point.  A  seven 
drought  was  jirevailing  over  all  that  region.  Hami)ton  was  convinced  that  lie  weiilii 
not  be  .able  to  procure  water  on  the  route  northward  over  that  flat  country  fur  hi- 
'  September  21.  horses  and  draught-cattle,  and  he  at  uiicc  returned  to  Chanqdain'  ami 
took  the  road  westward,  which  led  to  the  Chateaugay  River.     At  the  "FomCer 

ners,"  not  far  from  the  present  village  of  Chateaugay,  he  cncamnei'- 
"  September 'J4.  '  •        ,     i  •   •  i  •       i      ' 

and  nunamed  there  awaiting  orders  twenty-six  days. 

In  the  mean  time  preparations  for  the  expedition  were  going  or-  at  the  easteni  end  I 
of  Lake  Ontario,  over  whose  waters  (.'ommodore  Cliauncey  and  Sir  Ji.ines  Yen  ' 
lieeii  for  some  time  pl.iying  a  sort  of  hide-and-seek  game.     As  Chauncey's  fleet  w:;-, 
co-operative  force  in  the  expedition  of  Wilkinson,  wc  may  here  appropriately  consider ! 
the  naval  movements  on  Lake  Ontario  not  already  described, up  to  the  departure  uf  J 
the  expedition  down  the  St.  Lawrence. 

We  have  already  observed  the  active  co-operation  of  the  naval  with  the  landforowj 
in  the  capture  of  York^  and  Fort  Oeorge,^  and  the  atteiiqit  of  Sir  Janu^s  Yeo  tosiw I 
or  destroy  the  post  at  Sackett's  Harbor.^  Intelligence  of  the  fact  that  the  Hriiiskj 
Kqiiadron  was  out  upon  the  lake  reached  Chauncey  on  the  30th  of  May,  while  iyinjl 
in  the  mouth  of  I  lie  Xiagara  ?^>ver.  He  immediately  v,'eighe<l  anchnr,  crossed  >virj 
the  lake  and  looked  into  York,  and  then  ran  for  Kingston.  Nt>  foe  was  to  be  seen,} 
and  he  sailed  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  where  the  embers  of  the  recent  conflagration  nm I 
smouldering.  Chauncey  felt  some  dcuibts  of  his  ability  to  cope  with  the  heavy  v(*j 
sels  of  the  enemy,  and  he  used  every  exertion  to  have  the  new  shiji,  the  General Pikl 
put  afloat.     She  was  a  corvette,  pierced  for  twenty-six  long  twenty-fours.    Slie  i vuj 

'  HUt':r;i nf  iMKf  Chaniptaiii  frmn  IBflft  to  I'iU,  by  PetiT  S.  I'nlmcr.  pn^e  t<W.    Mr.  Piihner  snys:  ".SiililiorHWrnililltitl 
into  priviito  (Iwclllngs,  imd  henr  off  bnck-lond.s  of  property  to  the  hosts  in  the  iiresence  of  British  officer?,  whi,"!- 
lemoniitmteii  with  by  the  pliiiulored  cltlgcni",  repHed  that  they  could  not  prevent  tt,  nn  the  men  did  not  hclont"  ' 
partlealnr  company.'    Amoey  the  BUfferer?  In  thi«  Wfiy.  HceordinR  to  an  inventory  made  at  ihc  time,  and  piililisi 
Mr.  I'al'oir,  were  .Iiidije  I).  Lord,  who  lost  properly  to  the  amount  of  $10V!>  s]  :  I'elcr.Siillloy,  ifSST  iT,  heslilc*  l«v 
honnes  >'Blned  at  Jlimi ;  .I-idfte  Palmer.  $3sn  W:  Pnctor  Miller,  *1«00:  Hoi«twick  Hiirk,$1«HP0;  ,T:ii;ub  l''iirlf,iiTi* 
lesser  amounts  by  other  citizens.    A  stor«-boaj<e  belonging  to  Major  Piatt  was  also  burned. 

2  R.M  •pn(;c  BST.  »  See  page  IBS.  ♦Hecpat'-fW 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


643 


a  nn  Lake  OiUirlo. 

ctcii,  and  thai 
:;k.-lioUM',  iirse- 
iwn  as  I'iWs) 
,  he  wantonly 
p  mi'rclian(Vis( , 
of  iiublic  \)v><Y 

80  hastily  thai 
\(i  lukt-  si'venil 
:)ortat\on  IkhiIv 
nbcrhiiul  \\m\. 
ioii  of  affairs  (ni 
1  took  ("oiunaiiil 
St.  LawreiK'f. 
in  motion,  whm 
L'  was  (iv(k'ivil  111 
,  to  divert  the  at 
I  were  assonililci! 
;  thousand  cffcrt- 
rtilli'vy.    Cn  tlk 
infantry  in  1j»;i'~, 
if  horse  and  arlil- 
the  '2ntli,''  an.l  nn 
■il,  marehcil  a-  in 
8  Toitit.    A  si'vrti 
iced  that  ho  vdaM 
lat  country  for  'm 
o  Chainiilaiii   • 
U  the  "  Four  * 
ay,  he  cncani) 

at  the  eastern  cml  i 
;ir  Jr.ines  Yco  hinil 


unoey  s 


fleet  \va<  J  ] 


)voi>riately  omsiiltt  \ 
[>  I  lie  departure 

IviththclanAfoTO 
Ijjinies  Yco  tosoiif  I 
let  that  the  IiriiiAJ 
If  May,  wlulelyin;! 
Inehov,  crossed  vvii I 

Ifoe  was  to  be  sow. I 
eouflafijratioiiwmj 

Lith  the  heavy  v»l 
|),  the  General  Pk\ 
i^iy-dnir^.    She  f.»j 

tysT"  9"W'e™  would  btt4| 
r  British  officer?, wti".''*^ 
LndUinnl  betas  I'-l 
Ju)cUmc,andimWW,rfH 

♦  the  pig?  »* 


Commodore  Cbauncey  tries  to  engage  Sir  James  Yeo.     Serious  DUaster.     The  British  Commander  avoids  a  Conflict 

launched  on  the  12t}i  of  June,  and  on  the  day  before,  Captain  Arthur  Sinclair  had  ar- 
rived and  was  placed  in  command  of  her.  But  it  was  late  in  the  summer  before  she 
was  fully  equipped  and  manned,  for  niucli  valuable  material  intended  for  her  had 
liecn  consumed,  and  men  came  from  the  sea-board  tardily,  a  part  of  wliom  were  sent 
to  the  importunate  Perry,  then  an.xiously  preparing  liis  squailron  on  Lake  Erie  to  co- 
uperate  with  (ieneral  Harrison.  Meanwhile  the  keel  of  a  fast-sailing  schooner,  after- 
ward nainetl  the  Si/fp/i^v/as  laid  by  Eckford  at  the  Harbor;  and  a  small  vessel  was 
kept  constantly  cruising  as  a  scout  between  the  Ducks  (a  group  of  islands)  and  Kings- 
ton, to  observe  the  movements  of  Sir  James.  On  the  10th  of  June  the  Lcufi/  of  the 
7;rtic, Lieutenant  W.  Chauncey,  engaged  in  that  serviiie,  captured  the  Britisli  schooner 
/;«(/(/  Murray,  loaded  with  ]irovisions,  shot,  and  fixed  ammunition,  and  took  lier  into 
ll)e  Ilarbor.  At  about  this  time  the  British  squadron  made  a  cruise  .vestward,  and, 
lis  we  have  seen,  interfered  seriously  with  vessels  hearing  supplies  for  the  Americans 
at  Fort  George,  and  destroyed  stores  at  Sodus.'  Sir  James,  as  we  have  observed,  had 
looked  into  Oswego,  but  thought  it  prudent  not  to  land.^ 

We  have  alluded  to  the  a])pearance  of  Sir  James  and  his  squadron  off  Niagara  on 
the  7th  of  July,  just  after  Chauncey,  with  the  troops  under  Colonel  Scott,  had  re- 
turned from  the  second  expedition  to  York.'  The  lirilish  squadron  was  first  seen 
about  six  miles  to  the  northwest.  Chauncey  immediately  weighed  anchor,  and  en- 
deavored to  obtain  the  w'cather-gage  of  his  enemy.  He  had  thirteen  vessels,  but  only 
tlirce  of  them  had  been  originally  built  for  war  purposes.*  The  enemy's  8(iuadron 
oonsisted  of  two  shi])s,  two  biigs,  and  two  large  schooners.  These  had  all  been  con- 
structed for  war,  and  Avere  very  etKcient  in  unnament  and  defensive  shields. 

All  day  the  belligerents  manrouvred,  with  a  good  breeze,  without  coming  into  con- 
tliot.  At  sunset  there  fell  a  dead  calm,  and  sweejis  were  used.  When  night  came 
nn  the  American  fleet  was  collected  by  signal.  During  the  evening  the  wind  came 
trom  the  westward,  freshened,  and  at  midnight  was  a  fitful  gale.  Suddeidy  a  rushing 
-ainid  was  heard  astern  of  most  of  the  fie  't,  and  it  was  soon  ascertained  that  the 
Umdlton,  Lieutenant  Winter,  and  Samrge,  Mr.  Osgood,  had  disappeared.  They  were 
lapsizedby  a  terrific  squall,  and  all  the  officers  and  men,  excepting  sixteen  of  the  lat- 
ter, were  drowned.  This  was  a  cvere  blow  to  the  lake  service,  for  these  two  ves- 
sels, carrying  nineteen  guns  between  them,  were  the  best  in  it. 

Soon  after  dawn*  the  British  squadron  was  seen  bearing  down,  as  if  for  ac-    .  jniy  s, 

tion,  but  when  within  a  league  of  the  Americans  it  bore  away.     Again  the      *^^^- 

klligerents  commenced  mananivring  for  advantages.    Alternate  wind  and  calm  made 

the  service  severe,  and  at  length  the  considerate  Chauncey,  whose  men  had  been 

at  quarters  full  thirty-six  hours,  ran  in  and  anchored  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara 

River.     AU  night  the  lake  was  swe[)t  by  squalls.     When,  in  the  morning,'' 

the  enemy  was  seen  at  the  northward,  Chauncey  weighed  anchor  and  stood 

lout  to  meet  him.     Another  day  and  night  were  consumed  in  fruill'ss  manopuvres. 

:  At  length,  at  six  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  having  the  weather-gage,  Chaun- 

[oey,  with  a  light  wind,  formed  his  fleet  in  battle  order,  and  a  conflict  seemed  immi- 

[iiont.'  .But  varying  breezes,  and  an  unwillingness  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  to  engage. 


'  July  9. 


1  See  pnpc  «pB.  »  See  pnpe  OOfi.  '  See  psge  628. 

'  The  I'ikf,  ifnilimn,  Ontida,  Hamilton,  Scourge,  Ontnrin,  Fair  ArMriinn,  Govtmot  Trrmpktru,  Conq^ifst,  Growler,  Julia, 
ji(«p,  «nJ  /V|■^ 

>Onthe  iiiKht  of  the  !>tti,  t'hnnnccy,  becoming  convinced  Hint  lis,  could  not  get  tl;o  wind  of  the  British  while  the  lat- 

llnirert  (llpposed  to  avoid  an  nctlon,  formed  hin  floi't  in  nn  order  of  battle  well  culcul.dod  to  draw  the  enemy  down.    It 

Iwu  consiilerert  nn  admirable  movement,    lllc  vesBels  were  formed  In  two  lines,  one  lo  windward  of  the  other.      "The 

pesther  line,"  pnys  ('iii)per,  in  giving  an  ncrnunt  of  it,  "connlslod  altogether  of  tlie  sninilest  of  the  schooners,  hnvlhg  in 

1,1b tlie  order  in  which  they  nre  named  from  the  van  to  the  rear,  the  .hiKa,  Grnieler,  /'.rf,  Afp,  Ontario,  and  Fair  Amer^ 

Tl.e  line  to  leeward  eonlnlned,  in  the  same  ordiir,  the  Hkr,  Onfirta,  Mmlifnn,  Gvvfrnnr  Tompkins,  and  Oonquett."— 

i  Hi«fm/  <\nhe  Fnitrd  .S7n/<'«,  11.,  304.    Commodore  1  'lintinrey,  In  his  dispatch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  on  the 

Blh. Mid, " Tlie  Mliooncrs,  wiih  long,  heavy  bnuH,  ronm  d  nboiit  six  hundred  ynrdj  to  wiriilward,  with  oidcrs  to  com- 

prace  ,1  Are  upon  the  enemy  as  soon  as  they  could  tiMith  him  with  effect,  and,  an  he  approached,  to  edg  •  down  the  line 

nleeanni,    Tue  Jului,  Grmeler,  Pert,  and  .In;)  in  pass  through  the  Intervals,  and  form  to  leeward,  the  Ontario  anJ  Fair 

fi    u-an  to  tate  their  tlatlons  in  the  line."   The  same  dippositlou  waa  made  ou  the  night  of  the  '.Otb,  when  so  action  en- 


•B€)^K 


m 


:i  ^  M 


Oaftant  of  American  VmmhU. 


rtn^wrjr  pmdant. 


A  Battle  at  hut. 


Uni  o'clock  at  nisjht  the  enfinv 

••rnnioHl  of  the  schooiicrH)  op»;r»wi 

to  draw  uheacl,  and  a  gi'iicrul  ac- 

Im*  <rroinler  (Lieutenant  Deacon)  and 

i*  iliiir  vcMtels  out  of  the  pnscril),!^ 

Hf'cl,    lid  were  captured  after  a 

I     \va»  hut  littU-  tightinp  elscM'hcri' 

•  •UTiipi  ■'!  '     run  for  she  iter  into  ihc 


^Aused  anotlicr  day  t. 

Mild''  cha«(',  and  at  el<  \         .    /  /?/  4: 

ftee  n^Hi  the  advancinj?  l<x».     'fJic  ewmy 

tion  SHf-^tM'd  unavoidable.     T 

Julia  (iir,  Trant'),  in  the  ex(  i  >-  i  / 

Hfie.     Th**Y  became  separated  from  the  rest 

aevere  hut  short  stnij/glc,  with  funall  loss,      i 

and  »t  midni<5ht,  the  gale  increasing,  ('haun<^_, 

Genese*".    He  o.h<»»}fed  his  course,  however,  and  w«»t  to  j^a/'|i«at'8  Harbor,  wheiv,  after 

encountering  a  cairn,  he  arrived  with  th(!  reniainn  <»f  IiIh  fleet  on  the  13th.     On  the 

same  day  he  took  in  provi^iouH  for  five  weeks  and  sailed  on  andher  cruise,  witli  iiu|,( 

vessels.     Off  Niagara,  on  the  J 6th,  he  fl'll  in  with  the  enemy,  who  had  the  samt 

number  of  vessels  ;  )iut,  afler  a  cruise  of  three  days  nu)re,  lie  returned  to  the  Flar 

•Juiyij,     bor,"  where  lie  found  the  new  vessel  (the  Sylph)  launched,     (^ireat  siekiH» 

\m.       prevailed  in  the  fleet,  and  Chauncey  lay  uiaclive  in  the  Harbor  for  some  tiine.^ 

On  the  2Hth  of  August  ('hauncey  put  out  again  upon  the  lake,  but  it  was  not  until 
the  7th  of  Septendx^r  that  he  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy.  At  dawn  of  that  day  the 
Jiritish  8<ptadron  wa«  seen  off  the  Niagara,  and  Chauncey,  with  the  Pike,  Madimn, 
aad  a^ph,  ea/'h  v'itli  a  schooner  in  tow,  made  chase.  For  six  days  lie  endeavored  tii 
hrhy  fciw  antSkjKfonist  into  action;  but  Sir  James  Voo,  following  the  strict  iiij  unctions 
«4Vm  imperiors  U/  rit»k  nothing,  avoided  a  contest.  The  critical  situation  of  Canmlu 
at  fhftt  ijKK-  made  the  preservation  of  a  naval  force  sufficient  to  protect  harbors  im; 
\n'i>ii  CliuMdcey  employed,  very  important. 

i)H  1I//I  \\\h  Hir  3mtui>  lay  becalmed  off  the  Genesee.  Catching  a  gentle  bree,:i 
from  tlie  nor(hw<'M(,  Channcey  bore  down  upon  him,  and  was  within  gun-shot  di- 
lance  of  his  enemy  when  i\ii  Mf(/I«h  sails  took  the  wind,  and  their  vessels,  beiiii.{  tin 
(HtftPr  sailer''  escaped,  not,  howevof,  ^U)ii\\\i  Hiistnining  considerable  damage  durin^' 
a  niiinllig  Hgiil  fo;-  more  than  three  houiM.  'f'h<  I'lkii  jnirl  been  hiilliMl  several  tiinen. 
lull  not  seriously  hurt,  while  the  Urititli  vessels  were  a  good  i\tn\  I  III  up.  Vco  tinal 
ly  escaped  to  Amherst  Uay,  whoso  navigation  was  strange  to  the  Ainerlciiii  j)||nIi, 
and  he  was  not  followed,  t  hannccy  lay  off  the  Pucks  until  the  1 7th,  when  Sir.lnimt 
made  his  way  into  Kingston  harbor.  Chauncey  jiow  ran  into  .Sackctt's  Ilarhort'or 
supplies. 

On  the  18th  the  American  squadron  sailed  for  the  Niagara  for  troops  fo  he  con 
veyed  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  was  followed  by  the  enemy.  AH  or  remaining  a  th 
days,  Chauncey  crossed  the  lake  with  the  JH/ir,  Madison,  and  Sylph,  eaili  with  a 
schooner  in  tow,  having  been  informed  that  the  enemy  was  in  York  harbor.  Whwi 
he  approached,  Sir  James  fled,  followed  by  Chauncey  in  battle  order  and  with  tk 
wcatlu!r-gaga  The  ])aronet  was  now  compelled  to  tiglit,  or  to  cease  boasting  of  un- 
satisfied desires  to  measure  strength  with  Americans.  An  action  commenced  ;ii  ii 
little  past  noon,  when  the  Pike  for  more  than  twenty  minutes  sustained  the  dosiKrv. 
assaults  of  tin-  heaviest  vessels  of  the  enemy.  She  was  managed  admirably,  and  de- 
livered tremendous  broadsides  upon  her  antagonists.  She  was  gallantly  as.'»ist(il  s 
part  of  the  time  by  the  Tompkins,  Lieutenant  W.  C.  I?.  Finch,  of  the  Madimn  ;  and 
when  the  smoke  of  battle  passed  away,  the  Wolfe  (Sir  James's  flag-ship)  was  found  to 

sued.  "Notliiiifr  conldlinTC  beon  Blmplpr  or  b<-ttcr  devtnp(l,"  snye  Cooper,  "tliaii  ttiis  order  i^  aUln;  nor  Is  It  pw.-iii'i  J 
to  say  wliat  wonid  have  been  llie  coiise<-aonccB  had  circnmBlanccn  allo-.iod  tlio  plan  to  be  rigidly  observed."  A  AMI 
of  tlie  poBltloua  of  the  Tesael.-i  in  this  en);a«;e>r.ent  »'aB  »ent  by  Chauncey  with  h(«  report  of  the  affair  to  itic  X«h  lk-| 
partment. 

1  ilamea  Trant  was  a  nat've  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  America  in  ITSl  with  Cnpiain  Barry,  in  the  AUiawc   V 
i«allinuiiiagtcr  in  the  Unilcil  State?  Navy  from  it."^  forniution.    He  was  marke^i  by  eccentricities  of  (tmriuioi 
InnB,  iind  for  the  nioet  iinfllnclii.'  jj  con-nee.     ITc  livi-d  nntil  he  wa."!  nbont  aevenf  y  years  of  ape.    Toward  tli.- 
Ilfi>  111-  was  commlwloned  a  lieutennnl  (May  f>,  ISl"),  which  gave  him  <{reat  comfort.    He  died  at  Phiiudili 
llthofSeptemlwr,  I-hSO. 

•  It  appears,  b-'  the  offloialreportJ'nindc  at  almnt  that  lime,  l.hatom  fifth  of  the  men  were  left  on  shore  incd: 
of  illneM.    Of  tw<i  hundred  men  on  board  the  Madimm,  eighty  ware  on  the  sick-llit  at  one  time. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


64S 


ABtttleatliM. 


PeriloM  Sltttltlon  of  the  British  Sqoadron. 


British  Ti  ansportB  captared. 


A  new  Expedition. 


be  too  Boriously  injured  to  sustain  a  ooiiHict  any  longer,  Slic  had  lost  hor  main  and 
mizz*""  top-masts,  and  her  main  yard,  liosidcs  recv'vinsr  other  injuries,  and  when  dis- 
covered slie  wa.i  pushinji;  away  (lei'd  heforc  tius  wind,  c.owded  with  canvas,  and  gal- 
lantly protected  by  the  Royal  Georye  in  her  flight.  A  general  chase  was  immediate- 
ly commenced,  and  a  running  fight  was  maintained  for  some  time.  The  pursuit  was 
coiitiiiued  toward  Burlington  Bay  for  two  hours,  wiien  C'liauncey  called  ofl'his  vessels. 
Xo  doubt,  by  pressing  sail,  and  with  i)roj)er  support,  he  might  have  captured  or  de- 
stroyed the  British  S(iuadron,'  but  the  wind  was  increasing,  and  there  was  no  good 
harbor  or  place  of  shelter  on  the  coast,  where,  in  tlie  event  of  being  driven  ashore, 
capture  by  land  troops  would  be  almost  certain.  Taking  counsel  of  prudence,  Chaun- 
rcy  s-fiiled  into  the  Niagara,  and  there  lay  safely  during  a  severe  gale  that  lasted  for- 
tv-ciglit  hours. 

For  two  days  after  the  gale  had  subsided  the  wind  blew  strongly  from  the  east, 
when  it  shifted  to  the  westwai'd.*  All  the  transports  with  troops  had  now  .  October  2, 
ijcjiartod  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  (!hauncey  went  out  again  in  search  of  *'*^''- 
the  foe.  The  weather  was  thick,  and  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  sent  to  reconnoitre  Bur- 
linfjtonBay,  reported  that  only  two  gun-boats  were  to  be  s(,'en  there.  Supposing  the 
tiicniy  to  have  escaped  under  cover  of  mist  or  darkness,  Chauncey  sailed  away  east- 
ward, and  at  sunset  of  the  5th  of  October,  when  near  the  Ducks,  the  Pike  captured 
three  British  transports,  (JonJiancCy  ILxmiUoui,'-  and  Mary.  The  Sylph  captured  the 
!)rHi)iiuo)i(l  cutter,  and  the  armed  transport  Lady  Gore.  These  carried  from  one  to 
\.\iKC  guns  each.  The  whole  numl>er  of  persons  found  on  the  five  vessels,  and  made 
piitioners,  including  the  ofl?cers,  was  two  iiundred  and  sixty-four.  Among  the  latter 
was  a  lieutenant  and  two  muster's  males  of  the  royal  navy,  four  masters  of  the  pro- 
vinciiil  marine,  and  ten  army  ofticerH.  During  the  remainder  of  the  season  Sir  James 
Vio  remained  inactive  in  Kingston  harbor,  and  Commodore  Chauncey  was  employed 
ill  wiitcliiMg  tlie  movements  of  the  enemy  there,  and  in  aiding  the  army  in  its  descent 

„llliC  HllMM/MfVti. 

.Mler  much  (lineKHdhx)  (i(  Hackett's  Harbor  between  the  Secretary  of  War,  (ieneral 
WilMilHon,  find  other  oflheis,  it  was  det  ined  to  pass  Kingston  and  make  a  descent 
ii|i(iii  Modlniil  (''or  weeks  the  busti  i"  preparation  had  been  great,  and  many 
;irmed  boats  and  transports  had  been  built  at  the  Harbor.  Everything  was  in  readi- 
msi<  by  tlie  4th  ofOctober.^  Yet  final  f>rdcr8  were  not  issued  until  the  12th,  when 
apian  of  encampment  and  order  of  battle  a  as  given  to  each  general  oflficer  and  corps 
comiiiaiider,  to  be  olmerved  when  circumstances  would  permit.  Four  days  more 
wcic  consumed  without  any  apparent  necessity,  when,  on  the  17th,  orders  were  given 
for  the  embarkation  of  all  the  troops  at  the  Harbor  destined  for  the  expedition.  At 
tlie  same  lime,  (teneral  Hampton,  who,  as  we  have  seen,  bad  been  halting  on  1 1  banks 
of  the  C'liateaugay,  was  ordered  to  move  down  to  the  mouth  of  that  river. 


1  Chuincey  was  indignant  and  loud  in  his  complaints  of  a  want  of  support  on  thin  occasion.    Bpeaklni;  of  this,  the 

Eon.  Alviii  Broniidn,  of  Oswego,  New  York,  in  a  letter  to  nic,  dated  Augimt  28,  ISOO,  iiii,v» :  "  While  on  board  the  British 
i  Stft  as »  prisoner  in  May,  1S14,  and  asBoclntlnK  familiarly  with  its  mibordinate  ofliccrB,  I  received  ample  conHrmntion  of 
ifporU  tliiit  hn.i  been  cHrrciit  in  the  army  and  navy  of  tlie  bad  conduct  of  sonic  of  the  officcrH  under  Comnioiiorc  <  baun- 
I  nylnatlien  late  naval  cnKagemeut  at  the  head  ofthc  lalie.  It  was  a  runnlnt;  fight, and  the  British  sailors  facetiously 
iilMIt  the  IhirHngtan  liofta,  as  it  was  fought  partly  off  Hurllngtoii  Heights.  Chauncey  was  the  assailant,  and  would 
j  lire  destroyed  the  British  fleet,  or  have  driven  it  on  shore,  bad  he  been  properly  sustained  by  his  best  and  heaviest 
I  tewli,  pnrtlcularly  the  Madimn,  tlommandcr  Crane,  and  the  lieavily-arnicd  and  fast-sailing  brig  Si/lpk,  Captain  Wool- 
I  Ry.  Tliesc  vessels  never  gol  into  close  action."  The  only  excnso  was  that  tliey  had  gnn-boats  in  tow ;  but  (liiiuncey'g 
Jiipul  for  close  action,  which  he  ktpt  flying,  implied  that  the  vessels  must  cist  ofl' every  e- 'umbrance.  "The  British 
I  titen,"  continues  Mr.  Bronson,  "  awarded  Cliaunccy  all  credit  for  skill  and  bravery,  and  «d;nit  jd  that  their  fleet  must 
I  bjichpcn  destroyed  If  ho  had  licen  properly  sustained  by  his  subordinates  " 

'loiircr  of  a  flag  of  truce  whr  went  into  Sackctt's  Harbor  on  the  \'Hh  of  October  admit^.ed  that  Sir  James  Yeo  wa« 
'  V  hc;itf  n  on  this  occasion  that  he  had  made  preparations  to  burn  ;:N  vessels,  and  would  have  done  so  had  Choun- 
— :  •nm  twenty  minutes  longer.  )'v.  •yfjun  f>!i  tho  ITot*'*  starboard  side  was  dlsmniintod.—I..etter  to  the  Kdltor 
Mi(ic /VcM,  dateil  atSackett's  B^  rbor.Octolier  13, 1818,  and  copied  InTAs  (Tar,  ii.,  80. 
'  ..Hiiiiiia'  and  llamilum  were  the  (Irmeltr  and  Jttlii,  captured  fl'om  the  Americans  on  thb  night  of  tb«  10th  of  An- 
I'lieir  names  had  been  changed  by  the  captors. 
:.;icral  Morgan  Lewis's  testimony  on  the  trial  of  Wilkinson. 


it  . 
tl 


!.! 


m 


646 


riCTOIlIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Wilkluaim'a  Bxpaditlou  leaves  Sackett's  Harbor. 


A  disaatrouB  Voyui;e. 


Oallantry  of  Capulii  Mjet,'. 


With  a  reckleHS  diHregard  of  life  and  property,  tin-  ti()(>]i,s  under  Major  (n-neral 
Lewis  were  embarked  at  the  beginning  of  a  dark  night,  wlieii  portentn  of  a  Htorm 
wore  liovering  over  tlie  lake,  at  ;i  aeasoti  when  sudden  and  vioh'iit  gulen  were  likdv 
to  arise.  They  weri'  j)acked  in  seows,  bateaux,  Durham  boats,  and  common  hike  suii- 
boats,  with  ordiuince,  ammunition,  hospital  stores,  baggage^,  camp  e()uipiige,  and  two 
months'  ))roviHion8.  The  voyage  was  among  islands  and  j)ast  nunutrous  j)oiiits  u{ 
land  where  soundings  and  currents  were  known  to  few.  Tliere  was  a  scarcity  uf 
pilots,  and  the  whole  flotilla  seemed  to  have  been  sent  out  with  very  little  of  mjin's 
wisdom  to  direct  it.  The  wind  was  favorable  at  the  beginning,  but  towanl  mid. 
night,  as  the  clouds  thickened  and  the  darkness  dee|)ened,  it  freshened,  and  latorc 
morning  became  a  gale,  with  rain  and  sleet.  The  flotilla  was  scattered  in  every  di- 
•October  17,  rcctioii,  and  the  gloomy  dawn*  revealed  a  sad  spectacle.  The  shores  ot 
'*'•'•  the  islands  and  the  main  were  strewn  willi  wrecks  of  vessels  and  proi). 

erty.  Fifteen  large  boats  were  totally  lost,  and  many  more  too  seriously  daiuasici] 
to  be  safe.  For  thirty-six  hours  the  wind  blew  fiercely,  but  on  tlie  20th,  there  lim- 
ing  been  a  comparative  calm  for  more  than  a  day,  a  large  pro|)ortion  xjf  the  troniis, 
with  the  sound  boats,  arrived  at  Grenadier  Island.'  These  were  chiefly  the  bilgaclis 
of  Generals  l?oyd,  Hrown,  ('ovington,  Swartwout,  and  Porter^  (the  three  former  liai| 
encamped  at  Henderson  Harbor),  which  had 
arrived. 

General  Wilkinson  in  the  mean  time  was 
j)a8sing  to  ami  fro  between  the  Harbor  and 
Grenadier  Island,  looking  after  the  smitten 
expedition.     A  return  made  to  him  on  the 
2'Jd  showed  that  a  large  number  of  troops 
were  still  behind,  in  vessels  "  wrecked  or 
stranded."    The  weather  continued  boister- 
ous, and  on  the  '24tii  he  was  com])elled  to 
write  to  the  Secretary  of  War, "  The  ex- 
tent of  the   injury  to  our  craft,  clothing, 
arms,  and  provisions  greatly  exceed  our  ap- 
prehensions, and  has  subjected  us  to  the 
necessity   of  furnishing   clothing,  and  of 
making  repairs  and  ecpiipments  to  the  flo- 
tilla generally.     In  fact,  all  our  hopes  have 
been  nearly  blasted;  but,  thanks 
to    the    same    Providence    that 
placed  us  hi  jeopardy,  we  are  sur- 
mounting   our    diffi'nilties,  and, 
God  willing,!  shall  pass  Prescott  on  the  night  of  the  Ist  or  2d  proximo." 

The  troops  remained  encamped  on  Grenadier  Island  until  the  1st  of  NovemWr, 
except  General  Brown's  brigade,  some  light  troops,  and  heavy  artillery,  which  went 


'  The  now  venerable  Ms^or  Mordecal  Myers,  of  Schenectady,  New  York,  to  whom  I  am  Indebted  for  an  iiilrwlin; 
narrative  of  the  events  of  this  campaitrn,  was  very  active  in  savlnp:  lives  and  property  diirlnj;  this  boiateroiin  woathft 
It  was  resolved  to  send  back  to  Sackctfs  Harbor  all  who  could  not  endure  acMve  service  in  the  campaien.  Nearly  rw.i 
hundred  of  these  were  put  on  board  two  srhooncrs,  with  hospital  stores.  The  vessels  were  wrecked,  and  Captain  Mmt 
on  his  own  solicitation,  was  sent  by  General  Jloyd  with  two  liirtje  boats  for  the  rescue  of  the  passenpers  a..d  crew,  li 
found  the  schooners  lylnu'  on  their  sides,  the  sails  napping,  and  the  sea  breaking  over  them.  Many  had  pcrishcisDi! 
the  most  of  those  alive,  '.uvlng  drank  freely  of  the  llqnors  among  the  hospital  stores,  were  nearly  all  Intoxlrntnil.  Tit 
hatches  were  open,  and  the  vessels  were  half-illled  with  water.  By  great  exertions  and  personal  risk  Captain  .Mk> 
succeeded  in  taking  to  the  shore  nearly  all  of  the  two  hundred  persons  v\\o  had  embarked  on  the  schooners.  For, 
or  fifty  of  them  were  dead. 

'  t'olone!  Parr's  MS,,Ionmal.  "October  10,  first  brigade,  under  Boyd— fith,  12th,  and  18th  Heglmenta;  secomlbji 
gade,  under  Hrown— Gth,  l.Mh.  and  22d  Regiments,  already  arrived  and  encamped.  October  20,  the  third  bripade. niwie 
Covington— »th,  10th,  and  5Mh  Regiments  i  and  fourth  brigade,  nnder  Swartwout— 11th,  21sl,  and  14th,  hnvo  arrin-i 
The  flflh,  under  Porter— light  troops  and  artillery  -arriving  hourly.  The  weather  sill!  stormv,  and  continual  ruii,*  I 
the  laat  two  days." 


V.tSk'.i 


^u 


OF  THK   WAIi   OF   1812. 


Ut 


otCip\.\\nU]»n. 

klivjor  Ui'iKTal 
ts  of  ii  storm 
08  wiTi'  likely 
imon  laki'  sail- 
|)ii<4(',  mill  t\\(i 
rous  points  uf 
^  a  scarcity  dt 
little  of  iiunv 
,t  toward  niiil- 
led,  iintl  bcldfc 
c<l  in  every  iH- 
The  shores  of 
SHels  iiiid  |iroji- 
oiisly  ilamai^cii 
iOtli,  there  liav- 
n  xA'  the  tr()u|l^, 
fly  the  h'-isTiiiKs 
irce  former  IkuI 


flinipton  In  the  Chateangay  Country. 


Poittlon  of  the  Belllfrerenti. 


Uampton'a  criminal  Negligence. 


limo." 

Ist  of  Novemlior, 
llery,  which  wtin 


Jebted  for  an  liitcrMlin.' 
fills  boisterous  wcathei 
Irnmpai^n.  >>«''> "" 
led,  andCnptninMym, 

IsHcnpers  ii..d  crew.  11 
Mnny  hurt  perished, «<' 
lly  all  intoxlonli^il-  Thi 
linnl  risk  Captain  M«rs 
the  schooners.  Font 

InenlmentB :  sworn!  W- 
Ithc  third  bricsdf, I'M'' 
land  I4th, linv.^  sf'i'*' 
1  and  coutinnal  niics  [o: 


•  October, 


down  the  St.  Lawrence  on  the  29th,*  and  took  post  at  French  Creek.  In 
the  mean  time  Hampton,  pursuant  to  Wilkinson's  orders,  moved''  down  Wie- 
the ("hateaugay  toward  the  St.  Lawrence  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  ''"  *'  ' 
innction  with  Wilkinson  from  above.  He  found  a  forest  ten  or  twelve  miles  in  ex- 
ti'iit  along  the  river  in  the  line  of  his  march,  in  whicii  the  vigilant  and  active  De 
Siilaherry  had  felled  trees  across  the  obscure  road,  and  placeil  Indians  and  light  troops 
to  (li.spiite  the  passage  of  the  Ameritans.  (Jeneral  (leorge  Izard  was  at  once  sent 
out  with  light  troops  to  gain  the  rear  of  these  woods,  and  seize  the  Canadian  settle- 
ments on  the  Chateaugay  in  the  open  country  beyond,  while  the  remainder  of  the 
aiiiiv  ma<le  a  circuit  in  an  opposit.'  direction,  and  avoidetl  the  obstructed  forest  alto- 
irether.  The  movement  was  successful,  and  on  the  following  tlay*^  a  great-  ^ 
er  portion  of  the  army  encamped  at  Spear's,  near  the  confluence  of  the 
Outard  Creek  and  the  Chateaugay  Iliver.'  It  was  an  eligible  position,  and  thery 
llam|)ton  remained  until  the  stores  and  artillery  came  u])  on  the  24th. 

Iniiiiediately  in  front  of  the  army  at  Spear's  was  ar>  open  comtry,  seven  miles  along 
the  river,  to  Johnson's,^  where  another  extensive  forest  lay  in  the  way.  These  woods 
had  hecn  formed  into  abatis,  covering  log  breastworks  and  a  log  block-house.  On 
tlie  latter  were  some  pieces  of  ordnance.  In  front  of  ihese  defenses  were  Indians  and 
iiliuiht  corps  of  Beauharnais  inilitia,  and  behind  th"m,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel  De  Salaberry,  was  the  remainder  of  the  disposable  force  of  the 
enemy,  charged  with  the  duty  of  guarding  a  ford  at  a  small  rapid  in  the  river,  and 
keeping  open  communication  with  the  St.  Lawrence.  De  Salaberry's  force  was  almost 
a  tliousand  strong,  and  Sir  George  Prtvost  and  General  De  Waitville  were  within 
liiigle  call  with  more  troops. 

Ilanipton  determined  to  dislodge  De  Salaberry,  take  possession  of  his  really  strong- 
hold, and  keej)  it  until  he  should  hear  from  Wilkinson,  from  whom  no  tidings  had 
heen  received  for  several  days.  lie  was  informed  of  the  ford  oi>])osite  the  lower  flank 
iif  the  enemy,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  25th  he  detached  Colonel  Robert  Purdy,  ot 
tlie  Fourth  Infantry,  and  the  light  troops  of  Boyd's  l)rigade,  to  force  the  ford,  and  fall 
upon  the  British  rear  at  dawn.  The  crack  of  Purdy's  musketry  was  to  be  the  signal 
tor  the  main  body  of  the  Americans  to  attack  the  enemy's  front.  But  the  whole 
movement  was  foiled  by  the  ignorance  of  the  guides  and  the  darkness  of  the  night. 
I'lirdy  crossed  the  river  near  the  camp,  lost  his  way  in  a  hemlock  swamp,  and  could 
mutlior  find  the  ford  nor  the  place  from  which  he  started.  His  troops  wandered 
about  all  night,  and  diiFerent  corps  would  sometimes  meet,  and  excite  mutual  alann 
by  the  supposition  that  they  Iiad  encountered  an  enemy.^  In  the  morning  Purdy  ex- 
tricated his  command  from  the  swamp  labyrinth,  and,  within  half  a  mile  of  the  ford, 
halted  and  gave  them  permission  to  rest,  for  they  were  excessively  fatigued.  In  tiie 
iman  time  Hampton  put  three  thousand  five  hundred  of  his  "rmy  in  motion,  under 
(li'tieral  Izard,  expecting  every  moment  to  hear  Purdy's  guns;  but  they  were  silent. 
The  forenoon  wore  away ;  meridian  was  past ;  and  at  two  o'clock  Izard  was  ovdered 
1 1  move  for\\  ard  to  the  attack.  Firing  immediately  commenced,  and  the  enemy's 
i  j  keta  were  driven  in.  The  gallant  De  Salaberry  came  out  with  about  three  hund- 
^~•^  Canadian  fcncibles  and  voltigeurs,  and  a  few  Abenake  Indians,  but  Izard's  over- 
whelming numbers  pressed  him  back  to  liis  intrenchraents. 

Kiting  was  now  heard  on  the  other  side  of  the  river.  Purdy,  who  seems  to  have 
neglected  to  post  pickets  or  sentinels,  had  been  surprised  by  a  small  detachment  of 


'This  point  Is  seen  at  the  junction  of  "  Hamptou'H  ronte"  and  "Smith's  road"  on  the  map  on  page  881.  The  stream 
*en  along  " Smith's  road"  is  the  Oiitard.  •  Sec  Map  on  page  SSI. 

'"Incredible  as  it  may  apjiear,"  said  Pnrdy,  in  his  ofBclal  report  to  Wilkinson,  "Oenernl  Ilamptou  intrusted  nearly 
«M  half  of  his  army,  and  those  his  best  troops,  ti>  the  guidance  of  men  foch  n/  vhmn  repeatfdlfi  asmtred  him  that  fA«y 
vri  ml  nn/iiaintf-d  with  the  euuntrii,  and  were  not  compctciit  to  direct  such  an  expedition."  "Never,  to  my  knowledge," 
Kill  Pnrdy,  in  another  part  of  his  report,  "during  our  march  into  Canada,  and  while  wc  remained  at  the  Four  Comers, 
alenn  oftwenly-six  days,  did  General  Hampton  ever  send  off  a  scouting  or  reconnoitring  party,  except  in  one  or  two 
cues  at  Speur's,  lu  Canada." 


m 


;;, 


|:! 


1 1 


it 


if 


m 


648 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Dlagraceftil  Events. 


Hamptun't  inglorioni  Retreat 


Wllklu8ou'«  Expedition  on  the  Hi.  Lawrence 


^^ 


chasseurs  and  Canadian  militia,  who  gained  his  rear.  His  troops, utterly  dis<";ii(ertoi] 
fled  to  the  river.  Several  oflicers  and  men  swam  across,  bearing  to  (ienonil  llaiiijiton 
alarming  accounts  of  the  gieat  number  of  the  enemy  on  the  other  side  of  the  HtiCiim 
That  enemy,  instead  of  being  formidable,  had  Hc^d  atler  his  first  tii-e,  and  the  Uulicnju^ 
scene  was  presented  of  frightened  belligereius  running  away  from  each  other.  All 
was  confusion;  and  detachments  of  Purdy's  scattered  men,  mistaking  each  otlicv  tor 
enemies  in  the  dark  swamp,  had  a  spirited  engagement.  The  only  sad  fruit  of  tin. 
blunder  was  the  death  of  one  man. 

De  Salaborry  liad  perceived  that  superior  numbers  might  easily  outflank  him,  am] 
he  resorted  to  stratagem.  He  posted  buglers  at  some  distance  from  eadi  ollur, and 
when  some  concealed  provincial  militia  opened  fire  almost  upon  Hampton's  Hank. 
these  buglers  simultaneously  sounded  a  charge.     Hampton  was  alarmed.     Krdni  tin 

seeming  extent  of  the  Britisli  line 
as  indicated  by  the  buglers,  ho  sup- 
I)Osed  a  heavy  force  was  about  ii, 
fall  upon  his  front  and  flank.  He 
immediately  sounded  a  retreat,  and  withdrew  from  the  Held.  The  enemy  in  a  body 
did  not  venture  to  follow,  but  the  Canadian  militia'  harassed  the  army  as  it  IMl 
slowly  back  to  its  old  cpiarters  at  Cljateaugay  Four  Corners,  where  its  inglorious 
campaign  ended.  The  whole  affair  was  a  disgrace  to  the  American  arms,  and,  as  om 
of  the  surviving  actors  in  the  scenes  (now  a  distinguished  mnjor  gcnenil  in  tlic  I'nitiil 
States  Army)  lias  said, "no  officer  who  had  any  regard  for  his  reputation  would  vn] 
untarily  acknowledge  himself  as  having  been  engaged  in  it."'^  In  this  attair,  wliiil 
has  been  uns.arrantabiy  dignifled  with  the  character  of  a  battle,  the  Ameiiiiiiis  lo>i 
about  fifteen  killed  and  twenty-three  wounded.  The  British  lost  live  killed,  si-xtim 
wounded,  and  four  missing.^ 

Storm  followed  storm  on  Lake  Ontario  and  the  St.  Lawrence.  Snow  fell  to  tk- 
deptii  of  ten  inches,  and  the  troops  collected  by  Wilkinson  on  Grenadier  Island  siit'- 
fen'(l  much.  The  season  was  too  far  advanced — a  Canadian  winter  was  too  near— to 
allow  delays  on  account  of  weather,  and  (ieneral  Brown  and  his  division  moved  for- 
ward, in  the  face  of  the  tempest  and  of  great  ])eril,  on  the  '20th  of  October.  Tlicv 
landed  at  French  Creek,  and  took  post  in  a  thick  wood  about  half  a  mile  up  from  tln' 
present  village  of  Clayton.  Chauncey  in  the  mean  time  attempted  tc  blockade  tlir 
enemy  in  Kingston  Harbor,  or  at  least  to  prevent  his  going  down  the  river  either  to 
pursue  the  Americans  or  to  take  possession  of  and  fortify  the  important  old  military 
post  at  the  head  of  Carletoti  Island,  just  below  Cape  Vincent,  lint  Chuuncey's  l>lo(k- 
ade  was  ineffectual.  British  marine  scouts  were  out  among  the  Thousand  Tslaml*: 
and  when,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  1  st  of  Xovember,  they  discovered  Brown  at  Fremli 
Creek,  two  brigs,  two  schooners,  and  eight  gun-boats,  filled  Avith  infantry,  were  m\\ 
and  ready  to  bear  down  upon  hii»i.  They  did  so  at  about  sunset  of  the  same  (iuy. 
Fortunately  Brown  had  planted  a  battery  of  three  IB-pounders  on  Bart'.ett's  Point,;! 
high  wooded  bluft'  on  the  western  shore  of  French  Creek,  at  its  mouth,  under  the  cmii- 
mand  of  Captain  M'Pherson,  of  the  light  artillery.  This  battery,  from  its  elevation, 
was  very  effective,  and  it  was  served  so  skillfully  that  the  enemy  were  driven  away 
after  some  cannonading.     Ai,  dawn  the  next  morning  the  conflict  was  renewed  wiiL 


'  In  Ills  offlclal  diBpntch  Sir  George  Provost  nnltcd  /ron>  t'le  Prince  Regent  a  stand  of  colora  for  each  of  the  live  >jl- 
talions  of  Canadian  mllllin  as  ii  mar);  of  opprohation.    Tliey  were  granted. 

a  Major  Generjljohn  E.  Wool,  who  then  held  the  commlsRlon  of  major  In  the  Twenty-nluth  HegimentUniieil  Stain 
Infantry.  I  am  Indebted  to  written  and  OTal  statements  of  (Jcneral  Wool  for  many  of  the  facts  given  concemine ili( 
affair  near  Johnston's,  on  the  Chateangay.  Hon.  Nathaniel  S.  Bentop,  of  Little  Falls,  New  York,  late  Auditor  of  it. 
State  of  New  York,  and  anth  r  of  a  Hintori/  of  Herkimer  Onivti/  and  Ur  <'pper  Muliawk  yallfij,  wis  captain  of  a  iniliia 
company  engaged  in  ihis  affair.  He  informed  me  that  his  company  n.imSered  loa  men,  and  oH  of  them  his  o  3  beigfc 
— eix  feet. 

,   '  American  and  British  OfHclal  Keporte ;  General  Orders ;  Christie's,  Auchinlcck's,  Thompiion's,  Perkins's,  and  lew 
toll's  Histories ;  Armstrong's  Notices,  etc. 


i  I 


OF  THE  WAB    OK   1912. 


hii 


\  the  St.  Lawrence. 

discoiioertcj, 
(Till  llaniiiton 
oi"  iho  Hticiim. 

I  the  lu(^K•l•()ll^ 

ch  otlu'v.  All 
each  otlii'v  fur 
ttd  fruit  of  till' 

Lflank  him,  and 
L'lK'h  olhc'i',  iiiiil 
imptoirH  Hunk. 
It'll.  From  tin 
the  British  line 
bugU'Vs,  111!  siiji- 
e  was  ahinii  tn 

and  flank.    \h 
neniy  ui  a  hoily 

army  as  it  loll 
•e  its  iniiloriiiii- 
irnis,  and,  us  urn 
ral  in  tho  United 
ation  Avoulil  vhI- 
this  afl'air,  wliicli 
e  Americans  lost 
ve  killed,  sixteen 

Snow  fell  to  the 
ladier  Island  snl- 
was  too  near— 1» 
■ision  moved  for- 
'  October.    Tliiy 
mile  u]»  from  iIk- 
tc  blockutlc  tile 
he  river  ehlii'v  to 
jtant.  old  military 
laimcey'shlock- 
'housaml  TslamU; 
Brown  at  Fremli 
iifantry,  were  out 
of  the  sanie  d;iy. 
«artlett'sPoint,;i 
h,  under  the  com- 
•om  its  elevation, 
ere  driven  away 
■as  renewed ,  witli 

I  for  each  of  the  Ave  M- 

jHeslmentUnileilSHW 
Its  Riven  coiiccraini;  lk» 
fork,  late  Auditor  of  tt« 

I  WAS  captain  of  a  railiw 

II  of  them  hl»  0  a  beigb 

li's,  Perkins'*,  an^I^'?'^ 


Amerlctn  Camp  at  French  Creek.         The  attacktu^  Brttlih  repulaed.         Wllklnaon  pursued  down  the  8t.  Lawrence. 

the  same  result,  the  enemy  in  the  two  enpaffemi'nts  having-  snffered  irinih  loss.  That 
of  the  Americans  was  two  killed  and  four  wounded.  It  was  with  much  difficulty 
that  tlie  British  saved  one  of  their  brigs  from  capture. 

Troops  were  coming  down  from  Grenadier  Island  in  the  'iieau  time,  and  lamling 
upon  llie  point  on  which  Clayton'  now  stands,  and  along  the  shoni  of  French  Creek 
as  far  as  tlic  lumber  and  rafting  yard  on  what  is  still  known  as  Wilkinson's  Point. 
Wilkinson  arrived  there  on  the  ;ul,  and  on  the  4th''  he  issued  a  general  or-  .  Novemtwr, 
dcr  preparatory  to  final  embarkation,  in  which  he  exhorted  liis  troops  to  ***"*• 

sustain  well  the  character  of  American  citizens,  ami  abstain  from  r  ipine  and  plunder. 
"Tlie  u'eiieral  is  determined,"  he  said,*'  to  have  the  first  person  who  sliall  be  detected 
in  plundering  an  inhabitant  of  Canada  of  the  smallest  amount  of  property  made  an 
example  of."* 


MODTU  ur  VKENOII   UKKKK.* 


On  the  morning  of  the 
5tli,  a  clear,  bright,  crisp 
morning,  just  at  dawn,  the 
whole  flotilla,  comprising  al- 
most three  hundred  boats, 
moved  down  the  river  from 
Fri'iu'li  Creek  witli  banners 
furled  and  music  silent,  for 
they  wished  to  elude  dis- 
covery by  the  British,  wlio, 
until  now,  Avere  uncertain 
whether  the  expedition  was 
intended  for  Kingston,  Pres- 
cott,  or  Montreal'  The  vig- 
ilant foe  had  immediately 
discovered  their  course,  and, 
with  a  heavy  armed  galley 
and  gun -boats  filled  with 
troops,  started  in  pursuit.  The  flotilla  arrived  at  Morristown  early  in  the  evening. 
It  had  been  annoyed  by  the  enemy  all  the  way.  Several  times  Wilkinson  was  dis- 
posed to  turn  upon  them ;  and  at  one  time,  near  Bald  Island,  about  two  miles  below 
Alexandria  Bay,  he  was  compelled  to  engage,  for  the  enemy's  gun-boats  shot  out  of 
the  British  channel  on  the  north,  and  attacked  his  rear.  They  were  beaten  ofl",  and 
Wilkinson  determined  to  run  by  the  formidable  batteries  at  Prescott  during  the  night. 
It  was  found  to  be  impracticable,  and  his  boats  lay  moored  at  Morristown  until  morn- 
ini;.  A  corps  of  land  troops  from  Kingston  had  also  followed  Wilkinson  along  the 
hoithern  shore  of  the  river,  and  arrived  at  Prescott  before  the  American  flotilla  reached 
Ogdenshurg. 

For  the  purpose  of  avoiding  Fort  Wellington  and  the  other  fortifications  at  Pres- 
cott, Wilkinson  halted  throe  miles  above  Ogdensburg,  where  he  debarked  his  ara- 
iMUuition  and  all  of  his  troops,^  except  a  suflicient  number  to  man  the    '  November  e. 

'  This  wne  formerly  called  Cornelia,  and  Is  yet  called  by  the  name  of  French  Creek.  It  was  named  In  honor  of  Senator 
'  ilm  M.  Clayton,  of  Delaware,  iu  ISai!.  French  Creek  was  called  by  the  Indians  Fallrn  Fort,  from  the  circumstance  that, 
:  A\i  bi'fcire  a  white  man  was  ever  seen  there,  a  fort  had  been  captured  on  its  banks  by  the  Oneidas. 

:  IJeiiiTal  Order,  French  e:rpek,  November  4, 1813. 

' The  loat  that  conveyed  Wilkinson  and  his  military  family  was  commanded  by  the  now  venerable  William  John- 
't.iii,  who  was  an  active  spy  on  that  frontier  during  the  war.     lie  is  better  known  as  "  Bill  Johnston, "by  some  called  the 

llfro."  and  by  others  the  "  Pirate,"  of  the  Thousand  Islands.  Of  Mr.  Johnston  and  his  remarkable  career  I  shall  write 
|)re«ently. 

'  Thifl  is  from  a  sketch  made  In  the  .inmnier  of  l.sflfl,  fi-om  the  place  of  Brown's  encampment,  at  the  Inmber  and  raft- 
II:;  yard  on  Wilkinson's  Point.  In  the  water,  in  the  fire^round,  ia  seen  a  raft  partly  prepared  for  a  voyage  down  the 
^'  Ijiwrencc.  The  bluff  in  the  distance,  beyond  the  little  aail-vnssel,  is  Bartlett's  Point,  on  which  M'Pherson's  battery 
•  IS  pinced,    The  vessel  without  sails  Indlc  tea  the  i)lacc  where  the  British  stjuadron  lay  when  It  was  repulsed.    Tiie 

;:\  seen  lioyond  Is  Grindstone  Island,  from  behind  which  the  British  vessels  came.    The  point  In  the  middle  dlstsnce, 

II  ihe  extreme  right,  la  the  head  of  Shot-bag  Island. 


600 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


1 

i 

■  ■  -        ,     '                         ' 

Pll 

Mmi^4 

DlfflcuUlei  lu  Wllkinaun'i  W»y. 


A  Council  of  Offlcem. 


Nomber  and  Poiltlon  of  tbo  Hiiclib  Porcr. 


U;ll,l>    IHI.A.1II    AM>    UII.K1MIU.n'S   tl.UTlLLA.> 


boats.  These  were  to  be  conveyed  by  land  to  the  "Red  Mill,"  four  miles  IhIdwOo 
densbiirg,  on  the  American  shore,  and  the  boats  were  to  run  by  the  batteries  ihiu 
night.  At  the  place  of  debarkation  he  issued  a  proclamation  to  the  Canadians,  in 
tended  to  n.ake  them  passive;-'  and  there,  at  noon,  lu;  was  visited  by  ('oloml  Kiuij 
Hampton's  adjutant  general.  By  him  he  sent  orders  to  Hampton  to  press  forward  to 
the  St.  Lawrence,  to  form  a  junction  with  the  descending  army  at  St.  liegis. 

By  the  skillful  management  of  General  Brown,  the  whole  flotilla  passed  Prtscoti 
safely  on  the  night  of  the  Gth,  Avith  the  exception  of  two  large  boats  heavily  laden 
with  provisions,  artillery,  and  ordnance  stores,''  which  ran  aground  at  Ogdt  tisbmi;. 
They  were  taken  off  under  a  severe  cannonading  from  Fort  Wellington,  and  soon 
•NovemberT,  joined  the  Others*  at  the  "  Red  JNIill."  Wilkinson  was  now  informed  that 
^*'^-  the  Canada  shore  of  the  river  was  lined  with  posts  of  musketry  and  anil 

lery  at  every  eligible  point,  to  dispute  the  passage  of  the  flotilla.  To  meet  and  n 
move  these  impediments.  Colonel  Alexander  Macomb  was  detached,  with  t\vilv( 
hundred  of  the  Uitf  of  the  army,  and  on  Sunday,  the  7th,  landed  on  the  Canada  shore. 
He  was  soon  followed  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Forsyth  and  his  riflemen,  who  did  ex- 
cellent service  in  the  rear  of  Macomb. 

The  flotilla  arrived  at  the  "  White  House,"  opposite  Matilda,*  about  eighteen  milc> 
below  Ogdensburg,  on  the  8th,  and  there  Wilkinson  called  a  council  of  his  oftiecis, 
consisting  of  (ienerals  Lewis,  Boyd,  Brown,  Porter,  Covington,  and  Swart wout.  Alt- 
er hearing  a  report  from  the  active  chief  engineer.  Colonel  Swift,  concerning  the  re- 
ported strength  of  the  enemy,*  the  question.  Shall  the  army  ])roceed  with  all  |)ossil)li' 
rapidity  to  the  attack  of  Montreal?  was  considered,  and  auswered.in  the  attinuative. 

'  This  Is  from  ft  sketch  by  Captnin  Vnn  Cleve  (see  note  1,  page  BIT),  who  kiudly  allowed  me  the  use  of  It.  Bnld  Island 
Is  one  of  the  Thousand  Islands,  and  lies  on  the  left  of  the  American  or  steam-ljoat  cbnuucl  of  the  river.  It  ib  mostli 
bare,  and  rises  to  the  height  of  about  thirty  or  forty  feet  above  the  water  hi  the  centre.  At  some  distance  beyomlii. 
nortliward,  Is  the  British  channel.  The  gun-bouts  that  attacked  Wilkinson's  flotilla  came  out  at  the  lower  end  ufBtld 
Island,  through  a  lateral  channel  in  which  the  sall-vesscl  lies. 

»  He  assured  them  that  he  came  to  Invade,  and  not  to  destroy  the  province— "to  subdue  the  forces  of  his  Brltanni 
Majesty,  not  to  war  against  unoffending  subjects.  Those,  therefore,"  he  said,  "  who  remain  qniet  at  home,  should  vic- 
tory incline  to  the  American  standard,  shall  be  protected  In  their  persons  and  property ;  but  tho.«e  who  are  founii  in 
arms  must  necessa'ily  be  treated  as  avowed  enemies.  To  menace  is  unmanly ;  to  seduce,  dishonorable ;  yet  it  is  juft 
and  humane  to  place  these  alternatives  before  you."— ^Proclamation,  November  7, 1813. 

'  Thi-  tlolllla  moved  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  under  cover  of  a  heavy  fog,  General  Brown,  in  his  gig,  leading  the 
way.  There  waA  a  sudden  change  In  the  atmosphere,  when  the  generaVs  boat  was  di«c.->vered  at  Prescott,  and  aliiws! 
fifty  24-pound  shot  were  fired  at  tier,  vithout  effect.  The  gleaming  of  bayonets  on  slmre.  In  the  light  of  llic  iuodh  in 
the  west,  caused  a  heavy  cannonade  In  the  direction  of  the  American  troops  on  the  march,  also  without  effect.  Browa 
baited  the  flotilla  until  the  moon  went  down,  but  its  general  movement  was  perceived  by  the  enemy.  For  three  hniii- 
they  poured  a  destructive  Are  upon  it,  aiul  yet,  out  of  about  three  hundred  boats,  not  one  was  touched,  and  oulyom 
man  was  killed  and  two  wounded.— General  Wilkinson's  Journal,  November  6, 1S13. 

According  to  the  statement  of  Captain  Mordecal  Myers,  already  referred  to  (note  1,  page  M6),  there  were  traltoreic 
Ogdensburg.  He  says  that  the  British  at  Prescott  were  apprised  of  the  approach  of  the  flotilla  by  the  burning  ofWof 
lights  lu  one  or  more  honscs  in  Ogdensburg. 

*  Matilda  Is  a  post  vlUa'^e  In  Dundas  County,  Canada  West,  on  the  Point  Iroquois  Canal.  The  "  White  House "  hi.l 
disappeared  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  185B,  when  the  place  belonged  to  James  Parlor. 

'  Colonel  Swift  employed  a  secret  agent,  who  reported  to  him  that  the  enemy's  forces  were  as  follows  in  number  Mil 
position  :  aOO  under  Colonel  Murray,  at  Coteau  du  Ijic,  strongly  fortified  with  artillery .  about  300  men  of  tiie  Briliih 
line  of  artillery,  but  without  ammunition,  at  the  Cedars;  300  sailors,  400  marines,  and  an  unknown  number  uf  militia  (.; 
Montreal,  with  no  fortifications;  2600  regular  troops  expected  dally  from  Quebec;  and  the  mllilla  between  Kinetlon 
and  Quebec,  20,000.  Wilkinson  reported  his  own  force  to  be  7000  men,  and  that  he  expected  to  meet  40<io,  under  Ilamp^ 
ton,  at  St.  Regis.— Journal  of  Dr.  Amasa  Trowbridge,  quoted  by  Dr.  Hough  lu  his  Uittmy  nfSl.  Latereuee  Cuunlj,  page  63t. 


OF  TU£  WAIi  OF   1819. 


esi 


the  Britbh  Font. 


0<Derll  Brown  Invade*  Caaad*. 


WIlklnMn  In  Ptrll. 


PrapAmtlou*  for  Buttle  »t  Chrjrslar't  Farm. 


'  White  House"  hid 


(iiMiinil  Hrowii  WUH  at  onco  ordcrofl  to  croHS  the  river  with  hi?*  briirade  and  the  drn- 
liiioim,  for  tiie  purpowe  of  murchiiii^  down  tlie  Caiiadii  nide  of  ilie  river  iu  conuectioii 
ttiih  Colonel  M:i('oml),  and  the  remaiinler  of  the  day  and  nigiit  waH  coimmncd  in  the 
initii'l'ortation. '  Meanwliii<'  Wilkinson  waH  informed  that  a  British  le-enforeenient, 
full  i>ne  thousand  wtronj^,  had  been  sent  down  from  Kingston  to  Preseott,  under  the 
,.,,iiiin;ind  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Moi  rison.  They  had  come  in  the  armed  Hcliooners 
Ikn^/i'rd  .md  Sidney  Sinit/  .  txjul  several  gun-boats  anil  bateaux  uiuler  Captain  Mul- 
eiiHter,  whieh  had  eluded  Chaiuieey's  inetticient  bloekading  s(juadron.  They  were 
jciiiu'tl  at  Prcscott  by  provincial  infantry  and  dragoons  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 

irsoii,  an<l  on  the  nioriiing  (/f  the  !Mh  they  were  (dose  upon  Wilkinson  with  the 
visself  in  whieh  they  came  down  the  river,  and  a  large  portion  of  the  land  troops 
wiTo  debarked  near  Matilda  for  the  puqmso  of  pursuing  the  Americaim.  General 
Miiyd  and  his  brigade  were  now  dctacdied  to  re-enforc(!  Hrown,  with  orders  to  cover 
his  inarch,  to  attack  the  pursuing  enemy  if  necessary,  and  to  co-operato  with  tbo 
oilier  commanders. 

Wilkinson  now  found  liiinself  in  a  perilous  position.  Tlie  Hritisli  armed  vessels 
wore  following  his  flotilla,  and  a  heavy  IJritish  force  was  hanging  upon  the  rear  of 
iiis  liuid  troops,  ready  to  co-operate  with  the  water  craft  in  an  attack  upon  the  Amer- 
ieuiis.  They  constantly  harassed  lirown  and  Boyd,  and  occasionally  attacked  the 
ri-aioftiie  fljtilla.  The  forces  on  the  shore  also  encountered  detachments  coming 
u|i  from  below,  and  were  com|)elled  to  make  some  long  and  tedious  circuits  in  their 
luiircli  l)e(!aiise  of  the  destruction  of  bridges  in  the  f'-ont. 

On  the  morning  of  the  lOth,"  when  Wilkinson  was  approaching  the  "November, 
"Loiigue  Saut,"  a  perilous  rapid  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  eight  miles  in  extent,  **'"• 

he  was  informed  that  a  considerable  body  of  the  enemy  had  collected  near  its  foot, 
coiistnu'ted  a  block-house,  and  were  i)repareil  to  attack  hini  when  he  should  come 
(lott  II.  General  Brown  was  ordered  to  advance  at  once  and  dislodge  them,  and  at 
uooii  cannonading  was  heard  in  that  direction  for  some  time.  At  the  same  hour  the 
eiu'iiiy  came  pressing  [)on  Wilkinson's  rear,  ami  commenced  cannonading  from  his 
min-bouts.  The  Amer.  an  gun-barges  were,  so  slender  that  the  eighteen-])ounder8 
could  not  be  worked  effectively,  so  they  were  landed,  jdaced  in  battery,  and  brought 
10  bear  upon  the  ei.^iuy  so  skillfully  that  his  vessels  fled  in  haste  up  the  river.  In 
these  operations  the  day  was  mostly  consumed.  The  pilots  were  unwilling  to  enter 
the  iJipids  at  night.  It  was  necessary  to  hear  from  Brown,  for  when  the  flotilla 
should  once  be  committed  to  the  SAvifl  current  of  tli(?  rapids  there  could  be  no  retreat. 
Tiiese  considerations  caused  Wilkinson  to  halt  for  the  night,  and  his  vessels  were 
mooiod  a  liitlc  below  Chrysler's  Island,  nearly  in  front  of  the  farm  of  John  Chrysler 
(ii  British  militia  captain  then  in  the  service),  a  few  miles  below  Williamsburg,  while 
Hoyd,  with  the  rear  of  the  land  force,  encamped  near. 

At  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  11th  Wilkinson  received  a  dispatch  from 
Brown,  addressed  from  "  five  miles  above  Cornwall,"  announcing  his  success  in  his 
attack  upon  the  British  post  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids,  informing  him  of  the  wounding 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Forsyth  and  one  of  his  men,  and  urging  him  to  come  forward 
with  the  boats  and  supplies  as  quickly  as  possible,  becatise  his  wearied  troops  were 
"without  covering  in  the  rain."^  This  dispatch  found  W^ilkinson  extremely  ill,  and 
his  reply,  in  which  he  told  Brown  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy  upon  his  rear,  and  his 
apprehensions  that  he  intended  to  pass  him  with  bis  guu-b«iats  and  strengthen  the 
British  force  below,  was  addressed  "  From  my  bed."  "  It  is  now,"  he  said,  "  that  I 
feel  the  heavy  hand  of  disease — enfeebled  and  confined  to  my  bed  while  the  safety 

'  A  p«rt  of  th'  fiirco  Innded  on  the  property  of  Christian  Pelftbooifh,  near  Matilda,  owned,  In  1858,  by  Daniel  Shaw. 
Another  imrtin,       luled  at  Snydcr'c,  now  Pillar's  15ay. 

'  General  Brown's  MS.  Letter-book.  Colonel  Carr,  In  his  MS.  Journal  before  me,  says ;  "  We  are  wet  to  the  skin,  and, 
bavin;  no  tents  or  shelter  but  boshes,  must  pass  a  very  uncumfortable  night."    Dat^  "  Near  Cornwall,  November  10, 

iiir.ii." 


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061 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Position  of  the  British  on  CL.ysIer'a  Fann. 


Character  of  the  Oronud. 


Assault  on  the  British  Vaniftiart. 


CUUVbl.Kll'H    IN    ll~66. ' 

of  the  army  intnistcd  to  my  command,  the  honor  of  our  armies,  and  the  greatest  in- 
terests of  our  country  are  at  hazard.'"^ 

Wilkinson  now  ordered  the  flotilla  to  proceed,  and  Boyd  and  his  command  to  re- 
sume their  march.  At  that  moment  information  reached  the  commanding  general 
that  the  enQmy  were  advancing  In  column,  and  that  firing  from  their  gun-boats  was 
heard.  He  immediately  sent  Colonel  Swift  with  an  order  for  Boyd  lo  form  lii.i  di- 
tachment  into  three  columns,  advance  upon  the  enemy,  and  endeavor  to  outflank  iiini 
and  capture  his  cannon,  At  the  same  time  the  flotilla  was  ordered  to  lie  moored  v^i 
the  Canada  shore,  just  below  Weaver's  Point,  while  his  gun-boats  lay  off'Cook's  Point. 

The  brave  Boyd,  anx- 
ious for  battle,  instantly 
obeyed.  Swart wout Mas 
detached  with  tlieibnilh 
brigade  to  assail  the  van- 
guard of  the  enemy, 
which  was  composed  of 
light  troops,  and  Cov- 
ington was  directed  to  take  position  at  supporting  distance  from  him  Avith  tiie  thin! 
brigade.  Swartwout,  on  a  large  brown  horse,  dashed  gallantly  into  woods  of  second 
growth,  followed  by  the  Twenty-first  Regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  E.  W.Kipley, 
and  with  them  drove  the  light  troops  of  the  enemy  back  upon  their  main  liiie  in  open 
fields  on  Chi-ysler's  farm,  below  his  house.^  That  line  was  well  posted,  its  right  rest- 
ing on  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  covered  by  Mulcaster's  gun-boats,  and  the  left  on  a 
black-oak  swamp,  supported  by  Indians  and  gathering  militia,  under  Colonel  Tlionias 
Fraser.  They  wore  advantageously  formed  back  of  ''avinef.  that  intersected  tiie  ex 
tensive  plain  and  rendered  the  advance  of  the  American  artillery  almost  inijiossible, 
and  a  heavy  rail-fence.* 


•  This  is  a  view  of  Chofsler's  honie  and  the  ontbnildlngs  as  they  appeared  when  I  visited  the  spot  In  AnRUSt,  lSSi,i 
cirnmstance  to  be  noticed  premsntly.  The  house  fronted  the  St.  Lawrence,  The  road,  in  which  the  oxen  and  cart  m 
sect,  Is  the  fine  highway  along  the  river  from  Cornwall  to  prescott.  »  General  Brown'H  MS.  I,ctter-lrook. 

>  This  conHlct  is  usually  called  the  battle  of  Chrysler's  Field.  It  is  sometimes  called  the  battle  of  Wllllanidrarp,  Ihit 
Village  beinf;  almost  within  cniinon-shot  rauge  of  the  battle-fleld.    Chrysler's  na-ne  Is  fl-fiucntly  Hpelled  with  r  t. 

♦  Ttio  British  army,  on  this  occasion,  was  slightly  superior  in  numbers,  countlnii;  its  Indian  allies,  to  the  Aracrlcum 
and  had  the  double  advanta^'u  of  stronc  position  behind  ravines  and  of  frcxhncss,  for  the  Americans  hnd  nndcri;"n^ 
great  fatigue.  They  were  formed  in  what  Wellington  called  m  ichehtii,  or  the  flgnre  of  steps,  with  one  corps  niorf  ii- 
Tjaiced  than  another,  as  follows :  Three  companies  of  the  Eighty-ninth  Regiment  were  posted  on  the  extreme  right 


OF   THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


ess 


the  BrItlLh  Vanguard. 


BatUe  on  Cbrjrsler'B  Farm. 


locidenta  of  the  Cuntoat. 


The  Aniericanh  repntaed. 


d  the  greatest  iii- 

8  command  to  re- 
imanding  gen('r;il 
eir  gun-boats  was 
d  lo  form  hi?  do- 
or to  outflank  him 
I  to  lie  moored  o'l 
off  Cook's  Point. 
brave  Boyd,  anx- 
battle,  instantly 
S  wart  woul  was 
ed  with  tlie  fourth 
to  assail  the  van- 
of  the   enemy, 
■was  composed  of 
■oops,  and  Gov- 
im  -with  the  third 
woods  of  second 
onelE.W.Kiplcy, 
main  liae  in  open 
ted,  its  right  rest- 
md  the  left  on  a 
r  Colonel  Thomas 
itorsccted  the  ox- 
Imost  impossible, 


apot  In  AiiRMt,!*''''' 
II  the  oxen  nml  carl  art 
Irown'B  MS.  Utter-l.ii"k 
tleofWinianiKlrarp.tbsi 
ly  spelled  with  a  I- 
allies,  to  the  AracricMt 
icrlcana  had  nndcre"« 
flth  one  corpe  more  "a 
1  on  the  extreme  right, 


.1 


^ 


Swartwout's  sudden  and  successful  dash  was  qni(  kly  follo\,'('d  by  an  attack  on  the 
enemy's  ielt  by  the  whole  of  the  fourth  brigade,  and  a  part  of  the  first,  under  Colonel 
Coles,  who  advanced  across  plowed  fields,  knee-deep  in  mud,  in  the  face  of  a  heavy 
shower  of  bullets  and  shrapnel-shells.'  At  the  same  time  General  Covington,  mount- 
ed on  a  fine  white  horse,  gallantly  led  the  third  brigade  against  the  enemy's  left,  near 
the  river,  and  the  battle  became  general.  By  charge  after  charge,  in  the  midst  of 
diffieulties,  the  British  were  pushed  back  almost  a  mile,  and  the  American  cannon, 
placed  in  fair  pontion  by  General  Boyd,  under  the  direction  of  Colonel  Swift,  did 
excellent  execution  for  a  few  minutes.  Tlu-  squadron  of  the  Second  Regiment  of 
Dragoons  Avas  early  on  tlie  field,  and  much  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire,  but,  owing 
to  tiie  nature  of  the  ground,  was  unable  to  accomplish  much.  At  length  Covuigton 
fell,  severely  wounded,^  and  the  ammunition  of  the  Americans  began  to  fail.  It  was 
soon  exhausted,  and  the  fourth  brigade,  hard  pushed,  fell  back,  followed  by  Colonel 
J.  A  Coles.  This  retrograde  movement  affected  the  third 
brigade,  and  it  too  fell  back,  in  considerable  disorder.  The 
British  perceived  this,  and  followed  up  the  advantage  gained 
with  great  vigor,  and  were  endeavoring  by  a  flank  movement 
to  capture  Boyd's  cannon,  when  a  gallant  charge  of  cavalry, 
led  by  Adjutant  General  Walbach,  who  had  obtauied  A'-m- 

strong's  permission  to  accompany  the  expeditioi,,  drove 
them  back  and  saved  the  pieces.  The  effort  was  re- 
newed. Lieutenant  Smith,  who  commanded  one  of  the 
cannon,  was  mortally  wounded,  and  it  fell  into  the  ene- 
my's hauds.^ 

The  conflict  had  lasted  about  five  hours,  in  the  midst  of  cold,  and  snow,  anil  sleet, 
when  the  Americans  were  compelled  to  fall  back.  During  that  time  victory  had 
swayed,  like  a  pendulum,  between  the  combatants,  and  would  doubtless  have  rested 
with  tlie  Americans  had  their  ammunition  held  out.  Their  retreat  was  ])romising  to 
be  a  rout,  when  the  flying  troops  were  met  by  six  hundred  men  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Timothy  Upham,*  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  of  Infantry,  and  Major  Mal- 
colm, whom  Wilkinson  had  sent  up  to  the  support  of  Boyd.  These  checked  the  dis- 
orderly flight,  and,  taking  position  on  the  ground  from  which  Boyd's  force  had  been 
driven,  they  gallantly  attacked  the  enemy,  seized  the  principal  ravine,  and,  with  a  se- 
vere fire  at  short  ransket  range,  drove  ^he  British  back  and  saved  the  day.*  Mean- 
while Boyd  ha!  reformed  his  line  in  battle  order  on  the  edge  cf  the  wood  from  which 
Swartwout  dro  ■  the  foe  at  the  beginning,  and  there  awaited  another  attack.  It  was 
notmafle.  Both  parties  seeired  willing  to  make  the  excuse  of  oncomuig  darkness  a 
warrant  for  suspending  farther  fighting.  The  Americans,  under  cover  of  night,  re- 
tired unmolested  to  their  boats,  and  the  British  remained  upon  the  field.     Neither 


^-/ c^.^fi!^t>tA^ 


^ 


party  had  gained  a  victory,  but  the  advantage  was  with  the  British.^ 


resting  on  the  river,  with  a  6-,)onnrter,  and  commanded  by  Captain  Bamea  On  their  left,  and  a  little  In  the  rear,  were 
llankinf;  companies  of  the  Forty-ninth  and  a  detachment  of  fepclbles,  with  a  fl-pounder,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  I'ear- 
<on.  Still  further  to  the  left  and  rear  ■were  other  companiee  of  the  Forty-ninth  and  Eighty-ninth  Rpjfiments,  and  a  0- 
liounder,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Morrison,  whose  left  rested  on  a  pine  foreat.  In  ftont  of  all  were  voltigeure,  under 
Mulor  Herrlott,  und  some  Indians,  nndcr  Lieutenant  Anderson. 

'  HIiellB  cnntninlnpr  a  quantity  of  musket-halls,  which,  when  the  shell  explodek,  arc  projected  still  farther. 

'  Covington  was  killed  a  short  distance  from  Chrysler's  barn  (sec  picture  on  pa^c  652),  which  was  yet  stnnding,  well 
bored  by  inillots,  when  I  visited  the  battle-ground  In  1866.  The  British  flred  from  that  barn,  and  It  Is  belicv  i  4  that  a 
bullet  from  it  was  the  one  fatal  to  the  general.  The  plaoe  where  he  foil  was  on  the  site  of  a  nursery  of  thrifty  trees  in 
IWB. 

'  William  Wallace  Smith  was  a  cadet  in  1809.  He  wos  \  natlre  of  New  Jersey.  He  was  commissioned  second  lien- 
tenant  of  light  artillery  on  the  lat  of  June,  1812,  and  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  In  October,  1813.  In  the  battle  on 
Chrysler's  Field  he  was  serving  his  field-piece  himself,  havinR  loat  all  of  hie  men,  when  he  was  mortally  wounded.  He 
illeil.  II  prisoner,  at  Port  Presoott,  on  the  13th  of  December,  1813. 

'  Hptiam  wan  a  gallant  soldier.    We  shall  meet  him  ngnin  on  the  NIajrnra  frontier. 

'  MS.  hkelch  of  the  mlllt.iry  career  of  Colonel  Timothy  Upham,  by  an  officer  of  the  army. 

'  OfflcinI  dispatches  of  Wilkinson  and  Boyd,  and  LlentenanI  Colonel  Morrison ;  Wilkinson's  Journal ;  Life  of  OenenI 
Hiconb,  by  Captain  Oeorg*  H.  Richards ;  Cl«neral  Brown'i  MS.  letter-book ;  Colonel  Robert  Carr'a  MS.  JoutuaI  i  the 


iji 

'H 

'! 

jl 

'' 

1 

^5 

hi 

654 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Thfl  American  Flotilla  descends  the  8t.  Lawrence. 


Bad  Conduct  of  General  Uampum. 


JR  -...,  -  ''.:fe»i^-^^ .yr^^iJIMfB^MM^^  after  the  battle  the 

^^    '---"■^BiiiBME^^B^^^EMB^BSBi^i^^^^^^       flotilla  and  gun-boat8 

passed  safely  down 
the  Long  Kapids 
without  discovering 
any  signs  of  an  ene- 
my, and  at  the  same 
time  the  land  troops 
marched  in  the  same 
direction  unmolest- 
ed. At  Barnhart's, 
three  miles  above 
Cornwall,  they  form- 
ed a  junction  witli 
the  forces  under  Gen- 
eral Brown,  and  Wil- 
kinson expected  to 
hear  of  the  arrival  of 
Hampton  at  St.  R{>. 

gis,  on  the  opposite  shore  of  tlie  St.  Lawrence.  But  he  was  disappointed.  General 
lirown  had  written  to  Hampton  the  day  before  informing  him  of  rumors  of  a  liattit 
above,  and  saying,  "My  own  opinion  is,  you  can  not  be  with  us  too  soon,"  and  beg- 
ging him  to  inform  ihe  writer  by  the  bearer  when  he  might  bo  expected  at  St.  Rcijis.' 
Soon  aller  Wilkinson's  arrival,  Colonel  Atkinson,  Hampton's  inspector  general,  ap- 
peared as  the  bearer  of  a  letter  from  his  chief,  dated  the  11th,  in  which  the  command- 
er of  the  left  of  the  grand  army  of  the  North,  who  had  fallen  back  to  Chateaugay 
Four  Corners,  declari;d  his  intention  not  to  join  Wilkinson  at  all,  but  to  co-operate 
in  the  attack  on  Montreal  by  returning  to  Champlain  and  making  a  descent  from  that 
place.2  Wilkinson  was  enraged,  and  declared  that  he  would  "  arrest  Hampton,  ami 
direct  Izard  to  bring  forward  the  division."  He  was  too  feeble  in  mind  aiul  body  to 
execute  his  threat,  or  do  any  thing  that  required  energy ;  and,  after  uttering  a  few 

varions  pnbllshed  Histories  of  the  War;  oral  statementg  to  the  author  In  1866  by  Peter  Bronse,  a  survlvlDg  flrltish  sol- 
dier In  the  Dattle,  living  near  the  ground ;  Dr.  Amaea  Trowbridge's  narrative,  quoted  by  Hough. 

The  loss  of  the  British  In  this  engagement  was  22  killed,  160  wounded,  and  16  missing.  The  Americans  lo?tl(l! 
hilled  and  23T  wounded.  Among  the  killed  and  mortally  wounded  were  General  Covington,  and  Lieutenants  Smith, 
Hunter,  and  Olmstead  ;  and  their  wounded  olBcers  were  Colonel  Preston,  Majors  Chambers,  Cummings,  and  Nooii,  df- 
tains  Foster,  Campbell,  Myers,  Murdoch,  and  Townsend,  and  Lleutenantsi  Heaton,  Pelham,  Lynch,  Williams,  Browt. 
and  Crary.  Among  the  offlcers  specially  mentioned  with  praise  were  General  Covington,  Colonel  Pearce,  wlio  took 
command  of  his  corps  when  he  fell.  Colonels  E.  P.  Gaines,  E.  W.  Blpley,  and  Walbach,  Lieutenant  Colonel  AKpinwa;;, 
Majors  Cummlogs,  Morgan,  Grafton,  and  Gardner,  and  Lieutenants  Whiting  (his  aid)  and  (late  Mi^r  General)  W.J. 
Worth. 

The  wounded  In  the  battle  were  pitced  In  barns  and  log  houses,  and  the  mansion  of  Chrysler  was  made  a  hnspltai.  \ 
bnllet  passed  through  Cbptaln  Myers's  arm,  near  his  shoulder,  while  at  the  head  of  his  men  In  assailing  the  Hritisli  if- 
hind  the  stone  wall.  The  dcsperateness  of  the  encounter  may  be  conceived  when  the  fact  Is  stated  that  of  S9  men  he 
lost  23.  He  shared  General  Boyd's  qu.irter8  at  French  Mills.  Dr.  Man,  a  noted  phypician,  took  him  to  his  house. ini 
miles  distant,  where  he  remained  four  months.  He  there  became  acquainted  with  the  daughter  of  Judge  Wiiiiam  B»i- 
li-y,  of  Plattsbnrg.  and  In  March  following  they  were  married  in  that  town. 
Mordecai  Myers  was  born  at  Newport,  Khodc  Island,  on  the  Ist  of  May,  17T6,  and  Is  now  <1867)  In  the  nlnety-Mconj 

year  of  his  age.  He  was  educated  In  New  York  City,  and  became  a  mcrcliant  in 
Richmond,  Virginia.  There  he  served  In  a  military  company  under  Colonel  («(!■ 
erwnrd  Chief  Justice)  Marshall.  He  soon  returned  to  New  York,  engaged  in  bo! 
Ines3  there,  and  ser\-cd  In  an  artillery  company  nnder  the  command  of  Cfliitir. 
.Tohn  Swartwont.  He  was  afterward  commissioned  an  officer  of  infantry,  aiiiKnr 
two  years  studied  military  tactics  assidnonsly.  When  w.ir  was  threatenoii  hew 
active  in  raising  volunteer  companies,  and  In  March,  1812,  he  was  commis-sioiinl » 
captain  In  the  Thirteenth  bntted  States  Infantry,  and  ordered  to  report  to  Colonel  Peter  B.  Schuyler.  Dnrinf;  the  m- 
he  performed  laborious  and  gallant  services  under  several  commanders  In  the  Northern  Departnent,  and  in  ISIS  Ihf 
disability  produced  by  his  wound  caused  him  to  be  disbanded  and  placed  on  the  pension  roll  fjr  the  half  pay  of « tip 
tain.  Then  ended  his  military  career.  He  has  resided  n'any  years  iii  Schenectady.  He  has  been  mayor  r  f  that  cily.iiii 
represented  Now  York  city  In  the  Legislature  of  the  Statt  for  six  years.  '  Brown's  MS.  Letter-book 

»  Letter  of  General  J.  G.  Swift  to  the  author  of  this  work,  dated  "Geneva,  N.  Y.,  February  l.t,  1S6fl." 


%^^^ 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


066 


of  Oeneral  Hampton. 

the  tnoniing 
the  battle  the 
la  and  gun-boats 
;d  safely  down 
Long  II a ]) ids 
out  discovering 
signs  of  an  ene- 
and  at  the  same 
!  the  land  troopg 
ohed  in  the  same 
ction    unmolest- 

At  Barnharl's, 
•  ee  miles  above 
■nwall,  they  form- 
a  junction  witli 
forces  under  Gen- 
1  Brown,  and  Wil- 
son   expected  t(] 
irofthe  arrival  of 
irnpton  at  St.  lit- 
pointed.     General 
munors  of  a  hattli' 
30  soon,"  and  Vici;- 
.'Cted  at  St.  Ueiris.i 
icotor  general,  iiji 
hich  the  commaiul- 
ick  to  Chatcaugay 
[but  to  co-operate 

lescent  from  thai 
rest  Hampton,  and 
mind  and  body  td 
ler  uttering  a  few 

se,  a  surviving  SritlehBol- 

igh. 

The  Americans  lo?t  10! 
J  and  Lieutenants  Smith, 
'ammlng«,an(lNooii,(aiv 
Lynch,  Williams,  Brown, 
Colonel  Pearce,  who  took 
tenant  Colonel  Afplii»a„, 
(lato  Major  General)  W.J 

waemadeahoppitnl,  A 
aMBiUugthcBritlelike- 
is  stated  that  of  S9  men  h 
■took  him  to  his  house,  itn 
titer  of  Judge  William  B.! 

(IMT)  in  the  nlnety-stconil 
jtid  became  a  merchant  i« 
mpany  under  Coloiirl|-« 
[ew  York,  enq«Kf " '" 
the  command  of  Oa|  i 
officer  of  Infantry,  till  f'" 
w-xrwaBthreatenenheirti 
12  hewascommiwloiirt' 
Schuyler.    DnrinRtbewK 
ep«rtnent,andinl815tb» 

^11  fjr  the  half  pay  "'«'"; 
ecn  ma  vorrf  that  city,  Mil 
'Brown's  MS.  Utter-book 

13, 1S60." 


j^  American  Army  at  the  French  Mills. 


Character  of  tta  chief  Leaden. 


Hampton  censured. 


1H13. 


curses  he  called  a  council  of  war,  and  left  Hampton  to  do  as  ho  pleased.  That  coun- 
cil decided  that  the  "  conduct  of  Major  General  Hampton,  in  refusing  to  join  his  di- 
vision to  the  troops  descending  the  St.  Lawreme,  rendered  it  expedient  to  remove 
the  army  to  French  Mills,  on  the  Salmon  River.'"  "  The  opinion  of  the  younger 
members  of  the  council  was,"  says  General  Swift, "  that,  with  Brown  as  a  loader,  no 
character  wou-d  be  lost  in  going  on  to  Montreal  ;"'^  but  the  majority  said  no,  and  on 
the  folic winp  day,*  at  noon,  when  information  came  that  there  was  a  .  November  i«, 
I'onsidcrable  British  force  at  Coteau  du  Lac,  the  foot  soldiers  and  ar- 
tillerymen were  all  em- 
barked on  the  transports, 
under  the  direction  of 
General  Brown,  and  de- 
parted for  the  Salmon." 
Tlie  horses  of  the  dra- 
goons, excepting  about 
forty,  were  made  to  swim 
across  the  cold  and  rap- 
idly-flowing river,  there 
a  thousand  yards  wide, 
and  the  squadron  pro- 
ceeded to  Utica.  The 
flotilla  passed  up  the  Big 
Salmon  liiver  about  six 
miles  to  its  confluence 
with  the  Little  Salmon, 
near  the  French  Mills, 
when  it  was  announced 
that  the  boats  were  scuttled,  and  the  army  Avas  to  go  into  winter  quarters  in  huts.' 

Thus  ended  in  disaster  and  disgrace  an  expedition  which,  in  its  inception,  prom- 
ised great  and  salutary  results.  It  was  composed  of  brave  and  patriotic  men;  and 
justice  to  those  men  requires  the  humiliating  confession  from  the  historian  that  their 
failure  to  achieve  complete  success  is  justly  chargeable  to  the  incompetency  of  the 
chief  commanders,  and  the  criminal  indulgence  on  the  part  of  those  commanders  of 
personal  jealousies  and  animosities.  The  appointment  of  Wilkinson  to  the  command 
of  the  Northern  Army  was  a  criminal  blunder  on  the  part  of  the  government.  His 
antecedents  were  well  known,  and  did  not  recommend  him  for  a  responsible  position. 
Tlie  weakness  of  his  patriotism  under  temptation,  and  his  too  free  indulgence  in  in- 
toxicating liquors,  were  notorious.  Hampton  was  totally  unfitted  for  the  responsible 
station  in  which  he  was  placed  ;*  and  Armstrong,  who  was  a  fellow-soldier  with  them 
both  in  the  old  War  for  Independence,  lacked  some  of  the  qualities  most  essential  in 
the  administration  of  the  extraordinary  functions  of  his  office  in  time  of  war.  His 
presence  on  the  frontier  during  the  progress  of  the  expedition  was  doubtless  detri- 
mei.tal  to  the  service,  and  he  left  for.  the  seat  of  government  at  a  moment  when  the 
poimsel  and  direction  of  a  judicious  Secretary  of  War  was  Uiost  needed.' 


I-LM1E   OK   IIEUARKATIUN    ON    TUE   SALMON    UIVKU.* 


'  "The  grounds  ou  which  this  decision  was  taken  were— want  of '.-road,  want  of  meat,  want  of  Hampton's  division, 
•nil  a  belief  that  the  enemy's  force  was  equal,  If  not  greater  tl.an  our  own."— Oenernl  J.  G.  Swift  to  General  John  Arm- 
nroiig,  June  17, 1836.  '  General  Swift's  Letter  to  Get  eral  Armstrong,  June  17, 1886. 

'  In  n  general  order  Issued  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  General  Wilkinson  said,  " '  'ho  commander-in-chief  In  com- 
Vllfii  to  retire  [from  the  Canada  shore]  by  the  extraordinary,  nnexpecled,  and,  it  iipp  lars,  unwarrantable  conduct  of 
M  i.ii.r  Oener.tl  Hampton  in  refusing  to  join  this  army  with  a  division  of  fonr  thousand  nen  under  ills  command  agree- 
I'llo  to  positive  orders  from  the  commauder-in-chlef,  and,  as  he  has  been  assured  by  the  b  jcretary  of  War,  of  explicit  In- 
'pn  rions  from  the  War  Department." 

'  Tliln  Id  a  view  of  the  place  where  Wilkinson's  flotilla  was  moored.  The  boats  wer;  soon  frozen  In  the  Ice,  and  in 
''■'■■'  i.iry,  apprehensions  being  felt  of  their  captnrr  by  the  enemy,  they  were  cut  nni'  i.'urnt  do^vn  even  with  the  surface 

'  i!f  kv,  and  sunk  when  It  melted  In  the  spring.  '  Colonel  Robert  Carr's  V.i.  Illary.  •  See  page  680. 

Uu  Ibe  Ulh  of  Noveml)er,  General  Brown,  then  in  command  of  the  army  at  I  rench  Mills,  wrote,  with  coiwiderable 


P' 


t  V 


i-.i 


^"^"fll 


}  ■ 


a     * 


\\: 

■fir  f 


till 

^  m 

J  ■ 

-  !-    t 

m\ 

A  '\ 

056 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


^a^a^jA- 


1S13. 


D«ath  f  nd  fln-lal  of  (ieneral  CoYtngton.        Head-qnaitere  of  General  Offlcer*.        Hampton's  Disobedience  of  OrdT" 

On  arrivii:L,'  at  Salmon  River  the  army 
was  immediately  debarked  on  the  frozen 
shores,  r.nd  set  to  work  in  the  construction 
of  huts  for  wint«r  quarters.  Their  first  la- 
bor was  the  sad  task  of  digging  a  grave 
for  the  remains  of  General  Covington.  He 
was  shot  through  the  body  on  the  11th, 
and  died  at  Barnhart's  on  tlie  morning  of 
the  13th,  just  before  the  flotilla  departed 
for  French  Mills.'  Wilkinson  at  once  loft 
for  Malone,  after  transferring  the  coram«.r  d 
•November  16,  of  the  army  to  General  Lywis,* 
who,  with  General  Boyd,  made 

LKWIS'C    ANP   BOVD'b    lIRAD-QtlABTEIlg. 

his  head-quarters  at  a  long,  low  building, 
yet  standing  in  1860,  a  dingy  red  in  color, 
on  the  left  bank  of  the  Salmon,  near  the 
present  lower  bridge  over  the  river  at 
French  Mills  or  Fort  Covington.^  Lewi< 
and  Boyd  obtained  leave  of  absence,  and 
the  command  of  the  army  devolved  upon 
Brigadier  General  Brown,  who  made  las 
head-quarters  on  the  right  bank  of  the  riv- 
er, in  a  house  built  by  SpafFord  in  1811 
(store  of  P.  A.  Mathews  in  1 860,  corner  of 
Water  and  Chateaugay  Streets),  and  tiioro 
he  received  his  commission''  of  "  Febmary  ii, 
major  general   of  the  United  '*'*■ 

States  Army.  Hampton,  in  the  mean  time,  had  retired  to  Plattsburg  with  his  four 
thousand  men.  By  special  orders,  sent  from  Malone  by  the  hand  of  Colonel  Swift 
(when  on  his  way  to  Washington  with  dispatches),'  Wilkinson  directed  Hampton  tn 
join  the  army  at  French  Mills.     This,  like  other  orders,  were  utterly  disregarded  by 

feeling  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  saying,  "  fou  have  learned  that  the  grand  army  of  the  United  States,  after  marching 
and  countermarching  most  Inglorlouely,  arrived  at  this  place  on  the  13th  instant.  I  must  not  express  to  yon  my  IndiL-- 
nation  and  sorrow.  I  did  not  expect  you  would  have  left  us."  In  the  same  letter  he  said, "  Colonel  Scott  will  hand  von 
this,  and  can  give  yon  all  the  information  you  wish  relative  to  our  movements  since  he  joined  us  [see  page  Kl-.'l,  and 
the  present  situation  of  oar  army.  The  public  Interest  would  be  promoted  by  the  advancement  of  snch  men  as  Scotl." 
—MS.  Letter-book. 

'  Leonard  Covington  was  n  brave  soldier.  H'.  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  bom  In  October,  176S.  In  179-2  he  was 
a  comet  of  cavalry,  and  was  dlstinguishcu  lOr  braver>  under  Wayne  in  the  defense  of  Fort  Recovery  (see  page  62)  in 
June,  ITM.  He  was  i  a  the  battle  at  the  Manmee  Rapids  in  August  following,  where  Wayne  achieved  a  victory  over  th« 
Indians.  At  the  time  of  the  first  engagement  he  held  the  commission  of  lieutenant ;  in  the  last  he  was  captain.  ]]f 
resigned  in  1T96.  From  1806  to  180T  he  represented  a  district  of  his  native  state  in  the  National  Congress.  In  isonhf 
was  commissioned  colonel  of  light  dragoons,  and  In  August,  1813,  was  breveted  brigadier  general.  He  accompunitd 
Wilkinson  in  his  unfortunate  expedition  that  ended  at  the  French  Hills.  At  the  time  of  bis  death,  on  the  13tb  of  No- 
vember, 1813,  he  was  about  forty-five  years  of  age. 

»  There  was  a  block-house  at  French  Mills  sltnoted  on  the  property,  owned,  when  I  visited  there  in  Isso.byMr. 
M'Crea.  General  Covington's  body  was  buried  jnst  outside  of  the  hlock-honse,  In  the  present  gardjii  of  Mr.  M'Cra. 
There  also  was  buried  the  remains  of  Msjor  John  Johnson,  of  the  Twenty-first  Infantry,*  who  died  at  the  station  on  lli» 
11th  of  December,  1813.  The  block-house  was  named  Fort  Covington  in  honor  of  the  slain  general,  and  the  villazf 
that  grew  up  around  the  French  Mills  na  also  called  Port  Covington.  The  place  was  first  settled  by  a  few  Frencli 
Canadians,  who  built  mills  there,  and  from  this  circumstance  It  was  called  i^'rench  Milli-  until  after  the  war. 

3  "  I  found  Mr.  Madisoa  mn  ;h  grieved  by  the  failure  of  the  campaign,"  General  Swift  wrote  to  the  author  in  Fcbn- 
ary,  1860.  "  It  was  generally  believed  that,  had  younger  oiilcers  been  placed  In  command  of  the  armies  of  Wilkinsra 
and  Hampton, Montreal  world  uave  been  taken  without  the  Inconseqnenthtl  conflict  at  Chrysler's  Field,  thonih  ihii 
affair  gave  distinction  to  several  ofBcers  for  meritorious  BerN'ices."  M^or  Totten  sacceedcd  Colonel  Swift  as  chief™- 
gineer  after  he  left,  of  whom  Brown  spoke  in  the  highest  terms. 

*  MnJor  Johnson  was  from  Pennsylvania.  He  entered  the  service  as  a  marine  in  1800,  and  woa  first  lieutenar  *  nodcr 
Prsble  St  Tripoli  in  18M.  In  April,  1813,  he  waa  aulBtont  a4Jatant  general  with  the  rank  of  major.  In  June  be  wu 
commissioned  major. 


BBOWN  8  UBAD-OCABTIBS. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   18  12. 


657 


ibedtctice  of  Ordert. 


hqdabtkm. 

g,  low  building, 
ajy  red  in  color, 
Salmon,  near  the 
Br   the  river  at 
nngton.'*    Lewis 
of  absence,  an'! 
D-  devolved  upon 
I   who  made  his 
t,  bank  of  tlie  riv- 
Spafford  in  1811 
1  1860,  corner  of 
trcets),  and  tLere 

n*"  of      0  FebniiTj  U, 

nited 

urg  with  liis  four 

of  Colonel  Swift 

,cted  Hampton  to 

ly  disregarded  by 

Ld  States,  after  maxchiog 

fcxpress  to  yoa  rov  innii:- 

flonel  Scott  win  hand  TOO 

due  [6eepRge«l'>l,aDd 

at  of  Boch  men  asScoU. 

nerilTeS.  InlTOvihPW! 
tec'ovcry  (see  page  M>  ia 
hleved  a  victory  over  ite 

last  he  was  captain,  llf 
lal  Congress.  InWto 
Incral.  He  accoinpawM 
\\eoth,onthel3thof:(o- 

,veathereinlS6fl,l)yMr. 
ltgard::n"fMr.M'CK-s. 
Idied  at  the  station  on  tli( 
1  Boneral,  and  the  villas 
J  gettled  by  a  few  FrenA 
lafter  the  war. 
■e  to  the  author  in  Fcta- 

Ithe  armies  of  Wilkin« 
Ller'g  Field,  thoash  tlisl 
tolonel  Swift  OS  chief  ft- 

l»BBflrgtHeutenar'aii4tr 
f  major.    luJuncbcim 


nt  Army  relieved  of  Hampton's  Presence.      Sufferiugs  of  the  Army  at  the  French  Hills.      Departure  of  the  Troops. 

Hampton.  He  had  accomplished  the  defeat  of  eiForts  to  take  Canada,'  and,  leaving 
General  IzaT  ,  of  South  Carolina,  in  command,  he  abandoned  the  service,  and  returned 
to  his  immense  sugar  plantations  in  Louisiana,'^  followed  by  the  contempt  of  all  vir- 
tuous and  patriotic  men. 

General  Brown  at  once  adopted  measures  for  making  the  troops  as  comfortable  as 
possible.  Huts  were  constructed,  but  this  was  a  work  of  much  labor,  and  consumed 
several  weeks.  Meanwhile  severe  winter  weather  came.  They  were  on  tlie  forty- 
lifth  parallel,  and  at  the  beginning  of  December  the  cold  became  intense.  Most  of 
the  soldiers  had  lost  their  blarkets  and  extra  clothing  in  the  disasters  near  Grenadier 
Island,  or  in  the  battle  on  Chrysler's  Field.  Even  tlie  sick  had  no  shelter  but  tents. 
The  country  in  the  viciu  ty  was  a  wilderness,  and  provisions  were  not  only  scarce, 
but  of  inferior  quality.  A  great  quantity  of  medicines  and  hospital  stores  had  been 
lost  through  mismanagement,  and  these  could  not  bo  procured  short,  of  Albany,  a  dis- 
tance of  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  The  mortality  among  the  sick  became  fright- 
ful and  disease  prostrated  nearly  one  half  of  the  little  army  before  they  were  fairly 
lioused  in  well-regulivted  cantonments.  ^  Taking  advantage  of  this  distress,  British 
emissaries  tried,  by  the  circulation  of  written  and  printed  placards,  to  seduce  the  suf- 
ferintj  soldiers  from  their  alL  Ljlance.  One  of  these  written  ])lacards  (see  a  fac-sirailc 
on  the  next  page),  found  one  moniing  upon  a  tree  in  one  of  the  American  camps,  and 
presented  to  me  by  Colonel  Carr,  reads  thus : 

"Notice. — All  American  Soldiers  who  may  wish  to  quit  the  unnatural  war  in 
which  they  are  at  present  engaged  will  receive  the  arrears  due  to  them  by  the  Amer- 
ican Government  to  th(!  extent  of  five  month's  pay,  on  their  arrival  at  the  British  out 
Posts.    No  man  shall  be  required  to  serve  against  his  own  country." 

It  is  believed  that  not  a  single  soldier  of  American  birth  was  enticed  away  by  such 
allurements. 

The  enemy  frequently  menaced  the  cantonment  at  French  Mills,  as  well  as  at 
Plattsburg,  and  toward  the  close  of  January  Wilkinson  received  orders  from  the  War 
Department  to  break  up  the  post  on  Salmon  River.  Early  in  February  the  move- 
ment was  made.  The  flotilla  was  destroye'l  as  fully  as  the  ice  in  which  it  was  frozen 
would  permit,  and  the  barracks  wore  consumed.  The  hospital  at  Malone  was  aban- 
doned ;  and  while  Brown,  with  a  larger  portion  of  the  troops,  marched  up  the  St.  Law- 
rence and  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  remainder  accompanied  the  commander-in-chief  to 
Plattsburg  The  enemy  at  Cornwall  were  apprised  of  this  movement,  and  crossed 
the  river  on  the  ice  on  the  day  when  the  last  American  detachment  left  French  Mills. 
Tacy  were  regulars,  Canadian  militia,  and  Indians,  and  plunder  seemed  to  be  their 
chief  object.  In  tiiis  they  were  indulged,  and  the  abandoned  frontier  suflered  much. 
No  discrimination  seemed  to  be  made  between  public  and  private  property,  and  it 
was  estimated  that  at  least  two  hundred  barrels  of  provisions  were  carried  away. 

Tims  closed  the  events  of  the  campaign  of  1813  on  the  Northern  frontier. 

I  visited  the  theatre  of  the  scenes  described  in  this  chapter  partly  in  the  year  1866, 

'  See  note  8,  page  2Se. 

'  lismpton  tiad  Immense  sngar  plantations  in  Louisiana,  and  was  donhtless  the  most  extensive  planter  and  wealthiest 
man  in  tlie  Sonthcrn  States.  He  owned  at  one  time  five  thousand  negro  slaves.  He  was  a  native  of  South  Carolina, 
indwssbom  in  TTM.  He  was  an  active  partisan  soldier  with  Sumter  and  Marlon.  In  1803  he  was  commissioned  a 
ft  rolosel  of  light  dragoons,  and  a  brigadier  general  in  1809.  On  the  2d  ofMarch,  1S18,  he  was  promoted  to  major  general. 
Hi«  inelllcient  caroer  is  recorded '"  i  the  text.  In  April,  1814,  he  resigned  his  com.nission,  to  the  great  Joy  of  the  North- 
m  .\rmy,  with  whom  his  deportment  and  habits  had  made  him  nnpopular.  He  died  at  Colambla,  South  Carolina,  on 
ihe  4th  of  February,  1838,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one  years. 

'  The  srmy  was  cantoned  as  ft)llows  on  the  Ist  of  January,  1814: 

The  artillery,  under  Colonel  .^lexander  Macomb,  of  the  Engineers,  at  the  block-honee  on  Mr.  John  H'Crea's  property. 
Tlio  woujded  fi-om  Chrysler's  n  ere  taken  Into  the  block-honse.  This  was  called  the  Centre  Camp.  The  Ecut  Camp,  un- 
il'  r  tlie  charge  of  Colonel  F..  W.  Ripley,  was  on  Selh  Blanchard's  properly.  The  North  Camp,  under  Colonel  James  Mll- 
l»r.  wan  on  Ihe  property  of  Allen  Lincoln.  The  Wett  Crnnp,  under  Colonel  Campbell,  was  on  W.  L.  Manning's  property. 
Tiiv  Hmth  Camp  was  on  Hamlet  Mear's  property.  The  owners  above  mentioned  were  the  proprietors  of  the  land  when 
Iv'itedForl  Covington  in  tjie  cummer  of  1800. 

Tt 


a  ' 


'mm 


i  ■ 


'■f  tv 


m 


m 


wh 


1:1 


[M|i 


IttE 


"M« il 


mi: 


n 


'!  n 


658 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Attempt  to  eedace  the  American  Boldlen  from  their  Allegiance. 


ancl  partly  in  1860.     In  the  evening  of  Monday,  the  23d  of  July,  in  the  latter  }wl 
journeyed  with  a  friend,  as  already  mentioned  on  page  619,  from  Watertowu  toCf  I 


v 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


Mt 


Remains  of  Portlflotioni  there. 


Lin  the  latter  )W.l 
lnWatefto\viitoCai«l 


Their  Illitory, 


TUIt  to  C»rIeton  liland. 

, ^ ^  ^  ^ 

Vincent'  by  railway,  and  lodged  in  an  inn  connected  with  the  road  station  tliere, 
standing  on  tiie  margin  of  tlu'  St.  Lawrence.     It  waH  a.  chilly  night.     The  next  morn- 
ing was  clear  and  blustering,  and  tiic  siirfaco  of  the  river  was  dotted  with  the  white 
caps  of  the  wavcK.     After  an  early  bi-eakfast  we  started  for  Carleton  Island,  three 
miles  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  in  a  skift' rowed  by  a  son  of  the  proprietor  of  the  hotel. 
As  we  approached  the  rocky  blutt"  at  the  head  of  tho  island  we  oljserved  several  chim- 
neys standing  alone  (built  of  stone,  some  perfect,  some  half  hi  ruins),  which  mark  the 
remains  of  strong  and  somewhat  extensive  fortifications  erected  there  by  both  the 
French  and  English  during  the  last  century,  that  post  being  a  key  to  the  internavi- 
(jation  of  the  St.  Lawrence  River  and  Lake  Ontario.     We  moored  our  boat  in  a  small 
sheltered  creek  by  which  the  head  of  the  island  is  made  a  pleasant  peninsula  of  eiglit 
or  ten  acres.    On  this  stand  the  residences  of  Mr.  Chai-les  Pluche,  an  intelligent  French 
Canadian  (who  owns  five  hundred  acres  of  the  western  end  of  the  island*),  and  of  his 
brother.    That  creek  separates  the  peninsula  from  the  higher  bluff  on  which  the  ruins 
of  Fort  Carleton  are  seen.     Mr.  Pluche  kindly  accompanied  us  to  these  ruins  and 
other  interesting  places  near,  and,  but  for  the  increasing  violence  of  the  wind,  which 
became  almost  a  gale  at  noon,  our  visit  would  liavc  been  one  of  unmixed  satisfaction. 
Tlie  ruins  of  Fort  Carleton  are  upon  the  most  elevated  portion  of  the  island,  and 
from  'he  ramparts  may  be  viewed  some  of  the  most  picturesque  scenery  of  the  famous 
Thousand  Islands  and  the  New  York  shore.     At  what  precise  time  fortificat%ns  were 
first  erected  there  is  not  positively  known.     The  English  found  it  quite  a  strongly 
fortified  post  at  the  time  of  the  conquest  of  Canada,  at  a  little  past  the  middle  of  the 
last  century,  and,  perceiving  its  value  in  a  military  point  of  view  (for  it  commands  the 
main  channel  of  the  St.  Lawrence),  they  greatly  strengthened  it.^     They  occupied  it 
until  1812,     On  the  declaration  ot  war  that  year  most  of  the  barracks  to  which  the 
now  standing  chimneys 
belonged  wei-c   in  good 
order,  and  before   Cape 
Vincent  was  settled  two 
or  three  families  resided 
on  the  island.     A  garri- 
son, composed  of  a   ser- 
geant ind  three  invalid 
soldiers,  and  two  women, 
occupied  the  fort  when 
the  war  broke  out.     As 
soon  as   intelligence    of 
the  declaration  reached 
tlie  frontier.  Captain  Ab- 
ncr  Hubbard,  of   Hub- 
bard's (now  Milieu's) 
Bay,  a  soldier  of  the  Rev- 
I  olution,  started  in  a  boat, 
with  a  man  and  boy,  to 


SKMAIHS  OF  rOBT  CABLETON.* 


I  This  was  Ijnown  ns  Gravelly  Point  at  the  time  of  the  War  of  1S12.  It  was  laid  out  as  a  village  in  ISIT.  It  is  the 
northenimost  town  of  Jefferson  County,  and  Is  the  terminus  of  the  Rome,  Watertown,  and  Cape  Vincent  Railway.  From 
ihiK  imint  is  a  ferry  to  Klnffston,  passing  through  Wolf  or  Orand  Island  by  a  canal  dug  for  the  purpo»e  a  few  years  ago. 
The  railway  wharf  Is  3000  feet  In  lengtli,  with  large  store-houses  and  a  grain-elevator. 

'  The  island  contains  1274  acres.  The  portion  here  alluded  to  was  a  military  class-right,  located  tliere  In  1786.  The 
island  forms  a  part  of  Cape  Vincent  Township,  Jefferson  County,  New  York.  The  Island  received  Its  name  from  Gov- 
ernor Sir  Gay  Carleton. 

'  \Mg.  In  his  Voiia/iet,  printed  in  London,  179t.  after  speaking  of  Oswegatchie  (Ogdensburg),  says,  "  Carleton  is  higher 
op  the  river,  and  has  greater  conveniences  to  it  than  Oswegatchie,  having  an  excellent  harbor,  with  strong  fortifications, 
tmi  well  garrisoned,  excellent  accommodations  for  shipping,  a  naval  store-house  for  Niagara  and  other  porta." 
^  •  This  view  is  from  the  N.  N.  E.  point  of  the  fort,  and  shows  eight  of  the  nine  chimneys  yet  standing.    On  the  ex- 
Itteme  right, beyond  the  lltti"  vessel,  is  seen  Cape  Vincent. 


I .  !.a 


6eo 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


IMUIAN    AUHI.ET. 


FIniSetsDraor*  MlMMyVoit         lutcreitiDg  Relica  on  Carlaton  liUod.         Perilous  Vojrig*  on  the  Ht.  |..,u  r  „. 

capturo  Fort  Carleton.  He  sncceedcd,  and  thiH  was  the  firut  8t>i/.urc  of  a  military 
pOHt  artiT  the  di'clarali"ii  of  Vf'ar.  lie  sent  a  boat  on  the  lollowiiij;  day  to  briiij^  away 
the  HtoieH,  and  soon  atlerward  the  l)arraek8  were  burned.  Niui^  bare  cliinnieyM  ha^ 
stood  there  ever  ninee,  gray  and  solitary  tokeim  of  oliange.  There  were  ai)out  iweiity 
originally  within  the  fort,  Home  of  whieli  are  in  rninB.  There  were  also  eliiinncys  on 
the  little  peninsula  near  Mr.  I'luehe's  house,  and  ahnig  the  shore  northwiinl,  \vhiiv,oii 
a  fine  grassy  point,  vestiges  of  the  gardens  that  were  attached  to  the  otVieers'  (|u,'iiui> 
may  yet  be  seen.  The  moot  tliat  surrounded  the  fort  was  dug  in  the  rock,  and  so 
was  the  well  in  the  norti»western  portion  of  the  works. 

A  little  northward  of  tlie  fort  was  the  garrison  cemetery ;  and  beyond  this,  a  fourth 
of  a  mile  from  the  ramparts,  is  an  ancient  Indian  burial-ground,  in  a  grove  of  small 
trees  on  the  verge  of  the  river.  In  a  grave  that  was  opened  there  in  the  spiinij  of 
1H«0  was  found  the  skeleton  of  a  chief,  bearing  evidence  that  the  body  was  Hm 
wiupped  in  the  hide  of  a  bufl'alo,  then  swathed  in  birch-bark,  and  next  deposited  in  a 

board  coffin.  With  the  skeleton  was  found  a  sil- 
ver gorget,  on  which  was  engraved  a  runnini,'  deer, 
also  a  line  silver  armlet  (now  in  jiossession  of  tlio 
writer)  bearing  the  royal  arms  of  England,'  silver 
ear-rings,  and  other  trinkets.  Near  this  burial- 
ground  was  found,  tlie  year  before,  a  silver  imdal 
giv(>n  by  the  British  government  to  Colonel  .lolm 
IJutler.  It  is  known  that  Hutler  and  Sir  John 
.Johnson  encamped,  with  the  Iiidians  from  the  Mo- 
liawk  Valley,  on  Carleton  Island  in  1775,  when  on 
their  M'ay  to  join  the  British  at  Montreal.  The 
medal  w.is  doubtless  lost  there  at  that  time,  and  the  chief  who  bore  the  armlet  ami 
gorget  was  probably  one  of  the  expedition,  who  perished  there. 

After  partaking  of  some  refreshments  from  the  hands  of  Mrs.  PlucKe  and  daujjh'er, 
we  re-embarked  in  our  little  boat  at  noon.  The  wind  was  blowing  almost  a  gale 
from  the  direction  of  Lake  Ontario,  bringing  down  waves  that  made  the  voyage  a 
dangerous  one.  At  times,  when  in  the  trough,  we  could  not  see  the  land.  Our  oars- 
man, a  stout,  resolute  young  man,  labored  faithfully,  with  the  boat's  bow  up  sticain, 
but  he  could  not  make  an  inch  of  headway  toward  Cipe  Vincent;  so,  alter  heavy  ex- 
ertions and  some  anxiety,  we  were  driven  to  the  southern  shore  of  the  river,  at  a 
point  opposite  our  place  of  departure.  There  we  abandoned  the  boat  and  stn.rted  mi 
foot  for  Cape  Vincent,  when  we  met  a  farmer,  with  his  wagon  and  rick,  going  to  lii- 
field  for  hay.  We  hired  him  to  take  us  to  the  Cape,  and  on  soft,  sweet  dried  "ii- 
we  lay  and  rested  in  the  cool  air  to  the  end  of  the  wagon  journey.  The  reniaimki 
of  the  afternoon  was  spent  at  the  Capo  in  strolling  about  the  little  village,  tor  tin 
river  .was  too  rough  to  make  a  wished-for  voyage  to  Grenadier  Island  either  safo  er 
pleasant.  There  we  met  General  W^illiam  Estes,  who  was  conspicuous  in  the  "  Patritt 
War"  in  Canada  in  1 838,  and  visited  the  dwelling  of  Dr.  Webb,  the  kitchen  part  oi 
which  is  the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Richard  M.  Esseltyne,  which,  with  otherfs,  wa- 
destroyed  by  the  British.     In  it  an  American  was  shot. 

We  lodged  at  Cape  Vincent  that  night,  and  at  five  o'clock  the  next  morning  depnrti ' 
in  a  lake  steamer  for  Clayton  (French  Creek),  sixteen  miles  below,  Avhere  we  lanli 
and  breakfasted  at  the  "Walton  House,"  kept  by  a  son  of  William  Johnston,  known 
among  his  British  contemporaries  in  1838  as  "the  Pirate  of  the  Thousand  Islands." 

1  This  armlet  is  little  mare  than  ten  Incbei  In  length  and  two  and  a  half  In  width,  and  the  ornamentntlon  is  emboswl 
work.  In  addition  to  the  royal  arms  is  a  trophy  group,  composed  of  helmet  and  cnirase,  cnnnon,  8pear!<,  and  bannen, 
the  latter  bearing  the  letters  G.  R.,  the  monogram  of  the  king ;  and  n  group  Inclosed  within  branches  uf  the  olive  ant 
palm,  composed  of  a  crown  resting  upon  a  sword  and  sceptre  crossed.  These  armlets,  gorgets,  and  other  silver  onu- 
ments  were  distributed  freely  among  the  Indian  chiefs  by  the  British  government,  as  one  of  the  means  of  secoringlW  j 
loyalty.    The  gorget  was  always  sospended  tram  the  neck,  and  rested  npon  the  upper  part  of  the  breast. 


OF    THE  WAK   OF   1818. 


Ml 


on  the  HI.  UwrcBcc. 

e  of  a  miliuiry 
r  to  br'mi;  awuy 
cir.mm'yn  liavi 
re  ubiiut  iwi'uij 
Iso  ohimm-yH  im 
iwiir<l,  wlii'iv,on 

ihi!  rock,  an  J  m 

Mill  ihit*,  a  fourtl 
[V  grovo  of  Hinall 
in  tin!  Hpniif:  tit' 
e  1jo«ly  wan  tii>i 
ixt  (Icpositcil  ill  a 
was  founil  a  sil- 
(1  iiruuuinittlwr, 
^)08«eHsioii  of  till' 
f  England,'  silver 
Near   this  Vmiial- 
ire,  a  silver  iimlal 
t  to  Colonel  .Tolin 
t,ler   and  Sir  .Tuliii 
lians  from  the  Mi 
I  in  1775,  wk'non 
at  Montreal.    Tii^ 
jre  the  aruilut  ainl 

iche  and  daujjh'cr, 
.-ing  almost  a  j;alo 
lUide  the  voyagi'  a 
lie  land.    Our  oars- 
.t's  bow  ui)  strtam, 
BO,  after  heavy  «• 
.  of  the  river,  at  a 
joat  and  sto.rled  mi 
[d  rick,  going  to  his 
1  sweet  dried  siu- 
[V.     Tlie  remaiiui'  I 
tie  village,  for  the 
iland  either  Kafc  it 
ions  in  the  "  Patri.  t 
■he  kitchen  part 
[h,  with  others,  ws- 

[t  morning  deparu  1 
]-,  Avhere  we  laiii'.oi. 
'.Johnston,  known 
Irhousand  Islamk" 

Jornamentatlon  is  emt«  ■■ 
tnnon,  speaw,  and  !!«■■«'■■• 

n  branches  of  the  olive  .nd 
deeU,  and  other  silver  om- 
EhemeanBotBecunngito 

i)t  the  hteaat 


yUt  to  Rock  bland,  Ui«  Home  v/f  Johniton  of  the  ThoBMDd  Iilands, 


Pc«l  Itland  ud  Ito  AModatloiif. 


Thew  we  were  informed  lliat  tlie  hero  of  many  ft  romantio  legend  of  the  frontier  WM 
still  living,'"  the  light-honHe  <<f  which  he  wan  keeper,  on  a  Holitary  island  a  few  rods 
in  circumference,  five  inileH  below,  where,  in  comjmny  with  two  young  ladieH — trav- 
eling companions — I  liad  visited  him  two  years  before.     Hiring  a  liout,  and  a  good 
tisherinan  as  oarsman,  we  set  out  aflt^r  breakfast  to  visit  Mr.  Johnston,  prejmred  with 
tisliing  tackle  to  indulge  in  sport  on  the  way.     We  trolled  faithfully,  but  oidy  a  sol- 
itary pickerel  of  moderate  size  rewarded  our  watclifulness  of  the  lines.     Onr  tlrearas 
(if  iniglity  inasipielonges,  forty  pounds  in  weight,  which  some  young  ladies,  they  say, 
^ynietimes  "  hook,"  were  dispelled ;  but  the  kindly  oarsman  came  to  the  assistance 
ofour  humbkul  pride  as  sportsmen  with  the  pleasant  suggestion  that  the  late  storm 
„f  wind  had  so  roiled  the  water  that  "nobody  couldn't  do  nothin'  at  fishiii'  when  the 
(Tceturs  couhln't  see  the  spoon."    And  we  were  no  more  successful  in  catching  a  hero. 
Silence  reigned  on  Itock  Isl- 
anJ.'    Not  a  living  thing  was 
seen.     Johnston    lived    there 
entirely  alone,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-eight  years.     He  was 
now  absent,  and    the    island 
was  dcscrted.2    After  making 
a  sketch  of  the  light-liouse  and 
Its  locality,  we  left  in  disap- 
pointment, and  again   trolled 
unsuccessfully  as  we   floated 
iloivn  the  current  about  two 
miles  to  Peel  Island,  the  scene 
uf  Johnston's   exploit   which 
laiiscd  him  to  be  declared  an 
outlaw  by  his  own   govern- 
ment, and  gave  him  tlie  name 
of"  Pirate."    This  exploit  v  as  the  destruction  of  the  British  mail  steamer  Sir  Robert 
Peel  at  this  jilace  on  the  night  of  the  29th  and  30tli  of  May,  1838,  by  Johnston  and 
some  disguised  associates,  who  were  engaged  with  the  Canadians  in  their  armed  re- 
sistance to  government.    The  immediate  object  of  the  assailants  appears  to  have 
been  the  capture,  and  not  the  destruction  of  the  steamer,  and  with  her  aid  to  seize, 
on  the  following  day,  the  steamer  Great  Britain,  and  convert  the  two  into  cruisers 
on  the  lake.     Johnston  had  but  thirteen  men  with  liim,  but  was  promised  that  two 

hundred  should  be 
within  call  on  the 
shore  of  the  neigh- 
boring main.  They 
were  not  there.  He 
had  not  sufficient 
men  to  manage  the 
powerful  steamer, 
and,  toward  morn- 
ing, he  committed 
her  to  the  flames. 
She  was   seized  at 


LK/UT-U0C8K  KEPT  BY  JOUMSTON, 


^t^.^?^ 


FEXI.  IBLAKD. 


'  Tils  Is  an  appropriate  name.  It  I*  a  groap  of  bare  rocke,  with  a  few  trees  and  shrnbs  growing  In  the  interstices. 
Johseton  hnd  filled  some  of  the  hollows  with  earth,  bronght  from  the  main  shore  in  his  boat,  and  we  fonnd  them  cot- 
tni  with  vegetables  and  flowers.    The  barren  island  possessed  a  pleasant  little  garden. 

>  Thi)  is  in  the  midst  of  the  Tbonsand  Islands,  five  miles  be'ow  Clayton,  on  the  sonth  side  of  the  steam-boat  channel. 
At  the  tini  of  my  visit  there  in  1808 1  asc-^nded  to  the  lantern,  and  from  that  elevation  coanted  no  less  than  seventy 
uludt,  valuing  f^om  rods  to  miles  in  clrcomference. 


■Wi^i^ir" 


602 


riCTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


JotiiMtoii'i  Kxplnlti  amonir  the  ThooMUid  IaUn4i.    Ht«  ArratU  uid  ImprtmnmenU.    HI*  CommlMlon  u  Commodoic 

Ki])l(>y'B  dock,  on  VVt'lls'H  IhIuikI,  tak*>ii  into  tho  Btrcam,  set  on  tiro,  and  floated  down 
and  lodged  uguinHt  a  Htnall  island  near  (i'o|)i-(>Hent(>d  in  the  Hkutuh  on  tlio  liic-cciliiiir 
page),  which  liutt  uince  been  known  aH  I'eel  Island.' 

'  From  the  llpd  of  Mr.  Johnston  I  received  a  very  nilimto  nncl  partlcninr  noconnt  of  thl«  tranroctton.  He  wa*  living 
tt  Ciiiytiiii  when  the  "  I'atilol"  war  broke  out.    lloiug  a  bold,  advuiiliironH  man,  a;id  rordinlly  hnlliiK  thi;  llrlivh  Km. 

erumeut  and  Itn  employ^o,  he  was  easily  iM-muiidcrl  liy  t|,(. 
American  sympalhlzers  with  tho  "  I'atrliits"  to  eiiKii^i;  |„ 
the  strife.  Ills  thoroMgh  knowledge  of  tlie  rit.  I^wrniri' 
from  Kingston  to  th«  l..imK><a  Hault  polntod  tlw"i|i,tr|. 
ots"  to  him  as  u  valuable  man  for  the  service  on  that  rniiil. 
ler.  lie  says  that  tho  leaders  promised  him  aniiilo  iimIk. 
anco  In  men  and  moans,  hut  disappointed  him.  Tlioy  ciii. 
ployed  lilm  to  cuptnrc  the  /Vtl  and  seiw"  the  (Irral  llrilm,, 
The  former  was  a  new  and  stanch  >  'ssel,  built  iil  llrnrk. 
vUie  In  1S8T.  She  was  110  feet  wide  ni  d  liio  in  li'n(;ili,  miii 
was  commanded  by  Captain  John  H.  Armstrong,  (in  tij,. 
evening  of  tho  KDth  of  Moy,  IV,H,  she  was  on  lior  way  up 
from  Proscott  to  Toronto,  with  nlnotef.n  pnsBeiii!er»,  mul 
stopped  at  M'Donncll's  Wharf,  on  Wells's  Island,  fiirwcm] 
Johnston  and  thirteen  men  In  dlsjfulso  were  lyiun  in  wait 
at  Uiplcy's  wood  wharf  near  by.  Tlicy  were  nrmeil  win, 
muskets  and  bayonets,  and  pnlntcd  like  ludlniin,  Thry 
rushed  onboard,  crying  out,  "  Ittnwmbrr  Ihe  (\:i .lUiu I"  {m 
American  vessel  that  the  Drltish  had  destroyed  at  iin  Amir 
lean  wharf  a  lew  months  before),  and  conipoilcd  the  immen 
Jers,  In  terrible  alarm,  and  In  their  nlKht-clothes,  tti  p,  on 
shore.  Their  bttt!K«Ke  was  taken  on  shore  llkowln',  ami 
in  this  p'lght  they  remained,  in  a  woodman's  shanty,  luuil 
morning,  when  they  were  conve  cd  to  KiuRston  l)y  th,' 
Oneida.  When  the  InsurRents  hud  taken  pofischiou  (ifihi 
Aw/,  they  hanled  her  out  into  the  stream,  exiu-otliii:,  ii,<  »v 
have  observed  In  the  text,  to  be  Joined  by  u  larj^e  niiinlur 
of  olbera  from  the  main.  They  did  not  appear.  JuhiiMoii 
jnd  his  men,  who,  he  says,  "looked  liki- 
devils,"  could  not  mauiiL;o  her,  aii<i  Khc 
was  set  on  Are.  Oovi  nor  Miircy  de- 
clared Johnston  an  outlaw,  and  olTc  reil  n 
reward  of  !f,'iOO  for  his  person,  and  small- 
er sums  for  each  of  his  con  federates  whj 
might  be  convicted  of  the  olTeuiie.  The 
Earl  of  Durham,  governor  of  Canada,  offered  $aOM  for  tlie  conviction  ol  any  person  concerned  lu  tho  "  Infamoun  outraije- " 
Johnston  boldly  avowed  himself  the  leader  of  that  party,  In  a  proclamation  which  ho  issued  from  "  Fort  Wiillace"  dm 
th«  Kith  of  June,  1838.  lie  declared  that  tho  men  under  hi  i  command  were  nearly  all  Englishmen,  and  that  liia  lieail- 
quarters  were  on  an  island  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  not  within  tho  Jurisdicthm  of  the  United  States.  "  I  act  uucKt  orderi'," 
ho  said.  "The  object  of  my  movements  Is  the  Independence  of  the  Canadas.  I  am  not  at  war  with  the  commerce  or 
property  of  the  United  States."    "  Fort  Wallace"  was  a  myth.    It  was  wherever  Johnc- 1  .n  happened  to  be, 

Johnston  was  now  placed  In  peril  between  the  officers  of  the  two  governments,  and  for  several  monllis  he  was  a  ref 
ugce,  hiding  among  the  Thousand  Islands,  and  receiving  food  at  night  from  his  daughter,  u  boautifiil  girl  tij;htoeii 
years  of  ago,  email  lu  stature  aud  delicate  In  appearance,  who  handled  oars  with  skill,  and  who,  in  u  light  boat,  i<nii<:ii! 
Ills  hiding-places  under  cover  of  darkness.  Slie  was  ofteu  watched  and  followed  by  persons  In  the  Intereiit  of  iln' 
I'nitcd  States  government,  but  her  thorough  knowledge  of  tho  Islands  and  skill  In  rowing  allowed  her  to  elude  llicni. 
Finally  Johnston  Joined  in  the  expedition  to  Prescott,  to  "  keep  out  of  the  way  of  both  parties,"  he  said.  After  tlie  M- 
feat  of  the  Insnrgentii  at  Windmill  Point  [see  page  SH31,  he  was  seen  publicly  iu  the'  streets  of  Ogdensburg,  where  he 
had  many  syn^)athlzers,  and  was  not  arrested.  He  saw  that  all  was  lost,  and,  weary  of  hiding,  he  resolved  to  give  bliu- 
self  up  to  the  authorities  of  the  United  States,  and  cast  himself  upon  the  clemency  of  bis  country.  Ho  mad)  nn  nrrani;e- 
nient  with  his  son  John  to  arrest  him  and  receive  the  $500  reward.  On  the  ITth  of  November  (1838)  he  left  Oudeii*- 
hurg  in  a  boat,  with  his  son,  when  Deputy  Marshal  M'Culloch  pursued  him  in  aboat  over  which  floated  tho  revenue  li«;'. 
Johnston  was  overtaken  about  two  miles  above  Ogdensburg.  He  was  armed  with  a  Cochran  rifle,  t^vo  large  rlHc-pUtol!. 
and  a  bowie-knife.  Ho  agreed  to  surrender  on  condition  that  he  should  give  up  hjs  arms  to  his  son.  He  was  tlieu  con- 
ducted back  to  the  village,  and  delivered  Into  the  custody  of  Colonel  (late  Major  (Jeneral)  Worth.  He  was  taken  tu 
Syracuse,  tried  before  Judge  Conklin  on  a  charge  of  violating  the  neutrality  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  acqniiliil. 
Ho  was  again  arrested,  and  escaped,  when  a  reward  of  $!!(K)  was  offered  for  his  arrest.  He  gave  himself  up  at  All)ai..v. 
and,  aftT  lying  three  months  lu  jail,  was  tried,  found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to  one  year's  irapris"!iraent,  aud  a  flue  "( 
$250.  Ills  faithnil  daughter,  who  had  acquired  tho  Just  title  of  the  "  Heroine  of  the  Thousand  I  dands,"  hnsteiieil  1 1 
Albany,  and  shared  prison  life  with  her  father.  After  being  there  sir  months,  with  his  falthfr  child  at  his  side,  hi 
found  means,  by  making  a  key  of  some  zinc  furnished  him  by  a  friend,  to  escape.  The  plan  w  «  made  known  to  lii^ 
danghfcr,  who  left  the  prison,  and  waited  for  him  at  Rome.  One  evening,  at  eighl  o'clock,  he  If  '!  the  Jail,  and  Infore 
daylight  had  walked  forty  miles  toward  Rome.  When  he  arrived  there.  Anally,  at  the  bouse  of  a  lend,  he  was  dread- 
fully exhausted.  He  went  home,  and  was  unmolested ;  but  the  "  Patriots"  were  determined  to  i  -Ive  him  into  active  j 
service,  and  he  received  a  commission  creating  him  commauder-in-chlef  of  all  tho  naval  forces  in  "  Patriot  «ervicc"  un  ( 
the  lakes.*  This  position  had  been  accorded  to  him  by  common  consent  the  year  before.  Eat  he  had  seen  enmi^'h  of  : 
that  kind  of  service,  and  ho  declined  tho  office.    A  year  or  more  afterward,  when  the  agitation  on  the  frontier  hud  pretty  j 

•  Johnston's  commission  as  commodore  Is  Iwfbre  me,  printed  and  written  on  thin  paper.  On  the  margin  of  It,  onn- . 
pylng  nearly  one  half  of  the  space,  is  a  rough  engraving,  a  copy  of  which  Is  (fiven  on  tho  opposite  page,  reduced  to  li.ilfj 
the  size.  Above  this  design  (in  which  the  American  eagle  is  seen  bearing  off  the  British  lion,  whose  crown  has  fallen- 1 
»  maple  leaf,  symbolic  of  Canada,  aud  two  stars  representing  thfe  two  provinces)  were  little  Fic'n"''*  of  the  anusofitei 


^"22::^^ 


or  THE  WAR   OF   iSlS. 


668 


I  Commodon, 

aU'd  tlown 
pvecciUng 


H«  w»»  llv'.nir 
tlu^  Hrlwh  Kiiv- 

KM  KUlull'l\  tiy  lllP 

,t»"  to  eiiKiiK"  t" 
Ihe  rtt.  Lawroncc 
nlcd  t>w"Biitrl- 
rice  nil  Uinl  fro\il- 
lilin  iunii\f  umIiI- 
;l  him.    Thoy  cm- 
tlio  Crwit  Hrilniw 
e\,  b\ilU  M  Bri"-k- 
Kill  ill  li'n(!lli,ii"'i 
rmntniiiK.   ""  H"' 
m«  on  li<T  W'ly  "V 

f.ll   llllKWIll!"'".  'I'l'i 
i'b  iBlullli,  fur  itm]. 
,  were  lyiiit!  1"  «aii 
y  wcru  nrmcii  wlili 
IkB  luillnii"-    fhcy 
«i-(/i«f'.J>"li"' •'"(«" 
Bdtroycd  ttt  lUi  Amcr- 
onipellcrtllii'l""'*';''- 
,.lit-clothc»,  til  K"  oil 
,  lihorfl  llkewl^^^  m\ 
ulniiui'"  Kliaiity,  «»lil 
to  KliiR"""'  >'y  *'■ 
iheii  poBKP.-blmi  lit Itif 
eiiiii,«xiH-et'"l.'.«»«'' 
ed  by  a  li'i;*'  »"'"''" 
„ot  appear.  J;ili"»t"" 

maiiiiKe  her,  ami  »he 

Oo\.  iior  MMiy  '>'• 
n  outl.iw,  ami  "(TerecU 
r  hlH  person,  and  mM- 
LfbiBcmifedcrnlcewho 
■d  (,f  Ibe  olT<-iii'e.   Tlie 

lio"iiif  aw""  ""'""'''■ 
iom  "  Fori  WuH'icc"  im 

.cii.WKltb.ilW"'"'* 
"  1  act  ii»*'r  ""^"'' 
with  the  commcfx  ot 

ciicil  to  bo. 
•almoulbKhcwMttrct 

'DcautlfulgW'^'t:'"''"; 
.!uaU!!htboai,.«u2 

g  iu  tbeliileri'»'"'>'" 
Led  ber  to  elude  theni. 

Uc  »ald.  After  the  fc 
tOadeiiBburi,',  where  fe 
he  resolved  to  give  hi..^ 

L  il«  mad )  nn  nrran* 
Ier('.838)helettOplo,«- 
aoatcdthereveiinefl.^ 
'ie  t-vo  large  rlfle-piet*' 
,;ou    He  waa  then  con- 

Td8tate«,andacqi.Uod. 

,ebiroHeU«patAltoi 

iB-....meiit,aiirtft«»Y' 
dldand.,"hfte.ml 

.f.    ■lera,bewa8(bMil- 

L  in  ..patriot -ervice"' 
VhehadB.enenou«h| 

«tb«trOTj.ier^'i*Jf"- 

rutirmarginotlt,*;^^! 

t.„-,ottheanu»o(iM| 


johnitoD'i  h-    pit  Oangbttr. 


III!  BlrthpUc*. 


au  SnrlMt  tn  tho  War  of  Mil. 


We  retunuMl  to  Clnytoii,  ruul  there  Ibmul  "  C'ommotloro"  Johnston,  a  hulo  man,  full 
of  spirit,  but  Hutli'rinjj  moiih'  from  recmt  ilhioHH  I  Hjiont  two  hours  pleasantly  and 
iiroHtahly  witii  him  ami  his  cuura^oouH  daughter,  liHtening  to  narratives  .)f  the  Htir- 
rinj?  BceneH  in  whieh  they  had  l)een  engaged  twenty-two  years  before,  a"d  of  wliieh 
I  have  given  a  meagre  cutline  in  noie  1,  page  002.  'Hie  "  Heroine  of  the  Thousand 
Islands"  was  now  Mrs.  Ilawes,  an  intelligent  and  interesting  woman,  and  mother  of 
several  children.  Mr.  Johnston  is  a  man  of  nu'dium  size,  compactly  built,  and  fidl  of 
pluck.  His  life-liistory  was  a  stirring  oiu'  previous  to  the  "Patriot  War."  During 
the  War  of  1812  he  was  employed  by  Chauncey  and  Wilkinson  in  active  servico  on 
the  frontier  waters ;  and  he  gave  the  British,  whom  he  cordially  disliked,  n  great  deal 
of  trouble.  He  was  a  n.itivo  of  Canada.'  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  lit^  was 
residing  at  Hath,  above  Kingston,  and  conveyed  some  Americans  across  the  lake  to 
Saekett's  Harbor  in  a  large  bark  canoe.  Not  being  satisfied  with  the  militia  service, 
in  wiiich  he  had  been  engaged,  he  remained  on  the  Amorican  side,  and  from  that  time 
until  the  close  of  the  war  was  engaged  in  the  secret  service  on  Lake  Ontavio  and  the 
St.  Lawrence,  with,  a  permit  to  capture  all  llritish  public  property  that  he  might  find 
afloat.  His  vessel  was  a  gig,  or  light,  swill  boat,  called  the  JiMffelci/,  and  his  com- 
panions were  a  coqioral  and  live  arnu'd  sennieu.  With  tliese  ho  captured  bateaux 
and  stores;  with  these  he  conveyed  Wilkinson  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  beyond  the 
Longue  Hault  f  and  with  these  lie  bore  the  body  of  the  gallant  Covington  from  Harn- 
liart'  i  to  the  French  Mills.^  On  one  occasion  he  captured  the  Canadian  dispatch  mail 
on  its  way  from  Governor  Prevost  at  Montreal  to  tho  lieutenant  governor  at  Toronto, 
which,  on  delivery  to  Chauncey,  was  found  t  contain  information  of  great  value  to 
the  American  commander.     On  another  occasion  he  was  out  in  Chauncey's  boat,  and 

nmch  ccarcd,  &  petition  for  bla  pardon  was  numerounly  RJgned.  He  took  It  to  Washington  hlmnelf,  and,  Just  at  the  close 
of  Mr.  Van  Biircn's  administration  in  March,  IMl,  presented  It  to  the  Fri's'ilent.  "Mr.  Van  Hnren,"  ho  said,  "scolded 
me  for  presuming  to  come  there  with  such  a  petition ;  but  I  waltcil  ten  days,  presented  It  to  President  Harrison,  and  he 
l>anioiied  mo." 

Mr.  .Johnston  has  lived  at  Clayton  ever  since.  His  ofTeuse  was  Anally  overlooked,  and  for  several  years  the  govem- 
nifiit  that  offered  a  roivnrd  of  $500  for  him  as  an  "iitlaw  Ihisbecn  paying  him  $!160  a  year  for  taking  charge  of  one  of  its 
lighl-houscB,  In  sight  of  the  spot  (Peel  Island)  where  the  offense  was  oommitied  !  Time  makes  groat  changes.  When 
Ihc  late  Kchclllon  broke  out  in  ISfll ,  Johnston,  then  about  eighty  years  of  age,  v.'ent  to  Wa«hiugton  City,  called  on  Qen- 
iral  Scott,  and  ofTered  his  services  to  his  government. 

State  of  f'cw  York,  and  below  two  others  representing  lui  eagle  on  Its  nest  arrang- 
ing ears  of  wheat.    The  commission  runs  thus  : 

"  Utad-quarters,  Windsor,  U.  C,  September  B,  1889. 
"William  .ToHNBTOH,  Esg. : 

"  Sir By  anthorlty  of  the  Oranu  Council,  the  Western  Canadian  Association, 

the  v'roat  Orand  Eagle  Chapter,  and  the  Grand  Kaglc  Chapter  of  tapper  Canada, 
on  Patriot  Executive  duty— You  are  hereby  CommiKiioncd  to  the  Ranlc  In  Line  of 
a  Commodore  of  the  Navy,  Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  Naval  forces  of  the  Ca- 
nadian Provinces,  on  Patriot  service  In  Up'^  -  Canada. 

"  Yoani  with  respect,  11.  S.  ITanp, 

"  Commander-in    hief  of  the  Northwestern  Army  on 
Patrlo,  service  iu  Upper  Canada, 
"E.  J.  KoHEBTB,  Adjutant  Oeneral,  N.W.  A.  P.  Si." 
This  commission  Is  Indorsed  by  '.John  Montgomery,  of  the  Qrand  Eagle  Chap- 
ter of  Upper  Canada,  on  Patriot  Executive  duty. 

.'  RoiiKiiT  RonRBTsoN,  Secretary." 
"  Sworn  to  before  me,  at  Windsor,  TI.  C,  this  2Bth  day  of  September.  ISilH. 

"H,  8.  IlANn." 
The  seal  attached  to  the  commission  appears  to  have  been  Impressed  by  a  com- 
mon glass  signet,  on  which  are  the  words,  "JUmfVtbfr  me  to  aU/riendH." 
These  "Chapters"  refer  to  the  secret  leagues  of  sympathizers  with  the  InHiirijents  that  were  formed  along  the  entire 
frontier,  under  the  name  of  "  Hunters'  Lodges."    These  « < to  suppressed  by  President  Tyler,  who  issned  a  proclamation 
tor  Ihe  purpose  on  the  Bth  of  September,  1841. 

'  He  was  bom  at  Three  Rivers  on  the  1st  of  Febrnary,  1T82.  Ills  father  was  an  Irishman,  aud  his  mother  was  a  Dutch 
firl  ftom  New  Jersey.  After  the  war  he  lived  at  Sackett's  Harbor  and  Watcrtown,  and  kept  a  tavern  for  a  while  In  the 
Ultcr  village.  He  Anally  settled  ot  French  Creek  (now  Clayton),  where  he  and  niont  of  his  family  have  since  resided. 
'  S«e  page  (»1.  Johnston  was  well  acquainted  with  Chrysler,  and  tried  to  get  the  army  below  big  residence,  that  It 
might  not  suffer  during  the  engagement  that  seemed  inevltoWe.  During  the  battle  of  Chrysler's  Field  or  Farm,  John- 
itm  carried  powder  n-om  the  boBt«  to  the  dragoons,  who  delivered  it  to  those  in  the  Aght.  It  Is  well  known  that  Oen- 
''iil  Wilkiuson  Indulged  too  fl-eely  in  spirituous  liquors.  Johnfcton  assured  me  that,  at  the  tirao  of  the  battle  of  Chrys- 
M Field,  the  commauder-lu-chief  was  so  intoxicated  ("indisposed,"  as  chaiity  phrases  it)  that  he  could  not  leave  his 
^t.  >  See  page  006. 


JObNSTON  8  OOUUIBHION. 


664 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Johnston's  Ferilg  in  Canada. 


Jonrney  trom  Clayton  to  Halone.  Vblt  to  French  Mills  or  Fort  Covingtoo. 


was  wrecked  on  the  Canada  shore  in  a  stonn.  The  boat  was  a  ruin.  They  were  dis- 
covered. Johnston  was  identified,  and  a  body  of  militia  and  Indians  A'eie  nent  out 
trom  Kingston  (where  he  had  been  hung  in  effigy)  to  arrest  him.  He  directeil  liin  men 
not  to  a'  ^id  capture,  but  to  affirm  that  they  had  been  sent  out  for  deserters,  and  wore 
returning  home  when  struck  by  the  storm.  Their  story  was  believed,  and  within  a 
week  they  were  sent  home  on  parole.  Johnston  meanwhile  concealed  himself  in  a 
huge  hollow  stump,  in  a  field  of  oats,  for  several  days,  and  it  was  three  weeks  before 
he  found  a  way  to  retuni  to  Sackett's  Harbor. 

There  was  a  crowd  "f  visitors  at  the  "  Walton  Hoi'.sc,"  for  it  is  a  favorite  place  of 
summer  resort  for  those  who  love  good  fishiukf,  boating,  and  the  luost  picturesque 
scenery  of  the  Thousand  Islands.  The  St.  Lawrence,  filled  with  these  islands,  is  there 
about  nine  miles  wide.  During  an  afternoon  I  visited  the  place  of  Brown's  encamp- 
ment when  attacked  by  the  liritish,'  and  made  the  sketch  on  page  649.  Toward 
sunset  the  diet  of  the  little  village  was  disturbed,  and  the  faces  of  all  the  inhaliitants 
were  turned  skyward  to  observe  the  passage  over  them  of  a  man  in  a  balloon,  a 
thousand  feet  in  the  air,  who  had  ascended  from  Kingston,  and,  as  we  were  iiif'oinu'd 
next  day,  descended  far  toward  the  Sorel,  the  outlet  of  Lake  Champlain.  On  tlie  fol- 
lowing morning  I  went  down  the  St.  Lawrence  to  Ogdcnsburg,  and  made  the  visits 
th>'re  and  in  the  vicinity  recoided  in  Chapter  XXVHL  On  Friday,  the  27th, I  break- 
fasted at  Malone,^  and  after  a  brief  interview  with  Sidney  W.  Gillett,Esq.,  whose  ele- 
gant nf^w  manaio"  stood  fronting  on  Main  Street  in  that  village,  on  the  site  of  the 
arsenal  establish  d  there  in  1812,1  rode  out  to  Fort  Covington  (French  Mills),  about 
fourteen  miles  northward,  in  a  light  wagon  drawn  by  a  sj)an  of  fleet  black  ponies. 


FHK.NOU   KILLS   IN    ISUO.^ 

Tlie  Honorable  James  Campbell,  who  was  an  ensign,  and  was  stationed  at  Freneii 
Mills  and  vicinity  during  a  greater  portion  of  the  war,  in  the  service  of  the  Quarter- 
master's and  Commissary  Departments,  was  yet  living,  and  residing  with  his  daugh- 
ter at  Fort  Covington.  I  had  been  at  his  liouse,  on  the  road  between  Massena  Sitriiii.'!- 
and  St.  Regis,  a  few  years  before ;  and  I  found  him  now,  as  th'jn,  able  to  say  that  lie 
had  never  been  sick  iu  his  life,  though  almost  fourscore  years  of  age.     His  nientnl 

'  See  page  048. 

'  MaloQc  Is  the  capital  of  Franklin  Connty,  and  Is  pleasantly  sitnated  on  the  Salmon  ilWer.  It  was  the  only  Iiicotk'- 
rated  village  in  the  connty,  and  had  a  popnIat<on  of  abont  2000.  The  banks  of  the  river  there,  below  the  railway  bridft. 
are  rneKed  and  picturesaae-    Settlements  were  made  there  i\t  the  beginning  of  this  centnry. 

3  The  buUdlDg  on  the  right,  with  its  i^nble  next  to  the  dam,  i«  the  original  mill  erected  there  by  the  French  Caudlnu- 


)r  Fort  Coviugton. 


I  the  French  Can«dli»i 


OF   THE  WAK    OF    1812. 


665 


THE  UL00K-U0D8E   WKLI.. 


Veteran  Soldiers  ot  Fort  Covington.        Journey  to  Rouse's  Point         La  Colle.        PasnAge  of  St.  Lawrence  Rapids. 

vifor  seemed  perfect,  and  his  momory  of  events  in  his  experiencp  was  vivid.  He  was 
stationed  at  French  Mills  early  in  the  war, 
in  clLirge  of  rations,  which  were  served 
re«ci'lar!y  to  the  St.  Regis  Indians  in  order 
to  keep  them  quiet.'  He  was  assistant 
store-keeper,  and  when  Wilkinson  left  there 
he  was  placed  in  charge  of  all  the  provisions  of  the  army.  He  continued  in  that  serv- 
ice until  its  depai'ture  in  February,  181  i.  Judge  Campbell  kindly  accompanied  me 
to  places  of  interest  about  Fort  Covington,  namely,  the  original  mill  ;^  the  head-quar- 
ters of  Boyd  and  Brown  ;3  the  place  of  debarkation, 
where  the  gun-boats  were  destroyed  ;*  the  site  of  the 
respective  cantonments  of  the  army  ;  and  of  the  block- 
house on  the  M'Crea  property,*  whose  well,  contained 
within  the  building,  was  yet  standing. 

While  on  the  lower  bridge  over  the  Salmon,  sketch- 
ing the  picture  of  the  Mills  on  the  opposite  page,  an  old 
gentleman  approached,  and  was  introduced  to  me  by 
Judge  Campbell.  He  was  Colonel  Ezra  Stiles,  the  dep- 
uty collector  of  the  port  at  Fort  Covington,*  who  en- 
listed in  the  Eleventh  Regiment  in  December,  1812,  when  a  little  moi-c  than  fourteen 
years  of  age.  He  was  with  Harapton  in  the  affair  at  Chareaugay,  and  was  with  Gen- 
eral Brown  in  all  of  his  military  operations  on  the  Niagara  frontier  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  war     He  left  the  service  when  the  army  was  disbanded  in  1815. 

I  returned  to  Malone  in  time  to  take  the  cars  for  Rouse's  Po.nt  at  about  three 
o'clock  P.M.  It  WIS  a  bright  and  very  delightful  day.  In  that  journey,  fifty-seven 
miles,  we  crossed  the  foot  of  the  great  Adirondack  slope,  the  noi  thernmost  portion 
of  the  Alleghany  or  Appalachian  range  of  mountains,  that  travei'se  tlie  sea-board 
states  from  Georgia  io  the  St.  Lawrence  level.  The  lofty  peaks  of  the  Adirondacks 
were  in  sight  southwird,  while  the  eye,  glancing  northward  over  an  immense  wood- 
ed prairie,  rested  upon  the  Mountain  back  of  Montreal.  At  near  six  o'clock  I  took  a 
hurried  meal  at  the  village  of  Rouse's  Point,  and  hiring  a  light  wagon,  fleet  horse,  and 
intelligent  driver,  rode  to  La  Colle  River,  a  tributary  of  tl.e  Sorel,  and  made  a  sketch 
of  a  block-house  there  before  sunset.  By  a  slight  circuit  we  rode  through  La  Colle 
vilbge  and  Odelltownin  the  twilight.  J  spent  the  night  at  Rouse's  Point,  and  on 
the  following  morning  journeyed  to  Champlain,  Chazy,  and  Plattsburg.  Of  the  eveits 
which  have  made  all  the  places  just  named  famous  in  our  history,  and  of  my  visit 
tlier'.',  1  shall  hereafter  write. 

hi  the  summer  of  1865  I  spent  a  short  time  at  Massena  Suli)hur  Springs,  on  the 
Racquette  River,  seven  miles  by  road  from  the  St.Lawr?nce.  While  sojourning  there 
I  visited  St.  Regis,  as  a'ready  mentioned,  and,  on  leaving,  crossed  th,;  St.  Law- 
rence from  Lewisville,  at  the  herd  of  the  Longue  Sault,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting 
the  battle-field  on  Chrysler's  Farm,  It  wap  a  warm  and  pleasant  day  late  in  Au- 
liust,*  and  a  friend  accompanied  me.  At  Lewisville  we  hired  a  water-  t  August  22, 
man,  who  engaged  to  take  us  safely  across  the  switl  and,  in  some  places,  ^^■ 
turbulent  stream,  there  divided  by  two  or  three  islands.  W^e  shot  obliquely  across 
::ih1  down  the  first  channel,  rounded  the  lower  cape  of  an  island,  went  up  its  farther 
shore  in  an  eddying  ccrrcnt,  and  in  a  similar  manner  shot  across  to  another  island. 
In  this  zigzag  way  we  made  the  really  perilous  passage  of  the  rapids  to  the  village 
of  Chrysler,  where  we  lunched  on  apple-pie,  cheese,  and  coid  water,  and  hired  a  con- 
veyance to  the  battle-ground  and  Williamsburg  beyond. 


'  See  page  376.     •  See  picture  on  page  6fti.      a  See  plctnres  on  pige  680.      •  See  paeo  C58.      »  See  note  2,  page  (WO. 
'  Port  Covington  Is  a  port  of  entry  ;  but  the  steam-boats  seldom  go  shove  Dandcp,  a  small  village  a  niUe  below,  and 
about  hall  way  bctweei^  the  HUls  and  the  boundary-line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada. 


fill 


Irt 


660 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Visit  to  the  Battle-groand  on  Chrj-slcr'B  Farin.    A  Brltiah  Suldler  and  liig  Hedal  of  Honor,    Pceno  on  tlie  St.  Lawrence 

We  were  kindly  welcomed  at  the  Chrysler  mansion,  delineated  on  page  652,  by  llr. 
James  Croile,  the  proprietor,  who  pointed  out  the  various  localities  of  the  battle 

and  accompanied  us  to  the 
house  of  his  nearest  neigl,- 
bor,  Peter  Brouae,  wlio 
waK  a  soldier  in  the  Dun- 
-"H^  ///^  f/yQ^.>^,y^y^JL^  ^^^  militi-i,  and  partici- 
^       1/  L/ y'^ C^'^^^^^  pated  in  the  fight.    Mr. 

Brouse  related  AvitU  mucli 
self-satisfaction  the  exploits  of  the  British  on  that  day,  and,  with  much  genuine  pride, 
exhibited  a  small  silver  medal,  suspended  by  a  ribbon, 
which  he  had  lately  received.  These  had  been  presented 
to  the  surviving  soldiers  of  that  and  otlier  battles,  from 
1703  to  1814,  by  the  British  queen  as  a  sort  of  "Legion  of 
Honor."  The  picture  here  given  is  the  exact  size  of  the 
original,  and  exhibits  both  sides.  On  one  side  is  the  effigy 
of  the  queen  and  her  name ;  and  on  the  other  a  repre- 
sentation of  her  majesty  crowning  a  soldier  with  a  civic 
wreath,  and  the  words,"  To  the 
BKITISn  ARMY— 1814-1793." 

One  of  Chrysler's  barns, 
pierced  and  battered  by  bullets, 
was  5'et  standing,  and  appears 
the  larger  (tliough  the  most  re- 
mote) i:i  the  group  of  outbuild- 
ings in  the  picture  on  page  662. 
In  the  orcliard,  between  the 
mansion  and  the  river,  may  be 
seen  the  burial-places  of  the 
killed  in  the  battle. 

We  dined  with  Mr.  Croile  and  his  family  in  the  Chrysler  mansion,  and  at  two 
o'clock  started  for  Williamsburg,  four  and  a  half  miles  up  the  river.  Our  road  lay 
along  the  margin  of  the  stream,  through  one  of  the  most  fertile  districts  of  Canada. 
We  had  not  proceeded  far  before  a  small  clpud,  v.'hose  gathering  we  had  scarcely  no- 
ticed, sent  down  a  violent  shower  of  rain.  We  sought  shelter  under  a  wide-spreaJ- 
ing  tree  in  front  of  a  plain  dwelling,  from  which  came  the  giggling  of  girls  who  wciv 
ftUH'sed  at  our  plight.  The  ti-ee  was  no  shelter,  and  we  unceremoniously  took  ref- 
uge from  the  storm  in  the  house,  Avhere  those  who  had  innocently  made  merry  over 
our  di'enching  kindly  regaled  us  with  strawberries  and  cream,  and  made  the  balance- 
sheet  of  courtesy  in  their  favor.  The  storm  was  brief.  The  sun  burst  forth  in  sudden 
si)lendor,  and  its  rays,  wedded  to  the  retirijig  rain-drops,  wove  a  gorgeous  iridescent 
vail,  marked,  like  the  bow  on  the  cloud,  with  specific  curves,  but  lying  prone  upon  tin 
bosom  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  bathing  its  surface  and  islands  in  prismatic  beauty. 
It  was  a  charming  spectacle,  and  has  left  an  inoftaceable  picture  on  the  memory. 

At  fcnr  o'clock  we  reached  Williamsburg  (whose  name  had  just  been  changed  to 
Morrisville,  in  honor  of  a  distinguislied  oflicer  in  the  postal  department  of  Canada), 
where  we  dismissed  our  carriage,  ijitending  to  go  by  water  to  Prescott.  We  were 
directed  to  the  "  Grand  Trunk  Ilote^"  as  the  best  in  the  village,  which  is  remarkable  ni 
oui*  recollection  for  swarms  of  flies,  flocks  of  spiders,  and  an  obliging  host.  Tiiere  we 
supped  and  lodged,  and  before  dawn  took  passage  in  »  Montreal  steamer  for  Prescott, 
where  we  breakfasted.  Crossing  to  Ogdensburg,  we  spent  the  day  and  night  then', 
and  on  the  following  day  made  a  voyage  through  the  Thousand  Islaiuls  to  Cape 
Vincent,  from  whence  I  jounieyed  by  railway  to  ray  home  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson, 


VIOTOBIA  MEDAL. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1813. 


667 


the  8t.  Lawrence. 


The  Britlnh  resolve  on  vigorous  War.        Blockade  of  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  Bays.        The  Blockadlnt;  Squadron, 


CHAPTER  XXX 

"  She  comes  I  the  proud  Invader  comei 
To  waste  onr  country,  spoil  car  homes  i 
To  lay  our  tovr     and  cities  low, 
And  bid  our  mothers'  tears  to  flow ; 
Our  wives  lament,  our  orphans  weep- 
To  seize  the  empire  of  the  deep  1"— A»arB  tTuPHBAViu.E. 

ASTISE  THE  Americans  into  submission  !  was  the  fiat  of  the 
British  Cabinet  at  the  close  of  1812,  and  it  was  determined  to 
send  out  a  land  and  naval  force  sufficient  to  do  it.  It  was  evi- 
dc'it  that  efforts  such  as  have  been  recorded  in  preceding  chap- 
ters would  be  made  by  the  Americans  for  the  invasion  and  con- 
quest of  Canada,  and  that  the  successes  achieved  by  them  on 
the  ocean  would  stimulate  them  to  the  performance  of  more 
daring  exploits  on  the  waves  which  Britannia  claimed  to  rule. 
These  efforts  must  be  met,  and  Great  Britain  put  forth  her  strength  for  the  purpose. 
It  was  determined  to  blockade  and  desolate  the  coasts  of  the  United  States,  lay  waste 
their  sea-port  towns,  destroy  their  dock-yards,  and  thus  not  only  endeavor  to  divert 
tiieir  military  strength  from  the  Canada  frontier,  but  destroy  the  centres  of  their  co?n- 
incrcial  and  naval  power,  dispirit  the  people,  intensify  the  domestic  resistance  to  the 
tartlier  prosecution  of  the  war,  and  secure  the  absolute  submission  of  the  nation  to 
British  insolence  and  greed.  Admiral  Warren's  fleet  in  American  waters  was  re-en- 
forced, and  Sir  Georjre  Cockburn,  a  rear  admiral  in  the  British  navy,  and  willing  in- 
strument in  the  accomplishment  of  work  which  honorable  English  commanders  would 
not  soil  their  hands  with,  was  made  his  second  in  command.  lie  was  specially  com- 
missioned to  wage  a  sort  of  amphibious  and  marauding  warfare  on  the  coasts,  from 
the  Delaware  River  southward. 

On  'he  2(5th  of  December,  1812,  an  order  in  Council  declared  the  ports  and  harbors 
in  t'lG  Ciiceapeake  and  Delaware  Bays  to  be  in  a  state  of  rigorous  blockade.  Soon 
afterward  additional  ships  of  war  and  transports  arrived  at  Be  rmuda,  bearing  a  con- 
siderable land  force,  and  well  furnished  with  bomb-shelis  pnd  Congreve  rockets,  to  be 
used  in  the  conflagration  of  sea-board  towns.'  A  part  of  the  land  force  consisted  of 
Fieiich  prisonera  of  war,  who  preferred  to  engage  in  the  British  marine  service  to 
risking  indefinite  confinement  in  Dartmoor  Prison,  in  England. 

The  first  appearance  of  blockading  vessels  was  on  the  4th  of  February,"  when 
four  74-gun  ships  and  several  smaller  armed  veosels*  entered  the  Virginia  Capes 
and  bora  up  toward  Hampton  Roads.  The  fleet  was  under  the  command  of  Admiral 
Cockburn  (tvliose  flag-ship  was  the  Marlborovg/i),  assisted  by  Commodore  Beresford, 
whose  5)ennant  was  over  the  Poictiers.^  They  bore  a  land  force  of  about  eighteen 
iiundred  men,  and  were  well  >nipplied  with  small  surf-boats  for  landing.  Tb'ir  ap- 
]Karance  alarmed  all  lower  Virginia,  and  the  militia  of  the  Peninsula  and  the  region 
about  Norfolk  were  soon  in  motion.     An  order  soon  went  out  from  the  Secretary  of 

'  Ttla  rocket  is  a  very  destructive  si^ecles  .)f  flrc-work.  Invented  by  Sir  William  CongreTC,  an  English  artillery  officer, 
In  1804,  and  flrst  used  against  Boulogne  ip  liOfi.  The  body  of  the  machine  Is  cylindrical,  and  Ita  hea>.  conical.  It  is 
Itlled  with  very  inflammable  materials,  ou  the  combustion  of  nhich,  as  in  the  common  sky-rocket,  the  body  is  impelled 
I'llli  continued  accoleratlon. 

^  Afni»«)ro«^A,  Admiral  Ooc.kbnm !  DrojTOfi,  Captain  Berry ;  /\)fc<i(T«,Coramiinder  Beresford;  and  rict')Wot(«,  Captain 
Tilbot,  were  the  T4>.    These  were  accompanied  by  the  A rnula,  44,  Kerr ;  Jitwn,  38,  Kerr ;  fStatira,  S8, 8t«chi«)le ;  MaU- 

I'w,  ,10,  Bni  iletl ;  Kdviilera,  30,  Byron  :  Sitrcimnts,  3i,  Aylmer ;  Laurittimus,  21,  Gordon ;  Tartartu,  W,  Pnt-to.  Others 
foon  juiced  these,  making  a  very  formidable  fleet.  '  Bee  page  461. 


•  1813. 


688 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


MBFcb  10, 
1813. 


Defeiuea  ofNorfulk  anJl  Haroptca  Konds.    Discretion  of  the  Blockaders.    Patrlotlam  on  the  Shores  of  Delaware  But 

the  Treasury'  for  the  extinguishment  of  ali  the  beacon-lights  on  the  Ches- 
apeake coast. 

It  was  supposed  that  Hampton  and  Norfolk  would  be  attacked.     The  latter  plucp 
was  pretty  well  defended  by  fortifications  which  General  Wade  IIami)ton  had  caused 

to  be  thrown  up  on  Craney  iHlaiul,  five 
miles  below  the  city,  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  Colonel  Arm'-^tead.  The 
masters  and  mates  of  merchant  vesstlR 
in  Norfolk  harbor  joined  themselves  iiito 
volunteer  military  companies  and  jrarrj- 
soned  old  Fort.  Norfolk.  The  frigate 
Constellation,  38,  Captain  Tarbelle,  was 
lying  near,  supported  by  a  flotilla  of  gun- 
boats. Old  Point  Comfort  soon  bristled 
with  bayonets ;  and  the  British  com- 
manders  thought  it  more  prudent  at  that 
time  to  destroy  the  small  merchant  craft 
found  in  Chesapeake  Bay  than  to  enter 
Hampton  Roads.  They  did  little  more 
than  this  for  several  weeks,  when  Com- 
modore Beresford  was  sent,  with  the 
iNTEmoB  or  OI.I.  KOBT  NOBFoi.K  IN  1SB8.  .PoictieTs,  BclvicUra,  and   some   smaller 

vessels,  to  blockade  the  Delaware  Bay  and  River,  and  teach  the  inhabitants  along 
their  shores  the  duty  of  submission.  He  found  his  unwilling  pupils  very  refractorv; 
for  when,  on  the  16th  of  March,  he  pointed  the  guns  of  the  Poictiera  toward  the  vil- 
lage of  Lewis,  near  Cape  Henlopen,  and  said,  in  a  note  to  "  the  first  magistrate"  of 
that  little  town, "  You  must  send  me  twenty  live  bullocks,  with  a  proportionate  quan- 
tity of  vegetables  and  hay,  for  the  use  of  Lis  Britannic  majesty's  squadron,"  oficring 
to  pay  for  them,  but  threatenhig,  in  the  event  of  refusal,  to  destroy  the  place,  the 
"  first  magistrate"  of  Lewistown,  and  all  the  people,  from  Philadelphia  to  the  sea,  said 
in  substance,  as  they  every  where  prepared  for  resistance,  "  We  solemnly  refuse  \(\ 
commit  legal  or  moral  treason  at  your  command.  Do  your  woist."  They  had  hoard 
of  his  coming,  and  had  already,  on  both  sides  of  the  bay  and  river,  assembled  in  armed 
bodies  at  expected  points  of  attack  to  repel  the  invaders.  The  spirit  of  the  fatiier. 
Avas  aroused,  some  of  whom,  full  of  the  fire  of  the  flint,  were  yet  abiding  among  thorn. 
At  Dover,  on  the  Sabbath  day,  the  drum  beat  to  arms,  and  men  of  every  denomina- 
tion in  politics  and  religion,  to  the  number  of  almost  five  hundred,  responded  to  the 
call.  Among  the:n  was  Jonathan  M'Nutt,  an  age-bent  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  wlio 
exchanged  his  staff  for  a  musket  and  engaged  in  the  drill.  Pious  Methodist  as  he 
was,  he  did  not  regard  the  day  as  too  holy  for  patriotic  deeds,  and  he  spent  the  whole 
afternoon  in  making  ball-cartridges.'  This  was  the  spirit  every  where  manifested. 
At  Smyrna,  New  Castle,  and  Wilmington,  the  inhabitants  turned  out  with  spades  or 

muskets,  prepared  to  cast  up  the  earth  for  bat> 
teries  and  trenches,^  or  to  be  soldiers  to  meet  the 
foe.  At  the  latter  place,  the  venerable  soldier  of 
the  Revolution,  Allan  M'Lane,  took  the  direction 
of  military  aflTairs.^  The  specie  of  the  banks  of 
New  Castle  and  Wilmington  was  sent  to  Philadelphia  lor  safety ;  and  in  the  latter 
city  Captain  William  Mitchell  and  his  Independent  liltees,  and  Captain  Jacob  H.  Fis- 

m 

>  Niles'i  WeeUj)  Begitler,  W.,  08. 

•  They  erected  a  stronR  work,  to  completely  command  the  Chri«tiana  Creek,  at  Wilmin^on,  which  was  called  Port 
Union.  It  waa  believed  that  It  conld  wlthatand  any  force  that  might  approach  It  by  water.— See  SIceteh  qf  Military  Oiur 
oMoiM  on  tht  Delaware  during  the  lot*  War.  >  Nilea'i  Weekly  BtgUUr,  It.,  ^- 


1^^ 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


669 


Tlie  Britixh  threaten  and  heiltate. 


Attack  on  MwUtown. 


Cockbnrn'B  Operations. 


ler  ami  his  Junior  Artillerists,  formed  in  three  days  for  the  occasion,  volunteered  to 
j/arrisou  Fort  Mifflin. 

Bercsford  was  astonished  by  the  spirit  of  the  people,  and  held  the  thundere  of  his 
threat  at  bay  for  almost  three  weeks.  Governor  Ilaslet,  in  Jie  mean  time,  summoned 
the  militia  to  the  defense  of  the  menaced  town,  and  on  his  arrival  at  Lewis  on  the 
23d  he  reiterated  the  positive  refusal  of  the  inhabitants  to  furnish  the  invaders  with 
supplies,  Bcresford  continued  to  tlireaten  and  hesitate ;  but  at  length,  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  6th  of  April,  ho  sent  Captain  Byroti,  with  the  Belvidera  and  smaller  ves- 
sels, to  attack  the  village.  They  drew  near,  and  the  Belvidera  sent  several  heavy 
louiicl-shot  into  the  town.  These  were  followed  by  a  flag  of  truce,  bearing  from  By- 
ioi>  a  renewal  of  the  requisition.  It  was  answered  by  Colonel  S.  B.  Davis,  who  com- 
manded the  militia.  He  repeated  the  refusal,  when  Byron  sent  a  reply,  in  which  he 
expressed  regret  for  the  misery  he  should  inflict  on  the  women  and  children  by  a 
horabardraent.  "  Colonel  Davis  is  a  gallant  ofiicer,  and  has  taken  care  of  the  ladies," 
was  the  verbal  answer.  This  correspondence  was  followed  by  a  cannonade  and  bom- 
liiuduient  that  was  kept  up  for  twenty-two  hours.  So  spirited  was  the  response  of  a 
battiTy  on  an  eminence,  worked  by  Colonel  Davis's  militia,  that  the  most  dangerous 
of  the  enemy's  gun-boats  was  disabled,  and  its  cannon  silenced.  Notwithstanding 
tilt"  British  hurled  full  eight  hundred  of  these  eighteen  and  thirty-two  pound  shot 
into  tiie  town,  and  many  shells  and  Congreve  rockets  were  sent,  the  damage  inflicted 
was  not  severe.  The  shells  did  not  reach  the  village ;  the  rockets  passed  over  it ; 
l)ut  the  lieavy  round  shot  injured  several  houses.  No  lives  were  lost.  An  ample 
supply  of  powder  was  sent  down  from  Dupont's,  at  Wilmington,  while  the  enemy 
supplied  the  balls.  These  fitted  the  American  cannon,  and  a  large  numbtr  oi"  them 
\si^\\'  sent  back  with  effect. • 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  7  th  the  British  attempted  to  land  for  the  purpose  of  seiz- 
ing live-stock  in  *.he  neighborhood,  but  they  were  met  at  the  verge  of  the  water  by 
the  spirited  militia,  and  driven  back  to  their  ships.  For  a  month  the  squadron  lin- 
sioreil,  and  then,  dropping  down  to  Newbold's  Ponds,  seven  miles  below  Lewistown, 
boats  filled  with  armed  men  Averc  sent  on  shoi-e  to  obtain  a  supply  of  water.  Col- 
onel Davis  immediate. y  detached  Major  George  II.  Hunter  with  a  few  men,  who 
drove  them  back  to  the  ships.  Failing  to  obtain  any  supplies  on  the  sliorcs  of  the 
Delaware,  the  little  blockading  squadron  sailed  for  Bermuda,  where  Admiral  Warren 
was  fitting  out  re-enforgements  for  his  fleet  in  the  American  waters. 

The  blockaders  within  the  Capes  of  Virginia  were  very  busy  in  the  mean  time. 
The  fleet  was  under  the  command  of  Admiral  Cockburn,  and  took  chief  position  in 
Lynn  Haven  Bay.^  He  continually  sent  out  marauding  expeditions  along  the  shoces 
of  the  Chesapeake,  who  plundered  and  burnt  fann-houses,  carried  off  negroes  and 
armed  them  against  their  masters,  and  seized  live-stock  wherever  it  could  be  found. 
The  country  exposed  to  these  depredations  was  extensive  and  sparsely  settled,  and 
it  was  diflicult  to  concentrate  a  military  force  at  one  point  in  sufficient  time  to  be 
effective  against  the  marauders.  In  some  instances  they  were  severely  punished,  but 
these  were  rare. 

More  felicitous  and  more  honorable  exploits  were  sometimes  undertaken  by  the 
blopkaders  under  Cockburn.  On  the  3d  of  April 
a  tlotilla  of  a  dozen  armed  boats  from  the  Brit-  /^ /x  y^ ^f 
i«h  fleet,  under  Lieutenant  Polkingthomo,  of  the  L^  ,/r  '^  ^^'t^'i/^  ^ 
at.Dominffo,  74,  entered  the  month  of  the  Rappa- 
hannock River,  and  attacked  the  Baltimore  pri- 
vateer /)o/;)A?*m,  10,  Captain  Stafford,  and  three  armed  schooners  prepared  to  sail  for 
France.  The  assault  was  unexpected  and  fierce.  The  three  smaller  vessels  were 
soon  taken,  but  the  struggle  for  the  Dolphin  was  severe,     i^he  was  finally  boarded, 


>  NUet'a  WteOy  BtgiUtr,  iv.,  118. 


>  See  page  IIMI. 


i^ii 

^^^Hlitl 

; ^^^Hi ! , 

i  nil 


610 


PICTORIAI<    FIELD-BOOK 


Cockbarn's  OealreH  reitraiued  by  Fear. 


The  Brltlih  capture  Frenchtown. 


Havre  de  Grace  -hrcatened. 


and  for  fifteen  minutes  the  contest  raged  fearfully  on  her  deck.  Overpowered  by 
numbers,  Captain  Staftbrd  was  compelled  to  submit.'  Li  this  affair  the  loss  \vas 
much  heavier  on  the  British  than  on  the  American  side.  No  official  account  of  tlu- 
casualties  were  ever  given  by  either  party,  but  contemporary  writers  agree  that  the 
capture  of  the  Dolphin  cost  the  victors  many  lives. 

Emboldened  by  this  success,  Cockburn  resolved  to  engage  in  still  more  ambitious 
adventures.  He  thought  of  attacking  Annapolis  and  Baltimore,  and  even  dreumi'd 
of  the  glory  and  renown  of  penetrating  the  country  forty  or  fifty  miles  and  destroy- 
ing the  national  capital.  Prudence  restrained  obedience  to  his  desires.  His  friends 
among  the  "  Peace  men"  of  Baltimore  doubtless  informed  him  that  the  vigilance  of 
the  people  of  that  city,  under  the  eye  of  the  veteran  General  Smith,  was  sleepless; 
that  look-out  boats  were  far  down  the  Patapsco ;  that  riflemen  and  horsemen  were 
stationed  along  the  shores  of  the  river  and  bay ;  that  Fort  M'llenry  was  beiiif; 
strengthened  by  the  mounting  of  thirty-two-pounders ;  that  the  City  Brigade  num- 
bered almost  two  thousand  men;  and  that  an  equal  number  of  volunteers  for  the  de- 
fense of  the  place  were  within  trumpet-call.  He  wisely  concluded  to  pass  by  tlio  po- 
litical and  commercial  capitals  of  Maryland,  and  fall  upon  weaker  objects.  Witli  a 
large  force  he  menaced  Baltimore  as  a  feint  on  the  16th  of  April,  and  on  the  29th, 
with  the  brigs  FmUome  and  Mohaick,  and  tenders  Dolphin,  Racer,  and  IRghflyer,\[Q 
entered  Elk  River,  toward  the  head  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  proceeded  to  destroy 
Fienchtown,  on  the  Delaware  shore.  It  was  a  village  of  about  a  dozen  buildings, 
composed  of  dwellings,  store-houses,  and  stables.  The  blockading  vessels  had  driven 
the  trade  between  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  from  the  ordinary  line  of  water-travel, 
and  this  place  had  become  an  important  entrepOt  of  traflic  between  the  two  cities. 

Admiral  Cockburn  made  the  Fantotne  his  flag-ship,  and  sent  First  Lieutenant  West- 
phali,  of  the  Marlborough,  with  about  four  hundred  armed  men  in  boats,  to  destrov 
the  public  and  private  property  at  Frenchtown.  The  only  defenders  were  quite  a 
large  number  of  drivei-s  of  stages  and  transportation  wagons  who  were  assembled 
there,  and  a  few  militia  who  came  down  from  Elkton.  The  former  gan-isoned  tiie  re- 
doubt, which  had  just  been  erected,  upon  which  lay  three  iron  four-pounders,  first 
used  in  the  old  War  for  Independence.  They  fought  manfully,  but  were  compelloil 
to  retire  before  overwhelming  numbers.  The  store-houses  were  plundered  and  burnt, 
but  no  dwelling  was  injured.  The  women  and  children  were  treated  with  respect. 
Property  on  land  to  the  amount  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  was  consumed,  and 
on  the  water  five  small  trading-vessels.'  This  incendiary  work  accomplished,  the  in- 
vaders withdrew,  and  on  the  Fantonie,  the  following  day.  Sir  George  wrote  an  ac- 
count of  the  affair  to  Admiral  Warren,  taking  care  to  assure  that  humane  commander 
that  he  was  following  out  his  orders  in  giving  a  receipt  for  property  taken  from  non- 
combatants. 

Havre  de  Grace,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Susquehanna  River,  was  the  marauding 
knight's  next  object  for  visitation.  It  was  a  small  town,  two  miles  up  from  the  head 
of  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  contained  about  sixty  houses,  built  mostly  of  wood.  It  was 
on  the  post-road  between  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  as  it  now  is  upon  the  railway 
between  the  two  cities.  For  some  time  the  enemy  had  been  expected  there,  not  be- 
cause there  were  stores  or  any  other  seductions  for  him,  but  because  the  love  of  plun- 
der and  wanton  destruction  appeared  to  be  Cockbuni's  animating  spirit.  Several 
companies  of  militia  had  been  sent  to  the  vicinity;  and  upon  the  hi^^h  bank  of  tlie 

>  NIles'B  Weeldy  Regitter,  It.,  119. 

»  Nlles's  Waikly  RegUter,  iv.,  104.  A  letter  In  The.  War  (I.,  196)  enyg :  "  On  their  arrival  at  the  Stage  Tavern,  which  wu 
nearest  their  landing,  the  British  otHcer  told  th<!  landlady  not  to  be  ft-ighteued,  ai  they  woald  not  hnrt  her  or  her  prop- 
erty, and  ordered  eomethinf;  to  regale  himneir.  Soon  afterward  some  nnder  officers  came  la  and  said  they  had  poswfion 
of  the  stores,  and  asked  what  they  should  do  with  them.  The  officer  replied  that  if  there  was  any  thing  they  w«iitf<l 
they  might  take  It  and  then  bum  the  hojses.  In  a  few  minutes  every  British  sailor  was  rigged  In  an  American  mi 
form,  after  which  they  set  the  stores  on  flre,  and  consumed  them  and  all  the  goods  In  them  to  a  consldernble  araonnt  * 
A  greater  portion  of  the  merchandise  consumed  was  private  property. 


IIMf  »{ 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


671 


I  OTKce  '.hTcatened. 


Prep*ratioDi  for  the  luvndcra  at  Havre  de  Qrace.  Cockbnm  agsalls  the  Village,  Flight  of  the  Inhabitant*. 

river,  just  below  the  village,  near  the  site  of  the  present  (1867)  iron-works  of  Whitta. 
ker  A  ^o.,  a  battery  was  erected,  on  which  one  eighteen-pounder  and  two  nine-pound- 
ers were  mounted.  This,  for  reasons  unexplained,  was  called  the  "Potat-^  Battery." 
On  the  lower,  or  Concord  Poin*  where  the  light-house  now  stands,  was  a  smaller  bat- 
terv  and  both  were  manned  by  militia  exempts.  Patrols  watt'hed  the  shores  all  the 
way  to  the  Bay  looking  for  the  enemy,  and  for  about  three  weeks  this  vigilance  was 
nnslunibering.  The  enemy  did  not  appear.  All  alarm  subsided ;  and  the  spirit  that 
brought  out  armed  men  began  to  flag.  Some  returned  home,  and'apathy  was  the  rule. 
Cockburn  was  informed  of  this  state  of  things  at  Havre  de  Grace,  and  prepared  to 
fall  ujwn  the  unsuspecting  villagers  on  the  night  of  the  Ist  of  May.  A  deserter  car- 
ried intelligence  of  his  intentions  to  the  town,  and  the  entire  neighborhood  was  speed- 
ily aroused.  The  women  and  children  were  carried  to  places  of  safety,  and  about 
two  hundred  and  fifty  militia  were  soon  again  at  their  posts.  But  Cockburn  did  not 
come.  He  purposely  lulled  them  into  repobo  by  a  postponement  of  the  attack.  The 
deserter's  story  was  disbelieved.  It  was  thought  to  be  a  false  alarm.  What  is  there 
to  call  the  British  here  ?  common  sagacity  queried.  Tlie  militia  again  became  dis- 
organized, and  many  of  them  rctumed  home. 

On  the  night  of  the  2d  of  May  there  was  perfect  quiet  in  Havre  de  Grace.  The 
inhabitants  went  to  sleep  more  peacefully  than  they  had  done  for  a  month.  They 
were  suddenly  awakened  at  dawn  by  the  din  of  arms.  It  was  a  beautiful  serene 
morning;  "not  a  cloud  in  the  sky  nor  a  ripple  on  the  water,"  said  the  venerable  Mr. 
Howtell,  of  Havre  do  Grace,  to  me,  in  the  autumn  of  1861,  as  we  stood  upon  the  site 
of  the  "Potato  Battery."  He  was  there  at  the  time,  and  participated  in  the  scenes, 
p'iftecn  to  twenty  barges,  filled  with  British  troops,  were  discovered  approaching 
Concord  Point,  on  which  the  light-house  now  stands.     The  guns  on  higher  Point 

Comfort,  manned  by  a  few  lingering  militia,  oi)encd  uj  jn 
them,  and  the^l•  were  returned  by  grapeshot  from  the  "ue- 
my's  vessels.  The  drums  in  the  village  beat  to  arms.  The 
affrighted  inhabitants,  half  dressed,  rufhed  t'^  the  streets,  the 
non-combatants  flying  in  terror  to  places  of  safety.  The 
confusion  was  cruel.  It  v,  as  increased  by  a  flight  of  hissing 
rockets,  whi-^h  set  houses  in  flames.  These  were  followed 
by  more  destructive  bomb-shells ;  and  while  the  panic  and 
the  f.re  were  raging  in  the  town,  the  enemy  landed.  A 
iitrong  party  debarked  in  i>e  cove  by  the  present  light- 
house, captured  the  small  battery  tliere,  and  pressed  forward 
to  seize  the  larger  one.  All  but  eight  or  ten  of  the  militia 
had  fled  from  the  village ;  and  John  O'Neil,  a  brave  Irish- 
man, and  Philip  Albert,  alone  remained  at  the  battery.    Al- 


& 


'>■  r- 


4 


i*^ 


":'^;«a<^ 


•0iL-'r*'mmm-' 


LAjmiNO-ptAOB  nr  thi  UKinsn. 


bcrt  was  hurt,  »nd  O'Neil  attempted  to  manage  the  heaviest  gun  alone.  He  loaded 
and  discharged  it,  when,  by  its  recoil,  his  thigh  was  injured,  and  he  was  disabled. 
'Fliey  both  hurried  toward  the  town,  and  used  their  muskets  until  compelled  to  fly 
ward  the  open  common,  near  the  Episcopal  Church,  pursued  by  a  British  horse- 


hJ 


liiiiifl 


W8 


I'lCTOKIAL   FlELD-l'OOK 


Luic  .u-£  p'  ;ti«>  British  at  Havre  de  Qrace. 


Their  cmel  Couduct. 


Ueatnictluu  of  private  Projiertj. 


mfvii.     There  O'Neil  was  captured,  but  Albert  escaped.     The  brave  Irishman  was 

carried  on  board  the  frigate  Maidstone,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  was  set  at 

liberty. 
The  guns  of  the  captured  battery  were  turned  upon  the  town,  and  added  to  tho 

destruction.     A  greater  portion  of  the  enemy  (almost  foi;r  hundred  in  number)  went 

up  to  the  site  of  the  present  railway  ferry  lauding,  and  debarked  there.     They  rn.slied 

up  to  the  open  common,  separated  into  squads,  and  commenced  plundering  and  de- 

sti'oying  systematically,  officers  aud  men  entering  into  the  business  with  equal  alac 

rity.>  Finally,  when  at  least 
one  half  of  the  villaj;;('  had 
been  destroyed,  Cockliurn, 
the  instigator  of  tlie  erinie 
went  on  shore,  and  was  met 
on  the  common  by  several 
ladies  who  had  taken  refucc 
in  an  elegant  brick  liouso, 
some  distance  from  the  vil- 
lage, known  as  the  Piingle 
manhion.  They  entreated 
him  to  spare  the  remainder 
of  the  village,  and  especially 
the  roof  that  sheltered  thcra, 
He  yielded  with  reluctance, 
and  at  length  gave  an  order 
for  a  stay  of  the  plundering.* 
Meanwhile  a  large  detacii- 
ment  of  the  enemy  went  up 

the  Susquehanna  about  six  miles,  to  the  head  of  tide-water,  and  there  destroyed  tlie 

extensive  iron-works  and  cannon  foundery 

belonging  to  Colonel  Hughes.     A  number 

of  vessels  that  had  escaped  from  the  Bay 

and  were  anchored  there  were  saved  from 

the  flames  by  being  sunk.     At  a  point  be- 
low, Stump's  large  Warehouse  was  burnt. 

Finally,  when   all   possible   mischief  had 

been  achieved  along  the  river  bank — wlien 

farm-houses  had  been  plundered  and  burnt 

a  long  distance  on  the  Baltimore  road — 

when,  after  the  lapse  of  four  houn?,  forty 

of  the  sixty  hovises  in  the  village  had  been 

destroyed,  and  nearly  all  the  remainder  of 

the  edifices,  except  the  Episcopal  Church,^ 

were  more  or  less  injured,  the  marauders 

assembled  in  their  vessels  in  the  stream. 


TUE   PBIMULK    UOC8E. 


SPISOOPAaitOIItrBOH. 


>  The  late  Jared  Spark?,  LL.D.,  was  on  eye-witness  of  the  conduct  of  the  maranders,  and  has  left  on  record,  in  tbr 
North  American  Hevieu)  (July,  ISIT),  an  account  of  real  barbarities  committed  by  them  ;  and  William  Clmrlcs,  the  car 
caturlst,  perpetuated  their  cmeitles  and  robberies  with  bis  pencil.  A  few  of  the  British  ofiicers,  who  did  not  eharsiu 
the  spirit  of  Cockbiim,  remonstrated,  but  In  vain. 

»  Among  those  who  took  shelter  there  were  the  wife  of  Commodore  Rodgers,  Mrs.  William  Plnkncy,  and  Mm. Golds- 
borough.  The  latter  begged  the  ofBcer  who  lind  been  sent  np  with  a  detachment  to  bum  Mr.  Pringle's  house  to  simr 
it,  for  nhe  had  an  aged  mother  In  It.  He  replied  that  his  orders  were  from  Admiral  Cockbnm  himself,  and  that  she  niii»i 
gee  him.  This  was  the  occasion  of  the  deputation  of  women  meeting  hira  on  the  common.  >^en  they  returned  ito 
house  was  on  flre,«nd  mka  were  leaving  it  with  .plunder.  By  great  exertions  the  flames  were  extlnguiiihed.  Sucb  ms 
the  statement  of  a  lady  living  near  to  her  brother  In  Baltimore,  published  in  Niles'siZciTistn-,  iv.,l()S.  She  mentionssef- 
ernl  instances  of  vandalism. 

'  This  building  is  of  brick,  and  gtanda  on  the  comer  of  Union  Street  and  Congress  Avenue.    It  was  two  stories  i; 


1  of  private  Propcrtj. 


he.   It  WM  two  stories  Ip 


OF   THE   WAR   OV   1813. 


678 


AVWt  to  Havre  Ue  Orace. 


Ulatortcal  LocalitleB  there. 


John  O'Neill,  hli  8word  and  Dwelliug, 


and  at  sunset  sailed  out  into  the  Bay  to  pay  a  similar  visit  to  villages  on  the  Sassa- 
fras River.'  Havre  de  Grace  was  at  least  sixty  thousand  doUarH  poorer  when  they 
left  than  when  they  came  twelve  hours  before. 

It  was  a  sunny  but  blustery  day"  when  I  visited  Havre  de  Grace  and    •  November  w, 
the  scenes  around  it,  made  memorable  by  its  woes.     I  arrived  in  the  ^^'• 

cvt'iiiiig  by  railway  from  Baltimore,  Avhere  I  hud  spent  three  days  in  visiting  the 
battle-ground  at  North  Point  and  other  interesting  places  hereafter  to  be  described. 
The  town  was  full  of  soldiers,  many  being  stationed  there  to  guard  the  ferry  and 
public  property  from  the  violence  of  the  sympathizers  with  the  rebels  in  Maryland. 
The  only  hotel  in  the  place  was  entirely  filled  with  lodgers,  and  private  houses  were 
in  like  condition.  The  prospect  for  a  night's  repose  was  unpromising.  For  myself, 
f.  settee  or  an  easy-ohair  might  have  sufficed ;  but  I  had  a  traveling  companion  (a  young 
woman  and  near  relative)  who  required  better  accommodations.  The  obliging  pro- 
prietor of  the  hotel,  after  much  eftbrt,  succeeded  in  placing  ub  in  the  unoccupied  fur- 
nished house  of  his  son-in-law,  wh"ve  we  -^assed  a  dreary  night,  the  windows  of  my 
room  clattering  continually  at  the  oiddin^,  of"  the  gusty  wind.  Early  the  next  morn- 
ing I  went  out,  in  search  of  celebrities,  and,  after  sketching  the  old  resideuc  e  of  Com- 
modore Kodgers,  printed  on  page  182, 1  fortunately  fell  in  with  Mr.  Ilowtell,  already 
mentioned,  who  became  my  cicerone.  Under  his  direction  I  was  enabled 
to  fiud  every  piace  sought  after. 

While  sketching  the  landing-place  of  the  British  near  the  light-house 
(page  671),  the  keeper  of  the  pharos  came  to  know  my  business.  He  was 
an  aged  man,  and  I  soon  discovered  that  he  was  one  of  the  oldest  resi- 
dents of  the  place,  having  been  a  half-grown  boy  at  the  time  of  the  Brit- 
ish visitation.  "  Did  you  know  John  O'Neil,  who  behaved  so  gallantly  at 
the  Potato  Battery  ?"  I  asked.  "  I  ought  to,"  he  replied,  "  for  he  was  my 
father."  Caii  you  tell  me  any  thing  about  the  sword  presented  to  him  by 
the  authorities  of  Philadelphia  for  his  bravery  on  that  occasion  ?"  I  in- 
quired. "  If  you  will  go  with  me  to  the  house,"  he  replied, "  it  will  speak 
for  itself."  When  I  had  finished  my  sketch  of  the  weather-beaten  light- 
house (from  which  most  of  the  stucco  had  been  abraded)  and  the  cove, 
with  the  distant  Turkey  Point,  Spesutia  Island,  and  the  Maryland  main 
on  the  right,  I  followed  Mr.  O'Neil  to  his  little  cottage  near  by,  and  there 
not  only  saw  and  sketched  the  honorary  sword,  but  from  the  brave  John 
O'Neil's  own  family  Bible  obtained  a  few  ficts  concerning  his  personal 
history.  He  was  born  In  Ireland  on  the  23d  of  November,  1 768,  and  came 
to  America  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  He  was  in  the  military  service 
under  General  Harry  Lee  in  quelling  the  Whisky  Insurrection  in  Western 
Pennsylvania,  and  in  1798  entered  the  naval  service  against  the  French. 
He  became  an  extensive  nail-maker  at  Havre  de  Grape,  sometimes  em- 
ploying as  many  as  twenty  men.  The  destruction  oithe  place  ruined  his 
business.  When  the  present  light-house  was  built  on  Concord  Point  in 
1829  he  became  its  keeper;  and  on  the  26th  of  January,  1838,  he  died  in 
the  house  where  his  son  and  successor  resides.  The  sword  had  a  hand- 
somely-ornamented gilt  scabbard,  on  which  was  the  following  inscription : 
"Presented  to  the  gallant  John  O'Neil  fob  hib  valor  at  Havkb 
DE  Grace,  by  Philadelphia — 1813."  In  Charles's  caricature  just  men- 
tioned, a  British  officer,  who  has  arrested  the  bold  cannonier  and  con- 


JOHH  O'nEIL'B 
aWOKD, 


hclsht  at  the  time  of  the  destmctlon  of  Havre  de  Grace.  Between  thirty  and  forty  years  ago  It  was  fired  by  a  lightning 
ftrtikt  and  partially  consamed.  The  aqnare  apaces  in  the  walls  over  the  windows  show  the  lower  portions  of  the  old 
windawa  In  the  aecond  story.  Althongh  the  British  did  not  apply  the  torch  to  the  chnrch,  they  amused  themselves  by 
hnrllnir  atones  throneh  the  windows. 

'  Tn  the  alTair  at  Havre  de  Grace  the  Americans  lost  one  man  (Mr,  Webster),  killed  by  a  rocket.    The  British  lost  three 
kUled  oud  two  wounded. 

Uu 


e74 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


ii 

'Tjn.-:OTi 

"4<fff^ 

'31* 

I    vMMmI 

H 

'M' 

■ 

ii 


The  "  Pringle  Iloau."  Iti  Owner  sVoternu  of  tbe  War.  PInudor  aud  Ueatructlon  of  Villages  bjr  Cockbum 

fronts  him,  is  made  to  say, "I  tell  you  what, Mr. O'Neil,  you  are  certainly  a  bravo 
fellow,  but  as  a  prisoner  of  war  must  go  on  board  with  us."  Tliey  did  not  kcoj)  him 
long,  for  on  the  10th,  seven  days  after  his  capture,  he  wrote  to  a  friend  in  Baltiniorc 
saying, "  I  was  carried  on  board  the  Maidstone  frigate,  where  I  remained  until  re- 
leased  three  days  since."  Ills  letter  opened  with  the  quaint  sentence,"  No  doubt  bi- 
fore  this  you  have  heard  of  my  defeat  /"  and  this  was  followed  by  a  brief  narrutivi. 
of  the  affair. 

Toward  noon  I  rode  up  to  the  "  Pringle  House,"  the  residence  of  the  Honorable 
Elisha  Lewis,  who  had  just  been  elected  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature  by  the 
Unionists  of  his  district.  His  estate  is  called  Bloomsbury,  an  old  English  title,  ami 
contains  six  hundred  acres  of  land,  with  a  front  of  a  mile  on  Chesapeake  Bay.  When 
the  mansion  was  built  in  1808  by  Mark  Pringle,  a  wealthy  Baltimore  merchant,  ii 
was  the  finest  country  residence  in  the  state,  and  even  when  I  visited  it  few  rivale(l 
it  either  in  appearance  or  comfort.  It  stood  upon  an  eminence  overlooking  Ilavie  dc 
Grace,  the  Susquehanna  River,  and  Chesapeake  Bay.  It  was  very  large,  and  sub- 
stantially built  of  pressed  brick.  Mr.  Lewis  was  one  of  the  brave  defenders  of  Balti- 
more in  1814,  when  that  city  was  threatened  by  General  Ross  and  his  army  Hf 
served  as  a  volunteer  sergeant  in  Captain  Perring's  company.  Twenty-seventh  Rofri- 
ment — the  brave  Twenty-seventh — Maryland  3Iilitia,  which  did  such  gallant  service 
in  the  battle  of  North  Point,  His  gun  was  disabled  by  a  shot  through  the  stock, 
when  he  took  the  musket  of  a  slain  companion  by  his  side,  and  continued  the  hAw. 
Founder  of  a  commercial  house  in  Baltimore,  he  was  engaged  thirty  years  in  trade, 
and  passed  much  of  his  time  in  England.  For  sixteen  years  he  had  been  enjoyin,' 
the  quiet  of  country  life. 

After  spending  an  hour  pleasantly  at  Bloomsbury  I  rode  back  to  the  village,  and 
to  the  quarters  of  Colonel  Rodgers,  son  of  the  commodore,  who  was  then  raising  a 
Maryland  regiment  for  the  war.  At  half  past  three  we  left  Havre  de  Grace,  and  weiv 
with  friends  in  Philadelphia  in  time  for  suppc* 

Let  us  resume  the  historical  narrative. 

Cockburn  and  his  marauders  went  up  the  Sassafras  River,  that  separates  Cecil  and 
Kent  Counties,  Maryland,  and  attacked  the  villages  of  Fredericktown  and  George- 
town, lying  on  opposite  banks  of  that  stream,  about  eleven  miles  from  its  mouth, 
The  former  is  in  Cecil  County,  the  latter  in  Kent  County.  Both  of  them  at  tliat 
time,  and  especially  Georgetown,  had  a  flourishing  trade  with  Baltimore.  Those  vil- 
lages contained  from  forty  to  fifty  houses  each,  and  at  Fredericktown  several  small 
vessels  that  had  run  up  from  the  bay  for  shelter  were  moored. 

It  was  on  the  6th  of  May,  a  warm  and  beautiful  morning,  that  Cockburn,  with  six 
hundred  men,  in  eighteen  barges,  went  up  the  Sassafras.  He  first  visited  Frederick- 
town,  on  the  northern  shore  of  the  stream.  Less  than  one  hundred  militiamen,  under 
Colonel  Veazy,  were  there,  with  a  little  breastwork,  and  a  small  cannon  to  defend  it. 
When  the  enemy  opened  his  great  guns  all  but  thirty-five  of  them  fled.  With  these 
Veazy  made  stout  resistance,  but  was  compelled  to  retire.  The  marauders  landed, 
and  the  entreaties  of  the  women  to  spare  the  town,  especially  the  more  humble  dwell- 
ings of  the  poor,  were  answered  by  oaths  and  coarse  jests  and  the  application  of  the 
fire-brand.  The  store-houses,  the  vessels,  and  the  beautiful  village  were  set  in  flames 
after  the  invaders  were  glutted  with  plunder.  The  marauders  then  crossed  over  to 
Georgetown,  and  served  it  in  the  same  way.  So  delighted  was  Cockburn  with  his 
success  in  plundering  and  destroying  unprotected  towns,  that,  with  characteristic 
swagger,  he  declared  he  should  not  be  satisfied  until  he  had  burned  every  building  in 
Baltimore, 

After  having  plundered  and  destroyed  these  quiet  villages,  and  despoiled  them  of 
an  aggregate  of  at  least  seventy  thousand  dollars,  Cockburn  and  his  pirates  returned 
to  their  ships.    This  kind  of  warfare,  so  disgraceful  to  a  civilized  government,  created 


^m 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


e7» 


>f  Villages  b;  Cuckbuni. 

certainly  a  hravc 
did  not  keep  him 
end  in  Baltimore, 
eniained  until  re- 
ce, "  No  doubt  W- 
r  a  brief  narrutivi' 

of  the  Honorable 
jegislature  by  the 

English  title,  and 
icake  Bay.  When 
more  merchant,  'n, 
lited  it  few  rivaled 
srlooking  Havre  df 
ry  large,  and  sub- 
defenders  of  Bait  i- 
,nd  his  army.  ]h 
enty-seventh  Recti- 
ich  gallant  service 
through  the  stock, 
ontinucd  the  fight. 
rty  years  in  trade, 
had  been  enjoyin;; 

to  the  village,  ami 
was  then  raising  u 
de  Grace,  and  were 


leparates  Cecil  and 
town  and  George- 
.es  from  its  moutii. 
th  of  them  at  timt 
timore.  These  vil- 
town  several  small 

ICockbum,  with  si-x 
It  visited  Frederick- 
militiamen,  under 
lannon  to  defend  it. 
fled.     With  these 
marauders  landed, 
tore  humble  d  well- 
application  of  the 
w^ere  set  in  flames 
len  crossed  over  to 
ICockburn  with  his 
with  characteristic 
d  every  building  in 

despoiled  them  of 
lis  pirates  returned 
lovernment,  created 


The  blockadlDg  Korcc  itreuKtheued. 


Nurfulk  meiuiced. 


Stirring  Hcenet  In  Ukinptoii  Koadi'. 


the  most  intense  liatred  of  the  enemy,  and  uroused  a  war  spirit  throughout  the  land 
that  for  a  time  appalled  the  cowardly  "  Peace  Party,"  and  nearly  silenced  the  nows- 
papci-H  in  their  interest. 

On  the  20th  of  May  a  British  order  in  Council  extended  the  blockade  to  New  York 
and  all  the  Southern  ports ;  and  on  the  Ist  of  June  Admiral  Warren  entered  the  Ches- 
apeake with  a  considerable  naval  re-enforcement  for  Cockburn  and  Beresford,  bearing 
a  large  number  of  land  troops  and  marines  under  the  command  of  Sir  Sidney  Beck- 
with.  The  British  force  now  collected  within  the  Capes  of  Virguiia  consisted  of  eight 
ships  of  the  line,  twelve  frigates,  and  a  considerable  number  of  smaller  vessels,  and  it 
was  evident  that  some  more  important  point  than  defenseless  villages  would  be  the 
next  object  of  attack.  The  citizens  of  Baltimore,  Annapolis,  and  Norfolk  were  equally 
menaced,  but  when,  ak  the  middle  of  June,"  three  British  frigates  entered 
Hampton  Itoads,  and  sent  their  boats  up  the  James  Kiver  to  destroy  some 
small  American  vessels  there  and  pluhd<u'  the  inhabitants,  it  was  evident  that  Nor- 
folk would  be  the  first  point  of  attack.  The  Constellatioti^  and  a  flotilla  of  twenty 
i»un-bottts,  as  well  as  Forts.  Norfolk  and  Nelson  (one  on  each  side  of  the  Elizabeth 
kiver),  and  Forts  Tar  and  Barbour,'-  and  the  fortifications  on  Craney  Island,  were  all 


'  1813. 


<Si.^''-^«!'^^<__ 


UK.NEKAL  VIEW  OF  OKAHKY   I8LAMU. 

put  in  the  best  state  of  defense  possible;  while  Commodore  Cassin,  then  in  commanr' 
of  the  station,  ordered  Captain  Tarbell  to  organize  an  expedition  for  the  capti..  :>  '^f 
the  frigate  that  lay  at  anchor  at  the  nearest  distance  from  Norftlk. 

Toward  midnight  on  Saturday,  the  19th  of  June,*"  Captain  Tarbell,  with 
fifteen  gun-boats,  descended  the  Elizabeth  River  in  two  divisions,  one  under 
Lieutenant  J.  M.  Gardner,  and  the  other  under  Lieutenant  Robert  G.  Henley.    Fifteen 
volunteer  sharp-shooters  from  Craney  Isl-  ^^--^ 

and  were  added  to  the  crews  of  the  boats.  -^-"^'^ 

Because  of  head  winds  the  flotilla  did  not  .^^^i/^    c/co^f^, 

approach  the  nearest  vossel  until  half 
past  three  in  the  morning.  She  lay  about 
three  miles  from  the  others,  and  under 
cover  of  the  darkness  just  before  daylight,  and  a  heavy  fog,  the  Americans  approached 
within  easy  range  of  the  vessel  without  being  discovered.  At  four  o'clock  Tarbell 
opened  fire  upon  her.  She  was  taken  by  sui"prise,  and  her  response  was  so  feeble  and 
irregular  that  a  panic  on  board  was  indicated.  The  wind  was  too  light  to  fill  her 
sails,  while  the  gun-boats,  managed  by  sweeps,  had  every  advantage.  They  were 
formed  in  crescent  shape,  and  during  a  conflict  of  half  an  hour  Tarbell  was  contin- 
ually cheered  by  sure  promises  of  victory.  It  was  snatched  from  his  hand  by  a  breeze 
that  suddenly  sprung  up  from  the  north-northeast,  which  enabled  the  two  frigates 
anchored  below  to  come  up  to  the  assistance  of  the  assailed  vessel,  supposed  to  be 

>  Daring  the  spring  efforts  had  been  made  by  officers  of  the  British  blockading  sqaadron  to  capture  the  CenfteUation, 
then  in  command  of  the  now  (186T)  renerable  Admiral  Stewart  Some  stirring  events  bad  occnned  in  connection  with 
these  efforts. 

>  Fort  Tar  was  a  small  redoubt  south  of  Armistead's  Bridge.  Fort  Barbour  was  east  of  Church  Street  and  south  of 
the  Princess  Anne  Road.    These  were  to  defend  the  land-side  approaches  of  the  enemy. 


H^^^^^^^^H 

h  l« 


670 


I'ICTUUIAL   FIKLD-UOOK 


Hklnnlih  In  Utmptua  Road*. 


A  Brltlvb  FlMt  eotan  tb*  Roada. 


Admiral  Dhobrlek'i  pobllc  Lib. 


S^^m^ 


tho  Junon,  3H,  Captain  SiuiderR.     Thcftc  opened  a 

Hcvori)  {'amionade  on  i\\v,  Hotillu,  and  tho  Aiiiofi- 

cans  were  obligi'd  to  Imiil  of!'.     jVh  tliey  retired  in 

go()<l  order,  they  kept  up  a  tiro  on  tho  liritish  ves- 

Bcla  for  almost  an  hour.'     Tlioy  damaged  their 

cnomy  Heriously,  while  Home  of  tiieir  own  boats 

were  ba<lly  bruised.     Master's  Mate  Allison  was 

killed,  and  two  seamen  were  slightly  wounded.     Tlioso  composed  tho  entire  Ionh  of 

the  Americans,     llow  mueh  the  liritish  seamen  suft'ered  is  not  known. 

This  attack  brouglit  matters  to  n  cri- 
sis. Kft'ortH  for  the  capture  of  Norfolk 
with  its  fortilicartons,  tlie  armed  vcswis 
there,  and  tho  navy  yard,  were  iiniiic- 
diately  made  by  the  British  admiml. 
The  cannonade  had  been  diHtincily 
heard,  and  *vitli  the  very  next  tide  aft- 
er tho  conflict  on  that  foc^gy  Suiidnv 
morning  fourteen  of  the  enemy'H  ves- 
sels entered  the  Koads,  ascended  to  tli« 
m^uth  of  tho  JanicH  River,  and  took 
position  between  tlie  point  called  Xcw- 
j)ort-Newce  and  Pig  Point,  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Nanseniond.  These  vcHsels  1  ad 
on  board  the  One  Hundred  and  Socoiul 
Regiment  of  British  Infantry,  the  hoy- 
al  Marino  Brigade,  and  two  companies 
of  French  volunteer  prisoners,  who,  in 
compliment  to  their  language,  Merc 
called  Chasseurs  Jirita.mques.  These 
/^  ^  t^^  J  y^  -  ^f"if^   troops  were 

/y///  ^  y       J   //  y         ^y      commanded  by  Gen- 

(i>^J>V  y^4>»i.^^^^^7->/^>4.^^^  eral  Sir  Sidney  Beck- 

^  Avith,  asfiisted  hy 

1  In  tbtfl  affair  Llentenaut  (uuw  Admiral)  W.  B.  Shubrick  performed  a  gallant  part.  I  was  Informed  by  Commodore 
Tattnall  tliat  after  the  engagement  had  conttn>  ii.  about  an  hour  Captain  Tarbell  made  general  signal  to  withdraw  frum 
the  contest.  The  boat  commanded  by  Sbubrick  at  that  time  happened  to  be  nenreat  the  enemy,  and  that  brave  yuuiig 
ofBcer,  then  twenty-three  years  of  nge,  satisfied  that  a  few  more  shots  would  damage  the  enemy,  obeyed  the  order  vcrj 
slowly,  and  continued  to  l)1aze  away  at  the  frigate.  This  caused  the  concentration  of  the  enemy's  Are  upon  his  «iDglc 
boat.  Still  be  moved  off  slowly,  tiring  on  his  retreat,  until  a  signal  made  specially  for  him  directed  him  to  leave,  and 
take  In  tow  a  disabled  gun-boat.  This  he  did  without  losing  a  man.— A'otes  of  Convtrmtion  with  Commodore  Tattnall  in 
Julij,  IMO. 

William  Branford  Sbubrick  was  bom  near  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  on  the  Blst  of  October,  1790.  He  was  at  tchool 
in  New  England  about  three  years,  from  his  twelfth  to  his  fifteenth  year,  the  latter  part  of  the  time  In  Harvard  Univer- 
sity, from  which  he  was  called  home,  and  In  Charleston  wan  Instructed  In  the  science  of  navigation.  In  June,  ISOC,  lie 
entered  the  navy  as  midshipman,  but  continued  his  studies  until  180T,  when  he  Joined  the  sloop  of  war  Wasp  at  Norfolk. 
She  left  that  port  about  three  days  before  the  attack  of  the  Leopard  on  the  Chemptake.  He  was  actively  engaged  in 
service  until  the  war  broke  out,  when  be  made  a  cruise  In  the  Hornet  with  Commander  Lawrence,  when  he  was  traat 
fbrred  to  the  ConsleUation,  then  under  the  command  of  the  now  venerable  Admiral  Stewart.  He  then  bore  the  conimlB- 
elon  of  u  lieutenant.  He  behaved  gallantly  In  the  attack  on  the  Junon  and  In  the  defense  of  Craney  Island.  After  thai 
he  followed  Stewart  to  the  Conntitution,  and  In  that  vessel  he  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  always  taking  an  nciive 
part  li  her  brilliant  conduct.  Pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  Congress  (February  22, 1S16),  he  received  a  silver  medal  as  one 
of  Stewart's  officers.  In  1834  the  Legislature  of  South  Carolina  presented  him  with  an  elegant  sword  In  testimony  of 
their  appreciation  of  his  gallant  services  In  the  ConaHtutimi  when  she  captured  the  Cjiane  and  T^ant.  He  was  acting 
first  lieutenant  during  her  remarkable  escape  ft'om  the  British  squadron,  hereafter  to  be  recorded  in  these  page).  M 
the  close  of  the  war  he  was  commissioned  first  lieutenant,  and  In  the  Wa»hinttton,  74,  under  Chauncey's  flag,  he  crulred 
In  the  Mediterranean.  He  was  promoted  to  master  commandant  In  1820  Eleven  years  later,  after  several  wdl-con- 
dncted  cruises,  he  was  promoted  to  captain,  and  until  1838  was  engaged  In  service  on  shore.  He  was  afloat  again  in 
1888  as  commander  of  a  squadron  In  the  West  Indies.  In  1846,  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  with  Mexico,  he  was  «i- 
signed  to  the  command  of  a  squadron  In  the  Pacific,  and  actively  participated  In  events  there.  In  1863  be  was  In  com- 
mand of  a  squadron  on  our  Eastern  coast  for  the  protection  of  the  fisheries,  an  Important  and  delicate  duty.  In  1888  he 
commanded  a  powerhil  squadron  sent  to  demand  satisfaction  for  Injuries  trom  the  government  of  Paraguay,  and  having 
dlacretionar;  power  to  commence  hostilities  should  that  satisfaction  not  be  made  to  the  United  States  Commluiunert. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF   18  12. 


677 


linbrlek'i  pabltc  LIfc. 


^^ 


VliiloU  Mllttta  OMtf  Nurfolk. 


Orutjr  UlMd. 


American  Kurcei  than. 


Ganarkl  Taylor. 


^ 


u>  ciitiro  lo«»  of 

n. 

timttprs  to  a  cri- 

)ture  of  Norfolk, 

,lu)  armed  vcsseU 

iml,  were  iinmc- 

IJritish  lulmiriil. 

been  distinetly 
?ry  next  tide  aft- 
it  foggy  Suiidiiy 
tlie  cnemy'H  vcs- 
s,  iiHceiuled  to  tli" 

Uiver,  and  \mV 
point  called  Now- 
'oint,  at  the  mouth 
These  veHselH  1  iid 
ndred  and  Sccaml 
[nfantry,  the  U.'y- 
id  two  companies 

prisoners,  who,  in 
r  language,  were 
ta.'niqucs.  Tiicso 
lid  troops  wi'ie 
mmanded  by  Gen- 
ial Sir  Sidney  Beck- 

th,  assisted  by 

Informed  by  Commodore 
Ll  s\gDa\  to  withdraw  from 
[ny,  nnd  that  brave  young 
Ly,  obeyed  the  ordir  verj 
Vmy's  Are  upon  his  single 
jllrected  him  to  leave,  and 
ith  Commodore  Tattnall  in 

If,  1190.    He  was  at  Khool 
I  time  In  nar>'ard  Unlvcr. 
Igatlon.    In  Jiiiic,18«i,lic 
p  of  war  Wtup  at  Norfolk. 
I  was  actively  engaged  in 
ence,  when  he  was  trans- 
lie  then  bore  the  commlB- 
praney  Island.    After  thai 
i,  always  taking  an  active 
lived  a  silver  medal  as  one 
IntBWordlntcBtlmonyot 
Id /-want.    He  was  acting 
lirded  In  these  pages.  At 
Ihanncey'sflag.UecmW 
ler,  after  several  wclkon- 
1    He  was  afloat  again  in 
Ir  with  Mexico,  he  was  u- 
\     In  1868  he  was  In  com- 
J  delicate  dnty.    inmit 
It  of  Paraguay,  and  having 
led  Stales  Commtalonen. 


Lieutenant  Colonel  Napier  and  other  eminent  leaden.     The  whole  force  of  the  one- 
iiiy,  iiii'luding  sailors,  was  about  five  thousand  men. 

Jiiines  Harbour  was  tlicn  (Jovernor  of  Virginia.  lie  was  patriotic  and  active,  and 
by  untiring  energy  ho  had  nssenibled  several  thousand  militia.  A  large  portion  of 
tlii'Kt",  with  some  United  States  regulars  untler  Captain  I'olliird,  were  at  old  Fort  Nor- 
folk mill  vicinity.  They  had  been  <lrawn  chiefly  from  the  coast  districts  most  iinme- 
(liatt'ly  menaced  by  the  enemy.  Tim  governor  had  been  zealously  seconded  in  Ids 
oD'orts  by  the  Richmond  press  and  leading  provincial  journals,  who,  as  usual,  a]^)ealed 
voiiiinently  to  state  pride.  The  appeal  was  eifectual,  and  gallant  men  flocked  to  the 
standard  of  their  common  country. 

C'rancy  Island,  then  in  shape  like  a  ])ainter'H  pallet,  and  rising  a  few  feet  aVwve  the 
water,  was  separated  from  the  main  by  a  strait  that  was  fordable  at  low  or  half  tide. 
Across  this  a  temjiorary  foot-bridge  had  been  constructed,  which  led  to  Stringer's 
faini-house.  The  island  at  that  time  contained  about  thirty  acres  of  land.  On  the 
southuastern  side  of  it,  and  commanding  the  shij)  channel,  were  intrenchments,  on 
which  two  24,  one  1 8,  and  four  0  pound  cannon  were  planted.  These  formed  the 
most  remote  outpost  of  Norfolk,  and  were  the  key  to  the  harbor.  The  defense  of  this 
island  was  demanded  by  stem  necessity,  and  to  that  end  the  efforts  of  the  leaders 
in  that  vicinity  were  directed.  The  chief 
of  these  was  Brigadier  General  Robert  B. 
Taylor,  the  commanding  officer  of  the  dis- 
tiict.  Tlie  whole  available  force  on  the 
island  when  the  British  entered  Hampton 
Roads  consisted  of  two  companies  of  ar- 
tillery from  Portsmouth,  led  by  Captains 
Emerson  and  Richardson,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Major  James  Faulkner,  of  the  Vir- 
ginia State  Artillery;  Captain  Roberts's 
company  of  riflemen  ;  and  four  hundred 
and  sixteen  militia  infantry  of  the  line, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Cclonel  Henry 
Bcatty,  assisted  by  Major  Andrew  Wag- 
goner. These  were  so  situated  that,  if 
attacked  and  overpowered,  they  had  no 
means  for  escape,  and  yet,  as  one  of  the 
newspapers  of  the  day  said,  they  were 
"  all  cool  and  collected,  rather  wislung  the 
attack." 

On  the  arrival  of  General  Taylor^  at 
Norfolk  he  perceived  the  necessity  of  re- 
enforcing  the  troops  on  Craney  Island, 


President  Lopez  compiled  with  the  demand,  and  he  returned  in  1850.  Before  leaving  he  visited  General  Urqulza,  Pres- 
ident of  the  Argentine  Republic,  who  presented  him  with  a  splendid  sword.  The  United  States  Congress  by  Joint  res- 
olution authorized  him  to  accept  it.  This  closed  his  sen  service,  In  which  he  has  held  every  rank  and  ezercli<cd  every 
command,  from  midshipman  to  rear  admiral.  He  has  aliio  performed  faithful  shore  service  of  every  kind  pertaining  to 
his  rank.  lie  has  commanded  three  different  navy  yards,  and  held  two  bureaus  In  the  Navy  Department.  He  has  been 
chairman  of  the  Light-bouse  Board  since  Its  establishment  In  18S3,  and  In  a  service  of  over  sixty-one  years  has  been 
only  six  years  and  eight  months  unemployed.    His  father  was  an  officer  of  the  Revolution. 

'  Robert  Barnard  Taylor  was  an  eminent  man.  He  was  bom  on  the  -/0th  of  March,  1TT4,  and  wab  educated  at  Wil- 
liam nud  Mary  College,  Williamsburg.  He  studied  law  with  Judge  Marshall,  and  was  associated  at  the  bar  with  Wil- 
liam Wirt,  L.  W.  Tazewell,  and  other  eminent  lawyers.  In  17»8-'99  he  was  a  member  of  the  Virginia  Assembly,  of  the 
Federal  school.  He  was  one  of  the  grand  Jurors  (John  Randolph,  foreman)  In  1807  who  found  a  bill  of  indictment 
against  Aaron  Burr,  charged  with  treason.  During  the  same  year  he  was  counsel  for  Commodore  Barron,  after  the  af- 
fair of  the  Chesapeakt  and  iMipard.  Ho  took  pride  in  military  affairs,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  War  of  1812  he  was 
appointed  to  the  command  at  Norfolk  as  brigadier  general  oi  the  Virginia  forces.  He  was  very  .t<9cient  lu  defense  of 
thai  city  lu  the  summer  of  1818.  He  retired  from  tlie  command  In  February,  1S14,  when  General  Parker  succeeded  to 
his  place.  On  that  occasion  the  citizens  of  Norfolk  gave  him  a  public  dinner,  and  flrom  the  ml'.lury^  he  received  the 
most  flattering  teatlmonies  of  their  esteem  and  affection.    When,  as  the  national  guest,  Oencrnl  Lafuyette  visited  the 


ii'l' 


678 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


ArtlllorisU  on  C.'aney  Island. 


Lauding  of  the  British. 


Preparations  for  Battle. 


where  the  first  blow  of  the  coming  battle  was  likely  to  fall.  He  accordingly  sent 
down  thirty  regulars  under  Captain  Richard  Pollard,  from  Fort  Norfolk,  and  tliirtv 
volunteers  under  Lieutenant  Johnson,  of  Culpepper,  and  Ensign  Archibald  Atkinson 
(member  of  Congrees  in  1849),  of  Isle  of  Wight,  most  of  them  riflemen.     Tliese  were 

followed  by  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
seamen,  under  Lieutenants  B.  J.  Neale 
W.  B.  Shubrick,  and  James  Sanders,  and 
fifty  marines  under  Lieutenant  Breckin- 
ridge These,  on  the  solicitation  of  Gen- 
eral Taylor,  were  sent  by  Tarbell  to  work 
the  heavy  guns.  The  whole  force  on  the  island,  on  the  evening  of  the  21st,  num- 
bered sf  ven  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men. 

At  midnight  the  camp  was  alarmed  by  the  crack  of  a  sentinel's  musket.  Ho 
thought  he  discovered  a  boat  in  the  strait.'  The  troops  were  called  to  arms,  and 
stood  watching  until  dawn,  when  a  bush,  and  not  a  boat,  was  found  to  have  been  the 
cause  of  the  commotion.  The  troops  were  dismissed,  but  they  had  scarcely  bnjkcn 
ranks  when  a  horseman  came  dashing  rcross  the  fordable  strait,  and  reported  that  the 
enemy  were  landing  in  force  r  ear  Major  Hoffleur's,  a  little  more  than  two  miles  dis- 
tant. The  drum  beat  the  long  roll,  and  as  the  daylight  increased  the  British  were 
seen  passing  continually  in  boats  from  the  ships  to  the  shore.  Major  Faulkner  at  once 
ordered  the  three  heavy  guns  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  island  to  be  trans- 
ferred to  the  northwestern  part,  and  had  them  placed  in  battery  tlicre  with  tlio  four 
6-pounders.  These  seven  pieces  constituted  a  pretty  formidable  battery.  A  short 
distance  in  the  rear  of  it,  the  infantry,  riflemen, 
and  Richardson's  artillerymen  acting  as  infant- 
ry, were  formed  in  line,  so  as  to  face  the  strait 
at  the  mouth  of  Wise's  Creek. 

The  command  of  the  IS-poundcr  ^^  as  given 
to  Lieutenant  B.  J.  Neale,  assisted  by  Lieuten- 
ants Shubrick  and  Sande.'s,  and  about  one 
hundred  sailors  and  marines,  chiefly  from  the 
Cotistellation.  The  two  24's  and  four  G's  were 
under  the  charge  of  Captain  Emerson,  with  his 
company  of  artillery,  and  aided  by  Lieutenants 
Godwin  and  Howie,  Sergeants  Young  and  Liv- 
ingston, Corporal  Motlatt,  and  Captain  Thomas 
Rooke,  master  of  the  merchantmiin  Manhat- 
tan,  who  had  been  of  great  service  in  transfer- 
ing  the  heavy  guns  from  one  end  of  the  island 
to  the  other.  These  heavy  guns  were  worked 
chiefly  by  the  men  from  the  navy.  The  entire 
battery  was  under  the  supreme  command  of 
Major  Faulkner,  a  cool  and  skillful  artiller-       Jy    /^  j. 

ist.^    The  whole  force  on  the  island  was    P/1  / J^j  MAJ>'^'^''Z>nJLyl 


commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Beatty. 


'J 


United  states  in  13'i4,  and  a  grand  reception  wan  given  him  at  Yorktov.'n,  In  Virginia,  the  scene  of  his  warfare  nod  tri- 
umph In  youth,  flenerai  Taylor  was  the  chosen  orator  for  the  assomhlcd  mnltitnde.  "  In  all  my  time  I  never  heard  smh 
eloquence,"  said  a  vcleran  to  me  iu  the  spring  of  18C3.    "  In  all  my  time  I  never  saw  so  many  m«i  In  tears." 

General  Taylor  filled  the  position  of  judge  and  legislator  with  distinction.  He  was  in  the  Convention  in  lSl-,iO, 
-charged  with  amending  the  Constitution  of  Virijinia.  In  that  body  he  iutrodnced  enlightened  raeasnres  In  rcaanltn 
the  elective  franchise,  i  ■  the  winter  of  lh31-'32  he  was  made  Judge  of  the  Oeneral  Court  of  Virginia,  and  held  the  offict 
until  his  death  on  the  13th  of  April,  1S34. 

'  This  sentinel  was  William  Shutte.  He  wis  stationed  upon  a  small  Island  that  once  lay  near  the  month  of  ffiK'f 
'I'reelc.  See  map  on  page  679.  Shutte  made  tho  usual  challenge,  and,  receiving  no  answer,  fired,  and  continued  tulire 
uiutil  the  camp  was  (\illy  aroused. 

^  James  Faulkner  was  bom  In  Ireland  in  1T70,  and  came  to  Atnerica  when  a  boy  under  the  charge  of  a  dUtaiit  reli- 


OF   THE   WAK    OF    18  12. 


679 


paratlons  fi>r  Battle. 


l^ofhiBwarfmcamltri- 
Iny  time  I  never  heard  siitti 
ly  mm  In  tears." 
lie  Convention  !n  18i-30, 
led  meaBuren  In  m»nj« 
hrgiuia,  and  held  the  offlct 


Advaoce  of  the  British  on  Land. 


A  sharp  Conflict. 


Advance  of  the  British  on  Water. 


A  long  pole  was  procured,  the  national  flag  was  nailed  to  it,  and  then  it  was  planted 
iirmiy  in  the  redoubt.  The  gun-boats  were  anchored  in  the  form  of  a  segment  of  a 
"ircle  extending  from  Craney  Island  to  Lambert's  Point,  while  the  Constellation  lay 
nearer  the  city.  Thus  prepared,  the  Americans  calmly  awaited  the  approach  of  the  foe. 
The  British  landed   about ^^- 


twenty-five  hundred  men,  in 
fantry  and   marines,  at   Hof- 
fleur's  Creek.     The   morning 
,;ky  was  cloudless ;    and  for 
more  than  two  hours  tho  flash- 
ing of  their  burnished  arms 
micht  be  seen  by  the  Ameri- 
cans as  they  manoeuvred  on 
tlie  beach  and  on  the  edge  of 
an  intervening  Avood.    Stealth- 
ily they   crept   through   the 
thick  undergrowth  of  the  for- 
est, and  appeared  suddenly  on 
the  point  at  the  confluence  of 
Wise's  Creek  and  the  strait. 
They  immediately  opened  a 
cannonade  from  a  field-piece 
and  a  howitzer,  and   sent  a 
bevy  of  Congreve  rockets  upon 
the  island,  to  cover  the  move- 
ment of  a  detachment  sent  to 
cross  Wise's  Creel:,  and  gain 
tlie  rear  of  the  American  left 
flank  in  position  on  the  main. 
They  were  partially  sheltered 
liytiie  house  ofCaptairi  George 
Wise,  known  as  Wise's  Quar- 
tos, and  a  thick  wood.     Some 
of  the  heavy  guns  of  the  bat- 
tery on  the  island  were  opened 
upon  them  with  great  preci- 
sion and  rapidity,  and  a  show- 
er of  grape  and  canister  shot  soon  drove  the  enemy  out  of  reach  of  the  artillery. 

Almost  simultaneously  with  this  advance  of  the  British  land -force  fifty  large 
barges,  filled  with  full  fifteen  hundred  sailors  and  marines,  were  seen  approaching 
t'lom  the  enemy's  ships.  They  hugged  the  main  shore  to  keep  out  of  range  of  the 
gnn-boat  artillov  ?,  and  moved  in  column  order,  in  two  distinct  lines,  in  the  direction 
of  the  strait,  led  by  Admii-al  Warren's  beautiful  barge.  This  vessel  was  fifty  feet  in 
length,  painted  a  rich  green,  and  employed  twenty-four  oars.  Because  of  her  shape 
ami  numerous  oars  she  was  called  the  Centipede.    In  her  bow  was  a  brass  3-pounder, 

live.  He  established  himself  in  mercantile  business  in  Martinshnrg,  Berkeley  Connty,  Virginia,  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
irae  years,  and  that  was  tho  place  of  his  res'dence  nntil  his  death,  lie  long  tried  in  fain  to  obtain  a  commission  in  the 
reeiilar  army  of  the  United  States.  When  \ '«  brolie  out  he  hastened  to  Norfolk  with  the  volunteer  troops  of  his  ado|)t- 
fd  state,  and  was  there  commissioned  a  major  of  artillery.  In  that  capacity  he  served  gallantly  on  Craney  Island,  and 
wss  the  cJMef  actor  in  the  repnlse  of  the  Erltlsb.  Major  Fanlkner  married  the  only  daughter  of  Captain  WlUlnm  Mackey, 
iif  the  Bevc'ationBry  Army.  He  died  in  181T  fi-om  the  effects  of  exposure  and  fatigue  (n  camp.  His  wife  was  then  dead. 
They  left  but  one  child,  who  thus  became  an  orphan  In  tender  years.  This  was  Charles  J.  Faulkner,  who  was  an  active 
imbllc  man  In  Virginia,  and  who  was  sent  to  the  French  court  as  minister  pltnipolentlary  by  President  Buchanan.  To 
him  I  am  Indebted  for  the  likeness  of  his  father  on  the  opposite  page.  When  the  Orcal  Rebellion  broke  out  he  took 
•idee  with  the  insnrgents,  and  dishonored  the  memory  of  hij  gallant  and  patriotic  father  by  ubaudouiug  the  flag  which 
his  ancestor  had  so  nobly  defended. 


Point 

NOnfOLH 


I'LAM   OF   Ol'KUATIONB   AT  DBANKV    IBI..VM>. 


^^' 

w^^^- 

^^H^ 

;  ^P5^!T 

1 

\ 
1 

\   ' 

\ 

1 

i 

■  1 

iPiPPIP^iH 


^mk 

n\ 


l        A 

iWiiii 

M    111; 

680 


riCTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tho  nrltinb  KlottllR  driven  buck. 


AttomMt  to  iolrc  Norfolk  and  the  Navy  Yard  abandoned. 


Hnmpton, 


^.^  onger,  M 


called  a  "  grft88hop])er,"  and  hIio  was  comniandod  by  Captain  Hanchett,  of  the  flag, 
ship  Diadem,  a  natural  Bon  of  Gcvorge  the  Tliird. 

Ah  tho  firRt  division  oi  thp  flopt  of  barges  approached,  tho  eager  Emerson  onuM 
hardly  be  restrained  by  the  more  prudent  F'aulkner.  At  length  they  reached  the 
fair  range  of  the  gui-i.  Faulkner  gave  a  Hignal,  when  Emerson  shouted, "  Now,  niy 
'orovo  boys,  are  you  ready?"  "All  ready,"  was  the  quick  respoiise.  "Fire!"  ox- 
tiaimea  Faulkner.  The  whole  battery,  except  two  dismounted  guns,  inanft<];ed  by 
Goodwin  and  Livingston,  belched  forth  fire  and  smoke,  and  round,  grape,  and  cnnistpr 
shot.  The  volley  was  fearful,  yet  in  tlu^  face  of  it  the  barges  moved  steadily  forward 
until  the  storm  of  metal  was  too  terrible  to  be  endured.  The  boats  were  thrown  into 
the  grerttest  confusion.  The  Centipede  was  hulled  by  a  heavy  round  shot  that  pa.s8i'(l 
through  her  diagonally,  wounding  several  of  the  men  in  i.c,  cutting  ofl'  tho  Io<;8  of 
one  of  them,  and  severely  hurting  the  thigh  of  Captain  Hanchett.  Orders  for  retreat 
were  given.  The  (kntipede  and  four  other  barges  were  sunk  in  shoal  water,  and  tlie 
remainder  of  the  flotilla  escaped  to  the  ships.  Lieutenant  Neale  was  directed  to  send 
some  of  his  bold  seamen  to  seize  the  admiral's  barge  and  all  in  it,  and  Inuil  it  on  shore, 
This  was  gallantly  performed  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenants  Tattnall'  and  (Jeis- 

onger,  Midshipmiiii  lila- 
Dulaney,  and  Act- 

('^^ ^■''^Z^C'-Ol/^T^       r^//^i,,.^/«'7'7^,<j^  C^  f'^'^    '".'?  Master  Goortrc  F. 

'{oche.  Tiu'v  se- 
cured several  prisoners  and  tho  admiral's  fine  barge.  This  was  aflerward  repaired, 
and  performed  good  service  as  a  guard-boat  during  many  a  cold,  dark  night  in  the 
ensuing  autumn.* 

Thus  ended  the  battle.  "Tims,  not  long  before  the  time  when  the  Regent  of  Great 
Britain  congratulateil  his  kingdom  on  the  pitch  of  grandeur  it  reached  by  dictatini; 
peace  to  France  in  the  Fiench  capital,  a  brother  of  that  regent  was  repulsed  bv  a 
liandful  of  militia  in  an  attempt  to  capture  a  small  island  in  Chesapeake  liay."^  It 
w  as  a  most  mortifying  i-esult  for  the  British.*  So  certain  was  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith 
of  success,  that  ho  promised  the  troops  the  opportunity  of  l)r»'akfa8ting  on  Cramv 
Island  that  morninj,;.  Some  of  the  officers  took  their  shaving  ai)paratuH  with  tlieiii, 
and  others  their  dogs.  At  ten  o'clock  the  scene  was  changed,  and  before  sunset  the 
British  commanders,  abandoned  all  hope  of  seizing  Norfolk,  the  Constellation,  and  tlie 
navy  yard.     It  was  the  last  attempt  there  during  tlie  war. 

Exasperated  by  their  ignominious  rejjulse  at  Craney  Island,  the  British  proceeded 
to  attack  the  village  of  Hampton,  a  flourishing  borough  on  the  west  side  of  Hampton 
Creek,  two  miles  and  a  half  from  Old  Point  Comfort.  It  was  the  capital  of  ElizalK'tii 
City  County,  Virginia,  and  was  a  mile  from  the  confluence  of  the  creek  with  the  wa- 
ters of  Hampton  Roads.  It  was  defended  at  the  time  by  about  four  hundred  ami 
fitly  Virginia  soldiers  under  Major  Stapleton  Crutchfield,  whose  adjutant  general 
was  Robert  Anderson,  Esq.,  whom  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  at  Yorktown  in 
1848.  .  Tliey  were  composed  chiefly  of  militia  infantry,  and  a  few  artillerymen  and 

'  Soo  page  (116. 

»  "Wo  waded  out  to  the  Ontipedf,"  Raid  Commodore  Tattnall,  "and  found  a  Frenchman  In  her  with  both  Icp  rtot 
off.  Soversl  othern  were  In  her,  wounded  In  the  legB 
and  fi'ot  by  the  pnfinase  of  the  bal'.  We  carried  the 
Frenchman  ashore  In  a  hammock,  and  he  died  noon  aft- 
erward. We  b1»o  found  a  little  terrier  dog  sitting  upon 
■he  small  cannon  in  hor  bow,  and  Rcvernl  cntlaft.'es,  plH- 
lols,  et  cetera.  I  had  many  a  oohl  nteht's  gnard  dnty  In  the  admlrnl'i"  haree  after  that."  .VofM  o/a  ronvrrnnlvm  inU 
('i)inmorfor<»  Tnltnall  at  S<xkrtf»  Harbor  in  Ih*  Summrr  nf  1800.  Onr  little  picture  of  the  CfrtUprit  Is  from  iin  exact  nimlf! 
of  It,  on  a  mnall  scale,  which  was  made  by  order  of  Commodore  Warrington,  Tho  black  spot  near  the  stem  sho««  llK 
place  where  the  cannon-hall  entcri>d  It. 

'  Ingcrsoll's  HiMoriral  Skrtfh  <\f  thr  Sfrond  War,  etc.    He  la  mistAken  as  to  the  locality  of  Craney  Island.    It  i(  In  (he 
Ellzaheth  River,  and  not  In  Chesapeake  Bay. 

«  The  Americans  met  with  no  loss.    The  British,  according  to  their  own  account,  loat  6  killed,  M  wounded,  m^  lit 
missing.    Of  the  latter  40  were  prisoners  and  deserters. 


OF   THE  WAU   OF   1812. 


681 


Id. 


Hnmptnn, 


Anwriuiu  at  UimpUiu. 


Landing  of  the  Brttiih  near  Hampton. 


Armed  Boats  appear  lu  Front. 


lott.  of  thi'  flag- 

Emerson  ro\iltl 
hey  reached  the 
ute<l,"Now,  my 
ge.  "  Fire !"  ox- 
inB,  manafrpd  hy 
■ape,  and  canister 

steadily  forward 
were  tlirown  into 
I  shot  that  passed 
ig  off  the  Uvj;8  of 
Orders  for  rctroat 
)al  water,  and  tlie 
g  directed  to  send 
d  haul  it  on  shore. 
'attnall'  and  (ieis- 
r,  Midshipman  151a- 
Dnlaney,  and  Aot- 
Masler  George  F, 
I  lioche.     They  8o- 
fterward  repaired, 
,  dark  night  in  the 

le  Regent  of  ( J  rent 
■ached  by  dictating 
was  repnlsoil  by  a 
sapeake  Bay."'  It 
Sidney  lk>ckwith 
listing  on  Craiuy 
vratus  with  tluni, 
I  before  sunset  tin 
mstellation,  and  the 

British  proceeded 
St  side  of  Hampton 
capital  of  Elizabeth 

creek  with  the  w;i- 
t  four  hundred  and 
e  adjutant  general 
ng  at  Yorktown  in 
w  artillerymen  and 

In  her  with  l)oth  leg*  A»i 


]  .V„fM  of  a  Cnnrfrmlim  rf* 
IjWnBfrnTHnnPxactm™!'. 
lot  near  the  stem  ehoiraiM 

[craneyWand.   It  1« lull* 

killed,  M  wonndcd,  an''  H* 


cavalry.  Tlicy  were  encamped  on  the  "  Little 
p]iigland"  estate  of  five  hundred  acres,  a  short 
distance  southwest  from  the  town,  where  they  had  a  heavy  battery  composed  of  four 
6,  two  12,  and  one  IR  pounder  cannon,  in  charge  of  Sergeant  William  Uurke,  to  defen'i 
the  water-front  of  the  camp  and  the  village.' 

On  Friday  night,  the  24th  of  June,  twenty-five  hundred  British  land  troops,  includ- 
intr  the  rough  French  prisoners  (Chasseurs  Britanniques),  were  placed  in  boats  and 
oniall  sailing  vessels,  and  between  dawn  iind  sunrise  of  the  25111*  were  lan/'.ed  ..nine, 
l)ehind  a  wood  near  the  house  of  Daniel  Murphy,  a  little  more  than  two  miles  *•*'*• 
from  Hampton,  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  the  Mohawk  sloop  of  war.  llu'se  were 
designed  to  fall  upon  Il'impton  and  the  little  American  camp  in  the  rear,  while  Ad- 
miral Cockburn,  with  a  flotilla  of  armed  boats  and  barges,  should  make  a  feint  in 
front. 

Tlie  land  troops,  under  the  general  command  of  Beckwith,  assisted  by  Lieutenant 
Colonels  Napier*  and  Williams,  moved  stealthily  and  rapidly  forward  toward  the 
doomed  town,  while  the  armed  boats  appeared  suddenly  oft"  Blackbeard's  Point,  at 
the  mouth  of  Hampton  Creek.  The  latter  were  first  discovered  by  American  patrols 
at  Mill  Creek,  who  gave  the  alarm.  Tlic  camp  was  aroused,  and  a  line  of  battle  was 
formed.  At  that  moment  a  messenger  came  in  haste  with  intelligence  that  the  Brit- 
isii  were  moving  in  force  on  the  rear  of  Hampton.  The  woods  toward  Mur])hy'8  were 
iTJowing  with  scarlet,  and  a  grain-field  near  was  verdant  with  the  green  uniforms  of 
the  French.  Tlio  inhabitants  of  the  village,  who  yet  remained,  fled  toward  York- 
town,  excepting  a  few  who  could  not  leave  or  who  were  willing  to  trust  to  British 
lionor  and  clemency. 

The  brave  Crutchfield  resolved  to  stand  firm  and  defend  the  town  against  the  in- 
vaders on  land  and  water.  He  sent  Captain  Servant  and  his  rifle  company,  out  to 
ambush  on  the  road  leading  to  Celey's  plantation,  beyond  Murphy's,  who  were  to  at- 

'  ThlB  picture,  sketched  In  the  sprlnpr  of  18M  from  a  window  of  Burcher'n  Hotel,  near  the  ^team-boat  wharf  In  Hamp- 
ton, '8  a  view  of  the  portion  of  the  "  Little  Rnglnnd"  estate,  lylnpr  on  Hampton  Creek,  mentioned  In  the  text.  A  line 
drawn  porpendlrtilsriy  beneath  each  nnroeral  on  the  cloads  wonld  touch  the  locality  Intended  to  be  Indicated  by  Huch 
namcral.  Figure  4  shown  the  place  of  Cmtchflold'a  encampment,  and  1  the  place  where  the  fonr-RUn  battery  was  plant- 
M.  Flmre  2,  the  place  of  n  smaller  battery  j  8,  Bla  ■;kl)enrd"s  Toint,  at  the  mimth  of  Hampton  Creek,  from  behind  which 
ilic  Brltli'h  flotilla  came ;  5,  the  forest  behind  which  Bcckwith's  troops  landed  ;  fl,  Hampton  Roads ;  7,  n  portion  of  the  old 
maiKlnn  of  the  Little  Rnpland  estate ;  K,  the  month  of  the  west  branch  of  Hampton  Creek ;  and,  9,  Bully's  bouse,  that 
ftopd  there  In  1818.  The  "  Little  England"  estate  was  the  ancestral  possession  of  the  family  of  Commodore  Barron. 
In  (hp  foregnmnd  of  the  picture  Is  seen  the  steam-boat  wharf  at  Hampton,  with  the  creek  on  the  rliiht. 

'  Thin  was  Charles  James  Napier,  afterward  a  dlstlnenlshed  general  In  the  British  Army,  who  was  kni|;hted  for  his 
«n1rp«  In  the  East  Indies,  where  he  became  commander-in-cbief  of  the  British  forces.  He  was  bnm  in  1782,  and  died 
\n  .\nCTst,  lS!i6,  bearlns  the  honors  of  a  worthy  llentenant  general.  He  was  a  sprightly  writer,  and  his  biographer  tays 
;:.iit  "when  he  was  not  lighting  he  was  writing." 


w 


•tm 


m 


t  (llfll 

i  : 

p  iiili;' 


il\i   :ii 


682 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Tbo  British  Invaders  confronted. 


A  severe  Skirmish. 


Struggle  for  the  Possession  of  Hampton. 


tack  and  check  the  enemy ;  and  when  Cookburn  ventured  within  Blackbeard's  Point 
and  opened  fire  on  the  American  camp,  Crutchfield's  heavy  battery  responded  with 
80  much  spirit  and  effect  that  the  arch-marauder  was  glad  to  escape  for  shelter  behind 
that  point,  and  content  himself  with  throwing  a  shot  or  rocket  occasionally  into  the 
American  camp. 

Crutchfield  gave  special  attention  to  the  movement  in  his  rear,  being  convinced 
that  Cockburn's  was  only  a  feint.  From  his  camp  was  a  plantation  road,  that  crossed 
cultivated  fields,  and  by  the  edge  of  the  woods  behind  which  the  British  had  landed 
unobserved,  to  a  highway  known  as  Celey's  Road,  that  connected  with  the  public 
road  to  Yorktown  a  short  distance  from  Hampton.  Connected  with  this  road  was  a 
plantation  lane  leading  to  Murphy's,  on  the  banks  of  the  James  River.  Along  this  lane 
or  road  the  British  moved  from  their  landing-place,  and  had  reached  rising  ground  and 
halted  for  breakfast  when  they  were  discovered  by  the  Americans.  Captain  Pryor 
of  the  artillery  in  camp,  immediately  detached  Sergeant  Parker  and  a  few  picked 
men,  with  a  field-piece,  to  go  up  the  Yorktown  Road  to  Celey's  Junction,  to  assist  the 
ambushed  riflemen.  Parker  had  just  reached  his  position  and  planted  his  cannon, 
when  the  British  moved  forward  with  celerity.  They  had  just  crossed  the  head  of 
the  west  branch  of  Hampton  Creek,  at  the  Celey  Road,  when  the  advanced  guard  of 
Servant's  corps  (Lieutenant  Thomas  Hope  and  two  others),  who  were  concealed  by  a 
large  cedar-tree  (yet  standing  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  1853),  opened  a  deadly  lire 
with  sure  aim  upon  the  French  column  in  front,  led  by  the  British  sergeant  major,  a 
large  and  powerful  man.  That  officer  and  several  others  were  killed ;  the  invaders 
were  checked,  and  great  confusion  in  their  ranks  ensued.  The  main  body  of  the  rifle- 
men now  delivered  their  fire,  and  the  commander  of  the  Marines,  the  brave  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Williams,  of  the  British  army,  fell  dead. 

The  British  soon  recovered  from  their  temporary  panic,  and  pressed  forward,  com- 
pelling the  riflemen  to  fall  back.  In  the  mean  time,  Crutchfield,  hearing  the  fiiins, 
had  moved  forward  from  his  c  mp  with  nearly  all  of  his  force,  leaving  the  position  on 
the  Little  England  estate  to  be  defended  by  Pryor  and  his  artillerymen  from  tlie  at- 
tack of  the  barges.  While  he  was  marching  in  column  by  platoons  along  the  lane 
from  the  Little  England  plantation  toward  Celey's  Road  and  the  great  highway,  ho 
was  suddenly  assailed  by  an  enfilading  fire  on  his  left.  He  immediately  ordered  hu 
men  to  wheel  and  charge  the  enemy,  who  were  on  the  edge  of  the  M'oods.  This  was 
done  with  the  coolness  and  precision  of  long-disciplined  soldiers,  and  the  foe  fell  back. 
The  victors  were  pressing  forward,  when  the  British  opened  a  storm  of  grape  and 
canister  shot  upon  them  from  two  G-pounders,  and  some  Congreve  rockets,  and  ai> 
peared  iu  force  directly  in  front  of  Crutchfield.  Tlie  Americans  withstood  the  fire  a 
few  minutes,  when  they  fell  back,  and  a  part  of  them  broke  and  fled  in  confusion 
across  the  Yorktown  Road  and  the  Pembroke  estate. 

Parker  in  the  mean  time  had  worked  his  piece  with  good  effect.  Now  his  ammu- 
nition failed.  Lieutenant  Jones,  of  the  Hampton  Artillery,  hastened  to  his  relief;  but 
when  they  saw  an  overwhelming  force  of  the  enemy  moving  along  the  Celey  Road, 
they  fell  back  to  the  Yorktown  Pike.  Jones  now  found  that  his  match  was  extin- 
guished, so  he  ran  to  a  house  near  by,  snatched  a  brand  from  the  hearth,  and  con- 
cealed himself  in  a  hollow  near  a  spring.  When  the  British  drew  near  and  almost 
filled  the  lane,  supposing  the  cannon  to  be  abandoned,  he  arose  and  discharged  his 
piece  with  terrible  effect.  Many  of  the  foe  were  prostrated  by  its  missiles,  and  dur- 
ing the  confusion  that  ensued  in  the  British  ranks  he  attached  a  horee  to  his  cannon 
and  bore  it  off  toward  the  camp.  When  he  drew  near  that  camp  he  saw  that  it  was 
occupied  by  the  enemy,  who  had  come  in  force  from  the  barges  and  compelled  Pryor 
to  spike  his  guns  and  flee.  This  he  did  in  safety.  He  and  his  command,  after  fight- 
ing their  way  through  the  surrounding  enemy  with  their  firelocks,  swam  the  West 
Branch  of  Hampton  Creek,  .and,  making  a  circuit  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  fled  to  what  is 


oBsesBion  of  Hampton. 

.ckbeard's  Point, 

responded  with 

or  shelter  behind 

.sionally  into  the 

being  convinced 
■cad,  that  crossed 
ritish  had  landed 
with  the  public 
li  this  road  was  a 
.    Along  this  lane 
rising  ground  and 
Captain  Pryor, 
ind  a  few  picked 
ction,  to  assist  the 
anted  his  cannon, 
ossed  the  head  of 
idvanced  guard  of 
ere  concealed  by  a 
lened  a  deadly  fire 
I  sergeant  major,  a 
illed ;  the  invaders 
in  body  of  the  rifle- 
the  brave  Lieuten- 

jssed  forward,  corn- 
hearing  the  firing, 
j-ing  the  position  on 
•ymen  from  the  at- 
)on8  along  the  lane 
great  highway,  he 
lately  ordered  his 
woods.    This  was 
,d  the  foe  fell  back 
;torm  of  grape  and 
ve  rockets,  and  ai> 
ithstood  the  fire  a 
fled  in  confusion 


t 


Now  his  ammu- 
jd  to  his  relief;  hut 
ng  the  Celey  Road, 
match  was  extin- 
\e  hearth,  and  eon- 
w  near  and  almost 
and  discharged  his 
ts  missiles,  and  dur- 
horee  to  his  cannon 
.  he  saw  that  it  was 
,nd  compelled  Pryor 
jmmand,  after  fisiht- 
^ks,  swani  the  West 
icmy,flcdto  vhatis 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   18  12. 


683 


imericans  driven  from  Hampton.  The  Vlllago  t,'iven  up  to  Rapine  and  Pillage.         A  Committee  oflnveBtigatton. 


now  known  as  Big  Bethel,  without 
losing  a  man  or  a  musket.  Seeing 
this  Jones  turned  and  fled,  after  spik- 
ing his  gun.  He  followed  Pryor's 
track  to  the  same  destination. 

Crutchtield,  with  the  remainder  of 
iiis  troops,  liad  rallied  on  the  flank 
of  Servant's  riflemen,  and  renewed 
the  fight  with  vigor.  He  soon  ob- 
served a  powerful  flank  movement  by 
the  enemy,  yhich  threatened  to  cut 
off  his  line  of  retreat,  when  he  with- 
drew in  good  order,  pursued  almost 
two  miles  across  and  beyond  the  Pem- 
hroke  farm.  Tlie  pursuit  was  term- 
inated at  what  is  now  known  as  New- 
bridge Creek.  Thus  ended  the  bat- 
tle. The  British  had  lost  about  fifty 
in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  and 
the  Americans  about  thirty.  Of 
eleven  missing  Americans,  ten  at  least 
liad  fled  to  their  homes. 

Tlie  victorious  British  now  entered 
Hampton  by  the  Yorktown  Road, 
bearing  the  body  of  the*  brave  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Williams.  Beckwith 
and  Cockburn  made  their  head-quar- 


PLAN    OF   OPEKATIONB   AT    IIAUPTUN 


11E1I)-I41'ABTEBS  or  UEOKWITH  AND  COOKnrBN. 


ters  at  the  fine  brick  mansion  of  Mrs.  West- 
wood,  which  stood  upon  the  street  leading  to 
the  landing.  In  her  garden  the  remains  of 
Williams  were  buried  with  solemn  funeral 
rites  on  the  same  day.  Then  the  village  was 
given  up  to  pillage  and  rapine.  The  atroci- 
ties committtJ.  at  that  time  upon  the  defense- 
less inhabitants  who  remained  in  Hampton, 
particularly  on  the  women,  have  consigned 
the  name  of  Sir  George  Cockburn  to  merited 
infamy,  for  he  was  doubtless  the  chief  author 
of  tliem.^  The  reports  of  them  at  the  time 
were  much  exaggerated,  but  sufficient  was  proven  by  oflicial  investigation  to  cause 
the  cheeks  of  every  lionest  Briton  to  tingle  with  the  deepest  blush  of  shame.  "  We 
are  sorry  to  say,"  said  Commissioners  Thomas  Griffin  and  Robert  Lively,  appointed 
to  investigate  the  matter,  "  that  from  all  information  we  could  procure,  from  sources 
too  respectable  to  permit  us  to  doubt,  we  are  compelled  to  believe  tliat  acts  of  vio- 
lence have  been  perpetrated  which  have  disgraced  the  age  in  which  we  live.  The 
sex  hitherto  guarded  by  the  soldier's  honor  escaped  not  the  rude  assaults  of  superior 
force."'    A  correspondence  on  the  subject  occurred  between  General  Taylor  and  Sir 

'  There  can  be  little  donbt  that  Cuckbnra  promised  his  men  "  Booty  ar.d  Beanty"  to  their  hearts'  content.  It  waB 
like  him.  But  no  one  conld  gnfiect  the  right-minded  Admiral  Warren,  or  even  the  more  latitudinarian  Sir  Sidney,  of 
nch  a  crime  against  civiliznti      and  Christianity. 

'  In  his  dispatch  to  Governor  Barbonr  on  the  iSth,  Major  Crntchflcld,  the  American  commander  at  Hampton,  said, 
after  giving  an  account  of  the  battle  and  the  excesses  of  the  soldiery,  "  The  imfortunste  females  of  Hampton  who  could 
not  leave  the  town  were  abnsed  in  the  most  shameAil  manner,  not  only  hy  the  soldiers,  bnt  by  the  venal  savage  blacks, 
who  were  encouraged  in  their  excesses.  They  pillaged,  and  encouraged  every  act  of  rapine  and  plunder,  killing  a  poor 
man  by  the  name  of  Klrby  who  had  been  lying  on  hlB  bed  at  the  point  of  death  for  more  than  six  weeks,  shooting  bis 


i#|!> 


f 

:  i  :  :     • 

:  i  ;  ' '   '               : 

■  (  ll  1  ■                      1   ; 

1M..| 


}  .u  ; 

1 

^tt'{iif ' 

1 

'  ■■- W|^"  - 

■  1 1 

1 

aMJC   ' 

1 

Slfl 

11 

J  aW 

iHi^ 

684 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Official  Correspoudonce  coiiccrulng  Ontrages, 


A  Visit  to  Norfolk  and  lt»  Vicinity. 


Old  Fort  Norfolk. 


•  March  13  and  14. 


Sidney  Beckwith,  in  which  the  latter,  while  ho  did  not  deny  the  charges,  attempted 
to  justify  the  atrocities  by  pleading  the  law  of  retaliation,  falsely  alleging,  as  was 
proven,  that  the  Americans  had  waded  out  from  Craney  Island  after  the  battle  there 
and  deliberately  shot  the  crew  of  a  barge  which  had  sunk  on  the  shoal.'  And  wliilc 
it  was  not  denied  that  British  officers  and  soldiers  had  engaged  zealously  in  the  bus- 
iness of  plundering  the  private  houses  at  Hampton  of  every  thing  valuable  that 
might  be  easily  carried  away,*  the  more  horrid  crime  of  ravishing  the  persons  of  mar- 
ried women  and  young  maidens,  was  charged  by  the  British  commanders  upon  tlie 
French  soldiery.  "  The  apology,"  said  the  commissioners  just  mentioned, "  that  these 
atrocities  were  committed  by  tlie  French  soldiers  attached  to  the  British  forces  now 
in  our  waters  appeared  to  us  no  justification  of  those  who  employed  them,  bolievinff 
as  we  do,  that  an  officer  is,  or  should  be,  ever  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  the  troops 
under  his  command."  So  shameful  were  these  atrocities — too  gross  to  be  repeated 
liere — that  the  most  violent  of  the  British  partisan  writers  were  compelled  to  de- 
nounce them ;  aiid  Admiral  Warren  and  General  Beckwith,  in  obedience  to  tlie  in- 
stincts of  their  better  natures  and  the  demands  of  public  opinion,  dismissed  the  C'/uts- 
aeitrs  Britanniquis  from  the  service. 

At  the  '"ides  of  March,"  in  the  year  1853,*  I  visited  Norfolk,  Craney 
Island,  and  Hampton,  for  tlse  purpose  of  collecting  materials  for  this 
work,  and  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  meet  several  persons  who  were  well  acquainted 
with  places  and  events  in  that  region  pertaining  to  the  War  of  1812,  I  had  spent 
the  4th  of  March  at  the  national  capital, "  assisting,"  as  the  French  say,  at  the  inau- 
guration of  President  Pierce;  a  day  or  two  with  the  late  George  Washington  Parice 
Custis  at  his  beautiful  seat  of  "  Arlington,"  opposite  Washington  City ;  then  a  few 
days  in  Richmond;  a  little  time  in  a  trip  and  visit  to  '' Monticello,"  near  Char- 
lottesville, the  home  of  the  living  and  the  grave  of  the  departed  Thomas  Jeifereon; 
and  then  part  of  a  (iay  on  the  James  and  Elizabeth  Rivers  on  a  voyage  to  Norfolk. 
I  intended  to  go  to  Orkney  Island  the  next  morning,  but  the  wind  was  so  high  that 
no  boatman  was  willing  to  venture  upon  the  water,  so  that  day  I  visited  the  Navy 
Yard  at  Gosport,  Old  Fort  Norfolk,  and  other  places  of  interest  in  and  around  tiip 
city.  At  the  former  place  wtre  seen  the  skeleton  of  the  famous  Constellation ;  tiie 
useless  monster  ship  Pentisylvania  ;  the  work-shops  and  yards  where  full  eight  hund- 
red men  found  employment,  and  .more  than  twenty-five  hundred  huge  iron  cannon, 
with  a  complement  of  balls.  All  of  this  property,  valued  at  several  millions  of  dol- 
lars, with  other  government  vessi^ls,  was  destroyed  or  seized  by  the  insurgents  of 
Virginia  in  April,  1861,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  Civil  War, 

Old  Fort  Norfolk,  a  structure  made  during  the  old  War  for  Independence,  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Elizabeth  River,  was  in  a  dilapidated  state,  and  was  occupied  only 
by  a  keeper  and  his  family.    That  custodian  was  a  queer  old  man,  seventy  years  of 


wife  In  the  hip  at  the  same  time,  and  killing  a  falthfbl  dog  lying  under  his  feet.  The  mardered  KIrby  was  lying  lait 
night  weltering  in  his  blood." 

Sir  Charles  Napier  (see  note  2,  page  681),  In  his  diary  of  these  events,  In  which  he  bore  a  part,  says,  "  Every  horror  wi; 
perpetrated  with  impunity— rape,  murder,  pillage— OTid  not  a  man  tpaa punished,"  Again :  "  Strong  is  my  dislike  to  rtii 
is,  perhaps,  a  necessary  part  of  our  job,  viz.,  plundering  and  mining  the  peasantry.  We  drive  all  their  cattle,  imd  o( 
course  ruin  them.    My  hands  are  clean  ;  but  It  is  hateful  to  see  the  poor  Yankees  robbed,  and  to  be  the  robber." 

'  General  Taylor  addressed  Admiral  Warren,  and  was  answered  by  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith  as  the  commander  of  Ihf 
land  forces.  In  bis  note  to  Admiral  Warren  General  Taylor  said:  "The  world  will  suppose  these  acts  to  have  In 
approved.  If  not  executed  by  the  commanders,  If  suffered  to  pass  by  with  Impunity.  I  am  preptred  for  any  species  of 
warfare  which  yon  are  disposed  to  prosecute.  It  Is  for  the  sake  of  humanity  that  I  enter  this  protest."  Oenernl  Beck- 
with, as  we  have  observed,  charged  cruelty  on  the  part  of  the  Americans  as  a  palliation  ;  to  which  Taylor  replied  thit 
he  was  satisfled  that  no  such  act  as  charged  ever  took  place,  and  if  it  had,  It  was  no  excuse  for  the  crimes  committed  il 
Hampton  against  the  helpless  and  innocent.  A  board  of  officers  was  convened  to  investigate  the  matter,  when  It  wm 
ascertained  that,  during  the  engagement  off  Craney  Island,  two  of  the  British  boats  were  sunk  by  the  American  psw, 
nnd  the  crews  were  In  danger  of  being  drowned  ■  that,  beiii);  In  line  of  action,  the  firing  necessarily  continued,  but  Hut, 
In  order  to  avoid  Injuring  those  in  the  water  and  helpless,  the  firing  of  grape  was  discontinued.  One  man,  who  btd  em- 
rendered,  but  endeavored  to  escape,  was  fired  npon  to  bring  him  back. 

»  Among  other  "property,"  according  to  the  laws  of  Virginia,  taken  away  by  the  British,  were  negroes.  Cnderi 
promise  of  freedom,  a  large  number  of  them  flocked  to  the  British  standard.  Most  of  those  whom  Cockbum  enticed » 
board  his  vessels  by  these  promises  were  afterward  sold  Into  a  worse  slavery  lu  the  British  West  Indies. 


wm 


OP  THE  WAll    OF   18  13. 


68S 


Old  Fort  Norfolk. 

irgcs,  attempted 

alleging,  as  was 
the  battle  there, 
oal.'     And  while 
lously  in  the  bus- 
ng  valuable  that 
c  persons  of  mar- 
oanders  upon  the 
ioned, "  that  these 
iritish  forces  now 
i  them,  believing, 
duct  of  the  troops 
)89  to  be  repeated 

compelled  to  de- 
ledience  to  the  in- 
ismissed  the  C'/km- 

jd  Norfolk,  Craney 

;  materials  for  this 

re  well  acquainted 

1812.    I  had  spent 

sh  say,  at  the  inau- 

Washington  Parke 

1  City  ;  then  a  few 

ticello,"  near  Char- 

.  Thomas  Jefferson; 

voyage  to  Norfolk. 

,d  was  80  high  that 

;  visited  the  Navy 

in  and  around  the 

Constellation;  the 

lere  full  eight  hund- 

lUge  iron  cannon, 

eral  millions  ofdol- 

the  insurgents  of 

dependence,  on  the 

was  occupied  only 

m,  seventy  years  of 

rderedKirby  was  lying  lad 

rtrt,  says,  "Every  horror  TO 
Strong  iB  my  aiBlike  to  vrhJt 
Irivealltholr  cattle,  imd  of 
«nd  to  be  the  robber." 
S  BS  the  commnnrtcr  otm 
.88  these  acts  to  have  ton 
prepired  for  any  epeciw  o( 
ilB  protest."    General  Beck- 
o  which  Taylor  replied  that 
for  the  crimes  committed  It 
rate  the  matter,  when  it  wM 
Innk  by  the  American  pln^ 
peBsarHy  continued,  but  tlnl, 
ed.    One  man,  who  had  m- 


teh,  were  negroes. 


Coder  I 


1863. 


liniTlSU  UONHUl'h  UOL'SK.' 


( whom  CockbumentlcedoB 
t  West  Indies. 


BritUi  Consul  at  Norfolk  and  hU  Hevldence.       Thomas  Muore  and  the  Lake  of  the  Utsmul  Swamp.        Craney  lalaud. 

jjge,  With  boundless  garrulity  he  gave  me  his  domestic  history,  and  insisted  upon 
bringing  out  his  last  baby,  the  sixth  child  by  his  fourth  wife.  His  third  wife  appears 
to  have  been  "  a  thorn  in  his  side."  When  speaking  of  her,  he  thrust  his  hands  into 
his  pockets,  looked  upon  the  grass,  sighed,  and,  in  a  subdued  voice,  said, "  The  Lord 
was  good  to  me,  and  took  her  away  soon,  I  really  believe  she  would  have  died 
happy  could  she  have  seen  me  die  first.  I  didn't  think  it  best  to  gratify  her,  and  so 
she  had  to  give  it  up."  On  leaving  the  fort  I  went  to  the  residence  of  Robert  E.  Tay- 
lor Esq.,  son  of  General  Taylor,  the  defender  of 'Norfolk,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for 
much  information  concerning  events  in  that  vicinity  in  1813.  On  the  folowing  morn- 
ing' I  breakfasted  with  the  British  consul,  the  late  G.  P.  R.  James,  the  cm-  .March  u, 
inent  novelist.  The  circumstance  is  mentioned  to  introduce  the  fact  that 
his  residence  was  the  same  (118  Main  Street)  as 
that  occupied  by  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  British  consul 
at  Norfolk  in  1807,  at  the  time  of  the  affair  of  the 
Chesapeake  and  Leopard,  whose  personal  popular- 
ity alone  saved  his  house  from  demolition  by  the 
exasperated  people.*  In  that  house  Thomas  Moore, 
the  Irish  poet,  lodged  in  1 804,  and  there  he  wrote 
his  beautiful  poetic  paraphrase  of  a  popular  legend 
connected  with  the  Lake  of  the  Dismal  Swamp.  I 
passed  the  morning  delightfully  with  Mr.  James  and 
his  interesting  family,  and  at  ten  o'clock  started  for 
Craney  Island  in  a  skiff  manned  by  a  negro  seventy 
years  of  age,  and  a  mulatto  boy  of  sixteen,  both 
slaves.  The  air  was  balmy.  Scarcely  a  ripple  ap- 
peared on  the  water,  and  the  sun  was  pleasantly  obscured  by  a  slight  haziness  of  the 
atmosphere. 

Just  after  passing  Fort  Norfolk  we  came  abreast  Lambert's  Point,  and,  stretching 
far  to  the  right,  toward  the  Rip  Raps,  was  seen  Sewell's  Point,  made  famous  to  this 
generation  by  the  stirring  events  of  the  late  Civil  War  with  which  it  is  associated. 

The  waters  in  that  vicinity 
were  dotted  with  oyster- 
vessels  at  anchor,  engaged 
in  receiving  cargoes  from 
numerous  small  boats  that 
were  hovering  over  the 
oyster-beds  in  every  direc- 
.  tion,  each  bearing  two  men 
with  fishing  rakes.  As  we 
ncared  the  head  of  Craney 
Island,!  hailed  a  brace  of 
these  fishermen  in  a  boat, 
and  asked  them  for  a  "  fip's 
worth"  of  oysters  for  my  watermen.  To  my  astonishment,  they  dropped  two  rake's- 
fuU— at  least  a  peck — into  our  boat,  and  on  them  the  oarsmen  feasted  while  I  strolled 
over  the  island,  viewing  and  sketching  the  remains  of  military  works  erected  there 
during  the  War  of  1812.  These  are  seen  rising  above  the  common  surface  of  the  isl- 
and in  the  little  sketch  on  page  676.  These  works  were  erected  immediately  after 
the  repulse  of  the  British  from  the  island  in  June,''  and  were  quite  formidable.^  „ 
They  consisted  of  a  fort  on  the  southeast  part  of  the  island,  and  a  magazine 

>  See  page  158.  '  This  is  ft-om  a  aketrh  made  by  the  author  on  New  Year's  Day,  1800. 

'  The  troops  on  the  island  at  the  time  here  mentioned  were  n-itho\  t  any  shelter  excepting  indifferent  tentB,  and  suf- 
fered much  for  lack  of  water.   They  dug  hollows  on  the  island  In  which  they  caught  rain,  and  then  strained  th«  mnddy 

Baler  for  uee. 


OYBTEB  FIBUIKQ. 


'I  M 


!      t 

( 


•m 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Fortlflcations  on  Cranoy  Uland. 


BKMAINH  or  ruHTiriUATlONB  ON  UIIANKY  IgLAMD. 


and  brcast-worka  on  the  north wostorn  nide/on  tlie  spot  where  Faulkner's  dlicionl 
battery  was  planted.  There  was  an  intervening  and  connecting  line  of  intrineli. 
mentH  along  the  channel  side  of"  the  island,  with  emhraRures  for  camion.     Tlicsi'  liad 

almost  disappeared,  hut  the  eiiibank- 
ments  of  the  fort  wereten  or  twelve 
feet  in  lieight.  They  indoKcd  a  lu  x- 
agonal  block-liouse,huilt  of  hri(k,aii(l 
surrounded  by  an  arcade  below  the 
jjorts.  It  was  two  stories  in  height, 
but  the  upper  floor  docs  not  aiiiRai 
to  have  been  laid.  Near  tlic  block 
house  was  a  magazine,  also  built  uf 
brick.  Nothing  remained  of  tiicdlil 
main  gate,  on  the  land  side,  but  nii 
iron  hinge,  and  of  the  gateway  a 
broken  arch.  This  block-house,  or 
citadel,  when  I  was  there,  was  per- 
fectly preserved. 
The  magazine  on  ihc  opposite  end 
of  the  island  was  also  built  of  bricik,  and  was  well  preserved.  Around  it  were  Bome 
remains  of  breastworks,  but  many  had  perished  from  the  encroachments  of  the  sea, 
These  and  the  whole  island  were  almost  wholly  submerged  during  a  very  high  tide 


1II.OUK-UOIIBK  ON  OIIA^KY    IHI.A.NU. 


HAQAZIME  ON  OBANEY  I8LANII, 


a  few  weeks  before  my  visit  there.     Much  of  the  old  em- 
bankments was  washed  away,  but  the  solitary  cedar, 
mentioned  as  being  there  in  1813,  remained  unbanned 
on  the  southern  slope  of  the  island.*     From  the  maga- 
zine we  had  a  fine  view  of  the  entire  scene  of  action  on  the  22d  of 
June.     The  schooner  on  the  right,  in  the  annexed  picture,  designates 
the  place  of  the  barges  at  the  time  of  their  repulse ;  and  the  distant    ) 
point  between  the  vessel  and  the  shore  by  the  magazine  shows  the 
landing-place  of  the  British,  who  moved  through  the  woods  up  to  Wise's  Creek.  Jiut 

'  This  tree  la  seen  in  the  Eketcb  on  page  OTS. 


\.i 


[o  Wise's  Creek.  hA 


OF   THE   VVAU   OF    1812, 


687 


,  g|)VD'»  Krucilom  |)ur('liui<«(l  liy  lilii  Wife,  A  VIelt  to  IlnmiHon  and  VIcltiily. 


NiiiiilliiK-pluco  of  the  UrltlHli. 


ill  tlu(  It'ft  of  the  magiizino,  across  the  strait,  is  soon  a  small  lioiise,  at  the  mouth  of 
\Vi«''«  t'rt'ck.  It  was  near  tlie  site  ofWise's  (iuiirtor,"  which  was  demoliHhed 
many  yi'in's  nj?"-  1"  *^l'*'  more  modern  house  we  found  an  intelligent  colo'-ed  man, 
al)()ut  eigiity  yearw  of  age,  rejoicing  in  tlu!  fact  that  his  freedom  had  just  been  pur- 
cliiistHl  hy  his  wife,  a  wonuin  almost  as  old  as  himself.  She  earned  money  by  mid- 
witi'ry,  iu  wliich  proft'ssiou  she  was  very  proficient.  "  IJress  de  Lord!"  said  the  old 
man, "  f<>''  <i''  *'''y  when  1  murriiMl  Dinah.  She  ailers  said  Pomp  shoiUdn't  die  a  slave, 
1ml  she's  worked  hanl  almost  fifty  years  afore  she  made  her  promise  sure."  lie  was 
liviiijr  near  there  at  the  time  of  the  light,  and  assisted  in  the  orectiuu  of  the  fortifica- 
tions on  Craney  Island. 

It  was  about  four  o'clock  when  I  returned  to  Norfolk.  I  spent  the  remainder  of 
till!  atVernoon  in  strolling' about  the  city,  and  im  the  following  morning  departed  in 
the  steamer  Seklun  for  Hampton,  eighteen  miles  distant.  There  \  ha<l  the  good  for- 
tune to  meet  Colonel  Wilson  W.  Jones,  brother  of  the  lieutenant  who  went  to  the  as- 
sistance of  Parker  with  his  cannon,  and  so  gallantly  took  it  from  the  field.'  The  col- 
onel was  a  sergeant  in  Servant's  rifle  company,  and  was  in  the  battle  on  Celey's  lload 
when  the  British  sergeant  major  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Williams  were  killed.  He 
kindly  accompanied  me  to  places  of  interest  around  Hampton.  First  we  visited  the 
lipiul-ipiarters  of  JJeckwith  and  Cockburn  (printed  on  i>age  0H.3),  and  were  kindly 
shown  the  rooms  occupied  by  them,  and  the  grave  of  Williams  in  the  garden,  by  Mrs. 

Savage,  who  then  resided  there.     We 

• ._^.,'^'     %'  V  then  rode  up  to  the  latuling-plac(!  of 

the  liritish,  where  stood  Captain  Mur- 
phy's house  in  j)icturesque  ruins  upon 
a  grassy  point,  from  which  we  had  a 
fine  view  of  Hampton  Roads.  From 
Murphy's  we  followed  the  line  of 
march  of  the  13ritish  to  the  place 
whore  they  were  attacked  by  the  rifle- 


1.AN1>1.VU-I'I.AI1K   UF    llIK    UUITIBII    AT    MUUI'IIY'B 


men,  and  afterward  by  Jones  with  his  field-piece,  and  then  went  to  the  mansion  of 
the  Pembroke  farm,  over  which  the  Americans  fled  toward  Little  Bethel,  In  that 
mansion  lived  an  aged  couple  at  the  time,  named  Kirby,  whose  treatment  by  the  ])ur- 
suing  British  soldiers  who  entered  tlie  house  was  the  cause  of  the  invoking  of  many 
an  imprecation  throughout  the  land  upon  the  head  of  the  enemy. '^  Near  it  stood  the 
mansion  of  the  Bethel  estate,  the  dwelling  of  another  aged  man,  named  Hope,  under 
whose  roof  great  atrocities  were  committed.'    From  these  we  returned  to  llampton 

'  See  page  6S2. 

•  Mr.  Klrby  was  an  aged  man,  very  sick,  and  at  the  point  to  die  when  the  soldiers  entered  the  bonee.  His  wife  was 
hyhle  bedside,  when  they  shot  bim  thmnjih  the  body  and  wonnded  her  In  the  hip.  This  was  procluimcd  as  a  wanton 
murder,  aud  excited  the  greatest  Indignation.  Colonel  Jones  know  Mrs.  Kirby  well,  and  her  version  of  the  story  was 
tliat,  with  vcngeftil  feelings,  the  soldiers  chased  nn  ngly  dog  into  the  hotise,  which  ran  '.inder  Mr.  Kirby's  chair.  In  which 
he  wa8  Bitting,  and,  in  their  eagerness  to  shoot  the  dog,  shot  the  aged  invalid,  the  bnllct  grazing  the  tilp  of  Mrs.  Kirby. 
Mr«.  Kirby  always  considered  the  shooting  of  her  hnsband  an  accident. 

'  The  conduct  of  the  British  at  Mr.  Hope's  was  barbarons  In  the  extreme.  He  was  sixty-flvc  years  of  age.  They 
'tripped  hini  entirely  naked,  wounded  him  intentionally  with  a  bayonet,  and  tort\ired  him  with  menaces  of  death. 
They  would  doubtless  have  killed  him  had  not  their  attention  been  directed  to  a  woman  who  bad  sought  refnge  la  bis 


!  I 

,  f 


m 


i'l 

ir:  1 

Wm 

688 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Commodore  Bu-ron'B  DanKhter. 


ColoDal  Jooci  ud  bU  Family. 


D— trnetlon  of  Hampton, 


^"^:'.vV 


KIBUY   UOU8K.> 


by  the  Yorktown  Hoad,  still  foUowiiiji;  tint  line 
of  the  invailor'a  march,  and  viHitod  Mrs.  Jain' 
A.  Hope,  daughter  of  Commodore  Jaiiu-H  Bur- 
ron,  who  kindly  furnished  me  with  the  por 
trait  and  autograph  of  her  father,  copies  of 
which  are  printed  on  page  159.  She  Mpokc 
feelingly  of  the  treatment  her  father  received 
at  the  hands  of  the  government,  and  exprcsHed 
a  hope  that  History  might  yet  be  just  to  his 
memory.  She  was  a  somewhat  aged  lady 
delicate  in  form  and  feature,  and  excecdiiigly 
pleasing  in  convei-s'ation.  When  the  blight 
of  the  Rebellion  fell' upon  Hampton,  Mrs.  Hope 
went  to  Warrenton,  in  North  Carolina,  where 
she  died  in  January,  1862. 

I  spent  the  evening  with  Colonel  Jones  and  his  excellent  wife,  and  saw  in  their  lit- 
tle parlor  two  original  crayon  drawings  by  the  eminent  Sharpless,  the  faithful  delin- 
eator from  life  of  the  profiles  of  Washington  and  his  wife.  These  were  profilcH  of 
Jefferson  and  Monroe.  I  made  a  careful  copy  of  the  former.  Early  the  next  morn- 
ing I  drew  the  sketch  from  my  window  at  the  hotel  presented  on  page  681,  and  at 
the  appointed  hour  left  Hampton  for  Richmond  in  the  James  River  steamer. 

This  was  my  second  visit  to  Hampton,  with  an  interval  of  five  years,  and  both  times 
I  carried  away  with  me  pleasant  remembrances  of  courteous  inhabitants  and  a  cliarm- 
ing  village.  All  is  now  changed.  Hampton  has  been  made  a  desolation  by  the  smit- 
ings  of  civil  war.  Very  few  of  its  inhabitants  were  faithful  to  the  old  flag,  and  that 
county  of  which  Hampton  was  the  capitrd  furnished  no  less  than  six  companies  to  the 
rebel  army.  Colonel  Jones  remained  a  stanch  Union  man — faithful  among  the  faith- 
less— and  was  the  last  man  to  leave  the  doomed  village  when,  at  a  few  minutes  past 
midnight  on  the  7th  of  August,  1861,  the  torch  was  applied  by  order  of  the  rebel  Gen- 
eral Magruder  during  the  maudlin  delirium  of  intoxication.  He  (the  aged  veteran 
of  1812)  was  not  allowed  to  take  any  thing  from  his  house — the  house  in  which  the 
family  of  Commodore  Barron  long  resided — and  he  and  his  equally  aged  companion 
had  scarcely  left  it  when  they  saw  it  in  flames.  Within  twelve  hours,  four  churches 
and  four  hundred  and  seventy  dwellings  were  laid  in  ashes.  Among  the  churches 
was  one  of  the  most  ancient  in  Virginia,^  which  stood  apai*t  from  the  town.  Iih  de- 
struction was  an  act  of  purest  barbarism, 

•June,  The  British  remained  in  Hampton  until  the  27th,''  when  they  re-embarked, 
^***-  and  on  the  morning  of  the  29th  Major  Crutchfield  entered  the  plundered  vil- 
lage and  took  possession.  On  the  Ist  of  July  the  blockading  '•.juadron,  consisting  at 
that  time  of  seven  ships  of  the  line,  seven  frigates,  and  eleven  smaller  vessels,  left 
Hampton  Roads  and  entered  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac  River.  A  portion  of  the 
fleet  went  up  that  stream,  exciting  the  most  intense  alarm  at  Alexandria,  George- 
town, and  the  national  capital.  The  only  fortification  on  which  those  cities  could 
rely  at  that  time  for  the  arrest  of  the  invading  squadron  was  old  Fort  Warhurton, 
then  called  Fort  Washington,^  situated  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac,  a  few 
miles  below  Alexandria.  This  was  strengthened  and  its  garrison  increased  by  call- 
house.  They  left  him,  seized  her,  and  subjected  her  to  Indignities  of  which  savages  would  be  ashamed.  Becanse  of 
these  atrocities,  M'Ijiws,  of  the  Veteran  Corps  at  Wilmington,  need  the  word  Hampton,  in  place  ot  Attention,  when  call- 
ing them  to  order. 

>  This  house  was  of  brick,  and  beantiAilIysltnated.  At  the  time  of  the  British  invasion  It  belonged  to  John  SWeit- 
wood.  MThen  I  visited  it  it  was  the  property  of  his  family.  In  trout  of  it  were  some  tomb-stones,  near  the  site  of  the 
old  Pembroke  church. 

>  For  a  drawing  and  ftill  historical  description  of  this  ancient  chnrch,  see  Lossing's  Pietorlal  IHHd-book  of  the  Radf^ 
t<pn,  U.,S2«. 

'  This  fort  bad  been  put  in  good  condition.  It  had  about  twenty  18  and  88  pounder  cannon  moonted,  that  bore  im- 
mediately upon  the  channel ;  also  a  water  battery  of  eight  82-pounders  advantageously  placed. 


OF  THB  WAR   OF   1813. 


iMtraction  o(  Uunpion. 

bllowiiijj;  tlm  lino 
viHited  Mrs.  imv 
)dorc  Jami'K  Bur- 
nc  with  tlni  por 
I'uther,  <H)j)ie8  of 
169.    She  spoke 
•r  father  received 
)iit,  and  expresned 
yet  bo  juHt  to  his 
what  aged  laiiy, 
1,  and  exeeedingly 
When  tlie  Wight 
itnpton,  Mrs.  Hope 
,h  Carolina,  where 

nd  saw  in  their  lit- 
,  the  faithful  dulin- 
10  wore  profiles  of 
rly  the  next  morn- 
n  page  681,  and  at 
Br  steamer, 
lars,  and  both  times 
itants  and  a  charm- 
olation  by  the  smit- 
0  old  flag,  and  that 
ix  companies  to  tlu 
ul  among  the  faitii- 
a  few  minutes  past 
cr  of  the  rebel  Gen- 
(tho  aged  veteran 
house  in  which  the 
ly  aged  companion 
lours,  four  churches 
mong  the  churches 
the  town.    Its  de- 

they  re-embarked, 
the  plundered  vil- 
idron,  consisting  at 
Ismaller  vessels,  left 
A  portion  of  the 
Alexandria,  George- 
those  cities  could 
|d  Fort  Warhurton, 
the  Potomac,  a  few 
increased  by  call- 

J  be  oBhamed.    Because  o( 
lace  ot  Attention,  when  Mil- 

I  belonged  to  John  S.Weit- 
Istoneg,  near  the  site  of  tte 

MPMd-iooko/theRad'- 

\>n  monnted,  that  tore  in- 
hi. 


unckburn  Id  the  Potomac  and  on  the  Cooit  of  North  Carolina. 


Alarm  In  Booth  Uarollna. 


in({  in  the  militia  from  the  surrounding  country.  Breastworks  wore  thrown  up  at 
Alexandria,  Georgetown,  and  Washington,  and  vigorous  measures  were  taken  to  meet 
the  foe.  The  alarm  soon  subsided.  The  British  did  not  approach  nearer  to  Wnsli- 
iiiL'toii  than  seventy  miles,  and  then  withdrew,  went  around  to  the  Chesapeake,  and 
ereated  equal  alarm  at  Annapolis  and  lialtimore.  Assured  that  those  cities  were 
amply  defended,  they  withdrew,  and  a  ])ortion  of  the  fleet,  under  Admiral  C'oekbum, 
went  southward  to  plunder,  destroy,  and  spread  alarm  along  tho  coasts  of  the  Caro- 
linas  and  Georgia.    His  vessels  wera  tho  Sceptre,  74  (flag-ship) ;  Jiormilns,  Fox,  and 

On  the  12th  of  July  Cockbnrn  anchored  off"  Ocracoko  Inlet,  and  dispatched  Lieu- 
tenant Westphall,  M'ith  about  eight  liundred  men  in  barges,  to  the  waters  of  Pamlico 
Somul.  They  found  within  the  bar  the  Anaconda,  of  New  York,  and  Atlas,  of  Phil- 
adelphia, both  pi-ivatc  armed  vessels.  Tliey  fell  upon  the  Anaconda,  whose  thirteen 
men  after  stout  resistance,  blew  holes  in  her  bottom  with  her  own  guns  and  esenped. 
The  British  plugged  the  holes  and  saved  her.  They  captured  the  Atlas  and  some 
smaller  craft,  but  a  revenue  cutter  escaped,  and  gave  timely  warning  at  Newborn. 
Westphall  proceeded  to  attack  that  place,  but  it  was  too  well  defended  by  the  new- 
ly-rallied militia  to  warrant  an  attack,  so  ho  proceeded  to  Portsmouth,  not  far  ofl', 
took  possession  of  the  town,  and  for  two  o/  three  days  engaged  in  the  pastime  of 
plundering  and  desolating  tho  surrounding  country.  The  rapid  gathering  of  tho  mi- 
litia caused  them  to  decamp  in  haste  on  tho  16th,  carrying  with  them  cattlo  and  other 
property,  and  many  slaves,  to  whom  freedom  was  falsely  promised.  These  Cockburn, 
it  is  said,  sold  in  the  West  Indies. 

Leaving  Pamlico  Sound,  the  arch-marauder  went  down  the  coast,  stopping  at  and 
idiindoring  Dewoes's  and  Capers's  Islands,  and  filling  the  whole  region  of  the  Lower 
Santee  with  terror.  Several  plantations  on  Dewees's  were  desolated,  and  from  Ca- 
pers's a  largo  quantity  of  live-stock  was  taken  away,  with  a  few  slaves.  Other  ex- 
]ioscJ  places  along  the  coast  expected  a  simi- 
lar visitation.  Breastworks  wore  thrown  up 
around  Charleston ;  Fort  Moultrie  and  other 
fortifications  wore  strengthened,  and  a  con- 
siderable body  of  militia  were  assembled  on 
lladdrell's  Point,  or  Point  Pleasant,  where 
might  have  been  seen,  before  the  late  Civil 
War,  a  monument  erected  to  the  memory  of 
some  soldiers  who  perished  there  by.disoaso.^ 
No  battle  was  fought  on  South  Carolina  soil 
during  the  war.  Her  politicians  were  among 
tiie  most  clamorous  for  hostilities,  and  some 
of  her  citizens  made  fortunes  by  privateer- 
ing; but  few  of  her  sons  were  found  in  the 
ranks  of  their  country's  defenders.  She  suf- 
fered most  from  the  fear  of  losing  property, 
especially  slaves,  which  her  state  law  de- 
clared to  be  property ;  and  during  tho  time  eoiniKBe'  jioncmen-,  point  pleasant. 

■  This  monnment  was  bniU  of  brick,  having  in  shallow  recesses  in  the  base  of  the  crowning  pyramid  marble  tablets 
bearing  the  following  inscriptions: 

fiMtSMe.— "On  the  18th  of  June,  1812,  the  United  States  of  America  declared  war  against  Great  Britain.  At  the  first 
sinnd  of  the  trumpet  the  potriot  soldiers  who  sleep  beneath  this  monnment  flew  to  the  standard  of  Liberty.  Here  they 
fell  beneath  the  scythe  of  Death.  The  sympathies  of  the  brave,  the  tears  of  the  stranger,  and  the  alow  dirge  of  the  camp 
lUeaded  them  to  the  tomb. 

" '  How  sleep  the  brave,  who  sinlt  to  rest 
With  all  their  country's  wishes  blest 
The  laurel  wreath  of  shining  preen 
Will  still  around  their  tomb  be  seen.' " 
Tet;  SUt,—"  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Sergeant  Troman  Goodrich  and  Adam  C.  Spencer.    Also  of  Bnvld  Aarantj 

Xx 


m 


i           'J 

i  '  11  j;  • 

'  'jet    i  tj 

t;in| 

llil 

11  II 

690 


PICTORIAL   PIKLD.BOOK 


ti«re>  OrgaalMtlant  MBoag  lh«  >I*t«*. 


A  rtvolntlonarj  Bjnnii. 


Tb«Oni»ei.r()iir*,l, 


when  Cockbiirn  wiim  hovcriiiK  aloii^  the  comt  l\w  larfifc  Kliivt!lii)l<l(»rM  wero  iiKilutcd  U 
tlu<  <l('0])(mt  aiixit)t,y  l(>Ht  n  torco  of  tint  HriliHli  mIioii!,!  IiukI  iukI  dfcliirtt  fVctMloiii  to  all 
■orfH  who  should  join  their  Htuudiini.  Iliiil  tlioy  «lon(i  ho,  ih)  doubt  lui  iirniy  orniiiiiy 
thuuHnnd  colort-d  pcoplo  wotdd  hiivo  flocked  to  that  Htaudiird,  Ibr  tlui  ncj^rocn  liml 
h«'ard  of  tho  liberiition  of  tlioir  bri-tliren  in  Virj^inia  by  tlu)  HriliHli,  but  not  oftlu.  \,f\\^. 
mo»i8  treachery  of  their  Ht'ducer,  who  hoM  tlu'ui  iiito  worHc  Hcrvitu(U!  in  tlic  West  h|. 
dicH.  All  alonf?  tho  coaHt,  and  far  into  the  interior,  Heoret  orf^ani/atiouH  j'xiHtcd  anions 
the  lU'grocH  for  united  efTortH  to  obtain  their  freedom ;  aiul,  in  anticipation  of  tin.  ,.„iii 
hig  of  a  HritiHh  army  of  liberation,  they  were  prepared  to  riHe  in  large  numbcrH,  at  ;i 
given  Nignal,  and  Htrike  for  freedom.'  Hut  Co(!kbuni  waH  content  to  fill  \m  ])<tvh'{>i 
by  plundering,  and  a  petty  Hiave-trade  on  his  own  account ;  ho,  after  kec^ping  the  Cur 
olinaH  in  a  state  like  fever  and  ague  for  many  weekH,*  ho  went  down  to  the  (Jeoriri,., 
ooaHt,  and  at  "  DungenncsH  IIouhc,"  the  neat  of  the  fine  CHtate  of  (Jcneral  Natlmnicl 
Gi-eenc,  of  tho  Itevolution,  on  Cumberland  iHland,  he  nuide  his  head-cpiarterH  for  tji, 
winter.  His  marauderH  went  out  in  all  diroctiouH  upon  the  neighboring  (iouHtjHpicad. 
ing  desolation  ond  alarm.     Among  tlio  estates  visited  was  that  of  IJonaventurcjUiinv 

Wllllnm  KntlaDd,  John  William*,  WllllBm  M'l^llnn,  Ilonry  KIlKoro,  John  Tnylur,  Johu  Bruce,  and  Ilarrla  Uiicuicr, 
prlvntn  Kolillom  oflliti  Tlilrd  KcKlniniit  orHliitv  Triiopn." 

Whoii  I  vlnllBd  tli«  "pot  u  fow  ycarii  iMiforo  llio  IhIo  wnr,  tho  tnhlota  worn  much  rtcfnci-d  l)y  tho  cffoctH  orbiillctn  whirli 
had  bcoii  flrvd  at  thorn  fur  Iho  Mport  of  Homo  youiiK  mun  ofCharloiitoii,  It  wan  xnd  to  hco  mich  cvidviircH  iif  utter  cart. 
lensnoB*  uf  Iho  moniory  of  thoKa  whom  another  and  better  Kcnoratlon  had  delighted  to  honor.  And  yet  there  won  ira. 
tiuiony  not  flir  off- Jnat  ncrou  a  broad  chaanol— that  rcnpuct  for.a  really  Krcat  man,  tliouKh  rnnkod  In  hUtory  aa  aur- 

ago,  was  not  wautln|{.  I  refer  to  Oiceola,  tho  celebrated  Heniliinln  warrior, 
wlio  for  a  lon)(  lime  out|{oiioralcd  Homo  of  tho  boat  commundorH  nt  tliti  rriiul)- 
lie— Scott,  Taylor,  Ualnei<,  and  Jeiiup— In  their  attompta  to  expi.'l  hla  |)C(i|,;e 
IVom  tho  KverKladca  of  Florida,  which  had  belonged  to  hlH  fnlherii  rnimtlmc 
Immemorial.  A  ntouo  alab  marka  hla  laat  roatlnK-placn  on  CHrth.JuKtntlhe 
cntrance-|;ate  to  Fort  Moultrie ;  and  when  I  waa  thero  not  nvuu  n  pciicll.mark 
defaced  tho  aurface,  ou  which  wna  Inacribed,  In  lar^o  Icttera,  0h<ik(ii,a.  Ami 
HO  It  remained  through  tlio  late  Civil  War,  unacutbed  amid  the  riilnn  aroiiml 
it.  I  aaw  it,  well  preaerved.  In  the  aprin){  of  IHOO.  Oaceolu  woa  made  a  iiri-- 
oner  by  treachery,  having  boon  arreatcd  In  tlio  camp  of  Oonoral  Jcsnp,  whlH- 
or  ho  had  been  invited  to  a  conforonco  under  the  generally  aucred  protcctli'n 
of  a  flag  of  truce.  Ho  wna  imprlaoncd,  and  hla  great  heart  woa  brnkcn.  The 
warrior  became  like  a  llttio  child,  and  died  nt  the  close  of  January,  1839,  Xn 
ouo  can  look  upon  that  pimple  monument,  Juat  outalde  of  thegntv  of  a  putter- 
fill  fortreaH,  without  flndlng  In  it  nnd  the  huge  walla  near  Hlgnlflcnnt  cmblrirH 
of  the  comparative  atrength  of  tho  European  and  tho  native  American  od  ibe 
continent;  nor  can  an  American  citizen,  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the 
latter  yeara  of  that  warrlor'a  life,  avoid  the  blnab  of  ahamo  for  the  govemmcni 
that  aancttoned  auch  treachery. 

1  I  am  indebtod  to  nn  accompliahod  American  acholar  and  profeaaor  in  one  of  onr  collegoa  for  on  accnont  of oncot 
these  secret  organizations,  which  mot  regularly  during  the  aummcr  of  1818  upon  an  ialand  In  tho  vicinity  of  Charleston 
Tho  lender  waa  a  man  of  great  angnclty  and  influence,  nnd  their  mcotlnga  wore  opened  and  closed  by  aingliig  ihc  mb- 
Joined  hymn,  composed  by  that  leader.  They  hold  roeotlnga  every  night,  and  had  arranged  a  plan  for  the  rising  of  all 
the  Hlavca  in  Charleston  whon  the  nrttiah  should  appear.  At  one  of  their  meetlngB,  tho  qucHtion  "  Whot  shall  be  done 
with  tho  white  people  t"  waa  warmly  discussed.  Some  advocated  their  indiscriminate  slaughter  aa  tho  only  scourlly 
for  liberty,  and  thia  aeemod  to  be  tho  prevailing  opinion,  when  the  author  of  tho  hymn  came  in  and  said,  "Brother!' 
yon  know  me.  You  know  that  I  am  ready  to  gain  your  liberty  and  mine.  But  not  one  needleas  drop  of  blond  mtut  be 
shed.  I  have  a  rr^nster  whom  I  love,  and  the  man  who  takes  hla  lifb  must  paaa  over  my  dead  body."  Tho  fullowlDgU 
a  copy  of  thoh).  .n  -a  sort  of  parody  on  the  national  aong  "Uait,  Columbia:" 


UHOKOLA  8  QBAVK. 


(11a".!  .;i  '  «!11  ye  Afi-lc  clan  I 
Septal.  "I  llaa  I  y>  oppreased,  ye  Aflrlc  band ! 

(who  t   li  and  awcnt  In  slavery  bound, 
And  when  your  health  and  atrength  are  gone, 
Are  left  to  hunger  and  to  mourn. 
Lot  indepmdenee  bo  your  aim. 
Ever  mindful  what 'tis  worth ; 
Pledge  your  bodies  for  tho  prize, 
Pile  them  ever  to  the  skies  1 

CAoru*.— Firm,  united  lot  us  be, 

Besolved  on  death  or  liberty ! 
Aa  a  band  of  patriots  joined, 
Peace  and  plenty  we  aball  And. 
f  Look  to  heaven  with  manly  trust, 
Rrpeat.  ■<  And  swear  by  Ulm  that's  always  Jnat 
(That  no  white  foe,  with  impious  hand, 


Shall  slave  your  wives  ond  daughters  more, 
Or  rob  them  of  their  virtue  door  I 
Bo  armed  with  valor  firm  and  true, 
Their  hopes  are  flzed  on  Heaven  nnd  yon, 
That  Truth  and  Justice  will  prevail. 
Chorus.— Tlrm,  united,  etc. 

I  Arise!  arise!  shako  off  your  chains! 
Bspeat.  i  Your  cause  la  in",t,  so  Heaven  ordains ; 

(To  you  shull  freedom  bo  proclaimed  I 
Raise  your  arms  and  bare  your  breasts, 
Almighty  Ood  will  do  the  rest. 
Blow  the  clarion's  warlike  bloat; 
Call  every  negro  ft-om  his  task ; 
Wrest  the  scourge  Crom  Buokra's  hand. 
And  drive  each  tyrant  ttom  the  land  1 
CAoru*.— Firm,  united,  etc. 


>  Cockburn  londed  at  Hilton  Head  and  one  or  two  other  places,  from  which  he  carried  off  aome  cattle  and  a  nointo 
of  slavea ;  and  Savannah  waa  much  agitated  for  a  time  with  the  fear  of  hla  grasp. 


OF  TlIK  WAIl   OF   1813. 


UUI 


\\\ 


Thil  «»r«v«of()w«()|i 
WiTt)  Ilu'llllU'd  liy 

irii  rri'cdoni  t(i  nil 
nil  iiniiy  of  many 
•  tlu!  in'^rofH  liml 
imt  not  oft  lie  inl'ii. 
U'  in  tlif  West.  In 
oim  I'x'mti'd  iuiwiii;; 
l)ution  ot'tlu^  ciiin 
ir^o  nunibtTH,  III  ;i 
to  till  tiiH  i»H'k('t!. 
ir  koopiiifj;  tin?  I'm 
wn  to  tli«i  (iiMirj^ia 
(Jcncnil  Niilliaiiicl 
iiil-cjUftitcrH  lor  the 
Drill j^  c.oiiHt,  t<|»r('i\il- 
IJoiiaventuif,ai'i'\v 


uce,  and  Ilnrrta  LancMtn, 

the  effof in  of  bnllctn  wbkli 
icli  ovUtoiircn  (if  utter  care- 
or.  And  y«t  thoro  wm  iw- 
1  rnnkod  In  hlHtory  a«  a  Mr- 
iloWrntod  Sfniliioli!  warrior, 
tcommandcrHiif  tlinrrirali 
.tomiitn  to  exiii'l  hid  \Ki<\i,f 
HoA  lo  hl»  fnthflrs  trnm  time 
H-plnci)  on  CHrtli.Juntntthi; 
llipro  not  ovon  n  pcurll-matk 
Inrgo  letterc,  Ohokh.a.  Anil 
ithod  ntnld  llm  rulim  aroiiiiil 
1.  Oncoola  wnn  mnilc  a  iirl«- 
mp  of  (Icnornl  .Icmip,  whllh- 
I  goncrnlly  Hucreil  protcctlm 
rcM  liciirt  wnn  lirokeii.  The 
1  eloBO  of  January,  ISSK.  Nn 
ilHlilo  of  the  Katoi'f  «!><«"'■ 
illH  near  Bluiilflcant  cmblfiw 
I  tho  native  American  on  ih« 
ntod  with  tho  hiatorynfthe 
of  shamo  for  tho  govemmenl 

igoB  for  an  account  of  one  ot 
In  tho  vicinity  of  Chnrleslon. 

id  cloBod  by  ulnRhiK  't>c  "'>■ 
BdaplanforthcrlBlngotjIl 
uestlon  "  What  Bhall  1)0  doM 
laughter  an  the  only  aecnrlt; 
ame  In  and  "Bid,  "Brother!: 
edlcBS  drop  of  blond  mniilbo 
!adbody."    ThefuUowbgii 

Us  and  daughters  more, 

r  virtue  dear  1 
_•  firm  and  true, 
Id  on  Heaven  and  yon, 
Itlce  will  prevail. 
1  united,  etc. 
i  oir  your  chains  I 
|o  Heaven  ordains-, 
n  be  proclaimed  1 

J  bare  your  brcaste, 

jdo  the  rest. 

tarllke  blast; 

Im  his  task ; 

Jiom  Br.ckra's  hand, 

Intftom  the  land! 

3  nnlted,  etc, 

lofTBOme  cattle  and  a  number 


■nTIANOC  TO   IIONAVENTDBB. 


(-Mkhnrn  on  Um  OomI of  a«orgl«.  DMatnr  riiH  Dm  WMkada  at  N«w  York.         Ua  U  driven  iino  iim'  rhninm. 

iiiiU'H  '•■oni  Hiiviuiniih, 
tho  |tro|)i'rty  of  tlu' 
Tiilliiiill  tUinily,  on 
whicli,  in  11  Ki-ovn  «)f 
livtMmk  (lnii)(!<l  with 
llio  S|i!iijiMli  nioHH,  in 
OIK'  of  tin'  ">oHt  |ii(!- 
liiromiui)  oi!inoteri('» 
ill  the  world,  tlio  cn- 
iranctt  to  whi(!h  Ih 
Hoon  in  tlio  i)i(!tnro, 
iiittde  from  ft  Hkt!t(di 
by  tlid  nrtiHt  T.  Ad- 
dlBon  ItichnrdH. 

Wliilo  Oo(5kl>urn, 
tiie  murftuder,  wftH  on 
the  Soutliem  coftHt, 
Hiirdy,  tho  pontlc- 
iiian,  was  blockading 
11  portion  of  tho  N»!\v 
England  coast.     Tho 

hftrbors  from  tho  IJolawarc  to  Nantucket  wcro  regularly  watched,  and  ingrcHH  and 
t'grt'88  were  very  difficult. 

We  have  given  an  account  of  tl»c  arrival  at  New  York  of  tho  frigates  UhiteAl  States 
and  Macedonian,^  tho  former  in  tho  American  service,  under  Decatur,  and  tho  latter 
a  prize  captured  by  him  from  tho  IJritiwh  in  tho  previous  autumn.  These  had  been 
repaired  and  fitted  for  sea,  and  tho  gallant  Captain  Jones  had  been  placed  in  com- 
mand of  the  Macedonian.  At  this  time  the  Poic^ierfl,  Captain  Bcresford,  and  a  num- 
Iter  of  other  vessels,  were  carefully  guarding  the  entrance  to  New  York  Harbor 
through  tho  Narrows,  but  Decatur,  anxious  to  get  out  upon  tho  ocean,  resolved  to 
run  the  blockade.  Ho  found  it  unsafe  to  attempt  it  at  tho  Narrows ;  so,  with  his  two 
frigates,  accompanied  by  the  sloop  of  war  //omef,  Captain  Biddle,  which  was  anxious 
to  join  the  Chesapeake  at  Bosto*\  he  jjassed  up  the  East  lliver  and  Long  Island  Sound 
for  the  purpose  of  escaping  between  iVIontauk  Point  and  Block  Island.*    For  a  month 

Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  with  his 
flag-ship  the  liamiUies,  the 
Orpheus,  Captain  Sir  Hugh 
y^  I^igot,  the  Valiant,  Acasta, 

^  and  smaller  vessels,  had  been 

keeping  vigilant  watch  in  that  region.  During  that  time  Sir  Thomas  had  won  the 
good  opinion  of  the  inhabitants  along  the  coast  because  of  his  honorable  treatment 
oftliein. 

When  Decatur  approached  tho  mouth  of  tho  Tliames,"  he  was  met  by  the  •  jnne  i, 
Valiant  and  Acasta,  and,  knowing  that  tho  Ramillies  and  Orpheus  were  **'^- 
near,  he  deemed  it  prudent  to  ri»n  into  New  London  Harbor.  He  was  pursued  by 
the  enemy  as  far  as  Gull  Island,  at  which  point  tho  British  anchored  in  position  to 
command  tho  mouth  of  the  Thames.  Then  commenced  a  regular  blockade  of  New 
London,  which  continued  full  twenty  months,  and  was  raised  only  by  tho  proclama- 
tion of  peace.  The  squadron  in  sight  of  Now  London  was  soon  strengthened,  and 
when,  at  the  latter  part  of  June,  Hardy  assumed  command  of  it,  it  consisted  of  two 
74's,  two  frigates,  and  a  number  of  smaller  vessels. 

■  See  page  480. 

>  This  is  ont  at  sea,  sonth  of  Rhode  Island,  and  forma  a  part  of  that  State's  Jurisdiction.  The  British  had  now  raised 
their  standard  on  this  island. 


lim.  ^oiA^^ 


I  ' 


•flKJl 

'  ^^^^^^^1 

wKf 

'■'^  m'    ''"  '  ' 

m 

-l,4Mi.^--  !- 

If 

'i' ' 

.■  i  ■■'■ 

i 

9 

693 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Blockading  Squadron  off  New  London. 


Alarm  of  the  InhabitantK. 


Decatar  finds  a  Place  of  Safety, 


MKW    LONDON  IH    ItJiU.' 


The  presence  of  this  fleet  created  much  anxiety.  The  more  aged  inhabitants,  who 
rem  nbered  Arnold's  incursion  in  1781,  were  filled  with  apwi'ehensions  of  a  repetition 
of  the  tragedies  of  that  terrible  day.  It  was  generally  expected  that  the  enemy 
would  enter  the  river  p.nd  attack  Decatur's  squadron,  and  the  neighboring  militia 
were  summoned  to  the  town ;  the  specie  of  the  banks  was  conveyed  to  Norwich,  at 
the  head  of  ti(^e-water;  and  women,  and  children,  and  portable  property  were  sent 
into  the  interior.  The  character  of  Sir  Thomas  was  a  sufficient  guaranty  that  neitlicr 
life  nor  private  property  would  be  wantonly  destroyed  ;  but,  in  the  event  of  the  bom- 
bardment of  the  ships,  the  town  could  not  well  escape  destructioiL  by  fire.  Decatur, 
in  anticipation  of  such  bomba.dment  of  his  vessels,  after  lightening  them,  took  them 
five  or  six  miles  up  the  river,  beyond  the  reach  of  the  enemy,  and  upon  an  emiiience 
near  Allyn's  Point,  from  which  he  had  a  fine  view  of  the  Sound  and  New  London 
Harbor,  he  cast  up  some  intrenchments,  and  placed  his  cannon  upon  them.  The  spot 
was  named  Dragon  Hill.^ 

At  about  this  time  an  event  occurred  oiF  New  London  which  caused  great  exas- 
peration in  the  blockading  squadron,  and  came  near  bringing  most  disastrous  effects 
upon  the  New  England  coast.  It  was  the  use  of  a  torpedo,  or  submarine  mine,  whose 
invention,  construction,  and  character  have  already  been  given  in  these  pagos.^  Tlie 
government  of  the  United  States,  it  will  br  remembered,  refused  to  employ  them.  It 
was  left  for  private  enterprise  to  attempt  the  promotion  of  the  public  good  by  their 
use  in  weakening  the  power  of  the  enemy.  One  of  these  enterprises  was  undertaken 
in  New  York  city.  In  the  hold  of  the  schooner  Eagle,  John  Scudder,  junior,  the  orii;- 
inator  of  the  plot,  placed  ten  kegs  of  gunpowder,  Avith  a  quantity  of  sulphur  niixwl 
with  it,  in  a  strong  cask,  and  surrounded  it  with  huge  stones  and  other  missiles,  whitli, 
in  the  event  of  explosion,  might  inflict  ^reat  injury.  At  the  head  of  the  cask,  on  the 
inside,  were  fixed  two  gun-locks,  with  cords  fastened  to  their  triggers  at  one  end,  and 
two  barrels  of  flour  at  the  other  end,  so  that  when  the  flour  should  be  removed  the 

'  In  thie  view,  looking  down  the  river,  the  old  conrt-house,  yet  standing  on  State  Street,  is  seen  near  the  centre  of  Ihe 
picture.  Upon  the  rocky  peninsula  ftirther  to  the  right  (erroneously  made  to  appear  like  an  Island)  Is  seen  Port  Tram- 
bull.  Beyond  it,  in  the  distance,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Is  seen  the  ilght-honse,  and  in  the  open  sound  the  Brilifh 
blockading  squadron.  In  the  extreme  distance  is  seen,  as  if  In  connecting  line,  Oull  and  Fisher's  Island.  Ou  the  ex- 
treme left  are  the  Heights  of  Qroton,  east  of  the  Thames. 

a  IlUUmj  of  New  Lmulnn,  by  Miss  Frances  Manwaring  Canlkins,  author  of  a  Bistnri/  of  Norwich,  Connecticut.  Tlie'C 
volumes  justly  rank  among  the  best  arranged  and  most  interesting  of  the  local  histories  of  our  country. 

'  See  pages  from  238  to  240  inclusive. 


km 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


093 


inde  a  Fliicc  of  HaHy. 


A  Torpedo  Vessel  off  New  London. 


Alarm  and  Precaatlons  of  the  British. 


Other  Torpedo  Vessels. 


I  inhabitants,  who 

on8  of  a  repetition 

i  that  the  enemy 

3ighboring  militia 

'ed  to  Norwich,  at 

roperty  were  sent 

iranty  that  neitlier 

[  event  of  the  bom- 

by  fire.     Decatur, 

them,  took  them 

upon  an  emiiieiico 

and  Now  Loudon 

them.    The  spot 

sausod  great  oxas- 

,  disastrous  effects 

larine  mine,  whose 

hese  pagcs.3    The 

(Mnploy  them.  It 

blic  good  by  their 

!8  was  undertaken 

T,  junior,  the  oris- 

of  sulphur  mi.veil 

ler  missiles,  which, 

jf  the  cask,  on  the 

irs  at  one  end,  anil 

d  bo  removed  the 

ten  near  the  centre  of  ite 
ilanfl)  is  seen  Fort  Trmn- 
lo  open  sound  the  Brltith 
her's  Island.   Onthces- 

Hch,  Connecticut.   Thc-e 
Ir  country. 


Q 


locks  would  bo  sprung,  the  powder  ignited,  and  the  terrible  mine  exploded.  Thus 
prepared,  with  a  cargo  of  flour  and  naval  stores  over  the  concealed  mine,  the  Eagle, 
Captain  Riker,  late  in  June,  sailed  for  New  London,  where,  as  was  expected  and  de- 
sired, she  was  captured  by  armed  men  sent  out  in  boats  from  the  Ramillies.  The 
crew  of  the  Eagle  escaped  to  the  shore  at  Millstone  Point,  and  anxiously  awaited  the 
result.  The  wind  had  fallen,  and  for  two  hours  unavailing  etforts  were  made  to  get 
the  Eagle  alongside  the  Ramillies  for  the  purpose  of  transferring  her  cargo  to  that 
vessel.  Finally  boats  were  sent  out  as  lighters,  the  hatches  of  the  Eagle  were  opened, 
and  when  the  first  barrel  of  flour  was  removed  the  explosion  took  place.  A  column 
of  fire  shot  up  into  the  air  full  nine  hundred  feet,  and  a  shower  of  pitch  and  tar  fell 
upon  the  deck  of  the  Ramillies.  The  schooner,  and  the  first  lieutenant  and  ten  men 
from  the  flag-ship  on  board  of  her,  Avere  blown  into  atoms,  and  most  of  those  in  the 
boats  outside  were  seriously,  and  some  fatally  injured. 

The  success  which  this  experiment  promised  caused  others  to  be  tried.  A  citizen 
of  Norwich,  familiar  with  the  machine  used  by  Bushnell  in  attempts  to  blow  up  the 
Eagle,  British  ship-of-war,  in  the  harbor  of  New  York  during  the  Revolution,  invented 
a  submarine  boat  in  which  he  voyaged  at  the  rate  of  three  miles  an  hour.  Li  this  he 
went  under  the  Ramillies  three  times,  and  on  the  third  occasion  had  nearly  com- 
pleted the  task  of  fixing  a  torpedo  to  her  bottom,  when  a  scrcAv  bioke,  and  his  effort 
was  foiled.  He  was  discovered,  but  escaped.  A  daring  fisherman  of  Long  Island, 
named  Penny,  made  attempts  on  the  Ramillies  with  a  torpedo  in  a  Avhale-boat,  and 
Hardy  was  kept  continually  on  the  alert.  So  justly  fearful  was  he  of  these  mines, 
that  he  not  only  kept  his  ship  in  motion,  but,  according  to  Penny,  who  was  a  p'-:soner 
on  the  Ramillies  for  a  while,  he  caused  her  bottom  to  be  swept  with  a  cable  every 
two  hours  night  and  day.  He  finally  issued  a  warning  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
coasts  that  if  they  did  not  cease  that  cruel  and  unheard-of  warfare,  he  should  proceed 
to  destroy  their  tOAV'ns  and  desolate  their  country.^ 

An  attempt  of  Mr.  Mix,  of  the  navy,  in  July,  to  blow  up  the  Flantagenet,  74,  lying 
off  Cppe  Henry,  Virginia,  was  almost  successful.  The  torpedo  was  carried  out,  under 
cover  of  intense  darkness,  in  a  heavy  open  boat  called  The  Chesapeake  Avenger,  and 
dropped  so  as  to  float  down  under  the  ship's  bow.  It  exploded  a  few  seconds  too' 
soon.  The  scene  was  awful.  A  column  of  water,  twenty-five  feet  in  diameter,  and 
half  luminous  with  lurid  light,  was  thrown  up  at  least  forty  feet,  with  an  explosion 
as  terrific  as  thunder,  and  producing  a  concussion  like  the  shock  of  an  earthquake. 
It  burst  at  the  crown.  The  water  fell  in  profusion  on  the  deck  of  the  Plantagenet, 
and  at  the  same  moment  she  rolled  into  the  chasm  made  by  this  sudden  expulsion  of 
water,  and  nearly  upset.  Torpedoes  were  also  placed  across  the  Narrows,  below  New 
York,  and  at  the  entrance  to  the  harbor  of  Portland.  This  fact  made  the  British 
commanders  exceedingly  cautious  in  approaching  our  harbors,  and  they  and  their 
American  sympathizers  expressed  great  horror  at  this  mode  of  warfare.  It  was  re- 
plied that  the  wanton  outrages  committed  on  the  defenseless  inhabitants  of  the  coast, 
from  Havre  de  Grace  to  Charleston,  fully  justified  any  mode  of  warfare  against  such 
marauders,  and  that  stratagem  in  the  horrid  business  of  war  was  always  justifiable.^ 

>  Hardy  had  been  in  the  habit  of  allowlnar  trading  vessels  to  pass,  the  blockade  being  chiefly  against  Decatur's  little 
sqnadron ;  but  on  the  morning  after  the  explosion  of  the  EarjU  he  informed  Qencral  labam,  the  commander  of  tLe  mi- 
lillo  at  New  London,  that  no  vessel  would  thereafter  be  allowed  to  pass  the  British  squadron  except  flags  of  truce.  And 
on  ihe  28th  of  August,  after  an  attempt  npon  the  RamiUie»  by  Penny  from  the  south  side  of  Long  Island,  Hardy  wrote 
to  Justice  Terry,  of  Southold,  desiring  him  t  >  warn  the  Inhabitants  along  the  coast  that  if  they  allowed  a  torpedo  boot 
to  remain  another  day  among  them,  he  would  "  order  every  house  near  the  shore  to  be  destroyed."  The  leniency  and 
courtesy  extended  to  the  Inhabitants  by  Captain  Kardy  gave  him  claims  to  their  respectful  consideration. 

"The  Philadelphia  Anrnra  said.  In  xpcaklng  of  the  complaints  of  the  mischievous  "  Peace  party"  of  that  day,  "Wc 
would  respecli^iUy  solicit  the  pioiis  men  to  explain  to  us  the  difference  between  waging  war  with  mibmarine  macMnes 
and  with  aerial  doscructive  weapons  -fighting  under  water  or  fighting  In  the  airr  The  British,  too  c  wardly  to  meet 
U!  on  shore  (except  when  they  are  certain  of  finding  little  or  no  opposition)  like  men  and  soldiers,  send  us  Cungreve 
rwHji  to  burn  oar  towns  and  habitations ;  wc,  iu  tarn,  dispatch  some  of  our  torpedoes  to  rub  the  copper  off  the  bottoms 
of  their  ships." 


m 


i           f 

m 

1  vUft^^^l 

W' 


M 


694 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


VlgoroDS  Blockade  of  tbe  Coast  of  Connecticnt. 


The  local  Militia. 


Colonel  Burbeck. 


Although  Hardy  did  not  execute  his  threats,  he  made  the  blockade  more  rigoroog 
than  ever,  and  many  trading  vessels  became  prizes  to  the  British  cruisers.  A  tiny 
warfare  was  kept  up  along  the  Connecticut  coast,  for,  whenever  a  chased  vessel  was 
driven  ashore,  the  inhabitants  would  turn  out  to  defend  it.  One 
of  these  encounters  occurred  a  little  west  of  the  light-house  late 
in  the  autumn.*  The  sloop  Roxana  was  chased  "November 28 
ashore  by   three   British  barges,  and  grounded..  ^**^- 

Within  half  an  hour  a  throng  of  people  had  assembled  to  rescue 
her,  when  the  enemy  set  her  on  fire  and  retreated.  The  Amer- 
icans attempted  to  extinguish  the  flames,  but  a  heavy  cannonade 
from  the  ships  drove  them  oif.  Although  many  were  exposed 
to  the  cannon-balls  on  that  occasion,  not  one  was  hurt.  "  Dur- 
ing the  whole  war,"  says  Miss  Caulkins, "  not  a  man  was  killed 
by  the  enemy  in  Connecticut,  and  only  one  in  its  waters  on  the 
coast."' 


i,iuur-uui;a£  at  new  lumiu2<. 


At  near  the  close  of  June,  the 
veteran  colonel  of  artillery  in  the 
regular  service,  Henry  Burbeck, 
who  had  been  stationed  at  New- 
port, arrived  at  New  London  to 
take  charge  of  that  military  de- 
partment.^ He  f-^'.ind  the  militia, 
who  were  b'  on  'mbued  with 
the  mischie\^  iS  i/ (otrine  of  state 
supremacy,  unwilling  to  be  trans- 
ferred, according  to  late  orders 
from  the  Secretary  oi  War,  from  the  service  of  the  state  to  the  service  of  the  United 
States.  He  accordingly,  under  instructions  from  Washington,  dismissed  them  all. 
The  people,  misconstruing  the  movement,  were  alarmed  and  exasperated.  They  re- 
gai-ded  themselves  as  unwarrantably  deprived  of  their  defenders,  and  betrayed  to 
the  enemy,  who  might  come  and  plunder  and  destroy  to  his  heart's  content.  At  the 
same  time,  it  was  known  that  Hardy's  fleet  had  been  re-enforced  by  the  arrival  of 
the  Emlymjon  and  Statira,  vessels  equal  in  strength  to  the  United  States  and  Mact- 
donian.  A  panic  of  mingled  fear  and  indignation  prevailed,  and  it  was  only  allayed 
by  the  quick  response  of  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  to  the  invitation  of  Colonel 

>  History  of  Xew  London,  page  034. 

»  Henry  Burbeck  was  born  in  Boston  on  the  8th  of  June,  1764.    He  was  a  soldier  of  the  Rcvolntlon,  and  in  1T87,  ander 
the  Confederation,  he  was  commissioned  a  captain.    He  was  appointed  y^^4^  yt 

captoin  of  artillery  In  1789,  and  promoted  to  major  in  1791.    He  was  raised     — - — y/^TifJ^^ijP      i  i   '^ 
to  lieutenant  colonel  of  artillery  and  engineers  in  1708,  and  to  colonel  In  ^  fCy  C*^»-«-*'-^  *>^ 

1802.    During  his  service  at  New  London,  on  the  Iflth  of  September,  1813,   .  ^— — — ""        x 

he  was  breveted  a  brigadier  general,  and  held  that  commiseion  until  the   x-- — ~2>^^^  '  '\ 

dose  of  the  war,  when,  after  thirty-eight  years  of  military  service,  he  re-  '   '■"         ^''^~^»,-—  "'  ' 

tired  from  the  army,  and  took  up  his  abode  in  New  London.  He  died  tl.^  ' 
the  2d  of  October,  1848,  at  the  great  age  of  uincty-lbnr  years.  He  was  bnii  j 
in  the  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery  at  New  London,  and  over  his  grave  the  Maeea- 
ch'isetts  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  of  which,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  he  w«s 
president,  and  last  survivor  but  <me  of  the  original  members,  erected  a  band- 
some  granite  monument,  under  the  direction  of  Honorable  R.  G.  Shaw,  of  Bos- 
ton, the  late  General  H.  A.  S.  Dearborn,  of  Roxbury,  and  the  Reverend  Alfrfd 
L.  Baury,  of  Newton  Lower  Falls,  a  committee  of  the  society.  Upon  the  front 
i)f  the  obelisk,  on  a  shield,  is  the  following  inscription :  "  Brigadier  General 
Heniiy  BuBiiKiiK,  bom  In  Boston,  Mass.,  June  8, 17IM.  Died  at  New  London, 
October  2, 1848."  Upon  the  cube  on  which  the  obelisk  stands  the  following 
words  are  deeply  engraven :  "  The  Massachusetts  Society  of  the  Cincinnati 
dedicate  this  monument  to  the  memory  of  their  late  honor?''  President.  He 
was  an  officer  of  the  United  States  from  the  commoncemcr  '  the  Uevoln- 
tlonary  War  nntll  near  the  close  of  his  life.  By  a  patriotic  -  d  fttltlil\il  dU- 
charge  of  the  high  and  responsible  duties  of  a  Gallant  '^  '  ■'  and  nn  Ex- 
emplary Citizen,  he  became  as  Justly  ond  eminently  distlUj,"  >;:  ti  iw  lis  wu 
uobuxok's  mumumknt.  rightfully  and  universally  respected.    Erected  MDCCCL." 


PVP 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


695 


Colonel  Burbeck. 

[e  more  rigorous 

ruisers.    A  tiny 

lascd  vessel  was 

defend  it.    One 

light-house  late 

3ed      •  November  28, 

ed..  ''''■ 

emblcd  to  rescue 
ted.  The  Amer- 
heavy  cannonade 
ny  were  exposed 
vas  hurt.  "Dur- 
a  man  was  killed 
its  waters  on  the 


lose  of  June,  the 
)f  artillery  in  the 
Henry   Burbeck, 
tationcd  at  New- 
New  London  to 
that  military  dc- 
f-^und  the  militia, 
ty;  ■    'mhued  with 
V  lotrine  of  state 
illing  to  be  trans- 
g    to   late    orders 
•vice  of  the  United 
ismissed  theui  all. 
perated.    They  re- 
I,  and  betrayed  to 
content.    At  the 
jy  the  arrival  of 
States  and  3Iace- 
t  was  only  allayed 
vitation  of  Colonel 

rolutlon,  una  in  1787,  andet 


) 


.ondon.  He  died  tl.. 
anr  years.  He  was  bni.  .; 
over  his  grave  tbe  Massa- 
time  of  his  death,  lie  was 
members,  erected  a  hand- 
lorable  K.G.Shaw, of  BoE- 
,  and  the  Reverend  AIM 
I'e  society.  Upon  the  troDt 
itlon:  "Brlpadicr  General 
iM.  Died  at  New  Loudon, 
ellsk  stands  the  followinp 
Society  of  the  Cliiclmnu 
te  honorp''  President.  He 
loncemer.  '  the  Revoln- 
patriotic  -  .1  faithW  ^" 


i4. 


lallant 

ly  dIstlUii 

X'CL." 


and  m  Ki- 

u*slis  Vfil 


Decatur  endeavors  to  get  to  Sea.      The  BIne-llghts  and  the  "  Peace  Party."      A  Challenge.      Tour  In  New  England. 

Burbeck  to  call  out  the  militia  for  the  temporary  defense  of  the  menaced  town.  Brig- 
adier Gential  Williams  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  militia,  and  the  alarm 
subsided. 

Decatur  watched  continually  during  the  summer  and  autumn  for  an  opportunity 
to  escape  to  sea  with  his  three  vessels ;  and  hoping,  as  the  severely  cold  weather  came 
on  to  find  the  enemy  at  times  somewhat  lax  in  vigilance,  he  slowly  dropped  down 
the  river,  and  at  the  beginning  of  December  was  anchored  in  New  London"  Harbor, 
opposite  Market  Wharf.  With  great  secrecy  he  prepared  every  thing  for  sailing. 
He  fixed  on  Sunday  evening,  the  12th,''  for  making  the  attempt  to  run  the  .  December, 
blockade.     Fortunately  for  his  plan,  the  night  was  very  dark,  the  wind  ^*^^- 

was  favorable,  and  the  tide  served  at  a  convenient  hour.  When  all  things  were  in 
readiness,  and  he  was  about  to  weigh  anchor,  word  came  from  the  row-guard  of  the 
Macedonian  and  Hornet  that  signal-lights  were  burning  on  both  sides  of  the  river, 
near  its  mouth.  They  were  ft^we-lights,  and  Decatur  had  no  doubt  of  their  being 
signals  to  warn  the  enemy  of  his  movement,  which  was  known  in  the  village  that 
evening.  Thus  exposed  by  "  Peace  Men,"  of  whom  there  were  a  few  in  almost  every 
community,  he  at  once  abandoned  the  project,  and  tried  every  means  to  discover  the 
betrayers,  but  without  effect.  The  Opposition,  as  a  party,  denied  the  fact,  while  oth- 
ers as  strongly  asserted  it.  In  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy*"  ^ 
on  the  subject,  Decatur  said, "  Notwithstanding  these  signals  have  been 
repeated,  and.  have  been  seen  by  twenty  persons  at  least  in  this  squadron,  there  are 
men  in  New  London  who  have  the  hardihood  to  affect  to  disbelieve  it,  and  the  ef- 
frontery to  avow  their  disbelief."  The  whole  Federal  party,  who  were  traditionally 
opposed  to  war  with  Great  Britain,  were  often  unfairly  compelled  to  bear  the  odium 
of  actions  which  justly  pertained  only  to  the  "  Peace"  faction.  They  were  compelled 
to  do  so  in  this  case,  and  for  more  than  a  generation  members  of  that  party  were 
stigmatized  with  the  <  pithet  of  "Blue-light  Federalist." 

The  United  States  and  Macedonian  were  imprisoned  in  the  Thames  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  war.^  In  the  spring  of  1814  they  were  dismantled,  and  laid  up  about 
three  and  a  half  miles  below  Norwich,  and  their  officers  and  men  made  their  way  by 
land  to  other  ports  and  engaged  actively  in  the  service.  The  Hornet  lay  at  New 
London  almost  a  year  longer,  when  she  slipped  out  of  the  harbor  and  escaped  to  New 
York. 

Of  the  more  stirring  operations  of  the  blockading  fleet  in  this  vicinity  the  follow- 
ing year  I  shall  hereafter  write,  and  it  remains  for  me  now  only  to  make  brief  men- 
tion of  the  circumstances  of  my  visit  at  New  London  and  its  vicinity  late  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1 860.  I  had  been  on  a  tour  East  as  far  as  Castine,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pe- 
nobscot, and  up  that  river  to  Bangor,  and  was  thus  far  on  my  way  homeward,  after 
spending  Thanksgiving-day  with  the  acting  surgeon  of  Perry's  fleet.  Dr.  Lusher  Par- 
sons, at  his  house  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island.  I  had  reached  New  London  at  an 
early  hour,  and,  with  a  pleasant  day  before  me,  went  out  to  visit  places  of  historic  in- 
terest in  the  town  and  its  neigliborhood.  Before  doing  so,  I  called  on  the  accom- 
plished author  of  the  History  of  New  London  (Miss  Caulkins^),  and,  after  the  brief  in- 


'  In  January,  1814,  Captain  Moran,  master  of  a  sloop  that  had  been  captnred  by  the  blockaders,  reported  that  Hardy, 
in  his  presence,  expressed  a  desire  that  the  Micedunian  and  Statira  should  h.ive  a  ',on.hat,  they  being  vessels  of  equal 
power,  but  that  he  would  not  permit  a  challenge  to  that  effect  to  be  sent  DecF.mr  at  once  Infoi-med  Hardy  (ITlh  of 
January,  1,S14)  that  he  was  ready  to  have  n  meeting  of  the  Maoedonian  and  Statira,  and  the  United  Statei  and  Kndymion, 
and  invited  him  to  the  contest.  This  messagi  was  sent  by  Captain  Blddle,  of  the  Hornet,  who  was  informed  that  an 
answer  would  be  sent  the  next  day.  The  crew «  of  the  two  American  frigates  were  assembled,  and  when  the  proposi- 
lion  was  submitted  to  them  they  received  It  with  hearty  cheers.  They  were  eager  for  release,  and  did  not  duubt  their 
ability  10  secure  a  victory.  On  the  following  day  an  answer  came.  The  challenge  was  accepted  so  far  as  the  Maeedo- 
ilmian  and  Statira  were  concerned,  but  a  meeting  between  the  United  Slates  and  Endymion  was  declined  because  of  an 
olle^'ed  disparity  In  strength,  which  would  give  great  advantage  to  the  American  vessel.  Decntnr,  being  under  sailing 
orderii,  and  anxious  to  get  his  little  squadron  to  sea,  would  not  consent  to  its  separation  by  detaching  the  Maeeidonian 
for  a  duel,  so  the  matter  druppcd. 

>  Ml88  Caulkius  Is  also  the  author  of  an  admirable  History  of  Norwich,  Connecticut. 


m 


> 

I 

i 

4 

: 

■■HI 

1 

I    iKI 


i 


.1   i  ^ 


...'iiiii 


696 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


OOUUOUOBK  KOUUBBHH   UONCSIINT. 


Cemetery  at  New  London  and  its  OccnpantH.         Commodore  Rodgers.         New  London  Harbor  and  Fort  TrumbnII 

terview  which  limited  time  allowed,  I  was  well  prepared  to  find  the  places  (and  ap- 
preciate the  interest  attached  to  them)  in  and  around  that  pleasant  little  city  of  ten 
thousand  uihabitants.     I  shall  ever  remember  that  intervicv  with  pleasure. 

Near  New  London  is  the  "  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery,"  in  which  are  the  graves  of 
many  of  the  honored  dead,  Among  these,  over  which  affection  has  reared  monii- 
ments,  may  be  found  those  of  General  Burbeck  and  Commodore  George  W.  Rodgeis. 

I  made  sketched  of  the  monuments  erected  t(i 
the  memory  of  each,  and  present  them  to  the 
readers  of  these  pages.  Commodore  Rodders 
was  a  gallant  officer  of  the  navy,  and  died  in 
the  service  of  his  country  at  Buenos  Ayrcs,  in 
South  America,  on  the  21st  of  May,  1832,  at  the 
age  of  forty-six  years.  He  was  then  in  com- 
mand of  an  American  squadron  on  the  coast  of 
Brazil.  He  was  a  veteran  officer,  having  been 
a  midshipman  in  1804,  and  a  lieutenant  in 
active  service  during  the  War  of  1812.'  By 
order  of  the  Navy  Department,  his  remains 
were  brought  home  in  the  ship  Lexington  in 
1850,  and  conveyed  to  New  London  in  cliarje 
of  Commodore  Kearney.  Their  re-intcrmcnt  in 
"  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery"^  was  the  occasion  of 
a  great  civic  and  military  display,  in  which  the 
Governor  of  Connecticut  and  his  suite  joined/ 
His  monument  is  a  plain  obelisk  of  freestone,  on  which  is  a  simple  inscription. 

From  the  cemetery  I  rode  back  to  the  town  by  another  way,  which  passed  by  the 
older  part  of  the  place,  and  the  "  Hempstead  House,"  the  last  remaining  of  the  three 
original  houses  built  at  New  London.  It  was  erected  and  occupied  by  Sir  Robert 
Hempstead,  whose  descendants  yet  own  it.  It  was  fortified  against  the  Indians  at 
one  time,  and  was  the  nearest  neighbor  to  the  mansion  of  Governor  Winthrop,  at  the 
head  of  the  Cove — that  cove  out  of  which,  within  twenty  rods  of  the  "  Hempsteail 
House,"  sailed  the  first  vessel  that  went  from  New  London  to  the  West  Indies. 

From  the  "Hempstead  House"  I  rode  down  to  the  light-house  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Thames,  sketched  the  view  of  it  on  page  694,  and,  returning,  visited  Fort  Trumbull, 
so  called  in  honor  of  the  first  Governor  of  Connecticut  of  that  name.  It  is  a  most 
delightful  drive  along  the  river  fro.n  the  light-house  and  Pequot  House  to  the  city, 
and  it  is  much  traveled  for  pleasure  during  the  summer  season.  Outward  is  seen  the 
broad  expanse  of  the  Sound,  with  Fisher's  and  Gull  Islands  in  the  distance ;  while  up 
the  river  is  seen  the  fort  and  city  on  one  side,  and  Fort  Griswold,  the  Groton  Jlomi- 
ment  and  village,  and  the  green  hills  stretching  away  toward  Norwich  on  the  other. 
Fort  Trumbull  is  a  strong  w^ork,  built  chiefly  of  granite  from  the  quarry  at  I\Iillstonf 
Point.  It  is  the  third  fortress  erected  on  the  spot.  In  1775  a  strong  block-liouse 
was  built  upon  that  rocky  point,  some  embankments  were  cast  up  around  it,  and  the 
whole  was  named  Fort  Trumbull.  In  1812  these  embankments  were  only  green 
mounds.  These  were  cleared  away,  and  a  more  formidable  work  Avas  erected,  leav- 
ing the  old  block-house  within  the  lines.  This  fort,  retaining  the  original  name,  fell 
into  decay,  and  all  but  the  ancient  block-house  was  demolished  preparatory  to  the 
commencement  of  the  present  structure.  There  the  block  -  house  still  stands,  a 
monument  to  the  memory  of  the  patriotism  of  our  fathers  of  the  Revolution.    The 

I  He  was  nade  master  commandant  in  1810,  and  captain  iu1R28.  One  of  bis  sons  (Lieutenant  Alexander  P.  Bodttn) 
was  killed  at  cbe  battle  of  Chapaltepec,  in  Mexico,  In  Septem1)e.',  184T. 

>  This  cemetery  was  laid  ont  by  Dr.  Horatio  Stone  for  an  association  in  18S0,  and  consecrated  In  1861.  Tbe  flretii- 
tennent  of  a  person  living  when  it  was  laid  out  was  fnat  of  Joseph  S.  Sistare.— Hiss  Caolklus. 

'  Cunllcins'a  History  of  Conixtelimt,  002. 


or  imd  Fort  Trumbull, 

places  (and  ap- 
little  city  often 
Icasure. 

e  the  graves  of 
as  reared  n\onu- 
rge  W.  Hodgers, 
raents  erected  to 
3cnt  them  to  the 
imodore  Kodgcrs 
:iavy,  and  died  in 
Buenos  Ayres,  in 
•May,  1832,  at  the 
was  then  in  com- 
an  on  the  coast  of 
fficcr,  having  been 
1  a  lieutenant  in 
^Tar  of  1812.'    By 
ment,  his  remains 
ship  Lexington  in 
London  in  charge 
[leir  re-interment  in 
ft' as  the  occasion  of 
isplay,  in  which  the 
nd  his  suite  joined.' 
e  inscription, 
sfhich  passed  hy  the 
[laining  of  the  three 
ipied  by  Sir  Robert 
ainst  the  Indians  at 
lor  Winthrop,  at  the 
of  the  "  Hempstead 
e  West  Indies, 
at  the  mouth  of  the 
ited  Fort  Trumbull, 
name.    It  is  a  most 
„  House  to  the  city, 
Outward  is  seen  the 
distance ;  while  up 
d,  the  Groton  Monu- 
rwich  on  the  other. 
quarry  at  ^Millstone 
.  strong  block-house 
ip  around  it,  and  the 
its  were  only  green 
.-k  was  erected,  leav- 
le  original  name,  fell 
i  preparatory  to  the 
ouae   still  stands,  a 
,e  Revolution.   The 

^TAle^rP.Rodef") 
IcratedlnlSBl.   Theflrttin- 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


eoT 


Block-houBe  erected  in  1812. 


The  old  Conrt-hoase  and  its  ABsociations. 


Peace. 


new  fort  was  built  under  the 
superintendence  of  (then) 
Captain  George  W.  Cullum, 
of  the  United  States  Engi- 
neers, and  was  completed  in 
1849,  at  a  cost  of  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars.  The  views  from  its 
battlements  are  extensive; 
and  from  the  grassy  espla- 
nade sloping  to  the  water 


AHOHKT  BLOOK-nOCBK,  FOBT  TBCHOCLL, 


NEW   LONDON  HABBOB  KBOM  FOBT  TBUUBDLL. 


southward  may  be  obtained 
a  very  pleasant  view  of  the 
harbor,  the  mouth  of  the  riv- 
er, and  Long  Island  Sound 
beyond. 

The  last  object  of  interest 
visited  in  New  London  was 
the  old  court-house  built  in 
1784,  three  years  after  its 
predecessor  was  burnt  at  the 
time  of  Arnold's  invasion.' 


It  stands  at  the  head  of  broad  State  Street, 
upon  a  rocky  foundation.  It  had  an  ex- 
ternal gallery  around  it  at  the  second 
story,  but  this  was  removed  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  present  cimtury,  and  it 
now  bears  the  appearance  that  it  did  at 
the  close  of  the  Second  War  for  Inde- 
pendence, when  it  was  the  scene  of  joy- 
ous festivities  immediately  after  the  Pres- 
ident's proclamation  of  peace  reached 
the  town  in  February,  1815.2  Friendly 
greetings  between  the  British  blockading 
squadron  and  the  citizens  then  took  place. 
The  latter  soon  went  to  sea,  and  the  U^iit- 
ed  States  and  Macedonian  departed  for 
Xew  York  after  an  imprisonment  of 
about  twenty  months.     Then  "  the  last  shadow  of  war  departed  from  the  town." 

I  left  New  London  for  Stonington  by  railway  at  evening,  whither  I  shall  invite  the 
reader  before  long. 

We  have  now  considered  the  military  events  during  the  year  1813  in  the  North 
and  West,  on  the  Lakes,  and  along  the  Atlantic  coast ;  let  us  now  look  out  upon  the 
ocean,  and  observe  the  hostile  movements  of  the  belligerents  there.  In  the  mean 
time  sounds  of  war  with  the  Indians  come  up  from  the  Gulf  region. 

See  Miss  Caulklns's  Histanj  qf  Xcw  London,  page  628. 

'  Admiral  Hotham,  wliose  flag-ship  was  the  Superb,  then  commanded  the  blockading  sqnadron  iff  New  London.  On 
he  21.st  of  February  the  village  was  splendidly  illnmlnated.  Ilothaui  determineJ  to  mingle  in  the  festivities.  An- 
iionnctng  the  parole  on  the  Superb  to  be  "America,'  and  the  countersign  "Amity,"  he  and  his  offlcers  went  ashore 
and  mingled  freely  and  cordially  with  the  inhabitants.  The  admiral  was  received  with  distinguished  courtesy,  for,  like 
Hardy,  he  bad  won  the  merited  esteem  of  the  citizens  by  his  gentlemanly  conduct.  At  about  this  time  the  Pactolu» 
and  i'ordMii*  came  Into  the  harbor,  bringing  Commodore  Decatur  and  Lieutenant  (now  Admiral)  W.  B.  Shnbrick, 
who  had  been  captured  in  the  frtgate  Pre»ident.  A  public  reception,  partaking  of  the  character  of  a  ball,  was  held  at 
.  the  court-house,  to  which  all  the  British  offlcers  on  the  coast  were  invited.  Several  were  present,  and  the  guests  were 
received  by  Commodorce  Decatur  and  Shaw, 


TUB  OIJ>  OOUBT-UOnSB. 


, :      1 

H 

' 

■  ■     '«  . 

'  I 

1       I 


■11*^ 


I' 'If 


_Ji_L      '  '"' 


.  .-  J.I .      J 


'li 


698 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Homtt  on  the  Coaat  uf  8uuth  America. 


Her  Contest  with  the  I'tanirt, 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

"O,  Johnny  Ball,  my  Joe,  John,  year  Peaeoek*  keep  at  home, 
And  ne'er  let  British  seamen  on  a  Frolic  hither  come, 
For  we've  Hornets  and  we've  Waupa,  John,  who,  as  yon  donbtless  know, 
Carry  stingers  in  their  tails,  O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  Joe." 

BnoTUXB  Jonathan's  Epistle  to  Johnny  Bcll,  1814. 

"  Then  learn,  ye  comrades  of  the  illustrious  dead. 
Heroic  faith  and  honor  to  revere ; 
For  Lawrence  slumbers  in  his  lowly  bed, 
Bmbolm'd  by  Albion's  and  Columbia's  tear." 

HoNODT  ON  Tns  Death  of  Lawberoe. 

FTER  the  destruction  of  the  Java  off  the  coast  of  Brazil  in  De- 
cember, 1812,  Commodore  Bainbridge,  as  we  have  observed, 
sailed  for  the  United  States,*  leaving  the  Hornet,  Cap-  .  jannanj 
tain  James  Lawrence,  to  blockade  the  Bon  Citoyenne,  '^'^ 
a  vessel  laden  with  treasure,  in  the  harbor  of  San  Salvador.' 
On  the  24th  of  January,  the  British  ship  of  war  Montagu^  74, 
made  her  appearance.  She  came  up  from  Rio  Janeiro  to  raise 
the  blockade.  The  Jlornet  was  driven  into  the  harbor,  but  es- 
caped during  the  very  dark  night  that  followed,  and  went  cruising  up  the  coast.  She 
was  thus  employed  for  a  month,  and  captured  a  few  prizes.  Finally,  on  the  24th  of 
February,  at  half  past  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  while  chasing  an  English  brig 
off  the  mouth  of  the  Demerara  River,  Lawrence  suddenly  discovered  a  vessel,  evi- 
dently a  man-of-war,  with  an  English  ensign  set,  just  without  the  bar.^  He  determ- 
ined to  attack  her.  The  Carobana  bank  lay  between  the  Hornet  and  this  newly-dis- 
covered enemy.  While  she  was  beating  around  this  another  sail  was  discovered, 
bearing  down  cautiously  on  her  weather  quarter.  When  she  drew  near  she  proved 
to  be  a  man-of-war  brig,  displaying  British  colors.  The  men  of  the  Hornet  were 
called  to  quarters.  The  ship  was  cleared  for  action,  and  as  the  American  ensign  was 
flung  out  she  tacked,  contended  for  the  weather-gage  unsuccessfully,  and  then  stood 
for  her  antagonist.  The  latter  was  on  a  like  errand,  and  both  vessels,  with  their 
heads  different  ways,  and  lying  close  to  the  wind,  passed  within  half  pistol-shot  of 
each  other  at  twenty-five  minutes  past  five,  delivering  their  broadsides  from  larboanl 
batteries  as  the  guns  bore.  Immediately  after  passing,  the  stranger  endeavored  to 
wear  short  round,  so  as  to  get  a  raking  fire  at  the  Hornet.  •  Lawrence  closely  watclieil 
the  movement,  and  promptly  imitating  it,  and  firing  his  starboard  guns,  compelled 
the  stranger  to  right  his  helm.  With  a  perfect  blaze  of  fire  the  Hornet  came  down 
upon  her,  closed,  and  in  this  advantageous  position  poured  in  her  shot  with  so  raucli 
vigor  for  fifteen  minutes  that  her  antagonist  not  only  struck  her  colors,  but  raised 
the  union  down  in  the  fore  rigging  as  a  signal  of  distress.  Very  soon  afterward  tlif 
mainmast  of  the  vanquished  fell,  and  went  over  her  side.  Lieutenant  J.  T.  Shubrick 
was  sent  to  take  possession  of  her,  and  ascertain  her  name  and  condition.  She  was 
the  British  man-of-war  brig  Peacock,  1 8,  Captain  William  Peake.  Her  coramander 
was  slain,  a  great  portion  of  her  crew  had  fallen,  and  she  was  in  a  sinking  condition. 
She  already  had  six  feet  of  water  in  her  hold.  Lieutenant  David  Connor  and  Jliil 
shipman  Benjamin  Cooper  were  immediately  dispatched  with  boats  to  bring  offtk 
wounded,  and  endeavor  to  save  the  vessel.     For  this  purpose  both  vessels  were  an- 


>  See  page  401. 


>  She  was  the  Knpiegle,  muuuting  sixteen  32-pound  carrouades  and  two  lung  9 


wmmm 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


690 


uutOBt  with  the  I'mnri. 


Conduct  of  Captain  Lawrence. 


Prowess  of  the  Americana  respected. 


1  Bull,  1814. 


OF  Lawbkhce. 


ast  of  Brazil  in  De- 
we  have  observed, 

niet.  Cap-      •  Jannarj  6, 

'Uoyenne, 

jr  of  San  Salvador.' 
of  war  Montagu,  74, 
Rio  Janeiro  to  raise 
o  the  harbor,  but  es- 
ig  up  the  coast.    Sk 
nally,  on  the  24tli  of 
sing  an  English  Irig 
jovered  a  vessel,  evi- 
le  bar.'*    He  determ- 
it  and  this  newly-dis- 
sail  was  discovered, 
[rew  near  she  proved 
of  the  Hornet  were 
[American  ensign  was 
jfuUy,  and  then  stood 
[th  vessels,  with  their 
lin  half  pistol-shot  of 
adsides  from  larboard 
ranger  endeavored  to 
Irence  closely  watched 
loard  guns,  compelled 
lie  Hornet  came  down 
ler  shot  with  so  mncli 
[her  colors,  but  raised 
vy  soon  afterward  tk 
itenantJ.T.Sluihrick 
condition.    She  was 
ike.    Her  commander 
In  a  sinking  condition. 
[avid  Connor  and  Mid- 
boats  to  bring  off  tit 
both  vessels  werejui; 
"cwTouSeTandtwotog  !>''■ 


Xlie  Deitrnction  of  the  Ptaeock. 

chored.  The  guns  of  the  Peacock  were  thrown  overboard,  the  holes  made  by  shot 
were  plugged,  and  every  exertion  was  made  to  keep  the  battered  hulk  afloat  until 
the  wounded  could  be  removed.  Their  efforts  were  not  wholly  successful.  The 
short  twilight  closed  before  the  work  of  mercy  was  accomplished.  The  vessel  filled 
rapidly ;  and  while  thirteen  of  her  crew  and  several  men  belonging  to  the  Hornet 
were  yet  on  board  of  her,  she  suddenly  went  down.  Nine  of  the  thirteen,  and  three 
of  the  ffomefs  men,*  perished.  Connor  and  several  other  Americans,  and  four  of  the 
Peacock's  crew,  had  a  narrow  escape  from  death.  The  latter  saved  themselves  by 
running  up  the  rigging  to  tlie  foretop,  which  remained  above  water  when  she  set- 
tled on  the  bottom,  for  she  sunk  in  only  about  five  fathoms.  Four  prisoners,  in  the 
confusion  of  the  moment,  had  lowered  the  Peacock's  stem  boat  and  escaped  to  the 
shore.  Those  who  were  saved  received  every  attention  from  the  victors.  The  crew 
of  the  Hornet  cheerfully  divided  their  clothing  with  those  of  the  Peacock;  and  so 
sensible  were  the  officers  of  the  latter  of  the  generosity  of  the  American  commander 
and  his  men,  that,  on  their  arrival  in  New  York,  they  expressed  their  gratitude  in  a 
public  letter  of  thanks  to  Captain  Lawrence.'' 

The  loss  of  the  British  in  this  engagement,  besides  ship  and  property,  is  not  ex- 
actly known.  Captain  Peake  and  four  men  were  known  to  be  killed,  and  four  offi- 
cers and  twenty-nine  men  were  found  wounded.  Nine  others  Avere  drowned.-  The 
entire  loss  of  life  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  was  probably  not  less  than  fifly.  The 
Hornet  was  scarcely  touched  in  her  hull,  but  her  sails  and  rigging  were  considerably 
cut,  and  her  mainmast  and  bowsprit  were  wounded.  Of  her  crew  only  one  man  was 
killed^  and  two  wounded  in  the  fight,  and  three,  as  we  have  observed,  went  down 
with  the  Peacock.*  Two  others  were  injured  by  the  explosion  of  a  cartridge.  The 
strength  of  the  Hornet  in  men  and  metal  was  slightly  greater  than  that  of  the  Pea- 
cock She  carried  eighteen  32-pound  carronades  and  two  long  !  2's.  The  Peacock 
was  aimed  with  sixteen  24-pound  carronades,  two  long  9'8,  one  12-pound  carronade 
in  the  forecastle,  one  6-pounder,  and  two  swivels.  Her  men  numbered  one  hundred 
and  thirty,  and  those  of  the  Hornet  one  hundred  and  thirty-five. 

Captain  Lawrence  found  himself  with  two  hundred  and  seventy-seven  souls  on 
board,  and  short  of  water.  He  determined  to  return  immediately  to  the  United 
States;  and  he  did  not  cast  anchor  until  he  reached  Ilalmes's  Hole,  Martha's  Vine- 
yard, on  the  19th  of  March.  On  that  day  he  wrote  an  official  letter  to  the  Secretary 
ofthe  Navy  giving  an  account  of  his  success,  and  on  the  25th  he  arrived  at  the  Brook- 
lyn Navy  Yard.  Intelligence  of  the  exploits  of  the  Hornet  went  over  the  land,  and 
produced  the  liveliest  joy,  as  well  as  the  most  profound  sensation  in  both  countries. 
The  prowess  and  skill  of  American  seamen  were  fully  vindicated  and  acknowledged, 
and  the  "  Mistress  of  the  Seas"  found  it  necessary  to  move  with  the  humiliating  cau- 
tion of  a  doubter  conscious  of  danger.  "  If  a  vessel  had  been  moored  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  experiment,"  said  a  Halifax  (British)  newspaper, "  it  is  not  probable  she 
,  could  have  been  sunk  in  so  short  a  time.  It  will  not  do  for  our  vessels  to  fight  theirs 
single-handed.  The  Americans  are  a  dead  nip."  The  President  ofthe  United  States, 
in  his  message  to  Congress  at  the  special  session  in  May,  said, "  In  continuance  of  the 
[brilliant  achievements  of  our  infant  navy,  a  signal  triumph  has  been  gained  by  Cap- 

'  John  Hart,  Joseph  Williams,  and  IlaDnibal  Boyd. 

:  "So  much,"  they  said,  "  was  done  to  alleviate  the  uncomfortable  and  distressing  sitnation  In  which  we  were  placed 
Nhen  rmeived  ou  board  the  ship  yon  command,  that  we  can  not  better  express  our  feelings  than  by  saying  we  cpiiscd 
ho  consider  ourselves  prisoners  \  and  every  thing  that  friendship  could  dictate  was  adopted  by  yon  and  the  officers  of 
rthcWwM  to  remedy  the  inconvenience  we  otherwise  should  have  experienced  from  the  unavoidable  loss  ofthe  whole 
lofour  property  and  dotheg  by  the  sndden  sinking  of  the  Peaeoek."  This  was  signed  by  the  first  and  second  lieuten- 
{IM»,  the  mafter,  the  surgeon,  and  the  purser  of  the  Peacock. 
'  John  Place,  who  was  in  the  top.  It  Is  a  sln^lar  fact  that  there  was  scarcely  a  mark  of  a  ball  seen  below  the  main- 
top. The  captain's  pennant  was  shot  tram  the  mainmast  at  the  beginning  of  the  action. 
^  '  To  Ibis  fhct  ft  poet  of  the  time.  In  an  elegy  on  the  death  of  Lawrence,  wrote : 

"  For  'twas  the  proud  Peacock  to  the  bottom  did  go ; 
He  lost  more  in  mvimj  than  conquering  bU  foe." 


M^ 


^M 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Uonon  to  Captain  Lawrence  and  bin  Men. 


Pabllc  Dinner  in  New  York. 


The  Lawrence  Mednl. 


tain  Lawrence  and  his  companions,  in  the  Hornet  sloop-of-\var,  Avith  a  celerity  so  un- 
exampled, and  with  a  slaughter  of  the  enemy  so  disproportionate  to  the  loss  m  tln' 
Hornet,  as  to  claim  for  the  conqueror  the  highest  praise."' 

The  Common  Council  of  New  York  resolved  to  present  the  "freedom  of  the  city" 
with  "  a  piece  of  plate  with  appropriate  devices  and  inscriptions,"  to  Captain  Law- 
rence, and  to  give  a  public  dinner  to  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  Hornet?  Afterward 
•  jannary  4,    when  Lttwrenco  was  slain,  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  requL'sted* 

^^^^-  the  President  to  present  to  his  nearest  male  relative  a  gold  medal  com- 
memorative  of  his  Bervices,^  and  a  silver  medal  to  each  of  the  commissioned  officers 


UKllAl.  AWABIIKD  TO  CAPTAIN  LAWBENOE  BT  CONUKE88. 

who  served  under  him  in  the  Hornet.  Every  where  throughout  the  land  the  namo 
of  Lawrence  was  honored;  and,  as  usual  after  a  victory,  Art  and  Song  made  contri- 
butions to  the  garland  of  praise  with  which  the  people  delighted  to  crown  the  chief 
victor.* 

'  Message  to  Congress,  Special  Sesslpn,  May  25, 1813.  In  tlie  Memoirs  of  Sir  Charles  Napier  inuy  be  found  the  fol- 
lowing paragraph :  "  When  in  Bermuda,  in  1S13,  with  his  regiment.  Colonel  Napier,  writing  to  his  mother,  aays :  'Tm 
packets  arc  quite  due,  and  we  fear  they  have  been  taken,  for  the  Yankees  swarm  here ;  and  when  a  frigate  goes  out  to 
drive  them  off  by  force  they  take  her  1  Yankees  light  well,  and  are  gentlemen  in  their  mode  of  warfare.  Dccatnr  re- 
fused Cardeu's  sword,  saying,  "Sir,  you  have  used  it  so  well  I  should  be  ashamed  to  take  it  from  you."  These  Yankees, 
though  so  much  abused,  are  really  line  fellows.'" 

'  This  dinner  was  given  at  Washington  Hall,  on  Tuesday,  the  4th  of  May.  I  have  before  me  one  of  the  origoal  to- 
vitations  Issued  by  Augustus  H.  Lawrence,  Ellsha  W.  King,  and  Peter  Mesier,  Corporation  Committee.  It  lias  a  »im;i 
wood-cut  at  the  head  representing  a  naval  battle,  which  was  drawn  ana  engraved  by  Dr.  Alexander  Anderson,  whoi- 
yet  <lS(i7)  engaged  In  his  profession,  though  in  the  ninety-third  year  of  his  age.  "  In  the  evening  the  gallant  tare  were 
treated  to  a  seat  in  the  pit  of  the  theatre,"  says  TheWar,  "by  the  managers,  and  roused  the  house  by  their  jollily  ami 
applause  during  the  performance.  The  representations  wore  adapted  to  suit  the  taste  of  the  visitors  and  gratify  lh( 
patriotic  enthusiasm  of  the  audience.  Captain  Lawrence,  with  General  Van  Rensselaer,  General  Morton,  and  a  nra- 
ber  of  other  official  characters,  fllled  one  of  the  side  boxes,  and  made  the  house  ring  with  huzzas  on  their  appearance." 

'  The  above  is  a  picture  of  the  medal,  proper  size.    On  one  side  Is  seen  the  bust  of  Captain  Lawrence,  with  the  legetj 

"  lAO    LAWRENCE.       UULOE    ET    DEOOBnSI    EST   I'BO  PIIIU 

MOBi."  On  the  reverse  is  seen  a  vessel  in  the  act  ofsint- 
ing— her  mizzen  mast  shot  away ;  a  boat  rowing  towari 
her  fl-om  the  American  ship.  Legend— "MAnnrnm 
MAJ.  QUAM  vioTOBiA."    Exergne— "  inter  ikirmit  mi 

A.MERI.  ET  PEAOOOK  NAV.  AKQ.  BIE  XXIV.  FEII.  MI1CCC5III." 

«  Amos  Doollttle,  an  engraver  of  New  Haven,  Com«-  I 
ticut,  who  ensraved  on  copper,  Immediately  after  ll» 
skirmishes   nt  Lexington   and  Concord,  fonr  lUiMtn- 
tlons  of  the  events  of  that  day,  drawn  on  the  ppol  bi 
Earl,  engraved  and  published  a  caricature  concfraiK 
the  light  of  the  Hornet  and  Peacark,  of  which  the  annnfi 
picture  is  a  miniature  copy.    An  immense  hornet,  ctrii;  [ 
out  "Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights,  yon  old  raKsl,'» 
seen  alighting  on  the  head  of  a  bull  (John  Bull)  with*'  I 
wings  and  tail  of  a  peacock,  and,  by  piercing  W^\ 
with  his  sting,  makes  the  mongrel  animal  roar"B(»*  | 

UORNET  AJtl>  PEAOOOK,  0-0-hOO  I  1  I" 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


The  Lawrence  Mednl. 

li  a  celerity  so  un- 
to tho  loss  m  till' 

odom  of  the  city," 
"  to  Captain  Law- 
^met?  Afterward, 
States  reciuestcd" 
a  gold  medal  com- 
mmissioncd  officers 


Cruise  of  the  Cht»apeake. 


Her  Character. 


Lawrence  in  Comniuud  of  her. 


A  Challenge. 


iut  the  land  the  namo 

Hid  Song  made  contii- 

id  to  crown  the  chief 


,  Napier  mnyte  found  the  tol- 
[iuctohls  mother, says: 'Two 
Ld  when  a  frigate  goes  out  to 
Lode  of  warfare.  Uecaturn- 
It  from  you."  These  \aiike«, 

iforemeoneoftheorignalfc 
Ion  Committee.  IthasMmil 
\t  Alexander  Anderson,  Ab 
le'evcnlng  the  gallant  tar.  «re 
d  the  house  by  their  jolty. ^ 
^  of  the  visitors  and  gratify  ihf 
L  General  Morton,  au4  a  Ml- 
Ih'huizas  on  their  appemnc, 
Lin  Lawrence,  with  the  les-.d 

L   FT   I.EC0BUM    EBT  rBO  PATW 

VJenavesselintheacto* 
lot  away;  a  toat  rowing  town! 
Ship.    i«?e»1-"MA«.rna 

Sxergne-"  •""■"'"""'"" 

InOTaveT  of  New  Haven,  Com* 
teer,  immediately  »«H 
In   and  Concord,  four  ilW» 
[hat  day.  drawn  on  the  .pot  bj 

iHshed  a  caricature  con«m« 


While  the  Hornet  was  making  her  way  homeward,  tlic  Chesapeake,  38,  Captuiu 
Evans,  wliich  luul  been  lying  in  Boston  Harbor  for 
some  time,  was  out  on  an  extensive  cruise.     She 


'l^^Uy 


left  Boston  toward  the  close  of  February,  passed 
the  Canary  and  Capo  Verd  Islands,  crossed  the 
equator,  and  for  si.v  weeks  cruised  in  that  region. 

She  tiien  went  to  the  coast  of  Soutii  America,  passed  the  spot  where  the 
went  down,  sailed  througli  the  West  Indies,  and  up  the  coasi  of  the  United  States  to 
the  point  of  departure.  During  all  that  long  cruise  she  met  only  three  ships  of  war, 
and  accomplished  nothing  except  the  capture  of  four  merchant  vessels.  As  she  en- 
tered Boston  Harbor  in  a  gale  she  lost  a  top-mast,  and  several  men  who  were  aloft 
went  overboard  with  it  and  were  drowned.  Tlie  Chesapeake  had  tho  reputation  of 
heing  an  "  unlucky"  ship  before  the  war,  and  this  unsuccessful  cruise  and  melancholy 
termination  confirmed  the  impression.  A  superstitious  notion  prevailed  in  the  navy 
cdnccrning  "  lucky"  and  "  unlucky"  vessels,  and  officers  and  seamen  wore  averse  to 
serving  in  the  Chesapeake  on  account  of  her  "  unlucky"  character.' 

Captain  Evans  Avas  compelled  to  leave  the  service  at  the  close  of  this  cruise  on 
account  of  the  loss  of  the  sight  of  one  of  his  eyes,  and  danger  that  menaced  tho  oth- 
er. Lawrence,  who  had  just  been  promoted  from  master  commandant  to  captain, 
was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  C/iesapeake.  He  accepted  it  with  reluctance, 
because  the  seamen  would  not  sail  in  her  with  the  spirit  that  promised  success. 

British  vessels  were  now  blockading  the  harbors  of  Massachusetts.  Hitherto  that 
blockade  had  been  very  mild  on  the  New  England  ccr.ot,  for  the  British  Cabinet  be- 
lieved that  the  people  of  that  section,  being  largely  opposed  to  tho  ".ar,  would,  it 
properly  cajoled,  prove  recreant  to  patriotism,  and  either  join  the  enemy  outright,  or 
separate  from  and  thus  materially  weaken  the  remainder  of  the  States.  This  delusion 
now  began  to  yield  to  the  stern  arguments  of  events,  and  the  blockade  was  made 
more  rigorous  every  hour.  Blockading  ships  hovered  like  hawks  along  the  New 
England  coast,  and  the  Shamioti,  38,  and  Tenedos,  38,  were  closely  watching  Boston 
Harbor  at  the  close  of  Maj'. 

Tlie  Hornet  was  now  commanded  by  Captain  Biddle,  and  had  been  placed  under 
the  orders  of  Captain  Lawrence.  They  were  to  cruise  together  if  possible,  going  east- 
ward and  northward  from  Boston  for  the  twofold  purpose  of  intercepting  the  British 
vissels  boimd  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  ultimately  to  seek  the  Greenland  whale-fish- 
tries.  Every  thing  was  in  readiness  at  the  close  of  May,  Avhcn  the  Shannon,  the  com- 
plement in  strength  of  the  Chesapeake,  appeared  alone  off  Boston,  in  the  attitude  of  a 
iliallenger.  She  was  observed  by  Lawrence,  and  on  Tuesday,  the  1st  day  of  June, 
that  commander  wrote  as  follows  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy : 

"Since  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  you  last  I  have  been  detained  for  want  of 
men.  I  am  now  getting  under  weigh,  and  shall  endeavor  to  carry  into  e-vocution  the 
instructions  you  have  honored  me  with.  An  English  frigate  is  now  in  sight  from  my 
ileek.  I  have  sent  a  pilot  boat  out  to  reconnoitre,  and  should  she  be  alone  I  am  in 
hopes  to  give  a  good  account  of  her  before  night.  My  crew  appear  to  be  in  fine  spir- 
its,  and,  I  trust,  will  do  their  duty."^    (See  fac-simile  on  page  702.) 

At  a  later  hour  Captain  Philip  Vere  Broke,  the  commander  of  the  Shannon,  wrote 
•  a challenge  to  Captain  Lawrence,  saying:  "As  the  Chesapeake  appears  now  ready 
f  for  sea,  I  request  you  will  do  me  the  favor  to  meet  tho  Shannon  with  her,  ship  to  sliip, 
|to  try  the  fortunes  of  our  respective  flags.  To  an  officer  of  your  character  it  requires 
|some  apology  for  proceeding  to  farther  particulars.     Be  assured,  sir,  it  is  not  from 


"In  the  navy,  at  this  particular  Juncture,  the  Corwtitvtion,  Conttellation,  and  Enterprise  were  the  luchj  vessels  of  the 
f  lenice,  and  the  "hempeake  and  Pretident  the  unUichj.  The  different  vessels  named  went  Into  tho  War  of  1812  with 
[Ihi^se  characters,  and  they  were  singularly  confirmed  hy  clrcnmstances."— Cooper,  11.,  J4fl. 

'  Atitograph  letter  in  tlie  Navy  Department,  Washington  City.   This  was  the  Inst  letter  written  by  Captain  Lawrence. 


pi!i 


liiiiii!* 


..ai  a    i     ;iit 


!    r^ 


ll 


•  i! 


:o2 


PICTORIAL   I'lEL     -BOOK 


Captain  Lawrence's  lait  Offloial  Letter. 


any  doubt  I  can  entertain  of  your  wishing  to  close  with  my  proposal,  but  merely  to  i 
provide  an  answer  to  any  objection  which  might  be  made,  and  very  reasonably,  upo«  j 
the  chance  of  our  receiving  any  unfair  support." 

Captain  Broke  then,  in  a  long  appendix  to  his  challenge,  explained  his  object,  men- 1 
tioned  his  own  strength,  the  disposition  of  other  British  vessels  in  the  neighbor^ 


tf  (    H  ■  (it 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


103 


jroposal,  but  merely  to 
,  very  rea8onably,«p«M 


CipUin  Broke's  CballeDge. 


The  Shannm. 


ilosignated  the  place  of  combat,'  asked  for  a  plan  of  mutual  signals,  offered  arrange- 
ments concerning  the  presence  of  other  vessels,  and  assured  him  that  th(.'  Chesapeake 
could  not  get  to  sea  without "  the  risk  of  being  crushed  by  the  superior  force  of  the 
Biitish  squadron"  then  abroad.'' 
The  Shannon  ranked  as  a  38-gun  ship,  but  mounted  fifty-two  gun?.''    According 

'  "I  will  send  all  other  ships  beyond  the  power  of  Interfering  with  ns,  and  meet  yon  wherever  It  Is  most  agreeable 
lo  yon,  within  the  limits  of  the  under-mentioned  rendezvous,  viz.,  Prom  six  to  ten  leagues  east  of  Capo  Cod  Llght- 
hoQic,  from  eight  to  ten  leagues  east  of  Cape  Ann's  Light,  on  Cashe's  ledge,  in  lat.  48°  N.,  at  any  bearing  and  distance 
you  please  to  fix,  off  the  sooth  breakers  of  Nantucket,  or  the  shoal  on  8t.  George's  Bank."— J/S.  Chal'enge. 

'  MS.  Letter,  with  Captain  Broke's  signature,  In  theNavy  Department,  Washington  City.  This  letter  was  sent  by  the 
iiandofOnptain  Slocnm,  of  Salem.  He  was  landed  at  Marblehead,  and  made  his  way  to  Boston  as  speedily  as  possible. 
The  Chempeakc  had  gone  to  sea,  and  he  placed  the  letter  in  the  hands  of  Commodore  Bainbrldge,  the  commandant  of 
the  station. 

'  The  Shannon  was  bnllt  at  Chatham,  in  England,  in  1806.  She  wag  also  known  as  "  unlucky"  by  the  British  seamen 
liecaase  two  ships  of  the  same  name  had  been  previously  lost.  One,  a  32-gun  frigate,  was  built  in  1T96,  and  lost  by 
iihipwrcck  In  1800 ;  the  other,  of  thirty-six  guns,  was  bnllt  in  1803,  and  in  the  same  year  struck  the  ground  in  a  gule,  and 
was  wrecked  under  the  batteries  of  Cape  la  Ilogue.— James's  .Vnval  OcctiTTtnctt. 


Ilil 
m 


nmn 


704 


I'lCTOltlAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Condition  of  the  Chtmpeake.  A  mutluoai  Foeliug  dlicuvered.  Lawroiics  uccpti  Broke'i  Chdleacg, 

to  Broke's  challenge,  she  "  mounted  twenty-four  guns  on  her  broadside,  and  one  liirlit 
boat-gun;  IH-pounders  on  her  main-deck,  and  32-i)ound  carronades  on  her  <iUiiitir- 
deck  and  forecastle  ;  and  was  manned  with  a  complement  of  three  hundred  men  iiml 
boys,  besides  thirty  seamen"  who  had  been  taken  out  of  captured  vessels."  SIk' 
was  perfectly  equipped,  and  her  men  were  thoroughly  disciplined ;  and  officers  and 
men  had  unwavering  confidence  in  each  other.  Quite  different  was  the  case  of  tin. 
Chesapeake,  The  seamen,  as  we  have  observed,  naturally  superstitious,  reganUd  lui 
as  " unlucky,"  and  this  opinion  was  disliearteuing.  Captain  Lawrence  had  latii  in 
command  of  her  only  about  ten  days,  and  was  unacquainted  with  the  abilities  of  her 
officers  and  men.  Some  of  the  former  were  absent  on  account  of  ill  health.  First 
Lieutenant  Octavius  A.  Page,  of  Virginia,  a  very  superior  officer,  was  sick  with  a  iiuii' 
fever,  of  which  ho  died  in  Boston  soon  afterward.  Second  Lieutenant  Thompson  was 
absent  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  Acting  Lieutenants  Nicholson  and  Pearce  were 
also  absent  from  the  same  cause.  The  consequence  was  that  Lieutenant  Augustus 
Ludlow,  who  was  the  third  officer  under  Evans  in  the  last  cruise  of  the  Chcmpeuke, 
became  Lawrence's  second  in  command.  Tie  was  very  young,  and  had  never  acted 
in  that  capacity,  yet  he  was  an  officer  of  merit,  and  already  distinguished.  Thurc 
was  but  one  other  commissioned  sea  officer  in  the  ship. 

Captain  Lawrence  was  beset  with  other  difficulties.  The  crew  wore  almost  mutin- 
ous because  of  disputes  concerning  the  {.rize-raoncy  won  during  the  last  cruise.  Tlieri' 
were  also  a  large  number  of  mercenaries  on  board,  among  them  a  troublesome  Por- 
tuguese, who  was  a  boatswain's  mate.  Many  of  the  crew  had  but  recently  enlisted; 
and  in  every  way  the  Chesapeake  was  wholly  unprepared  for  a  conflict  with  an  equal 
in  men  and  metal.  But  in  armament  she  was  almost  equal  to  the  Shannon.  Siie 
mounted  twenty-eight  long  IS-pounders  on  the  main-deck,  sixteen  32-lb.  carronades 
on  the  quarter-deck,  and  four  carronades  of  equal  weight  and  a  long  1 8-pounder  on 
the  forecastle.^ 

After  Captain  Broke  had  dispatched  his  (  ygo  to  Salem  he  prepared  his  shiji 

for  combat,  displayed  his  colors  in  full,  and  Is  Joston  light-house  under  easy  sail. 

Captain  Lawrence  understood  this  as  a  challenge,  and  when  the  pilot-boat,  sent  out 
to  reconnoitre,  returned  with  the  assurance  that  the  Shannon  was  alone,  he  determ- 
ined to  accept  it.  lie  well  knew  his  disabilities,  and  told  his  officers  that  he  would 
rather  fight  the  Shcmnon  and  Tenedos  in  succession,  after  a  twenty  days'  cruise,  than 
to  fight  either  alone  on  first  putting  to  sea,  when  the  thoughts  of  homes  just  left,  sea- 
sickness, and  other  depressing  circumstances  would  seriously  affect  his  men.  Yet, 
innately  brave,  and  always  self-reliant,  ho  acted  upon  his  own  impulses,  and,  without 
consulting  any  one  on  shore,  he  weighed  anchor  toward  noon.^ 

Captain  Lawrence  attempted  to  conciliate  his  crew  by  giving  them  checks  for  their 
prize-money,  and  addressed  them  eloquently  for  a  few  minutes.  He  then  ran  up  three 
ensigns,  one  on  the  mizzen-royal-mast-head,  another  on  the  peak,  and  a  third  in  the 
starboard  main-rigging,  and  attempted  to  stimulate  the  quickened  enthusiasm  of  iiis 
men  by  unfurling  at  the  fore  a  broad  white  flag  bearing  the  words  first  used  n  tin 
Essex*  Free  Trade  and  Sailors'  Rights.  Yet  they  still  murmured, for  the  lortii- 
guese  was  rebellious,  and  active  in  fomenting  discontent. 

'  Captain  Broke'B  MS.  Letter  to  Captain  Lawrence.  Lientenant  George  Badd,  who  became  a  pnrser  on  board  the 
Shannon,  said,  in  bis  dispatch  from  Halifax  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  that  she  had,  in  addition  to  her  complemeii, 
"  an  officer  and  sixteen  men  belonging  to  the  Brffe  Pmde,  and  a  part  of  the  crew  of  the  Tenedos" 

'  The  guns  of  the  Chesapeake  were  all  named.  James,  in  his  XavaX  Occurrences,  page  232,  has  preserved  the  names  ol 
those  composing  one  broadside  of  the  main-deck,  and  some  of  those  on  the  qnarter-deck  aad  forecastle,  as  fullow< 
Main-deck— Urotto-  Jonathan,  True  Blue,  Yankee  Protection,  Putnam,  Raging  Eagle,  Viper,  OenertU  Warren,  Had  An- 
thony, Anieriea,  Washimiton,  Liberty  /or  Ever,  Dreadnmufht,  Defiance,  Liberty  or  Death.  Qcartkb-peok— £uB-''»'<  Spit- 
fire, Naney  Dawsoi%,  Revenge,  Bunker's  Hill,  Pocahontas,  Towser,  WiU/ul  Murder. 

The  Chesapeake  was  bnilt  at  Norfolk,  Virginia,  in  1797,  at  a  cost  of  $221,000,  and  was  considered  one  of  the  fluest  tcv 
sets  of  her  class. 

3  At  nine  o'clock  the  Shanrton  captnred  a  small  schooner  off  Boston  Light.  The  Cheaapeake  saw  this,  fired  a  gun,  mi 
loosed  her  foretop-sail  as  a  signal  for  putting  to  sea.  *  See  page  til. 


OF    THK   WAU    OK    I  H  I  a. 


706 


ccpU  DroUo't  ChaUeDg^ 

side,  and  one  light 
iH  on  her  qiiiirtir- 

hundn-d  nu'u  imd 
red  voHse-ls.'  S!h' 
. ;  and  oflici-rw  and 
?a8  the  case  of  tlic 
tious,  roij;ar<U'(l  her 
rrenco  had  hotii  in 

the  abilities  of  Iut 
)f  ill  health.  First 
-as  sick  with  a  Imii,' 
lant  Thompson  wus 
)n  and  Pearco  wiro 
icutcnant  Augustus 

of  the  Cfiempeab, 
,nd  had  never  aotcd 
stinguished.    Thtrc 

were  almost  uiutiii- 
ic  last  cruise.    Tlioro 

a  troublesome  For- 
ut  recently  enlisted; 
lonflict  with  an  e([u:il 
1  the  Shannon.  She 
een  32-lb.  carronades 
L  long  18-pounder  on 

he  prepared  his  ship 

ouse  under  easy  sail, 
pilot-boat,  sent  out 
as  alone,  he  detenu- 

fficers  that  he  would 
ty  days'  cruise,  than 

if  homes  just  left,  sen- 
ffect  his  men.    Yet, 
pulses,  and,  without 

them  checks  for  their 

IHc  then  ran  up  three 

jk,  and  a  third  in  the 

led  enthusiasm  of  his 

^rds  first  used    n  tlie 

luredjfortheiortu- 


lecnme  a  pnrBcr  on  board  the 
\  adaitlon  to  her  complemeni, 

b,  has  preserved  the  names  ot 
tk  oad  forecastle,  as  foUo^ti: 
ler,  General  Warrm,  Jfud  -I'l- 

nBldered  one  of  the  finest  ve-- 

!  saw  this,  fired  a  gna.  ml 
«  See  page  «!■ 


im  Chimptakt  goes  out  U>  fljfht. 


(Ircat  Kxcllemeut  In  lluDtun, 


BeglnoliiK  of  the  Battle. 


*  June  1, 
1N13. 


It  was  now  noon — a  pleasant  day  in  early  summer,"  after  a  chilling  mist 
had  hrooded  for  a  week  over  Boston  Harbor.  The  anchor  of  the  Vhesapeake 
was  lifted,  and  she  rode  gallantly  out  ii.to  the  bay  in  the  direction  of  her  menacing 
fi)C,  followed  by  the  eager  eyes  of  thousands,'  Ah  her  antagonist  was  in  sight,  her 
decks  were  immediately  cleared  for  action,  and  both  vessels,  under  easy  sail,  bore 
away  to  a  position  about  thirty  miles  from  Boston  Light,  between  Capo  Cod  and 
Cape  Ann.* 

At  four  o'clock  the  Chesapeake  fired  a  gun,  wliieh  made  the  Shannon  lieavo  to.  She 
was  soon  under  single-reefed  top-sails  and  jib,  while  the  Chenapcake,  under  whole  top- 
sails and  jib,  was  bearing  down  upon  her  with  considerable  speed.  The  breeze  was 
freshening,  an<l  as  the  latter  approached  her  movements  were  watched  on  board  the 
Shannon  with  great  anxiety,  because  it  was  uncertain  on  which  side  she  was  about 
to  close  upon  her  antagonist,  or  whether  she  might  not  commence  the  action  on  her 
quarter.  Having  the  weather-gage  the  Chesapeake  had  the  advantage;  atid  "the 
history  of  naval  warfare,"  says  Mr.  Cooper, "  does  not  contain  an  instance  of  a  ship's 
bciiif  more  gallantly  conducted  than  the  Chesapeake  was  now  handled."^ 

Onward  came  the  Chesapeake  until  she  lay  fairly  along  tlio  larboard  side  of  the 
Slutmion,  yard-arm  and  yard-arm,  within  pistol-shot  distance.  It  was  now  between 
half  past  five  and  six  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  Chesapeake  was  luflTed,  and  ranged 
up  abeam,  and  as  her  foremast  came  in  a  line  with  the  Shannon^s  mizzen  mast  the 
latter  discharged  her  cabin  guns,  anu  the  others  in  quick  succession  from  afl  forward. 
Tiie  Chesapeake  was  silent  for  a  moment  until  her  guns  bore,  when  she  poured  a  de- 
structive broadside  into  her  antagonist.  Now  came  the  tug  with  lieavy  metal.  For 
six  or  eight  minutes  the  cannonade  on  both  sides  was  incessant.  In  general  effect 
tlic  Chesapeake  had  the  be  t  of  the  action  at  this  juncture,  but  she  had  suffered  dread- 
fully hi  the  loss  of  ofticci  uid  men.  Compared  with  that  of  the  foe,  it  was  as  ten  to 
one,* 

While  passing  the  Shannoii's  broadside,  after  a  contest  of  twelve  minutes,  the  Ches- 
apeake's  foretop-sail-tie  and  jib-sheet  were  shot  away.  Her  spanker-brails  were  also 
loosened,  and  the  sail  blew  out.  Tims  crippled  at  the  moment  when  she  was  about 
to  take  the  wind  out  of  the  Shannon's  nails,  shoot  ahead,  lay  across  her  bow,  rake  her, 
and  probably  secure  a  victory,  the  Chesapeake  would  not  obey  her  helm ;  and  when 
the  sails  of  her  antagonist  filled,  she  by  some  means  got  her  mizzen  rigging  foul  of 
tlie  Shannon's  fore-chains.  Thus  entangled,  the  Chesapeake  lay  exposed  to  the  raking 
iire  of  the  foe's  carronades.  These  almost  swept  her  upper  decks.  Captain  Lawrence 
was  slightly  Avounded  in  the  leg ;  Mr.  White,  the  sailing-master,  was  killed ;  Ludlow, 
the  first  lieutenant,  was  badly  Avounded  in  two  places  by  grape-shot ;  and  Mr.  Brown, 
the  marine  officer,  Mr.  Ballard,  the  acting  fourth  lieutenant,  and  Peter  Adams,  the 

'  There  was  great  excitement  at  Boston  and  in  Its  neighborhood  when  it  was  Icnown  that  the  Chempeake  had  gone 
ont  to  meet  the  Shannon.  Thousands  of  hearts  heat  quicker  with  the  desire  that  Captain  Lawrence  should  add  new 
janrcls  to  those  he  had  already  won  in  his  combat  with  the  Peacock,  and  the  harbor  was  soon  swarming  with  small  craft 
making  their  way  out  to  the  probable  scene  of  action.  Yet  there  were  those  who  were  moved  by  opposite  feelings. 
The  party  opposed  to  the  war  was  strong  in  Massachusetts,  and  when,  a  fortnight  afterward,  it  was  proposed  in  the 
Legislature  of  that  state  to  pass  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  then  slain  Lawrence  for  his  gallantry  in  the  capture  uf  the  /Va> 
fofi,  a  preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted  by  the  Senate  declaring  that  similar  attentions  already  given  to  military 
and  naval  officers  engaged  In  a  like  service  had  "given  great  discontent  to  many  of  the  good  people  of  the  Common- 
wealth,  it  being  considered  by  them  as  an  encouragement  and  excitement  to  the  continuance  of  the  present  unjust,  nu- 
necessary,  and  Iniquitous  war.    The  resolution  was  as  follows  : 

"Tto'IixW,  asthe  sense  of  the  Senate  of  Massachusetts,  that  in  awarlike  the  present,  waged  without  justifiable  cause, 
and  prosecuted  in  a  manner  which  indicates  that  conquest  and  ambition  are  its  real  motives,  it  is  not  becoming  a  moral 
and  religious  people  to  express  any  approbation  of  military  or  naval  exploits  which  are  not  immediately  connected  with 
the  defense  of  our  sea-coast  and  soil." — June  15, 181S. 

>  From  the  high  grounds  near  Salem  the  inhabitants  had  a  distant  view  of  the  engagement,  and  the  booming  of  the 
cannon  was  heard  far  inland. 

'  Cooper's  Wmal  Hittnrn  of  the  TTnited  States,  ii.,  248. 

'  "Of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  quartered  on  the  upper  deck,"  said  Lieutenant  Ludlow  to  an  officer  of  the  Shannon, 
"1  did  not  see  fifty  on  their  legs  after  the  first  fire."  The  Shannon's  topmen  reported  "  that  the  hammocks,  splinters, 
and  wreclig  of  all  kinds  driven  across  the  deck  formed  a  complete  cloud."— Stati-ntfitt  uf  Captain  R.  U.  King,  qf  the  Bayal 
Xavij. 


Yy 


^K 

i 

:        1 

hh '  i 


706 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  of  the  Chesapeake  and  iVmnjioi*.  Captain  Lawrence  mortally  wounded.  "Don't  give  up  the  Shin " 


'lUK  UUEHAPKAKE  UIUAllI.KD  UT  TU£  SUAMNO^'h  UBOADalDEB. > 

boatswain,  were  all  mortally  wounded.  The  latter  was  boatswain  of  the  Constitutm 
in  her  action  with  the  Guerriere. 

Whftii  Captain  Lawrence  perceived  the  entanglement  of  the  ships  he  ordered  his 
boarders  to  be  called  up.  Unfortunately,  a  negro  bugler  was  employed  to  give  the 
signal  instead  of  the  drummer,  as  usual.  Dismayed  by  the  aspect  of  the  fight,  the 
bugler  skulked  under  the  stern  of  the  launch,  and  when  called  to  duty  he  was  so  ter- 
rified that  he  could  not  give  even  a  feeble  blast.^  Oral  orders  were  immediatclv 
sent  to  the  boarders,  but  these  Avere  imperfectly  understood  amid  the  din  of  battle. 
At  that  moment,  while  Captain  Lawrence  was  giving  directions  concerning  the  diiai- 
aged  foiesails,  that  the  ship  might  be  rendered  manageable,  he  was  fatally  wounded 
by  a  musket-bpU,  and  carried  below  by  Lieutenant  Cox,  aided  by  some  of  the  men/ 
Ilis  last  Avords  when  he  left  the  deck  Avere  in  substance,  "  Tell  the  men  to  fire  faster 
and  not  give  up  the  ship.  Fight  her  till  she  sinks  !"  These  words  of  the  dying  lieTi 
were  remembered,  and '^  Doii't  give  up  the  Shijy'''  was  the  battle-cry  of  the  Aiiiericaii 
Navy  during  the  whole  war.  It  was  the  motto  upon  the  banner  borne  by  Perry's 
flag-ship  in  battle  thi-ee  months  later,  and  is  still  a  proverbial  word  of  encouragement 
to  the  struggling  and  faltering  in  life's  various  battles.* 

The  keen  and  experienced  eye  of  Captain  Broke  quickly  comprehended  the  weak 

1  Thin  Is  from  a  Bkeii.h  hy  Captain  B.  H.  King,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  who  was  with  Captain  Broke  In  the  Shannon  from 
ISOC  nntil  1814,  excepting  a  short  time  In  the  spring  of  1813.  Ho  rose  to  the  rank  of  commander  in  1828,  and  to  captaiD 
in  1839,  when  he  withdrew  from  service  afloat. 

'  His  name  was  George  Brown.  He  was  exchanged.  Afterward  he  was  tried  at  New  London,  fonnd  guilty  of  cow 
ardicc,  and  sentenced  to  the  punishment  of  three  hundred  lashes  on  his  bare  hack. 

'  Lieutenant  Cox  commnndcd  the  middle  division  of  the  gun-dock.    He  heard  the  oral  orders  for  the  bourileii',  ant 
ran  up  at  the  moment  when  Lawrence  fell. 
*  The  following  are  the  f.rst  and  last  stanzas  of  a  stirring  poem  by  R.  M.  Charlton : 

"  A  hero  on  his  vessel's  deck  "  Oh,  let  these  words  your  motto  be, 

Lay  weltering  in  his  gore.  Whatever  Ills  l)efall ; 

And  tattered  sail  aun  shattered  wreck  Though  foes  beset,  and  pleasures  flee,    . 

Told  that  the  ilght  was  o'er ;  And  passion's  w'les  t.  /tU.all. 

But  e'en  when  d>,ath  had  .'lazed  his  eye,  Though  danger  spreads  her  ready  snnro 

nis  feeble,  quivering  lip  Your  erring  steps  to  trip, 

Still  uttered,  with  life's  latest  sigh,  Bemomber  hat  dead  hero's  prayer, 

•  1/oj't,  don't  give  up  the  ship  I'  And '  dont  yive  vp  the.  ship  V  ' 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


101 


"Don't  give  up  the  Ship," 


A  desperate  Struggle. 


Treachery  of  a  Portnguese. 


Capture  of  the  Chcsapeate. 


tin  of  the  Constitutm 

B  Bliips  he  ordered  his 
lemployed  to  give  the 
ipect  of  the  fight,  \h 
[to  duty  he  was  so  tor- 
■rs  were  immediately 
jmid  the  din  of  battle, 
s  concerning  the  dn.ai- 
was  fatally  wounded 
by  some  of  the  men.' 
the  men  to  fire  taster 
jrds  of  the  dying  he'-o 
,e-cry  of  the  Amerleaii 
pner  borne  by  Perry's 
ord  of  encouragement 

iprehended  the  wcnk 

Jain  Broke  In  the  Shannon  from 
lmnnderlnl828,andtocaptm 

•  London,  found  gnllty  of  co« 

lal  orders  for  the  boarder?,  am! 


Rg  your  motto  \>e, 

Jefall ; 

It,  and  plcafinrca  nee, 

Vies  I  itli.all. 

treads  her  ready  Buaro 

Ipx  to  trip, 

lend  hero's  pmyer, 

\ip  the  ship  r  ' 


ness  of  the  Chesajteake  at  this  moment,  she  having  no  officer  on  the  quarter-deck 
shove  the  rank  of  midshipman.  He  immediately  ordered  his  boarders  forward. 
Placing  himself,  with  his  first  lieutenant,  at  the  htad  of  twenty  of  them,  and  passing 
cautiously  from  his  fore-channels,  he  readied  the  q>iarter-deck  of  the  Chesapeake 
without  opposition,  for  the  gunners,  finding  all  their  officers  fallen,  and  themselves 
exposed  to  a  raking  fire  without  the  means  of  returning  a  shot,  had  left  the  guns  and 
fli'd  below.  Meanwhile  Lieutenant  Budd  had  ordered  the  boarders  to  follow  him  up. 
Only  fifteen  or  twenty  obeyed,  and  with  these  he  gallantly  attacked  the  British  at 
the  gangways.  He  was  almost  instantly  disabled  by  a  severe  wound,  and  thrown 
down  on  the  gun-deck.  His  followers  were  driven  toward  the  forecastle.  These 
disasters  aroused  the  severely-wounded  young  Ludlow,  Having  laid  his  commander 
in  the  guard-room,  he  hurried  upon  deck,  where  he  almost  instantly  received  a  fatal 
sabre-wound,  and  was  carried  below. 

Broke  now  ordered  about  sixty  marines  of  the  Shannon  to  join  him,  Tliese  kept 
down  the  Americans  who  were  ascending  the  main  hatchway,  I'rovoked  by  a  shot 
iiom  below  by  a  boy,  they  fired  down  the  hatches,  and  killed  and  wounded  a  great 
many  men.  The  victory  was  soon  made  easy  by  treachery.  The  boatswain's  mate 
(the  mutinous  Portuguese  already  mentioned)  removed  the  gratings  of  the  berth- 
deck,  and  then,  running  below,  followed  by  a  large  number  of  the  malcontents  of  the 
morning,  he  shouted,  maliciously, "  So  much  for  not  paying  men  prize-money  !"  This 
act  gave  the  British  complete  control  of  the  vessel ;  and  while  a  few  gallant  marines, 
animated  by  the  injunctiors  of  the  bleeding  Lawrence,  were  yet  defending  the  ship, 
First  Lieutenant  Watts,  of  the  Shannon,  hauled  down  the  colors  of  the  Chesapeake 
and  hoisted  the  Bi'itish  flag.  At  that  instant  he  was  slain  by  a  grape-shot  from  one 
of  tlie  foremast  guns  of  his  own  ship, 


wliieh  struck  him  on  the  head.* 

History  has  recorded  but  few  naval 
battles  more  sanguinary  than  this.  It 
lasted  only  fifteen  minutes,  and  yet,  as 
Cooper  remarks, "  both  ships  were  char- 
nel-houses." They  presented  a  most  dis- 
mal sjjectacle.  The  Chesapeake  had  lost 
forty-eight  men  killed,  and  ninety-eight 
wounded.  The  Shannon  had  lost  twen- 
ty-six killed,  and  fif^y- eight  wounded. 
Among  the  killed  were  Lieutenant  Watt, 
already  mentioned,  Mr.  Aldham,  the  pur- 
ser, and  Mr.  Dunn,  the  captain's  cK-rk.^ 

Both  ».hips  presented  a  most  dismal  ap- 
pearance. ]\Iarks  of  carnage  and  desola- 
tion every  Avhere  met  the  eye.^  Captain 
Broke,  who  luid  ordered  the  slaughter  to 
eease  when  the  victory  M^as  gained,  had 
become  delirious,     Lawrence,  too  severe- 


:%■'- 


I'llIMP   U0WK8  VEBE  UKOKK. 


'Captain  Broke  behaved  most  KaUnntly  in  this  coi.llict,  lie  received,  according  to  hla  report,  "a  eevcre  eabre- 
mmA  at  tlin  first  onset  while  charging  a  part  of  the  enemy  who  had  rallied  on  the  forecastle,"  yet  he  continued  his 
'irlpn  until  he  was  assured  of  victory,  when  ho  partly  fainted  from  loss  of  l)loo(l.  While  a  soiiman  was  tying  n  hand- 
kcrciiicf  nriiiind  the  captain's  wounded  bead,  there  was  n  en,-,  "  Thero,  sir,  there  troes  up  the  old  cisign  over  the  Yankee 
I  olors !"  Washington  Irving,  In  an  account  of  the  engagement.  In  the  A  nalivtic.  ifaijazine,  says  that  Samuel  Llvermore, 
"f  Boston,  who,  from  personal  attachment  to  Lawrence,  bad  nccomi)anied  him  as  chaplain,  attempted  to  avenge  his  fall. 
He  shot  at  Captain  Broke,  hut  missed  him.  Broke  made  a  stroke  at  Livcrmore's  head  with  bis  sword,  which  the  latter 
warded  off,  bit  In  so  doing  received  r.  severe  wound  1"  the  arm.  "  Captain  Br<ikr's  Report. 

'  There  Is  a  cii,  ions  coincidence  In  the  history  of  the  Shannon  and  the  American  ft'igate  roiuttihiHim.  Within  a  few 
(lava  of  each  other,  in  the  summer  of  1«(I0,  these  two  vessels,  whose  names  are  deurtotlieir  respective  nations,  and  both, 
ill  maritime  parlance,  ranking  as  inrnliilit,  were  equipped  and  saileci  on  a  cruise.  The  conqueror  of  the  Chenapeake  left 
PorUmouth,  Eogland,  nud  at  about  the  same  time  the  Constitutimi  left  Portsmouth,  Virginia,  on  a  short  cruise,  preparn- 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  Chesapeake  taken  to  Uulifax. 


Biographical  Slcctcli  of  Captain  Lawrence. 


r    ' 


n  I. 


■■:i 

i 

% 

-i 

i 

1 

f      ' 

m^ 

'■■' 

ly  wounded  to  bo  earned  to  his  shattered  cabin,  was  left  in  the  ward-room  Avith  his 
own  surgeon,  seldom  uttering  a  word  except  to  indicate  his  wants.  White  lav- 
dead,'  Ballard,^  Broome,^  and  Adams  were  dying,  and  the  gallant  Ludlow  was  sui- 
faring  severely  from  a  mortal  wound. 


TllK   SHANNON    AMU   GUESArEAKE   ENTEBINU    THE   UAUUOtt  Or   UALIKAX.* 

As  soon  as  the  two  ships  were  disentangled,  the  Sfiannon  started  for  Halifax  with 
•Jnne,    her  prize,  where  she  arrived  on  the  7th.*    Lawrence  had  expired  the  day  be- 
1813.      foxQ^  and  his  body,  wrapped  in  the  flag  of  the  Chesapeake,  lay  upon  the  quar- 
ter-deck.*    As  the  ships  entered  the  harbor,  the  men-of-war  there  manned  their  yards 


tory  to  her  talcing  her  .«tation  at  Annapolis  as  a  school-ship.  Each  was  abont  to  be  broken  up  many  years  ago,  and  each 
was  saved  by  poetical  remonstrances — one  by  Tennyson,  and  the  other  by  Holmes.  Tbo  stirring  poem  by  Holmes  may 
be  found  on  page  4i)7. 

'  William  Augustus  White  was  a  native  of  Rutland,  Vermont,  and  was  only  twenty-six  years  of  age.  He  was  repre- 
sented as  a  noble  and  generous  youug  man.  His  loss  was  greatly  deploi  !;d  by  bis  friends,  who  regarded  him  as  a  yonog 
man  of  great  promise.    A  friendly  hand  wrote : 

"Columbia's  page  In  gcn'rons  strain  shall  tell 
Those  deeds  of  courage  where  her  Lawrence  fell ; 
Honor  shall  gild  the  JicrcTs  spotljss  shrine, 
And  thine,  O  Wiiitk  !  willi  kiudred  lustre  shine." 

'  Edward  J.  Ballard  was  an  active  ond  very  promisinf  yonng  man.  He  was  appointed  ft  midshipman  in  Fcbrn.irT. 
1609,  and  was  commissioned  a  lieutenant  on  the  day  after  the  action  in  which  he  lost  his  1'';.  The  commi^slnii  wnn  is- 
sued before  news  of  the  action  reached  the  Department.  "  Anxious  to  render  himself  useful,  f.ri  to  '^{••■•■•p  'n  (lie  plory 
acquired  by  ^ur  naval  heroes,"  wrote  n  fUcnd,  "he  left  ('hough  scarcely  recovered  from  an  indisposition  of  several 
months)  the  y  ;aceful  asylum  of  friendship  for  his  home  on  the  ocean,  aiid  terminated  with  honor  a  well-spent  life  of 
virtue." 

'  James  Broome,  the  commander  of  the  marines,  was  n  native  of  New  Jersey.  He  was  appointed  a  midshipman  in 
July,  ISOT.  Of  the  forty-four  marines  under  his  commend  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  twelve  were  killed  and  twenty 
wounded. 

•  From  a  sketch  by  Captain  R.  H.  King,  R.  N. 

«  James  LawTcncc  was  bom  ot  Bnrlington,  New  .lersey,  on  the  Ist  of  October,  1T81.  Ho  was  left  to  the  tender  cm 
of  two  sisters,  his  mother  having  died  a  few  weeks  after  his  birth.  He  exhibited  a  passion  for  the  sea  nt  the  nw  ot 
twelve  years,  but  his  father  designed  bim  for  the  profession  of  the  law.  He  entered  upon  a  course  of  studies  with  hi( 
brother  John  at  Woodbury  at  the  ape  of  fourteen  years,  and  soon  afterward  lost  his  fatlier.  Law  was  distasicful  to 
him.  He  longed  for  the  sea,  and  bis  brother  gave  him  the  opportunity  of  acquiring  preparatory  knowledge.  He  ap- 
plied for  a  situation  In  the  navy  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and  entered  the  service  as  a  midshipman  In  tlie  nhip 
Ganges,  Captain  Tingey,  in  the  autumn  of  179S.  He  was  transferred  to  the  Adams.  He  was  commissioned  a  lienlenani, 
and  was  first  officer  of  the  Enterimse  in  the  war  with  Tripoli.  Hecntur,  in  his  offlclol  reports,  acknowlcdircs  his  son- 
ices  In  the  bombardment  of  Tripoli.  After  his  return  from  the  Mediterranean  he  was  for  some  time  attncheil  to  He 
Navy  Yard  at  New  York.  He  became  first  lieutenant  on  the  Cnnstittition,  and  in  succession  commanded  tlie  Vii^ 
Wasp,  Argus,  and  Uurnet.    He  married  in  New  York  In  1808.    At  the  commencement  of  the  war  in  1812  be  sailed  In 


OF   THE   WAB   OF   1812. 


700 


tch  of  Captalu  Lawrence. 

ard-roora  with  his 
rants.  White  lay 
t  Ludlow  was  suf- 


Joy  of  the  British. 


Admiral  Warrcu's  Thanks  to  Cnptalu  Broke. 


Effect  of  the  Victory  in  Knglaud. 


•ted  for  Haliftix  with 
expired  the  day  he- 
lay  upon  the  quar- 
manned  their  yards 

up  many  years  afjo,  and  each 
tlrriug  poem  by  Holmes  may 

years  of  ago.    He  was  reprc- 
nho  regarded  him  as  a  younf 


a  midshipman  in  Fcbniarr. 

'\  The  commission  wan  it- 
'fui,  r.*-a  to'•^.■•.••p"^tIlcs'.o^y 
„  nn  Indisposition  of  several 
ith  honor  a  well-spent  life  of 

J  appointed  a  midshipman  in 
elve  were  killed  and  Iwenly 


,„  was  left  to  the  tender  CM 
ion  for  the  sea  at  the  aeeo 
a  course  of  studies  with  hi( 
her  Uw  was  dlBtasicful  lo 
laratory  knowledge.  He  «P- 
M  a  midshipman  in  the  ship 
IB  commissioned  a  lieutenant, 
lorts,  acknowlcdicK  his  fon- 
,r  sometime  attarhci  tnlht 
,sion  commanded  the  VJi'^ 
f  the  war  In  1812  he  sailed  it 


in  honor  of  the  conqueror.  The  eager  inhab- 
itants crowded  to  the  water-side,  and  cov- 
ered the  wharves  and  houses.  Shout  after 
shout  went  up  from  the  multitude,  and  joy- 
tilled  every  heart  on  shore,  except  of  those 
who  mourned  friends  among  the  slain.  ^ 

The  capture  of  a  single  ship  of  war  prob- 
ably never  produced  a  greater  effect  upon 
the  contending  parties  tl.an  this  victory  of 
the  Shannon  over  the  Chesapeake.     Tlie  re- 
cent almost  uninterrupted  b'uccess  of  the  lit- 
tle navy  of  the  United  Stales  had  made  the 
Americans  believe  that  it  was  invincible,  and 
a  similar  idea  was  taking  hold  of  the  British 
miucl.     The   spell   was   now  broken.     The 
Americans  were  desponding,  the  British  jubi- 
lant.   In  his  letter   of  thanks  to  Captain 
Broke  and  the  men  of  the  Shannon,  Sir  Jolin 
Borlasc  Warren,  tlie  com- 
mander-iii-cliief  of  tlie  Brit- 
ish Navy  on   the  Ameri- 
can station,  observed  that 
they  had  "restored  the  re- 
nown which  luid  ever  ac- 
companied the  British  Navy  from  the  foul  and  false  aspersions  endeavored  to  be 

BIO>ArCBE  ANI>  SEAL  OF  AllMllUl  .iaih>. 

tlirown  upon  it  by  an  insidious  •  .iv,  m\A  had  by  their  exer- 
tions added  one  of  the  brightest  ■.mrels  to  the  wioath  which 
liail  hitherto  encircled  the  British  aniiS." 

Tiie  joy  in  England  was  intense.     It  was        ,.ccd  by  publi( 
speeches  in  and  out  of  Parliament,^  bonfires,  and  il'mninations 
Tlie  Tower  guns  were  fired  as  in  the  event  of  a  victoi  y  like  those 
of  the  Nile  and  Trafixlgar.     The  freedom  of  the  city  of  London  ami      Nword  of  the 
value  of  one  hundred  guineas  ($500)  were  voted  to  Captaii  Brokc^  by  the  Corpora- 

lommand  of  the  Hornet,  having  been  made  master  commandant  In  November,  181  OfTDemerara  he  fought  the  Pea- 
mk  and  euuk  her.  He  returned  to  New  York,  where  he  was  soon  ordered  to  Bostou  to  take  command  of  the  CAeao- 
ixakf.    In  her  he  died  on  the  5th  of  June,  1S13. 

'  Cooper's  Xaml  Ilinlarij  of  the  United  States;  Thomson's  SketcIieK  of  the  War;  Perkins'  'lirtory  of  the  late  War; 
.faracs's  Xaval  Occiirreneen ;  Memoir  of  Captain  Broke,  in  Xaral  (London)  Chrmuele;  !rvi  Memoir  of  Lawrence, 

AiiaUetk  Magazine;  Nlles's  Iteijister;  The  War;  Captain  Brokc's  Report  of  the  BiittI'  iliinlcck's  lliKtori/ of  the 

War;  Lieutenant  Budd's  Beport  to  Secretary  of  the  Navy;  O'Byrne's  \aval  Blojira;  The  Essex  Register,  lloston 
Chrniiicle,  and  Xational  Intelliqeneer. 

'  Mr.  Croker,  principal  secretary  to  the  Lords  of  the  .\dmiralty,  said  In  his  place  in  the  House  of  Commons,  "  It  was 
not-nnd  he  knew  It  was  a  bold  assertion  which  ho  made— to  be  equaled  by  any  engagement  which  graced  the  naval 
auniilj  of  Oreat  Britain." 

'  Philip  Bowes  Vere  Broke  was  bom  In  Snffolkshirp,  England,  on  the  9th  of  September,  ITTfl.  He  was  educated  at 
the  Royal  Academy  in  Portsmouth,  and  entered  the  navy  In  1792.  He  served  In  the  war  between  Prance  and  England, 
imd  commanded  the  Shanntm  in  cruises  for  the  protection  of  the  British  whale  fisheries  in  the  Greenland  seas.  Ho  wan 
In  that  service  when  war  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  was  declared.  He  was  then  dispatched  with  a 
mnall  fqiindron  to  blockade  the  New  England  ports.  Because  of  his  services  in  the  capture  of  the  Chesajteake  he  was 
rai'od  to  the  dignity  of  baronet,  and  made  Knight  Commander  of  the  Bath.  Sir  Philip  married  in  early  life  Sarah  Lou- 
is.!, daughter  of  Sir  William  Fowle  Mlddleton.    He  was  one  of  the  most  active  and  useful  offlcers  of  the  British  Navy  un- 


710 


PICTORIAL    riELD-liOOK 


Honura  to  Captuin  Broke. 


Silver  Plate  presented  to  him  by  bis  Ncighborf 


tion  of  that  city.  He  was  knighted  by  the  Prince  Regent ;  compliments  were  show- 
cred  upon  him  from  every  quarter ;  and  the  inhabitants  of  Suffolk,  his  native  county 
presented  him  with  a  gorgeous  piece  of  silver  plate  as  a  testimonial  of  their  sense  of 
his  eminent  services.* 


SILVER  ri.ATK   PKKf  KNTEI>   TO   CAPTAIN   HKOKE. 


til  liis  retirement,  bearing  the  commission  of  Rear  Admlr.M  of  the  Red.  He  died  in  SuflTolk  County  on  the  .-(d  of  Janu- 
ary, 1841,  at  the  nfre  of  pixty-flve  years. 

1  A  picture  of  this  plntc  was  published  in  London  on  the  2d  of  December,  1816,  a  copy  of  which,  on  a  reduced  realf, 
is  Riven  above.  The  piati'  is  describe''  us  being  made  of  silver,  and  forty-four  inches  in  diameter.  It  was  ciirlchtil 
with  emblematical  devices  runimemovative  of  the  acts  of  the  ricipient  on  the  occasion  of  his  capture  of  the  Chmimiii. 
These  devices  are  described  as  follows:  The  centre,  enriched  wiih  a  wreath  of  palm  and  laurel  leaves,  with  prniipsot 
Nereids  and  Tritons,  presents  llie  spectacle  of  the  battle  between  tLe  Shannon  and  Chesapeake.  A  deep  and  hiL'lily-lin- 
ished  border  composes  the  exterior  of  the  circle,  in  which  are  signiflca.it  devices  in  four  principal  divisions.  In  the  flr^i 
compartment,  in  the  form  of  an  escalop-shell,  U  seen  Neptnne  receivin  -  the  warrior.  The  former  is  issuing  from  thf 
fCA  with  his  attendants,  and  presenting  to  the  hero  (who  is  home  in  a  triumpnal  car,  attended  by  Britannia  and  IJI- 
erty  bearing  the  British  flag)  the  naval  coronet.  In  the  compartment  opposite  Britannia  Is  seen  on  a  sen-horso,  liolJ- 
ing  the  trident  of  Neptnne  in  one  hand,  and  with  the  otherhurls  the  thunder  of  her  power  at  the  American  engic,  which 
is  expiring  at  her  feet  in  the  presence  of  ocean  deities.  In  n  third  compartment  the  device  represents  the  triumph  of 
Victory.  The  winged  goddess,  bearing  a  coronal,  approaches  in  her  shell-car  drawn  by  ocean  steeds,  and  offers  pfaco 
to  the  vanquished.  In  the  fourth  compartment  Is  represented  the  four  quarters  of  the  worid,  in  the  form  of  fl mires,  »«■ 
sembled  under  the  protection  of  the  British  lion,  commerce  having  been  secured  to  the  world  by  British  prowess.  Be- 
sides these  are  the  figures  of  Fortitude,  Justice,  Wisdom,  and  Peace,  Intended  to  represent  the  charactcrietics  of  tlie 
British  nation. 

On  the  plate  the  following  inscription  was  p  Tared:  "Struck  with  the  gallantry,  skill,  and  decision  displayed  by  Sir 
Philip  Bowes  Vere  Broke,  Baronet,  K.C.B.,  commander  of  his  Majesty's  frigate,  the  Shannnn,  in  the  attack,  boaiitin". 
and  capture  of  the  American  frigate,  the  Chr-^'pmkr,  of  superior  force  in  men  and  metal,  and  under  the  comn^aiid  ofi 
dlBtinguiehed  captain  of  light  horse,  on  the  1     of  June,  1813,  achieved  In  the  short  space  of  fifteen  minutes,  the  liilwbi:- 


>^!^aBMM 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


711 


to  him  by  hlB  Ncij'hborp. 

iments  were  show- 
,  his  native  county, 
.al  of  their  sense  of 


l)lk  County  on  the  3ii  of  Jatu- 

1  of  which,  on  a  reduced  rale, 
In  diameter.    It  was  eiirichcl 
1  hlB  capture  of  the  ChcmiKai'. 
llniirel  leaves,  with  eronpsol 
Irate.    A  deep  and  hi-tilyHn- 
Irlnclpal  dlvl3ior.8.    In  the  UN 
Ihc  former  Is  Issuing  from  iht 
Itended  by  Britannia  andli''- 
la  la  seen  on  a  sea-hor*c.  b* 
I-  at  the  American  cn?lp,wliK6 
[ice  represents  the  tnuinpli"! 
locean  steeds,  and  offers  pcaco 
brld,lntheformofflinire!,»- 
L.rld  by  British  prowess.  Be- 
tent  the  characteristics  of  lie 

J,  and  decision  displnyert  by  Sir 
Imion,  In  the  attack,  boarfc 
T  and  under  the  comn.aiid  ot  J 
k)f  fifteen  minutes,  the  iiilwW- 


Respect  for  the  Itemalns  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow.       Funeral  Ceremonies.      The  Bodies  of  the  Slain  taken  to  Balem. 

The  most  gratifying  respect  was  paid  to  the  remains  of  Captain  Lawrence  on  their 
arrival  at  Halifax,  and  also  to  those  of  Lieutenant  Ludlow,  who  died  there  on  tlie 
13th  of  the  month.'  The  garrison  furnished  a  funeral  party  from  the  Sixty-fourth 
Kcgiment  three  hundred  strong.  The  navy  also  furnished  a  funeral  party,  with  pall- 
bearers, and  at  the  appointed  hour  the  body  Was  taken  in  a  boat  from  the  Chesa- 
peake to  the  King's  Wharf,  where  it  was  received  by  the  military  under  Sir  John 
Wardlow.  Six  companies  of  the  Sixty-fourth  Regiment  preceded  the  corpse.  The 
officers  of  the  Chesajjeake  (headed  by  Lieu- 

tenant  Budd,^  who  became  the  command-     ^.,/^j,  /  ^  y^P  • 

er  after  the  fall  of  his  superiors)  followed  y^'-^^^^t-X^  <>b^-t^  cC^  ^(^ 
it  as  mourners.     The  officers  of  the  Brit-  ^ 

ish  Navy  were  also  in  attendance.  These  were  followed  by  Sir  Thomas  Saumerez,  the 
staff,  and  officers  of  the.  garrison.  The  procession  Avas  closed  by  a  number  of  the  in- 
liabitants  of  the  town.  The  funeral  services  were  performed  by  tlie  rector  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  and  three  volleys  were  discharged  by  the  troops  over  the  grave. 

Tlie  feeling  of  depression  in  the  American  mind  passed  away  as  soon  as  reflection 
■  n-ted  its  dignity.  All  the  circumstances  Avere  so  unfavorable  to  the  Chesapeake 
•  lat  it  was  reasonable  to  suppose  that  such  a  misfortune  would  not  occur  again, 
'flic  deep  mortificatioii  that  assumed  the  features  of  censure  was  momentary,  and  the 
irallant  Lawrence  and  his  companions  were  honored  with  every  demonstration  of  re- 
spect. The  most  remarkable  of  these  was  exhibited  in  the  patriotic  and  successful 
efforts  of  Captain  George  Crowninshield,  Jr.,  of  Salem,  Massachusetts,  to  restore  the 
bodies  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow  to  their  native  land.  He,  with  others,  had  seen  the 
contest  in  the  distance  from  the  hoio^hta  around  Salem,  and  the  feelings  then  excited 
were  deepened  by  the  intelligence  of  the  fate  of  the  gallant  Lawrence  and  Ludlow, 
and  some  of  their  companions. '  He  opened  a  correspondence  with  the  United  States 
irovernmcnt,  asking  permission  to  proceed  to  Halifax  in  the  brig  Henry,  of  Avhich  he 
was  master,  with  a  flag  of  truce,  to  solicit  from  the  authorities  there  the  remains  of 
the  honored  dead.  Permission  was  granted.  The  President  of  the  United  States 
gave  him  a  passport  for  the  purpose,"  and  on  the  Tth  of  August  he  and  some  •  juiy  28, 
associates  sailed  in  the  Henry  from  Salem  for  Halifax.'  He  arrived  there  on  ^^'^• 
the  10th.  His  errand  was  successful,  and  on  the  i:ith  of  the  same  month  he  sailed 
from  Halifiix  for  Salem  with  the  remains  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow.  The  Henry 
reached  Salem  on  the  18th  of  August,  and  on  the  following  day  Captain  Crownin- 
shield wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  informing  him  of  the  fact,  and  saying, 
"The  relatives  of  Captain  Lawrence  have  requested  that  his  remains  might  ultimate- 
ly rest  in  New  York,  but  that  funeral  honors  might  be  paid  here,  and,  accordingly, 
the  ceremonies  will  take  place  on  Monday  next  at  Salem.  Commodore  Bainbridge 
has  been  consulted  on  the  occasion." 

The  funeral  obsequies  were  performed  at  Salem  on  Monda^,  the  23d  of  August. 
The  morning  was  beautiful.  The  brig  Henry  lay  at  anchor  in  the  harbor  bearing  her 
precious  freight,  and  near  her  the  brig  Rattlesnake.     Almost  every  vessel  in  the  wa- 


mits  of  Suffolk,  the  victor's  native  county,  anxious  to  evince  their  sense  of  his  spirited,  judicious,  and  determined  con- 
duct in  thus  adding  another  brilliant  trophy  to  the  unrivaled  triumphs  of  the  British  Navy,  with  a  spoutaneons  bnr^t 
of  feeling  voted  him  this  tribute  of  their  atfectlon,  gniiitude,  and  admiration." 

'  Angnstus  C.  Lndlow  was  son  of  Robert  Ludlow,  Esq.,  ond  was  born  at  Newbuig,  New  Vork,  in  1702.  He  entered 
llie  navy  as  a  midshipman  in  April,  1S04,  and  in  the  summer  of  that  year  sailed  in  the  Premlent  for  the  Mediterranean 
Sea.  He  relumed  home  In  the  ConnHtution,  then  commanded  by  Captain  Campbell,  in  ISflT.  lie  remained  in  her,  under 
Commodore  Rodgers,  until  promoted  to  lientenant,  in  dnne,  1810,  when  he  was  placed  in  the  Hornet.  When  Lawrence 
lieeamc  her  commander  ho  was  charmed  with  Lndlow's  character,  and  his  knowledge  of  his  young  friend's  worth  made 
liim  choerflilly  continue  him  in  his  service  on  the   Chemjieake  as  his  first  lleuteniint. 

"  For  Lieutenant  Budd's  dispatch  to  the  Secretory  of  the  Navy  from  Halifax,  June  16, 1813,  see  Brannan's  Official  Letr 
'iTii,Jfi(iy<ir?/ niirf  AVirr/.Washingtor,  1823,  page  lOT.  He  was  appointed  midshipman  in  the  antunin  of  1S05,  commis- 
sioned a  lieutenant  in  itny,  1812,  and  master  commandant  in  March,  1820.    He  died  on  the  3d  of  September,  1837. 

'  These  were  Holton  .L  Breed,  first  officer ;  Samuel  Briggs,  second  officer ;  and  .lohii  Sinclair,  .leduthan  Upton,  Ste- 
phen Burchmore,  Joseph  L.  Lee,  Thomas  Bowdltch,  Benjamin  Upton,  and  Thorndike  Proctor,  all  musters  of  vessels. 
-Mark  Messnrrey,  cook,  and  Nathaniel  Cummings,  steward. 


■1    I 


:i'  ! 


'^iP^' 


712 


PICTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


11 


mm 


)mi 


Funeral  CeremunleH  at  Snlcm. 


Removal  of  the  Bodies  to  New  York. 


TestimoulalB  of  Regard. 


THB  COFFINS. 


ters,  !iml  flag-.staif  in  the  town,  exhibited  the  American  ensign  at  lialf-mast,  and  im- 
merous  flags  were  displayed  in  tlie  streets  through  which  the  funeral  procession  was 
to  pass.  Thousands  poured  into  the  town  from  the  surrounding  country  at  an  caily 
hour.  The  streets  were  thronged.  The  Boston  South  End  Artillery  were  theio  with 
the  "  Adams"  and  "  Hancock,"  brass  cannon  of  the  Revolution,  and  men  of  distinction 
in  every  pursuit  of  life  participated  in  the  funeral  obsequies. 

At  a  little  past  meridian  the  bodies  were  taken  from  the  Henry  and  placi'd  in 
barges,  accompanied  by  a  long  procession  of  boats  manned  by  seamen  in  blue  jankots 
and  white  trowsers,  their  hats  bearing  the  words  on  Lawrence's  Avhite  flag,  Fri:e 
Trade  and  Sailors'  Rkjuts.  At  India  Wliarf  hearses  were  ready  to  receive  tlicm, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  Henry  and  Rattlestiake  were  firing  minute-guns  altcrnattly,' 
The  bells  commenced  tolling  at  one  o'clock,^  and  an  immense  procession  moved  to  slow 
and  solemn  music,  escorted  by  a  company  of  light  infantry  under  Captain  J.  C.  M'mn, 
They  passed  through  the  principal  streets  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spalding's  meeting-house.' 
The  corpses  were  received  by  the  clergy  at  the  door,  and 
placed  in  the  centre  of  the  large  aisle  by  the  sailors  who  bore 
them  to  the  shore.  These  stood  leaning  upon  the  coflins  dur- 
ing the  services.  The  coflins  were  covered  with  black  velvet, 
with  the  monograms  of  the  heroes  inclosed  in  Avreaths,  swords 
crossed,  and  a  marginal  border  all  embroidered  in  silver.  Tiie 
interior  of  the  church  was  hung  in  black,  and  decorated  with 
cypress  and  evergreens ;  and  in  front  of  the  sacred  desk  the 
names  of  Lawrenck  and  Litdlow  appeared  in  letters  of  gold. 
An  eloquent  and  touching  funeral  oration  was  delivered  by 
the  Honorable  Joseph  Story,  and  the  rites  of  sepulture  were 
performed  by  the  Masonic  societies  and  the  military,  when 
the  bodies  were  placed  in  a  vault.* 

Preparations  were  soon  made  for  removing  the  remains  of  Lawrence  and  Ludlow 
to  New  York.  Because  of  some  delay  in  procuring  an  extension  of  the  passport  of 
the  Henry  (so  as  to  allow  her  to  go  to  New  Yoi'k)  from  Acting  Commander  Oliver, 
of  the  British  blockading  squadron  off"  New  London,  they  were  conveyed  to  the  navy 
yard  at  Charleston  on  the  3d  of  September,  and  from  thence  taken  to  New  York  by 
land.  They  were  placed  on  board  the  United  States  sloop  of  war  Alert,  lying  in  New 
York  Harbor,  while  the  city  authorities  made  arrangements  for  a  public  funeral.' 

1  A  company  under  Captain  Peabody  flred  minnte-guns  In  Wneliington  Square. 

»  Tl:e  bells  In  Boston,  fifteen  miles  distant,  were  tolled  at  the  same  time,  and  the  flags  upon  the  shipping  in  the  hai. 
bor  were  displayed  at  half-mast.    Minute-guns  were  fired  by  the  Comtilulim  and  other  vessels  there. 

'  The  committee  of  arrangements  applied  for  the  use  of  the  North  Meeting-liousc  <Dr.  Barnard's),  "  particularly  on 
account  of  its  size  and  tha  fine  organ  which  it  contained."  They  were  refused,  the  committee  of  the  proprietors  Baying 
that  they  had  no  authority  "Jp  open  the  house  for  any 
other  purpose  tiian  public  worship." 

•  The  death  of  Lawrence  was  the  theme  of  several  ele- 
giac poems  written  and  published  In  different  parts  of  the 
country.  Some  of  them  were  printed  on  satin,  with  em- 
blematic devices,  and  were  framed  and  hung  up  in  houses. 
The  annexed  rough  picture  is  a  fnc-simlle  of  one  of  these 
devices,  i>ne  third  thu  size  of  the  original,  designed  and  en- 
graved by  A.  Bowen,  of  Boston,  and  i)ri!itert  at  the  head 
of  an  elegy,  on  satin,  at  the  offlce  of  tlie  Boston  Chrnmde. 
I  am  indebted  to  the  kind  courtesy  of  Mi.»5  Caroline  F. 
Ome,  of  Cambridgeport,  for  a  copy  of  the  original,  and 
for  other  interesting  papers  made  use  of  in  this  work. 

1  In  the  arrangements  made  for  the  fnneral  a  substan- 
tial testimonial  of  regard  was  agreed  to,  in  the  form  of  an 
appropriation  of  one  thousand  dollars  each  for  tl'(!  two 
children  of  Captain  Lawrenre,  to  be  vested  in  the  Com- 
njtssioners  of  the  Sinking  Fund  of  the  Corporation,  the 
Interest  to  be  applied  to  the  use  of  the  recipients,  and  the 
principal  to  be  given  to  the  daughter  when  she  should 
•rrive  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and  to  the  son  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years.  i.ah  kenoe  me.\iokiai.. 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


TeatlmonialB  of  Regard. 


lit 


III  il 

III 

Funeral  Ceremonies  In  New  York.     MonumenU  to  the  Memory  of  Lawrence  and  Ludluw.     The  luxcrlptiong  on  them. 

These  were  completed  on  the  1 4th,  and  on  Tliursday,  the  IGth,  the  romauia  of  the  gaUant 
dead  were  laid  in  their  resting-place  near 
the  southwest  corner  of  Trinity  Churcli 
burying-gi'ound,  far  removed  from  public 
observation.'  Soon  after  the  war  the  Cor- 
poration of  the  City  of  New  York  erected 
ivn  elegant  marble  monument  over  the  re- 
mains of  Lawrence,  bearing  approi)riate 
inscriptions.^  In  the  course  of  time  it  be- 
came dilapidated,  and  in  1847  the  Corpo- 
ration of  Trinity  Church  resolved  to  re- 
move the  remains  to  a  more  conspicuous 
place.  They  were  deposited  near  the 
southeast  comer  of  the  church,  a  few  feet 
from  Broadway,  and  over  them  the  vestry 
erected  a  handsome  mausoleum  of  brown 
freestone  in  commemoration  of  both  Law- 
rence and  his  lieutenant.^  Eight  trophy 
cannon  were  pliiced  around  the  mauso- 
leum, which,  with  chains  attached,  form 
an  appropriate  inclosure.* 


LAWBENOE  ANU  LUDLOW  8  MOMMEM'. 


■  This  wnB  the  third  time  that  funeral  honors  had  been  paid  to  the  remains  of  the  hero.  On  this  occasion  the  procos- 
bioa,  composed  of  members  of  both  branches  of  the  mllltar)  service  and  civilians,  was  very  large,  and  moved  from  the 

Pattcry  through  Greenwich  Street  to  Chambers,  up  Chambers  to  Broad- 
way, and  down  the  latter  street  to  Trinity  C'lmrch-yarJ. 

'  The  design  of  the  monument  was  simple  and  appropriate,  for  Lawrence 
was  a  young  man  at  the  time  of  his  death.  It  was  a  broken  column  of 
'.vhlte  marble,  of  the  Ionic  order,  the  capital  broken  off  and  lying  on  the 
base.    The  inscription,  simple  and  dignified,  was  as  follows : 

"In  memory  of  Captain  James  Lawrence,  of  the  (Tnlted  States  Navy, 
wlio  fell  on  the  lat  day  of  June,  ISIIt,  In  tlie  thlrty-scc(nid  year  of  his  aire, 
in  the  action  between  the  frigates  Cliemjieake  and  Sliannnn.  He  dlftin- 
guished  himself  on  various  occasions,  but  particularly  when  he  command- 
ed the  sloop  of  war  Ilorm-t,  by  capturing  and  sinking  his  Britannic  Majes- 
ty's sloop  of  war/Vacocfc  after  a  desperate  action  of  fimrteen  minutes.  Ilia 
bravery  in  action  was  only  equaled  by  his  modesty  in  triumph  and  his  mag- 
nanimity to  the  vanquished.  In  private  life  he  was  a  gentleman  of  the 
most  gei'.erons  and  endearing  qualities;  and  so  acknowledged  was  his 
public  worth,  that  the  whole  nation  mourned  his  loss,  and  the  enemy  con. 
tended  with  his  countrymen  who  most  should  honor  his  remains." 

On  the  reverse  v/cre  the  words:  "The  hero  whoso  remains  are  here  de- 
posited, with  his  expiring  l)reath  expressed  his  devotion  to  his  country. 
Neither  the  f\iry  of  battle,  the  anguish  of  a  mortal  wound,  nor  the  horrors 
of  approaclilng  death  could  subdue  his  gallant  spirit.    His  dying  words  were, '  Don't 

GIVE  VV  THE  Snlf  r  " 

I  saw  fmcjinents  of  this  old  monument  lying  by  the  side  of  a  small  building  in 
Trinity  Chirrch-yard  late  In  the  autumn  of  188H.    The  slabs  bearing  the  above  in- 
scriptions were  afterward  deposited  in  the  Lll)rary  of  the  New  York  Historical  So- 
ciety, where  thev  may  now  bo  seen  carefully  preserved. 

3  It  bears  the  following  inscriptions :  North  Side.— "  In  memory  of  Captain  James  Lawrence,  of  the 
United  States  Navy,  who  fell  on  the  Ist  day  of  June,  1S1;(,  in  the  thirty-second  year  of  his  age.  In  the 
action  between  the  Chempeake  and  Shannon.  He  was  distinguished  on  various  occasions,  but  espe- 
cially when,  commanding  the  sloop  of  war  Jliirnet,  he  captured  and  sunk  his  Britannic  Majesty's 
sloop  of  war  reaeoek  after  a  desperate  6"tion  of  fourteen  minutes.  His  bravery  in  action  was  equaled 
only  by  his  remarkable  modesty  In  triumph  and  his  magnanimity  to  the  vanquished.  In  private  life 
ho  was  n  gentleman  of  the  most  generous  and  endearing  qualities;  the  whole  nation  mourned  his 
loss,  and  the  enemy  contended  with  his  countrymen  who  should  most  honor  his  remains."  KaM 
shie.-"  The  heroic  commander  of  the  frigate  Chfmpmke,  whose  remains  are  here  deiiosited,  expressed  with  his  cxplr- 
iiiL'  breath  his  devotion  to  his  country.  Neither  the  fury  of  battle,  the  anguish  of  a  mortal  wound,  nor  the.  horrors  of 
aitpronchliig  death  could  subdue  his  gallant  spirit.  His  dying  words  were, '  Don't  give  vp  the  Ship  I' "  Hf't  .Sirfc— A 
lon-.rcllef  sculpture  representing  the  hull  of  n  douWe-deckcd  slilp  of  war.  Svulh  Side.-"  In  memory  of  Lieutenant  Au- 
L'ustiis  C.  Ludlow,  of  the  Ignited  States  Navy.  Born  in  Ni-wburg,  1702.  Died  at  Halifax,  isii).  Scarcely  was  he  twenty- 
unc  years  of  ngc  when,  like  the  blooming  Enryalus,  he  arcompaiiled  his  beloved  commander  to  battle.  Never  could  It 
liiive  been  more  tnily  said, '  Rir  amor  «n»M  erat  paritnrqvf  in  Mia  r^irhnnt'  The  favorite  of  Lawrence,  and  second  in 
lommand,  he  emulated  the  patriotic  valor  of  his  friend  on  the  bloody  decks  of  the  Chesapeake,  and  when  required,  like 
him,  vieldlng  with  courageous  resignation  his  spirit  to  Him  who  gave  it." 

'  These  cannon  were  i-nrchased  from  the  government  by  Oetieral  Prosper  M.  Wctmore,  then  Navy  ^g«nt  at  New 
York,  and  by  him  presented  to  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  Church  for  the  use  to  which  they  are  devoted.    They  were 


MUEKNCKS  EAK' 
1.V  .MO.MMENT. 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Stirring  Scene  in  ChesnpeRke  Bay. 


Capture  of  the  Aii}>. 


>l    -  Ij 

■'  i  I 


The  Argun  beorH  Minister  Crawford  to  Fr«nc«. 


Tlie  loss  of  the  Chesapeake  was  followed  by  the  capture  of  the  little  sch(,.)ner  Asp 
and  the  sloop  of  war  Argua^  the  former  in  the  waters  of  Virginia,  and  the  latter  off 
the  British  coast.  The  career  of  each  was  brilliant — the  former  in  its  death-stniiriri,. 
and  the  latter  in  its  bold  cruise  just  previous  to  its  capture.  Their  misfortunes  were 
80  tempered,  in  the  estimation  of  the  American  mind,  with  deeds  of  great  prowcs^ 
that  they  did  not  seriously  affect  the  hopeful  feelings  of  the  nation. 

The  Asp  was  one  of  the  small  vessels  fitted  out  by  the  United  States  government 
for  the  purpose  of  defending  the  harbors  and  tributary  streams  of  the  Chesa])eakc 
from  the  British  marauders.  She  carried  three  small  guns,  and  was  commanded  liv 
Midshipman  Segauny.  She  and  the  Scorpion  Avere  in  the  Yeocomico  Creek  at  tlio 
middle  of  June,  and  went  out  together  on  the  morning  of  the  14th  on  a  cruise  of  ob- 
servation. At  ten  o'clock  they  were  discovered  by  a  flotilla  of  British  light  vessels, 
which  immediately  gave  chase.  Their  number  was  overpowering.  The  Scorpion  fled 
up  the  Bay,  and  escaped ;  but  the  Asp,  being  a  slow  sailer,  ran  back  to  the  Yeocomico, 
hoping  to  find  shelter  in  shallow  Avaters  beyond  the  reach  of  the  enemy.  She  was  fol- 
lowed by  two  hostile  brigs.  They  anchored  at  the  mouth  of  the  stream,  and  sent 
armed  boats  after  the  little  fugitive.  She  Avas  overtaken  by  three  of  them,  Avlien  a 
sharp  fight  occurred.  The  assailants  Avore  repulsed,  and  retreated  to  the  brigs.  In  the 
course  of  an  hoar,  five  boats,  filled  Avith  three  times  as  many  armed  men  as  the  oflicers 
and  crcAV  of  the  As}),  attacked  her.  A  desperate  engagement  folloAved,  MidsJiijjnian 
Segauny  and  one  half  of  his  companions  Avere  disabled  by  death  or  Avounds.  Fifty 
of  the  enemy  boarded  the  little  vessel,  overpoAvcred  her  pcojde,  and  refused  to  give 
quarter  to  tliose  Avho  remained.  The  unhurt  fled  from  her,  Avhcn  the  enemy,  in  full 
possession,  set  her  on  fire  and  returned  to  the  brigs.  On  their  departure,  Midsliij)m!ni 
M'Clintock,  the  second  oflicer  of  the  Asp,  Avho  had  escaped  to  the  shore,  returned  td 
her,  and,  after  great  exertion,  extinguished  the  flames.'  Her  commander's  body  wa> 
consumed  on  the  deck  where  he  Avas  barbarously  murdered.^ 

The  Argus  sailed  from  Ncav  York  on  the  18th  of  Juno,"  bearing  William  II. 
Crawford,  of  Georgia,  Avho  had  recently  been  appointed  resident  minister  at 
the  French  Court  in  place  of  Joel  Barlow,  deceased.  She  had  lately  returned  from  ;i 
cruise  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Conmianding  Arthur  St.  Clair,  and  Avas  now 
in  charge  of  Lieutenant  William  Henry  Allen,  a  brave  Ithode  Islander,  Avho  had  re- 
cently served  in  the  United  States  frigate  as  Decatur's  second  in  command.  She  wa> 
a  fine  vessel  of  her  class,  and  carried  twenty  32-pound  carronades  and  tAvo  bow  guns. 
She  eluded  the  British  cruisers,  and,  afler  a  voyage  of  tAventy-three  days,  laiuki 
Mr.  CraAvford  in  safety  at  L'Orient.'' 

b  July  11.  ,  "^  ,  .    , 

At  that  time  the  merchant  marine  in  the  waters  around  the  British  Island^ 
was  under  no  apprehensions  of  danger  from  American  cruisers,  and  there  Avas  no  na- 
val force  in  the  British  or  Irish  Channels  for  the  protection  of  commerce  there.  In- 
formed of  this,  Allen  resolved  to  repeat  the  exploits  of  Paul  Jones  in  the  Bonhommt 
Jiichard.    He  tarried  only  three  days  at  L'Orient,  and  then  sailed  on  a  cruise  in  Brit- 


selected  by  him  from  among  the  cannon  at  the  navy  yard  which  had  been  captured  from  the  English  during  the  war, 
as  most  appropriate  for  the  purpose.  The  strict  requirements  of  the  law  were  complied  with  In  the  transaction.  Ear. 
gnr  bore  its  national  insignia,  with  an  inscription  declaring  the  time  and  place  of  its  capture.  When  the  cinnou  wef 
planted  .'u  the  place  they  now  occupy,  the  vestry  of  the  church,  with  singular  courtesy,  put  them  so  deep  In  th' 
ground  thai  the  Insignia  and  trophy-marks  are  out  of  sight.  The  reason  given  was  that,  In  a  community  like  New  Yuri: 
where  there  are  so  many  English  residents,  it  might  seem  like  an  unfriendly  act  to  parade  such  evidences  of  triunip 
before  the  public  eye. 

1  Midshipman  M'Clintock's  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  July  13, 181.1. 

»  Thomson,  in  his  Historical  Sketches  of  the  War,  page  22B,  says  that  Commander  Segauny  was  shot  through  the  bod,' 
with  a  mnsket-ball,  and  was  sitting  on  the  deck  against  the  most  when  the  British  brought  down  bis  colore.  In  tbi< 
attitude,  and  while  suffering  severely,  he  animated  his  men  in  the  fight  around  him  to  repel  the  boarders.  Seeing  thi" 
a  cowardly  British  marine  stepped  np  and  shot  him  through  thi  .lead,  killing  him  iii.>«tantly.  Observing  this,  and  cot- 
eluding  no  quarter  was  to  be  given,  M'Clintock  ordered  a  retreat  for  shore.  This  was  safely  accomplished  by  aboa: 
half  of  the  twenty-one  defenders  of  the  Anp. 

.1.  B.  Segauny  was  fVom  Boston,  and  had  served  nnder  Lawrence  In  the  llornet.  He  waa  only  about  twentynjne  yfsR 
of  age  at  the  time  of  bis  death,  and  had  been  tlve  years  In  the  service. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


na 


lister  Crnwford  to  Fr«ncf. 

little  Hchooncr  Asp 

and  the  liittcr  off 

its  (U'atli-str\i(,'<.'lc. 

ir  misfortunes  wfro 

s  of  great  prowess, 

11. 

States  government 
I  of  the  Chesapeake 
was  commai\ile(l  \i\ 
■omico  Creek  at  tlie 
th  on  a  crniso  of  oli- 
Britisii  light  vessels, 
r.    The  Scorpion  fleil 
Ik  to  the  Yeocomico, 
enemy.    She  was  fel- 
the  stream,  and  sent 
irec  of  them,  Avlien  a 
1  to  the  brigs.    In  the 
ed  men  as  the  officers 
Uowed.    Midshijjman 
th  or  Avovinds.    Fifty 
e,  and  refused  to  ji'ive 
lieu  the  enemy,  in  full 
leparture,Midsl\i])m!ii! 
the  shore,  returned  tu 
oramauder's  body  wa^ 

[.,»  bearing  William  11. 
]  resilient  minister  at 
ately  returned  from  n 
St.  Clair,  and  was  \m 
Islander,  who  had  n- 
n  command.  She wa> 
los  and  two  bow  guns. 
ity-three  days,  landed 

und  the  British  Islan(V 
I,  and  there  was  no  na- 
'commerce  there.  In- 
jues  in  the  Iionhomm> 
iled  on  a  cruise  in  Brit- 

,m  the  EngUsU  during  the  TO. 
Iwithinthotrnnsiiction.  tau 
»pture.  When  the  camion  «er- 
tUy,  put  them  bo  deep  in  tl> 
InR  community  like  New\.r, 
UdeBUcU  evidences  of  triunip 

LnywM  shot  through  the  boJ! 
■ought  down  his  colors.  In ti- 
fenel  the  boarders.  Seetagtte 
Vntly  GbservinRthlMnaco"- 
L  safely  occompliBhedhyato 

Las  only  about  twentyoM  yw 


nuAf'.nm  In  UrItlHh  Waters. 


Her  Uestrnctlon  of  Property  thorn. 


Her  t'omliat  with  the  I'elioan. 


\Mi.Li.v.u  nE.snv  allk.n. 


ish  waters.  lie  roamed  the  "  cliops"  of 
the  Channel  successfully.  When  satisfied 
with  operations  tliere,  he  sailed  around 
Land's  End,  and  by  celerity  of  move- 
ment, audacity  of  action,  and  destructive 
energy,  spread  consternation  throughout 
commercial  England.'  In  the  course  of 
thirty  days  he  captured  and  destroyed 
no  less  tliaii  twenty  valuable  IJritish  mer- 
chantmen, valued  at  two  millions  of  dol- 
lars. Too  far  away  from  friendly  ports 
into  wliich  he  might  send  liis  prizes,  Allen 
burned  them  all.  He  was  a  generous  foe, 
and  elicited  from  the  enemy  vc'untary 
acknowledgments  of_>ustice  and  courtesy. 
He  allowed  all  non-combatant  captives  to 
remove  their  private  property  from  the 
captureil  vessels  before  he  a])plied  the 
torch.  All  prisoners  Avere  jiaroled,  and 
sent  on  shore  as  speedily  as  possible. 
The  Argus,  after  playing  a  winning  game  for  a  month,  became  the  loser.  On  the 
13th  of  August  she  captured  a  ship  from  Oporto  Ijwlen  with  wine.  Some  of  her  cargo 
was  taken  secretly  on  board  the  Armies  in  the  evening,  and  was  so  freely  partaken  of 
Ijy  her  exliausted  crcAV  that  many  of  them  were  disabled  for  a  time  when  tlieir  best 
energies  were  required.  She  had  set  fire  to  her  prize,  and  Avas  moving  away  under 
easy  sail,  just  before  daAvn,  Avhen  a  British  brig,  Avhich  had  discovered  her  by  the  light 
of  the  blazing  vessel,  Avas  seen  bearing  doAvn  upon  her  under  a  clone!  of  canvas.  The 
British  authorities  had  been  aroused  to  vigorous  action  by  the  daring  of  the  Art/us, 
and  had  fitted  out  several  cruisers  to  attempt  lier  capture.  The  hostile  vessel  that 
noAV  appeared  Avas  one  of  them,  the  Pelican,  18,^  Captain  J.  F.  Maples.  She  came 
dashing  gallantly  on,  and  Commander  Allen  (then  master  commandant  by  a  commis- 
sion dated  July  24, 1813),  finding  it  impossible  to  get  the  Avind  of  his  enemy,  short- 
ened the  sail  of  the  Argus  to  alloAV  the  brig  to  close.  He  flung  out  her  colors,  and  at 
six  o'clock  wore  and  delivered  a  larboard  broadside  at  grape-shot  distance.  The  fire 
was  immediately  returned,  and  Commander  Allen's  left  leg  Avas  carried  aAvay  by  a 
round-shot.  He  bravely  refused  to  be  carried  beloAV,  but  in  a  fcAV  minutes,  Avhen  un- 
conscious from  loss  of  blood,  he  Avas  taken  to  the  cock-pit.  First  Lieutenant  Watson 
took  command.  He  too  Avas  soon  disabled  and  carried  below%  having  been  stunned 
by  a  grape-shot  that  struck  his  head.  Only  one  lieutenant  (William  Howard  Allen) 
now  remained.  He  continued  to  fight  the  brig  gallantly  under  the  most  discoura- 
f;ing  circumstances.  Her  main-braces,  main-spring-stay,  gaft',  and  try-sail  mast  Avere 
shot  aAA'ay,  yet  never  Avas  a  vessel  more  admirably  liandled.  The  enemy  attempted  to 
get  under  the  stern  of  the  Argus  so  as  to  give  her  a  raking  broadside,  but  young  Al- 
len,' by  a  skillful  manoeuvre,  gave  his  antagonist  a  complete  and  damaging  one.    The 

•  Her  operations  were  so  alarmin?  that  for  a  while  very  few  vessels  left  British  ports,  and  the  rates  of  Insurance  rose 
to  niinoua  prices.    In  several  instances  insurances  could  not  be  effected  at  all,  so  great  was  the  rlslc  considered. 

'  She  carried  one  12  and  sixteen  32  pound  carronades,  and  four  long  6's. 

'  William  Howard  Allen  was  not  nearly,  If  at  all,  related  to  Commander  Allen.  His  career  in  the  navy  was  an  honor- 
alile  one.  He  was  in  command  of  the  United  States  schooner  Alligator  in  1822,  and  in  the  autumn  of  that  year  he  lost 
Wi  life  in  a  contest  with  pirates.  The  main  incidents  of  his  life  are  given  briefly  In  the  following  inscriptions  on  his 
monnment,  a  structure  eighteen  and  a  half  feet  In  height,  erected  to  his  memory  in  the  Hudson  Cemetery,  in  the  city  of 
Ilndson,  Colnmbia  County,  New  York,  his  birth-place : 

We»t  Side.—"  To  the  memory  of  AVii.liam  Howabu  Allex,  lieutenant  in  the  United  States  Navy,  who  was  killed  in 
the  act  of  boarding  a  piratical  vessel  on  the  coast  of  Cnba,  near  Matanzas,  on  the  9th  of  November,  1S22,  M.  82."* 

*  On  her  way  home,  after  this  encounter  with  the  pirates,  the  Alligator  was  wrecked.  This  accident  was  the  occasion 
of «  poem  by  John  Q.  C.  Bratnerd. 


(S't;. 


718 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


itii 


II 


I  "W 


i'  !™" 


i 


At!  BliiHfir  — 


Harrander  of  the  Argu».       Her  Luhh  Iu  Men.       Monument  to  the  Memory  of  Lientennnt  Allen.       Commander  Allen. 

Arffus  was  nadly  wouiuled,  and  began  to  rod.  All  her  braces  were  sliot  iiwiiy  and 
she  cDuld  not  bo  kept  in  position.  The  J'elican  now  crossed  her  stern  ami  raked  her 
(Ireadliilly,  and  at  twenty-five  niinuteB  past  six,  her  wheel-ropes  and  nearly  nil  \in 
running  rigging  being  gone,  the  An/us  itecame  unmanageable.  Five  minutes  later 
Lieutenant  Watson  came  on  deck,  when  the  Pelican,  lying  under  the  Ari/us\'i  sttrn 
was  pouring  in  a  terrific  fire  without  resistance.  Farther  contest  seemed  useless,  yet 
an  effort  was  made  to  lay  the  crippled  American  alongside  of  the  vigorous  eiieiiiy  for 
the  j)urpose  of  boarding  her.  The  effort  failed,  ami,  after  a  most  determined  coinbat 
for  about  three  fourths  of  an  hour,  Avhen  the  JSea  J/orse,  the  J'elicati'a  consort,  hove  in 
sight,  the  colors  of  the  Argus  were  struck.  At  that  moment  the  enemy  boarded  her 
at  the  bow  and  took  possession. 

The  loss  of  the  Argus  was  six  killed  and  seventeen  wounded.  Of  the  form,  were 
Midshiimieu  Delphy  and  Edwards,  and  of  the  latter  Commander  Allen,  Lieutenani 
Watson,  boatswain  iM'Leod,  and  Carpenter  White.  The  Pelicdu  lost  two  killed  ami 
five  wounded.  Conunander  Allen  survived  until  tlie  next  day,  liaving  in  the  mean 
time  been  taken  into  Plymouth,  and  ])laced  in  the  Mill  Sj)ring  Priso.  Hospital  with 
the  rest  of  the  wounded  of  the  yir//'^».  On  the  21st  his  remains  were  buried  in  a 
Plymouth  church-yard  Avith  military  honors.^ 

A  month  before  the  intelligence  of  the  loss  of  the  Argus  reached  the  United  States, 
a  naval  victory  liad  been  gained  by  the  Americans  Avithin  sight  of  the  Now  Eiiglainl 
coast,  which  compensated,  in  a  measure,  for  the  loss  of  the  Chesapeake,  Among  tho 
smaller  vessels  of  war,  such  as  the  Nautilus  and  Vixen,  eacli  14,  Avas  tho  J'Jnterpm, 
14,  Avhose  reputation  for  being  "lucky"  has  already  been  mentioned.  Her  sisters, 
with  the  Sire?i,  1 0,  of  the  class  of  the  Argus,  had  been  unfortunate.  The  Nautilttn,  a> 
Ave  have  observed,  was  captured  by  the  enemy  at  the  beginning  of  the  Avar.    Tin 

South  Side.—"  William  IIowabd  Ai.i.kn.  His  rcmnlno,  flrst  burled  at  Matao- 
zas,  were  removed  to  this  city  by  tlio  United  States  Bovcriiinciit,  and  liiterrod, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Common  Council  of  this  city,  beneath  this  marble 
erected  to  his  honor  by  the  citizens  of  his  native  place,  1833." 

Jiast  Sitle.—"  William  Howard  Allen  was  born  In  tho  city  of  Ilndson,  JnljS, 
17110;  appointed  a  midshipman  In  1801  and  a  lieutenant  In  1811, he  tooli  neon- 
Hplcuous  part  in  the  engagement  between  the  Argun  and  Pelimii  iu  lS13,and 
was  killed  while  In  command  of  tho  United  States  schooner  Alligator." 
North  iS)'i(/c.—"  Pride  of  his  country's  banded  chivalry, 

Ills  fame  their  hope,  his  name  their  battle-cry; 
He  lived  as  mothers  wish  their  sons  to  live — 
He  died  as  fathers  wish  their  sons  to  die  1" 
A  beautiful  model  of  this  monument  may  be  seen  in  the  navy  yard  at  Cliarlc!- 
town,  Massachusetts. 

William  Leggett  wrote  a  poem  on  the  death  of  Allen,  In  which  occurs  ttae  fol- 
lowing stanza : 

"Mother  of  Allen,  weep  not  for  your  son ! 
Ills  race  was  glorious,  but  too  soon  'twas  run. 
Yet  weep  not  I    Vengeance  sleeps.    She  is  not  dead ; 
She  yet  will  thunder  on  his  murderer's  head. 
Sisters  of  Allen,  dry  your  tearful  eyes ; 
The  hero's  soul  hath  down  to  yonder  skies, 
And  long  his  name,  iu  memory's  holiest  shrine, 
AVill  wear  the  wreath  which  matchless  virtues  twine  1" 

>  William  Henry  Allen  was  bom  at  Providence,  Khode  Island,  on  the  ik[  «i 
October,  1784.  His  father  was  an  olBcer  in  tho  Hcvolution.  He  entered  the  natj 
in  Ills  eighteenth  year  (April,  1800),  and  made  his  first  cruise  with  Dalnbridi'* 
in  the  Washington.  In  1305  he  was  acting  lieutenant  in  the  ConMtiition,  under  Rodgers,  and  was  the  lientennnt  ofik* 
Chesapeake  when  she  was  attacked  by  the  Ijcopartl  In  1807,  who  touched  off,  by  means  of  a  live  coal,  the  <inly  fn..  M 
at  the  enemy  on  that  occasion.  See  page  IftS.  He  was  with  Decatur  in  the  capture  of  the  Maeeilonian,  and  gained  ptn. 
credit  at  that  time  as  executive  ofHcer  of  the  ship,  and  for  his  skill  and  celerity  In  repairing  the  damage  to  the  priic. 
See  page  450.  He  was  esteemed  as  one  of  the  best  men  of  his  class  in  the  navy.  He  was  very  gentle  in  his  dcpiirtmeni. 
and,  as  we  have  observed  in  the  text,  he  won  the  esteem  of  the  British  nation  while  spreading  consternation  thron»h- 
out  its  commercial  circles.  That  esteem  won  for  him  an  honorable  burial  among  those  who  were  his  enemies  oulyii 
war.    He  was  not  quite  twenty-nine  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

A  London  paper  of  August  '27, 1813,  contained  a  long  account  of  the  ceremonies  on  the  occasion  of  the  funeral  of  Com- 
mander Allen.  Officers  of  the  Royal  Marines  formed  a  guard  of  honor,  attended  by  the  Royal  Marine  Band.  Kidit  csf- 
tains  of  the  Royal  Navy  were  pall-bearers.  Allen's  own  officers  were  chief  mourners.  The  American  vice-consul  »|| 
in  at'  lance,  and  a  large  procession  of  the  Inhabitants  followed  the  hearse.  The  colUn  was  covered  with  the  Amni- 
can  fl<,„.    In  the  church  (St.  Andrew's)  to  which  it  was  taken  the  vicar  read  the  funeral  service  of  the  Auglicin  Cbunl 


LIKU■^E.NA^T  ALLEN  H   MO.NljMKNT. 


OF  THE   WAU   OF   1812. 


717 


n.       Commundcr  Allen 

rc  shot  iiwiiy,  and 
eni  tiii'l  viiktd  lur 
mid  noivrly  nil  licv 
^'ivc  miiyitcs  later 
the  Aryus'H  storii, 
socTnt'd  UHi'lfss,  yet 
kfigorous  I'lieiiiy  tor 
ilctcrm'uH'd  comlui 
h'«  fonsortjhovc  in 
enemy  bourdt'd  liir 

Of  tlic  form,  wiro 
>r  Allen,  Lieiiteiianl 

lost  two  kilU'd  ami 
hav'uis;  in  the  iniim 
>n8o.-  Ilospitul  witli 
lis  were  buried  in  a 

ed  the  United  States, 
of  the  New  Ennlaiul 
mpeake.  Ani(m<,'  ih 
I,  was  the  Enterprut 
itioned.  Her  sirters, 
ite.  The  Nautilus,  a> 
ing  of  the  war.    Tlu 

rematnc,  flrst  burled  at  Matan- 
itcs  government,  and  tnterrfj, 
[this  city,  bciictttU  tills  matblt 

place,  1833." 
I  In  thocity  ofllndsmi.JnljN 
utcnautlnlSll.lictookacou- 
|u,„wnndAd>ni.  lnlS13,and 

c9  schooner  AlligaUir." 

liiviilry, 

Wir  battle-cry ; 
[gons  to  live— 
,„s  to  die '." 
niuthcnavyyardatCharlcf. 

r  Allen,  In  wWch  occurs  the  M- 

leonl 
'twas  run. 
She  Is  not  dead ; 

ler'8  bead. 

lea ; 

Ir  skies, 

fllcst  fhrlne, 

lesB  virtues  Uvlncl 

leHbodcWaud,onthe2l!to! 

Solution.   He  entered  the  a»T; 

lis  tirst  cmisc  with  Bninlirulw 
I,  and  was  the  llcutcnaiil  ottbf 
If  a  live  coal,  tlie  (.Illy  !:n..«red 
lc.Vnr«!mi'an,and!:aliie(lpMl 

Irln"  the  damage  t..  the  jm 
Ivcrv  senile  m  his  depcrtraeM. 
leading  consternation  thronr  ■ 
5  who  were  his  enemies  oBlyn 

(occasion  of  the  funeral  of » 
Lval  Marine  Band.  Ei.l.  c.^ 
iThe  American  vlce-comul« 
In  was  covered  with  the  Amm 
L^-icc  of  the  Anglican  CUutd 


Cniltc  of  the  Knttrprim. 


Her  Combat  with  the  Axxr. 


Death  of  th«  two 


1818. 


Vixen^  after  cruising  a  while  on  the  Southeni  coast  and  among  the  islands,  command- 
ed first  hy  Captain  (Jadsden,  of  South  Carolina,  and  Cajdain  Washington  Hoed,  was 
captured  hy  the  (S'oM</ja»</><wn,  74,  Commodore  Sir  James  Lticas  Yeo,  ofLake  Ontario 
farao.  Hotli  vessels  were  soon  afterward  wrecked  on  the  coast  of  one  of  the  ISerinnda 
Islands,  where  Captain  livvA  perished  hy  the  yellow  fever.  Tlie  Siroi  performed 
very  ^^^^^^  service,  and  in  the  summer  of  1HI4,  while  cruising  tar  southward,  undo.' 
Lieutenant  Nicholson  (her  commander.  Captain  Parker,  liaviiig  died  on  the  voyage), 
sill'  was  captured  hy  the  British  ship  Medwai/,  74,  Captain  Bruce,  and  taken  into  Cape 
Town,  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  These,  as  we  have  seen,  had  won  renown  in  the  Mediter- 
ranean Sea.' 

Hotter  was  the  fortune  of  the  "  lucky"  J^nterpnsp.  She  cruised  for  a  long  time  otf 
the  Now  England  coast,  the  terror  of  British  ju-ovincial  privateers,  under  Johnston 
Blakoloy,  until  he  was  promoted  to  the  command  of  the  new  sloop  of  war  TFcf.'i;),  when 
Lieutenant  William  Burrows  l)ecame  her  commander.  She  continued  on  her  old 
cruising  ground,  watching  for  the  enemy  from  Caj)o  Ann  to  the  Bay  of  Fiindy. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  Scptemher*  the  Enterjyrise  sailed  from  J'orts- 
mouth,  New  Hampshire,  and  chased  a  schooner,  suspected  of  being  a  British 
privateer,  into  Portland  Harbor  on  the  morning  of  the  3d.  The  ne.xt  day  she  put  to 
80.1, steering  eastward  in  (piest  of  British  cruisers  reported  to  ho  near  Manlu  gan  Isl- 
and, oft'  Lincoln  County,  Maine.  When  approaching  Pcmaquid  Point  on  the  ."ith, 
Burrows  discovered  in  a  bay  what  he  supposed  to  be  a  vessel  of  war  getting  under 
way.  He  was  not  mistaken.  She  was  a  British  brig.  On  observing  the  Enterprise 
she  displayed  four  British  ensigns,  fired  several  guns  as  signals  for  boii  -;  that  liad 
been  sent  ashore  to  return,  and,  crowding  canvas,  bore  down  gallantly  for  the  Enter- 
prise. Burrows  accepted  the  challenge,  cleared  his  ship  for  action,  and  after  getting 
at  proper  distance  from  land  to  have  ample  sea-room  for  conflict,  he  shortened  sail 
and  edged  toward  the  stranger. 

It  was  now  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  twenty  minutes  past  three  the  brigs 
closed  within  half  pistol-shot,  and  both  vessels  opened  fi>'e  at  the  same  time.  The 
wind  was  light,  there  little  sea,  and  the  cannonading  was  destructive.     Ten  min- 

utes later  the  Enter]  iiged  ahead  of  her  antagonist,  and,  taking  advantage  of  her 

position,  she  steered  a  ross  the  bows  of  the  stranger,  and  delivered  her  fire  Avith  such 
precision  and  destructive  energy  that,  at  four  o'clock,  the  British  officer  in  command 
shouted  through  his  trumpet  that  he  had  surrendered,  but  his  flag,  being  nailed  to 
the  mast,  could  not  be  lowered  until  the  Enterprise  should  cease  firing.  It  was  done. 
The  brig  was  surrendered,  and  proved  to  be  the  Boxer,  14,  Captain  Samuel  Blyth, 
who,  in  the  engagement,  had  been  nearly  cut  in  two  by  an  18-pound  ball.  Almost  at 
the  moment  when  Blyth  fell  on  the  Boxer,  Burrows,  of  the  Enterprise,  was  mortally 
wounded.  He  was  assisting  the  men  in  running  out  a  carronade,  and,  in  doing  so, 
phccd  one  foot  against  the  bulwark  to  give  lever  power  to  liis  efforts.  While  in  that 
position,  a  shot,  supposed  to  be  a  canister  ball,  struck  his  thigh,  and,  glancing  from 
the  bone  into  his  body,  inflicted  a  painful  and  fatal  wound. 

Both  commanders  were  young  men  of  great  promise,  and  were  highly  esteemed  in 
the  service  to  which  they  respectively  belonged.  Blyth  was  killed  instautly.  Bur- 
rows lived  eight  honrs.^    He  refused  to  be  carried  below  until  the  sword  of  the  com- 


'  .See  Chapter  VI. 

'  Portland  Argxin,  September  R,  1813  ;  Perkins,  page  181. 

William  Burrows  was  bom  at  Kenderton,  near  Philadelphia,  on  tbe  6th  of  October,  1TR6.  His  father  was  wealthy, 
and  he  was  left  mostly  to  the  guidance  of  his  own  Inclinations  concerning  life  pnrsnits.  He  gave  early  indications  of  a 
lute  for  the  naval  service.  In  November,  IVOD,  he  entered  the  service  as  a  midshipman,  lie  was  in  active  service  until 
ihc  cloee  of  dlfllcnlties  on  the  Barbary  coast,  and  applied  himself  diligently  to  the  study  of  his  profession.  He  contin- 
ned  in  service  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when,  on  his  way  to  the  United  States  from  the  East,  he  was  made  a 
|irl8oner.  Be  reached  home  In  .Tune,  1813,  and  went  Immediately  Into  the  service.  His  movements  with  the  Enterprise 
are  recorded  in  the  text.  His  death  was  a  cause  for  sincere  grief  throughout  the  Land.  No  portrait  of  the  young  hero 
'  was  ever  painted,  and  for  that  reason  the  medal  struck  In  honor  of  the  victory  of  the  EnUrpriae  does  not  contain  hla 
tUSh  as  usual. 


*  urn 


'  j 

IM 

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:  '                      ■< 

m 


igM 

rSS-  ■ 

i|| 

«l  ' 

Ifl 

iB 

■ 

V  ■ 

1 

m 

IS' 

■ 

S(!' 

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4 

jH 

718 


PICTOUIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


(Mllantry  of  Lleiitonnut  M'Ciill. 


Funeral  of  Burrown  and  Blyth. 


Their  Mnmiineni,. 


iiiatulor  of  the  viiiKiuiMhed  vessel  slioiild  1h'  pn'scntt'd  to  liitn.  Ho  prasp('<l  it  cii^'crlv 
ami  HiU(l,"N«>w  I  am  siitisti* d  ;  I  diii  coiitonttMl."  IJolli  rocoivod  tlii'ir  dfivtli-wimiKK 
at  tlio  hogimiiiii;  of  the  action  ;  and  tlio  rominand  of  the  JiJntcrjvine  devolved  npii,, 
the  j^aiiant  Lieutenant  Kdward  IJ.  M'Oall,  of  South  Carolina,  wlio  condueted  iiis  pari 
of  the  eiiLiai^enientr  to  the  close  with  j^reat  skill  and  couraixe.'  lit;  took  hotli  vessels 
into  Portland  Harbor  on  the  inornini;  of  the  7tli,  and  on  the  followint?  day  the  re- 
mains  of  both  commanders  were  conveyed  to  the  same  cemetery,  and  buried  sido  Ijy 
side,  with  all  the  honors  which  their  rank  and  powers  couhl  claim.  The  reiiiaiiiH  df 
Midshipman  Kervin  Waters,  of  the  J'Jiitcrjtn'.ie,  the  oidy  one  of  her  jjcopie  nimtallv 
wounded  except  her  commander,  were  laid  by  the  side  of  those  of  his  gallanl  leaiKr 
ill  less  than  twenty  days  afterward,  and  over  the  graves  of  ail  commemoialive  nioii- 
uinents  have  been  erected.* 

'  Eilwiircl  Itiitlcdgc  M'CuIl  was  bom  nt  CliiirlpBtoii,  South  Cftrollnn,  on  the  Btli  of  Angimt,  ITW,  nnd  wan  flvo  yrm  ihf 
Junior  of  hid  comnmnilcr.  Ilo  cnterud  the  navy  iih  i»  nildKhlpnmn  at  the  ago  of  Hfteen  yearx,  and  was  Hrnt  mi  dulvln 
tha  Hornet,  (Japlain  Dent.  He  Joined  the  Kiili-r-iiriiic,  under  Hhikcley,  In  isil,  as  n  llenlenant,  and  waH  Kervliiir  ||,  (lu, 
capaelly  under  Burrows  nt  the  time  of  the  battle  above  recorded.  He  wrote  to  I'oniniodore  Hull  a  very  Inlere;  [ingu- 
count  of  that  engagement.  Ilo  wan  afterward  trannfcrrcd,  tlrxt  to  the  (hitnrui,  and  then  to  the  Jitfa,  ('omniodorc  IVrrv 
nnd  with  that  oflUer  cruised  In  the  Mediterranean  Hen  until  lsl7.  On  his  return  he  took  command  of  the  olcjo),  uf  »,|J 
I'Menck,  nlHo  preparing  to  crulBO  In  the  Mediterranean.  In  March,  isan,  ho  was  promoted  to  matter  commnudum,  and  lu 
Mnrch,  is;ift,  he  received  the  commission  of  captain. 

'  The  funeral  ceremonies  on  the  occasion  were  s<dcmn  nnd  Imposing.  I  nm  Indebted  to  the  Ilonnrnble  Wll!;nmffi|. 
Ill,  of  Portland,  who  participated  In  them,  for  much  Informnllon  concerning  the  event.  At  his  soUcltnllon,  Mr.  l'harlf« 
E.  Beckell,  of  the  name  city,  kindly  furnished  mo  with  the  sketch  of  the  tombs  of  Burrows,  Blyth,  nnd  Waters  printed 
below. 

The  two  bruised  vessels  lay  nt  the  end  of  the  Union  Wharf,  and  from  them  tho  coffins  of  tho  two  deceased  nfflctrj 
wore  received  by  the  civil  and  military  procession,  which  had  been  formed  at  the  court-house  nt  nine  in  the  immilii,; 
of  the  9th  of  September,  under  the  directlim  of  Hobert  Ilsley  nnd  Levi  Cutter,  nsslsted  by  twelve  mnrshnls.  The  rofflu, 
containing  the  bodies  were  lauded  from  the  vessels  in  bnrges  of  ten  oars  each,  rowed  by  minute  strokes  of  shlp-mnsierj 
and  mates,  nccompanled  by  most  of  the  barges  nnd  boats  In  the  hnibor.  When  the  barges  commenced  to  move,  ami 
during  the  solemn  march  of  the  procession  from  the  whnrf  up  Foro  nnd  Pleasant  Streets  to  High  Street,  thence  iun 
Main  and  Middle  Streets  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Payne's  meeting-house,  minute-guns  were  tired  by  the  artillery  conipiiiiies  ot 
(Captains  Bird  and  Varnnm.  These  were  continued  while  the  i)rocession  marched  from  the  meeting-house  to  the  Ea«i. 
em  Cemetery,  about  a  mllo  distant.  The  chief  mourners  who  followed  tho  corpse  of  Lieutenant  Burrows  were  Dr. 
Washington,  Captain  Hull,  and  officers  of  the  Kntrrpriw.  Those  who  followed  tho  corpse  of  Captain  Blyth  wore  He 
officers  of  the  ftacr,  on  parole.  Both  were  followed  by  naval  and  milit;\ry  officers  In  the  I'nited  Slates  scrvlce.thf 
crews  of  the  two  vessels,  civil  officers  of  the  state  and  city,  military  companies,  and  a  large  concourse  of  cltljcne.  Cap. 
tain  Blyth  was  one  of  tho  pall-bearers  at  the  funeral  of  Lawrence,  at  Halifax,  a  few  weeks  before. 

The  remains  of  Burrows,  Blyth,  and  Waters  were  burled  by  the  side  of  each  other.  Over  their  graves  stand  obloiiL' 
monuments  about  six  feet  In  length,  two  and  n  half  feei  In  width,  and  about  the  same  In  height.  Blyth's,  seen  nearw 
In  the  accompanying  sketch  by  Mr.  Beckell,  Is  n  brick  foundation  covered  with  a  marble  slab,  on  which  is  the  fdlloaim 
Inscription:  "In  memory  of  Captain  Samuki.  Bi.vtii,  late  commander  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  brig  Boxer,  lie  iiuMv 
fell,  on  tho  Bth  day  of  September,  ISlii,  in  action  with  tho  United  States  brig  tMei-priiie.  In  life,  honorable ;  In  death, 
glorious!    Ills  conntry  will  long  deplore  one  of  her  bravest  sons,  his  fii'iiils  long  lament  ono  of  the  best  of  men!  ,£ 

20.  The  surviving  officers  o' 
his  crew  offer  this  feeble  tribnte 
of  admiration  nnd  respect." 

Burrows's  monuniciit  Is  com- 
posed of  red  snndstnne,  form. 
lug  deep,  broad  panda  on  sifc 
and  ends,  nnd  bearing  a  return- 
bent  marble  slab.  It  is  the  mid. 
die  one  in  tho  sketch.  On  ih« 
slab  Is  the  following  inscripliua 
— "  Beneath  this  stone  niouM- 
crs  tho  body  of  Wii-i.nn  Bn- 
nows,  late  comnnnider  of  Ik-' 
United  States  brig  KnUqim. 
who  was  mortally  wounded  m 
the  Bth  of  September,  1S13,  ii 
an  action  which  contributed  to 
Increase  t*io  fame  of  Araericu 
valor,  by  capturinu'  liln  Briiai- 
nic  Majesty's  brig  lloxn  iideri 
severe  contest  of  fortv-Hvp min- 
utes. M.  28.  A  pnssini;  Mm- 
ger  has  erected  this  mcmraw 
of  respect  to  the  niaues  of  a  pi- 
trlot  who,  in  the  honr  of  peril 
obeyed  the  loud  summons  ofaa 
Injured  country,  and  who  ga'- 
inntly  met,  fought,  and  coc- 
quered  the  focmnu." 


Stilr-iCw ''-■ 


UltAVLa   OF  liUUUOWB,  liLYlUi  ANX>   WATEES. 


OF  THE  WAK   OF    1812. 


710 


Tbeir  MDmimfntu 


rrnspoil  it  oiii^'crly, 
iii'ir  (U'ivtli-W(iuiul> 
iae  tlevolvcil  ujwn 

)  took  l)otli  vtsscU 
owiiit?  iliiy  till'  re- 
juul  buried  nidc  by 
1,  Tho  roiniiiiis  nf 
iT  j)i'o|)k!  nutrtally 
if  bis  giillaiil  Iciidir 
mmeiuorali\  e  moii- 


ITOn,  mill  wn«  live  yiMirs  thf 
irK,  and  wtt«  flrxt  mi  iliily  In 
nt,  iiiul  wn»  »«nliiu'  In  thai 
(.  Hull  11  viTy  liitcros  lliig  u- 
llic  ./cira,  Ciimintiilnri'  I'crry, 
■omninml  of  tlio  cluoiiof  war 
I  master  commnndunt,  and  lu 

,  the  llonnriililp  \Vll!;am\Vil. 
,t  bin  BolkltntUiii,  Mr,  Charlen 
1-9,  Ulylh,  axil  Wii'ura  lirlulcd 

I  of  tho  two  deceased  nfflcfrs 
House  at  nine  In  llie  indniliii; 
twelve  marshiils.    Tlic  niffln* 
iilnutc  HtrokcH  of  Btili)-mn»lor! 
•gen  rommenced  tu  move,  ami 
8  to  IllRh  Street,  tliciuc  Aun 
l)y  ilie  artillery  ci)inimiiU»  ul 
l\\e  mcetlni;-lioil«e  to  the  Ea-i- 
Lieutenant  BurrowH  were  llr, 
i,»c  of  Captain  Blylli  wore  ihc 
the  I' lilted  States  xorvlce.lho 
■c  concourse  of  cltlzeiiB.  tap. 
[s  before. 

Ivor  tliolr  Rravcfl  stniul  nWont 
liol"1>t.    niytli'i'i  seen  neatftt 
.hliili'on  which  is  the  followinE 
ajesty'H  brig  Boxer,    lie  iiubly 
In  life,  honorable ;  In  death, 
it  one  of  the  bent  of  men!  .£ 
in     The  Furvlvlnt!  "fllccrs  of 
liVs  crew  offer  thl»  feeble  tritac 
ifadmiratlon  and  respect." 
Burrows's  monument  Is  com- 
lOPed  of  red  sandstone,  form- 
iiiL'  deep,  broad  pniicl«  "D  sidti 
liiid  ends,  and  beariii}?  a  recum- 
bent marble  slab.  It  is  the  mid- 
dle one  In  tho  Hketcli.   On  the 
ilab  Is  the  following  inscriptioa 
_.i  Beneath  this  stone  nwiiM- 
icrs  the  body  of  Wii-i-ns  Bn- 
C,„WB,  late  comiuiiiider  of  ih- 
United  States  brig  K"'^"*. 
who  was  mortally  wounded  OB 

the  6th  of  Heptember,lS13,in 

L  action  which  contrlhutcdw 

Lcrcasc  ttio  fame  of  Amen« 

valor,bycapt.irln.-hi»Br.!»- 

nic  Majesty's  brlp/;"W«to' 
Perecontestofforty.iive.»- 

utes  ^.28-  Apasshigi'tra- 
Cr  has  erected  this  n.e«.» 
Sf  respect  to  the  n>anca  Ota  p- 
trlotwho,lnthehonrofp«n 
obeyed  the  loud  smnmon«o»^ 
Injured  conntry,  and  who  ^■■ 
lantly  met,  fought  and  c» 
queted  the  foeiuau. 


SUtUia  awarded  to  Hurrowii  and  M't.'nII. 


Thit  OnivH  of  Burrow*. 


Oil  the  0th  of  January  followintj^*  tlio  CongroHs  of  tlio  United  Stfttos,  by    , 
joint  R'Holution,  roquosted  tlio  CJIiicf  MiigiHtrato  of  tlio  Kt'puMio  to  j>ro8t'iit  to 
tlic  in'iUTHt  niiilc!  roiativt!  ut"  Lit'iitonunt  lliirrows  "ji  ji;old  medal,  with  stiitivhle  em- 
liU'iii!*  and  devicoH,  in  testimony  of  the  hi<;h  Hensu  entertained  hy  Coni^ress  of  the  ,i;al- 
liiiitry  and  j^ood  eondiiet  of  the  ottieerw  and  erew  in  the  confliet  with  the  Ihitish  hloop 
Ihrer  on  tho  4th  of  September,  18i;t."'     Hy  tho  BUtno  joint  reHohition  CongresH  re- 


TIIK  nCBBOWH  MKTIAI.. 

quested  the  President  to  present  to  Lieutenant  M'Call,"as  second  in  command  of  the 
Enterprise  iu  tho  conflict  witli  the  lioxer,  a  gold  medal,  with  suitable  emblems  and 
devices.* 

In  this  engagement  tho  Jiosrer  was  very  much  cut  up  both  in  hull  and  rigging, 
while  the  Enterprise  suffered  very  little.  The  battle  was  a  i'air  test  of  the  compara- 
tive nautical  skill  and  good  gunnery  of  tho  combatants.  Justice  accords  the  palm 
tor  both  to  the  Americans.  A  London  paper,  speaking  of  the  battle,  said, "  The  fact 
seems  to  be  but  too  clearly  established  that  the  Americans  have  some  superior  mode 

The  "passing  stranger"  above  mentioned  was  Silas  M.  Burrows,  of  New  York,  who,  being  In  Portland,  visited  tho 
lemetery,  saw  tlic  neglected  condition  of  the  youug  hero's  grave,  and  ordered  n  monument  to  be  built.  A  poet  uaknowu 
',0  the  author  afterward  wrote  thus : 

"  I  saw  tho  green  turf  resting  cold 
Ou  Burrows's  hallowed  grave ; 
No  stone  the  Inquiring  patriot  told 
Where  slept  the  good  and  brave. 
Heaven's  rains  and  dew  conspired  to  blot 
The  traces  of  the  holy  spot. 


At  length  a  'passing  strnnger'  came, 
Whose  hand  Its  bounties  shed ; 

He  bade  the  sparkling  marble  claim 
A  tribute  for  the  dead ; 

And,  sweetly  blending,  hence  shall  flow 

The  tears  of  gratitude  and  woe." 


The  tomb  of  Midshipman  Waters  Is  a  marble  slab  resting  on  four  round  sandstone  pillars.  On  the  slab  is  the  following 
inscription ;  "  Beneath  this  marble,  by  the  side  of  his  gallant  commander,  rest  the  remains  of  Lieutenant  Kcrvin  Waters, 
anative  of  Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  who  received  a  mortal  woniul,  September  B,  1S13,  while  a  midshipman  on 
board  the  United  States  brig  Enterprine,  in  an  action  with  his  Britannic  Majesty's  brig  Dnxer,  which  terminated  in  the 
capture  of  the  latter.  He  languished  in  severe  pain,  which  he  endured  with  fortitude,  until  September  25th,  1813,  when 
he  died  with  Christian  calmness  and  resignation,  aged  eighteen.  Tho  youug  men  of  Portland  erect  this  stone  as  a  tes- 
timony of  their  respect  for  his  valor  and  virtues." 

'  The  pictnre  above  given  is  the  exact  size  of  the  medal.  On  one  side  Is  seen  an  urn  standing  upon  an  altar,  around 
which  arc  grouped  military  and  other  emblems,  on  one  of  which  (a  trident)  hangs  a  victor's  chaplet  of  lanrel  leaves. 
Upon  an  elliptical  panel  on  the  side  of  the  altar  Is  seen  "  W.  Briinows,"  In  prominent  letters.  Around  the  whole  is  the 
legend"  VioToaiAM  xim  olaram.  patri^.  m*stam."  On  the  reverse  is  Ecen  the  two  brigs  engaged  in  combat,  the  main- 
top mast  of  the  Boxer  shot  away.  Over  them  the  legend  "  V-vrrr  bat  vinoerk."  Kxergue,  "  Inter  Kntebprizs  mav. 
.\«Ksi.  ET  Boxer  mav.  Brit.  i>ie  it  Sept.  mdooooxiii."    The  date  should  be  the  5th  Instead  of  the  4th. 

'  On  one  side  the  bust  of  Lieutenant  M'Call  and  the  legend  "  Edwarp  R.  M'Call  navis  Enterpeisb  rB.EPBCTUB."  Ex- 
ergue, "  8io  itdr  An  ASTRA."    The  reverse  the  same  as  on  that  of  Burrows. 


|i 


720 


nCTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Li/88  of  Life  (.    the  two  '  jgsels. 


Last  CruUe  of  the  Enlfrprut, 


'    ;    .     if 

'  i 

m 

'1 

1 

^^     INTEB  ENTERFBIZE   VAV. 
^^  AMEBI.  ET  BOXER   WAV. 
>^s.     BHIT.  DIE  rVSEPT. 
^^^       MDCCCXm. 


TnS  M'OALL  MEDAL. 


of  firing,  and  we  CVi,n  not  be  too  anxiously  employed  in  discovering  to  what  circum- 
stances that  superiority  is  owing.  The  loss  of  the  Boxer  was  a  great  mortification; 
and  there  can  bo  no  doubt  thar,  Captain  Blyth  felt  full  assurance  of  victory  when  k 
Avent  into  the  contest.  Indioative  of  this  was  the  nailing  of  the  fl.ig  to  the  mast,  al- 
Avays  a  most  foolish  and  perilous  boast  in  advance.'  The  loss  of  the  Boxer  was  sev- 
eral killed  besides  her  commander,  and  seventeen  wounded.  The  HJntcrprise  lost  only 
one  killed  besides  her  commander,  and  ten  wounded.  This  was  the  Boxer's  last 
"ruise  as  a  war  vessel.  She  was  sold  in  Portland,  and  sailed  from  that  port  for  scv- 
eri.l  years  as  n,  merchantman.  The  Eittcrjyrise  made  only  one  more  cruise  during  tin 
war,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  lienshaw.  She  sailed  southward  as  far  as  tlie 
Wc'i,  indies  in  company  w'th  the  fiist-sailing  brig  Rattlesnake,  Lieutenant  Crcigliton. 
While  ott"  the  coast  of  Florida  she  captured  a  Pntish  privateer,  and  both  vessels  were 
chased  by  an  English  seventy-four.  The  liattlesnake  soon  fled  from  the  sight  of  Ixitli 
consort  and  pursuer,  while  the  Enterprise  Avas  hard  pressed  by  the  Englisliinaii  tor 
seventy  liouvs.  Kenshaw  cast  all  her  guns  overboard  in  order  to  increase  her  sjiiiii. 
It  was  of  littio  avail.  Nothing  saved  the  "  lucky"  little  brig  from  capture  but  a  tii 
Torable  sliifting  of  the  wind.  Not  long  afterward  she  sailed  into  Charleston  Harbor. 
and  was  there  made  a  guard-ship.  She  did  not  appear  again  at  sea  during  the  war. 
The  melancholy  tolling  of  the  funeral  bells  over  the  slain  Burrows  and  Blyth  had 
scarcely  died  away  when  merry  peals  of  joy  were  heard  all  over  the  land  in  attesta- 
tion of  the  delight  of  the  people  caused  by  Perry's  victory  on  Lake  Erie,  already  fullr 
recor'^ed  in  these  pages.  With  that  victory  ceased  rejoicings  over  the  exploits  of 
the  vessels  of  the  regular  navy  during  the  remahider  of  the  year,  because,  with  a  sin- 
gle exception,  they  were  rot  remarkable ;  but  the  privateers  then  swarming  upon  tin 
ocean  were  doing  excellent  service  every  where.  The  history  of  their  doings  may  W 
found  toward  the  clofe?  of  the  volume. 

1  Coopp"-  relaiei  (ii.,  200,  nolo)  tlmt,  whcu  the  Enterprim  hailed  to  liiiow  if  the  Roxcr  had  strucic,  as  nhe  Iccpt  herflaf 
flylujl.  one  <>f  the  oftlccrs  of  the  British  vc«sel  leaped  upon  n  pun,  Bhoolc  both  flsta  at  tlic  AmericaiiB,  and  shoiitod"X', 
U(t,  no  '."  at  the  same  time  nsinpr  some  strong  opprobrions  epithets.  The  excited  uentlemau's  superiors  were  coiupclieJ 
to  order  him  do'vn.    His  movcmcut  created  much  merriment  on  board  the  Unterpriae. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF  1812. 


721 


t  CrulBC  of  the  Entfrpritf. 


VTt  kucsa  of  the  American  Navy. 


Beginning  of  the  wondorfnl  Crnise  of  the  K»»ae. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


^^^ 


rins  to  what  circnm- 
X  great  mortitii'ation; 
-e  of  victory  Avlieii  he 
10  flag  to  the  mast,  al- 
ol'  the  lioxer  was  scv- 
lie -E>(<crp-isc  lost  only 
was  the  Boxer's  h<\ 
rom  that  port  for  «'\- 
more  cruise  Auriiig  tin 
fouthward  as  tiir  as  \h 
Lieutenant  Crciglitoii. 
and  both  vessels  woro 
'from  the  sight  of  luitli 
,y  the  Engiishmai  ti>r 
to  increase  her  hymi 
Worn  capture  hut  a  fa- 
iito  Cluirleston  IIail)OT, 
vt  fca  during  the  war. 
lurrows  and  Blyth  had 
,.cr  the  land  in  attesta- 
.akc  Eric,  already  fully 
k  over  the  exploits  of 
iar, because, with  asm- 
Lcn  swarming  upon  tk 
oftheir  doings  may  l>e 

le  Americans,  and  slw""'''  ]\ 
Imau's  superiors  were  compeliri 


"  War-doom'd  the  wide  expanse  to  plow 
Of  ocean  with  a  Bingle  prow, 
Midst  hosts  of  foes  with  lynx's  eye 
And  Hon  fang  close  hovering  by, 
You,  Porte-,  dared  the  dangerous  course. 
Without  a  home,  without  resource. 
Save  that  which  heroes  always  find 
In  nantic  skill  and  power  of  mind ; 
Save  where  your  stars  in  conquest  shone. 
And  stripes  made  wealth  of  foes  your  own." 

Ode  to  Davih  Pobteb,  1614. 

S  we  take  a  survey  from  a  stand-point  at  mid-autuimi,  181.3, 
we  observe  with  astonishment  only  three  American  frigates  at 
sea,  namely,  the  President,  44 ;  the  Congress,  38 ;  and  the  Es- 
sex, 32.  The  Constitution,  44,  was  undergoing  repairs ;  the 
Constellation,  38,  was  blockaded  at  Norfolk ;  and  the  United 
States,  44,  and  Macedonian,  38,  were  prisoners  in  the  Thames 
above  Ne\f  London.  The  Adams,  28,  was  undergoing  altera- 
tions and  repairs,  while  the  John  Adams,  28,  iVti/c  York,  36, 
and  Boston,  28,  Avere  virtually  condemned.  All  tlie  brigs,  ex- 
cepting tlie  Enterp'ise,  had  been  cap- 
tured, and  she  was  not  to  be  trusted  at 
sea  much  longer.  The  Essex,  Commo- 
dore Porter,  was  tlie  only  government 
vessel  of  size  which  was  then  sustain- 
ing the  rej)utation  of  the  American 
Navy,  and  she  was  in  far  distant  seas, 
with  a  track  equal  to  more  tlian  a  third 
of  the  circumference  of  the  globe  be- 
tween her  and  the  home  port  from  which 
she  sailed.  Slie  was  then  making  one 
of  the  most  remarkable  cruises  on  rec- 
ord.    Let  us  liere  consider  it. 

We  have  observed  the  Essex  starting 
from  the  Delaware  in  the  autumn  of 
1812,*  with  orders  to  seek  a 
junction  with  the  Constitu- 
tion and  Hornet,  under  Commodore 
Ihiinbridge,  at  designated  places,  but  al- 
lowed, in  the  event  of  failure  to  do  so, 
to  folloAV  the  dictates  of  the  judgment 
of  her  commander.'  She  did  not  fall  in 
with  her  consorts  of  Bainbridge's  little 
squadron,  and  she  sailed  on  a  Ions 
cruise  in  the  South  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
Oceans.  In  anticipation  of  such  cruise 
Captain  Porter  took  with  him  a  larger 

I  See  piige  488. 

Zz 


'  Octoher  23. 


722 


nCTOBIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Jfocton  a  Prize  to  the  Jiimai. 


A  Search  for  Batnbrldge. 


An  EngltBh  Governor  deceived. 


1 

1     . 

m 
fit  i 


lunnber  of  officers  and  crew  than  was  common  for  a  vessel  of  that  size.  Ilcr  mus- 
ter-roll contained  three  hundred  and  nineteen  names ;  and  her  supplies  were  so  am- 
ple! that  she  sank  deep  in  the  water,  which  greatly  impaired  her  sailing  quality. 

The  Uasex  took  a  southeast  course  for  the  purpose  of  crossing  the  tracks  of  vessels 
bound  from  England  to  liermuda,  but  met  only  a  few  Portuguese  traders  with  whom 
she  had  no  hostile  business.  On  the  27th  of  November  she  sighted  the  bold  mount- 
ains of  St. . J  ago,  and  ran  into  the  harbor  of  Port  Praya  in  search  of  the  commodorp, 
There  Porter  received  unbounded  hospitalities  from  the  Portuguese  governor;  ami 
when  he  had  waited  a  proper  time  for  the  expected  arrival  of  Bainbridge,  he  depart- 
ed with  his  ship  loaded  with  pigs,  sheep,  fowls,  and  tropical  fruits  of  every  kind.  Ih 
concealed  his  destination  fro.a  the  governor,  and,  sailing  eastward  when  he  loft  port 
gave  the  impression  that  he  was  bound  for  the  coast  of  Africa.  When  beyond  ttle- 
scopic  range  he  changed  his  course,  stood  to  the  southwest,  and  crossed  the  equator 
on  the  1 1  th  of  December  in  longitude  30°  west.  On  the  following  day  he  captured 
his  first  liritish  prize,  the  Nocton,  10,  a  government  packet,  with  a  crew  of  thirty-ono 
men,  bound  for  J^almouth.  She  had  fifty-five  thousand  dollars  in  specie  on  hoard. 
This  treasure  and  her  crew  were  transferred  to  the  Essex,  and  Lieutenant  Finch  (aft- 
erward Captain  William  Compton  Bolton),  ^vith  a  crew  of  seventeen  men,  was  diicct- 
ed  to  go  to  the  United  States  with  her.  She  was  captured  by  a  British  frigate  he- 
twcen  Bermuda  and  the  Capes  of  Virginia.  Only  the  specie  of  the  Nocton  Avas  se- 
cured by  Porter, 

•  Deccmi)er  14,        Two  days  after  this  victoiy*  the  pyramidal  mountain  peak  of  tlio 
1812.  dreary  penal  island  of  Fernando  de  Noronha,  whereon  no  woman  was 

allowed  to  dwell,  loomed  up  sullenly  from  the  waste  of  waters.  This  was  one  of  the 
specMfied  places  of  rendezvous  of  Bainbridge's  squadi'on.  Disguising  the  Essex  as  a 
menthantnnm,  and  hoisting  English  colors,  Porter  sailed  close  to  the  island,  anchored 
and  sent  Lieutenant  Downes  to  the  governor  with  a  polite  message,  asking  the  piiv- 
ilege  of  procuring  water  and  other  refreshments.  Downes  soon  returned  with  a  pres- 
ent of  fruit  iVom  tiu;  governor,  and  intelligence  that  only  the  week  before  the  Ihitiiili 
ships  Acasta,  44,  and  Morgiana,  20,  had  sailed  fi'om  the  island,  and  left  with  the  mac- 
istrate  a  letter  for  Sir  James  Yeo,  of  Hi?;  Majesty's  ship  Southamjyton.  Porter  \v;\s 
satisfied  that  the  "British  shi})s"  s[)oken  of  were  the  Constitution  nwA  Hornet;  that 
the  writer  of  the  letter  was  Commodore  Bainbridge,  and  the  Sir  James  Yeo  addiesij- 
ed  was  himself  With  this  conviction,  he  sent  Downes  back  to  the  governor  with 
tiie  truly  English  present  of  porter  and  cheese,  and  the  assurance  that  a  gentleman 
on  board  his  vessel,  intimately  acquainted  with  Sir  James,  and  who  intended  to  sail 
directly  to  England  from  Brazil,  would  be  happy  to  carry  the  letter  to  the  haroiiet, 
The  governor  sent  the  letter  to  I'orter,    The  latter  broke  the  seal  and  read  as  follows: 

"My  dear  Mediterranean  Friend, — 
"Probably  you  may  stop  here.     Don't  attempt  to  water;  it  is  attended  with  twi 
ranch  difficulty.     I  learned  before  I  left  England  that  you  were  bound  to  the  Brazil 
coast ;  if  so,  we  may  meet  at  St.  Salvador  or  liio  Janeiro.     I  should  be  happy  to  meet 
and  converse  on  our  old  affiiirs  of  captivity.     Ktcollect  our  secret  in  those  times. 
"  Your  friend  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Acasta,  Kerk." 


f 


The  last  clanse  in  this  letter  gave  Porter  a  needed  hint.  lie  called  for  a  liglitcl 
candle,  and,  holding  the  sheet  of  paper  near  the  flame,  the  following  note,  written  in 
.symi)athotic  ink,'  was  revealed  by  tlie  heat: 

"  I  am  bound  off  St.  Salvador,  thence  off  Cape  Frio,  whore  I  intend  to  cruise  until 


'  Sympathetic  luk  is  coinposod  of  compounds  which,  when  written  with,  wHl  remain  liivisllile  until  heated.  Mo- 
tions of  cobalt  thus  become  blue  or  green,  lemon-Juice  turns  brown,  and  a  very  dilute  aniphuric  acid  btncken;. 


OF   THE   WAll    OF    1812. 


728 


:ngUBh  Oovernor  deceived. 

at  size.     Her  mus- 
ppUes  were  so  am- 
lailing  quality, 
lie  tracks  of  vessels 
traders  with  whom 
ted  the  bold  mount- 
I  of  the  commodore. 
;ue8C  governor;  and 
liiibridge,  ho  depart- 
8  of  every  kind.    He 
rd  when  he  k-ft  port, 
When  beyond  tele- 
i  crossed  the  equator 
ring  day  he  captured 
1  a  crew  of  thirty-one 
s  in  specie  on  l)oard. 
;jicutenant  Finch  (aft- 
itcen  men,  was  direct- 
ir  a  British  frigate  be- 
o{  the  Nocton  was  se- 

mountain  peak  of  the 
icreon  no  woman  was 
This  was  one  of  the 
guising  the  ii'sw.?  as  ;i 
to  the  island,  anchored, 
pssago,  asking  the  priv- 
n  returned  with  a  jues- 
kvcek  before  the  Uritisli 
and  loft  with  the  mas;- 
'hampton.     Porter  \v;\s 
ition  unA  Hornet ;  iU 
ir  James  Yen  address- 
,  to  the  governor  with 
■ance  that  a  gentleman 
who  intended  to  sail 
letter  to  the  hnroiict. 
•al  and  read  as  follows: 


it  is  attended  with  tw 
jrc  bound  to  the  Brazil 
lould  be  happy  to  \m\ 
jcrct  in  those  times, 
Kkkr." 

Tic  called  for  a  lishtf'l 
llowing  note,  written  111 

It  intend  to  cruise  nntil 

in  invlfllhlc  nntil  heated.  Solf 
iBnlphurlc  acid  bl.ickcuf. 


Failure  to  find  Bnlnbridge. 


The  b'sHiiX  sails  Tor  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


llcr  Arrival  at  Valparaiso. 


tho  Ist  of  January.     Go  off  Cape  Frio,  to  the  northward  of  Rio  Janeiro,  and  keep  a 
look-out  for  me.  Youk  Friend."' 

With  these  instructions  Porter  sailed  for  Cape  Frio.  Ho  came  in  sight  of  it  three 
days  before  the  Constitution  captured  tho  Java^  and  for  some  time  cruised  up  and 
down  the  Brazilian  coast  between  Cape  Frio  and  St.  Catharine.  He  met  many  Por- 
tucnese  vessels,  but  could  obtain  no  reliable  informii,tion  concerning  the  s(puidron. 
His  situation  was  becoming  more  and  more  perplexing.  English  influence  was  pow- 
erful all  along  the  coasts  of  the  South  American  continent,  while  the  power  of  his 
own  government  was  little  known  or  respected,  lie  was,  in  a  degree,  in  an  enemy's 
waters,  with  no  friendly  port  into  which  he  might  run  for  shelter,  carry  prizes  if  ho 
should  catch  them,  or  procure  necessary  supplies.  lie  was  compelled,  as  he  says  in 
his  Journal,  to  choose  between  "  capture,  a  blockade,  or  starvation."  lie  was  letl  to 
Ills  own  resources,  for  he  could  not  find  the  commodore,  and  he  resolved  to  sweep 
around  Cape  Horn,  pounce  upon  the  English  whalers  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  live 
upon  tho  enemy.  The  specie  obtained  from  the  Nocton  would  be  a  reliabU?  resource 
in  an  hour  of  need,  and  he  could  not  doubt  his  success.  With  this  determination  he 
spread  the  sails  of  the  Essex  to  tho  breeze  in  the  harbor  of  St.  Catharine  on  the  '26th 
of  January,  1813,  and  after  a  most  tempestuous  and  jjeriloiis  voyage  made  Cape  Horn 
on  the  14th  of  February.  At  the  close  of  that  month  the  pleasant  southwest  breezes 
came  over  the  calmer  ocean,  and  under  their  gentle  influence  the  inhospitable  coasts 
of  Patagonia  and  Lower  Chili  were  soon  passed.  Or.  the  5th  of  March  the  glittering 
peaks  of  the  Andes  were  seen  hundreds  of  miles  distant,  and  on  the  evening  of  that 
day  the  anchor  of  the  Essex  Avas  cast  at  tho  island  of  Mocha,  oft'  the  coast  of  jVrauca- 
nia,for  the  first  time  after  leaving  St.  Catharine.  Its  solitary  mountain  pe.ak  towered 
more  than  a  thousa.id  feet  in  the  clear  blue  firmament ;  immense  flocks  of  birds  hov- 
ered over  its  unpeopled  shores,  and  in  its  surrounding  waters  shoals  of  seals  were 
sporting  in  the  surf.  A  joyous  hunt  for  a  day  by  the  delighted  crew  brought  to  the 
ship  an  ample  supply  of  coveted  fresh  meat,  for  the  island,  inhabited  by  S])aniard8 
before  the  reign  of  the  buccaneers  in  that  ix'gion,  abounded  with  fat  wild  hogs  and 
horses.  The  flesh  of  the  latter  proved  more  savory  than  that  of  the  former,  and  was 
preferred  by  the  people  of  tho  Essex. 

Porter  had  now  spent  two  months  without  falling  in  with  a  hostile  vessel.  His 
supplies  of  naval  stoi-es  were  portentously  diminishing,  and  he  anxiously  hoped  for 
prey  by  which  he  might  replenish  his  exhausted  materials.  With  that  hope  he 
cruised  northward,  enveloped  for  several  days  in  thick  fogs,  when  suddenly,  on  the 
14th  of  March,  as  the  liksex  8we])t  around  the  Point  of  Angels,  the  city  of  Valpa- 
raiso, the  chief  sea-port  town  of  Chili,  burst  upon  the  vision  like  the  creation  of  a  ma- 
sjieian's  wand.  She  liad  been  runnuig  gallantly  before  a  stiff  breeze ;  now  she  was 
suddenly  becalmed  under  the  guns  of  a  battery,  so  unexpectedly  and  near  had  tiie 
turning  of  that  point  brought  her  to  the  town.  Tho  harbor  and  its  shipping  were  in 
lull  view.  Several  Spanish  vesselsi  were  about  departing ;  and  an  armed  American 
brig,  heavily  laden,  seeing  the  English  colors  at  the  mast-head  of  the  Eisex,  had  triced 
up  her  ports  and  prepared  for  action.  Unwilling  to  have  a  knowledge  of  the  arrival 
iif  an  American  frigate  in  those  waters  spread  by  tlie  Spanish  vessels  along  the  coast, 
and  perceiving  a  British  whaler  preparing  for  sea,  I'orter  bore  off  to  the  northward, 
and  in  an  hour  or  two  lost  sight  of  the  town.  He  returned  on  the  following  day,  ran 
into  port  and  anchored,  and  soon  learned  two  important  facts,  namely,  that  Chili  had 
'just  become  independent  of  Spain,  and  the  people  were  prepared  to  give  him  a  cor- 
dial reception ;  and  that  the  Viceroy  of  I'eru  had  sent  out  cruisers  against  the  Amer- 
ican shipping  in  that  quarter.     Porter's  appearance  with  a  strong  frigate  was  there- 

'  Jburnaf    -a  Cfuitie  niailn  to  the  Pae{fte  Octan  by  Captain  David  Porter,  in  the  United  State*  Frigate  Ennex,  in  the  Ymr» 
1S12, 1813,  and  1814, 1.,  .10.  »  Sec  page  JiiO. 


)    III 


liii 


I 


!,[:      1 


724 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


FriendlioeaH  of  the  Cbillang. 


The  Essex  in  Search  of  British  Whalers. 


Cruise  amung  the  Oalapngos  Uhu 


fore  exceedingly  opportune,  for  American  commerce  lay  at  the  mercy  of  English  pri- 
vateers  among  the  whalers,  and  the  Peruvian  coi-sairs. 

The  Essex  was  welcomed  by  the  Chilian  authorities  by  a  salute  of  twenty-one  guns 
at  the  forts,  and  of  nine  guns  from  the  American  brig,  which  proved  to  be  the  Colt 
1 8 ;  and  Mr.  Poinsett,  the  American  Consul  General,  hastened  from  Santiago,  the  cai)- 
ital  of  Chili,  to  join  in  the  festivities  which  had  been  arranged  for  giving  Porter  a 
formal  reception.  Dinners,  balls,  excursions  on  land  and  Avatcr  followed,  and  the  ofli- 
cers  of  the  Essex  never  forgot  the  delightful  hours  which  they  spent  with  the  Cliiljan 
beauties,  by  whom  they  were  exceedingly  petted.  In  this  welcome,  these  entertain- 
ments, and  the  bright  prospects  of  usefulness  to  their  countrymen  and  a  profitable 
ciuise  for  themselves,  the  people  of  the  Essex  found  full  compensation  for  all  tlieir 
hardships  during  the  teriible  voyage  from  the  stormy  Atlantic  around  the  dark  cape 
into  the  Pacific  Sea. 

As  soon  as  she  was  tolerably  victualed  the  Essex  put  to  sea,  and  on  the  25th  fell 
in  with  an  American  whaler,  from  whom  Porter  learned  that  two  other  vessels,  the 
Walker  and  Barclay,  haA  just  been  captured  by  a  Peruvian  corsair  off  Coquimbo,  ac- 
companied by  an  English  ship.  Porter  pressed  on  up  the  coast,  and  soon  oveihauled 
the  corsair.  She  was  the  Nereyda.  He  took  from  her  all  her  captured  Americans 
and,  after  casting  her  cannon,  ammunition,  and  small-arms  OA'erboard,  sent  her  to  Cal- 
lao  with  a  letter  to  the  Peruvian  viceroy,  in  which  he  denounced  the  piratical  con- 
duct of  the  commander  of  the  cruiser,  and  asked  for  punishment  due  for  his  crime. 
Tiie  Essex  then  looked  into  Coquimbo,  but,  seeing  nothing  discernible,  sailed  for  Cal- 
lao.  As  she  neared  the  harbor  she  recaptun  'I  the  Barclay,  and,  making  her  her  con- 
sort, sailed  for  the  Galapagos  Islands,  the  alleged  resort  of  English  whalers.  Fi-om 
the  master  and  crew  of  tiie  Barclay  Vortcr  ascertained  that  there  were  twenty-thid 
American  and  about  twenty  English  whale-ships  in  that  region.  The  latter  were,  in 
general,  fine  vessels  of  between  three  and  four  hundred  tons  burden,  and  would  af- 
ford good  prizes  for  the  Essex.  The  most  of  them  were  armed,  and  bore  letters  of 
marque. 

On  his  way  over  the  quiet  Pacific  toward  the  Galapagos,  Porter  made  preparation? 
for  fierce  struggles  with  the  armed  English  whalei-s.  The  ships  were  put  in  perfect 
order,  and  then  seven  small  boats  were  arranged  as  a  flotilla  and  placed  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant  Downes.^  They  made  Chatham  Island  on  the  17th  of  April, 
but  found  no  enemy  there.  Similar  disappointment  awaited  them  at  Charles  Island 
on  the  following  day.  Lieutenant  Downes  went  ashore,  and  found  a  box  nailed  to  a 
post,  over  Avhich  was  a  black  sign  with  the  words  Hatha  way's  Post-office  painted 
on  it  in  white  letters.  The  contents  of  the  post-office  were  conveyed  on  board  tlic 
Essex,  and  gave,  by  a  list  of  English  whalers  that  had  touched  there  a  few  month* 
before,  positive  evidence  that  those  islands  were  a  resort  for  British  vessels  in  that 
service.  With  this  assurance  Porter  ciiiised  eagerly  among  the  Galapagos,  but  al- 
most a  fortnight  was  spent  without  seeing  a  single  vessel.  On  the  morning  of  the 
■April,  29th*  the  welcome  cry  of  "Sail,  ho!"  was  heard,  and  a  ship  Avas  seen  to  the 
1813.  westward.  Soon  afterward  two  others  were  observed  a  little  farther  to  the 
south.  Porter  immediately  gave  chase  to  the  first-seen  vessel,  and  at  nine  o'clock  in 
the  morning  she  was  his  prize.  She  was  the  English  whale-ship  Montezuma,  with 
fourteen  hundred  barrels  of  oil  on  board.  Placing  a  prize-crew  in  her,  he  made  sail 
alter  the  other  two  vessels.  The  wind  fell,  and  there  was  a  dead  calm.  The  flotilla 
of  small  boats  under  Downes  pushed  forward.     Tiiey  pulled  for  the  larger  of  the  two 

1  John  Dowoes  was  born  in  Massnchusetts.  He  entered  the  naval  service  as  midshipman  in  1802,  and  was  activtir: 
lii.>  attaclt  on  the  shipping  in  the  h:irl)or  of  Tripoli.  He  accompanied  Porter,  as  lieutenant,  In  the  entire  cruise  ofilif 
&«»»,  and  l)ecan.  i-nmmaoder  of  lln^  Essex  Junuir.  In  1831  he  was  promoted  to  captain,  and  commanded  the  ftforaf 
in  the  piinishmeL,  if  the  Qnallah  Bui  loo  people  for  outrages  on  American  commerce.  Hin  Inst  sea  service  was  In  is3t 
He  died  in  Boston  on  the  Uth  of  August,  1884,  and  was  burled  with  the  honors  due  to  his  rank.  Secretary  Dobbin  di- 
rected the  officers  at  the  Navy  and  Marine  Con's  to  w    .r  crape  on  the  left  arm  for  thirty  days. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


725 


mg  the  QalapagoB  Inlani.. 

;rcy  of  English  pri- 

of  twenty-one  guns 
(ved  to  be  the  Colt, 
11  Santiago,  the  caj)- 
for  giving  Porter  a 
llowecl,  and  the  ofli- 
ent  with  the  Chilian 
»me,  these  entertain- 
len  and  a  profitahlo 
nsation  for  all  tlitir 
round  the  dark  cape 

and  on  the  25th  fell 
wo  other  vessels,  tlie 
lair  off  Coquimho,  ac- 
and  soon  overhauled 
captured  Americans, 
joard,  sent  her  to  Cal- 
led the  piratical  con- 
■nt  due  for  his  crime, 
erniblo,  sailed  for  Cal- 

I,  making  her  her  con- 
iglish  wiialers.  From 
ere  were  twenty-thm 

II.  The  latter  were,  ill 
burden,  and  would  at- 
id  and  bore  letters  of 

•ter  made  preparation? 
ms  were  put  in  perfect 
and  idaced  under  \h 
lion  the  iVthof  Avril, 
Ihem  at  Charles  Island 
jnnd  a  box  nailed  to  a 
I's  rosT-OFFu:E  painted 
•onveyed  on  board  tin 
>d  there  a  few  montlis 
[British  vessels  in  tlwt 
(the  Galapagos,  hut  al- 
>n  the  morning  of  tlie 
ship  Avas  seen  to  tlic 
a  little  farther  to  tk 
[  and  at  nine  o'clock  in 
■ship  Montezuma,  will 
?w  in  her,  he  made  pail 
>adcalm.    The  flotilla 
Ir  the  larger  of  the  two 

Itann  In  1S02,  and  wnfactiveir 
■nant.lnthecntirocrmfeoftl' 
ln,audcommandodtheM.(»^^ 
I  lliHlni-t  Ben  service  was  Id  1»^ 

Ills  rank.    Secretary  Dobbin  ili- 

Ity  days. 


t'lptnre  of  the  Ocorijiana  and  other  English  armed  Whaling-shlps. 


Porter  in  Command  of  a  Squadron. 


■May. 


vessels,  which  kept  training  her  guns  upon  the  flotilla  as  it  approached ;  but  between 
two  and  three  in  the  afternoon  she  surrendered  without  firing  a  shot.  She  was  the 
KnuTish  whale-ship  Oeorgiana.  Her  companion  was  captured  in  like  manner.  She 
was  the  PoHcj/,  also  a  whaler.  These  three  prizes  furnished  Porter  with  many  need- 
ed su])p!ies.  Among  these  were  beef,  pork,  cordage,  water,  and  a  large  number  of  the 
huge  Galapagos  turtles,  whose  flesh  is  delightful  to  the  appetite  and  healthful  to  the 
stomach. 

Captain  Porter  fitted  up  the  Georgiana  as  a  cruiser.  She  had  been  built  for  the 
service  of  the  East  India  Company,  and  liad  the  reputation  of  being  a  fast  sailer.  She 
was  pierced  for  eighteen  guns,  and  had  six  mounted  when  taken.  The  Policy  was 
also  pierced  for  eighteen  guns,  and  had  ten  mounted.  These  were  added  to  the  ar- 
mament of  the  Georgiana,  and  she  became  a  fitting  consort  of  the  Essex,  with  sixteen 
lidit  guns,  under  the  command  of  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Dovnes,  Avith  forty-one 
men.  He  raised  the  American  jiennant  over  her  on  the  8th  of  May,"  and  it 
was  saluted  by  seventeen  guns.  Tlie  crew  of  the  Essex,  officers  and  men,  was 
now  reduced  to  two  hundred  and  sixty-four  souls. 

Tlie  reputation  of  the  Georgiana  for  fleetness  was  unmerited,  yet  Porter  expected 
to  make  her  useful.  She  and  the  Essex  parted  company  on  the  12th  of  May,  Avith  a 
clear  understanding  concerning  places  for  rendezvous  at  specified  times.  The  Essex, 
accompanied  by  the  Policy,  Montezuma,  and  Barclay,  did  not  cruise  far  from  tl;c  Gal- 
apagos, and  it  was  sixteen  days  before  a  strange  sail  was  seen  by  her.  On  the  after- 
noon of  the  28t]i''  one  was  seen  ahead,  and  a  general  chase  w.as  made.  At  sun- 
set she  was  visible  from  the  frigate's  deck,  and  she  was  still  in  sight  on  the 
following  morning.  It  was  not  long  before  tlie  Essex  got  alongside  of  and  captured 
her.  She  was  the  English  whale-sliip  Atlantic,  mounting  eight  1 8-pounder  carron- 
adcs,  and  manned  by  twenty-three  men,  under  the  command  of  a  renegade  Nantucket 
captain.    Slie  was  pierced  for  twenty  guns. 

During  this  chase  another  vessel  was  seen.  With  characteristic  energy.  Porter 
placed  Lieutenant  M'Knight,  of  the  Montezuma,  in  command  of  the  Atlantic,  and  or- 
dered him  to  chase  the  newly-discovered  stranger.  The  Essex  also  joined  in  the  pur- 
suit, and  the  Greenicich,  a  vessel  little  lighter  than  the  Atlantic,  mounting  ten  guns, 
and  manned  by  twenty-five  men,  was  added  to  the  list  of  prizes  in  Porter's  liands. 
The  Atlantic  and  Grecmoich  had  letters  of  marque,  and,  being  fast  sailers,  were  very 
danirorous  to  American  commerce. 

AVith  all  his  prizes  but  the  Georgiana,  now  five  in  number,  Porter  sailed  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Tumbez,  in  the  Gulf  of  Guayaquil,  on  the  South  American  Continent, 
where  he  anchored  on  the  lOtli  of  June,  off"  the  miserable  village  of  Tumbez.  There 
the  little  squadron  was  joined  by  the  Georgiana^  bringing  with  her  two 
prizes,  the  Hector,  1 1 ,  and  Catharine,  8.  Downes  had  captured  a  third,  the 
Rose,  8,  which  he  liad  filled  with  tlie  superabundant  prisoners  and  sent  to  St.  Helena. 
She  was  a  dull  sailer.  Ho  removed  h  jr  oil,  threw  her  guns  overboard,  and  gave  the 
prisoners  the  sliip  on  condition  that  they  should  sail  for  that  rocky  isle  in  the  At- 
lantic. 

Porter  now  found  himself,  at  the  end  of  eight  months  after  he  sailed  from  the  Del- 
aware, in  command  of  a  squadron  of  nine  armed  vessels  ready  for  formidable  war- 
fare. The  Atlantic  being  every  way  superior  to  the  Georgiana,  Lieutenant  Com- 
manding Pownes  was  transferred  to  her,  with  his  crew.  Twenty  guns  were  mount- 
ed in  her,  and  she  was  named  Essex  Junior.  She  was  manned  by  sixty  picked  men. 
The  Georgiana  was  also  armed  with  twenty  guns,  and  converted  into  a  store-ship, 
under  the  command  of"  Parson"  Adams,  the  cliaplain  of  the  Essex. 

Tlic  squadron  left  Tumbez  on  the  30th  of  June,  the^.'?ea;  and  Essex  Junior  sailing 
in  company  until  the  flth  of  July,"^  when  the  latter  was  dispatched  for  Val- 
paraiso with  the  Catharine,  Hector,  Montezuma,  Policy,  and  liarday  in  con- 


'  June  24. 


'  1613. 


*f,   !'' 


^W• 

■■■i 

■■':{ 

'1 

.             .Jili 

ummak 

ill,  l^^l  IH 

k     1 

'fVH^H 

nK 

lal        '  1 '" 

"^ 

1 

|i  1  ^ 

f 

H:i— ^1 

pi: 

, 

s. 

Mm-' ' 

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%"     ^ 

■ 

^^^^ 

if 

726 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


^Jnly. 


Capture  of  the  dreaded  Seringapatam.     Sncoesgfnl  crnlsiiig  among  the  Galapagos  Islaude.     Porter  warned  uf  Danger. 

voy.  Tlic  £Jssex  at  the  same  time,  accompanied  hy  the  Oeorgiana  and  Greeincich 
■July,  sailed  westward  toward  the  Galapagos.  On  the  ISth"  she  captured  the  En- 
1B13.  glish  whale-ship  Charlton,  armed  with  ton  guns,  and  manned  by  twenty-one 
men.  Two  other  vessels  had  been  seen  in  her  company,  the  larger  of  which,  the  pris- 
oners from  the  Charlton  said,  was  the  Serimjapatam,  mounting  fourteen  guns,  and 
manned  by  forty  men.  She  had  been  built  in  England  for  the  Sultan  Tippoo  Saib 
for  a  cruiser,  and  was  the  most  fonnidable  enemy  of  American  shipping  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  Porter  longed  for  her  capture,  and  was  soon  gratified.  The  Greenwich  hoiv 
gallantly  down  upon  her,  and,  after  exchanging  a  few  broadsides,  the  English  vessel 
surrendered.  She  soon  afterward  made  an  unsuccessful  effort  to  escajie.  The  small- 
er vessel,  called  the  New  Zealander,  was  captured  without  difficulty. 

Porter's  prisoners  were  now  so  numerous  that  he  was  compelled  o  admit  a  large 
number  to  parole.  These  were  placed  in  the  Charlton,  and  sent  to  liio  de  Janeiro 
under  a  pledge  of  honor.  The  guns  were  taken  out  of  the  Neio  Zealander  and  placed 
in  the  Seringapatam,  giving  her  an  armament  of  twenty-two  heavy  pieces,  but  with 
an  insufficient  crew.  She  Avas  thus  converted  into  a  formidable  cruiser.  The  Oeor- 
oiana,  with  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  worth  of  spermaceti  oil,  was  sent  to  tlic 
United  States,  bearing  in  irons  the  captain  of  the  Seringapatam,  who  was  found  with- 
out a  commission  as  privateer,  and  liable  to  the  penalties  of  piracy. 

The  Essex,  with  the  Greenwich,,  Seringapatam,  and  Neio  Zealander,  now  sailed  for 
Albemarle  Island,  the  largest  of  the  Galapagos  group.  On  the  morning  of  the 
28th''  they  discovered  a  strange  sail.  Chase  was  given,  and  continued  all 
day,  but  she  eluded  her  pursuers  during  the  ensuing  night.  This  was  the  first 
time  that  the  Essex  had  failed  to  place  herself  alongside  of  an  antagonist  since  she 
entered  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  Porter  and  his  people  were  much  mortified.  The 
cruise  continued,  and  on  the  4th  of  August  the  little  squadron  anchored  off  James's 
Island,  a  short  distance  from  Albemarle.  There  they  remained  more  than  a  fortiiisiht, 
and  on  the  22d  anchored  in  Banks's  Bay,  between  Narborough  Island  and  the  north 
head  of  Albemarle,  where  the  prizes  were  moored,  and  from  whence  the  Essex  pro- 
ceeded"  on  a  short  cruise  alone.  After  sailing  for  some  time  along  the 
Galapagos  without  meeting  any  vessels.  Porter  was  gratified  by  the  ap 
parition  of  a  strange  sail  on  the  15th  of  September,  apparently  lying  to,  far  to  the 
southward  and  to  the  windward.  The  Essex,  disguised,  approached  her,  and  discov- 
ered her  to  be  an  English  Avhale-ship  engaged  in  the  process  of"  cutting  in,"  or  get- 
ting on  board  the  ship  the  blubber  of  the  great  fish.  When  the  Essex  was  within 
about  four  miles  of  the  whaler,  the  latter  became  alarmed,  cast  off  her  fish,  and  made 
sail.  The  Essex  threw  off  her  disguise  and  pursued,  and  at  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon had  the  stranger  within  range  of  her  guns.  A  few  shots  brought  her  to,  and 
she  became  a  prize  She  was  the  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  armed  with  twelve  guns, 
and  manned  by  thirty-one  men.  She  was  the  vessel  that  escaped  the  Essex  on  the 
night  of  the  28th  of  July.  She  had  on  board  a  large  supply  of  beef,  pork,  bread, 
wood,  and  water,  of  which  the  Essex  was  in  need.  With  this  prize  she  returned  to 
Banks's  Bay,  where  she  was  soon  afterward  joined  by  the  Essex  Junior  from  Val- 
paraiso. Downes  had  there  moored  three  of  the  prizes,  and  sent  the  fourth,  the  Pol- 
icy, to  the  United  States  with  a  cargo  of  spermaceti  oil. 

While  at  Valparaiso  Downes  learned  two  important  facts,  namely,  that  the  exploits 
of  the  Essex  had  produced  great  excitement  in  the  British  Navy,  and  caused  the  gor- 
emment  to  send  out  the  frigate  Phoebe,  with  one  or  two  consorts,  to  attempt  her  cap- 
ture ;  and  that  the  Chilian  authorities  were  becoming  more  friendly  to  the  English  I 
than  to  the  Americans.  Surveying  the  situation  in  the  light  of  this  information,  Por- 
ter resolved  to  go  to  the  Marquesas  Islands,  refit  his  vessels,  and  return  to  the  United 
States.  His  cruise  had  been  remarkably  successful.  He  had  captured  almost  everj' 
English  whale-ship  known  to  be  off  the  coasts  of  Peru  and  Chili,  and  had  deprived 


=  August  24. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


12t 


Sorter  warned  of  Danger. 

la  and  Gi-eemcich, 
s  captured  the  En- 
iied  by  twenty-one 
■  of  which,  the  pris- 
fourteen  guns,  and 
sultan  Tippoo  Sail) 
pping  in  the  Pacific 
rhe  Greenwich  horu 
1,  the  English  vessel 
e8caiH>.    I'lie  small- 

Ity. 

ed  ;o  admit  a  large 
it  to  T'io  de  Janeiro 
lealander  and  placed 
avy  pieces,  but  with 
cruiser.  The  Ocor- 
oil,  was  sent  to  the 
■who  -was  found  witli- 

icy. 

ander,  now  sailed  for 
the  morning  of  the 

jn,  and  continued  all 

it.  This  was  the  first 
antagonist  since  she 

nuch  mortified.  The 
anchored  off  James's 
nore  than  a  fortnight, 
Island  and  the  north 

rhence  the  Essex  pro- 
some  time  along  the 

Is  gratified  by  the  ap- 

ly 'lying  to,  far  to  the 
ached  her,  and  discov- 

If"  cutting  in,"  or  get- 

the  Essex  was  within 
off  her  fish,  and  made 
[ir  o'clock  in  the  after- 
ts  brought  her  to,  ami 
,ed  with  twelve  guns, 
iped  the  E^»ex  on  the 
J  of  beef,  pork,  bread, 
prize  she  returned  to 
Lear  Junior  from  Val- 
jnt  the  fourth,  the  Pol- 

nely,  that  the  exploits 
^,  and  caused  the  gov- 
Its,  to  attempt  her  cap- 

l-iendly  to  the  EngUsli 
■  this  information,  For- 
i  return  to  the  United 
i;apturcd  almost  ever)- 
[lili,  and  had  deprived 


Porter,  with  his  Squadron,  sallH  for  the  Marqnoi!a8  lelande.     Arrival  at  Nooulieuvah.     White  Kesideuts  ou  the  Island. 

the  enemy  of  property  to  the  amount  of  two  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars,  and  three 
hundred  and  sixty  seamen.  He  had  also  released  the  American  whalers  from  danger, 
and  inspired  the  Peruvians  and  Chilians  with  the  most  profound  respect  for  the 
American  Navy.  Accordingly,  on  the  2d  of  October,  he  spread  the  sails  of  the  Es- 
sex  to  the  breeze,  and  she  sailed  westward  from  Banks's  Bay,  followed  by  the  Essex 
Junior,  Serinyapatam,  New  Zealander,  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  and  Greenwich.  Moat 
of  these  were  slow  sailers,  and  kept  the  Essex  back.  The  impatient  Porter,  fearing 
the  delay  might  cause  him  to  miss  an  English  vessel  bound  for  India  of  which  he 
had  heard,  sent  the  Essex  Junior  forward  to  the  Marquesas  with  instructions  to  at- 
tempt to  intercept  and  capture  her.  Meanwhile  the  squadron  crept  lazily  over  the 
calm  sea,  and  on  the  23d  of  October  the  group  of  the  Marquesas  was  seen  looming  up 
from  the  western  horizon.  On  the  following  day  they  neared  the  shores,  and  saw  the 
natives  thronging  the  beaches  and  swiftly  navigating  the  waters  in  light  canoes. 
After  passing  among  the  islands  a  few  days,  the  Essex  finally  anchored  in  a  fine  bay 
of  Nooaheevah  with  her  prizes,  except  the  Essex  Junior,  which  came  iu  soon  after- 
ward. 

"The  situation  of  the  Essex^''  says  Cooper,'  "was  sufiiciently  remarkable  at  this 
moment  to  merit  a  brief  notice.  She  had  been  the  first  American  to  carry  the  pen- 
nant of  a  man-of-war  around  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  now  she  had  been  the  first 
to  bring  it  into  this  dietant  ocean.  More  than  ten  thousand  miles  from  home,  Avith- 
out  colonies,  stations,  or  even  a  really  friendly  port  to  repair  to,  short  of  stores,  Avith- 
out  a  consort,  and  otherwise  in  possession  of  none  of  the  required  means  of  subsist- 
ence and  efficiency,  she  had  boldly  steered  into  this  distant  region,  where  she  had 
found  all  that  she  had  acquired  through  her  own  activity ;  and  having  swept  the  seas 
of  her  enemies,  she  had  now  retired  to  these  little-frequented  islands  to  refit  with  the 
security  of  a  ship  at  home.  It  is  due  to  the  officer  who  so  promptly  adopted  and  so 
successfully  executed  this  plan,  to  add,  that  his  enterprise,  self-reliance,  and  skill  indi- 
cated a  man  of  bold  and  masculine  conception,  of  great  resources,  and  of  a  high  de- 
gree of  moral  courage — qualities  that  are  indispensable  in  forming  a  naval  captain." 

The  bay  in  which  the  squadron  was  moored,  and  its  surroundings,  presented  very 
picturesque  scenery  to  the  navigators.  A  beautiful  valley  was  seen  extending  back 
from  it  among  the  lofty  hills,  and  here  and  there  a  native  village  dotted  its  margins. 
Rich  vegetation  crowned  the  eminences,  and  cultivated  fields  smiled  along  the  slopes 
and  beautiful  intervales.  The  natives  every  where  among  the  group  of  islands  had 
appeared  very  friendly,  and  Captain  Porter  expected  nothing  but  quiet  and  full  suc- 
cess in  fitting  his  vessels  for  his  long  homeward  voyage.  In  this  he  was  disappoint- 
ed, for  during  his  stay  he  was  compelled  to  engage  in  a  military  campaign,  and  take 
possession  of  Nooaheevah  by  force  of  arms.     It  happened  in  this  wise : 

The  anchor  of  the  Essex  had  just  been  cast  when  a  canoe  shot  out  from  the  shore 
and  came  alongside  the  frigate.  It  contained  three  white  men,  one  of  whom  was 
naked  and  tattooed  like  the  natives.  This  man  was  an  Englishman,  named  Wilson, 
and  had  been  on  the  island  twenty  years.  One  of  his  companions  was  Midshipman 
John  Maury,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  who  had  been  lc*'t  on  the  island  to  gather 
sandal-rt'ood  while  the  merchant  vessel  that  bore  him  to  it  should  go  to  China  and 
return.  He  was  accompanied  by  a  seaman.  These  were  the  only  Avhite  men  on 
Nooaheevah.  They  informed  Porter  that  war  was  raging  on  the  island  between  the 
native  tribes  who  inhabited  the  different  valleys,  and  that  it  was  quite  fierce  between 
the  Taeehs,  who  dwelt  in  the  one  before  them,  and  the  Happahs  over  the  mountains. 
He  was  farther  informed  that  he  would  j)robably  be  compelled  to  take  the  part  of 
the  Taeehs  against  the  Happahs  in  order  to  get  from  them  such  supplies  as  he  de- 
siied  and  the  island  afforded. 

Wilson  understood  the  native  language  well,  and  became  Porter's  interpreter. 


\h 


1  SavaX  BUtorg  of  the  Unitti  Statu,  U.,  222. 


:!^'~s'iiii^ 


llf 


Pi 


jJ 

■  i     .  i 

4 

i    ' 

.'?; 

ilp, ""  -■  '■ 

fPi; 

.    ;     \ 

-^Mji^^ 

fc^ 

1     1 

C'tyll  War  In  Nooahcevah. 


Porter  tlireatcna  to  engn^o  In  It 


The  "mighty  Oattanewa." 


With  him  the  captiiin  landed,  and  was  met  on  the  beach  by  a  throng  of  men,  wniiii'n 
and  children,  who  not  only  Avelconied  him,  bnt  gave  cordial  greetings  to  the  marines, 
who  followed  him  with  beating  drums,  and  tired  volleys  of  musketry  in  tlu'  air, 
These  unusual  sounds  brought  swarms  of  the  Haj)pah8  to  the  crest  of  the  niountuin 
where  they  brandished  their  spears  and  clubs  in  the  most  threatening  manner.  Tliov 
had  lately  spread  desolation  through  portions  of  the  valley  of  the  Taeehs,  dcHtroyini; 
houses,  plantations,  and  bread-fruit-trees.  Porter  immediately  sent  them  word  that 
he  had  come  with  force  stilficient  to  take  possession  of  the  whole  island,  and  tliat  if 
they  ventured  into  the  Tienhoy  Valley  as  enemies  while  he  remained  h.e  would  ))iin- 
ish  them  severely.  He  gave  them  permission  to  bring  hogs  and  fruit  to  the  shore, 
and  promised  them  protection  while  trafficking.  Tins  bold  message  delighted  the 
Taeehs,  and  filled  the  IIa|)i)ahs  with  awe,  because  of  the  powerful  ally  which  good 
fortune  had  brought  to  their  enemies. 

Porter  had  just  returned  to  his  ship  when  ho  was  informed  that  the  great  Gatta- 
newa,  the  mighty  King  of  the  Taeehs,  a  descendant  of  Oateia,  or  Daylight,  tlirouijli 
eighty-eight  generations,  had  returr  jd  from  a  tour  of  inspection  to  one  or  two  ot'liis 
strong-holds  among  the  mountains.  A  boat  was  sent  to  bring  the  monarch  on  boanl 
the  J2ssex,  and  all  hands 
waited  in  expectation 
of  seeing  a  most  digni- 
fied personage,  for  their 
eyes  had  already  seen 
the  really  beantiful  and 
stately  granddaughter 
of  the  monarch.  They 
were  disappointed.  Be- 
fore them  appeared  a 
tottering  man  leaning 
u{)on  a  rude  stick,  bent 
with  the  weight  of  years, 
naked,  excepting  tem- 
ples covered  with  with- 
ered palm  -  leaves  and 
loins  swathed  in  dirty 
tappa  or  native  cloth,  his 
skin  black  with  tattoo- 
ing, and  made  almost 
leprous  in  appearance  by 
the  eficcts  of  excessive 
indulgence  in  the  use  of 
kava,  a  native  intoxicat- 
ing drink.  He  was  then 
stupefied  by  its  effects, 
and  it  Avas  not  until  aft- 
er he  had  slept  long  in 
the  cabin  of  the  Essex 
that  he  was  able  to  talk 
of  public  affauu 

Porter  agreed  to  assist 
Gattanewa  against  the  Happahs  and  Typees,  his  chief  enemies.  He  established  a 
camp  in  a  shady  plain  not  far  from  the  beach,  and  at  the  same  time  active  labor  wa> 
commenced  in  the  service  of  preparing  the  Essex  for  her  long  voyage.  Days  passeii 
on,  and  so  peaceful  did  the  Americans  appear  that  the  Happahs  were  emboklemil, 


TUE   MIUUTY    OATTANEWA. 


OF   TlIK   WAU   OF    18  12. 


i2i 


rho  "mighty  Oattiinewa." 

ing  of  men,  wnu.cn, 
iijjs  to  the  lUiuiiu's, 
.iKkctry  in  the  air, 
st  of  the  iii()ui\tiiiii, 
line;  manner.    Tluv 
s  Tacchs,  dcHtroyiii!; 
cat  them  word  thai 
e  island,  and  thiit  it 
lined  h.e  woukl  jiiin- 
id  fruit  to  the  shore, 
issage  delitjhtoil  the 
rful  ally  which  good 

Aiat  the  great  Gatta- 
or  Daylight,  thront;li 
I  to  one  or  two  ofliis 
he  monarch  on  hoard 


Battlea  with  the  NotlvcB. 


Purter  victurluua. 


Cbuu(;e  lu  tbo  Name  of  tbo  Island  and  Uarbor. 


^ 


i 

.'         t\ 

lA 

^^^^B 

^F  ^^ 

'^'"^fM}. 

-'■■l^Sm: 

r,.srj^'Y 

'\/i  ^km^Hj^.' 

K^'i^ 

I^P^^^^i. 

m^s^ 

^ ^^^^^3  ■7?»^- 

gi3^i « 

^■'j  A^^jjr  >>s 

_.^P: 

1^^'  ^/l 

q^fWi 

m  •  1  1 

^m 

^^m 

K«/    -^     rJK 

lies.     He  established  a 
time  active  labor « 

1  voyage.    Days  F^^fJ 
Lbs  were  eraboUeiuHl 


Tlii'v  poured  into  tlio  valley,  menaced  the  camp,  and  sent  a  messenger  to  Porter  to 
tell  liiui  that  he  was  a  coward.  The  old  monarch  and  his  chief  warriors  urged  Por- 
ter to  strike  a  withering  blow.  lie  complied  with  their  reipu'st.  Ili'  lauded  a  0- 
pounder  cannon,  and  the  natives  carried  it  to  the  summit  of  tiie  mountain.  He  then 
sent  Lieutenant  Downes,  with  forty  men  with  muskt'ts,  to  attack  \\\v  lliippahs.  They 
were  driven  from  hill  to  liill  until  they  reached  one  of  their  forts  on  the  brow  of 
an  eminence.  There,  four  thousand  strong,  they  made  a  stand,  and  hurled  spears 
and  stones  at  the  assailants.  The  fort  was  stornu'd  and  cajiture<l,  and  tlu^  awe-struck 
Ilappahs  fled  in  every  direction.  Their  hostility  was  overcome,  and  they  hastened 
to  send  messengers  with  prayers  for  peace.  Within  a  week  envoys  from  almost  ev- 
ery tribe  on  the  island  appeared  bearing  tribute-treasures  and  tokens  of  friendship. 
Porter's  power  was  supreme.  lie  took  possession  of  a  conieal  hill  overlooking  his 
encampment  and  the  harbor,  cast  up  a  breastwork  formed  of  Water-casks  filled  with 
earth,  mounted  four  guns  upon  it,  raised  the  American  flag  over  it,  and  on  the  19th 
of  November  took  formal  possession  of  the  island.  He  named  Nooaheevah  Madison 
Island,  and  the  breastwork  Fort  Madison,  in  honor  of  the  i'resideiit  of  the  United 
States;  and  to  the  beautifid  expanse  of  water  before  him  he  gave  the  name  of  Mas- 
sachusetts liay,  in  token  of  his  attachment  to  his  birth-place.     The  fort  was  )>laced 


•niK  i;hmi;x  and  iieu  riu/.KH  in  masbachi  skits  uav,  nooaukkvaii.' 


in  command  of  Lieutenant  John  M.  Gamble,  of  the  Marines,  and  Messrs.  Feltus  and 
Clapp, midshipmen,  with  twenty-one  men,  were  placed  under  liis  orders,  and  remained 
there  until  the  squadron  was  ready  to  sail.  This  was  wise  precaution  to  secure  the 
speedy  repairs  of  the  Essex. 

The  powerful  Typees  had  rcmrvined  hostile,  and  became  more  and  more  defiant, 
to  the  great  discomfort  of  Gattanewa's  people  and  the  annoyance  of  the  Americans. 
At  length  Porter  resolved  to  make  war  upon  them.  An  expedition,  consisting  of 
thirty-five  Americans,  including  Captain  Porter  and  five  thousand  Taeehs  and  TLip- 
pahs,  moved  against  the  incorrigibles.  The  Typees,  armed  with  slings  and  spears, 
met  them  with  such  overwhelming  numbers  and  fierce  determination,  that  at  the  end 
of  the  first  day  they  were  compelled  to  falhback  to  the  beach,  and  numbering  among 
their  casualties  a  shattered  leg  belonging  to  Lieutenant  Downes,  caused  by  a  blow 
from  a  sling-man's  stone.  That  night  the  valley  of  the  Typees  resounded  with  shouts 
of  victory,  and  the  sonorous  reverberations  of  many  beaten  drums. 

Porter  renewed  the  attempt  the  next  day,  and  led  his  motley  army  boldly  over 
the  nigged  hills  into  the  Typee  Valley,  in  the  midst  of  great  exposure  to  hostile  mis- 

>  From  a  drawing  by  Captain  Porier. 


IJIi: 


(hi  ? 


\m 


130 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tba  Typau  Valley  UeNolated. 


The  Women  of  Nuouheevab. 


Porter  arrive*  at  Vaiparalro. 


MAUOCEHAH  J  ..ut 


Biles  irora  concealed  foc8,  ami  many  privations.  Village  after 
village  WiiH  deHtroyod  until  they  came  to  the  principal  town, 
in  which  were  line  l)uil(lingH,  a  large  public  wiuare,  lempleB 
and  gods,  huge  war-canoes,  and  other  exhibitions  of  half-sav- 
age life.  These  M'crc  all  reduced  to  ashes,  and  by  the  broom 
of  desolation  that  beautiful  valley,  four  miles  in  Avidth  and 
nine  in  length,  was  made  a  blackened  desert.  The  Tyi't'es, 
utterly  ruined  and  humbled,  now  submissively  paid  tribute, 
and  Porter  could  say 

"  I  am  monarch  of  nil  I  survoy ; 

My  rljjlit  there  Ih  iiouo  to  illsptlto." 

Porter  i.ad  allowed  his  crew  full  indulgence  while  at  Nooahevah.  The  natives 
were  lavish  in  that  species  of  savage  hospitality  which  gives  concubines  to  straiiirurs 
in  the  persons  of  their  wives  and  daughters.  The  women  of  that  island  were  really 
bp^^ntiful  in  figure  and  feature,  and  not  much  darker  in  complexion  thtu'  most  Spanish 
women.  Warm  attachments  were  formed  between  them  and  the  seuiiieii,  and  when 
on  the  eve  of  departure.  Porter  forbade  his  men  going  on  shore,  they  were  greatly 
disc  ntented.  For  three  days  during  this  restraint  they  became  almost  mutinous, 
"The  girls,"  says  Porter  in  his  ./oMr«a^, "  lined  the  beach  from  morniiii;  imtil  night 
and  every  moment  importuned  me  to  take  the  taboos  off  the  men,  and  laughingly  ex- 
pressed their  grief  by  dipping  their  fingers  into  the  sea  and  touching  their  e\  is,  so  as 
to  let  the  salt  water  trickle  doAvn  their  cheeks.  Others  would  seize  a  chip,  and,  hold- 
ing it  in  the  manner  of  a  shark's  tooth,  declared  they  would  cut  themselves  to  pieces 
in  their  despair;  some  threatened  to  beat  their  brains  out  with  a  spear  of  grass,  some 
to  drown  the'"  ^Ives,  and  all  were  determined  to  inflict  upon  themselves  some  dread- 
ful punishni  t'l  did  not  jjcrmit  their  sweet-hearts  to  come  on  shore."'  Porter's 
men  did  not  tune  the  deprivation  so  good-naturedly.  Their  situation,  they  said,  Avas 
worse  than  slavery ;  and  a  man  named  Robert  White  declared,  on  board  the  IJusa 
Junior,  that  the  crew  of  the  Essex  had  come  to  a  resolution  not  to  weigh  her  anclior, 
or,  if  they  should  be  compelled  to  git  the  ship  under  weigh,  in  three  days'  time  aller 
leaving  the  port  to  seize  the  ship  and  hoist  their  own  flag.  Porter  thought  it  neces- 
sary to  notice  the  affair.  He  assembled  his  men  and  addressed  them  kindly.  He 
spoke  of  the  reported  threat,  expressed  his  belief  that  the  rumor  could  not  be  true, 
but  added, "  should  such  an  event  take  place,  I  will,  without  hesitation,  put  a  match 
to  the  magazine  and  blow  you  all  to  eternity."  He  added  that  perhaps  there  might 
be  some  grounds  for  the  report,  and  said, "Let  me  see  who  are  and  who  are  not  dis- 
posed to  obey  my  orders.  You  who  ai-o  inclined  to  get  the  ship  under  weigh,  conn 
on  the  stai-board  side ;  and  you  wlio  are  otherwise  disposed,  renniin  where  you  are.' 
All  hastened  to  the  starboard  side.  The  men  showed  great  willingness  to  be  obe- 
dient. Then  White,  the  ringleader  of  the  mutineers,  if  there  were  any,  was  calleil 
out.  After  infonning  the  crew  that  this  was  the  man  who  had  slandered  tlicni,  I'di- 
ter  sent  him  ashore  in  one  of  the  numerous  canoes  in  Avhich  the  natives  were  .swarm- 
ing around  the  ship,  and  left  him  behind. 

The  Essex  was  thoroughly  fltted  for  her  long  voyage  and  for  encountering  ene- 
mies early  in  December,  and  on  the  12th''  slie  sailed,  with  her  prizes,  from 
Nooaheevah,  taking  with  her  Mr.  Maury  and  his  companion.  They  stretcheii 
away  eastward  to  tlie  South  American  continent,  and  early  in  January  the  peaks  of 
the  Andes  were  visible.  On  the  3d  of  February'' Porter  entered  the  harbor 
of  Valparaiso,  exchanged  salutes  with  the  fort,  went  on  shore  to  ])ay  liis  re- 
spects to  the  governor,  and  on  the  following  day  received  a  visit  from  his  Excellency 
and  his  wife,  and  some  other  officers.  Meanwhile  the  Essex  Junior  cruised  off  the 
port  as  a  scout  to  give  warning  of  the  approach  of  any  man-of-war.     Notwithstaud- 

1  See  Porter's  Journal,  U.,  13T. 


•  1S13. 


»  1S14. 


OF  TUE  WAR   OF   1813. 


781 


ter  nrrivei  at  Val|iuralto. 


iDcldenM  In  the  Horbor  of  Valparalio. 


Porter's  Oenoroclty. 


He  tries  tu  flt;bt,or  run  the  Blockade. 


MAUtJlIKSAH    I     .CM. 

ovah.    The  natives 
cubim'rt  to  Htraugurs 
it  island  were  really 
n  thiin  most  Spanish 
e  Heiuiii.'U,  and  wIumi, 
0,  they  were  prcatly 
ne  almost  nuiti\ious. 
morniuL;  until  night, 
n,  and  laughingly  ex- 
•hing  their  eyi'S,8oa9 
eize  a  chip,  and,  hold- 
,  themselves  to  pieces 
a,  spear  of  grass,  some 
craselvcs  some  dvcail- 
on  shore.'"     Povtir's 
tuation,they  said,  was 
,  on  board  the  Ensu 
to  weigh  her  andior, 
three  days'  time  aller 
.•ter  thought  it  neces- 
sed  them  khidly.    He 
^or  could  not  be  true, 
citation,  jiut  a  miitcli 
perhaps  there  might 
and  who  are  not  (lis- 
ip  under  weigh,  coiiu 
main  where  you  are.' 
.  illingness  to  be  ohe- 
were  any,  was  calW 
slandered  thcni,  I'uv- 
natives  were  swarm- 

for  encountering  ene- 
With  her  prizes,  tVom 
liion.  They  stretched 
January  the  peaks  of 
[r  entered  the  harhor 
_  shore  to  pay  his  re- 
It  from  his  Excellency 
\inior  cruised  off  the 
Iwar.     Notwithstaud- 


intf  the  friendly  dcnionstnitions  of  the  governor,  it  was  evident  to  Captain 
the  English  were  in  higher  favor  than  the  Americans  with  the  Cliilian  gi 


Porter  that 
the  English  were  in  higher  favor  than  the  Americans  with  the  Cliilian  government. 
J'orter  had  not  been  long  in  Viilj)araiNO  when  two  Englisli  men-of-war  were  report- 
ed in  the  offing.  They  saileil  into  the  harbor  all  pre|)ared  for  action,  and  seemed 
ready  to  violate  the  hospitalities  of  a  neutral  port.  These  vessels  were  the  Phoebe, 
3C  Captain  Ilillyar,  and  the  Cherub,  20,  Captain  Tucker.  The  former  mounted  thirty 
loD'^  IH-pounders,  sl.vteen  32-p()und  carionades,  and  mw  howitzer,  and  si.v  ;J-pounders 
in  iter  tops.  Her  crew  consisted  of  three-  hundred  and  twenty  men  and  boys.  The 
Cherub  mounted  eighteen  .'J2-ji()iind  earronades  below,  with  eight  24-pound  carron- 
iides  and  two  long  O's  above,  making  a  total  of  twenty-eiglit  guns.  Her  crew  mus- 
tered one  hundred  and  eighty.  Tho^sea;  at  this  time  could  muster  only  two  hund- 
red and  twenty-live  souls,  and  tlie  -Essex  Junior  only  si.xty.  The  Unsex  had  forty  32- 
iiound  earronades,  and  six  long  ri-pounders;  and  the  Essex  Junior  bore  only  ten  18- 
pound  earronades,  and  ten  short  O's.  The  weight  of  men  and  metal  was  heavily  in 
favor  of  the  British  vessels. 

As  the  Phii'he  canu!  sweeping  into  the  harbor  with  her  men  all  at  quarters,  and  ran 
close  alongside  the  Essex,  Porter  warned  Hillyar  that  if  his  vessel  touched  the  Amer- 
ii  an  frigate  he  should  open  upon  her,  and  much  blood  would  be  shed,  for  he  was  fully 
prepared  for  action.  "  I  do  not  intend  to  board  you,"  exclaimed  the  Englishman, 
who  perceived  Porter's  readiness  to  fight,  but  as  he  luffed  up  his  ship  was  taken 
ahack,  and  his  jib-boom  was  thrown  across  the  forecastle  of  the  Essex  in  a  menacing 
manner.  Porter  summoned  his  men  and  bade  them  spring  upon  the  Pho'he,  cutlasses 
in  hand,  the  moment  when  the  two  vessels  should  touch  each  other.  She  was  com- 
pletely in  the  power  of  the  Essex.,  and  with  the  aid  of  the  Essex  Junior  the  American 
tVicate  might  liave  sunk  the  Phoebe  in  fifteen  minutes.  Hillyar  saw  his  helplessness, 
and,  throwing  up  his  hands  in  consternation,  declared  that  his  present  position  was 
an  accident.  The  chivalrous  Porter  accepted  the  apology,  and  the  frightened  En- 
glishman was  allowed  to  ])ass  on.  It  was  afterward  generally  believed  that  Hillyar 
had  positive  orders  to  attack  the  Ekscx,  even  in  a  neutral  South  American  port,  and 
that  his  intentions  were  hostile  untii  the  moment  when  he  discovered  his  imminent 
ptri!  in  the  poAver  of  the  gallant  American.    • 

Alter  obtaining  some  supplies,  the  English  vessels  went  out  and  cruised  off  Val- 
paraiso. During  a  period  of  more  than  six  weeks  Porter  tried  in  vain  to  bring  on  an 
engagement  Avith  the  Phcebc  singly,  or  with  the  Essex  Junior  in  company.  On  the 
2Tth  of  February  he  felt  sure  of  a  tight,  for  the  Phoebe  stood  close  in  for  the  harbor, 
displaying  a  banner  on  which  were  the  words  "  God  and  our  Country ;  British  Sailors' 
best  Rights ;  Traitors  offend  both."  Porter  accepted  this  as  a  challenge,  quickly  pre- 
pared his  vessel,  and  hoisting  a  banner  under  his  old  motto,  "Free  Trade  and  Sailors' 
Kights,"  with  the  words  "  God,  our  Country,  and  Liberty ;  Tyrants  offend  them,"  he 
eaiiedboldly  out.  Ilillyar,  who  liad  doubtless  been  instructed  not  to  light  the  Essex 
alone,  quickly  showed  the  stern  of  his  ship,  and  ran  down  to  the  Cherub,  to  the  great 
disgust  of  the  Americans. 

Informed  that  other  English  cruisers  might  be  expected  soon,  Porter  determined 
lo  run  the  blockade  and  put  to  sea.  On  the  28th  of  March  he  spread  his  sails  to  a 
stiti"  southwest  breeze,  and  made  a  bold  dash  for  the  open  Pacific.  A  heavy  squall 
struck  the  Essex  as  she  rounded  the  Point  of  Angels,  carrying  away  the  maintop- 
mast,  and  over  into  the  deep  the  men  who  were  aloft  reefing.  They  were  lost.  The 
British  ships,  lying  in  wait  outside,  immediately  gave  chase,  while  the  crippled  frig- 
ate crawled  toward  the  friendly  port  to  repair  damages.  She  could  not  reach  her 
old  anchorage  in  time  to  escape  the  enemy,  so  she  took  shelter  in  a  bay  not  far  from 
a  battery,  and  anchored  within  pistol-shot  of  the  shore.  Notwithstanding  that  was 
neutral  ground,  the  enemy's  vessels  bore  down  upon  the  Essex,  and  Captain  Hillyar, 
unmindful  of  the  courtesy  rter  when  the  Phoebe  was  within  his  power,  proceed' 


732 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


m 


The  Kmtx  cripptvil.  I'lirtur'a  Ueneroalty  not  reclpmrated.  Battle  betweoa  thn  Kiuex  and  tw(>  ilrltliih  N|i|m 

•d  to  (ifta(!k  her.  Tho  I'Jkhcx  prcpftivd  for  coiitl'uit,  ivikI  cndi'iivonMl  to  place  n  sjirinir 
on  her  eiihlo.  IJcforc  thin  could  he  lU'compliHlicd  tlic  Phivhe  fi;ot,  in  an  udvaiita"('oii» 
•Mnroh  lis,     position,  and,  at  a  li'w  iiiiimlcs  hi'forc  live  o'clock  in  t'lc  allcrnoon,"  oiu'ikhI 

iHU.  (j,.^,  „|„,|,  j^in,  Htcrn  of  tlio  American  frij^ate  witli  liim  ionjj  muiH.  The  Vjhtr- 
nh  at  tlie  same  time  assailed  tlie  starboard  bow  of  the  Kaatjc,  while  the  Eaiex  Junior 
was  nnabic  to  render  her  consort  any  assistance. 

The  Chcruh  was  soon  driven  ott'by  the  bow-<j;uns  of  tlie  Aiacr,  and  joined  witli  tlio 
Phd'he.  in  a  severe  rakini?  fire  on  the  American.  For  a  while  tlu!  latter  was  uiialilc 
to  reply,  bnt  at  length  three  of  her  lonj?  twelves  were  run  out  of  her  stern  ports,  ninl 
were  handled  with  so  much  dexterity  and  power  that,  at  the  end  of  half  an  hour  aft. 
cr  the  action  commenced,  both  of  the  Knjjjlish  ships  were  compelled  to  haul  oil" and 
repair  damacjes.  The  ^Jnaex  had  heeii  much  bruised  in  the  conflict,  and  many  tif'licr 
crew  'vcro  killed  or  wounded.  Her  ensijjn  at  the  fjaff  and  her  battlc-flafj  had  Wn 
shot  away,  but  her  barnier,  inscribed  "  Fki:k  Tuadk  and  Sailous'  liiuirrs,"'  was  still 
flyint?  at  the  foro.  Every  man,  from  the  commander  down,  resolved  to  defend  lur  to 
the  last. 

The  Phcehe  and  Cherub  soon  renewed  their  attack  in  a  position  on  the  starbodid 
quarter  of  the  J^Jsscx  where  she  could  make  no  effectual  reK'.ntance,  tlie  distanci'  be- 
tween her  and  her  antacjonists  being  too  great  to  he  reached  by  her  carroiiadcs, 
Their  fire  was  very  galling,  and  I'orter  was  driven  to  the  alternative  of  surrendeiiiiir, 
or  running  down  to  close  quarters  with  his  enemy.  lie  decided  on  the  latter  iiiovi'. 
ment,  notwithstanding  his  ship  had  suffered  a  farther  loss  of  important  sparH  and 
rigging.  So  badly  was  she  crip|)led  that  the  only  sail  that  could  be  made  availatdf 
was  the  flying  jib.  This  was  hoisted,  the  cable  was  cut,  and  slowly  the  7im«  cilijcd 
away  toward  the  Pha'he  until  she  was  within  range  of  tlm  frigate's  carronados,  wlicn 
for  a  iaw  minutes  the  firing  on  both  sides  was  tremendoiis.  The  PluD'hc  changed  her 
position  to  a  long  range,  and  ke])t  up  a  terrific  cannonade  upon  her  helpless  aiita',ni- 
nist,  whose  deck  was  now  strewn  with  the  dead,  her  cockpit  and  ward-i'oom  filled  with 
the  wounded,  and  a  portion  of  her  hull  in  Hames.  Many  of  her  guns  were  disabled; 
and  at  one  of  them  no  less  than  fifteen  men — three  entire  crews — fell  dead  or  iudf- 
tally  wounded.  Yet  she  drove  off  tl>e  Cherub,  and  for  two  hours  maintained  the 
terrible  combat  with  her  principal  antagonist. 

Porter  now  perceived  no  chance  for  boarding  the  Plwebe,  and  the  raking  of  liir 
long  guns  was  producing  horrible  carnage  in  his  ship.  lie  resolved  to  attempt  t" 
run  her  ashore,  land  her  people,  and  set  fier  on  fire.  The  wind  was  favoniliic;  Imt 
when  she  was  within  musket-shot  distance  from  the  beach,  it  sliifted,  payiiin;  tlio 
shi[)'s  head  broad  off,  leaving  her  exposed  to  a  raking  fire  from  the  Phcehe.  At  this 
moment  of  extreme  peril,  Lieutenant  Downes  came  from  the  Essex  Junior  in  an  ojion 
boat  to  receive  orders.  He  was  directed  to  defend,  or,  if  necessary,  to  destroy  hi.« 
own  vessel.  He  returned  Avith  some  of  1;he  wounded,  and  left  three  sound  men  who 
came  with  him. 

The  slaughter  .;n  the  Essex  continued,  the  enemy's  shot  hulling  her  at  almost  every 
disdiarge.  Still  Porter  held  out,  hoping  to  lay  his  ship  alongside  the  cautious  Ph'At 
He  let  go  an  anchor,  by  which  the  head  of  his  vessel  was  brought  round  and  cnableJ 
to  give  his  enemy  a  broadside.  It  was  efiectual.  The  Phoebe  was  crippled  by  it, 
and  began  drifting  away  with  the  tide.  Porter  was  hopeful  of  success,  wlioii  his 
hawser  parted,  and  the  Essex,  an  almost  he'pless  wreck  and  on  fire,  floated  toward 
her  antagonist.  The  fiames  came  up  both  the  main  and  forward  hatchways.  Tliero 
was  no  longer  a  chance  for  saving  the  ship.  The  magazine  was  threatened.  Already 
an  explosion  of  powder  had  added  to  the  confusion.  Porter  was  unhurt.  He  calN 
a  council  of  officers.    Only  one  man  (Lieutenant  Stephen  D.  M'Knight'^)  came !   Tlif 

'  See  pope  441. 

»  Stephen  Decatur  M'Knight  was  a  native  of  CoDDecticnt.    After  the  capture  of  the  Essex,  he,  with  a  companion 


OP   TIIK   WAll   OF    18  12. 


7a8 


«  mill  two  Brltlth  Hblpo. 

I  to  pliu'o  a  h\ty\wji 
1  an  mlvunliii,'c(ms 
iilYcrnooii,"  oikikmI 
;  tjfunH.  Tlic  aiicr- 
J  the  J'jUSi'J''  >li>ni(ir 

111(1  joiiiofl  Avitli  tlio 
',  livttor  WHS  mialilc 
lior  Btcrn  ports,  iiml 
of  half  an  lioiir  iift- 
Hod  to  liiiiil  otV  ii'iil 
ct,  and  many  of  her 
battU'-flaf?  had  hcin 
'  UuiiiTH,"'  wa-i  still 
ved  to  defend  her  to 

ion  jn  the  Btavhoaid 
iiicc,  the  distance  be- 
I  liy  her  carroiiudcs. 
itive  of  suriTiulcriiiir, 
il  on  the  hvtter  movt- 
hniiortant  siiars  ami 
lid  he  made  availnbk' 
owly  the  J'JsKCX  i'(li;wl 
ite's  earronadcs,  wlu'ii 
he  rh(*'he  (^han<,'wl  her 
n  her  helpless  autai.'u- 
ward-room  tilli'il  witli 
(runs  were  disiibk'il; 
^^,g_fell  dead  or  \m- 
hours  niaintained  tlic 

;uid  the  raking  ofkr 
(■solved  to  attempt  tu 
d  was  favorable;  but 
lit  shifted,  pay  ilia;  tk 

I  the  Pfuvbe.  At  tliis 
Lea;  Junior  in  an  o\m 
hessary,  to  destroy  lii? 
[three  sound  men  wlio 

Ins  her  at  almost  every 
lie  the  cautious  P/mk 
iht  round  and  enabled 
the  was  crippled  by  it, 

II  of  success,  when  Ins 
Ion  fire,  floated  toward 
Ird  hatchways.    Tliere 

.threatened.  Already 
fas  unhurt.  Ho  ealW 
I'Knisiht*)  came !  Tbe 


riurnuilnr  of  tha 


The  Uoodnot  of  the  Urltl^h  ('(iiniiiiiinlcr. 


PorUr  ntBTM  8a«M. 


rent  were  either  slain  or  woiindi'd.  llo  then  told  his  men  tiiat  thoHc  who  jircliricd  Id 
tiikc  the  risk  of  <lr(>wiiiii}^  liy  jumping  ovcrhoard  and  Mwiinmiim  for  llm  shore,  to  tlie 
ccrtuinty  of  being  Idown  up,  might  ilo  so.  3Iuiiy  atreepted  the  otVer.  Some  reached 
llif  beucli ;  a  large  nuinher  were  drowned.  JV>rler  hauled  down  liis  tiag.  Tiie  ves- 
gi>|  was  surrendered,  and  the  flames  were  extinguished.  Of  tiie  two  hundred  and 
t«iHlv-tive  l)rave  men  who  went  into  tlu^  light,  only  seventy-live*  effective  ones  re- 
mained. Kilty-eigiit  had  been  killeil,  sixty-six  wouinled,  and  thirty-one  weri'  missing, 
'flic  two  vessels  of  tlie  enemy  lost,  in  the  aggregate,  only  five  killed  and  ten  wounded. 


m 


AtniDN    IIF.TWer.N    TIIK    1.HHKX   AMI   TIIK    I'luKDK  A.SI>   DIIKllUU.  I 


Thus  ended  the  wonderful  and  brilliant  cruise  of  the  E88ex.  Her  closing  exploits 
were  as  gallant  as  her  former  career.  "We  have  been  unfortunate,  but  not  dis- 
graced," wrote  her  noble  commander.  "The  defense  of  the  JiJunex  has  not  been  less 
lionorable  to  her  ofticers  and  crew  than  the  caj)ture  of  an  equal  force;  audi  now 
eonsider  my  situation  less  unpleasant  than  that  of  Commodore  Ilillyar,  who,  in  vio- 
lation of  every  princijile  of  honor  and  generosity,  and  regardless  of  the  rights  of  na- 
tions, attacked  the  Esnex  in  lier  crippled  state  within  jiistol-sliot  of  a  neutral  shore, 
wiicn  for  six  weeks  I  had  daily  oftered  him  fair  and  honorable  combat."^ 

IJy  an  arrangement  with  the  victorious  Ilillyar  the  Essex  Junior  was  made  a  car- 
tel,  and  in  her  Porter  and  his  surviving  companions  sailed  for  the  Un't-od  States.  Aft- 
er a  voyage  of  seventy-three  days  they  arrived  on  the  coast  off  Lo'.''  ^  dand,  and  fell 
in  with  the  Saturn,  a  British  ship  of  war,  whose  commander  (Nn  questioned  the 
papers  of  the  Essex  Junior,  and  detained  her.  The  indignant  I'c  .'jv  considered  this 
treatment  a  violation  of  his  arrangements  with  Ilillyar,  and  escaped  in  a  whale-boat. 
After  sailing  and  rov.ing  about  sixty  miles,  he  landed  near  Babylon,  on  the  south  side 
of  Long  Island,  where  he  was  suspected  of  being  a  British  officer.  His  commission 
settled  the  question,  and  he  enjoyed  unbounded  hospitality.  He  made  his  way  to 
New  York,  where  he  was  received  with  demonstrations  of  most  profound  respect ; 
anil  when  intelligence  Avent  over  the  country  of  the  exploits  of  the  ^«ea;,  every  city. 


named  Jnmes  liytnnn,  were  sent  to  Rto  de  Jniiciro  as  prisoners  of  war,  where  they  were  shipped  for  England  In  a  Swed- 
ish vcgsel.  They  were  never  heard  of  afterward.  The  vessel  arrived  In  safety,  but  the  captain  of  the  ve»sel  never  gave 
auy  account  of  them.  '  From  a  drawhij^  by  Captain  Porter. 

'  Porter's  DUpntch  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  July  ii,  1S13.  Porter  relates  that  when  he  was  about  to  part  with 
Ilillyar  at  Valparaiso,  he  alluded  to  his  conduct  in  attacking  the  Essex  under  such  circumstances,  when  the  Brit  Isb  com- 
mander, with  tears  in  his  eyes,  said,  "My  dear  Porter,  you  know  not  the  responsibility  that  hnni;  over  me  with  respect 
to  your  Bhip.  Perhaps  my  life  depended  on  tnklnjj  her."  "I  asked  no  explanations  at  the  time,"  says  Porter,  when 
witlni;  of  the  alTalr  several  years  afterward.  "  If  ho  can  show  that  the  responsibility  rests  on  his  government,  I  shall 
Jo  liira  Justice  mth  more  pleasure  than  I  now  impeach  his  conduct."— Jour;iai,  II.,  15T. 


fHu 


village,  and  hanilot  was  vocal  with  his  praises.  Municipal  honore  were  lavislie  1  upon 
him ;  and  several  State  Legislatures  and  the  National  Congress  thanked  him  for  hjs 
services.  By  universal  acclamation  he  was  called  the  Hero  of  the  Pacific.  Piiilip 
Freneau,  the  popular  bard  of  the  Revolution,  wrote  a  dull  ode  on  "  The  Capture  of  tin 
Essex;"  and  a  livelier  poet,  in  his  "Battle  of  Valparaiso,"  thus  sang: 

"From  tho  laurel's  fiiircat  bouffli 

Let  the  muse  her  garland  twiue,  ,^  . 

To  adorn  our  Pi)rtcr's  brow, 

Who,  beyond  the  burning  line, 
Led  his  caravan  of  tars  o'er  tho  tide. 
To  the  pilgrims  fill  the  bowl, 
Who,  around  the  southern  pole, 
Saw  new  constellations  roll. 
For  their  guide." 

This  cruise  was  Porter's  most  eminent  service  afloat.     ITo  aided  in  the  defense  of 
Baltimore  a  few  weeks  after  his  return  home ;  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  aii- 
pointed  one  of  the  commissioners  on  naval  affairs.     In  1817  he  commanded  a  small 
fleet  sent  to  break  up  a  nest  of  pirates  and  freebooters  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.    In 
182i3  he  resigned  his  commission  in  the  navy,  and  afterward  became  the  representa- 
tive  of  the  United  States   in  Turkey, 
as  resident  minister,  at  Constantinojilc, 
He  died  near  that  city  in  1 84.'?,  at  tin 
age  of  sixty-three  years.     His  remains 
were   brought   to    the  United  State*; 
landed  at   Philadelphia;   borne  to  8t, 
Stephen's-  Church,  South  Tenth  Stieti. 
wherein  religious  services  for  the  o((  i 
sion  were  performed  ;  and  he  was  buiid 
on  the  north  side  of  that  cliurch.    Tlicy 
were  afterward  removed  to  the  grounds 
of  the  Naval  Asylum  on  the  banks  of 
the  Schuylkill,  pikI  buried  at  the  foot  of 
the  flag-staff.     Once  more  they  Avcre  re- 
moved, and  now  find  a  resting-place  !«- 
leath  a  beautiful  monument  in  Wood- 
lawn  Cemetery,  Phila(lelj)hin.   Ills  coim 
1  rymen  remember  him  with  just  pride, 
Wliile  Commodore  Porter  was  in  \\.> 
Pacific   with   the  Essex,  Comraodcnv 
Rodgers  was   on  a  long  cruise  in  tm 
North  Atlantic  in  his  favorite  fngate. 
uAviu  i-osTKK'B  MOMUMENT.  thc  JF^csident,  i'i.     Hc  lefl  Boston  uii 


>  David  Porter  was  born  in  Boston  on  1*10  1st  of  Pcbrnnrj-,  17S0.    Ills  first  cxpcriorce  in  tho  navy  was  in  tlie  friolf 
r<mat"llatiim,  iu  wlikh  ho  entered  as  mid•^i|.•nl.'^n  in  ITltS.    Me  was  In  the   xilou  l)etwecu  that  vespcl  uud  l,'IimirijMi, 
In  February,  1T0«,  wlien  bis  gallantry  was  -o  consniciions  that  -k-  was  Immediately  promoted  to  lieuteuaut.    He  mm- 
panied  the  flr«i'  I'nitcd  States  squadron  that  ever  saji.  !  to  tho  Miuliterrnnean  in  ISOii,  and  was  on  board  the  yhPMd/i),'  • 
when  she  slriu  k  on  the  rock  in  Ih'i  Harbor  of  Tripoli.    The'P  he  suffered  imprlHonnui.t.    In  ISOfl  he  was  npimiii! 
the  cominnni!  of  the  Entfrprixi;  mid  rruiflcd  Ir  the  ivledlterrnnoan  lor  six  years.    On  his  return  t.)  the  United  ht 
was  plar  :l  in  command  of  the  lloUlla  station  near  Now  Ori  ans,  where  he  remained  until  war  wn'   Icclarod  n  i 
when  he  was  promoiod  to  captain,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  frigate  Kaaex.    Tlis  exploits  .n  her  hnvelmii 
recorded  in  tho  text  ■•f  this  chapter. 

The  following  are  the  inscriptions  on  Porter's  monumer:t  in  Woodlawn  Cemetery,  Phiiao  .'Iphia ; 

A'rtrtA  .Vide.    " (^ommotoihk  Oavio  Porter,  o'lr  of  themeit  heroic  sons  of  Pannsylvanl .,  having  long  reprcscnti  1' ' 
rouutry  wiih  Adellty  as  minister  resident  at  Cortstantlnopie,  died  at  that  citv  in  the  r-itriotic  discharge  of  lil»  1: 
Afnrch  h,  I'-t"  " 

South  ,s  "In  the  War  of  1812  his  merits  were  pxblhitcd  not  merely  as  an  intrepid  commander,  b.it  in  ctplut; . 

new  fteliW     '  luccess  and  ^.dory.    A  career  of  brillian'  s^oc.d  fortune  was  crowned  by  an  en,i.'agement  again«l  sniv  ■ 
force  and  fearfnl  advantages,  which  history  records  as  an  event  among  tho  most  remarkable  in  nnval  warftirc.'' 

Wifi  Kide.—  'll\«cin\y  youth  was  conspicuous  for  skill  and  gallantry  in  tho  naval  servien*  of  tho  United  Hui>-  > 
the  American  airog  were  exercised  with  romar.tic  chivalry  before  the  battloments  of  Tripoli.    He  wan  on  ull  oc'  .s- 


mm 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


yfP 


SiH  Death  and  Munumcut 

were  lavishelupon 
hanked  him  foi-  his 
}ui  Pacific,  riiilip 
The  Capture  oi'ilie 
mg : 


Uojgern'B  unBUCcossfiil  Cnileo. 


Caplimv  »r  Merrtiant  .  .  n^elg  and  the  Bi^ftiMV. 


led  in  tbe  defense  of 
)fthe  war  he  wasap- 
commanded  a  small 
Gulf  of  Mexico.    In 
icame  the  representa- 
d  States   in  Turkey, 
er,  at  Constantinopk'. 
t  city  in  1 843,  at  thf 
1  years.     His  remains 
,    the  Unitfd  States; 
Iclphia;  home  to  St. 
;,  South  Tenth  Strci 
services  for  the  oit  i 
lod;  andhe  washuTinl 
of  that  ciiurch.    Tiny 
imoved  to  the  groim.U 
lum  on  the  hanks  of 
,d  buried  at  the  foot  of 
|nce  more  they  were  n- 
find  a  resting-place tu- 
1  monument  in  Wood- 
I'hiladelphin.   Iliscoun- 
ir  him  with  just  pvick- 
lore  Porter  was  in  il; 
Essex,  Cominodui. 
a  long  cruise  in  • 
u  his  favorite  fn.aiui'. 
He  left  Boston  un 

IcinthenavywaBintlietriiiiw 

lciillKavc8!'el..uii;//"''i'r!l.'»"' 

Inotert  to  Ikmteuant.    Hy«.»- 

ll  was  on  board  the  ;•/..:<■<"¥■« 

It      iulS0flhewauapt>«™»«'" 
Is'tcturn  to  the  United  wm.-JK 

I  until  war  wa-  .l--clare1  i»    .. 
■    His  exploits -n  her  have  1« 

|;.Ur;ou'm.chur.oofbi.« 

irt.nnn..,>naer,butinexplon"! 
|„en>..«^emcnt«i:nl«>";"l>*«" 

ir!,.ftl>c  United  SUt.-l« 
frlpui..    Hewa^jooallo..:.':.*' 


the  27th  of  April,  1813,  and  President.  Road  <j»n  the  9*«A,  in  company  with  the  Con- 
ifrm,  38,  an(^  after  a  cruise  of  one  hundit-d  and  f<»rty-«s^t  days,  arrived  at  Newport, 
Rhotle  Island,  having  captured  eleven  sail  of  rae*«-hant  vessels  and  the  British  armed 
schooner  Highflyer. 

Rodgers  sailed  northeasterly,  in  the  dire*;tion  n<"  the  southern  tidge  of  the  Oulf 
Stream,  until  the  8th  of  May,  when  the  P/-m«fcn<  imA  Hon^nmn  parted  company,'  tlio 
former  cruising  off  more  to  the  southward  in  <f»e«t  of  the  Ritish  commercial  ships 
in  the  West  India  trade.  She  wsi  unsueccss+^ul,  and  Rod^rs  turned  Iter  head  in  a 
direction  that  promised  the  good  I  >rtune  of  i«-<terceptiH«:  vessels  trading  between  the 
West  Indies  and  Halifax,  St.  JohnV  and  Quebec.  Again  there  was  no  success;  and 
after  beating  about  among  almost  ?*)rpef  ual  fogs,  the  President  was  off  the  Azores 
early  in  June.  Rodgers  now  determined  to  try  his  fortune  in  the  North  Sea  in  soardi 
of  British  merchantmen.  Afuch  t'-  his  astonishment,  he  did  not  meet  witii  a  single 
vessel  until  he  made  the  Shetland  Hands,  and  there  he  found  only  Danish  ships  trad- 
iiiif  to  England  under  liritish  licenK*-*^. 

Kodgers's  supplies  now  began  to  fail,  and  he  put  into  North  Bergen,  in  Norway,  for 
tlie  imrpose  of  replenishmti.i.  In  thiK,  too,  he  was  disappointed,  An  alarming  scarc- 
ity of  iiiod  prevailccl  over  ;.  i  the  country,  .and  he  was  able  to  obtain  only  water.  lie 
nut  to  sea,  and  cruised  about  in  those  high  latitudes  with  the  hope  of  falling  in  with 
a  fleet  of  English  merchantmen  wliich  were  to  sail  from  Aichangel  at  the  middle  of 
.fiily  At  the  moment  when  he  expected  to  make  prizes  of  somjc  of  them,  he  fell  in 
with  two  British  ships  of  war.  Ihi.able  to  contend  with  them,  the  President  fled, 
jiotiy  pursued  by  tlie  foe.  Owing  to  the  perpetual  daylight  (the  sun  at  that  season 
li(ino'  there  several  degrees  above  the  horizon  at  midniglit),  they  were  enabled  to 
keep  up  the  chase  more  than  eighty  lioiirs,  during  which  time  they  were  much  nearer 
liie  President  than  was  desirable  on  the  part  of  the  ])Hr8ued.  She  finally  escaped; 
and  Rodgers,  neither  daunted  nor  disheartened,  and  having  his  stores  somewhat  re- 
]ilenished  by  those  of  two  vessels  w-hich  fell  into  his  hands  just  before  the  apj)earancc 
of  the  Avar-.ships,  turned  westward  to  intercept  merchantmen  coming  out  of  and  gohig 
into  the  Irish  Channel.  Between  the  2.5th  of  July  and  the  1st  of  August  he  captured 
three  vessels,  when,  finding  that  the  enemy  had  a  superior  force  in  that  vicinity,  he 
t'nund  it  expedient  to  (ihange  his  ground.  After  making  a  complete  circuit  of  Ire- 
land, and  getting  into  the  latitude  of  Cape  Clear,  he  steered  for  the  Banks  of  New- 
t'.'undland,  near  which  he  made  two  more  captures.  From  one  of  these  he  learned 
that  the  Bellerophon.,  74,  and  Ili/pcrion  frigate  (both  British  vessels)  Avere  only  a  few 
miles  front  him.  lie  did  not  fall  in  with  them,  however,  and  soon  stood  for  the  coast 
ntti'  United  Stat;s.2 

()ii  the  23d  of  September  the  President  toward  evening  fell  in  Avith  the  British 
limed  schooner  Jlighflyer,  tender  to  Admiral  Warren's  flag-ship  St.  Donrivffo.  She 
>vas  a  tine  vessel  of  her  class;  a  fast  sailer,  and  was  eomni.mded  by  Lieutenant 
Hutchinson.  Wlieii  discovered  shi>  was  six  or  seven  miles  distant.  By  a  stratagem 
liodiTcrs  decoyed  her  alongside  the  President,  and  captured  her  without  firing  a  gut;. 
Hlip  did  not  even  discover  that  the  President  was  her  enemy  until  the  stratagem  Imd 
succeeded.  It  was  done  in  this  wise :  Previous  to  his  departure  on  this  cruise  Rodg- 
vn  was  placed  in  possession  of  some  of  the  Britisli  rignals.  These  h."  had  ordered 
to  he  made  on  board  his  ship,  and  li<^  now  resolved  to  try  their  efficacy.  He  hoisted 
•M  English  ensign  over  the  President.  The  Jlir/hflifer  answered  by  displaying  an- 
other, and  lit  the  same  lime  a  signal  from  a  nuist-liead.     To  Rodgeis's  delight,  he  dis- 

anirag  the  bravest  of  the  brave ;  zciIohh  In  the  i)P''formanco  of  every  duty ;  ardent  and  resolute  In  the  trying  honr  of 
i,.„iuity;  composed  and  stcad.i'  in  the  blR7.i>  of  victory." 

Kw'.SiVfc— No  Inscvlption.  On  the  upper  piirt  of  the  column  the  word  "  Pouter,"  In  a  wreath.  On  the  lovper  part  K 
iriilfiit  and  anchor  crossed. 

•  The  Cmmm  conthined  at  80;i  until  tlic  12th  of  Dccemher.  havlnsj  crnlscd  In  the  fnr-dlf  tnnt  waters  of  the  Sonth 
Amctlran  const.    She  caplnied  sevcrnl  (Iritisl!  vessetf.  H.nonir  them  t'.vo  nrred  Ikikb  often  pins  each. 

'  Letter  of  Commydora  Rodgers  to  tlio  Nocretarj-  of  the  Navy,  dated  Nowpo;;  September  2T,  lalS. 


'-  ^wmr 


im 


(B!  4' 


730 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bow  Rodgers  captnred  the  Bighfiyer. 


Antonishment  of  her  Commander. 


Rodgere'*  Service  to  hi«  Countrj. 


covered  that  lie  possessed  its  complement.  He  then  signaled  that  his  vessel  was  the 
Sea  Horse,  one  of  tlie  largest  of  its  class  known  to  be  then  on  the  American  coast 
The  Ilu/hjlyer  at  once  bore  down,  hove  to  under  the  stern  of  the  President,  and  re- 
ceived one  of  Kndgers's  lieutenants  on  board,  who  Avas  dressed  in  Britisli  unifoim 
He  bore  an  order  fi-om  Rodgers  for  the  commander  of  the  Highflyer  to  send  liis  m. 
nal-books  on  board  to  be  altered,  as  some  of  the  Yankees,  it  was  alleged,  had  obtainecl 
possession  of  some  of  them.  The  unsuspecting  lieutenant  obeyed,  and  Rodgers  was 
put  in  j)osscssion  of  the  key  to  the  whole  correspondence  of  the  British  Navy.' 

The  commander  of  the  Highflyer  soon  followed  his  signal-books.  He  was  pleased 
with  every  tiling  on  board  the  snpposed  Sea  Horse,  and  admired  even  the  scarlet 
uniform  of  Rodgers's  marines,  whom  he  mistook  for  British  soldiers.  When  invited 
into  the  cabin,  he  jilaeed  in  the  commodore's  hands  a  bundle  of  dispatches  for  Ad- 
miral Warren,  and  informed  his  supposed  friend  that  the  main  object  of  the  Biitish 
naval  eomniander-in-cliief  on  the  American  station  at  that  time  was  tlie  capture  or 
destruction  of  the  President,  which  had  been  greatly  annoying  British  commerce  and 
spreading  alarm  throughout  British  waters.  The  commodore  inquired  what  kind  of 
a  man  Rodgers  was,  when  the  lieutenant  replied  that  he  had  never  seen  him,  but  liaj 
heard  that  he  Avas  "  nn  odd  fish,  and  hard  to  catch."  "  Sir,"  said  Rodgers,  witii  start- 
Ihig  emphasis,  "  do  you  know  what  vessel  you  are  on  board  of?"  "  Why,  yes,  sir" 
he  replied, "  on  board  His  Majesty';^  sliip  Sea  Horse  P  "  Then,  sir,  you  labor  uiuler  a 
mistake,"  said  Rodgers.  "  You  are  on  board  the  United  States  frigate  P'esidcnt,'Aw\ 
I  am  Commodore  Rodgers,  at  your  service  !"  At  the  same  moment  the  band  struck 
up  Yankee  Doodle  on  the  President's  (piarter-deck,  and  over  it  the  American  eiisimi 
was  displayed,  Avliile  the  uniforms  of  <he  marines  were  suddenly  changed  from  red  to 
blue  I"  The  British  commander  could  hardly  be  persuaded  to  believe  the  testimony 
of  his  own  senses  ;  and  he  was  astounded  when  he  found  himself  in  the  hands  of  Com- 
modore Rodgers.  He  had  been  one  of  Cockburn's  subalterns  when  that  marauder 
plundered  and  burned  Havre  de  Grace^  a  few  months  before  ;  and  it  is  aftirmod  that 
Lieutenant  Hutcliinson  had  now  in  his  possession  a  sword  which  he  carried  away  from 
Commodore  Rodgers's  house  on  that  occasion.*  He  had  been  warned  by  Captain 
Oliver,  when  receiving  his  instructions  as  commander  of  tiie  Highflyt.r,trt  take  care 
and  not  be  outwitted  l)y  the  Yankees.  "  Especially  be  careful,"  said  Oliver,  "not  to 
fall  into  the  hands  of  Commodore  Rodgers,  for  if  he  coinos  across  you,  he  will  lioist 
you  upon  his  jib-boom  and  carry  you  into  Boston  I"'  But  Rodgers  treated  che  sin- 
ner w  ith  all  the  courtesy  due  to  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  he  was  soon  allowed  to  go  at 
large  on  parole.'' 

Tliree  days  after  the  capture  of  the  Highflyer''  Rodgers  sailed  into  Newport  Har- 
bor, accom]ianied  by  his  prize,  her  commander,  and  lifty-five  other  prisoners.  His 
cruise,  as  he  said,  ha<l  not  been  productive  of  much  additional  lustre  to  the  Amorifan 
Navy,  but  he  had  rendered  his  country  signal  service  by  harassing  the  enemy's  omii 
merce,  and  keeping  more  than  twenty  vessels  in  search  of  him  for  several  weeks,  lii 
had  caj)ture<l  eleven  merchant  vessels,  and  two  hundred  and  seventy-one  prisoners, 
All  of  the  latter,  excepting  thi'  fifty-live,  had  been  paroled,  and  sent  home  in  the  cap 
tared  vessels. 


'  Spo  b  deBcr1[ition  of  .IfrnaU  on  pages  182-184. 

»  .Statoniont  of  Cornmodore  Rodire'-f  iifter  the  wnr  to  a  ftiead  at  hU  own  table  In  WflBlilugton  City.  Letter  of  Com- 
modore Rodders  to  the  Secretary  of  ttic  Navy,  September  27,  ISia.  '  See  page  072. 

•  A'nimial  A  ilrncale,  Noveinbt  r,  1813.  '  A'iJc*'*  HegiHter,  v..  IS, 

•  Oeorse  nutcliiiison  entered  the  Brltinh  navy  a«  midthipman  In  ITIMI,  and  wa«  active  In  the  variinia  official  i;r,iilr< 
throHtrh  which  he  pai>f<cd  up  U>  that  of  commander  in  the  autumn  of  1S21.  Uo  wag  commiasloned  a  lieutenant  in  HI 
•vnd  in  1^11  he  was  assifrned  tit  a  utalion  on  ttii-  SI.  f>nmin(iii,  preparing  for  llie  .\merican  coaBt.  lie  first  cninniuiiili'ililt 
Oolpliiii.  a  vpHiii'l  captured  l)y  the  Britisli  from  the  Americans  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rappabannoclt  early  In  .\|)ril,  1>13, 
and  converted  into  n  lender  of  the  St.  Dominrio,  Sc'  patre  1)09.  lie  was  aflerM'ard  commander  ;)f  'lUDthiT  tender  oflln 
(lac-ship,  (he  Hiiihili/FT,  and  was  captured  In  her,  as  we  have  observed  in  (lie  (ext,  on  the  26th  of  September,  1S1,1.  ,W- 
er  his  pnmiodon  to  commander  in  the  British  navy  in  19-ii],  he  retired  from  active  seri'ice,  and  was  yet  on  the  tinlf-pj; 
lUt  In  1S4».    8co  O'Byme's  Naval  flioffraphy.  '  This  was  the  only  man-of-war  eve.'  captured  by  H(ii:ir: 


um-  li 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


787 


b  Service  to  bin  Countrj. 

his  vessel  was  the 
e  American  coast. 
>  President,  and  re- 
in Britisli  unii'ovm, 
ijer  to  semi  liis  sig- 
leged,  had  o])tainc(l 
\,  and  Rodgors  was 
Iritish  Navy.* 
.8.     He  was  pleased 
ed  even  the  scarlei 
iers.     When  invited 
f  dispatches  for  Ad- 
abject  of  the  Brltisli 
I  was  the  capture  or 
ii-itish  commerce,  and 
iqnired  what  kiml  of 
fer  seen  him,  hut  had 
I  Kodgors,  with  start- 
f  f    "  Why,  yes,  sir," 
sir,  you  labor  under  a 
frisxate  B-esldent,M\i 
,m>.mt  the  band  stvuek 
D  the  American  ('iisign 
y  changed  from  red  to 
believe  the  teslimony 
If  in  the  hands  of  Com- 
9  when  that  mtiraudtr 
and  it  is  affirmed  tliiit 
Ih  he  carried  away  from 
,n  warned  by  Captaia 
Ijlhj/ifiyo',  to  take  care 
1,"  said  Oliver, "  not  to 
rross  you,  he  will  hoist 
lodgers  treated  che  sin- 
soon  allowed  to  go  at 

|u'd  into  Newport  liar- 
otiier  prisoners.  His 
J  lustre  to  the  Amoncan 
Ling  the  enemy's  com- 
1  for  several  weeks.  Ik 
seventv-onc  prisoners. 
id  seat  home  in  ll>e  QA\y 


lashlugton  city.    Letter  otC«». 
'  5  See  pnpc  «'^- 

live  In  tlic  various  omHul  sraKr 
ImmiBBloued  a  lleuieuam '":;;; 

lnp,.l-m.nockearlylnA.rl,   1^ 

li.o  onth  of  September,  mi-  ■■>« 
^;:w;rcve/c«ptt>redbyK,%n. 


Another  C'rulBC  of  tlie  J'reitideiU. 


She  ruus  the  Blockade  at  Mew  York. 


Honors  to  Commander  Kodgers. 


Cominodore  Rodgers  sailed  from  Newport  on  another  cruise  in  tlie  President  on 
the  5th  of  December,*  witli  a  stitt'  breeze  from  the  nortli-northwest,  and  got 
well  to  sea  witliout  falling  in  with  a  British  squadron,  as  lie  expected  to.     On 
tlie  following  day  he  captured  the  Cornet,  whicli  had  been  taken  from  the  Americans 
by  Britisli  cruisers,  and  then  sailed  southward.     In  the  vicinity  of  Barbadoes  lie 
captured  a  British  merchantman  on  the  5th  of  January,''  on  the  Tth  anot}\-    bi8i4. 
er,  and  on  the  9th  another.     He  remained  to  the  windward  of  Barbadoes 
until  the  ICtli,"  when  he  ran  down  into  the  Caribbean  Sea,  and  cruised    ""^""""y- 
unsuccessfully  in  that  region  for  a  while.     He  finally  captured  and  sunk  a  British 
merchantman,  and  then  sailed  for  the  coast  of  Florida.     Proceeding  .lorthward,  he 
was  otf  Charleston  Bar  on  the  11th  of  February,'' but  did  not  enter.     He  con-    ^ 
tinned  his  voyjige  up  the  coast,  chasing  and  being  chased,  and,  dashing  through 
a  vigilant  British  blockading  squadron  off  Sandy  Hook,  he  sailed  into  New  York 
liarhor  on  the  evening  of  the  18th.'    Ho  was  greeted  with  lienors  by  the  citizens  of 
New  York ;  and  on  the  7th  of  March  a  dinner  was  given  in  compliment  to  him  at 
Tammany  Hall.     Most  of  the  notables  of  the  city  were  present ;  and  it  was  on  that 
occasion  that  Rodgers  gave  the  following  toast,  which  was  received  with  great  en- 
thusiasm by  the  company  present,  and  praised  by  the  administration  newspapers 
throughout  the  country :  "  Peace — if  it  can  be  obtained  without  the  sacrifice  of  na- 
tional honor  or  the  abandonment  of  maritime  riglits ;  otherwise  war  until  peace  shall 
bo  secured  without  the  sacrifice  of  either."    More  than  three  hundred  gentlemen  were 
at  the  dinner,  among  Vrhom  were  many  ship-masters.     A  toast  to  the  commodore 
elicited  eighteen  cheers,  and  a  song  hastily  written  that  morning  was  sung  by  one 
iif  the  guests.^ 

The  President  being  in  need  of  a  thorough  overhauling,  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy 
atlered  to  Commodore  Rodgers  the  command  of  the  Giw-rriere,  which  might  mucli 
sooner  he  made  ready  for  sea.^  The  commodore  accepted  the  ofter,  and  repaired  to 
I'liiladcliiliia,  where  the  Guemere,  44,  was  being  fitted  out.  Finding  her  not  so  near- 
ly ready  as  he  liad  8U])posed  \wv  \  >  be,'  the  commodore  informed  the  secretary  that 
he  preferred  to  retain  command  of  the  President.  But  the  Secretary,  in  the  interim, 
had  offered  the  President  to  Decatur.  Rodgers  courteously  allowed  that  command- 
or  to  take  his  choice  of  vessels,  when  h(^  chose  that  which  had  borne  the  broad  pen- 
nant of  Commodore  Rodgers  for  several  years.^ 

Here  closes  the  story  of  the  naval  operations  of  the  war  for  the  year  1813.  An- 
other field  of  observation  now  claims  our  consideration. 


1  Letter  of  Commodore  Rodgers  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  February  19,  ISI.B.  »  See  Xilea'»  Register,  vi.,  M. 

'  "Commodore  Rodgers,"  said  a  writer  at  this  time,  "  is,  we  conjecture,  between  forty  and  forty-flve  years  of  age ;  a 
raan  of  few  words,  and  not  conspicuous  for  the  love  of  parade  or  dress  ;  but  his  ship,  for  Interior  order,  neatness,  ele- 
gance, and  taste,  may  vie  with  any  that  floats  on  the  ocean.  It  is  said  that  his  discipline  is  perfect ;  and  this,  perliaps, 
mnj  account  for  the  opinion  tliat  he  is  distant  and  very  reserved  to  those  under  him  i  but  his  reserve  in  company  car- 
rip«  tlie  air  of  the  reserve  of  the  studions  man,  without  the  least  trait  of  hanghtiiiess,  for  humanity  and  great  atteiiliou 
to  tlio  care  of  the  youth  under  his  command  is  a  pleasing  trait  in  this  brave  man's  character."— r/ie  Vobjanlhxts,  Boston. 

'  The  Guerrirre,  was  launched  ou  the  20th  of  Jnly,  and  wa«  the  first  two-decked  ship  that  ever  properly  belonged  to 
the  .\mcrican  Navy.— fnopfr. 

'  RiKlfiers's  evasion  of  the  tihickade  Was  n  cause  of  deep  mortification  to  the  Britisti,  for  three  of  their  large  ships  of 
war  were  on  tlie  alert,  the  nearest  of  which  was  the  I'lantwjenet,  74, 1'aptaln  Lloyd.  Rodgers  expected  a  brush  with 
ihem,  and  cleared  his  ship  for  action.  Uc  even  flred  a  pun  to  windward  as  u  prool  of  his  wllllngncos  to  fight,  but  he 
ws  not  molested.  On  returning  to  Enirlnnd,  Lloyd  excused  himself  by  alleging  a  mutiny  in  ills  ship,  aud  on  that 
'W},'e  several  of  ib""  ^ailors  were  executed. 

3  A 


I 

I 

I 
4 


^m 


OOK 


IronlwIiiM  md  the  Flurldax. 


Events  at  Baton  Konpe. 


CHAPTER  XX)(m. 

"M.dlm  waned  the  moon  through  the  flitlinj?  clouds  of  uit^ht. 
With  a  dnbiouH  inul  Khndowy  gli'nniintr, 
Where  the  ramparts  of  Mhn»  rose  stilly  on  the  sight, 
And  the  star-spangled  banner  was  streaming. 
•  •#•«•« 

And  fur  i^lll  that  wild  horde  of  savage  birth  thoy  decm'd, 

And  fur  »"very  fearful  intnision, 
Till  the  war-hatchet  swift  o'er  their  fated  fortress  glnam'd, 
Midst  despair,  havot,  death,  and  confusion." 

A    SoL'VENIK  OK   Four  MiMB,  »V   C.  L.  S.  JoNE?. 

yU~t  VVHFAiTO,  in  the  course  of  our  narrative,  wo  liave  only  observofl 
liiiitK  of  liostile  operations  in  the  more  soutliern  portion  of  tlic 
republic,  beginning  with  the  endeavors  of  Tecumtlia  to  iiKbue 
t}>f  Creeks,  Cherokees,  ("hoctavvs,  iiiul  other  tribes  in  tlio  Gulf 
■/i'lii'  to  become  a  part  of  his  or(>nt  Indian  Confederacy  against 
^y  the  wliite  people.  We  Iiave  now  reached  a  point  in  the  storv 
■whey*'  a  cx>nsideration  of  the  events  of  the  war  in  that  region  is 
necessary  to  the  unity  of  the  history. 
Let  us  first  consider  ()(/■  ^jfcographical  and  political  aspect  of  the  Gulf  region. 
In  u  former  chapter  we  have  eo//^)/|/'/'7'd  llio  jturciiase  by  and  cession  to  tlie  riiilt,i 
HlulM  III'  III''  v!i  '  Territory  known  as  LolMimiiL*  %mtwnrt\  of  llial  TerrittU'y,  at  the 
lime  of  the  brciiki/ig  i  id  of  the  war  in  1812,  and  bordering  nil  MlP  (liilf  of  lilii^im, 
was  a  region  in  possession  of  the  S|)uiiiaras,  known  as  East  and  WcmI  Moriilii,  Tin 
former  extended  from  the  Perdido  iiiver  (now  the  boundary-line  between  the  Ht;itt> 
of  Florida  and  Alabama)  eastward  to  the  yVtIantic  Ocean,  including  the  great  penin- 
sula lying  south  of  Georgia,  and  stretching  over  almost  six  degivis  oriatitiidc.  Tlic 
latter  extended  westward  from  the  Perdido  t(/  (as  the  Si)aiiiar(ls  claimed)  I  lie  islMud 
of  Orleans,  on  the  Mississij)pi.  The  northern  boundary  was  partly  on  and  jiartlya 
little  below  the  thirty-first  parallel. 

During  the  autumn  of  1810,  and  Avinter  of  1810  and  1811,  movements  were  iiiimini- 
rated  which  finally  led  to  the  absolute  jxissession  of  l)oth  Floridas  by  the  T'nitnl 
States.  In  October,  that  portion  of  the  tilaimed  Spanish  territory  lying  on  the  Mi- 
sissippi  became  the  tlieatre  of  insurrectionary  operations.  It  Avas  inhabited  cliiilly 
by  persons  of  British  and  American  birth.  These  seized  the  old  fort  at  I5,it(in  Ivenuc; 
met  in  Convention  ;  deelared  themselves  independent  of  Spain  ;  and  adopted  a  Aw: 
with  a  lone  star  iipdu  if,ns  the  revolutionists  in  Texas  did  many  years  later.^    The 


'  These  families  came  under  the  general  name  of  Mohilinn  tribes ;  and  their  territory  originally  was  next  in  crtwit  lo 
that  of  Ihc  Algonqiiins,  stretching  along  the  (iulf  of  Mcxiru  fnini  111''  Ailanlic  to  the  Mississippi  River  more  lliiiii  fix 
hundred  miles,  up  the  Mississippi  to  tlie  mouth  of  tlic  Ohio,  unil  uloiig  llie  Atlantic  to  the  Cape  Fr  -.  It  oompriHi!  n 
greater  portion  of  the  present  State  of  Qeorgia,  a  part  of  South  Carolina,  the  whole  of  Florida,  Alabama,  and  Mis«is»ip- 
pi,  and  portions  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  The  nathin  was  divided  into  tnroe  grand  confederacies,  namely,  .lf"«* 
invD  or  rrefks,  Clinelnivn,  and  rhM:a»iii'H.  The  Creek  confederacy  included  the  Crei-ki  pinpcr,  the  Nnninikg  of  Florlila, 
and  the  yamoDuen,  ■  r  Sit raniiahn,  of  Georgia. 

The  Creeks  occupied  the  ciuutry  fi-om  the  Atlantic  westward  to  the  high  lands  which  separato  the  waters  oftlv  >'' 
bama  and  Tombigbee  Rivers. 

The  (;hoctnws  inhabited  the  beoutlful  country  bordering  npop  ibfl  Oulf  of  Mexico,  i.u.l  extending  west  of  tliu  i 
lo  the  Mississippi. 

The  Cherokces  were  the  mountaineers  of  the  South,  nnd  Inhabited  the  veiy  benutlfiil  land  extending  from  the  Car 
Ilua  Broad  River  on  the  cast  to  the  Alabama  on  the  west,  iiicluilinu  the  whole  of  the  upper  portion  of  Oeorgia  from  v 
head  watei-s  of  the  Alatamaha  to  those  of  the  Tennessee.    It  is  one  of  the  most  dcllghtftil  regions  in  the  United  Sisi' 

»  See  page  131. 

5  There  was  a  family  named  Kemper  In  that  region  who  hail  snfl'ereri  much  at  the  hands  of  the  8p:>i  \u.l\    T'     « 


OF   TlIK    WA]l    or    18  12. 


739 


Events  at  Baton  Ronije. 


\Vc»t  Florida  claimed  by  the  United  Stales,  Military  Mo\  imonts  therein. 


Intermeddling  of  a  Brltlxh  OfHclul. 


' ISIO. 


„fthe8par<ards.   THeywr. 


Spanish  Loya.ists  made  slight  resistance, but  it  wab  soon  overcome;  anil  the  iiisur- 
(veiils  a^<kell  the  government  of  tlie  United  States  to  give  them  aid  and  recognition. 
Ah't'iidy  tliat  government  liad  ehiiined  a  rigiit,  under  the  act  of  cession,  to  the  entire 
Territory  of  West  Florida,  and  tiiat  claim  was  a  topic  for  dispute  between  it  and 
that  of  Spain.  Instead,  therefore,  of  countenancing  the  insurgents  in  their  ettbrts  to 
set  up  for  themselves,  the  President  issued  a  [»ro(!lamation  on  the  27th  of  October,  in 
which  he  declared  the  Territory  of  West  Florida,  as  far  east  as  the  Pearl  lliver,  to 
be  iu  the  i)ossession  of  tlie  United  States.  W.  C.  C.  Chiiborne,  the  governor  of  the 
Orleans  Territory  (afterward  called  the  State  of  Louisiana),  then  in  Washington,  was 
hinried  oif  to  take  ))ossession  of  it,  avowedly  not  only  as  a  right,  but  as  a  friendly 
act  toward  Spain,  wlmse  rights  were  as  mucli  Jeoparded  by  the  revolutionary  move- 
ment as  was  those  of  tiic  United  States.  Claiborne  was  clothed  with  ])owers  to  em- 
iildv  trooj)s  then  in  the  Mississippi  Territory,  if  necessary,  to  enable  him  to  take  and 
liold  possession  of  t  he  country. 

Not  long  after  tiiis,  a  body  of  men,  chiefly  Americans  from  Fort  Stoddail,  on  the 
Mobile  Kiver,  led  by  Colonel  licuben  Keinj)er,  who  professed  to  be  acting  under  the 
.iiitliority  of  the  Florida  insurgents,  menaced  the  port  of  Mobile'  Tiiey  wei'c  driven 
iiway,  but  still  threatened  that  post;  and  the  Spanish  governor,  Folch,  thoroughly 
:ilarined,  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Monroe,  the  American  Secretary  of  State,  ui  wliich  he 
expressed  a  desire,  in  the  event  of  his  not  being  speedily  re-enforced  from  Havana  or 
Xvrti  Cruz,  to  treat  for  the  surrender  of  the  whole  province  of  Florida.  At  about  the 
Mime  time,  Morier,  the  liritish  ("liarge  d' Affaires,  residing  at  Baltimore,  formally  pro- 
tested against  such  acquisition  ua  tlie  part  of  the  United  States  as  au  act  unfriendly 
t )  S)).iin,  then  struggling  with  the  gigantic  power  of  Napoleon. 

Whi'U  Congress  assemlded  in  December,"  the  question  of  the  occupation  of 
riiiridii  by  (lie  Cniled  States  iiad  assumed  a  very  important  aspect  in  tlie  pub- 
lic mind.  The  I'cdcnilifls  were  vehemently  opposed  to  all  farther  acquisition  of  ter- 
litdiV!  nnd  when,  early  in  January,''  letter  of  the  Spanish  governor  bj,„„mry3^ 
mill  llie  pinlrn(  of  the  Mritish  charge  .,  .e  laid  before  Congress,  they  ju'o-  ^*"' 
iluced  consideraide  excileinent.  Morier's  protest  was  considered  simply  an  imper- 
liiicnee  by  the  government  jiarty,  while  'he  intimations  of  Folch  w^ere  jjondered  se- 
lioiisiy,  and  acted  upon  after  some  debalt .  In  secret  session  a  resolution  was  adopt- 
eil,  ill  which  was  expressed  an  unwillingness  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  to  al- 
low the  Territory  iii  question  to  pass  from  the  possession  of  Spain  into  that  of  any 
iitlier  power.  An  act  was  also  passed  in  secret  session*^  authorizing  the 
I'resideiit  to  take  j)ossession  of  both  Floriilas  under  any  arrangement  that 
might  be  entereil  into  with  the  local  authorities;  or,  in  the  event  of  an  attempt  to  do 
tlie  same  by  any  foreign  [lOwer,  to  take  and  hold  jjossession  by  force  of  arms.  It  was 
lielieved,  and  with  reason,  that  the  British  were  about  to  assume  control  of  that 
coiintry,  under  the  provisions  of  some  secret  arrangement  with  Spain;  and,  to  fore- 

.  men  (Reiilicn  and  8amncl),nnd  resolved  to  get  rid  of  their  hated  nilers.  Imjiatienl  of  the  delay  of  the  United 
■■  ;iti'8  in  taking  possession  of  West  Florida,  they  excited  the  i>cople  of  Bayon  Kara,  and  others  In  the  neighboihood,  to 
Mkt  up  iirms.  Tliey  assembled  at  St.  Franclsvlllc,  marched  upon  Baton  Uoiige,  took  it  by  suri)rise  afcer  a  slight  skirm- 
i-h,  in  which  Governor  firandpre  was  killed,  and  the  town  and  fort  became  the  possession  of  the  Insurgents.  The 
f-IJiiniards  fled  eastward,  some  to  Mobile,  nnd  some  to  Pcnsacola.  The  revoliiticniists  then  assemlvled  in  Convention  ; 
irepnrcd  and  Issued  a  declaration  .if  Independence,  modeled  after  that  omposed  by  Jcffert  ju,  and  declared  their  rljjht 
ami  intention  to  form  treaties  and  establish  commerce  with  other  nations. 

'  His  professhms  were  true.  He  was  dispatched  to  the  Tomblgbee  by  the  Convention  fo/  the  purpose  of  enllstln<r 
men  to  expel  tile  Spaniards  from  'he  Mobile  district.  In  that  business  he  was  assisted  by  a  wealthy  citizen,  Ci.hmel 
■Iiraios  Culler,  who,  like  most  of  the  residents  In  that  region,  hated  the  Spr.niards.  Troops  wore  secrclly  raised.  Fliit- 
Inials,  w itli  provisions,  were  sent  down  the  Tensaw  Kiver  to  Smith's  plantation.  Iiarlnn  spirits  gathered  around  the 
Icaderei  and  «  company  ofhorsemcn,  under  Captain  Uernard,  scoured  tlie  country  for  arms,  ainniiiniiion,  and  provl- 
i^'un?,  Aynunj,'  man,  named  Sibly,  was  sent  to  demand  She  surrendc.  of  the  fort,  then  C(mimanded  by  (iove.iior  Kolch. 
Till-  iiivnilers  gathered  near  Mobile,  and  there  drank  and  frolicked  to  their  hearts'  co-itcnt.  An  old  man.  who  drank 
their  whisky  nnd  won  their  confidence,  betrayed  their  weakness  to  the  governor.  TI:  'itter  sent  two  hundred  regu- 
Inr  soldiers,  under  a  competent  leader,  who  surprised  them  at  near  midnight,  and  br:i,  up  their  «' !"i! .  This  w«.  In 
V'lvcmber,  isin.  Major  Hargrove  and  nine  men  were  captured,  Ironi  ..  •■  o.::a  lo  Uavaua,wli.';v  tiiiv  Kufl>rred#^■e 
;i!iir«  in  the  diingeous  of  Moro  Clsile.— See  Plckett'B  UlxUiry  vf  JfeV-iir  !i.,  235. 


lauuary  S. 


^ 

■1' 

I. 

!'' 

Jfipj^ 


Y40 


PICTOKIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Sveute  near  Mobile. 


Admlaition  of  Louisiana. 


IniinrrectioQ  In  KuHt  Flurid^, 


stall  Ruch  action,  Governor  Claiborne  had  already  asserted  the  jurisdiction  of  tlio 
United  States  over  a  considerable  portion  of  Florida  eastward  of  the  jVIississippl,  aft. 

er  some  opposition  from  Ful- 
war  Skipwith,  formerly  a  dii). 

^;?-r? ^^  //  yp       lomatic  agent  of  the  Uiiittd 

^    /       yi  l/i    >  'Hyf   — '  States  in  France,  who  had  been 

I  (jf-'l/W/hy  elected  governor  of  their  do- 
main  by  the  insurgents.  Find- 
ing himself  supported  chiutiv 
by  the  dregs  of  society  only,  Skij)with  yielded,  and  retired  to  private  life.  Soon  uti- 
crward,  a  small  detachment  of  American  regulars,  under  Captain  (afterward  jMajnr 
General)  Edmund  P.  Gaines,  appeared  before  Mobile  and  demanded  its  snrreinlcr. 
Governor  Folch  refused.  Presently  Colonel  Cushing  arrived  from  New  Orleans 
with  gun-boats,  artillery,  and  troops,  and  encamped  three  weeks  at  Orange  (4rovc, 
wlien  he  marched  up  to  Fort  Stoddart,  and  formed  a  cantonment  at  Mount  Vernon, 
He  came  professedly  to  defend  the  Spaniards  against  the  insurgents,  who  made  uo 
farther  efforts  to  obtain  possession  of  Mobile. 

Louisiana  was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  a  state  on  the  8th  of  April,  1812.  By  a 
separate  act,  that  part  of  Florida,  as  far  eastward  of  the  Mississippi  River  as  tlic 
•April  14,  Pearl  River,  was  annexed  to  that  new  state;*  and  by  another  act  the  ii>- 
^®**'  maining  territory,  as  far  as  the  Perdido  River,  eastward  of  Mobile  Bay 
(with  the  exception  of  the  post  of  Mobile,  yet  in  the  hands  of  the  Sj)aiiiards),  ^vas 
» M  14  ^"nexed  to  the  Territory  of  Mississii»pi,''  then  asking  for  admission  as  a 
state. 
An  insurrection  had  broken  out  in  East  Florida  in  the  mean  time.  Its  chief  llieatro 
was  on  the  coast,  near  the  Georgia  border.  Brigadier  General  George  Mathews,  of 
the  Georgia  militia  (a  soldier  of  the  Revolution),  who  had  been  a])pointed  commis- 
sioner under  the  secret  act  of  the  session  in  1810-'ll,to  secure  the  province  should 
it  be  offered,  was  the  chief  instigator  of  the  disturbance,  for  the  Georgians  were  anx- 
ious to  seize  the  adjoniing  territory.  Amelia  Island,  lying  a  little  below  the  bound- 
ary-line, seemed  to  be  a  good  as  well  as  justifiable  base  of  operations.  The  fine  harl)or 
of  its  capital,  Fernandina,  was  a  place  of  great  resort  for  smugglers  during  the  days 
of  the  embargo ;  and,  as  a  neutral  port,  might  be  made  a  dangerous  place.  The  pos- 
session of  this  island  and  harbor  was  therefore  important  to  the  Americans.  A  piv- 
tcxt  for  seizing  it  was  not  long  wanting.  The  insurgents  planted  the  standard  of 
revolt  on  the  blufli' opposite  the  town  of  St.  Mary's,  on  the  border-line,  in  March,  I8I1;. 
Some  United  States  gun- 
boats, under  Commodore 

Campbell,  were    in   the    \      y        (7V^,    /^ y^y'<^—t:^  Oi^-* 
St.  Mary's  River,  and  Ma- 
thews had  some  United 
States  troops  at  his  command  near. 


\u^..p^C^^-^^ 


'>?^^^^^ 


•  1812. 


On  the  17th  of^Lnrch''  the  insurgents  two  hundred  and  twenty  in  nnmhor, 
sent  a  flag  of  truce  to  Fernandina  demanding  the  surrender  of  the  town  ami 
island.  The  American  gun-boats  came  down  at  about  the  same  time.  The  author- 
ities bowed  in  submission,  and  General  Mathews,  assuming  the  character  of  a  pro- 
tector, took  possession  of  the  place  in  the  name  of  the  United  States.  Commodoiv 
Campbell  declared,  in  a  letter  to  Don  Justo  Lopez,  the  commandant  of  Amelia  Island, 
that  the  naval  forces  were  not  intended  to  act  in  the  name  of  the  United  States,  "l)ut 
to  aid  and  sujjport,"  he  said,  "a  large  proportion  of  your  countrymen  in  anus,  wlm 
have  thought  proper  to  declare  themselves  independent."' 

A  flag  was  raised  over  Fernandina  on  wliich  %^Trc  inscribed  the  words  "T'oaj/w- 

'  MS.  Letter  In  the  Navy  Department. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


741 


rrccllon  lu  East  Flurid;i. 

iristliction  of  the 
ic  MissiHsippi,  aft- 
josition  tVom  Ful- 
th,  formerly  :x  i\\\\- 
>nt  of  the  United 
ancc,  who  luiAbcon 
ernor  of  their  do- 
( insurgents.   Fiiul- 
f  8npi)ortc(l  chietly 
■ate  life,     ^oon  aft- 
1  (.iftcrward  Major 
idotl  its  MirrtMiilcr. 
from  New  Orleans 
1  at  Orange  Grove, 
it  at  Mount  Vernon, 
rents,  who  made  uu 

f  April,!  SI  2.    By  a 

issippi  River  as  the 

another  act  the  re- 

vard  of  Mobile  Bay 

the  Spaniards),  was 

for  admission  as  a 

ne.     Its  chief  theatre 
George  Mathews,  of 
n  aiipointed  commis- 
thc  province  should 
Georgians  were  anx- 
,tlc  below  the  bound- 
ons.    The  fine  luivlior 
rlers  during  the  days 
ous  place.    The  pos- 
■,  Americans.     A  pro- 
ited  the  standard  of 
•-line,  in  March,  leii 


Seiiure  of  Kaat  Florida  by  United  Stutes  Offlcinls. 


Expcditiun  agaluKt  Mobile. 


General  Wilkinson. 


Id  twenty  in  number, 
lider  of  the  town  and 
le  time.  The  authoi- 
L  character  of  a  im- 
Istates.  Connnodoiv 
lant  of  Amelia  Ishuul, 
|e  United  States,  "Init 
Itrymcn  in  arms, 


-ffhii 


the  words  "r<«_F- 


puli  lex  sahitia"  and  on  the  19th  the  town  was  formally  given  up  to  the  United 
States  autliorities.  A  custoni-liouse  was  immediately  establisiied ;  the  floating  prop- 
erty in  the  harbor  was  considered  under  the  protection  of  the  United  States  flag, 
and  smuggling  ceased.  Then  the  insurgents,  made  eight  lumdred  strong  by  re-en- 
forcements from  Georgia,  and  accompanied  by  some  troops  furnished  by  General  Ma- 
thews, besieged  the  Spanish  governor  in  St.  Augustine,  for  it  was  feared  that  the  Hrit- 
ish  might  help  the  Spaniards  in  recovering  what  they  had  lost  in  the  Territory.  Tiiis 
was  a  kind  of  lilibusteriiig  which  the  United  States  government  would  not  counte- 
nance, and  David  B.  Mitcliell,'  govi-inor  of  Georgia,  was  appointed  to  supersede  Ma- 
thews* as  comni'ssioner.  But  the  change  of  men  did  not  eft'ect  a  change  •  April  lo, 
of  measures.  Mitchell  believed  that  Congress  would  sanction  Mathews's  ^^^'^' 
proceedings.  The  Lower  House  did  actually  pass  a  bill,^  in  secret  session,  "Ji'neai. 
authorizing  the  President  to  take  possession  of  East  Florida.  The  Senate  rejected 
it,  for  it  was  not  desirable,  at  the  moment  when  war  had  been  declared  against  Great. 
Britain,  to  provoke  hostilities  with  another  power  uiuiecessarily.  There  was  incon- 
sistency in  it,  which  the  Opposition  were  not  slow  to  perceive  and  make  use  of. 
"Say  nothing  now,"  they  said,  "  about  Sir  James  Craig,  of  Canada,  and  John  Ilenry,^ 
or  Copenhagen."^  They  denounced  the  whole  movement  oi'  the  government  in  Flor- 
ida, East  and  West,  as  dastardly — a  seizure  of  the  possessions  of  a  friendly  power 
"by  Madison's  army  and  navy." 

We  have  observed  that  the  United  States  claimed,  under  the  act  of  the  cession  of 
Louisiana,  all  of  West  Florida,  including  Mobile ;  and  that  a  large  portion  of  that 
territory  had  been  annexed  to  that  of  Mississipj)i.  When  the  Congress  and  the 
Cabinet  had  determined  upon  war  with  Great  Britain  in  the  winter  and  spring  of 
1S12.,  tiie  importance  of  the  post  of  Mobile  to  the  United  States  was  very  apparent, 
and  as  early  as  March  in  that  year.  General  Wilkinson,  then  in  command  of  the  United 
States  troops  in  the  Southwest,  Avas  ordered  to  take  jjossession  of  it.  At  near  the 
dose  ofMarch'^  he  sent  Commodore  Shaw,  with  a  detachment  of  sjun-boats,  to 

.  r>  ?  c  1312 

occupy  the  Bay  of  Mobile  and  cut  oft"  communications  with  Pensacola ;  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Bowyer,  then  stationed  with  a  respectable  number  of  troops  at 
Fort  Stoddart,  about  forty  miles  above  Mobile,  was  ordered  to  march  on  the  latter 
post  at  a  day's  notice,  for  the  purpose  of  investing  Fort  Charlotte. 

Wilkinson  left  New  Orleais  on  the  29th  of  March,  and  embarked  on  board  the 
sloop  Alligator.  The  troops  were  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Pass  Christian.  The 
weather  was  unfavorable  for  the  schooner,  and  ihe  general  took  a  barge.  He  came 
near  losing  his  life  by  the  upsetting  of  this  little  vessel.  He  and  his  fellow-jiassen- 
i,'crs  clung  to  its  upturned  keel  a  long  time,  when,  exhausted  and  famishing,  they 
were  jjicked  up  by  some  Spanish  fishermen,  who  towed  their  barge  ashore  and  right- 
ed it,  and  allowed  the  rescued  men  to  proceed.  Tliey  reached  Petit  Coquille  at  mid- 
'litfht,  and  on  the  following  morning  an  express  was  sent  to  Boyer  with  orders  for 
lum  to  come  dow^n  the  river,  and  take  a  position  opposite  the  little  village  of  Mobile. 

Tlie  troops  from  New  Orleans  arrived  in  Mobile  Bay  on  the  12tli  of  April,'' 
and  at  two  o'clock  the  next  morning  landed  oi)posite  the  site  of  the  Pavilion, 
not  far  from  the  fort,  then  commanded  by  Captain  Cayet.ano  Perez.*  The  garrison 
was  surprised.  The  first  intimation  given  them  of  the  presence  of  an  enemy  was 
the  sounding  of  Wilkinson's  bugles  for  an  advance.  Six  hundred  men,  in  column,  ap- 
peared before  Fort  Charlotte  at  noou,  and  demanded  its  surrender.     The  negotia- 


•>  1812. 


'  Iliivirt  B.  Mitchell  wns  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  at  this  time  was  forty-seven  years  of  ape.  He  arrived  at  Savannah 
ill  1TS3,  to  take  possession  of  property  there  which  had  been  bequeathed  to  him,  where  he  studied  law.  lie  became  bo- 
lirltor  general  of  Georjria  in  17(15,  and  for  several  years  held  various  offices  civil  and  military.  He  was  elected  governor 
orGoorRln  In  ISO!),  and  held  that  office  until  1S13.  lie  was  re-elected  in  ISIB.  He  was  actl\o  in  public  affairs  until  hie 
ilratli,  which  occurred  In  lialdwin  County,  Oeorgla.  '  See  pages  21fl  to  221  Inclusive.  '  Note  4,  paijc  17T. 

'  On  the  13th,  General  Wilkinson  issued  a  proclamation  and  sent  It  into  the  town  of  Mobile,  In  which  he  assured  the 
iiihabitnits  that  he  came  not  to  Injure, but  to  protect  them,  and  to  extend  over  them  the  rltjhtftil  Jurisdiction  and  laws 
"ttUc  United  Slates.    He  gave  permission  to  those  who  chose  to  leave  the  place,  to  go,  with  their  goods,  in  safety. 


r 


1 

i 

I'l 


Hif 


742 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Surrender  of  Mobile  by  the  Bpimiardn. 


Teiincssocnim  iinrter  Andrew  JiickHon  preparing  for  War. 


tiotis  to  tliat  end  were  sliort,  and  on  the  15tl»  the  Spaniards  evacuated  the  fort  and 
retired  to  I'ensacola.  The  Americans  at  once  entered,  took  |)ossession,  and  procecilcd 
to  strengthen  tlic  j)ost.  Wilkinson  sent  nine  ])ieees  of  artillery  to  Mobile  I'ojnt 
which  were  ))lace<l  in  battery  there,  and,  marching  to  the  Perdido,  began  the  con- 
struction of  fortifications  there  nnih'r  the  superintendence  of  Colonel  John  Uowyor. 
This  work  was  soon  abandoned,  :ind  Fort  Howyer  was  commenced  on  iMobilci  I'oint 
by  some  workmen  under  Captaui  Kcuben  Chamberlain.  Such  was  the  beginnin<^of 
movements  which  resulted  in  the  acquisition  of  all  Florida  by  the  Americans. 

When  the  war  broke  out  there  was  an  already  fanu)us  militia  general  in  Tennessee. 
Avell  known  all  over  the  settled  portion  of  the  iMississippi  IJasin.  It  was  Andrew 
,Ta(dison,  who,  as  we  have  observed,  became  somewhat  entangled  in  tlie  toils  of  tln' 
wily  spider,  Aaron  Hurr,  for  a  while.'  lie  was  living  on  a  fine  plantation  a  few  nijiis 
from  Nashville. 

"War  was  declared  on  the  19th  of  June  by  the  proclamation  of  tlie  President.  Ti- 
dings of  it  readied  Jackson  on  the  20tli,  and  on  the  same  day  ho  authorized  Govcnuir 
Blount  to  tender  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  the  services  of  liimself  and 
twenty-five  liundrcd  men  of  his  division  as  volunteers  for  the  war.  Under  other  eii- 
cumstaiu'cs  the  offer  would  liavc  been  rejected.  Jackson  was  no  "court  favorite;" 
on  the  contrary,  he  was  obnoxious  to  the  President  and  his  Cabinet.  lie  had  souiidiv 
berated  the  governineiit,  when  Madison  was  chief  minister,  in  a  speech  in  the  streets 
of  Riclimond,  as  the  "jiersecutor  of  Aaron  IJurr."  He  had  openly  shown  his  prefer- 
ence for  j\Ioiiroe  over  ^ladison,  and  had  called  the  Secretary  of  AVar  an  "  old  grannv.'' 
]?ut  the  government  needed  strength,  and  was  not  Avilling  to  reject  any  that  nii;;lit 
be  offered.  The  President  received  Jackson's  generous  offer  witli  gratitude,  and  ac- 
cepted it,  he  said,"  with  peculiar  satisfaction."  The  Secretary  of  War  wrote  a  cordial 
•April  11,     Jftter  of  acceptance  to  Governor  IJlount,"  and  tliat  officer  publicly  tliaiikei] 

J'^i"'^-  Jackson  and  his  volunteers  for  the  honor  they  had  done  the  State  of  Toiuies- 
seo  by  their  jjatriotic  movement.^ 

For  several  weeks  Jackson  remained  on  liis  farm  impatiently  aAvaiting  orders  to  en 
to  the  field.  All  was  cal'.iness  in  the  Gulf  region,  fill"  the  energies  of  the  governinent 
were  bent  to  the  one  great  labor,  apparently,  of  invading  and  subjugating  Canada. 
When  that  effort  failed,  and  Hull's  camjjaign  ended  in  terrible  disaster  ai  Detroit, 
sagacious  men  believed  that  tlie  British,  not  needing  so  many  troops  on  the  Xortheni 
frontier,  would  turn  their  attention  to  the  seizure  of  Gulf  ports  and  an  invasion  of 
the  sparsely  settled  country  in  that  region.  The  government  was  also  impressed 
M  itli  this  surmise,  and  late  in  October''  called  on  Governor  ]>louiit  for  tif 

**  Octol)6r  21. 

teen  hundred  Tennesseeans  to  bo  sent  to  New  Orleans  to  re-enforce  Gen- 
eral Wilkinson.  Blount  made  a  requisition  upon  Jackson  for  that  purpose,  and  the 
general  at  once  entered  upon  that  military  career  wliich  rendered  his  name  inuiiortal. 
On  the  10th  of  December,  a  day  long  romeml)ered  in  IMiddle  Tennessee  because  i>( 
deep  snow  and  intense  cold,  Jackson's  troops,  over  two  tliousand  in  number,  assem- 
bled at  Nashville,  bearing  clothing  for  both  cold  and  warm  weather.  When  organ- 
ized, they  consisted  of  two  regiments  of  infantry  of  seven  hundred  men  each,  com- 
manded  respectively  by  Colonels  William  Ilall  and  Thomas  II.  Benton,  and  a  cnrp< 
of  cavalry  six  hundred  and  seventy  in  number,  under  Colonel  John  Coffee.  William 
B.  Lewis,  Jackson's  near  neighbor  and  friend,  M'as  his  quartermaster;  and  his  briijado 
inspector  was  William  C.-irroll,  a  young  man  from  Pennsylvania.  The  troops  won 
composed  of  tlic  best  })liysical  and  social  materials  of  the  st.'ite,  many  of  the  youiii; 
men  being  representatives  of  some  of  the  first  families  in  Tennessee  in  jwiiit  of  posi- 
tion; and  on  the  7th  of  January,  181;3,  when  every  thing  was  in  readiness,  the  little 
army  went  down  the  Cumberland  liiver  in  a  flotilla  of  small  boats,  excepting  tlif 
mounted  men,  whom  Coffee  led  across  the  country  to  join  Jackson  at  Natchez,  on  tlie 


>  Sco  page  ISO. 


»  Partou's  /i/,'  o/Amlrew  Jackson,  l.,3fli5. 


k«»n  preparing  for  War. 

iitctl  tl\o  fort  and 

oil,  aixl  \ir(>(H'('(UMl 

to  Mo^'ili'  Voiiit, 

0,  lK><j;ai»  tl\c  con- 
iiiel  John  Bowye'V. 
[\  on  Mobile  Point 
H  tlio  l)C'Q;iiiiiin;.i  nf 

Aniorii'ans. 
;ner:il  in  Tonnessui'. 

1.  It  wiis  Andrew 
.  in  the  toils  of  i\\v 
mtatiou  a  few  inik's 

the  Prcsiilcnt.    Ti- 
authorized  Governor 
/ices  of  himself  iunl 
r.     Under  other  cir- 
110  "  court  favorito ;"' 
et.    He  l>i^'^  souniUy 
sjiccch  in  the  streets 
ily  Bhown  his  ywivr- 
riir  an  "  old  granny." 
oieet  any  that  niitrlit 
ith  (gratitude,  aiitl  i\(- 
fWar  wrote  a  eordiul 
icer  publiely  thanked 
te  the  State  of  Tenues- 

awaiting  orders  to  jro 
s  of  the  government 
subjugating  Caiuidii. 
^  disaster  at  Detroit, 
•oops  on  the  Xortlicm 
s  aT\d  an  invasion  ot 
Avas  also  impressed 
pernor  I>lount  for  fil- 
ms to  re-cnforee  Uen- 
that  purpose,  and  tlie 
d  his  name  inmiortiil 
Tennessee  because  ol 
ud  in  number,  assem- 
ather.     When  orsraii- 
idrod  men  each,  com- 
Ik'uton,  and  a  corps 
„hn  Coffee.     William 
ister;  and  his  brigade 
ia     Tlie  troops  wero 
o','many  of  the  yoniK 
ossee  in  pmnt  of  poJi- 
iu  readiness,  the  littk' 
|l  boats,  exceptin;/  tk 
Ison  at  Natchez,  on  Ac 

,/  ,1  mb-eto  Jackson,  1.,  305. 


»V 


OF   THE   WAIl    OF    18  12. 


743 


The  TcuncsBecaiiB  on  the  MlHtisHlppI  Ulvcr. 


Their  Trcutmeut  by  the  (luvernmcnt. 


Jackaou'n  KludnoaR, 


Mississippi.  With  sly  sarcasm,  wlmso  shaft  was  pointed  at  some  New  York  and 
Pennsylvania  militiamen  on  the  Niagara  frontier  at  that  time,  the  energetic  leader, 
ill  !i  letter  to  thc!  Secretary  of  War,  said  :  "  I  am  now  at  the  head  of  2070  volunti-ers, 
the  dioicest  of  our  citizens,  who  go  at  the  call  of  their  country  to  execute  the  will  of 
the  government,  who  have  no  constitutional  serii})les,  and,  if  thc  government  orders, 
will  rejoice  at  the  opportunity  of  placing  the  American  eagle  on  the  ramparts  of  3fo- 
hili\  I'ensacola,  and  Fort  Auynstine,  effectually  banishing  from  the  SoaUiern  coasts  all 
liritish  inrtuence."  Jackson  Avas  then  in  his  prime  of  manhood,  being  forty-six  yeare 
of  age. 

After  many  stirring  adventures  among  the  ice  in  the  Cumberland  and  the  Oliio, 
and  the  Hoods  and  tempests  of  the  Mississippi,  for  nine-and-thirty  days,  the  little  flo- 
tilla reaclieil  Natchez,"  a  thousand  miles,  by  the  rotite  it  liad  taken,  from  •February is, 
its  place  of  departure.     Colonel  Cotlee,  with  his  mounted  men,  was  al-  ''*'■'• 

ready  near  tliere  to  welcome  them.  The  troops  were  in  glorious  8])irits.  Tiie  love 
(if  adventure  had  been  heightened  by  its  gratification,  and  all  were  im|)aticnt  to  push 
forward  to  New  Orleans,  a  land  of  warmth  and  beauty  as  it  aj)j)eared  to  tiieir  imag- 
inations. The  officers,  especiiilly,  wished  to  go  rapidly  forward,  for  they  dreamed  of 
;,'iory  in  the  conquest  of  Mobile  and  Pensacola,  and  delicious  resting-places  among 
the  orange  groves  of  the  Gulf  shore.  Tiu-y  were  il  '^appointed.  A  messei  ger  had  ar- 
rived at  Natchez  with  orders  from  AVilkinson  for  them  to  remain  where  they  were,  as 
lie  had  no  instructions  concerning  them  or  their  employment  in  his  department,  nor 
liad  lie  any  (piarters  prepared  for  their  accommodation.  lie  was  evidently  ll'arftil  of 
being  superseded  by  Jackson,  who  was  a  major  general  of  volunteers  in  the  United 
States  service,  for  he  said  in  his  letter  to  that  leader  that  caused  him  to  halt,  tiiat  he 
slionld  not  think  of  yielding  his  command  until  regularly  relieved  by  superior  aii- 
tiiority.  Jackson  disembarked  his  troops,  and  encamped  them  in  a  jjleasant  spot  near 
\ateliez,  to  await  farther  orders. 

February  passed  by,  and  the  -^arly  flowers  of  March  were  budding  and  blooming, 
and  yet  the  Tennessee  army  was  at  Natchez.  On  the  first  of  that  ntonth  Jackson 
wrote  an  impatient  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  lie  saw  little  chance  for  the  em- 
liloynient  ofliimself  and  his  followers  in  the  South,  and  suggested  that  they  might  be 
usefnl  in  the  North.  lie  hud  gone  to  the  field  as  an  tuiselfish  patriot,  and,  as  he  said 
in  his  letter  to  Wilkinson,  "had  marched  with  the  s])irit  of  a  true  soldier  to  serve  his 
toiintry  at  any  and  "every  point  where  service  coidd  be  rendered."  Day  after  day  he 
waited  anxiously  for  orders  to  move.  At  length  he  was  cheered  by  the  receipt  of  a 
letter  from  the  War  Department.  His  heart  beat  quickly  with  the  thrill  of  delight- 
ful e.\pectations  as  lie  broke  the  seal.  Icy  coldness  fell  upon  his  spirits  for  a  moment 
when  his  eyes  perused  the  contents.     It  read  thus: 

"Sin, — The  causes  of  embodying  and  inarching  to  New  Orleans  the  corps  under 
yonr  coimnar.d  having  ceased  to  exist,  you  Avill,  on  the  rec(}ipt  of  this  letter,  consider 
it  as  dismissed  fro'ii  public  service,  and  take  measures  to  have  delivered  over  to  Major 
General  Wilkinson  all  the  articles  of  jiublic  property  which  may  have  been  put  into 
its  possession."  To  this  was  appended  a  cold  tender  of  the  thanks  of  the  President 
to  Jackson  and  his  conis,  and  the  signature  of  John  Armstrong,  the  new  Secretary 
of  War,  who,  on  the  date  of  the  letter,  had  been  only  two  days  in  office. 

That  Avas  practically  a  cruel  letter,  under  thc  circumstances.  It  j)lacod  the  little 
itnny  in  a  sad  plight,  for  it  was  dismissed  from  service  without  i)ay,  sufficient  clotl» 
Ing,  means  of  transportation,  provisions,  or  accommodations  for  the  sick,  more  than 
five  hundred  miles  from  their  homes  by  the  nearest  land  route,  which  lay  much  of  the 
way  through  a  wilderness  roamed  by  savages,  Jackson  instantly  resolved  on  diso- 
bedieuce.  lie  determined  not  to  dismiss  the  men  until  they  were  restored  to  their 
liL.iios;  and  with  that  decision  and  coura-Tfe  in  assuming  responsibility  which  always 
marked  his  career,  he  made  every  necessary  preparation  possible  for  a  return  to  Ten- 


Jackaon'a  flery  Lettent. 


Return  ii  htu  Troupa  to  Noahvllle. 


His  pecuniary  Truoblm  on  tbeir  Account. 


m 


nesHco,  at  large  exi)oiiHi',  ami  without  any  money.  Tie  impressed  wagons  and  teams, 
and  gave  orders  for  pay  on  the  (luarter-muster  ot'tiie  Suuthorn  Department.  lu  likt 
manner  he  incurred  other  exj)enae8.  So  confident  were  the  merchants  of  Natchez  in 
his  integrity  and  tlie  justice  of  their  government,  that  they  turned  over  to  iiini  l;iicr(. 
(luantities  of  shoes  and  clothing,  telling  him  to  pay  for  them  at  Mashville  when  tun. 
venient.  * 

Meanwhile  Jackson  had  written  fiery  letters  to  the  President,  the  Secretary  of  War, 
Governor  lilount,  and  General  Wilkinson. '  He  despised  the  latter,  and  suspiicted  liim 
of  sinister  designs;  and  when,  in  due  time,  he  received  a  reply  from  that  officer,  in 
which  he  suggcmted  that  great  public  service  miglit  be  rendered  by  promoting  enlist- 
ments into  the  regular  army,  Jackson's  anger  knew  no  bounds.  lie  watched  for  re- 
cruiting officers  \<ith  hawk-eyed  vigilance,  and  when  one  was  found  in  his  camp,  ho 
notified  him  that  if  he  should  catch  him  trying  to  seduce  one  of  his  volunteers  into 
the  regular  army,  he  would  have  him  instaiitly  drummed  beyond  his  lines.^  The  Sec- 
retary of  War,  on  the  other  hand,  by  a  courteous  and  explanatory  letter,  mollified  his 
passion  by  assuring  him  that  wdien  he  wrote  the  letter  that  appeared  bo  cruel,  he  did 
not  suppose  that  the  little  army  had  moved  far  from  Nashville. 

Late  in  March  Jackson  commenced  his  Immeward  movement.  It  was  an  under- 
taking of  great  hazard  and  difficulty,  but  was  well  .accomplished  in  the  course  ota 
month,  for  tiioy  travelel  at  the  rate  of  eighteen  miles  a  day.  lie  shared  all  the  pri- 
vations of  the  soldiers,  and  he  was  beloved  by  them  as  few  men  have  ever  been  be- 
loved. His  endurance  was  wonderfid  during  the  march,  and  his  men  declared  that 
he  was  "as  tough  as  hickory."  From  that  day  until  his  last  on  earth, he  was  famil- 
iarly and  alfcctioiuitely  called  "  Old  Hickory." 

Finally,  on  the  borders  of  his  state,  Jackson  sent  a  messenger  to  Washington  to 
convey  an  oflt'er  of  the  services  of  himself  and  volunteers  on  the  Northern  frontier, 
whither  Harrison  had  been  sent  as  chief  commander.  No  response  came,  and  on  tlie 
'22d  of  May  he  drew  up  his  detachment  on  the  public  square  in  Nashville,  where  they 
were  presenjied  with  an  elegantly  wrought  stand  of  colors  by  the  ladies  of  Knoxville.^ 
There  they  wei-e  dismissed,  and  dispersed  to  their  homes  with  feelings  of  great  dis- 
satisfaction toward  the  national  government. 

Such  was  Jackson's  first  effort  to  serve  his  country  in  the  field  in  the  War  of  1812, 
and  it  resulted  in  holding  the  fear  of  absolute  pecuniary  ruin  over  his  head  for  some 
time.  His  transportation  orders  were  dishonored,  and  the  creditors  looked  to  him  tor 
pay.  He  was  prosecuted  for  amounts  in  the  aggregate  much  larger  than  his  entire 
fortune.  The  suits  were  postponed  to  give  him  an  opportunity  to  appeal  to  the  na- 
tional government  for  justice  and  protection.  The  late  Thomas  IT.  Benton  was  his 
messenger  and  advocate  on  that  occasion;  and  when  it  was  intimated  to  him  that 
nothing  could  be  done  for  the  general's  relief,  he  boldly  assured  the  President  and  his 
cabinet  that  if  the  administration  desired  the  support  of  Tennessee  in  the  war,  tlie 

'  "Tliese  brave  men,"  he  wrote  to  Wilkiuson,  "at  the  call  of  their  country,  voluntarily  rallied  around  its  iiisiilioil 
standard.  They  followed  me  to  the  field  ;  I  shall  carefully  march  them  back  to  thc'.r  homes.  It  is  for  the  agentB  of  Ihe 
povernment  to  account  to  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  the  whole  world  for  their  singular  and  unusual  conduct  to  tbis 
detachment."  '  Parton's  Life  ttfJackmm,  i.,!!*. 

3  The  preparation  of  these  fags  %vas  commenced  soon  after  the  departure  of  the  troops  from  Nashville.  One  w:i*  i 
simple  national  banner  made  of  silk ;  the  other  was  a  regimental  standard.  The  embroidery,  performed  by  the  lailic- 
in  the  most  exquisite  manner,  was  on  white  satin.  Near  the  top,  in  a  crescent  form,  were  eighteen  stars  in  oranse 
color,  denoting  the  then  nnmber  of  states.  Next  below  were  two  sprigs  of  lat  rel  lying  atliwnrt.  Under  these  were  Ike 
^■ords,  "  Tennessee  Volunteers — Independence,  in  a  state  of  war,  is  to  be  maintained  on  the  battk-groiind  of  the  IlepuUie.  Tli' 
t.nted  field  is  the  post  of  honor.  Presented  b;i  the  Ladies  of  East  Tennessee,  Knoxvillo,  February  Iflth,  Ifil.')."  Below  all. 
implements  of  war  were  represented,  beautifully  wrought.  The  wing  of  the  colors  was  beautiful  fancy  lutestrini;,  dove 
color,  ornamented  with  white  fringe  and  tassels. 

In  reply  to  the  presentation  letter,  written  by  the  wife  of  Governor  Blonnt,  Jackson  said :  "  While  I  admire  the  ele- 
gant workmanship  of  these  colors,  my  veneration  is  excited  for  the  patriotic  disposition  that  prompted  the  ladles  to  be- 
stow them  on  the  volunteers  of  West  Tennessee.  Although  the  patriotic  corjis  under  my  command  have  not  had  one 
opportunity  of  seeing  an  enemy,  yet  they  have  evinced  every  disposition  to  do  so.  This  distinguished  mark  of  re^pftl 
will  be  iong  remembered,  and  this  present  shall  be  kept  as  a  memorial  of  the  generosity  and  patriotism  of  the  ladles  of 
Bast  Tennessee."— Jra»/itii7fe  Whig,  quoted  by  Parton,  L,  aS3. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF   1812. 


746 


roublM  on  tbelr  Accon&t. 

A-aj^ons  and  ttamR, 
nurtiiK'iit.  Ill  likt' 
Hints  ol'NatclR'/,  in 
I  ovor  to  him  \:ir»v 
iiihhvillc  when  fun- 

e  Secretary  of  War, 
•,  iiiul  susi)t'ftc(l  iiim 
from  tliiit  ollii'iT,  in 
by  |)roniotin!4  enlist- 
111!  wiitc'hcil  for  re- 
lund  in  hin  ciinii),lic 
f  IviH  volunteers  into 
his  lines.''    Tlie  Sue- 
y  letter,  mollified  his 
•aved  BO  cruel,  he  ilid 

b.  It  was  an  muVi 
;d  in  the  course  il  a 
Lie  shared  all  the  pri- 
n  have  ever  been  l)c- 
lis  men  declared  that 
n  earth,  he  was  famil- 

»er  to  Washington  tn 
the  Northern  iVontiuv, 
onse  came,  and  on  tln' 
NashvillCjWhere  tlK>y 
0  ladies  of  Knoxvilk' 
feelings  of  great  dis- 

1,1  in  the  War  of  1812. 
hver  his  head  for  some 
litors  looked  to  him  for 
larger  than  his  entire 
ly  to  appeal  to  the  na- 
lias  H.  Benton  was  hie 
intimated  to  hun  that 
.  the  President  and  his 
iicssee  in  the  Avar,  the 

fiwHied  aronnd  its  tmnllrf 
Ines  Iti^forthenKentsotthf 
l,r  ana  unusual  conduct  to  to 
Ill-ton's  U/e  iifJaff!»"i''  '••*"■ 
Ips  from  NashvUle.  Oncwivss 
l,Ulery,  performed  by  the  lute 
Iwere  eighteen  star,  in  orm'. 
Ithwart.  Under  the.c«ercOe 
Xttle-^oundofthelkpubh'-  T- 
lbnrrylOtl.,lH13."  Bclo«»ll. 
Ibcautlful  fancy  lutestring,  to. 

fcaid-  "  While  1  admire  tho  * 
Ithat  prompted  the  InrtK-H  tot*- 
Vcommandhavonothadon, 
|,<llBtlnfrni»hedmarkofro*P« 
laud  patriotism  of  the  late «t 


Tlie  Oovernment  Jniit. 


Vienratha  In  the  Oraek  Conntrjr. 


Ills  dnccPKiirtil  Appenln  to  the  Croekt, 


(jovprnment  must  aflsnme  the  payment  of  tho  bills  in  question,  for  tho  volHiiteors  un- 
der Jackson  were  drawn  from  the  most  substantial  tiiniilies  in  the  Htato.  This  argu- 
ment was  convincing.  Tho  gnvernnictit  met  the  draft  promjttly,  all  concerned  were 
satisfied, aiiilJackson  was  saved  from  baiikniptcy  antl  niin. 

Omens  «>f  a  war  tempest  soon  appeared  in  tho  Southern  tirinaniont,  and  .I.-ickson 
was  not  allowed  to  remain  long  in  (luiet  on  his  plantation.  Ilritisii  emissaries,  ))ale 
;iiiil  dusky,  were  busy  among  the  Indians  of  the  (iiiU' region,  endeavoring  to  stir  them 
111)  to  war  against  the  Amerieans  around  them,  hoping  thereby  to  divide  and  weaken 
the  military  power  of  the  United  States,  and  lessen  the  danger  that  menaeed  (Canada 
with  invasion  and  con(|ue8t.  Chief  among  these  emissaries  in  zeal  and  intliience  was 
'IVcumlha,  the  great  Shawnoesc  warrior,  who,  as  early  as  the  spring  of  1811,  as  we 
liave  seen,  had,  with  patriotic  designs,  visited  the  Southern  tribes,  and  labored  to  se- 
luiv  their  alliance  with  Northern  and  Western  savages  in  a  grand  confederation, 
whoso  prime  object  was  to  stay  the  encroachments  of  the  white  man.  lie  went 
among  the  Seminoles  in  Florida,  the  Cherokees  and  Creeks  in  Westiin  ( Jeorgia  and  in 
Alahama,  and  the  DesIMoines  in  Missouri,  but  without  accomplishing  little  more  than 
sowing  the  seeds  of  discontent,  which  might  in  time  germinate  into  open  hostility.  He 
ntiirnod  to  his  homo  on  the  Wabash  just  after  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,*  .  Novemhor, 
which  his  unworthy  brother  had  rashly  brought  on,  and  which  destroyed  ***"• 

his  hopes  of  a  purtdy  Indian  confederacy.  Thereafter  his  ))atriotic  efforts  were  put 
forth  in  alliance  with  the  British,  who  gladly  accepted  the  aid  of  the  cruel  savages 
of  the  Northwest. 

In  the  autumn  of  1812,  after  the  surrender  of  Detroit  and  the  Michigan  Territory 
iiromised  long  (piiet  on  that  frontier,  Tecumtha  Avent  again  to  the  Ciilf  region.  lie 
took  his  brother,  the  Prophet,  with  him,  partly  to  employ  him  as  an  instrument  in 
managing  the  superstitions  of  the  Indians,  aiul  ])artly  to  prevent  his  doing  mistdiief  at 
home.  They  were  accompanied  by  about  thirty  warriors.  The  Clioctaws  and  Chiek- 
asaws, ainonrj  whom  they  j.  sed  on  their  way,  would  not  listen  favorably  to  Teeum- 
tlia's  seductive  words  ;  but  the  Seminoles  in  Flf)rida  and  (Jeorgia,  and  the  Creeks  in 
Alabama,  lent  to  hinr  Avilling  ears.  He  was  among  the  latter  in  October,  where  he 
crossed  the  Alabama  Kiver  at  Autauga,  in  the  lower  i)art  of  the  present  Aiit.'iuga 
County,  and  there  addressed  the  assembled  Creeks  for  the  first  tinu?.  His  elotinenco, 
Ills  patriotic  appeals,  and  his  fame  as  a  warrior  Avon  him  many  folloAvers,  and  Avith 
these  and  his  OAvn  retinue  he  Avent  on  to  CoosaAvda  on  the  vVlabania,'  and  at  the  Hick- 
ory Ground  addressed  a  large  concourse  of  Avarriors  avIio  had  flocked  to  see  and  hear 
the  mighty  ShaAvnoesc,  Avhose  exploits  in  the  buffalo-chase,  on  the  Avar-path,  and  in 
tiie  council  had  tilled  their  ears,  even  in  boyhood,  Avith  wondrous  tales  of  achieve- 
ments won.  It  Avas  a  successful  daj^,  and  Tecumtha  Avas  greatly  encouraged.  He 
iTossed  the  Coosa,  and  Avent  boldly  forward  in  the  direction  of  the  great  falls  of  the 
Tallapoosa  (in  the  soutlnvest  part  of  the  present  Tallapoosa  County)  to  Toockabatcha, 
the  ancient  Creek  capital,  Avhere  Colonel  HaAvkins,  the  United  States  Indian  Agent, 
had  called  a  great  council  of  the  Creek.s.  HaAvkins  Avas  liighly  esteemed  by  them, 
:!iid  at  his  call  full  five  thousand  Indians  responded  in  person,  besides  many  negroes 
ami  white  people  mingled  Avith  them. 

Tecumtha  approached  this  great  gathering  Avith  Avell-feigned  modesty.  He  kept 
at  the  outer  circle  of  spectators  until  the  conclusion  of  the  agent's  tirst  day's  address, 
when,  at  the  head  of  his  thirty  followers  from  the  Ohio  region,  he  marched  Avith  dig- 
nity into  the  square,  all  of  them  entirely  naked  excepting  tiieir  flaps  and  orimnunts. 
Tiieir  faces  Avere  intcd  black,  and  their  heads  were  adorned  Avith  eagles'  feathers, 
while  buffalo  tails  dragged  behind,  suspended  by  bands  around  their  Avaists.  Like 
appendages  Avere  attaclied  to  their  arms,  and  their  whole  appearance  Avas  as  hideous 

'  This  Indian  town  was  at  the  confluence  of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa  RIvcrB,  where  they  form  the  Alabama.  It  was 
on  the  western  side  of  the  Alabama,  lu  the  sonthenslcrii  part  of  Autauga  Co\inty. 


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PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tecumtha  at  a  great  Council 


He  traverses  the  Creek  Country. 


Ills  Threat  and  U«  Fuimimcni, 


as  possible,  and  their  bearing  uncommonly  pompous  and  ceremonious.  They  marched 
round  and  round  in  the  square,  and  then,  approaching  the  Creek  chiefs,  they  conlially 
gave  them  the  Indian  salutation  of  a  shake  at  arm's  length,  and  exchanged  tobacco 
in  token  of  friendsiiip.  Only  one  chief  (Captain  Isaac,  of  Coosa wda)  refused  to  irittt 
Tecumtha.  On  his  head  were  a  pair  of  buffalo  horns,  and  these  he  shook  at  the  Shaw- 
noose  visitor  with  contempt,  for  he  said  Tecumtha  was  a  bad  man,  and  no  greater 
than  he.i 

Tecumtha  appeared  in  state  in  the  square  each  day,  but  kept  silence  until  Hawkins 
had  finished  his  business  and  departed  for  the  agency  on  the  Flint  River.  Tlien  ho 
was  silent  no  longer.  That  night  a  grand  council  w  as  held  in  the  great  round-house. 
It  was  packed  with  eager  listeners.  In  a  fiery  and  vengeful  speech  Tecumtha  poured 
forth  eloquent  and  incendiary  words.  He  exhorted  them  to  abandon  the  customs  of 
the  pale-faces  and  return  to  those  of  thair  fathers.  He  begged  them  to  cast  away  tlie 
])low  and  the  loom,  and  abandon  the  culture  of  the  soil  as  unbecoming  noble  Indiuii 
warriors,  as  they  were.  He  warned  them  that  servitude  or  extinction  at  tlie  hands 
of  the  white  race  would  speedily  be  their  doom,  for  they  were  grasping  and  cruel; 
and  iie  desired  thtm  to  dress  only  in  the  skins  of  beasts  which  the  Great  Spirit  had 
gixen  them,  and  to  use  for  weapons  of  war  only  the  bow  and  arrow,  the  war-club 
arid  the  scalp'ng-knife.  He  concluded  by  informing  them  that  their  friends,  tiie  Brit- 
ish, had  sent  him  from  the  Great  Lakes  to  invite  them  out  upon  the  war-path  for  the 
purpose  of  expelling  all  Americans  from  Indian  soil,  and  that  the  powerful  Kiiiij  of 
Englanvl  was  ready  to  reward  them  handsomely  if  they  would  light  under  liis  ban- 
ner. The  wily  Prophet  at  the  same  time,  who  had  been  informed  by  the  British  when 
a  comet  would  appear,  declared  to  the  excited  wa»'riors  that  they  would  see  the  arm 
of  Tecumtha,  like  pale  fire,  stretched  out  on  the  vauli:  of  heaven  at  a  certain  time,  and 
thus  they  would  know  by  that  sign  when  to  begin  the  war.  It  was  almost  dawn  be- 
fore this  famous  council  adjourned,  and  then  more  than  half  o^  the  braves  present  had 
resolved  on  war  against  the  Americans. 

Tecumtha,  full  of  encouragement,  went  forth,  visiting  all  of  the  important  Creek 
towns,  and  enlisting  many  recruits  for  the  British  cause.  Among  the  most  distin- 
guished of  these  was  Weathersford,  a  powerful,  handsome,  sagacious,  brave,  and  elo- 
quent half-blooded  chief.  But  others  equally  eminent  withstood  the  persuasions  of 
the  great  ShaAvnoese.  One  of  the  most  conspicuous  of  these  was  the  Big  Warrior  of 
Toockabatcha,  whose  name  was  Tustinuggee-Thlucco.  Tecumtha  was  extremely  anx- 
ious to  win  liim,  but  the  Big  Warrior  remained  true  to  the  United  States.  A  length 
the  angry  Shawnoese  said,  with  vehemence,  as  he  pointed  his  finger  in  the  liii;  War- 
rior's face,  "  Tustinuggee-Thlucco,  your  blood  is  white.  You  have  taken  my  red- 
sticks  and  my  talk,  but  you  do  not  mean  to  fight.  I  know  the  reason.  You  do  not  be- 
lieve the  Great  Spirit  has  sent  me.  You  shall  believe  it.  I  will  leave  directly,  and  go 
straight  to  Detroit.  When  I  get  there  I  will  stamp  my  foot  upon  the  ground,  ami 
shake  down  every  house  in  Toockabatcha !"  The  Big  Warrior  said  nothing,  but  Icrj 
pondered  this  remarkable  speech.^ 

It  was,  indeed,  a  remarkable  speech.  Events  soon  proved  it  to  be  prophetic.  Nat- 
ural phenomena — one  that  might  be  foretold  by  astronomers,  and  the  other  always 
beyond  the  knowledge  of  mortals — combined  to  give  tremendous  effect  to  Tecumthas 
words  and  mission.  The  comet,  the  blazing  "  arm  of  Tecumtha"  in  the  sky,  apripared; 
and  at  about  the  time  when  the  common  Indians,  who  believed  in  the  great  Shaw- 
noese and  his  mystical  brother,  knew,  by  calculation,  that  Tecumtha  must  have  ar- 
rived m  Detroit,  there  was  heard  a  deep  rumbling  beneath  the  ground,  and  a  heav- 
ing of  the  earth  that  made  the  houses  of  Toockabatcha  reel  and  totter  as  if  about  to 
fall.  The  startled  savages  ran  out  of  their  huts,  exclaiming, "  Tecumtha  is  at  Detroit  I 
Tecumtha  is  at  Detroit!     We  feel  the  stamp  of  his  foot!"     It  was  the  shock  of  an 


>  Pickett's  History  qf  Alabama,  11.,  342-3. 


«  Pickett's  Bittan/ qf  Alabama,i\.M 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


747 


eat  and  Its  Fulflllinenl. 

,  They  marched 
ifs,  thoy  cordially 
changed  tobacco 
I  refused  to  greet 
lOok  at  the  iSliaw- 
,1,  and  no  greater 

ice  vantil  Hawkins 
,  Kiver.    Then  he 
freat  round-house. 
Tecunitha  poured 
on  the  customs  of 
a  to  cast  away  the 
ming  noble  Indiiiu 
ction  at  the  hands 
rasping  and  cruel; 
le  Great  Spirit  had 
ri-ow,  the  war-cluh 
>ir  friends,  the  Brit- 
lie  war-path  for  the 
!  powerful  King  of 
iifht  under  his  ban- 
by  the  British  when 
would  see  the  arm 
,  a  certain  time,  and 
,'a8  almost  dawn  he- 
braves  present  had 

le  important  Creek 
ing  the  most  distin- 
[ious,  brave,  and  clo- 
the persuasions  of 
the  Big  Warrior  of 
was  extremely  anx- 
|l  States.     A  length 
^^er  in  the  Bij:  War- 
lave  taken  my  red- 
ion.    You  do  not  be- 
.ave  directly,  and  go 
)on  the  ground,  and 
,id  nothing,  but  Icrj 

I  bo  prophetic.  Nat- 
lid  the  other  always 
JeffecttoTecumtha's 
lnthesky,ari^wed: 

I  in  the  great  Shaw- 
Imtha  must  have  ar- 
Iground,  and  a  heav- 
1  totter  as  if  about  to 
lumthaisatDetrmt! 
Ivas  the  shocJ(J)f^an 


It.e  Creek  Natli)U  and  their  Pimitliin. 


General  James  Rnbert8i)n. 


C'hoctawH  and  ChlckasawH. 


earthquake  that  was  felt  all  over  the  Gulf  region  in  December,  1812.'     But  it  did  not 
move  the  Big  Warrior  from  liis  allegiance. 

Tecumtha's  visit  proved  to  be  a  most  sad  one  for  the  Creeks  as  a  nation.  It  brought 
terrible  calamities  upon  them — first  in  the  form  of  civil  war,  and  then  in  almost  utter 
destruction  at  the  hands  of  the  exasperated  Americans.  lio  left  seeds  of  discontent 
to  germinate  and  expand  into  violent  agitations.  Chief  was  arrayed  against  chief, 
iind  family  against  family,  on  the  question  of  peace  or  war  with  the  Americans.  They 
were  strong  as  a  nation,  numbering  about  thirty  thousand  souls,  of  whom  at  least 
seven  thousand   were    warriors  ;    yet 


iicace  was  the  guarantee  of  their  exist- 
ence. They  Avcre  hemmed  in  by  pow- 
erful and  rapidly-increasing  communi- 
ties of  white  people,  and  between  them 
and  the  Northern  t  ibes  were  the  Choc- 
iaw8  and  Chickasaws,^  over  whom  that 
i;rand  old  patriot.  General  James  Rob- 
ertson, held  a  powerful  sway,  like  that 
of  a  kind  fT,ther  over  loving  children.^ 
Tliese  stood  as  a  w^ll  of  separation  bc- 
tuoen  the  actual  followers  of  Tecumtha 
north  of  the  Ohio,  and  those  in  the  Gulf 
region  whom  he  was  endeavoring  to 
reduce  from  the  pursuits  of  peace  into 
the  war-path  under  tlie  British  banner. 
They  were  not  only  opposed  to  an  alli- 
ance with  the  British,  but  Avere  ready 
to  fight  for  the  Americans,  "  My  heart 
is  straight,"  said  tlie  brave  Too-tuma- 
stnhblc,  the  "  medal  chief"  of  the  Choc- 
taivs, "  and  I  wisli  our  father,  the  Pres- 
ident, to  know  it.  Our  young  warriors 
want  to  fight.     Give  us  guns  and  plen- 


'  See  Pickett'i  Alabama,  li.,  240.  Drake,  in  his  Hook  iifthe  Indimm  <\f  Xorih  Avierica,  eleventh  edition,  page  024,  men- 
lions  ttint  circnmstance  as  occinring  in  December,  1811,  and  cites  Francis  M'Henry  as  denying  that  if.  ever  took  place. 
Dut  Mr.  Pickett,  in  his  carefully-prepared  work,  .says  this  earthquake  was  remembered  by  all  th3  old  settlers,  and  places 
tlie  (inte  in  December  of  1812,  which  agrees  with  the  incidents  of  Tecumtha's  mission  there. 

'  The  Choctaws  inhabited  the  country  along  the  Mississippi  from  the  northern  borders  of  the  Choctaw  domain  to  the 
Oliio  River,  oud  eastward  beyond  the  TenuesKee  to  the  lands  of  the  Cherokees  and  Shawnoese. 

'James  Robertson,  who  has  jnitly  been  called  the  Father  of  Tennessee,  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  lie  emigrated  to 
the  rich  regions  l)eyond  the  mountains  about  the  year  17B0,  and  on  tht  banks  of  the  Watauga,  a  branch  of  the  Tennci-- 
fee.t"!  made  a  settlement,  and  lived  there  several  years.  He  was  often  called  upon  to  contest  for  life  with  the  savages 
of  llie  forest.  In  1770  he  was  chosen  to  command  a  fort  built  near  the  month  of  the  Watauga,  lii  1770  Captain  Rob- 
ertson WHS  at  the  head  of  a  party  emigrating  to  the  still  richer  country  of  the  Cumberland,  and  on  Christmas  eve  of  that 
ye,ir  tliey  arrived  upon  ihe  spot  where  Nashville  now  stands.  Others  joined  them,  and  in  the  following  summer  they 
numbered  about  two  hundred.  A  settlement  was  established,  and  Robertson  fmuided  the  city  of  Nashville.  The  Cher- 
okee UAb.Bs  attempted  to  destroy  the  settlement,  hut,  through  the  skill  and  energy  of  Robertson  aud  a  few  compau- 
inostlint  cnlnmity  was  averted.  They  bnilt  a  log  fort  on  the  high  bank  of  the  Cumlierland,  and  in  that  Ihe  setlleis 
•xm  defended  against  full  seven  hundred  Indians  in  1781.  The  settlement  was  erected  into  a  county  of  North  Carolina, 
m\  Roliertson  was  its  first  representative  In  the  State  Legislature.  In  1700  the  "  Territory  sonth  of  the  Ohio  River" 
n>  formed,  and  Washington  appointed  Robertson  brigadier  gencriil  and  commander  of  the  militia  in  it.  In  thr.t  ca- 
pacity he  wns  very  active  In  defense  of  the  settlements  against  the  savages.  At  the  same  time  he  practiced  the  most 
eia''t  jiirtlce  toward  the  Indians,  aud  when  these  children  of  the  forest  \i  irc  no  longer  hostile,  his  kindness  toward  the  op- 
P'esfeil  nmnng  them  made  him  very  popular.  At  length,  when  the  emissaries,  white  and  red,  from  the  British  in  the 
N'orth  t>ej{nn  to  sow  the  seeds  of  discontent  among  them  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1812,  the  government  wisely 
inpnlnled  General  Robertson  agent  to  the  Chickasaw  tribe.  He  was  ever  wntchfnl  of  the  national  interest.  As  enrly  as 
March,  1S13,  he  wrote :  "  The  Chickasaws  are  in  u  high  strain  for  war  against  the  enemies  of  the  country.  They  have 
ilcclared  war  against  nil  passin;;  Creeks  who  attempt  to  go  through  their  nation.  They  have  declared,  If  the  United  States 
"ill  tnke  n  cnmpnign  against  the  Creeks  fbecaui  i  of  some  murders  committed  by  them  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio],  that 
ilicy  are  ready  to  give  them  aid."  A  little  later  he  suggested  the  eraployr.-.ent  of  companies  of  Chickasnws  and  Choc- 
1.1WS  to  defend  the  frontiers  and  to  protect  travelers,  and  he  was  seconded  by  Pitchlyn,  an  active  and  faithful  Indian. 

Dnrinp;  the  war  General  Robertson  rcm"lned  at  his  post  among  the  Indians,  and  invited  his  aged  wife  to  "hare  his 
pnv.itions  1)»  quaintly  saying  to  her  by  a  messenger,  "If  you  shall  come  this  way,  the  very  best  chance  for  rest  and 
tke\)  which  my  bed  affords  shall  be  given  you,  'irovlded  aiwn;-i5  that  I  shall  rij'ain  a  part  of  the  same."    He  was  theu 


fc-  ii 


i    ' 


M  I  1 1  '  ■; 


1 


748 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Oivll  War  In  the  Creek  Nation. 


TliR  white  Inhabitants  in  Peril. 


The  Mllitln  called  ont. 


ty  of  powder  and  lead,  wc  fight  your  enemies.  We  fight  much ;  Ave  fight  stroiij,', 
....  Our  warriors  good  Americans — fight  strong.  You  tell  him  so.  You,  General 
Robertson,  know  me ;  my  heart  straight.  Choctaw  soldiers  good  soldiers.  Give 
epaulettes,  guns,  and  whisky — fight  strong." 

Tecumtha  had  enjoined  the  leaders  of  the  war-party  to  keep  their  intentions  sec  et 
and  for  many  months,  while  civil  war  was  kindling  in  the  bosom  of  the  Creek  na- 
tion because  of  a  powerful  and  zealously-opposing  peace-party,  and  the  land  was 
filled  with  quarrels,  fights,  murders,  and  violence  of  every  kind,  it  was  difficult  for 
the  public  authorities  to  determine  with  any  certainty  whether  or  no  aiiy  considera- 
ble number  of  the  Creeks  would  join  the  British  standard.  Colonel  Hawkins  tlic 
agent,  believed  that  nothing  more  serious  than  a  war  between  native  factious  Avould 
ensue.  It  was  well  known  that  Peter  M'Queen,  a  half-blood  of  Tallahassee,  who  was 
one  of  the  leaders  of  the  Avar-party,  was  doing  every  thing  in  his  power  to  accomplish 
that  result,  while  Big  Warrior  Avas  equally  active  in  eflbrts  to  avert  so  great  a  e.n- 
lamity.  On  one  hand  was  seen  the  hideous  "  Avar-dance  of  the  Lakes,"  taught  them 
by  Tecumtha,  and  on  the  other  the  peaceful,  quiet,  anxious,  determined  deportment 
of  men  resolved  on  peace.  Tlie  Avhole  Creek  nation  became  a  seething  caldron  of 
l)assion — of  angry  words  and  threatenings,  which  were  soon  developed  into  sanguin- 
ary  deeds. 

On  account  of  the  civil  Avar  raging  here,  and  there,  and  every  where  in  the  Creek 
country,  the  white  settlers  were  placed  in  great  peril.  In  the  spring  of  1813  thev 
Avere  made  to  expect  an  exterminating  bloA\'.  They  knew  that  a  British  squadron 
Avas  in  the  Gulf,  and  in  friendly  intercourse  with  the  Spanish  post  at  Pensacola.  They 
knew  that  the  fiery  M'Queen  and  other  leaders  had  gone  to  that  post  Avith  about 
three  hundred  and  fifty  warriors,  Avith  many  pack-horses,  intended  doubtless  for  the 
conveyance  of  arms  and  supplies  from  the  British  to  the  war-party  iu  the  interior. 
Every  day  the  cloud  of  danger  palpably  thickened,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  most 
populous  and  more  immediately  threatened  districts  of  the  Tombigbee  and  Tensaw 
petitioned  the  governor  of  Mississippi  for  a  military  force  sufficient  for  their  protec- 
tion. The  governor  Avas  willing,  but  General  Flournoy,  who  succeeded  General  Wil- 
kinson in  command  of  the  Seventh  Military  District,  persuaded  by  Colonel  Hawkins, 
the  Indian  agent,  of  the  civilization  and  fi'iendly  disposition  of  the  Creeks,  would  not 
grant  their  prayer.* 

Left  to  their  own  resources,  the  inhabitants  of  the  menaced  districts  prepared  to 
defend  themselves  as  well  as  they  might.  They  sent  spies  to  Pensacola,  who  returned 
Avith  the  positive  and  startling  intelligence  that  British  agents,  under  the  sanction  of 
the  Spanish  governor,  were  distributing  supplies  freely  to  M'Queen  and  his  follow- 
ers, that  leader  having  exhibited  to  the  chief  magistrate  of  Florida  a  list  of  Creek 
toAvns  ready  to  take  up  arms  for  the  British,  in  which,  in  the  aggregate,  Avt  re  nearly 
five  thousand  warriors.  On  hearing  this  report,  Colonel  James  Caller,  of  Washing- 
ton, called  on  the  militia  to  go  out  and  intercept  M'Queen  and  his  party  on  their  r^ 
turn  from  Pensacola.     There  was  a  prompt  response,  and  he  set  out  with  a  few  fol- 

feventy-one,  and  she  sixty-three  yeara  of  age.  She  wont  to  him,  and  was  at  his  side  when  he  died  at  his  poet  In  the  In- 
dian country  the  year  following.  His  death  occurred  on  the  Ist  of  September,  1814,  and  on  the  2d  his  remains  were 
buried  at  the  Agency.  In  1S26  they  were  removed  to  Nashville,  and,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  conconrse  of  ciiizeiM. 
were  reinterred  In  the  cemetery  there.  A  plain  tomb  covers  the  spot.  The  remains  of  his  wife  rest  by  his  slde.ud 
the  observer  may  there  read  the  following  inscripticms : 

"  GENKBA.L  James  ^.obkbtbon,  the  founder  of  Nashville,  was  bom  in  Virginia,  28th  June,  1T42.  Died  1st  September, 
1914. 

"  CuABLOTTE  R.,  wiffe  of  James  Robertson,  was  bom  In  North  Carolina,  2d  January,  1T61.    Died  11th  June,  1543." 

She  was  then  ninety-two  years  of  age.  Tlieir  son.  Dr.  Felix  Robertson,  who  waa  bom  In  the  fort,  and  the  llrst  whit! 
child  whose  bi.-th  was  in  West  Tennessee,  died  at  Nashville  in  1804. 

'  Thomas  Flo-'raoy  was  a  native  of  Georgia,  and  a  distinguished  member  of  the  bar  at  Augusta,  his  place  ofr«i- 
dence.  lie  was  In  feeble  health  at  this  time,  and  his  fhrce  was  Inadequate  to  perfbrm  the  arduous  nervices  required  of 
tliem.  He  was  commissioned  a  brlgr.dier  general  on  the  18th  of  June,  1812,  and  resigned  In  September,  1S14.  Whra 
AVilklnsou  was  summoned  to  the  Northern  fhintler,  Flournoy  wag  made  bis  successor  In  the  Gulf  region.  In  ISIW' 
he  was  a  commissioner  to  treat  with  the  Creek  Indians. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


749 


The  Militia  called  ont. 


ne,lT42.    Died  1st  Septemta. 


Tho  Militia  in  the  Field.  MuiCb  of  M'Queen  and  Ills  Followers  fl-om  Pensacola.  Battle  of  Burnt  Com  Creek. 

lowers,  crossed  the  Tombigbec  into  Clarke  County,  passed  through  Jackson,  and  biv- 
ouacked on  the  right  bank  of  the  Alabama  Kiver,  at  Siseniore's  Ferry,  opposite  the 
southern  portion  of  the  present  Monroe  County,  Alabama.  He  crossed  the  river  on 
the  following  morning,"  and  marched  in  a  southeasterly  direction  across  .jniyzo, 
the  Escambia  Kiver  into  the  present  Conecuh  County,  Alabama,  toward  tiie  **"*• 
Florida  frontier.  lie  had  been  joined  m  Clarke  County  by  the  famous  border- 
er, Captain  Sam 
Dale,  and  fifty 
men,  who  were  en- 
(Tflged  in  the  con- 
struction of  Fort 
Madison,  toward 
the  northeast  part 
of  Clarke,  and  was 

now  re-enforced  by  others  from  Tcnsaw  Lake  and  Little  River,  under  various  leaders, 
Olio  of  whom  was  Captain  Dixon  IJailey,  a  half-blood  Creek,  who  had  been  educated 
a'  "  i'delphia.  Caller's  command  now  numbered  about  one  hundred  and  eighty 
KxO,  ilivided  into  small  companies,  wel'  mounted  on  good  frontier  horses,  and  pro- 
vided with  rifles  and  shot-guns.  During  ihat  day  they  reached  the  Wolf  Trail,  cross- 
ed Burnt  Corn  Creek,  and  bivouacked. 

On  the  morning  of  the  27th  Caller  reorganized  his  command.  Captains  Phillips, 
M'Farlane,  Wood,  and  Jourdan  were  appointed  majors,  and  Captain  W^illiam  M'Grew 
was  created  lieutenant  colonel.'  They  were  now  on  the  main  route  for  Pensacola, 
and  were  moving  cheerily  forward,  down  the  east  side  of  Burnt  Corn  Creek,  when  a 
company  of  fifteen  spies,  under  Captain  Dale,  who  had  been  sent  iii  advance  to  recon- 
noitre, came  galloping  hurriedly  back  with  the  intelligence  that  M'Queen  and  his 
parly  were  only  a  few  miles  distant,  encamped  upon  a  peninsula  of  low  pine  barrens 
formed  by  the  windings  of  Burnt  Com  Creek,  engaged  unsuspectingly  in  cooking  and 
eating.  A  hurried  council  was  held,  and  it  was  determined  to  attack  them.  For 
this  purpose  Caller  arranged  his  men  in  three  columns,  the  right  led  by  Captain 
Smoot,  the  left  by  Captain  Dale,  and  the  centre  by  Captain  Bailey.  They  were  upon 
a  gentle  height  overlooking  M'Queen's  camp,  and  down  its  slopes  the  white  men 
moved  rapidly,  and  fell  upon  the  foe.  M'Queen  and  his  party  Avere  surprised.  They 
fought  desperately  for  a  few  minutes,  when  they  gave  way,  and  fled  toward  the 
creek,  followed  by  a  portion  of  tho  assailants. 

Colonel  Caller  was  brave  but  overcautious,  and  called  back  tho  pursuers.  The  re- 
mainder of  his  command  were  engaged  in  capturing  the  well-laden  pack-horses  of  the 
enemy,  and  Avhen  those  in  advance  came  running  back,  the  former,  panic-stricken, 
turned  ard  fled  in  confusion,  but  carrying  away  their  plunder.  Now  tlie  tide  turned. 
M'Queen's  Indians  rushed  from  their  hiding-places  in  a  cano-brako  with  horrid  yells, 
and  fell  upon  less  than  one  hundred  of  Caller's  men  at  the  foot  of  the  eminence.  A 
severe  battle  ensued.  Captain  Dale  was  severely  wounded  by  a  ball  that  struck  his 
breast-bone,  followed  the  ribs  around,  and  came  out  near  the  spine,  yet  he  continued 
to  fight  as  long  as  any  body.  Overwhelming  numbers  at  length  compelled  him  and 
his  companions  to  retreat.  They  fled  in  disorder,  many  of  them  leaving  their  horses 
behind  them.  The  flight  continued  all  night  in  much  con'iision.  The  victory  in  the 
Batik  of  Burnt  Corn  Creek — the  irst  in  the  Creek  war — rested  with  the  Indians. 
Only  two  of  Caller's  command  wer  \  killed,  and  fifteen  wounded.  Tho  casualties  of 
the  enemy  arc  unknown.  For  some  time  it  was  supposed  that  Colonel  Caller  and 
Major  Wood  had  been  lost.  They  became  bewildered  in  the  forest,  and  wandered 
about  there  some  time.    When  th.;y  were  found  they  Avere  almost  starved,  and  were 


I  The  principal  enbordlnate  ofBcers  werf  PhHlips,  Wood,  M'Parlaue,  Jourdan,  Smoot,  Dixon,  Be.ird,  Cartwright, 
i  Crejgl),  May,  Bradberry,  Rjbprt  Caller,  and    >ale. 


I ' 


i:  -A 


ill 


760 


PICTOUIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


General  Clalboruv  in  the  Creek  fimntry. 


RcfliKte  Setcler*. 


Mlins'a  lluune  foriKfi), 


nearly  senseless.  Thoy  had  been  missinjj  fifteen  days !  Caller's  command  never  re- 
assembled. M'Queen's  retraced  their  stejjs  to  Pensucola  for  more  military  8U|)|ilit.s.i 
But  for  the  fatal  word  "  retreat"  the  Indians  might  have  been  scattered  to  the  winds. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  in  the  Indian  country  above  Mobile, (JiiuTal 
F.  L.  Claiborne/  who  Inid  been  a  gallant  soldier  in  Wayne's  army  in  the  Indian  coun- 
try north  of  the  Oliio,  was  marching,  by  orders  of  General  Flournoy,  <'rom  Haton 
Ilouge  to  Fort  Stoddart,  on  the  ]Mobilo  liiver,  with  instructions  to  direct  lii.s  priim- 
jial  attentions  to  the  defeiise  of  iSIobile.  He  reached  Mount  Vernon,  in  the  ndrtli- 
ern  part  of  the  present  Mobile  County,  three  days  after  tlie  battle  of  Burnt  Corn 
•  July  30,     Creek."    lie  found  the  whole  population  trembling  with  alarm  and  tcrribK' 

1813.  forebodings  of  evil.  Already  a  chain  of  rude  defenses,  called  forts,  had  been 
built  in  the  country  between  the  Tombigbec  and  Alabama  liivers,  a  short  distance 
from  their  confluence  where  they  form  the  Mobile  Kivcr,^  and  were  tilled  witli  al- 
frighted  white  people  and  negroes,  who  had  sought  shelter  in  thein  from  the  iuijx'nj- 
ing  storm  of  war. 

Claiborne's  first  care  was  to  aftbrd  protection  to  the  menaced  people.  He  was  anx- 
ious to  march  his  whole  force  into  the  heart  of  the  Creek  nation,  in  the  region  of  tlic 
Coosa  and  Tallapoosa  Rivers,  but  tliis  P"'lournoy  Avould  not  allow.  "  If  Governor 
Holmes  [of  the  Mississippi  Territory]  shoi'ld  send  his  militia  into  the  Indiiin  coun- 
try," he  wrote,  "he  mast,  of  course,  act  on  his  own  responsibility;  the  army  oftlic 
United  States,  and  tlie  ofticers  commanding  it,  must  have  nothing  to  do  w  itli  it. " 
Claiborne  was  compelled  to  do  nothing  better  than  to  distribute  his  troojjs  tlnongli- 
out  the  stockades  for  defensive  opcations,  lie  sent  Colonel  Carson,  with  two  hund- 
red men,  to  the  confluence  of  the  Tombigbee  aiii]  Alabama  Rivers,  and  dispatduil 
Captain  Scott  with  a  company  to  St.  Stephen's,  in  the  northeast  part  of  Wasiiinjjton 
County,  where  they  occupied  an  old  Sjianish  block-house.  M.-ijor  Hinds,  Avitli  ilra- 
goons,  was  ordered  to  scour  the  country  in  various  directions  for  information  ami  ns 
a  check ;  and  some  of  the  militia  of  Washington  County  were  placed  in  the  stock- 
ades in  Clarke  County,  between  the  Tombigbee  and  Alabama.  Captain  Dent  w;is 
sent  to  Okeatapa,  within  a  short  distance  of  the  Choctaw  frontier,  and  assumed  the 
command  of  a  fort  there. 

Previous  to  Claiborne's  arrival,  wealthy  half-blood  families  had  gone  down  the  Ala- 
bama in  boats  and  canoes,  and  secreted  themselves  in  the  thick  swamps  around  Ten- 
saw  Lake.  There  they  united  with  white  refugees  in  constructing  a  strong  stockiulc 
around  the  house  of  Samuel  Minis,  an  old  and  wealthy  inhabitant  of  that  region,  situ- 
ated a  sliort  distance  from  the  Boat-yard  on  Tensaw  Lake,  a  mile  east  from  the  Ala- 
bama iliver,  ten  miles  above  its  junction  with  the  Tombigbee,  and  about  two  rniles 
below  the  Cut-oiF.*  The  building  was  of  wood,  spacious  in  area,  and  one  striy  in 
height.  Strong  pickets  were  driven  around  it,  and  fence-rails  placed  between  thm; 
and,  at  an  average  distance  of  three  feet  and  a  half  from  the  ground,  five  hnndred 
port-holes  for  musketry  were  made.  The  pickets  inclosed  an  acre  of  ground,  and  tlie 
stockade  was  entered  by  two  ponderous  gates,  one  on  the  east  and  tlie  other  on  the 
west.     Besides  Mims's  house  there  were  several  other  buildings  within  the  pickets: 

'  Pickett's  Alabama,  li.,  26B.    Life  and  Timex  qfGen-r,tl  Sam  Vale,  l)y  J.  F.  H.  Clalboruc,  pnges  68  to  82  Inclusive. 

-  Fcrdinnnd  Leigh  Claiborne,  n  brother  of  William  C.  C.  Claiborne,  at  that  time  governor  of  the  Orleans  Torrltiin-, 
was  born  in  Snesex  County,  Virginia,  in  1773.  Ills  family  was  one  of  the  oldest  In  that  commonwealth.  In  Ills  tmii- 
tieth  year  he  wr.s  appointed  an  ensign  in  Wayne's  army,  and  became  much  attached  to  Major  Ilumtrnmck.  Ouc  uf  lis 
sons,  now  (ISlH)  living,  bears  the  major's  name.  lie  was  in  the  battle  of  the  Fallen  Timbers,  ut  the  Kapids  of  the  Mm- 
mec,  in  1704.  He  was  statiimcd  atKichmond  and  Norfolk  after  the  war,  holuing  llrst  the  rank  of  lieuteiiimtaudllicQ 
of  adjutant.  In  1799  he  was  promoted  to  captain,  and  was  active  as  such,  and  adjutant  gencnl  In  the  Northwest,  iu,iil 
1802,  when  he  was  ordered  to  Natchez.  He  resigned,  settled  in  the  Mississippi  Territory,  presided  over  the  deliberating 
of  Its  Legislature,  and  in  1811  was  appointed  brigadier  general  of  the  Misf '  jsippi  militia.  In  March,  1813,  he  was  coiniiiis- 
sloned  a  brigadier  general  of  volunteers  in  the  Ignited  Stales  Army,  and  ordered  to  the  command  of  the  post  nt  Bniiii 
Rouge.  He  was  nctlvo,  as  the  text  avers,  during  the  Creek  War.  He  was  a  legislative  councilor  of  the  Mlsslssipiii  Tw- 
ritory  Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  Creek  War  In  1S14,  and  died  the  following  year. 

'  These  were  Forts  Cnrry,  Madison,  Kevler,  Siuqueflcld,  oud  White,  situated  upon  a  curve  sweeping  eastward  of  Biis- 
Bctt'e  Creek  and  across  Us  Lead  waters.  *  Sec  Map  on  the  uppueile  ]/»(<■ 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    181;!. 


751 


Mima's  HoUM  fortlM. 

muiiuuil  \w\vr  ic- 
nilitary  suinilii's,' 
•reel  to  the'  \\m\f, 
e  Mol)iU',  (ifiicnil 
11  th<'  luiliiiii  conn- 
,rnoy,  A-oiu  Hauui 
)  ilireot  his  ])riiiii- 
iion,  ill  the  imitli- 
tie  of  IJurut  Corn 
ahirin  :iiul  torrilili> 
lied  forts,  hail  lii'i'ii 
rs,  r.  short  distaiicf 
,-ere  tilled  with  :if- 
u  from  the  iuipuml- 

oplo.  llo  was  aux- 
in the  region  of  tlic 
ow.  "  If  (iiovernor 
to  the  Indian  couii- 
y  ;  the  army  of  tlio 
in"-  to  do  with  it." 
Ilia  troops  througli- 
son,  with  two  huml- 
i'crs,  and  dispatchiHl 
part  of  Washiivjton 
jor  Hinds,  with  (h;i- 
r  information  ami  a- 
placed  in  the  stock- 
Captain  Dent  was 
|icr,  and  assumed  tlio 

gone  down  the  Ala- 
5wamps  aroiuul  Tcii- 
jicr  a  streng  stockiulo 
It'of  that  region, situ- 
le  oast  from  the  Ala- 
md  about  two  miles 
•a,  and  one  story  in 
[aced  between  them; 
;ro\ind,  five  hundrwl 
re  of  ground,  and  tlw 
land  the  other  on  the 
within  the  pickets; 

li^KCB  C8  to  SO  Inclu'lvc. 
fiorofthcOrleftuaTOTitop. 

lommonweaUh.  Iuhl«l«™- 
lijor  lliimtrumck.  One  oil"* 
V«,ttt«>eU.>l>Ul8onheM». 
tnmk  oflioulciiautaudilion 
irc-illu  the  Northwest,  ni,i'J 
Iresldcd  over  the  aeliberaliou. 

TMttrcli,18l3,h«w«»«:o'™* 
J>mmau(loftUeiH«t»tB«M 

|»uclloroftUcMlBite>PP'T^'- 


)lip<)rii  I'lirt  of  the  Creek  Co-  itry. 


Furt  Mini*  nnd  iu  OccupAuU. 


,e  Bweeplug  eastward  of  B;^- 
EC  Map  on  the  opposite  V''lf' 


also  cahins  and  board  shelters.  At  tlio  southwest  comer  was  a  partially-finished 
block-house.  The  whole  work,  which  Avas  called  Fort  Minis,  was  upon  a  slight  ele- 
vation, yet  not  eligibly  situated  ;  but  such  confidence  had  the  people  of  the  surround- 
iiig  country  in  its  strength,  that,  as  soon  as  it  was  finished,  they  poured  into  it  in  large 
mimhers  with  their  effects.  It  soon  became  the  scene  of  a  terrible  tragedy  that  dis- 
Jiclled  the  pleasant  dream  of  Creek  civilization  and  friendship,  and  inflamed  the  peo- 
jile  westward  of  the  /Moghanios,  Avho  had  suffered  much  from  savage  cruelty  and 
treacherj ,  with  a  thirst  for  vengeance. 


liii 


'^ — -w 


\ 


lii  i 


ii!i 


•t 


788 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Clalbornr'H  Anxiety  alxiat  the  Hettlen.         Knmun  nf  liii|>cn<lli]);  IiiiUan  Ilixitllltteii.         Psclflcatlun  of  the  Chuctawa 

T.*<»  fliijM  nl\fr  ho  roacluMl  Mount  V'onioii  (u'lioral  Claiborne  waVkA  Flournoy's  per- 
mission  to  cull  for  tlio  militia.  "  I  am  not  myHclf  auth(>ri7x>d  to  do  so,"  hiH  coiiiniitiul. 
or  ropliod, "an  yon  will  porcoivo  if  you  turn  to  tlio  lato  roj-ulatiouH  of  tlio  V'ar  Di,. 
jiartmout."  Ajjain  foilod  in  liisgonorous  ondoavorw  l>y  official  intorforonco, Claiborne 
resolved  to  do  wliat  lie  might  in  Htrongthouing  Fort  .Slims.  Already  Lieutonaiit  Os- 
•Jnlysis,     home,  and  xixtoon  soldiers  under  him,  had  taken  post  there."     He  now  dls- 

l»i:i.  patehed  Majttr  Daniel  IJeasley  thither,  with  one  hundred  and  seventy-Kve vol- 
untoors,  who  was  accompanied  hy  C'aptains  Jack,  iJatcheldor,  and  Middleton.  Thcv 
"Autpnto.  found  seventy  citizens  there  on  volunteer  duty,''  under  Captains  Dunn  ami 
'  AuKHKt  T.  I'lummer,  who  were  inexperienced  ottieers.  On  the  following  day'^  the  HttK. 
garrison  was  cheered  by  the  presence  of  General  Claiborne,  who  had  come  to  make  a 
jiersonal  inspection  of  the  fort.  lie  saw  its  weakness,  and  issued  orders  for  it  to  be 
strengthened  by  the  addition  of  two  block-liouses.  "To  respect  an  enemy,"  ho  said. 
wisely, "  and  prepare  in  the  best  possible  way  to  receive  him,  is  the  certain  means  of 
success."  He  also  authorized  Major  Beasley  to  receive  any  citizens  who  would  assist 
in  the  defense  of  the  station,  and  to  issue  rations  to  them  with  the  other  soldiers  un- 
der his  command.  Under  this  order  the  seventy  citizens  just  mentioned  were  en- 
rolled, an<l  they  immediately  elected  the  brave  Dixon  Bailey  their  captain — the  half- 
bl,)o<l  who  distinguished  himself  at  the  battle  of  Burnt  Corn  Creek.  Claiborne  alsn 
organized  a  small  company  of  scouts  under  Comet  Rankin,  composed  of  that  officer, 
one  sergeant,  one  corporal,  and  six  mounted  men. 

Every  day  the  war-cloud  thickened.  I?unu)r8  came  to  Claiborne  from  the  north- 
ward that  there  was  growing  disaffection  among  the  powerful  Chcctaws,  and  he  per- 
ceived the  value  of  an  immediate  blow  at  the  Creeks  before  they  should  be  ready  t» 
strike  one  themselves,  or  draw  over  to  the  interest  of  the  war-party  their  more  i)eaet- 
ably-inciiued  neighbors.  He  again  applied  to  Flournoy  for  permission  to  penetrate 
the  heart  of  the  Creek  nation,  but  with  no  better  success  than  before.  "I  liave  to 
entreat  you,"  Flournoy  wrote  to  Claiborne, "  not  to  permit  your  zeal  for  the  imblic 
good  to  draw  you  into  acts  of  indiscretion.  Your  wish  to  penetrate  into  the  Indian 
country  with  the  view  of  commencing  the  war  docs  not  meet  my  approbation,  ami 
I  again  repeat,  our  operations  must  be  confined  to  defensive  operations."'  Flnur- 
noy  was  impressed  with  tlie  belief  that  the  hostile  movements  in  the  Creek  countrj- 
were  only  feints  in  the  interest  of  the  Spaniards,  to  draw  the  American  troops  from 
Mobile,  so  that  tlie  former  might,  while  that  post  was  weakened  and  uncovered,  at- 
tempt its  capture  with  a  chance  of  success. 

Again  foiled,  Claiborne  addressed  himself  to  the  important  task  of  securing  the 
neutrality,  at  least,  of  the  Cherokees,  for  every  day  gave  signs  of  their  constantly- 
growing  disaffection.  A  belief  was  gaining  ground,  and  with  good  reason,  that  a 
general  Indian  war  in  the  southwest  was  possible,  and  even  probable,  and  the  whole 
country  from  the  Perdido  to  the  Mississippi  was  filled  with  alarms.  The  stockades 
were  crowded  with  refugees  from  their  menaced  homes  early  in  August,  and  douht, 
and  dread,  and  great  fear  filled  the  hearts  of  the  white  people.  Claiborne  went  up 
to  St.  Stephen's,  and  from  thence  dispatched  a  deputation  to  Pushamataha,  the  prin- 
cipal chief  of  the  Choctaws,  who  was  balancing  between  equally  powerful  inclina- 
tions toward  peace  and  wai-.  He  listened,  and  was  finally  induced  to  visit  Claiborne's 
head-quarters  at  Mount  Venion.''  The  general  received  him  with  much 
military  pomp,  and  presented  him  with  the  uniform  and  other  insignia  of 
a  brigadier  general.^  By  this  means  his  friendship  was  secured,  and  he  and  a  band 
of  his  Choctaws — chosen  warriors — immediately  prepared  for  the  war-path  under  the 
flag  of  the  United  States,  while  the  rest  of  the  nation  agreed  to  remain  neutral. 


'  Angast  15. 


•  Flournoy  to  Clnlborne,  August  to,  181S,  from  "  Bay  St.  LouIb."    Seo  Claiborne's  tt/e  of  Gimeral  Sam  Dale,  page  M. 
'  He  gave  him  a  suit  of  rich  regimentals,  go'.d  epaulettes,  sword,  silver  spurs,  and  hat  and  feather,  ordered  from  ^' 
bile  at  a  cost  uf  three  hundred  dollars. 


■«!}■■<*«■ 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


7S8 


■!ii|i*l 


IcatluD  of  the  Chucuws. 


•)l  Flournoy's  per- 
M>,"  luH  <'()miiiaiiil. 
m  of  tht'  V'ar  iK- 
•foreiice,  Clailxirnc 
dy  LiuiiU'iiiint  Os- 
re."     lie  HOW  ills- 
k1  Hcveuty-tivc  vol- 
Ikliadleton.    'Diev 
'aptains  Dunn  ami 
wins  dfiy'' till!  litllo 
[u\  conic  to  make  a 
ordors  for  it  to  hv 
in  enemy,"  lie  said. 
le  certain  means  of 
18  who  would  assist 
c  other  soldiers  un- 
nentioncd  were  cn- 
r  captain — the  half- 
ck.     Claiborne  also 
)08ed  of  that  officer, 

irnc  from  the  nortli- 
licctaws,  and  he  per- 
r  should  bo  ready  to 
•ty  their  more  i)eacf- 
mission  to  penetrate 
before.     "  I  liave  to 
r  zeal  for  the  imhlic 
trate  into  the  liuliau 
itiy  approbation,  and 
jperations.'"    Flour- 
in  the  (!reek  countr)- 
incrican  troops  from 
and  uncovered,  at- 

Itask  of  securing  the 
of  their  constantly- 
good  reason,  that  a 
Ibable,  and  the  whole 
Irms.    The  stockades 
August,  and  doubt, 
Claiborne  went  up 
Ishamataha,  the  \m\- 
[Uy  pov/erful  inclina- 
U  to  visit  Claihornes 
ived  him  with  much 
md  other  insignia  of 
.,  and  he  and  a  hand 
|e'  war-path  under  the 
1  remain  neutral. 


r  general  Sam  Vale,V»S<i^ 
nd  feather,  ordered  fronO' 


glixkadoa  threatened.     Fort  Mima  crowded  with  Kefhgeea.     Wamlngt  of  Olsvei  unheeded.     IndlMii  near  the  Foit. 

Having  accomplished  tlie  pacification  of  the  Choctaws,  the  ;'?u'rgetic  Claiborne 
turned  his  attention  to  the  defense  of  the  several  slock.idi's  in  tiie  Indian  country. 
Late  in  August,"  wiiile  he  was  at  St.  Stephen's,  he  was  informed  that  four  •  Autrnm  m, 
hundred  Creek  warriors  were  about  to  fall   upon  Fort  Kasley,  a  leeble  "*'"• 

post  sixty  miles  nearer  the  enemy  than  Fort  Alims,  and  that  Fort  Madison  would  he 
next  attacked.  Tlic  women  and  children  in  Easley  had  oidy  abt)ut  a  dozen  defend- 
ers, and  Claiborne  resolved  to  hasten  to  tlieir  relief,  lie  left  the  cam]>  at  Mount  Ver- 
uon  in  charge  of  Captain  Kennedy,  and,  with  twenty  mounted  dragoons,  and  sixty 
men  from  the  companies  of  Captains  Dent  and  Scott,  he  pushed  on  toward  Kasley 
Station,  or  Fort  Easley.  Major  licasley,  in  the  mean  time,  finding  Fort  Minis  too 
small  for  the  swelling  multitude  that  flocked  into  it,  commenced  its  enlargement  by 
driving  a  new  row  of  pickets  sixty  feet  beyond  the  eastward  end.  The  work  went 
oil  slowly  and  carelessly.  Every  day,  and  sometimes  several  times  a  day,  the  inmates 
were  alarmed  by  rumors  of  approaching  savages,  until  they  became  iuditfereut,  in  the 
belief  that  they  were  all  false. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th  of  August,  two  slaves  (one  of  them  belonging  to  John 
Randon,  and  the  other  to  a  man  named  Fletcher),  who  had  been  sent  out  r.  short  dis- 
tance from  the  fort  to  attend  to  some  beef-cattle,  came  rushing  through  one  of  the 
wide-open  gates  almost  out  of  breath,  and  their  eyes  dilated  with«mortal  fear.  They 
declared  that  they  had  counted  four-and-twenty  painted  savages  on  the  edge  of  a 
swamp.  Captain  Middleton  was  immediately  sent  out  with  two  mounted  men  to  re- 
connoitre, but  returned  at  sunset  without  seeing  any  trace  of  hostile  Indians.  Beasley 
charged  tl  c  negroes  with  lying,  and  ordered  them  to  be  severely  flogged  for  raising 
a  false  i.h'rm.  Ilandon's  negro  received  the  lashes,  but  Fletcher,  who  believed  the 
story  of  his  slave,  refused  to  have  him  flogged.  This  so  exasperated  Beasley  that  he 
ordered  Fletcher  to  leave  the  fort,  with  his  large  family,  by  ten  o'clock  the  next  day. 
At  that  time  there  Avere  five  hundred  and  fifty-three  souls  within  the  stockade,  con- 
sisting of  white  people,  Indiars,  oflicers,  soMiers,  and  negroes.  Many  of  them  were 
sick,  for  there  arose  around  them  continually  the  malaria  of  Alabama  swamps  swel- 
tering in  the  rays  of  an  August  sun.  Most  of  them  were  non-combatants,  for  the  iii- 
fatnatcd  Beasley,  who  believed  himself  and  charge  to  be  perfectly  secure,  had  greatly 
weakened  the  garrison  by  sending  men  *,o  neighboring  posts  from  which  came  pite- 
ous cries  for  aid  and  protection. 

The  mornirig  of  the-  ."JOth  was  clear  and  sultry.  The  alarm  caused  by  the  story  of 
the  negroes  on  the  previous  day  had  subsided,  and  Fletcher,  tho  owner  of  one  of 
them,  had  consented  to  liavc  his  slave  whipped  rather  than  be  driven  from  the  fort 
with  his  family.  Full  of  confidence,  Beasley  at  ten  o'clock  had  dispatched  a  messen- 
serAvith  a  letter  to  General  Claiborne,  in  which  he  assured  his  commander  of  his  per- 
fect safety,  and  his  "  ability  to  maintain  the  post  against  any  number  of  Indians."' 
The  women  in  the  stockade  were  preparing  dinner ;  the  soldiers  were  loitering  list- 
lessly about,  or  were  playing  cards,  or  lying  on  the  ground  asleep ;  and  almost  a  liuiid- 
n  d  children  were  playing  gleefully  among  the  cabins  ard  tents.  Young  men  and 
maidens  were  dancing,  and  every  appearance  gave  promise  of  an  evening  of  sweet  re- 
pose. Nothing  marred  the  happy  aspect  of  tlie  scene  but  the  form  of  Flctcher'spoor 
negro,  who  was  tied  up  and  his  back  bared  for  the  lash  because  he  had  told  a  terri- 
We  truth,  and  it  was  believed  to  be  a  lie.  But  it  was  a  moment  of  awful  peril.  In 
;i  siiallow  ravine,  overshadowed  by  trees  and  filled  with  luxuriant  vegetation,  lay  al- 
most a  thousand  Creek  warriors,  not  more  than  four  hundred  yards  from  the  eastern 
gate,  preparing,  like  fierce  and  famished  tigers,  to  spring  upon  their  prey  at  the  first 
opportune  moment.  They  were  mostly  naked  excepting  the  usual "  fl.^.p."  Many  of 
them  were  hideously  painted,  and  all  were  well  armed.  The  prophets,  in  whose  care 
were  the  superstitions  of  the  dusky  horde,  lay  with  the  warriors,  their  heads  covered 


'i^if 


1  Mivjor  Beasley  to  Qenerul  Claiborne,  August  SI,  ISIS. 
3B 


iiip 


Irl 


I 


•4  I!} 


7«4 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Indian  Leaden.  Qatherini;  of  the  hmitlle  8av«Kei.  False  Conlldeuce  of  the  Commnnder  at  Furt  Minn 

with  feathers,  their  faces  painted  black,  and  their  medicine-bags  and  mat^ic  rodg  by 
their  sides.  It  was  a  host  devilish  in  ajipearance,  and  on  a  demoniac  errand.  WIioir',. 
came  they  ?     Let  us  see. 

We  liave  observed  that  iM'Queen  and  l»is  followors,  after  the  battle  of  Hiirnt  Com 
Creek,  went  back  to  Pensacola,  where  they  were  ajjain  well  supplied  with  ])rovisi()iis 
and  ammunition,  and  instructed  by  the  British  and  Indian  agents  there  to  fiirlit  tin 
Americans,  and,  in  the  event  of  their  being  defeated,  to  send  their  women  and  oliil- 
drcn  to  Pensaooia.  "  If  you  should  bo  comjjelled  to  tly  yourselves,"  they  said,  "ami 
the  mericans  should  prove  too  hard  for  both  of  us,  there  are  vessels  enough  to  carry 
us  otr  altogether  to  Havana."' 

M'Queen  was  associated  with  Josiah  Francis  and  William  Wcathersford,  both  half- 
bloods ;  the  former  a  son  of  a  Creek  woman  by  a  Scotchman  named  Francis,^  and 
the  latter  a  child  of  Charles  Wcathersford,  of  Georgia,  by  the  beautiful  Schoya,  a 
half-sister  of  General  M'Gillivray,  of  the  Creek  nation.^  Wcathersford  was  an  ex- 
traordinary man  ;  commanding  in  person,  powerful  in  physical  strength,  honorable, 
and  as  humane  as  circumstances  would  allow.  lie  was  the  superior  of  M'Qucon  ami 
ITrancis  in  ability ;  and  when,  after  the  return  of  the  well-supplied  Indians  from  Pen- 
sacola, there  was  a  great  gathering  of  warriors  at  Toockabatcha,  on  the  Tallapoosa, 
and  preparations  M^re  made  for  opening  the  war  by  an  incursion  into  the  country  on 
the  Lower  Alabama,  he  became  the  principal  leader.* 
•  An(m8t20,         Late  in  August*  Wcathersford  conducted  his  followers  to  the  planta- 

^^"'-  tion  of  Zachariah  M'Girth,  not  far  from  the  site  of  the  present  villajfe  of 
Claiborne,  in  Monroe  County,  Alabama,  ninety  miles  below  Montgomery.  There  lu 
captured  some  negroes,  and  from  them  learned  the  condition  of  Fort  Mims.  One  of 
his  captives  escaped,  and  bore  to  Major  Beasley  intelligcjnce  of  impending  danger, 
while  Wcathersford  for  several  days  deliberated  and  prepared  for  an  exterminatiiif,' 
blow.  As  the  Indians  did  not  make  their  appearance,  Beasley  supposed  the  nesm 
fugitive's  8tory>to  be  a  mere  fabrication  ;  and,  as  Ave  have  observed,  the  commander 
and  the  inmates  of  the  fort  were  resting  in  fancied  security,  whon,  on  the  2fltli, 
Wcathersford  and  his  host  approached  the  ravine  in  which  they  lay  on  the  mornin!; 
of  the  30th.  There  they  were  again  seen  by  the  slave,  who  had  been  whipped  for 
supposed  lying  on  the  previous  day.  He  might  have  warned  Beasley,  which  warn- 
ing, if  heeded,  might  have  saved  the  fort ;  but  his  back  was  yet  smarting  from  the 
severe  flogging,  and,  fearing  a  repetition  of  it,  he  fled  to  Fort  Pierce,  a  stockade  about 
two  miles  from  Fort  Mims. 

At  noon  the  garrison  drum  at  Fort  Mims  beat  for  dinner.  Tlie  eastern  gate  stoml 
wide  open,  with  some  drifted  sand  against  it.  The  first  tap  was  the  signal  for  the 
savages  to  rise  from  their  cover  and  rush  to  the  fort ;  and  the  first  intimation  of  their 
presence  was  a  horrid  yell,^  that  filled  the  p'r  as  they  came  streaming  over  a  field  to- 


'  Pickett's  Alabama,  it.,  2(17,  note. 

'  Francis  assumed  to  be  a  prophet  Inspired  by  the  Shawnoe  seer,  Tecnmtha's  one-eyed  brother.  He  plnccd  Franc!.' 
in  a  cabin  by  himself,  aronnd  which  he  danced  and  howled  for  ten  days.  Then,  he  said,  Francis  was  blind,  but  thnt  bf 
would  again  see,  and  then  he  would  know  all  of  things  future.  At  the  expiration  of  ten  days  the  Prophet  led  him 
forth,  and  Francis  walked  like  a  blind  man  all  day.  Toward  night  his  sight  came  to  him  suddenly,  when  he  became 
the  greatest  prophet  In  the  Creek  nation,  with  the  power  to  create  lesser  prophets.    That  power  he  used  freely. 

'  Alexander  M'Gillivray  was  the  head  chief  of  the  Creek  nation  during  Washington's  ndminietration.  He  waa  a  m 
of  a  Creek  woman  by  a  Scotch  Tory  of  Georgia,  whose  property  was  confiscated  at  the  close  of  the  old  War  for  Indf- 
pendencc.  This  son  took  refiige  among  the  Creeks,  and  became  the  "beloved  man,"  or  head  chief.  Ke  was  an  do- 
rated  man ;  brave,  Huent  in  speech,  and  personally  popular.  The  Spanish  authorities  honored  him  with  the  coirmi!- 
sion  of  a  colonel ;  and  he  was  received  in  New  York  In  1790  with  great  honors  when  he  came,  with  a  retinue  of  follnvr- 
ers,  to  negotiate  a  treaty  between  the  Creeks  and  the  United  States— the  very  treaty  whose  spirit  his  countrymen  wen- 
now  about  to  violate.  His  mother's  family  were  among  the  first  in  the  Creek  nation ;  and  his  half  sister,  Sehoyj. 
Weathersford's  mother,  was  celebrated  for  her  beauty  and  mental  excellence.  Wcathersford  was  born  at  the  Hickory 
Ground,  near  Coosa wde,  on  the  Alabama. 

«  Warriors  fi-om  thirteen  Indian  towns  marched  in  a  southward  direction,  while  others  from  Tallahassee,  Anlto», 
and  Ockftiske  formed  a  corps  of  observation  in  another  direction,  to  conceal  the  movement. 

»  There  seem  to  have  been  no  sentinels  on  duty,  for  the  Indians  were  within  thirty  steps  of  the  fort  before  they  were 
discovered.— Letter  of  Fletcher  Cox  to  General  Claiborne,  in  Life  itf  General  Sam  Dah;  page  100. 


OF   THE  WAR    OF    18  12. 


756 


immnnder  at  Furt  Mlmt. 

ml  iims^ic  rods  liy 
!  crraiul,    VVhunci 

ttle  of  Ruriit  Com 
ed  with  provisions 
there  to  fisht  tliv 
r  woiiu'u  iind  cliil. 
s,"  thoy  Hivid, "  ami 
jls  enough  to  carry 

;hersforcl,  both  Imit- 
innod  Francis,^  and 
beautiful  Si'hoya,  a 
lersford  was  an  ox- 
strength,  lionorable, 
•ior  of  M'CJuoon  and 
d  Indians  from  Pon- 
,,  on  the  Talhipoosa, 
into  the  country  on 

iwers  to  the  planta- 
ic  present  villai^c  of 
tgomery.    There  lie 
Fort  IVIims.    One  of 
if  impending  danger, 
for  an  exterminatim,' 
supposed  the  negro 
•ved,  the  commander 
whan,  on  the  2fltli, 
r  lay  on  the  morning 
ad  been  whipped  for 
ieasley,  whicli  Avarn- 
it  smarting  from  the 
rce,  a  stockade  about 

lie  eastern  gate  stood 
ras  the  signal  for  the 
[•st  intimation  of  tlieir 
[lining  over  a  field  to- 


aodden  AppMurance  of  the  Indloui. 


B'nrlooi  AaMUlt  on  tha  Fort. 


A  lerrllile  Battle  In  Furt  Himi. 


n  brother.  He  placed  Franci! 
trancis  was  blind,  bm  that  ht 
Icii  days  the  Prophet  led  him 
hi  enddcnly,  when  he  became 
jt  power  he  tised  freely, 
fdmlnlstration .  He  wns  a  m 
Tlose  of  the  old  War  for  Inde 
[head  chief.  Kewnsanedo- 
Imorcd  him  with  the  coiimi!- 
fame,  with  a  retinne  of  tollni- 
Ise  spirit  his  countrymen  were 
1.  nnd  his  half  sister,  Schnyn. 
Iford  was  born  at  the  Uiciiory 

■rs  from  Tallahassee,  Anitwf. 

i  of  the  fort  before  they  W« 
lixe  109. 


ward  the  open  gate.  Bcasley  flew  to  close  it,  and  his  soldiers  nishod  with  their  arms 
to  tilt' port-holes,  wliiie  the  uiiarnied  men,  and  tlie  women  and  children,  hiiddh'd,  pale 
and  trembling,  and  alinost  paralyzed  with  sudden  fear,  in  the  liouses  and  cabins  witli- 
in  tlie  main  inclosure.  Jieasley  was  too  liiti-.  Hefore  he  could  remove  tiie  drilled 
sand  and  sliut  the  gate,  the  savages  were  upon  him.  He  was  felled  by  clubs  and 
tomahawks ;  and  over  his  dying  body  the  dusky  torrent  rushed  into  tlie  new  inclo- 
sure, where  Captains  Middleton  and  Jack  were  on  duty.  lie  (irawled  beliiiul  the  |.  e 
and  soon  expired,  using  his  latest  breath  in  exhorting  his  men  to  fight  valiantly. 

'llie  Indians  soon  tilled  the  outer  inclosure,  wliile  the  field  beyond  swarmed  with  a 
yelling  muUitude  of  blood-thirsty  men.  Their  propliets  commenced  incantations  and 
dances.  Tiiey  had  assured  the  warriors  that  the  white  men's  bullets  would  s])lit 
harmlessly  on  the  sacred  bodies  of  the  seers  and  the  multitude  behind  them.  The 
delusion  was  soon  dispelled.  Five  of  the  invulnerable  prophets  were  shot  dead. 
The  dismayed  savages  recoiled  for  a  moment  in  doubt  and  fear.  Many  rushed  wildly 
out  of  the  gate,  but  others  filled  their  places,  and,  with  yells  ''nd  howls,  they  poured 
a  deadly  fire  upon  the  inmates  of  the  fort  through  the  port-holes  of  the  old  pickets 
and  the  outside  stockades.  The  poor  bound  negro,  who  was  awaiting  the  lash,  was 
shot  dead  on  the  spot  where  he  was  to  have  been  punished  for  doing  all  in  his  power 
to  avert  the  dreadful  calamity  then  impending.  Captain  Middleton,  wiio  was  in 
charge  of  the  eastern  section,  was  slain,  with  all  of  his  commaml.  Captain  Jack,  in 
the  south  wing,  with  a  rifle  company,  maintained  the  conflict  nobly.  Lieutenant 
Kandon  fought  from  the  guard-house  on  the  west ;  and  Captain  Dixon  Bailey,  the 
gallant  half-blood,  on  whom  the  command  of  the  garrison  devolved  after  the  fall  of 
beasley,  was  seen  in  every  part  of  the  fort,  directing  the  military  and  encouraging 
the  otlier  inmates. 

The  situation  was  terrible.  Tlicre  were  two  inclosnres,  separated  by  a  row  of  log 
pickets  with  port-holes,  and  an  open  gate.  On  one  side  were  unarmed  men,  women, 
and  children,  thickly  crowded,  with  few  soldiers,  for  a  larger  portion  of  them  wore 
in  tne  outer  inclosure  with  Middleton  and  Jack.  On  the  other  side  were  lusty  sav- 
iiges,  maddened  by  the  sight  of  blood  and  ravenous  for  plunder;  and  all  around  Avere 
human  fiends  filling  the  open  field  and  eager  for  slaughter  and  spoils.  Victory  or 
deatii  was  the  alternative  offered  to  the  inmates  of  the  fort.  After  the  first  shock  of 
surprise  their  conr.age  returned,  and,  under  the  direction  of  the  intrepid  Bailey,  those 
who  had  arms  manned  the  dividing  pickets,  and  through  the  port-holes  poured  vol- 
leys that  made  wide  lanes  in  the  thick  ranks  of  the  foe.  These,  however,  were  imme- 
diately filled,  and  the  terrible  conflict  went  on.  Sometimes  the  guns  of  a  Christian 
and  pagan  Avould  cross  in  a  port-hole,  and  both  would  fall.  Old  men,  and  even  wom- 
en and  boys,  fought  with  desperation.  Bailey's  voice  constantly  encouraged  them. 
"Hold  on  a  little  longer,"  he  said,  "and  all  will  be  w^ell.  The  Indians  seldom  fight 
long  at  a  time."  He  endeavored  to  induce  some  of  them  to  join  him  in  a  sortie  and 
a  dash  through  the  enemy  to  Fort  Fierce  to  procure  re-enforcements,  and,  returning, 
attack  the  enemy  in  the  rear  and  raise  the  siege.  The  movement  seemed  too  peril- 
ous and  hopeless,  and  none  would  follow  him.  He  determined  to  go  alone,  and  was 
actually  climbing  the  picketing  for  the  purpose  when  his  friends  pulled  him  back. 

The  horrid  battle  raged  for  three  hours,  wiien,  as  Bailey  expected,  the  Indians  be- 
gan to  tire.  Their  fire  slackened,  their  bowlings  were  less  savage,  and  they  began  to 
carry  off  plunder  from  the  head-quarters  of  Major  Beasley  and  the  other  buildings  in 
the  outer  inclosure.  The  people  in  the  main  fort  were  thrilled  with  a  hope  that  the 
savages  were  about  to  depart.  That  hope  was  soon  extinguished,  Weathersford 
was  not  a  man  to  accept  of  half  a  victory  when  a  complete  one  was  within  his  grasp. 
He  beheld  with  scorn  the  conduct  of  many  of  his  warriors  who  were  more  intent  on 
plunder  than  conquest.  Seated  upon  a  fine  black  horse,  he  rode  after  the  departing 
hraves,  addressed  them  vehemently  with  words  of  rebuke  and  persuasion,  and  soon 


ill 


"^^■^■1 


i  * 


|(|i' 


i^ 


756 


riCTOUIAL    FIELD-IJOOK 


TO  In  Fort  MImi. 


Scalping  lb*  Dead  ud  Dying. 


I'rirc  for  Hcsip*  iittend  bf  ttf  BlttMl  AgMt 


led  thoin  l)ack  to  complete  the  buHinoss  in  hand.  Willi  demonine  yolls  the  wivacis 
resnined  tlic  work  ol'  destruction.  Tliey  hooii  filled  the  outer  ineloMiire  ui^iiiii  lim 
were  kept  ut  bay  by  brotherH  of  Captain  Hailey  antl  other  Kharp-shooterH,  who  limj 
nunle  port-lioles  in  Miit.s'H  houHe  by  iviiockin)^  oil' Home  shini^les,  and  from  thence  sini 
deadly  bullets  into  muiiy  a  lunty  warrior  who  was  endeavorintj  to  press  throuirh  the 
inner  f?ate.  J{ut  very  soon,  under  the  direction  of  Weatherstbrd,  iire  was  ..iciit  td 
Miins's  roof  on  the  winj^s  of  arrows,  and  it  burst  into  a  flame  Some  of  the  scorcluij 
inmates  of  the  house  fled  to  othei  buildings,  and  some  were  roasted  in  the  hdriiil 
oven.  The  house  was  soon  in  cinders,  with  its  extensive  sheds  and  out-l)uil(liii.rs, 
The  firo  spread  to  other  buildin<j;s,  and  in  a  few  minutes  alniost  the  entire  area  df 
the  fort  was  scathed  by  the  crackling  flames.  The  shrieks  of  women  and  childri'ti 
lidded  ti)  the  horrors  of  the  scene. 

Only  one  place  of  refuge  now  remained,  and  to  it  the  doomed  j)eoplc  rushed  fmn- 
tically.  It  was  Patrick's  loom-house  (7  in  the  diagram  below),  on  the  north  side  of 
the  fort,  which  had  been  inclosed  with  strong  pickets,  and  called  the  JJastion.  Tliis 
was  Cai)tain  IJailey's  original  stand,  and  there  ho  and  the  survivors  of  his  coinpanv 
now  took  position  and  poured  fiital  volleys  uj)on  the  savages. 

The  assailants  were  now  in  the  main  fort,  and  every  ir.inato  pressed  frantically  to- 
ward the  Bastion.  In  doing  so  many  were  killed  by  the  Indians,  while  the  wciik, 
wounded,  and  aged  were  tramj)led  under  foot  and  jtressed  to  death.  The  veiiciaMo 
Samuel  Minis,  when  tottering  toward  this  last  place  of  refuge,  was  shot,  and  wliik' 
lie  was  yet  living  the  knife  of  his  assassin  ^^as  passed  around  his  liead,  and  his  siain, 
with  its  hoary  locks,  was  waved  cxultingly  in  the  air. 

The  fire  and  the  savages  attacked  iho 
Bastion  at  the  same  time.  The  former  was 
more  merciful  than  the  latter.  Tlie  Indians 
broke  down  the  pickets,  and  butchered  tlu 
inmates  in  cold  blood.  The  children  win 
seized  by  the  legs,  and  their  brains  knockoil 
out  .against  the  stockades.  Woiiicii  wm 
disemboweled,  and  their  unborn  cliildivn 
were  flung  in  the  air.  The  British  agent 
at  Pensacola  had  offered  five  dollars  apiece 
for  scalps,  and  the  long  tresses  of  women, 
as  well  as  the  coverings  of  men's  heads, 
were  8j)eedily  in  the  hands  of  the  sav.iijes 
as  marketable  commodities  in  a  Christian 
mart !  In  the  midst  of  the  pcrfcrniaiiic  of 
these  horrid  deeds  Weathersford  rode  up. 
Like  Tecunitha,  he  was  noble  and  liumanp. 
He  nproached  his  followers  for  their  cruel- 
ty, and  begged  them  to  spare  the  women 
■■•...'•■...  and   children   at   least.     His   interference 

/  nearly  cost  him  his  life.     Many  clubs  were 

FOBT  MTMB.1  Talsc  I  threateningly  ovcr  lils  hcad,  und  111' 

was  compelled  to  retire.     In  afler  years  the  s  enes  he  then  witnessed  filled  him  with 


'  The  above  plan  of  Port  Mims  was  fonnd  among  the  manuscrii  9  of  General  Claiborne,  and  first  pnbllshcd  by  Pick- 
ett In  his  History  <if  Alabama,  11.,  2i)6.  It  may  also  be  fonnd  in  Claiborne's  Li/e  and  Times  of  lieneral  Sam  Mf,  pap 
112,  and  is  printed  here  by  permission  of  the  author.  The  following  Is  an  explanation  of  the  reference  flpnrcs :  1.  Block- 
Jiiouse  ;  2.  Pickets  cut  awayr  by  the  Indians ;  8.  Guards'  station ;  4.  Gnard-honse ;  5.  Western  gate,  bnt  nut  up;  0.  Tlii« 
gate  was  shut,  but  a  hole  was  cut  through  by  the  Indians;  T.  Captain  Bailey's  station;  8.  Steadham's  house;  0. Mn. 
Dyer's  house;  10.  Kitchen;  11.  Mims's  house;  12.  Randon's  house ;  13.  Old  gateway,  open ;  14.  Ensign  Chambllss's  lent: 
16.  Randon's ;  IT.  Captain  Middleton'fl ;  18.  Captain  Jack's  station  ;  19.  Port-holes  taken  by  Indians ;  20,  21.  rort-holf« 
taken  by  Indians ;  22.  Major  Beasley's  cabin  ;  23.  Captain  Jack's  company ;  24.  Captain  Middleton's  company ;  26.  Where 
Beasley  fell ;  20.  Eastern  gate,  where  the  Indians  entered. 


OF   THE    VVAli    UF    18  12. 


767 


Ml  by  the  Biittnh  Ak^i 
yv'llH  the  H!l\uj;iH 

loHiirc  iijjuiii,  l)iit 
lioDterH,  who  had 
1  tVotn  tlifiici'  siiii 
j>rt'SH  tlmnv^li  III,. 
,  tire  was  aent  to 
no  of  the  ficort'hcil 
iti'd  in  tlio  hiiiriil 
iukI  out-lniildiiiiis. 
tlic  t'litiiv  iircii  of 
)inen  and  childivn 

)Ooplc  rushcfl  fiaii- 
1  tlio  norlli  si(h'  of 
tlie  liawtion.  Tli'w 
irs  of  his  coinpiuiy 

?sse(l  frantically  to- 
IS,  while  the  weak, 
th.  The  vciicriililc 
ras  shot,  iuitl  wliilf 
head,  and  liis  8i'ai|p, 

vas;o8  attacked  tlip 
10.    The  lovnier  «as 
hitter.    The  Indians 
^,  and  bntcliered  tiic 
Tho  children  wciv 
:hoir  brains  knockoil 
,do8.     Women  wen 
dr  unborn  children 
The  British  agent 
■d  live  dollars  apicn 
ijT  tresses  of  wonun, 
itrs  of  men's  heads, 
[andd  of  the  savages 
iVitios  in  a  Christian 
theperfcrnianoeof 
sathorsford  rode  up. 
noble  and  lumiano. 
(wers  for  their  cruel- 
;o  spare  tlie  women 
His   interference 
Many  clubs  were 
[v-er  his  head,  and  lie 
essed  filled  him  with 


Ln<lflretpnWl9hccl1)yPitk- 
L  (/  Urneral  Sam  Me,  pip 
t  reference  flpurcs :  !•  Btak- 
fro  gate,  but  not  up;  «.» 
fc  Steadham's  house;  9. Mrs. 
|l4  Ensign  Chambliss's  tent; 
lyindlanB;20,21.rort^oln 
%leton'g company!  26. Wtert 


NiimlMrorilMn«ln.        IndlaM.nwudtd  ^  ite  Britlib  Agent.        Uorron  of  the  KuMcre.        BurUI  of  the  De   ' 

it'inofRe,  for  he  waH  chief  author  of  tho  calamity.  lie  liad  raised  tlie  etorm,  but  ho 
was  unable  to  control  it.  "My  warriorH,"  ho  said,"  were  like  famished  wolves,  and 
tho  Hrsl  taste  of  Idood  made  their  i'|)|ietites  insatiable."' 

At  noon  on  that  liilal  noth  of  Anijust,  when  ihe  drum  was  beaten  for  dinner,  there 
were  live  hundred  and  fit\y  persons  in  Fort  Mims,  happy  in  tin  lu  lief  that  they  were 
sciure  from  daiiu;er;  at  sunset  of  tlie  same  day  four  hundred  ol  them  were  dead! 
Not  one  white  wonuii.  ..()r  one  child  escaped.  Every  avenue  of  tlii,'ht  from  tlie  hor- 
rid slaujjhter-peii  was  sentineled.  Yet  twelve  men  of  the  jjarrison  did  cut  through 
the  pickets  and  escape  to  the  swamp.  AmontiC  these  was  Captain  Bailey;  but  he  was 
severely  wounded,  .iiid  died  by  the  side  of  a  cypress  stump.^  Hester,  a  iie>j;ro  woman, 
who  had  received  a  ball  in  her  breast,  had  f.;'.lowed  them  out.  She  reached  a  canoo 
iiiTensaw  Lake,  paddled  it  into  and  down  tho  Alabama  to  P\»rt  Stoddart,  which  she 
reached  on  Tuesday  night,"  and  was  tho  first  to  give  information  to  (Jen-  •  AnKontai, 
eral  Claibonie  of  tho  horrible  tragedy.  Most  of  tho  mj^roes  were  spared  '^'•'• 
hy  the  Indians,  and  were  nuido  their  slaves. 

Tho  battle  lasted  from  twelve  o'clock  until  five,  when  the  fort  was  a  smokinfj;  ruin. 
The  savages  then  retired  about  a  mile  east  of  tho  fort,  where  they  slept  that  night, 
;it\cr  snioking  their  pipes  and  triiumiuti;  their  scalps.  They  had  siitrered  severely,  for 
the  garrison  had  sold  their  lives  as  dearly  as  ])ossible.  Not  les.s  than  four  hundred 
Creek  warriors  were  slain  or  wounded.  On  tho  morning  afler  the  confiict  they  com- 
meiieed  burying  their  dead,  but  soon  abandoned  the  labor.  Putting  their  wounded 
into  canoes,  a  part  of  the  warriors  wont  iij)  the  river;  some  staid  in  the  neighbor- 
hood to  j)lundor  and  kill,^  and  others  went  to  Pensacola,  with  their  tropby-sealps  on 
poles,  to  receive  their  reward  from  tho  Hritish  agents  there. 

Ten  days  afterward.  Major  Kennedy,  who  had  been  sent  by  General  Claiborne  to 
hiay  tho  dead  at  Fort  Minis,  arrived  there.''  His  eyes  met  a  sad  and 
horrid  spectacle.  Tho  air  was  filled  with  glutt')nous  buzzards  who  had 
loinc  to  feast  on  tlio  dead  bodies,  and  a  largo  number  of  dogs  were  disputing  with 
the  foul  birds  for  the  banquet.  The  mutilated  remains  of  the  dead  were  buried  iu 
two  pits.*  "  Indians,  negroes,  white  men,  women,  and  cldldren,"  Kennetly  said  in  his 
report, "  lay  in  one  jn-omiscuous  mass.  All  were  scali)ed  ;  and  tho  females  of  every 
age  were  butchered  in  a  manner  which  neither  decency  nor  language  'ill  permit  me 
to  describe.  The  main  building  was  buriud  to  ashes,  which  were  fided  with  bones. 
The  plains  and  the  woods  around  were  covered  with  dead  bodies.  All  tho  Louses 
were  consumed  by  fire  except  the  block-house  and  a  part  of  the  pickets.  The  sol- 
diers ai:d  officers,  with  one  \  oice,  called  ou  Divine  Providence  to  revenge  the  death 
of  our  murdered  friends."^ 

The  massacre  at  Fort  Miins  created  the  most  intense  excitement  and  alarm  through- 
out the  Southwest.  This  was  \r '  rased  by  the  operations  of  the  powerful  prophet, 
Francis,  who  at  the  same  time  wu.  spreading  destruction  and  consternation  over  the 
country  between  the  Alabama  and  rombigboe  Rivers,  from  the  forks  northward,  now 
Clarke  County,  in  Alabama.     The  little  stockades  were  filled  with  tho  aftrighted  in- 

>  Claiborne's  Life  nf  General  Sam  Dale,  page  123. 

'  When  the  flames  began  to  reach  the  people  In  the  Bastion,  Dr.  Thomas  Q.  Holmes,  an  assistant  snrgeon  of  the  gar- 
rison, seized  an  axe,  cut  some  piclcetB  in  two,  but  left  them  standing  till  an  opportanity  for  escape  oBered.  Bailey  now 
tiled  out,  "All  is  Imtl"  and  begged  the  people  to  e8cai)e.  The  piclvetH  were  thrown  down,  but,  as  we  have  observed, 
only  twelve  escaped.  Bailey's  little  stclt  son,  only  thirteen  years  of  age,  was  carried  safely  to  the  woods  by  his  negro 
nun  Tom,  who,  half  mud  with  fear  and  dire  confusion,  ran  back  with  the  boy  to  the  Indians.  The  savages  toolc  the 
child  by  the  legs,  and  wliile  he  cried  "  Father,  save  me  i"  they  dashed  out  his  brains.  The  following  are  the  names  of 
the  persons  who  escaped  from  the  fort  and  lived :  Dr.  Thomas  O.  Holmes ;  Hester,  a  negro  woman ;  Socca,  a  friendly 
Indlui;  Peter  Randon.lientenant  of  citizens' company;  Josiah  Fletcher;  Sergeant  Mathews ;  Martin  Rigdon;  Samuel 

Smith,  a  half-blood  ;  Mourrice  and  Joseph  Perry,  of  the  Mississippi  Volunteers ;  John  Hoven  ;  Jones ;  and 

Lientenant  W.  R.  Chambliss,  of  the  Mississippi  Volunteers Pickett's  A  labama,  ii.,  276.    Sec  diagram  on  opposite  page 

for  the  houses  of  the  Steadhams  and  Randons,  and  the  tent  of  Lieutenant  Chambliss. 

'  The  inmates  of  Port  I'lerce,  a  small  stockade  two  or  three  miles  from  Fort  Mims,  fled  down  the  river  and  reached 
Mobile  In  safety.  *  Two  hundred  and  forty  .seven  bodies  were  buried. 

>  Kennedy's  MS.  Report  to  General  Claiborne,  quoted  in  Pickett's  Alabama,  ii.,  2S.>. 


'  September  0. 


■i    ■ 


;  j 


U'\: 


lilii 


;  ■•■  tj 


?58 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BCOK 


DlstresB  In  the  Creek  Country,     Response  of  the  TennesseeanB  to  a  Cry  for  Help.     Jacksou'B  Appeal,  aud  Its  Effects. 

habitants,  and  aickness  and  death  were  their  constant  companions.  The  distress  in 
tlie  Creek  country  can  scarcely  be  imagined.  A  fearful  cry  for  help  went  northward, 
not,  as  it  would  now,  on  the  wings  of  tho  lightning,  but  by  couriers  on  swift  horses. 
Yet  they  were  tardy  messengers  measured  by  travel-speed  to-day.  It  took  thiity- 
one  days  to  carry  the  newc  to  the  city  of  New  York,  wliere  it  produced  very  little 
sensation,  for  the  heart  of  the  whole  country  was  then  yet  tremulous  v/ith  the  joyous 
emotions  created  by  the  recent  victory  won  by  Ferry  on  Lake  Erie,  and  excited  by 
intense  interest  in  the  movements  of  General  Harrison,  who  was  then  penetrating 
Canada,  and  nobly  retrieving  the  national  misfortunes  at  Detroit  the  previous  year. 
These  absorbed  the  public  attention  northward  of  the  Ohio  and  eastward  of  the  Alli"- 
ghany  Mountains,  while  the  fiercely-kindled  Creek  War  equally  absorbed  the  atten- 
tion and  awakened  the  most  fervid  syirpathies  and  hottest  indignation  of  the  people 
of  the  Mississippi  and  Gulf  regions. 

Tiie  sons  of  Tennessee  quickly  and  nobly  responded  to  tho  cry  for  help  from  below. 
Governor  Blount  promised  to  do  what  he  might,  but  General  Jackson  was  then  too 
ill  to  take  active  measures  in  the  same  direction  immediately,  but  he  assured  his  fel- 
low-citizens that  h3  would  do  so  as  speedily  as  possible.  He  was  then  lying  at  the 
Nashville  Inn,  prostrated  by  the  effects  of  serious  wounds  received  from  the  late 
Thomas  11.  Benton  in  an  affray  in  the  streets  of  Nashville  with  deadly  weapons,  He 
was  convalescing,  and,  full  of  the  "  fire  of  the  flint,"  ho  issued  a  stirring  address  to 
those  volunteers  who  followed  him  a  thousand  miles  tp  Natchez  a  year  before.  He 
begged  them  to  go  forward  in  a  cause  "  so  worthy  the  arm  of  every  bvavc  soldier  and 
true  citizen ;"  and  expressed  his  regret  that  he  was  not  able  to  go  with  them,  at  the 
same  time  assuring  them  of  his  belief  that  he  might  soon  join  them,  which  he  did. 

Jackson's  appeal  touched  the  hearts  of  the  Tcnnesseeans ;  and  the  action  of  the  Leg- 
islature, then  in  session,  was  consonant  with  the  wishes  and  feelings  of  the  people. 
On  the  25  th  of  September*  they  authorized  Governor  Blount  to  call  out  three 
thousand  five  hundred  volunteers,  in  addition  to  fifteen  hundred  already  mus- 
tered into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  the  commonwealth  of  Tennessee  guaran- 
teeing their  pay  and  subsistence,  and  appropriating  three  hundred  thousand  dollars 
for  the  payment  of  expenses  to  be  immediately  incurred.  On  the  same  day  General 
Jackson  issued  another  spirited  address,  calling  his  division  to  the  field.  He  ordered 
tliem  to  assemble  on  the  4th  of  October  at  Fayetteville,  near  the  northern  boundary 
of  Alabama.  Already  his  first  address  had  set  the  military  spirit  of  the  state  ablaze; 
now  a  Ictter-writor  at  Nashville  declared''  that "  in  a  few  days  there  will 
be  but  few  young  men  left  in  town.  Nearly  all  h'ave  volunteered — some 
have  gone,  and  others  are  getting  ready.  .  .  .  Colonel  John  Coffee  has  already  start- 
ed with  the  cavalry.  Infantry  and  mo»mted  volunteer  companies  are  flocking  to  the 
standard  every  da  j .  Had  not  reneral  Jackson  been  confined  by  his  wound,  I  think 
all  would  have  been  on  the  way  bj  tiiis  time."' 

On  the  26th  General  Jackson  dispatcher  the  energetic  Colonel  Coffee,  with  his 
regiment  of  dragoons,  five  hundred  strong,  and  as  many  mounted  volunteers  as  could 
join  him  immediately,  to  take  post  at  Huntsville,^  in  Nort^jem  Alabama,  for  the  en- 
couragement and  protection  of  the  inhabitants  there,  and  to  cover  a  depot  of  supplies 
which  he  intended  to  establish  on  the  Tennessee  River  south  of  Huntsville,  at  Ditto's 
Landing.  Coffee  pushed  forward  with  celerity,  and  reached  Huntsville  on  the  4th  of 
October.  His  force  had  been  augmented  almost  hourly  on  the  way  by  volunteers 
who  flocked  to  his  standard,  and  he  found  himself  on  the  borders' of  the  Creek  coun- 
try with  full  thirteen  hundred  men.  Jackson  meanwhile,  with  his  arm  in  a  sling  and 
suffering  intensely,  was  making  his  way  to  the  prescribed  rendezvous  of  his  troops 


'  181S. 


1  The  War.  II.,  T3. 

»  HantBville  Is  the  present  capital  of  Madison  County,  Alahams,  one  of  the  finest  regions  of  that  state,  at  the  foot  of 
the  monntaln  slopes  which  there  gradually  melt  into  the  level  Gulf  region. 


\m 


OF  THE  WAli   OF   1812. 


159 


i'8  Appeal,  and  Its  Effectt. 

3.  The  distress  in 
p  went  nortliward, 
rs  on  swift  horses. 
y.  It  took  tliiity- 
roduced  very  Uttle 
lus  >vith  the  joyous 
ric,  and  excited  by 
B  then  penetrating 
the  previous  year, 
istward  of  the  Alk- 
ibsorbed  the  atten- 
lation  of  the  peopk' 

or  help  from  helow. 
[jkson  was  then  too 
t  he  assured  his  fel- 
IS  then  lying  at  the 
lived  from  the  late 
jadly  weapons.    He 
Btirting  address  to 
a  year  before.    He 
ry  brave  soldier  and 
ro  with  them,  at  the 
;m,  which  he  did. 
lie  action  of  the  Leg- 
dings  of  the  people. 
int  to  call  out  three 
^ndred  already  mus- 
if  Tennessee  guaran- 
ed  thousand  dollars 
same  day  General 
field.     He  ordered 
northern  bouiidaiy 
of  the  state  ablaze; 
few  days  there  will 
volunteered— some 
ee  has  already  start- 
are  flocking  to  the 
his  wound,  I  think 

lol  Coffee,  with  his 
volunteerc  as  could 
\.labama,  for  the  en- 

a  depot  of  supplies 
:unt8ville,  at  Ditto's 

svillc  on  the  4th  of 

way  by  volunteers 
fof  the  Creek  coun- 

arm  in  a  sling  and 
!ZV0U8  of  his  troops 


Oeoeral  Coffee  in  Northeiii  Alboama. 


liackBon  in  the  Field. 


Mobile  threatened,  but  saved. 


!Ofthat(!tate,atthofootot 


at  Fayettev  ille,  on  the  4th  of  October, 
full  eighty  miles  south  from  Nashvi-ie. 
He  could  not  reach  there  at  the  pre- 
scribed time,  but  sent  forward  a  spirit- 
ed address  to  the  soldiers,  to  be  read  to 
them  on  that  day.  It  was  an  appeal  to 
their  pride  and  patriotism ;  and  called 
upon  them,  in  an  especial  manner,  to  be 
obedient  to  discipline,  for  it  was  essen- 
tial in  preparing  them  for  the  noble  task 
before  them. 

While  these  movements  were  in  prog- 
ress in  West  Tennesse,\  others  of  like 
character  and  importance  were  going 
on  iu  East  Tennessee,  where  General 
John  Cocke  was  in  command.  Under 
the  direction  of  Governor  Blount,  he 
ordered  his  division  to  rendezvous  at 
Knoxville ;  and  so  promptly  did  thay 
respond,  that  he  wrote  to  General  Jack- 
eon  on  the  2d  of  October*  that  his 
men,  twenty-five  hundred  in  number,  were  ready  to  march,  and  that  he  could 
doubtless  contract  for  a  thousand  barrels  of  flour  to  be  sent  to  Ditto's  Landing  imme- 
diately. 

Jackson  reached  Fayetteville  on  the  7th  of  October,  where  he  remained  a  week 
waiting  for  the  arrival  of  troops,  organizing  them,  and  making  arrangements  for  sup- 
plies. He  was  greeted  by  cheering  news  from  Coffee.  It  was  generally  supposed 
that  the  Indians  would  hasten  to  the  capture  of  Mobile,  under  the  auspices  and  di- 
rection of  the  Spaniards,  after  the  destruction  of  Fort  Mims,  It  might  have  been  an 
easy  matter;  but  they  lingered,  as  usual,  after  their  'ictory,  and  then  pushed  north- 
ward.' This  good  news  came  from  Coffee,  and  Jackson,  acting  upon  it,  was  making 
vigorous  preparation  to  meet  them,  when,  on  Monday,  the  11th  of  October,''  a 
courier  came  dashing  into  his  tamp  with  intelligence  from  Coffee  that  the  sav- 
ages were  near.  The  general  gave  instant  orders  for  his  troops  to  march.  Two  houra 
later  they  were  in  motion ;  and  at  eight  o'clock  the  same  evening  they  were  in  Hunts- 
ville,  having  marched  thirty-two  miles  almost  without  halting.  On  the  following 
morning  Jackson  was  informed  that  the  rumor  of  the  near  approach  of  the  Inuians 
was  false.  He  leisurely  led  his  troops  across  the  swift-flowing  Tennessee  at  Ditto's 
Lauding,  joined  Coffee's  command,  and,  on  a  high  bluff  overlooking  the  beautiful 
river,  opposite  a  charming  island,  encamped. 


JUUM   OOFFEE. 


> 1813. 


I  The  TndiauB,  as  uenal,  stopped  to  enjoy  their  victory  after  it  was  achieved,  instead  of  secnring  Its  solid  advantages. 
Snch  consitrnotion  was  produced  by  the  massacres  on  Tcnsaw  that  Mobile  might  have  becomb  an  easy  prey  to  the 
ravages.  But  while  they  lingered,  the  Spanioh  nccomplices  at  Pensacola  appeared  to  have  become  alarmed  lest  the 
savages  might  destroy  Mobile,  which  they  hoped  to  recover  uninjured.  Governor  Maniqne  accordingly  wrote  to  Weath- 
ereford  and  his  associates  on  the  subject.  After  congratulating  them  on  their  success  at  Port  Mims,  assuring  them  of 
Mendshlp  and  a  desire  to  aid  them,  and  thanking  them  for  their  offers  of  assistance  in  the  recapture  of  Mobile,  the 
governor  dissuaded  them  from  attacking  it,  or  at  least  destroying  it.  "  I  hope,"  he  wrote,  "you  will  not  put  In  execu- 
tion the  Project  you  lell  n.e  of  to  bum  the  'c-i,  since  these  houses  and  properties  do  not  belong  to  the  Americans,  but 
to  true  Spaniards."— I/etter  dated  Pensacola,  September  29, 1813,  quoted  by  Pickett  in  his  HisUrry  of  Alabama.  It  is 
amoag  the  Claiborne  papers  alreaciy  alluded  to.  It  is  positive  proof  of  the  complicity  of  the  Spanish  authorities  at 
Pensacola  with  the  British  and  Indians  in  waging  an  exterminating  war  against  the  people  of  the  Mississippi  Terri- 
tory, and  jusUfled  the  seizure  of  Pensacola  ly  the  Americans  which  occurred  afterward. 


.     li 


1  i 


(M     '      »t,j. 


I?  rii|im|i|/'l 

mm  I:  I 


\    i 


760 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


JactuoD'B  impatient  waiting  for  Snpplies.  Cries  for  Help  from  the  Coosn.         Jnckson  mnrclies  In  that  Direction 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

"Alas  for  them  I  their  day  is  o'er ; 
Their  fires  are  out  from  shore  to  shore ; 
ho  more  for  then-  the  wild  deer  bounds— 
The  plow  is  ou  their  hunting-gronnds. 
The  pale  man's  axe  rings  through  their  woods— 
The  pale  man's  sail  skims  o'er  their  floode." 

CUABLEB  SPBAOm. 

'^^ACKSON'S  little  army,  under  his  immediate  commai  d,  was  now 
about  tAventy-five  hundred  strong,  and  the  difficulties  of  the 
campaign,  with  all  their  gloomy  suggestions,  arose  in  colossal 
proportions  before  Lis  judgment  und  experience.  His  supplies, 
promised  by  General  Cocke,  had  not  arrived,  and  before  him 
was  an  untried  wilderness  filled  Avith  hostile  savages.  Twenty- 
five  hundred'  men  and  thirteen  hundred  horses  must  be  fed. 
"  Such  a  body,"  says  a  late  writer, "  will  consume  ten  wagon- 
loads  of  provisions  every  day.  For  a  week's  subsistence  they  require  a  thousand 
bushels  of  grain,  twenty  tons  of  flesh,  a  thousand  gallons  of  whisky,  and  many  hund- 
red weight  of  iH^scellaneous  provisions."  Jackson  was  grievously  disappointed,  and 
stormed  furiously  at  fate,  the  shallow  Tennessee  (on  which  the  provision  vessels  would 
not  yet  float),  the  contractors,  and  even  at  General  Cocke.  Then  he  sent  his  quarter- 
master. Major  W.  B.  Lewis,  to  Nashville  for  supplies,  and  Colonel  Coflfee,  with  six  or 
seven  hundred  mounted  men,  to  scour  for  food  the  country  watered  by  the  Black 
Warrior  River,  an  important  tributary  of  the  Tombigbee.  He  was  cheered  by  infor- 
mation that  General  White,  with  the  advance  of  General  Cocke's  division  of  East 
Tennesseeans,  had  already  passed  the  site  of  Chattanooga  and  the  now  famous  Look- 
out Mountain — made  famous  by  the  events  of  the  great  Civil  War,  which  occurred 
there  in  the  autumn  of  1863 — and  would  jirobably  join  him  in  the  course  of  a  few- 
days. 

Jackson  set  about  drilling  his  troops  thoroughly,  and  while  engaged  in  that  duty 
a  Creek  chief  of  the  peace-party  informed  him  that  a  large  number  of  his  nation  were 
preparing  to  attack  a  fort  filled  with  friendly  Indians  at  the  Ten  Islands  of  the  Coosa 
•  October  19,  River.  The  general  immediately  broke  camp  upon  the  bluff',*  and  with 
1813.  immense  labor  and  fatigue^  made  his  way  twenty-two  miles  in  that  direc- 
tion along  the  course  of  the  Tennessee  to  Thompson's  Creek,  one  of  its  tributaries,  all 
the  while  watching  anxiously,  through  the  eyes  of  scouts,  for  the  appearance  of  the 
expected  supply  flotilla.  But  they  did  not  come.  He  wrote  to  fi-iends  and  public 
authorities  in  every  direction,  and  the  burden  of  his  letters  were, "  Give  me  food,  and 
I  will  end  this  savage  war  in  a  month."  And  yet  he  did  not  wait  for  the  expected 
supplies  to  begin  it,  for  such  piteous  entreaties  came  from  the  Coosa  that  he  resolved 
to  press  forward  at  all  hazards.  He  established  a  depository  for  supplies  at  the 
mouth  of  Thompson's  Creek,  cast  up  fortifications  to  defend  them  which  he  named 
Fort  Deposit,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  24th  of  October  he  started  for  the  Ten  Isl- 
ands of  the  Coosa,  fifly  miles  distant,  with  only  two  days'  supply  of  bread  and  six  of 
meat,  swearing  that  he  would  "  neither  sound  a  retreat  nor  suffer  a  defeat"^  before  the 

'  The  country  In  that  region  Is  exceedingly  rough  and  mountalnons,  and  the  troops  were  compelled  to  endnre  the 
most  appalling  labors.  "  We  have  cnt  out  way,"  wrote  Hajor  Held,  Jackson's  ald-de-camp,  "  over  monntains  more  tre- 
mendous than  Alps." 

'  Letter  of  Major  John  Keld  to  Qr.arter-master  W.  B.  Lewis,  October  24, 1818,  quoted  by  Parton,  1.,  4!12. 


OF  THE  WAR  OP  1812. 


TBI 


relies  In  that  Direction. 


immai  d,  was  now 
difficulties  of  the 
I,  arose  in  colossal 
ice.     His  snpplics, 
d,  and  before  him 
savages.    Twenty- 
jrses  must  be  fed. 
)nsume  ten  wagon- 
require  a  thousaml 
cy,  and  many  liund- 
y  disappointed,  and 
mion  vessels  would 
be  sent  his  quarter- 
Coffee,  with  six  or 
tered  by  the  Black 
as  cheered  by  infor- 
.'s  division  of  East 
now  famous  Look- 
ar,  whicli  occmioO 
be  course  of  a  few 

[gaged  in  that  duty 

Ir  of  his  nation  wore 

Islands  of  the  Coosa 

[he  bluff,"  and  with 

1  miles  in  that  dircc- 

-)f  its  tributaries,  all 

appearance  of  tlip 

friends  and  pul)lic 

['  Give  me  food,  and 

dt  for  the  expected 

La  that  he  resolved 

[for  supplies  at  the 

n  which  he  named 

ted  for  the  Ten  Isl- 

|of  bread  and  six  of 

defeat"^  before  the 

iTMmpenedVendnre  ttie 
"  over  monntalne  more  tre- 

krtoii,l.,*8«- 


Tbe  Army  threatened  with  Famine.         AyTairs  in  the  lower  Creek  Cunntry.         Courage  and  Honor  of  Captftln  Dale. 

savages.     Coffee,  who  in  the  space  of  twelve  days  had  marched  two  hundred  miles, 
burned  Black  Warrior's  Town  and  another  Indian  village  on  the  Black  Warrior  Riv- 
er and  collected  about  three  hundred  bushels  of  corn,  had  Joined  him,  and  the  whole 
army  went  cheerily  forward  toward  tlie  Coosa.     Ho  cut  his  way  over  the  rugged 
mountains  with  indomitable  perseverance  to  Wells's  Creek,"  where  his    .October 28, 
supply  of  bread  failed,  and  he  remained  encamped  for  several  days,  that         ****• 
his  foraging  parties  might  collect  i)rovisioiis.     His  little  army  was  there  threatened 
witli  actual  starvation,  for  the  contractors  had  entirely  failed  to  meet  their  engage- 
ments.   The  foragtirs  were  usually  successful.     One  party,  under  Colonel  Dyer,  two 
hundred  stro' nj,  fell  upon  the  Indian  village  of  Littefutchec,  at  the  head  of  Canoe 
Creek,  twenty  miles  from  the  camp,  captured  tAventy-nine  prisoners  and  a  good  sup- 
ply of  corn,  and  laid  the  town  in  ashes.''     Then  the  army  marched  on,  and 
in  less  than  a  week  afterward  it  was  encamped  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Coosa,  not  far  from  the  Ten  Islands  and  the  mouth  of  the  Canoe  or  Littefutchec  Creek. 

Let  us  here  leave  the  resolute  invaders  a  few  momeui  s,  and  consider  the  condition 
of  affairs  in  the  Creek  country. 

We  have  observed  that  the  massacre  at  Fort  Minis  spread  consternation  over  the 
whole  regipn,  and  white  people  and  friendly  Indians  sought  shelter  in  ihe  stockades 
or  safety  in  flight  toward  the  Gulf.  Sickness  prevailed  in  all  the  stockades,  and  there 
was  distress  every  where.  Murders,  robberies,  and  conflagrations  were  seen  on  every 
hand.  Claiborne  was  harassed  with  almost  hourly  messages  bearing  piteous  impor- 
tunities for  help,  and  from  none  more  loudly  than  from  St.  Stephen's,  one  of  the  most 
important  posts  in  the  country. >  Information  had  reached  the  general  that  the  gar- 
rison and  refugees  in  Fort  Madison,  in  the  eastern  part  of  Clarke  County,  were  likel}' 
to  share  the  horrid  fate  of  those  in  Minis  from  a  combined  attack  of  the  savages. 
Umler  the  direction  of  General  Flournoy,  he  ordered  Colonel  Carson,  the  commander, 
to  abandon  the  fort  and  hasten  to  the  relief  of  St.  Stephen's,  if  his  judgment  should 
sanction  such  movement.  Carson  left  Madison  reluctantly,  followed  by  about  Ave 
hundred  settlers  of  both  sexes,  and  all  ages  and  conditions,  and  marched  westward. 
He  had  arrived  on  the  banks  of  the  Tombigbee,  on  his  way  to  St.  Stephen's,  when  an- 
other letter  from  Claiborne  reached  him,  in  which  he  was  urged  "  not  to  abandon  the 
fort  [Madison]  unless  it  was  clear  that  he  could  not  maintain  it."  It  was  too  late. 
He  crossed  the  river  and  entered  St.  Stephen's. 

Fort  Madison  was  not  wholly  abandoned.  There  were  bold  men  there  who  re- 
solved to  remain  and  defend  it,  togeMier  with  Fort  Glass,  a  small  stockade  only  a 
fourth  of  a  mile  distant.  The  leader  ^ras  Captain  Sam  Dale.^  He  was  still  suffering 
from  the  effects  of  his  woiind  received  at  Burnt  Corn  Creek.  When  Carson's  drum 
beat  for  his  troops  to  march,  Dale  beat  his  for  volunteers  to  remain ;  and  when  the 
last  of  the  United  States  soldiers  marched  out  of  the  fort.  Dale  marched  in  at  the  head 
of  eighty  brave  citizens,  among  them  Captain  Evans  Austill.  Dale  received  a  note 
from  General  Flournoy  advising  liim  to  repair  to  Mount  Vernon,  as  he  was  sure  to  be 
attacked  by  an  overwhelming  force.  Dale  replied  tiiat  he  had  sworn  to  defend  the 
women  and  childre^^  under  his  charge ;  that  he  had  a  "  gallant  set  of  boys"  under 
liim;  and  that  when  the  general  should  hear  "of  the  fall  of  Fort  Madison,  he  would 
find  a  pile  of  yellow-hides  to  tan  if  he  could  get  his  regulars  to  come  and  skin  them  !"^ 
Dale  maintained  his  position  with  boldness,  and  was  not  attacked.* 

'  8»e  page  760,  and  Map  on  page  761.  a  See  page  T49. 

'  Lift  ami  Ti'nts  o/Ganeral  Sam  Dalf,  pages  110  and  117.  Dale  says  Flonnioy  was  opposed  to  the  stockade  system, 
»iidwas  determined  to  concentrate  his  tr«)opg  at  Mobile,  Mount  Vo-ion,  and  St.  Stephen's.  Claiborne's  order  for  the 
eTacas.ion  of  Port  1  adison,  inspired  by  Flonmoy,  \faa  cursed  by  the  settlers  In  the  forks  of  the  Alabama  and  Tomblg- 
bw,  who  coii8ldere<l  themselves  cnielly  abandoned. 

'  "During  the  day,"  says  Dale,  "sentinels  were  posted  nronnd  this  fort.  At  night  I  illnminatcd  the  approaches  Ihr  a 
clrcnit  of  one  hundred  ynrds  by  a  device  of  my  own.  Two  poles,  fifty  .'ect  long,  were  firmly  planted  on  each  -Ide  of  the 
fort ;  «  lung  lever,  npon  the  plan  of  a  well-sweep,  worked  upon  each  ot  "hese  poles ;  lo  each  lever  was  attached  a  bar 
otitou  about  ten  feet  long,  and  to  these  bars  were  fastened  with  tr:.ce-chaing  huge  fagots  of  light  wood.    The  illumina- 


i     ' 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Choctaw  Allieg. 


Sppech  of  PaBhamataha. 


Coffee'8  Expedition  against  Tallasehatclic. 


While  there  was  still  a  doubt  in  every  mind  whether  the  Choctaws  would  remain 
friendly  to  the  Americans,  Pushamataha  removed  every  suspicion  by  suddenly  ap- 
pearing  at  St.  Stephen's  and  oftering  to  enlist  several  companies  of  his  warriors  to 
take  up  arms  under  the  banner  of  the  United  States.  He  was  conducted  to  Mobile  by 
George  S.  Gaines,  where  he  had  an  interview  with  General  Flournoy.  That  strangely 
blind  officer  declined  the  chief 't;  ofter,  and  Gaines  and  Pushamataha  went  back  to 
St.  Stephen's  filled  with  mortification  and  disgust.  The  assembled  citizens  had  be- 
gun to  curse  the  commanding  general  Avithout  stint,  v/hen  a  courier  appeared  riding 
in  haste.  He  bore  authority  from  Flournoy  for  Gaines  to  recruit  in  the  Choctaw 
nation.  His  advisers  had  caused  him  to  repent  of  his  folly  in  refusing  the  generous 
oflfcr  of  Pushamataha. 

Gaines  and  the  brave  chief  started  northward  for  the  Choctaw  country.  Tliey 
were  met  at  John  Peachland's  by  Colonel  John  M'Kee,  agent  of  the  Chickasaws,  with 
whom  they  held  a  consultation.  Pushamataha  and  Gaines  then  went  forward.  The 
former  called  a  council  of  his  people  of  the  eastern  district  of  the  nation.'  He  ha- 
rangued the  assembled  multitude  in  an  admirable  speech  ;  and  it  was  so  efTt'ctive 
that  when,  at  the  conclusion,  he  said, "  If  you  have  a  mind  to  follow  me,  I  will  lead 
you  to  glory  and  victory,"  a  warrior  arose,  slapped  his  hand  npon  his  heart,  and  said, 
"I  "M  a  man !  I  am  a  man  !  I  will  follow  you  !"  All  the  others  did  likewise,  and 
raised  a  shout  that  filled  the  heart  of  Gaines  with  jby.^  Colonel  M'Kee  was  equally 
successful  with  the  Chickasaws.  A  large  body  of  them  volunteered  to  follow  him, 
and  did  so  to  tlu  Tuscaloosa  Falls,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  a  Creek  town  there. 
They  found  it  in  ashes,  and  the  centre  of  a  solitude  wherein  no  Indian  was  visible. 
M'Kee  returned  to  Peachland's,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Octibaha,  where  his  dusky  follow- 
ers separated,  some  going  to  their  homes,  and  others  making  their  way  to  join  the 
standard  of  General  Claiborne,  then  at  St.  Stephen's.^ 

It  was  while  the  consternation  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  Alabama  and  Tombigbee 
was  most  intense  that  Jackson  was  making  his  way  toward  the  sanguinary  theatre 
on  which,  as  we  have  seen,  he  appeared  at  the  close  of  October.  lie  now  became 
chief  actor  in  the  terrible  drama. 

On  his  arrival  upon  the  Coosa,  Jackson  was  informed  that  the  Creeks  were  assem- 
bled at  Tallasehatche,  a  town  in  an  open  woodland  only  thirteen  miles  from  the 
camp.*  He  resolved  to  attack  them  at  once,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  2d  of  No- 
vember he  summoned  the  stalwart  Coffee  tj  his  presence.  That  brave  officer  had 
•  September  24,  lately  been  promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigadier."  He  Avas  anxious  to  he 
1813.  Qjj  ^Ijp  Tffing  yfiili  his  mounted  men,  and  was  soon  gratified.     The  com- 

manding general  ordered  him  to  take  one  thousand  horsemen,  and  fall  suddenly  and 
fiercely  upon  the  offending  town  in  Avhich  blood-thirsty  enemies  were  harbored,  and 
destroy  it.  He  left  camp  for  the  purpose  toward  evening,  his  troops  accompanied  by 
Captain  Richard  Brown  and  a  company  of  friendly  Creeks  and  Cherokecs,  whose 


tion  from  such  au  elevation  was  brilliant,,  and  no  cover*  attack  could  be  made  npon  my  position.  As  a  precautloa 
against  the  Indian  torch,  I  had  my  bloclc-houses  and  their  roofs  well  plastered  \\  .ih  clay.  We  displayed  oareclves  in 
arms  frequently,  the  women  wearing  hats  and  the  garments  of  their  husbands,  to  imprecs  (jpon  the  spies  that  we  knew 
were  lurking  around  an  exaggerated  notion  of  our  strength.  For  provisions  we  shot  such  cattle  and  hogs  as  graied 
within  the  range  of  our  guns,  bnt  I  carefully  noted  the  marks  and  brands,  and  afferward  indemnifled  the  oviuers."-Lifi 
of  Dale,  lagc  IIT. 

'  The  Choctaw  nation  was  then  composed  of  three  distinct  governments.  The  Eaxtem  district  was  ruled  over  by 
Pushamataha,  the  Western  by  Puckshenubbee,  and  the  Northv!c»tern  by  MuxheUitubba. 

>  "  Yon  know  Tecumtha,"  said  Pushamataha.  "  He  is  a  bad  man.  He  came  through  onr  nation,  but  did  not  turn 
our  heads.  He  went  among  the  Mnscogees  [CrcekB],  and  got  many  of  them  to  join  him.  Yon  know  the  Tcnsnw  peo- 
ple. They  were  our  friends.  Th«y  played  ball  with  ns.  They  sheltered  and  fed  ns  whenever  we  went  to  Pciisacnls 
Where  are  they  now?  Their  bones  rot  at  Sam  Mims's  place.  The  people  at  St.  Stephen's  are  also  our  flrtendi.  The 
Muscogees  intend  to  kill  them  too.  They  want  soldiers  to  defend  them.  ^Here  he  drew  his  sword  and  flouriehed  It.) 
Yoa  can  all  do  as  you  please.  You  are  all  freemen.  I  dictate  to  none  of  you.  Bnt  I  shall  Join  the  St.  Stephen's  peopl.. 
If  you  have  a  mind  to  follow  me,  I  will  lead  yon  to  glory  and  Tictory."— Pickett's  .A  ioianui,  il.,  891. 

>  Pickett's  Alabama,  ii.,  292. 

«  Not  far  ft-om  the  present  village  of  Jacksonville,  the  capital  of  Benton  Connty,  Alabama,  on  the  soutbeaet  side  u( 
TalUsfahatcbe  Creek. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


763 


igainat  Tallasehalcht. 

^9  would  remain 
by  suddenly  ap- 
'  hiB  warriors  to 
ted  to  Slobile  by 
That  strangely 
ha  went  back  to 
[  citizens  had  be- 
•  appeared  riding 
,  in  the  Choctaw 
iing  the  generous 

i  country.    They 
Chickasaws,  with 
ent  forward.    The 
3  nation.!    He  ha- 
lt was  so  effective 
ow  me,  1  will  lead 
his  heart,  and  said, 
J  did  likewise,  and 
M'Kee  was  equally 
jred  to  follow  him, 
t  Creek  town  there. 
Indian  was  visible. 
■re  his  dusky  follow- 
leir  way  to  join  the 

^ma  &nd  Tombigbee 

sanguinary  theatre 

lie  now  became 

Creeks  were  asscm- 
heen  mi^es  from  the 
ng  of  the  2d  of  Ne- 
at brave  officer  had 
e  was  anxious  to  he 
gratified.    The  com- 
f  d  fall  suddenly  and 
were  harbored,  and 
lops  accompanietlhy 
id  Cherokecs,  whose 

ly  position.    Asaprewutta 
■    We  diBplaycdoureelrts"! 
uon  the  spies  that  we  knc« 

Kh  cattle  and  liogs  as  mf 
llemnlttcdtlieownerB. -W' 

.district was  ruled  over b! 

I  our  nation,  imt  did  not  tnr. 
I  You  know  the  Tcn.»wp^> 
l„everwewenttoFoma»* 
■•g  are  also  onrWonds.W 
Ihls  ?word  and  flourished  il 
Ijoin  the  St.  Stephen's  peopl- 

1, 11.,  891. 
La,  on  the  southeast  Bide «( 


Battle  of  Tallascbutcbe. 


Aunihllatlou  of  the  Town  and  the  Warriors. 


Jackson's  Army  on  the  Coosa. 


heads  were  tastefully  ornamented  with  white  feathers  and  deer's  tails.  They  forded 
the  Coosa  at  tlie  Fish  Dam,  four  miles  above  the  Ten  Islands,  and  at  dawn  on  the 
morning  of  the  3d  halted  within  half  a  mile  of  the  doomed  town.  There  Coffee 
quickly  divided  his  forces  mto  t  wo  columns,  the  right  composed  of  cavalry,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Allcorn,  and  the  left  of  mounted  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Cannon. 
With  the  latter  the  newly-made  general  marched.  Allcorn  was  directed  to  encircle 
one  half  of  the  town  with  his  cavalry,  while  Camion  and  his  riflemen  should  encircle 
the  other  half.  This  was  promptly  accomplished  at  sunrise,  when  the  foe  sallied 
out  with  beat  of  drums  a;;cl  "'■vage  yells,  their  prophets  being  in  the  advance. 

The  battle  that  speedily  began  was  brought  on  at  about  eight  o'clock  by  the  com- 
panies of  Captain  Hammond  and  Lieutenant  Patterson,  who  had  made  a  manoeuvre 
for  the  purpose  of  decoying  the  foe  from  the  shelter  of  their  liouses.  It  was  success- 
ful. The  Indians  fell  upon  them  furiously,  when  the  two  companies,  according  to  in- 
structions, fell  back,  pursued  by  the  enemy,  until  the  latter  encountered  the  right  of 
Coffee's  troops.  These  first  gave  the  Indians  a  deadly  volley  of  bullets,  and  then 
charged  them  violently,  while  the  left  division  closed  in  upon  the  doomed  foo.  Never 
did  men  fight  more  gallantly  than  did  the  Creeks.  Inch  by  inch  they  were  pushed 
hack  to  their  bouses  by  the  ever-narrowing  circle  of  a^jailants.  They  fought  desper- 
ately and  with  savage  fury.  They  were  shot  and  bayoneted  in  and  out  of  their 
houses.  Not  one  Avould  ask  for  quarter,  but  fought  so  long  as  lie  had  strength  to 
wield  a  weapon.  None  survived.  Every  warrior  was  killed.  In  falling  back  to 
their  dwellings  they  mingled  with  the  women  and  children,  and  in  the  fury  of  the 
contest  some  of  these  were  slain.  The  victory  for  the  assailants  was  complete  ;  and 
at  the  close  of  this  short,  sharp  battle,  one  hundred  and  eighty-six  Indian  warriors 
lay  dead  around  the  victors.'  It  was  believed  that  full  t^  >  hundred  perished. 
Eighty-four  women  and  children  wero  made  prisoners.  The  loss  of  the  Americans 
was  only  five  killed  (no  oflicers)  and  forty-one  wounded,  most  of  them  slightly. 

Having  destroyed  the  town  and  buried  his  dead,  the  victorious  Coffee  marched 
hack  in  triumph  to  the  camp  on  the  Coosa,  followed  by  a  train  of  sori'owful  captives. 
It  was  a  terrible  sight  for  the  eye  of  Pity.  Retributive  justice,  evoked  by  the  slain 
at  Fort  Mims,  was  satisfied.  Tallasehatche  was  wiped  from  the  face  of  the  e.irth, 
and  every  survivor  was  sent  a  prisoner  to  Huntsville.'^  Thus  commenced  the  fearful 
chastisement  of  the  infatuated  Creeks  who  had  listened  to  the  siren  voice  of  Tecum- 
tlia,  and  the  wicked'  suggestions  and  false  promises  of  the  Spaniards  and  British  at 
Pensacola. 

Jackson  now  made  his  way  over  the  Coosa  Mountains  to  the  Ten  Islands,  and  on 
the  right  bank  of  the  Coosa  commenced  the  construction  of  a  second  fortified  deposit 
for  supplies.  Strjong  pickets  and  block-houses  soon  began  to  rise,  and  the  work  was 
well  advanced  whon,  just  at  sunset  on  the  Tth  of  November,  an  Indian  chief  from  the 
Hickory  Ground,  who,  by  stratagem,  had  made  his  way  from  the  beleaguered  fort, 
came  with  swift  foot  and  informed  the  general-in-chief  that  one  hundred  and  sixty 


'  General  Coffee  said  in  his  report  (November  4, 1813) :  "They  fongbt  as  long  as  one  existed ;  and  when  the  last  of 
Ihe  devoted  hand,  still  struggling  for  the  mastery,  had  fallen  beneath  the  hatchets  and  hunliug-knives  of  his  cucmies, 
one  hundred  and  eighty-six  warriors  wero  stretched  lifeless  on  the  fine  open  woodland  in  which  their  village  was  sit- 
uated." 

>  k  tonching  tale  of  trnth  is  told  in  connection  with  the  battle  of  Tallasehatche.  Among  the  slain  was  found  an  In- 
dian mother,  and  npon  her  bosom  lay  her  infant  boy,  vainly  endeavorli  g  to  draw  sustenance  from  the  cold  breast.  The 
nrphan  was  carried  into  camp,  and  Jackson  tried  to  indnco  some  of  the  mothers  amon;;  the  captives  to  give  it  nonrish- 
ment.  "No,"  they  replied ;  "all  hU  relatives  are  dead,  kill  him  too."  The  little  boy  v.'as  taken  to  the  gcnernl's  own 
tent,  fed  on  brown  Bni?ar  and  water  until  a  nurse  could  be  procured  at  Hnntsvillc,  when  it  was  sent  to  Mrs.  Jackson. 
Tlie  senersl  was  a  childless  man,  and  ho  adopted  the  forest  foundling  as  his  son.  Mrs.  Jackson  watched  over  him  with 
a  mother's  care,  and  he  grew  to  be  a  beautiful  youth,  fhll  of  promise.  But  consumption  laid  him  in  the  grave  among 
the  thades  of  the  "  Hermitage"  before  he  reached  manhood,  and  his  foster-parents  monmed  over  him  with  a  grief  as 
sincere  as  that  of  consangnlnity. 

This  boy  was  no  exception  to  the  nile  of  India.'  instinct  for  wild  and  forest  life.  He  delighted  to  roam  in  the  woods, 
decorate  his  head  with  feathers,  and  start  out  from  ambosb  and  frighten  children  with  loud  yells  and  horrid  grimaces, 
ne  was  apprenticed  to  i  harness-maker  in  Nashville. 


1 

11 

1! 

Ill 

IP' 


Uc  Bnrroondg  the  Bcsiegerii  ut  Talludcga. 


friendly  Creek  warriors,  with  their  i'amilies,  were  hemmed  in  at  Talladega,  in  Lash- 
ley's  Fort,'  thirty  miles  distant,  with  no  hope  of"  escape.  The  besie-rers  were  a  tliou- 
sand  strong,  and  they  so  completely  siu-rounded  the  little  stockade  that  no  man  could 
leave  it  unobserved.  The  inmates  had  but  little  food  and  water,  and  must  soon 
perish.  TIio  foe  was  well  provided,  and,  feeling  sure  of  their  prey  at  the  hands  of 
Famine  if  by  no  quicker  way,  were  dancing  around  the  doomed  people  with  demo- 
niac joy.  This  messenger,  who  was  a  prominent  man,  had  made  his  escape  by  cov- 
ering himself  with  the  skin  of  a  hog,  and  in  the  darkness  of  night,  while  imitating  its 
gait,  and  grunting,  and  apparent  rooting,  was  allowed  to  pass  slowly  through  tiie 
hostile  camp  until  he  was  beyond  the  reac!i  of  their  hearing  and  arrows.  Then  lie 
cast  away  his  disguise,  and  with  speed  heightened  by  desperation,  he  fled  to  Jack- 
son's camp  on  the  Coosa. 

The  commander-in-chief  resolved  to  give  immediate  relief  to  the  people  at  Talin- 
doga.  He  had  just  heard  of  the  near  approach  of  General  White  with  the  van  of 
General  Cocke's  division  of  East  Tennessee  troops,  so  he  ordered  his  whole  force,  ex- 
cepting a  small  guard  for  the  camp,  the  sick  and  the  wounded,  to  make  immediate 
preparations  for  marching.  He  wrote  a  hasty  note  to  General  White,  informing 
that  officer  that  he  should  expect  him  to  protect  Fort  Strother  and  its  inmates  during 
•  November  8,  his  absence,  and  at  little  past  midnight"  he  commenced  fording  the  Coosa 
1S13.  f^  jjjiie  above  the  fort,  with  twelve  hundred  infantry  and  eight  hundred 

mounted  men,  each  of  the  latter  taking  a  foot-soldier  on  his  .lorse  behind  him.  All 
were  across  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  aKd  then  they  commenced  a  very  weary- 
ing march  through  a  perfect  wilderness.  At  sunset  they  were  within  six  miles  of 
Talladega,  when  the  general  commanded  his  followers  to  seek  repose,  for  active  work 
would  be  required  of  them  in  the  morning. 

The  chief  slumbered  not.  All  night  long  he  was  on  the  alert  for  the  reports  of 
spies  whom  he  sent  out  on  scouting  expeditions.  At  midnight  he  received  a  note  by 
an  Indian  runner  from  General  White,  telling  him  that  General  Cocke  had  recalled 
liim,  and  he  would  not  be  able  to  protect  Fort  Strother.  Jackson  was  perplexed. 
Strother  and  Talladega  both  needed  his  presence.  He  resolved  to  rescue  the  latter, 
and  then  fly  to  the  defense  of  the  former.  Silently  his  troops  were  put  in  motion  in 
the  dark,  and  before  four  o'clock  in  the  morning''  they  had  made  a  wide 

Novcnioer  9.  . 

circuit  and  surrounded  the  enemy,  who,  a  thousand  and  eighty  strong, 
were  concealed  in  a  thicket  that  covered  the  margins  of  two  rivulets  flowing  out  from 
springs.'* 

Jackson  disposed  his  troops  for  action  so  as  to  inclose  the  foe  in  a  circle  of  armed 
men.  The  infantry  were  in  three  lines,  the  militia  on  the  left,  and  the  volunteers  on 
the  right.  The  cavalry  formed  the  two  extreme  wings,  and  were  ordered  to  advance 
in  a  curve,  keeping  their  rear  connected  with  the  advance  of  the  infantry  lines,  so  that 
there  should  be  no  break  in  the  circle.  In  this  position  were  the  troops  at  sunrise, 
when  Colonel  William  Carroll  Avas  sent  forward  with  the  advanced  guard,  composed 
of  the  companies  of  Captains  Dederich,  Caperton,  and  Bledsoe,  to  commence  the  a^ 
tack.  He  delivered  a  heavy  fire,  when  the  savages  rushed  forth,  with  liorrid  yells  and 
screams,  in  the  direction  of  the  militia  under  General  Roberts,  from  whose  brigade 


>  This  fort  wa8  a  little  eastward  of  the  Coosa  River,  In  Talladega  County,  Alabama ;  and  a  portion  of  Its  site  Ib  row 
covered  by  the  pleasant  village  of  Talladega,  the  capital  of  'he  county,  which  had  a  population  of  about  two  thonsaiiii 
when  the  late  Civil  War  broke  out  in  1801.    It  Is  in  a  deiightfbl  valley,  with  very  attractive  scenery  in  view 

'  The  order  of  march  is  seen  in  the  uppir  part  of  the  diagram  on  page  706.  The  cavalry  were  commanded  by  Colonel 
AUcom,  and  the  monnted  riflemen  by  Colonel  Cameron.  The  infantry  were  commanded  by  Brigadier  Generals  Hall' 
and  Roberts,!  assisted  by  Colonels  B-adley,  Pillow,  M'Crorsney,  Carnill,  and  Dyer.  The  position  of  tlie  trpops  In  the 
attack,  when  they  had  surrounded  the  enemy,  is  seen  in  the  lower  part  of  the  diagram,  commencing  with  the  reservci 
under  Colonel  Dyer.    This  diagram  is  copied,  by  permission,  from  Pickett's  Hutonj  0/  Alabama,  II.,  402. 

•  WIlMam  Hall  had  been  a  colonel  in  the  Tennessee  mllltia  who  followed  Jackson  from  Nashville  to  Natchei  uid 
back,  and  was  made  brigadier  general  of  three-months'  volunteers  on  the  2(lth  of  Soplcmher,  ISIS. 

t  Isaac  Roberta.  lie  was  commUcioned  brigadier  general  of  three-months'  Tennessee  Volanteers  pn  the  4tb  of  Oc- 
tober, 1813. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


^68 


esiegere  at  Talladega. 

ladcga,  in  Lash- 
ers were  a  thou- 
at  no  man  could 
and  must  soon 
at  the  hands  of 
iople  witli  demo- 
18  escape  l)y  cov- 
bile  imitating  its 
wly  through  the 
arrows.    Then  he 
I  he  fled  to  Jack- 

0  people  at  Talla- 
3  with  the  van  of 
lis  whole  force,  ex- 

0  make  immediate 
White,  informing 
its  inmates  during 

1  fording  the  Coosa 
and  eight  hundred 
e  behind  him.  All 
need  a  very  weary- 
vithin  six  miles  of 
lose,  for  active  work 

t  for  the  reports  of 
3  received  a  note  hy 
Cocke  had  recalled 
■son  was  perplexed. 
I  to  rescue  the  latter, 
ere  put  in  motion  in 
;y  had  made  a  wide 
,  and  eighty  strong, 
icts  flowing  out  from 

,  in  a  circle  of  armed 
lid  the  volunteers  on 
t  ordered  to  advance 
Infantry  lines,  so  that 
Ihe  troops  at  Bunrise, 
Iced  guard,  composed 
Ito  commence  the  at- 
with  horrid  yells  and 
,  from  whose  brigade 

LrmencinBwHhtT^ereBene. 

^N^»»et°Natche.aBd 
'voCteer»pntbe4thofOc. 


femporary  Panic  among  the  Mllltla. 


Battle  at  Talladega. 


Dealructlun  of  the  Indiana. 


Carroll  had  been  detached,  and  who,  pursuant  to  or- 
ders, had  fallen  back,  so  as  to  bring  tiie  enemy  ui)0ii 
the  niiiin  body.  Their  horrid  noise  and  devilish  uj) 
pearai  'C  so  terrified  the  militia  that  some  of  them 
(Tiive  way.  Seeing  this,  Jackson  ordered  Colonel 
Bradley  to  fill  the  chasm  with  liis  regiment,  wliich 
was  lagging  behind  the  line.  Bradley  failed  to 
obey,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Dyer,  in  command 
of  reserves  composed  of  the  companies  of  Captains 
Smith,  Morton,  Axune,  Edwards,  and  Hammond, 
was  ordered  to  that  duty  with  his  men.  Tiiese 
were  immediately  dismounted,  and  met  the  yelling 
savages  so  resolutely  that  the  fugitive  militia  took 
courage,  resumed  their  station,  and  foug.t  gallant- 
ly. Tlie  battle  now  became  general,  and  had  lasted 
about  fifteen  minutes,  when  the  Indians,  who  had 
fought  well,  suddenly  broke,  and  fled  in  all  direc- 
tions toward  the  surrounding  mountains. 

But  for  tlie  giving  way  of  the  militia,  and  the 
forming  of  a  gap  in  the  circle  by  the  tardiness  of 
Bradley,  and  a  too  wide  circuit  made  by  Allcorn 
and  his  cavalry,  it  is  believed  that  not  a  warrior 
would  have  escaped.  They  were  hotly  pursued, 
and  the  woods  for  miles  became  a  resting-place  for 
tlic  bodies  of  dead  savages.  Two  hundred  and  nine- 
ty of  the  slain  were  counted.  Many  were,  doubtless, 
not  seen.  The  number  of  the  wounded  could  not  be 
iiacertained,  but  they  wei-e  numerous.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  amounted  to  fifteen 
killed  and  eighty-five  wounded.  Four  were  badly  hurt,  and  only  two  of  the  latter 
died  from  the  eftect  of  injuries  received.  Among  the  wounded  were  Colonels  Wil- 
liam Pillow  and  James  Lauderdale,  Major  Richard  Boyd,  and  Lieutenant  Samuel  Bar- 
ton, the  last  mortally.^  These  and  other  wounded  men  were  placed  on  litters,  and 
when  the  dead  were  all  buried  the  victorious  little  army  marched  with  the  maimed 
to  Fort  Strother,  followed  by  li'e  grateful  rescued  Creeks.^  Among  the  few  trophies 
of  victory  borne  back  to  the  Csjosa  was  a  coarse  bsnner  on  which  were  the  Spanish 
arms.  This  evidence  of  the  complicity  of  the  Spaniards  with  the  liostile  Creeks  was 
sent  hy  Jackson  to  the  Irdies  of  East  Tennessee,  who,  as  we  have  observed,  presented 
a  stand  of  colors  to  the  Tennessee  Volunteers.' 

When  Jackson  and  his  troops  reached  Fort  Strother,  wearied  and  half  famished, 
they  found  the  place  almost  destitute  of  provisions.  None  had  been  brought  in  during 
the  absence  of  the  little  army,  and  now  starvation  threatened  all.     Almost  mutinous 

I  General  Jackson's  Dispatch  to  Governor  Blonnt,  November  11, 1813.  Report  of  Adjutant  General  Sitler,  Novem- 
ber 15. 

'  These  conBlsted  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  friendly  Creek  warriors,  with  their  wives  and  children.  The  crushing 
blow  was  to  have  fallen  upon  them  on  that  very  day.  They  were  almost  ready  to  die  of  thirst.  Their  gratitude  and  Joy 
were  commensurate  with  the  distress  from  which  they  had  been  relieved. 

'  See  pace  T44.  The  following  note  <prluted  In  Parton's  Life  of  Jackson,  I.,  448)  Rccompanied  the  colors,  and  containe 
a  history  of  the  aflfair : 

"  General  Andrew  Jackson,  with  compliments  to  Governor  Blonnt,  requests  hin  to  Inform  the  ladies  of  East  Ten- 
ncBsec,  who  presented  the  colors  to  the  Tennessee  Volnnteers,  that  Captain  D^-nderich,  who,  with  Captain  Bledsoe's  and 
faptain  Caperton's  companies,  under  the  direction  of  Major  Carro'l,  were  sent  to  bring  on  the  attack,  and  lend  the  en- 
Pitiy.ljy  a  regular  retreat,  on  the  strongest  point  of  my  Infantry,  went  Into  action  with  their  colors  tied  round  him,  and 
th,it  they  were  well  supported.  And,  in  return ,  I  send  y  on  n  stand  of  colors  (although  not  of  such  elegant  Btnflf  or  mag- 
nilicent  needle-work)  taken  by  one  of  the  volunteers,  which  I  beg  you  to  present  to  them  as  the  only  mark  of  gratltnde 
rte  volnnteers  have  It  In  their  power  to  make.  With  his  own  hand  he  slayed  the  bearer.  They  will  be  handed  by  Mr. 
Flctrher,  who  I  send  for  that  purpose."  A  letter  dated  Nashville,  November  IT,  1813,  said,  "  Mr.  Thomas  II.  Fletcher, 
nflhis  town,  has  Just  arrived  f^om  General  Jncksou's  army.  lie  was  the  bearer  of  a  stand  uf  colors  taken  ft'om  the  en- 
emy, and  bearing  the  Spanish  cross." 


i:    f 


766 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


f! 


HftljJ 

II 

iiiii 

A  divided  Command.      Tbo  IndiuDa,  diaplrlted,  sue  tor  Fence.      Separate  Actluu  ofOoDeral  Cocke  and  hia  CummaDd. 

murmurs  wore  hoard  amoncf  the  Hufleriuij  Boklit'rs,  but  tlioir  pciioriirH  words  and  ex- 
ample  kept  them  witliiii  the  homuls  of  obedience.  He  was  ever  eheerful,  and  sliand 
with  his  sohlierw  in  all  their  privations,  eatiiip,  like  them,  tiie  aeoriiH  found  in  tlic  for- 
est, to  sustain  life.  It  was  o.  very  critical  period  in  the  campaign,  but  it  was  passed 
in  safety  and  honor  to  all  concerned. 

The  severe  cha-stisement  administered  upon  the  Creeks  at  Tallasehalchc  and  Tal- 
ladega had  an  immediate  and  jxjwerful  etlect  upon  th(i  spirit  and  temper  of  the  sav- 
ages, and  promised  a  speedy  termination  of  the  war.  That  desired  end  was  post- 
])oned  by  an  unfortunate  circumstance  growing  out  of  the  ever-dangerous  fact  of  a 
divided  conmiand  in  the  campaign.  Tliero  was  an  existing  jealousy  between  the 
East  and  West  Tennessee  troops;  and,  notwithstanding  Jackson  was  the  senior  offi- 
cer,  and  properly  commander-in-chief  of  the  campaign  against  tlie  Creeps,  Goiicra! 
Cocke  maintained,  up  to  the  time  in  question,  a  separate  and  indcpender.t  coniinand, 
and  attempted  to  operate  against  the  hostile  Indians  at  first  even  witli out  consulta- 
tion with  General  Jackson.     This  produced  trouble,  as  we  shall  observe  presently. 

Many  of  the  warriors  who  fought  at  Talladega  were  from  the  Ilillabee  towns  on 
the  Tallapoosa  River,  in  the  present  Clicrokee  County,  Alabama.  Those  who  escaped 
to  the  mountains  on  that  dreadful  morning  were  so  thoroughly  convinced  of  the  futil- 
ity and  danger  of  making  farther  resistance  to  the  Tennesseeans,  that  they  rcstdveil 
to  sue  for  peace  and  reconciliation.  For  this  purpose  they  sent  Itobert  Grayson,  an 
aged  Scotcliman  and  old  resident  among  them,  to  make  peaceful  propositions  to  Gen- 
eral Jackson  at  Fort  Strother.  Jackson  cordially  responded  to  the  proposition,  hut 
at  the  same  time  told  the  messenger,  in  tirni  language,  that  he  had  come  to  chastise 
those  wlio  had  committed  gross  wrongs  toward  the  white  jjcoplc  and  friendly  Indians 
in  the  Creek  country,  and  that  he  must  have  full  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  peaee 
professions  before  he  would  consent  to  stay  his  hand,  "  The  prisoners  and  property 
which  they  have  taken  from  us  and  the  friendly  Creeks,"  he  said, "  must  be  retiuned; 
the  instigators  of  the  war  and  the  murderers  of  our  citizens  must  be  snrrendi  red ; 
the  latter  must  and  will  be  made  to  feel  the  force  of  our  resentment.  Long  shall  tliey 
remember  Fort  Minis  in  bitterness  and  tears.  Upon  those  who  are  disposed  to  re- 
main friendly  I  neither  wish  nor  intend  to  make  war." 

Grayson  hastened  back  with  the  conciliatory  message.  It  was  never  delivered,  for 
destruction  had  fallen  upon  the  Ilillabee  people  while  the  messenger  was  away  nn 
liis  errand.  That  destruction  came  from  the  East  Tennesseeans  under  Generals  C'oeko 
and  White,  who  liad  come  dv.wn  in  a  separate  column,  and  encamped  on  the  bank  of 
the  Coosa,  seventy  miles  above  Fort  Strother,  late  in  October.  There  Cocko,  with 
the  main  body,  awaited  supplies  and  built  a  fort,  which  he  named  Armstrong,  in  hon- 
or of  the  then  Secretary  of  War.  It  was  in  the  present  Cherokee  County,  Alabama, 
not  far  westward  of  the  Georgia  line.  But  the  supplies  came  not.  The  continued 
low  water  in  the  Tennessee  would  not  allow  the  contractor  to  fulfill  his  promises. 
Famine  stared  the  little  army  in  the  face.  Cocke  was  sorely  perplexed.  He  knew 
that  Jackson,  who  depended  upon  the  same  source  of  sunplies,  must  be  as  much  em- 
barrassed as  himself  by  lack  of  food.  What  shall  be  done  ?  was  a  very  serious  ques- 
tion that  needed  an  immediate  answer.  Jackson  had  called  for  a  junction  of  the 
armies.  Shall  we  go  forward  and  increase  the  dangers  of  famine  by  having  a  com- 
bined array  of  five  thousand  men  in  the  wilderness  ?  was  another  pertinent  and  im- 
portant question.  A  council  of  officers  was  held.  The  question,  Shall  we  follow 
Jackson  ?  was  decided  in  the  negative  by  unanimous  vote.  Shall  avo  cross  the  Coosa 
and  proceed  to  the  Creek  settlements  on  the  Tallapoosa  ?  was  a  second  question,  and 
it  was  unanimously  decided  in  the  aflinnative.  General  White  wa^  then  within  a 
day's  march  of  Jackson's  camp,  and  Cocke  sent  an  order  for  him  to  return  immediate- 
ly to  Fort  Armstrong.  "  It  is  the  unanimous  wish  of  the  officers  and  men  also,"  he 
said.    "  If  we  follow  General  Jackson's  army,"  he  continued, "  we  must  suffer  for 


OF   THE   WAU    OF   1812. 


»«t 


ocka  wd  hli  Uomnuuid. 

[Vv.  wovda  and  cx- 
certvil,  :uul  sliarid 
H  tbuiul  in  thi'  for- 
but  it  was  iiassi'd 

isehatdic  iviul  Tal- 
tcmiHT  of  the  sav- 
irc'd  I'Utl  was  post- 
liuiij;ero\ia  fact  of  a 
iloHsy  betwt'i'ii  tlio 
was  the  w\\\ov  dfli- 
ihc  Creeps',  Geuiral 
cpemler.t  cominiiiKi. 
■a  witii'JUt  conswltii- 
obsovvc  presently. 
0  Ilillabee  towns  on 

Tliosc  who  escaped 
oiivinccdof  thefutil- 
m,  that  they  rosohoa 
t  Robert  Grayson,  an 

propositions  to  (icn- 
)  the  proposition,  hut 
had  come  to  chastise 
c  and  friendly  buliaiis 
the  sincerity  of  peace 
irisonera  and  pvoiiorty 
Id, "must be  returned; 
iiuist  be  piirrenilereil; 
lent.    Lonii  shall  they 

lo  are  disposed  to  re- 

as  never  delivered,  for 
■ssenger  was  away  on 
under  Generals  Coekc 
amped  on  the  hank  of 
•.     There  Cocke,  with 
.ed  Armstrong,  in  lion- 
kee  County,  Alahania, 
!  not.    The  continuea 
to  fulfill  his  promises 
perplexed.     He  knew 
must  be  as  much  cm- 
iS  a  very  serious  qucs- 
for  a  junction  of  the 
Ane  by  having  a  com- 
Jier  pertinent  and  im- 
Ltion,  Shall  we  follow 
kail  we  cross  the  Coosa 
a  second  question,  and 
lite  wa'.  then  within  a 
a  to  return  immediate- 
•crs  and  men  also,  k 
«  we  must  suffer  tor 


(jwcrol  Corko  fallM  iipoii  ii  IIIHiihcc  Town. 


MniRacro  of  !t«  Peuplo. 


EximiieriUlaa  OftlM 


supplies ;  nor  can  we  ex|)ect  to  gain  a  victory.  Let  us,  then,  take  a  direction  in  which 
ffc  can  share  some  of  the  dangers  and  glories  of  the  field."  Tliis  message,  and  the 
note  from  (4encral  Jackson,  already  mentioned,  urging  him  to  hasten  to  the  ])rotec- 
tioii  of  Fort  Strother,  reached  While  at  tiie  same  time.  lie  considered  his  obedience 
due  first  to  his  immediate  sui)erior.  General  Cocke,  and  he  marched  his  lialf-starved 
bri"ade  back  to  Fort  Armstrong. 

General  Cocke,  too  remote  from  General  Jackson  to  act  in  concert  with  him,  was, 
consequently  and  unfortunately,  ignorant  of  the  peaceful  mood  of  the  Ilillabee  ])eo- 
ple.  lie  had  been  informed  that  one  of  the  most  eiu-rgetic  of  the  C'reek  leaders  (Hill 
Scott,  who  commanded  the  Indians  at  Talladega),  was  among  tiiem,  tilled  with  the 
hellish  jmrpose  of  massacring  every  white  person  and  friendly  Creek  in  all  that  re- 
c;ion.  lie  accordingly  dispatche<l  General  White,  with  scmie  mounted  nuM\  and  a 
hand  of  (^herokee  allies,  to  attack  the  Ilillabee  town.  White  took  only  three  days' 
rations  with  him,  and  marched  with  jreat  rapidity  toward  the  ])rineipal  village  of 
tlic  Ilillabee,  n  the  '  order  between  the  present  Talladega  and  I{andol|)li  (-ounties, 
Alabama,  full  a  hiKHirel  miles  from  Fort  Armstrong.  He  spread  desolation  in  h' ) 
iiatli.  Ockfuske  and  Genalga,  two  deserted  towns,  one  of  thirty  and  the  other  of 
ninety  houses,  were  laid  in  ashes,  and  at  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  18th  of  Novem- 
lier — the  very  day  when  (iniyson  hf't  Jackson's  camp — White  appeared  before  the 
chief  village.  The  inhabitants  were  unsuspicious  of  danger,  and  nmde  no  resistance; 
and  yet  White,  for  the  purpose  of  inspiring  terror  in  the  minds  of  the  Creek  nation, 
tell  furiously  ui)on  the  non-resistants,  and  murdered  no  less  than  sixty  warriors  before 
his  baud  was  stayed.  Then,  with  two  hundred  and  fifty  willows  and  orphans  as  ])ris- 
oners  in  his  train,  he  returned  to  Fort  Armstrong,  without  a  drop  of  a  Tennesseean's 
blood  being  shed. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  other  Ilillabee  towns,  ignorant  of  any  other  commander  than 
(icncral  Jackson,  regarded  this  massacre  as  the  nuist  foul  perfidy  on  his  j>art,  and 
were  intensely  exasperated.  They  felt  that  their  humble  ])etition  for  peace  had  been 
cruelly  responded  to  only  by  the  sword  and  bullet,  and  thcncelbrth  they  carried  on 
iiostilities  with  the  most  malignant  feelings  aiul  fearful  energy. 

Jackson's  anger  against  General  Cocke  was  eipially  hot.  In  the  absence  of  correct 
iufonnation,  he  regarded  him  as  a  rival,  willfully  withholding  sujjplies,  and  seeking 
glory  on  his  own  account.  This  was  unjust,  and  the  irate  commander  was  convinced 
of  the  fact  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  weeks,  when,  in  a  friendly  letter,  he  invited 
the  East  Tennesseean  to  join  him  with  his  army  at  Fort  Strother  on  the  I'ith  of  De- 
eomher.  Cocke  cheerfully  complied,  and  was  there  on  the  appointed  day,  having  in 
the  mean  time  scoured  the  Cherokee  country  for  provisions,  and  caused  a  considera- 
ble quantity  of  supi)lies  to  be  haided  froni  the  Tennessee  to  the  Coosa  for  the  use  of 
the  combined  army.  He  found  that  of  Jackson  greatly  demoralized.  Disajjpointed, 
starving,  inactive,  the  troops  at  Fort  Strother  wore  dreadfully  himiesick,  and  filled 
with  a  mutinous  spirit.  This  the  courage  and  tact  of  the  commander  controlled,  but 
with  great  difticulty.  The  militia,  on  one  occasion,  prepared  to  go  back  to  the  set- 
tlements. They  started  in  a  body,  when  the  yet  faithful  volunteers,  with  Jackson  at 
their  head,  stood  in  their  path.  Then  the  volunteers  attempted  to  leave  the  camp 
and  go  home — the  very  men  to  whose  fortunes  their  leader  had  so  tenaci'^",Rly  ad- 
hered at  Natchez  the  year  before — when  the  militia,  with  Jackson  at  their  head,  stood 
in  the  path  of  the  new  nuitineers.  At  length  almost  the  entire  army  of  West  Ten- 
nessee, despairing  of  relief,  determined  to  abandon  the  expedition  and  go  home. 
Some  of  the  militia  actually  started,  and  the  volunteers  were  about  to  follow.  The 
general  had  no  suflicient  force  to  restrain  them,  and  he  was  compelled  to  rely  upon 
himself  alone.  He  mounted  his  horse,  seized  a  musket  with  his  right  hand,  while  the 
disabled  arm  was  yet  in  a  sling,  and,  placing  himself  in  front  of  the  malcontents,  with 
the  weapon  resting  upon  his  horse's  neck,  he  declared  that  he  would  shoot  the  first 


1 1  .J.; 


(If, 


M 


h  I, 


■   '    ' 

1 

1 

:? 

9t        ■J 

...^    . 

fi'-       '* 

1  ■'' 

\     - 

1   i 

K  i.     :    i 

768 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Mutlnaen  checked. 


The  Creek  CoDUtry  Invaded  from  (lonrKla. 


Battle  or  Authat. 


man  who  should  take  a  stt'|)  in  advance.  Aniazt'd  at  his  boldness,  tlioy  pazod  nt  liju, 
in  sih'iiot'.  Kortuiiatciy,  at  that  inoniont,  ('otl'eo  and  two  coinpanios  offaithriil  iiuiiiiit 
cd  men  came  uj),  and  the  mutineers,  afler  consultation,  agreed  to  return  to  duty.  Vet 
discontent  was  not  allayed,  and  Jackson  finally  allowed  all  volunteers  ho  disposed  to 
return  to  their  homes,  and  he  orttanized  a  force  out  of  other  materials.  Could  he 
liave  had  sutHcient  supplies  atler  the  battle  at  Talladega,  and  been  met  by  innncdiutc 
concert  of  action  by  the  East  Tennessee  troops,  he  miufht  have  ende<l  tlu?  war  within 
a  fortnight.  It  was  protracted  for  months ;  and  for  ten  long  and  weary  wooks  he 
was  comp(dled  to  lie  in  idleness  at  Fort  Strother,  suffering  the  ve.vations  which  givw 
out  of  positive  demonstrations  of  discontent. 

In  the  mean  time  the  Creek  country  was  invaded  from  anotlier  cpiarter.  The  prv 
for  help  had  filled  the  ears  of  the  Georgians,  and  late  in  November,  Hrigadier  Ocncnii 
John  Floyd,  at  the  lieadof  nine  hundred  and  fifty  militia  of  that  state,  and  four  jiniid- 
red  friendly  Indians,  guided  by  Mordecai,  a  Jew  trader,  entered  th.  region  of  the 
hostiles  from  the  cast.  He  crossed  the  Chattalioochee  into  the  ])resent  Itussell  Coun- 
ty, Alabama,  on  tlie  '24tli  of  November,"  and  ])ushcd  westward  toward  the  Tal- 
lapoosa, where  lie  was  informed  a  large  number  of  hostile  Indians  had  ccilict- 
cd  in  the  village  of  Auttose,  on  the  "  holy  ground,"  on  Avhicih  the  proj)hets  had  tiiiiirlit 
the  Indians  to  believe  no  white  man  could  set  foot  and  li'c.  This  town  was  on  tlio 
left  bank  of  the  Tallapoosa,  about  twenty  miles  above  its  conffucnce  with  the  Coosa, 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Calebec  Creek.  Floyd  encamped  within  a  i'cw  miles  of  it  on  the 
evening  of  the  28th,  and  at  an  hour  past  midnight  inarched  to  the  attack.  At  (hwn 
ho  was  before  the  town  with  his  troops  arranged  for  battle  in  three  columns.  The 
right  was  composed  of  Colonel  Booth's  battalion  ;  the  left  of  Colonel  Watson's ;  and 
the  centre  of  the  rifle  companies  of  Captains  Adams  and  Merri weather,  the  liitttr 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Ilendon.  The  artillery,  under  Captain  Thonnvs,  was  post 
ed  in  front  of  the  right  column.  The  friendly  Indians  were  led  by  William  M'In- 
tosh,'  a  half-blood,  and  a  cl.ief  called  The  Mad  Dog's  Son, 

Floyd  intended  to  surround  the  town,  but  the  morning  light  revealed  the  fact  that 
there  were  two  villages  in  front  of  the  invading  column,  aiid  that  it  was  necessary 
to  change  at  once  the  disjiosition  of  the  forces.  This  was  skillfully  done.  One  town 
was  below  the  other,  a  hundred  rods  apart.  To  the  lower  one  three  companies  ot'in- 
fantry,  Merriweather's  rifles,  and  two  troops  of  dragoons,  under  Irwin  and  Stt'do, 
were  sent,  while  the  remainder  of  the  troops  marched  upon  the  upper  town.  Iinnic- 
diately  after  the  attack  commenced  the  battle  becatne  general.  The  Indians  ap- 
j)eared  at  all  points,  and  fought  gallantly  for  a  while,  when  the  booming  of  heavy  ai 
tillery,  and  a  furious  bayonet  charge,  so  terrified  them  that  they  fell  back  and  Nought 
shelter  in  the  out-houses,  thickets,  and  copses  in  the  rear  of  the  towns.  Overpowering 
numbers  pushed  them  hard,  and  they  at  length  fled  to  cane-covered  caves  cut  in  the 
blulls  of  the  river.  Their  dwellings,  auout  four  hundred  in  number,  some  of  them 
commodious  and  containing  valuable  articles,  were  fired  and  destroyed,  and  the  poor 
smitten  and  dismayed  savages  were  hunted  and  butchered  with  a  fiendish  barbarity 
which  ought  to  have  made  the  cheeks  of  the  actors  burn  with  the  blushes  of  shame. 
It  was  estimated  that  full  two  hundred  Indians  were  murdered.  Floyd  lost  eleven 
killed  and  fifty-four  wounded.^  The  loss  of  the  friendly  Indians,  who  held  back  at 
the  beginning,  but  fought  bravely  toward  the  last,  is  not  mentioned  in  the  official  re- 
ports. 

'  William  M'liitosh  wns  the  chief  of  the  Coweta  tribe  of  the  Creek  nation.  He  was  the  son  of  a  Scotchman  by  a  Creek 
woman.  He  was  conspicuoug  iu  the  memorable  battle  at  Horse-shoe  Bend  in  March,  1814.  In  1828  he  lost  caxt  with 
bis  people  because  of  his  having  evidently  been  bribed  to  make  a  certain  treaty  for  the  glviuj;  np  of  Creek  terri- 
tory. He  and  an  adherent  were  afterward  shot  as  they  attempted  to  escape  from  M'Intosh's  dwellins,  which  some  es- 
asperated  Indians  had  tired.  His  residence  was  on  the  Chattahoochee.  See  Drake's  Book  of  the  IiuliaiM,  elevcntli  edi- 
tion, page  391. 

'  General  Floyd's  dispatch  to  Major  General  PInckney,  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Southern  Department,  Decem- 
l>er  4, 1818 ;  Pickett's  UUtory  of  Alabama,  11.,  BOO. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  13. 


1M 


Battle  or  AutloM. 


Clslbonie  ordered  into  tho  Creek  Country. 


Expedition  under  Cuplnln  Rale, 


Scene  on  the  Altbama. 


thcv  Rttwd  at  him 
I  ot  iiiithfiil  luoiini 
turn  to  (hity.    Yi-t 
iH'i'H  R<>  iliwi'O!*'''!  to 
iterialK.     (.\>iilil  lie 
iiu't  by  iinmciliiiic 
led  tht!  war  witliin 
ul  woury  wpi'ks  be 
cations  which  },'ii\v 

r  quarter.  Tlic  cry 
r,  Hrigadier  (Icncral 
^tat(>,an<ll«»ii'limul- 
(1  th.  rcijion  of  tlic 
resent  llussell  I'niin- 
vnvi\  toward  tho  Tal- 

Indiana  had  cc'.lcct- 
prophets  had  ttiuiilit 
'his  town  was  on  the 
encc  with  the  Coosa. 
few  miles  of  it  on  tlio 
he  attack.     At  dnwii 

three  eoltmins.  Tlic 
Dh.iiel  Watson's;  and 
■rriweather,  the  liittw 
ain  Tliomas,  was  post- 
led  by  William  M'hi- 

revealed  the  fact  that 
that  it  was  necessary 
uUy  «lo"e.    One  town 
three  companies  ofiii- 
lor  Irwin  and  Steele, 
upper  town,     luime- 
•al.     The  Indians  ap- 
booming  of  heavy  ar- 
fell  back  and  sought 
owns.    Overpowering 
cred  caves  cut  in  the 
umber,  some  of  them 
.stroyed,  and  the  poor 
h  a  fiendish  barbanly 
the  blushes  of  shame, 
d      Floyd  lost  eleven 
vns,  who  held  back  at 
loned  in  the  official  re- 

Isu  In  1S28  he  lost  cwuvul" 
I  the  clvlni?  np  of  Creek  tern- 
iKwelUn,,  which  some  «■ 

[southern  Department,  Decern- 


In  tho  space  of  sovcn  <l.ayfl  Floyd  had  marched  one  liundred  and  twenty  miles  ninl 
committed  tho  massacre.  He  was  now  Hi.\ty  miles  from  a  dejxwit  of  |)rovisioim,  luul 
his  rations  were  nearly  exluiusted;  so, after  buryiim  liis  dead  and  preparin;^  litters  for 
his  wounded,  lu'  liastened  back  to  Fort  Miteliell,  on  tlie  Cliattahooilioe.  On  his  de- 
imrture,  and  when  a  mile  eastward  of  the  ruined  towns,  his  rear  was  attacked  by 
some  desperate  survivors  of  Anttose,  who  were  dispersed  after  receiving  a  i'ew  volleys. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  in  the  uj)per  country  of  the  Creeks,  stirring 
scenes  were  witnessed  in  tho  present  Clarke  County,  in  the  forks  of  the  Toinbigbee 
and  Alabama,  and  vicinity.  The  Indians,  under  the  direct  intluenee  of  WeatlierslinJ 
ami  the  British  and  Spanish  officers,  were  very  active  and  sanguinary  in  that  region, 
ami  General  Flournoy,  who  had  kept  General  Claibonie  on  the  defensive,  was  at  last 
aroused  to  a  sense  of  the  necessity  of  offensive  measures.  Accordingly,  on  the  12th 
of  October,  ho  ordered  that  otHcer  to  advance  with  his  army  into  the  heart  of  the 
Creek  country  for  the  purpose  of  defending  tho  citizens  while  gathering  their  crops 
vet  in  the  field ;  "  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  frontiers;  to  follow  them  up  to  their 
contiguous  towns,  and  to  kill,  burn,  and  destroy  all  their  negroes,  horses,  cattle,  and 
other  property  that  could  not  conveniently  be  brought  to  tho  depots."  This  san- 
triiinary  order  was  justified  by  the  Georgia  general,  by  tho  conduct  of  Great  Britain, 
ami  the  acts  of  her  Indian  allies. 

Claiborno  instantly  obeyed.  He  crossed  the  Tombigbec  from  St.  Stephen's,  and 
pcourcd  the  country  on  its  eastern  side  in  all  directions  with  his  detachments,  meeting 
and  dispersing  bands  of  Indians  here  and  there,  but  without  bringinji;  them  to  battle 
any  where.  In  the  mean  time  Captain  Sam  Dale,  who  had  recovered  from  his  wounds, 
was  ])repariiig  for  active  operations.  He  had  held  Fort  Madison  ;  and,  on  the  return 
of  Colonel  Carson  to  that  post  early  in  November,  he  had  obtained  his  leave  to  go 
ont  and  drive  the  small  bands  of  marauding  savages  from  tho  frontier.  He  was 
joined  by  a  detachment  of  thirty  of  Captain  Jones's  Mississippi  Volunteers,  .iiider 
Lieutenant  Montgomery,  and  forty  Clarke  County  militia,  having  for  his  lieutenant 
(icrrard  W.  Creagh,  Avho  was  attached  to  his  company  in  tho  battle  of  Burnt  Corn 
Creek.  They  marched  southeasterly  to  a  ferry,  where  Cn3sar,  a  irec  !"'gro  of  the  ])ar- 
tv,  had  two  canoes  concealed.  In  these  the  party  crossed  the  river,  and  on  a  frosty 
night,  with  very  thin  clothing,  they  lodged  in  a  cane-brake.  At  dawn* 
tliey  marched  up  the  river,  the  boats  in  charge  of  five  picked  men  each, 
and  keeping  abreast  of  the  party  on  shore.  Some  Indians  were  soon  encountered  on 
land  and  water,  and,  aflcr  a  brisk  skirmish,  the  dusky  foe  fled  up  the  stream  out  of 
sight.  Dale's  party  were  then  separated,  some  following  the  trail  on  the  east  side 
of  the  river,  and  others  following  that  on  the  west  side.  At  half  past  ten  they  reached 
Rando.i's  Landing,'  where  they  found  evidences  of  Indians  near.  Directly  a  large 
canoe,  made  from  the  trunk  of  an  immense  cypress-tree,  came  floating  down  the 
stream,  bearing  eleven  naked  and  hideously-painted  savages.  They  were  about  to 
land  at  a  cane-brake,  when  Dale,  calling  his  men  to  follow,  dashed  for  the  spot  to  con- 
test their  landing.  They  shot  two  of  the  Indians,  and  tho  others  backed  tho  great 
eanoe  out  into  deep  water,  three  of  the  Indians  swimming  on  the  side  not  exposed  to 
the  bullets,  and  the  remainder  lying  flat  on  its  bottom. 

A  stirring  scene  now  ensued.  One  of  the  warriors  in  the  water  called  out  to 
Wcathcrsford,  who  was  in  the  neighborhood,  for  help.  Dale  stopped  his  voice  by 
putting  a  bullet  in  his  brain,  when  the  great  canoe,  deprived  of  the  guidance  of  the 
three  Indians  in  the  stream,  who  had  been  killed,  floated  sluggishly  down  with  the 
current.    Dale  ordered  six  men  on  the  eastern  bank  to  fetch  the  boats  for  the  piir- 

'  On  the  hlnff  above  this  landinj;  Fort  Claiborne  was  afterward  bnllt,  on  or  near  the  site  of  tho  village  of  Claiborne,  Id 
Monroe  Connty,  Alabama.  The  picture  on  pntre  770,  Randon's  (now  Claiborne)  Landing,  is  ft-om  n  sketch  by  tho  Av  thor, 
made  from  the  deck  of  a  steamer  in  April,  IRflfl.  The  covered  way  is  for  cotton-bales  and  other  thlni^g  to  slide  down 
from  the  snmmlt  of  the  bluff,  two  hundred  feet,  to  the  margin  of  the  river,  whence  merchandise  and  agricultural  prod'icta 
|>  are  taken  on  board  of  steamers.    Uere  was  the  scene  of  the  canoe  fight  recorded  in  the  text. 

3C 


*  November  18, 
1S13. 


ft  : 

1! 


^^ 

J?.    i 

1 

1       : 

^     ^ 

-  5 


fiffil 


770 


riCTOIilAL   JTlIuLU-BOOK 


A  terrible  laeamitor  In  C«noM, 


Dalt'i  luu>(l-to-h*D(t  right. 


H«  wins  tb«  Victor;. 


po«>  ofnttiickin^  Uit«  Iii<lian« 
ill  thoir  huf^»?  criill.  An  iluy 
iipproaclu'd  and  looked  iutii 
it,  oiu!  of  tliotn  Hcriuiiud 
"  Livo  IiidiiuiH,  by  (ioill 
Hiick  wntt'i",  boyH  !  buck  wa- 
ter !"  niid  they  went  Ixick 
to  the  place  of  enibarkiitinii 
fiiHter  than  they  came.  Dale 
WUH  exiiHperated  by  tliiir 
eowardiee,  and  quickly  or- 
dered Cicsar  to  brinjr  a  ca- 
noe. He  jumped  into  it,  fol- 
lowed  by  Jeremiah  Austill 
and  James  Smith.  It  would 
hold  no  more  Bafely.  Cicsar 
paddled  it  within  forty  yaids 
of  the  craft  of  the  Havages, 
when  Dale  and  his  compan- 
ions rose  to  [)our  a  volley 
into  the  great  canoe.  Kacli 
gun  missed  fire.  Water  had 
spoiled  the  priming.  A  mo- 
ment afterward  and  the  twu 
vessels  were  side  by  side, 
when  the  stalwart  Dale,  or- 
dering Cajpar  to  hold  tlioiii 
together,  clubbed  his  mus- 
ket, and,  placing  one  foot  in 
his  own  canoe  and  the  other 
in  that  of  the  enemy,  com- 
menced a  furious  contest.  Austill  and  Smith  joined  in  the  fray  with  clubbed  mus- 
kets, but  Caesar  could  not  liold  the  boats  together,  the  current  was  so  strong.  They 
parted,  leaving  Da'  i  alone  in  the  canoe  of  the  savages,  one  of  whom  lay  wounded  in 
the  stern,  and  four  others,  strong  and  fierce,  confronted  him  as  he  stood  defiantly  hi 
the  middle  of  the  great  canoe.'     Two  warriors  lay  dead  at  his  feet. 

At  the  instant  when  Dale  planted  himself  in  the  middle  of  the  great  canoe,  the  sav- 
age neurest  to  him  directed  a  terrible  blow  at  his  head,  which  the  soldier  parried  skill- 
fully with  the  barrel  of  his  gun,  and,  as  quick  as  lightning,  slew  his  assailant  with  his 
bayonet.  The  next  one  instantly  sprang  forward,  Avhen  a  bullet  from  Austin's  rifle, 
sent  from  the  boat  that  was  drifting  a  few  yards  off,  pierced  his  heart,  and  he  fell  in 
the  bottom  of  the  canoe.  The  third  then  made  for  Dale  with  his  tomahawk,  when  he 
too  fell,  pierced  by  the  brave  captain's  bayonet.  The  last  warrior  was  Tar-cha-chee, 
a  noted  wrestler  of  powerful  frame.  He  and  Dale  were  old  acquaintances.  As  the 
savage's  keen  glance  met  that  of  Dale,  he  shook  himself,  gave  the  horrid  war-Avhoo]i, 
and  then  cried  out, "  Big  Sam,  I  am  a  man — I  am  coming — come  on !"  He  then  bounu- 
ed  over  his  dead  companions  with  a  terrific  yell,  and  directed  a  furious  blow  at  the 
head  of  Dale  with  his  clubbed  rifle.  Dale  dodged  it,  but  it  fell  upon  and  dislocated 
his  shoulder.  At  the  same  moment  Dale  darted  his  bayonet  into  the  body  of  the  In- 
dian, who  exclaimed,  as  he  tried  to  escape, "Tar-cha-chee  is  a  man  !  He  is  not  afraid 
to  die  !"    Dale  then  turned  to  the  wounded  warrior,  who  had  been  snapping  his  piece 

'  It  was  duR  out  of  a  hnifo  cypresB-tree.    It  was  between  thirty  and  forty  feet  long,  four  feet  deep,  and  three  fetl 
abeam.    It  bad  been  need  for  the  special  purpose  of  transporting  com. 


BANUOM  8  OB  OLAIBUUME   LANUINU. 


OF   TIIK   WAB   OF    1812. 


771 


HawtutttTlMoij. 

,ackutg  the  Indians 
igc  cratl.  Ah  tluy 
><(  aiul  looked  into 
f  tlu'in  Hcriiiimd, 
uliaiiH,  l>y  (iodi 
or,  boyH !  hi»'k  wa- 
il ihcy  went  Imck 
aco  of  cinbiirkiUiiiu 
111  tliey  ennu>.  Dale 
.spcnvted  by  tliiir 
10,  and  quickly  or- 
CBftr  to  1»rin^'  a  ca- 
)  jumped  into  it,f(il- 
y  Jeremiuh  Austill 
icH  Smith.  It  would 
more  safely.  Ca>Kar 
it  within  forty  yards 
raft  of  the  savages, 
alo  and  his  conii)aii- 
se  to  pour  a  volley 
>  great  canoe.  Kacli 
ssed  fire.  Water  had 
the  priming.  A  mo- 
[Icrward  and  the  twn 
were  side  by  side, 
ho  stalwart  Dale,  or- 
Cffipar  to  hold  them 
jr,  clubbed  his  ihuk- 
;1,  placing  one  foot  in 
(1  canoe  and  the  other 
,  of  the  enemy,  cora- 
ly  with  clubbed  nuis- 
vas  so  strong.  They 
hom  lay  wounded  in 
he  stood  defiantly  in 

feet. 
great  canoe,  the  sav- 
i  soldier  parried  skill- 
his  assailant  with  bis 
■t  from  Austin's  rifle, 
heart,  and  he  fell  in 
tomahawk,  when  he 
[ior  was  Tar-cha-cliee, 
^uaintances.    As  the 
,e  horrid  war-whoop, 
in !"    He  then  bounu- 
,  furious  blow  at  the 
upon  and  dislocated 
;o  the  body  of  the  In- 
an !    He  is  not  afrai.l 
|en  snapping  his  piece 
tour  feet  deep,  and  three  f«i 


nnMurthe  "CauM  Sight." 


CuMlnictloii  iif  Kurt  Cliiniciriii'  itt  Kniidon'i  LiMidln(, 


Anitlll  and  Dale, 


m 


at  him  during  the  whole  conflict,  a'ld  was  now  <lefiantly  exclaiming  "  I  am  a  warrior ! 
I  am  not  afraid  to  die !"  and  pinned  him  to  the  canoe  wkh  his  baytmut.  "  He  fol- 
lowetl  his  ten  comrades  to  the  land  of  spirits,"  said  the  rugged  Indian  fighter  after- 
ward. ' 

Tlu'.H  resulted,  after  a  struggle  of  about  ten  miiuites,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of 
naval  and  jiersonal  combats  on  record.  Just  as  it  ended.  Dale's  men  came  running 
to  tiie  bank,  and  shouted  "  VVcatliersford  is  coming!"  He  immediately  crossed  with 
his  whole  party,  ami  made  his  way  with  them  safely  to  Fort  Madison.  The  fame  of 
this  e.\ph»it  nmde  Dale  a  hero  of  history,  and  the  "canoe  fight"  is  yet  a  theme  for  ro- 
mance and  song  among  the  common  ])eo[)le  in  tiic  Southwest.* 

At  about  tliis  time  Claiborne  pushed  across  Clarke  County  to  the  Alabama  for  the 
purpose  of  establishing  a  deposit  for  supplies  at  Handon's  Laiuling,'  awaiting  there  the 
arrival  of  (leorgia  and  Temu'sseo  troops,  and  to  act  as  mucli  as  possible  on  the  de- 
fensive, as  circumstaiu'cs  might  require.  He  marched  with  three  hundred  volunteers, 
some  dragoons  and  militia,  and  a  band  of  Choctaw  Indians  under  (ieneral  Pushama- 
taha  and  Cliief  MuHhullatubba.  Ho  crossed  the  Alabama  on  the  17th  of  November 
and  encamped,  and  thero  he  was  joined  on  the  28th  by  the  Third  Uegiment  of  national 
troops,  under  Colonel  Gilbert  C.  Ilussell,  from  Mount  Vernon.  Tiiere  Claiborne  con- 
structed a  strong  stockade  two  hundred  feet  square,  with  three  blockhouses  and  a 
lialf-nioon  battery  that  commanded  the  rear.  It  was  intended  as  a  dejjosit  of  provis- 
ions for  the  Tennessee  troops  above.  It  was  completed  before  the  close  of  Novem- 
ber, when  it  received  the  name  of  Fort  Claiborne,  in  honor  of  the  commander.  On 
its  site,  as  we  have  observed,  stands  Claiborne,  the  capital  of  Monroe  County,  Alaba- 
ma. From  that  point  early  in  December  Claiborne  apprised  General  Jackson  and 
(iovcrnor  Blount  of  the  establishment  of  this  depot,  and  also  of  the  arrival  of  more 
English  vessels  in  Pensacola  Bay,  with  many  soldiers  and  Indian  supplies.  He  said 
lie  "  wished  to  God  that  he  was  authorized  to  take  that  sink  of  iniipiity  [Pensacola], 
the  depot  of  Tories  and  instigators  of  disturbances  on  the  Southern  frontier."* 

Claiborne  now  determined  to  penetrate  the  Creek  country  toward  its  heart,  and 
share  with  Jackson  and  Coffee  the  honors  of  bringing  the  savages  into  subjection."^ 

I  Pickett's  Bittory  qf  Alnlnma,  II.,  300.  Claiborne's  Li/e  and  Timet  of  Omeral  .lam  Dale,  page  121.  When  Claiborne 
wroir  in  18G0,  Jeremiah  AuKtill,  one  of  Dale's  companions,  was  a  highly-esteemed  commissinn  merchant  In  Mobile,  und 
be  was  still  living  when  the  v^riter  of  these  pages  visited  that  city  in  the  spring  of  18(!0.  He  had  been  a  state  senator 
of  that  district.  All  of  the  circumstances  of  the  canoe  llKht  here  given  were  vfcrlfled  before  the  Alabama  Legislature  In 
I8!!l.  Austin  Is  a  native  of  Pendleton  District,  South  Carolina,  where  he  was  t:orn  im  the  Kith  oi  August,  1TD4,  and  was 
only  nloetean  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  the  canoe  flght.  llo  la  a  son  of  Captain  Evans  Austill,  already  mentioned  as 
one  who  remained  with  Dale  In  Port  Madison.  lie  afterward  bceainc  colonel  of  the  militia,  and  is  represented  as  a 
powerful  man  physically.  James  Smith,  his  compa.lon  In  the  canoe  with  Caesar,  was  a  native  of  Georgia,  and  was  then 
twcuty-flve  years  of  age.  lie  was  a  daring  fToni.'er  man,  aud  died  In  East  Mississippi  several  years  ago.  lie  and  Aus- 
till tried  hard  to  bring  their  canoe  into  the  fight  In  aid  of  Dale,  but  the  current  prevented.  "Their  guns  had  become 
melc89,  and  their  only  paddle  had  been  broken,"  said  Dale.  "  Two  braver  fellows,"  he  continued,  "  never  lived.  AOs- 
llll's  first  shot  saved  my  life." 

'  Samuel  Dale  was  a  remarkable  man.  He  was  of  Irish  eitractlon,  and  was  bom  in  Rockbridge  County,  Virginia,  In 
1772.  His  father  removed  with  his  family  to  Glade  Hollow,  on  the  Clinch  River,  In  17TB,  and  In  1T84  emigrated  to  the 
vicinity  of  Qreensburg,  Georgia.  Not  long  afterward  Dale  and  his  wife  died,  leaving  eight  children,  Shmuel  being  the 
eldest.  He  took  part  In  movements  for  keepipg  In  check  the  hostilities  of  the  Creek  Indians  in  the  time  of  Washing- 
ton's ndminlstration.  He  became  a  famous  i)orderer  and  Indian  fighter,  and  afterward  a  trader  among  the  Creeks  and 
Cherokces.  He  was  also  a  gnlde  to  parties  emigrating  to  the  Mississippi  Territory  ftom  Georgia.  During  the  war 
with  the  Creeks  now  under  consideration,  he  was  very  active  and  efflclent.  He  received  the  commission  of  brevet  brig- 
adier peneral.  After  the  war  ho  settled  at  Dale's  Ferry,  on  the  Alabama,  and  engaged  in  merchandising.  In  1810  he 
was  u  member  of  the  Convention  called  to  divide  the  Mississippi  Territory,  and  the  following  year  he  was  a  delegate  to 
the  first  General  Assembly  of  the  Territory  of  Alabama-  the  eastern  portion  of  Hississlppi.  He  served  sevcial  terms 
In  the  legislature  of  Alabama,  and  In  1824  he  was  on  a  committee  of  the  body  appointed  to  escort  Lafayette  to  the  cap- 
ital of  the  state.  He  was  engaged  much  In  public  life  until  his  death,  which  occurred  at  his  residenc  c  in  Dalevllle,  Lau- 
derdale County,  Mississippi,  on  the  24th  of  May,  1841,  when  he  wac  in  the  seventieth  year  of  his  age. 

'  See  note  1,  page  769.  This  was  named  from  Its  owner,  who  perished  in  Fort  Mlms.  It  was  In  the  county  whence 
the  hostile  Indians  procnred  most  of  their  supplies.  *  Pickett's  A  labama,  IL,  page  820. 

'  This  enterprise  was  deemed  so  hazardous  that  a  memorial  against  It  was  signed  by  nine  captains,  eight  lieutenants, 
and  Ave  ensigns  of  the  Mississippi  Volunteers  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  men.  They  urged  the  feeble  condition 
of  the  men,  lack  of  provisions,  clothing,  blankets,  and  shoes,  the  Inclemency  of  the  weather,  and  the  want  of  trans- 
portation through  a  country  where  there  was  not  even  a  hunter's  trail.  Yet  I'ley  expressed  their  willingness  to  fol- 
low the  general  if  he  should  resolve  to  proceed.  He  did  so  resolve,  and  they  checrthlly  followed.  "Not  a  murmnr 
wu  beard ;  not  a  complaint  was  made,"  said  General  Claiborne  afterward.    "  Babordinatlon  to  their  officera  marked 


it 


.  j 


r72 


PICTGRI/L    FIELD-BOOK 


Claiboruc  travereef  the  Creek  Country. 


Battle  of  Ecoiiochaca. 


Escape  of  Weathcrsford. 


•  1313. 


On  the  1 2th  of  December  lio  left  Fort  Claibonie  with  a  little  army  about  one  thou- 
sand strong,  and  marched  in  a  northeasterly  direction  toward  the  present  Lowndes 
County,  Alabama.  His  force  consisted  of  a  detachment  of  Colonel  Russell's  regulars  • 
Major  Cassell's  battalion  of  horse ;  a  battalion  of  militia  under  Major  Benjamin  Smoot, 
of  which  Patrick  May  was  adjutant,  and  Dale  and  He  :rd  captains ;  the  twelve  months' 
Mississippi  Volunteers  under  Colonel  Carson ;  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  Choctaws  un- 
der General  Pushamataha.  After  marching  eighty  miles  he  halted,  and  built  a  sta- 
tion for  provisions,  which  lie  called  Fort  Deposit.  P  was  in  the  present  Butler  Coun- 
ty, Alabami.  When  this  was  completed,  he  pushed  on  nearly  thirty  miles  farther 
through  a  pKthless  wilderness,  with  as  little  baggage  and  provisionri  as  possible,  and 
approached  Tiiconochaca,  or  Holy  Ground,  which  was  situated  upon  a  blutf  on  the  left 
bank  of  the  Alabania,  just  below  the  present  Powell'c  Ferry,  in  Lowndes  County.  The 
village  had  been  built  in  an  obscure  place  by  Weathersford  a  few  months  before,  and 
dedicated  by  the  Shawnoese  prophets  whom  Tecumtha  had  left  to  inflame  the  Creeks 
as  a  place  of  refuge  for  the  wounded  and  dispersed  in  battle,  fugitives  from  their 
homes,  and  women  and  children.  No  path  or  trail  led  to  it,  and  the  prophets  assured 
their  dupes  that  the  ground  on  which  Econochaca,  like  that  of  Auttose,  stood,  was  so 
holy  th.it  no  wliite  man  could  tread  upon  it  and  live.  There  these  savage  priests  per- 
formed horrid  incantations,  and  in  the  square  in  the  centre  of  the  town  the  most  dread- 
ful cruelties  had  been  already  perpetrated.  White  prisoners,  and  Creeks  friendly  to 
them,  had  been  burned  to  death  there  by  the  directions  of  those  ministers  of  the  Evil 
Spirit. 

ClaiboiTie  was  before  Econochaca  in  battle  order  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  De- 
cember.* It  was  pretty  strongly  guarded  in  the  Indian  manner,  and  tlio  in- 
mates had  no  suspicion  of  danger.  The  prophets  were  busy  with  their  incan- 
tations, and  at  that  very  hour  a  number  of  friendly  half-bloods  of  both  sexes  were  m 
the  square,  surrounded  by  resinous  wood,  ready  to  be  consumed ! 

The  troops  advanced  in  three  '"olumns,  with  mounted  men  under  Captains  Lester 
and  Wells  acting  as  reserves.  The  right  column  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Carson, 
and  f^onsisted  of  twelve-months'  volunteers ;  the  centre  was  composed  of  a  detach- 
ment of  the  Third  Regiment  United  States  Infantry,  and  some  mounted  j-iflemeii  un- 
der Lieutenant  Colonel  Russell ;  and  the  left  of  militia,  and  some  Choctaws  under 
Major  Smoot.  Their  duty  was  difficult,  for  the  town  was  almost  surrounded  by 
swamps  and  deep  ravines,  and  the  Indians,  regardhig  the  place  as  holy,  and  having 
property  there  of  great  value,  were  prepared  to  2  ;ht  desperately.  They  had,  on  the 
approach  of  the  invaders,  conveyed  tlieir  women  and  children  to  safe  places  in  the 
thick  forests  of  what  is  now  known  as  the  Duich  Bend  of  Autauga  County,  and  they 
liad  no  hinderances  to  a  vigorous  defense. 

The  three  columns  closed  upon  the  town  by  a  simultaneous  movement.  Carson's 
came  in  sight  of  it  at  noon,  and  was  furiously  attacked.  It  resisted  the  assault  with 
great  spirit,  and  before  those  of  Russell  and  Smoot  could  get  fairly  into  the  iight,  the 
dismay.'d  Indians  broke  and  fled.  A  larger  portion  of  them  escaped,  owing  to  the 
failure  of  Major  Cassell  to  occupy  the  bank  of  the  Alabama,  westward  of  the  town, 
with  his  battalion  of  horse.  They  fled  in  droves  along  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  by 
swimming  and  the  use  of  caroes,  escaped  to  the  other  side,  and  joined  their  families 
in  the  Autauga  forests.  Weathersford,  when  he  found  himself  deserted  by  his  war- 
riors, fled  swiftly  on  a  fine  gray  horse  for  the  salvation  of  his  own  life.  He  was  hotly 
pursued  to  a  perpendicular  bluff  flanked  by  ravines,  whcr  ais  powerful  steed  made 
a  mighty  bound  from  it,  and  horse  and  rider  disappeared  beneath  the  water.  Tiiey 
immediately  rose,  Weathersford  grasping  his  horse's  mane  with  one  hand,  and  his 

their  every  net,  and  no  RnfTerinf;  conld  scdnce  them  from  their  duty.  Their  patience  was  equal  to  their  cnnrnge."  Most 
of  them  were  young  men  accustomed  to  the  comforts  and  I",riirle8  of  life.  Among  them  were  Gerard  W.  Brandon  nnu 
Abraham  N.  Scott,  both  afterward  governors  of  the  state.— Claiborne's  Li/e  of  Dale,  page  188. 


OF   THE  WAR    OF   1813. 


773 


Escape  of  Weallicraturil. 

y  about  one  thou- 

present  Lowndes 
Russell's  regulars; 
r  Benjamin  Smoot, 
;he  twelve  months' 
fifty  ChoctawB  un- 
!cl,  and  built  a  sta- 
•esent  Uutler  Comi- 
hirty  miles  farther 
>nri  as  possible,  and 
1  a  blutf  on  the  loft 
^ndes  County.   The 
months  before,  and 

inflame  the  Creeks 
ugitives  from  their 
tie  prophets  asburod 
ittose,  stood,  was  so 
[>  savage  priests  per- 
3wn  the  most  dvead- 
d  Creeks  friendly  to 
ministera  of  the  Evil 

ng  of  the  23d  of  De- 
manner,  and  the  in- 
Lisy  with  their  incan- 
)f  both  sexes  were  in 
J 

ider  Captains  Lester 
a  by  Colonel  Carson, 
mposed  of  a  detaeh- 
nounted  riflemen  un- 
mc  Choctaws  under 
|most  surrounded  by 

as  holy,  and  having 
They  had,  on  the 
[to  safe  places  in  the 

ga  County,  and  they 

Jipvement.     Carson's 
Tted  the  assault  with 
lly  into  the  ught,  the 
leaped,  owing  to  the 
Istward  of  the  town, 
I  of  the  river,  and  by 
I  joined  their  families 
Idesertcd  by  his  war- 
n  life.    He  was  hotly 
Uwerful  steed  made 
th  the  water.    They 
fh  one  hai.d,  and  his 

Unl  to  their  conrnge."  Most 
kere  Gerard  W.Brandon  aw. 


Dettrnction  of  Econochaca. 


Dlaaolutlon  of  the  Armiee  In  the  Creek  Country. 


Gathering  )t  new  Voaiuteers. 


rifle  with  the  other.    He  regained  his  saddle  in  a  moment,  and  the  noble  animal  bore 
him  safely  to  the  Autauga  shore.  ^ 

General  Claiborne  laid  Econochaca  in  ashes  after  it  was  plundered  by  the  Choc- 
taws. At  least  two  hundred  houses  were  destroyed  and  thirty  Indians  killed.  The 
loss  of  the  assailants  amounted  to  only  one  killed  and  six  wounded.  After  spending 
a  day  and  two  nights  in  the  vicinity,  completing  the  work  of  destruction  ar  d  disper- 
sion, and  suffering  much  from  Avet  and  cold,  the  little  array  turned  southward,  and 
on  the  29th''  reached  Fort  Clp.iborne.  They  had  suffered  much  on  the  .  December, 
way,  the  officers  and  men  alike  subsisting  chiefly  on  boiled  acorns  until  ^*^^" 
they  reached  Fort  Deposit. 

The  term  of  Carson's  Mississippi  Voluniters  and  cavalry  had  now  expired,  and 
they  were  mustered  out  of  the  service.  By  this  process  the  little  army  of  volunteers 
and  militia  melted  away,  and  on  the  23d  of  January  General  Claiborne  was  com- 
pelled, in  writing  to  the  Secretary  of  War  from  Mount  Vernon,  to  say  that  he  had 
only  sixty  men  left,  ard  their  time  would  soon  expire.  Colonel  Russell  and  his  reg- 
ulars garrisoned  Fort  Claiborne,  and  did  what  they  could  in  furnishing  supplies  to 
the  Tennessee  troops  above ;  at  the  same  time  they  made  some  unimportant  raids  in 
the  Lidian  country,  but  without  accomplishiiig  any  great  results. 

Let  us  now  observe  the  movements  of  Jackson  in  the  region  of  the  Coosa  and  Tal- 
lapoosa Rivers.  We  lefl  him  at  Fort  Strother,  comparatively  inactive  because  of  a 
lack  of  supplies  and  the  discontents  of  his  troops.  Nor  was  this  all.  The  terms  of 
enlistment  of  most  of  his  men  were  near  expiration,  and  he  saw  before  him,  in  the 
temper  of  bis  troops,  the  inevitable  disintegration  of  his  army  at  the  moment  when 
their  services  were  most  needed.  He  was  urged  by  his  chief.  General  Pinckney,  to 
hold  all  the  posts  in  his  possession,  for  it  was  of  vital  importance  to  deprive  the  Brit- 
ish of  these  new  Indian  allies,  Tlie  skies  at  that  moment  appeared  lowering.  Seven 
sail  of  British  vessels,  with  troops  and  two  bomb-ships,  were  off  Pensacola.  New 
Orleans  was  menaced,  and  Mobile  was  in  imminent  danger.  St.  Augustine  would 
doubtless  be  soon  occupied  by  a  British  force,  with  the  consent  of  the  treacherous 
Spaniards ;  and  in  every  direction  clouds  seemed  gathering,  portentous  of  dismal 
events  in  the  southwest. 

Thus  closed  the  year  1814,  while  Jackson,  with  his  army  substantially  disbanded, 
was  looking  anxiously  toward  Tennessee  for  another.  He  had  written  most  stirring 
appeals  for  men  and  food,  and  the  patriotic  Governor  Blount  was  doing  all  in  his 
power  to  provide  both.  General  Cocke  had  gone  back  to  East  Tennessee  with  or- 
ders to  raise  fifleen  hundred  men  and  rejoin  Jackson  in  the  Creek  country ;  and  a 
band  of  Cherokee  Indians  were  garrisoning  Fort  Armstrong,  on  the  upper  waters  of 
the  Coosa.  Jackson  himself  was  continually  in  motion.  Almost  alone  he  traversed 
the  wilderness  between  the  Coosa  and  Tennessee,  backward  and  forward,  in  endeav- 
ors to  hasten  onward  supplies  for  the  new  army.  At  lengtli  the  advance  of  that 
army  began  to  appear.  First  came  two  (mostly  mounted)  regiments  to  Fort  Strother, 
comn)!i,nded  by  Colonels  Perkins  and  Higgins,  numbering  about  nine  hundred  men, 
who  had  been  enlisted  for  only  sixty  days.  Thor  were  raw  recruits,  yet  Jackson  de- 
termined to  put  them  in  motion  toward  the  bRnded  enemy  immediately.  That  en- 
emy, recovered  somewhat  from  the  late  disasters,  was  showing  an  aggressive  disposi- 
tion which  must  be  checked;  and  accordingly,  on  the  15th  of  January ,''  b  isu. 
Jackson  led  his  new  troops  across  the  Coosa  to  the  late  battle-field  at 
Talladogt,  where  he  was  joined"  by  two  hundred  Cherokee  and  Creek  In-  °  "wnaryis. 
dians,  and  Chief  Jim  Fife.  He  had  brought  with  him  an  artillery  company  who  had 
remained  at  Fort  Strother  when  the  other  troops  left,  and  a  six-pounder.  His  whole 
force,  exclusive  of  the  Indians,  was  nine  hundred  and  thirty.  With  these  he  made  a 
raid  ("  excursion"  the  general  called  it)  toward  the  Tallapoosa,  preceded  by  two  cora- 

1  Pickett's  autory  d/ AUOama,  il.,  8M. 


774 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


JacluoD  on  the  War-path  again. 


Battle  of  Emncraa. 


Bravery  of  the  Creeks. 


>>  January  22. 


panieB  of  spies.  Ho  was  accompanied  by  General  Coffee,  whose  men  had  all  deserted 
him  but  about  forty,  who  now  followed  as  volunteers.  He  reached  the  Ilillabce 
Creek,  on  the  eastern  line  of  the  present  Talladega  County,  on  the  20th,  and  encampod 
that  night  at  Enotochopco,  in  the  southern  part  of  Randolph  County.  On  the  follow- 
•  January  21,  iig  moming*  he  pushed  forward  toward  Emucfau,  twelve  miles  distant 
**"•  on  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  and  toward  evening,  when  near  Emucfau 

Creek,  fell  upon  a  much-beaten  trail,  which  indicated  the  proximity  of  a  large  force 
of  Indians.  Jackson  thought  it  prudent  to  halt  and  reconnoitre.  He  disposed  his 
troops  in  a  hollow  square,  doubled  his  sentinels,  sent  out  spies,  and  in  every  way  took 
measures  to  meet  an  attack  during  the  night.  Toward  midnif^xit  the  savages  wore 
observed  prowling  about,  and  at  the  same  time  the  general  was  informed  that  a  lar^e 
body  of  Indians  were  encamped  witbin  three  miles  of  him,  some  engaged  in  a  war- 
dance,  and  others  removing  the  women  and  children.  An  immediate  attack  seemed 
impending,  and  Jackson,  fully  prepared,  calmly  awaited  it. 

The  night  wore  away,  and  the  dawn  approached,  when,  at  six  o'clock,'' 
the  Indians  fell  suddenly  and  with  great  fury  upon  the  left  flank  of  Jack- 
son's camp,  occupied  by  the  troops  under  Colonel  Iliggins.  General  Coffee  was  witli 
them,  and,  under  his  direction,  assisted  by  Colonel  Sitler,  the  adjutant  general,  and 
Colonel  Carroll,  the  inspector  general,  these  new  recruits  fought  gallantly,  and  kept 
the  assailants  in  check.  At  dawn,  w^en  the  whole  field  might  le  seen,  they  were  re- 
enforced  by  Captain  Ferrill's  company  of  infantry,  and  the  whole  body  were  led  to  a 
vigorous  charge  upon  the  savages  by  General  Coffee,  supported  by  Colonels  Iliggins 
and  Carroll,  and  the  friendly  Indians.  The  savages  were  discomfited  and  dispersed, 
and  fled,  hotly  pursued  by  the  Tennesseeans,  with  much  slaughter,  for  full  two  miles. 

Inspirited  by  this  success,  Jackson  immediately  detached  General  Coffee,  with  four 
hundred  men  and  the  whole  body  of  the  Indians,  to  destroy  the  encampment  of  the 
foe  at  Emucfau.  It  was  found  to  be  too  strongly  fortified  to  be  taken  without  artil- 
lery, so  Coffee  marched  back  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  the  cannon  on  its  way  to 
a  position  to  bear  upon  the  town.  This  retrograde  movement  encouraged  the  In- 
dians, and  a  strong  party  of  them  fell  upon  the  right  of  Jackson's  encampment.  Cof- 
fee at  once  asked  and  obtained  leave  to  lead  two  hundred  men  to  the  support  of  tiiat 
wing,  and  to  fall  upon  the  left  of  the  foe,  while  the  friendly  Indians  should  fall  u])on 
their  right  flank  at  the  same  moment.  By  some  mistake  only  fifty-four  men  followed 
Coffee.  The  gallant  general  fell  upon  the  Indians  with  these,  and  Jackson  ordered 
two  hundred  of  the  friendly  Indians  to  co-opcrato  with  him  by  attacking  the  right 
flank  of  the  savages.  "  This  order  was  promptly  obeyed,"  said  Jackson  in  his  report, 
"  and  on  the  moment  of  its  execution  what  I  expected  was  realized.  The  enemy  iiad 
intended  the  attack  on  the  right  as  a  feint,  and,  expecting  to  direct  my  attention 
thither,  meant  to  attack  mo  again,  and  with  their  main  force,  on  the  left  flank,  wliicii 
they  had  hoped  to  find  weakened  and  in  disorder.  Tliey  were  disappointed."  The 
general,  with  wise  discretion,  had  not  only  ordered  his  left  to  remain  firm,  but  Iiad 
repaired  thither  himself,  and  directed  a  part  of  the  reserves,  under  Captain  Ferrili,  to 
hasten  to  its  support.  In  this  Avay  the  whole  main  body  met  the  advancing  enemy. 
They  gave  the  foe  two  or  three  volleys,  and  then  charged  them  vigorously  with  the 
bayonet.  The  Indians  broke,  and  fled  in  confusion,  hotly  pursued  some  distance: 
and  the  friendly  Indians,  unable  to  withstand  the  lemptation,  left  their  post  on  the 
right  flank  and  joined  in  the  chase,  all  the  while  pouring  a  harassing  fire  upon  the 
fugitives. 

General  Coffee  in  the  mean  time  was  straggling  manfully  against  the  assailants  on 
the  right  of  the  encampment.  The  desertion  of  his  Indian  supporters  placed  him  in 
a  critical  situation,  for  the  odds  were  greatly  against  him.  He  was  soon  relieved  by 
the  return  from  the  chase  of  Jim  Fife  and  a  hundred  of  his  warriors,  who  were  imme- 
diately summoned  to  his  support.     The  aid  w^as  timely.     Coffee  aud  his  little  party 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


116 


Bravery  of  the  Creeks. 

1  had  all  deserted 
led  the  llillabee 
th,  and  encamped 
.     On  the  follow- 
ve  miles  distunt, 
en  near  Emucfau 
jr  of  a  large  force 
He  disposed  his 
in  every  way  took 
the  savages  wore 
jrraed  that  a  large 
engaged  in  a  war- 
ate  attack  seemed 

len,  at  six  o'clock,'' 
I  left  flank  of  Jack- 
ral  Coffee  was  with 
utant  general,  and 
gallantly,  and  kept 
seen,  they  were  re- 
body  were  led  to  a 
,y  Colonels  lliggins 
fitcd  and  dispersed, 
r,  for  full  two  miles. 
ral  Coffee,  with  four 
encampment  of  tlie 
taken  without  artil- 
annon  on  its  way  to 
encouraged  the  In- 
encampment.    Cof- 
the  support  of  that 
|ans  should  fall  upon 
■,y-four  men  followed 
[nd  Jackson  ordered 
attacking  the  right 
[ackson  in  his  report, 
jd.     The  enemy  had 
I  direct  my  attention 
the  left  flank,  which 
disappointed."    The 
•cmain  firm,  hut  had 
,r  Captain  Ferrill,  to 

16  advancing  enemy. 
vigorously  with  the 
(ued  some  distance; 
.ft  their  post  on  the 
•assing  fire  upon  the 

[nst  the  assailants  on 
Lrtcrs  placed  him  i" 
Ivas  soon  relieved  hv 
lors,  who  were  inune- 
aud  his  little  party 


Jackson's  retrograde  Movement. 


Battle  on  Snotochopco  Creek. 


A  severe  ContMt. 


charged  the  savages  vigorously,  who,  dispirited  by  the  flight  of  their  main  body,  gave 
way,  and  ran  for  their  lives  in  every  direction,  many  of  them  falling  before  the  de- 
structive weapons  of  the  pursuers.  The  victory,  in  the  fonn  of  a  repuls?,  was  com- 
plete, but  it  had  been  won  at  the  cost  of  a  severe  wound  in  his  body  by  General  Cof- 
lee,  and  tlie  loss  of  his  aid-de-camp.  Colonel  A.  Donolsou,  and  two  or  three  others. 
Several  of  the  privates  were  also  wounded. 

Jackson  was  astonished  at  the  courage  and  bravery  of  the  Creeks,  and  thought  it 
prudent  to  abandon  any  farther  attempts  to  destroy  the  encampment  at  Emucfau. 
His  movement  was  simply  a  raid,  witjh  the  twofold  object  of  striking  a  quick  and  de- 
structive blow  at  the  enemy,  and  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  General  Floyd,  tiien 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  Chattahoochee.  He  therefore  determined  to  return  to  Fort 
Strother. 

At  ten  o'clock  on  the  moming  of  the  23d  the  retrograde  march  commenced,  and 
the  little  array  reached  Enotochopco  Creek  before  sunset,  and  there  planted  a  forti- 
fied camp  for  the  night.  Great  vigilance  Avas  exercised,  and  no  serious  molestation 
was  observed  during  the  d.n  '  lOSS.  Well  rested,  the  troops  moved  forward  early  the 
next  morning.  Tlie  savages,  who  had  interpreted  this  movement  as  a  flight,  had  ibl- 
lowed  stealthily,  and,  just  as  the  advanced  guard  and  part  of  the  flank  columns,  with 
the  wounded,  had  crossed  the  creek,"  they  appeared  suddenly  in  force  on  t  ja„„nry24, 
their  rear.    The  firing  of  an  alarm-gun  brought  them  to  a  hrit,  when  Jack-  ^'*"- 

son  immediately  changed  front,  and  prepared  to  meet  the  foe  in  good  battle  order. 
He  placed  Colonel  Carroll  at  the  liead  of  the  centre  column  of  the  rear-guard,  its  right 
commanded  by  Colonel  Perkins,  and  its  left  by  Colonel  Stump.  He  chose  his  own 
ground  for  battle,  and  expected  to  have  entirely  'at  oft'  the  enemy  by  wheeling  the 
right  and  left  columns  on  their  pivots,  recroesing  the  creek  above  and  below,  and  fall- 
ing in  upon  their  flanks  and  rear.  To  Jackson's  great  astonishment,  his  troops,  who 
liad  behaved  so  well  at  Emucfau,  now  foiled ;  and  when  the  word  was  given  for  Car- 
roll to  halt  and  form,  and  a  few  guns  had  been  fired,  the  right  and  left  columns  of  the 
rear-guard  precipitately  gave  way  and  made  a  disastrous  retreat.  They  drew  along 
with  them  a  greater  part  of  the  centre  column,  leaving  not  more  than  twenty-five 
men  to  support  Carroll.  These  maintained  the  ground  gallantly,  and  order  was  soon 
restored.  The  battle  was  now  sustained  by  only  this  handful  of  the  rear-guard  under 
Captain  Quarles,  the  artillery  company  under  Lieutenant  Robert  Armstrong,  and 
Captain  Russell's  company  of  spies.  The  solitary  6-pcunder  that  composed  the  heavy 
ordnance  of  tlie  expedition  was  dragged  to  the  top  of  a  hill  in  the  midst  of  a  galling 
lire  from  ten  times  the  number  of  the  Teiinesseeans  engaged,  when  they  poured  upon 
the  foe  a  storm  of  gra])e-8hot  that  sent  them  yelling  with  attVight  in  every  direction.' 
They  were  pursued  more  than  two  miles  by  Colonels  Carroll  and  Higgins,  and  Cap- 
tain? Elliott  and  Pipkin.  The  venerable  Judge  Cocke,  then  sixty-five  years  of  age, 
was  in  the  engagement,  and  joined  in  the  pursuit  witl'  all  the  ardor  of  youth.  The 
slaughter  among  the  Indians  was  heavy,  while  that  among  the  Tennesseeans  Avas 
comparatively  light.  The  exact  number  of  casualties  among  the  latter  was  not  re- 
corded. Captain  Hamilton,  from  East  Tennessee,  was  killed,  and  Lieutenants  Robert 
Armstrong,  Bird  Evans,  Hiram  Bradford,  and  Jacob  M'Givock,  and  Captain  Quarles, 
were  wounded.  Evans  and  Quarles  soon  afterward  died.  Li  the  two  engagements, 
Kmucfau  and  Enotochopco,  Jackson's  entire  loss  was  twenty  killed  and  seventy-five 


'  The  Rallnntry  of  two  yonni;  men  In  this  cngnRcmcnt  deserves  a  record.  These  were  Constantino  Perkine  nnd  Criivcn 
.laokson.  The  former  was  a  graduate  of  Cumberland  (Tennessee)  Collepp,  wa«  with  Jacksoii  at  the  battle  of  Talladcf;a, 
nnd  WHS  one  of  the  few  who  refused  to  desert  him  nt  Fort  Strother.  In  the  linrry  and  confusion  In  eeparaling  the  can- 
imn  from  the  limber,  the  rammer  and  picker  of  the  piece  were  left  behind.  lu  the  midst  of  the  shower  of  bullets  from 
tlic  Indians,  Jackson  coolly  pulled  out  his  Iron  ramrod  fl-om  his  musket  nnd  used  it  as  a  picker,  primed  with  a  cartridge 
from  his  side,  and  fired  the  cannon.  Perklna  then  slipped  off  his  bayonet,  used  his  musket  for  a  rammer,  and  drove 
down  the  cartridge  for  another  discharge.  These  two  brave  young  men  kept  the  flcld-i>icce  working,  and  drove  the 
Mvnges  to  the  deep  forest  Armstrong  lay  wounded  near  by,  and  called  out  to  those  ariniiid  the  piece,  "My  brave  fel- 
lows, some  of  you  may  fall,  but  you  mnst  save  the  cannon  1" 


fll 


770 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Jackson  at  Fort  Struther. 


Battle  on  the  Calebee  Rtver. 


The  Georgians  retire  to  their  Frontier. 


wounded.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  not  accurately  ascertained.  One  hundred  and 
eighty-nine  of  their  warriors  were  found  dead.' 

•  January  28,        Jackson  made  his  way  back  to  Fort  Strother''  after  an  absence  of  twelve 
131'*.  days,  not  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  results  of  his  raid,  yet  he  presented 

it  to  the  public  in  the  best  aspect  possible.  His  force  was  almost  double  that  of  the 
Indians,  for  at  that  time  the  larger  proportion  of  them  were  below,  watching  the 
movements  of  Floyd  and  his  Georgians,  while  a  considerable  force  were  strongly  for- 
tifying the  Horseshoe,  and  other  places,  preparatory  to  a  desperate  defensive  war. 
His  expedition,  however,  had  been  useful,  and  General  Pinckney,  in  a  letter  to  the 
^  War  Department,*"  said, "  Without  the  personal  firmness,  popularity,  and 

exertions  of  that  officer,  the  Indian  War  on  the  part  of  Tennessee  woii'd 
have  been  abandoned,  at  least  for  a  time." 

We  will  leave  Jackson  at  Fort  Strother  a  few  moments  while  we  consider  the 
movements  of  Floyd  below.  We  left  that  officer  at  Fort  Mitchell,  on  the  Chatta- 
hoochee. 

Floyd  reposed  more  than  six  weeks  awaiting  supplies,  and  during  that  time  recov- 
ered of  his  wound  received  at  Auttose.  Then  he  marched  toward  Toockabatcha,  on 
the  Tallapoosa,  with  over  twelve  hundred  Georgia  volunteers,  a  company  of  cavalry, 
and  four  hundred  friendly  Indians.  He  established  communicating  posts  on  the  way, 
and  at  length,  on  the  night  of  tho  26th  of  January,  encamped  on  the  Calebee  or  Chal- 
libee  River,  on  the  high  land  bordering  the  swamp  of  that  name,  in  Macon  County, 
Alabama,  fifty  miles  west  of  Fort  Mitchell,  The  camp  was  carefully  watched,  but  hi 
the  gloom,  more  than  an  hour  before  the  dawn  of  the  following  morning,  a  band  of 
Creeks,  who  had  stealthily  assembled  in  the  swamp  during  the  night,  shot  the  sen- 
tinels, and  pounced  like  fierce  tigers  on  Floyd's  front  and  fiank.  The  attack  was  snd- 
den,  yet  not  unprepared  for,  and  the  savages  were  gallantly  opposed,  in  the  front,  by 
the  artillery  under  Captain  Jett  Thomas,  riflemen  commanded  by  Captain  William 
E.  Adams,  and  a  picket-guard  led  by  Captain  John  Broadnax. 

The  fo  rushed  desperately  up  within  thirty  yards  of  the  cannon,  and  smote  the 
troops  severely.  Broadnax  and  his  party  were  cut  off  from  their  companions  for  a 
while,  but  with  the  aid  of  the  half-blood  chief  Timpoochy  Barnard,  leader  of  some 
Uchees,  they  cut  their  way  through  the  encircling  savages.  Most  of  the  other  In- 
dians took  shelter  in  the  camp,  and  were  scarcely  felt  in  the  battle,  which  was  con- 
tested fiercely  in  the  darkness,  which  was  rendered  more  intense  by  the  umbrageous 
branches  of  the  heavy  pine  forest  in  which  they  were  fighting.  When  daylight 
came,  and  Floyd  was  enabled  to  survey  the  field  of  action,  the  contest  was  soon  end- 
ed. The  general  ordered  the  right  wing  of  his  little  army,  composed  of  the  battalions 
comraanded  by  Majors  Booth,  Cleveland,  Watson,  and  Freeman,  and  a  troop  of  cav- 
alry under  Captain  Duke  Hamiltn",  to  charge  on  the  foe.  The  Indians  were  dismayed 
by  the  glittering  bayonets,  a,nd  fled  in  great  terror.  The  infantry  pursued,  and  the 
cavalry  joined  in  the  exciting  chase,  followed  by  the  friendly  Indians  and  Meriweath- 
er's  and  Ford's  riflemen.  They  were  chased  through  the  swamp,  and  many  of  the  fu- 
gitives were  slain.  They  left  thirty-seven  dead  in  the  pathway  of  their  flight.  Tlie 
Georgians  lost  seventeen  killed  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  wounded,  and  the 
friendly  Indians  had  five  men  killed  and  fifleen  wounded.  Colonel  Newman,  a  gal- 
lant officer,  was  wounded  by  three  bullets  and  disabled,  at  the  beginning  of  the 
action. 

Floyd's  wounded  were  so  many,  and  the  hostile  Indians  in  his  vicinity  were  so  nu- 
merous, and  might  be  speedily  re-enforced,  that  he  prudently  concluded  not  to  pene- 
trate tlie  country  farther,  but  to  fall  back  to  the  Chattahoochee.  On  the  day  of  the 
battle  he  retired  to  Fort  Hull,  one  of  his  newly-erected  stockades,  and  on  the  following 
day  the  Indians  occupied  the  late  battle-field.     Leaving  a  small  garrison  at  Fort 


1  Qeueral  Jackson's  official  Letter  to  General  Plnckiioy,  January  89, 18U. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


m 


retire  to  their  Frontier. 

One  hundred  and 

absence  of  twelve 
,  yet  he  presented 
iouble  that  of  the 
ow,  watching  the 
were  strongly  for- 
ite  defensive  war. 
in  a  letter  to  the 
89,  popularity,  and 
f  Tennessee  woiiUl 

e  we  consider  the 
lell,  on  the  Chatta- 

ng  that  time  recov- 
d  Toockabatcha,  on 
ompany  of  cavalry, 
g  posts  on  the  way, 
he  Calebee  or  Chal- 
>,  in  Macon  County, 
ally  watched,  but  in 
morning,  a  band  of 
night,  shot  the  ficn- 
The  attack  was  sud- 
3sed,in  the  front,  by 
by  Captain  William 

mon,  and  smote  the 
;ir  companions  for  a 
lard,  leader  of  some 
tost  of  the  other  lu- 
[ttle,  which  was  con- 
by  the  umbrageous 
;.     When  daylight 
j'ntest  was  soon  end- 
fsed  of  the  battalions 
and  a  troop  of  cav- 
iians  were  dismayed 
try  pursued,  and  tlie 
[ians  and  Meriweath- 
and  many  of  the  fu- 
|of  their  flight.    The 
)  wounded,  and  the 
)ncl  Newman,  a  gal- 
le  beginning  of  the 

Ivicinity  were  so  mi- 

^cluded  not  to  pene- 

On  the  day  of  the 

and  on  the  following 

kll  garrison  at  Fort 

11814. 


KMt  TenneBBeeans  on  their  Way  to  the  Creek  Couiitry.       The  Choctaw  Allies  In  Arms.       Preparation  of  the  Creeks. 

Hidl,  the  general  continued  his  retrograde  movement  to  Fort  Mitchell,  where  his 
men  were  honorably  discharged,  their  term  of  service  having  expired.     No  other  ex- 
pedition against  the  Creeks  was  organized  in  Georgia. 
Let  us  now  return  to  Jackson  at  Fort  Strother. 

On  his  return  from  his  twelve  days'  "  excursion"  or  raid  to  the  Tallapoosa,  Jackson 
set  his  few  militia  that  remained  to  constructing  flat-boats  in  which  to  bring  supplies 
dowTi  the  Coosa,  and  to  transport  them  to  regions  below,  where  materials  for  his  new 
array  were  rapidly  approaching  from  Tennessee.  He  discharged  the  troops  who  had 
been  with  him  on  the  late  expedition,  their  tenn  of  service  being  about  ready  to  ex- 
pire. Tliey  left  for  homo  full  of  admiration  of  and  enthusiasm  for  their  general,  and 
their  return  gave  a  new  impetus  to  volunteering.  At  the  beginning  of  February 
two  thousand  troops  from  East  Tennessee  were  in  the  shadows  of  Lookout  Mountain, 
pressing  on  toward  the  Coosa,  and  at  about  the  same  time  as  many  more  West  Ten- 
uesseeans  arrived  at  Huntsville. 

Intelligence  of  these  approaching  troops  filled  Jackson's  heart  with  gladness.  His 
joy  was  increased  by  the  arrival  on  the  6th,  at  Fort  Strother,  of  Colonel  Williams  and 
the  Thirty-ninth  Regiment  of  the  United  States  Army,  six  hundred  strong,  who  had 
been  induced  to  hasten  to  the  relief  of  Jackson  by  the  late  Honorable  Hugh  L.  White, 
of  East  Tennessee.  Very  soon  afterward  a  part  of  Coffee's  brigade  of  mounted  men 
came  into  Fort  Strother,  and  also  a  troop  of  East  Tennessee  dragoons.  Tl  e  Choctaw 
Indians  now  openly  espoused  the  cause  of  the  United  States ;  and  before  the  close 
of  February  Jackson  found  himself  at  the  head  of  an  'army  of  five  thousand  men, 
lacking  nothing  to  enable  them  to  sweep  the  whole  Creek  country  with  tlie  besom 
of  destruction  but  adequate  supplies  of  food.  Great  exe?tions  were  put  forth  suc- 
cessfully to  that  end,  and  at  the  middle  of  March  every  thing  was  in  readiness  for  a 
forward  movement. 

The  hostile  Creeks  were  aware  of  the  formidable  preparations  for  their  subjugation, 
and  were,  at  the  same  time,  taking  measures  to  avert,  if  possible,  the  impending  blow. 
They  had  suffered  severely  at  the  hands  of  Jackson,  Floyd,  and  Claiborne,  and  had 
already  begun  to  have  such  premonitions  of  national  disaster  that  they  determined 
to  concentrate  their  forces,  and  rest  their  fortunes  upon  the  cast  of  the  die  of  a  single 
battle  with  the  foe.  For  this  purpose  the  warriors  of  the  Hillabee,  Ockfuske,  Eufau- 
lahache,  New  Youka,  Oakchoie,  Hickory  Ground,  and  Fish-pond  towns  had  gathered 
hi  the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  in  the  northeast  part  of  Tallapoosa  County,  Alabama, 
called  Tohopeka,  or  the  Ilorseshoe,  the  river  there  assuming  the  shape  of  that  object, 
forming  a  peninsula  of  about  one  hundred  acres.  By  the  aid  of  white  men  from  Pen- 
sa.ola,  and  some  hostile  half-bloods,  they  built  a  very  strong  breastwork  of  logs  across 
the  neck  of  the  peninsula,  and  pierced  it  wnth  two  rows  of  port-holes  arranged  in  such 
manner  as  to  expose  the  assailants  to  a  cross-fire  from  within.  Back  of  this  breast- 
work was  a  mass  of  logs  and  brush ;  and  at  the  bottom  of  the  peninsula,  near  the 
river,  was  a  village  of  log  huts,  where  hundreds  of  canoes  were  moored  at  the  banks 
of  the  stream,  so  that  the  garrison  might  have  the  means  of  escape  if  hard  pushed,  A 
greater  portion  of  the  peninsula  was  covered  with  forest.  The  Indians  had  an  ara- 
ble supply  of  food  for  a  long  siege.  Their  number  was  about  twelve  hundred,  one 
fourth  being  women  and  children.  There  the  Indians  determined  to  defend  them- 
selves to  the  last  extremity.  They  regarded  their  breastwork  as  impregnable,  and 
were  inspirited  by  recent  events  at  Emuckfau  (about  four  miles  distant)  and  Enoto- 
chopco. 

When  Jackson  was  informed  by  some  friendly  Indians  of  the  gathering  of  the 
•^reeks  at  the  Horseshoe,  he  resolved  to  march  thither  immediately  and  strike  an  ex- 
terminating blow.  He  sent  his  stores  down  the  Coosa  in  flat-boats,  in  charge  of  Col- 
onel Williams  and  his  regiment  of  regulars,  and  leaving  a  garrison  of  four  hundred 
and  fifty  men  in  Fort  Strother,  under  Colonel  Steele,  he  commenced  his  march  with 


Wn 


the  remainder  of  his  army  toward  the  Tallapoosa  on  the  16th  of  IMarch,"  tlic 
only  musical  instrument  to  cheer  them  on  the  way  being  a  solitary  drum.   Tlie 


: 


OF  THE   WAK    OF    1812, 


779 


Jickion  marches  upon  the  Siivnges  at  Ihe  Iluneahoe. 


A  (lenperatc  Battle  there. 


Bravery  of  both  Partlea. 


jouniey  was  slowly  performed,  for  much  of  the  way  a  road  had  to  be  cut  through 
the  woods.  On  the  2l8t  they  were  at  the  mouth  of  Cedar  Creek,  where  they  were 
joined  by  the  supply-boats  the  next  day,  and  there  Fort  Williams  was  built  to  keep 
open  the  communication  with  Fort  Strother.  Then  Jackson  pushed  on  eastward,  and 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  halted  within  a  few  miles  of  the  breastworks  at  the 
Horseshoe,  and  sent  out  parties  to  reconnoitre.  His  army  now  numbered  about  two 
thousand  effective  men. 

Jackson's  spies  informed  h'  n  of  the  position  of  the  Indians,  and  he  at  once  compre- 
hended the  folly  which  had  jjcrmitted  them  to  assemble  in  a  pen,  as  if  offering  facili- 
ties for  him  to  carry  out  his  threat  of  extermination.  He  sent  General  Coffee,  with 
ull  the  mounted  men  and  friendly  Indians,  to  cross  the  river  about  two  miles  below 
the  Bend,  and  take  position  on  the  bank  o])po8ite  the  village  and  boats.  When,  by 
signal,  he  was  certified  of  the  execution  of  his  order,  he  went  forward  Avith  the  main 
body  of  his  army  toward  the  peninsula,  and  planted  two  field-pieces  upon  a  little  hill 
within  eighty  yards  of  the  nearest  point  of  the  fortifications  on  the  neck.  At  a  little 
past  ten  o'clock  these  opened  fire  on  the  works,  under  the  direction  of  Captain  Brad- 
ford, chief  engineer,  but  without  seriously  affecting  the  wall.  As  the  small  balls  were 
buried  in  the  logs  and  earth,  the  Indians  set  up  a  shout  of  derision,  and  the  general 
was  fairly  defied. 

Simultaneously  with  the  attack  on  the  Indians' breastworks,  some  of  the  Cherokees 
with  Coffee  SAvam  across  the  river,  seized  the  canoes,  paddled  back  in  them,  and  full 
two  hundred  men  were  jit  once  conveyed  over  the  stream,  and,  under  the  direction 
ofColoncl  Morgan  and  Captain  Russell,  set  the  little  town  on  fire,  and  moved  against 
the  enemy  in  the  rear  of  their  works.  The  smoke  from  the  burning  huts  assured 
Jackson  that  all  was  going  on  well  in  that  quarter,  but  the  slackening  of  the  assail- 
ants' musketry  gave  evidence  that  they  were  too  few  to  dislodge  the  savages,  and 
were  probably  in  peril.  The  general  at  once  determined  to  storm  the  breastworks 
wliich  he  had  been  battering  for  full  two  hours  with  cannon-balls  almost  in  vain. 
The  lliirty-ninth  United  States  Infantry,  under  Colonel  Williams,  formed  the  van  of 
the  storming  party.  They  were  well  supported  by  General  James  Doherty's  East 
Tennessee  brigade  under  Colonel  Bunch,  and  the  whole  assailing  party  beliaved  most 
valiantly.  They  pressed  steadily  forward  in  the  face  of  a  deadly  storm  of  bullets  and 
arrows,  and  maintained  for  some  time  a  hand-to-haiui  fight  at  the  port-holes.  This 
(k'spcrate  conflict  lasted  several  minutes,  when  Major  L.  P.  Montgomery  leaped  upon 
the  breastwork,  and  called  upon  his  men  to  follow.  They  did  so,  and  at  the  same 
moment  he  fell  dead  with  a  bullet  in  his  head.  Ensign  Sam  Houston,  a  gallant  youth 
at  his  side,  was  severely  Avounded  in  the  thigh  at  the  same  time  by  a  barbed  arrow, 
blithe  leaped  boldly  down  among  the  savages,  and  called  upon  his  companions  to  fol- 
low. They  did  so,  and  fought  like  tigers.  Very  soon  the  dexterous  use  of  the  baj-- 
onct  caused  the  Indians  to  break,  and  flee  in  wild  confusion  to  the  woods  and  thick- 
ets. They  had  fought  bravely  under  great  disadvantages,  and  believing  that  torture 
awaited  the  captive,  not  o'le  would  suffer  himself  to  be  taken,  or  asked  for  quarter. 
Some  attempted  to  escape  by  swimming  across  the  river,  but  were  shot  by  the  uner- 
ring bullets  of  the  Tennes  oceans.  Others  secreted  themselves  in  thickets,  and  were 
driven  out  and  slain ;  and  a  considerable  number  took  refuge  under  the  river  bluffs, 
wliere  they  Avere  covered  by  a  part  of  the  breastworks  and  felled  trees.  To  the  lat- 
ter Jackson  sent  word  that  their  lives  should  be  spared  if  they  would  surrender.  The 
snmmons  was  answered  by  a  volley  that  sent  the  messenger  (an  interpreter)  back 
bleeding  from  severe  wounds.  A  cannon  was  then  brought  to  bear  upon  the  strong- 
hold, but  it  made  little  effect.  Then  the  general  called  for  volunteers  to  storm  it, 
and  the  wounded  Ensign  Houston'  was  the  first  to  step  out.     While  reconnoitring 

'  This  wag  the  afterward  soldier  and  statesman,  General  Sam  Ilonston,  one  of  the  bravest  of  the  leaders  In  the  Texas 
RcTolatlon,  first  President  of  the  independent  Republic  of  Texas,  and  for  man;  years  n  member  of  the  National  Legit- 


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riCTOUlAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Creeks  defeated  at  the  Battle  of  the  Iloriieshne. 


Note.— The  obove  plan  of  the  battle  of  Cholocco  Lituhtxcc,  or  the  Horseshoe,  Is  nrrangert  from  one  In  Pickett's  H.i 
tory  of  Alabama.  A  shows  the  position  of  the  hill  f^om  which  Jackson's  caunon  played  upon  the  breastworks,  C  C  C 
represent  the  position  of  Coffee's  command. 

the  position  above,  he  received  from  the  concealed  savages  two  bullets  in  his  slioiil- 
dcr,  and  ho  was  borne  helpless  away.  Others  lost  llicir  lives  in  attempts  to  clislodsc 
the  foe.  It  was  conceded  that  the  place  was  impregnable  to  missiles,  so  the  torch 
was  applied,  and  the  savages,  as  they  rushed  wildly  from  the  crackling  furnace,  were 
shot  down  without  mercy  by  the  exasperated  riflemen.  Tlie  carnage  continued  until 
late  in  the  evening,  and  when  it  was  ended  five  hundred  and  fifty-seven  Creek  war- 
riors lay  dead  on  the  little  peninsula.  Of  the  thousand  who  went  into  the  battle  in 
the  morning  not  more  than  two  hundred  were  alive,  and  many  of  these  were  severely 
wounded.'  Jackson's  loss  was  thirty-two  killed  and  ninety-nine  wounded.  Tlie  Cher- 
okees  lost  eighteen  killed  and  thirty-six  wounded.  Among  the  slain  were  Major  Mont- 
gomery^  and  Lieutenants  Moulton  and  Somerville.     The  spoils  of  victory  were  over 

laturc  of  the  United  States.  He  was  n  remarkable  man.  He  was  born  In  Eockbrldji^  County,  Virginia,  on  the  2(1  of 
March,  1703,  and,  while  yet  a  child,  he  went  with  his  widowed  mother  to  Tennessee.  He  spent  several  years  mth  tbe 
Cherokee  Indians,  and  became  enamored  with  their  roving,  restless  life.  Ue  eulUteil  in  the  army  iu  1$13,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  war  bad  reached  the  position  of  lieutenant.  Then  he  studied  law  at  Nashville,  and  there  commenced  bij 
long  political  life.  In  1823  he  was  elected  to  Congress,  and  continued  in  that  body  until  1827,  when  he  became  Govercor 
of 'Tennessee,  Before  the  expiration  of  his  term  he  resigned,  and  took  up  hia  abode  among  the  Cherokecs  in  Arkan- 
sas, where  he  bcfrtcnded  them  much  in  *heir  intercourse  with  dishonest  agents  of  the  Government.  He  became  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  little  army  of  revolutionists  in  Texas,  which  achieved  its  independence  in  183C.  He  was  twice 
elected  presi(l<'-.i  of  that  republic,  and  when  Texas  was  annexed  to  the  United  States  he  was  sent  as  her  rcprcsentatite 
to  the  Senate,  where  he  remained  until  just  before  the  breaking  out  of  the  great  Civil  War,  •  '  he  was  Governor  o( 
Texas.    He  died  in  November,  1803,  aged  seventy  years. 

'  Pickett  relates  (Uistory  of  Alabama,  ii.,  84.3)  that  many  suffered  long  from  grievons  wounds.  "Manowa,"  he  sat!, 
"one  of  the  bravest  chiefs  that  ever  lived,  was  literally  shot  to  pieces.  He  fought  as  long  as  he  could.  Be  saved  fain- 
self  by  Jumping  Into  the  river  where  the  water  was  fonr  feet  deep.  He  held  to  a  root,  and  thus  kept  himself  bcneatli 
the  waves,  breathing  through  the  long  Joint  of  a  cane,  one  end  of  which  he  held  in  his  mouth,  while  the  other  end  came 
above  the  surface  of  the  water.  When  night  set  in,  the  brave  Manowa  rose  from  his  watery  bed,  and  made  his  way  to 
the  forest,  bleeding  from  many  wounds.  Many  years  after  the  war  we  conversed  with  the  chief,  and  learned  from  bim 
the  particulars  of  his  .-emarkable  escape.  His  face,  limbs,  and  body,  at  the  time  we  conversed  with  him,  were  marlied 
with  scars  of  many  horrible  wounds." 

»  Lemuel  Paruell  Montgomery  was  bom  In  Wythe  County,  Virginia,  In  1786,  and  was  distantly  related  to  the  hero  ot 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


781 


refl  from  one  In  PickcU's  H* 
ipon  Ihe  breastworks.  C  C  C 

bullets  in  liia  shoul- 
attempts  to  dislodge 
missiles,  so  the  torch 
ackling  furnace,  were 
.■nage  continued  xmtil 
fty-seven  Creek  par- 
ent into  tlic  battle ' 
(fthcse  were  severely 
•wounded.    Tlie  Cher- 
lain  were  Major  Mont- 
of  victory  were  over 

|!onnty,Vl7ginla,on  the  2d  o( 
.  spent  several  years  with  He 
>  the  army  In  1S13,  and  at  tht 

lille,  and  there  commenced  bi! 

I27,  when  ho  became  Governor 

long  the  Cherokees  in  Arlian- 
tvernment.  He  became  com- 
laencc  m  1830.  ncwastmcc 
Ivns  sent  as  her  representative 
L,  •  •     ■  be  was  Governor  01 

lounas.  "Manowa/'heMJt, 
lasheconW.  Heeavedhta. 
InathnskeptWmselfbenerti 
lith,  while  the  other  end  came 
Terjl  bed,  and  made  h  sway  to 
le  chief,  and  learned  from  hiffl 
Icrsed  with  him,  were  marked 

Ltantly  related  to  the  hero  ot 


.lackunn  retires  from  the  Fields  of  Conflict.       The  snbdaed  Indians  sue  fur  Peace.      Wcathersford  In  Jackson's  Tent. 

three  hundred  widows  and  orphans  who  wcro  made  prisoners.    Tlie  blow  was  appall- 
inir,  and  fatal  to  the  dignity  and  i)ower  of  the  Creek  nation. 

On  the  morning  after  the  battle*  at  the  Ilorseslioe  Jackson  commenced  .  March  ss, 
a  retrograde  march  toward  Fort  Williams,  carrying  his  wounded  witli  liim  '**'''• 
on  litters,  and  leaving  the  bodies  of  most  of  liis  dead  beneath  the  watera  of  the  Coosa, 
safe  from  desecration  by  siivage  liands.  They  were  five  days  on  tlie  way,  and  during 
as  many  more  they  rested  there.  They  encountered  some  hostile  Indians  on  the 
march,  but  tliey  generally  fled  at  their  ajjproacL.  The  spirit  of  the  proud  Creeks  was 
broken,  and  they  had  no  heart  to  make  a  defensive  stand  any  where. 

From  Fort  Williams  Jackson  pualicd  on  toward  the  Hickory  Ground  of  tlic  Creeks, 
at  the  confluence  of  the  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa  Rivers,  over  a  country  flooded  by  s])ring 
rains  and  swollen  streams,  and  halted  at  the  head  of  the  peninsula,  where  tlie  rivers 
approach  each  other  within  si.x  hundred  yards  b-.fore  uniting  four  miles  below.  There, 
on  the  sight  of  Fort  Toulouse,  erected  by  Governor  Bienville  a  hundred  years  before, 
he  built  a  stockade,  cleaned  out  and  deepened  the  old  French  entrance,  and  raised  the 
national  standard  over  a  fortification  named,  in  his  honor.  Fort  Jackson.  Thither  dep- 
utation after  deputation  of  humiliated  Creek  chiefs  made  their  way  to  sue  for  pardon 
and  peace  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  people.  They  were  received  with  court- 
esy, yet  with  sternness.  "  Give  proof  of  your  submission,"  said  the  general, "  substan- 
tially by  going  and  staying  above  Fort  Williams,  where  you  will  be  treated  with,  and 
the  final  demands  of  my  Goveniment  will  be  made  known  to  you.  But  you  must 
first  bring  in  Wcathersford,  the  cruel  leader  of  the  attack  on  Fort  Mims,  wlio  on  no 
account  can  be  forgiven."  They  cheerfully  complied ;  but  little  did  Jackson  know 
the  true  character  of  Wcathersford,  or  the  plasticity  of  his  own  nature  at  that  time. 

Wcathersford  did  not  wait  to  be  caught  and  dragged  like  a  felon  to  the  feet  of 
the  leader  of  the  pale  faces.  He  was  a  stranger  to  fear,  and  sagacious  in  plans.  Ho 
WW  clearly  the  flight  of  hope  for  his  nation,  at  the  Horseshoe,  and  resolved  to  sub- 
mit. Mounting  his  fine  gray  horse,  with  whom  lie  leaped  from  tlie  bluff"  at  the  Holy 
Ground,'  he  rode  to  Jackson's  camp.  He  arrived  just  at  sunset.''  The  gen-  ^ 
iral  was  alone  in  his  tent  when  the  chief  entered  it,  drew  himself  up  to  Ids 
lull  height,  and,  folding  his  arms,  said, "  I  am  Weathersford,  the  chief  who  command- 
ed at  Fort  Mims.  I  have  nothing  to  request  for  myself  You  can  kill  me  if  you  de- 
sire. I  have  come  to  beg  you  to  send  for  the  women  and  children  of  the  war-party, 
who  are  now  starving  in  the  woods.  Their  fields  antl  cribs  have  been  destroyed  by 
your  people,  who  have  driven  them  to  the  woods  without  an  ear  of  corn.  I  hope 
that  you  will  send  out  parties  who  will  conduct  them  safely  here,  in  order  that  they 
may  be  fed.  I  exerted  myself  in  vain  to  prevent  the  massacre  of  the  women  and 
thildien  at  Fort  Mims.^  I  have  come  now  to  ask  peace  for  my  people,  but  not  for 
myself."'  Jackson  expressed  astonishment  that  one  so  guilty  should  dare  to  appear 
ill  his  presence  and  ask  for  peace  and  protection.  "  I  am  in  your  power ;  do  with  me 
as  you  please,"  the  chief  haughtily  replied.  "  I  am  a  soldier.  I  have  done  the  white 
jieople  all  the  harm  I  could.  I  have  fought  them,  and  fought  them  bravely;  and  if  I 
had  an  army  I  would  yet  fight,  and  contend  to  the  last.  But  I  have  none.  My  people 
arc  all  gone.     I  can  now  do  no  more  than  weep  over  the  misfortunes  of  my  nation." 


the  same  name  who  fell  at  Quebec  at  the  close  of  1TT6.  His  family  settled  originally  in  North  Carolina,  and  were  Scotch- 
Iriih.  In  early  life  the  major  became  a  resident  of  East  Tennessee,  near  Knoxville.  He  studied  law,  and  became  a 
rival  of  the  eminent  Felix  Grundy.  He  was  a  darini;  horseman,  and  flill  of  soldierly  qualities.  _  President  Madison  ap- 
pointed him  major  of  the  Thirty-niuth  Regiment,  and  he  fell  at  their  head  when  storming  "the  breastworks  at  the 
Horseshoe,  as  we  have  ob? ervod  In  the  text.  Jackson  wept  over  his  body  like  a  child,  and  exclaimed,  "  I  have  lost  the 
Bower  of  my  army  I"  He  was  buried  near  where  he  fell,  and  in  long  after  years  the  citizens  of  Tallapoosa  County  hon- 
ored his  memory  by  exhuming  his  remains,  and  burying  them  with  mllitaiy  ceremonies  at  the  capital  of  the  county. 
The  County  of  Montgomery  and  the  political  capital  of  the  State  of  Alabama  were  named  in  honor  of  this  brave  sol- 
dier.—Pickett.  '  See  page  772.  »  See  an  account  of  his  exertions  on  page  750. 
'  Weathersford's  appeal  for  the  women  and  children  was  kindly  responded  to,  and  not  only  to  the  women  and  chil- 
JreD.bnt  to  the  remnant  of  the  nation  succor  was  given.  For  a  cousldcrablc  part  of  the  ensuing  summer,  five  thousand 
Creek  Indians  drew  rations  from  the  public  stores.  But  for  this  aid  a  large  number  of  them  must  have  perished  by 
ftarvatlon. 


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9B2 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


WMtlMnAird'H  mniily  Tiilk. 


JacluoD  admlrei  and  raleiaea  him. 


The  Creok  Niillim  ruined. 


Hero  was  a  man  after  Jackson's  own  heart.  A  patriot  who  loved  his  peo|»l(.,  had 
foujifht  to  protect  the  liiiul  of  his  birtli  from  the  inviuler,  and  now  feiirleHsly  expressed 
his  |)atrioti8m  in  the  presence  of  one  wlio  had  power  over  his  life.  Juekson  imme- 
diately informed  him  that  submission  and  the  acceptance  of  a  home  beyond  tlie  iMis- 
sissippi  for  his  nation  was  the  only  wise  policy  for  him  to  pursue.  He  added," It; 
however,  you  desire  to  contimie  the  war,  and  feel  i)repared  to  meet  the  conseiiueiues, 
you  may  depart  in  peace,  and  unite  yourself  with  the  war-party,  if  you  clioose," 
Half  scornfully,  half  sorrowfully,  Wcathersford  replied,  "I  may  well  be  addressed  in 
such  language  now.  There  was  a  time  when  I  had  a  choice  and  could  have  an- 
swered you  ;  I  have  none  now — even  hope  is  ended.  Once  I  could  animate  my  war- 
riors to  battle,  but  can  not  animate  the  dead.  My  warriors  can  no  longer  hear  inv 
voice.  Their  bones  are  at  Talladega,  Tallaseliatche,  Emucfan,  Econochopco,  and  To- 
hopeka.  I  have  not  surrendered  myself  thoughtlessly.  While  there  was  a  cdianw 
for  success  I  never  left  my  post  nor  supplicated  peace.  But  my  people  are  gone,  and 
I  now  ask  it  for  my  nation,  not  for  myself.  On  the  miseries  and  misfortunes  brouglit 
upon  my  country  I  look  back  with  deepest  sorrow,  and  wish  to  avert  still  greater 
calamities.  If  I  liad  been  left  to  contend  with  the  Georgia  army,  I  would  liavo  raised 
my  corn  on  one  bank  of  the  river  and  fought  them  on  the  other.  But  your  peopii- 
have  destroyed  my  nation.  You  are  a  brave  man ;  I  rely  upon  your  generosity, 
You  will  exact  no  terms  of  a  conquered  people  but  such  as  they  should  agree  to. 
Whatever  they  may  be,  it  would  now  be  folly  and  madness  to  oppose.  If  they  an 
opposed,  yc  i  will  iind  mo  among  the  sternest  enforcers  of  obedience.  Those  wlm 
would  still  hold  out  can  be  influenced  only  by  a  mean  spirit  of  revenge,  and  to  this 
they  must  not  and  shall  not  sacrifice  the  last  remnant  of  their  country.  You  have 
told  our  nation  where  we  might  go  and  bo  safe.  This  is  good  talk,  and  they  oui^ht 
to  listen  to  it.     They  shall  listen  to  it."' 

Thus  spoke  the  truly  noble  Wcathersford  for  his  nation.  Words  of  honor  respond- 
ed to  words  of  honor,  and  Wcathersford  was  allowed  to  go  freely  to  the  forest  tn 
search  for  his  scattered  followers  and  counsel  peace.  But  there  was  no  safety  for 
him  in  that  region,  for  the  relatives  of  those  massacred  at  Fort  Mims  sought  to  kill 
him.  He  fled,  and  remained  away  until  the  cud  of  the  war,  when  he  returned,  and 
became  a  respected  citizen  of  Alabama.'* 

General  Pinckney  arrived  at  Fort  Jackson  on  the  20th  of  April  with  troops  from 
North  and  South  Carolina.  Informed  of  the  general  submission  of  the  Creeks,  ami 
considering  the  war  virtually  at  an  end,  he  directed  the  West  Tennesseeans  to  march 
home,  and  four  hundred  of  General  Doherty's  brigade  to  garrison  Fort  Williams. 
The  order  to  the  West  Tennesseeans  was  so  gladly  and  promptly  obeyed  that  within 
•  April  21,     two  hours  after  its  utterance*  they  were  in  motion  up  the  Coosa.    They 

*^"'  pushed  forward  with  great  celerity*,  crossed  the  Tennessee  River,  and  at 
Fayetteville  were  discharged.  There  Jackson  bade  them  farewell  in  a  stirring  ad- 
dress, and  then  hastened  to  his  own  home  at  the  "  Hermitage,"  near  Nashville,  ami 
indulged  a  short  time  in  needed  repose. 

Here  we  will  leave  the  consideration  of  the  fearfully-smitten  Creeks  for  the  pres- 
ent, with  the  remark  that  they  showed  themselves  to  be  a  brave  people,  and,  on  many 
accounts,  deserving  of  the  respect  of  mankind. 


>  Drake's  Book  of  the  Indians,  eleventh  edition,  page  390. 

»  Wenthersford  ccttled  upon  a  farm  in  Monroe  County,  Alabama,  well  supplied  with  negro  slaves,  where  he  maintain- 
ed the  character  of  an  honest  man.  Soon  after  his  return  he  married,  and  General  Sam  Dale,  frequently  menlioneii  in 
this  chapter,  was  his  groomsman.  His  birth-place  was  the  Hickory  Ground,  but  he  could  not  live  there.  He  said  lint 
bis  old  comrades,  the  Uostile  Creeks,  ate  his  cattle  from  starvation  ,  the  peace-party  ate  them  from  revenge;  ond  the 
squatters  because  he  was  "a  damned  Red-skin :"  so,  he  said,  "I  have  come  to  live  among  gentlemen."— See  W^o/Cffl- 
ercU  Sam  Dale,  page  129.    Weatbersford  died  from  the  effects  of  fatigue  produced  by  a  desperate  bear-buut  in  1S2I!, 


■3  i       \ 


OP  THE   WAU    OF    18  12. 


7P.'l 


rhe  Creek  Niillmi  rulneO 


Civil  Affair*  In  l»ia. 


Pdllllcnl  Compoiltlon  ofC'niigreM. 


CummlaKliiiipm  tu  trent  tut  Paac*  appolnletl. 


rnd  his  peo\)U',  hml 
I'urlcHHly  t'xi)rcssi'(l 
L«.     JiickwDU  iiiimc- 
iie  boyond  the  Mis- 
10.     lie  addo.V'lt; 
t  the  consi'([in;iU'i's. 
■ty»  if  y*'**  chodw." 
iTcll  be  atldi'i'sscd  in 
and  could  have  an- 
Id  animate  my  war- 
L  no  longer  hear  my 
conochopco,  and  'IV 

there  waa  a  cliamt' 
people  arc  gone,  ami 

misfortunes  hrouglit 
,0  avert  still  greater 
r,  I  would  have  raistMl 
Jr.     But  your  people 
pon  your  generosity. 
hey  should  agree  to. 
.  oppose.     If  they  aro 
)edience.    ^hose  wlio 
.f  revenge,  and  to  thi* 
r  country.     You  have 
1  talk,  and  they  oufjlit 

iords  of  honor  rospoml- 

■reely  to  the  forest  tu 

lere  was  no  safety  k 

•t  Mims  sought  to  kill 

hen  he  returned,  ami 

Lpril  with  troops  from 
fou  of  the  Creeks,  ami 
fennessecans  to  mavdi 
krrison  Fort  Williams. 
[ly  obeyed  that  witlnu 
i  up  the  Coosa.  Tliey 
Innessec  Kiver,  and  « 
lewell  in  a  stirring  ad- 
near  Nashville,  ami 

L  Creeks  for  the  pros- 
|e  people,  and,  on  many 


Lero  slaves,  vrhere  he  maintam- 
I  m,e,  frequently  mcuuonc" 
L  not  live  there,    lle-a.dt 
L  them  from  revenBC;«na^ 

LBenllemen."-SeeW;/(^ 
Icsperutebear-huutlnlSiC. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

"  Farewell  Pence  !    Another  crl«l» 

Onlls  un  to  '  the  liiBt  nppenl,' 
Miido  when  monnrchH  and  their  vices 

Ix^nve  no  iir^iinivnt  hnt  ^lecl. 
Let  not  111!  the  world  united 

Hob  u»  of  one  siicrcd  rlijht: 
Every  patriot  heart'ii  dellt;htcd 

In  hU  country's  caUHO  tu  flgbt,"— Oi.n  Sono. 

here,  before 


>f  mill 


18  proper  Here,  betore  resuming  a  narrative  or  military  events 
in  the  North,  to  take  a  brief  survey  of  civil  alfuirs  in  1813. 

In  conformity  to  a  law  passed  in  February*  pre-    •  February  ««, 
ceding  the  inauguration  of  Mr.  Madison,  the  Thir-  ^'''^■ 

teenth  Congress  assembled  on  the  24th  of  May,  when  Henry 
Clay  was  chosen  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Kepresentatives.  In 
that  body  ardent  young  men  like  Cheves,  Calhoun,  Lowndes, 
Grundy,  and  Troup  had  become  leaders.  Quincy  had  declined 
a  re-election,  but  the  extreme  Federalists  were  well  represented 
by  the  venerable  patriots  of  the  Revolution,  Timothy  Pickering  and  Egbert  Benson. 
There  was  a  strong  administration  working  party  in  both  houses,  and  the  President 
felt  well  supported,  notwithstanding  there  had  been  decided  gains  for  the  ])eace- 
jiaity  in  New  England  at  the  spring  elections.  But  in  New  York,  where  the  Feder- 
alists were  expecting  a  triumph,  they  had  been  defeated,  and  New  Jersey,  and  Penn- 
sylvania, and  all  of  the  slave-labor  states,  and  their  children  in  tiie  Mississippi  Val- 
ley, were  decided  friends  of  the  administration. 

With  his  message  tlie  President  sent  into  Congress  a  letter  from  the  Emperor  of 
Russia  offering  his  mediation.  The  President  stated  that  it  had  been  accepted  by 
the  government;  that  commissioners  had  been  appointed  to  conclude  a  treaty  of 
peace  with  persons  clothed  with  like  powers  on  the  part  of  the  British  government, 
aiuUhat  two  of  the  American  commissioners  (Albert  Gallatin  and  James  A.  Bayard) 
had  already  departed  for  St.  Petersburg,  there  to  meet  John  Quincy  Adams,  a  third 
commissioner.  While  the  President  expressed  a  hope  that  a  speedy  peace  might  be 
the  result,  he  conjured  Congress  to  shape  legislation  as  if  the  object  might  be  ob- 
tained only  by  a  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war.  He  called  attention,  in  a  special 
manner,  to  the  national  finances,  which  Avere  not  in  a  promising  condition,  and  laid 
before  Congress  an  estimate  of  expenses  for  the  year  181.3,  to  the  amount  of  about 
thirty  million  dollars.' 

Tlie  subject  of  an  increase  of  internal  revenue  and  of  direct  taxation  had  been  agi- 
tated a  little,  but  was  deferred  until  after  the  Presidential  election.  Now  the  admin- 
istration party  felt  strong  enough  to  try  these  measures.  Bills  for  the  imposition  of 
taxes  and  excise  were  adopted,  and  a  new  loan  Avas  authorized.  No  effort  was  spared 
for  providing  adequate  means  for  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war,  and  only  in 
Xew  England  was  a  voice  of  serious  opposition  heard.  Governor  Strong,  of  Massa- 
chusetts, denounced  the  Avar  as  cruel  and  unjust,  and  urged  the  Legislature  to  adopt 
measures  for  bringing  about  a  speedy  peace.  The  tAvo  houses  being  in  political  ac- 
cord with  the  governor,  they  agreed  to  a  remonstrance,  in  which  they,  too,  declared 

'  The  civil  list  for  the  year,  !$9nO,000 ;  payment  of  principal  and  Interest  on  the  national  debt,  $10,610,000 ;  and  for  the 
War  irnd  Navy  Departments,  $lT,S20,OflO ;  making  a  total  of  $29,230,000. 


i'  lllll 


(  ; 


:l 


_. 

|l: 

1 
1 

■l 

1 

■  ; 

i 

> 

Wm' 

i'    ?" 

i 

194 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


TiM  War  fMer  tenminced. 


Illicit  Trsfllc  Cdiiiililareit. 


Hecent  Krcnti  autplctou*. 


The  Hoiiir  puf,,. 


the  fkrther  prosociition  of  tlio  war  to  be  impolitic  niid  unjuHt,  ftiul  implored  Conifrtss 
to  atlopt  iiicnsurcH  for  nrresting  it  T!jcy  doi-lari'd  tiiat  tlioy  woro  iiiHuonccd  (tnly  },y 
a  HciiHo  of  duty  to  the  Constitution  and  tiit^  country,  and  appealed  to  (lod  as  u  y,\l 
neH8  of  the  rectitude  of  their  intentiouH.  Thiw  renioiiHtranco  wuh  presented  to  the 
'Juno  10,  House  of  Kepresenttttives*  by  Timothy  Pickering.  It  was  courteous] v  re- 
ceived on  account  of  that  venerable  man,  when  it  was  laid  on  the  tiilili,  anil 


iMia. 


there  remained  during  the  rest  of  the  sessiuu,  but  excited  much  remark  and  sevi'r« 
condemnation  throughout  the  country.' 

During  the  session  ctrectual  ineasures  were  taken  for  stopping  a  traffic  curried  nn 
extensively  by  American  merchant  vessels,  disguised  as  neutrals,  with  the  lliitisli 
West  India  Islands  and  ports  of  Spain  under  licenses  issued  by  the  British  govern- 
ment, by  which  they  gave  aid  and  comfort  to  the  enemy,  and  injured  their  ctmiitrv. 
Congress  also  considered  the  charges  of  cruel  and  unusual  conduct  on  the  part  dt'iln 
British  in  making  war,  and  a  committee  was  appointed,  with  the  eminent  Natlimml 
Macon,  of  North  Caroliona,  as  chairman,  to  gather  information  on  the  subject.    TIair 


<::^C€>e7Zu 


report,  now  on  file  at  the  national  capital,  is  a  melancholy  picture  of  wrongs  and  nut- 
rages,  especially  in  the  Northwest  where  savages  were  employed,  and  on  the  Vir- 
ginia coast.* 

The  special  business  of  Congress  at  this  early  session  was  the  providing  of  iiipans 
for  prosecuting  the  war  vigorously.  This  was  accomplished  before  the  close  of  July, 
^  and  that  body  adjourned  on  the  2d  of  August''  to  reassemble  on  the  Otii  of 

December.  Before  that  meeting  very  important  events  had  occurred,  wliidi 
liave  already  been  recorded  in  these  pages,  such  as  Harrison's  campaign  for  the  recov- 
ery of  Michigan;  Perry's  victory  on  Lake  Erie;  Chauncey's  operations  on  Lake  On- 
tario; victories  on  the  ocean;  Wilkinson's  unfortunate  campaign  on  the  St. Lawrence 
border ;  and  Jackson's  operations  in  the  Creek  country.  England  had  refused  to  ac- 
cept the  mediation  of  Russia  on  the  terms  proposed,  and  peace  seemed  more  remote 
than  ever;  and  the  National  Legislature  perceived  that  the  honor,  prosperity,  and  per- 
liaps  the  very  existence  of  the  republic  depended  upon  a  vigorous  prosecution  oftlie 
war.  This  conviction  was  forcing  itself  upon  every  thoughtful  mind  even  in  New 
England,  and  the  opposition  of  magistrates  and  law-makers  was  severely  condcmneil 
as  unpatriotic  and  shameful.  The  nation  was  involved  in  a  war  with  a  powerl'ul, 
tmculent,  and  haughty  foe,  and  every  right-minded  man  felt  that  it  was  the  duty  of 
every  good  citizen  to  lay  aside  his  political  prejudices,  and  to  do  all  in  his  power  to 
extricate  his  country  from  its  serious  trouble  by  first  vanquishing  the  enemy  with 
vigorous  blows,  and  then  treating  with  him  as  an  equal  for  an  honorable  peace.  Yet 
the  peace-party  was  pow^erful  and  active  in  New  England,  and  endeavored  to  con- 
vince the  people  of  that  section  that  the  administration  was  a  tyrant  intent  upon 
their  injury.  They  pointed  to  the  sad  fact  of  the  interference  with  their  commerce, 
navigation,  and  fisheries ;  and  the  people  were  reminded  that  for  years  the  Govern- 
ment, under  the  guidance  of  Virginia  politicians,  had  been  controlled  by  the  planting 
interest  in  the  slave-labor  states  by  whom  the  war  had  been  kindled.  They  justly 
complained  that  the  statesmen  of  the  free-labor  states,  and  especially  of  New  En- 
gland, had  been  proscribed,  and  denied  a  share  in  the  management  of  public  aflfairs, 

>  Compare  ttiis  action  of  the  Masaachnaetts  Legialatore  with  a  statement  of  its  doinga  recorded  In  note  1,  page  iK. 
»  See  page  088.     . 


OF  THE  WAR  OP  1819. 


78S 


I.  Th*  Ptif*  Pwrty 

inil)lori'(l  C"()iit;ri'!t« 
inrtuoncotl  only  )\\- 
.(1  to  t»o»l  ii'*  11  wit- 
118  presentiMl  to  the 
ttiis  courteously  n- 
ful  on  the  tiilili',  mill 
remark  ami  siaiti; 

^  ft  traffic  cdrricd  on 
lis,  with  tht'  Ihltisli 
tho  liritish  liovcrn- 
ijured  thfir  country. 
,ct  on  tho  piirt  dftlii' 
lO  oininciit  Niitlmniil 
u  tho  subject.    Thuir 


A  T««olatloDU7  PropiMiltton, 


ConiUtion  uf  iha  Country. 


A  new  Bmbiritu  Act. 


f^ 


ire  of  wrongs  and  out- 
oyed,  and  on  the  Vir- 

hc  provuVinj?  of  means 
efore  the  close  of  July, 
iSomWc  on  the  Otli  of 
.8  had  occurred,  which 
lampaign  for  the  rccov- 
iperations  on  Lake  On- 
rn  on  the  St.Lawrenco 
^uid  had  refused  to  ai- 
le  seemed  more  remote 
lor,  prosperity,  and  per- 
rons prosecution  of  the 
[ful  mind  oven  in  Kew 
18  severely  condcmne4 
war  with  a  powerful, 
liat  it  Avas  the  duty  of 
do  all  in  his  power  to 
shing  the  enemy  with 
honorable  peace.  Yet 
|nd  endeavored  to  con- 
a  tyrant  intent  upon 
with  their  commerce, 
for  years  the  Govern- 
trolled  by  the  plantinj 
kindled.    They  justly 
■specially  of  New  En- 
(ment  of  publicjiffau^ 
-Trecordeclluiiotel,  page  TOO. 


and  tliat  tho  nutioiial  govenunont  had  left  tlicni  wholly  unprotec*'-.!  »itile  w.ir  was 
111  their  doors,  their  coasts  blockaded,  and  their  sea-port  towns  ex|)08ed  to  instant  do- 
Htn.'tion.  In  view  of  these  untleniable  facts,  some  «)f  the  popidar  leatU'is  sujjgested 
tho  propriety  of  tho  New  Kiij^laiid  States  taking  care  of  themselves,  irrespective  of 
the  national  welfare,  by  concluding  a  separate  peace  with  CJreat  Hritain,  atul  allow- 
inn  the  states  beyond  and  south  of  the  Hudson  lliver  to  light  as  long  as  they  pleased. 
This  revolutionary  proposition  did  iu>t  tind  favor  among  patriotic  men. 

Such  was  tho  general  aspect  of  public  atVairs  when  Congress  met  in  December. 
The  tone  of  tho  President's  message  to  that  body  was  hopeful  ami  even  joyous,  for 
the  late  achievements  oft'".'  natiomil  power  gave  promises  «)f  great  good.  Financial 
mutters  were  quite  as  favorable  as  when  Congress  adjourned  in  Atigust.  Abundant 
harvests  had  rewarded  the  labors  of  the  husbandman.  The  j)eo[»le  were  becoming 
more  and  more  a  unit  in  opinion  concerning  tho  righteousness  of  the  war  on  the  part 
of  the  Govenmient,  and  its  beneficial  effects  in  developing  the  internal  resources  of 
the  country;  also  in  demonstrating  the  ability  of  a  free  govennnent  to  protect  itself 
iiiiainst  a  powerful  foe.  "The  war,"  said  the  President  in  his  message,"  is  illustrating 
tlie  capacity  and  tho  destiny  of  tho  United  States  to  be  a  great,  l  flourishing,  and  a 
powerful  nation,  worthy  of  the  friendship  wliich  it  is  disposed  to  cultivate  with  all 
others,  and  authorized  by  its  own  example  to  require  from  all  an  observance  of  the 
laws  of  justice  and  reciprocity." 

In  a  confidential  message*  the  President  recommended  the  passage  of  •  Docomi)er », 
ail  Embargo  Act  to  prevent  supplies  being  furnislied  to  the  enemy  from  ***'"• 

American  ports  by  unpatriotic  men,  and  the  introduction  of  British  manufactures  in 
professedly  neutral  vessels.  Such  traffic  was  extensively  carried  on,  especially  in 
New  England,  where  the  magistrates  were  often  willingly  lenient  toward  violators 
of  restrictive  laws  already  in  operation.  A  bill,  in  accordance  with  the  I'resident's 
(iusgestions,  Avas  j)as8ed  by  both  houses  of  Congress  on  the  iTth,*"  the  pro- 
visions  of  which  were  excessively  stringent.  It  was  provided  that  the  act 
should  remaui  in  force  until  the  Ist  of  January,  1815,  uidess  hostilities  sliould  sooner 


cease, 


1  It  prohlblteil,  nnder  severe  penalties,  tho  exportation,  or  an  attempt  at  exportation,  by  land  or  water,  of  any  Roods, 
]iri  ilure,  upccle,  or  live-stock  ;  and,  to  Ruard  as  ftilly  as  possible  against  evasions,  even  the  coast-trade  was  fu  entirely 
liri)lilbltcd  that  It  became  necessary  to  pass  an  act  afterward  to  prevent  the  crews  of  coasters,  Intercept  ;d  li>  the  rm- 
itargo  when  away  from  home,  to  employ  their  empty  vessels  as  vehicles  for  their  return  to  port.  This  provision  bore 
very  severely  on  the  towns  of  the  New  England  sea-board,  for  many  of  them  depended  on  the  coasting  vesaftis  for  fuel, 
and  other  necessary  articles..  Their  supply  was  suddenly  stopped  by  It  In  tho  heart  of  winter.  No  transportation  was 
allowed  even  on  inland  waters  eTceptlng  by  the  special  permission  of  tho  President.  Wide  latitude  was  given  to  cus- 
tom-house officials  and  cruisers  1 1  the 
felziirc  of  suspected  goods ;  and  fisher- 
men were  not  allowed  to  go  out  with- 
out giving  bonds  not  to  viol.ito  the  Em- 
hargo  Act.  "The  effect  of  tho  meas- 
ure," said  the  National  Intelligencer  of 
liecember  23,  "  will  be  to  curtail  onr  en- 
emies of  necessary  supplies  precisely  to 
the  amount  of  onr  exports,  except  tho 
very  small  proportion  of  them  which 
found  their  way  to  tho  ports  of  France. 
It  can  essentially  Injnre  no  honest  man 
-no  man  who  would  disdain  to  afford 
M  and  comfort  to  the  enemies  of  his 
country.  .  .  .  Speculators,  knaves,  and 
traitors  shall  no  longer  enrich  them- 
selves at  the  expense  of  the  commn- 
uily." 

A  epiiited  caricature  of  the  effect  of 
this  Embargo  Act  was  designed  and  en- 
pravcd  by  Dr.  Alexander  Anderson  [see 
note  1,  page  787]  for  David  Longworth, 
«  highly -esteemed  publisher  of  New 
York.  It  will  be  recollected  that  a  for- 
mer embargo,  during  Jefferson's  administration  [see  page  162],  was  called  by  the  Opposition,  or  Federalist  party, "  a  ter- 
rapiu  policy."   That  idea  is  embodied  In  the  caricature  before  ns,  In  which  the  Embargo  Act  of  1813  is  personified  by  a 

3D 


iw? 


— >^*"^v 


IV        ft  I 


\\ 


m. 

1 

i 

W^ 


m  m 


i  ' 

J  f 

1  i 

mmi^ 

Mii^ 

786 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Napoleon  humbled. 


Rumors  of  Peace. 


Re|)cnl  of  the  Embargo  Act. 


'  1814. 


Very  soon  after  the  promulgation  of  the  Embargo  Act,  intelligence  came  from  Eu- 
rope which  caused  a  change  in  the  views  of  the  administration  concerning  the  neces- 
sity for  the  measure.  An  English  flag  of  truce  schooner  arrived  at  Annapolis,  Mary- 
land, at  the  close  of  December,  with  the  news  of  great  disasters  to  Napoleon  in  tin- 
field.  His  triumphant  march  toward  the  German  Ocean  and  the  lialtic  had  betn 
checked  in  a  great  battle  at  Leipsic,  and  he  had  been  compelled  to  fall  back  across 
the  Rhine  with  his  magnificciit  army  sadly  shattered.  Thoughtful  men  supposed  tiie 
hour  of  the  conqueror's  downfall  to  be  near,  and  reasonably  concluded  that  such  an 
event  would  allow  the  British  government  to  withdraw  its  soldiers  from  the  Con- 
tinent and  send  them  hither.  The  schooner  also  brought  oflicial  assurance  to  our 
government  that  the  British  Cabinet  was  willing  to  treat  for  peace,  and  accept  the 
mediation  of  Russia  upon  certain  conditions.  In  his  letter  to  Secretary  Monroe  com- 
municating this  fact.  Lord  Castlereagh  was  careful  to  say  that  his  government  was 
willing  to  treat  with  that  of  the  United  States"  upon  principles  of  perfect  reciprocity 
not  inconsistent  with  the  established  maxims  of  public  law^  and  with  the  maritiiiie 
rights  of  the  British  empire.''^  The  Pi-ince  Regent,  in  his  speech  at  the  openiiif  of 
Parliament,  had  used  similar  language  on  the  subject."^  He  was  willing  to  treat  di- 
rectly with  the  United  States  government  through  commissioners,  but  was  unwillini; 
to  "accept  the  interposition  of  any  friendly  power  in  the  question  which  formed  thf 
principal  object  of  dispute  between  tJie  two  states."  Notwithstanding  it  was  evident 
that  the  British  government  did  net  mean  to  recede  a  line  from  its  assumptions  con- 
cerning the  right  of  search  and  impressment,  and  proposed  the  opening  of  negotia- 
tions at  London,  or  at  some  point  vjU  the  Continent  near  Great  Britain,  the  Presi- 
dent, sincerely  desiring  peace  on  honorable  terms,  acceded  to  the  proposition  of  the 
prince,  and  nominated  Henry  Clay  and  Jonathan  Russell  as  additional  commission- 
ers ;  and  the  five,^  by  the  concurrent  rction  of  the  Senate  in  January,"  weru 
duly  commissioned  to  treat  for  peace,  at  Gottenburg,  with  Bi'itish  represent- 
atives.* 

This  movement  toward  peace,  and  the  pro-^pect  of  a  general  pacification  of  Europe, 
made  the  Opposition  clamorous  for  a  repeal  of  the  Embargo  Act.  These  considera- 
tions, and  a  desire  to  increase  the  revenue  by  impost  duties  so  as  to  fully  sustain  tlif 

public  credit,  caused  the  President  to  recommend''  such  repeal.     That  rec- 
JaDuary  19.  ... 

ommendation  was  hailed  with  great  delight  throughout  the  country,  ami 

an  act  of  Congress  for  the  repeal  of  the  measure  became  a  law  ou  the  14  th  of  April 

huge  terrapin,  who  pelzca  n  violator  of  the  law  by  the  ecnt  of  his  breeches.  It  was  aimed  at  the  New  Englniul  peoplp, 
who,  it  was  alleged,  were  contlniinlly  supplying  the  British  cruisers  with  provisions,  and  thereby  saving  their  coast  from 
that  devastatlou  to  which  those  of  the  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  Bays  iiad  been  subjected,  and  also  putting  money  in 
their  pockets  by  the  infamous  traffic.  A  British  vessel  of  war  is  seen  in  the  distance,  with  a  boat,  on  the  arrival  of  the 
knave  with  a  barrel  of  flour,  marked  "sitperflnc."  The  Embargo  terrapin  seizes  him,  and  the  fellow  cries  out,  "Oh: 
this  cursed  O-grub-me :''  th.^  ii-ord  embargo  spelled  backward,  making  these  words.  The  government  official,  wlio  ha^ 
charge  of  the  arrestiug  terra|)iu,  calls  out  in  high  glee,  "  Damn  It,  how  ho  nicks  'cm."  One  claw  of  the  terrapin  is  upon 
a  "  license,"  such  as  the  British  authorities  gave  to  professed  neutrals.  The  designer  and  engraver  of  this  caricaturo 
is  .  I  (close  of  1807)  engaged  in  the  practice  of  the  art  of  engraving  on  wood  at  the  age  of  almost  ninety-three  jcars. 
The  copy  of  the  caricature,  seen  ou  the  preceding  page  on  a  reduced  scale,  was  redrawn  and  engraved  by  liiin  at  the 
age  of  eighty-eight  years.  i  See  note  1,  page  S4. 

'  In  this  speech  the  Prince  Begcnt  said :  "  I  am  happy  to  inform  yon  that  the  measures  adopted  by  the  Unlletl  State? 
for  the  conquest  of  Canada  have  been  frustrated  by  the  valor  of  his  majesty's  troops,  and  by  the  zeal  and  loyalty  of  his 
American  subjects."  It  was  a  singular  coincidence  that  in  the  London  Courier,  November  4, 1813,  iu  which  tills  spocch 
was  printed,  was  an  account  of  the  signal  victory  of  Perry,  and  the  capture  of  the  entire  British  fleet  on  Lfike  Erie, 
which  was  immediately  followed  by  the  connucst  of  ail  Canada  west  of  the  Grand  River,  an  event  that  had  already  ha;  • 
pencd  when  that  paper  was  printed.  In  the  same  issue  of  the  paper  was  Lord  Castlereagh's  letter  to  Monroe  propo.'- 
ing  negotiations  for  peace. 

'  Albert  Gallatin,  James  A.  Bayard,  John  Qnlncy  Adams,  Jonathan  RusRcll,  and  Henry  Clay. 

*  Clay  and  RiiHsell  sailed  on  their  mission  fnmi  New  York  on  the  2iid  of  February,  iu  the  tiMp  John  Adams,  which  bail 
been  fitted  out  as  a  cartel.  They  were  instructed  to  in.iist  upon  a  cessation,  on  the  part  <if  the  British,  of  the  dcfrail- 
Ing  practices  of  search  and  impressment  of  seamen.  "Onr  flair,"  said  the  Instmctions, "  mnst  protect  the  crew,  or  the 
United  Plates  can  not  consider  themselves  an  independent  nation."  And  to  remove  all  pretexts  on  the  part  of 
Great  Britain  for  evading  this  dei.iand,  the  President  expressed  a  willingness  to  exclude  all  British  seamen,  anil  Hllna- 
lives  of  Great  Britain,  excepting  the  few  already  naturalized,  from  American  vessels.  Thus  armed  with  rigliloouewei|)- 
ousi  the  envoys  went  forth  ou  their  errand  of  peace. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


787 


peal  of  the  Embargo  Act. 

lice  came  from  Eu- 
icerning  the  neces- 
,t  Annapolis,  ^Mary- 
;o  Napoleon  in  thf 
le  Baltic  had  bt'cn 
to  fall  back  across 
1  men  supposwl  the 
luded  that  such  an 
iers  from  the  Con- 
il  assurance  to  our 
ace,  and  accept  the 
retary  Moin-oe  cora- 
lis  governnieut  was 
f  perfect  reciprocity 
[  with  the  murititM 
1  at  the  opening  of 
willing  to  treat  di- 
8,  but  was  unwilling 
m  which  formed  the. 
idinQ:  it  was  evident 
its  assumptions  eon- 
opening  of  negotia- 
It  Britain,  the  Prcsi- 
ic  proposition  of  the 
Iditional  oonmiission- 
te  in  January,"  were 
th  British  reprebent- 

icification  of  Europe. 
•t.  These  considera- 
[s  to  fully  sustain  the 
ich  repeal.  That  rec- 
lOUt  the  country,  and 
Ion  the  14th  of  April 


Provlnlons  for  the  Increase  of  the  Army. 


The  Navy  neglected. 


'  Death  of  the  Embargo.' 


.  at  the  New  Englnnrt  people, 
Icreby  eaving  their  const  from 
Id,  and  also  putting  money  in 
V  a  boat,  on  the  arrival  of  the 
Id  the  fellow  cries  out,  "Oh; 
[government  official,  who  lia* 
le  claw  of  the  tcrrupiu  is  upon 
Id  engraver  of  this  caricntute 
af  almost  ninety-three  year?. 
and  engraved  by  him  at  the 

d  1  See  note  1,  page  S4. 
ladopted  by  the  United  State. 
Vythezealandloynltyofhl! 
t  4, 1813,  in  which  thin  eFc'' 
le  British  fleet  on  Lalie  Erie, 
li  event  that  had  already  lui;- 
k"8  letter  to  Monroe  propos- 

fship  John  Adams,  which  h«il 
If  the  British,  of  the  dei.'riHl- 
InnBt  protect  the  crew,  or  ttc 

[all  pretexts  on  the  part  ot 
111  British  seamen,  and  all  na- 
i  armed  with  riglitoottsweap- 


following.     This  was  claimed  to  be  a  victory  for  the  Federalists — an  evidence  that 
the  wisdom  of  the  peace-party  was  perceived  by  the  people  and  Congress.^ 

The  providing  of  recruits  for  the  army  and  its  permanent  increase  was  really  the 
most  important  business  of  the  session  of  Congress  whose  doings  we  are  now  eonsid- 
erinf.  Expectations  concerning  the  increase  of  the  army  had  not  been  realized. 
Sixty-one  thousand  men  was  the  intended  number  of  the  regular  force :  at  the  begin- 
niii<^  of  1814  it  was  but  a  trifle  more  than  half  that  number.  Something  must  be 
(lone  speedily,  or  the  cause  would  be  lost.  Short  enlistments,  as  usual,  had  proved 
disastrous,  and  provision  was  made  for  engaging  men  for  five  years.  Volunteers 
were  to  be  accepted  for  a  less  term.  Liberal  bounties  were  to  be  ofliered ;  and  power 
Wa.3  given  to  the  President  to  call  out  the  militia  of  the  country  for  six  ins^tead  of 
three  months,  if  he  should  consider  it  necessary.  Provision  was  made  for  a  large  in- 
crease of  the  navy  by  a  bill  passed  by  the  lower  house,  but  it  was  lost  in  the  Senate, 
where  only  an  appropriation  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  was  authorized  for  the 
construction  of  a  steam  frigate,  or  floating  battery,  for  harbor  defense,  suggested  by 
Robert  Fulton.     The  subject  of  finance  occupied  much  of  the  time  of  the  session  f 

1  The  claim  was  not  valid.  There  had,  indeed,  been  many  violent,  threatening,  unpatriotic  words  spoken  throngh- 
ont  New  England  against  the  government,  more  especially  in  Massachusetts,  where  the  extremest  doctrines  of  state 
sovereignty,  on  which  the  rebels  in  1800-  01  founded  their  claims  to  tlie  right  of  secession,  were  iterated  and  reiterated 
a  thousand  times.  Even  open  defiance  had  been  hurled  in  tlio  face  of  the  national  government,  and  menaces  of  dls- 
nnioa  had  been  uttered  daily  ;  yet  there  was  a  war-party  in  New  England  altogether  too  powerful  and  restraining  to 
cause  the  President  to  be  affected  by  any  apprehensions  of  secession  or  serious  obstructicnis  to  the  machinery  of  the  na- 
tional government.  Tliis  was  more  eloquently  proclaimed  by  acts  than  words.  Notwithstanding  the  unpopularity  of 
the  war  in  that  region,  and  especially  in  Massachusetts,  that  state  furnished,  during  the  year  1S14,  over  fourteen  thousand 
recruits,  to  whom  two  millions  of  dollars  in  bounties  were  paid.  Indeed,  Massachusetts  furnislied  more  recruits  than 
any  single  state,  and  lukewarm  New  England  more  than  all  the  hot  slave  statcc,  >vho  were  ever  clamorous  for  war,  put 
together. 

The  "  Death  of  the  Embargo"  was  celebrated  in  verses  published  in  the  Federal  RejmWcan  newspaper  of  Georgetown, 
in  the  District  of  Columbia.  These  were  reproduced  in  the  New  York  ICvenini)  Pout,  witli  an  illustration  designed  by 
John  Wesley  Jarvis,  the  painter,  and  drawn  and  t  ngraved  on  wood  by  Dr.  Anderson.  The  picture  was  redrawn  and 
engraved  by  Dr.  Anderson,  on  a  reduced  scale,  for  this  work,  after  a  lapse  of  exactly  fifty  years.  The  lines  which  it  Il- 
lustrates are  as  follows : 

Tebuafin's  AnUBEBS. 

"Reflect,  my  frtend,  as  yon  pass  by, 
As  you  are  now,  so  once  was  I : 
As  /am  now,  so  you  nmy  be- 
laid on  your  back  to  die  like  me  1 
I  was,  Indeed,  true  sailor  bom  ; 
To  quit  my  friend  in  death  I  scorn. 
Once  Jemmy  seemed  to  be  my  fl'iend. 
But  basely  brought  me  to  my  end  ! 
Of  head  bereft,  and  light,  and  breath, 
1  hold  Fidelity  in  deatli : 
For'Sillors'  Rights'  I  still  will  tug ; 
And  Madison  to  death  I'll  hug, 
For  his  i)erfidlou8  zeal  displayed 
For 'Sailors'  Righte  and  for  Free  Trade.' 
This  small  atonement  I  will  have— 
I'll  lag  down  Jemmy  to  the  grave. 
Tli^n  trade  and  commerce  shall  be  fVeo, 
And  sailors  have  their  lll)erty. 
Of  head  bereft,  and  light,  and  breath. 
The  Terrapin,  still  tni,".  in  death, 
Will  punish  Jemmy's  perfidy— 
Leave  trade  and  brother  sailors  free  1" 

Fabsenokb's  Rbplt. 
"  Ye«,  Terrapin,  bereft  of  Ijre.ith,  Hear  him  bnt  oflf,  and  we  shall  see 

We  see  thee  faithftil  still  in  death.  Comiiicriv!  renti.fed  and  mihim  fne ! 

Stick  to 't— '  Free  Trade  and  Sailors'  Rights.'  ling.  Terrapin,  wi.h  all  thy  might- 

Hug  Jemmy— press  htm— hold  him— bite.  Now  for '  Free  Tra<le  and  Sailors'  Right.' 

Never  mind  thy  head— thou'lt  live  without  It;  Slick  to  him.  Terrapin !  to  thee  the  nation 

Spunk  will  preserve  thy  life— don't  doubt  It.  Now  eager  looks— then  die  for  her  snlvntion. 

Down  to  the  grave,  f  atone  for  sin,  "  Floboat  Rebpcblioa. 

Jemmy  must  ^'o  with  Terrapin. 
"Ba>\kii  of  GooM  Creek,  City  of  Wa«hin;jtnn,  \tith  April,  1814." 
« A  bill,  authorizing  a  loan  not  exceeding  twenty-five  millions  of  dollars  In  amount,  was  offered  in  the  House  on  the 
JIh  of  Fehraary.  The  delialcs  on  the  Bu1>ject  took  a  very  wide  range,  anr'  the  cause,  origin,  conduct,  and  probable  re- 
snlts  of  the  war  were  freely  .ind  sometimes  acrlmonionsly  discussed.  Much  that  was  said,  especially  by  the  Opposition, 
ivns  irrelevant.  The  bill  finally  passed  both  houses  of  Congress  by  n  large  majority,  and  becai  le  ".  law  by  the  approval 
of  the  President  on  Uie  'i6th  of  March.    Then  commenced  among  the  leaders  of  the  peace-party,  or  more  ultra  Fcdoral- 


KEATU   or  TUB  TEBBAPIN,  OB  TUB   IIUUAUUO. 


I  .         i 


788 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Proceedings  concerniug  Prisoners  of  War. 


Retaliatory  Measures. 


Prisoners  held  as  Uostages. 


and  that  concerning  the  exchange  of  prisoners  became  a  very  interesting  topic.  Dif- 
ficulties,  as  we  have  observed,  in  regard  to  such  cxcliange,  appeared  at  the  bcginnintf 
of  hostilities,  caused  by  the  British  refusing  to  consider  the  Irislimen  captured  at 
Queenston  as  prisoners  of  war,  claiming  them  to  be  British  subjects.  These  were 
sent  to  England  to  be  tried  for  treason.  Scott  then  told  the  British  authorities  at 
Quebec  that  he  should  lay  the  matter  before  his  government,  and  that  an  equal  num- 
ber of  British  prisoners  should  be  held  as  hostages  for  their  lives  and  freedom.  Ho  did 
BO,  and  Congress,  early  in  1813,  vested  the  President  with  the  power  of  retaliation.' 

Ists,  a  factions  and  at  times  treasonable  efforts  to  destroy  the  public  credit,  and  to  so  paralyze  the  sinews  of  war  as  to 
compel  the  government  to  make  peace  on  any  terms  which  the  enemy  might  dictate.  Of  these  efforts  and  their  results 
I  shall  hereafter  write. 

'  See  page  409.  Scott  was  faithful  to  his  promise.  As  adjutant  general  and  chief  of  Dearborn's  staff,  he  seiectej 
from  the  prisoners  captured  by  himself  at  Fort  George  [see  page  599]  twenty-three  men  as  hostages  for  the  nufortuuaie 
Irishmen  sent  over  the  sea.  These  were  placed  in  close  confluemtnt,  to  await  the  action  of  the  British  government 
and  to  be  treated  accordingly.  Sir  George  Prevost  immediately  comnuinlcated  this  fact  to  the  home  government,  and 
at  the  same  time  addressed  a  note  to  our  government  through  General  Dearboni.  The  latter  was  so  negligent  that  it 
was  three  months  before  his  letter  reached  Washington.  Of  this  Sir  George  complained,  and  had  even  cominenc»(l 
Bending  prisoners  to  Halifax  because  of  his  inability  to  keep  the  large  number  which  had  accumulated  on  his  hands  in 
Canada  while  waiting  a  reply  from  our  government.  This  neglect  caused  distress  and  inconvenience  to  the  prisoners 
In  Canada.  They  complained  of  their  long  detention,  and  Prevost  gave  them  proof  that  Dearborn  alone  was  to  blame. 
•  A  1 19  Then  General  Winder,  who  was  captured  at  8t(my  Creek  [see  page  6041,  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War> 
lsl3  '  ""  "'"  subject.  After  expressing  a  hope  that  Prevost  would  be  promptly  answered,  he  said,  "  But  snch 
nnaccountable  neglect  or  omission  in  answering  the  communications  of  Sir  George  has  already  taken 
place  on  the  part  of  General  Dearborn  that  I  feel  fearful  that  the  same  fatality  may  also  attend  that  last  commuuicn- 
tion."  Winder's  letter  stirred  the  government  to  action,  for  already,  as  we  have  observed,  prisoners  bad  been  sent  u 
t  ,  .  .  Halifax  from  Canada,""  and  Sir  George  Prevost  threatened  to  send  a  large  number  to  Knglaud.  Tlu 
°  "  ■  whole  business  concerning  the  exchange  of  prisoners  was  placed  in  charge  of  General  J.  Mason,  commis- 
Bnry  general  of  prisoners,  under  the  direction  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  state.  That  officer  at  once  dispatched  the  o'v 
[1S67]  venerable  Colonel  Charles  K.  Gardner  to  Cpi.:  i 
as  agent  for  the  prisoners,  empowered  by  the  proper  ' 
thorities  to  negotiate  their  exchange. 

While  these  movements  were  in  progress,  an  order  for 
retaliation  came  to  Sir  George  Prevost  trom  the  Prince 
Regent,  through  Earl  Bathurst,  Secretary  of  State.  It  was 
•■  181S  promulgated  at  Montreal  on  the  2Ith  of  October' 
by  a  proclamation  from  the  baronet,  in  which 
ho  stated  that  he  was  commanded  "  forthwith  to  put  in 


close  confinement  forty-six  American  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers,  to  be  held  as  hostages  for  the  safe  kco|i 
Ing  of  the  twenty-three  British  soldiers  stated  to  have  been  put  in  close  confinement  by  order  of  the  .\merican  coven:- 
meut."  He  was  also  instructed  to  apprise  General  Dearborn  that  "if  any  of  the  said  British  soldiers  shall  suffer  death 
by  reason  that  the  soldiers  now  under  confinement  in  England  have  been  found  guilty,  and  that  the  known  law,  not 
only  of  Great  Britain,  but  of  every  independent  state  under  similar  circumstances,  has  been  in  consequence  execntcd, 
he  has  been  instructed  to  select  ont  of  the  American  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers  put  into  conflucinent  a- 
many  as  double  the  number  of  British  soldiers  who  shall  have  been  so  unwarrantably  pnt  to  death,  and  cause  sticlKitB 
cers  and  non-commissioned  officers  to  snRer  death  immediately."  He  further  stated  that  he  was  commanded  to  de- 
clare that  instructions  had  been  sent  to  the  British  commanders  on  land  and  sea  "  to  prosecute  the  war  with  unniiii- 
gated  severity  against  all  cities,  towns,  and  villages  belonging  to  the  United  States,"  if,  after  a  reasonable  timi  from  thi- 

proclamatiim,  the  American  government  should  "  not  be  deterred 
from  putting  to  death  any  of  the  soldiers  who  now  ore,  or  who  may 
hereafter  be  kept  as  hostages  for  the  purpose  stated." 


-^    jf 9l^uy^(U4^  f^Uy^ 


I  'mprisoned  forty-six  American  olli 
- '■.)C.  Among  these  was  Major  C.Vnii 
'  ■<  in  the  War  Department),  who  wai 
V.  He  and  two  room  companions  i«- 
X  tt    State  of  Maine,  when  they  were 


I"  November  IT. 


Prevost  obeyed  orde 

cers  in  Beanport  jail,  • 

De  Venter  (afterwar' 

captured  with  Generr 

caped,  and  had  alt.  .mi 
captured  and  taken  back.  Under  the  humane  caro  of  General 
Glasgow,  these  and  the  other  prisoners  were  well  treated,  but 
chafed  under  the  long  detention  while  the  two  governments 
were  menacing  the  prisoners  of  each  with  peril.  Madison  re- 
sponded to  the  order  of  the  Prince  Regent 
by  directing"'  the  imprisonment  of  a  like 
number  of  British  officers.  This  fact  was  communicated  to 
Prevost  at  Montreal  by  Colonel  Macomb,  who  had  been  sent 
for  thi'  purpose  by  General  Wilkinson  under  a  flag  of  truce. 
Wilkini-i)n  assured  the  boronet  that  the  American  government 
Intended  to  adhere  strictly  to  the  principles  and  purposes  avowed  in  relation  to  the  twenty-three  Irishmen  sent  to  Kr, 
gland;  whereupon  Prevost,  by  n  pcncnil  order  by  Adjutant  General  Bnynes,  on  thel'ith  of  December,  directed  n/iAmer 
lean  officers,  without  distinctlnn  of  rank,  then  prisoners  In  his  department,  to  be  placed  in  close  confinement.  Ilillieri  > 
Generals  Winchester,  Chandler,  and  Winder  had  been  allowed  a  wi  "•  parole  around  Beauport ;  now  they  were  com 
manded  not  to  go  beyond  the  premises  of  their  respective  board'ng-..  ses  In  that  village,  which  lies  oJJ  the  St.La»- 
reuce,  in  full  view  of  Quebec* 


Letter  of  General  Winder  to  the  ^' 


■iry  oi'War, 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


789 


sonera  held  ae  Hostages. 

!8ting  topic.  Dif- 
l  at  tlic  bcginr.iiig 
hmcu  Oiiptured  at 
ects.  Those  were 
tish  authorities  at 
Lhat  an  equal  mini- 
1  freedom.  He  did 
rer  of  retaliation.' 


ze  the  sinews  of  war  a»  to 
ige  efforts  aud  tlieir  resultg 

earborn'8  staff,  ho  selected 
ostages  for  the  tiufortunatc 
of  the  British  government, 
the  home  government,  and 
ter  was  bo  negligent  ttial  it 
,  and  had  even  commeiic»d 
!ccun)nlatcd  on  his  hands  in 
anvenienco  to  the  prisoners 
jarborn  alone  was  to  lilarae. 
ote  to  the  Secretary  of  War' 
nswered,  he  said,  "  But  sucii 
ir  George  has  already  takcu 
attend  lhat  last  coranninlcn- 
1,  prisoners  had  been  sent  to 
e  number  to  England.   Tlie 
it  General  J.  Mason,  commis- 


ns  hostages  for  the  safe  VLeop. 
)rder  of  the  .\nierican  pivon:- 
tlsh  soldierB  shall  suiTer  deatli 
and  that  the  known  law,  uoi 
vu  in  consequence  cxecatf.l 
..leers  put  into  conllucmeiit  i* 
|t  to  death,  and  cause  sucliulB 
lat  he  was  commanded  to  i./- 
rosccnte  the  war  with  nnmiii- 
er  a  reasonable  tim*  from  ihi- 
Jient  should  "  not  be  deterred 
[iers  who  now  are,  or  who  may 
Ipnrpose  stated." 
lonod  forty-six  American  ofB- 
[mong  these  was  Major  CWan 
lie  War  Department),  who  ii;v< 
land  two  room  corapanioas  t<- 
.ate  of  Maine,  when  they  were 


^^^^2^ 


JitT-thrce  Irishmen  sent  |->E»- 
If  December,  dlrectcdnll.\mer 
I,  close  contliiement.  llilli"i 
Ittuport ;  now  they  were  com 
Ige,  which  lies  oil  the  St.  U.- 


•  1814. 


Campaign  on  the  Northern  Frontier.     Proposed  Expedition  to  the  Upper  Lakes.     Preparations  on  Lake  Champlaln. 

Let  US  now  coLoider  the  military  events  of  1814,  which  occurred  more  in  accord- 
ance with  the  necessities  of  developing  exigencies  as  the  seasons  passed  on  than  with 
that  of  any  Avell-digested  plans  excepting  as  to  the  Northern  frontiers.  It  had  been 
agreed  in  cabinet  council  that  an  expedition  under  Colonel  Croghan,  the  hero  of  Fort 
Stephenson,  with  the  co-operation  of  Commodore  Sinclair,  should  proceed  against  the 
British  on  the  upper  lakes,  and  attempt  the  recovery  of  Mackinaw  and  St.  Joseph's, 
■nhich  were  lost  at  the  beginning  of  the  war.^  An  army,  under  Major  General  Brown, 
was  to  be  collected  on  the  desolated  Niagara  frontier  of  sufficient  strength  to  seize 
the  Canadian  peninsula  between  Lakes  Ontario  aud  Erie,  while  General  Izard,  in  com- 
mand in  thti  Lake  Champlain  region,  should  cut  the  connection  on  the  St.  Lawrence 
between  Montreal  and  Kingston. 

It  was  at  the  close  of  March*  when  the  campaign  was  opened  on  the  North- 
em  frontier  by  the  incompetent  General  Wilkinson,  who,  we  have  observed, 
took  post  with  a  part  of  the  Army  of  the  North,  at  Plattsburg,  when  the  cantonment 
at  French  Mills  was  broken  up.^ 

There  were  indications  that  efforts  would  be  made  in  the  spring  by  the  British  in 
Canada  to  gain  possession  of  Lake  Champlain,  penetrate  the  State  of  New  York  to 
the  valley  of  the  Hudson,  and  attempt,  by  a  movement  similar  to  the  one  unsuccess- 
fully put  in  operation  by  Burgoyne  in  1777,  to  sep.arato  the  New  England  common- 
wealths (wl.orc,  they  foolishly  supposed,  an  overwhelming  majority  of  the  people 
were  their  friends)  from  the  rest  of  the  Union.  To  meet  and  frustrate  such  efforts 
countervailing  measures  were  adopted.  Vessels  of  war  were  constructed  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Onion  River,  in  Vermont,  under  the  superintendence  of  Captain  Macdonough; 
and  General  Wilkinson  sent  Captain  Totten,  of  the  Engineers,  to  select  a  site  for  a 
strong  battery  at  or  near  Rouse's  Point  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  little  British 
squadron,  then  lying  at  St.  John's, « n  the  Sorel,  within  the  limits  of  Canada.  Before 
tills  work  could  be  accomplished,  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice  in  the  streams  earlier 
than  common  changed  the  aspect  of  affairs  materially.  Intelligence  reached  Wilkin- 
son that  a  British  force  of  twenty-five  hundred  men  was  about  to  be  concentrated 

Thcfe  retaliatory  measures  were  relaxed  toward  spring.""  At  the  middle  of  January  Sir  George  Prevost  al-  ,  ..„.,. 
lowed  General  Winder  to  go  home  on  parole,  with  a  promise  not  to  reveal  any  thing  of  obvious  disadvantage 
to  the  British,  and  to  return  to  Quebec  by  the  16th  of  March.  The  general  too  that  occasion  to  communicnte  fl-cely 
in  person  with  his  government  on  the  subject  of  an  exchange  of  prisoners.  He  deprecated  the  retaliatory  measures, 
and  tlirough  his  Influence  the  Senate,  first  on  the  2d  of  Fcbrnary  and  then  on  the  9th  of  March,  by  resolution,  requested 
the  President  to  cause  to  be  laid  before  them  such  information  as  he  might  possess  concerning  the  subject  of  prisoners 
and  retaliatory  measures,  and  "  of  the  cases,  with  their  circumstances,  in  which  any  civilized  nation  had  punished  its 
n,iti\e  subjects  taken  In  arms  against,  and  for  which  punishment  retaliation  had  been  Inflicted  by  the  nation  In  whose 
service  they  had  been  taken."  Also,  "  on  what  gronnds,  and  under  what  circumstances.  Great  Britain  has  refused  to 
discharge  native  citizens  of  the  United  States  Impressed  Into  her  service  ;  and  what  has  been  her  conduct  toward  Amer- 
ican seamen  on  board  her  ships  of  war  at  and  since  the  commencement  of  the  present  war  with  the  tJnltcd  States." 

This  was  a  task  of  no  ordinary  labor;  and  tl.e  Secretary  of  State,  to  whom  the  resolutions  were  referred,  remarked,  in 
a  report  which  he  submitted  on  the  14th  of  April,  that  a  f\ill  onswcr  ftom  him  on  the  subject  of  retaliation  would  require 
more  extensive  research  into  the  history  and  jurisprudence  of  Europe  than  proper  attention  to  his  ofllcinl  duties  would 
allow  before  the  close  of  the  session— an  event  then  just  at  hand.  He  gave  reasons,  however.  In  justiflcotlon  of  the 
course  of  the  United  States  in  the  matter  so  satisfactory  that  a  bill  was  Introduced  similar  to  the  one  at  the  last  session 
of  the  Twelfth  Congress  giving  the  President  flill  powers  to  retaliate.  For  reasons  then  presented,  it  did  ,  auHI  18 
not  become  a  law.    Four  days  after  the  presentation  of  this  report  Congcss  adjourned." 

General  Winder  promptly  returned  to  Quebec  at  the  middle  of  March,  bearing  to  Sir  George  Prevost  fi-om  Mr.  Mon- 
roe, Secretary  of  State,  a  letter,  dated  the  9th  of  March,  In  which  a  mutual  exchange  of  prisoners  was  solicited.  Gen- 
crsi  Winder  was  clothed  with  fiill  powers  to  negotiate  for  snch  exchange.  Prevost  met  the  proposition  with  a  friend- 
ly spirit,  nnd  appointed  Colonel  Baynes,  his  adjutant  general,  a  commissioner  for  the  purpose.  The  negotiation  was 
'imraenccd,  but  temporarily  suspended,  when,  In  a  Irtttr  *o  General  Winder,  dated  the  22d  of  March,  Mr.  Monroe  posl- 
livelv  prohibited  any  consent  to  the  release  of  tiK-  .wenty-three  British  prisoners  who  were  held  as  hostages  for  the 
Irishmen  sent  to  England  eighteen  months  before,  unless  it  shou  d  be  stipulated  that  they,  too,  should  be  released. 
The  negotiation  was  resumed,  oud  on  the  16th  of  April  Winder  ai.d  Baynes  signed  articles  of  a  convention  for  the 
mntnal  release  of  all  prisoners  of  war,  hostages  or  others,  except  the  twenty-three  Queenston  prisoners,  the  twenty- 
three  Fort  George  prisoners  held  by  the  Americans  In  retaliation,  nnd  the  forty-six  American  officers  who  were  held 
for  the  last-named  twenty-three.  The  mutual  release  took  place  on  the  16th  of  May.  Soon  after  that.M-.  Beaslcy, 
airent  for  the  American  government  in  England,  sent  word  that  no  proceedings  had  ever  been  Inslituted  against  the 
Q'leenston  prisoners,  and  that  they  were  restored  to  the  condition  of  ordinary  prisoners  of  war.  The  hostages  on  both 
fides  were  immediately  released,  and  early  In  .Inly  a  cartel  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners  was  ratified  and  executed. 
Thns  ended  n  controversy  unwarrantably  begun  by  Great  Britain,  aud  which  had  produced  much  suffering.    The  just 

position  taken  by  our  government  was  firmly  maintained.  >  See  page  270.  *  See  page  C8T. 


-iiir.'U 


f  i: 


Y90 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Wilkinson  crosses  the  Canada  Border. 


The  British  at  La  Colle  Mill. 


Positions  of  the  opposing  Forces 


•  1S14. 


at  La  Colle  Mill,  on  La  Colle  Creek,  a  small  tributary  of  the  Sorel,  three  or  four  miles 
below  Rouse's  Point. 

For  the  purpose  of  preparing  for  a  ma-ch  on  Montreal,  and  to  confront  the  expect- 
ed force  at  La  Colle,  Wilkinson  advanced  his  little  army  to  Ch'^uiplain,  and  on  the 
30th  of  March*  crossed  the  Canada  border,  and  pressed  on  toward  La  Colle, 
It  was  composed  of  about  four  thousand  effective  men.  Five  miles  from  Cham- 
plain,  at  a  hamlet  called  Odelltown,  the  army  stopped  for  refreshments ;  and,  on  re- 
suming their  march,  they  encountered  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  drove  them  back.  At 
about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  they  came  in  sight  of  La  Colle  jMill,  a  heavy  stone 
structure,  with  walls  eighteen  inches  in  thickness,  and  its  windows  barricaded  with 
heavy  timbers,  through  which  Avere  loop-holes  for  muskets.  It  stood  on  the  south- 
ern bank  of  La  Colle  Creek,  at  the  end  of  a  bridge.  On  the  opposite  bank  was  a 
block-house  and  a  strong  barn,  and  .around  them  were  intrenchments.  For  two  lumd- 
red  yards  southward  from  the  mill,  and  half  that  distance  nortliward  from  the  block- 
house, was  cleared  land,  surrounded  by  a  thick  primeval  forest  which  covered  the 
country  in  every  direction.  The  flat  ground  was  half  inundated  by  melting  snows, 
a.id  the  highway  was  so  obstructed  by  the  enemy  with  felled  trees  and  other  hirukr- 
ances  that  the  Americans  were  compelled  to  diverge  some  distance  to  the  right  of  it, 


The  .advance  of  Wilkinson's  army  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Isaac  Clark  an.l 
Major  (at  that  time  lieutenant  colonel  by  brevet)  Benjamin  Forsyth.  These  wore 
followed  by  Captain  M'Pherson,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  covered  by  the  brigades 
of  Generals  Smith  and  Bissell.  General  Alexander  Macomb  commanded  the  reserves 
under  Colonels  Melancthon  Smith  and  George  M'Feely.  Clark  and  Forsyth,  with 
portions  of  their  commands,  crossed  La  Colle  Creek  some  distance  above  the  mill,  fol- 
lowed by  Colonel  Miller's  regiment  of  six  hundred  men,  and  took  post  in  the  rear  of 
the  enemy  to  cut  off'  his  retreat. 

At  this  time  the  British  garrison  at  the  mill  consisted  of  only  about  two  hundred 
men,  chiefly  regulars,  under  Major  Hancock,  of  the  British  Thirteenth.  Re-enforce- 
ments were  on  the  way,  and  it  was  important  for  Wilkinson  to  dislodge  the  enemy 
at  the  mill  before  their  arrival.  Macomb  endeavored  to  send  forAvard  an  18-poiind 
cannon  to  breach  the  walls,  but  failed  on  account  of  the  softness  of  the  grouiid. 
Hoping  to  perform  the  same  service  with  M'Pherson's  heavy  guns,  which  consisted 
of  a  12-pound  cannon  and  a  5i^-inch  mortar,  these  were  placed  in  battery  at  the  dis- 


trntrmr^^ 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


%91 


^liiii: 


1  of  the  opposinj;  Forces. 

lireo  or  four  miles 

nfront  the  expect- 
iiplain,  ami  on  the 

toward  La  Colle, 
;  miles  from  Clmm- 
mcnts ;  ami,  on  re- 
)ve  them  back.    At 
I^lill,  a  heavy  stone 
iS'9  barricailed  with 
stood  on  the  soulh- 
»posite  bank  was  a 
its.     For  twolmud- 
ard  fro.n  the  hloek- 

which  covered  the 
[  by  melting  snows, 
es  and  other  hinder- 
ce  to  the  right  of  it. 


mel  Isaac  Clark  and 
/orsvth.  These  were 
Irered  by  the  hn^Aie^ 
limanded  the  reserves 
l-k  and  Forsyth,  witli 
pe  above  the  milljol- 
fk  post  in  the  rear  of 

about  t\vo  hundred 
Irteenlh.  Re-enforce- 
L  dislodge  the  enemy 
kbrward  an  lB-po"nd 
tness  of  the  gromul. 
inns,  which  consisted 
In  battery  at  the  dis- 


Wilkinson  attacks  the  British  Oarrison.       The  Latter  re-enforced.       The  Americans  repulsed.       The  Battle-ground. 

tance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  mill.  They  opened  fire  upon  that 
citadel,  but  their  missiles  were  harmli'ss.  They  were  responded  to  by  Congrcvc 
rockets ;  and  the  whole  American  line,  being  in  open  fields,  was  exposed  to  the  gall- 
in"  tire  of  the  enemy.  M'Pherson  was  wounded  under  the  chin,  but  fought  on  until 
his  thigh-bone  was  broken  by  a  musket  ball,  when  he  was  carried  to  the  rear.  Lieu- 
tenant Larrabce,  his  next  in  command,  was  shot  through  the  lungs,  and  Lieutenant 
Sheldon  kept  up  the  fire  with  great  gallantry.  The  conduct  of  these  officers  was  so 
conspicuous  as  to  attract  the  admiration  and  comment  of  their  brethren  in  arms. 

While  this  contest  was  waging,  two  flank  companies  of  the  British  Thirteenth,  un- 
der Captains  Ellard  and  Ilolgatc,  arrived  from  Isle  mix  Noix,  seven  miles  distant, 
and  gave  much  strength  to  the  beleaguered  garrison.  Major  ILincock  now  det  ti-m- 
ined  to  storm  the  American  battery,  and  gave  orders  for  an  immediate  and  vignrous 
sortie  by  the  two  companies  just  arrived.  They  made  several  desperate  charges,  and 
were  as  often  repulsed  by  the  infantry  supports  of  the  artillery  under  Smith  and  IJis- 
sell.  They  were  finally  driven  back  across  the  bridge,  and  compelled  to  take  refuge 
in  the  block-house  on  the  northerly  side  of  the  stream.  There  they  were  soon  joined 
hy  some  Canadian  Grenadiers  and  Voltigeurs  from  Burtonvillc,  only  two  miles  dis- 
tant. These  joined  the  companies  of  Ellard  and  Ilolgate  in  another  sortie  more  des- 
perate than  the  first,  which,  after  a  severe  struggle,  was  repulsed  by  the  covering 
brigades,  and  the  cannonade  and  bombardment  wont  on.  They  made  no  impression, 
liowever,  upon  the  walls  of  the  mill.  The  garrison  had  been  augmented  by  re-en- 
forcements to  almost  a  thousand  men,  and,  after  a  contest  ot  two  hours,  "Wilkinson 
withdrew,  having  lost  thirteen  killed,  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  wounded,  and 
thirteen  missing.  The  enemy  lost  eleven  killed,  two  oflicers  and  forty-four  men 
wounded,  and  four  missing. 

I  visited  the  scene  of  this  conflict  on  a  pleasant  evening  towai'd  the  close  of 
Jtily,"  18C0.     I  had  been  to  French  Mills  (Fort  Covington)  in  the  morning,     .,  i  »t 
and  had  arrived  at  Rouse's  Point,  as  before  observed  (page  665),  towaid 
evening.    In  a  light  wagon,  behind  a  fleet  hoi"se,  I  rode  from  the  village  to  La  Colle 
Mill  in  time  to  make  a  sketch  of  the  scene — the  bridge,  and  the  block-house,  then  part 


'^■'TKSW^WCSg.^ 


1.A   COLI.b   .MILL  AM)    ULOCK-lIUUbK. 


of  a  dwelling,  the  property  of  Mi*.  William  Bowman — and  to  obtain  fi'om  that  gentle- 
man 80  exact  a  description  of  the  form  and  size  of  the  old  mill,  which  had  been  de- 


<       i 


J       5  ( 


i  • 


tlfc. 


792 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Oriives  of  the  Slain  In  the  Battle.        End  of  Wilkinaon'i  military  Career.        Brown  ordered  to  the  Niagara  Frontier, 

molishod  only  two  years  before,  as  to  enable  mo,  by  observing  the  relative  position 
of  its  ruins  to  the  bridge,  to  reproduce  the  likeness  of  it  given  in  the  picture  on  tho 
preceding  page.  Mr.  Bowman  accompanied  me  to  the  Ferry-road,  opened  by  hinisolf 
a  little  southward  of  the  bridge,  where,  about  thirty  rods  southeast  from  the  highway 
might  be  seen  the  mounds  which  cover  the  remains  of  tho  slain  in  the  battle  tliere, 
Those  of  the  Americans  were  buried  on  the  right  side  of  the  road,  and  those  of  tlic 
British  on  the  left  side,  about  twenty  feet  from  each  other.  Only  one  grave  was 
made  for  the  dead  of  each  nation. 

At  twilight  I  passed  through  La  Colle  village  and  Odelltown,  the  road  ruiminc; 
through  a  level,  well-cultivated  region,  which  was  covered  by  forest  at  the  time  of 
the  war.  I  spent  the  night  at  an  indifferent  inn  at  Rouse's  Point  village,  and  on  the 
following  morning  journeyed  to  Champlain  and  Plattsburg.  Of  this  journey  I  shall 
hereafter  write. 

With  the  discreditable  affair  at  La  Colle  Mill  tho  military  career  of  General  Wi|. 
kinson  was  closed.  By  an  order  from  the  War  Department,  issued  a  Aveek  previous 
•  March  24,    to  that  affair,"  he  was  relieved  of  the  command  of  the  army  in  the  Depart- 

^®''''  ment  of  the  North,  and  his  conduct  while  in  command  of  that  district  was 
subsequently  committed  to  the  scrutiny  of  a  court-martial.  He  proved  that  durin,' 
the  most  important  operations  of  the  disastrous  campaign,  which  ended  at  Froiioii 
Mills,  the  War  Department,  in  the  person  of  Minister  Armstrong  and  Adjutant  Gin- 
eral  Walbach,  was  on  the  Northern  frontier,  and  that  he  acted  under  the  Socretai y's 
immediate  instructions  ;  tliat  the  failure  of  Hampton  to  meet  him  at  St.  Regis'  justi- 
fied his  abandonment  of  an  attack  on  Montreal ;  and  that  his  encampment  and  stav 
at,  and  departure  from  French  Mills,  was  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  the  Secre- 
tary of  War.  Tliese  proofs  being  positive,  Wilkinson  was  acquitted,  and  the  puhlie 
placed  the  chief  blame,  where  it  seemed  to  properly  belong,  on  the  War  Department. 
Like  Harrison,  who  had  felt  the  baletul  effects  of  the  administration  of  that  depart- 
ment, Wilkinson  threw  up  his  commission  in  disgust. 

Many  official  changes  Avere  necessary.  Dearborn  was  in  retirement  on  account  of 
ill  health ;  Hampton  had  left  the  service  in  disgrace  :  and  Winchester,  Chandler,  ami 
Winder  were  still  prisoners  of  war  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy  in  Canada.  On  the 
24th  of  January  Brigadier  Generals  Brown  and  Izard  were  commissioned  major  gen- 
erals ;  and  Colonels  Macomb,  T.  A.  Smith,  Bissell,  Scott,  Gaines,  and  Ripley  were  ap- 
pointed brigadiers.  On  the  retirement  of  Wilkinson,  Brown  became  chief  commander 
in  the  Northern  Department. 

General  Brown,  as  we  have  seen,  left  French  Mills  with  a  division  of  the  army  for 
Sackett's  Harbor  at  about  the  middle  of  February.^  He  arrived  there  on  the  24tl), 
after  a  rather  pleasant  march  for  that  season  of  the  year.  There  he  received  a  letter 
^  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  on  the  28th,''  informing  hira  that  Colonel 

Scott,  who  was  a  candidate  for  a  brigadiership,  had  been  ordered,  with  the 
accomplished  Major  Wood,  of  the  Engineers,  to  the  Niagara  frontier.  "The  truth 
is,"  Armstrong  ss'd, "public  opinion  will  not  tolerate  us  in  permitting  the  enemy 
to  keep  quiet  possession  of  Fort  Niagara.  Another  motive  is  the  effect  which  may 
be  expected  from  the  appearance  of  a  large  corps  on  the  Niagara  in  restraining  tho 
enemy's  enterprises  to  the  westAvard."  After  expressing  doubts  concerning  the  abil- 
ity of  the  force  under  Scott  to  recapture  Fort  Niagara,  the  Secretary, "  by  command 
of  the  President,"  as  he  said,  directed  Brown  to  convey,  with  the  least  possible  delay, 
the  brigades  which  he  brought  from  French  Mills  to  Batavia,  Avhere  "  other  and  more 
detailed  orders"  Avould  aAvait  him.'  On  the  same  day,  by  another  dispatch,  the  Sec- 
retary directed  Brown  to  cross  the  ice  at  the  foot  of  the  lake,  and  attack  the  enemy 
at  Kingston,  if,  on  consultation  with  Chauncey,  it  should  be  considered  practicable. 


•  Sec  pnpe  0B4. 

>  MS.  Letter  of  Secretary  Armstrong  to  General  Brown,  February  28, 1813.- 


'  See  pacp  W>T. 
-Qeueral  Brown'a  Letter-book, 


pWlli 


OP   THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


798 


0  the  Niagara  Frontitr. 

relative  position 
he  picture  on  iho 
pencil  by  himsolt', 
rora  the  highway, 

the  battle  thoro. 
,  and  those  of  the 
y  one  grave  was 

the  road  ruiniint; 
est  at  the  time  of 
village,  and  on  the 
his  journey  I  shall 

or  of  General  Wil- 
jd  a  week  previous 
rray  in  the  Depart- 
of  that  district  was 
proved  that  duriiv^ 
;h  ended  at  Frenoli 
and  Adjutant  Gui- 
lder the  Secretary's 

1  at  St.  Regis'  justi- 
campment  and  stay 
1  views  of  the  Score- 
itted,  and  the  puhlio 
ne  War  Department, 
ition  of  that  depart- 
ment on  account  of 
lester,  Chandler,  ami 
in  Canada.    On  the 

ssioned  major  gen- 
Mid  Ripley  were  ap- 
me  chief  commander 

ision  of  the  army  for 
there  on  the  24tli. 
he  received  a  letter 
ing  him  that  Colonel 
en  ordered,  with  the 
ontier.     "Thetrutl. 
rmitting  the  enemy 
he  effect  which  may 
ra  in  restraining  tlie 
concerning  the  ahil- 
jtary, "  by  cominaivl 
least  possible  delay, 
(ere  "  other  and  nion' 
ler  dispatch,  the  Sec 
lul  attack  the  enemy 
iisidered  practicahlc. 

a  See  pace  W' 
I  Brown's  Letter-book. 


Brown  moving  toward  the  Niagara.         Ridiculous  Urdere  from  the  War  Department.         Public  Property  in  Danger. 

In  that  event  he  was  directed  to  use  the  instructions  in  the  first  letter  of  that  date 
as  a  mask. 

The  two  commanders  considered  the  force  of  four  thousand  men  at  the  Harbor  in- 
sufficient for  the  capture  of  Kingston  under  the  circumstances ;  and,  mistaking  the 
real  intentions  of  the  government,  which  was  to  make  tlie  movement  on  Kingston 
the  tnain  object,  and  that  toward  Niagara  a./l;m^,  Brown  put  his  troops  in  motion  to- 
ward the  latter  at  the  middle  of  March.  Tlioy  numbered  about  two  thousand,  con- 
sisting of  the  Ninth,  Eleventh,  Twenty-first,  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiments  of  Infantry, 
the  Third  Regiment  of  Artillery,  and  Captain  Towson's  company  of  the  Second  Ar- 
tillery.' These  troops  had  reached  Saliiia,  in  Onondaga  County,  and  Brown  was 
at  Geneva,  when  General  Gaines  thought  he  discovered  his  commander's  mistake. 
Brown  acquiesced  in  his  opinion,  and  resolved  to  retrace  his  steps.  He  hastened  back 
to  Sackett's  Harbor  "  the  most  unhappy  man  alive.''^  There  Chauncey  "and  other 
confidential  men"  convinced  him  that  his  first  interpretation  of  the  Secretary's  in- 
struction was  correct.  "  Happy  again,"  he  hastened  back  to  his  troops,  and  resumed 
the  march  westward.  At  the  close  of  the  month  tiiey  arrived  at  Batavia,  where 
they  remained  about  four  weeks,  when  they  moved  toward  Buffalo.  In  the  mean 
time  Armstrong  had  written  a  soothing  letter  to  the  perturbed  Brown,  saying, "  You 

have  mistaken  my  meaning If  you  hazard  any  thing  by  this  mistake,  correct 

it  promptly  by  returning  to  your  post.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  you  left  the  Harbor 
with  a  competent  force  for  its  defense,  go  on  and  prosper.  Good  consequences  are 
soraetimes  the  result  of  mistakes."^ 

While  at  Batavia  and  vicinity  Brown  was  made  very  uneasy  by  alarming  letters 
from  Chauncey,  and  also  from  General  Gaines,  who  had  been  placed  in  command  at 
Sackett's  Harbor.  The  British  were  in  motion  at  Kingston  early  in  April,  the  ice 
having  broken  up,  and  there  were  indications  of  another  attack  on  the  Harbor.  With 
this  impression,  and  feeling  the  responsibility  laid  upon  him  by  the  grant  of  discre- 
tionary power  given  him  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  Brown  hastened  back  to  that  post, 
leaving  General  Scott  in  command  of  the  troops  on  the  Niagara  frontier  during  his 
ahsence.  Observation  soon  taught  him  that  an  attack  on  the  Harbor  was  "  more  to 
be  desired  than  feared,"*  and  that  the  real  point  of  danger  was  Oswego,  at  tlie  mouth 
of  the  Oswego  River.  At  the  Great  Falls  of  that  stream,  twelve  miles  from  the  lake, 
where  the  village  of  Fulton  now  stands,  a  large  quantity  of  naval  stores  had  been  col- 
lected during  the  autumn  and  winter  for  vessels  on  the  stocks  at  Sackett's  Harbor. 
These  would  be  very  important  objects  for  the  British  to  possess  or  destroy ;  and,  ex- 
cepting the  partly-finished  vessels  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  they  formed  the  most  attract- 
ive prize  for  Sir  James  Yeo,  the  British  commander  on  Lake  Ontario.  For  the  pro- 
tection of  this  property.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell,  with  a  battalion  of  light  artil- 
lery, was  sent  to  garrison  the  fort  at  Oswego. 

At  the  beginning  of  May  Sir  James  Yeo  sailed  out  of  Kingston  Harbor  with  an  ef- 
fective force  of  cruising  vessels.  Chauncey  was  not  quite  ready  for  him.  Both  par- 
ties, one  at  Kingston  and  the  other  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  had  been  bending  all  tlieir 
energies  during  the  preceding  winter  in  making  preparations  for  securing  the  com- 
mand of  Lake  Ontario,  an  object  considered  so  important  by  the  two  governments 


'  MS.  Letter  to  Colonel  E.  Jenkins,  March  12, 1S14.  »  MC.  '.otter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  March  24, 1RI4. 

'  MR.  Letter,  March  20, 1814.  It  must  be  confessed  that  many  of  the  orders  issued  from  Washington  at  this  time  were 
eireeilliigly  perplexing  to  the  officers  iu  the  flcld.  A  great  portion  of  the  frontier  was  yet  in  a  wilderness  state,  nnil 
the  lopoL'raphy  and  geography  of  the  country  was  very  Imperltectly  known.  In  a  letter  before  mo  trom  the  venerable 
Jiihn  II.  Kellogg,  of  Allegan,  Michigan,  dated  15th  March,  1S04,  some  amusing  anecdotes  bearing  npon  this  subject  are 
rfvcn.  He  says  that  he  heard  Captain  (afterward  Commodore)  Woolsey  relate  to  Chauncey  and  other  officers,  In  the 
old  twn-story  wood  tovern  at  Oswego,  the  fact  that  he  had  received  the  following  order  from  Washington :  "Take  the 
Mi;  "/  the  Lake  and  proceed  to  Onondaga,  and  take  in,  at  Nicholas  MIckle's  Funiace,  a  load  of  ball  and  shot,  and  |)ro- 
cced  at  once  to  Buffalo."  In  other  words,  go  over  Oswego  Foils,  then  up  th"  ''swego  and  Heneca  Klvers  to  Onondaga 
Lake  to  Saiina  or  Syracuse,  and  then  two  miles  south  of  that  city  by  land,  where  the  furnace  was  situated,  and,  return- 
ius  to  Oswego,  proceed  to  the  Niacrara,  and  up  and  over  Niagara  Fall'  to  Buffalo  I 

« MS.  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  April  26, 1814. 


iili-l 


Wii 


704 


PICTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


TUe  Navy  on  Lake  Ontario. 


Naval  Stores. 


The  British  Squadron  leaves  Sackett's  Hnrlmr. 


OIIAU.NUEV  U  DIH.MA.N  1  LED   KI.AO-81111"   Sll'EIilOH. 


that  tlu'y  withdrew  officers  and  seamen  from  the  ocean  to  assist  in  the  lake  service. 
Tlie  American  government  also  addetl  twenty-five  per  cent,  to  the  pay  of  those  en- 
gaged  in  that  service. 

In  February  Henry  P>kford'  had  laid  the  keel  of  three  vessels,  one  a  frigate  flc- 
signed  to  carry  fifty  gwns,  and  two  brigs  of  five  hundred  tons  each,  to  carry  twcntv- 
two  guns.     Deserters  who  came  in  reported  heavy  vessels  in  great  forwardness  at 

Kingston  ;  and  Chauncey,  who  reliiriicd 
from  the  national  capital  at  the  close  of 
February,  ordered  the  size  of  the  frigatu 
to  be  increased  so  as  to  carry  sixty-six 
guns.  The  brigs,  named  respectively  Jtf. 
ferson  and  Junes,  were  ready  for  service, 
except  their  full  armament,  at  the  close  «( 
April ;  and  the  frigate,  which  was  iiamed 
77(6  /Superior,  was  launched  on  the  '2d  of 
May,  just  eighty  days  after  her  keel  was 
laid !-  But  the  naval  stores  and  lieavy 
guns  designed  for  her  were  yet  at  Oswcffo 
Falls,  to  which  point  they  had  been  car- 
ried by  tedious  transportation  from  Al- 
bany up  the  Mohawk,  and  through  AVood 
Creek  and  Oneida  Lake  into  the  Oswetjo 
lliver,  the  roads  across  the  country  from  Utica  to  Sackett's  Harbor  being  iinj)assal)lc 
with  heavy  ordnance.  They  were  kept  at  the  Falls  for  security  from  the  enemy,  mi- 
til  schooners  employed  by  Captain  Woolsey  for  the  purpose  could  be  loaded  and  dis- 
patched singly  from  Oswego. 

The  ice,  as  we  have  remarked,  broke  up  earlier  than  usual,  and  the  British  made 
attempts  to  destroy  the  large  frigate  at  the  Harbor.  On  the  night  of  the  25tli  of 
April,  Lieutenant  Dudley,  while  out  with  tAvo  guard-boats,  discovered  three  others 
in  Black  River  Bay.  Not  answering  his  hail,  he  fired.  They  fied.  On  scarcliinu, 
six  barrels  of  gunpowder  were  found,  each  containing  a  fuse,  and  slung  in  pairs  by  a 
rope  in  a  way  that  a  swimmer  might  convey  them  under  a  ship's  bottom  for  the  pur- 
pose of  explosion.  A  few  days  afterward  the  British  squadron  was  seen  in  sailiiiL' 
trim  at  Kingston;  and  on  the  4th  of  May  Lieutenant  Gregory,  in  the  Zadi/  of  tin: 
Lake,  saw  six  sail  of  the  enemy  leave  Kingston  Harbor  and  move  toward  Amliei-st 
Bay.  This  was  the  squadron  of  Sir  James  Yeo,  bearing  a  little  more  than  one  thou- 
sand land  troops,  under  Lieutenant  General  Sir  George  Gordon  Drummoiid.  The 
active  cruising  force  of  Sir  James  consisted  of  eight  vessels,  ranging  from  12  to  62 
guns,  making  in  the  aggregate  222  ])ieces  of  ordnance,  besides  several  gun-boats  and 
other  small  craft,  Avhosc  armament,  added  to  the  otliers,  gave  to  the  British  much  su- 
periority in  the  weight  of  metal. 

When  Sir  James  sailed  his  squadron  was  so  much  superior  in  strength  to  the  one 
that  Chauncey  could  then  put  to  sea  that  the  latter  prudeivtly  remained  in  SackettV 
Harbor,  and  the  enemy  moved  unimpeded  against  Oswego  on  the  morning  of  the  5th 
of  May.  His  vessels  were  seen  at  reveille  from  that  port,  and  preparations  were  speed- 
ily made  to  dispute  his  landing.     The  village,  standing  on  the  west  side  of  the  har- 

'  See  page  015. 

»  Ou  the  1st  of  Jnne  the  American  eqnadron  consisted  of  the  following  vessels : 

SH^jcnor,  00,  Lieutenant  Ellon,  Chniincey's  flag-ship;  /^rte,  2R,  Captain  Crane;  floftnicj;,  42,  Captain  Jones;  Waiim. 
24,  CaiJtalnTienchard:  ./(-/^n-mn,  22,  Captain  Ridgeley ;  yon<!«,  22,  Captain  Woolsey ;  .firfp/i,  14,  Captain  Elliott;  OneWn, 
18,  Lieutenant  Commandant  Drown ;  and  /xirf;/  of  the  Lake,  2,  Lieutenant  Mix,  a  look-out  vpsspI.  Besides  these  were 
sevjral  gnn-boats  and  other  small  craft,  among  the  best  known  of  which  were  the  Oorernnr  Tirmpkinn,  0,  Midshipman 
EV.iott;  Pirt,a,Ucntcnant  Adams  ;  ^on(/I«•»^  2,  Lieutenant  Wells;  Fair  Armriean,  2,  Licntcnant  Woicott  Chatincey: 
Ontario,  2,  Sailing-master  Stevens ;  A  nji,  2,  Lieutenant  Jones ;  Hamilton,  8 ,  Qrowler,  S ;  Julia,  2 ;  BViabcth,  1 ;  and  Iwmb- 
vessel  May.    The  aggregate  number  of  guus  was  282. 


ii^m 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


795 


eaves  Sackett'a  Harbor. 

the  lake  service, 
pay  of  those  ei>- 

one  a  frigiite  <\v- 
, to  carry  twinty- 
at  forwardiuss  at 
!ey,  who  ret\inie(l 
ill  at  the  close  of 
size  of  the  frisrate 
to  carry  sixty-six 
il  respectively  Jef- 
!  ready  for  service, 
lent,  at  the  close  of 
,  which  was  uiimcd 
uched  on  the  '2d  of 
(  after  her  keel  was 
1  stores  and  lieavy 
were  yet  at  Oswcjzo 
they  had  been  car- 
;|)ortution  from  Al- 
and through  Wooil 
!kc  into  the  Oswego 
Dor  being  impassable 
from  the  enemy,  mi- 
ld be  loaded  and  dis- 

ind  the  British  made 
night  of  the  25th  of 
overed  three  others 
llled.     On  searching, 
il  slung  in  pairs  by  a 
bottom  for  the  pur- 
was  seen  in  saiUiisr 
1,  in  the  Lady  of  ik 
'  ve  toward  Amlierst 
Imore  than  one  thou- 
in  Drummond.    Tlu' 
Inging  from  12  to  62 
jveral  gun-boats  ami 
the  British  much  su- 

.  strength  to  the  one 
[cmained  in  Sackctt's 
morning  oftheotli 
[arations  were  speed- 
rest  side  ofthelwr- 


L,  Captain  Jones:  Jfod.* 
I  14,  Captain  Elliott  ;Onfl*. 
I'vpl»el  Besides  the?c  vsw 
Im-r-nnpiMn^.CMiashipina" 
Intcnant  Woloott  Chamc^y; 


Tbe  UefeneeK  and  Defenders  of  0»we);o. 


Attack  uii  Flirt  Ontario. 


Lundint;  of  Britleh  Troup«. 


BIB  JAME8   LUUA8  YEO, 


l)or  formed  by  the  mouth  of  the  Oswego 

Uiver,  contained  less  tlian  five  hundred 

inhabitants.     Upon  abluft'on  the  north 

side  of  the  river  was  old  Fort  Ontario, 

i)artly  built  in  colonial  times,  spacious, 

but  not  strong.     It  tlien  mounted  only 

si.v  old  guns,  three  of  which  were  almost 

useless  because  they  had  lost  their  trun- 
nions.   The  garrison  consisted  of  Mitch- 

eU'o  battalion  of  less  than  three  hundred 

men.    The  schooner  Growler,  having  on 

l)oard  Captain  Woolsey  and  Lieutenant 

Pearce,  of  tlie  Xavy,  was  in  the  river  for 

the  purpose  of  conveying  guns  and  naval 

stores  to  the  Harbor.     To  prevent  licr 

ialUiig  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  she 

was  sunk,  and  a  part  of  \\>^v  crew  under 

Lieutenant  Pearce  joined  Mitcliell,  who 

liad  sent  out  messengers  to  arouse  and 

bring  in  the  neighboring  militia. 
Mitchell  had  too  few  troops  for  the  defense  of  both  the  village  and  the  fort,  so  lie 

ordered  all  the  tents  in  store  there  to  be  pitched  near  the  town,  while  with  his  whole 

force  he  took  position  at  the  fort.  The  deception  had  the  desired  effect.  To  the  en- 
emy the  military  array  seemed  mucli  stronger  on  the  side  of  the  village  than  at  the 

fort,  and  the  British  proceeded  to  assail  the  latter  position.  Leaving  the  absolutely 
defenseless  village  unmolested,  the  Briti.sli  tro(/ps,  in  fifteen  large  boats,  covered  by 
the  gun-boats  and  small  armed  vessels,  moved  toward  the  shore,  near  the  fort,  early 
in  tlie  afternoon,  while  the  cannon  on  the  larger  vessels  opened  tire  on  the  fort.  Mean- 
while Captain  James  A.  Boyle  and  Lieutenant  Thomas  C.  Legate  had  been  sent  down 
to  the  shore  with  an  old  iron  12-pounder,  and  as  soon  as  the  enemy's  boats  were  within 
jiroper  distance  they  opened  on  them  with  deadly  effect.  Some  of  the  boats  Avere 
l)adly  injured  ;  some  were  abandoned,  and  all  of  the  remainder  hastily  retired  to  the 
ships.  Just  then  a  heavy  breeze  sprung  up,  and  the  entire  squadron  jmt  to  sea. 
Drummond,  in  a  general  order,  stated  that  he  did  not  intend  to  attack  on  that  day. 
He  was  only  feelingthe  position  and  strength  of  the  Americans. 

On  the  morning  of  the  Cth  the  fleet  again  appeared  off  Oswego,  and  the  larger  ves- 
sels iniinediately  opened  a  lieavy  tire  on  the  fort.  Tlie  Magnet  took  station  in  front 
(if  the  village,  and  the  Star  and  CharweU  yxeva  towed  in  near  the  mouth  of  the  river 
for  the  purpose  of  covering  the  spot  selected  for  the  landing  of  troops.  Under  this 
-liiekl  were  landed  the  flank  companies  of  De  Watteville's  regiment,  under  Captain 
I)e  Bcrsey ;  a  light  company  of  the  Glengary  Regiment,  under  Captain  iM'Millan ;  a 
battalion  of  marines  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  ^lalcolm;  and  two  hundred  seamen, 
iirined  with  pikes,  under  Ciptain  Mulcaster.  The  whole  force,  about  twelve  linndred 
in  number,  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fischer.  A  reserve  of  troops  was 
left  on  the  vessels. 

The  enemy  effected  a  landing  early  in  the  afternoon,  and  were  compelled  to  ascend 
a  long,  steep  hill  in  the  face  of  a  heavy  fire  of  the  Americans  in  the  fort,  and  of  a 
small  botly-of  the  militia,  who  had  been  hastily  summoned,  and  were  concealed  in  a 
wood.'  These,  however,  fled  when  the  enemy  had  secured  a  footing  on  the  shore. 
Finding  it  impossible  to  defend  the  fort  with  so  few  men,  Mitchell  left  the  works,  and 
met  the  invaders  in  fair  fight,  covered  only  by  woods.  With  the  companies  of  Cap- 
tains Romeyn  and3Ielvin,  lie  gallantly  moved  forward  and  attacked  the  front  of  the 
'  The  British  landed  near  where  the  City  Ilospital  now  stands,  and  the  battle  was  just  in  the  rear  of  it. 


IV! 


* 


II 


v:l    i 


790 


I'lCTouiAL  kii:l»-book 


Tbe  Drltish  capture  Oawei[o. 


The  Fort  diamuntled  nuil  Uurracki  bDri^ed. 


Conduct  of  Veo  and  UrnromniKl, 


ATTACK  OH  oBWKuo.— (From  au  old  Prtut.) 

enemy,  while  the  remainder  of  liis  command,  under  Captains  M'Intyre  and  Pierce  ol 
the  heavy  artillery,  annoyed  them  prodigiously  on  the  flank.  By  desperate  figlit- 
jng  the  enemy  was  kept  in  check  for  a  long  time,  but  overwhelming  numbers  finally 
compelled  Mitoh.ell  to  fall  back.  The  British  took  possession  of  the  fort  and  all  tlic 
works  and  stores  in  the  vicinity.  Mitchell  retired  up  the  river  to  a  position  whore 
lie  might  protect  the  naval  stores  should  the  euemy  attempt  to  penetrate  to  the 
Falls  in  search  of  them. 

In  this  gallant  but  hopeless  defense  tlie  Americans  lost  the  brave  Lieutenant  Blaiiey, 
and  five  killed,  thirty-eight  wounded,  and  twenty-five  missing.  The  British  lost  nine- 
teen killed  and  seventy-five  wounded.  Among  the  latter  were  Captain  jVIulcaster, 
of  the  Princess  Charlotte,  severely,  and  Captain  Popham,  of  the  Montreal,  slightly. 

At  five  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  7th  the  invaders  withdrew,  after  having  em- 
barked the  guns  and  few  stores  found  there,  dismantled  the  fort,  and  burneil  the  har- 
racks.  They  also  raised  and  carried  away  the  Growler  and  two  sunken  boats ;  ami, 
under  circumstances  not  at  all  creditable  to  Sir  James  Yeo  as  an  oflicer  and  gentle- 
man, several  citizens,  who  had  been  j)r()mised  protection  and  exemption  from  all  mo- 
lestation, were  abducted  and  borne  away  by  the  squadron.  Among  these  was  the  att- 
^^,^  erward  eminent  merchant  of  Oswego, 

./^y^  '       y^^2^yo-3^ ^/>^L^  y^  IIonor.able  Alvin  Bronson,  who  was  tlun 

C^^Ci/^i-.^^  ^ ^/^O^f<E^ c^f^r^^    ^jjj,  jj^j^jj^  store-keeper,  and  who  is  still 

(1867)  a  resident  of  that  place.^  After 
the  capture  of  the  post,  and  while  Yeo 
was  personally  superintending  the  load- 
ing of  his  boats  with  salt  and  public  stores,  that  oflicer  applied  to  Mr.  Bronson  I'or 
pilots  to  conduct  the  boats  out  to  the  squadron.  When  he  replied  that  all  the  men 
had  left  the  place,  and  that  he  had  none  under  liis  control.  Sir  James  angrily  growleil 
out,  with  an  oath, "  Go  yourself,  and  if  you  get  the  boat  aground  I'll  shoot  you.'' 
The  gallant  and  gentlemanly  Colonel  Harvey,  who  was  standing  on  the  bank  above, 

'  His  clerk,  Carlos  ColtoD,  then  a  boy,  was  taken  with  him.    Mr.  C.  was  clerk  of  the  County  of  Monroe,  Mlchlgnn,  ia 
1S55. 


p:]    it   u 


M,         ..A 


I'll 


^llfel 


of  Yeo  tad  Orammoad. 


SS5»===2-. 


:ntyre  and  Pierce  ot 

IJy  desperate  fi;,'lit- 

nina;  mimbers  finally 

{■  tlie  fort  and  all  X\w 

to  a  position  where 

to  penetrate  to  the 

c  Lieutenant  Blaney, 
riie  British  lost  nine- 
Captain  Mulcaster, 
Montreal,  sliglitly. 
ew,  after  having  cm- 
and  burned  the  har- 
sunken  boats;  ami. 
m  officer  and  gi  nllo- 
jmption  from  all  nu> 
,ng  these  was  the  alt- 
icrehant  of  Oswe;.'(\ 
•onson,  who  was  then 
per,  and  wlio  is  still 
f  that  place.'    After 
1  post,  and  while  Yeo 
lerintending  the  loiul- 
,1  to  ^Ir.  Bronson  lor 
lUed  that  all  the  men 
unes  angrily  growled 
[,und  rU  shoot  you, 
on  the  bank  ahove. 

tntT^indo^oe,  Michigan,  i» 


OF  THE   WAU   OF    1812, 


m 


FirmneM  of  Store-keeper  Brousiin. 


Ills  Captivity  and  Koleane. 


Niirvlvon  of  the  Wnr  In  Oswego. 


called  out  to  Sir  .lames,"  Tliat,  8ir,  is  the  public  storc-keopcr,  and  may  bo  useful  to 
lis."  Sir  James  called  Mr.  Bronson  back,  and  said,"  You  art'  my  prisoner,  and  I  shall 
expect  you  to  inform  me  what  stores  have  recently  been  forwarded  for  the  army  and 
navy,  what  remains  in  the  rear  of  the  post,  and  what,  if  any,  are  secreted  in  its  neigh- 
borhood. "My  books  and  papers,"  replied  Mr.  Bronson,  have  been  removed  for  siife- 
'  ty,  and  I  can  not,  theretbre,  give  you  the  desired  information ;  nor  would  it  be  j)roper 
tor  nio  to  do  so  if  I  could."  Sir  James  threatened  to  take  him  off  with  liim  if  ho 
withheld  the  coveted  information.  "  I  am  ready  to  go,  sir,"  was  INIr.  Bronson's  calm 
reply.  This  was  followed  by  an  onler  to  Captain  O'Connor  to  take  him  on  board 
the  flagship  Prince  Jiit/ent,  At  midnight  tho  naval  and  military  officers  came  on 
hoard  the  Jtegent.  Among  them  was  General  Sir  George  Gordon  Druminoiid,  who 
lavished  upon  tho  captive  store-keeper  such  coarse  and  vulgar  abuse  that  Colonel 
Harvey,  as  soon  as  an  opportunity  w.as  afl'orded,  a])ologized  for  the  brutality  of  his 
superior  officers,  of  whom  he  was  evidently  ashamed.'  jVfr.  Bronson  Mas  confined  a 
short  time  in  the  guard-house  at  Kingston,  and  again  taken  to  tho  squadron  when  it 
proceeded  to  tho  blockade  of  Sackctt's  Harbor.  He  was  well  treated,  and  associated 
t'amiliarly  with  the  subordinate  officers.     lie  was  soon  afterward  released. 

Among  the  survivors  of  the  war,  besides  Mr.  Bronson,  whom  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  meeting  in  Oswego,  were  the  late  Henry  Eagle  and  Matthew  M'Nair ;  tho  ven- 
erable bookseller  James   Sloan ; 

r/ 


^ii^B-n^   0/L 


the  lively  but  aged  light-house- 
keeper Jacob  M.  Jacobs ;  and  the 
late  Abram  1).  Hugunin.  Mr. 
Eagle  was  a  Prussian  by  birth, 
and  possessed  a  fine  figure  when 
more  than  threescore  and  ten 
years  of  age.  He  learned  the  bus- 
iness of  a  ship-carpenter  of  a  Scotchman  on  the  border  of  the  Baltic  Sea,  and  worked 
his  passage  to  America  as  such.  He  was  the  constructor  of  the  Oneiikt  at  Oswego 
in  1808,  and  he  accompanied  Eckford  to  the  frontier  in  1812-'13.  He  became  jjiir- 
ser  at  the  Navy  Yard  at  Sackctt's  Harbor,  where  he  Avas  very  active.  He  gave  me 
many  interesting  particulars  concerning  the  building  of  the  New  Orleans.  Five 
Imndrod  and  fifty-three  men  were  employed  on  her.  The  timber  for  her  masts  was 
out  near  Watertown,  in  Jefferson  County,  and  the  cost  of  their  transportation  to  the 
Harbor  was  one  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  apiece.  They  Avere  afterward  used  in  the 
construction  of  the  ship-house. 
Mr.  M'Nair,  a  Scotchman,  was  government  commissary  at  Oswego,  and  had  a  store- 
house there  and  at  the  Falls.  At 
the  time  of  the  British  attack  he 
had  twelve  hundred  barrels  of 
bread  and  other  provisions  in 
store  at  Oswego,  and  a  (piantity 
of  whisky.2  These  became  spoils  for  the  enemy.  Mr.  Jacobs  h.-cd  been  a  companion  in 
cruises  with  Commodore  Rodgcrs,  and  went  to  Lake  Ontario  in  1812  with  a  midsliip- 
num's  warrant.  Although,  Avhcn  I  last  saw  him  [1864],  he  was  eighty-eight  years  uf 
age,  his  complexion  was  so  fresh  and  his  step  so  elastic  thnt  he  appeared  like  a  man 
less  than  sixty  years  old.     Mr.  Sloan  was  Macdonough's  clerk  on  the  Saratoga  at 

I  Colonel  nnrvey  was  ns  gCDcroiis  ns  lie  was  brave.  He  was  Rovcnior  of  Nova  Scotli.  in  IS-TO  when  flcncral  Scott  was 
fentby  his  government  to  settle  the  dispute  concerning  the  bonndnry-llnc  between  that  country  and  the  State  of  Maine 
elilier  by  arms  or  neKotiation.  Scott  and  Harvey  were  ad.iutant  generals  in  their  respective  armies  on  the  Niagara 
fmiiticr,  and  at  that  time  formed  an  intimacy  which  ripened  into  friendship.  On  going  to  the  capital  of  Maine,  Scott 
"pcned  a  friendly  correspondence  with  Oovenior  Harvey,  which  resulted  In  an  amicable  settiemcut  of  a  difficulty  which 
threaloncd  to  involve  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  In  wnr. 

'  Mr.  M'Nair  died  at  Oewcgo  on  the  aist  of  March,  1S02,  at  tho  age  of  elghty-clght  years.  Ho  had  resided  in  Oswego 
sixty  years. 


'ISi^ 


I 


1'. 


I ! 


l! 


ffi  H  fl^B^^n' 


J  I 


i&K^^^^ 

■  i ' 

;l  i 

;:  m  ' 

■lif:^i-i 

\ 

^ii 

The  Britlib  raturu  to  Klnititon, 


PICTOUIAL    KIKLD-IH 

Huckett'n  Harbor  bluckudud. 


WoolMjr'i  SxpadliloD. 


the  timo  of  till'  battle  of  Pliittsburij  in  tlie  nutumn  of  ini  !.  Jfr.  TTu<?tinln,  wlio  dud 
lit  Osweifo  in  Frbniury,  IHOO,  hiul  lived  in  tliut  jdaee  Hince  1H()6.  IIo  was  in  the  mil. 
itary  service  when  Oswejju  was  eaptured  in  1814,  and  waw  made  a  i»riwoner. 

The  eonduet  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell  in  his  defense  of  ()swe,t,'o  received  tlic 
commendation  of  his  superiors.  His  i»rudence  and  jxalhintry  secured  the  laryit  anioimt 
of  ordnance  and  naval  stores  at  the  Falls,'  and  the  British  derived  very  little  advan- 
tage from  their  attack.  With  their  small  booty  they  returned  to  Kini^ston,  and  (K- 
weyo  was  not  again  attacked  during  the  war.  The  dilaj)idated  fort  was  repaired,  the 
garrison  strengthened,  and  the  enemy  was  defied.  For  many  years  that  fort  has  hcoii 
a  strong  and  admirably-appointed  fortress,  but  without  a  garrison,  and  in  charge  of  a 
sergeant.  Its  situation  and  appearance,  as  seen  from  the  lantern  of  the  light-house,  is 
given  in  tho  little  engraving  below  from  a  sketch  made  in  1H55.  The  place  wheri' 
the  British  landed  is  seen  at  tlie  point  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  picture. 


FUUT  AT  OftWKUO  IN   18&5. 

Tlie  British  troops  were  landed  at  Kingston,  and  the  vessels  were  thoroughly  over- 
hauled during  the  succeeding  fortnight.  On  the  19th  the  renovated  sipuvdron  again 
weighed  anchor,  and,  a  few  hours  aftc  d,  drove  Chauncey's  look-out,  X«<(y  o/Mi 
Luke,  into  Saekett's  Harbor,  and  est  d  a  strict  blockade  of  that  port,  to  tlie 

great  discomfort  of  tho  American  commander,  who  was  making  untiring  efforts  to 
get  his  squadron,  and  especially  the  /Superior,  ready  for  sea.  Heavy  guns  and  calilcs 
destined  for  lier  were  yet  at  the  Oswego  Falls.  Tho  roads  Avere  in  such  condition 
that  they  could  not  be  taken  to  the  Harbor  by  land,  and  tho  blockade  made  a  voyage 
thither  by  water  extremely  perilous.  But  something  must  be  done,  or  Sir  James  Yeo 
would  roam  over  Ontario  unrestricted  lord  of  the  lake.  The  ever-active  and  gallant 
AVoolsey  Avas  sufficient  for  the  occasion.  He  declared  his  willingness  to  attempt  car- 
rying the  ordnance  and  naval  stores  to  Stony  Creek,  three  miles  from  Saekett's  Har- 
bor, where  they  might  be  carried  across  a  narrow  portage  to  Henderson  Harbor,  and 
reach  Chauncey  in  safety.  The  commodore  gave  Woolsey  permission  to  attempt  the 
perilous  adventure,  and  before  the  close  of  May  he  had  a  large  number  of  the  heavy 
guns  sent  over  the  Falls  in  scows,  preparatory  to  an  embarkation  when  the  vigilance 
of  the  blockading  squadron  should  be  relaxed. 

At  sunset  on  the  28th  of  May  Woolsey  Avas  at  Oswcgc  with  ninetec.  boats  heav- 
ily laden  with  twenty-two  long  32-pounder8,  ten  24'8,  three  42-pound  carronades,  and 
twelve  cables.  One  of  the  latter,  destined  for  the  Superior,  was  an  immense  rope. 
The  flotilla  Avent  out  of  the  harbor  at  dusk,  and  bore  Major  Appling  and  one  hundred 
and  thirty  riflemen  under  his  command.  About  the  same  number  of  Oneida  Indiuns 
Avere  engaged  to  meet  the  flotilla  at  the  mouth  of  Big  Salmon  River,  near  the  present 
village  of  Port  Ontario,  and  traverse  the  shore  abreast  of  it,  to  assist  in  the  event  of 
an  attack  by  the  British  gun-boats. 

Woolsey  found  it  unsafe  to  attempt  to  reach  Stony  Creek,  for  the  blockaders  were 

'  The  public  store-houses  nt  the  Falls  (now  Fulton)  were  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  a  little  above  the  Cnsividc.". 
The  surrounding  land  bclouired  to  the  goi-ernment.  When  I  visited  the  spot  in  18H,  the  land  belonged  to  Timothy 
Pratt,  Esq.,  a  large  laud-holder  at  the  Falls.  The  stores  were  demolished  after  the  war,  and  not  a  vestige  of  them  now 
remains. 


OF   THE   WAll    OK    18  12. 


799 


WookNT^  Bqwdltlon. 

utjunin,  who  dii'd 
It!  wuH  ill  till!  mil- 
nrisoncr. 

,vog<)  rocoivod  tlie 
I  tlie  large  luuouiit 
very  littU'  iulvuii- 
Kin;4Ht<)n,  uiiil  Os- 
t  wiiH  ro[>!iiriMl,  tlii' 
I  that  fort  liiis  1>cen 
ivml  in  c'liarge  ofa 
f  tlio  light-liouse,  is 
The  place  whcri' 
)icture. 


Wo<il«e>'i  Forcv  ou  B\g  Sundjr  Creek. 


Ths  confldent  Ilrltlnl)  In  I'uriutt. 


ere  thoroughly  over- 

atecl  Bquadron  again 

\oQk-out,  Ladj/  oftk 

of  that  port,  to  the 

untirhig  cffuvts  to 

■avy  g"ii8  fi"'^  c'Mi^'i 

■e  in  such  conditidii 

lado  matlc  a  voyage 

ne,  or  Sir  James  Yeo 

ir-active  and  gallant 

ness  to  attempt  car- 

from  Sackett's  llar- 

nderBon  Harbor,  and 

ission  to  attempt  tk 

lumber  of  the  lieavY 

■when  the  vigilance 

ninetet.  boats  heav- 
lund  carronades,  and 
18  an  immense  rope. 
ing  and  one  hundred 
er  of  Oneida  Indies 
Lver,  near  the  present 
issist  in  the  event  of 

Itheblockadersjme 

te  land  belonged  to  Timothy 
Td  not  a  vestige  of  them  no« 


Pr«|iarattonii  to  r«c«lv*TlMIB. 

vigilant,  bo  ho  determined  to  run  up  Big  Sandy  Creek,  within  a  few  miles  of  the  Har- 
bor, aii<l  debark  the  preciotm  treasiiren  there.  The  night  was  very  d.-irk,  ami  there 
WHS  little  danger  of  tliseovery  under  its  friendly  nhadows.  Hy  dint  of  hard  rowing, 
nil  the  boats  reached  the  llig  Salmon  at  dawn  excepting  one  which  had  fidlen  out  of 
tin'  line  during  the  night.  It  was  bewihlered  in  the  fog,  and  was  ea])tured  by  the 
IJriti.sii  at  sunrise  the  next  morning.  The  Oneidas  were  tiu're,  and  flotilla  and  Ii:- 
iliaiis  moved  on  toward  the  liig  Sandy,  where  they  all  arrived  at  noon.»  Sir  .  Mny  .^ii, 
.laiiu'S,  meanwhile,  had  gained  information  of  the  flotilla  from  the  crew  of  '^"• 
ihc  lost  boat.  He  immediately  sent  out  two  gun-boats,  cummanded  respectively  by 
Captain  I'opham,  of  the  J/wj^/*t'<//,  and  Captain  Spilsbury,  also  of  the  Koyal  Navy,  ac- 
companied by  three  cutters  and  a  gig,  to  intercept  them.  They  cruised  ail  day  in 
vaui,  hut  at  evening  learned  that  Woolsey  and  his  boats  had  gone  up  the  JJig  Sandy. 
Confident  of  their  al)ility  to  capture  the  whole  flotilla,  and  ignorant  of  the  presence 
of  Major  Api)ling  and  his  riflemen,  or  of  the  Indians,  the  British  cruisers  lay  oft"  the 
mouth  of  the  creek  all  night,  and  entered  it  early  in  the  morning.  In  the  door  of  a 
fisherman's  liouse  (yet  standing  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  1800)  Pojdiam  saw  a  wom- 
an, and  ordered  her  to  have  breakfast  ready  for  himself  and  otticers  Avhen  they  should 
ivtnni  Sbo  knew  how  well  Woolsey  was  prepared  to  receive  his  juirsuers,  and  said, 
significantly, "  You'll  find  breakfast  ready  up  the  creek."  The  Britisli  passed  on  in 
jolly  mood  up  the  creek,  but  soon  became  very  serious. 


I'LACE  OF  llATTLE  AT  SANDY  OBF.EK.' 


For  two  miles  or  more  the  Big  Sandy  winds  through  a  marshy  plain,  and  empties 
into  the  lake  through  a  ridge  of  sand  dunes  cast  up  by  the  winds  and  waves  of  C3nta- 
lio.  That  plain  is  now  barren  of  timber,  but  at  the  time  we  are  considering  the 
stream  was  fringed  with  trees  and  shrubbery.  In  these,  about  forty  rods  below  a 
bend  in  the  creek,  seen  in  the  engraving,  and  half  a  mile  below  where  the  flotilla  was 
moored,  Major  Appling  ambushed  his  riflemen  and  the  Indians.  At  the  same  time,  a 
squadron  of  cavalry  under  Captain  Harris,  and  a  company  of  light  artillery  under 
Captain  Melvin,  with  two  6-pound  field-pieces  and  some  infantry,  about  three  hund- 
red in  all,  whom  General  Gaines  had  sent  down  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  were  stationed 
near  Woolsey's  boats. 

The  confident  and  jolly  Britons  approached  with  little  caution,  and  when  they  came 

'•  This  view  is  from  the  bridge,  about  one  bnndred  and  fifty  rods  above  the  point  where  the  engagement  took  place. 
Tlie  stream  is  about  eight  rods  wide,  nrd  the  portion  of  it  seen  in  the  foreground  was  tlic  poBltlou  of  the  flotilla.  The 
liirht  strip  seen  in  the  extreme  distance  is  Lake  Ontario,  and  the  irregular  shore-line  shows  the  sand  dunes  spoken  of. 
The  fisherman's  house  alluded  to  is  seen  between  two  of  them,  toward  the  extreme  left  of  the  picture. 


\l      M 


'V-  \\ 


Ill 

If 


in  sight  of  the  flotilla  they  coraraenced  hurling  solid  shot  upon  it,  but  with  slight  ef- 
fect. At  the  same  time  strong  flanking  parties  were  landed,  and  marched  up  each 
side  of  the  stream,  their  way  made  clear,  as  they  supposed,  by  discharges  of  grape 
and  canister  shot  into  the  bushes  from  the  gun-boats.  These  dispersed  tlic  cowardly 
Indians,  but  the  gallant  young  Appling's  sharp-shooters  were  undisturbed.' 

It  was  now  ten  o'clock.  When  the  invaders  reached  a  point  within  rifle  range  of 
the  ambuscade,  Appling's  men  opened  destructive  volleys  upon  them,  and  occasional 
shot  came  thundering  from  Melvin's^  field-pieces,  stationed  on  the  bank,  near  the  pres- 
ent bridge.  So  furious  aud  unexpected  was  the  assault  on  front,  flank,  and  rear,  that 
the  British  surrender'^d  within  ten  minutes  after  the  first  gun  Avas  fired  in  response  to 
their  own.  They  had  lost  Midshipman  Iloare  and  seventeen  men  killed,  and  at  least 
fifty  men  dangerously  wounded.  The  Americans  lost  one  rifleman  and  one  Indian 
warrior  wounded,  but  not  a  single  life.  They  gained  the  British  squadron,^  with  of- 
ficers and  men  as  prisoners,  in  number  about  one  hundred  and  seventy.  A  negro  on 
one  of  the  gun-boats,  who  had  been  ordered  to  throw  the  cannon  and  small-arms  over- 
board in  case  of  danger,  did  so  when  the  fight  was  ended.  The  Americans  called  on 
him  to  desist  or  they  would  shoot  him.  He  paid  no  attention  to  them,  and,  with  a 
sense  of  duty,  had  cast  overboard  one  cannon  and  many  muskets,  when  he  fell  dead, 
pierced  by  twelve  bullets. 

The  wounded  British  were  taken  to  the  house  of  John  Otis,  yet  standing,*  and  still 
occupied  by  the  then  owner  when  I  visited  the  spot  in 
•  July  20,     1800.     It  was  the  second  house  above  the 

is«o.  bridge.  Otis,  a  venerable  man  when  I  saw 
him,  gave  Woolsey  the  first  notice  of  the  presence  of 
])ursucr8.  He  had  been  out  upon  the  lake  since  mid- 
night, watching  for  the  enemy,  and,  discovering  them 
at  early  dawn  making  for  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  he 
hastened  up  the  stream  with  the  information.  He 
pointed  out  to  me  the  place,  near  a  large  chestnut-tree 
in  a  lot  adjoining  his  garden,  where  the  British  dead 
were  buried.  He  took  care  of  many  of  the  wounded 
for  m6re  than  a  fortnight,  for  which  service  and  expenses  liis  country  rewarded  him 
after  a  lapse  of  forty-three  years.  In  1857  Congress  voted  him  a  little  more  than 
nine  hundred  dollars ;  but  one  of  those  harpies  known  as  lobby  agents,  who  know  how 
to  approach  legislators  of  easy  virtue,  took  one  half  of  it  as  compensation  for  his  serv- 
ices in  procuring  the  "  appropriation." 

The  cannon  and  cables  were  landed  safely  from  the  flotilla,  end  transported  by  land 
sixteen  miles  to  the  Harbor.  The  great  cable  for  the  Superior  had  occupied,  in  pon- 
derous coils,  one  of  the  boats  of  ten  tons  burden.  Tlie  cable  was  twenty-two  iiielics 
in  circumference,  and  weiglied  nine  thousand  six  hundred  i)ounds.  No  vehicle  couM 
be  found  to  convey  H  over  the  country  to  the  Harbor;  and,  after  a  delay  of  a  week, 

«  Daniel  Appling  was  born  In  Columbia  County,  Georgia,  in  1T87,  and  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant  of  riUc- 
men  In  isns.  lit  was  promoted  to  captain  in  the  sprini?  of  1812,  and  major  of  the  First  Rifle  Corps  in  April,  1S14.  For 
his  gallant  conduct  at  Sandy  Creek  he  was  hrevc'tcd  lieutenant  colonel  in  Aiif;ust.  lie  was  breveted  colonel  for  tll.<lic- 
palshcd  services  at  Plattsbnrg  in  September  folldwing.  lie  was  r"talned  on  the  peace  estahllshnient  In  I'^I,'),  l)nt  rf- 
signed  In  June  the  following  yeir.    lie  died  at  Montgomery,  Alabama,  in  March,  181T,  at  the  age  of  only  thirty  mirs, 

»  George  W.  Melviu  was  a  native  of  Georgia,  lie  entered  the  military  ser^'ice  as  second  litMitennnt  of  artillery  at  ih' 
close  of  isns.  In  August,  1812,  he  was  commissioned  captain.  lie  was  retained  on  the  peace  establishment,  and  re- 
signed in  August,  1820. 


OTIS  8  lIOt'Bl.     dANDY   OREKK. 


^-^ 


'  One  of  the  baata  monnted  a  fts-pound  carronado;  one 
a  long  .12-pounder;  one  a  long  24;  one  two  long  I'J's,  aol 
another  two  small  brass  howiizors. 

*  Dr.  Alfred  Ely,  who  was  an  assistant  of  Snigenn  .\ma*> 
Tro"b'^"dge,  was  at  Sandy  Creek,  and  attended  the  Bound- 
ed British  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Otis.  I  h.id  the  jilenf  nrt "( 
meeting  him  at  the  inaugnration  of  the  statue  o;'''frry,«i 
Cleveland,  in  SeptomVer,  1800.  He  is  now  (1807)  a  n.MtH 
of  Oberliu,  Ohio. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


801 


It  Cable  for  the  Stiperior. 

but  with  slight  ef- 
,  marched  up  each 
ischargcs  of  grape 
Brsed  tlie  coAvardly 
isturbccl.i 
ithin  rifle  range  of 
icm,  and  occasional 
bank,  near  the  pres- 
flank,  and  rear,  that 
fired  in  response  to 
1  killed,  and  at  least 
nan  and  one  Indian 
I  squadron,^  with  of- 
iventy.     A  negro  on 
and  small-arms  over- 
Americans  called  on 
to  them,  and,  with  a 
ts,  when  he  fell  dead, 

et  standing,*  and  still 


L'8  llOliBl    iASDV  OEKEK. 

country  rewarded  him 

liim  a  little  more  thm 

agents,  who  know  how 

ipensationforhisserv- 

Ind  transported  hylaml 
\r  had  occupied,  in  pon- 
Las  twenty-two  inAos 
Inds;  No  vehicle  cou.l 
Tfteradelayofawcoli, 

b^fcconrtllenteimntotr*- 
llRifle  Corps  111  Apnl,W4^. 
I  waB  breveted  colonel  or  W,. 

Icee8t«Wbhnieiitinlsl6,l.U« 

I  at  the  age  of  only  thirty  >«". 
loml  lieutenant  of  artillery  at  tte 

l„teaaC8-p.)un'l««'°°t,;™; 
I  long  M ;  one  two  loD!? «».««« 

K";«%tar.tofS«rseonAm.« 
rCr"pVnn<Jntten<1e,llheivo™«- 

|ltU.nofthe.tatueo^tW^«, 
\m.    UelanowO!>i.7)ar«''"" 


%^ 


yyyJCrf'Zy 


Cirrying  the  great  Cable  to  Sackett'a  Harbor.       Vlgtt  to  the  Saudy  Creek  Region.       Snrvlvors  of  the  War  met  there. 

men  belonging  to  the  militia  regiment  of  Colonel  Allen  Clark,  who  had  hastened  to  the 
creek  on  hearing  the  din  of  buttle,  volunteered  to  carry  it  on  their  shoulders.  About 
two  hundred  men  were  selected  for  the  labor.  They  left  the  Big  Sandy  at  noon,  and 
arrived  at  the  Harbor  toward  the  evening  of  the  next  day.  They  carried  it  a  mile 
at  a  time  without  resting.  Their  shoulders  were  terribly  bruised  and  chafed  by  the 
great  rope.  They  were  received  by  loud  cheers  and  martial  music.  A  barrel  of 
whisky  was  rolled  out  and  tapped  for  their  refreshment,  and  eacli  man  received  two 
dollars  extra  pay.  In  less  than  a  fortnight  from  the  time  of  the  battle  all  the  cannon 
and  naval  stores  were  at  Sackett'a  Harbor.*  But  many  difficulties  had  to  .jnneio, 
be  overcome,  and  the  fleet  was  not  ready  to  leave  the  Harbor  on  a  cruise  ****• 
until  the  Ist  of  August. 

It  was  a  sultry  moniing  in  July  when  I  visited  the  theatre  of  events  just  described. 
I  arrived  at  Little  Sandy  Creek  Village  on  the  previous  evening,  and  there  met  Har- 
mon Ehle,  a  sprightly  little  man,  now  (1867) 
eighty-seven  years  of  age,  who  was  one  of  the 
two  hundred  who  carried  the  great  cable  to 
Sackett's  Harbor.  From  him  I  learned  most  of  the  facts  concerning  it  just  related. 
I  spent  the  evening  very  pleasantly  with  him.  For  forty-nine  years  he  had  lived 
there,  and  had  seen  the  country  transformed  from  a  wilderness  to  the  pleasant  abode 
of  civilized  man.*  The  night  succeeding  our  interview  was  tempestuous.  At  dawn 
a  heavy  thunder-shower  drenched  that  whole  region  ;  yet  at  an  early  hour  I  started 
in  a  light  wagon  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  on  the  road  that  would  lead  to  the  battle- 
ground oil  the  Big  Sandy.  When  within  about  a  mile  of 
it,  we  saw  standing  at  a  rustic  gate,  resting  upon  crutches, 
a  venerable  man  of  seventy-five  years,  with  palsied  legs, 
beard  of  a  fortnight's  growth,  a  slouched  felt  hat  on  his 
head,  and  a  blue  linen  sack  covering  all  that  we  could  see 
of  him.  It  was  Jehaziel  Howard,  a  native  of  Vermont,  an 
old  seaman  of  the  lake,  who  was  with  Woolsey  at  the  time 
of  the  battle  of  the  Big  Sandy.  He  had  been  with  him 
since  early  in  the  war,  and  was  with  Chauncey  at  the  tak- 
ing of  Fort  George.2  He  saw  the  negro  shot  on  the  Brit- 
ish gun-boat  in  the  Big  Sandy,  and  assisted  in  taking  the 
British  wounded  to  Otis's.  Bidding  him  good-morning, 
we  rode  to  the  bridge,  where  I  made  the  sketch  on  page 
TOO.  There  we  spent  half  an  hour  with  Mr.  Otis,  aid  then 
rode  on  to  EUisburg,  where  we  breakfasted  between  nine 
and  ten  o'clcck.  Meanw  hile  very  heavy  clouds  were  gath- 
ering in  the  web.%  and  we  had  ridden  only  two  or  three 
miles  from  the  village,  through  the  "  garden  of  Jefferson 
County,"  when  a  thunder-storm  burst  upon  us  with  great 
fury.  We  took  refuge  in  a  tavern  by  the  way-side,  and 
arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbor  at  litde  p.ist  m'lridian,  in  pleasant  sunsliine,  as  already 
mentioned.^ 

Let  us  now  leave  the  more  easterly  shores  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  consider  event  an 
the  Niagara  frontier,  where  the  broom  of  destruction  during  the  year  1813  had  swept 
away  almost  every  thing  worth  contending  for  excepting  territory.  But  Canada  was 
to  be  conquered  by  one  party  and  defended  by  the  other,  if  possible,  and  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Ontario  and  Erie  peninsula  was  of  vast  importance  to  the  contestants. 
For  that  possession  the  military  movements  we  arc  about  to  consider  were  com- 
i  menced. 


JEHAZISL  nowABn. 


>  In  Fcbmary,  1861,  CongresB  granted  Mr.  Elite  a  penaion  of  $16  a  month  during  hifi  natural  life. 
'  See  page  SaO.  '  See  page  61B. 


8E 


/  i! 


I  if 


fi 


If 


i 


10 

1: 


If  i 


■n   J  I ! 


802 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


The  Army  on  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


Its  Composition. 


Red  Jacket  and  hU  Mcd»l. 


We  left  a  portion  of  the  Army  of  the  North  on  its  march  from  Batavia  to  Buffalo 
under  the  command  of  Brigadier  General  Scott,  while  Major  General  Brown,  the  com- 
mander-in-chief, hastened  back  to  menaced  Sackett's  Harbor.  That  post  and  others 
on  Lake  Ontario  were  soon  considered  safe  from  attack,  and,  with  the  bulk  of  his 
army,  Brown  stood  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Niagara  Kiver  at  the  close  of  June,  1814. 
He  made  Buffalo  his  head-quarters,  and  on  the  Ist  of  July  he  found  himself  at  the 
head  of  a  military  force  strong  enough,  in  his  judgment,  to  carry  out  the  orders  and 
wishes  of  the  War  Department  by  invading  Caiuxda.  Ilis  army  consisted  of  two 
brigades  of  infantry,  commanded  respectively  by  Generals  Scott  and  Ripley,  and  to 
each  of  these  was  attached  an  efficient  train  of  artillery,  commanded  by  Captair 
Nathan  Towson  and  Major  Jacob  Ilindman,  and  a  small  squadion  of  cavalry  under 
Captain  Samuel  D.  Harris,  These  troops  were  well  equipped  and  highly  disciplined.' 
They  were  the  regulars.  There  was  also  a  brigade  of  miscellaneous  troops,  composed 
of  five  hundred  Pennsylvania  Volunteers ;  si.v  hundred  New  York  Volunteers,  of 
whom  one  hundred  were  mounted ;  and  between  five  and  six  hundred  Indian  warii 
OTij,  embracing  almost  the  entire  military  force  of  the  Six  Nations  then  rcmainliif  in 
the  United  States.  These  had  been  aroused  to  action  by  the  stirring  eloquence  of 
the  then  venerable  Red  Jacket,  the  great  Seneca  orator,  chief,  and  sachem,^  wliose  in- 

'  General  Scott  had  taken  special  pains  to  discipline  these  troops  thoroughly.  (!3cneral  Jesnp  (then  major),  In  a  man- 
uscript "Memoir  of  the  Campaign  on  the  Niagara"  now  before  me,  says  that  "he  t  Jesnp]  began,  under  the  orders  of 
Oen'^ral  Scott,  a  course  of  Instruction,  and  kept  his  command  [Twenty-Hfth  Infantry]  under  arms  from  seven  to  ten  hours 
ft  day.  A  similar  course  was  pursued  by  the  chiefs  of  other  corps.  The  consequence  was,  that  when  we  took  the  field 
in  July  our  corps  manoenrred  in  action  and  undei'  the  tire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  with  the  accuracy  of  parade." 

'  Sa-go-ye-wat-ha,  or  Red  Jacket,  was  born  about  the  year  1750  where  the  city  of  Buffalo  now  stands,  that  bein"  Iht 
chief  residence  of  the  leaders  of  the  Seneca  tribe  of  the  Si.\  Nsulons.  He  was  a  swift-footed,  fluent-tongncd  bcinp. 
During  the  Revolntlon  he,  in  commo'i  with  his  tribe,  took  part  with  the  British  and  Tories.  His  business  was  more  in 
the  way  of  arousing  his  people  to  action  by  his  eloijuence  than  the  performance  of  great  actions  himself.  Indeed,  Brant 
spoke  very  disparagingly  of  him,  and  called  him  a  trai'or  and  dislionest  man;  and  he  was  charged  with  hnvini;  lioen 
fonnd  in  a  place  of  safety  cutting  up  a  cow  belonging  to  another  Indian  (which  he  had  killed)  while  Sullivan  was  raarcli. 
Ing  through  the  Seneca  country  in  1771),  fighting  the  warriors  whom  Red  .lacket  had  aroused  by  his  eloquence.  He  Am 
appears  conspicvtons  lu  history  at  the  treaty  of  Port  Stanwix  (now  Rome,  New  York)  in  1784,  when,  by  certain  concc.<- 
f  ions  of  territory  by  the  Six  Nations,  those  of  the  tribes  who  bad  not  emigrated  to  Canada  were  bronght  under  the  pn- 
tection  of  the  government  of  the  United  States.  It  was  on  that  occasion  that  Red  Jacket's  fame  as  a  great  orator  wa- 
established.  Two  years  afterward  he  was  prominent  at  a  council  held  at  the  mouth  of  the  Detroit  River ;  and  in  all  the 
disputes  between  the  white  people  and  Indians  respecting  land-titles  in  Western  New  York  Red  Jacket  was  ever  tlip 
eloquent  defender  of  the  rights  of  his  race.  His  paganism  never  yielded  to  the  influence  of  Christianity,  and  he  was  iho 
most  Inveterate  enemy  to  all  missionary  etforts  among  the  Senecas.  Under  his  leadership  the  Senecas  becunie  tlie  al- 
lies of  the  Americans  against  the  British  in  the  War  of  ISia,  and  In  the  battle  of  Chippewa  In  the  summer  of  ISU  he  he- 
baved  well  as  a  soldier,  although  be  seems  to  have  been  constitutionally  timid,  and  always  braver  in  council  than  '•<! 
the  field.  For  many  years  he  was  the  head  chief  of  the  Senecas.  The  inflncnce  of  Christianity  and  the  civllizatiou  thai 
affected  his  people  disturbed  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  and  he  was  made  more  unhappy  by  the  intemperate  use  of  in- 
toxicating liquors.  So  great  and  disgusting  became  his  excesses  that  in  1827  he  was  formally  deposed  by  an  art  in 
writing  signed  by  twenty-six  of  the  leadiniT  men  of  the  Senecas.  This  blow  was  severe.  He  went  to  the  Nntio;i,ii  cap- 
ital for  redress,  and  he  returned  to  his  peopi»  with  such  evidences  of  reform  that  he  was  reinstated.  But  he  soon  Iw- 
came  an  imbecile,  and  in  a  journey  to  the  At!  antic  sea-board  he  permitted  himself  to  be  exhibited  for  money.    How  hit 

proud  spirit  in  its  vigor  would  have  sconml 
such  degradation  !  He  died  on  the  '20th  of 
January,  1S30,  at  the  age  of  almost  cighiy 
years.  Ills  remains  were  buried  iu  thr 
church-yard  of  the  Seneca  mlssioii,  thre<;or 
four  miles  from  Buffalo,  and  over  his  gran 
Henry  Placide,  the  comedian,  furninlicJ  wiib 
funds  by  a  subscription  which  he  set  m 
foot  among  the  actors  connected  with  thf 
Buffalo  theatre,  placed  a  slab  of  raarbli' 
in  ISiin,  upon  wliich  were  enprnvcii  lhf« 
words:  "Saoovkwatiia  (ne-kcpps-lliem- 
awake),  Hal  Jacht:  chief  of  the  Wolf  TriV 
of  the  Senecas;  the  friend  and  prottclorol 
the  people.  Died  January  20,  1830,  agsi 
seventy-eight  years." 

Toward  the  close  of  the  Revolntina  «Bri; 
ish  oillter  gave  the  young  chiefa  riohly-fm- 
broidered  scarlet  jacket,  from  the  wcarinc 
of  which  he  derived  his  English  nnmo,  In 
his  later  years  he  wore,  with  pride,  a  law 
medal,  which  was  presented  to  him  by  Prov- 
ident Washington  In  17il2  on  the  concliifioa 
of  a  treaty  of  jwace  and  amity  between  tlx 


BKD  JACKRT'b  MEDAI. 


OF   THE    WAU    OF    1812. 


808 


IliltN 


ed  Jacket  and  hln  Medal. 

Jatavia  to  Buffalo, 
il  Brown,  the  cora- 
at  post  and  others 
th  the  bulk  of  his 
close  of  June,  1814. 
»unti  himself  at  the 

out  the  orders  and 
y  consisted  of  two 

and  Kipley,  and  to 
Handed  by  Captair 
on  of  cavalry  under 
I  hi<j;hly  disciplined.' 
3U8  troops,  composed 
York  Volunteers,  of 
undred  Indian  warri- 
,na  then  remaining  in 
jtirring  eloquence  of 
[id  sachem,^  whose  in- 

I  Jesnp  (then  major),  In  a  man- 
ml  began,  iimler  the  orders  ot 
>r  arms  from  seven  to  ten  ho.irs 
Is  that  when  wc  took  the  flcU 
he  accuracy  of  parade." 
nlo  now  stands,  that  bein?  tht 
fl-footcd,  nucnt-tonsncd  bcu.c 
■ies     His  businesB  was  more  in 
actions  himself.   Indeed,  Brm! 
was  charged  with  havMisV™ 
Uled)  while  Sullivan  wtt«  m«rfli- 
usedby  his  eloquence    llefim 
„  1784,  when,  by  certain  concc- 
,dn  were  brought  imder  the  pr.- 
\cfs  fame  as  a  great  orator «. 
;„c  Detroit  River -.and  in  aUb. 
York  Bed  Jacket  was  ever  tko 
,  of  Christianity,  and  he  w«»ttic 

l.liii,  the  SenecBs  became  tlie  al- 
'.he  summer  of  ISU  he  1.. 

Iw  wB  braver  in  council  than  ■. 
Lrnityandthccivillzationta 
',y  by  the  intemperate  n«co  In- 
formally deposed  by  an  act  iu 
lie  went  to  the  Natio:,.^  rap- 
;«  reinstated.  But  he  soon  ^. 
k  exhibited  for  money.  Howta 
It  ^n  its  vigor  wouidhavcBCornc 
'lalUml  nedledonthe»o( 
S^  the  age  of  almost  c.ta; 

J  remains  were  buried  m  ftc 
L  ft"c  Seneca  mission,  hrwo, 
rm  hifralo,«nd..vcri,sgrav 
de  thccomedlan,furui»hoJ«i.l. 
'"sXription  which  he  .et  ™ 
•  the  actors  connected  with  >k 
catre,  placed  a  slab  of  niajb^ 

br:;thcBevoi.ion^ 

fcHe^nS^---* 

VcderivcdhisEusliHhna'n';'" 

ears  he  wore,  with  pride  a  1«^ 


The  Volunteers  and  Indians. 


Chief  Engineer  M'Ree. 


Furt  Eric  and  the  Invasion  of  Canada. 


fluence  among  his  people  had  been  very 
great  since  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  in 
which  he  took  a  part,  not,  howevci,  very 
much  to  his  credit  as  a  soldier. 

The  volunteers  and  Indians  were  under 
the  cliief  command  of  General  Peter  B. 
Porter,  who  was  then  quarter-master  gen- 
eral of  the  New  York  Militia,  and,  as  w<' 
have  seen,  was  not  only  an  eloquent  ad- 
vocate of  the  war  in  Congress'  before  it 
was  commenced,  but  a  reatly  and  patriotic 
actor  in  its  more  stirring  and  dangerous 
scenes  in  the  field,  llie  accomplished  Ma- 
jor William  M'Ree,  of  North  Carolina,  was 
the  chief  engineer  in  Brown's  army,^  and 
he  was  assisted 


BEn  JAOKKT, 


by  the  equally 
accomplished 
and  gallant  Ma- 
jor Elea.'-er  D. 
Wood,  with 
whom  wo  have 
liccomc  well  acquainted  while  following  General  Harri- 
son in  his  campaign  in  the  far  Northwest. 

On  the  Canada  shore,  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Erie,  nearly 
opposite  Buffalo,  stood  Fort  Erie,  then  garrisoned  by  one 
handled  and  seventy  men,  moscly  of  the  One  Hundredth 
Regiment,  under  the  command  of  Major  Buck,  of  the  Brit- 
ish army.  It  was  the  most  serious  impediment  in  the  way 
of  our  invasion  of  Canada  ui  that  quarter;  but  Avhen,  on 
the  1st  of  July,  Brown  n  cived  orders  from  the  Secretary 
of  War  to  cross  tlie  river  c  upture  Fort  I  rie,  and  march  on 
Cliippewa,  at  the  iiwuuli  ot  Cliippewa  Creek,  where 
some  fortificatio  lad  been  tlirown  up,  menace 
Fort  George,  aiic  ii  iHsntid  of  the  co-operation 
of  Chaimcey's  fleet,  and  ii^  «! liability  of  with- 


I'nlted  States  and  the  Six  Nations  after  ilic  R"  •Intton.  It  Is  m  )e  of  sliver,  with  a  heavy  rim,  ami  Is  Ave  inches  In 
wUllh,  and  iKMirly  seven  Inches  In  length.  The.  ic™  upon  it  woi.  .ui^avcd,  It  Is  said,  by  the  crai  ::t  D.ivid  Kitten- 
iwuse,  the  philosopher,  who,  as  a  jeweler  in  his  younger  days,  had  acquired  nue  facility  In  the  use  of  ih.'  Iniriii.  It  will 
be  ohscrvcd  that  the  painter  of  the  above  portrait  did  not  correctly  draw  i  device  on  tip  medal  whkli  is  given  In  the 
engraving  on  the  preceding  page  from  a  photograph.  The  r'nlal  is  now  ,  i-iflTl  in  the  piissession  of  Brevet  Brigadier 
General  Parker,  of  General  Grant's  staff,  chief  Sachem  of  tl>  "-  rti  tiji.    I  saw  It  In  his  possession  at  City  Point  In 

ha.   Red  Jacket's  children  being  all  dead  at  the  time  of  ii,  liiis  ingignia  of  leadership  passed  out  of  the  pos- 

fcfslon  of  his  Immediate  family.  The  stricken  chief  regar'  iic  death  of  his  eleven  chUdren  as  a  punishment  for  his 
ilrankcnucsfl.  The  late  venerable  Mr.  Uosmer,  of  Avon,  Livuigston  County,  t(dd  the  writer  In  18.Vi  that  on  one  occasion 
a  lady  at  his  table  with  Red  Jacket,  who  did  not  know  of  his  bem.avement,  iniptlred  after  his  children.  The  old  chief, 
*ilh  deep  sadness,  replied  with  unsurpassed  eloquence,  "  Red  Jail^ct  v  dhoo  a  great  man  and  In  favor  with  the  Groat 
Spirit.   He  was  a  lofty  pine  among  the  smaller  trees  of  the  forist.  iifter  years  of  glory,  he  degraded  himself  by 

lirinkini!  the  flre-watcr  of  the  white  mau.  The  Great  Spirit  hu  lon> '  aown  upuu  him  in  his  auger,  and  his  lightning 
has  stripped  the  pine  of  its  brunches."  i  See  page  '21'i. 

'  William  M'llee  was  born  In  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  ■  l.tth  of  December,  17'>T.    He  was  of  Irish  descent. 

Ili«  father  was  an  active  ofllrcr  In  onr  old  War  for  Indepi'iidem  ,■,  and  this  son  was  educated  at  the  Military  Academy 
:il  West  Point.  He  entered  the  corps  of  Knglneers  In  1805,  and  was  commissioned  a  major,  and  assigned  to  the  duty  of 
fliicf  engineer  of  the  Northern  Army  in  1S13.  He  was  conspicuous  In  the  events  on  the  Northern  and  Niagara  frontier 
iloringthc  war,  at  the  close  of  whlcli  his  government  sent  iilm  on  a  tour  of  military  liispccticui  In  Europe.  After  serv- 
lat  on  a  commission  of  engineers  to  determine  upon  a  system  of  fortlrtcations  for  the  United  States,  he  retired  from  llie 
•TOT  in  ISll).  He  became  United  States  surveyor  general,  and  was  almost  cimlinually  In  public  employment  until  his 
ileath,  which  occurred  at  St.  Louis.  Missouri,  In  May,  1S38.  He  was  never  married.  The  silhonette  from  which  the  above 
engraving  was  made  U  the  only  likonesa  of  him  extant.  I  am  indebted  fur  its  lue  to  his  nephew,  Griffith  J.  H'Kee,  o( 
•  Wilnalngtou. 


•:■:      ,    . 

if 

i 

* 
1 

, 

804 


PICTOniAL  FIELr-BOOK 


Plan  of  thi^  iiew  luvaiilon  uf  Canada.         General  Ripley.         American  Troops  croRB  the  Niagara.         Major  Oardner. 

standing  that  of  Sir  James  Yeo,  to  seize  and  fortify  Burlington  Heights,  at  the  licad  of 
Lake  Ontario,  he  did  not  hesitate  a  moment  to  set  about  its  execution.  If  these  results 
could  be  obtained,  the  Americans  would  not  only  hold  the  peninsula  in  their  grasp 
but  might  proceed  leisurely  to  the  conquest  and  occupation  of  all  Upper  Canada. 

In  obedience  to  his  instructions.  General  Brown  issued  orders  on  the  2d  of  July  for 
his  troops  to  cross  the  Niagara  River  from  Black  Rock.  Accompanied  by  Generals 
Scott  and  Porter,  he  made  a  reconnaissance  of  Fort  Erie  and  the  upper  part  of  tiie  Ni- 
agara,  and  concerted  a  plan  of  attack.  His  means  of  transportation  were  few.  Tiic 
arrangements  for  embarking  and  debarkhig  were  made  with  the  brigadiers  and  tin 
senior  engineers,  M'Ree  and  Wood.  General  Scott  was  to  cross  with  one  division 
through  a  difficult  pass  in  the  Black  Rock  Rapids,  and  land  about  a  mile  below  Fort 
Erie,  and  at  the  same  time  General  Ripley  was  to  cross  from  Buffalo,  and  land  at  the 
same  distance  above  the  fort.  This  was  to  be  accomplished  by  the  dawn  of  the  3(1, 
and  tiie  fort  was  to  be  immediately  invested.  The  boats  that  conveyed  these  divi- 
sions were  to  return  immediately  to  Black  Rock,  and  transport  the  residue  of  the 
army,  ordnance,  and  munitions  of  war  to  the  Canada  shore.' 

Toward  the  evening  of  the  2d,  when  the  arrangements  were  all  completed.  General 
Ripley  expressed  a  desire  *or  a  change.  He  believed  that  his  division  wouU"  '  ve  to 
bear  the  brunt  of  battle  should  the  enemy  oppose  the  crossing,  and  he  asktd  for  a 
larger  number  of  troops.  He  complaineci  that  he  could  not  ci'oss  with  sufficient  forou 
to  promise  success ;  and  when  General  Browi.,  who  knew  that  delay  would  be  peril- 
ous, endeavored  to  convince  him  that  his  force  would  be  adequate,  and  assured  liim 
that  no  change  could  then  be  made  in  the  arrangement,  Ripley  was  angry,  aiul  ten- 
dered his  resignation.     It  was  not  accepted,  and  the  movement  went  on. 

General  Scott  crossed  the  river  while  it  Avas  yet  dark  on  the  morning  of  the  ad, 
with  the  Ninth,  Eleventh,  part  of  the  Twenty-second,  and  the  Twenty-fifth  Re<i;i- 
ments,  and  a  corns  of  artillery  under  Major  Ilindman,  and  landed  below  Fort  Erie 
unmolested.  His  movements  were  so  prompt  that  in  less  than  two  hours  after  he 
embarked,  his  brigade  was  formed  on  the  Camula  shore.  General  Brown,  with  his 
suite,  consisting  of  his  adjutant  general  (the  now  venerable  Colonel  Charles  K.  Ganl 
ner,  of  Washington  Ctt^^)^  Major  Jones,  the  assistant  adjutant  general.  Majors  M'Kee 
and  Wood,  of  the  EngineerF,  and  Captains  Austin  and  Spencer,  his  aids-do-camp,  pre- 
pared to  follow  in  a  small  boat.  He  would  have  landed  on  the  Canada  shore  as  oailv 
as  the  rear  of  Scott's  division  did,  had  not  Ripley  been  tardy  in  his  obedience  of  or- 
ders. It  was  broad  day'ight  before  that  officer's  brigade  was  embarked.  Brown  j 
was  disappointed.  He  pushed  across  the  river,  leaving  ordei'S  for  Ripley  to  follow  | 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  join  Scott,  who  by  that  time  had  formed  his  troops  on  tli" 
Canadian  beach. 


'  In  his  general  orders  annonnclng  the  contemplated  Invasion  Oenoral  Brown  prescribed  stringent  rules  for  liia  tmops 
in  the  treatment  of  the  inhahitai  ts  and  their  property.  Ail  found  in  arms  were  to  be  treated  as  enemies,  nud  all  olh- 
ers  na  friends.  I'r'vate  property  ("as  to  be  held  sacred,  and  public  property,  when  seized,  was  to  be  disposed  ofbythf 
commanding  foneral.    lie  prescribed  the  punishment  of  death  for  all  plunderers. 

»  Chiirles  K.  Gardner  was  born  in  i.'orris  County,  New  Jersey,  in  1787,  and  in  1791  removed  with  his  parents  to  Now- 
bur;;,  on  the  Hudson,  where  he  flnishci.!  his  education.  He  was  a  student  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Ilosack,  in  New  York. 
when  he  received  the  appointment  of  ei.sign  in  the  old  Sixth  Regiment  of  Infantry  in  ISOS.  In  the  fullowlng  year, 
while  on  dnty  at  Oswego,  he  was  appointed  .'djutant  of  his  regiment.  He  served  as  sucli  at  various  points,  and  nlBalon 
Koufie,  Louisiana,  General  Wade  Hampton  ap^ointed  him  his  brigade  inspector.  In  July,  1812,  he  was  appoiiileil  cap- 
tain of  the  Third  Artillery,  and  in  the  following  n.-.r.t;.  General  Armstrong,  then  in  command  at  New  York,  nindc  liiu 
his  brigade  inspector.  In  March,  1S13,  he  was  In  charge  of  the  adjutant  general's  offloe  at  Washington  as  a«si?l.iiil,tat 
was  soon  afterward  promoted  to  major  of  the  Twenty-flflh  Infantry,  and  ordered  to  the  Northern  frontier  at  Snckflt'f 
Horbor.  He  was  in  the  battle  of  Chrysler's  Field.  In  the  following  spring  he  accompanied  General  Brown's  divlfloi 
first  from  French  Mills  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  then  to  BntTalo,  and  in  April  received  the  appointment  of  adjutant  if o- 
eral,  with  the  rank  of  colonel.  For  distinguished  services  on  the  Niagara  frontier  he  was  breveted  lieutenant  cnlniifl. 
but,  being  then  colonel,  he  declined  it.  In  May,  181(1,  he  was  recommissloned  adjutant  general  of  the  Army  of  thc^Xurtti. 
and  In  ISIS  he  married  and  resigned.  In  1822-',')  he  edited  the  .Vi^io  York  Patriot,  and  was  appointed  corropnnilinf 
clerk  in  the  Post-offli  Department.  In  1829  he  became  assistant  postmaster  general.  He  became  auditor  of  the  trot- 
nry  for  the  Post-offlc  opartment  In  laid,  and  was  afterward  postmaster  at  Washincton  City  and  surveyor  general  <>l 
Oregon.  Colonel  Gai  .Inor  is  now  (186T)  a  resident  of  Washington  City.  He  is  the  author  of  a  Compend  ttfln/antrii  Tji- 
He»,  and  a  very  com|n-(^licn8ive  Dictionar]]  lif  tlu  Army.  ' 


■•«•■ 


OF  THE   WAR  OF   1812. 


808 


gar».         Major  Gardner. 

;ht8,  at  the  heail  of 
,n.    If  these  vosults 
mla  ill  their  gnisp, 
Upper  Canadiv. 
1  the  2d  of  July  for 
paTiied  by  Generals 
pper  part  of  the  Ni- 
ioH  were  few.    The 
I  brigadiers  and  the 
8  with  one  division 
t  a  mile  below  Fort 
falo,  and  land  at  tlio 
the  dawn  of  the  3(1, 
conveyed  these  divi- 
•t  the  residue  of  the 

[I  completed,  General 
vision  wouU'- '  ve  to 
r,  and  he  asktd  for  a 
's  with  sufficient  force 
clelay  would  be  pcril- 
late,  and  assured  liim 
^  was  angry,  and  ten- 
,  went  on. 

le  morning  of  the  ad. 
le  Twenty-fifth  R('!;i- 
ided  below  Fort  Eric 
m  two  hours  after  lie 
ncral  Brown,  with  liis 
onel  Charles  KG anl- 
roneral,  Majors  M'Uoi 
\is  aids-dc-camp,  lire- 
Canada  shore  as  early 
m  his  obedience  of  or- 
is embarked.     Brown 
,  for  Ripley  to  follow 
ined  his  troops  on  tli" 


trM»itrulc«  fori. U top 
Vrcated  a%  enemies,  «ud..   * 

loved  with  hlH  parents  to  >;«• 
t,v»hDr.nomick,i..New\ork. 
in  ISOS     lu  tlic  following  ycat, 

L,1812,lvewaaappou.tcJaf- 
tmand  at  New  York,  made !» 
LwnBhlngtonaBa«s.et  I, 
iNorthcrn  frontier  at  SaoUt 
inled  General  Brown'Mlmw 
Pappolntmentofadinto,^.- 
laB  breveted  Ueutenant  eta 

VneralofthcArmyotthcN'rtti. 

t  «•. 8  appointed  corre^po,,,!...? 

IVclty  and  surveyor  trcner»U 


Kort  Erie  captured  by  the  Aincricaue. 


Re-enforccmenU  for  It  sent  too  late. 


Oeuerul  Riull. 


Brown  ordered  Scott  to  push  for- 
ward a  battalion  nearer  the  fort,  to 
observe  the  movements  of  tlie  garri- 
son. This  battalion,  consisting  of  light 
troops  and  a  few  Indians,  were  under 
the  command  of  Major  Jesiii),  of  the 
Tweiity-fiftli.  They  drove  in  the  ene- 
my's pickets ;  and  so  favorable  to  suc- 
cess was  every  appearance,  that  Brown 
resolved  to  invest  the  fort  with  Scott's 
brigade,  without  waiting  for  the  land- 
ing of  Ripley's.  Taking  Avith  hiiu  a 
corps  just  formed  by  Major  Gardner, 
he  pushed  into  the  woods,  in  tlie  rear 
of  the  fort,  where  he  seized  a  resident, 
and  compelled  liim  to  act  as  guide. 
He  then  directed  Gardner  to  press  for- 
ward through  the  forest  to  the  lake 
shore  above  the  fort,  extcjid  his  left  so 
as  to  connect  with  Jesup's  command, 
and  in  tliat  manner  inclose  the  post. 
Tliis  movement  was  accomplished  be- 
fore Ripley,  at  a  late  hour,  crossed  tlu' 
river  with  the  Nineteenth,  Twenty- 
lii'st,and  Twenty-third  Regiments,  and  met  at  the  landing  the  adjutant  general  with 
orders  for  his  brigade  to  take  the  invcsthig  position  in  connection  with  Scott's  forces. 
This  Avas  promptly  done. 

No  time  was  lost  in  crossing  the  ordnance  and  selecting  jiositions  lor  batteries  un- 
der the  direction  of  Ciiief  Engineer  3rRce.  A  long  lR-))ound  cannon  Avas  mounted 
and  ready  for  action  upon  an  eminence  called  Snake  Hill,  Avhen  Brown  demanded  the 
surrender  of  the  fort,  giving  the  commander,  Major  Buck,  two  hours  for  considera- 
tion. Very  soon  afterward  a  Avhito  flag  came  out,  and  Avas  received  by  Major  Jesup ; 
the  fort,  Avhicli  Avas  in  a  very  Aveak  condition,  Avas  surrendered;  ami  at  six  o'clock  in 
the  evening  the  British  soldiers,  almost  tAvo  hundred  in  number,  including  seven  offi- 
cers, inarched  out  and  stacked  their  arms,  became  prisoners  of  Avar,  Avere  sent  acioss 
tlie  river,  and  posted  immediately  for  the  Hudson,  During  the  morning  the  British 
had  fired  cannon  from  the  fort,  Avhich  killed  four  Americans,  and  Avounded  tAVo  or 
t]ir?c  others.  When  the  pickets  Avero  driven  in  the  British  had  one  man  killed. 
These  Avere  all  the  casualties  attendant  upon  the  capture  of  Fort  Erie. 

Pioinj)t  measures  Avere  taken  to  secure  the  advantage  gaine<l  by  the  capture  of 
Fort  Erie.     Had  Ripley's  desire  for  delay  prcA^ailcd,  the  prize  Avould  not  have  been 
won,  for  the  British  commander  on  the  frontier.  Gen-         ^^<r2\__ 
cral  Kiall,'  had  been  apprised  of  the  danger  impend-    /     ^^^^~^/^^  /9 

ing  over  the  fort,  and  at  eight  o'clock  that  morning  //^    //r  ^  *  tJ^ 

had  sent  forward  five  companies  of  the  Royal  Scots  ^  L-''c-^i>it./ 

tore-enforce  it.  In  front  of  Chippewa  thcj'  Avcro  met  and  checked  by  intelligence  of 
the  surrender  of  the  fort.  General  Riall  then  determined  to  make  an  immediate  at- 
tack on  the  Americans,  but  Avas  induced  to  forbear  by  the  assurance  that  the  Eightli 
Regiment  Avas  hourly  cxj)ccted  from  York,  now  Toronto.  He  agreed  to  postpone  the 
attack  until  the  next  morning. 

'  History  la  almost  silent  concerntuR  the  character  of  General  Rlail.    A  contemporary,  who  served  under  him  at  th» 
time  we  are  now  considering,  speaks  of  him  as  a  (rallanl  man,  but  possc8(.ed  of  very  little  military  skill ;  who  had  "  at- 
tained hiB  rank  by  the  purchase  of  all  purchasable  grades."    He  was  from  Tlpperary,  iu  Ireland,  ii  little  less  than  mid- 
'  (He  age,  and  a  man  of  fortnuo. 


it  I 


iii 


'I 


806 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Scott  moves  down  the  Niagara. 


Preparations  for  Battle  at  Street'ii  Creek. 


Origin  of  the  "  Cadet's  Gray," 


stbeet's  gbekk  uuiimE.i 


To  confront  and  drive  back  this  force  of  British  regulars,  Scott  was  sent  toward 
Chippewa  with  his  brigade,  accompanied  by  Captain  Towson's  artillery  corps,  on  the 
morning  of  the  4th.  It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  before  the  second  brigade,  under 
Ripley,  and  Hindmsi  I's  artillery,  were  prepared  to  move.     Scott  marched  down  the 

Canada  shore  of  the  Ni- 
agara River  to  a  posi- 
tion on  a  plain  behind 
Street's  Creek,  opposite 
the  lower  end  of  Navy 
Island,  and  little  more 
than  a  mile  above  Chip- 
pewa. On  the  way  lie 
met  a  considerable  Brit- 
ish force  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Pearson, 
and,  after  a  sharp  skirm- 
ish, he  drove  them  be- 
yond Street's  Creek.  In  fact,  the  march,  for  sixteen  miles,  according  to  Jesup,  was 
"  a  continual  skirmish,"^  chiefly  with  the  British  One  Hundredth  Regiment,  under  tlie 
Marquis  of  Twccddale,  who  were  driven  to  their  intrenchraents  beyond  the  Chippewa. 
Believing  Scott's  troops  to  be  only  "Buffalo  militia,"  the  marquis  could  account  for 
their  bravery  only  by  the  fact  of  its  being  the  anniversary  of  American  Independence, 
which  gave  them  patriotic  inspiration  and  courage.  He  was  undeceived  on  the  fol- 
lowing day.^  On  the  plain  between  Street's  Creek  and  the  Chippewa  River,  Captain 
Turner  Crooker,  of  the  Ninth,  with  a  detachment  of  light  infantry,  received  and  re- 
pulsed a  detachment  of  the  Nineteenth  British  Dragoons.  Finding  the  enemy  strong- 
ly posted  beyond  the  Chippewa,  General  Scott  called  in  his  light  troops,  and  took  a 
position  behind  Street's  Creek,  whore  he  encamped  for  the  night.  At  about  midnight 
the  main  body  of  Brown's  array,  embracing  Ripley's  brigade,  a  field  and  battery  train, 
and  Major  Ilindman's  artillery  corps,  came  up,  accompanied  by  the  commanding  gen- 
eral. With  only  the  small  creek  between  them,  the  belligerent  armies  slumbered  that 
hot  July  night. 

The  morning  of  the  5th  of  July  dawned  gloriously.  The  positions  of  the  two  ar- 
mies were  simple.  On  the  east  was  the  Niagara  River,  along  the  margin  of  whicii 
was  a  road.  On  the  west  was  a  heavy  wood,  and  between  the  parties  conung  in  from 
the  woods  were  two  streams,  namely.  Street's  and  Chippewa  Creeks,  the  latter,  some- 
times called  the  Welland  Creek,  being  the  larger  in  volume.*  Below  the  Chippewa, 
and  about  two  miles  from  Scott's  camp,  was  that  of  Riall.  On  one  side  of  it  Avas  a 
ulock-house,  and  on  the  other  was  a  heavy  battery.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Chippewa, 
on  the  south  side,  some  fortifications  had  been  thrown  up  to  cover  the  bridge,  called 
a  tete-de-pont  (or  head  of  the  bridge)  battery,  whose  ruins  are  still  (18G7)  visible, 
A  little  farther  up  the  river  the  British  had  a  small  navy  yard  and  some  barracks. 

>  This  is  a  view  of  the  bridge  at  the  mouth  of  Street's  Creek  looking  up  the  Niagara,  from  a  sketch  made  by  the  au- 
thor ill  the  summer  of  1800.  On  the  extreme  right  is  seen  a  chimney,  which  composes  the  remains  of  the  hoasoofUf. 
Street,  f^om  whom  the  stream  derives  its  name.    In  the  distance,  on  the  left,  is  seen  Grand  Island. 

'  Jesup's  MS.  Memoir,  etc. 

»  General  Scott  explained  to  the  \vrlter  the  cause  of  the  marquis's  mistake.  While  at  BnflTalo  Scott  wrote  to  ti,c  qnar- 
temiaster  for  a  supply  of  new  clothing  for  his  regulars.  Word  soon  ccme  back  that  blue  cloth,  such  as  was  iiacd  in  thf 
army,  could  not  be  obtained,  owing  to  the  stringency  of  the  blockade  and  the  embargo,  and  the  lack  of  inniiufnctarei  in 
the  country,  but  that  there  was  a  sufficient  quantity  of  gray  cloth  (now  known  as  "Cadet's  Gray")  in  Phlladelphls 
Scott  ordered  it  to  be  made  up  for  his  soldiers,  and  in  these  new  gray  suits  they  marched  down  the  Niagara  on  Canadi 
soil.  Believing  them  to  be  only  militia,  Riall  regarded  them  with  contempt  when  preparing  for  battle  on  the  6th.  B^ 
cause  of  the  victory,  won  chiefly  by  thorn,  at  Chippewa  on  the  6th,  and  in  honor  of  Scott  and  his  troops,  that  Btyle  ot 
cloth  was  adopted  at  the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  as  the  uniform  of  the  cadets.  It  has  been  used  ever  since. 
anil  in  known  *o  be  the  best  color  for  field  service. 

♦  Tlie  Chippewa  is  navigable  with  small  boats  for  abont  forty  miles.  It  is  obstrncted,  however,  by  its  connectioa 
with  the  Welland  Canal,  al>oat  nine  miles  from  Its  month. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812, 


807 


n  of  the  "  Cadet's  Gray," 


Dcolt  re-eu  forced. 


British  Mght  Triiopa  aud  ludlaus  dlslodijed  by  Porter. 


Captalu  Joseph  Trent. 


t,  was  sent  toward 
illery  corps,  on  the 
3nd  brigade,  under 
tnarclied  down  the 
^da  shore  of  the  Ni- 
•a  River  to  a  posi- 
on  a  plain  beliind 
•ct's  Creek,  oppoHite 
lower  end  of  Navy 
ind,  and  little  more 
,n  a  mile  above  Chip- 
va.     On  the  way  he 
t  a  considerable  Ihit- 
force  under  Lieu- 
lant  Colonel  Pearson, 
d,  after  a  sharp  skinn- 
1  he  drove  them  be- 
ording  to  Jcsup,  was 
I  Regiment,  \iiHlcr  the 
beyond  the  Chippewa, 
uis  could  account  for 
nerican  Independence, 
undeceived  on  the  ibl- 
ippewa  River,  Captain 
mtry,  received  and  re- 
ling  the  enemy  strong- 
laht  troops,  and  took  a 
[t.     At  about  midnight 
[field  and  battery  train, 
the  commanding  gen- 
armies  slumbered  that 

..ositionsofthctwoar- 

L  the  ranrgin  of  which 

parties  coming  m  from 

Greeks,  the  latter,  sonu- 

Below  the  Chippewa, 
)u  one  side  of  it  was  a 
Uoutb  of  the  Chippewa 
;„ver  the  bridge,  called 
u-e  still  (1867)  visible. 
and  some  barracks. 

['tbcreniainBofthchouBOotMi 

Land  Island. 

It  Buffalo  Scott  wrote  to  tucinB' 

l^T^t-^otninrhUad^lS^: 
Ted  down  the  Niagara  on  CaD.to 

P„g  for  battle  on  he  «h.I^ 
tott  and  his  troops,  that    yte 
Its.    It  has  been  used  ever  8B«, 

Led.  however,  by  lUconnectl* 


BRMAINH   OF  TETE-llK-FONT  JIATTEBY 

At  about  noon  of  the  5th  Scott  was  joined  by  three  hundred  Pennsylvania  Volun- 
teers, and  about  four  hundred  Indians  under  Captain  Pollard  and  tlie  famous  Red 
.lacket.  The  whole  were  commanded  by  General  Porter,  who  had  been  accompanied 
from  Black  Rock  by  Majors  Wood  and  Jones,  of  Brown's  staff.  Tlie  British  were  re- 
enforced  during  the  night  by  the  expected  Eighth,  or  King's  Regiment,  from  York  or 
Toronto,  and  small  parties  went  out  from  their  line  at  dawn  on  the  beautiful  plain 
between  the  Chippewa  and  Street's  Creek — a  plain  then  bounded  on  the  Avest,  three 
iburtlis  of  a  mile  from  the  river,  by  a  dense  wood.  For  several  hours  the  belligerents 
were  feeling  each  other,  the  pickets  and  scouts  of  each  keeping  up  a  desultory  fire  all 
the  morning. '^  Finally  tlie  American  pickets  on  the  extreme  left  of  Scott's  line  be- 
came so  annoyed  by  a  heavy  body  of  British  light  troops  and  Iiidians  in  the  woods, 
that  at  four  o'clock  in  the  aftei'noon  General  Porter  ^vas  sent  with  his  corps  to  dis- 
lodge them.  He  was  successful.  The  enemy  fled  in  affi'ight  toward  Chippewa,  dread- 
fnlly  smitten  by  the  pursuers.  Tliere  Porter  found  himself  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
entire  British  force  advancing  in  battle  order. 

In  this  affair,  uj)  to  the  meeting  of  the  British  in  force,  the  Indians  behaved  well. 
Tliey  were  in  the  woods,  on  the  left  of  Porter's  column,  with  Red  Jacket  on  their  ex- 
tremity in  the  forest.  Porter,  with  Caj)tain  Pollard,  the  Indian  leader,  took  post  in 
the  edge  of  the  woods,  betAveen  the  pale  and  dusky  soldiers.     The  Indians,  led  by 

1  The  engraving  represents  the  remains  of  this  battery  when  I  visited  the  spot  and  sketched  them  in  the  snmmcr  of 
1(160.  lu  the  front,  between  the  two  figures  and  the  mounds,  are  seen  the  waters  of  the  feeder  of  the  Welland  Cnnnl. 
On  the  left  Is  the  mouth  of  Chippewa  Creek,  aud  beyond,  the  Niagara  River  at  the  head  of  the  Great  Rapids.  Beyond 
that  is  the  New  York  shore ;  and  to  the  left,  looking  by  the  head  of  Goat  Island,  is  seen  Niagara  Falls  Village.  Over 
ilie  most  westerly  point  of  the  remains  of  tetc-dc-pont  battery,  on  the  New  York  shore,  Is  seen  the  residence  of  Colo- 
licl  Peter  Augustus  Porter,  sou  of  the  general,  who  accoi.ipa:iied  me  at  that  time.  This  gentleman  lost  his  life  while  at 
ilie  head  of  his  regiment  lighting  for  the  rcpublir  in  the  Battle  of  the  Wilderness,  Virginia,  in  1SC4. 

'  It  was  dur,lng  these  movements  early  in  the  morning  that  Captain  Treat,  in  command  of  a  picket-guard  of  forty  men 
and  a  patrol  of  ten,  "  retired  disgrocefully,  leaving  a  wounded  man  on  the  ground,"  as  General  Brown  said  in  his  re- 
port. For  this  alleged  oiTense,  Browu  ordered  Treat,  on  the  spot,  to  retire  from  the  army ;  and,  in  his  report  of  the  af- 
fiir,  he  advised  the  dismissal  of  the  captain  aud  one  of  his  lieutenants  fi-oni  the  service.  "  This  punishment  "  says 
Drown,  in  a  manuscript  "  Memorandum  of  Occurrences,  etc.,  connected  with  the  Campaign  of  Niagara,"  "  though  severe, 
was  jnst,  and  at  the  moment  indispensable     It  had  the  happiest  effect  upon  the  army." 

This  affair  gave  rise  to  much  feeling  in  und  out  of  the  army.  Captain  Treat  was  a  most  valuable  oSBcer,  and  had 
been  highly  esteemed  by  General  Brown.  On  the  day  after  his  disgrace  ho  called  on  General  Brown  and  demanded  a 
fonrt-martial.  It  was  finally  granted,  after  long  and  tedious  delays, 
bat  the  result  was  not  reached  until  the  8th  of  May,  1815,  when  the 
court  declared,  "After  mature  deliberation  on  the  testimony  deduced, 
the  court  find  the  accused.  Captain  Joseph  Treat,  not  guilty  of  the 
charge  or  spcclflcation  preferred  against  him,  and  do  honorably  acquit 
him."  This  finding  of  the  court  was  approved  by  Major  General  Brown 
atSackett'a  Harbor  on  the  3d  of  July  following.  At  about  the  same 
time  Captain  Treat  published  a  vindication  "  ogainst  the  atrocious 
calnmny,"  which  was  dedicated  to  President  Madison.  It  contains  a  report  of  tho  proceedings  of  the  court-martial,  and 
occupies  slxly-two  pages.    The  vindication  of  his  character  as  a  soldier  was  triumphant. 

Captain  Treat  was  the  son  of  one  of  tho  earliest  settlers  on  the  Penobscot,  in  Maine.  He  entered  the  army  as  captain 
of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  of  Infantry  in  the  spring  of  1812.  With  his  company,  recruited  chiefly  at  Bangor,  he  Joined 
the  Northern  Army.  On  the  day  of  his  disgrace  on  Chippewa  Plain  he  volunteered  to  fight  as  a  private ;  and  such  was 
the  confidence  of  Major  Vose,  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment,  in  Captain  Treat,  that  he  requested  him  to  take  command 
of  a  platoon  In  the  fight.  lie  declined,  but  fought  bravely  in  the  ranks.  He  became  brigadier  general  of  militia  in  his 
native  state  in  1820,  and  the  memory  of  Geueral  Treat  is  cherished  with  the  moat  cordial  respect. 


I 


!tJ 


m 


iMMt 


their  war-chiefs,  were  allowed  to  conduct  their  share  of  the  hf  '3  as  they  pleased; 
and,  when  the  enemy  had  delivered  his  fire,  they  rushed  forward  with  horrid  yuUs 
spreading  consternation  in  the  ranks  of  the  foe,  and  making  feaiful  havoc  with  toma- 
hawk and  scalping-knifo.  They  fought  desperately,  hand-to-hand  in  many  instances, 
and  in  every  ^^iy  they  won  the  applause  of  their  commanding  general.  Hut  tlie  tide 
of  fortune  soon  changed.  The  heavy  line  of  the  foe,  after  an  exchange  of  two  or  three 
rounds  of  musketry,  charged  Porter's  troops  with  the  bayonet  furiously.  Ileaiinir 
nothing  of  General  Scott,  and  finding  no  support  against  an  overwhelming  force  near, 
Porter  gave  an  order  to  retreat  and  form  on  the  left  of  Scott's  brigade,  beyond  Street's 
Creek.     The  retreat  became  a  tumultuous  rout. 

Riall,  it  seems,  had  intended  to  fall  upon  the  American  camp  with  his  whole  force, 
and  for  that  purpose  he  had  led  it  across  Chippewa  Creek.  Tliere  Porter  had  con- 
fronted  it,  as  we  have  observed.  General  Brown  was  on  the  extreme  left,  watdiinrr 
Porter's  movements  at  this  time,  and,  seeing  an  immense  cloud  of  dust  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Chippewa,  at  once  comprehended  its  meaning.  He  correctly  supposed  tlie 
whole  force  of  the  enemy  to  be  advancing,  and  at  once  dispatched  Colonel  Gardner 
with  an  order  to  General  Ripley  to  put  in  motion  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  of  In- 
fantry and  Biddle's 
Battery.  He  also  or- 
dered Captain  Ritch- 
ie, with  his  artillery 
company,  to  follow 
him  to  the  ])laii), 
where  he  properly 
posted  him,  and  tlica 
rode  to  the  quarters 
of  General  Scott  to 
direct  him  to  cross 
Street's  Creek  at  oncf 
with  his  whole  bri- 
gade and  Tow  son's 
artillery  to  meet  the 
advancing  foe.  He 
found  Scott  almost 
ready,  with  his  horse 

before  his  tent,  to  lead  his  brigade  over  for  the  purpose  of  drilling  them  on  the  jjlaiii. 
lie  did  not  believe  the  enemy  to  be  so  near  in  force,  but,  like  a  true  soldier,  he  obeyed 
the  order  promptly,  rather  captiously  remarking  that  he  would  march  and  drill  his 
brigade,  but  did  not  believe  he  would  find  three  hundred  of  the  enemy  thcre.^  Just 
then  Porter's  flight  was  observed.  It  uncovered  Scott's  left,  and  exposed  it  to  great 
peril ;  but  Ripley  had  been  ordered  to  advance  cautiously  through  the  woods,  under 
the  direction  of  Colonel  Gardner,  and  produce  a  diversion  in  Scott's  favor  by  falling 
on  the  rear  of  the  British  right. 

General  Riall's  advancing  army  was  composed  of  the  One  Hundredth  Regiment, 
commanded  by  the  Marquis  of  Tweeddale ;  the  First,  or  Royal  Scots,  under  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Gordon ;  a  portion  of  the  Eighth,  or  King's  Regiment,  under  Major  Evans; 

a  detachment  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  under  Captain  Macconnochie;  and  also  of  the 

. ^_^ 

'  This  is  n  view  of  the  bridge  over  Street's  Creek,  looking  down  the  Niagara  River.  Across  the  Niagara,  in  the  ex- 
treme distance,  immediately  to  tlie  right  of  the  figures  on  the  bridge,  is  seen  Schlosser  Landing,  and,  nearer,  the  fool 
of  Navy  Island.  The  house  beyond  the  willow-tree,  on  the  left,  is  on  a  portion  of  the  battle-ground,  and  bcloiised. 
when  I  was  there,  to  Mr.  William  Gray.  It  was  the  scene  of  a  tragedy  during  the  troubles  in  Canada  in  1837  and  1S3S. 
Some  miscreants  came  over  fl-om  Navy  Island  on  .light  (among  thrm  the  scoundrel  Lett,  who  destroyed  Brock's  Mon- 
ument), and,  after  enticing  a  Mr.  Edgworth  Usher,  who  was  at  this  houae,  to  come  to  the  door,  shot  him  through  tbe 
side-lights  as  he  was  seen  approaching  with  a  candle  in  his  hand. 

'  Ueneral  Brown's  MS.  Menwir  q/  Events  in  the  Niagara  Campaign. 


BIBKET's  CBEEK  URIUGE,  LOOKUta  ^0BTU.> 


OF   THE   WAR   OF    1813. 


8Cf 


;lon  of  Iho  Brllleh  Force. 

as  they  pleased ; 
with  horrid  ytUs, 
havoc  with  toiiia- 
in  many  instances, 
sral.  lint  the  tide 
igc  of  two  or  tlnee 
iriously.  Hearing 
lehning  force  near, 
de,  beyond  Street's 

ith  hia  whole  force, 

!rc  Porter  had  con- 

remc  left,  watching 

f  duat  in  the  direc- 

•ectly  supposed  the 

ed  Colonel  Gardner 

rst  Regiment  of  In- 

ntry    and    Biddle's   , 

attery.     He  also  or- 

ered  Captain  Ritch- 

!,  with  his   artillery 

ompany,  to   follow 

im     to     the     plain, 

/here   ho   properly 

,08ted  him,  and  then 

ode  to  the  quarters 

>f  General  Scott  to 

lirect   him   to   cross 

Itrcet's  Creek  at  once 

ith   his   whole  hvi- 

adc  and  Tow  son's 

rtillery  to  meet  the 

dvaucing    foe.     He 

bund    Scott    almost 

•eady,  with  his  horse 

ig  them  on  the  plain, 

uc  soldier,  he  obeyed 

march  and  drill  his 

enemy  there.^    Just 

lI  exposed  it  to  great 

igh  the  woods,  uikIov 

oU's  favor  by  falling 

[undredth  Regiment, 
±5C0ts,  under  Licuten- 
fnnder  Major  Evans; 
Ihie ;  and  also  of  Uic 

b^BetbeNiRRarn.mthe"- 
Lumng.  and,  nearer,  the  tool 
rbattle-sroiu.d,an(n)eloMeil. 

Ib  In  Canada  In  Ism  ami  1S3» 

T  who  destroyed  BriKk's  Mod- 

!  door,  shot  him  through  the 


BegtnnlDg  of  the  Battle  of  Chippewa. 


Charge  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment. 


Nathan  TowMMk 


Royal  Nineteenth  Dragoons,  under  Major  Lisle  ;  a  regiment  of  Lincoln  militia,  under 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Dixon,  and  a  body  of  Indians.  Tlioae  Mere  8ui)ported  by  a  heavy 
battery  of  nine  pieces.  lie  advanced  from  his  intrenchments  at  Chippewa  in  three 
columns,  liis  vangirird  being  composed  of  light  companies  of  tlie  Royal  Scots  and  of 
the  One  Hundredth  Regiments,  and  the  Second  Regiment  of  Lincoln  militia.  These 
were  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pearson.  On  his  right,  in  tlie  edge  of  the 
woods,  were  about  three  hundred  Lulian  warriors.  It  was  these,  witli  the  vanguard, 
who  fell  upon  Porter.  On  the  road  that  skirts  the  Niagara  River,  Riall  placed  two 
light  24-pounder8  and  a  5j-inch  liowitzer. 

Scott  in  the  moan  time  had  crossed  Street's  Creek  over  the  bridge  with  the  great- 
est coolness,  in  the  face  of  a  heavv  camionade  from  the  enemy's  full  battery  within 
])oint-biank  range,  and  formed  in  battle  order  with  the  Ninth  and  part  of  the  Twenty- 
second  Regiment,  under  Major  Leavenworth,  covered  by  Towson's  artillery,  on  the 
extreme  right,  the  Eleventh  Regiment,  under  Major  M'Neil  (Colonel  Campbell,  its 
commander,  liaving  received  a  severe  wound  in  tlic  knee),  in  Llie  centre,  and  the 
Tweiity-tifth  Regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Jesup,  on  the  extreme  left.  In  this 
movement  Scott  was  greatly  aided  by  Towson,'  whose  artillery,  placed  near  the 
bridge,  kept  the  enemy  at  bay,  and  at  times  caused  him  to  slacken  his  cannonade. 

When  Porter's  corps  came  flying  in  confusion  from  tlie  enemy's  right,  they  were 
partially  cliecked  by  Captain  Harris's  cavalry  behind  a  ravine  fronting  Brown's  camp, 
and  Jesup,  by  an  obli([ue  movement,  covered  Scott's  left,  while  Ripley  was  making  un- 
availing ettbrts  to  gain  the  position  to  which  he  was  ordered  by  Brown.  Jesup  ^.  as 
joined  by  Porter  and  his  staif,  and  some  of  the  more  courageous  volunteers,  and  as 
the  conflict  became  general,  the  major  engaged  and  held  in  check  the  enemy's  right 
wing.  The  battle  raged  with  fury  along  the  entire  line  of  both  armies.  Several  times 
the  British  line  was  broken,  and  then  closed  up  again  ;  and  it  often  exposed  as  many 
flanks  as  it  had  regiments  in  the  field.  This  unskillful  manoeuvring  had  been  ob- 
served by  Scott,  wlio  had  advanced,  halted,  and  fired 
alieniately,  until  he  was  within  eighty  paces  of  his  foe. 
Observing  a  gap  in  his  lines  which  made  a  new  flank, 
he  ordered  a  quick  movement  in  that  direction  by 
M'Xeil's  Eleventh  Regiment.  He  shouted  with  a  voice 
tliat  was  heard  above  the  din  of  battle,  "  The  enemy 
say  that  we  are  good  at  long  shot,  but  can  not  stand 
the  cold  iron!  I. call  upon  the  Eleventh  instantly  to 
give  the  lie  to  that  slander  !  Charge  .^"2  This  move- 
ment was  immediately  made,  with  the  most  decisive 
effect.    A  similar  charge  was  made  by  Leavenworth, 

'  Nathan  Towson  was  one  of  the  moat  useful  officers  of  the  army  at  this 
limp.  He  was  bom  in  Maryland  in  1784,  and  was  appointed  captain  in  the 
Second  Regiment  of  Artillery  in  March,  1S12.  He  aided  Lieutenant  Elliott, 
of  the  navy,  as  we  have  seen  (page  3S6),  in  capturing  the  Caledonia  at  Fort 
Eric  in  October  of  that  year,  and  for  his  gallant  conduct  there  he  was  brevet- 
ed a  major.  In  repelling  the  attack  of  the  British  on  Fort  George,  Upper 
Canada,  iu  July,  181.1,  he  was  wounded.  He  greatly  distinguished  himself  un- 
der Brown  as  an  artillery  officer,  and  was  breveted  lieutenant  colonel  for  his 
good  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa.  lie  performed  equally  distinguished 
service  at  Niagara  and  Fort  Erie.  In  the  latter  a  bastion  was  named  in  his 
honor,  after  the  Americans  took  possession  of  it,  early  in  July,  1814.  He  was 
retained  in  the  service  at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  made  paymaster  gen- 
eral in  1S19.  In  1S34  he  was  breveted  brigadier  general ;  and  for  his  dlstin- 
gnished  services  In  the  Mexican  War  he  was  breveted  major  general  in  March, 
1S».  He  died  in  Washington  City  on  the  20th  of  Jnly,  1864,  at  the  age  of  seven- 
ty years.  His  remains  lie  interred  on  a  pleasant  slope  in  Oak  Hill  Cemetery, 
Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  by  the  side  of  those  of  his  wife,  and  over 
lliera  is  a  beautiful  white  marble  monument  on  which  is  the  following  simple 
inscription:  "Nathan  Towson,  Brevet  Major  General  and  Paymaster  Gen- 
erai,  United  States  Army.    SoruiA  Towso.n,  wife  of  Nathan  Towson." 

'  Mansfield's  Li/e  o/SeoU,  page  lOT. 


iilN' 


ili' 


iWKBBfii 


''If 


Ml 

M 

■ 

810 


nCTOKIAL    FIELD-KOOK 


lI'Nflir*  flank  Muvement. 


The  Britlah  mated. 


The  Luuea  of  the  CumbatanUk 


who  held  an  obliquo  position  on  the 
Aincriciin  rii^ht.  At  tho  saino  tinm  'Wtw. 
Hon's  battery  ponrod  in  lui  ()l)li(|uc  tiro 
of  ninrdcroHH  oanistor-Hliot,  ai'tcr  silenc- 
ing tlio  eneniy'H  most  cflbctivo  batliTv 
by  blowing  np  an  anununilion-wagon; 
and  ptTHL'ntly  tho  whole  left  and  cciitro 
of  tho  liritiwh  broke  and  fU'd  in  conl'ii- 
Hion.  That  effective  flank  movement  by 
M'Neil  was  the  one,  there  can  be  no 
doubt,  which  gave  tho  victory  to  the 
Americans,  "lie  deserved,"  said  (icn- 
eral  Scott  in  Ids  ropoi ,,  "every  lliiii<; 
which  conspicuous  skill  and  gallantly 
can  win  from  a  grateful  country."  Ho 
was  soon  afterward  breveted  a  lieuten- 
ant colonel "  for  his  intrepid  behavior  on 
the  5th  day  of  July,  in  tho  battle  of 
Chippewa." 

At  this  time  Josup,  hotly  pressed  hy 
the  British  right,  and  finding  his  inon 
falling  thickly  around  him,  ordered  his 
soldiers  to  "  support  arms  and  advance !" 
In  the  face  of  a  deadly  and  destructive 
lire  this  order  was  obeyed,  and  a  more 
secure  position  was  gained,  when  Jcsup 
opened  such  a  terrific  lire  on  the  enoniy 
that  they  broke  and  fled  toward  their  in- 
trenchments  beyond  the  Chippewa.  Cap- 
tain Ketchum,  with  one  of  the  light  com- 
panies of  the  Twenty-fifth,  hotly  pur- 
sued the  fugitives,  and  halted  only  when 
Avithin  half  musket -shot  of  Chippewa 
Bridge,  where  they  received  some  dam- 
age from  the  tCte-de-pont  battery.  Tiioy 
captured  many  prisoners.  The  British 
did  not  cease  their  flight  until  tiiey 
were  fairly  behind  their  breastworks  lie- 
low  Chippewa  Creek,  and  taken  up  tlie 
planks  of  the  bridge.  Tho  plain  was 
strewn  with  the  dead  and  the  dyini;  of 
both  nations.  The  American  loss  diir- 
N<)TK.-The  above  map  Indicates  the  movemcntB  of  the  ing  the  moming  skirmishing  and  in  the 

troops  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa.  A  H  show  the  position  of  (.ydinjr  battle  On  that  long,  hot  Juiv 
M'Nell  and  Leavenworth  when  thev  made  the  flnal  charge.  *'  ,  1  -ll  1  T  1  'l 
o,  o,  n,  the  point  to  which  Porter  drove  the  British  and  In-  day,  waS  SlXty-OUC  killed,  twO  llUIiared 
dians  (see  page  SOT),   ft,  Street's  bam.                                ^^^^l   fifty -five    woundcd,  and   nineteen 

missing.  The  British  lost  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  killed,  three  himdred  and 
twenty-two  wounded,  and  forty-six  missing.'     The  horrors  of  the  battle-field  were 

»  The  American  musketry  was  very  effective.  Over  each  ball,  in  loading,  the  Americans  placed  three  buckshot,  vfhlch 
Bcattered  and  did  severe  execution.  The  British  lost  largely  in  officers.  A  member  of  the  Marqnis  of  Tweeddale'n  One 
Hundredth  Regiment  afterward  stated  that  two  officers  of  that  regiment  were  killed  and  twenty  wounded.  Among  the 
latter  was  the  marquis  himself.  Fourteen  of  the  British  were  made  prisoners.  These,  added  to  the  prisoners  captured 
at  F.)rt  Erie  two  days  before,  made  the  number  151.  The  writer  above  alluded  to  says  that  the  American  officers  were 
Men  on  the  field  fteely  exposing  themselves  In  front  of  their  men.    "As  to  General  Biall,  as  soon  as  his  line  tied,  he 


OP  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


811 


of  the  Oumbutanu. 


LO  position  Oil  ilie 
the  Hixinotinu' Tow- 
ill  iin  oltluiui'  tiro 
.>r-Hl»ot,  at'ti-r  siU'nc- 
Ht  t'tVoctivo  battery 
vmiuunition-\vii;^(m; 
hole  k'tl  luitl  ccnlre 
■  iiiid  tU'd  in  confu- 
!  tiiink  movcituMit  \)\ 
le,  there  can  \k  no 
tho  victory  to  tlio 
IcsiTVL'd,"  Baid  (Ion- 
■opoi , ,  "  ovcry  tliiu-j: 
Bkill  anil  gaUautry 
iteful  country."    Ho 
d  breveted  a  lieuton- 
,  intrepid  behavior  on 
ily,  in  tlic  battle  of 

3up,  hotly  pressed  by 
and  tii\ding  his  mon 
)und  him,  ordered  his 
i-t  arms  and  advance  r 
eadly  and  destructive 
8  obeyed,  and  a  moiv 
as  gained,  when  Jcsiiii 
rific  lire  on  the  enemy 
id  tied  toward  their  in- 
id  the  Chippewa.  Cap- 
hone  of  the  light  com- 
^-enty-fifth,  hotly  pur- 
,  iuid  halted  only  wIumi 
Lt-shot  of  Chippewa 
.y  received  some  dam- 
7e.^jon<  battery.    Tiioy 
risoners.     The  British 
iicir  flight  until  tlioy 
fl  their  breastworks  lio- 
•eok,  and  taken  up  the 
•idgo.     The  plain  was 
|lead  and  the  dying  of 
he  American  loss  clur- 
skirmishing  and  in  the 
fl  that  long,  hot  July 
te  killed,  two  hundred 
ounded,  and   nineteen 
h1  three  hundred  ami 
,f  the  battle-tield  were 

LTnlaced  three  huclishot,  wWch 

Itwontywounded.    Amongth 
T«dTedtothepriBoner,cnptn^ 
that  the  American  offloerBWC 
klall.MBoonashiBUnefleJ.l'e 


Bravery  of  Adjutant  O'Cunuer.    The  Brttlah  Pualtlon  at  Chippewa.    The  Americana  fltU  back.    ludiani  disheartened. 

mitigated  by  a  gentle  shower,  that  eanic  like  an  angel  of  mercy  at  the  close  of  the 
coiiHict  to  cool  tlie  throbbing  teinjtles  and  moisten  tiie  feverish  lips  of  the  wounded. 

At  the  close  of  the  battle  on  the  plain,  when  Scott  was  about  to  commence  a  vig- 
oidiis  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  Porter  was  ordered  forward  to  his  support  witli  two 
jiuiidred  I'eiinsylvania  militia  who  had  been  left  in  camp  as  reserves.  These  took 
|Hist  on  Scott's  left,  where  tliey  awaited  the  arrival  of  Uipley's  brigade,  which  had 
not  reached  the  field  in  time  to  participate  in  the  .action.  The  gallant  Adjutant  O'C'on- 
iior'  (laslied  forward  alone  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  positi(ui.  He  saw  them  tear- 
ing up  Chippewa  I^ridge,  and  comprehended  the  situation  at  a  glance.  Having  satis- 
tied  himself,  he  wheeled  his  horse  and  galloped  back  to  the  lines,  followed  by  several 
bullets  from  the  men  at  the  bridge,  which  did  no  harm.  Scott  pressed  forward,  and 
at  a  point  of  woods  came  into  an  open  field  in  full  view  of  the  enemy.  Tlie  guns  at 
the  (cte-cle-pont  battery  and  at  the  British  camp  opened  upon  them,  the  ecu-ps  of  I'or- 
ter  receiving  the  first  discharge.  .lust  then  a  building  near  the  bridge,  touched  by  a 
British  torch, burst  into  flame;  and  at  the  same  moment  a  thuntler-gust, followed  by 
ircntle  rain,  went  skurrying  up  the  river,  filling  the  air  with  blinding  clouds  of  dust. 
The  commanding  general  resolved  to  bring  up  all  his  ordnance,  and  force  the  enemy's 
position  by  a  direct  attack,  when  M.ajor  Wood,  of  the  Engineers,  and  Ca|)taiii  Austin, 
the  general's  aid,  who  had  been  forward  and  made  observations,  assured  him  that  the 
position  of  the  enemy  was  too  strong  to  be  easily  moved.  This  report,  and  the  ad- 
vice of  Scott  and  Wood,  caused  the  general  to  issue  an  order  for  a  retrogr.ade  move- 
ment. The  victorious  little  army  marched  slowly  b.ack  through  mud  where  deep 
(lust  had  lain  only  an  hour  before,  and  at  sunset  reached  their  encani])ment  behind 
Street's  Creek.  On  that  eventful  night  Chii)|)ewa  Plains  were  lescrteil,  and  the  two 
armies  occujjied  the  s.amc  relative  position  which  they  did  at  dawn.  In  the  morn- 
ing (icneral  Brown  had  assured  (General  Porter  that  not  a  British  regular  would  be 
seen  on  the  south  side  of  the  Chippewa  that  day,  and  in  this  belief  Scott  had  shared.^ 
lint  they  h.ad  been  there,  left  a  sanguinary  record,  and  were  gone;  and  the  stars  look- 
ed down  that  night  on  a  scene  of  repose,  triinquil  and  profound,  where  the  horrid  de- 
tonations of  fierce  conflict  had  been  heard,  and  tlie  smoke  of  battle  liad  obscured  the 
light  of  th  iiing  sun. 

There  y  in  the  American  camp  that  night.    A  decisive  battle  had  been  fought 

by  small  ..mibers,^  .and  gallantly  won  by  the  Americans.  The  chief  glory  properly 
helonged  to  General  Scott,  whose  brigade  was  the  principal  instrument  in  the  achieve- 
ment.' It  was  very  import.ant  in  its  results — more  important,  perhaps,  th.an  any  pre- 
ceding battle  of  the  war.  The  Indian  allies  of  the  British  were  disheartened.  Their 
disaft'ection,  begun  at  the  Thames,  was  now  made  complete.     Nearly  all  of  the  sav- 

rode  np  straight  to  the  enemy's  line,  as  if  to  court  death ;  but,  as  is  usual  in  snch  cases,  he  failed  to  find  it,  while  his 
faslilonnble  and  well-dressed  aid-de-canip,  obliKcd  to  accompany  bira  in  what  he  must  have  thought  not  a  very  agreea- 
Wb  enterprise,  was  seriously  wounded  lu  the  tliigh."— See  The  Spirit  of  our  Timeit,  Montreal,  March  10,  ISfil. 

Among  the  American  officers  who  were  wounded  was  Colonel  Campbell,  and  C:nptalns  KiuR,  Read,  and  Harrison. 
Tlic  flrst-uained  fell,  as  we  have  seen,  at  the  very  beginning  of  the  action.  Captain  Harrison  had  his  leg  shot  off  by  a 
cannon-ball,  but  heroically  refused  to  allow  a  man  to  be  taken  ft-om  the  ranks  to  bear  him  off  until  the  liritish  retreat- 
ed.  Lieutenants  Palmer,  Barron,  De  Witt,  Patchin,  and  Brimhall  were  also  wonnded. 

'  John  Michael  O'Connor  was  a  native  of  New  York.  He  was  commissioned  first  lieutenant  in  the  Third  Artillery  In 
Marcli,  1812.  He  was  soon  afterward  appointed  regimental  quartermaster,  and  in  the  spring  of  1S13  was  promoted  to 
captain.  On  the  20th  of  June,  1814,  he  was  appointed  assistant  adjutant  general,  under  Gardner,  on  General  Brown's 
staff,  and  held  that  office  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Chippewa.  He  was  retained  in  the  army  at  the  close  of  the  war, 
and  left  it  iu  1321.  In  1S24  he  translated  for  the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  Guy  dc  Vernon's  Scienee  of  War  and 
Fiirlifications. 

'  Mannscript  Narrative  of  the  Battles  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara,  by  General  Porter  General  Brown  expressed  this 
Mief  to  General  Porter  while  the  latter  was  marching  from  Black  Rock  to  Scott's  enciiinj-ment.  He  informed  Porter 
that  the  British  militia  and  Indians  were  annoying  his  pickets  very  much,  and  when  proposing  to  that  officer  to  em- 
ploy his  Indians  in  driving  the  former  from  the  woods  lie  promised  him  ample  support,  and  gave  him  the  assarance 
that  no  regulars  would  be  seen.— See  Stone's  Life  of  Red  Jacket,  page  2BT. 

'  According  to  the  most  careful  estimates,  the  whole  number  of  troops  actually  engaged  in  the  battle  did  not  exceed 
3000,  namely,  1300  Americans  and  1700  British. 

*  "Brigadie,  General  Scott,"  said  Brown,  In  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  7th  of  .Tuly,  "is  entitled  to  the 
hichest  praise  our  country  can  bestow ;  to  him  more  than  any  other  man  I  am  indebted  for  the  victory  of  the  Bth  of 
July.  Ulsbrigadehas  covered  itself  with  glory The  family  of  General  Scott  were  conspicuons  in  the  field— Liea- 


hi 


•l 

:  1  ■  i 

;!' 

*' 


■     •«! 


PICTOItlAL    ilELU-DOOK 


The  People  Iniplrlted. 


Recralting  active. 


Sketcbei  ormbordlntle  Offlcen, 


agPH,  who  had  been  ii  terror  to  nil  in  every  diHtriet  in  the  West  in  which  miliiurv 
movt'incntM  oecurrcd,  now  letl  tiie  Hritinh  army  iiiid  returned  to  their  hoineH.  'ri,,. 
victory  alHo  gave  a  nee(lcd  impetus  to  enlistineiitH,  It  created  great  joy  tiiroiigliout 
the  (country.  The  jieopli!  were  amazingly  inspirited,  and  recruiting  Itecanie  so  active 
that  ahnost  any  numher  of  men  migiit  iiave  been  added  to  the  army  for  anotiier  cam- 
paign. This  victory  also  won  more  genuine  respect  for  the  Anierieans  from  the  ene- 
my than  had  over  been  accorded  before;  and  among  the  peevish  exjn'essions  of  nior- 

tcniint  Hmlth,  of  the  Sixth  Inrnntry,  major  of  hrlt;nclp,"  niid  LIcutcniintfi  Wortht  and  WiitlH.t  IiIh  iiIiIh.  From  Ooiicml 
Ripley  and  his  brinado  I  rccfived  cvnry  adiiliitaiico  that  I  ^javc  them  an  oiiiiortiiiiily  of  rpiidcrliif,'."  He  jjave  eciiiajlv 
warm  praJHO  to  Uciieral  I'orlci-  niid  hix  command,  and  ail  the  other  onicerH  and  troopn.  of  (lardiicr  and  Jones,;  uf  lili 
own  military  family,  he  made  particular  mention,  and  said,  "  I  Hhnll  have  oecanion  a^ain  to  epcak  to  vou." 

•  Gerard  1).  Smith,  who  wnn  made  adjutant  In  1«13,  was  now  Hcolt'H  brigade  niiOor,  having  been  appointed  In  Marcli. 
lie  wan  a  native  of  \ew  York,  lie  hail  iieen  promoted  to  ciiptain  In  June,  hut  IiIh  comnilHHhui  liail  not  vet  lieen  iii.mIi' 
itnown  to  (lenera!  Ih'own.  in  the  battle  of  NiaKaiii  he  ho  dlHtiuKulfihed  hlinrelf  that  he  wan  breveted  a  major.  IIu  »»■ 
wounded  there,  with  hJH  chief.    lie  wan  retained  In  the  army  at  tlie  peace,  but  renitjned  In  ISUI. 

t  William .lenklniiWortii  wan  a  tmtlve  of  t'ohimbla  County,  New 
Vorl<,  and  died  a  major  general  by  brevet  in  tlie  army  of  the  I'liiinl 
Staten.  lie  entered  the  army  an  llrnt  lieutenant,  and  wan  iildilv. 
camp  to  Major  Oenerni  I.ewin  in  1SI3.  In  March,  IS14,  he  hcciunc 
aid  to  Hris;adlcr  (lenerai  Scott,  and  wan  breveted  eaptale  fur  hl« 
gallant  nerviccs  in  the  battle  oi' Chippewa.  For  bin  dli<tlni;iLi»lml 
conduct  In  the  battle  of  Niaijara,  twenty  days  later,  he  wan  hrcvcteil 
a  major.  In  that  battle  lie  wan  ncverely  winnided.  ilo  wa»  cum- 
miseloned  «  captain  the  next  month,  and  wan  retained  In  the  ncrvice  at  the  clone  of  the  war.  In  l<*Vi  ho  wan  brevileil 
brl)?adier  for  bin  valuable  nervicen  in  Florida,  havini;  previously  attained  to  the  rank  of  full  ecdoucl  of  the  Kijjhlli  In- 
fantry. He  commanded  with  dlntinctlon  during  the  Seminole  War ;  and  for  bin  (jallant  con- 
duct at  Monterey,  In  Mexico,  he  wan  breveted  a  major  (jeneral.  In  March,  1S47,  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States  voted  him  a  sword  for  his  merltoricms  conduct  there.  Ills  ca- 
reer in  Mexico  was  highly  honorable  to  him  and  his  country.  It  wan  he  who  received  the 
message  from  the  authorities  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  on  the  nif-ht  of  the  13th  of  September, 

1S-1,H,  offering  to  surrender  the  capital.  He  died  at 
his  head-quarters  at  San  Antonio,  Texan,  on  the 
7tli  of  May,  IS40.  Nine  years  afterward,  a  monu- 
ment, composed  of  Qulucy  granite,  llfly-onc  feet 
In  height,  on  which  is  liiHcrlbed  the  names  of  the 
several  battles  in  which  he  hiul  been  engaged,  was 
erected  In  the  city  of  New  York,  at  the  Junction 
of  Broadway  and  Fifth  Avenue.  Anthony  Street, 
In  the  same  city,  was  named  Worth  Street  at 
about  the  same  lime,  in  houor  of  the  liero. 

}  George  Watts,  who  was  a  native  of  New  York, 
greatly  disiinguished  blni^cif  on  this  occasion. 
In  a  letter  to  General  Brown,  written  ten  days 
after  the  battle.  General  Scott  spoke  In  the  high- 
est terms  of  Worth  and  Watts.  "  They  both  ren- 
dered essential  scrvi(  -,"  III'  said,  "at critical  mo- 
ments, by  assisting  the  lotnmandnnt  of  corps  In 
forming  the  troops  under  circumstances' which 

precluded  the  voice  from  being  heard.  Their  conduct  has  been  hnndsomflt 
acknowledged  by  the  officers  of  the  line,  who  have  Joined  In  requesting  thnl  i( 
might  be  particularly  noticed."  Y'oung  Watts  was  Ijrcveted  first  lieutenant  Tor 
his  good  behavior  on  that  occasion,  lie  belonged  to  the  First  Light  Dragooii.', 
of  which  he  was  third  lieutenant.  In  Brown's  sortie  from  Fort  Erie,  n  In 
weeks  later,  he  distinguished  himself.  He  was  retained  In  the  army  iis  ilri 
lieutenant  of  Infantry  In  1816,  but  resigned  the  following  year.  A  fine  portrait 
of  him  is  in  the  possession  of  OeneraiJ.  Watts  Depeyster,  of  Tlvoli,  New  York. 
5  Hogcr  Jones  was  a  native  of  Virginia.  On  ttio  southern  border  of  the 
Congressional  Bnrying-ground  at  Washington  City,  overlooking  the  enntern 
branch  of  the  Potomac,  Is  a  beautiful  clouded  Italian  marble  moiniment,  creel- 
ed to  his  memory,  upon  which  is  inscribed  the  foUowing  brief  history  ofhii 
life:  "Bom  in  Westmoreland  County,  Virginia;  died  at  Washington  on  the 
16th  day  of  July,  1852,  in  the  (Mth  year  of  his  age.  He  entered  the  servirc  of 
his  country  as  a  lieutenant  of  marines  in  1800,  and  was  appointed  captain  of 
artillery  ot  the  commencement  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  8er\e(l  «ilh 
honor  43  years.  He  was  twice  breveted  for  distinguished  gallantry  and  cod- 
dnct  on  the  field  of  battle— at  Chippewa  and  the  sortie  at  Fort  Erie.    A  bravo  soldier  and  a  good  man." 

For  his  services  at  Chippewa  Jones  was  breveted  a  major,  and  at  Fort  Erie  lieutenant  colonel.  He  was  retained  In 
the  army,  and  was  made  ald-de-camp  to  General  Brown  in  Jnnc,  1S16.  He  was  appointed  adjutant  general,  with  thf 
rank  of  colonel.  In  ISIS,  and  in  1824  wos  breveted  colonel  for  ten  years'  faithful  service.  In  June,  1832,  he  wnabrcvelfil 
a  brigadier  general,  and  relinquished  his  rank  in  line  in  1835.  lie  engaged  In  the  Mexican  War,  and  for  his  acrvices 
there  was  breveted  major  general  in  March,  184!). 

On  the  west  side  of  Jones's  monument  are  the  names  of  the  battles  in  which  he  was  engaged  in  the  War  of  18U 
namely.  Fort  George,  Stony  Creek,  Chippewu,  Niagara,  and  Fort  Erie  sortie.  On  the  east  side  of  the  obelisk  is  eculp- 
tared,  in  high  relief,  a  atraigbt  sword,  garlanded  by  laurel  and  olive  leaves. 


WOHTII  S    MO.NVMENT. 


JONES'S  UONrMEMT. 


OF  THE   WAR   OP   I  8  1  J. 


813 


ai  of  Mbordlnnte  OOem. 

ill  wliK-h  iiiililiiry 
tlu'ir  lioiiu'H.  '[%' 
fivt  joy  lliruujjlioui 
11'  \)i'ciinie  so  lu'tivc 
iiy  lor  iinotluT  ciim- 
riciins  from  tlic  imk- 
oxpressions  ot'inor- 

,,t  lilB  nldii.  Fniin  (liMicml 
idiTliii,'."  He  Kovi'  cciuullv 
rdiinliicr  anil  .luiifs,}  othlB 
)  xpeiik  to  vou." 

ly  lit'im  iippolntcd  In  Murch. 
.(.liui  Imil  iiiit  yet  been  nmilo 
fl  hrcvcletl  n  mnji>r.    He  wn? 

isin. 

ve  ofColnmlilftCmiiily.New 
vet  In  the  urii>yi)ftlii'l'iniiii 
I  lleuteiiiiiit,  mill  wii"  nl<l'l'- 
In  Mnrcti,  ISU,  lie  I"''"""' 
[vns  breveted  enptiiUi  fur  hU 
|)ewii.  V'>''  !>'"  <llstl"i.'iii»lui! 
ly  diiyx  Inter,  lie  wiih  brcvctnl 
rily  wonmled.  He  wuk  nmi- 
vur.  In  \><Vi  ho  wim  hroveiwl 
full  r.iloncl  "fllie  KItiUlli  In- 


WOBTU'U  MONUMENT. 

conduct  hns  liecn  hnndsomcly 
,ave  joined  In  requesting  thai  il 
W118  breveted  first  lieutenant  tor 
■cd  to  the  Flr^t  Lit!ht  DnigooM, 
"a  sortie  from  Fort  Eric,  a  tn 

rctnined  In  the  army  as  «w 
.oUowln- year.  A  fine  portrait 
,)ci)ey8tcr,ofTlvoll,New\"'k 
On  the  Bouthern  border  ot  the 

City,  overlooking  the  ca«teni 
tallan  marble  monument,  cretl- 
following  brief  history  of  hi! 
■  died  at  Washington  on  th.- 

gi     He  entered  the  servue  ^f 

and  was  appointed  captain. I 
n  Great  Britain,  and  8cr^c(Uull 

Istlngulshed  gallantry  anJ  cod- 

id  a  good  man." 

t  colonel.    He  was  retained  » 

ited  adjutant  general,  with  lie 
InJnne,1832,hcwasbr«vete.l 

clean  War,  and  for  his  servlcM 

IM  engaged  In  the  War  oflSU 
W  side  of  the  obelisk  is  Bculp- 


'  July, 


'  July. 


Bmwn  cxiiects  the  Co-opcirstlon  of  Chaunri-y.       rii-|iiiriitliinH  to  (  niMH  tli<'  clilppewn.       TardluexH  ofdeueriil  KIpley. 

tifioivtion  wliich  it  t'lifitod  from  Kutflisli  writers  luiil  wjn'iikcrs  wore  futind  lionurablo 
a('i<iii>wli'<lj^mi'iits  of  tlio  prowi'HS  uiid  jicniuN  of  Amcrioiin  soldicrH.' 

[t  wiiH  liitu  ill  tilt)  I'Vi'iiiiii^  ailcr  tlii-  Imttio"  iii-forf  tlii'  womidi'd  of  both  nr-  •juiyj, 
iiiics  could  be  tiiltiTi  care  of.'^  Tlie  ileiid  reiiiiiiiied  iiiibiiried  all  iii^^lit,  i)iit  curly  ""*• 
on  tiie  morrow  tbey  were  soiiijlit  for  over  llie  open  l»iittie-tield  and  in  tlie  woods,  and 
eoiniiiitted  to  the  eartli  willi  great  respect.  Miiclioftlie  Otii  and  7tii''  was  oc- 
cupied in  tliis  business,  while  (Jeneral  Hrown  was  impatient  to  advance,  for  lie 
('.\])i'cted  the  arrival  of  Channeey  at  the  mouth  of  tiie  Niagara  Hiver  to  co-operate 
with  liiiii.  He  was  satisfied  that  the  passage  of  the  ("liippewa  liridgc  in  the  face  of 
the  intrenched  enemy  would  be  too  hazardous  to  warrant  the  undertaking,  and,  in- 
formed that  an  interior  route  for  (iueenston  would  lie  through  a  heavy  forest,  almost 
imiiiissablc  because  of  a  lack  of  roads  and  paths,  he  sent  a  small  reconnoitring  party 
in  search  of  a  place  to  cross  tlie  (Chippewa  not  far  above  the  camp  of  the  enemy, 
.Vii  iiiiiabitant  informed  them  thivt  an  old  and  deserted  timber  road,  seen  at  the  rear 
of  Street's  house,  led  by  a  circuitous  route  to  the  Ciiijjpewa,  at  the  month  of  Lyon's 
Creek,  about  a  mile  above  the  Hritisli  camji.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  7tli,° 
(iciicral  IJrown,  accompanied  by  (Jeneral  I'ortcr  and  Colonel  M'Kee,  the  senior 
engineer,  went  out  to  explore  it,  and  were  satisfied  that  it  might  soon  be  made  pass- 
iililc  for  artillery.  A  heavy  detail  was  sent  out  for  the  purpose,  and  before  evening 
tiic  way  from  Street's  to  Lyon's  Creek  w  s  ready  for  the  eontemjilated  movement. 

Anxious  to  diffuse  the  right  spirit  of  emulation  throughout  his  army,  (Jeneral  Scott 
icrtolved  to  send  Itipley  in  advance,  as  he  wns  not  alih;  to  participate  in  the  fatigues 
ami  honors  of  the  battle  on  the  5th,  while  Scott,  who  had  already  won  laurels,  should 
ki'cp  the  left  of ^lic  enemy  at  Chippewa  IJridge  in  check.  Kijiley  was  accordingly 
(irtU'ied  to  lead  his  own  brigade  and  that  of  I'ortcr,  with  two  companies  of  artillery 
iiiKlcrllindman,  to  the  extreme  right  of  the  enemy,  cross  the  Chippewa  at  the  mouth 
of  Lyon's  Creek,  and  fall  upon  his  flank.  This  order  did  not  suit  General  liipley,  and 
lie  hesitated  in  obe- 
dience.   The  day  was 

rapidly  wearing  away,  .^.^^^■■PE^**V|^1^^^^^^BP^  $^ 

imd  General  Jirowii, 
impressed  with  the  im- 
portance of  a  prom])t 
inovenieiit,  rode  to  the 
front  and  took  .  com- 
mand in  person.  The 
materials  for  the  con- 
struction of  a  tempo- 
rary bridge  over  the 
C'hippewfi  were  soon 
on  its  southern  bank,  and  Ilindmnn  posted  his  artillery  on  a  rise  of  ground  so  as  to 
cover  the  field  of  operations.^ 

Kiall  in  the  mean  time  had  discovered  Brown's  movement,  and  perceived  his  own 
I)eril  involved  in  it ;  and  while  a  few  troops,  with  some  field-pieces,  that  were  sent  up 

'  "  The  important  fact  Is,"  said  an  English  writer  quoted  by  Mansfield,  "  that  we  have  now  got  an  enemy  who  fights 
us  bravely  as  ourselves.  For  some  time  the  Americnim  cut  no  figure  on  land.  They  have  now  proved  to  us  that  they 
iiiily  wanted  time  to  acquire  a  little  discipline.  They  have  now  proved  to  ns  what  they  arc  made  of;  that  they  arc  the 
8iimc  sort  of  men  as  those  who  captured  whole  armies  under  liurgoyne  and  Comwallis  ;  that  tbey  are  neither  to  be 
frlglitcned  nor  silenced." 

'  Among  the  British  ofllcers  who  were  wounded  was  the  present  [1807]  Sir  James  Wilson,  governor  of  Chelsea  Hospi- 
tal. He  received  five  wounds  in  the  battle  of  Chippewa.    He  has  been  over  sixty  years  in  the  British  military  service. 

'  When  I  visited  the  spot  In  18(10,  the  rise  of  ground  on  which  Hindman  placed  his  guns  was  occupied  by  the  steam 
»aw-mill  of  Mr.  Barnabas  Crane,  whose  smoke-stack  Is  seen  In  the  above  picture  rising  like  a  steeple  above  the  trees 
of  an  Intervening  orchard.  Lyon's  Creek,  a  small  stream  named  after  the  first  settler  there.  Is  seen  in  the  foreground, 
making  its  way  through  a  boggy  gwole,  and  the  Chippewa  beyond  the  two  trees.  This  is  about  u  mile  from  the  mouth 
of  Chippewa  Creek. 


Mourn  oc  lvun'u  <;ukek  in  IbtiU, 


m  . 


M'l    '       (!':■■'    • 


FIELD-BOOK 


!l 


! 


Riall  rc-enforccd. 


'-W 

RlfflP^t 

•(tl^l 

^^^K^Ih' 

u^iim 

■^i 

1 

1 

Sip 

i    : 

MIK  i 

',     1 

■  \ 

iOKVBlBKSfiMi^ 

^V^bI^^b.' 

■SaHH 

B^^p  ll 

' 

^jBIBj 

I^v^B^^^SK  1  '1 

i^bP 

■ 

Brown  advances  toward  Fort  George. 


'  Julj . 


to  opnose  the  passage  of  the  Chippewa  by  the  Americans,  were  performing  that  duty 
he  broke  camp  and  fled  with  his  whoir;  army  to  Queenston.  Brown's  opponents,  aft- 
er  a  brief  cannonade,  retired,  the  bridge-building  was  abandoned,  and  Ripley's  brigade 
was  marched  down  the  Chippewa  and  formed  a  junction  with  Scott's,  which  had  ad- 
vanced to  the  southern  margin  of  t'.o  stream.  The  British  had  destroyed  the  Chip- 
pewa  Bridge  but  by  the  use  of  *:yoats  both  brigades  and  some  of  the  artillery  crossed 
•  Tuiy,  the  stream  before  the  morning  of  the  8th. "  On  that  day  the  whole  American 
1S14.  force  under  Brown,  excepting  Porter's  brigade,  which  was  left  to  guard  the 
baggage  and  rebuild  Chippewa  Brie  ^e,  pursued  the  flying  enemy  down  the  Niatiara 
Rivor.  They  encamped  at  Queenston  on  the  10th,''  and  toward  the  evening 
of  that  day  Porter,  who  had  been  re-enforced  by  some  New  York  Volunteers 
came  into  camp  Avith  the  baggage  from  Chippewa.  Riall  had  retired  on  the  approach 
of  Brown,  thrown  part  of  his  troops  into  Forts  George  and  lately-constructed  Missis- 
sauga,  and  established  his  hoad-quarters  at  Twenty-mile  Creek.  Brown  resolved  to 
wait  at  Queenston  for  the  arrival  of  Chauncey,  for  he  could  draw  no  supplies  from 
the  Genesee  or  Sodus  without  the  fleet.  The  government  had  assured  him  of  its  co- 
operation, and  the  10th  of  July  v/as  the  day  appointed  for  its  arrival.  The  general 
an"'ioualv  Avatched  from  the  heights  of  Queenston  for  its  approach,  and  hour  after 
hour  he  spent  in  expectation  of  seeing  its  white  sails  on  the  waters  of  Ontario,  which 
were  only  sever  m  .es  distant.  But  word  soon  came  that  Cnauncey  was  sick,  and  his 
fleet  blockaded  in  Suckett's  Harbor.  Expected  re-enforcemeuts  Avere  also  detained 
there. 

Riall  in  the  mean  time  had  marched  with  fifteen  hundred  men  for  Burlington 
Heights,  at  the  head  of  Ontario,  leaving  some  veteran  soldiera  of  tlA  Forty-first  and 
Eighth  Regiments,  and  seamen  and  marines  from  tAvo  of  Yeo's  vessels  in  the  Niagara 
River,  to  garrison  the  forts.  Riall  expected  to  be  re-enforced  at  Burlington,  and  was 
agreeably  surprised  by  meeting  the  One  Hundred  and  Third,  and  the  flank  companies 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment  on  the  way.  He  turned  back,  took  posi- 
tion at  Fiftcen-mi'e  Creek  (only  thirteen  miles  from  Brown's  camp),  and  there  AA'atcliod 
the  movements  of  his  foe. 

At  that  time  General  Brown  was  contemplating  an  advance  upon  Fort  Gcor<;e. 
On  the  14th  he  called  a  council  of  officers  to  consider  the  mattci-.  A  majority  vrcn 
in  fovor  of  attacking  Riall  that  very  night,  before  he  should  receive  re-enforcements; 
while  the  minority,  coinciding  with  the  wishes  of  the  commanding  general,  advised 
an  immediate  i.ivestment  of  Fort  George,  notAvithstanding  there  Avas  no  competent 
siege-train  Avith  the  army,  nor  provision  made  for  the  safe  transportation  of  supplies 
from  Bufialo.'  In  the  mean  time  foraging  and  reconnoitring  parties  Avere  out  contin- 
ually. One  of  the  latter,  composed  of  the  venerable  John  SAvift,  of  the  Ncav  Yorli 
militia,  and  one  hundred  and  tAventy  volunteers,  advanced  toAvard  Fort  George  to  ob- 
tain information.  They  captured  a  jjicket-guard  of  five  men  near  an  outpost  of  the 
fort,"  and  SAvifib  was  conducting  them  back  to  head-quarters,  when  one  of 
them,  Avho  had  begged  and  obtained  quarter,  murdered  the  general  by  shoot- 
ing him  through  the  breast.  The  discharge  of  this  gun  brought  out  fifty  or  sixty  of 
the  cn-^my.  Terribly  wounded  as  he  was,  the  brave  Swift,  Avho  had  served  his  conn- 
try  in  the  field  during  the  entire  War  of  the  Revolution,  formed  his  men,  and  ad- 
vanced at  their  head  to  attack  the  foe.  He  fell,  exhausted.  The  enemy  Avere  driven 
back  to  Fort  George,  and  the  dying  general  was  conveyed  to  Queenston.^  "  After 
serving  his  country  seven  years  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,"  said  General  Porter 
in  his  brigade  order  the  next  day, "he  again  stepped  forAvard  as  a  volunteer  to  give 

1  AccordinR  to  Wilkinson  {Memoim,  i.,  609  and  071),  Brown's  engineers  (M'Ree  and  Wood),  and  Generals  Elpley  and 
Fortur,  advised  an  Immediate  attack  on  Riall,  while  Oeneral  Scntt  and  Adjutant  General  Gardner  advised  an  invcit- 
ment  of  Fort  George.    Major  Hindmau  declined  to  give  any  opinion. 

'  Oeiieral  Pyrtcr's  Briuade  Orders,  dated  (Jiieenston,  July  lil,  1804.  General  Swift  was  a  brother  of  the  late  Genenl 
Joseph  O.  Swift,  the  accomplished  engineer  olUcer  in  the  War  of  1S13. 


■=  Jan.  12. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


815 


inces  toward  Fort  Gcorije. 

•forming  that  duty, 
vn's  opponents,  aft- 
nd  Ripley's  bvijraJe 
jtt's,  which  had  ad- 
iestroyed  the  Chip- 
the  artillery  ciossed 
A\Q  whole  American 
IS  left  to  guard  the 
If  down  the  Niagara 
toward  the  evening 
!W  York  Volunteers, 
ired  on  the  approach 
y-constructed  Missis- 
Brown  resolved  to 
■aw  no  supplies  from 
issured  him  of  its  co 
irrival.     The  general 
•oach,  and  hour  after 
;ers  of  Ontario,  which 
iicey  was  sick,  and  liis 
,s  were  also  detained 

[  men  for  Burlington 
of  thi  Forty-first  and 
vessels  in  the  Niagara 
vt  Burlington,  and  was 
id  the  flank  companies 
urncd  back,  took  posi- 
ip),  and  there  watched 

ce  upon  Fort  George. 
XM-.     A  majority  were 
jeive  re-enforcements; 
\ding  general,  advised 
ire  was  no  competent 
hsportatiou  of  supplies 
.rties  were  out  oontin- 
ift,  of  the  New  Yorl; 
.rd  Fort  George  to  o\> 
near  an  outpost  of  the 
/|uarters,  when  one  of 
[l  the  general  by  shoot- 
M  out  fifty  or  sixty  of 
o  had  served  his  conn- 
jmed  his  men,  and  ad- 
'he  enemy  were  driven 
)  Queenston.2    "After 
l"  said  General  Porter 
as  a  volunteer  to  give 

t^^dMMG^nerols  Klpley  and 
tal  Gardner  advised  an  invest- 

La  brother  of  the  late  Gcneisl 


St  Davld'g  Vinage  burnt. 


Fort  George  approached. 


Brown  falls  back  to  Chippewa. 


the  aid  of  his  experience  in  support  of  the  violated  rights  of  his  country;  and  never 
flras  that  country  called  on  to  lament  the  loss  of  a  firmer  patriot  or  braver  man." 

A  few  days  after  this  sad  occurrence,  Colonel  Stone,  of  the  New  York  militia,  while 
out  on  a  foraging  expedition,  wantonly  burned  the  little  village  or  hamlet  of  St.  Da- 
vid's, a  short  distance  from  Queenston ;  and  similar  uup/arrantable  acts  caused  great 
c-xasperation  against  the  Americans.  General  Brown  promptly  dismissed  Stone  from 
the  service  as  a  punishment  for  his  crime,  in  accordance  with  the  sentence  of  a  court- 
martial' 

While  Brown's  council  of  officers  were  debating,  word  came  of  the  retrograde 
movement  of  Riall  to  Fifteen-mile  Creek,  but  no  intelligence  Avas  received  of  liis  re- 
enforcements.  Brown  evidently  did  not  believe  that  any  were  near,  for  on  the  pre- 
ceding day*  he  wrote  to  Chauncey,  saying, "  All  accounts  tgree  that  the  .  jn,y  13 
force  of  the  enemy  in  Kingston  is  very  light.  Meet  me  on  the  lake-shore  ^^^*- 
north  of  Fort  George  with  your  fleet,  and  we  will  be  able,  I  have  no  doubt,  to  settle 
a  plan  of  operations  that  will  break  the  power  of  tlie  enemy  in  Upper  Canada,  and 

that  in  the  course  of  a  short  time I  doubt  not  my  ability  to  meet  the  enemy 

in  the  field,  and  to  march  in  any  direction  over  his  country,  your  fleet  carrying  for 
me  the  necessary  supplies.  We  can  threaten  Forts  George  and  Niagara,  and  carry 
Burlington  Heights  and  York,  and  proceed  directly  to  Kingston  and  carry  that  place. 
For  God's  sake  let  me  see  you.     Sir  James  will  not  fight." 

With  such  opinions  and  expectations  General  Brown  prepared  to  invest  Fort 
George.  Generals  Porter  and  Ripley  were  ordered  to  reconnoitre  the  position  of  the 
enemy,  one  along  the  river,  and  the  other  in  the  interior,  by  way  of  St.  David's;  and 
on  the  20tli  the  military  works  at  Queenston  were  blown  np,  and  the  whole  army 
ItH  that  post  and  advanced  toward  Fort  George.  There  Brown  was  apprised  of 
the  arrival  of  Riall's  re-enforcements,  when  he  withdrew,  and  occupied  his  old  posi- 
tion at  Queenston  on  the  2 2d. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23d  Brown  received  a  letter  from  General  Gaines  at  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor  apprising  him  of  the  sickness  of  Chauncey,  the  blockade  of  the  fleet,  and 
the  peril  to  be  apprehended  to  re-enforcements  that  might  be  sent  by  water  in  small 
vessels  hugging  the  coast.  Abandoning  all  hope  of  co-operation  by  the  fleet,  or  the 
speedy  reception  of  re-enforcements,  the  general  changed  his  plan  of  operations,  and 
at  once  ordered  a  retreat  to  the  Chippewa,  there  to  be  governed  by  circumstances. 
He  expected  by  this  retreat  to  draw  Riall  on  to  the  Niagara  again,  or,  failing  in  this, 
.0  draw  a  small  supply  of  provisions  from  Schlosser,  on  tfi"  opposite  shore,  disencum- 
ber his  army  of  all  baggage  which  could  possibly  be  dispensed  with,  march  against 
Riall  by  way  of  Queenston,  and  fight  him  wherever  he  might  be  found.  The  army 
reached  the  Chippewa  on  the  24th,  encamped  on  the  south  side  of  it,  on  the  battle- 
groimd  of  the  5th,  and  prepared  to  make  the  25th  a  day  of  rest.  On  the  night  of  the 
•24th,  General  Scott,  ever  anxious  for  duty  and  ambitious  of  renown,  requested  leave 
to  lead  his  brigade  immediately  in  a  search  for  Riall,  not  doubting  his  ability  to  win 
victory  for  his  troops,  glory  for  himself,  and  renown  for  the  army.  He  repeated  the 
request  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  and  was  vexed  because  General  Brown  would 
not  consent  to  divide  his  army.'^  He  had  an  opportunity  to  try  his  powers  and  skill 
in  combat  with  the  enemy  sooner  than  he  expected,  and  in  that  trial  he  won  fadeless 
laurels.    The  story  is  told  in  the  following  chapter. 


'  "The  militia  have  bnrnt  several  private  dweltiiig-hoiiees,"  wrote  the  pnllnnt  Major  Daniel  M'Farland,  of  IhoTwenty- 
tliW  Infantry,  who  was  killed  a  few  days  afterward  at  NinRara  Falls,  "  and  on  the  19th  bnrnt  the  vniapc  of  St.  David's, 

consisting  of  al)ont  thirty  or  forty  houses.    This  was  done  within  three  miles  of  the  camp I  never  witnessed 

snch  a  scene;  and  had  not  the  commanding  ofilcer,  Colonel  Stone,  been  disgraced  and  sent  out  of  the  army,  I  should 
have  reslfjned  my  commission." 

'  General  Brown's  manuscript  Memorandum  of  Oceurrentxt  of  the  Camjiaigii  on  the  Xiagara  Frontier, 


:t:^ 


;?  ! 


all 


■*t! 


18  ■ 


816 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Rumors  of  an  Advance  of  the  British.  They  appear  in  Force  at  Lundy's  Lane.  Their  Advance  unsuspected 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

"  O'er  Huron's  wave  the  sun  was  low, 
The  weary  soldier  watch'd  the  bow 
Past  fading  from  the  cloud  below 

The  dashing  of  Niagara. 
And  while  the  phantom  chain'd  his  sight, 
Ah  !  little  thought  he  of  the  flght— 
The  horrors  of  the  dreamless  uight, 

That  posted  on  so  rapidly."— Old  Sono. 

lEAUTIFUL  to  the  senses  was  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  Julr 
1814,  on  the  banks  of  the  Niagara  River — a  day  memorable  in 
the  annals  of  the  Republic.  It  was  serene  and  sultry.  Not  a 
cloud  appeared  in  the  heavens,  nor  a  flake  of  mist  on  the  wa- 
ters. The  fatigued  American  army  lay  reposing  upon  the  field 
of  its  late  victory,  with  the  village  of  Chippewa  in  front,  and 
had  enjoyed  half  a  day  of  needed  rest,  when  a  courier  came  in 
haste  with  intelligence  from  Colonel  Philetus  Swift  at  Lewis- 
ton  that  the  enemy  were  in  considerable  force  at  Quecnston  and  on  the  Heights; 
that  five  vessels  of  Yeo's  fleet  had  arrived  during  the  night ;  and  that  a  number  of 
boats  were  in  sight  moving  up  the  river.  A  few  minutes  afterward  another  courier 
arrived  from  Captain  Denman,  of  the  quartermaster's  department,  with  a  report  tliat 
the  enemy,  a  thousand  strong,  were  landing  at  Lewiston,  and  that  the  American  bag- 
gage and  stores  at  Schlosser  were  doubtless  in  imminent  danger  of  capture. 

These  rumors  were  true  only  in  part.  Vessels  had  arrived  in  the  river,  boats  had 
ascended  it,  and  a  considerable  British  force  was  occupying  Queenston.  Lieutenant 
General  Sir  George  Gordon  Drummond  had  arrived  with  re-enforcements  from  Kings- 
ton, composed  in  part  of  some  of  Wellington's  veterans,  and  landed  at  Fort  Niagara, 
and  in  boats  manj  of  them  had  gone  up  and  disembarked  at  Queenston.  Li  the 
mean  time  the  troops  under  Riall  had  been  put  in  motion.  Loyal  Canadians  had 
early  informed  him  of  the  retreat  of  the  Americans  to  Chippewa ;  and  at  near  mid- 
night of  the  '24th  he  sent  forward  a  column  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pearson,  com- 
posed of  a  regiment  of  the  ever-active  Glengary  militia,  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Battersby ;  the  incorporated  and  sedentary  militia,  under  Lieutenant  Colonels 
Robinson  (late  chief  justice  of  Canada)  and  Parry;  detachments  from  the  Royiil  Ar- 
tillery, with  two  24-pounders,  three  6-pounders,  and  a  howitzer ;  and  the  One  Hund- 
red and  Fourth  Infantry,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Drummond,  and  a  troop  of  tlio 
Nineteenth  Light  Dragoons.  Pearson  moved  forward  with  celerity,  and  at  seven 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  25th  took  position  on  an  eminence  in  and  near  Lundy's 
Lane,  a  public  highway  leading  directly  westward  into  the  heart  of  the  peninsula 
and  the  head  of  the  lake  from  the  road  along  the  river  from  Chippewa  to  Queenston. 
The  position  was  a  short  distance  from  the  great  cataract  of  Niagara,  and  a  com- 
manding one. 

Of  Pearson's  movement  Brown  seems  to  have  had  no  intelligence,  and  his  efforts 
to  counteract  the  supposed  invasion  at  Lewiston  were  rather  tardily  begun.  He 
heard  of  the  invasion  at  noon,  but  it  was  quite  late  in  the  afternoon  before  he  ortiorod 
a  forward  movement  of  any  of  his  troops.  At  two  o'clock  IVIajor  Jcsup,  who  had 
crossed  Chippewa  Bridge,  brought  him  word  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Leavenworth,' 

'  Henry  Leavenworth  was  bom  in  Connecticnt,  December  10, 1T83,  and  was  made  captain  in  the  Twenty-llftti  Rofi- 
ment  United  States  Infantry  iii  April,  1812.    He  was  promoted  to  major  in  the  Ninth  Infantry  in  August,  1813.  Fur 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812 


817 


lir  Advonce  unsnspected. 


of  the  25th  of  July, 
I  day  memoraV}le  in 
and  sultry.    Not  a 
of  mist  on  the  wa- 
osing  upon  the  field 
ppewa  in  front,  and 
■n  a  courier  came  in 
;tu8  Swift  at  Lewis- 
md  on  the  Heights; 
nd  that  a  number  of 
(vard  another  courier 
it,  with  a  report  that 
at  the  American  bag- 
r  of  capture. 
1  the  river,  boats  had 
eenston.     Lieutenant 
rcements  from  Kings- 
led  at  Fort  Niagara, 
Queenston.    In  the 
'^oyal  Canadians  had 
•a  -,  and  at  near  mid- 
Soloncl  Pearson,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant 
r  Lieutenant  Colonels 
,3  from  the  Tloyal  Ar- 
,  and  the  One  llund- 
d,  and  a  troop  of  the 
;elerity,  and  at  seven 
e  in  and  near  Luinly's 
jcart  of  the  peninsula 
ippewa  to  Queenston. 
Niagara,  and  a  com- 

igence,  and  his  effort? 
r  tardily  begun.  Ih" 
lOon  before  he  ordered 
llajor  Jesup,  who  had 
:)olonel  Leavenworth,' 

llufantry  In  August,  1813.  roi 


Scott  ordered  to  march  on  Port  George.         The  Widow  WHbou's  Story.         Scott  suddenly  confronted  by  the  BritUh. 

the  officer  of  the  day,  that  a  considerable  '>ody  of  the  enemy  had  been  seen  at  Niag- 
ara Falls, not  more  than  two  miles  distant;'  but  so  impressed  was  the  general  with 
the  idea  that  the  enemy  were  after  his  supplies  at  Schlosser  that  he  would  not  be- 
lieve that  more  than  a  few  light  troops  on  a  reconnoissance  were  in  front.  Conceiv- 
ing the  best  plan  for  recalling  the  foe  would  be  a  menace  of  the  forts  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Niagara  River,  he  ordered  General  Scott  to  march  rapidly  upon  them  with  his 
brigade,  Towson's  artillery,  and  all  the  cavalry  and  mounted  men  at  command.  This 
order  was  issued  between  four  and  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,"  and  with-  .juiy26, 
in  twenty  minutes  afterward  the  impatient  Scott  had  all  his  troops  in  mo-  *^'*- 
tion.  He  crossed  Chippewa  Bridge  between  five  and  si-t  o'clock,  and  pushed  on  to- 
ward the  great  cataract,  fully  impressed  with  the  belief  that  a  large  force  of  the  en- 
emy was  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  not  directly  before  him.  His  battalion 
commanders  were  Lieutenant  Colonel  Leavenworth,  Major  M'Neil,  Colonel  Brady, 
and  Major  Jesup,  Towson  was  with  his  artillery,  and  Captains  Harris  and  Pentland 
commanded  the  mounted  men,  Tlic  whole  force  numbered  full  twelve  huudred 
persons. 

A  widow  named  Wilson  lived  in  a  pleasant  white  house  at  the  great  Falls,  near 
Table  Rock;  and  when  the  vanguard  of  Scott's  command  came  in  sight  of  her  dwell- 
ing they  discovered  a  number  of  British  officers  there,  who  mounted  their  horses  and 
rode  hastily  away  after  surveying  the  approaching  column  of  Americans  with  their 
glasses.^  The  widow,  with  the  skill  of  a  diplomat,  assured  Major  Wood,  of  the  En- 
gineers, who  were  in  the  van,  that  she  extremely  regretted  their  tardiness,  as  they 
might  have  captured  General  Riall  and  his  staif,  whom  they  had  seen  riding  off.  She 
iilso  assured  them,  with  more  truthfulness,  that  eight  hundred  regulars,  full  three 
hundred  militia,  and  two  pieces  of  artillery  were  just  below  a  small  strip  of  woods 
near.  Scott,  who  had  come  up  with  his  staff  and  heard  her  story,  did  not  believe  it. 
Had  not  the  British  army  been  beaten  on  the  6th  ?  And  was  there  not  in  the  pos- 
session of  the  commander-in-chief  positive  information  that  a  large  part  of  that  army 
had  been  thrown  across  the  Niagara  at  Lewiston?  He  believed  that  only  a  remnant 
of  it  was  in  his  front,  and  he  resolved  to  obey  his  instructions  to  "  march  rapidly  on 
the  forts."  He  sent  a  message  to  his  general  by  Lieutenant  Douglass,  to  inform  him 
of  the  appearance  of  the  enemy,  and  then  dashed  gallantly  into  the  woods  to  dis- 
perse the  foe.  What  was  his  astonishment  on  finding  the  story  of  the  widow  literally 
true !  Riall  had  been  re-enforced,  and  there  he  was,  with  a  larger  number  of  troops 
than  Scott  had  encountered  twenty  days  earlier,  drawn  up  in  battle  order  in  Lundy's 
Lane— a  highway,  as  we  have  observed,  running  from  the  Niagara  River  to  the  head 
of  Lake  Ontario.  His  position  was  one  of  extreme  peril.  To  stand  still  would  be 
fatal ;  to  retreat  would  be  very  hazardous.  The  latter  movement  might  jeopard- 
ize the  whole  army  by  the  creation  of  a  panic,  especially  among  the  reserves  under 
Ripley,  who  were  not  in  the  former  battle.  There  was  no  time  for  reflection,  for  a 
heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  cannon  had  been  opened  upon  him.  From  that  wonder- 
ful wealth  of  resource,  at  the  moment  of  great  need,  which  always  distinguished  him, 
Seott  drew  immediate  inspiration,  and  resolved  to  fight  the  overwhelming  number  of 
the  enemy,  and  impress  Riall  with  the  conviction  that  the  whole  American  army  was 
at  hand. 

hiK  bravery  at  Chippewa  he  was  breveted  lieutenant  colonel,  and  for  his  distinguished  eervices  at  the  battle  of  Niagara 
I'llls  he  was  breveted  colonel.  He  was  retained  in  the  army,  and  made  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  Fifth  Infantry  in  Pob- 
rnary,  1918.  He  performed  able  service  In  the  wilderness  westward  of  the  Mi-afit^slppi,  far  up  the  Missouri,  and  a  fort 
in  tliat  region  bears  his  name.  In  July,  1824,  he  was  breveted  brigadier  general  for  ten  years'  service,  and  the  follow- 
iog  year  he  was  made  full  colonel.    He  died  near  the  Cross  Timbers,  on  the  False  Washita  River,  .July  21, 18ii4. 

I  Jesup's  Manuscript  Memoir,  etc. 

'  Within  three  or  fonr  days  the  Rritish  had  erected  beacons  in  this  vicinity  in  order  to  give  alarms.  These  were  con- 
ftrncted  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Myers,  an  ofBcer  who  was  madi'  jjrisoncr  at  Fort  George  the  year 
hefore,  and  afterward  exchanged.  Writing  to  Captain  James  Cumminga  (now  of  Chippewa)  on  the  '2l8t  of  July,  he  said, 
"The  best  place  at  Wilson's  is  on  the  cleared  point,  near  the  paling  of  Wilson's  garden,  and  not  far  ft-om  the  head  of 
the  path  that  goes  down  to  the  Table  Rock."— .jluiotf)-aj>/t  Lcttfr. 

3F 


mmi 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


f 


Jnnctton  of  British  Forces. 


Their  Line  of  Battle. 


Scott  attacked. 


The  British  flanked. 


Trusting  to  rumor  instead  of  actual  observation  through  scouts,  Brown  was  wholly 
uninformed,  or  at  least  misinformed,  concerning  the  movements  of  the  British.  Not 
a  soldier  of  that  army  had  been  sent  across  the  Niagara  at  Lewiston.  Every  man 
left  fit  for  service  since  the  late  battle  was  with  Riall  preparing  for  this  advance 
movement.  On  the  night  of  the  24th  Lieutenant  General  Sir  George  Gordon  Drum, 
mond,  as  we  have  observed,  had  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  liiver  in  the 
British  fleet  from  Kingston.  He  brought  eight  hundred  men  with  him,  and  sent 
Lieutenant  Tucker,  with  about  five  hundred  of  them  and  a  body  of  Indians,  to  dis- 
perse or  capture  a  small  American  force  at  Lewiston,  This  movement  gave  rise  to 
the  report  of  invasion.  Drummond  had  apprised  Riall  of  his  intentions  ;  and  thpw 
oflScers,  with  their  respective  commands,  Jiad  formed  a  junction  on  the  Niagara  with- 
out discovery  by  General  Brown.  These  united  forces,  not  less  than  four  thoiipand 
five  hundred  strong,  with  the  exception  of  a  portion  of  the  re-enforcements,  were  con- 
fronted by  Scott  and  his  "  twice  six  hundred  men,"  with  two  field-pieces.  When 
forty  minutes  before  sunset,  the  battle  began,  the  line  that  opened  fire  on  Scott  was 
full  eighteen  hundred  in  number,  well-posted  on  the  slope  and  brow  of  au  eminence 
over  whicli  Lundy's  Lane  passed. 

The  enemy's  line  was  a  little  inclined  to  a  crescent  form,  the  wings  being  thrown 
forward  of  the  artillery  in  the  centre.     Its  left,  rested  on  the  Queenston  Road,  and 

extended  over  the  liil!, 
on  the  brow  of  wiiid, 
was  planted  a  batten- 
of  seven  guns,  nearly  in 
the  rear  of  tlie  Jletli- 
odist   church  on  Lun- 
dy's Lane,  and  not  far  I 
south  of  the  house  of 
Mr.  Fraleigh   when  I 
visited  the  spot  in  1800. 
Into  the  bowl  of  this 
crescent  Scott  sudden- 
ly   found   himself  ad- 
vancing with  his  little 
force,  within  canisiter- 
shot   distance  of  a 
greatly  superior  army 
and  powerful  field-bat-. 
tery.     His    quick  eye 
instantly  discovered  3  j 
blank  space  between  the  British  extreme  left  and  the  river  of  two  hundred  yards. 
covered  with  brushwood.    He  saw  the  advantage  it  afforded,  and  directed  Major  Jes- 
up  to  creep  cautiously  behind  the  bushes  in  the  twilight,  with  his  command,  and  at- 
tempt to  turn  tlie  enemy's  left  flank.    Jesup  obeyed  with  alacrity.    In  the  moan  time 
Scott  was  hotly  engaged  with  the  British  veterans,  some  of  them  from  Wellington- 
army,  while  the  battery  on  the  hill  poured  destruction  upon  his  men.     Towson,  with  | 
his  little  field-pieces  right  gallantly  handled,  could  make  but  a  feeble  impression. 
Brady,  and  Leavciiworth,  and  ]\I'Neil  managed  their  battalions  with  skill,  and  fought  j 
bravely  themselves ;  not,  however,  with  the  expectation  of  conquering  the  enemy,! 
only  of  keeping  him  in  check  until  the  reserves  should  come  up.     This  was  done,  and  | 
more.     Tlicre  they  stood,  the  brave  Ninth,  Eleventh,  and  Twentieth,  mere  skeletons 
of  regiments,  hurried  into  battle  without  warning  or  preparation,  while  .Tesup'sTwen-j 
ty-fifth,  unaided,  was  battling  manfully  and  successfully  with  more  than  a  tliousandj 
of  the  enemy  to  gain  possession  of  the  Queenston  Road. 


'^^t}m 


TiKwr  AT  lunoy'h  lane  in  1S60. 


OF   THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


819 


The  Brlttoh  flunked. 

s,  Brown  was  wholly 
of  the  British.  Not 
wiston.  Every  man 
ing  for  this  advance 
oor<TC  Gordon  Dnim- 
Sliagara  liiver  in  the 

with  him,  and  sent 
dy  of  Indians,  to  dis.- 
ovement  gave  rise  to 
intentions ;  and  these 

on  the  Niagara  with- 
38  than  four  thousaml 
iforcoments,  wore  con- 
)  field-pieces.  When, 
cncd  fire  on  Scott  was 
I  brow  of  an  eminence 

ic  wings  being  thrown 
!  Qucenston  Road,  and 
extended  over  tlie  liil!, 
on  the  brow  of  wliicli 
was  planted  a  battery 
of  seven  guns,  nearly  in 
the  rear  of  the  Jletli- 
odist   church  on  Lun- 
dy's  Lane,  and  not  far 
south  of  the  hoiise  of 
Mr.  Fraleigh   when  1 
visited  the  spot  in  18G0. 
Into  the  bowl  of  this 
crescent  Scott  sudden- 
ly   found   himself  ad- 
vancing with  his  little 
force,  within  canister- 
shot   distance  of  a 
greatly  superior  army 
and  powerful  field-bat-, 
tery.     His   quick  cyt 
instantly  discovered  a 
of  two  hundred  yards, 
and  directed  Major  Je- 
■h  his  command,  ai\cl  at- 
■rity.    In  the  mean  tim, 
,hem  from  Wellington'^ 
Ins  men.     Towson, «nh ! 
,ut  a  feeble  impression. 
,a  with  skill,  and  fonght 
iquering  the  enomyJwi 
p     This  was  done,  anil  I 
ventieth,  mere  skeletons! 
ion,  while  Jesnp'sTwen- 
li  more  than  a  thousand 


Cipture  of  Oeneral  RiaH. 


Bruwu  advuncvs  from  Chippewa. 


lie  orders  a  formidable  Battery  to  be  taken. 


The  sun  went  down,  the  twilight  closed,  and  the  darkness  of  night,  relieved  by  a 
waning  moon,  enveloped  the  combatants.  Josup  had  gallantly  turned  the  liritish 
left,  gained  liis  rear,  kept  approaching  re-enforcements  of  Drummond  in  check,  and 
secured  many  prisoners.  Among  the  latter  was  General  Riall,  several  officers  of  his 
staff,  and  one  of  General  Drummond's  aids.  Captain  Loring.  Their  capture  was  an 
accident.  One  of  liiall's  aids  saw  one  of  Jesup's  flanking  parties,  commanded  by 
Captain  Ketchuni,  and,  mistaking  them  for  a  company  of  their  own  troops,  called  out, 
"Make  room  there,  men,  for  General  Kiall !"  Captain  Ketchum  immediately  replied, 
"Ay,  ay,  sir!"  allowed  the  aid  to  pass  by,  and  then  directed  a  portion  of  his  own 
men,  with  fixed  bayonets,  to  surround  tlie  general  and  his  officers,  seize  the  bridles 
of  their  horses,  and  make  them  prisoners.  Riall  was  astonished,  but  made  no  resist- 
ance. He  was,  indeed,  quite  badly  wounded.  Ketclnim  delivered  him  to  General 
Scott  in  person,  who  ordered  him  to  be  taken  to  the  rear,  and  every  attention  to  be 
jriven  to  his  comfort.  Jesup,  perceiving  that  his  own  position  was  not  tenable,  gal- 
lantly charged  back  through  the  British  line,  and  took  his  place  in  that  of  the  .'Vmer- 
ieans. 

It  was  now  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  British  right,  which  made  a  furious 
assault,  had  been  driven  back  by  General  Scott  with  a  heavy  loss ;  their  left  had  been 
turned  and  cut  off  by  Jesup's  bold  movement,  and  their  centre,  on  the  ridge,  support- 
ed by  the  artillery,  alone  remained  firm.  The  most  of  Drummond's  re-enforcements 
had  come  up,  and  the  remainder  wiu-e  only  a  short  distance  off,  and  pressing  forward. 

Let  us  leave  the  battle-field  a  moment  and  turn  back  to  Chippewa.  We  have  seen 
that  a  messenger  liad  been  scut  to  apprise  General  Brown  of  the  presence  of  the  en- 
emy. This  messenger  was  immediately  followed  by  another  (Major  Jones),  who  bore 
the  startling  intelligence  that  the  whole  British  army  was  within  two  miles,  and  that 
General  Scott  had  attacked  them  to  keep  them  in  check.  Already  the  cannonade 
and  musket-firing  had  been  lieard  in  the  camp,  and  (ieneral  Brown  had  ordered  Gen- 
eral Ripley,  with  liis  brigade  and  all  the  artillery  res  rvc,  to  press  forward  to  the  sup- 
port of  Scott.  Mounting  his  horse,  and  leaving  Adjutant  General  Gardner  to  see  that 
his  orders  were  promptly  executed,  he  rode  forward,  and  met  Major  Jones  near  the 
Falls  with  the  exciting  message  from  Scott.  Brown  ordered  Jones  to  continue  his 
journey  to  the  camp  with  directions  for  Porter  and  his  volunteers  to  follow  Ripley  as 
speedily  as  possible. 

On  his  arrival  upon  the  battle-field,  accompanied  by  Major  Wood,  General  Brown 
Hmght  and  obtained  correct  information  of  the  situation  of  affairs  from  General  Scott 
himself.  l?y  this  time  Jesup  had  accomplished  his  bold  operations  on  the  enemy's 
,  and  Ripley's  briga<le  was  near.  Convinced  that  the  men  in  action  were  greatly 
exhausted,  and  knowang  that  they  had  suffered  severely,  the  commanding  general  de- 
termined to  form  and  interpose  a  ncAV  line  with  the  fresh  troops,  disengage  (iener- 
[  al  Scott,  and  hold  his  brigade  in  reserve  for  rest.  Orders  to  this  effect  were  given 
''  to  General  Ripley,  and  the  second  brigade  advanced  in  the  pale  moonlight  on  the 
:  Qiuenston  Road  toward  the  enemy's  left.  It  was  now  perceived  that  the  key  of  the 
iiiimy's  position  was  their  battery  on  the  hill,  and  Colonel  M'Ree  assured  General 
Brown  that  he  conid  not  hope  for  success  until  that  height  was  carried  and  tlie  can- 
hion  taken.  (General  Brown  instantly  turned  to  the  gallant  Colonel  Miller  (now  of 
[the  Twenty-first,  and  former  leader  of  the  Fourth  in  the  campaigns  under  Hull  and 
[Harrison)  and  said,  "Colone'^  take  your  regiment,  storm  that  work,  and  take  it." 
t  111  try,  sir,"  responded  Miller,  promptly,  and  immediately  moved  forward  to  the 
[perilous  task.'     At  that  moment  the  First  Regiment,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 

'  "Who  gave  thin  order  tn  Miller?"  has  bpon  an  Hnpetlled  qnesllon.  A  Intc  writer  on  this  biittic  says,  "I  nm  con- 
litraiiicd  to  believe,  nn  the  Ustinum'i  nf  Cohmcl  Miller  him/iil/,  ns  well  as  that  of  Captain  M'nonald,  that  the  idea  on  which 
i«f  l)ii5od  the  Rsfinnlt  was  Oeneral  Ripley's  ;  that  Ac  ordered  iti<  exccntlon  ;  and  that  the  troops  had  moved  to  execute 
ptefore  General  Brown  knew  any  thine  ahont  the  matter."  I  have  before  me  an  antojrraph  letter  of  Oeneral  Miller, 
trtlcD  to  his  wife  three  days  after  the  battle  from  Fort  Eric,  In  which  he  says,  "Major  M'Ree,  the  chief  engineer,  told 


111) 


liii 


J- 


Nicholas,'  wliich  had  arrived  tlmt  day, 
and  Avas  attached  to  neitlicr  of  tlio  \,ji. 
gades,  and  which  had  been  ordtTod  to 
draw  the  fire  of  the  enemy  and  direct 
his  attention  from  Miller's  moveincnt 
gave  way.     Miller  paid  no  attention  to 
that  disaster,  but   moved  steadily  for- 
ward  up  the  hill  with  less  than  tlirce 
hundred  men,  mostly  conccjiled  by  an 
old  rail  fence,  along  which  was  a  i^rowth 
of  thiclx.  low  shrubbery.    They apijruaoh- 
ed  undiscovered  to  a  point  witliin  two 
rod     of  the  battery,  where  the  guniur* 
were   seen  with  their  lighted  niatcluN 
waiting  for  the  word  to  tire.    In  whis- 
pers Miller  ordered  his  men  to  rest  tlicir 
pieces  across  the  fence,  take  good  aim, 
and  shoot  the  gunners.  This  was  prompt- 
ly done,  and  not  a  man  was  left  to  apply 
the  matches.     Miller  and  his  men  foi- 
lowed  the  volley  with  a  shout,  and,  ru4 
ing  forward,  were  in  the  very  centre  df 
the  park  of  artillery  before  the  enran 
had  a  chance  to  resist.     A  British  lim, 
formed  for  the  protection  of  the  eanimii.  j 
were  lying  near  in  a  strong  position,  and  immediately  opened  a  most  destructiye  ic 
filading  fire,  Avhich  slew  many  of  the  gallant  jMiller's  men.     They  then  attcmptiil  to  I 
charge  with  their  bayonets,  but  the  Americans  returned  their  tire  so  warmly  that  I 
they  were  kept  in  check.     Hand-to-hand  the  combatants  fought  for  some  timc,aiijl 
so  closely  that  the  blaze  of  their  guns  crossed.    The  British  were  finally  pushed  bad;,  [ 

General  Drown  ho  conld  do  no  good  until  that  height  was  carried,  and  those  cannon  taken  or  driven  from  thcirfos  I 
tion.  It  was  then  night,  but  moonlight.  General  Brown  turned  to  me  and  said, '  Colonel  Miller,  take  your  re^'iae:!  I 
and  storm  that  work,  and  take  it.'"  General  Brown,  in  his  Manuscript  Menwrandum,  etc.,  says,  "The  coramandi-.' I 
general  rode  to  Colonel  Miller,  and  ordered  him  to  charge  and  carry  the  enemy's  artillery  witli  the  bayonet,  llert  [ 
plied,  in  a  tone  of  good-humor,  that  he  would  try  to  execute  the  order."  See,  also,  Silliraan's  ClaW>p  among  Amrivl 
Scenemj.  This  positive  testimony  of  the  chief  actors  settles  the  question.  It  was  General  Brown,  and  not  Geucrnl  R:,--! 
ley,  who  gave  the  order.  Miller's  modest  response,  "  I'll  try,  sir,"  is  one  of  the  sayings  which  Americans  dclighUorf-I 
member,  and  History  loves  to  repeat. 

James  Miller  was  born  iu  Peterborough,  New  Hampshire,  on  the  88th  of  April,  17T6,  and  was  thirty-eight  ycBrs  oti.iI 
at  this  time.    He  was  educated  for  the  bar,  but  in  1808  he  entered  the  United  States  Army  as  major  of  the  F(inrtbR«-| 
iment  of  Infantry.    In  1810  he  was  made  lieutenant  colonel,  and,  as  we  have  already  observed  in  this  work,  perfr 
gallant  services  under  Harrison  in  the  campaign  that  ended  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe.    In  August,  1812,  he  h'i<I 
veted  as  colonel  for  his  distinguished  services  near  Detroit,  which  wo  have  already  recorded ;  and  in  May  the  follo»i 
vear  he  commenced  an  equally  distinguished  scries  of  services  on  the  Niagara  frontier  in  the  Sixth  ResjimcnI. 
March,  1814,  he  was  promoted  to  full  colonel  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment,  and  accompanied  General  Brown,  in  il 
brigade  of  General  Ripley,  in  the  invasion  of  Canada  in  July.    He  fought  gallantly  at  the  battles  of  Chippewa  anj  Nil 
agara  Falls,  and  also  at  Fort  Erie ;  and  for  his  services  in  capturing  the  battery  in  Umdy's  Lane,  and  gcncrni  coodre 
duct  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  he  was  breveted  a  brigadier  general,  and  received  trum  Congress  a  gold  medal,  with  fjii 
able  emblems  and  devices,  delineated  in  the  engraving  on  the  opposite  page.    General  Miller  resigned  his  comnii* 
In  the  army  in  1819,  when  he  was  appointed  governor  of  Arkansas  Territory.    Ho  hold  that  ofBce  until  March,  13 
when  he  was  appointed  collector  of  the  port  of  Salem,  Massachnsetta,  which  position  he  held  twenty-four  yennsora 
til  184!>,  when  he  was  prostrated  by  paralysis.    He  had  a  second  stroke  of  paralysis  on  the  morning  of  the 4tli  of  JslJ 
1851,  and  died  on  the  7th  at  the  age  of  eeventy-flve  years.    He  was  then  living  at  Temple,  New  Ilampshi'-o,  wlicKpc| 
nf  his  family  still  reside. 

The  gold  medal  presented  by  Congress  is  the  slue  delineated  on  the  following  page.    On  one  side  is  a  biifl  offt 
eral  Miller,  with  his  name  and  title,  and  the  words  "  i'li.  tet."    On  the  other,  a  battle  scene  on  a  slope  and  eniiinij 
iis  at  Lundy's  Lane.    Troops  are  seen  advancing  in  the  distance.    Over  the  scene  are  the  words  "  BEBOi.imox  mm 
■iKESs,  NOVEMiiEB  8, 1814."    Below,  the  words  "  hattlkb  ok  ohippkwa,  julv  6,  1814;  niauaba,  jot.y  20, 1814;  ror,si^ 
TKMI'IIR  17, 1814." 

'  Robert  Carter  Nicholas,  of  Kentncky,  entered  the  army  as  captain  of  the  Seventh  Infantry  In  1808.    ncbKjiii| 
major  in  1810,  and  lieutenant  colonel  of  the  First  Infantry  in  August,  ISI'2.    After  the  battle  of  Niagara  he  vuf 
moted  to  colonel  of  the  Nineteenth  (September,  1814),  and  was  retained  at  the  peace.    Ho  resigned  inlS19,»ndii 
became  United  States  Indian  Agent  for  the  Chickasaws. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


821 


tches  of  MlUer  and  Nichola; 

ad  arrived  that  day, 
to  neither  of  the  Ijri- 
had  been  orderud  to 
he  enemy  and  iVirect 
X  Ikliller's  movement, 
r  paid  no  attention  to 
moved  steadily  for- 

with  less  than  tlircc 
istly  concealed  hy  aii 
ig  which  wiis  a  growth 
,f.ery.  They  aiivroach- 
to  a  point  within  two 
;ry,  where  the  guimer< 

their  lighted  matclus 
(vord  to  tire.  In  wliis- 
•ed  his  men  to  rest  their 
a  fence,  take  good  aim. 
liners.  This  was  prompt- 

a  man  was  left  to  apply 
Ikliller  and  his  men  t'ol- 
pvitha8hont,and,nisli- 
re  in  the  very  centre  of 
illery  before  the  enemy 
3  resist.  A  British  line, 
protection  of  the  cannon, ! 
ed  a  most  destructive  en- 

They  then  attempted  to 
heir  tire  so  warmly  tkil 
night  for  some  time.atil 

were  finally  pushed l);wU 

,n  taken  or  driven  from  their  i»?:j 
Colonel  Mmer,  take  your  re:iH- 1 
,,(„,,.,  etc.,  BayB,"  The  command::,: 

artillery  wltb  the  bayonet    He  :^ 
1  Smiman'sGaliopnnioiij^nimanl 

eneral  Brown,  and  not  General  Rifl 
lugs  which  Americans  delight  to »l 

L  and  was  thirty-eight  years  oliJ 
i  Army  bk  major  of  the  FonrthliK-I 
Rv  observed  in  this  work,  perl  :^'!« 
fcanoe.  In  August,  1812  he  w|. '- 
rrecorded;andinMaythetoto:i 
Lntier  In  the  Sixth  Regiment. 
Lcompanled  General  Bro«-.u.ft^ 
"atthebattlesofCl.ippcvrar,.'\-l 

n  nndy's  Lane,  and  gcncrnl  c-ivu 
KngresBagoldmedaUUhwj 
Icral  Miller  resigned  hscomn..*J 

Eo  held  that  oflace  until  Marcti,l!» 
Ion  he  held  twenty-four  year.. j« 
Uon  the  morning  of  the  4tl.  of  J'4 
pemple,  New  Hampshire,  wher,  1.1 

■„Bce.    on  one  side  is  a  bust  cf4 
Knle  scene  on  a  slope  and  ennrd 

Ite  the  words  ••BP.ou"^J 
;  mAOABA,  Jni.v  26,1814.  IW - 

Uh  infantry  m  1808-   nohea».| 
ir  the  battle  of  Niagara  he  w««? 
lee     llere-lg"«'l'"l^''''""^"1 


Compusltlon  of  the  British  Battery.       Appreciation  of  Hiiler's  Exploit.      The  Eleventh  Regiment  and  Major  M'Nell. 


fiiul  compelled  to  abandon  their  wliole  artillery,  ammunition-wagons,  and  every  thing 
tlse.  Seven  splendid  brass  cannon  remained  with  Miller,  one  of  which  was  a  24- 
poiinder  with  eight  horses,  some  of  them  killed.  Twice  the  British  attempted  to  ex- 
pel Miller  from  the  height,  but  were  repulsed,  when  Uipley,  with  the  First  and  Twen- 
ty-third Regiments,  came  gallantly  to  his  aid.  At  that  moment  the  last  of  Drum- 
mond's  re-enforcements,  which  had  been  ra])idly  advancing  from  Queenston  under 
Colonel  Scott,  nearly  fifteen  hundred  in  all,  came  up,  when  the  enemy  rallied,  and 
made  a  fourth  unsuccessful  attempt  to  drive  the  victors  from  the  heights  and  regain 
tlieir  battery.' 

The  exploit  of  Miller  elicited  universal  ad- 
miration. The  American  officers  declared 
that  it  was  one  of  the  most  desperate  and 


eallant   acts   ever  known. 


It 


was 


the 


MAJOn  JOUN    M'.-il.ll.. 


most  desperate  thing  we  ever  saw  or  heard 
of,"  said  the  British  officers,  who  were  made 
prisoners.  The  moment  that  General  Brown 
met  ]Miller  afterward,  he  said, "  You  have 
immortalized  yourself!  My  dear  fellow, 
my  heart  ached  for  you  when  I  gave  you 
the  order,  but  I  knew  th.at  it  was  the  only 
thing  that  would  save  us."^ 

Meanwhile  the  first  brigade,  command- 
ed by  General  Scott,  had  maintained  its  po- 
sition with  the  greatest  pertinacity  under 
terrible  assaults  and  destructive  blows. 
The  gallant  Eleventh  Regiment  lost  its 
commander,  Major  John  M'Neil,by  severe 
wouiuls,^  and  all  of  its  captains.  Its  am- 
m.aiition  became  spent,  and  as  a  regiment 


'  .Autograph  Letter  of  Qeueral  Miller  to  his  Wife  from  Port  Erie,  July  28, 1814.  ^  Miller's  Autograph  Letter. 

'  John  M'Neil  was  born  in  New  Hampshire  in  17S4.  He  very  early  evinced  u  taste  for  military  life.  At  the  age 
E  of  seventeen  years  he  was  an  ensign,  and  soon  afterward  a  captain  of  a  grenadier  company  in  his  native  state,  which 
\in>  remarkable  for  its  physical  vigor,  ills  youth  and  early  manhood  were  spent  in  rural  labors  and  sports.  In  March, 
|t<12,  he  entered  the  army  as  captain  of  the  Eleventh  Infantry,  and  in  August  the  next  year  ho  was  promoted  to  major. 
iFor  his  gallant  conduct  at  Chippewa,  where  he  commanded  his  regiment,  he  was  breveted  lieutenant  colonel,  and  for 
I  elmilar  conduct  in  the  battle  oi"  Niagara  he  was  breveted  colonel.  In  that  battle  he  behaved  with  the  greatest  gallant- 
When  the  Twenty-second  Regiment  broke  and  was  about  to  flee  In  disorder,  M'Neil  spurred  his  horse  In  fl-ont  of 
itliem,  and,  with  his  tremendous  voice  uttering  persuasions  and  throats,  ho  succeeded  in  rallying  them  and  leading  them 
Tito  action.  Ills  horse  was  killed  under  him,  and  he  was  wounded  in  both  legs  by  canister-shot.  A  six-ounce  ball 
l(aseed  through  and  shattered  his  right  knee,  and  nearly  carried  away  the  limb.    But  he  continued  tu  flght  until,  be- 


mi 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


A  deuperute  Struggle  in  Oarkneas 


Both  Parties  re-enfurced. 


SIcetclies  of  Colonels  Brady  and  Jemp 


te^ifiii 


i  ■ 


^f=**''^ 

^^nj^^ni. 

it  retired  from  the  field,  its  more  gallant  spirits  rallying  around  the  flags  of  the 
Ninth  and  Twenty-second  as  volunteers.  Very  soon  Colonel  Brady,  of  the  Twenty. 
second,  was  severely  wounded,'  with  several  of  his  subordinates.  Its  ammunition 
became  exhausted,  and  it,  too,  dissolved,  and  its  remnant  clung  to  the  baniiei-  ol'tlic 
Ninth,  commanded  by  the  brave  Lieutenant  Colonel  Leavenv/orth,  as  voluiitecis, 
This  was  now  the  only  regiment  remaining  of  the  first  brigade,  and  it  fought  with  a 
courage  that  partook  of  the  character  of  dcrfpei-atioii.  The  thi-ee  skeleton  regiments 
were  consolidated,  and  contended  fearfully  in  the  darkness.  Finally  Scott  ordeieil 
them  to  chai'ge,  and  they  were  moving  gallantly  forward  for  that  purpose  when  tiio 
taking  of  the  battery  turned  the  current,  and  the  order  was  countermanded.  They 
took  their  old  position  at  the  foot  of  the  slope,  ready  for  any  emergency. 

It  was  now  about  half  past  ten  o'clock  at  night.  The  troops  were  enveloped  in 
thick  darkness,  for  the  smoke  of  battle,  untoucfied  by  the  slightest  breeze,  hung  Jiki. 
a  thick  curtain  between  them  and  the  palo  light  of  the 
moon.  Around  the  tattered  colors  of  the  Eleventh  the 
shattered  fi-agmeiits  of  the  first  brigade  were  rallied, 
commanded  by  the  oflicers  of  the  Ninth  who  remained 
unhurt.  The  Twenty-fifth,  under  Jesnp,^  with  their  i-eg- 
imental  banner  piei'ced  witli  scores  of  bullet-holes  re- 
ceived at  Chippewa  and  in  this  engagement,  reposed  a 
moment  after  their  victory  on  the  river  side  of  the 
Queenston  Road,  where  the  village  of  Drummondsville 
now  stands,  while  the  second  brigade,  skillfully  handled 
by  Ripley,  bore  the  brunt  of  the  battle  in  the  fierce  con- 
tention for  the  battery  on  the  height.  Yet  the  others 
were  by  no  means  idle.  Every  corps  was  engaged  in 
the  desperate  struggle,  Avhich  had  continued  for  more 
than  two  hours,  the  way  of  the  combatants  lighted  only 
by  fitful  gleams  of  the  moon  darting  through  the  murky 
battle-clouds,  and  the  lurid  flashes  of  exploding  powder. 

Both  parties  were  re-enforced  during  the  struggle ;  the  British  by  Colonel  Scott's 

coming  faint  from  loss  of  blood,  he  was  carried  off  the  flcUl,  a  cripple  for  life,  and  his  Iron  constitntion  shattered.  He 
was  retained  in  the  army  at  its  reduction  as  major  of  the  Fifth  Infantry,  and  served  upon  the  Western  fl-ontier.  He  was 
breveted  brigadier  general  in  1824,  and  in  182U  promoted  to  the  rank  of  full  colonel.  He  was  appointed  an  ludian  com- 
missioner in  1829.  In  1S30  he  resigned  his  coraniission,  and  was  appointed  by  President  Jackson  surveyor  ofthe  pon 
of  Boston,  which  office  he  held  until  hig  death  at  Washington  City,  on  the  23d  of  Febrnary,  1860.  Ho  mairied  a  half- 
Bister  of  Franklin  Pierce,  the  fourteenth  President  of  the  United  States.  He  was  a  powerful  man,  standiu;;  sii  feet 
six  inches  in  his  stockings. 

'  Hugh  Brady  was  a  Pennsylvanlan  by  birth,  and  was  born  in  Northumberland  County  in  170S.  He  entered  Iht 
army  as  ensign  in  1T92,  and  served  in  the  Northwest  under  General  Wayne.  He  was  captain  ofthe  Fourth  Infantry  in 
1799,  and  was  out  of  service  from  June,  1800,  until  July,  1812,  when  he  was  commissioned  colonel  of  the  Twenty-second 
Infantry.  He  was  distinguished  at  both  Chippewa  and  Niagara  Falls.  He  was  retained  in  1816,  and  in  1S22  was  bre- 
veted a  brigadier  general.  He  was  in  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  for  meritorious  conduct  there,  at  the  age  of  eighlj 
years,  he  was  breveted  major  general.    He  died  at  Detroit  on  the  16th  of  April,  1851,  aged  eighty-three  years. 

»  Thomas  Sidney  Jesup  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  and  was  bom  in  1788.    He  entered  the  array  as  second  lieiitenu: 
of  infantry  in  May,  1808.    Ho  was  General  Hull's  brigade  major  in  the  campaign  of  1812,  in  which  he  was  also  acticL 
adjutant  general.    He  was  promoted  to  captain  In  January,  18i;i,  and  major  of  the  Nineteenth  Infantry  in  April  follm- 
ing.    Early  In  1814  be  was  transferred  to  the  Twenty-flflh— a  regiment  which  he  had  raised  mostly  by  his  own  eier- 
tions  in  Hartford,  Connecticut,  and  its  vi«inity.    For  his  gallant  conduct  at  Chippewa  he  was  breveted  lieutenant  col- 
onel, and  for  like  distinguished  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Niagara,  where  he  was  wounded,  ho  was  breveted  colonel.  He  | 
was  retained  in  the  army  in  1816,  and  was  made  lieutenant  colonel  ofthe  Third  Infantry  In  1817.    The  followlni;  yea; 
he  was  made  adjutant  general,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  and  shortly  afterward  qnartermaster  general,  with  the  rnniiol  j 
brigadier  general.    In  May,  1828,  ho  was  breveted  major  general  for  ten  years'  faithful  service.   In  1830  he  wi.s  appolnl-  i 
ed  to  the  command  of  the  army  In  the  Creek  Nation,  and  the  same  year  succeeded  General  Call  in  command  oftke 
army  in  Florida.    He  was  active  during  the  war  with  the  Seminole  Indians,  and  was  wounded  In  one  ofthe  battles.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Colonel  Zachary  Taylor,  and  retired  to  the  duties  of  the  quartermaster  general's  department,  in  the 
performance  of  which  he  continued  until  his  death  at  Washington  City,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years,  on  tlie  lOlli  j 
of  June,  1860. 

»  This  picture  of  the  tattered  banner  and  its  broken  staff  of  the  Twenty-flfth  Regiment,  as  it  appeared  on  the  day  ill- 
er  the  battle  of  Niagara  Falls,  is  from  a  drawing  made  then,  belonging  to  the  Rochester  Light  Guard,  and  hnnglngli  I 
their  armory  in  the  spring  of  1862,  when  a  careful  copy  was  kindly  sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Watts,  one  of  the  meffl- 1 
bers  of  the  Guard.    The  flag  was  white  silk,  with  a  yellow  ffinge,  and  the  words  "  Tub  Twbnty-fiftu  RKoijiiiit  w  | 
U.  8.  iNrAMTBY"  were  inscribed  upon  a  blue  ribbon,  with  gilt  scrolls  at  each  end. 


TUE  FLAG  OF  THE  TWENTT-nFTB.' 


OF    THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


623 


Colonels  Brady  and  Jejop. 

id  the  flags  of  the 
cly,  of  the  Twciity- 
i.     Its  ammunition 
o  the  banner  of  tlic 
)rth,  as  vohintLHMs. 
nil  it  fought  with  a 
skeleton  regiments 
nally  Scctt  onleroil 
it  purpose  when  tlw 
ntermanded.    Tky 
srgency. 

ig  were  enveloped  in 
est  breeze,  hiuis,'  like 


FL\a  OF  TUE  TWENTV-nnn, 

tish  by  Colonel  Scott's 

rmTconBtitntion  Bhnttered.  H( 
li  the  WcBtern  frontier.  He  was 
|c  was  appointed  an  Indian  com- 
lit  Jackaon  surveyor  of  the  port 
narv,1860.  Uo  mm  ricd  a  hit- 
Lowcrful  man,  standiug  sii  fw 

lounty  In  ITOS.  He  entered  tlie 
untain  of  the  Fourth  Infantry  m 
4  colonel  of  the  Twentj-sccMl 
,edinl81^,andinlS22wa>br^ 
flnctthero,BtthcngeofelsMy 

Tcd  eiuhty-three  years, 
rt  the  array  as  second  lieuleniit 
m  in  which  he  was  also  actio? 
He'enth  Infantry  in  April  fota- 
'raised  mostly  hyhi»  own  ««• 
he  was  breveted  Ucutenam  CO, 
Ed  ho  was  hrcveted  colonel.  II' 
ftryinlSlT.    The  following  5". 
'naster  general,  with  the  rank « 
service.   In  1830  he  wu  appoi».- 
^cneral  Call  m  command  of » 
Pdedinoneofthebatto.    . 
Lcr  general's  departmen  ia  k 
[f  seventy-two  years,  on  tbelOti  I 

Int  a*  It  appeared  on  the  day  rf- 1 

Ito  Light  Gnard,  and  hangtas^ 
leremlahWatts.oneottheinm- 

|nETvENTY.FiFTuREO.M>.T0r 


Oeuerals  Brown  and  Bcott  wounded.       The  Troops  fall  back  to  Chippewa.       lnJurlouD  Tardiness  of  General  ni|>ley. 

cornniaiul,  as  wo  liave  seen,  and 
the  Amerieans  by  a  part  ofl'or- 
ter's  brigade,  whieh  took  post  on 
Kipley's  left,  and  participated  in 
the  closing  events  of  the  battle. 
The  enemy  was  beaten  off  by 
sheer  hard  blows  gi\en  by  the 
muscle  of  indomitable  Persever- 
ance, but  at  the  expense  of  pre- 
cious blood.  Generals  Brown 
and  Scott  were  severely  wound- 
ed and  borne  from  the  field,  and 
the  active  command  devolved 
on  General  Ripley,  the  senior 
officer  on  duty.' 

When  the  absolute  repulse  of 
the  enemy  was  manifest,  and 
General  Brown  observed  great 
numhers  of  stragglers  in  a'.l  di- 
rections from  the  broken  regi- 
ments, he  ordered  the  new  com- 
mander to  fall  back  Avith  the 
troops  to  Chippewa,  there  reor- 
ganize the  shattered  battalions, 
u'ivo  them  a  little  rest  and  rc- 
tresliments,  and  return  to  the 
field  of  conflict  by  daydawn,  so 
as  to  secure  the  fruits  of  victory 
by  holding  the  ground  and  se- 
(uiing  the  captured  cannon, 
which,  on  account  of  a  lack  of 
iioises,  harness,  or  drag- ropes, 
could  not  be  removed  at  once.  Ripley  had  not  moved  from  Chippewa  when  the  day 
dawned,  and  Brown,  disappointed  and  angered  by  his  tardiness,  ordered  his  own  staff 
to  go  to  the  commanders  of  corps  and  direct  them  to  be  promptly  prepared  to  march. 
It  was  sunrise  before  the  army  crossed  the  Chippewa,  and  they  were  halted  by  Rip- 
ley at  the  Bridgewater  Mills,  a  mile  from  the  battle-gi-ound,  where  he  was  informed 
that  the  enemy  was  again  in  possession  of  the  heights  of  Lundy's  Lane  and  his  can- 
non, had  been  re-enforced,  and  was  too  strong  to  be  attacked  by  a  less  force  than  the 
entire  army  of  tiie  Niagara  with  any  promise  of  success.  With  this  information  Rip- 
ley returned  to  head-quarters.  The  commanding  general  was  irritated.  He  resolved 
not  to  trust  the  brigadier  with  the  command  of  the  army  any  longer  than  necessity 
required;  and  he  dispatched  a  courier  to  Sackett's  Harbor  with  an  order  for  General 

1  Tlie  gailant  Mi\jor  M'Farland  was  mortally  wounded  while  fighting  at  the  head  of  his  battalion  of  the  Twenty- 
third  Regiment.  Daniel  M'Farland  was  a  Penusylvaulan,  and  entered  the  army  as  captain  in  the  Twenty-tecoud  In- 
fantry iu  March,  1812.  In  August,  1813,  he  was  promoted  to  major  in  the  Twenty-third,  and  was  killed  iu  the  battle  of 
Niagara  Falls. 

Captains  Biddle  and  Ritchie,  of  the  artillery,  were  both  wounded  in  that  battle  early  in  the  action,  and  the  brnnt  of 
the  artillery  service  fell  on  Towson.  Thomas  Biddle,  Junior,  was  a  gallant  officer  from  Pennsylvania.  He  entered  the 
snny  as  captain  of  infantry  in  the  spring  of  1812,  but  Joined  the  Second  Artillei?  soon  afterward.  He  was  dlstlHguished 
in  tlic  capture  of  Fort  George,  and  also  at  Stony  Creek  in  May  and  June,  1813.  In  September  he  was  brigade  major  un- 
der General  Williams.  He  was  slightly  wounded  nt  Niagara,  and  for  gallant  service  at  Fort  Erie  afterward  he  was  bre- 
vtled  a  major.  There  he  was  again  wounded.  In  December  following  he  was  ald-de-camp  to  General  Izard.  He  re- 
mained in  the  army  some  years,  and  was  finally  killed  in  a  duel  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  August  29, 1831. 
;  John  Ritchie,  who  was  also  in  this  battle,  was  a  Virginian.  He  entered  the  army  in  the  spring  of  1812  as  captain  in 
Ihe  Second  Artillery.  Although  severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Niagara  Falls,  he  stuck  to  his  gun,  and  was  killed. 
ilc  liud  declared  that  he  would  never  leave  bis  piece,  and,  true  tu  that  declaration,  he  fell  by  it,  covered  with  wounds. 


m 


f 


li 


Wfl 


824 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


ClrciimRUncei  of  tbo  Battle  nf  Niagara.       Namber  nf  Troupa  eogaged  lu  It.       Tbe  Victory  claimed  by  both  Partlei, 

(iaiiies  to  come  and  l:ikc  the  temporary  leadership  of  tlie  Niaj^ara  forties.'  UiplcyV 
delay  had  doubtless  deprived  the  Americans  of  all  the  substantial  advantapes  of  vic- 
tory, for  the  enemy  was  allowed  to  return,  reoccupy  the  field  of  battle,  and  retake 
the  captured  cannon,  excepting  one  beautiful  brass  O-pounder,  which  was  prescntcil 
to  Colonel  Miller's  regiment  on  the  spot.  This  they  bore  away  with  them  as  a  pic- 
cious  trophy  of  their  prowess.  Tlio  remainder  were  retaken  by  the  British  a  few 
hours  afterward.'* 

Thus  ended  the  sanguinary  Battle  op  Niagara  Falls,  sometimes  called  Lundy\i 
Zone,  and  sometimes  Bridt/ewater,^  It  has  few  purallcls  in  history  in  its  -wealth  of 
gallant  deeds.  It  was  fought  wholly  in  the  shadows  of  a  summer  evening  between 
sunset  and  midnight.  To  the  eye  and  ear  of  a  distant  spectator  it  must  have  bet  n  a 
suolime  experience.  Above  was  a  serene  sky,  a  placid  moon  in  its  wane,  and  innu- 
merable stars — a  vision  of  Beauty  and  Peace;  below  was  the  sulphurous  smoke  of 
battle,  like  a  dense  thunder-cloud  on  the  horizon,  out  of  whicli  came  the  quick  Hashes 
of  lightning  and  the  bellowing  of  the  echoes  of  its  voice — a  vision  of  Horror  and 
Strife.  Musket,  rocket,  and  cannon  cracking,  hissing,  and  boouiing ;  and  the  claslidi' 
sabre  and  bayonet,  with  the  cries  of  human  voices,  made  a  horrid  din  that  commin- 
gled with  the  awful,  solemn  roar  of  the  great  cataract  hard  by,  whose  muffled  thun- 
der-tones rolled  on,  on,  forever,  in  infinite  grandeur  when  the  pmiy  drum  had  ceased 
to  beat,  and  silence  had  settled  upon  the  field  of  carnage.  There  the  dead  were 
buried,  and  the  mighty  diapason  of  the  flood  was  their  requiem. 

According  to  the  most  careful  estimates,  the  number  of  troops  engaged  in  the  hat- 
tic  of  Niagara  Falls  was  a  little  over  seven  thousand,  the  British  having  about  four 
thousand  five  hundred,  and  the  Americans  a  little  less  than  two  thousand  six  hund- 
red, ''oth  parties  lost  heavily.  Tlie  Americans  had  one  hundred  and  seventy-one 
kille.  \  0  hundred  and  seventy-one  wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  ten  missing— 
a  total  of  eight  hundred  and  fifty-two.  The  British  lost  eighty-four  killed,  five  hund- 
red and  fifty-nine  wounded,  one  hundred  and  ninety-three  missing,  and  forty-two  pris- 
oners— a  total  of  eight  hundred  and  seventy-eight.  A  large  proportion  of  those  taken 
by  Jesup  on  the  British  left ,  and  by  Miller  on  the  height,  escaped  during  the  night. 

Both  parties  claimed  a  victory,  the  Americans  because  they  drove  the  enemy  from 
the  field  and  captured  his  cannon,  and  the  British  because  their  foe  did  not  retain  the 
field  and  the  cannon  he  had  won.  While  the  American  people  rejoiced  over  the  af- 
fair as  a  genuine  triumph,  as  it  undoubtedly  was,  as  a  victory  in  battle,  the  governm 
general  of  Canada  was  right  in  complimenting  his  troops  for  their  steadiness  and 
valor ;  and  the  Prince  Regent  did  a  proper  thing  when  he  gave  permission  to  one  of 
the  regiments  to  wear  the  word  Niagara  upon  their  caps. 

Major  General  Brown  was  twice  severely  wounded,  yet  he  kept  the  saddle  until 
the  victory  was  won.     First  a  musket-ball  passed  through  his  right  thigh ;  and  a  few 


'  General  Brown's  Mnnnscrlpt  Memoir,  etc.  He  says,  "OeDernl  Brown  entertained  no  donbt  of  tin;  iiitelllgence  or 
bravery  of  General  Ripley,"  but  his  conduct  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  was  such  that  "  his  confldcnce  in  him  as  a  com- 
miindcr  was  seueibly  diminished.  The  j,'encral  believed  that  he  dreaded  reapojiaibility  more  than  danger.  In  short, 
that  he  had  a  greater  share  of  physical  than  moral  courage." 

'  Miller's  Autograph  Letter  to  his  Wife,  July  2a  Brown's  Memorandum,  etc.,  and  his  Official  Report  to  the  Secretarj 
of  War,  dated  "  Buffalo,  August,  1S14."  In  that  report  the  commanding  general  spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  nil  hi* 
officers  and  troops.  He  particularly  mentioned  the  gallant  services  of  Scott,  Porter,  Jesup,  Towson,  nindman,  Blddlf, 
Ritchie,  Gardner,  his  adjutant  general,  M'Ree  and  Wood,  his  engineers,  his  aids-de-camp  Austin  and  Spencer,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Randolph,  of  the  Twentieth  Regiment,  "  whose  courage  was  conspicuous."  "  The  staff  of  Generals  Rlpiey  and 
Porter,"  he  said,  "discovered  great  zeal  and  attention  to  duty." 

3  The  battle  was  fought  within  sight  and  hearing  of  the  great  Falls  of  Niagara,  and  should  bear  that  dignified  name. 
It  was  so  called  in  one  of  the  first  pnblished  accounts  of  it.  "The  battle  of  Niaoaba,"  said  the  Albany  Argus  atthf 
beginning  of  August,  "  commands,  like  the  achievements  of  our  naval  heroes,  the  admiration  of  all  classes  of  the  Amer- 
ican people,  a  few  excepted."  The  hottest  of  the  contest  having  occurred  in  the  struggle  for  the  battery  in  Lwviiii 
Law  caused  the  battle  to  be  called  after  the  name  of  that  road.  About  a  mile  above  the  field  of  battle,  on  the  banks  ot 
the  Niagara,  were  mills  called  The  Bridgewaler  Mills.  A  person  attached  to  the  American  army,  but  not  In  tho  battle. 
wrote  while  it  was  in  progress  to  some  fric^iid  in  the  interior  of  New  York,  paying  that  a  great  battle  was  then  ragin; 
near  the  Brldgewater  Mills.  This  letter  w:ih  published  extensively,  and  the  conflict  wos  called  the B(UtUo/ liri(lgtwi\Ur 
It  was  HO  announced  in  Niles's  Register,  August  13, 1814. 


im-: 

'■'ilW 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


885 


id  by  both  Pnrtlm. 


OBIcera  wonndad  ia  tiM  Battle  of  Niagara. 


Scott  proceed*  to  Waahlngton. 


Honora  conterred  upon  Mm. 


forces.*  Riploy'K 
advantages  of  vic- 
hattle,  and  retake 
lich  was  i)n'sc'nli'il 
nth  them  as  a  jirt- 
tho  British  a  few 

mos  called  Lumh/n 
ivy  in  its  wealtli  of 
3r  evening  between 
it  must  have  hem  ;i 
its  wane,  and  innu- 
ilphurous  smoke  of 
mo  the  qniek  flashes 
irtion  of  Horror  and 
ng ;  and  the  elasluil' 
id  din  that  commin- 
whose  muffled  ihun- 
my  drum  had  ceased 
:'hcro  the  dead  were 

B  engaged  in  the  bat- 

sh  having  ahmU  four 

o  thousand  six  hund- 

Ared  and  seventy-one 

;d  and  ten  missing- 

Pfour  killed,  live  lumd- 

g,  and  forty-two  pris- 

portion  of  those  taken 

cd  during  the  night. 

.rove  the  enemy  from  ^  ] 

foe  did  not  retain  tln' 

rejoiced  over  the  at- 

battle,  the  govenmi 

their  steadiness  and 

permission  to  one  ot 

kept  the  saddle  until 
ight  thigh ;  and  a  few 

0  doubt  of  ll...  intelligence  or 
alsconfldeuce  in  him  as  a  con- 
more  than  danger.    In  short, 

pfflclal  Report  to  the  Sccrclary 
in  the  highest  terms  of  alte 
,up,Towson.ninaman,Bll*. 
J  Austin  and  Spencer,  and  Ucii- 
leetaff  of  Generals  Ripiey  and 

lonld  bear  that  dignified  n»me. 
•said  the  Albany  Argus  at  the 
Lion  of  «U  classes  of  the  Amer- 

leie  for  the  battery  in  l^fP 
rfleldofbattle,onthebank»o 

Ian  army,  but  not  in  the  bate, 

fft  great  battle  wa.  then  ragte 

1  called  the  BottK  of  linitit«<^ 


minutes  afterward  tho  gallant  Captain  Spencer,  his  aid-de-camp,  received  a  mortal 
wound.'  Then  came  a  ball  of  some  kind  which  struck  Brown  in  the  side,  not  lacer- 
ating, but  sev(>rely  contusing  it.  Both  hurts  were  so  severe  that  the  general  felt 
(loid)tful  of  his  ability  to  keep  his  seat,  and  so  informed  Major  Wood,  his  confidential 
friend.  That  bravo  officer,  deeply  engaged  in  the  battle,  exclaimed, "  Never  mind, 
my  dear  general,  you  are  winning  the  greatest  battle  ever  gained  for  your  country  !" 
The  eni'my  were  soon  repulsed,  and  tho  general,  supported  by  Captain  Austin,  his 
only  remaining  aid,  moved  from  tlic  field,  leaving  the  command,  as  we  have  seen,  with 
General  Ripley.  Brown  rapidly  recovered,  and  was  able  to  resume  the  command  of 
the  army  of  the  Niagara  early  in  September. 

General  Scott  was  wounded  by  a  bullet  tliat  entered  his  left  slioulder  while  he  was 
conversing  with  Major  Jesup  on  the  extreme  right.  lie  had  been  exposed  to  death 
on  every  i)art  of  the  field,  and  had  two  horses  shot  under  him.  lie  was  spared  until 
the  last  struggle  of  the  battle,  when  his  aid.  Lieutenant  Worth,  and  Brigade  Major 
Smith,  were  very  severely  wounded.  His  own  luirt  was  so  great  that  he  could  no 
longer  remain  on  the  field,  and  he  was  borne  first  to  the  Chippewa  camp,  then  to  Buf- 
falo, and  finally  to  Williamsville,  a  hamlet  in  the  east  part  of  the  present  town  of 
■Java,  Wyoming  County,  New  York.  At  the  latter  place  ho  found  the  wounded 
General  Riall  well-cared  for. 

Seott  suftcred  intensely,  and  for  a  month  his  recovery  was  considered  doubtful. 
He  was  finally  removed  to  the  house  of  a  friend  (Mr.  Brisbane)  in  Bivtavia,  where  kind 
nursing  made  his  convalescence  rapid;  At  length,  when  able  to  bear  the  motions  of 
a  litter,  he  was  carried  on  the  shoulders  of  gentlemen  of  the  country  from  town  to 
town,  to  the  house  of  a  friend  (Mr.  Nicholas)  in  Geneva,  where  lie  remained  until  he 
was  able  to  resume  his  journey,  wlien  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  and  placed  himself  in 
cliarge  of  the  eminent  Doctors  Physic  and  Chapman,  of  that  city.  He  was  every 
\  where  received  with  demonstrations  of  the  warmest  respect  and  admiiaiion  for  his 
Irtrsonal  achievements,  and  as  the  representative  of  the  now  glorious  army  of  the  Ni- 
agara.'' From  Philadelphia  he  passed  on  to  Baltimore  early  in  Septetnber,  then 
threatened  by  the  British,  who  had  just  destroyed  the  public  buildings  of  the  na- 
tional capital;  and  on  the  I6th  of  October  he  was  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to 
take  command  of  the  Tenth  Military  District,  whose  head-quarters  were  at  Washing- 
ton City.  Honors  were  conferred  upon  him  by  public  bodies  in  many  places.  The 
Congress  of  the  United  StJites,  by  a  resolution  on  the  8th  of  November,  1814,  voted 
him  the  thanks  of  the  nation,  and  requested  the  President  to  have  a  gold  medal,  with 
suitable  devices,  struck  in  his  honor,  and  presented  to  him.^    The  Legislatures  of 

1  Ambrose  Spencer,  of  New  York,  was  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  In  the  Twenty-ninth  Infantry  In  April,  1S13, 
and  promoted  to  captain  in  February,  1S14.  lie  had  been  made  aid  to  General  Brown  in  August,  ISU,  and  remained  in 
Ills  family  until  his  death.  He  was  greatly  distingnlshod  In  the  battle  of  Niagara  Falls.  General  Brown  relates.  In  his 
Manuscript  Memoir,  etc.,  already  cited,  that  when  the  last  heavy  rc-cnforcements  of  the  British  were  coming  up  iu  the 
dim  raoonlight,  and  he  was  watching  them  with  intense  interest.  Captain  Spencer  suddenly  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and 
rode  directly  to  the  front  nf  the  advancing  foe.  Then,  turning  to  the  enemy's  right,  he  inquired,  in  a  firm,  strong 
voice,  "What  regiment  is  that?"  He  was  promptly  answered,  "The  Royal  Scots,  sir."  "Halt!  Royal  Scots,"  he  re- 
plied, and  they  obeyed.  With  this  Information  he  returned  to  his  general,  and  soon  afterward  received  a  wound  which 
caused  his  death,  at  Fort  Kric,  on  the  5th  of  August.  General  Dtumniond  hnii  ^ent  a  message  to  Brown  asking  an  ex- 
change of  their  aids.  Spencer  was  mortally  wounded,  but  Lorin^  »»»  well.  A  ifcction  for  his  aid  caused  Brown  to  de- 
part from  the  usages  of  war,  an^  he  complied.  On  the  very  day  1|(W*Pcncer  was  brought  to  Port  Erie  he  died,  and 
Captain  Loring  was  sent  back  to  his  general. 

'  It  was  the  annual  Commencement  at  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  at  Princeton,  when  General  Scott  arrived  i  here  on  his 
way  to  Philadelphia.  The  faculty  of  the  college  invited  him  to  attend  the  ceremonies  at  the  church.  He  was  carried 
Ihlther  on  a  litter,  pale  and  emaciated  from  suffering,  and  was  placed  upon  the  stage  among  the  professors  and  invited 
Rnesti.  He  was  greeted  by  both  sexes  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm.  The  orator  of  the  day  was  the  now  deceased 
brother  of  Bishop  M'llvaine,  of  Ohio,  and  his  subject  happened  to  be  "  Tho  public  duties  of  n  good  citizen  in  peace  and 
war"— an  appropriate  one  for  the  occasion ;  and  toward  Its  close  he  turned  to  Scott  and  pronounced  a  most  touching 
eulogy  of  his  conduct.  This  compliment  was  followed  by  the  conferring  upon  the  wounded  hero  the  honorary  degree 
of  Master  of  Arts.  With  grateful  heart  Scott  passed  on,  and  was  met,  when  approaching  Philadelphia,  by  Governor 
Suydcr  and  a  division  of  militia.— See  Mansfield's  Life  nf  Scott,  Chapter  XI. 

'  Our  engraving  on  the  following  page  Is  a  representation  of  the  medal,  a  trifle  smaller  than  the  original.  On  one 
■  1"  i»  a  bust  of  General  Scott,  with  his  name.  On  the  <ii  lier  side,  surrounded  by  a  wreath,  composed  of  palm  and  olive 
leaves  entwining  a  snake,  "uiblem  of  youth  and  immortality,  are  the  words  "besolutioh  of  oonobess,  noveuuib  ?, 


ItM* 


ill 


820 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Medkl  awarded  u>  Ncott.  Other  Olfti.  Blu|{rapblcul  Sketch.  Appointed  Bravet  Uauluutnt  Cleuintl. 


•  Febninry  12, 

ISlfi. 

'  February, 
1810. 

•  1S15. 


i><ll.li   UEUAL   AWABOEO  TO  OINtBAL  BOOTT. 

Virrfinia"  and  New  York''  tliaiikod  him,  and  each  vo^ed  liim  an  elcn;unt 
sword.'  The  Society  of  the  Chicinnati,  founded  '-j  Washington  and  liis 
companions  in  arms,  elected  liina  an  honorary  member,'  and  many  towns 
and  counties  were  named  in  his  honor  in  the  course  of  time.  He  was 
breveted  a  major  general ;  and  for  almost  fifty  years  longer  he  served  his  country 
actively  in  its  military  operations,  ten  of  them  as  general-in-chief.  When,  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1861,  the  great  Civil  War  assumed  immense  proportions,  the  Nestor  of  the 
republic,  feeling  the  disabilities  of  increasing  physical  infirmities,  retired  from  act- 
ive service,  bearing  the  commission  given  him  a  few  years  before  of  lieutenant  gtu- 
eral.2 

ISU.  Uatti.fb  of  niirpKWA,  jhi.y  6,  IS14;  NiAOAnA,  .idi.y  25, 1S14."  This  medal  was  uot  prcpoutcd  until  about  the 
close  of  Mr.  Moiiroe'8  udmiuistrotioii  (February  20, 1825),  when  the  President,  In  the  presence  of  his  cabinet,  handed  ii 
to  bim  with  tt  brief  address.  Many  years  afterward,  while  it  was  In  the  City  Bank  for  safe  keeping,  the  safe  of  that  cor- 
poration was  entered  one  ui^ht  by  robbers.  They  carried  off  $260,000,  but  left  the  medal.  Several  years  afterward,  one 
of  the  rogues,  when  on  trial  for  another  offense,  said  that  "  when  he  took  the  moui^y  from  the  City  Bank  he  saw  nnd 
well  knew  the  value  of  the  medal,  but  scorned  to  take  from  the  soldier  what  h.td  beeu  given  by  the  gratitude  of  hij 
country."  The  protllo  uf  General  Scutt  on  the  medal  is  said  tu  be  the  best  likeness  extant  of  the  hero  at  the  time  ho 
won  the  honor. 

'  The  New  York  sword  was  presented  to  General  Scott  by  Governor  Tompkins  in  the  City  Hall,  New  York,  on  "  Evac- 
uation Day"  (November  25),  isifl.  Tlic  Virginia  sword  was  not  presented  until  1826,  when  it  jvas  bestowed  by  Govern- 
or Pleasants.  It  was  an  elegant  weapon,  with  suitable  devices  on  the  scabbard,  hilt,  and  blade.  On  one  side  of  the 
blade  is  seen  Scott,  Just  as  Miller  had  carried  the  Lundy's  Lane  battery,  mounting  a  charger,  another  having  been  torn 
in  pieces  under  him.  Below  this  is  an  eagle  between  two  scrolls,  bearing  the  names  and  dates  of  his  two  battles.  On 
the  opposite  side  of  the  blade  are  the  words  "  Presented  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Virgiulo  to  General  Winflcld  Scott, 
12th  February,  ISlii ;"  and  below  this  the  arms  of  Virginia. 

"  Winfleld  Scott  was  born  in  Petersburg,  Virginia,  on  the  13th  of  June,  1TS8.  He  was  left  an  orphan  in  his  boyhood, 
and  was  educated,  uuder  the  care  of  friends,  at  William  and  Mary  College,    lie  chose  the  law  for  a  profession,  but  boou 

chauged  it  for  that  of  arms.  He  entered  the  United  States  Army  as 
a  captain  of  light  artillery  in  180S,  and  was  slati(mcd  at  Baton  Rouge, 
Louisiana,  under  General  Wilkinson.  He  hud  some  difficulty  with 
that  officer,  and  during  a  temporary  suspension  from  duty  returned  to 
bis  profession  in  his  native  state.  Ilcrejoincdthcarmy,  and,  as  lieu- 
tenant colonel,  went  to  the  Canada  ft-ontler  in  1812.  His  career  there 
vatjLOte  close  of  the  battle  of  Niagara  Falls  has  beeu  delincntod  in 
ifl^ptt  of  this  work.  As  we  have  observed,  he  took  comnuuid  of 
the  Tenth  Military  District,  with  his  heod-qu:u-t«ni.j^(»»«liington  City,  late  In  the  atltnmn  of  1814,  when  he  held  the 
commission  of  major  general  by  brevet.  His  wuaiAw4*'ei'y  severe.  It  was  in  the  left  shoulder,  and  his  arm  was  left 
partially  disabled.  He  was  offered  and  declined  a  place  in  ilio  cabinet  as  Secretary  of  War.  After  assisting  in  the  re- 
duction of  the  army  to  a  peace  establishment,  be  was  tent  to  Europe  In  a  military  and  diplomatic  copacity,  where  he 
met  some  of  the  most  distinguished  of  Napoleon's  generals.  He  compiled  some  useful  military  text-books,  and  was  in 
active  service  wherever  there  was  a  speck  of  war  until  that  with  Mexico  broke  out,  in  which  he  was  chief  actor  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States.  He  was  then  gcueral-iu-chief  of  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  with  the  rank  of  major  gen- 
eral. For  his  distinguished  services  in  that  war  he  received  many  civic  honors.  In  1862  he  wos  an  nnsuccessfnl  can- 
didate for  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States.  In  18'!6  the  brevet  rank  of  lieutenant  general  was  revived  and  confer- 
red upon  him.  When  the  great  Civil  War  broke  out  he  was  found,  unlike  a  great  proportion  of  the  officers  of  the  reg- 
ular army  who  were  born  in  the  Slave-labor  states,  a  powerftil  supporter  of  his  government,  and  by  his  skill  and  cour- 
age secured  the  jjcaceful  inauguration  of  Mr.  Lincoln  as  President  of  the  United  States  at  a  time  when  the  national 
capital  and  the  life  of  the  chief  magistrate  elect  were  menaced  by  banded  rebels.  He  retired  from  active  service  in  the 
automu  of  ISCl,  and  died  at  West  Point,  on  the  Hudson,  May  29, 1SC6. 


6- 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   ISIS. 


827 


It  U«uteuaat  Uciivral. 


VUlt  to  the  Nlngars  Frontier. 


Colonel  Cummingf. 


Uattle-Kround  of  NlR|{«ra  Ht  Landy'i  Lane. 


Ml  him  an  elegant 
''ashingtoii  ami  liis 
,"=  ami  many  towns 
of  time,  lie  was 
icrved  his  ci)Uiilry 
When,  in  the  iui- 
,  the  Nestor  of  the 
■<,  retired  from  act- 
!  of  lieutenant  guii- 


prcfcnted  until  about  the 

oc  of  his  cabinet,  handed  il 

[■eying,  the  safe  of  tlmtcor- 

i-v'cr»l  years  afterward,  one 

the  City  Bank  he  saw  imd 

'cn  by  the  gratitude  of  liis 

of  the  hero  at  the  time  he 

lilall.NcwYork,  on"Evnc- 
t  \v:\9  bestowed  by  Oovcrn- 
hhido.  On  one  side  of  the 
[•  another  having  been  torn 
itcB  of  his  two  battles.  On 
to  General  Wiuttcld  Scott, 

J  an  orphan  In  his  boyhood, 
L  for  a  profession,  but  «oou 
I  the  United  States  Army  as 
[s  stationed  at  Baton  Rouce, 

lie  had  some  difBcuUy  with 
Inslon  from  duty  returned  to 
loined  the  army,  and,  iislieu- 
|erlnlS12.    His  career  there 
VttllH  has  been  dcllnciitea  in 
irvcd,  he  took  command  of 
In  of  ISU,  when  he  held  the 
juidcr,  and  his  arm  was  left 
1     After  assisting  in  the  re- 
tlomatic  capacity,  where  lie 
ftary  text-books,  and  was  in 
L  he  was  chief  actor  on  the 
with  the  rank  of  major  gen- 
pe  was  an  uusuccessful  can 
Iral  was  revived  and  confer 
lonoftheoflScersofthorec 
It,  and  by  his  skill  and  cour- 
\  a.  time  when  the  national 
fd  from  active  service  m  the 


I  viHited  the  theatre  of  ovents  descrihcd  in  this  and  u  ])ait  of  the  preceding  ehap- 
ter  in  the  Hiiminer  of  1800.  I  was  at  Niagara  Kails,  as  already  observetl  (page  412), 
on  tlie  evening  of  the  lOth  of  August.  On  tlie  following  mornini,',  accomj)aiiifd  by 
IVter  A.  I'orter,  Ks(|.,son  of  (Jeneral  Peter  15. 1'orter  (and  conveyed  in  his  carriage), 
1  crossed  the  Niagara  on  the  great  Suspension  IJridge,  and  rode  up  to  the  Chippewa 
hattle-grountl.  We  went  over  the  great  chasm  at  about  ten  o'clock,  and  halted  at 
Chippewa  Village,  where  wo  were  joined  by  Colonel  James  Cummiiigs,  a  veneiable 
Canadian,  seventy-two  years  of  age,  who  was  an  aid  to  (Jeneral  Kiall  in  the  battle  of 
the  5th  of  July,  1H14.'  lie  seemed  as  vigorous  as  most  men  at  sixty,  and  we  were 
fortunate  in  iiaving  the  company  of  so  fjjood  a  cicerone,  for  he  was  familiar  with  ev- 
ery place  and  event  of  that  battle,  lie  owns  a  part  of  the  land  whereon  it  was 
fought;  has  resided  near  there  for  more  than  fitly  years,  and  is  full  of  reminiscencca 
of  the  past.  lie  cherishes,  as  a  precious  iicir-loom  for  his  family,  the  cocked  hat  and 
plume  which  he  wore  when  lie  was  fighting  for  his  king  and  country. 

Afler  viewing  the  diflerent  portions  of  the  battle-ground  at  Street's  Creek  and  Chip- 
pewa Plains,  and  making  the  sketches  printed  on  pages  800,  '7,  and  '8,^  we  returned 
to  the  village,  where  I  made  a  drawing  of  the  remains  of  the  tcte-de-pont  battery,^  not 
far  from  tlie  mansion  of  Colonel  Cummings.  There  we  partt-ok  of  some  refreshments, 
and,  accompanied  by  the  colonel,  rode  U|)  to  the  month  of  Lyon's  Creek,  where  the 
Americans  prepared  to  cross  the  Chippewa  and  Hank  the  British,  causing  Riall,  as 
we  have  observed,*  to  Iiastcn  back  to  Queenston.  On  returning  to  Chippewa  we 
spent  an  hour  with  Colonel  Cummings  an<l  his  family,  and  then  left  with  enduring 
recollections  of  time  spent  pleasantly  and  j)rofitably  We  rode  slowly  by  the  great 
cataract,  observing  the  site  of  the  Widow  Wilson's  house,  near  Table  Kock,  the  stu- 
pendous falls,  and  the  grand  flood  as  it  rushes  in  wild  and  resistless  energy  toward 
the  gn>at  bend  in  the  river  at  tlic  seething  whirlpool. 

At  Drummondvillc,  a  pleasant  little  town  of  about  five  hundred  inhabitants,  skirt- 
Mig  the  highway  from  Chippewa  to  Queeiiston,  wc  turned  into  Lundy's  Lane,  ;',''.d 
rode  to  the  top  of  the  hill  on  which  stood  the  Hritish  battery  captured  by  Miller.  It 
is  a  pleasant  spot,  and  sufficiently  elevated  to  command  extensive  views  of  the  coun- 
try ill  Canada  and  New  York.  On  the  crown  of  the  hill  was  the  ilwelling  of  Mr.  Fra- 
loigh  and  a  Methodist  church ;  and  on  the  slope  toward  Drummondville  was  a  small 
cemetery,  a  view  of  which  may  be  seen  oi.  /'^ge  818.  A  little  to  the  left  of  the  large 
tree  in  that  picture  was  the  site  of  the  British  battery  taken  by  Miller.  Near  the  mid- 
dle of  that  cemetery  was  the  grave  and  monument  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Bisshopp,  de- 
lineated on  Jiage  628  ;  and  on  its  western  margin,  close  by  the  fence,  was  the  grave  of 
Captain  Abraham  F.  Hull,  who  appears  somewhat  conspicuously  in  the  narrative  of 
the  surrender  of  Detroit  by  his  father,  General  William  Hu)'.,  in  the  summer  of  1812. 
On  the  spot  where  he  fell,  gallantly  fightuig  in  the  batt'.  :  Niagara,  the  brother 
officers  of  Captain  Hull  erected  a  wooden  slab,  with  a  &'■■  do  inscription,  to  mark 
the  spot;*  and  in  after  years  his  friends  erected  the  r.->     of  marble,  which,  with  an 


^^^■^^-^■yv^- 


:»2-«^L^j^ 


1  Colonel  Cummings  is  yet  (18GT)  living  at  Chippewa,  at  the  age  of  eighty  years.  He  enterud  the  military  service  as 
llentcnant  of-  volunteer  flank  company  in  1812,  and  was  stationed  on  the  spot  where  the  battle  of  Chippewa  was  fought 
two  years  later.    He  was  promoted  to  the  cavalry,  but 

was  soon  called  to  Fort  George  by  General  Brock,  and  ^^^  -^^^ 

appointed  deputy  quartermaster  general  of  militia,  with  _««^«S;??^.i^<T       t--'^^^ 

the  rank  of  captain.  He  was  in  the  battle  at  Stony 
Creek,  the  taking  of  Bcerstler  nt  the  Beaver  Dams,  and 
was  the  one  who  received  Colonel  Chapin's  sword  when  he  surrendered  there.  He  was  with  Llentecant  Colonel  Bis- 
shopp at  the  taking  of  Black  Kock,  and  was  near  him  when  he  fell.  He  was  in  several  Bkirmishcs,  and  participated  in 
the  battles  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara  as  aid  to  General  Riall.  He  was  an  active  ofllcer,  and  between  these  battles  had 
charge  of  the  establishing  of  beacons  between  Chippewa  and  Queenston,  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Christopher  Myers.  These  heacons  were  made  by  setting  up  a  pole,  from  which  was  suspended  an  iron  basket  filled 
with  resinous  bark. 

»  Nothing  of  Samuel  Street's  house  was  left  but  the  chimney,  as  delineated  on  page  800.  His  orchard,  on  the  south 
»ide  of  the  stream,  which  wag  young  at  the  time  of  the  battle,  now  appeared  venerable,  but  vigorous. 

'  See  page  SOT.  *  See  page  813. 

'  The  cut  on  the  following  page  represents  the  board  slab  which  I  found  near  the  grave  of  Captain  Hull,  ou  which 


%\ 


n 


i 


W;\ 


tn 


ii«t' 


8!28 


nCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Observatory  at  Luiidy's  Lane. 


ObjcctJ  seen  from  It. 


Daring  Feats  at  the  Niagara  Suspension  Bridge. 


inscription,  now  (1867)  btands  at  the  head  of  his  grave,  seen  near  >he  fence  in  the  pic- 
ture on  page  818.' 

Fronting  on  Lundy's  Lane,  a  little  northwestward  of  the  position  of  the  Britisli 
battery,  was  an  observatory,  made  of  timbers,  and  latticed.  It  was  one  hundred  and 
thirty  feet  in  height,  and  was  ascended  on  the  interior  by  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
live  steps.  We  climbed  wearily  to  the  top,  and  were  richly  rewarded  for  the  toil  by 
a  magnificent  panoramic  view  of  the  surrounding  country,  including  in  the  vision,  by 
the  aid  of  a  telescope,  the  statue  of  Brock  on  its  lofty  pedestal  on  the  Heights  of 
Queenston.  Westward  we  looked  far  over  the  Canadian  peninsula  to  the  broken 
country  around  the  Beaver  Dam  region,  and  eastward  as  far  over  tlie  cultivated  lands 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  while  at  our  feet  was  the  great  cataract,  which  gave  a 
tremor  to  the  pile  of  timber  work  on  which  we  stood,  and  formed  a  conception  in 
the  mind  of  the  amazing  power  of  that  mighty  pouring  flood.  An  elderly  man,  who 
acted  as  guide  to  the  surrounding  scenery  as  seen  from  the  observatory,  ascended 
with  ns,  and,  in  monotonous  tone,  began  his  well-learned  task  of  repeating  the  record 
of  historical  events  there.  We  only  wanted  to  know  the  exact  locality  of  certain  in- 
cidents of  the  battle,  and,  after  four  times  preventing  him  going  farther  in  his  tedi- 
ous details  than  the  words  "In  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fourteen," 
we  obtained  what  we  wished,  and  descended.  We  climbed  into  the  little  cemetery, 
and  I  sketched  the  tomb  of  Bisshopp  and  the  view  on  page  818,  and  at  the  same 
time  Mr.  Porter  made  a  neat  pencil  drawing 
for  me  of  a  small  house  in  Drummondville, 
which  was  used  as  a  hospital  after  the  battle, 
as  seen  from  Bisshopp's  grave.  It  is  copied 
in  the  annexed  engraving. 

On  returning  to  the  Suspension  Bridge  to 
reeross  the  river,  Ave  observed  large  crowds 
of  people  on  both  banks,  above  and  below  the 
aerial  highway,  who  had  come  to  see  the  peril- 
ous feats  of  Blondin  and  a  rival  upon  sl.nck  ropes  stretched  across  the  river  from 
bank  to  bank.  They  were  both  performing  at  the  same  time,  cheered  on  by  their  re- 
spective friends,  one  above  and  the  other  below  the  bridge.  Beneath  these  daring 
acrobats  was  the  foaming  river,  r'lshing  down  hill  to  the  great  whirlpool  at  the  rate 
of  thirty  miles  an  hour.  It  was  -..n  unpleasant  spectacle,  for  a  sense  of  fearful  danger 
oppressed  the  mind  of  the  beho.der.  We  rode  slowly  across  the  bridge,  viewing 
the  foolish  and  yet  heroic  performances  of  both  young  men,  and  arrived  at  Niagara 
Falls  village  in  time  for  a  late  dinner.  Toward  evening  I  rode  down  to  Queenstf  n, 
behind  a  blind  horse,  to  make  the  visits  on  the  Canadian  peninsula  described  in  pre- 
ceding chaptt  iH.' 

Let  us  now  resume  the  narrative  of  events  in  which  the  Army  of  the  Niagara  was 
engaged  in  the  summer  and  early  autumn  of  1^]4. 

General  Riplc's  tardiness,  if  not  absolute  diKobedicnce,  as  we  have  observed,  left 
the  battle-field  ot  ^Niagara,  so  gloriously  won  by  the  Americans,  in  tlie  posnession  of 


HOSPITAL  NEAB  LUNDT'S  LANE. 


WOOOkN   HLA 


was  \hp  fo'lowliig  Inccrlptlon :  "Tljio  was  erected  by  his  bi  ither  ofllce'~i  to  tnaik  the  spot 
wher>  Captain  Hnll.  I'.  S.  Army,  fell  in  the  memorablf  anion  at  Lnu<l.r'H  Ijmc,  With  July,  HI', 
gallantly  leadinp  hi    men  to  the  ol!ii!u;(\  ' 

'  ThiH  Is  a  plain  «tone,  two  and  n  half  feet  in  Iiel};'nt,  which  bears  the  fc'.lowing  ir.iicriptloa 
"  Here  lies  the  body  of  Abraham  Hnll,  cap'-aln  In  the  Ninth  Regiment  U.  8.  Infantry,  who  fell 
near  this  spot  in  the  battle  of  Bridgewater  [sep  note  3,  page  824),  July  25, 1S14,  aged  twenty- 
eight  years." 

Captain  Abraham  Fuller  Hnll  entered  the  amy  an  inptalu  iii  the  Ninth  Inftntry  on  the  U'li 
of  April,  ISI'J.  and  was  with  his  father  during  the  mnrch  of 'he  arniy  frcm  Dayton  to  Detroit 
He  was  mni'>'  f>'d-<le-cntnT  l.i  his  father  In  May,  lai?,  and  served  as  snch  until  the  snrrendfr  in 
August.  Wiun  he  again  assumed  bin  place  in  the  line,  ho  took  romimmd  of  hl«  old  cumpaiiv 
In  the  Ninth,  under  Major  Lcivenworth.  He  was  au  excellent  ollke'  und  his  loss  was  niiicli 
lamented.  '  Bee  poge  41-'. 


OF  THE    WAR   OF    1812. 


820 


ra  Siisponsion  Bridge, 
fence  in  the  pic- 


lilpiey  attempts  to  abuudSw  Caoadii. 


a  Ind'.gnar'oD. 


He  orders  the  Army  to  Fort  Krie. 


the  foe  on  the  morning  of  fie  26th  «<rJuly.  At  tl»t  tinic  Gene  i, vis  Brown  and  Scott, 
Major  Jesup,  and  other  wounded  cA^re,  were  placet!  in  boats  for  'onveyance  to  Buf- 
falo, and  they  departed  with  t^he  expectation  that  Ripley  would  liold  the  strong  po- 
sition at  Chippewa  until  the  i»rrival  of  re-enforcement 8.  The  commanding  general 
fiad  scarcely  disappeared  behind  Navy  Island  in  his  upward  voyage  when  I{i[)ley 
ordered  the  destruction  of  the  nasjiiriry  works  and  bridge,  and  some  of  his  own  stores 
at  Chippewa,  and  made  a  precipiti.e  fli::.i,  with  the  whole  army  to  the  Black  Rock 
Ferry,  a  short  distance  below  Fort  En..  His  intention  was  to  lead  the  whole  army 
'across  the  river  and  att^rly  abandon  Canada.  This  design  would  have  been  accom- 
plished had  noi  the  firmi»w»s  of  the  r>rincipal  officers,  by  a  vehement  opposition,  pre- 
vented. Ripley  <tosw<1  the  river  to  Black  Rock,  where  Brown  lay,  to  get  from  liiut 
an  order  for  the  »rmy  to  paos  over;  but  that  indignant  commander  not  only  refused, 
hut  treated  tit*-  brigadier  with  scorn.'  Ripley  returned,  and,  by  order  of  General 
Brown,  he  led  ickj  army  to  a  good  position,  just  above  Fort  Erie,  along  the  lake  shore, 
encamped  it  tht-rf-.  and  proceeded  to  strengthen  the  old  works,  and  to  construct  new 
and  more  extensive  <>ne8  preparatory  to  an  expected  siege.^  General  Porter,  at  about 
the  saiT^e  time,  issued  a  stirring  appeal  to  his  fellow-citizens,  asking  for  four  thousand 
volunt  'IS. 

The  labor  at  Fe-i,  Erie  for  that  purpose  was  commenced  with  great  zeal  and  en- 
ergy by  the  engineers,  and  from  the  27tli  of  July  until  the  2d  of  August  the  troops 
were  employed  in  the  business  day  and  night,  casting  up  intrenchments,  constructing 
redoubts,  making  traverses,  and  preparing  abatis.  Fortunately  for  the  Americans, 
Drummond  did  not  know  their  real  weakness,  and  he  remained  quietly  at  Lundy's 
Lane  and  vicinity,  resting  his  men  and  receiving  re-enforcements  for  two  or  three 
days.  Finally,  on  the  29th,  having  been  re-enforced  by  about  eleven  hundred  men 
of  General  De  Watteville's  brigade,  he  prepared  to  push  forward  and  invest  Fort 
Erie. 

At  this  time  Fort  Erie  was  an  indifferent  affair,  small  and  weak,  standing  on  a 
plain  about  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  above  Lake  Erie,  at  its  foot.  Efforts  to  strengthen 
it  having  been  made  ever  since  it  was  captured  at  the  beginning  of  July,  it  was  be- 
ginning to  assume  a  formidable  appearance.  On  the  extreme  right  of  the  American 
encampment,  and  near  the  lake  shore,  a  strong  stone  work  had  been  erected,  and  two 
guns  mounted  on  it,en  barbette, ov  on  the  top  without  embrrsures.  It  was  called  the 
Diiuglass  Battery,  in  honor  of  Lieutenant  David  B,  Douglass,  of  the  Engineer  corps, 
under  whose  superintendence  it  was  built.  From  the  left  of  this  battery  to  the  right 
of  the  old  fort  continuous  earthworks  were  thrown  up,  seven  feet  in  height,  with  a 

'  "While  the  wounded,"  pays  Major  Jesup,  "  were  moving  by  water  to  niiffnlo,  the  army  abaudoned  Its  strong  posi- 
tion behind  the  Chippewa,  and,  after  destroying  a  part  of  its  »toree,  fell  baclt,  or,  rather,  tied  to  the  ferry  opposite  Blaclt 
Roclt,  but  a  short  distance  below  Fort  Erie ;  and  General  Ripley,  but  for  the  opposition  made  by  M'Hee,  Wood,  Tow- 
son,  Porter,  and  other  otBccrs,  would  have  cronged  to  the  American  shore.  Had  the  enemy  availed  himself  of  this  blun- 
der, not  a  man  of  our  army  eruld  have  escaped The  Anicrican  general  could  have  maintained  his  position  [at 

t'hippcwn],  and  have  held  General  Diuminond  in  check  du.Ing  the  remainder  of  the  campaign."— Jesup's  Manuscript 
Urmoiro/thf  Xiagani  Oamjtnujn. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  the  commanding  general  at  Black  Rock  "  was  advised  that  the  army  had  fallen  back 
in  haste,  and  was  then  near  him  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  strait.  This  movement  was  unexpected,  and  greatly  ef- 
fected t'.'e  general.  General  Ripley  intended  to  have  proceeded  with  the  army  immediately  to  the  American  side  of 
the  strait,  but  the  honorable  stand  taken  by  t.ie  officers  whom  he  consulted  induced  bin  to  sbrlnk  from  this  Intention. 
Majors  M'Ree,  Wood,  and  Towson,  as  well  as  Gencr,,!  Porter,  deserve  particular  honoi'  for  their  high-minded  conduct 
on  this  (coasiou.  General  Ripley  left  the  r.rmv,  and  came  to  General  Brown  with  a  hope  of  obtaining  an  order  for  him 
to  rnss  with  the  forces.  No  proposition  could  have  been  more  flurpi:  ng  to  the  major  general :  and  perhaps,  at  this 
Interview,  he  treated  General  Ripley  with  u'justlflable  Ipdignation  and  scorn."— General  Brown's  Manuscript  ifemo- 
randum  nf  Omun\ncei  mm^'eteil viiiK  I'm  Campaiqvt  nf  Siagara. 

>  When  General  Ripley  leR  Genersi  Brown's  chamber  an  '  went  be1;iw,  he  remarked  to  persons  there  that  he  would 
not  be  responsible  f.-r  t'.e  army  if  it  rcmnl'^icd  in  Canada,  and  insisted  that  a  written  order  should  be  given  him.  When 
inrorincd  of  this.  Brown  sent  to  RIoley  the  fallowing  note  • 

"  Hoad-qnarters.  Buffalo,  ZTth  July,  1814. 

•'  Si*,— All  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  the  surplua  baggage,  will  be  immediately  removed  to  this  place.  Those  men 
v.'io  .ire  sound  and  able  to  fight  will  en.^amp  at  Fort  Erie,  so  as  to  defend  that  post,  and,  at  the  same  time,  hold  fne  ferry 
lielow  unf.l  this  wounded,  sick,  and  surplus  baggage  have  crossed.  You  will  (end  MtOor  Wood  or  Major  M'Ree  to  me 
uniuedlatcly.'— General  Brown's  Manuscript  Ljlter-book. 


% 


ijit 


830 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Fort  Eric  and  its  RevetmentH. 


The  Britisli  attacic  Block  Rucli. 


Hbcldeuts  of  the  Movement, 


■  ^-/^4ws«»*8i«r: 


KKM.MNH    (IF    IMlK.LASH'h    HA  TTKBY    ANI>    lOUT    EKIE. ' 


ditch  in  front  and  slight  aba- 
tis ;  and  from  tlie  left  of  the 
fort,  and  in  a  line  nearly  paral- 
lel with  the  lake  shore,  strong 
])arapet  breastworks  wero 
commenced,  Avith  two  ditches 
and  abatis  in  front.  At  the 
southwestern  extremity  of 
this  lino  of  works,  on  a  natural 
sand-mound  called  Snake  llil!, 
a  sort  of  bastion,  twenty  feet  in  lieitjht,  was  cast  up,  hve  gims  mounted  on  it,  ami 
named  Towson's  Battery,  in  honor  of  the  gallant  artillery  captain  in  whose  charge  it 
was  placed.  From  this  battery  to  the  lake  shore,  near  Avhich  lay  at  anchor  the  three 
armed  schooners  Porcupine,  Somers,  and  OA/o,  was  a  lino  of  a6a<?s,  thus  complotinij 
the  inclosure  of  the  American  camp,  with  defenses  on  land  and  water,  within  an  area 
of  about  fifteen  acres.  All  of  these  works,  excepting  old  Fort  Erie,  were  incomplete 
when,  on  the  2d  of  August,  it  was  discovered  that  the  British  army  was  approach 
ing.  They  moved  steadily  onward  in  considerable  force,  drove  in  the  Americaji  pick- 
ets, and  in  the  woods,  two  miles  from  Fort  Erie  proper,  formed  a  camp,  and  com- 
menced casting  up  double  and  irregular  lines  of  intrenchments,  and  constructing  bat- 
teries in  front  at  points  from  which  an  effectual  fire  might  be  poured  upon  the  Amer- 
ican works. 

Drummond  perceived  the  importance  of  capturing  the  American  batteries  at  Black 
Rock,  and  seizing  or  destroying  the  armed  schooners  in  the  lake,  before  proceediiiij 
to  the  business  of  bebieging  Fort  Erie ;  and  before  dawn  on  the  morning  of  the  3d 
of  August,  he  sent  over  Lieutenant  Colonel  Tucker  with  a  detachment  of  the  Fortv- 
first  Regiment,  in  nine  boats,  to  attack  the  batteries.  Tliey  landed  about  half  a  iiiilo 
below  Shogeoquady  Creek,  wliere  they  found  themselves  unexjiectedly  confronted 
by  a  band  of  riflemen,  two  hundred  and  forty  in  number,  and  a  small  number  of  mi- 
litia and  vol'intcers,  under  Major  Morgan.  Tliat  oflicer  had  been  intrusted  with  the 
defense  of  Buffalo.  lie  had  perceived  the  advance  of  the  British  on  the  2d,  and  be 
lieving  their  intention  to  be  to  feign  an  attack  on  Fort  Erie,  but  really  to  attempt 
the  capture  of  I^uifalo  and  the  public  stores  there,  and  the  release  of  (Tcneral  JJiall, 
he  had  liastened  to  Black  Rock,  destroyed  the  bridge  over  the  creek,  and  during  the 
night  had  thi-own  up  a  breastwork  of  logs. 

Morgan's  movement  was  tincly  and  fortunate.  When  the  British  conmienccd  an 
attack  at  dawn,  and  ".  party  moved  forward  to  repair  the  bridge,  the  An.ericans  of- 
fered very  little  resistance  until  the  foe  Avcre  within  full  and  easy  range  of  their 
rifles,  when  they  poured  upon  them  such  destructive  volleys  that  the  invaders  recoik'd. 
In  the  mean  time  Drummond  sent  over  re-enforcements,  whicli  swelled  the  number 
ofTucker's  troops  to  about  twelve  hundred.  With  these  he  attempted  a  flank  move- 
ment, but  was  gallantly  met  at  the  fords  of  the  creek  by  a  small  ])arty  under  Lieu- 
tenants Ryan,  Smith,  and  Armstrong,  who  disputed  their  passage  \\'\i\\  success.  Aft- 
er a  severe  contest  the  British  fell  back,  withdrew  to  Squaw  Island,  and  with  all  pos- 
sible dispatch  recrossed  the  Niagara  and  joined  in  the  investment  of  Fort  Erie.  The 
British  lost  a  considerable  numbei",  of  which  no  official  record  seems  to  have  been 
given.  The  Amci-icans  lost  two  priv.-ite  soldiers  killed,  and  Captain  Hamilton,  Lieu- 
tenants Wadsworth  and  M'Intosh,  and  five  private  soldiers  woundeil. 

While  Tucker  was  busy  in  the  invasion  at  Black  Rock,  Drummond  opened  fire 
with  some  24-pounders  in  front  of  Fort  Erie;  but  from  that  time  until  the  7th  can- 


'  This  little  Kketr.h  shows  the  general  appearitnce  of  the  rcTnains  wheti  I  violted  the  Bpot  In  the  summer  of  ISfiO.  In 
the  front,  on  the  eittrcmc  rifrht,  are  the  crumbled  walls  of  nou(,'lftBs'i'  Bnttery,  nnd  In  the  extreme  distr.nce  those  of  Fin 
Erie.    Intcrmedmtcly  are  seen  the  mouuds  of  the  Intrenchments  which  connected  the  old  fort  with  Towscm's  Dn!ter.v. 


t 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


"bsi 


euts  of  tbe  Movement. 

,  and  slight  uba- 
n  tbe  left  of  the 
line  nearly  pural- 
like  shore,  strong 
reastworks  Avero 
with  two  ditches 
n  front.     At  the 
a    extremity    of 
orks,  on  a  natural 
called  Snake  Hill, 
ounted  on  it,  and 
11  whose  charge  it 
[,  anchor  the  three 
f,  thus  completing 
;er,  within  an  avfii 
B,  were  incomplete 
my  was  approach- 
,he  American  pick- 
a  camp,  and  com- 
\  constructing  bat- 
■ed  upon  the  Anier- 

1  batteries  at  Blaek 
before  procecdiii'j; 
morning  of  the  ;kl 
imcnt  of  the  Forty- 
;d  about  half  a  mile 
lectcdly  confronted 
mall  number  of  mi- 
i'ltrusled  with  the 
.  on  the  2d,  and  he- 
It  really  to  attempt 
L  of  General  Itiall, 
|eek,  and  during  tlie 

Itish  conmieneed  an 
I.,  the  An.ericans  of- 
lasy  range  of  their 
[le  invaders  recoiled, 
^welled  the  number 
[npted  a  flank  mow- 
||  ])arty  under  Lien- 
I  with  success.    All- 
Id,  and  with  all  pnf- 
l  of  Fort  Erie.    Tli. 
teems  to  have  been 
ain  Hamilton,  Un\- 

ided. 
Immond  opened  fin 
|c  until  the  7th  can- 
fin  the  fumnirroflRf'"  In 
Irnmcdlstr-iiocthosoofK'fi 
l.rt  with  Tovrfon'i"  UnMery 


Preparations  for  Battle. 


General  Oaiucs  takes  Command  of  the  Army. 


A  Reconnoissancc  and  its  GfTeets. 


nonading  was  seldom  heard.  Both  parties  were  laboring  intensely  in  preparing  for 
the  impending  battle,  Drummond  in  constructing  works  for  a  siege  and  assault,  and 
Ripley  in  preparations  for  a  defense.  On  th.U  day  most  of  the  new  works  about 
Fori  Erie  were  completed.  Towson's  and  Douglass's  batteries  were  in  readiness  for 
action.  The  parapeted  breastworks  from  Fort  Erie  to  Towson's  Battery  Avcre  com- 
pleted ;  two  ditches  were  dug  in  front  of  them,  and  ahatis  were  laid  in  continuous 
line  from  Douglass's  Battery  around  the  front  of  the  fort  and  breastAvorks  to  Tow- 
son's, and  from  thence  to  the  lake  shore.  Between  Towson's  and  the  old  fort  two 
other  batteries  had  been  constructed.  One,  mounting  two  guns,  was  placed  in  com- 
mand of  Captain  Biddle,  and  the  other,  also  two  guns,  was  put  in  charge  of  Lieuten- 
ant Fontaine.  The  dragoons,  infantry,  riflemen,  and  volunteers  were  encamped  be- 
tween the  southwestern  ramparts  and  the  water;  and  the  artillery,  under  Major 
Huidman,  were  stationed  in  the  old  fort.* 

General  Gaines^  arrived  at  the  camp  at  Fort 
•  Augnst,     Erie  on  the  5th,*  and  was  welcomed 

!*"■  with  delight  by  the  little  army.  lie 
immediately  assumed  the  chief  command,  and 
his  presence  inspired  them  with  confidence  and 
courage.  General  Ripley,  who  had  labored 
faithfully  in  preparations  for  defense,  yet  not 
without  gloomy  forebodings,  resumed  the  com- 
mand of  his  brigade,  and  perfect  good  feeling 
pre .  ailed. 

Gaines  soon  made  himself  acquainted  with 
the  condition  and  position  of  his  force,  and  on 
the  morning  of  the  Gth''  he  sent  out 
Major  Alorgan  and  his  riflemen  (who 
h.ad  been  called  over  from  Buftalo)  to  recon- 
noitre the  enemy,  and,  if  possible,  draw  him  out 
troui  his  Intre-^chments,  Morgan  soon  encoun- 
tered some  of  the  British  light  troops,  and  at- 
laeked  and  drove  them  back  to  their  lines ;  and 
for  two  hours  he  maincuvred  in  ^--^ 

a  way  calculated  to   draw  the     y — Tn  y  y    (^^  /x, 

main  body  out,  but  without  sue-  (J ^_  .  ^.   V   tA   t^ 
(CSS.     lie  returned  to  the  camp  ^ — ^  € 
with  a  loss  of  five  men  killed  aud 
tour  wounded. 

This  reconnoissancc  was  followed  by  the  British,  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
7th,"  hurling  a  tremendous  storm  of  round  shot  upon  the  American  works 
t'rom  five  of  their  heavy  cannon.     Tliis  drew  from  tlie  assailed  a  severe 
response  from  all  their  lieavy  guns  that  could  be  brought  to  bear  on  the  enemy, 
and  from  that  day  until  the  l.Tth  the  si'-ge  went  slowly  and  steadily  on,  the  garri- 
son, on  all  occasious,  behaving  most  gallantly.    Having  on  that  morning  completed 


i?- 


>-v^tA>a..^^ 


^^<H-C-c^ 


'  Sec  mop  on  page  5.19. 

'  Edmniid  Peudletun  Qaincs  was  boru  In  Cnlpcppcr  Coanty,  Virginia,  on  the  20th  of  March,  1777.  At  the  close  of  the 
UeTolution  his  father  returned  to  North  I'arolinn,  where  he  'lad  resided,  and  there  the  son  toiled  on  a  small  farm.  When 
lie  w,i9  about  thirteen  years  of  afje  the  family  enilcrated  to  Tennofsee,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  young  G.iincs  was 
•  lectpd  a  lieutenant  of  a  rifle  company.  He  entered  the  tJnited  States  Army  an  an  enslpn  in  ilanuary,  1S09.  Ue  re- 
iialncd  in  the  army  six  yours,  and  then  became  collector  of  the  port  of  Mobile.  He  was  promoted  to  captain  in  th» 
irray,  and  In  th.it  capacity  « i\s  placed  in  command  of  Fort  Stoddart,  and  was  active  In  the  arrest  of  Burr  (sec  page  l.TO. 
lie  was  commissioned  a  nmlor  in  1S12,  and  rose  through  the  varlons  grades  to  brlgadisr  general  in  March,  1S14.  He 
wm  breveted  a  major  gciicial  for  bis  gallant  conduct  at  Fort  Eric,  where  lio  was  wounded.  Congress  rewarded  him 
ivllh  thauks  and  a  gold  medal.  He  was  retained  In  1S15.  He  was  active  In  tbe  Souihern  Indian  country,  particularly 
In  the  Seminole  War.  He  died  at  New  Orleans  on  tbe  flth  of  .Tune.  1S4!).  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years.  The  slgna- 
iiire  here  given  Is  from  a  leilerto  .ludge  llui^h  L.White,  dated  "Fort  Erie,  Vpper  Canada,  August  24,  ISU. 


mm 


lit  I 


8S*3( 


AUack 


►EJAL    FIELD-BOOK 


t  an  Aaasult.         Situatiun  of  the  American  TruopB. 


Secret  Order. 


the  mouiKift^  of  iii)  tnus  he—y  ambance,  Drammond  commenced  a  cannonade,  bom- 
bardment, an4  M^jketefe/w)^,  whaea  wa*t  continued  througliout  the  day,  and  renewed 
on  the  morning  ■>/  >h"  1 4i'  ftwaamtd  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  w lien  very 
little  impression  haW  'A^in  ni;i,4«  -on  the  American  defenses. 

Gainew  was  convinwjd  that  I)/  vw<iond  intindedto  resort  to  a  direct  assault  should 
his  cannonading  prove  meffec'  \  with  this  impression,  he  kept  the  garrison  con- 

tinually on  the  alert.     Men  w  liled  *''/r  wij^ht  service  m  such  manner  that  part 

wer*t  resting  and  part  were  under  arjj),i<  c^/iRtJniially.  The  guns  in  the  batteries  had 
been  <'harged  afresh  several  evenings  in  succession  with  a  variety  of  shot ;  dark  lan- 
terns were  kept  burning,  and  linstocks  ready  for  firing  were  near  every  cannon.  Tlie 
engineers  and  the  commanding  officer  watched  every  movement  with  the  eyes  of  ex- 
portH,  and  they  agreed  in  the  belief  that  an  assault  would  be  made  on  the  night  of  tlio 
14tli.  On  that  evening  Gaines  visited  and  inspected  every  part  ol  the  works,  gavt 
explicit  directions  to  every  officer,  and  words  of  encouragement  to  the  men ;  ami  En- 
gineers M'Ree  and  Wood  examined  every  part  of  the  intrenchraents  most  carefully. 
In  the  mean  time,  while  the  garrison  were  on  evening  parade,  a  shell  came  screamini; 
across  the  space  between  tlie  hostile  camps,  fell  within  the  American  lines,  and  lodged 
in  an  almost  empty  magazine,  which  was  blown  up  with  a  tremendous  report.  The 
***my  huzzaed  long  and  loud,  supposing  they  had  destroyed  one  of  Gaines's  chief 
m»^;tzines.  Hoping  to  profit  by  the  confusion  and  loss,  they  prepared  at  once  to  as- 
sail the  American  works.  Their  gun-flints  were  removed  from  their  muskets,  scaling- 
ladders  vf(-'Te  collected,  and  the  arrangements  of  the  columns  for  attack  were  carefully 
made  in  a<t«ordance  with  a  secret  order'  issued  by  Drummond,  and  special  secret  in- 
fed  ((^MoHS  given  to  Lieutenant  Colonels  Scott,  Fischer,  and  Drnmniond, 

At  that  iUliii  l}iii  Americans  were  situated  as  follows:  Small,  unfinishod  Fort  Erie, 
with  a  24, 18,  and  I'd  plllUllUir,  forming  the  northeast  angle  of  the  intrenched  camp, 
u'rts  under  the  command  of  Oaplai/i  Willi/(((|H,  wllh  ftliijor  Trimble's  Ninctecndi  ]iv<i. 
iment  of  liifiintry.  The  Douglass  Battery,  will)  all  id  iimln  |iii(lii(lfr,  and  fonniiig  tin 
southeast  angle,  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Douglass,  wliiise  owil  liniiio  it  hor'' 
On  the  loft,  forifiirig  the  southwest  angle,  was  Towson's  Redoubt  Battery,  on  the  lUlli 


'  Three  copies  wen  made  of  this  Becrct  order  l)y  Licntenttnt  Colon,-!  Ilnrvpy,  Prnmmond's  assiBtuiit  Bfljutmil  gpiiitril 
for  the  use  respectively  of  Lieutenant  Coionel  Drnmmond,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fischer,  .ind  Colonel  Scott.  A  copyo/ 
the  one  given  to  Drumraoud  Is  before  me.  It  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Harvey,  and  was  found  on  the  body  of  Dnini 
moud  after  his  death,  with  another  paper  mentioned  in  the  subjoined  pnrr.graph  in  a  letter  of  General  Gaines  to  Judpi 
Hugh  L.  V/hite,  of  Tennessee,  tho  original  r)f  which  is  also  before  me.  It  is  dated  at  Fort  Eric,  August  24,  IRU.  Opc 
era!  Gaines  says:  "The  Inclosed  papers,  numbers  one  and  two,  were  in  the  pockets  of  Colonel  Drummond.  The  In" 
that  killed  him  passed  through  the  latter,  and  a  bayonet  through  the  form<!r.  I  send  them  to  yon  as  trophies,  and  ciiri 
osities  which  I  wish  preserved."  The  paper  number  one,  through  which  the  bayonet  was  thrust,  was  the  ecrrel  orilrr 
above  mentioned.  Number  two  is  a  rough  topographical  pencil-s.ietch  of  Fort  Erie,  the  position  of  the  British  wurk- 
that  of  the  three  vessels  on  the  lake,  and  the  relative  position  of  Buffalo  and  Black  Rock.  Through  this  the  fntal  liui 
let  went,  and  left  a  fracture  in  each  of  its  four  folds,  aronnd  which  the  biood-stiin  may  be  still  seen,  having  the  appear 
ancc  (if  sepia  In  color.  1  uese  interesting  mementoes  of  the  sanguinary  field  of  Erie  are  in  the  possewion  of  Samuel 
iluudon,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  a  relative  of  Judge  White  by  marriage,  to  whose  courtesy  I  ani  indebted  for  their  use. 

In  the  secret  order  Is  the  following  paragraph,  of  which  I  have  made  a  fac-simile :  "  The  lieutenant  general  moF! 
strongly  recommends  a  free  use  of  the  bayonet."   The  bayonet  that  wounded  Drnmmond  passed  through  the  paragraph 


^1?^?^   ^k^^^Z^S-^l^-'-y'^^/S^^^'-^i^^t^'-'^J^ 


yf^^^-t^-if^  <i^i 


'C-d^^^' 


immediately  »bove  this,  and  left  a  fracture  In  the  paper  »hont  an  Inch  In  letigth  and  half  an  Inch  In  width, 
cret  order  the  parole  was  "Steel,"  ind  the  coaatenign  "Twenty." 


Id  the  k- 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


833 


fOOpB. 


Secret  Order. 


Fort  Krie  Oarrison  expecting  nn  Attack. 


The  Fort  osBailed. 


The  British  repnlacd. 


i  cannonade,  bom- 
day,  and  renewed 
feuing,  wiieu  very 

•ect  assault  should 
it  the  garrison  con- 

I  manner  that  part 

II  the  batteries  liad 
of  shot ;  dark  lau- 
very  cannon.  Tlie 
vith  the  eyes  of  ex- 
1  on  the  night  of  the 

of  the  works,  gavi' 
0  the  men ;  an<l  Eii- 
ents  most  carefully. 
lell  came  screamin«,' 
!an  lines,  and  lodged 
•ndous  report.    The 
[le  of  Gaines's  chief 
spared  at  once  to  as- 
leir  muskets,  scaling- 
ittack  were  carefully 
and  special  secret  in- 
mnioiid. 

uiitinishcd  Fort  Erie, 
the  intrtn<!ie<l  ciimii, 
jle's  Nin<^t<"«'fitli  Hcif- 
Oder,  and  forniinij;  llic 

BO  (IWll    IIIIIIM*  i'    '""■'' 

Battery,  on  the  llllk' 

L-saBsIstanlnajutuntKcnBral, 
„1 'Colonel  Scott.    A  copy  o' 
fonndon  the  body  of  Drain- 
|,.r  of  General  Gaines  to  Judge 
rtErie,AngURt24,lR14^    Oon- 
!olonel  Drummond.    Tlie  tail 
a  to  von  KB  trophies,  and  cnn- 
,8  thrust,  was  tlic  scrret  nnW 
position  of  the  BrltlHtiwnrt- 
Through  this  the  fnUl  'nil- 
P  still  seen,  having  the  appear 
[e  in  *he  possewion  of  Samod 
',r.i  indebted  for  their  use. 
'The  lieutenant  general  moH 

passed  throng\i  the  paragrapb 


,^C^- 


r^-^ 


Ifan  Inch  in  width.    InthcK 


eminence  called  Snake  Ilill ;  a.'d  the  two  two-gun  batteries  in  front,  already  men- 
tioned, were  in  cha-ge  of  Captains  iiiJdle  and  Fanning,  the  latter  outranking  Fon- 
taine. The  whole  of  the  artillery  was  in  charge  of  Major  Ilindiii.an.  Parts  of  the 
Ninth,  Eleventh,  and  Twenty-fifth  liegiinents  (the  remnants  of  Scott's  veteran  bri- 
(rade)  were  posted  on  the  right,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Aspinwall. 
General  Ripley's  brigade,  consisting  of  tlie  Twenty-first  and  Twenty-tliird,  was  post- 
ed on  the  left,  and  General  Porte-'s  brigade  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  Vohm- 
tcers,  with  the  riflemon,  occupied  the  centre. 

An  ominous  silence  prevailed  in  both  camps  at  midnight  of  the  14th.  It  Avas  the 
lull  before  the  bursting  forth  of  the  tempest  in  its  fury.  It  was  not  the  silence  of 
inactivity  on  the  ])art  of  the  British  ;  on  tiie  contrary,  there  was  micommon  but  cau- 
tious stirjring  within  their  lines.  In  the  American  camp  alone,  where,  as  tlie  night 
wore  away,  a  doubt  of  immediate  danger  and  the  eft'ects  of  great  fatigue  were  wooing 
the  garrison  to  slumber,  did  the  quiet  of  rest  prevail.  It  was  soon  l)rokcn.  At  two 
o'clock  in  tlic  morning  an  alarm  came  from  a  picket-guard  of  one  hun'^rcd  men,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Belknap,  of  the  Twenty-third  Infantry,  who  were  posted  in 
the  direction  of  the  enemy's  camp  to  watch  their  movements.  The  duties  of  this 
picket  were  important  and  perilous,  but  were  intrusted  to  good  hands.  Belknap 
managed  tb*>  aflair  with  skill  and  bravery.'  The  sky  was  overhung  with  clouds. 
Sound,  not  sight,  gave  intelligence  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  Belknap  fired  an 
alarm,  and  then  fell  steadily  back  to  camp.  The  enemy  came  dashing  on  in  the 
'.doom,  full  fifteen  hundred  strong,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fischer,  and  charged  fu- 
riously upon  TowHon's  Battery  and  the  abatis  on  the  extreme  left,  between  that  work 
and  the  lake  shore.  They  expected  to  find  the  Americans  asleep,  but  were  mistaken. 
Colonel  Miller's  brave  Twenty-first  Regiment,  then  in  charge  of  Major  "Wood,  of  the 
Kngineers,  was  behind  the  abatis,  and  Towson's  artillerists,  gallantly  supj)orted  on 
ilic  right  by  the  Twenty-third  Regiment,  were  on  the  alert.  At  a  signal,  Towson's 
\imH  'ii  |)'/iiiiders  sent  forth  such  a  continuous  stream  of  flamt  from  the  h^ummit  of 
Snake  Hill  that  the  foe  )d  it  the  "Yankee  Light-house."  At  the  same  instant  a 
I  li(/M  flame  beamed  for.  .  .rom  the  line  of  the  Twenty-first,  and  sent  a  brilliant  illu- 
mination high  and  far,  and  revealed  the  position  of  the  enemy  to  the  garrison.  It 
was  as  evanescent  as  the  I'ccht  of  the  Roman  candle  of  the  pyrotechnic,  and  in  a  few 
moments  lieaviest  gloom  ,-  itled  upon  the  scene,  relieved  only  by  the  Hashes  of  the 
cannon  and  musketry. 

While  one  assailing  column  Avas  endeavoring  by  the  use  of  ladders  to  scale  Tow- 
son's embankment,  the  other,  failing  to  penetrate  the  abatis,  waded  in  the  shallow 
water  of  the  lake  under  cover  of  darkness,  and  attempted  to  <  irge  the  Twenty-first 
in  the  rear.  But  both  columns  failed.  After  a  desperate  struggle,  they  were  re- 
pulsed and  fell  back.  Five  times  they  came  gallantly  to  the  attack,  and  were  as 
often  driven  away.  Finally,  having  suffered  great  loss,  chiefly  from  the  destructive 
effects  of  grape  and  canister  shot,  they  abandoned  the  enterprise. 
Almost  simultaneously  with  this  movement  on  the  extreme  left,  an  assault  was 

I  William  Goldsmith  Bell«nnp  was  born  in  NewlMirg,  Orange  Connty,  New  York,  on  the  14th  of  September,  1794.  He 
entered  the  army  as  third  iiciitenant  in  the  Twenty-third  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry  in  the  spring  of  1S14,  and 
111  the  following  autumn  was  in  Wilkinson's  ex|)cditlon  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  lie  followed  the  fortunes  of  CJeneral 
Brown,  nud  was  with  him  on  the  Ninsnra  frontier  In  1S14.  Ili.s  services  at  Port  E.ie,  where  he  was  severely  wounded, 
nteived  the  warm  pommendations  of  his  superior  oHicer.'i.*  He  was  i,  ained  in  the  army  at  the  peace  as  first  lleuten- 
aut in  the  Second  Kegimont,  Colonel  Brady.  At  the  reduction  of  the  ariny.n  1S21  he  was  transferred  to  the  Third,  and 
tiic  fdllowing  year  was  i)rnmoted  to  captain.  He  was  promoted  to  maj>.:  in  1842,  and,  having  lieen  active  and  useful  in 
the  Seminole  War  in  Florida,  lie  was  breveted  lieutiMiant  colonel.  Ho  was  with  General  Taylor  in  Texas  and  Mexico, 
and  III  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  llcsaca  do  la  Palina  ho  gallawtly  commanded  a  brigade.  During  the  remainder  of 
I'uc  service  he  was  Taylor's  Inspector  general.  For  his  gallant  conduct  at  the  battle  of  Bnena  Vista  he  was  breveted 
lirigndicr  general.  He  was  with  General  Taylor  in  all  'li  i  battles.  From  December,  184S,  to  May,  IW],  General  Bel- 
knap was  in  command  of  Fort  Gibson,  in  the  Cherokee  i'.ition,and  his  memory  is  cherished  with  graiitude  by  that  peo- 
ple   He  died  near  Preston,  Tcxa.i,  on  the  lOlh  of  November,  1861. 

'  III  a  letter  to  Major  Belknap  in  1S41  (kindly  placed  in  my  hands  by  a  daughter  of  that  galKint  oflicp'S  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Towsoi)  gave  most  interesting  details  of  the  operations  of  the  picket  and  tin  itlack  of  tho  caemj 

3  G  .  ^ 


nCTOUIAL    riELD-BOOK 


The  Battle  of  Fort  Erie. 


The  BrItlBh  iii  u  Biutlon. 


i 


Mr 


( , 


made  on  the  riglit  by  five  Immlrod  infantry  and  artillery,  with  a  reserve  of  Indiiins 
composing  the  centre  and  left  columns  of  the  enemy,  under  Lieutenant  Colonels  Diuin- 
mond  and  Scott.  They  advanced  rapidly,  under  a  blaze  of  fire  from  cannon  and  mus- 
ketry— Drummond  toward  old  Fort  Erie,  which  the  mortified  British  had  determiiitd 
to  recover  at  all  hazards,  and  Scott  toward  the  Dougl.iss  Battery  and  the  coniioctiiiL; 
intrenchments.  The  latter  were  received  by  the  veteran  Ninth,  under  the  conniiiiiiil 
of  Captain  Foster,  and  Captains  Broughton  and  Harding's  companies  of  New  Ydik 
and  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  aided  by  a  0-pounder  between  Douglass  Battery  aiul 
the  lake  shore,  managed  by  Major  JVI'ltee,  the  chief  engineer.  The  enemy  was  soon  re- 
pulsed in  this  quarter;  but  the  centre,  led  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Drummond,  was  not 
long  kept  in  check.  It  approached  every  assailable  jioint  of  the  fort  at  once.  Tluv 
brought  scahng-laddcrs,  and,  with  the  greatest  coolness  and  bravcrj-,  attempted  to 
force  an  entrance  over  tiie  walls,  Captani  Williams,  and  Lieutenants  Macdonoui;!! 
and  Watmongh,  in  the  fort,  met  thera  gallantly,  and  twice  repulsed  them.  TIkh 
Drummond,  taking  advantage  of  the  covering  of  a  thick  pall  of  gunpowder  smoke 
which  hung  low,  went  silently  around  the  ditch,  and  with  scaling-ladders  ascended  tn 
the  para})et  with  great  cclerit  y,  and  gained  a  secure  footing  there  with  one  huiulud 
of  the  Royal  Artillery  before  any  cfVectual  opposition  could  be  made.  Alrciuly  tin 
exasperated  Drummond,  goaded  almost  to  matlness  by  the  murderous  repulses  wliidi 
he  had  endured,  had  given  orders  to  show  no  mercy  to  the  "  damned  Yankees,"'  ami 
had  actually  stationed  a  body  of  pauited  savages  near,  Avith  instructions  to  rusli  jntu 
the  fort  when  the  regulars  should  get  possession  of  it,  and  assist  in  t'.ie  general  mas- 
sacre.^ Finding  himself  now  in  actual  possession  of  a  part  of  the  fort,  he  instaiitiv 
directed  his  men  to  charge  upon  the  garrison  with  pike  and  bayonet,  and  to  "  show 
no  mercy."  Most  of  the  American  officers  and  many  of  the  men  received  deaillv 
wounds.  Among  the  former  was  Lieutenant  Macdonough.  He  was  severely  limt. 
and  demanded  quarter.  It  was  refused  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Drummond.  Tiie  lieu 
tenant  then  seized  a  handspike,  and  boldly  defended  himself  until  ho  was  shot  down 
with  a  pistol  by  the  monster  who  had  refused  him  mercy,  and  who  often  reitoratil 
the  order,  "Give  the  damned  Yankees  no  quarter  !"  lie  soon  met  his  deserved  iiiio. 
for  he  was  shot  through  the  lieart,  was  severely  bayoneted,  and  fell  dead  by  the  siili 
of  his  own  victim.^ 

The  battle  now  raged  with  increased  fury  on  the  right,  while  on  the  left  the  enemy 
was  repulsed  at  every  jjoint  and  put  to  flight.  Thence,  and  fi'om  the  centre,  Gaines 
promptly  ordered  re-enforcements.  They  were  quickly  sent  by  Ripley  and  Porter, 
while  Captain  Fanning  kept  up  .n  spirited  cannonading  on  the  enemy,  now  to  he  seen 
approaching  the  fort,  for  the  day  had  dawned.  The  enemy  still  held  the  bastion,  in 
spite  of  all  eflbrts  to  dislodge  them,  Ilindman  and  Trind)le  had  failed  in  their  at 
tempts  to  drive  them  out,  Avhen  Captain  Birdsall,  of  the  Fourth  Rifle  Itegimeiit, 
rushed  in  through  the  gateway,  and  with  some  infantry  charged  the  foe.  They  were 
repulsed,  anil  the  captain  was  severely  wounded.  Then  a  detaciunent  fron<  the  Elev- 
enth, Nineteenth,  aiid  Twenty-second  Infontry,  under  Captahi  Foster,  of  the  Eleveiilli, 
was  introduced  into  the  interior  bastion  for  the  purpose  of  cliarging  the  enemy.  The 
movement  was  gallantly  maele — I"\jster  was  accompanied  by  Major  Hall,  the  assist- 
ant inspector  general — but,  owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  passage,  it  failed.  It  was 
often  repeated,  and  as  often  checked;  yet  these  attacks  greatly  diminished  the  mira- 
her  of  combatants  in  the  bastion.  A  more  furious  charge  was  about  to  be  made. 
when,  days  an  eye-witness,  "  Every  sound  Avas  hushed  by  the  sense  of  an  unnatural 

•  "  I  sHveral  times  hcnrd,"  Bays  General  Gniiieg  in  his  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  "and  mauy  of  our  officer 
hoard,  iirdors  jiiven  ' '«  (/tic  the  damneil  I'mitet"  rancale  nn  quarter  I' " 

'  Statement  of  "A  Veteran  of  1812,  In  Porter's  Corps,"  who  was  n  participant  In  the  ttgM,  writing  from  Troy,  Np« 
Vorlt.  Sec  Old  Soldirrs'  Advnaite,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  Orfolirr,  IfiBtl.  Alludlnp  to  the  capture  of  Lieutenant  Fottaine.ot 
the  artillery,  who  fell  among  the  Indians,  and  was  kindly  treated  by  them,  G 'neral  Gaines  iu  his  report  said,  "Itwonl! 
teem,  ihen,  that  these  savaRcs  had  not  Joined  in  the  rcs<dntion  to  give  no  quarter." 

'  General  Uaiues'e  utBcial  Uisputch  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 


m 


OF  THE   WAU    OF    18  12. 


835 


The  British  In  a  Bimtlon. 

reserve  of  Iiidiiiiii-. 
liviit  ColoiH'lsDium- 
)m  cannon  luul  iiius- 
tisli  hivd  iletenuiiKMl 

iuul  the  connci'liii;,' 
\intlcr  the  coniiiuind 
[Kinies  of  New  York 
t)Ui>;Ui88  liattery  aihl 
>  enemy  was  soon  re- 
Drunimond,  was  not 
!  fort  at  once.    Tlioy 
i-avery,  attqmptcHl  to 
tenants  Macdonou[;li 
?pulsed  them.    Then 
of  gunpowder  smoke 
jr-ladders  ascended  to 
ere  with  one  huiuhid 
•  made.     Ah-eady  the 
derous  repulses  whicli 
imned  Yankees,"'  and 
itructions  to  rush  iutu 
st  in  the  general  mas- 
■  the  fort,  he  instantly 
jayonct,  and  to  "  sluiw 

nien  received  deadly 
lie  was  severely  luul 

3rummond.    Tlie  liin- 
[ntil  he  was  shot  down 

1  -who  often  rcitoiat^  1 

met  his  deserved  fate, 
|d  fell  dead  by  the  side 

on  the  left  the  enemy 

fiom  the  centre, Gaines 

by  Ilipley  and  Porter, 

enemy,  now  to  he  seen 

;illheld  the  bastion,  in 

had  failed  in  tlunr  at- 
onrth  Rifle  Kegimeiit, 
ed  the  foe.  They  were 
ichmentfrom  thcElev- 

'oster,oftheElevenili, 
[rging  the  enemy.   The 

Major  Hall,  the  assist- 
^ssage,  it  failed.    Itms 

ly  diminished  the  nnm- 
Ivas  about  to  be  made. 
sense  of  an  unnatiu:il 

leflKht.wrltiiis  from  Troy,  N-f' 
I'es  in  Wb  report  ealrt,  "11 «»« 


A  BaatloDi  with  the  BrltiBh,  hlown  up. 


The  Actors  In  the  Mutter. 


An  Amwiora  panradlng  ftrtj. 


tremor  beneath  our  feet,  like  the  first  heave  of  an  eartlKjuake.  Almost  at  the  same 
inHtanttlie  centre  of  the  bastion  burst  up  with  a  terrific  explosion,  and  a  jet  of  flame, 
minified  witli  fragments  t)f  timber,  eartli,  stone,  and  botlii's  of  men,  rose  to  the  height 
of  one  or  two  hundred  feet  in  the  air,  and  fell  in  a  shower  of  ruins  to  a  great  distance 
all  around.'"' 

Tliis  explosion,  so  destructive  and  appalling,  was  almost  the  final  and  decisive  blow 
to  tiu'  Hritisli  in  the  contest.^  It  was  followed  immediately  by  a  galling  cannonade, 
opened  by  Uiddle  and  Fanning,  and  in  a  l\'\v  moments  the  Hritish  broke  and  fled  to 
their  intrenchments,  iciiving  on  the  field  two  hundred  and  twenty-orie  killed,  one 
hundred  and  seventy-t'cur  wounded,  and  one  liundred  ami  eighty-six  prisoners.  Some 
of  their  slightly  wounded  were  borne  away.  Tiie  loss  of  the  Anu'ricans  was  seven- 
teen killed,  fifty-six  wounded,  and  (deven  missing.  Among  tlie  officers  lost  were  Cap- 
tahi  Williams  and  Lieutenant  Macdonougli,  killed  ;  Lieutenant  Watmough,  severely 
wiHuided,  aiul  Lieutenant  Fontaine,  wlio  was  blown  into  the  ranks  of  tlie  Indians 
wlien  the  bastion  exploded,  but  was  not  severely  hurt.  Tiiese  were  of  tlu"  artillery, 
and  were  all  injured  in  defending  the  bastion.  Captain  Biddle,  of  the  artillery,  had 
been  previously  injured,  and  Wutinougli  had  also  received  a  contusion.  Of  tlie  in- 
fantry officers  injured  were  Captain  Birdsall,  Lieutenants  Huslinell  and  Urown,  and 
Ensign  Cisna,  wounded  in  defending  the  fort,  and  Lieutenant  Belknap,  wounded  in 
defending  tiie  picket-guard  wiiieh  he  commanded. 

General  (Raines  called  the  affiiir  a  "handsome  victory,"  not  merely  a  defense  and  a 
repulse,'  and  in  this  opinion  the  impartial  liistorian  must  agree.  lie  sj)oke  in  high- 
est terms  of  all  his  officers  and  men,  and  particularly  of  the  good  conduct  of  (Jenerals 
Itiploy  and  Porter,  Captain  Towson,  and  3Iajors  llindmaii,  M'Wee,  and  Wood.  The 
iiitidligence  of  tiie  event  was  reeeiveil  witii  great  joy  tiiroughout  tiie  country;  and 
for  liis  gallant  conduct  and  valuable  services  at  this  time,  and  in  tiie  second  siege  of 
Tort  Erie,  wiiich  soon  followed,  (ieneral  Gaines  received  substaiiti:il  honors.  On  the 
Htii  of  September  he  was  breveted  a  major  general,  and  on  the  Hd  of  November  the 
President  approved  of  the  action  of  the  national  Congress  in  voting  liiiii  tlie  thanks 
of  the  nation  and  ordering  a  gold  medal,  with  suitable  devices  (see  next  Jiage),  to  be 
struck  and  presented  to  him.  Tiie  three  great  states  of  New  York,  Virginia,  and 
Tennessee  each  rewarded  him  with  reseilutions  and  an  elegant  sword. 

There  were  drawbacks  npon  tiie  joy  and  the  honors  of  the  victory  besides  those 
of  the  less  of  life  in  the  conflict,  for  two  of  the  three  schooners  tliat  lay  at  anchor  off" 
the  fort,  as  we  have  observed,  were  caiitured  by  the  enemy,  and  on  the  day  succeed- 
ina;  tlie  victory  a  marauding  party  brought  dishonor  npon  the  American  name  at 
Port  Talbot,  on  tlic  Canada  shore.  Tiie  schooners  0/iio  and  f^oincrs  were  captured 
on  tiie  iiiglit  of  tiio  Tiili  of  August  by  Captain  Dobbs,  of  the  Uoyal  Navy,  and  sev- 
enty-live men  in  nine  boats.  They  were  taken  down  the  river  halfway  to  Cliippewa 
and  secured,  but  the  Porcupine  beat  off  her  assailants.''     The  marauders  referred  to 

1  Miinuscript  Reminiscences  of  Mnjor  (thin  Lieutenant)  Donglaes,  quoted  by  Dawson  in  his  Dattlcf  <\f  the  United  States 
Ij  Sm  anil  ImucI,  il.,  30S. 

!  "The  cause  of  this  explosion,"  says  nn  oye-wltnons  (one  of  Porter's  men),  "has  never  been  officially  ejtpl'ilncil,  llis- 
Mry  ascribes  It  to  accident ;  and  pcrliaps  it  would  not  lie  proper  for  me  to  etato  what  I  learned  at  the  time.  Even  if  it 
wan  design,  I  think  the  end  justified  the  means.  It  was  that  mysterious  explosior  which,  through  Providence,  saved 
■Jiir  gallant  little  army  from  the  horrors  of  a  tjeneral  massacre." 

The  venerable  Jabez  Fink,  nov.-  (lS(i7)  living  near  Adrian,  Michigan,  who  was  in  the  flght,  is  not  so  reticent  concern- 
ing the  explosion.  In  a  letter  to  me,  dated  May  20,  ISOIl,  he  writes :  " Three  or  four  hundred  of  llie  enemy  had  got  in'o 
lif  liastion.  At  this  time  an  American  ofllcor  came  rnnning  up,  and  said,  'General  (iaines,  the  baHtion  i.s  full.  I  can 
!  l(i\v  them  ail  to  heil  in  a  minute  !'  They  both  passed  back  throngh  a  stone  building,  and  in  a  short  time  the  bastion 
m]  the  British  were  high  in  the  air.  General  Gaines  soon  relumed,  swinging  his  hat,  and  shouting  '  Hurrah  for  Little 
Yorli !' "  This  was  in  allusion  to  the  blowing  up  of  the  British  magazine  at  Little  York,  whore  General  Pike  was  killed. 
Sec  pa!;e  tlSft. 

'  Letter  of  General  Gaines  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  August  2fi,  1S14.  "  It  is  due,"  he  said,  "  to  the  brave  men  1  have 
<\w  houor  to  command  that  I  should  say  that  the  affair  was  to  the  enemy  a  sore  beating  and  a  ilc/ml ;  and  it  was  to  us  n 
handmmr  rMnry." 

<  In  this  nlTair  the  Americans  lost  one  seaman  killed,  and  three  officers  and  four  seamen  wounded.  The  enemy  loBt 
two  fcamcu  killed  and  four  wonnded.    The />wi';"»i' sailed  for  Erie. 


^Hm 


1/ 


't\ 


830 


riCTOUIAL    riELD-BOOK 


Honnra  to  Oenernl  Onlnei. 


Cnnnnnade  of  Fort  Erie. 


Brown  resumes  Command  of  the  Army. 


"        .\  GKNEBAL  OAINEB'b  VEnAL.I  .    i      '         T 

were  a  party  of  ono  linndrcd  AmcM'icans  and  Indians,  wlio  landed  at  Port  Talhot  nn 
tlie  night  of  the  16tli.  and  robbed  about  fifty  families  of  A'aluable  property,  siicli  iiv 
horses,  liousehold  furniture,  and  wearing  apparel,  and  several  respectable  citizen- 
were  carried  off  as  prisoners  of  war;  one  of  them,  Mr.  IJarnwell,  was  a  member  of  tin 
Canadian  Assembly.  As  a  dutiful  historian  I  record  the  affair,  but  with  slmmc. 
Happily,  such  conduct  on  the  j)art  of  the  Americans  was  so  rare  that  these  pages 
have  not  been  often  stained  by  the  recital. 

Both  parties  at  Fort  Erie  immediately  prepared  for  another  struggle,  and  dniiii',' 
the  remainder  of  August  and  until  the  middle  of  Sejitember  each  received  and  eiv- 
ated  strength  by  the  arrival  of  re-enforcements  and  completing  of  their  respeetivi 
defenses.  The  Americans  had  by  that  time  mounted  twenty-seven  heavy  guns,  and 
had  over  tliree  thousand  men  behind  them.  Drummond  also  received  re-eiifoiee- 
ments  a  few  days  after  his  defeat  on  the  15th,  and  from  some  new  batteries  he  opened 
a  caimonadc  and  bombardiront  of  Fort  Erie  with  the  design  of  compelling  the  Amer 
icans  to  evacuate  it.  Alm.ost  daily,  until  the  close  of  August,  he  threw  hot  shot. 
shells,  and  rockets  into  the  fort,  and  annoyed  the  garrison  much  ;  and  finally,  on  tin 
28th,  a  shell  fell  through  the  roof  of  Gaines's  quarters,  destroyed  his  writin£r-(le<k, 
and,  exploding  at  Iiis  feet,  injured  him  so  severely  that  he  was  compelleil  to  reliiiijiiii.li 
his  command  ana  retire  to  Buffalo. 

When  General  Brown,  then  at  Batavia,  heard  of  this  accident,  he  became  exceed- 
ingly uneasy,  and  with  shattered  health  and  unhealed  wounds  he  hastened  to  Buf- 
falo, and  on  the  2d  of  September  crossed  over  to  F'ort  Erie.  lie  found  the  garrison 
in  charge  of  Colonel  James  Miller,  Avhose  rank  was  not  sufficient  for  the  position. 
Unable  to  remain  himself  with  safety,  he  at  once  issued  an  order  for  General  Kipley, 
the  senior  officer,  to  take  command ;  and,  returning  to  Buffalo,  he  established  tliciv 
the  head-quarters  of  the  Army  of  the  Niagara,  of  which  he  now  resumed  coutiol. 
Some  of  his  officers  followed  him  directly,  and  gave  I'.im  such  assurance  of  the  unpop- 
ularity of  Ripley  with  the  army,  and  the  dangers  therefrom  to  be  apprehended,  tliiit, 
though  weak  and  suffering  mucli,  he  returned  to  Fort  Erie,  and  assumed  tiie  com- 
mand in  person. 

The  fort  was  still  closely  invested,  and  Brown  perceived  that  peril  was  impend- 

i  Ou  on-i  Bide  of  the  medpl  is  the  bust,  name,  and  title  of  General  Gaines,  i  od  on  the  other  a  flprnre  of  Victory  slaiiit- 
ini;  ou  a  shield,  under  which  is  a  flag  and  a  halliert.  She  holds  a  palm  branch  In  one  hand,  and  with  the  other  is  plac- 
ing a  lanrf>l  wreath  on  the  end  of  a  cannon  which  is  staudinfr  uprleht,  its  muzzle  downward.  Around  it  is  n  fcroll 
Inscribed  "  erie."  On  one  trunnion  rests  British  colors,  and  from  the  other  is  snspetidcd  a  broadsword.  By  the  (i* 
of  the  cannon  lies  a  howit/.cr,  helmet,  and  balls.  Behind  the  cannon  is  seen  .1.  halbert.  Around  the  whole  arc  l!if 
words  "BEBOLexioN  of  uo.nubkbs,  nove-mueb  S,  1S14;  and  bulow,  "uattlk  of  ebie,  acqcbt  18,  1814." 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


837 


en  Commmul  of  the  Army, 


BrUlib  Wurkii  and  Furt  Eric. 


Brown  determineB  on  a  Cortie. 


Prcparatiuna  fur  It. 


h\  at  Port  Talbot  on 
jlc  property,  such  as 
respc('tal)lc  citizpiis 
was  a  member  of  tliu 
'air,  but  with  sliaiue, 
rare  that  these  pages 

Btruggle,  and  durini! 

ach  received  and  oiv- 

\<r  of  their  respective 

even  heavy  guns,  and 

)  received  re-eiiforcc- 

w  batteries  he  opened 

compelling  the  Amei- 

t,  he  threw  hot  shot, 

h ;  and  finally,  on  the 

yed  his  writinji-ilesk, 

impelled  to  rclinquisli 

it,  he  became  exceed- 
lie  hastened  to  Unf- 
ile found  the  garrison 

;icnt  for  the  position. 

M-  for  General  Ripley, 
I,  ho  established  tlien 
liow  resumed  control. 
Isuraiice  of  the  unpop- 
Ibe  apprehended,  tliiit, 

nd  assumed  the  com- 

Ut  peril  was  impend- 

Ittier  ft  flpnir"  of  Victory  stand- 
liid,  iind  witli  tlic  ottior  Is  plnc- 
liwftril.  Arinmd  it  is  n  fcroll. 
Id  ft  broadsword.  By  the  Mf 
Around  tlic  wliolc  are  lli* 
IsT  16,  1814." 


ing.  The  British  camp  was  in  a  field  encircled  by  woods,  two  miles  from  their 
works,  beyond  the  range  of  shot  and  shell  from  the  fort  or  lihu-k  Rock.  Tiie  army 
was  divided  into  three  brigades  of  from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  men  each;  and 
one  of  these,  daily  relieved  by  another,  was  constantly  at  the  works,  with  artillery. 
These  works  had  now  been  advanced  to  within  .uiir  or  five  hundred  yards  of  the  old 
fort,  and  at  that  distance  two  batteries  had  already  been  completed,  and  a  third,  from 
which  almost  certain  destruction  might  be  hurled,  was  nearly  finished.  Ibown  saw 
iliis  impending  danger,  and  took  measures  to  avert  it.  Circumstances  were  favor- 
able. Heavy  and  continuous  rains  had  flooded  the  country  for  several  days.  Drum- 
inond's  camp  was  on  low,  marshy  ground ;  and  stragglers  from  it,  who  bad  been 
picked  up  by  the  American  jiickets  and  deserters,  informed  IJrown  that  the  Ibitish 
force  was  so  much  weakened  by  typhoid  fever  that  the  lieutenant  general' was  con- 
lemiilating  a  removal  of  the  camp  to  some  healthier  position.  So  broken  was  bis 
power  by  camp  sickness  that  tor  several  days  he  had  been  unable  to  make  an  offensive 
movement. 

Now  was  Brown's  golden  opportunity,  and  he  improved  it.  A  sortie  was  planned, 
and  the  time  appointed  for  its  execution  the  morning  of  the  I7th  of  September.  He 
resolved,  as  he  said,  "  to  storm  the  batteries,  destroy  the  cannon,  and  roughly  bandit.' 
the  brigade  upon  duty  before  those  in  reserve  [at  the  campl  could  be  brought  into 
action."'  His  preparations  Avere  made  a  ith  great  secrecy.  Va  knew  the  hazards  of 
the  enterprise,  and  desired  the  full  co-operation  of  his  oflicers.  He  sounded  their  opin- 
ions as  well  as  he  might  without  fully  disclosing  his  designs.  They  were  not  in  con- 
sonance with  his  own ;  and  he  made  his  preparations  in  a  manner  to  conceal  his  in- 
tentions from  the  army  until  all  should  be  in  readiness,  for  he  determined  to  attempt 
tlie  bold  design  as  soon  as  Porter  should  join  him  with  his  militia  re-enforcements.^ 
These  came,  two  thousand  strong,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  17th  the  commanding 
general  explained  his  plans  to  Ciencral  Ripley  (his  second  in  command),  bis  adjutant 
ffeneial,  and  engineers.  All  evinced  a  desire  for  hearty  co-operation  excepting  Gen- 
eral liii)ley,  who  considered  the  enterprise  a  hopeless  one,  and  desired  to  have  noth- 
in<;  to  do  with  it.^ 

Toward  noon  Brown's  sallying  troops  were  in  motion  in  the  friendly  and  fortunate 
ol)scurity  of  a  thick  fog.  They  were  separated  into  three  corps.  One,  under  General 
I'orter,  and  composed  of  his  Volunteers,  under  the  immediate  command  of  jNIajor  Gen- 
eral Davis,  of  the  New  York  militia:  detachments  from  the  First  and  Fourth  Rifle 
Regiments,  undei*  Colonel  Gibson;  detachments  from  ttie  Twenty-first  and  Twenty- 
tliiid  Infantry,  and  a  few  dismounted  dragoons  acting  as  infantry,  under  JNIajor  Wood, 
of  the  Engineers,  was  directed  to  move  from  the  extreme  left  of  the  American  camp, 
by  a  circuitous  route,  through  the  woods  (which  had  been  stealthily  marked  and  pre- 
pared by  Lieutenants  Riddle  and  I'Vazei-),  of  the  Fifteenth  Infantry,  to  within  pistol- 
shot  distance  of  the  enemy's  right  wing,  and  attack  the  British  right  flank.  The  sec- 
ond division,  composed  of  fragments  of  the  Ninth,  Eleventh,  and  Nineteenth  Regi- 

'  fldierol  Brown's  Letter  to  ttic  Secrctnry  of  War,  Scptpml)cr  29, 1S14. 

■  The  council  of  oflicers  was  licld  on  tlic  9th.  Major  Jesnp,  tiien  recovering  from  liis  wounds,  was  at  Bnffalo,  and 
ivis  iuvited  to  participate  in  the  conference.  The  lalcc  was  so  rough  that  he  did  not  get  over  until  after  the  meeting 
h:ul  broken  up.  "  General  Brown,"  says  Jcsup  in  his  manuscript  Memoir,  etc.,  "  was  evidently  much  (lisai)pointed  at 
ilif  rcsull,  of  the  conncil.  In  the  course  of  the  evening  he  expressed  himself  with  great  warmth  in  regard  to  his  disap- 
lirinlmcnt,  and  in  relation  to  some  of  the  oflicers  who  had  been  present  at  the  council.  But  he  added,  in  a  manner  pe- 
culiarly emphatic, '  Wo  must  keep  our  own  counsels ;  the  imp^e^<«ion  must  be  made  that  we  are  done  with  the  afl'air : 
luit.iw  mire  a/t  there  in  a  God  in  heaven,  the  eiiem;i  nhall  lie  attacked  in  hin  workn,  ami  beaten  too,  ax  noon  an  aV  the  rolunteem 
>*«((  harejmnned  over  I'  "  "  Prom  this  time,"  says  the  -manuscript  Mmiorandum  already  quoted,  "  the  major  general 
atied  niul  spoke  as  though  he  relied  for  safety  on  the  defense  of  his  camp ;  and,  to  confirm  this  opinion  in  tlie  army,  he 
look  measures  to  floor  the  tents,  and  in  every  way  to  improve  the  condition  of  his  forces  in  quarters,  as  if  they  were  to 
reniaia  stationary  for  ft  long  time."  lie  sent  spies,  asdeserters,  to  the  British  camp  to  give  information  of  these  move- 
mpnle  in  tlie  American  camp :  and  so  adroitly  was  the  whole  afliilr  managed,  that  a  spy  was  sent  on  the  dry  of  the  sor- 
tip,.nt  the  very  honr  when  the  American  forces  moved,  and  was  received  by  the  British  without  snsplcion. 

'  "General  Ripley  contented  himself  with  saying  that  the  enterprise  was  a  hopeless  one,  and  he  should  be  well  sat- 
Isfled  to  escape  from  the  disgrace  which,  in  his  Judgment,  would  fall  upon  all  engaged  iu  it."— Brown's  Manuscript  Mem- 
vmndum,  etc. 


888 


PICTOUI  AL    !•  I  KI.D-HOOK 


BriUaat  SnccesR  of  Uenoral  Torter, 


Death  ofvalukblo  UBtcen. 


Blogrnphlcal  Sketch  ut  I'oricr 


inentH  (the  flrHt  conimaii<U'rt  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Aspinwiill,  and  the  last  \>y  Miijin 
Trinil)l('),  under  James  Miller  (who  had  been  breveted  u  brit,'iiilier  t^enenil  threi  iIhvs 
before  for  his  gallantry  in  the  liattle  of  Niajjjara  Kails),  was  ordered  to  move  I'r.  imi,,. 
riijht  by  way  of  a  ravine  between  Fort  Erie  and  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  attm  '  ilu. 
British  centre.    The  remainder  of  tiiu  Twenty-tirst  Kej^iment,  eominanded  by  (iincnil 

JJijtley,  was  posted  as  a  reserve  near  the 
fort,  and  out  of  sight  of  the  eneniyV 
works. 

General  Porter'  and  his  comiiiaml 
moved  from  the  eneanipment  at  noon, 
and,  followincj  Lieutenants  Hiddlc  and 
Fra/.er  through  tiie  woods,  readied  u 
position  within  a  few  rods  of  the  Hilt. 
ish  right  wing  at  a  quarter  before  time 
o'eloek,  before  their  movement  was  eviii 
suspected  by  the  enemy.  An  assuuli 
was  immedi.'itely  commeneiil.  It  was  a 
eomplete  surprise,  and  the  startled  en- 
emy on  that  flank  fell  back  and  left  the 
Atnerieans  in  ])ossession  of  the  groniMJ. 
The  1)atterie8  Nos.  3  and  4  were  imin.- 
diately  stormed,  and,  after  a  (dose  ami 
tierce  contest  for  about  thirty  minutes, 
both  were  carried.  This  triuni])li  m^ 
"  ^'^~^ — 'yPv    C^    ,^ —       followed  by  the  capture  of  the  bloekdinuse 

yt^OC^X/^J  .  yaTL.^<^.yi^     i„  the  rear  of  No.  3.     The  garrison  were 

•' \  '  made   prisoners,  the  cannon   and  carriages 

were  destroyed,  and  the  magazine  blown  up.  Porter's  victory  Avas  complete,  hut  it 
was  obtained  at  a  fearful  cost.  His  three  ])rineipal  leaders,  namely.  General  Davis, 
CJolonel  (Jibson,  and  I^ieutenant  Coloiiel  Wood,  all  iidl  mortally  wounded;  and  the 
commands  of  the  two  latter  officers  devolved  respectively  on  Lieutenant  Colonel 
M'Donald  and  IVfajor  Hrooks. 

I  Peter  Bnel  Porter  was  Ixirii  in  Snllsbury,  Connecticnf,  on  the  14th  of  Angii§t,  1773.  lie  wns  grndmited  at  Yale  Col- 
leije  with  hlfjh  honorH,  Rtiulled  liiw,  and  ciitcreil  upon  its  practice  in  his  native  town.  He  removed  to  Wcslorn  Xen 
Yorlt  in  17!I5,  was  elected  to  l'on),'rc88  In  180S,  and  in  that  body,  as  we  have  oliscrvcd  (page  212),  he  became  prdniincni 
as  a  supporter  of  the  administration,  and  eoiispicuouH  as  a  member  of  tlie  Committee  on  Foreign  Reiatioiin  when 
the  country  was  approacliiiifj  a  war  with  Kii)jland.  His  residonee  was  at  Black  Rock,  near  Iliitraio,  on  tlic  Niaspra 
Kiver,  when  tlie  war  broke  out,  and  he  at  (nice  engaged  In  the  military  service  of  his  country.  lie  was  appointed  hv 
Governor  Tompkins  Major  Oeneral  of  New  York  Volnntecrs  in  July,  IHI'i,  and  In  that  capacity  he  performed  dgiial 
service  for  his  country  during  that  and  the  succeeding  year,  as  our  record  in  the  text  attests.  In  1815  he  was  again 
elected  to  Congress,  and  was  appointed  a  commissioner  to 
run  the  bonndary-line  between  the  United  States  and  Can- 
i.drt.  He  remained  In  public  life  much  of  the  time  until 
182!),  when,  having  served  a  year  in  J.  Q.  Adams's  Cabinet 
as  Secretary  of  War,  he  left  government  employment  for 
the  quiet  of  private  life.  He  possessed  large  estates  on 
the  Niagara  frontier,  and  the  wealth  accumulated  thereby 
!3  now  enjoyed  by  his  descendants.  His  name  and  serv- 
ices are  identified  with  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  West- 
ern New  Y'ork.  lie  died  at  bis  residence  at  Niagara  Falls 
on  the  20th  of  March,  1844,  In  the  seveuty-flrst  year  of  his 
age.  Ills  remains  rest  in  a  quiet  cemetery  there,  under  :i 
beautiful  monument,  mi  which  Is  the  following  Inscription : 
"  Peteii  Buki.  PoKTEn,  a  i)loneer  in  Western  New  Y'ork  ; 
n  statesman  eminent  in  tlic  annals  of  the  nation  and  the 
state:  a  general  in  the  armies  of  America,  defending  in 
the  tleld  what  be  bad  maintained  in  the  conncll.  Born  In 
Salisbury,  (Jonnccticut,  August  14, 1773.  Died  at  Niagara 
Tails,  March  2(),  1844,  known  and  mourned  throughout  that 
extensive  region  which  he  bad  been  among  the  foremost 
to  explore  and  to  defend."  I  am  indebted  to  the  pencil 
of  bis  son,  the  late  Colonel  Peter  Augustna  Porter,  lor 
the  accompauylug  sketch  of  the  mouumeut. 


rOBTEHS  TOMll. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   18  12. 


igrniihlcnl  Sketch  uf  formr 

1(1  llic  liiwt  l>y  Major 
rgi'iu'riil  tlirci  ilavs 
tul  to  move  IVniu  tile 
iM-ics,  mill  aU;ii  '  tlw 
umsuuk'tl  l)y  (uiieral 
aa  a  reserve  near  tlic 
<'ht  of  the  enemy's 

and  Ilia  cotniiiand 
iicanipiiu'nt  :it  ihmmi, 
utenaiitH  Itidille  ami 
le  woods,  readied  u 
few  rodrt  of  tlic  Uiit- 

I  (juarter  hel'ore  llinc 
r  movement  was  even 

enemy.  An  asHmili 
lommenctil.  Itwasii 
,  and  the  startled  cm- 

lell  back  and  lii't  the 
session  of  llio  grouiiil 
i.  3  and  4  were  in\im- 
vnd,  after  a  elosc  and 
about  thirty  miimtis, 
i.  This  triuin])li  \v;b 
ire  of  the  bloek-lieusi' 
.  The  garrison  won 
cannon  and  carriages 
f  was  complete,  hut  it 

amely,  General  Davis, 

II  y  wounded;  and  the 
jn  Lieutenant  Colond 


IIo  wn8  grndmitcd  at  Yule  Col 

llo  removed  to  Western  New 

iii^e  'il'i),  lie  becftmc  pniminral 

(in  Foreign  Uclmions  when 

k,  near  lluflalo,  on  the  Niagara 

iiimtry.    Ho  was  appointed  by 

|t  capiicity  lie  performoa  signal 

attests.    In  1818  he  was  again 


Plan  ofSlrgc  und  Dafttutl  brVbrt  Xrte. 


Triumph  of  IDDir  ifld  Vfihtm. 


Esri.ANATioN  oi»  THE  AiiovK  Map.— A,  old  Fort  Eric ;  n,  a,  demi-hnctions ;  6,  u  ravelin,  anil  r,  <•,  block-hou.-.eH.  These 
were  all  built  by  th,8  British  previous  to  its  capture  at  the  beginning  of  July,  rf,  d,  bastlouB  built  by  the  Americans  uur- 
iiig  the  siege ;  f,  c,  a  redoubt  built  for  the  security  of  the  deinl-bastlons,  a,  a. 

B,  the  American  camp,  secured  on  the  right  by  the  line  ;/,  the  Douglrss  Battery,  f,  and  Fort  Erie ;  on  the  left,  and  In 
front,  by  the  lines/,/,/,  and  batteries  on  the  extreme  right  and  left  of  them.  That  on  the  right,  immediately  under  the 
lotlen. in  the  words  t.kvei.  plain,  is  Towson's;  ft,  ft, etc.,  camp  traverses  ;  »i,  nwiin  traverse;  o,  magazine  traverse,  cov- 
irias  also  the  head-quarters  of  General  Oaincs ;  i>,  hospital  traverse ;  17,  grand  parade  and  provost-guard  traverse ;  r, 
General  Brown's  head-quarters;  «,  a  drain  ;  t,  road  from  Chippewa  up  the  lake. 

C,  the  encampment  of  Volunteers  outside  of  the  Intreiichments,  who  joined  the  army  a  few  days  before  the  sortie. 

D,  D,  the  British  works.  1, 2, 3,  their  first,  second,  and  third  batt.'ry.  r,  the  route  of  Porter,  with  the  left  column,  to 
attack  tl'      ritish  right  flank  on  the  17th ;  x,  the  ravine,  and  route  of  Miller's  command. 

I  am  iiii...uted  to  the  late  Chief  Engineer  General  Joseph  G.  Totten  for  the  manuscript  map  of  which  this  is  a  copy. 

In  the  mean  time,  General  Miller,  aided  by  the  gallant  T^ieiitenant  Colonel  ITphara, 
liad  executed  his  orders  well.  He  penetrated  between  the  British  first  and  second  bat- 
teries, and,  by  the  aid  of  Porter's  successful  oj)eration8,  carried  them  both,  and  block- 


EJl 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT  3) 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEttSTER.N.Y.  14510 

(716)  872-4503 


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liii' 


1 1' 


FIELD-BOOK 


Result  of  the  Sortie  at  Fort  Erie. 


The  Hopes  of  ttie  British  blasted. 


The  American  People  •nsjjlrited. 


houses  in  the  rear.  One  was  abandoned  before  the  assailants  reached  it.  Within 
forty  minutes  after  the  attack  commenced  by  Porter  and  Miller,  four  batteries,  two 
block-houses,  and  the  whole  line  of  British  intrenchments  were  in  the  possession  of 
the  Americans.  Just  after  the  explosion  of  the  magazine,  and  at  near  the  close  of 
the  action.  General  Ripley  was  ordered  up  with  his  little  band  of  reserves,  and  while 
engaged  in  observations  he  received  such  a  severe  and  dangerous  wound  in  the  neck 
that  he  fell  to  the  ground.  His  aid.  Lieutenant  Kirby,  caused  him  to  be  removed  to 
the  fort,  and  the  command  of  the  reserves  was  given  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Upham. 
Notwithstanding  Drumraond  sent  strong  re-enforcements  from  his  camp  to  the 
imperiled  British  line  of  action,  the  object  of  the  eortie  was  fully  accomplished.  The 
British  advanced  works  were  captured  and  destroyed,  and  Fort  Erie  was  saved,  with 
Buffalo  and  the  public  stores  on  that  frontier,  and  possibly  all  Western  New  York.' 
In  this  memorable  sortie  the  Americans  lost  almost  eighty  killed,  and  more  than 
four  hundred  wounded  and  missing.  The  loss  of  the  British  in  llilled,  wounded,  aud 
missing  was  about  five  hundred,  exclusive  of  three  hundred  and  eighty-five  who  were 
made  prisoners,  "Thus,"  said  General  Brown,  in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
twelve  days  afterward, "  one  thousand  regulars,  and  an  equal  portion  of  militia,  in 
one  hour  of  close  action,  blasted  the  hopes  of  the  enemy,  destroyed  the  fruits  of  fifty 
days'  labor,  and  diminished  his  effective  force  one  thousand  men  at  least." 

The  "  hopes  oi  the  enemy"  were  indeed  "  blasted ;"  and,  after  hastily  collecting 
his  scattered  forces,  Drummond  broke  up  his  encampment  on  the  night  of  the  21st, 
&nd  retired  to  Riall's  old  and  partially  demolished  intrenchments  behind  Chippewa 
Creek.  So  sudden  and  precipitate  was  his  flight  that  he  abandoned  some  of  his 
stores  in  front  of  Fort  Erie,  and  destroyed  others  at  Frenchman's  Creek,  on  the  line 
of  his  retreat.  It  has  been  said,  in  praise  of  British  courage  and  pugnacity,  that  thev 
"  never  know  Avhen  they  are  whipped,"  and  such  seems  to  have  been  the  case  in  the 
present  instance,  for  General  L.  De  Watteville,  writing  in  the  camp  two  days  af^er 
the  action,  spoke  of  the  "  repulse  of  the  Americans  at  every  point  ;"'*  and  General 
Drummond,  in  a  later  dispatch,  also  spoke  of  a  "  repulse  of  an  American  army  of  live 
thousand  men  by  an  inconsiderable  number  of  British  troops."' 

This  victory,  following  so  soon  those  at  Chippewa  aud  Niagara  Falls,  and  occur- 
ring so  nearly  simultaneously  with  the  glorious  one  on  land  and  water  at  Plattsburg, 
and  the  expulsion  of  the  enemy  from  before  Baltimore,  diffused  unusual  joy  through- 
out the  country,  and  dispelled,  in  a  measure,  the  gloom  which  had  oversprc.id  the  whole 

larid  because  of  the  capture  of  t  o  national 
capital  by  the  British  less  than  a  month  before.' 
General  Brown,  in  his  official  report  of  the 
affair,*  gave  a  generous  list  of  •  September  w, 
heroes,  with  allusions  to  their  ^^"' 

gallant  deeds,"  and  the  loyal  public  hastened 


WOODS  MONDHEMT. 


'  Mnjor  Jesnp,  in  his  MS.  Memoir,  etc.,  says:  "The  sortie 
from  Fort  Erie  was  by  far  the  most  splendid  achievement  of 
the  campaign,  whether  we  consider  the  boldness  of  the  concep- 
tion, the  excellence  of  the  plaii,  or  the  ability  of  the  exccutioD. 
No  event  in  military  history,  on  the  same  scale,  has  ever  wr- 
passed  it.  The  whole  credit  is  due  to  General  Brown.  The 
writer  was  in  a  e'tuatlon  to  know  that  the  conception,  plan,  and 
execution  were  all  his  own." 

»  L.  De  Watteville  to  General  Drnramond,  Septembe.  10, 1814. 

'  Thomson's  Wntorival  Sketches  of  the  late  War,  page  W. 

*  See  Chapter  XXXIX. 

»  General  Brown  •'poke  In  terms  of  warm  enlogy  of  Me  en- 
gineers M'Ree  and  Wood.  "No  two  afHcers  of  the  grade,"  he 
said,  "  could  have  contributed  more  to  the  safety  and  honor  of 
this  army.  Wood,  brave,  generous,  and  enterprising,  died  a« 
he  had  lived,  without  a  feeling  but  for  the  honor  of  his  country 
and  glory  o/her  arms.  His  name  and  example  will  live  to  guide 
the  soldier  iu  the  path  of  duty  so  long  as  tme  heroism  is  held 


ii^llffi 


OF   THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


841 


imerlcan  People  tinplrited. 

•cached  it.     Within 
,  foal-  batteries,  two 
n  the  possession  of 
It  near  the  close  of 
f  reserves,  and  whik' 
8  wound  in  the  neck 
im  to  be  removed  to 
mt  Colonel  Upham. 
)m  his  camp  to  the 
accomplished.    The 
Erie  was  saved,  with 
t^estern  New  York.^ 
:illed,  and  more  than 
billed,  wounded,  ami 
eighty-five  who  were 
the  Secretary  of  War 
portion  of  militia,  in 
yed  the  fruits  of  fifty 
a  at  least." 
ter  hastily  collecting 
the  night  of  the  21st, 
!nts  behind  Chippewa 
aandoned  some  of  his 
m's  Creek,  on  the  lino 
d  pugnacity,  that  they 
c  been  the  case  in  the 
camp  two  days  af^er 
point  -P  and  General 
merican  army  of  five 

[gara  Falls,  and  occur- 
water  at  Plattshurg, 
unusual  joy  through- 

,  overspread  the  whole 

ipture  of  to  national 
^s  than  a  month  Vefore/ 
[is  official  report  of  the 

IS  list  of      •September!!?, 
^,     .  1814. 

to  their 

loyal  public  hastened 


Lnofr.etcsnyB:  "The  ^ 

Imoat  splendid  achievement  o( 

Ider  the  boldnesB  of  the  concep- 

Tor  the  ability  of  the  exccntloo. 

1  the  same  scale,  has  ever  wr- 

;  due  to  General  Brown.   The 

» that  the  conception,  plan,  "h" 

,Dmmmond,Scptembe.l»,16W. 
|e8  of  the  late  War,  page  .W. 

ims  of  warm  enlogy  of  his  «• 
|o  two  officers  of  the  grade,  he 
lore  to  the  safety  and  h.mor  of 

Ions,  and  enterprising,  died  as 
Lt  for  the  honor  of  his  counry 

Land  ««.".}*  will  live  tog* 

Iso  long  as  trae  heroism  is  hcM 


Honors  awarded  to  Qeneral  Brown.     The  Freedom  of  the  City  of  New  York  cuuferied  on  him.     The  Certificate,  etc. 

to  honor  thero  individually  and  collectively.     The  national  Congress,  by  a  resolu- 
tion, approved  by  the  President  of  the  Republic  on  the  3d  of  November," 
awarded  the  thanks  of  the  nation  and  a  gold  medal,  with  suitable  devices,  to 
each  of  the  general  officers.'    To  General  Brown,  of  whom  it  has  been  truthfully  said 


OBKEBAL  BBOWm'b  MKDAI.. 

that "  no  enterprise  undertaken  by  him  ever  failed,'"^  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of 
New  York  gave  him  the  honorary  privilege  of  the  freedom  of  the  city  in  a  gold  box  ;^ 

in  estimation."  The  general  not  only  admired  Wood  as  a  soldier,  bnt  loved  him  as  a  A-iend;  and  lie  caused  a  hand- 
fome  marble  monument  to  be  erected  at  West  Point  (see  opposite  page)  in  his  memory,  with  the  following  inscription 
npoD  it : 

Xorth  Side:  "  To  the  memory  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  E.  D.  Wood,  of  the  corps  of  Engineers,  who  fell  while  leading 
a  charge  at  the  sortie  of  Fort  Erie,  Upper  Canada,  17th  September,  1814,  in  the  thirty-flrst  year  of  his  age."  ffeat  Side : 
"He  was  exemplary  as  a  Cliristian,  and  distinguished  as  a  soldier."  South  Side:  "A  pupil  of  this  institution,  he  died 
an  honor  to  his  country."  Most  Side:  "  This  memorial  was  erected  by  bU  frltud  and  commander.  Major  Qeneral  Jacob 
Brown."  * 

On  the  uneven  liorth  slope  of  West  Point,  near  the  Laboratory  Buildings,  this  monoment  is  seen,  upon  a  grassy  knoll, 
eliooting  up  from  a  cluster  of  dark  evergreen  trees. 

1  On  one  side  of  the  commanding  general's  medal  is  the  bust  and  name  of  Major  General  Brown.  On  the  other  the 
Roman  fisccs.  Indicative  of  the  Union,  the  top  encircled  with  a  laurol  wreath,  from  which  arc  suspended  three  tablets 
tearing  the  inscriptions  ouippkwa,  niaqaba,  and  ebie,  surrounded  by  three  stands  of  British  colors.  Below  is  seen  a 
mortar,  cauuon-balls,  and  bomb-shells,  a:. a  in  front  of  all  is  the  American  eagle  with  wiu,;s  outspread  as  if  about  to  soar. 
Below  tliLse  are  the  names  and  dates  of  the  above  battles. 

» See  Mnmirs  qftM  QeneraU  and  Comviodoree,  and  other  Commanderi,  etc.,  of  the  American  Army  and  Navy,  by  Thomas 
Wyatt,  A.M.,  page  133. 

'  The  certificate  of  tho*.  freedom  and  the  gold  box  with 
wlilch  it  was  presented  arc  in  the  possession  of  his  widow, 
yet  (18u7)  living.  The  box,  delineated  in  the  engraving,  is 
of  fine  gold,  elliptical  In  form,  three  inches  in  length,  two 
and  a  half  in  width,  and  three  fourths  of  nn  Inch  In  depth. 
On  the  under  sldo  of  th>.'  lid  is  the  following  inscription: 
"The  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York  to  Major  Qcn- 
ersJ  Jacob  Brown,  in  testimony  of  the  high  sense  they  enter 
tain  of  his  valor  and  skill  in  defeating  the  British  forces,  su- 
perior in  number,  at  the  battles  of  Chippewa  and  Bridgewa- 
ter,on  the  6th  and  26th  of  July,  1814." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  certificate,  or  diploma  <en- 
•Irely  exocuted  with  a  pen),  giving  General  Brown  the  free- 
ilom  of  the  city  of  New  York.  At  the  head  is  a  fancy  design 
of  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  and  then  the  word" : 

"To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  De  Witt  Clin- 
ton, Esq.,  Mayor,  and  the  Aldermen  of  the  City  of  New  York, 
rend  greeting :  At  a  meeting  of  the  Common  Council,  held 
at  the  Common  Council  Chamber  in  the  City  Hall  of  the  City 
of  New  York,  the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously 
agreed  to : 

"'Whereas  the  Corporation*  of  the  city  entertains  the  most 
lively  eenee  of  the  late  brilliant  achievements  of  Qeneral  Jacob  Brown  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  consi(<8rtng  them  as 

•  Bere  is  inserted  a  device  of  a  spread  eagle  In  the  middle ;  an  ancient  war-chariot  on  the  right  j  cannon,  flag,  and 
dram  on  the  left. 


ORNKRAI.  UBOWM  B  00U>  BOX, 


l^l 


'H 


p 

1 

\'i'\ 


mi 


842 


PICTCBIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Medal  awarded  to  Generals  Porter  and  Ripley  by  Congress. 


Ripley  honored  by  Gifts  from  several  States. 


not  long  after  the  National  Congress  voted  him  a  medal.  An  elegant  sword  was 
also  presented  to  him  by  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  governor  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in 
the  name  of  that  commonwealth.' 

To  Generals  Porter''*  and  Ripley,^  as  well  as  to  Scott,  Gaines,  and  Miller,  as  we  liave 
already  observed,  the  National  Congress  awarded  the  thanks  of  the  nation,  and  a  gift 
^»-  __  of  a  gold  medal  to  each ;  and  to  Ripley  the  States  of  New 

L^t   Ci/t/iy^'M.''^  York,  Massachusetts,  South  Carolina,  and  Georgia  each 
^         ^    gave  expression  of  approbation,  and  visible  honorary  to- 
kens of  their  appreciation  of  his  services.     The  spirits  of  all  the  general  officers  in 


OENKBAL  POBTEB'b  MEDAL. 


proud  evidences  of  the  skill  and  intrepidity  of  the  hero  of  Chippewa  and  his  brave  companions  in  arms,  and  affording 
ample  proof  of  the  suporior  valor  of  our  hardy  farmers  over  the  veteran  legions  of  the  enemy, 

" '  Resolved,  That,  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  a  gallant  officer'  and  his  intrepid  associates,  who  have  added  such  Instre 
to  our  arms,  the  freedom  of  the  city  of  New  York  be  presented  to  General  Jacob  Brown,  that  his  portrait  be  obtained 
and  placed  iu  the  gallery  of  portraits  belonging  to  this  city.t  and  that  the  thanks  of  this  Corporation  be  tendered  to  the 
officers  and  men  under  his  command.' 
"  Know  ye  that  Jacob  Brown,  Esquire,  is  admitted  and  allowed  a  freeman  and  a  citizen  of  the  said  city,  to  have,  to 
hold,  to  use,  and  enjoy  the  freedom  of  the  city,  together  with  all  the  benefits,  privileges, 
franchises,  and  immunities  whatsoever  granted  or  belonging  to  the  saiu  city. 
"  By  order  of  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen. 
"  In  testimony  whereof  the  said  Mayor  and  Aldermen  have  cansed  the  seal  of  the  said  city 
to  be  hereunto  affixed. 

"  (Witness),  De  Witt  Clinton,  Esquire,  Mayor,  the  fourth  day  of  February,  in  the  year 
of  onr  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifteen,  and  of  the  Independence  and  Sover- 
eignty of  the  United  States  the  .SOth. 


"J.  MoETON,  C'crk." 

'  The  following  inscription  is  trpon  the  scabbard ; 

"  Presented  by  his  Excellercy  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York,  pursuant  to  resolutions  of  the 
Senate  and  Assembly  of  the  said  stnte,  as  a  testimony  of  gratitude,  to  Major  General  Jacob  Brown,  for  his  eminent 
services,  and  as  a  memorial  of  the  repeated  victories  obtained  by  him  over  the  enemies  of  his  coun'ry."  On  the  other 
side,  "  Major  General  Jacob  Brown,  U.  S.  Army." 

»  On  one  side  of  Porter's  medal  is  his  bust  in  profile,  name,  and  title,  and  on  the  other  the  figure  of  Victory,  stand- 
ing, 'aolrting  in  one  hand  a  palm  branch  and  wreath,  and  in  the  other  three  little  flags,  on  which  are  the  names  respeot- 
ively  of  eiiirpEWA,  niaoaba,  and  eeie.  Sitting  near,  the  Muse  of  History  is  recording  the  events.  Around  are  the 
words  "  eesolution  of  oonobksb,  November  8, 1S14,"  and  below  the  names  and  dates  of  the  three  battles. 

'  On  one  side  of  Ripley's  medal  is  his  bust,  r.anie,  and  title  in  profile ,  and  on  the  other  a  figure  of  Victory  holding  np 
a  tablet  amf-.ig  the  branches  of  a  palm-tree,  inscribed  with  the  words  ouippewa,  niaoaba,  and  ebie.  In  her  right 
hand,  which  is  hanging  by  bar  side,  are  seen  a  trumpet  and  a  laurel  wreath,  and  around  the  whole  and  below,  the  same 
inscriptions  as  upon  Porter's  medal. 

EieaTer  Wheelock  Ripley  was  bom  in  Hano^  er,  New  Hampshire,  in  1T82,  and  was  a  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Whee- 
lock(w)  ose  name  be  bore),  the  fbnnder  of  Dartmouth  College.    He  was  a  lineal  descendant  of  Miles  Standish.  Hewa.< 


•  Here  is  a  monument  with  memorial  nm.    On  one  side  a  woman  with  a  wreath,  about  to  crown  it ;  on  the  other  a 
woman  on  one  knee  inscribing  on  the  monument,  and  back  o/  her  a  tent, 
t  This  portrait,  a  copy  of  which  may  be  seen  on  page  608,  is  in  the  Uovemor's  Room  In  the  City  Hall,  Wew  York.    , 


|: 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


843 


ly  Gifts  from  eeveral  States. 


Bat  few  of  the  Army  uf  the  Niagara  now  alive. 


Two  remarkable  Survivors. 


How  they  were  wonnded. 


,6  caused  the  seal  of  the  Bald  cltj 


OINEBAI.  BtPLET'S   MEDAL. 

the  Arniy  of  Niagara  at  that  tir  le,  and  of  nearly  all  of  the  subordinate  officers,  h".v^ 
passed  away  from  earth,  but  their  memories  are  clicrished  with  honor  and  affection. 
And  of  all  the  rank  and  file  of  that  army,  whose  existence  as  an  organization  ended 
soon  after  the  siege  and  defense  of  Fort  Erie,  very  few  remain  among  us,  and  these 
are  men  "with  the  snow  that  never  melts"  upon  their  heads.  Fifty-three  yeais  or 
more  have  elapsed  since  they  were  there  in  arms  for  their  country.' 
Major  Geneial  George  Izard,  who  was  in  command  on  Lake  Champlain,  having,  as 

educated  at  Dartmouth,  and  was  graduated  in  the  year  180O.  He  adopted  law  as  a  profession,  and  in  180T  was  elected 
aracmber  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature,  he  being  a  resident  of  Winslow,  in  that  state.  He  succeeded  the  late  Judge 
Story  as  its  speaker.  He  entered  the  army  as  lieutenant  colonel  of  infantry  in  March,  1812.  He  rose  to  brigadier  gen- 
eral in  the  spring  of  1814,  and  was  breveted  major  general  for  his  gallant  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Niagara.  He  was 
severely  wounded  at  Fort  Erie,  when  he  was  removed  to  Buffalo.  For  three  months  his  life  was  despaired  of.  He  was 
a  brave,  eltillful,  and  patriotic  soldier.  He  did  not  do  himself  or  his  country  justice  on  the  Niagara  frontier  owing  to 
a  very  serious  misunderstanding  between  himself  and  General  Brown,  which  became  an  open  quarrel  after  the  war. 
General  Ripley  was  retained  in  the  army  at  its  reduction,  but  resigned  in  1820.  He  became  a  resident  of  Louisiana,  and 
represented  that  state  in  Congress.    He  died  at  West  Feliciana  on  the  2d  of  March,  18iiB,  at  the  age  of  flfty-scveii  years. 

I  Tliere  are  two  survivors  of  that  army  yet  (18CT)  living  with  whom  I  have  had  correspondence,  who  are  worthy  of  no- 
tice here  because  of  their  remarkable  escapes  from  death,  having  been  wounded  so  desperately  that  no  hope  could  have 
been  entertained  of  their  recovery.  Yet  for  over  fifty  years  since  they  have  lived  as  B'<eful  members  of  society.  I  refer 
to  Robert  White,  of  Morrlsson,  Whiteside  County,  Illinois,  and  Jabez  Fisk,  mentioned  in  note  2,  page  835,  living  near 
Adrian,  Michigan.  The  former  had  both  arms  shot  off  above  the  elbows,  and  the  latter  was  shot  through  the  neck  and 
cast  upon  a  brush-heap  as  a  dead  man.  White  was  wonnded  on  the  evening  of  the  15th  of  Angust,  Fisk  during  the  sor- 
tie on  the  17th  of  September.  "  Just  at  twilight,"  says  White,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  (Lorenzo  D.  Johnson),  "  as  my  arms 
were  extended  in  the  act  of  lifting  a  vessel  on  the  fire,  a  24-pounder  came  booming  over  the  ramparts  and  struck  off 
both  my  arms  above  my  elbows!  The  blow  struck  me  so  numb  that  at  first  I  did  not  know  what  had  happened,  and 
liie  dust  and  ashes  raised  by  the  force  of  the  ball  so  filled  my  face  that  I  could  not  see.  My  left  arm,  as  I  was  subse- 
quently informed,  was  carried  from  my  body  some  two  rods,  and  struck  a  man  in  his  back  with  such  force  as  nearly 
brought  him  to  the  ground.  This  same  shot  tftok  off  the  right  arm  of  another  soldier  standing  not  far  from  me,  and, 
passing  on  to  the  other  side  of  the  encampment,  killed  three  men !  It  was  the  most  destructive  shot  of  any  that  the 
enemy  sent  into  onr  works." 

Fisk,  who  was  \vith  General  Porter,  says  in  a  letter  to  me  in  May,  1803,  "  Immediately  after  attacking  the  block-house 
General  Porter  was  taken  prisoner.  The  companies  of  Captains  Harding  [In  which  Fisk  was]  and  Hall  rushed  forward 
and  retook  him.  In  this  manoeuvre  I  was  shot  through  the  neck.  The  ball  passed  between  the  windpipe  and  the  gul- 
let, cutting  both.  Passing  obliquely  it  came  out  near  the  backbone.  I  fell  as  if  dead.  All  appeared  dark  as  midnight. 
I  was  conscious,  but  thought  I  was  dead  and  in  the  other  world.  I  was  thrown  on  a  brush-heap,  and  shonld  have  found 
a  final  resting-place  in  a  mud-hole  near  by  had  not  dolomon  Westbrook,  a  member  of  our  company,  discovered  and 
laiien  me  to  the  fort.'"* 

•  When  the  surgeons  dressed  Mr.  Fl  ik's  wounds  they  had  no  idea  that  he  would  survive  until  morning ;  bnt  he  rap- 
idly recovered.  He  wns  taken  to  the  i  eneral  hospital  at  Willlamsville,  and  then  to  Bntavin,  where  he  was  discharged, 
ind,  weak  and  penniless,  started  for  hi  i  home  in  Tlogn  County,  New  York.  He  worked  and  begged  his  way.  He  was 
.ifterwiird  pensioned,  and  received  hou  <ty-land.  On  the  latter  he  settled,  and  now  owns  it.  He  was  bom  in  Franklin 
County,  Massachusetts,  and  Is  the  son  o,  a  Revolutionary  soldier.  His  family  moved  to  Albany  in  1802,  and  soon  aft- 
erward fettled  in  Tiopt  Connty.  Ther;  he  enlisted  ',n  Coptaln  Harding's  company,  under  General  Porter.  He  was 
with  the  Army  of  the  Niagara  during  f'lc  entire  campaign  of  1814  until  he  was  woimded.  He  was  present  when  Gen- 
eral Swift  was  shot  at  Port  George,  '..id  assisted  in  carrying  him  back  to  Qneenston.  "  Every  member  of  Captain  Hard- 
iiiE's  company  is  in  heaven,"  Mr  /Isk  writes  in  a  letter  to  me  In  May,  ISG),  "excepting  Solomon  Westbrook  and  my- 
self." He  visited  Mr.  Westbrool  ,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  In  1502.  They  had  not  met  since  the  latter  bore  young 
Fisk  from  the  battle-field.    Mr.  I  sk  Is  now  nearly  eighty  years  of  age,  and  Is  full  of  vigor  of  body  and  mind. 


:is; 


11  i 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Robert  White,  an  armlesa  Soldier. 


Qeneral  Izard  sends  Troops  to  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


i 

'     I 

1 

i 

1  ■■( 

•i    '    ^ 

!■     fjiHf 

.1     1 

-* 

i 

'i 

['- 


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■ 

iv 

ill 

ii 

1 

.-.  —  ,  i. 

II 

i 

-t'l 

r  1  i|,i' 

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J 

F'  J     ' 

V 

he  believed,  a  competent  force  to  protect  that  frontier,  moved  toward  Sackett's  Har- 
bor early  in  September,  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  with  about  four 
thousand  troops,  either  to  divert  the  British  from  their  evident  purpose  of  heavily 
re-enforcing  Drummond,  by  menacing  Kingston  and  the  St.  Lawrence  communica- 
tion with  Montreal,  or  moving  on  to  the  aid  of  General  Brown.     At  the  Harbor  lie 
received  a  letter  from  the  laitei',  dated  the  10th  of  September,*  stating  the  ef- 
fective force  on  the  Niagara  frontier  to  be  not  much  more  than  two  thousaiid 
men,  and  urging  him  to  move  on  with  his  troops  and  form  a  junction  with  the  Array 
of  the  Niagara  at  Buffalo.    Porter,  be  said,  would  probably  raise  three  thousand  vol 
unteer  recruits ;  but,  said  he, "  I  will  not  conceal  from  you  that  I  consider  the  fatt 
of  this  army  very  doubtful  unless  speedy  relief  is  afforded." 
Izard's  division  arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbor  on  the  very  day  of  the  successful  sor- 
tie at  Fort  Erie,''  and  at  the  same  time  he  received  a  dispatch  from  Gen. 
eral  Macomb  giving  an  inspiriting  account  of  the  repulse  of  the  British 
from  Plattsburg.     He  at  once  resolved  to  move  westward,  and  on  the  2l8t  he  em- 
barked on  Chauncey's  fleet  twenty-five  hundred  infantry,  at  the  same  time  directing 
his  mounted  and  dismounted  dragoons  and  light  artillery  to  move  by  land  by  way 
of  Onondaga. 


'  September  IT. 


White  was  then  about  twenty  years  of  age.  His  vounda 
were  dressed  by  the  late  Dr.  Simon  Hunt,*  of  Rochester, 
New  York,  and  a  week  afterward  be  was  taker  to  Buffalo 
nud  placed  in  the  care  of  Jeremiah  Johnson,  who  .  ;aa  then 
in  charge  of  the  hospital  at  that  place.  That  kind-hearted 
gentleman  nursed  him  tenderly  and  became  his  benefac- 
tor, and  be  was  chiefly  instrumental  in  procuring  for  the 
maimed  young  soldier  a  generous  life-pension  of  four  hand- 
red  and  eighty  dollars  a  year.  After  the  war  he  settled  in 
Vermont  and  married  the  widowed  daughter  of  Mr.  John- 
son (whose  young  husband  was  killed  at  Fort  Erie),  who 
is  still  (1867)  his  excellent  companion.  They  are  the  pa- 
rents of  a  large  family,  ail  of  whom  are  ueefUl  members 
of  society  in  the  West.  Three  of  their  sons  are  eminent 
ministers  of  the  Gospel. 

Mr.  White  contrived  on  opparatus,  composed  of  a  pen 
fixed  In  a  triangular  piece  of  wood,  by  which,  holding  it 
between  his  teeth,  he  was  soon  enabled  to  write  not  only 
with  facility,  but  with  remarkable  clearness.  His  penman- 
ship failed  in  excellence  only  when  he  lost  his  teeth.  I 
give  below  a  fac-slmlle  of  a  part  of  a  note  written  to  me  in 
March,  1800,  and  a  part  of  a  letter  written  twenty  years  be- 
fore, to  which  he  alludes.  He  has  always  worn  tin  arms  and 
bands,  so  that,  with  long-sleeved  coats,  a  stranger  would 
not  detect  his  mutilation.  The  engraving  was  made  from 
a  daguerreotype  kindly  procured  for  rae  by  L.  D.  Johnson, 
Esq.,  of  Washington  City,  son  of  the  benefactor  of  Mr. 
White  already  mentioned. 


BOUEET  WHITE. 


FAC-siMii.R  OR  white's  wbitino  im  1840  Ann  1800. 


*  Doctor  Hnnt  »~.8  a  pioneer  settler  at  Rochester,  where  he  lived  fifty-three  years  as  a  practicing  physician,   lie  died 
on  the  I2tb  of  April,  1864,  in  the  seventy-ninth  year  of  his  age. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


846 


pg  to  the  Niagara  Frontier. 


^  Jy^. 


npr^otlclngphy»lelftn-  Ucdlcd 


Icard  takes  Comi-»nd  of  the  Army  of  ine  Niagara.        He  asanmen  the  oirenstvc.        BIssell'B  Victory  at  Lyon'a  Creek. 

Izard  and  his  infantry  reached  tlie  Genesee  River  on  the  21st,  where  they  dis- 
embarked the  next  day,  TJiey  could 
not  commence  their  march  until  the 
24th,  \\\\KV.  they  moved  slowly,  it  being 
■wilderness  most  of  the  way,  and  heavy 
rains  were  falling.  They  finally  arrived 
at  Lewiston  on  the  6th  of  October ;  and 
80  unexpected  was  their  appearance  to 
the  enemy  that,  if  they  could  have  pro- 
cured boats,  they  might  have  surprised 
and  captured  a  British  battalion  at 
Queenston.  On  that  evening  Izard  was 
visited  by  Generals  Brown  and  Porter. 
His  design  was  to  attack  Fort  Niagara, 
but  it  was  agreed  to  form  a  junction  of 
the  two  armies  southward  of  Chippewa. 
Izard  moved  np  to  Black  Rock,  crossed 
there  on  the  10th  and  11th,  and  en- 
camped two  miles  north  of  Fort  Erie. 
Ranking  General  Brown,  he  assumed 
chief  command  of  the  combined  forces, 
and  the  latter  retired  to  his  old  post  at 
Sackett's  Harbor. 

General  Izard  was  soon  in  command 
of  almost  eight  thousand  troops,  and  prepared  to  march  upon  Drummond.  Leaving 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Hindman  and  a  sufficient  garrison  to  hold  Fort  Erie,  he  moved 
with  his  array  toward  Chippewa,  and  vainly  endeavored  to  draw  the  enemy  out.  lie 
was  informed  that  there  was  a  considerable  quantity  of  grain  belonging  to  the  Brit- 
ish at  Cook's  Mill,  on  Lyon's  Creek,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  1 8th  of  October  he 
sent  General  Bissell,  with  about  nine  hundred  of  his  own  brigade,  a  company  of  rifle- 
men under  Captain  Irvine,  and  a  squadron  of  dragoons  commanded  by  Captain  An- 
spaugh,  with  instructions  to  capture  or  destroy  it.  They  reached  the  vicinity  of 
the  mill  that  night,  and  encamped.  Two  companies,  under  Captain  Dorman  and  Lieu- 
tennnt  Horrel,  with  Irvine's  riflemen,  were  sent  across  the  creek  as  pickets  for  the  se- 
curity of  the  main  body,  and  Lieutenant  Gassaway,^  at  the  head  of  a  small  party,  was 
posted  still  more  in  advance,  on  the  Chippewa  Road.  At  midnight  a  detachment  of 
Glengary  infantry  attacked  these  pickets,  and  were  repulsed ;  and  early  in  the  morn- 
ing Colonel  Murray,  with  detachments  from  three  regular  regiments,  the  Glengary 
infantry,  some  dragoons  and  rocketeers,  and  a  field-piece,  renewed  the  attack.  For 
fifteen  minutes  these  gallant  few  of  Bissell's  men  maintained  their  ground,  when  his 
main  body  came  up  to  their  support.  Colonel  Pinckney,  with  his  Fifth  Regiment, 
was  ordered  to  turn  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  and  cit  ofl^  his  field-piece,  while 
Major  Barnard  advanced  in  front  with  instructions  to  make  free  use  of  the  bayonet. 
These  orders  were  quickly  and  eflectively  carried  into  execution,  and,  after  some  very 
sharp  fighting  by  both  parties,  the  British  fell  back  in  confusion  and  .led,  leaving  their 
killed  and  many  of  their  wounded  in  the  field,  with  a  few  prisoners.  The  fugitives 
were  pursued  some  distance,  when  Bissell  called  back  his  men.  The  British  fled  to 
the  main  camp  at  Chippewa,  and  the  Americans  destroyed  about  two  hundred  bush- 
els of  wheat  at  the  mill.  The  loss  of  the  former  was  not  exactly  ascertained,  but 
is  supposed  to  have  been  about  one  hundred  and  fifly  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prison- 
ers. The  Americans  lost  twelve  killed,  fifty-four  wounded,  including  five  officers,  and 
one  man  mad  -  prisoner.  Satisfied  that  he  could  not  withstand  the  increased  power 
I  Jubn  Oaseaway  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  oerred  with  honor  during  the  whole  war. 


•■rv 


HI 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Furt  Erie  blowD  up.       Disposition  of  tlie  Troopa.       Commodore  Cliamplln. 


of  the  Aiiny  of  Niagara,  phy»ically  and  morally,  Druramond  now  fell  back  to  Fort 
George  and  Burlington  Heights.' 

General  Izard  clearly  perceived  that  farther  offensive  operations  on  the  peninsula 
so  lato  in  the  season  would  be  imprudent,  and  perhaps  extremely  perilous  to  lils 
army.  He  fell  back  from  Street's  Creek  to  the  Black  Rock  Ferry.  Soon  afterward 
the  whole  army  crossed  to  the  American  side  and  abandoned  Canada.  General  Win- 
der, who  had  lately  arrived  from  Baltimore,  led  General  Brown's  infantry  to  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor.  About  a  thousand  men  were  sent  to  Grcenbush,  opposite  Albany,  on 
the  Hudson  ;  some  of  the  troops  commenced  the  erection  of  huts  for  winter  quarteni, 
and  the  remainder,  excepting  the  Seventeenth  and  Nineteenth  Regiments  under  Gen- 
eral Miller,  who  went  to  Erie,  were  cantoned  in  that  vicinity.^  Knowing  Fort  Erie 
to  be  of  little  service,  Izard,  after  consulting  Major  Totten,  of  the  Engineers,  and  oth- 
ers, caused  it  to  be  mined,  and  on  the  6th  of  November  it  Avas  blown  np  and  laid  iu 
ruins.     So  it  has  remained  until  now.' 


KUIN8  OF  rOBT  EBIE,  1860. 

I  was  at  Fort  Erie  and  other  distinguished  places  near,  and  in  Buffalo,  a  day  or  two 
before  I  visited  the  battle-grounds  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara  in  August,  1 860.  It  was 
my  good  fortune  to  have  the  company,  on  that  occasion,  of  the  venerable  and  war- 
scarred  soldier  of  1812,  Captain  (now  Commodore)  Stephen  Charaplin,  of  the  U.'iitcd 
States  Navy,  whose  gallant  exploits  on  Lake  Erie  with  the  brave  Perry  have  been 
already  recorded  in  this  work.*  When  he  learned  my  errand  he  seemed  to  forget  his 
painful  wound,  unhealed  since  he  received  it  in  the  naval  service  in  1814,  and,  order- 

1  General  Izard's  Official  Correspondence,  page  101 ;  Genera!  Bissell's  Beport  to  General  Izard,  October  22, 1814;  Ii- 
ard's  General  Order,  October  2a,  1S14. 

>  To  cover  and  protect  the  stores  at  Bntavia,  Major  Helms  was  stationed  there  with  a  battalion  of  dismonntcd  dra- 
goons. Lieutenant  Colonel  Enstls,  witb  a  battalion  of  light  artillery,  was  stationed  at  Willlamsvllle  to  gnard  the  er 
tensive  hospital  there.  Colonel  Ball's  sqnadron  of  dragoons  were  stationed  on  the  Genesee  River,  near  the  villafrcol 
Avon,  for  the  convenience  of  forage ;  and  the  whole  of  the  remaining  infantry  were  cantoned  on  the  margin  of  the  wi- 
ter  between  Buffalo  and  Black  Rock.— Izard'e  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  November  26, 1814. 

'  Our  engraving  shows  the  appearance  of  the  ruins  of  Fort  Erie  from  Towson's  Battery  on  the  sonthweatem  angle, 
looking  toward  Buffalo,  which  is  seen  in  the  extreme  distance  toward  the  right.  The  woter  in  the  foreground  Is  in  thf 
ditch.  This  was  its  appearance  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  1860.  The  main  portion  of  the  ruins, 'seen  toward  the  n!:lii. 
w'th  windows,  Is  that  of  the  mess-house  built  by  the  British.  This  was  not  fortified  by  them,  hut  was  intrenched  by  Iht 
Avnericans.  On  the  left  is  seen  the  riitos  of  the  magazine,  between  which  and  the  met s-honse  a  portion  of  Bufalo  ap- 
pears. Jnst  back  of  Towson's  Battery,  a  part  of  which  U  seen  in  the  foregroimd  on  the  kft,  Lieutenant  Colouel  DrniU' 
mond  and  others  were  buried. 

«  See  Chapter  XXIV.,  and  his  portrait  and  biography  on  page  628. 


OF   THE    WAR   OF   1812. 


847 


Commodore  Champlln. 


(V  fell  back  to  Fort 

ns  on  the  peninsula 
lely  perilous  to  \m 
•y.     Soon  afterward 
lada.     General  Win- 
's infantry  to  Sack- 
opposite  Albany, on 
1  for  winter  qiiarteri*, 
egiments  under  (Icn- 
Knowing  Fort  Erio 
e  Engineers,  and  oth- 
blown  up  and  laid  in 


In  Buffalo,  a  day  or  two 
\i  August,  1860.  It  was 
[be  venerable  and  war- 
kamplin,  of  the  United 
Lrave  Perry  ha\el)ecii 
|he  seemed  to  forget  his 
ace  in  1814,  and,  order- 


\xer%\  Uftrd,  October  22, 1814;  U- 

It  a  battalion  of  dismounted  dra- 
ft WilllamBvUle  to  guard  the  ex- 
lenesec  River,  near  the  vlUapeoi 
Intoned  on  the  margin  of  the  wJ- 
ler  26, 1814. 

Ittery  on  the  sonthwestcm  angle. 
1  water  in  the  foreground  is  in  tbf 
Vthe  nilns,-8een  toward  tlicneht. 
I  them,  but  was  Intrenched  Ijyihe 
tfs-houBe  a  portion  of  Buffalo  ap- 
Ee  left.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Drnm- 


lOUT    KBIE   M11.1.H,  FOKT   KUIE. 


VUitto  Fort  Krie  and  historic  Places  In  and  near  Buffalo.    Veteran*  of  the  War  In  that  City.    Forent  Lawn  Cemetery. 

ing  his  light  carriage,  he  took  mo  to  every  jilaco  of  interest  to  the  historian,  the  stu- 
dent, and  the  stranger, 

Wc  finst  rode  to  F'ort  Eric,  crossing  the  head  of  the  swift-flowing  Niagara  River  from 
the  Frontier  Mills  at  the  old  Black  Rock  Ferry  to  tlie  village  of  F'ort  Erie,  which  was 
once  called  Waterloo.  Tlic  ruins  of  the  fort  are  some  distance  up  tlie  Canada  slittre 
from  the  village.  On  our  way  we  passed  old  Fort  Erie  Miil,  on  the  margin  of  tiic 
foot  of  the  lake,  which 

stood  there  during  the  ,.= 

war,  as  many  scars  and 
ball-holes  still  in  its  clap- 
boards fully  attest.  On 
the  left  of  the  mill,  delin- 
eated in  the  engraving, 
across  the  river,  upon  a 
high  bank,  is  seen  F'ort 
Porter,  and  in  the  ex- 
treme distance  on  the 
right  is  seen  the  wharf 
of  the  Buffalo  and  Lake 
Huron  Railway  Company.  On  our  right,  as  we  passed  on  to  the  fort,  an  elevated 
ridge  was  pointed  out,  on  which  the  British  batteries  were  erected  for  the  siege  of 
Fort  Erie.  No.  1  (see  map  on  page  839),  nearest  the  fort,  was  on  property  belonging 
to  Captain  Murray,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  and  No.  2  on  the  promisee  of  Mr.  Thompson. 
I  did  not  ascertain  on  whose  land  were  the  mounds  of  No.  3.  The  ruins  of  all  were 
quite  prominent. 

We  spent  about  two  hours  in  the  hot  sun  on  the  site  of  Fort  Erie  and  the  battles, 
examining  the  theatre  of  scenes  described  in  this  chapter,  and  sketching  some  of  the 
ruins;  and,  returning  to  Black  Ro^l^,  we  visited  the  site  of  the  old  navy  yard,^  a  lit- 
tle way  up  Shogeoquady  Creek,  and  called  on  the  venerable  James  Sloan,  the  last  sur- 
^  vivor  of  the  captors  of  the  Caledo- 

^^  Cy  ^/^  P         '^^^  ^"'^  Adams  in  the  aritumn  of 

CJyCt/yyl-^     %7^^r!^0 Ci'^'y^     ^/^J'J'V-   I8I2.2    He  was  then  past  sevcnty- 
^^  one  years  of  age.     From  his  lips  we 

lieard  an  interesting  narrative  of  some  of  the  events  of  that  daring  enterprise,  illus- 
trative of  the  courage,  fortitude,  and  skill  of  the  actors. 

Leaving  Mr.  Sloan,  we  rode  to  the  office  of  Dr.  Trowbridge,  of  whom  I  have  already 
spoken  as  a  phyoician  in  Buffalo  when  the  Bi'itish  destroyed  it.  lie  was  seventy-five 
years  of  age,  yet  vigorous  in  mind  and  body.  He  gave  us  some  interesting  particu- 
lars of  his  own  experience,  and  the  bravery  of  the  widow  St.  John.  His  son  accom- 
])anied  us  to  the  room  of  the  City  Councils,  where  wc  saw  the  portrait  of  Mrs.  Mer- 
rill (Miss  Ransom),  who  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  Western  New  York,  on  the 
domain  of  the  Holland  Land  Purchase.  At  a  late  hour  we  returned,  heated  and 
weary,  to'the  delightful  residence  of  Captain  Champlin,  in  the  midst  of  gardens,  and 
dined.  There  I  saw  the  elegant  straight  sword  presented  to  the  hero,^  and  the  rich- 
ly-caived  easy-chair  made  of  the  wood  of  the  Lawrence^  Perry's  flag-ship,  delineated 

on  page  542. 
On  the  following  morning"  I  rode  out  with  Captain  Champlin  to  a  beau-    ■  Angnst  i6, 

tiful  depository  of  the  dead  in  the  suburbs  of  Buffalo,  called  Forest  Lawn        '^^'^■ 

Cemetery.     The  ground  is  pleasantly  undulating,  is  much  covered  with  trees  of  the 

primeval  forest,  and  is  really  a  delightful  resort  during  the  heats  of  summer  for  those 

'  See  page  385.  '  See  page  380. 

'  The  following  is  the  inscription  on  one  side  of  the  blade  of  the  sword :  "  Stephen  Champlin,  Actino  Sailins  Mab- 
TiB, L\KK  Eeik,  10th  Skptkmbes,  1818."    On  the  other  side,  "  Ai.tics  ibdnt  <jue  ad  sumna  niiunteb." 


Ill 


!:|' 


iii 


hit;'i   .! 


''  *  111 


848 


PICTOlllAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Buldlera'  Mo  iiiment. 


Other  HonumenU,  sod  luwriptloni  on  them. 


^■Jn*.  ■ 


who  are  not  saddened  by  the  sight  of  graves. 
There,  in  an  elevated  open  Hpaco,  within 
ground  one  hundred  loot  Hiiuare,  Hliglitly  j^. 
closed,  stands  a  fine  monument  of  nmrlilo, 
twenty-two  feet  in  height,  whi<th  was  eroctcd 
by  the  corporate  authorities  of  Buffalo  in  tlic 
autumn  of  1852  in  commemoration  of  several 
officers  of  the  United  States  Army  who  were 
engaged  in  the  War  of  1812;  also  oj'a  cele- 
brated Indian  chief,  and  to  mark  the  Hpot 
where  the  remains  of  over  one  thousand  per- 
sons, which  were  removed  from  the  city,  lie 
buricd.i  Near  the  nonumcnt  (and  seen  in  tlic 
foreground  on  the  right)  is  a  tomb  of  brick, 
bearing  a  recumbent  slab  of  marble,  over  the 
grave  of  Captain  Williams,  who  \ayt  liis  life  at 
Fort  Erie.  The  inscription  on  it  is  historical 
and  briefly  biographical.^  Southward  of  this 
is  a  handsomely-carved  slab,  lying  on  the  ground,  placed  there  in  commemoration  of 
a  Connectic\it  soldier  killed  in  the  battle  of  Niagara.^  Northeasterly  of  the  monu- 
racnt  is  .-inother  slab,  over  the  grave  of  Captain  Wattles  ;*  and  south  of  it  is  another 
over  the  grave  of  Captain  Dox.* 

Not  far  from  this  public  monument,  on  a  gentle,  shaded  slope,  is  the  grave  of  Gen- 
eral Bennet  Riley,  who  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  1812,  and  was  distinguished  in 
the  Seminole  War  and  the  contest  with  Mexico,  Over  it  is  a  handsome  marble  mon- 
ument, bearing  a  brief  inscription.^     Near  this,  in  the  cool  shadows  of  the  treei,  we 


BOI.IIIEBS    ao.Nl'MllNT. 


'  The  folloM'Ing  are  the  insicriptinns  on  the  monument :  feat  Side.— "In  memory  of  Major  Lodowick  Morgn\'  *  Captain 
Alexander  Williams,  Captain  Joseph  Kenney,  Captain  Simeon  D.  Wattles,  Captain  Myndert  M.  Dox,  and  Sergeant  Tay- 
lor,t  officers  of  the  United  States  Army,  who  were  engaged  in  the  War  of  1S12."  North  .S'l'rfc.—"  farmer's  Brother, 
Chief  of  the  Seneca  Nation  of  Indiius."}  South  Side — "The  remains  of  1168  persons  are  bnried  in  this  lot,  all  of  wlilch 
were  removed  from  the  old  bnriai-gronnd  on  the  west  side  of  Delaware  Street,  between  Church  and  Eagle  Street*,  in 
the  city  of  Buffalo."  East  Side.— "  Erected  Octobe  ,  18B2,  by  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Buffalo— Uiram  Bar- 
ton, Mayor." 

»  The  following  Is  a  copy  of  the  inscription :  "  Sacred  to  the  rae'^'ir-  of  Captain  Alexander  John  Williams,  of  the 
Twcnty-flrst  Regiment  United  States  Artillery,  son  of  Ocneral  Jonui.hHii>  and  Marianne  Williams,  of  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, who  was  killed  In  the  night  attack  by  the  British  on  For".  Erie,  August  l-t-15, 1814.  In  the  midst  of  the  con- 
flict, a  lighted  port-flre  In  fi-ont  of  the  enemy  enabled  them  to  direct  their  fire  with  great  precision  upon  his  company. 
lie  sprang  forward,  cut  it  off  with  his  sword,  and  fell  mortally  wounded  by  a  musket-ball.  lie  eacriflced  himself  lo 
save  his  men.    Born  October  10, 1700.    Died  August  IB,  1814.    Fratri  Dilecto." 

>  His  name  is  on  the  monument.  The  following  inscription  is  on  the  slab:  "Memorial  tribute  to  Joseph  Rlnney,of 
Norwich,  Connecticnt,  senior  captain  in  the  Twenty-flfth  Regiment  United  States  Army,  shot  through  the  breast  althf 
battle  of  Bridgewater,  July  25, 1814.  To  the  friendship  of  George  Colt,  Esq.,  his  relatives  are  indebted  for  his  burial «; 
this  place.    Erected  by  a  brother,  July,  1829. 

«  Ills  name  is  on  the  monument.  The  following  is  the  Inscription  on  the  slab :  "In  memory  of  Captain  Simeon  I). 
Wattles,  of  the  United  States  Army,  who  g  killed  In  the  memorable  sortie  of  Fort  Erie  on  the  17th  of  September, 
1814,  M.  33  years.  As  a  Christian,  he  was  pious  and  exemplary ;  as  a  Soldier,  brave  and  magnanimous ;  as  a  Cltiseo, 
benevolent  and  sincere."    Below  this  was  a  verse  of  poetry,  but  it  was  too  much  effaced  to  be  deciphered. 

'His  name  is  on  the  monument.  The  following  Is  the  inscription  on  tho  slab :  "  The  grave  of  Myndert  M.  Dox,  late 
captain  In  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  Uni'ed  States  Army,  son  of  Peter  and  Catbalina  Dox,  of  Albany.  Bom  JanaarjO, 
1790.    Died  September  a,  1830,  in  the  forty-flrst  year  of  his  age." 

•  The  following  is  tho  inscription:  "Major  General  Bennet  Rlley, United  States  Army.  Died  June  9, 1853, in  tk 
sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age." 

General  Riley  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  entered  the  army  as  ensign  in  a  rifle  corps  in  January,  1813.   He  re- 

•  Lodowick  Morgan  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant  in  arifle  corps  In  May,  1805. 
He  was  promoted  to  captatn  in  July,  1811,  and  to  major  In  January,  1814.  He  was  a  very  efficient  officer,  and  received 
the  highest  praise  for  his  conduct  In  repelling  the  British  invasion  near  Black  Rock  on  the  Bd  of  August,  1S14,  ^Iremlj 
mentioned  in  the  text.    He  was  killed,  as  we  have  seen.  In  a  skirmish  before  Fort  Erie  on  the  12lh  of  the  same  raonlh. 

t  The  graves  of  all  of  these,  excepting  Morgan  and  the  sergf  ant,  as  observed  In  the  text,  are  marked  by  inscribed  slab!. 

t  Ho-na-ye-wuo,  or  Farmer's  Brother,  was  a  conspicuous  contemporary  of  Cornplanter  and  Red  Jacket.  He  was  e^ 
teemed  as  one  of  the  noblest  of  his  race.  lie  was  a  warrior  on  principle  and  practice,  spurning  every  art  of  civilized 
life.  He  was  probably  bom  about  the  year  1T30.  He  was  in  the  battle  with  Braddock  in  1766,  and  during  his  whole 
life  he  was  a  foremost  chief  among  the  Senecas.  He  was  eloquent  in  speech,  and  brave  on  the  war-path.  He  died  ii 
the  autumn  of  1314. 

{  He  was  long  at  the  bead  of  the  Engineer  Department  of  the  United  States  Army,  and  was  one  of  the  fonadera  of 
the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point.    See  page  236.    He  superintended  the  constraction  of  many  fortificatiuii& 


OF  TIIK   WAR   OF   1812. 


849 


and  luKTiptlonB  on  them. 

the  Bight  of  gravi'8. 
open    Bpaco,  witli'm 

s<iviure,  Hliglitly  in- 
)iuiincnt   of  n>!iil)lo, 
i,  which  waH  L'lTcti'il 
iics  of  Bufl'aio  in  tlic 
cmoration  of  sovt'iiil 
iteB  Army  wlio  wito 
1812;  also  ot' a  cc'.o- 
i  to  mark  tlie  ^n<\ 
cr  one  thousand  \m- 
ed  from  tho  city,  I'k 
iment  (an<l  focn  in  llic 
t)  IB  a  tomb  of  briik, 
i\)  of  marble,  over  the 
m8,whoh->?'tl>islifeat 
tion  on  it  is  hisloriciil 
1.2     Southward  of  this 

in  commemoration  of 
lieastcrly  of  the  monu- 
1  south  of  it  is  anotliiT 

no,  is  tho  grave  of  Gcn- 
,d  was  distinguished  in 
handsome  marble  mon- 
ladows  of  the  trwi,  ^-e 

[;;j;;;i;^o^;M^kM^">'  •  cnptata 

„1ertM.Dox,an(l8erge«nlT.y. 

Z  Church  and  Eagle  SlreeUio 
theCUyofBuffalo-UlramBar- 

I  Alexanrter  John  Williams,  of  tho 
,Ve  Williams,  of  the  city  of  Phil- 
1814  InthtmldBtoflhecoi,. 
real  precision  upon  his  compatiy. 
[eT-UTl.    IleBacrlflccdhimBeKto 

torialtrlbnte  to  Joseph  Klnaey.ol 
rny,  shot  through  the  breast  ftth 
fves  are  indebted  for  his  burW.; 

Iln  memory  of  captain  SlmcoDTi. 
Ke  on  the  nth  of  September, 

fand  magnanimous;  as  a Clti««, 

Ud  to  be  deciphered. 

Idox,  of  Albany.  BomJannaryO, 
lArmy.  Died  June  9, 1853,  la  the 
L  corps  In  January,  1813^3«; 

fc^^iliit^i^rlfle  corps  In  May, » 
I  very  efBclent  officer,  and  rcccv^ 

loTthe3aofA«snst,W4,ulre»* 
Iteontheiathofthcsamcnonlb, 
lxt?are  marked  by  inscribed  si* 
Inter  and  Red  Jacket.  Hew  ei- 
Ice  spurning  every  art  of  cIvlM 
IrckTn  1T66,  and  during  his  «« 
lave  on  the  war-path.   Uediedin 

|y  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of 
ftionofraanyfortlflcatloiiB. 


Sxpcdltlun  of  Captain  liolmea  into  Canada. 


Battle  at  the  Longwoodi. 


Lost  Poats  to  be  recaptorcd. 


QKNEIUI.  KII.KV  H  MONIi'MKHT, 
UUVKALO. 


lingered  some  tinto,  when  a  thunder-peal  from  the  direction 
of  l^ake  Erie  warned  us  of  the  ;ipproaeh  of  a  Biimmor  shower. 
We  rodo  back  to  tho  city  deli^'htod  with  tho  morning's  ex- 
perience, and  between  two  and  three  o'clock  I  left  for  Niag- 
ara Falls  in  a  railway  coach,  whore  I  arrived,  as  before  ob- 
served, in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  thunder-storm. 

While  tho  events  we  have  been  relating  were  occurring  on 
tho  Niagara  frontier,  others  of  great  importance  were  occur- 
ring in  other  portions  of  tho  wide  field  of  action,  especially 
on  Lake  Champlain,  and  on  and  near  the  sea-coasts.  Before 
we  proceed  to  a  consideration  of  these,  let  us  take  a  hasty 
glance  at  movements  in  tho  Northwest,  which  closed  active 
military  opcrr.tioiis  in  the  region  of  the  upper  lakes. 

For  many  weeks  after  Harrison's  victory  on  the  Tliames 
nothing  of  great  importance  occurred  in  that  region.  The 
most  stirring  event  was  an  expedition  under  Captain  Holmes, 
a  gallant  and  greatly  beloved  young  officer,  sent  out  by  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Butler  in  February,"  whore  he  was  in 
temporary  command  at  Detroit.  It  consisted  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  men,  including  artillerists,  with  two  6-pounders,  and  its  object 
was  the  capture  of  Fort  Talbot,  a  British  outpost  a  hundred  miles  down  Lake  Erie 
from  Detroit.  Difficulties  caused  Holmes  to  change  his  destination,  and  he  proceed- 
ed to  attack  another  outpost  at  Delaware,  on  tho  River  Thames.  In  that  movement, 
too,  ho  was  fo'led  by  the  watchfulness  and  strategy  of  the  foe,  who  lured  him  from 
his  expected  prey.  Finally  they  came  to  blow3  toward  the  evening  of  the  3d  of 
March,''  at  a  place  called  the  Longwoods,  in  Canada,  where  they  fought  more 
than  an  hour,  and  then  each  glaJly  withdrew  under  cover  of  the  night-shad- 
ows. In  this  aifair  the  Americans  lost  seven  men  in  killed  and  wounded,  while  the 
enemy's  loss,  including  the  Indians,  was  much  greater.*  The  expedition  was  fruitless 
of  good  to  any  body.^ 

In  former  cliapters  we  have  a  record  of  the  capture  of  Fort  St.  Joseph  and  the  post 
and  island  of  Michillimackinack,  or  Mackina\7,  by  tho  British,  immediately  preceding 
(and  partly  inducing)  the  fall  of  Detroit  in  the  summer  of  1812.^  The  latter  post, 
with  all  Michigan,  as  we  have  observed,*  was  recovered  from  the  British  in  1 81 3.  For 
the  better  security  of  these  acquisitions  against  British  and  Indian  incursions.  Gen- 
eral M'Arthur,  the  commandant  of  the  Eighth  Military  District,  caused  works  to  be 
erected  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Huron,  or  head  of  the  Straits  or  River  St.  Clair.  It  was 
called  Fort  Gratiot,  iu  honor  of  the  engineer  of  that  name  who  superintended  its  con- 
struction. 

The  Americans  were  not  contented  with  the  recovery  of  Michigan  only,  but  de- 
termined to  recapture  Mackinaw  and  St.  Joseph.  Tlie  latter  was  the  key  to  the  vast 
traffic  in  furs  with  the  Indians  of  tho  Northwest,  and  tlie  British,  knowing  its  im- 
portance in  its  commercial  and  political  relations  to  their  American  possessions,  as 
resolutely  resolved  to  hold  it.  Accordingly  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Douall  was  sent 
thither  with  a  considerable  body  of  troops  (regulars  and  Canadian  militia)  and  sea- 

mained  in  the  army,  and  in  1828  was  breveted  a  major  for  ten  years'  falthCal  service.  He  was  breveted  a  colonel  for 
good  conduct  in  Florida,  brigadier  general  for  his  bravery  at  Cerro  Oordo,  and  major  general  for  his  gallant  conduct  at 
Contreras.  He  was  made  military  commander  of  the  Department  of  Upper  California,  and  was  ex  officio  governor  in 
1349  and  1850.  >  Captain  Holmes's  Dispatch  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Butler,  March  10, 1S14. 

'  A  similar  expedition  had  been  sent  out  by  Butler  a  short  time  before.  Butler  was  informed  that  a  considerable  . 
Dumber  of  regulars,  Canadians,  and  Indians  were  collected  on  the  River  Thames,  not  far  ftom  Chatham.  He  sent  Cap- 
tain Lee  with  a  party  of  mounted  men  to  reconnoitre,  and,  if  feasible,  to  attack  and  disperse  them.  Lee  gained  the  rear 
of  the  enemy  nnobseTved,  fell  upon  them,  and  scattered  them  in  all  directions.  He  took  several  of  them  prisoners. 
Smmg  them  was  Colonel  Babie  (pronounced  Bawbee),  whose  house,  we  have  observed,  was  the  hcad-qnarters  of  Gener- 
al Hull,  and  yet  standing  in  the  village  of  Windsor,  opposite  Detroit.  See  page  203.  Colonel  Babie  had  been  a  leader 
otindians  in  the  invasion  of  the  Niagara  fhintier  at  the  close  of  1813.  '  See  Chapter  XIV.  <  See  page  667. 

SH 


■ 


H60 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Kipedltion  to  tbe  Upper  Lskei. 


Operatluni  at  tha  Haiit  8t.  Mule. 


Battle  on  Mackliuw  Inland. 


men,  accompanied  by  twenty-four  bateaux  laden  with  ordnance.    'I  lero  ho  found  a 
hir<;<'  body  of  Indiaim  waiting  to  join  him  as  allien. 

The  Americans  planned  a  land  and  naval  expedition  to  the  upper  lakes ;  and  ho 

ciirly    an    April,  when    M'DduiiH 
O    /^)  /p        went   to   Mackinaw,  Conunander 

•?-^  ^2.,A^^  Arthur  St.  Clair  waH  placed  in 
charge  of  a  little  squadron  for  tiic 
purpose,  consisting  of  the  Niagara,  Caledonia,  .^'.  Lawrence,  Scorpion,  and  Ti(jress,  all 
familiar  names  in  connection  with  Commodore  Perry  on  Lake  Krie.  A  land  hnv 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Croghan,  the  gallant  defender  of  Fort  Stephenson,  was  jjrc- 
pared  to  accompany  the  squadron. 

Owing  to  differences  of  opinion  in  Madison's  Cabinet,  the  expedition  was  not  in 
readiness  until  the  close  of  June.  It  left  Detroit  at  the  Itegimung  of  July.  Crmrhnn 
had  five  hundred  regular  troops  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  militia;  and  on  the  ar- 
rival of  the  expedition  at  Fort  Gratiot  on  the  12th  he  was  joined  by  the  garrison  of 
that  post,  composed  of  a  regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteers,  under  Colonel  William  Cot- 
greave.  Captain  Gratiot  also  joined  the  expedition.  They  sailed  for  Matcliadach 
Bay  to  attack  a  newly-established  British  post  there.  A  lack  of  good  pilots  for  the 
dangerous  channels  among  islands,  rocks,  and  shoals  leading  to  it,  and  the  perpetna! 
fogs  that  lay  upon  the  water,  caused  them  to  abandon  the  undertaking  after  a  weck'H 
trial,  and  the  squadron  sailed  for  St.  Joseph,  in  the  direction  of  Lake  Superior.  It 
anchored  before  it  on  the  20th.  The  post  was  abandoned,  and  the  fort  was  commit- 
ted to  the  flames.  This  accomplished.  Major  Holmes,  of  the  Thirty-second  Ivfantry, 
and  Lieutenant  Turner,  of  the  Navy,  wore  sent  with  some  troops  and  cannon  to  de- 
stroy the  establishment  of  the  British  Northwest  Company  at  the  Saut  St.  Marie,  or 
Falls  of  St.  Mary.  That  company  had  been  from  the  beginning,  because  of  its  vital 
interest  in  maintaining  the  British  ascendency  among  the  Indian  tribes,  with  whom 
its  profitable  traffic  was  carried  on,  the  most  inveterate  and  active  enemy  of  the 
Americans.  Its  agents  had  been  the  most  effective  emissaries  of  the  British  author- 
ities in  inciting  the  Indians  to  make  war  on  the  Americans;  and,  in  every  way, it 
merited  severe  chastisement  at  the  hands  of  tliose  whose  friends  had  suffered  from 
the  knife  and  hatchet  of  the  cruel  savages. 

•July,  Holmes  arrived  at  St.  Mary's  on  the  21  st*  John  Johnson,  a  renegade  mag- 
**"•  istrate  from  Michigan,  and  an  Indian  trader,  who  was  the  agent  of  the  North- 
west Company  at  that  place,  apprised  of  his  approach,  fled  with  a  considerable  amount 
of  property,  after  setting  on  fire  the  company's  vessel  above  the  Rapids.  She  was 
saved  by  the  Americans,'  but  every  thing  valuable  on  shore  that  could  not  be  carried 
away  was  destroyed.  Holmes  then  returned  to  St.  Joseph,  when  the  whole  expedi- 
tion started  for  Mackinaw,  where  it  arrived  on  the  2(jth.''  It  was  soon  ascer- 
tained that  the  enemy  thore  were  very  strong  in  position  and  numbers,  and 
the  propriety  of  an  immediate  attack  was  a  question  between  Croghan  and  St.  Clair. 
The  post  could  not  be  carried  by  storm,  nor  could  the  guns  of  the  vessels  easily  do 
much  damage  to  the  works,  they  were  so  elevated.  It  was  finally  decided  that  Cro- 
ghan should  land  with  his  troops  ou  the  back  or  western  part  of  the  island,  under  cov- 
er of  the  guns  of  the  ships,  and  attempt  to  attack  the  works  in  the  rear.  This  was 
done  at  Dowsman's  farm  on  the  tth  of  August,  without  much  molestation,  but  Cro- 
ghan had  not  advanced  far  before  he  was  confronted  by  the  garrison  under  M'Douall, 
who  were  strongly  supported  by  Indians  in  the  thick  woods.  M'Douall  poured  a 
storm  of  shot  and  flhell  from  a  battery  of  guns  upon  the  invaders,  when  the  savages 
fell  npon  them.  A  sharp  con3ict  ensued,  carried  on  chiefly  on  the  part  of  the  enemy 
by  the  Indians  under  Thomas,  a  brave  chief  of  the  Fallsovine  tribe,  when  Croghan 

I  They  enoeavored  to  bring  this  regsel  away  with  them,  but  ahe  bilged  while  paasing  down  the  Rapids,  and  was  then 
destroyed. 


'  July. 


'V.^Ll.v 


OF  TUB   WAR   OF   18  12. 


8S1 


Bfttlle  tin  M»ckln«w  Inland 

'1  icro  ho  found  u 

upper  lakes ;  iiiid  ho 
iril,  when  M'Doiiiill 
Lckinaw,  Coimniuidir 
Jlair  wan  placed  in 
ittlo  squadron  for  tlic 
j^io/i,and  7VV/rcM,ull 
Erie.  A  land  forcf, 
Stephenson,  wiis  pre- 

jxpcdition  was  not  in 
iujr  of  July.  Croirlian 
illitia;  and  on  tlic  ai- 
led  by  the  garriHou  of 
Colonel  William  Cot- 
sailed  for  Matchaducli 
;  of  good  pilots  for  tlic 

0  it,  and  the  perpi'tiiiil 
crtaking  after  a  wooli's 

1  of  Lake  Superior.  It 
d  the  fort  was  coniniit- 
Thirty-second  l-ifantry, 
■oops  and  cannon  to  do- 
t  the  Saut  St.  Marie,  or 
ling,  because  of  its  vital 
idian  tribes,  witli  whom 
id  active  enemy  of  tla- 
.8  of  the  British  author- 

;  and,m  every  way,  it 
lends  had  suffered  from 

ohnson,  a  renegade  mag- 
the  agent  of  the  North- 
h  a  considerable  amount 
>  the  Rapids.     She  was 
,hat  could  not  be  carried 
ivhcn  the  whole  expcdl- 
th.^    It  was  soon  asccr- 
lition  and  numbers,  and 
.  Croghan  and  St.  Clair. 
of  the  vessels  easily  do 
jnally  decided  that  Cro- 
ofthe  island,  under  cov- 
in the  rear.    This  was 
[^h  molestation,  but  Cro- 
rarrison  under  M'Douall, 
!d8     M'Douall  poured  a 
aders,  when  the  savages 
?n  the  part  ofthe  enemy 
ne  tribe,  when  Crogbn 


Blockade  of  Mackinaw. 


Capture  of  the  blockading  Veiaeli. 


Commander  Jhamplln  wounded. 


waH  compelled  to  fall  back  and  flee  to  the  shipping,  with  the  h)ss  of  the  much-be- 
loved Major  Holmes,  who  was  killed,  and  Captains  Van  Horn  and  Desha,  and  Lieuten- 
ant Jackson,  who  were  severely  wounded.  He  also  lost  twelve  private  soldiers  killed, 
lifty-two  wounded,  and  two  missing.     The  loss  ofthe  enemy  is  unknown. 

Croghan  and  St.  Clair  abandoned  the  attempt  t<>  take  Mackinaw  ;  and  as  they  were 
ahout  to  dep.irt,  they  heard  ofthe  successful  cxpcditii^n  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Kay, 
who,  wltli  nearly  seven  liundretl  num,  mostly  Indians,  had  gone  down  the  Wisconsin 
lliver  and  taken  from  the  Americans  the  j)()st  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  at  the  mouth  of 
that  stream.*  Yet  they  were  not  disheartened,  and  resolved  not  to  return  .  .T„iy  n, 
to  Detroit  empty-handed  of  all  success.  They  proceeded  to  the  mouth  of  '^'^ 
the  Nautawassaga  River,  assailed  and  destroyed  a  block-house  three  miles  up  from 
its  mouth,  and  hoped  to  capture  the  schooner  Nancy,  belonging  to  the  Northwest 
Company,  and  a  quantity  of  valuable  furs.  They  failed.  The  furs  hnd  been  taken 
to  a  place  of  safety,  and  the  schooner  was  burnt  by  order  of  Lieutenant  Worseley, 
who  was  in  command  of  the  block-house. 

Very  soon  after  this  the  scjuadron  sailed  for  Detroit,  with  the  exception  of  the 
'PiQreas,  Captain  Champlin,  and  Scorpion,  Captain  Turner,  which  were  left  to  block- 
ado  the  Nautawassaga,  it  being  the  only  route  by  whicli  provisions  and  other  sup- 
plies might  be  sent  to  Mackinaw.  They  cruised  about  for  some  time,  eflectually  cut- 
ting off  supplies  from  Mackinaw,  and  threatening  the  garrison  with  starvation.  Their 
useful  career  in  tliat  business  was  suddenly  closed  early  in  September,  when  they 
were  both  captured  by  a  party  of  British  and  Indians,  sent  out  iu  five  boats  (one 
mounting  a  long  6,  and  another  a  .3  pounder)  from  Mackinaw  to  raise  the  blockade, 
under  the  general  command  of  Lieutenant  Bulger,  his  second  being  Lieutenant  Worse- 
ley.  They  fell  first  upon  the  Tiffress,  off  St.  Joseph's,  when  her  consort  was  under- 
stood to  be  fifteen  miles  away.  She  was  at  anchor  near  the  shore.  The  attack  was 
made  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  3d  of  September.  It  was  intensely  dark, 
and  they  were  within  fifty  yards  of  the  Tigress  when  discovered.  The  assailants 
were  warmly  received,  but  in  five  minutes  the  vessel  was  boarded  and  carried  by 
overwhelming  numbers,  her  force  being  only  thirty  men,  exclusive  of  oflicers,  and 
that  of  the  assailants  about  one  hundred.  "  The  defens')  of  this  vessel,"  said  Bulger, 
in  his  report  of  the  affair, "  did  credit  to  her  oflicers,  whn  were  all  severely  wound- 
ed."' Her  oflicers  and  crew  were  sent  prisoners  of  wai  .<j  Mackinaw  the  next  mom- 
ing.^ 

Bulger  and  his  men  remained  on  board  the  Tigress.    Her  position  was  unchanged, 
and  her  pennant  was  kept  flying.     On  the  5th  the  Scorpion  was  seen  approaching. 
Bulgor  ordered  his  men  to  hide.     The  unsuspecting  vessel  came  within  two  miles, 
and  anchored  for  the  night.     At  dawn  the  next  morning**  the  Tigress    ,  g   ^^  . 
ran  down  alongside  of  her,  and  then  the  enemy,  starting  from  his  con-  "  *' 

cealment,  rushed  on  ard,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  British  flag  was  floating  over 
her.  The  loss  on  eacl  3ide  in  these  captures  was  slight.  Vessels  and  prisoners  were 
taken  to  Mackinaw,  and  their  arrival  produced  great  joy  there.  So  exhausted  Avere 
the  supplies  of  the  garrison  that  starvation  would  have  compelled  a  surrender  in  less 
than  a  fortnight.  These  captures  were  announced  with  a  great  flourish  by  the  Brit- 
ish authorities ;  and  Adjutant  General  Baynes  actually  stated,  in  a  general  order, 
that  the  vessels  "had  crews  of  three  hundred  men  each !"  He  only  exaggerated  five 
hundred  and  seventy  in  stating  the  aggregate  of  the  crews  of  the  two  schooners. 

Croghan  and  St.  Clair  reached  Detroit,  on  their  return,  late  in  August,  and  for  a 
while  no  military  movement  was  undertaken  in  that  region.     At  length  General 

<  Lient>snant  Bulger  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Douall,  September  T,  1814.  Captain  Champlin  had  his  thigh-bone  shat- 
tered by  a  ball  In  that  fight,  and  he  has  not  only  been  a  cripple  ever  since,  but  a  palnAU  sufferer  from  a  seldom-healed 
woand.   In  the  jrear  1808  several  pieces  of  bone  were  taken  from  his  thigh. 

'  Chunplir's  Report  to  Lieutenant  Turner,  commanding. 


!ll(l 


if,. 


ill 


!!    I 


M' Arthur  madu  a  terrifying  raid  into  Canada.  IIo  had  been  ordered  to  raise  mount- 
ed men  for  the  purpose  of  chasti'-inK  liie  Indians  around  Lake  Michigan,  and  on  die 
9th  of  October  lie  liad  arrived  at  Detroit  with  about  seven  hundred  mouMted  men 
from  Kentucky  and  OJiio,  accompanied  by  Major  Charles  S.  Todd  as  adjutant  gen- 
eral. The  critical  Hituation  of  tlio  American  arniy  under  (eJcnoral  Brown,  at  Fort 
Erie,  at  that  time  induced  M'Arthur  first  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  that  gcnicral. 
Accordingly,  late  in  the  month,  ho  left  l)e:roit  with  seven  hundred  and  iifty  men  and 
five  field-pieces,  and,  to  mislead  the  enemy,  passed  up  Lake  and  River  St.  Clair  toward 
Lake  Huron.  On  the  morning  of  the  20th  ho  suddenly  crossed  the  St.  Cliiir  Ilivcr 
into  Canada,  pushed  on  to  the  thriving  Baldoon  settlement  of  Scotch  faniilies,  and 
then  made  his  way  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  tlio  Moravian  Towns,  on  the  scene  of  Har- 
rison's exploits  a  year  before,  spreading  great  alarm  in  Ids  path.  On  the  4tli  of  No- 
vember ho  entered  the  village  of  Oxford.  He  came  unheralded,  and  tho  inhabitants 
were  greatly  terrified.  Ho  disarmed  and  paroled  the  militia,  and  threatened  instant 
destruction  to  the  property  of  any  one  who  should  give  notico  to  any  British  post  of 
his  coming.  Two  men  did  so,  and  their  liouses  were  laid  in  ashes.  On  the  follow- 
ing day  lie  pushed  on  to  Burford,  where  the  militia  Avere  casting  up  intrcncshmcnts. 
They  fled  at  liis  approach,  and  tho  whole  country  was  filled  with  alarm.  Fear  mag- 
nified the  estimate  of  his  number,  and  the  story  went  before  him  that  he  had  two 
thousand  men  in  his  train. 


H'aBTUIIB'8  BAtU, 

Burlington,  at  tlie  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  was  M' Arthur's  destination.  On  ''.c 
pressed  from  Burford,  but  when  ho  arrived  on  the  bank  of  the  Grand  River,  at  Brant 
ford,  lie  found  his  passage  of  that  considei-able  Btream  disputed  by  a  large  force  of 
the  Six  Nations  who  icsidod  near,  with  militia  and  dragoons.  He  was  informed  tliat 
Major  Muir  was  not  far  distant,  in  a  dangerous  defile  on  tho  road  to  Burlington,  wiili 
a  considerable  force  of  r  jgulara  and  Indians,  and  some  cannon.  M'Arthur  concludeil 
it  would  not  bo  prudent  to  aitempt  to  go  farther  eastward,  so  he  turned  down  the 
Long  Ponu  Road,  anr"  proceeded  to  attack  seme  militia,  who  had  a  fortified  cam]i 
at  Malcolm's  Mill,  on  the  vTrund  River.  They  fled  at  his  appi-oach,  and  in  liis  piii 
suit  of  them  M'Arthur  killed  and  .^^ounded  seven,  and  took  one  hundred  and  thirty 
one  prisoners.  His  own  loss  was  only  one  killed  and  six  wonndsd.  Tlie  mill  was 
bunied,  with  all  the  property  in  it.  This  accomj  lished,  the  invaders  pushed  on  to 
Dover,  destroying  several  mills  on  the  way,  which  were  making  flour  for  Drum- 
mond's  army.  There  he  was  informed  of  the  evacuation  of  Canada  by  Izard,  aini 
of  a  web  of  perils  that  were  gathering  around;  so  he  tunied  his  faco  westward,  aiul 
hastened  toward  Detroit,  by  way  of  St.  Thomas  and  the  Thames,  pursued  some  dis- 
tance by  eleven  hundred  British  regulars.  He  arrived  at  Sandwich  on  the  17th  of 
November,  and  there  discharged  his  brave  band. 

M' Arthur's  raid  was  one  of  the  boldest  operations  of  the  war.  For  almost  foar 
weeks  he  had  skurried  hundreds  of  miles  through  the  enemy's  country,  spreading 
alarm  every  where,  and  keeping  the  militia  from  Drummond's  ranks ;  destroying 
property  here  and  there  that  might  be  useful  to  the  enemy,  and  then  returning  to 


OP  THE   WAR  OF  1813. 


853 


M'Anliur'i!  UcluFD. 


iorcd  to  raise  mount- 
Michigan,  and  on  die 
Lunlrcul  mounted  )ncn 
o«ld  aH  adjutant  )?(mi- 
iueral  Brown,  at  Fori 
favor  of  that  gciu'ral. 
Ired  and  iifty  nun  iuid 
River  St.  Clair  toward 
lod  the  St.  Cliiir  llivcr 
)f  Scotch  fau\ilics,  and 
18,  on  the  Bconeofllar- 
th.     On  the  4th  of  No- 
sd  and  the  inhabitants 
and  threatened  instant 
)  to  any  Brititth  post  ni' 
ashes.    On  the  foUow- 
ting  up  intrcn(!hmcnts. 
yrith  alarm.    Fcav  niag- 
•0  him  that  ho  had  two 


r» 

1I0H 


.^< 


'^^'^ 


jicbf'_^OTVCff 


Ir's  destination.    On  ''p 
e  Grand  River,  at  Bratit 
ited  by  a  large  force  of 
,    He  was  informed  that 
1  road  to  Burlington,  with 
n.    M' Arthur  concludeil 
I  80  he  turned  down  tlie 
riio  had  a  fortified  oamp 
ippvoaeh,  and  in  his  pui- 
one  Inmdred  and  tiiirty 
fvoundod.    The  mill  A^as 
c  invaders  pushed  on  to 
making  flour  for  Drum- 
,f  Canada  by  Izard,  awl 
Ihis  faco  westward,  aiul 
uimes,  pursued  some  dis- 
;andwichonthenthoi 

Ic  war.  For  almost  font 
Iray's  country,  spreading 
Iond'8  ranks;  destroying 
ly  and  then  returning  to 


M'Arthnr'B  Bravery  and  Qu-T'^oiliy. 


the  place  of  departure  with  the  loss  of  only  one  life  I'  lie  was  generous  n^*  well  as 
bold;  and  ho  ])ublicly  acknowledged  that  nmch  of  his  Huc<^eHH  was  due  "  t'  die  mili- 
tary talents,  activity,  and  intelligence  of  Major  Todd,"  his  adjutant  general,  who  yet 
[1807]  lives  in  liis  native  Kentucky,  in  the  vigor  of  a  green  old  age. 

I  M'Afc'j'8  UUUtry  of  the  late  War  in  the  Weeteru  Co\.ntru,  page  440. 


annul.  wumsLU  eoorr  im  1860. 


§ 


Ill 


\  ll.  il  llji 

PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


General  Izard  in  Command  In  Northern  New  York.    Napoleon's  Fortunes  change.    Washington  Benevolent  Societiea. 


CHAPTER  XXXVH 

"Hail  to  the  day  which,  in  splendor  retnmlDg, 
Lights  r;a  to  conqaest  and  glory  agair  I 
Time,  hold  that  year  I    Still  the  war-totcb  was  bnmlng, 

And  threw  its  red  ray  on  the  waves  of  Champlain. 
Roused  by  the  spirit  that  conquered  for  Perry, 

Danntless  Macdonongh  advanced  to  the  fray ; 
Instant  the  glory  that  brightened  Lake  Erie 
Burst  on  Champlain  with  the  splendor  of  day. 
Loud  swells  the  cannon's  roar 
On  Platt^bi.rg's  bloody  shore, 
Britons  retreat  trua  the  tempest  of  war, 
Prevost  deserts  the  field, 
While  thj  gallant  ships  yield  ; 
Victory !  glory,  Colnmbiuis,  huzza  I" 

Old  Bono— Ebix  Ain>  CaAjiPt.AtN. 

(ROM  the  Niagara  frontier  and  the  portion  of  the  Army  of  the 
North  engaged  there  we  will  now  turn  to  the  consideration  of 
the  events  upon  Lake  Champlain  and  its  vicinity  during  the 
year  1814,  where  the  other  portion  of  that  army  was  in  active 
servico.    "We  have  already  taken  a  brief  glance  at  military  oi> 
erations  in  that  quarter  to  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  the  pre- 
vious year,  A/hen  General  Wilkinson,  relieved  of  command,  re- 
tired from  the  army,  and  General  Hampton,  another  incompe- 
tent, also  left  the  service  for  his  country's  good.'    His  lieutenant.  General  George 
•  May  4,    Izard,  of  South  Carolina,  was  soon  afterward*  placed  in  command  of  the  right 
1314.      wing  of  the  Army  of  the  North,  with  a  competent  staff,'*  and  made  his  head- 
quarters at  Plattsburg. 

Since  the  opening  of  the  campaign  in  the  spring  a  great  change  had  occurred  ir. 
the  aspect  of  foreign  affairs — a  change  which  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  Ameri- 
can mind  in  its  contemplations  of  the  war.  We  have  already  alluded  to  the  disasters 
of  Napoleon  at  Leipsic  in  the  autumn  of  1813.  Notwithstanding  brilliant  achieve- 
ments on  his  part  after  that,  the  Allied  Powers  finally  pushed  him  back,  and  not  only 
confined  him  to  the  soil  of  France,  but  hemmed  him  and  his  army  almost  within  thf 
walls  of  Paris.  There  was  no  chance  for  his  escape.  On  the  3l8t  of  March,  1814, 
the  Emperor  of  Russia  and  the  Duke  of  Wellington  entered  the  city  as  conquerors, 
and  on  the  11th  of  May  Napoleon  abdicated  the  throne  of  France  and  retired  to  the 
island  of  Elba.^  His  downfall  was  hailed  with  great  joy,  not  only  in  Europe,  but  by 
the  great  Federal  party  in  the  United  States,*  who  considered  his  ruin  as  the  most 

>  See  page  6ST. 

»  Brigadier  Qenera!  Winder,  just  exchanged,  was  appointed  his  chief  of  staff;  Alexander  Macomb  and  Thomas  A. 
Smith  were  bis  brigadier  generals ;  William  CumiLing  was  adjutant  general,  and  H^jor  Joseph  G.  Totten  was  cliief 
engineer. 

»  The  fickle  populace  of  Paris  received  the  conquerors  of  Napoleon  with  acclamations  of  Joy,  and  the  French  Sena(c 
lsi.ely  Napoleon's  pliant  instrument,  now  declared  that,  by  arbitrary  acts  and  violations  of  the  Constitution,  he  bsd  for- 
feited his  right  to  the  throne. 

*  The  Wathington  Benevolent  Societies'  (Federalist  associations)  had  made  Napoleon'c  dlsasterB  the  subject  of  orttiosi 

•  These  Washington  Benevolent  Societies  originated  in  Philadelphia  very  soon  after  the  declaration  of  war  In  the 
summer  of  1812.  They  were  political  organizations,  with  attractive  social  and  benevolent  features.  The  first  orgaB- 
ization  was  frilly  comr'ated  on  the  i9.d  of  February,  1818,  under  the  title  of  the  Washington  Benevolent  Society  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  each  member  was  required  to  sign  the  Constitution  and  the  following  declaration .  "  We,  each  of  m, 
do  hereby  declare  that  we  a>e  firmly  attached  to  the  Oonstitntion  of  the  United  States  and  to  that  of  Pennsylvania ;  to 
the  principles  of  a  f^ee  republican  government,  and  to  those  which  regulated  the  public  conduct  of  Oeobox  Wabuiiio' 
TON ;  vhat  we  will,  eacii  of  as,  to  the  best  of  our  ability,  and  so  far  m  may  be  consistent  with  our  rellgtoas  prhiciplo 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


855. 


Ington  Benevolent  Societies. 


Q 


)n  of  the  Army  of  the 
to  the  consideration  of 
its  vicinity  during  the 
liat  army  was  in  active 
f  glance  at  military  oi> 
he  campaign  of  the  p^^ 
ilieved  of  command,  re- 
ipton,  another  incompe- 
tenant,  General  George 
in  command  oi  tiie  right 
aff,'^  and  made  his  head- 
change  had  occurred  ir. 
ipression  on  the  Ameri- 
alluded  to  the  disasters 
inding  brilliant  achieve- 
him  back,  and  not  only 
army  almost  within  ihv 
;he  31st  of  March,  1314, 
the  city  as  conque^o^, 
■ranee  and  retired  to  the 
t  only  in  Europe,  but  hy 
•ed  his  ruin  as  the  .nost 

Lander  Macomb  and  ThonwiA^ 
\aJor  Joseph  G.  Totten  was  chief 

InBofjoy.  and  the  French  Sen,tf. 
Inii  of  the  ConBtUntlon,  he  h»d  for- 

L  dUaaterB the  subject oforaUw 

tj^T^d^dmtto^  war  In  te 
Volent  featnres.  The  flrst  organ- 
bashlnRton  Benevolent  Society  of 
P„gdeclaration.''We,eacbof^ 
Land  to  that  of  Pennsylvania;  to 
Lie  conduct  of  GkoeokWasbt.^ 
Lent  with  our  rcliglouB  principle- 


The  Downfall  of  Napoleon  celebrated. 


English  Troops  releaxed  for  Service  !•?  America. 


damaging  blow  that  could  be  given  to  their  political  opponents  and  the  war  party. 
Pulpits,  presses,  public  meetings,  and  social  entertainments  were  pressed  into  the  serv- 
ice as  proclaimers  of  their  satisfaction,  notwithstanding  it  was  evident  that  the  release 
thereby  of  a  large  British  army  from  service  on  the  Continent  would  enable  the  com- 
mon enemy  to  send  an  overwhelming  force  across  the  Atlantic  that  might  crush  the 
American  armies,  and  possibly  reduce  the  states  to  British  provinces.  Their  hopes 
and  the  limit  of  their  wishes  doubtless  were  that  the  changed  aspect  of  foreign  af- 
fairs, and  the  consciousness  of  the  great  peril  that  might  reasonably  be  apprehended, 
would  cause  the  administration  to  seek  peace  on  any  terms.  They  were  mistaken,  as 
the  se  "uel  will  show. 

The  retirement  of  Napoleon  to  Elba  did  release  from  Continental  service  a  large 
body  of  English  troops,  and  several  thousands  of  them  were  immediately  dispatched 
to  Canada  to  re-enforce  the  little  army  there.  They  were  sent  from  the  Garonne,  in 
Spain,  and  many  of  them  were  Wellington's  veterans,  hardy  and  skillful.  They  ar- 
rived at  Quebec  late  in  July  and  in  August,"  aad  were  rapidly  pushed  up  to 
Montreal.  In  the  mean  time,  the  forces  under  T  i-evost,  the  Governor  of  Cana--  *  **"' 
da  and  general-in-chifif,  had  been  very  busy  in  preparations  for  an  invasion  of  New 
York,  and  the  little  flotilla  in  the  Richelieu,  or  Sorel  River,  h>d  been  greatly  aug- 
mented in  numbers  and  strength  during  the  winter  and  spring. ''  b  igu. 

On  the  9th  of  May"  General  Izard  was  informed  that  the  enemy  were  in  mo-  "  ism. 
tion  below.  Captain  Pring,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  was  moving  up  the  Sorel  in  the  brig 
Linnet  as  his  flag-ship,  accompanied  by  five  armed  sloops  aad  thirteen  row-galleys. 
On  the  following  day  he  anchored  his  flotilla  behind  Providence  Island,  in  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  where  he  remained  until  the  1  Sth,"*  preparing  for  an  attack  on  the  Amer- 
ican flotilla,  then  nearly  ready  for  .,ea  at  Vergennes,  in  Vermont,  at  the  head  *^' 
of  the  navigation  of  Otter  Creek.'  Captain  Macdonough,  who  was  in  comr  land  of 
the  little  squadron,  was  apprised  of  this  movement,  and  sent  Lieutenant  Cassin,  with 
a  party  of  seamen,  to  reenforce  Captain  Thornton,  who  had  been  ordered  from  Bur- 
lington with  a  detachment  of  light  artillery  to  man  a  battery  of  seven  12-poundera 


and  toasts  on  the  anniversary  of  Washington's  birthday  (22d  of  February,  1814) ;  and  in  Albany,  where  the  Dutch  ele- 
ment was  very  predominant  in  the  population,  the  emancipation  of  Holland  from  hU  thrall  was  celebrated.  'Relig- 
ions eervlces  we.e  held  in  the  Dutch  church  on  the  occasion,  and  a  sermon  was  preached  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  Brad- 
ford. These  were  followed  by  a  dinner  at  the  Eagle  Inn.  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  prerided,  assisted  by  John 
H.  Wendell  as  vice-president.    Several  songs  were  sung,  and  toasts  given.  In  Dutch. 

Ill  June  and  July  foiloiving,  the  downfall  of  Napoleon  was  celebrated  in  several  of  the  commercial  cities  of  the  United 
Slates.  In  Boston  and  New  York  It  was  celebrated  by  religious  ceremonies  and  public  dinners.  In  New  York  the 
dinner  was  In  the  Washington  Hotel,  thei  i  the  principal  pnblic  house  in  the  city,  which  stood  on  the  siie  of  Stewart's 
marble  store,  on  Broadway,  between  ChaiUbers  and  Reade  Streets.  It  was  on  ';he  2»th  of  June.  Three  hundred  geu- 
tlemen  sat  down  to  the  table.  Ruths  King  presided.  The  vice-presidents  were  Generals  Nicholas  Fish,  Ebenezer  Ste- 
vens, Mr.  Clarkson,  John  B.  Coles,  and  Comelins  J.  Bogart.  All  the  foreign  consuls  but  the  French  were  present. 
Richard  Stockton,  of  New  Jersey,  gave  as  a  toast :  "  Louis  XVIII.,  King  of  France  and  Na.arre,  heir-at-law  to  Ameri- 
can gratitude." 

On  the  4th  of  July  the  event  was  celebrated  by  religious  services  and  publi';  dinners.  Rev.  Timothy  Dwight,  Presi- 
dent of  Yaie  College,  presided  at  a  dinner  at  Butler's  Hocel,  In  Hartford,  where  one  hundred  gentlemen  were  assembled 
at  table.    Among  the  toasts  were  the  following : 

"The Minority  i,%  Congre^.—Uaa  they  appealed  to  patriots  they  would  have  been  heard." 

"The  Administration.— VroAlgtd  enough,  but  too  proud  to  return." 

"  The  Rcnjal  Family  of  Trance.— Oxa  friends  in  adversity,  we  rejoice  at  their  prosperity." 

"  The  Democratic  Party  of  America If  not  satisflec?  with  their  own  country,  they  may  seek  an  asylum  in  the  island 

ofBlbn." 

<  The  flotilla  then  at  Vergennes  consisted  of  the  following  vessels :  1  ohip  of  20  guns,  1  schooner  of  20  guns,  2  sioops 
ofs,  6  row-galleys  uf  2,  and  4  gun-boats  of  1  each. 

rciipcctively,  preserve  the  righto  and  liberties  of  our  country  against  all  foreign  and  domestic  violence,  A-aud,  and  asnr- 
lution ;  and  that,  as  members  of  the  Washington  Benevolent  Society,  we  will  in  all  things  comply  with  its  regulations, 
support  Its  principles,  and  enfcrce  its  views." 

.''lie  Itands  of  the  society  were  used  for  the  purposes  of  charity  among  Its  members  and  their  familiep,  and  for  other 
parpos-q  which  might  be  prescribed.  They  had  anni.drsary  dinners  ou  'he  birthday  of  Washington.  Such  econ- 
nmy  was  used  '.bat  all  the  members  might  afford  to  participate  in  the  festivities.  The  cost  of  the  dinner  to  each,  with 
a  bfluDtiftil  supply  of  beer  and  choice  ardent  spirits,  wa.'  seventy-flve  cents.  They  built  Washington  Hall,  on  the  weal 
i^iile  nf  Third  Street,  between  Walnut  and  Spruce  Streets  It  was  dedicated  with  religious  ceremonies,  led  by  Bishop 
White,  in  the  autumn  of  1816.  These  associations  rapidly  maltiplied  throughout  the  country  di^ring  the  war,  but  dis- 
appeared with  the  demise  of  the  old  Federalist  party. 


*i 


ii 


Wl^ 


Ki 


m 


nw.-.i-iu  i 


I 

it 

i! 

-vf-- 


struggle  for  the  Control  of  Lake  Cbaraplaln. 

on  sea-carriages  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek. 
Governor  Chittenden  also  ordered  out  a 
brigade  of  Vermont  militia  to  oppose  the 
thi  eatened  invasion ;   and  when,  on  the 
morning  of  the  14th,  eight  ofPring's  gal- 
leys and  a  bomb-sloop  anchored  off  thu 
mouth  of  the  creek,  they  found  ample 
preparations  for  their  reception.    A  brisk 
fire  was  opened  from  the  battery.    It  was 
answered  from  the  water,  and  for  more 
than  an  hour  a  cannonade  was  kept  up, 
when  the  British  vessels  were  driven  off. 
They  then  entered  the  Bouquet  River  for 
the  purpose  of  destroying  flour  at  the  falls 
of  that  stream.    On  their  return  they  were 
compelled  to  run  the  gauntlet  of  a  sho^ver 
of  bullets  from  some  militia  who  had  has- 
tily assembled.    Many  of  the  British  were 
killed  and  wounded.    Foiled  and  disheart- 
ened, Pring  returned  to  Isk  awx,  Nou 
a  wiser  man,  for  he  had  learned  tliat 
even  in  Vermont,  whose  governor  was 
a  zealous  member  of  the  "  Peace  Par- 
ty," the  people  were  ready  to  fight  the 
common  enemy  any  where.     A  few  days  afterward  Macdonough  sailed  out  of  the 
creek  with  his  flotilla,  and  anchored  it  in  Cumberland  Bay,  off  Plattsburg. 

Both  parties  now  prepared  for  a  struggle  for  supi-emacy  on  Lake  Champlain.  The 
British,  as  we  have  observed,  had  adopted  in  a  degree  the  plan  of  Burgoyne  for  sep- 
arating New  England  from  the  rest  of  the  Union,  while  the  Americans  were  as  de- 
termined to  resist  the  meditated  invasion  at  the  very  threshold,  and  defend  the  lake 
region  and  the  valley  of  the  upper  Hudson  at  the  gates  of  Canada.  Both  parties 
were  also  le-enforced  during  the  remainder  of  May,  and  General  Izard  caused  a  bat- 
tery of  four  1 8-pounder8  to  be  planted  on  Cumberland  Head  instead  of  at  Rouse's 
Point,  at  the  entrance  to  the  Sorel  River,  as  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  War,'  and 
urged  by  Major  Totten,  his  chief  engineer. 

At  the  middle  of  June  Izard  disposed  his  troops  for  a  movement  into  C&nada.  He 
sent  Brigadier  General  Thomas  A.  Smith,  with  a  light  brigade  of  about  fourteen  hund- 
red men,  to  occupy  the  village  of  Champlain,^  five  miles  below  the  Canada  line.  Col- 
onel Pearce,  of  the  Sixteenth,  was  at  Chazy  with  about  eight  hundred  men  composed 
of  consolidated  regiments,  and  about  twelve  hundred  men  occupied  the  cantonment 
at  Plattsburg,  on  the  peninsula  between  the  lake  and  the  Saranac,  the  works  on  Cum- 
berland Head,  and  a  position  at  Dead  Creek,  about  two  miles  below  Plattsburg, 
Macdonough,  with  his  flotilla,  was  below  Cumberland  Head,  watching  the  little  Brit- 
ish squadron,  which  lay  at  the  Isle  aux  TStes.  The  British  had  thirty-six  hundred 
troops  at  La  Colle ;  Meuron's  Swiss  regiment,  a  thousand  strong,  was  at  L'Acadie,  am! 
two  brigades  of  artillery  and  three  hundred  cavalry  were  at  Chambly,  making  a  total 
of  five  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty  men.  There  was  also  a  reserve  of  two  thou- 
sand regulars  at  Montreal. 

There  was  feverishness  among  the  people  and  the  soldiery  along  the  Canada  bor-  j 
der,  which  was  frequently  manifested.    The  armed  belligerents  were  eager  for  a  trial 

>  Letter  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  May  2^  1814,  In  Izard'e  Official  Correapondenee,  page  28. 

«  This  brigade  was  composed  of  the  Fourth  and  Tenth  Regiments  eonsolldnted,  and  commanded  by  Colonel  Pnrdr, 
the  Twelfth,  under  Major  Morgan,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Porgyth'g  riflemen,  and  a  company  of  artillery  under  Captali 
Branch, 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


857 


antrol  of  Lake  Chumplain. 

mouth  of  the  creek, 
also  ordered  out  a 
lilitia  to  oppose  the 
and  when,  on  the 
sight  of  Pring's  gal- 
»p  anchored  off  thu 
they  found  ample 
reception.     A  brisk 
the  battery.    It  was 
ivater,  and  for  more 
lonade  waa  kept  up, 
;8el8  were  driven  off. 
le  Bouquet  River  for 
lying  flour  at  the  falls 
iieir  return  they  were 
gauntlet  of  a  sliONvei' 
,  militia  who  had  lias- 
ny  of  the  British  were 
Foiled  and  dishcart- 
med  to  Isle  mix  Noix 
r  he  had  learned  that 
t,  whose  governor  .vas 
,er  of  the  "Peace  Par- 
vere  ready  to  hght  the 
mgh  sailed  out  of  the 
■  Plattsburg. 
^ake  Champlain.    The 
fofBurgoyneforsep- 
^ericans  were  as  dc- 
d  and  defend  the  lake 
Janada.    Both  parties 
ral  Izard  caused  a  bat- 
instead  of  at  Rouse's 
Secretary  of  War,' and 

nent  into  Canada.  He 
of  about  fourteen  hund- 
r  the  Canada  line.  Col- 
nundred  men  composed 
[cupied  the  cantonment 
Inac,  the  works  on  Cum- 

liles  below  Plattsburg. 
Latching  the  little  Brit- 
Ihad  thirty-six  hundred 
Ig.wasatL'Acadie.anu 
kambly,  making  a  total 
a  reserve  of  two  thou- 

I  along  the  Canada  bor- 
Its  were  eagerfoi^a^' 

f^~^dedl.y  colonel  Pn^^ 
'.pany  of  artUIery  under  CapUlB 


Inrailon  of  Canada. 


Death  of  Forsyth. 


Vengeance. 


Preparations  to  meet  an  Invasion  ttom  Canada. 


of  prowess.  Finally,  on  the  22d  of  June,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Forsyth,  the  accom- 
plished partisan  commander,  with  seventy  riflemen,  crossed  the  frontier  line,  and  at  a 
little  hamlet  northwesterly  from  Rouse's  Point,  called  Odell  Town,  ho  was  attacked 
by  two  hundred  of  the  niemy's  light  troops.  Forsyth  heat  thera  ofl^,  and  retired  in 
rrood  order  to  Champlain  with  the  loss  of  one  man  killed  and  Ave  wounded.  A  few 
(lays  afterward  he  was  again  sent  in  that  direction  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  the 
enemy  across  the  lines.  He  formed  an  ambuscade,  and  then  sent  a  few  men  forward 
!i8  a  decoy.  They  were  soon  met,  and  immediately  fell  back,  followed  by  Cantain 
Mahew  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  Canadians  and  Indians.  When  the  pursuers  were 
near  the  ambuscuuc,  Forsyth  stepped  upon  a  log  to  watch  the  movement,  when  he 
was  shot  through  the  breast  by  an  Indian.  His  mvjn  immediately  arose,  and  poured 
such  a  deadly  tire  upon  the  foe  that  they  retreated  in  wild  confusion,  leaving  seven- 
teen of  their  dead  upon  the 
field. 

Forsyth  was  greatly  be- 
loved by  his  followers.  Hot- 
ly incensed  because  of  the 
employment  of  savages  by 
the  British,  they  resolved  to 
avenge  the  death  of  their 
own  leader  by  taking  the 
life  of  the  leader  of  the  In- 
dians. A  few  days  after- 
ward some  of  thera  crossed 
the  line  and  shot  Mahew, 
that  leader.  He  was  taken 
to  the  house  of  Judge  Moore, 
in  Champlain,'  where  he  died 
about  a  week  afterward.^ 
Skirmishing  along  the  bor- 
der was  a  frequent  occurrence,  but  no  movement  of  importance  took  place  until  the 
close  of  July,  when  General  Macomb's  brigade,  composed  of  the  Sixth,  Thirteenth, 
Fifteenth,  Sixteenth,  and  Twenty-ninth  Regiments,  embarked  in  boats  at  Cumberland 
•  jniy  31,    Head*  for  Chazy  Landing,  at  the  mouth  of  Chazy  Creek.     On  the  same  day 

^^^*'  General  Bissell's  brigade,  composed  of  the  Fifth, 
Fourteenth,  Thirtieth,  Thirty-first,  Thirty-fourth,  and  For- 
ty-fifth Regiments,  started  for  Chazy  Village  by  land.  /^^^/^  • 
Two  hundred  effective  men  and  a  corps  of  invalids  of  y/^yA^/j^ /^^ 
Macomb's  brigade  were  left  to  complete  the  works  on  ca^-^^^^^c/^^f^l^^ 
Cumberland  Head,  and  a  fatigue  party  four  hundred  £ 
strong,  taken  from  Bissell's  brigade,  was  left  in  command  ' 
of  Colonel  Fenwick  to  complete  three  redoubts  on  the  peninsula  between  the  lake 
and  the  Saranac  River  at  Plattsburg.  There  were  now  four  thousand  five  hundred 
effective  men  ut  Champlain,  within  five  miles  of  the  Canada  border.  But  these  were 
few  compared  to  the  numbers  of  the  enemy,  which  were  constantly  augmenting. 
During  the  months  of  July  and  August  not  less  than  fifteen  thousand  troops,  chiefly 
veterans  from  Wellington's  armies,  as  we  have  observed,  arrived  at  Montreal.  Only 
one  brigade  was  sent  westward,  and  the  remainder  were  kept  in  reserve  for  the  con- 
templated invasion  of  New  York,  in  such  overwhelming  force  as  to  overbear  all  op- 

I  This  honsL,  the  residence  of  the  late  Judge  Pliny  Moore,  is  a  fine  old  mansion  on  a  pleasant  shaded  slope  in  the  tU- 
Isge  of  Champlain,  not  far  n-om  the  banks  of  the  Big  Cbazy,  Just  north  of  the  bridge,  in  the  village.  It  was  the  bead- 
qnarters  of  the  British  commander  whenever  that  village  was  occnpled  by  him ;  and  Dearborn,  Wilkinson,  and  Izard 
were  in  turn  sojourners  under  its  -oof.  This  is  from  a  sketch  made  by  the  author  in  1860.  It  was  then  the  residence 
of  Pliny,  son  of  Judge  Moore.  *  Palmer's  Hittory  qf  Lake  Champlain,  page  184. 


JDDOU  MOOKES  uocsi:. 


m 


!*lf 


ti!i 


t 


'  mm^ 


|f:i||! 


till 


Mi 


8A8 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


PrevoBt  comma.itiing  In  Person. 


Alarmlcg  Order  from  the  War  Department. 


Izard's  Protojt. 


position.    These  newly-arrived  troops  were  encamped  in  the  level  country  between 
Laprairie  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  Chambly  on  the  SoreL 

Very  soon  after  the  advance  of  the  Americans  to  Chazy  and  Champlain,  Sir  George 

Prevost*  arrived  at  the  Isk 
aux  Noix,  where  he  had 
concentrated  a  considerable 
body  of  veterans,  and  took 
chief  command  in  person- 
and  strong  detachments  of  seamen  were  sent  from  Quebec,  by  order  of  Sir  James  L, 
Yeo,  to  strengthen  the  naval  power  at  the  same  place.  It  was  evident  that  a  speedy 
invasion  of  Northern  New  York  was  in  contemplation ;  and  yet,  with  full  informa- 
tion on  the  subject,  the  American  government,  as  if  fearful  of  a  conqueiit  of  Canada 
whenever  a  spirited  general  was  in  command  near  assailable  points,'*  ordered  Izard 
at  that  critical  moment,  when  danger  was  never  more  apparent,  to  march  a  larger 
portion  of  his  force  westward  to  co-operate  with  the  Army  of  Niagara.  It  was  an 
open  invitation  to  invasion ;  and  the  army  and  people,  expecting  a  great  battle  soon 
at  the  foot  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  hoping  for  a  decisive  victory,  were  astonished  by 
the  ordei.  The  disappointed  Izard  could  scarcely  restrain  his  indignation.  On  the 
11th  of  August  he  wrote:  "I  will  make  the  movement  you  direct,  if  possible ;  but  I 
shall  do  it  with  the  apprehension  of  risking  the  force  under  my  command,  and  with 
the  certainty  that  every  thing  in  this  vicinity  but  the  lately  erected  works  at  Platts- 
burg  and  Cumberland  Head  will,  in  less 
than  three  days  after  my  departure,  be 
in  the  possession  of  the  enemy.  He  is  in 
force  superior  to  mine  in  my  front ;  he 
daily  threatens  an  attack  on  my  position 
at  Champlain ;  we  are  all  in  hourly  ex- 
pectation of  a  serious  conflict.  .  .  .  Let 
me  not  be  supposed  to  hesitate  about  ex- 
ecuting any  project  which  the  govern- 
ment I  have  the  honor  to  serve  think 
proper  to  direct.  My  little  army  will  do 
its  duty."^ 

Izard  continued  to  protest  against  the 
movement  as  unwise  and  perilous,*  but, 
like  a  true  soldier,  he  made  preparations 
for  it  as  speedily  as  his  limited  transpor- 
tation would  allow.    He  set  about  four 
thousand  men  in  motion  by  the  way  of 
the  head  of  Lake  George,  Schenectady, 
and  the  Mohawk  Valley,*  and,  as  we 
have  observed,  arrived  with  them 
at  Sackett's  Harbor  at  the  middle  of 
the  month,  and  immediately  started 
a  portion  of  them  by  land  and  wa- 

>  Gteorge  Prevost  was  bom  In  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  19th  of  May,  ITflT.  His  father  was  a  native  of  Genevj, 
Switzerland.    His  mother  way  a  Dutch  woman.    He  was  created  an  Bnglish  baronet  in  1805. 

»  See  note  S  on  page  2B9.  '  Izard's  Official  Correspondence,  pnije  65. 

♦  Ou  the  20th  of  August  Izard  wrote  to  the  Secretary  of  War :  "  I  must  not  be  responsible  for  the  consequences  of 
abandoning  my  present  strong  position.  I  will  obey  orders  and  execute  them  as  well  as  I  know  how.  Miijor  Qenenil 
Brisbane  commands  at  Odell  Town.  He  is  said  to  have  t>etween  five  and  six  thousand  men  with  him.  At  Cbambl;  m 
■aid  to  tie  about  four  thousand." 

>  This  route  was  chosen  because  the  uppSr  route  by  Chateangay  and  Ogdensbnrg  would  be  altogether  ton  perilnns.  He 
submitted  the  question  of  route  to  his  offlcers,  who  decided  unanimously  to  goby  the  way  of  Schenectady.— See  Iiard'i 
Official  Correspondence,  page  T3. 


^>-t?-£yZ^ 


OF  THE   WAR    OK    1812. 


850 


Izard'B  Proteat. 


The  Militia  called  out. 


Concentration  of  Troops  near  Platteburg. 


The  British  invading  Force. 


rel  country  between 


I  father  was  a  native  of  Ocmth, 

■>  1806. 

Iclal  Corresponacnce,  pase  65. 
Insible  for  the  consequences  of 
si  know  how.    Mnjor General 
Inen  with  him.   AtChamblysre 

gibe  altogether  too  perilnns.  Hf 
fay  of  Schenectady. -See  Imd« 


Soptsmber  IT, 
1814. 


ter*  for  the  Niagara  front- 
ier,' He  left  all  his  sick 
and  convalescents,  and  about  twelve 
hundred  effective  men,  to  garrison  Piatt's 
Point,  as  the  peninsula  was  called,  and 
Cumberland  Head.  In  obedience  to 
an  order  of  the  War  Department,  he 
made  a  requisition  upon  Major  General 
Mooers,  the  commander  of  the  militia  in 
that  district,  for  the  assembling,  without 
delay,  of  one  regiment  of  infantry  and 
one  troop  of  light  dragoons  at  the  vil- 
lage of  Chazy,  riflemen  to  be  accepted 
as  infantry.  Brigadier  General  Alexan- 
der Macomb  was  left  in  chief  command, 
with  his  head-quarters  at  Plattsburg. 

Immediately  after  General  Izard  left, 
Macomb  concentrated  all  his  troops  at 
Plattsburg,  and  worked  vigorously  in 
preparations  for  de- 
fense. He  had,  at  the 
close  of  August,  about 
three  thousand  five 
hundred  troops  under 
his  control,''  but  they 

were  in  a  weak  condition,  for  there  was  only  on'-  organized  battalion  among  them,  and 

full  fourteen  hundred  of  them  were  invalids  and  non-combatants.    The  garrisons  at 

the  different  points  were  composed  of  convaleiicents  and  new  recruits ;  the  condition 

of  the  ordnance  and  stores  was  chaotic,  and  the  defensive  works  were  all  unfinished. 
On  the  day  when  Izard  hift  his  camp  at  Champlain,''  General  Brisbane    <•  August  29. 

advanced  from  Odell  Town,  and  occu-  _-£r;^--: 

pied  that  village  and  its  vicinity ;  and 

on  the   3d  of  September  full  fourteen 

thousand  British  troops  were  gathered 

there,  under  the  jicneral  command  of 

Sir  George  Prev:ot,  assisted  by  General 

De  Rottenburg  as  his  second.    There  he 

avowed  his  intention  to  take  and  hold 

possession  of  the  country  as  far  down  as 

Ticonderoga;  and  he  issued  orders  and 

proclamations  inviting  the  people  to  cast 

off  their  allegiance  to  their  government, 

and  to  furnish  him  with  supplies.     On 

the  following  day  they  moved  forward 

to  Chazy  Village ;  and  on  the  5th  they 

encamped  near  Sampson's,  now  (1867)  oc- 


bami'son's.' 


>  See  page  844. 

» These  troops  were  composed  of  detachments  of  the  regiments  that  had  left,  amounting  to  TO  in  namber;  Captain 
Leonard's  company  of  light  artillery,  100 ;  Cnpta'n  M'Glassin's  company  of  the  Fifteenth  Regiment,  60 ;  the  Sixth, 
Tvrenty-ninth,  Thirtieth,  Thirty-third,  and  Thirty-fourth  BeglmenU,  1771  s  Captain  Spronll's  detachment  of  the  Thir- 
teenth Regiment,  200 ;  sick  and  invalids,  HOi ;  two  companies  of  artillery  under  Captain  Alexander  Brooks ;  and  abont 
200  infantry  on  board  the  fleet  serving  as  marines. 

'  This  is  a  view  of  the  Sampson  House  looking  north  toward  Chazy,  which  is  six  miles  distant.  It  Is  brick,  and 
when  I  sketched  it  in  1860  It  was  stUl  a  Uvem,  and  kept  by  Mr.  Harvey  Bromley.  The  old  barn,  just  as  it  was  in  1814, 
it  Been  Just  beyond  the  house. 


/  1/ 


I  li!P 


ii.     ' 


•H 


860 


PICTOllIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


IndlcatioiB  of  an  Advance  of  the  Brltteb  Army. 


Poiltlon  of  American  Worka  at  Plattaburg. 


cupiccl  as  a  tavern,  about  eight  miles  from  Plattsburg.  Captain  Pring,  with  the 
British  squadron,  moved  at  the  same  time,  anchored  oSJsle  la  Motte,  and  on  the  wost 
side  of  that  island  erected  a  battery  of  three  long  18-pounders  to  cover  the  landing 
of  supplies  for  Prevost's  troops.  Macomb,  at  the  same  time,  was  straining  every 
muscle  at  his  command  in  preparations  for  defense,  for  the  impressment  of  trains  by 
the  British  at  Champlain  and  Chazy,  and  loading  wagons  with  heavy  baggage,  indi- 
cated a  speedy  advance  upon  Plattsburg.  By  great  exertions  (the  soldiers  working 
day  and  night),  the  redoubts  and  block-houses  were  completed  and  manned  before 
the  enemy  appeared  before  them,  for  he  made  short  and  cautious  marches.  These 
were  on  the  high  level  peninsula  between  the  Saranac  and  the  lake,  gently  sloping 
toward  the  latter.  The  redoubts  were  on  a  curved  line  across  the  neck  of  tho  penin- 
sula, and  were  named  respectively  Forts  Brown,  Moreau,'  and  Scott.  The  first- 
named  stood  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  at  its  head,  about  ha'f  way  between  the  lower 


bridge  at  the  village  and  near  its  mouth,  and  the  upper  bridge,  a  mile  higher  up,  ou 
the  road  leading  to  the  Salmon  River.  Fort  Moreau,  the  principal  work,  was  hal<" 
way  between  the  river  and  the  lake,  fifty  rods  eastward  of  Fort  Brown ;  and  Fort 
Scott  was  near  the  bank  of  the  lake.  Northward  of  it  were  store-houses  and  a  hos- 
pital Between  the  lower  bridge,  and  some  distance  above  Fort  Brown,  the  right 
bank  of  the  Saranac  is  steep,  and  from  fifty  to  sixty  feet  in  height ;  and  about  sixty 
rods  above  the  lower  bridge  it  is  cleft  by  a  deep  ravine  that  extends  from  the  river 
almost  to  the  lake.  Near  this  ravine  a  block-house  was  built,  and  on  the  point  near 
Foquet's  Hotel,  overlooking  the  modem  steam-boat  landing,  was  another  block-house. 
At  the  mouth  of  the  river,  a  short  distance  from  the  lower  bridge,  stood  (and  yet 
stands)  a  stone  mill,  which  served  an  excellent  defensive  purpose. 
To  create  a  spirit  of  emulation  and  zeal  among  the  troops,  General  Macomb  di- 


if'^Tftiul 


•  Port  Moreaa  was  named  by  Izard  in  honor  of  a  celebrated  French  genera'  of  that  name,  whom  Bonaparte  exiled 
flrom  France  becanse  of  hia  snppoaed  complicity  with  Fichegro  and  others  In  a  conspiracy  against  the  newly-created 
emperor.  He  remained  In  the  United  States  nine  years.  The  Bmperor  Alexander  invited  him  to  Russia,  and  while  en- 
gaged in  his  military  service,  near  Dresden,  a  cannon-ball  f^om  Napoleon's  guard  broke  both  his  legs,  ttom  the  effects 
of  which  he  died.  Hacomb  gave  the  names  of  Brown  and  Scott  to  the  other  two  redoubts,  in  honor  of  those  two  offi- 
cers, whose  gallantry  on  the  Niagara  (h>ntier  had  won  his  admiration. 


OF  THE   WAtt    OF    1812. 


861 


ican  Work!  at  Plattiburg. 

in  Pring,  with  the 
tte,  and  on  the  wi'st 
)  cover  the  landing 
r&B  straining  every 
ssment  of  trains  by 
eavy  baggage,  inili- 
he  soldiers  working 
and  manned  before 
us  marches.    These 
lake,  gently  sloping 
le  neck  of  the  penin- 
1  Scott.    The  first- 
f  between  the  lower 


,  a  mile  higher  up,  on 
icipal  work,  was  haK 
ort  Brown ;  and  Fort 
ore-houses  and  a  hos- 
'ort  Brown,  the  right 
ght ;  and  about  sixty 
xtends  from  the  river 
ind  on  the  point  near 
I  another  block-house, 
ridge,  stood  (and  yet 

je. 
General  Macomb  di- 

ame,  whom  Bonaparte  exiled 

•ttcy  against  the  newly-created 

Tl  htm  to  RuBBla,  and  while  en- 

rboth  hlB  legs,  from  the  effectt 

Its,  In  honor  of  those  two  oil- 


Occupants  of  the  Plattsburg  Forts. 


Puaitlon  of  the  Troops. 


The  British  advance  on  Plattsbnrg. 


vided  them  into  detachments,  declaring  in  orders  that  each  detachment  was  the  gar- 
rison of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  finish  it  and  defend  it  to  the  last  extremity. 
Colonel  Melancthon  Smith,*  with  the  Sixth  and  Twenty-ninth  Regiments,  was  placed 
in  command  of  Fort  Moreau.  Fort  Brown  was  intrusted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Storrs,  with  detachments  of  the  Thirtieth  and  Thirty-first  Regiments ;  and  Major 
Vinson,  with  the  Thirty-third  and  Thirty-fourth  Regiments,  garrisoned  Fort  Scott 
Captain  Smith,  of  tlio  Rifles,  with  a  part  of  his  company  and  the  convalescents,  occu- 
pied the  block-house  near  the  ravine  ;  and  Lieutenant  Fowler,  with  a  detachment  of 
artillery,  held  the  block-house  on  the  Point.  The  light  artillery,  under  Captain  Leon- 
ard, were  ordered  to  annoy  the  enemy  whenever  and  wherever  an  opportunity  should 
oftcr.  The  main  body  of  Macomb's  nrmy  lay  within  tlie  triangular  portion  of  the 
peninsula  formed  by  the  ravine,  the  river,  and  the  lake. 

When  the  British  advanced  to  Chazy,  Macomb  ordered  Captain  SprouU  to  take  a 
position  near  Dead  C»-^ek  Bridge,  on  the  lake  road,  with  two  hundred  of  the  Thir- 
teent'  Regiment''  and  two  field-pieces,  while  Lieutenant  Colonel  Appling,  the  hero 
ofSai.ay  Creek,  was  sent  farther  in  advance,  with  a  little  more  than  a  hundred  rifle- 
men, and  a  troop  of  New  York  Cavalry  under  Captain  Stafford  and  Lieutenant  M. 
M.  Siandish.  Their  business  was  to  watch  and  annoy  the  enemy,  and  obstruct  his 
marcii  by  felling  trees  in  the  road.  It  was  theiv  appearance  that  caused  his  Jialt  at 
Sampson's.  General  Mooers  had  called  for  the  entire  militia  force  of  his  district  to 
repel  the  invasion,  and  Macomb  made  an  earnest  appeal  for  troops  to  Governor  Chit- 
tenden, of  Vermont. 

On  the  evening  of  the  4th  Mooers  had  seven  hundred  men  imder  his  command,  and 
with  them,  by  order  of  Macomb,  he  advanced  a  few  miles  northward  on  the  Beek- 
mantown  Road,  on  an  errand  similar  to  that  of  Sproull  and  Appling.  He  was  in- 
structed to  watch  the  enemy,  skirmish  with  his  vanguard,  break  up  the  bridges,  and 
obstruct  the  roads  with  felled  trees.  He  went  forward  on  the  morning  of  the  5th, 
and  bivouacked  that  night  near  the  stone  church  in  Beekmantown. 

On  the  morning  of  the  6th  the  British  army,  full  fourteen  thousand  strong,  mostly 
veteran  troops,  marched  upon  Plattsburg  in  two  columns  from  their  encampment 
near  Sampson's,  the  right  crossing  over  to  the  Beekmantown  Road,  and  the  left  fol- 
lowing the  lake  shore  that  led  to  Dead  Creek  Bridge.  General  Edward  Baynes  was 
the  adjutant  general,  and  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith,  who  was  conspicuous  at  Hampton 
and  in  Hampton  Roads  the  previous  year,'  was  quartermaster  general.  The  right 
column  was  composed  of  General  Powers's  brigade,  supported  by  four  companies 
of  light  infantry  and  a  half  brigade  under  Ma- 
jor General  Robinson.  The  left  was  composed 
of  General  Brisbane's  brigade,  and  was  led  by 


>  Uelancthon  Smith  was  commissioned  a  mnjor  of  the  Twenty- 
ninth  Infantry  on  the  20th  of  February,  1818,  and  was  promoted 
to  colonel  on  the  12th  of  April  following.  He  left  the  army  at 
the  close  of  the  war,  and  died  at  Plattsburg  on  the  IBth  of  Au- 
gast,  1818.  In  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  old  bnrial-gronnd  at 
Plattsburg  I  found  his  grave  in  18(X>,  and  at  the  bead  of  it  an  elab- 
orately-wrought tombstone,  of  bine  limestone,  on  which  is  the 
following  Inscription  :  "To  the  memory  of  Colonel  Mkiabotiion 
Sxnu,  who  died  Angnet  18, 1818,  aged  38  years.  As  a  testimony 
of  respect  for  his  virtues,  and  to  mark  the  spot  where  rests  the 
athes  of  an  excellent  Father,  this  stone  is  erected  by  his  son  Rion- 
siu.  United  with  many  masculine  virtues,  he  had  a  tear  for  pity, 
and  a  hand  open  as  day  for  melting  charity." 

'  This  was  always  a  famous  regiment.  We  first  met  portions 
of  It  following  the  gallant  Captain  Wool  up  Queenston  Heights. 
See  page  897.  At  this  time  [1867]  only  three  of  its  offlcers  enr- 
vive,  namely.  Major  General  Wool,  Dr.  M'Call  (then  surgeon's 
mate,  and  now  superintendent  of  the  Lunatic  Asylum  at  Utica), 
and  Captain  Myers,  mentioned  in  the  note  on  page  C51. 

'  See  page  683. 


1 

■  \ 

V)  •■» 


COLOnn.  BMITU'S  MOMCIUUIT. 


n  v\ 


,  i       .     f 


i    1< 


y  ... 


set 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Mi\)ur  W<H)1  gent  tci  meet  the  Brltlah. 


A  Hkirmlah  at  Beekmantown. 


BngaKement  on  Calver'n  Hill. 


Ilim  in  person.    The  whole  were  under  the  immediate  command  of  Major  General 
De  Uottenburg. 

Macomb  was  informed  of  this  movement  being  in  contemplation  on  the  eveninjr  of 
the  5th,  and  prepared  to  meet  it.  The  gallant  Major  John  E.  Wool,  ever  ready  tor 
a  daring  enterprise,  volunteered  to  lead  some  regulars  to  support  the  militia  and  on. 
}»ose  the  advance  of  the  foe.  At  about  the  time  in  the  early  morning  of  the  fltli 
when  the  British  broke  camp  at  Sampson's,  Wool  moved  from  Plattsburg  with  two 
hundred  and  fifty  regular  infantry  and  thirty  volunteers,  with  orders  to  set  the  mi- 

litia  an  example  of  firm- 
ness.    This    was    done. 
He    reached    IJeckinan- 
town  before  the  oni'inv 
appeared,  and  took  po- 
sition  near  the  residence 
of  Ira  Howe.    There  tiie 
first  collision  occurred. 
The  enemy  came  march- 
ing on  rapidly,  anticipa- 
ting no  resistance,  wiien 
they  were  suddenly 
checked  by  a  heavy  vol- 
ley  of  musketry  from 
Wool's  little  corps.  Tiie 
militia  broke   and  fled 
toward  Plattsburg,  but 
the  regulars  stood  firm. 
The  enemy  was  in  over- 
whelming numbers,  but  Wool  moved  slowly  back  toward  Culver's  Hill,  disputing 
the  way  inch  by  inch  in  desperate  skirmishing:.     On  that  hill,  a  short  distance  below 
Beekmantown,  he  made  a  stand,  and  as  the  British  advance  ascended  the  slope,  fill- 
ing the  entire  road,  he  made  another  gallant  attack  upon  them.     Some  of  the  militia 
had  been  rallied,  and  were  in  position  behind  the  stone  wall  that  bounded  the  road.' 
The  enemy's  advance  was  driven  back  upon  the  main  body,  and  their  leader.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Willington,  of  the  Third  Regiment  of  Buff's,  and  Ensign  Chapman  of 
the  same  regiment,  were  killed.'    Captain  Westropp,  of  the  Fifty-eighth,  was  severe- 
ly wounded.     Captain  Partridge,  of  the  Essex  militia,  and  several  other  Americans. 
were  killed.    The  fight  was  severe,  but  very  short.    The  heavy  column  of  the  enemy 
came  pressing  steadily  onward  with  irresistible  force,  filling  the  entire  roadway.    At 
the  same  time  Wool  discovered  a  formidable  movement  to  turn  his  flank  and  gain 
his  rear,  when  he  again  fell  back  in  order  to  Halsey's  Corners,  within  a  mile  and  a  half 
of  Plattsburg  Bridge.    There  he  was  joined  at  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning 
by  Captain  Leonard  with  two  pieces  of  artillery.     These  were  immediately  placed  in 
battery  at  an  angle  in  the  road.     They  were  masked  by  Wool's  infantry  and  a  small 
body  of  militia,  and  as  the  enemy  came  steadily  on  in  heavy  mass,  Leonard  opened 
Tipon  them,  and  his  balls  cut  fearful  lanes  through  their  ranks. 

Three  times  that  battery  hurled  its  deadly  missiles  through  the  lines  of  the  foe, 
yet  it  did  not  check  them.  The  British  bugles  sounded,  and  the  men,  throwing  away 
tlieir  knapsacks,  rushed  forward  at  double  quick  to  charge  with  the  bayonet.  Leon- 
ard was  compelled  to  fly  toward  the  village.     He  carried  his  guns  with  him,  turning 

>  This  honee  was  the  residence  of  Mr.  Joel  Smith  when  I  visited  Beekmantown  in  1860.    It  was  naed  as  a  bospiul, 
with  others,  after  the  skinnigh  there  and  at  Calver's  Hill. 

>  This  heavy  stone  wall,  bnilt  by  some  Vermonters  before  the  war,  was  yet  standing  when  I  rode  over  Calrer's  Dill 
in  the  gammer  of  1860. 

'  To  Samuel  Terry,  who  was  living  at  Pern,  Clinton  County,  New  York,  is  awarded  the  fame  of  having  shot  Willlngloii. 


IKA    UUWK  H,  UKGKliA^TUWN. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


803 


gagement  on  CaWer'a  Rill. 

i  of  Major  Gciu'ral 


the  lines  of  the  foe, 
men,  throwing  away 
the  bayonet.    Leon- 
Bins  with  him,  turning 


lot  of  tba  Britl*b. 


They  praw  on  tu  Plattibarg. 


PIght  In  and  near  the  Village. 


Otone-mlll  Ctudel. 


IBAAO  O.  PLATT'd    RKBII>KNUE.> 


them  occasionally  upon  the  ptirsuing  foe,  and,  crossing  the  Saranac  at  the  lower 
bridge,  he  pluntod  thoni  in  battery  on  a  gentle  eminence  in  tlie  roatl,  near  the  stone 
mill,  to  co\er  the  crossing  of  the  rest  of  the  Americans  if  they  should  find  it  neces- 
sary to  retreat.  In  the  affair  at  Ilalsey's  Corners  several  of  the  British  were  killed. 
Among  them  was  Lieu- 
tenant Kingsbury,  of  the 
Third  Bufi's,  who  was  mor- 
tally w^oundcd,  and  tak- 
en into  the  farm-house  of 
the  now  (1807)  venerable 
Isaac  C.  Piatt,  Esquire, 
near  by,  where  he  soon 
afterward  died.' 

llie  more  rapid  march 
of  the  British  right  col- 
umn imperiled  the  de- 
tacliments  of  Appling  and 
Sproul,  who  were  await- 
ing the  approach  of  the 
left,  Macomb  perceived 
this,  and  ordered  them  to 
tall  back  toward  Plattsburg,  and  attack  the  enemy's  flank.  They  did  so,  and  their 
riflemen  galled  the  foe  severely.  They  reached  the  lower  bridge  just  in  time  to  avoid 
being  cut  ofl'by  the  British  right,  and  to  cross  it  with  Wool's  retiring  troops.  When 
ail  were  safely  over,  the  bridge  was  torn  up  in  the  face  of  a  heavy  fire  from  the  head 
of  the  enemy's  right,  which  had  reached  the  little  village.  The  militia  in  the  mean 
time  had  fled  across  the  upper  bridge,  and  destroyed  that  in  the  same  way.  The 
British  lefl  column  soon  aflerward  appeared.  It  crossed  the  Dead  Creek  Bridge,  and, 
while  making  its  way  along  the  beach  of  Plattsb-irg  Bay  to  unite  with  the  right,  it 
was  severely  harassed  by  an  enfilading  fire  L^t^  «ome  of  Macdonough's  galleys  which 
had  been  sent  to  the  head  of  the  bay  for  the  purpose.  A  heavy  blow  came  on,  and 
Macdonough  sent  Midshipman  Silas  Duncan  in  a  gig  to  order  the  galleys  to  return 
to  the  fleet.  His  boat  was  fired  upon  by  the  enemy,  and  he  was  severely  wounded, 
but  he  delivered  the  order  and  escaped  with  his  life. 

The  British  were  checked  at  the  village  by  the  destruction  of  the  lower  bridge, 
whose  timbers  were  used  in  the  construction  of  a  breastwork  for  the  infantry.  They 
took  position  in  some  store-houses  near  the  Saranac.  Upon  these  Captain  Brooks 
hurled  some  hot  shot,  and  burned  out  the  enemy.  Their  light  troops  endeavored 
during  the  day  to  force  a  passage  of  the  Saranac,  but  were  each  time  repulsed  by  the 
guards  at  tlie  bridge  and  a  small  company  known  as  Aiken's  Volunteers,  of  Platts- 
burg, who  were  stationed  in  the  stone  mill  (see  engraving  next  page)  already  men- 
tioned. These  young  men  had  been  out  on  the  Beekmantown  Road  in  the  morning 
and  behaved  gallantly,  and  they  garrisoned  that  mill-citadel  most  admirably.^  In 
the  mean  time  a  division  of  the  British  had  pressed  toward  the  uppc:  bridge,  where 
General  Mooers  and  his  militia,  as  we.  have  observed,  crossed  the  bridge,  tore  it  up, 

'  Palmer'8  Hiftorij  of  Lake  Champlain,  page  192.    Statement  to  the  aathor  by  Mr.  Piatt  In  1860. 

>  Tbiii  was  the  appearance  of  Mr.  Piatt's  hou  le  in  1860.  The  main  building  is  of  bricli.  The  Immense  bnttemnt- 
trce  near  the  house  was  a  fine  bearing  tree  at  the  time  of  the  battle,  and  two  bullet  scars  npon  Its  trunk  were  pointed 
oDt  to  me.    We  shall  notice  this  honse  and  its  owner  hereafter. 

'  The  following  are  the  names  of  these  young  men,  or  rather  lads,  for  none  of  them  were  old  enough  to  be  legally 
i-alled  into  the  military  service:  Martin  J.  Aiken,  Azariah  C.  Flagg,  Ira  Wood,  Qustavns  A.  Bird,  James  Trowbridge, 
Hazen  Mooers.  Henry  K.  Averlll,  St.  John  B.  L.  Skinner,  Frederick  P.  Allen,  Hiram  Walworth,  Ethan  Everest,  Amos 
Soper,  James  Patten,  Bnrtimeus  Brooks,  Smith  Bateman,  Melancthon  W.  Travis,  and  Flavins  Williams.  They  were 
highly  praised  by  Macomb  for  their  gallantry,  aud  he  promised  that  each  of  them  should  receive  a  rifle.  This  promise 
Congress  redeemed  in  1826  by  ordering  a  rifle  to  he  presented  to  each  member  of  that  little  volunteer  company.  Sev- 
eral of  these  lads  afterward  became  distlnguisbed  men. 


h 

'if 


804 


riCTOIUAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Tbe  Btltlib  checked  tt  the  Bridge  in  Plettibarg. 


Prepanitlonii  for  liattle  on  Land  and  Witer, 


OLD  BTONB  MILL.* 


and  UHod  its  timhorN  for 
n  breastwork.  The  ea- 
einy  made  extraordina- 
ry efforts  to  for(!o  a  pan- 
Hage  there,  but  Alooers 
and  his  men  stood  lirm, 
and  kept  thcni  at  buy. 
Finding  the  passage  of 
the  stream  impoHNibie 
under  the  cirruinstan- 
ceSjPrevost  ordered  hu 
troops  to  encamp  \ipon 
an  elevated  ridge  about 
a  mile  back  from  the 
rivei",  and  upon  the  liigh 
ground  north  of  the 
village.  IIo  made  his 
head  -  quarters  at  Al- 
len's farm-house  on  the 
ridge,'  and  gave  orders 
for  vigorous  prepara- 
tions for  attack.  Not- 
withstanding he  was  at 
the  head  of  overwhelm- 
ing numbers,  the  events 
of  that  day*  convinced  him  that  the  task  before  him  was  not  a  light  one. 
He  had  lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  since  the  dawn,  over  two  hundred 
men,  while  the  loss  of  the  Americans  did  not  exceed  forty-five.^ 

Prevost  employed  the  time  between  the  7th  and  11th  in  bringing  up  his  battering 
trains  and  supplies,  and  in  erecting  several  works  that  might  command  the  river,  the 
bay,  and  the  American  forts  and  block-houses  on  the  peninsula.*  The  Americans  in 
the  mean  time  were  not  idle.  They  labored  without  ceasing  in  strengthening  tiieir 
wo\ks.  They  removed  their  sick  and  wounded  to  Crab  Island,  two  miles  distant,  in 
the  lake,  and  there  erected  a  two  d-pound  gun  battery,  and  manned  it  with  convales- 
cents. 

Wliile  these  preparations  were  under  way  on  land,  the  belligerents  were  making 
ready  for  a  combat  on  the  water.  A  greater  portioii  of  the  British  flotilla,  under 
Captain  Pring,  had  advanced,  as  we  have  seen,  to  Isle  la  Motte,  where  they  were 
joined''  by  the  remaindet  of  the  squadron  and  Captain  George  Downie, 
of  the  Royal  Navy,  late  of  the  Montreal  on  Lake  Ontario.  Macdouough, 
at  the  same  time,  had  the  American  squadron  at  anchor  in  Plattsburg  Bay,  and  calm- 
ly awaited  the  approach  of  his  enemy. 

For  almost  five  days  the  seamen  waited  for  a  general  movement  of  the  landsmen, 
which  was  to  be  a  signal  on  the  part  of  the  British  for  the  weighing  of  anchors  and 

>  This  was  a  large  two-storied  ftame  hoase,  nearly  square,  and  stood  on  the  site  of  the  residence  of  John  H.  Sanborn, 
Esquire,  in  1860,  when  I  visited  Plattsbnrg.  It  was  on  a  little  hill  west  of  the  village.  General  Robinson  mode  hi; 
head-quarters  at  the  house  of  the  Honorable  William  Bailey,  not  far  distant.  Judge  Bailey  (mentioned  In  the  note  on 
page  660)  took  refuge,  vdth  his  family,  in  the  house  of  Dr.  Man  (mentioned  in  the  same  note),  some  distance  from  Flatls- 
burg.  Judge  Bailey  married  the  daughter  of  Zepbaniah  Piatt,  a  patentee  of  Plattsburg,  and  was  the  father  of  Admiral 
Bailey,  of  our  navy,  who  performed  gallant  service  in  the  battle  of  Ports  Jackson  and  Philip,  below  New  Orleans,  in  tlie 
spring  of  1803. 

»  This  was  the  appearance  of  the  old  stone  mill  when  the  writer  sketched  it  In  1860  fh)m  the  gallery  of  the  UnlW 
States  Hotel.    On  the  left  is  seen  a  portion  of  Plattsburg  Bay,  and  Cumberland  Head  in  the  distance. 

'  Palmer's  Biatory  of  Lake  Champlain,  page  194. 

*  These  consisted  of  threr  block-houses  erected  at  points  within  range  of  the  American  works ;  a  battery  on  the  lak« 
shore.  Just  north  of  the  mouth  of  the  Saranac ;  another  on  the  steep  bank  above  the  mill-pond ;  a  third  near  the  burial- 
ground  ;  and  one  for  rocketeers  on  a  hill  opposite  Fort  Brown. 


'  September  6, 

1814. 


'  September  8. 


br  Battl*  on  Land  and  Wtttr, 


OF  TUB  WAK   OF   1818. 


805 


Drive  Kxplult  uf  CapUin  M'Uliuialn.  A  Britlih  Batttrjr  eaptand.  Biittah  land  and  naval  fomi  In  Motion. 


VmW    UP  TUK  BAKANAO,  rKUM   fOKT   UUUWN,> 


preparing  ships  for  action,  and  during  that  time  no  military  operation  of  great  im- 
portance occurred.  There  were  some  minor  movements  worthy  of  notice.  One  of 
them,  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  was  a  bold  one.  On  the  night  of  the  9th  there 
was  tempestuous  weather.  There  was  liglitning,  and  rain,  and  wind,  and  thick  dark- 
ness. The  British  had  been  seen  at  sunset  busily  engaged  in  the  erect  ion  of  the 
rocket  battery  opposite  Fort  Brown.  Captain  M'Glassin,  who  was  described  to  me 
as  a  "little  beardless  Scotchman"  anxious  to  distinguish  liimself,  asked  (Jencial  Ma- 
comb to  allow  him  to  load  fifty  men  tliat  night  to  an  attiusk  on  the  builders.  Ma- 
comb complied,  and  M'Glassin,  who  had  arisen  from  a  sick-bed,  sallied  out  in  the 
gloom  with  his  men,  from  whose  gun-locks  the  flints  were  removed,  crossed  the  Sar- 
anac  about  half  way  between  F'ort  Brown  and  the  upper  bridge,  and,  unobserved, 
reached  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  which  the  battery  was  rising.  There  he  divided  his 
men  into  two  parties.  One  went  to  the  rear  of  the  battery  by  a  circuitous  route, 
and,  Avhen  all  was  ready,  lie  Ehouted  "  Charge !  men,  charge !  upon  the  front  and 
rear !"  His  men  rushed  forward  with  frightful  yells.  The  British,  believing  over- 
whelming numbers  were  upon  them,  fled  precipitately  to  their  main  body.  The  work 
was  taken,  the  guns  were  spiked,  and  M'Glassin  returned  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
man.  Over  three  hundred  veteran  troops  had  been  surprised  and  frightened  into 
tliglit  by  only  fifty  men,  and  Sir  George  Prevost  was  much  mortified. 

The  morning  of  the  11th  dawned  brightly,  and  at  an  early  hour  in  the  forenoon  the 
British  land  and  naval  forces  were  in  motion  for  a  combined  attack  on  the  Americ'^ns. 
Prevost  had  arranged  the  movement  with  Downie.  It  was  agreed  that  when  the  Brit- 
ish squadron  should  be  seen  approaching  Cumberland  Head,  the  advance  of  the  army, 
under  Major  General  Robinson,  sliould  press  forward,  force  the  fords  of  the  Saranac, 
climb  tlie  steep  banks,  and  with  ladders  escalade  the  American  works  on  the  penin- 
sula, while  the  several  batteries  around  Plattsburg  village  should  open  a  brisk  fire. 

Between  seven  and  eight  o'clock  the  squadron  was  seen  advancing,  and  at  eight  it 
rounded  Cumberland  Head.  It  consisted  of  the  frigate  Conflance,  38,  Downie'c  flag- 
ship; the  brig  iiVme^,  16,  Captain  Pring;  the  sloops  ^At<J,  Lieutenant  M'Ghee,  and 
Mnch,^  Lieutenant  Hicks,  carrying  1 1  guns  each ;  and  twelve  gun-boats,  manned  by 

'  Thli  view  is  from  the  monnds  of  Fort  Brown,  looking  np  the  Sp.ranac.  The  bnildlngs  In  the  extreme  distance  are 
at  the  upper  bridge,  where  Mooers's  milltta  were  stationed.  H'Qlassin  forded  the  Saranac  at  the  point  indicated  by  the 
drift-wood  lodged  in  the  atream.  He  crossed  the  little  narrow  plain  where  the  cattle  are  seen,  and  np  the  slope  to  the 
Hght. 

■  These  were  the  Eagle  and  Qroaler,  captureti  trom  the  Americans  on  Lake  Chomplaln  bj  the  British,  who  changed 
their  names  to  Chvb  and  Fimh. 

3l 


1. 1 


M 


'.I 


r!  * 


866 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Force  and  Pogltlon  of  the  hoBtile  Fleeta. 


HacdonoDgh  Implores  divine  Aid. 


Beginning  of  the  Battle. 


about  forty-five  men  each.  Eight  of  them  carried  2  guns,  and  four  of  them  1  gun 
each.  At  that  moment  Macdonough's  squadron  lay  in  Cumberland  or  Plattsburw 
Bay,  on  a  line  north  from  Crab  Island,  a  id  almost  parallel  with  the  shore,  at  an  aver- 
age distance  of  two  miles  from  it.  On  the  extreme  left,  and  at  the  head  of  the  Hue 
were  two  galleys  at  anchor,  and  next  to  them  lay  the  brig  Eagle,  26,  Captain  Henley, 
just  within  the  point  of  Cumberland  Head.  Next  south  of  her  was  the  Saratoga,  20, 
Macdonough's  flag-ship  ;  and  the  next  in  line  was  the  schooner  Ticonderoga,  1 7,  Lieu- 
tenant Cassin.  Next  southward  in  the  line  lay  the  Preble,  Lieutenant  Charles  BuOd, 
armed  with  7  guns.>  This  vessel  lay  so  near  the  shoal  extending  northeast  from 
Cuvb  Island,  that  it  was  impossible  for  the  enemy  to  turn  that  end  of  the  line.  In 
the  .'ear  of  these  larger  vessels  were  ten  gun-boats  or  galleys,  six  of  them  mountinjr 
one  long  24-pounder  and  one  18-pound  Columbiad  each,  and  the  other  four  carrying 
each  a  1£  pounder.  These  were  so  arranged  as  to  fill  up  the  openings  between  the 
larger  vessels  in  the  line,  making  the  order  of  battle  in  two  lines,  about  forty  rods 
apart.  The  larger  vessels  were  at  anchor,  while  the  gun-boats  were  kept  in  position 
by  the  use  of  oars.  ^ 

The  American  line  of  battle  had  been  formed  with  great  skill  by  the  young  com- 
mandci,  reference  being  had  to  the  confonnation  of  the  land.  It  extended  completely 
across  the  entrance  to  Plattsburg  Bay  from  Crab  Island  to  Cumberland  Head,  and 
the  enemy,  rounding  the  latter,  was  compelled  to  approach  the  Amsrican  squadron 
with  his  bows  on,  giving  the  latter  a  great  advantage  at  the  beginning.^  The  firet 
vessel  that  made  its  appearance  was  a  sloop,  which,  it  is  said,  carried  a  company  of 
amateurs,  who  kept  out  of  the  action  that  ensued.  It  was  immediately  followed  by 
the  Finch,  which  led  the  van  of  the  British  squadron,  and  made  for  the  right  of  the 
American  line,  in  the  direction  of  the  Preble,  near  Crab  Island,  At  the  same  time 
the  Chub  moved  toward  the  head  or  left  of  the  Americans,  near  Cumberland  Head. 
keeping  well  to  the  windward  of  the  Eagle,  to  support  the  Linret  in  a  direct  attack 
on  that  vessel,  while  the  gun-boats  coming  up  in  order,  their  commanders  received 
from  Commodore  Downie  ".nal  instructions  for  action.  He  then  attempted  to  lay  tlic 
Conjiance  athwart  the  Saratoga,  while  the  Finch  and  the  gun-boats  should  attack 
the  Ticonderoga  and  Preble.  He  was  baffled  by  shifting  winds,  and  was  compelled 
to  anchor  his  vessel  within  two  cables'  length  of  its  antagonist, 

Macdonough,  in  the  mean  time,  had  thoroughly  prepared  to  receive  the  enemy. 
When  his  vessels  were  cleared  for  action,  springs  placed  on  his  cables,  and  all  was  in 
readiness,  lie  knelt  upon  the  deck  of  the  Saratoga,  near  one  of  its  heaviest  guns,  witli 
his  oflicers  and  men  around  him,  and,  in  tew  words,  asked  Almighty  God  for  aid,  and 
committed  the  issue  into  his  hands,*  He  arose  with  assured  courage,  and  as  the  en- 
emy came  bearing  down  upon  him,  hip  vessels  sprang  their  broadsides  to  bear,  and 
the  Eagle  opened  the  action  by  hurling  the  first  shot.  It  discharged  in  quick  suc- 
cession its  four  long  1 8-pounders  in  broadside.  This  was  followed  by  the  fire  of  a 
long  24-pounder  on  the  Saratoga,  which  the  young  and  gallant  commodore  had  sight- 
ed himself  The  ball  entered  the  outer  hawse-hole  of  ihe  Confiance,  the  enemy's  flag- 
ship, and  went  crashing  through  every  obstacle  the  entire  length  of  her  deck,  killing 

'  The  SarcUoga  wai  built  at  Vergennee  in  the  spring  of  1814.  The  Ticonderoga  was  in  conrse  of  construction  for  n 
steam-boat  when  she  was  taken  for  the  public  service  by  Macdonough  and  converted  Into  a  sloop-of-wnr.  The  EagU 
was  also  built  at  Vergennes  in  the  summer  of  1R14.  So  rapid  was  her  construction  that  she  was  launched  In  uinetMQ 
days  after  her  keel  was  cut  in  the  woods.    She  Joined  the  sqaadron  early  in  August. 

•  The  American  force  consisted  of  one  ship,  one  brig,  one  schooner, '  .  sloop,  and  ten  gnn-boats,  carrying  86  gum 
in  all,  and  manned  by  882  mer.  The  British  had  one  fVlgate,  one  brig,  two  sloops,  and  twelve  gnn-boats,  cnrryin;;  hi 
all  96  giins,  and  manned  by  a  little  more  than  1000  men.  The  metal  of  each  was  unusually  heavy.  That  of  the  Amer- 
icans was  as  follows:  Fourteen  long  24'8,  six  42'8,  twenty-nine  S2"«,  twelve  long  IS's,  twelve  'ong  IS's,  seven  lonp  9'», 
and  six  18-ponnd  Columblads.  The  British  had  thirty-one  long  24'e,  seven  18'e,  sixteen  12's,  Ave  fl's,  twelve  84-ponini 
carronados  six  24's,  seventeen  18's,  and  one  18-pound  Columbiad.  '  See  Map  on  page  871. 

*  At  ■  pnblic  dinner  given  to  Hacdonongh  at  Plattsburg  a  few  days  after  the  battle,  the  following  toast  was  olferfd 
after  he  had  left  the  table:  "Theplons  and  brave  Macdonongh— the  professor  of  the  religion  ofthe  Redeemer— prepar- 
ing  for  action,  he  called  on  God,  who  forsook  him  not  in  the  honr  of  danger:  may  he  not  be  forgotten  by  his  coontry." 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


867 


BegiDDing  of  the  Battte, 

[  four  of  them  1  gun 
erland  or  Plattsburw 
the  shore,  at  an  aver- 
the  head  of  the  line, 
!,  26,  Captain  Henley, 
waB  the  Saratoga,  2G, 
Viconderoga,  1 7,  Lieu- 
tenant Charles  Budd, 
iding  northeast  from 
,  end  of  the  line.  In 
six  of  them  mounting 
e  other  four  carrying 
>peningB  between  the 
nes,  about  forty  rods 
were  kept  in  position 

11  by  the  yoimg  com- 
i  extended  completely 
umberland  Head,  and 
e  Amsrican  squadron 
leginning.^  The  fii-st 
carried  a  company  of 
nediately  followed  hy 
le  for  the  right  of  the 
1.  At  the  same  time 
ar  Cumberland  Head, 
iret  in  a  direct  attack 
commanders  received 
1  attempted  to  lay  tlie 
boats  should  attack 
and  was  compelled 


Cock  crowing  on  Uacdonongh's  Flag-ehip. 


Fight  between  the  Flag-ebips. 


The  Battle  general. 


3  receive  the  enemy, 
cables,  and  all  was  in 
;8  heaviest  guns,  with 
jhty  God  for  aid,  and 
luraae,  and  as  the  en- 
jadsides  to  bear,  and 

larged  in  quick  suc- 
iwed  by  the  fire  of  a 
!ommodoro  had  sight- 
nce,  the  enemy's  flag- 

1  of  her  deck,  killing 


_  conrse  of  construction  for  n 
to  a  Bloop-of-wnr.  The  Kijk 
she  was  launched  In  ulnetran 

gtin-bo8t«,  carrying  86  gtrai 
twelve  gnn-boatu,  carrylnR  la 
ly  heavy.  That  of  the  Amer- 
jlve  long  IS's,  (even  lonf  9>, 
12's,  five  fl'B,  twelve  32-ponu(l 
'  See  Map  on  psjre  8J1, 
_  following  toast  was  nfferfd 
Ion  oftheRedeeiner— preptr- 
be  forgotten  by  his  conntry." 


several  men  on  its  way,  and  demolishing  the  wheel.  The  Linnet,  as  she  was  passing 
to  attack  the  Eagle,  gave  the  Saratoga  a  broadside,  but  without  serious  effect.  One 
of  her  shoto  demolished  a  hen-coop  on  the  Saratoga,  in  which  was  a  young  game- 
cock which  some  of  the  seamen  had  lately  brought  on  board.  The  released  fowl, 
startled  by  the  noise  of  cannon,  flew  upon  a  gun-slide,  and,  clapping  his  wings,  crow- 
ed lustily  and  defiantly.  The  sailors  cheered,  and  the  incident,  appearing  to  them  as 
ominous  of  victory  for  the  Americans,  strengthened  the  courage  of  all. ' 

The  Conjiance  made  no  reply  to  the  Saratoga's  savage  24-poiTnder  until  she  had 
secured  a  desirable  position,  notwithstanding  the  entire  American  line  had  become 
engaged  in  the  combat.  When  rear'.y,  she  exhibited  a  sheet  of  flame.  Her  entire 
larboard  broadside  guns,  consisting  of  sixteen  24-pounder8,  doi  .ble-shotted,  leveled 
point-blank  range,  coolly  sighted,  aiid  favored  by  still  water,  were  discharged  at  one 
time.  The  effect  was  terrible.  The  Saratoga  shivered  from  round-top  to  hull  as 
with  an  ague,  and  forty  of  her  people,  or  almost  one  fifth  of  her  complement,  were 
disabled.  But  the  stunning  blow  was  felt  only  for  a  moment.  Almost  iinmediatelj 
Macdonough  resumed  the  conflict,  and  the  fire  of  the  Saratoga  was  steady,  and  gal- 
lantly conducted.  Among  her  lost  was  her  first  lieutenant,  Peter  Gamble,  who  was 
on  his  knees  sighting  a  bow-gun,  when  a  shot  entered  the  port,  split  the  quoin,  drove 
a  part  cf  it  against  his  breast,  and  luid  him  dead  without  breaking  the  skin.  Fifteen 
minutes  afterward  an  American  ball  struck  the  muzzle  of  a  24-pounder  on  board  the 
Conjiance,  dismounted  it,  sending  it  bodily  inboard  against  the  groin  of  Commodore 
Downie,  killing  him  also  without  breaking  the  skin.'' 

The  battle  had  now  become  general,  steady,  and  active  between  the  larger  vessels. 
Tlie  Chub,  while  nianceuvring  near  the  head  of  the  American  line,  received  a  broad- 
side from  the  gallant  Henley,^  of  the  Eagle,  which  so  crippled  her  that  she  drifted 
helplessly,  and,  after  receiving  a  shot  from  the  Saratoga,  she  struck,  and  was  taken 
possession  of  by  Mr.  Piatt,  one  of  the  midshipmen  of  that  vessel,*  who  had  her  towed 

>  statement  to  the  anthor  by  Commodore  Samuel  L.  Breese,  who  was  commander  of  the  gnn-boat  NeUey  In  the  ac- 
tion,* anr".  James  Sloan,  of  Oswego,  who,  as  we  have  observed  [page  7BT],  was  Macdonough's  clerk,  and  was  a  witness 
to  the  affair.  He  says  that  some  of  the  sailors  were  fond  of  cock-flghting.  This  particnlar  bird,  owned  on  shore,  had 
been  a  formidable  antagonist,  and,  by  "  hook  or  by  crook,"  they  had  obtained  possession  of  him. 

The  following  allusion  to  this  event  Is  contained  iu  a  rhyming  "  Epittk  qf  Brother  Jonathan  to  Johnny  BvU,  said  to 
have  been  ,vritten  at  near  the  close  of  1614 : 

"  O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  joe,  John, 
Behold  on  Lake  Champlain, 
With  more  than  equal  force,  John, 

Yon  tried  your  fist  again ; 
But  the  cock  sew  how  'twas  going, 

And  cried '  Cock-a-doodle-doo,' 
And  Macdonough  was  victorious, 
O,  Johnny  Bull,  my  Joe !" 

>  Cooper's  yatal  Hiiitory  of  the  United  States,  ii.,  434. 

'  Robert  Henley  was  bom  In  James  City  County,  Virginia,  on  the  Bth  of  January,  1783.  He  was  educated  at  William 
ind  Mary  College.  He  obtained  a  midshipman's  warrant  in  ITflO,  and  made  his  first  cmlee  with  Commodore  Trux- 
tun  in  the  ConnteUation.  He  showed  much  gallantry  in  several  engagements,  especially  with  La  Vengeance  (see  page 
104),  when  Truxtnn  said,  "That  stripling  Is  destined  to  be  a  brave  officer."  He  was  appointed  to  the  command  of 
the  Eagle  iu  the  spring  of  1814,  :md  after  the  battle  of  Plattsbnrg  in  September,  his  commander,  Macdonough,  said,  in 
Ills  official  report :  "To  Captain  Rob«rt  Henley,  of  the  brig  Eagle,  much  is  to  be  ascribed ;  his  courage  was  conspicu- 
ous, and  I  most  earnestly  recommend  him  as  worth)  of  the  highest  trust  and  confidence."  The  National  Congress 
thanked  him,  and  gave  him  a  gold  medal.t  He  was  also  promoted  to  captain.  He  died  at  Charleston,  Soath  Carolina, 
in  the  year  1829. 

•  The  late  Commodore  Charles  T.  Piatt,  who  died  ai  Kcwburg,  New  York,  on  the  12th  of  December,  1860.  He  was  a 
native  of  Plattsbnrg,  and  a  gallant  officer.  He  entered  the  navy  as  midshipman  In  1812  on  Lake  Champlain.  During 
the  battle  here  recorded  he  passed  three  times  through  the  line  of  the  enemy's  fire  in  an  open  boat  carrying  orders.  He 
was  promoted  to  lieutenant,  and  accompanied  Commodore  Porter  to  the  West  Indies  in  1822,  in  command  of  the  schoon- 


-;»  jiif! 


*  Samuel  L.  Breese  is  a  native  of  New  York.  He  entered  the  navy  as  midshipman  in  December,  1810.  He  was  pro- 
moted to  lieutenant  in  the  spring  of  18in ;  to  commander  in  December,  1835 ;  to  captain  In  September,  1841 ;  and  to 
rear  admiral  in  1802.    He  Is  on  the  retired  list,  and  is  now  (1S(17)  light-house  inspector. 

t  The  picture  on  the  next  page  Is  a  representation  of  Henley's  medal.  On  one  side  is  abnst  of  Captain  Henley  In  pro- 
iUe,  with  the  legend,  "  hob.  inir«i.i!T,  kaolk  pii<«f7ot.  palm*  virtu.  p«b  «txiinit  fi.ohibit."  On  the  reverse  is  a  repre- 
Kntatlnn  of  a  fleet  ongaged  before  a  town  (Plattsbnrg),  enveloped  in  smoke.  Several  small  boats  are  seen  on  the 
lake.   X/egend— "  dmo  latsbe  piboitsso.  altisum.    bhpibavit."    Esergne— "  lntxb  olass.  aioibi.  bt  but.  vim  xi.  ibft., 

WIOOOXUII," 


I., 


i\ 


^^^^^K 

^^^^^^^B 

'W       s'    '  ' 

/ . 

• 

n 


i 


ill 


868 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Capture  of  the  Fnush. 


BrilUh  Qun-boatB  in  Action. 


(Jold  Medals  awarded  by  Congresa. 


benlet's  meual. 


into  Plattsburg  Bay,  and  anchored  near  the  mouth  of  the  Saranac.  She  had  suffered 
very  severely.  Almost  half  of  her  people  were  killed  or  wounded.  An  hour  later 
the  Finch  was  driven  from  her  position  by  the  TYccK/ero^a,  commanded  by  the  in- 
trepid Lieutenant  Cassin;  ard,  being  badly  injured,  drifted  upon  Crab  Island  shoal 


oabsin's  medal. 

of  rocks,  and  grounded.  The  invalid  corps  on  the  island  brought  their  little  two-gun 
battery  to  bear  on  her,  when  she  struck,  and  surrendered  to  this  small  band  of  con- 
valescents.' 

The  British  gun-boats  now  entered  vigorously  into  the  action,  and  soon  compelled 
the  Prebk,  Lieutenant  Budd,  to  cut  her  cables  and  flee  to  a  safer  place  near  the  shore, 
where  she  anchored,  and  was  of  no  farther  service  in  the  fight.  This  success  embold- 
ened the  British  galleys,  and  they  made  a  combined  and  furious  attack  on  the  Ticon- 
deroga,  fourteen  in  number,  with  an  average  of  fifty  men  in  each.'*  Cassin  walked  the 
taffrail  in  a  storm  of  grape  and  canister  shot,  watching  the  movements  of  the  assail- 

er  BtagU.  In  this  war  against  tlie  pirates  Piatt  distln^lslied  himself.  He  was  attached  to  the  steam  fV!<;ate  Fulxm 
when  she  blew  np,  and  was  severely  Injured.    His  last  service  was  in  command  ofthe  Navy  Yard  at  Memphis. 

«  That  inaccurate  historian,  Sir  Archibald  Alison,  In  his  HUtonj  of  England,  in  writinp;  of  this  event,  remarks,  "The 
FltieK,  a  British  brit;,  grounded  out  of  shot,  and  did  not  engage!"  Again,  he  speaks  of  her  ge'ting  on  rocks,  and  not 
being  able  to  engage  In  the  action.  Her  commander,  Captain  Pring,  in  his  ofilcial  report,  says  truly  that  she  struck  on 
a  reef  of  rocks  to  the  eastward  of  Crab  Island,  nbvut  the  middle  0/  the  engagement,  which  prevented  her  rendering  such 
a!<sistance,  etc.,  etc  Alison,  with  these  facts  befui?  him,  calls  a  sloop-of-war  with  eleven  guns  and  forty  men  a  brifr,  and 
keeps  her  from  action  altogether !  >  Statemeut  to  the  author  by  Admiral  Paulding. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


869 


3dal8  awarded  by  Congreu. 


ic.  She  had  suffered 
ided.  An  hour  later 
)ramanded  by  the  iii- 
on  Crab  Island  shoal 


IS.   AMEBI' 
■XISEBT. 


M 


It  their  little  two-gun 
[is  small  band  of  con- 

l,  and  soon  compelled 
■  place  near  the  shore, 

I  This  success  embold- 
attack  on  the  Ticon- 
Cassin  Avalked  the 
/cments  of  the  assail- 


Id  to  the  Bteam  ftlsate  Fulton 
\iy  Yard  at  Memphis, 
lof  thU  event,  remarks,  "The 
Ver  geHing  on  rocks,  and  not 
I  says  truly  that  she  struck  on 
fcrovented  her  rendering  such 
fnns  and  forty  men  a  brig,  and 
Lor  by  Admiral  Paulding. 


Victory  doubtful. 


The  Flag-ships  disabled. 


Surrender  of  the  Confianoe. 


Cassin  and  Paulding. 


ants,  and  directing  effective  discharges  of  musket-balls  and  other  light  missiles,  which 
kept  the  enemy  at  bay.'  Several  times  they  were  within  a  few  feet  of  the  sides  of 
the  Ticonderoga  with  the  intention  of  boarding  her.  They  behaved  with  the  utmost 
gallantry,  but  with  equal  gallantry  the  Americans  repulsed  them.  The  Ticonderoga 
maintained  her  position,  and  covered  her  extremity  of  the  line  to  the  last,  winning 
from  the  commodore  and  all  beholders  unqualified  praise  for  her  commander  and 
people.' 

While  the  fortunes  of  the  day  were  thus  fluctuating  at  the  lower  end  of  the  line, 
the  Americans  were  suffering  at  the  other  extremity.  The  Eagle  lost  the  springs  of 
her  cable,  and  b&came  exposed  to  the  combined  fire  of  the  Linnet  and  Conjiance, 
Henley  at  once  dropped  her  between  and  a  little  astern  of  the  Saratoga  and  7?con- 
deroga,  and,  anchoring  her  there,  opened  his  larboard  guns  afresh  on  the  Conjiance 
and  the  British  galleys.  But  the  Saratoga  was  left  exposed  to  the  whole  fire  of  the 
Linnet,  which  sprang  her  broadsides  in  such  a  manner  as  to  rake  the  bows  of  her  an- 
tagonist. 

Very  soon  th>  ,  wo  flag-ships  became  disabled.  Tlie  Saratoga  had  not  a  single 
serviceable  starboard  gun  left,  and  was  silent.  The  Conjiance  was  not  much  better 
off.  Now  was  the  moment  for  Macdonough  to  exhibit  his  splendid  seamanship.  He 
did  80,  quickly  and  effectively.  With  the  aid  of  Philip  Brum,  his  skillful  sailing-mas- 
ter, he  wound  the  ship,  by  means  of  a  stream  ar^chor  and  hawsers,  so  that  he  brought 
the  guns  of  his  larboard  quarter  to  bear  on  the  Conjiance.,  which  had  vainly  endeav- 
ored to  imitate  the  movement.  Under  the  direction  of  Acting  Lieutenant  Lavallette, 
these  poured  such  a  destructive  fire  or.  the  British  flag-ship  that  she  soon  surren- 
dered.   The  Saratoga's  fire  was  then  uirected  upon  the  Linnet,  and  in  the  course  of 

1  Stephen  Cassin,  eon  of  Commodore  John  Cassin,  of  the  navy,  was  bom  in  Philadelphia  on  the  16th  of  February, 
nS3.  He  entered  the  navy  as  a  mldah'pman  in  the  year  1800,  and  was  in  the  Philadelphia  with  Decatur  in  the  Mediter- 
ranean. He  was  active,  aud  beiiaved  bravely  in  the  naval  operations  in  that  quarter  from  1801  to  1804-'6.  He  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  the  Ticonderoga  in  the  spring  of  1814,  and  Macdonough,  in  his  official  report  of  the  b&ctle 
off  Plattsburg,  in  September  of  that  year,  said,  "  The  Ticonderoga,  Lieutenant  Commandant  Stephen  Cassin,  gallantly 
fustnined  her  full  share  of  the  action."  For  his  good  conduct  on  that  occasion  Cassin  was  promoted  to  a  post  cap- 
taincy, and  received  from  Congress  a  vote  of  thanks  and  a  gold  medal.  The  latter  is  delineated  in  the  engraving  on  the 
Dpposite  page.  On  one  side  is  a  bust  of  Cassin  in  profile,  with  the  legend  "stkf.  cassin  tioondkrooa  PE^rsoT.  quvg 
iiEoio  IN  TXBBiB  NOB.  MON  PLiNA  LAB."  On  the  reverde  Ui  the  same  design,  legend,  and  exerguo  as  ou  that  of  Captain 
Henley. 

>  Among  the  brave  spirits  on  board  the  Ticonderoga  was  Midshipman  Hiram  Fanlding,  now  (186T)  a  rear  admiral.  He 
was  then  a  lad  not  seventeen  years  of  age,  but,  for  want  of 
officers,  he  v/as  placed  in  command  of  a  division  of  eight 
guns.  When  the  British  galleys  approached  it  was  discov- 
ered that  the  matches  for  firing  the  cannon  were  useless. 
Young  Paulding  saw  no  resource  but  the  flash  of  a  pistol, 
and  with  his  own  hand  he  thns  fired  the  gnns  of  his  sec- 
tion during  a  combat  of  more  than  two  hours ;  and  in  the 
interval  of  the  cannon-firing,  when  the  enemy  were  with- 
in pistol-shot,  he  discharged  his  weapon  against  them. 
These  facts  I  had  fk'om  the  lips  of  the  late  Commodore 
Tattnall. 

Hiram  Paulding,  a  son  of  one  of  the  captors  of  AndrA, 
was  born  in  Westchester  County,  New  York,  on  the  11th 
of  December,  179T.  His  first  service  In  the  navy  was  as  a 
midBbipman,  at  thirteen  years  of  age,  on  Lake  Ontario,  in 
1S12.  During  the  remainder  of  the  war  he  was  confined  to 
like  Chaniplain.  In  181S  he  accompanied  Decatur  in  the 
CmiUllation  frigate  to  the  Mediterranean.  He  was  pro- 
moted to  lieutenant,  and  served  under  Bainbridge  and 
Downes.  He  was  on  shore  for  some  time  in  1821  engaged 
In  study  preparatory  to  a  more  useful  career  In  the  navy. 
He  accompanied  Porter  In  his  expedition  against  the  West 
India  pirates,  and  from  that  time  until  1806,  he  was  in  active, 
nrdiion!<,  and  most  useful  service,  afloat  and  ashore,  as  sub- 
ordinate and  commander,  having  been  promoted  to  captain 
Id  1843.  He  took  an  active  Interest  in  the  suppression  of  the 
rebellion  that  broke  out  In  the  Slave-labor  states  in  1861, 
and  in  1868  (when  the  annexed  portrait  was  drawn)  was  pro- 
moted to  rear  admiral.  He  was  the  first  American  com- 
mander who  received  a  ftall  admiral's  salnte.  It  was  given 
bjr  a  French  frigate  lying  In  New  York  Harbor,  August  1, 
19<i,  on  the  occasion  of  the  admiral's  visit  to  that  vessel. 


^fe-^^g^-^^ 


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870 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Surrender  of  the  British  Fleet. 


Escape  of  the  British  Galieys. 


Spectators  of  the  Battle. 


fifteen  minutes  she  too  struck  her  colors.  The  British  galleys  in  the  mean  time  had 
been  driven  by  the  Tioonderoga  half  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  their  stately  associates,  and 
they  lay  scattered,  and  giving  feeble  aid  to  them.  Seeing  the  colors  of  the  larger 
vessels  go  down,  they  too  dropped  their  ensigns,  and  at  a  little  past  noon  not  one  of 
the  sixteen  national  flags  which  were  so  proudly  floating  over  the  British  squadron 
when  it  rounded  Cumberland  Head  could  be  seen. 

Finding  they  were  not  likely  to  be  pursued,  the  galleys  bent  theii*  sweeps  with  en- 
ergy and  escaped  down  the  lake,  followed  by  a  store-sloop  which  had  been  lying 
during  the  battle  near  the  point  of  Cumberland  Head  on  which  the  light-house  now 
stands.    The  American  vessels  were  too  much  crippled  to  follow,  and  were,  moreover 


VIEW   AT  XUE  LIOUT-UODeS  0«   OUMJi£IU.AMU  UiSAU.' 

engaged  in  the  humane  business  of  saving  the  survivors  of  the  Confiance  and  the 
Linnet,  which  wci  reported  to  be  in  a  sinking  condition.^  "  I  could  Only  look  at  the 
enemy's  galleys  going  off  in  a  shattered  condition,"  Macdonough  wrote  to  the  Sei^re- 
•  September  13,  tary  of  War,"  "  for  there  was  not  a  mast  in  either  squadron  that  could 
^^"-  stand  to  make  sail  on ;  the  lower  rigging,  being  nearly  all  shot  away, 

hung  down  as  if  it  had  just  been  placed  over  the  mast-heads."  "Our  masts,  yard?, 
and  sails  were  so  shattered,"  wrote  Midshipman  Lee,  of  the  Confiance,  who  was 
wounded  in  the  action, "  that  one  looked  like  so  many  bunches  of  matches  and  the 
other  like  a  bundle  of  rags."^ 

For  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes  this  severe  naval  battle  raged,  while  the  tluin 
der  of  cannon,  the  hiss  of  rockets,  the  scream  of  bombs,  and  the  rattle  of  musketry 
were  heard  on  the  shore.  It  was  a  sublime  sight,  and  was  beheld  by  hundreds  of 
spectators  on  the  headlands  of  the  Vermont  shore,  who  greeted  the  victory  with 
shouts.*    It  was  a  battle  characterized  by  a  vigor  and  destructiveness  not  excelled 

'  This  view  is  from  the  light-house  on  Cumberland  Head,  and  Includes  the  theatre  of  the  battle  of  Lake  Champlain, 
The  island  in  the  centre  of  the  picture  is  Crab  Island,  and  the  one  nearer  the  left  is  Valcour  Island,  near  •-  .h  Bene- 
dict Arnold's  famous  naval  battle  was  fonght  in  ITTfl.    The  hills  in  the  distance  are  the  lofty  Adirondack  ilonntaliu. 

»  This  is  the  accepted  reason  for  the  flight  of  the  gnn-boats.  Cooper  says  that,  after  the  surrender,  a  cannon  on  board 
the  Conftaruse  was  accidentally  discharged,  and  in  the  direction  of  Cumberland  Head.  Up  to  that  time,  he  enye,  the 
British  galleys  appeared  to  have  been  waiting  to  be  taken  possession  of.  They  regarded  this  gun  as  a  signal  for  e>- 
cn|«.i,  and  they  acted  accordingly.  Macdonongh  made  a  signal  for  his  gun-boats  to  follow,  but  they  were  recalled  to  the 
relief  of  the  J/inTut  and  Cot\ftance,         '  Letter  to  his  brother,  December  U,  1S14.         *  AiMlectic  Magazine,  vii.,  2U 


Spectators  of  the  Battle. 

n  the  mean  time  had 
tatcly  associates,  and 
colors  of  the  larger 
past  noon  not  one  of 
the  British  squadron 

their  sweeps  with  on- 
hich  had  been  lying 
I  the  light-house  now 
■,  and  were,  moreover, 


the  Conflance  and  the 

could  only  look  at  the 

Lgh  wrote  to  the  Sc^re- 

ler  squadron  that  could 

nearly  all  shot  away, 

>    "  Our  masts,  yard?, 

he  Confiance,  who  was 

les  of  matches  and  the 

|j  raged,  while  the  tlmn 
Ithe  rattle  of  musketry 
Ibeheld  by  hundreds  of 
Leted  the  victory  witli 
luctiveness  not  excelled 

M  the  hnttle  of  Lake  Champlnin. 
^alcour  Island,  near  •■  -hBcns- 
le  lofty  Adirondack  Wonntnins. 
Ihe  Burrendcr,  a  cannon  on  board 
I  Up  to  that  time,  he  Biiyf,tta 
Irdcd  this  gnn  as  a  signal  for  ee- 
low,  bnt  thoy  were  recalled  to  llic 
I  *  il»iototi«  Magazine,  vU.,21l 


OF  THE  WAK   OF   1812. 


871 


Vijtory  for  the  Americans  complete. 


Macdonough's  Announcement  of  It. 


Cunalties. 


PLAN  OP  TDK  NAVAL  ACTION  ON  LAKE  OIIAMPLAIN.' 

by  any  during  the  war,  indeed  seldom  equaled  any  where  or  at  any  time.'  The  vic- 
tory for  the  Americans  was  complete  and  substantial;  and  from  the  Saratoga,\\aM 
an  hour  after  the  Linnet  struck  and  the  galleys  fled,  Macdonough  sent  the  following 
dispatch  ashore  in  a  gig,  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy : 

"  Sir, — The  Almighty  has  been  pleased  to  grant  us  a  signal  victory  on  Lake  Cham- 
])lain  in  the  capture  of  one  frigate,  one  brig,  and  two  sloops  of  war  of  the  enemy." 
Two  days  afterward  he  sent  Lieutenant  Commanding  Cassin  to  the  Secretary  of  ♦he 
Navy  with  a  more  detailed  yet  brief  account  of  tlie  battle,  in  which  he  statea  that 
the  Saratoga  had  fifty  round  shot  in  her  hull,  and  the  Conjiance  one  hundrqjl  and  five. 
He  added, "  The  Saratoga  was  twice  set  on  fire  by  hot  shot  from  the  enemy's  ship."' 

Very  few  officc-s  or  men  on  the  Saratoga  and  Conjiance  were  uninjured.  Indeed, 
the  same  might  be  said  of  those  of  the  other  large  vessels  of  both  parties.  Macdon- 
ough was  twice  prostrated  upon  the  deck,  and  his  venerable  sailing-master,  Peter 
Brum,  had  his  clothes  nearly  torn  off  by  a  splinter  while  winding  the  ship.*    Acting 

'  This  map  was  compiled  from  a  large  one  in  the  Engineer  Department,  Washington  City,  and  a  rongh  pen-and-ink 
sketch  made  at  the  time  of  the  battle  by  the  late  Chancellor  R.  U.  Walworth,  then  Macomb's  adjutant  general.  The 
coast  Hues  are  from  the  report  of  the  Coast  Surrey. 

«  "  The  havoc  on  both  sides  was  dreadful,"  Midshipman  William  Lee  wrote.  "  I  don't  think  there  are  more  than  five 
of  our  men,  out  of  three  hundred,  but  what  are  killed  or  wounded.  Never  was  a  shower  of  hail  so  thick  as  the  shot 
whistling  about  our  ears.  Were  you  to  see  my  jacket,  waistcoat,  and  trowsers,  you  would  be  astonished  to  know  how 
I  escaped  as  I  did,  for  they  are  literally  torn  all  to  rags  with  shot  and  splinters ;  the  upper  part  of  my  hat  was  also  shot 
sway.  There  is  one  of  the  marines  who  was  in  the  Trafalgar  action  with  Lord  Nelson,  who  says  it  was  a  mere  flea-bite 
In  comparison  with  this."— Letter  to  his  Brother,  December  14, 1S14.  Midshipman  Lee  rose  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant, 
and  died  "on  the  24th  of  Febniary,  1817,  at  the  Telegraph,  West  Square."— O'Byme's  Naval  Biography. 

Mr.  James  Sloane,  of  Oswego,  Informed  me  that,  a  few  days  before  the  battle,  he  gave  one  of  the  seamen  a  very  nice 
glazed  hat.  After  the  battle  was  over  the  sailor  came  to  him  with  the  hat  in  his  hand,  having  a  semicircular  cut  in  the 
side  and  crown  made  by  a  cannon-shot  while  it  was  on  his  head.  "  Look  here,  Mr.  Sloane,"  said  the  sailor,  "how  the 
damned  >John  Bulls  have  spoiled  my  hat."  He  did  not  seem  to  reflect  for  a  moment  how  nearly  the  cannon-ball  came 
to  spoiling  his  head. 

'  On  page  8T9  is  a  fac-siinile  of  this  paragraph  of  the  dispatch,  copied  from  the  original  in  the  archives  of  the  Navy 
Department,  Washington  City.  When  the  Confianee  was  captured  she  was  found  to  have  ovens  for  heating  shot.  There 
were  no  others  in  any  vessel  on  the  lake. 

'  Macdonongh  sighted  a  favorite  gun  much  of  the  time  during  the  action.  Wliile  doing  so  at  one  time,  bending  his 
body,  ft  shot  cut  the  spanker-boom  in  two,  and  it  fell  upon  his  back  with  such  force  as  to  prostrate  him  senseless  on  the 
(Ifck.  The  cry  went  through  the  ship  that  the  commodore  was  killed.  He  soon  recovered  and  resumed  his  station. 
A  few  minutes  afterward  a  shot  drove  the  head  of  the  captain  of  his  favorite  gun  in  upon  him,  and  knocked  him  Fensa- 
kfi  into  the  scupper^  when  bis  death  was  again  announced ;  but  he  speedily  recovered.    Mr.  Bnim  had  a  splinter 


HI..' 


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872 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


CaBualties  on  the  Sbipa. 


Haccionoagh'g  Reception  of  the  captive  British  Offlcen. 


/^-i"^ c^c^^ ^/^v-7^   >^ 


(S^^t^My^J- 


rA0-8IMILE  OF  A  PART  OF  MAOnONODOR'B  DIBPATOH. 

Lieutenant  Lavallette  had  a  shot-box,  on  which  he  was  standing,  driven  from  tin- 
der hiin  by  a  ball,  and  was  knocked  down  by  the  flying  head  of  one  of  the  st-iimen.' 
Lieutenant  Gamble,  as  we  have  seen, 
was  killed  at  the  beginning  of  the  action. 
Lieutenant  Stansbury  suddenly  disap- 
peared from  the  bulwarks,  and  two  days 
afterward  his  body,  cut  in  two,  rose  to 
the  surface.  Joseph  Smith,  first  lieuten- 
ant of  the  Eagle,  received  a  severe  wound, 
but  returned  to  his  quarters  during  the 
action.*  The  British  officers  suifered  se- 
verely. Commodore  Downie,  Captain 
Anderson,  of  the  Marines,  Midshipman 
Gunn,  of  the  Confiance,  and  Lieutenant 
Paul  and  Boatswain  Jackson,  of  the  Lin- 
net, were  also  killed,  and  many  others 
were  wounded.  The  wife  of  the  steward 
of  the  Conjiance  was  also  killed.'  The 
entire  loss  of  the  Americans  was  one 
hundred  and  ten,  of  whom  fifty-two  were 
killed.  The  total  British  loss  was 
more  than  two  hundred.* 

Macdonough  received  the  offi- 
cers of  the  captured  vessels  with 
^n  at  courtesy  of  manner  and 
«peech.  When  they  offisred  him 
their  swords,  he  instantly  replied, 
"  Gentlemen,  your  gallant  conduct  makes  you  worthy  to  wear  your  weapons ;  return 
them  to  their  scabbards."    They  did  so,  and  they  all  walked  the  deck  of  the  victori- 

driven  bo  near  his  body  rb  to  strip  ofThia  clotheB  and  prostrate  bim  senselesB.  He  soon  gained  his  feet,  and,  makisg 
an  apron  of  his  handlierchief,  continued  his  labors.    See  Cooper's  A'avai  History,  ii,,  444,  note. 

>  Elie  A.  F.  Lnvallette  is  a  native  of  Virginia.  He  entered  the  navai  service  as  Baliing-maBter  a  week  after  the  decla- 
ration of  war  in  June,  1812.  He  was  acting  lieutenant  In  the  battle  of  Lalce  Champlain,  and  received  a  commission  at 
ftiU  lieatenant  at  the  middle  of  December  following  as  a  slight  reward  for  bis  gallant  conduct.  In  March,  1831,  be  was 
promoted  to  commander,  and  in  1802  to  rear  admiral.    He  is  now  (1867)  on  the  retired  list  and  awaiting  orders. 

»  Joseph  Smith,  now  (1807)  rear  admiral  on  the  retired  list,  has  been  chief  of  the  Bnrean  of  Yards  and  Doclts  for  sev- 
eral  years.  He  is  a  native  of  Hassachnsetts,  and  entered  the  navy  as  midBhipman  in  January,  1809.  When  he  was  abmt 
to  go  to  Lake  Champlain  he  had  an  order  to  get  a  clerk.  He  fonnd  Sloane  (already  mentioned)  in  a  bookBtore  in  Bog- 
ton,  and  persuaded  bim  to  go  with  him.  Smith  behaved  most  gallantly  on  the  Bogle  in  the  battle  of  Lake  Champlain, 
He  had  been  appointed  lieutenant  in  July,  1818.  He  was  promoted  to  commander  in  1827,  and  to  captain  In  1837.  He 
was  created  rear  admiral  in  1802. 

'  Letter  in  Niles's  Weekly  Regitter,  vli.,  43.  Mr.  Sloane  Informed  me  that,  while  abb  was  stooping  in  the  act  of  binding 
np  the  wounded  leg  of  one  of  the  men,  a  cannon-ball  cam"  through  the  side  of  the  ship,  carried  away  both  of  her  breasts, 
and,  driving  her  across  the  vessel,  killed  her  instantly. 

♦  Macdonough's  official  Letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  September  13, 1814 ;  Letter  of  Captain  Prlng  to  Sir  Jamfs 
L.  Teo,  September  12, 1814 ;  Cooper's  SavcA  History,  ii.,  430  to  441,  inclusive ;  Palmer's  History  of  Lake  Champlain,  pagea 
lOT  to  203,  InclDBive. 


z^r^:^^^^^^..^^. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


873 


the  captive  BrtllBh  Offlcere. 


lud  of  the  Battle  of  Lake  UhamplaiD. 


ing,  driven  from  tin- 
'  one  of  the  s^'anien,' 


our  weapons;  return 
e  deck  of  the  victori- 


gained  hie  feet,  and,  making 
ote. 

naeter  a  week  after  the  decla- 
ind  received  a  commission  as 
duct.    In  March,  1831,  he  was 

and  awaiting  orders. 

of  Yards  and  Docks  for  ecT- 
iry,  1809.  When  he  was  ab^ut 
-loned)  tn  a  booketore  in  Bos- 
he  battle  of  Lake  Champlaln. 
f,  and  to  captain  in  183T.  He 

stooping  In  the  actof  blndhig 
rled  away  both  of  her  breasts, 

if  Captain  Prlng  to  Sir  James 
my  of  Lake  Champlain,  pages 


Movements  of  the  land  Troopg. 


The  Britlnh  cross  the  Saranac  River. 


0U8  Saratoga,  American  and  English  officers,  more  in  the  character  of  friends  than  of 
enemies.  Lieutenant  Lavallette,  who  had  taiten  formal  possession  of  the  Cotijiaitce, 
was  soon  directed  to  prepare  the  prisoners  for  Crab  Island,  and  before  sunset  all  was 
quiet  on  the  lake.  Thus  ended  the  famous  Battle  of  Lake  Champlain.  The  Brit- 
ish vessels  were  taken  to  Whitehall,  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  and  scuttled.  The  Sara- 
toga shared  the  same  fiite  afterward.  I  saw  the  remains  of  this  vessel  and  the  Con- 
fiance  there  »  ,  late  as  1850. 

We  have  observed  that  while  the  roar  of  the  battle-storm  was  heard  on  the  water, 
its  thunders  were  bellowing  over  the  land.  According  to  arrangement,  when  the 
pennants  of  the  British  fleet  were  seen  over  Cumberland  Head,  a  part  of  the  British 
land  force,  under  Major  General  Robinson,  moved  in  three  columns  to  force  their  way 
across  the  Saranac  at  the  site  of  the  two  bridges,  and  a  ford  at  Pike's  cantonment, 
three  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  stream,  and  carry  the  American  works  by  storm.' 
When  the  first  gun  was  fired  on  the  lake,  the  British  land  batteries  were  opened,  and, 
under  cover  of  the  shot  and  shell  which  they  hurled  toward  the  American  works, 


g^^ 

■b 

JK          ^^JIUT~k    ■'■ 

^V.l^fefr;.  '■     .^.    '^■'.   ■        "■t^P'il.f        _ 

Jm^r ^fi^^^imm  "^^''^^^B  ■ 

J-',  -ci^jg^-t/^' 

»             %i»ss- 

■5  s^^»-»^;;         ~4 

w^ 

iS^ 

UATTLK  OP  PLATTsiitma.    (From  an  old  print.)" 

their  three  assailing  columns  moved.  At  the  lower  bridge  they  were  repulsed  by  the 
guards,  block-houses,  and  artillery  of  the  forts,  served  by  Captains  Brooks,  Richards, 
and  Smith,  and  Lieutenants  Mountfort,  Smyth,  and  Cromwell.  At  the  upper  bridge 
the  riflemen  and  pickets,  under  Captain  Grosvenor  and  Lieutenants  Hamilton  and 
Riley,  aided  by  some  militia,  successfully  disputed  their  passage.  Thoy  Mere  a  little 
more  successful  at  the  upper  ford,  where  the  Clinton  and  Essex  militia,  mder  Major 
General  Mooers  and  Brigadier  General  Wright,  were  stationed.  After  being  driven 
back  several  times  with  considerable  loss,  some  companies  of  the  British  pushed 
across  the  stream,  then  shallow  and  rapid,  firing  briskly  by  platoons  as  they  advanced, 
but  doing  very  little  harm.'  The  militia  fell  back.  They  were  soon  joined  by  a 
large  detachment  of  Vermont  Volunteers,  and  a  party  of  artillery  with  a  field-piece, 
under  Lieutenant  Sumter. 

The  flying  companies  were  now  rallied,  and  drawn  up  in  battle  array  to  meet  the 
pursuing  foe,  when  Walworth,  one   of  Mooers's  aids,*  came  dashing  up,  his  horse 

1  These  troops  consisted  o'"  light  infantry  companies,  3d  battalion  Twenty-seventh  and  Seventy-sixth  Seglmenfs, 
and  Mi^or  General  Powers's  brigade,  consisting  of  the  3d,  6th,  and  Ist  battalion  of  the  Twenty-seventh  and  Fifty-eightli 
Regiments."— Sir  George  Prevost  to  Karl  Bathnrst,  September  11, 1814. 

>  This  view  is  ft-om  the  right  bank  of  the  Saranac,  at  its  month.  Toward  the  left  is  the  three-storied  stone  mill,  and 
in  the  distance  Furt  Brown.  A  portion  of  the  lower  bridge,  from  which  the  planks  were  torn  up,  is  seen.  Some  of 
tbe  British  are  attempting  to  ford  the  stream.  The  conrt-honse  is  seen  on  Are.  The  church  observed  In  the  picture 
was  saved,  and  survived  until  September,  186T,  when  it  perished  in  a  great  conflagration  in  the  village. 

'  Participants  in  ;he  fight  told  Mr.  Palmer,  the  historian  of  Lake  Champlaln,  that  most  of  the  enemy's  bullets  struck 
the  trees  above  thera  "  »t  least  fifteen  feet  from  the  ground." 

•  Reuben  II.  Walworth  was  bom  in  Bozrah,  Connecticut,  October  86, 1T89.  His  parents  removed  to  Hnosick,  New 
Tork,  where  his  early  years  were  spent.    Be  received  only  a  common  school  edncatior.,  and  at  tbe  age  of  seventeen 


U   *iJ 


Ul 


^'1 


.1 


'    it 


.'■1*1*  !  ?!•* 


974 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


British  Troops  recalled. 


Their  Leader  alarmed. 


Uprising  of  the  Penpis, 


TUK  BABAMAC   AT   I'IKK  8  OANTUNMENT. 


flecked  with  its  own  foam,  and  gave  tliem 
tlio  joyful  intelligence  that  the  British 
fleet  had  just  surrendered.  These  glad 
tidings  were  greeted  with  three  liearty 
cheers.  At  the  same  moment  they  ob- 
served the  pursuers  with  their  backs  tum- 
ed,  and  making  their  way  in  haste  toward 
the  Saranac.  Sir  George  Prevost,  mIio  al- 
ways played  the  coward  when  near  dan- 
ger, according  to  British  historians,  had 
become  terribly  alarmed,  ann  recalled 
these  vigorous  and  only  successful  troops. 
lie  had  experienced  "  the  extreme  morti- 
fication," he  said, "  to  hear  the  shout  of 
victory  from  the  American  works"  when 
the  fleet  surrendered  on  the  lake.  They 
had  been  loud  and  mighty  cheers,  iterated 
and  reiterated  by  corps  after  corps,  as  the  eye  and  ear  caught  knowledge  of  the  vic- 
tory ;  and  Sir  George  wisely  saw,  as  he  said,  that "  farther  prosecution  of  the  service 
was  become  impracticable."  He  had  assumed  the  position  of  co-operator  with  the 
fleet  rather  than  principal,  leaving  to  Downie  the  brunt  of  the  service,  but  ready  to 
receive  and  wear  the  garlands  of  honor  which  might  be  won.  Seeing  the  British 
flags  humbled  on  all  their  ships,  and  their  gun-boats  fleeing,  ho  resolved  to  fall  back 
toward  the  Canada  border,  and  halt  until  he  should  ascertain  the  use  the  Americans 
intended  to  make  of  their  naval  ascendency  just  acquired  on  Lake  Champlain.'  It 
was  a  wise  determination,  Notwithstanding  his  number  was  overwhelming,^  Pre- 
vost was  really  in  peril.  He  might  have  crushed  Macomb  and  captured  the  post  at 
Plattsburg,  but  it  would  have  been  at  the  expense  of  many  lives  without  obtaining 
any  permanent  advantage.  The  British  had  lost  the  lake  absolutely,  and  Avithout 
any  fair  promise  of  its  i-ecovery;  and  the  militia  of  all  that  region  were  thoroughly 
aroused,  and  were  rapidly  gathering.  (Tovemor  Chittenden,  of  Vermont,  had  issued 
a  patriotic  address  at  the  beginning  of  the  invasion,  calling  upon  the  militia  of  his 
state  to  hasten  to  the  aid  of  their  brethren  across  the  lake.  It  had  been  heartily  res- 
spcnded  to,  and  at  the  close  of  the  memorable  day  of  the  battle  not  less  than  twenty- 
five  hundred  Green  Mountain  boys  were  on  the  Saranac,  under  Major  General  Strong. 
The  militia  of  Washington  and  Warren  counties  were  also  streaming  toward  Platts- 
burg at  the  call  of  General  Mooers,  and  re-enforcements  of  regulars  were  on  their 
waj'.  Prevost's  array  would  very  soon  have  been  equaled  in  numerical  strength,  and 
perhaps  surrounded  and  supplies  from  Canada  cut  ofl".  He  perceived  these  dangers 
when  the  navy  was  lost,  and  the  moment  the  forces  under  General  Robinson  returned 
to  camp,  he  made  preparations  to  abandon  the  siege,  notwithstanding  General  Bris- 
bane offered  to  cross  the  Saranac  in  force  and  carry  the  American  works  in  twenty 
minutes.  The  fire  from  his  batteries  were  kept  up  until  sunset,  and  Fort  Brown,  un- 
der the  immed'ate  command  of  Lieutenant  Mountfort,'  sent  back  responses  with  great 

commenced  the  Btndy  of  law.  He  settled  in  Plattsburg  for  Its  practice,  and  in  1811  was  appointed  a  Master  in  Chan- 
cery. He  was  the  favorite  aid  of  General  Mooers,  of  whose  division  th'  '  -  Colonel  David  B.  M'Neil  was  Inspector 
General.  He  was  a  member  of  Congress  twelve  consecutive  years.  He  beca.ne  u  judge ;  and  in  1828  he  was  appolnttd 
Chancellor,  then  the  highest  Judicial  office  In  the  state.  He  held  it  twenty  years.  After  he  left  office  he  resided  at  Sar- 
atoga Springs  until  his  death  late  in  1807.  He  was  long  identified  with  Uie  leading  religious  and  benevolent  movo- 
ments  of  his  day. 

I  Sir  George  Prevost  to  Bart  Batbnrst,  September  11, 1814. 

•  The  BritUh  had  14,000  troops  and  the  Americans  4700  on  the  eventftal  day  of  the  b&ttle.  The  former  conplrted  of 
Hobinson's  brigade,  8700 ;  Powers's,  3800 ;  Brisbane's,  SlOO ;  light  troops,  2800,  composed  of  Menron's  Swiss  regiment, 
Canadian  chasseurs,  voltlgenre,  and  frontier  light  infantry ;  a  troop  of  light  dragoons,  800 ;  Royal  Artillery,  400 ;  rock- 
eteers, sappers  and  miners,  100.  The  AmfTiearM  had  1600  regulars,  commanded  by  leaden  of  various  ranks;  2600  Vep 
mont  Volunteers,  under  Major  General  Strong ;  and  700  Clinton  and  Essex  militia. 

>  John  Monntfort  was  born  in  Boston  in  November,  17iH),  and  was  the  son  of  a  patriot  of  the  Bevolntion.   He  en 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


876 


Upriiing  of  the  Penplt. 


;  of  the  Hevolntton.   He  en 


Flight  of  the  British  from  Plattaburg. 


Cause  of  their  great  Haste. 


They  re-enter  Canada. 


BtmiB  OF  roET  nsowN.' 


spirit.*  So  excel- 
lent was  the  fir- 
ing that  the  Brit- 
ish believed  that 
French  artiller- 
ists were  employ- 
ed by  the  Ameri- 
cunH. 

When  night  fell 
Prevost    cftjisod 

his  cannon  to  be  withdrawn  from  the  batteries.  At  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  he 
sent  them  Canada-ward,  with  all  the  baggage  for  which  he  could  find  transportation, 
and  at  two  o'clock  in  the  raoming  of  the  12th  the  entire  army  fled  with  a  precipita- 
tion wholly  unaccountable  at  the  timc.^  The  sick  and  wounded,  and  a  vast  amount 
of  munitions  of  war,  were  left  behuid ;  and  the  foe  reached  Chazy,  eight  miles  dis- 
tant, before  the  Americans  were  a])prised  of  the  movement.  Light  troops,  volun- 
teers, and  militia,  under  General  Mooers,*  at  once  started  in  pursuit.  They  made  a 
few  prisoners,  but  heavy  rains  compelled  them  to  relinquish  the  chase.  Prevost  halt- 
ed and  encamped  at  Ohamplain,  and  on  the  24th  left  the  territory  of  the  United  States, 
and  retired  to  Montreal  with  the  main  army.  Thus  ended  the  Battle  op  Platts- 
BUKG  and  the  second  invasion  of  New  York.  Many  of  the  British  deserted,  and  the 
loss  of  Sir  George  after  he  crossed  the  frontier  line,  in  killed,  wounded,  missing,  and 

tered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant  of  the  Third  Artillery  In  March,  1S12,  and  was  promoted 
to  first  llentenant  In  May,  1S13.  This  was  won  by  his  gallantry  at  York,  where,  In  consc- 
qnence  of  the  absence  of  his  superior  officer,  he  commanded  his  company.  He  assisted  In  the 
capture  of  Fort  George.  After  that  he  and  his  company  acted  as  marines  In  Chauncey's  fleet, 
volunteering  for  the  service.  He  accompanied  Wilkinson  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  be- 
haved so  gallantly  at  Plattsburg  thot  he  won  the  promotion  to  captain.  He  was  major  of  ar- 
tillery in  the  Florida  War,  under  Geuernl  (Jaines,  and  afterward  was  the  commander  of  sev- 
eral forts  In  succession.  He  left  the  army  in  1S38,  and  iu  1861,  just  as  he  was  about  to  leave 
for  Europe  with  his  family,  he  died.  His  death  occurred  on  the  22d  of  October.  While  I  was 
in  Boston  in  the  autumn  of  1800,  his  brother,  George  Monntfort,  Esq.,  showed  me  a  gunner's 
quadrant,  still  smeared  with  gunpowder  and  blood,  which  the  gallant  officer  took  from  un- 
der the  slain  soldiers  In  one  of  the  British  redoubts  at  Plattsburg.  The  engraving  is  a  rcprc- 
MUtative  of  it.  It  Is  a  graduated  quadrant  of  six-inch  radius,  attached  to  a  rule  a  little  more 
than  twenty-three  Inches  in  length,  and  all  made  of  brass.  It  has  a  plumb-line  and  bob.  The 
quadrant  is  applied  either  by  the  longer  branch  to  the  face  of  the  piece,  or  this  branch  is  run 
Into  the  bore  parallel  with  the  axis.  It  was  in  the  original  oaken  case  in  which  it  vcub  car- 
ried by  the  gunners  of  the  Royal  Artillery. 

Mountfort  wok  always  coul.  A  fellow-soldier  (Itobert  Keith,  of  Boston),  in  a  communica- 
tion before  me,  has  related  an  example.  During  the  battle,  he  says,  he  saw  a  small  bomb- 
shell fall  at  the  feet  of  the  gallant  lientenant,'when  he  caught  it,  threw  it  over  the  parapet, 
and  said,  "Don't  be  alarmed,  boys,  it  is  nothing  but  a  humbug." 

'  Dariug  the  hostilities  at  Plattsburg,  fh)m  the  0th  until  the  evening  of  the  11th,  scarcely  a 
building  in  the  village  escaped  injury  of  some  sort.  Many  houses  were  completely  riddled. 
Nine  dwellings,  thirteen  stores  and  shops,  and  the  court-house  and  jail,  were  burned.  Some 
of  these  were  destroyed  when  the  enemy  were  burned  out  by  Brooks's  hot  shot,  as  mentioned 
on  page  803. 

» These  monnds  are  on  the  banks  of  the  Saranac.  Plattsburg  is  seen  In  the  distance 
across  the  river. 

» The  late  Reverend  Eleaier  Williams  (see  page  3T7),  who  was  in  the  military  service  of  the  United  States  at  Platts- 
burg as  commonder  of  the  Secret  Corps  of  Observation,  Informed  me  that  Sir  George,  naturally  timid,  was  intensely 
alarmed  by  a  clever  trick  arranged  by  Williams.  Colonel  Fassett,  of  Vermont,  came  over  from  Burlington  on  Friday 
Ware  the  battle,  and  assured  Macomb  that  the  Vermont  militia  would  cross  the  lake  to  old  him  in  spite  of  Governor 
Chittenden.  Williams  suggested  to  the  general  after  Fassett  left  that  a  letter  from  that  officer,  declaring  that  a  heavy 
body  of  the  militia  were  about  to  cross  the  lake,  sent  so  as  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  Prevost,  would  have  a  salnlary  ef- 
fect. Mncomb  directed  Williams  to  carry  out  the  plan.  He  went  over  to  Burlington,  and  received  from  Fassett  a  let- 
ter to  Macomb,  in  which  he  said  that  Chittenden  was  marching  with  ten  thousand  men  for  St.  Albans ;  that  five  thou- 
sand more  were  marciiing  ft'om  St.  Lawrence  County ;  and  that  four  thousand  from  Washington  County  were  in  mo- 
tion. This  letter  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  n  shrewd  Irish  woman  on  Cumberland  Head,  who  took  it  to  Prevost.  The 
alarmed  baronet  immediately  ordered  the  flight  spoken  of  in  the  text,  and  at  a  little  past  midnight  his  whole  army  was 
on  the  wing.  The  trick  played  npon  Hull  at  Detroit  (see  note  1,  page  286)  was  repeated  upon  Prevost  with  equal  success. 
«  Benjamin  Mooers  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  bom  in  Haverhill,  Massachusetts,  In  1701,  and  entered 
the  military  service  in  17T6,  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years.  He  was  commissioned  first  an  ensign,  and  then  first  lieutenant, 
and  was  an  active  officer  during  all  the  later  years  of  the  Revolution.  When  summoned  to  the  field  in  1814  he  was  fif- 
ty-six years  of  age,  and  living  in  quietude  on  the  borders  of  Plattsburg  Bay.  He  obeyed  the  summons  with  alacrity, 
and  peiformed  his  duties  nobly.    He  died  at  his  residence  on  Cumberland  Head  on  the  J8th  of  February,  1888,  at  the 


\  I 


iili 


v 


PICTOKIAL   FlELD-nOOK 


Public  OlDoer  given  tu  Macdonough.     Bong,  "  Hiege  of  Platti'l)um.' 


deserters,  did  not  fall  much  short  of  two  thousand,  according  to  careful  ostimateg 
made  at  the  time.  The  American  loss  was  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty.  Only 
one  commissioned  officer,  Lieutenant  George  W.  Kunk,  was  mortally  wounded.  He 
died  the  next  day. 

The  events  on  land  and  water  at  Plattsburg  on  the  11th  of  September,  1814,  pro- 
duced  a  thrill  of  intense  joy  throughout  the  country,  and  with  delight  the  people 
read  the  stirring  General  Orders  in  which,  on  the  14th  of  September,  Macomb  an- 
nounced the  result  to  his  little  army."  Spontaneous  honors  and  praises  were  given 
by  the  people  to  him  and  Macdonough  conjointly.'*  Bonfires  and  illuminations  blazed 
in  almost  every  city  and  village  in  the  land,  and  the  recent  disaster  at  the  national 
capital  was  almost  unthought  of  for  the  moment.  Legislative  resolves,  artillery,  ora- 
tory, and  song'  were  pressed  into  the  service  of  rendering  homage  to  the  two  herocg 
and  their  men.  The  newspapers  teemed  with  eulogies,  and  at  all  public  gatherings 
and  entertainments  their  names  and  deeds  were  mentioned  with  applause.     Governor 

age  of  eeveuty-seTen  years.  HU  remains  are  in  tlic  Plattsburg  burying-gronnd  ;  and  at  tlic 
head  of  the  grave,  near  the  entrance  to  the  cemetery,  is  a  handsomely-wronght  commemura- 
tlve  slab  of  marble  with  the  following  inscription  :  "  In  memory  of  General  Bknjamin  Moo- 
XES,  who  died  February  28, 1888,  aged  seventy-seven  years.  He  served  as  lieutenant  auil  iidjn. 
tant  in  the  Revolutionary  War.  lie  commanded  the  militia  at  the  battle  of  Plattsburg,  Sep- 
tember 11, 18U.  lie  was  the  first  settlor  In  this  county,  and  for  thirty  years  county  trcnBurer. 
He  repeatedly  represented  this  scctlou  of  country  in  the  Assembly  and  Senate  of  the  Stale, 
and  discharged  the  important  duties  which  devolved  upon  him  as  a  citizen,  as  a  soldier,  and 
B  Christian,  with  fidelity  to  his  country  and  integrity  to  his  Qod." 

'  After  alluding  to  the  designs  of  Prevost,  he  said  "  he  brought  with  him  a  powerful  army 
and  flotilla— an  army  amounting  to  fourteen  thousand  men,  completely  equipped,  and  accom- 
panied by  a  numerous  train  of  artillery,  and  all  the  engines  of  war— men  who  had  conqnered 
in  France,  Spain,  Portugal,  the  Indies,  and  in  various  other  parts  of  the  globe,  and  led  by  the 
most  experienced  generals  of  the  British  ormy.  A  flotilla,  also  superior  to  ours  in  vessels, 
men,  and  guns,  had  determined  at  once  to  crush  us  both  by  land  and  water."  He  then  spoke 
of  the  boastings  of  the  governor  general,  and  his  attempts  to  seduce  the  Americans  from  llicir 
allegiance,  and  then  gave  a  concise  history  of  the  battle  and  the  precipitate  flight  of  (he 
enemy. 

'  A  few  days  after  the  battle,  the 
citizens  of  Plattsburg,  who  had  re- 
turned to  their  homes,  resolved.  In 
public  meeting,  to  give  a  public 
dinner  to  Commodore  Macdon- 
ough. A  committee,  of  which  Hen- 
ry De  Lord  was  chairman,  waited 
upon  the  hero  on  board  his  ship  with  an  invitation.  It  was 
accepted,  and  on  Tuesday,  the  28d  Instant,  at  three  o'clock 
P.M.,  the  commodore,  with  Generals  Macomb  and  Mooers, 
and  other  officers  of  the  army  and  navy,  who  were  Invited 
guests,  and  a  number  of  citizens,  sat  down  to  a  bountiful  din- 
ner at  the  United  States  Hotel,  kept  by  Thomas  Green,  and  yet 
standing  in  lS6n,  between  the  stone  mill  and  the  bridge  over 
the  Saranac,  In  Plattsburg.  General  Macomb's  band  furnish- 
ed the  music  on  the  occasion.  Peter  Sailley,  Esq.,  presided. 
Seventeen  regular  toasts  were  drank.  The  distinguished 
guests,  as  they  retired,  were  toasted ,  and  one  was  given  in 
respectful  silence  to  "The  memory  of  Commodore  Downie, 
our  brave  enemy."  The  fallen  brave  ofMacdonough's  fleet 
were  also  remembered  in  the  regular  toasts.  "  Much  credit," 
says  a  writer  who  was  present,  "Is  due  to  Hr.  Green  for  the 
excellent  dinner  which  he  provided  for  the  occasion,  it  being 
generally  conceded  to  be  the  best  that  was  ever  given  in 
Plattsburg."    A  f^iU  report  of  the  proceedings  was  published  In  a  band-bill,  a  copy  of  which  Is  before  me. 

This  Is  a  view  of  the  United  States  Hotel  at  Plattsburg  as  it  appeared  In  1814.  The  clap-boards  on  the  visible  gable 
exhibited  the  perforations  of  bullets  flrom  British  muskets  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Saranac  when  I  saw  it  in  1860.  On 
the  right  is  seen  Plattsburg  Bay,  and  Cumberland  Head  in  the  distance. 

5  The  victories  of  Macdonough  and  Macomb  were  the  subject  of  one  of  the  most  popular  songs  written  and  snng  dur- 
ing the  war.  It  was  written  by  Mioajah  Hawkins  for  the  proprietor  of  a  theatre  In  Albany,  arfd  snng  by  him  lu  the 
character  of  a  negro  sailor.  Qovemor  Tompkins  was  present  when  U  was  first  snng.  Hawkins  gained  great  npplaase 
and  a  prize  by  his  performance.  He  was  afterward  a  grocer  In  Catharine  Street,  New  York.  The  following  is  a  copr 
of  th6  IkmouB  ballad : 

SIEGE  OF  PLATTSBURG. 

Tnne—Boyne  Water. 

"  Backside  Albany  stan'  Lake  Champlatn,  On  Lake  Champlain  Uncle  Sam  set  he  boat. 

Little  pond  half  full  o'  water :  An'  Mossa  Macdonough  he  sail  'em  ; 

Plat-te-bnrg  dar  too,  close  'pen  de  main ;  While  Glneral  Macomb  make  Plat-te-bnrg  he  home 

Town  small— he  grow  bigger,  do',  herearter.  Wid  de  army,  whose  conrage  nebber  fail  'em. 


UNITED  STATES  UOTEL. 


I'li   (!' 


,ng,  "Blegc  of  PUttrburg.* 


OF  THE   WAU  OF   18  12. 


877 


Booora  to  OanerBl  Macomb. 


Biographical  Sketch  of  blm. 


Uli  MoDDmant 


Tompkins,  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  Now  York,  i)reHentod  General  Macomb  with  a 
gupcrb  sword.  Do  Witt  Clinton,  Mayor  of  New  York,  presented  him,  in  the  name 
of  the  Corporation,  the  "  freedom  of  the  city"  in  a  gold  box  similar  in  character  to  the 
one  given  to  General  Brown ;'  and  he  was  requested  by  the  same  body  to  sit  for  his 
iwrtniit,  to  bo  placed  in  the  gallery  of  distinguished  men.  Congress  gave  him  the 
thanks  of  the  nation,  and  voted  him  a  gold  medal.^  lie  was  commissioned  by  the 
President  major  general  by  brevet.  When  he  returned  to  his  family  at  Belleville, 
Xcw  Jersey,  the  village  was  illuminated,  and  he  was  received  with  the  most  gratify- 
ing tokens  of  respect.  "  Never,  on  the  return  of  any  hero  to  the  peaceful  bosom  of 
his  family,"  said  the  New  York  Eoening  Post,  an  opjjosition  paper, "  was  evinced  so 
universal  a  sense  of  sincere  joy  and  heartfelt  satisfaction." 


fATES  UOTEL. 


"On  'Icbenth  day  Sep-tem-bor, 

In  eighteen  hun'rcd  and  funrteen, 
Qubbernor  Proboeo  and  be  British  eoj-er 

Come  to  Plat-te-burg  a  tea-party  courtin'  s 
An'  he  boat  come  too,  arter  Uncle  8am  boat. 

Massa  'Donougb,  ho  look  sharp  out  do  winder; 
Den  Qlneral  Macomb  (ah  I  bo  always  a-homo) 

Cotch  flre  too,  sirs,  like  a  tinder. 

"Bam; !  bang  I  bang !  den  de  cannons  'gin  to  roar, 
In  Plat-te-burg  and  all  'bout  dat  quarter ; 
Gubbernor  Proboee  try  he  ban'  'pon  do  shore, 
While  he  boat  take  be  luck  'pon  de  water ; 


Bnt  Massa  Macdonongh  knock  he  boat  In  he  bead, 
lirciik  he  bciirt,  break  ho  shin,  'tovo  be  caff  In, 

An'  Oinoral  Macomb  start  olo  Probose  home— 
To't  me  soul  den  I  muss  die  a  lafUn'. 

"Probose  scare  so  ho  Icf  all  boblne. 

Powder,  ball,  cannon,  tea-pot,  an'  kittle ; 
Some  say  he  cotch  a  cole— trouble  In  he  mine 

'Cause  he  eat  so  much  raw  an'  cole  vittle. 
Undo  Sara  berry  sorry,  to  be  sure,  for  he  pain, 

Wish  ho  nuss  hosolf  up  well  an'  hearty, 
For  Oinoral  Macomb  and  Massa  'Donough  home 

When  he  notion  for  anudder  tea-party  1" 


1  See  page  «1T. 

<  A  repreuentatlon  of  this  medal  Is  given  on  the  next  page.  On  one  side  is  a  bust  of  Macomb  In  profile,  with  his 
name  and  title.  On  the  reverse  a  battle  on  laud.  In  sight  of  a  large  town,  troops  crossing  a  bridge,  and  war-vessels 
lighting  on  a  lake.  Above  this  scene  are  the  words  "  bebolctiom  or  oonqbess,  mov.  8, 1814."  The  exergue—"  battlk 
or  riATTBHtnto,  sept.  11, 1814." 

Alexander  Macomb  was  the  son  of  a  fnr  merchant  of  Detroit,  who  married  one  of  the  highly  respectable  family  of  Nn- 
varre.  Their  son  was  bom  In  Detroit  on  the  3d  of  April,  1782.  Ho  became  a  resident  of  Now  York  In  Infancy,  and  was 
educated  In  New  Jersey.  He  was  a  member  of  the  "  New  York  Rangers,"  a  volunteer  corps  raised  lu  1779,  when  war 
with  France  was  expected.  Gonerol  North,  of  the  Revolution,  placed  him  on  his  staff.  lie  became  permanently  at- 
tached to  the  army  as  a  dragoon,  and  was  very  useful,  lie  was  with  Wilkinson  In  the  Southwest,  and,  being  after- 
ward attached  to  a  corps  of  engineers  as  first  lieutenant,  be  was  sent  to  West  Point,  where  he  compiled  a  treatise  oti 
martial  law.  He  became  captain  In  180B,  and  was  ordered  to  superintend  the  erection  of  fortliicatlone  on  the  frontiers. 
He  was  promoted  to  m^Jor  in  1808,  and  when  the 
war  commenced  in  1812  he  was  placed  In  command 
o(an  artillery  corps.  We  hove  already  mot  blm  sev- 
eral limes  in  the  course  of  this  narrative  of  the  war. 
His  crowning  achievement  was  at  Plattsbnrg.  After 
llie  war  he  was  stationed  nt  Detroit.  He  was  made 
cliief  engineer  in  1821,  and  removed  to  Washington. 
He  remained  In  that  bareau  until  1836,  when,  on  the 
death  of  General  Jacob  Brown,  he  was  promoted  to 
general  -  In  -  chief  of  the  army  of  the  United  States. 
He  (lied  at  Washington  City  on  the  26th  of  June, 
1541,  aged  flfty-nlne  years.  He  was  burled  with  mil- 
itary honors  in  the  Congressional  Bnrying-ground 
at  Washington,  and  over  his  grave  now  stands  a 
Iwaotiful  white  marble  monnment  bearing  the  fol- 
lowing inscriptions : 

Wnt  Si'rfe.— "Alexakpeb  Maoohb,  Mi^or  General 
Commandlng-in-chief  United  States  Army.  Died  at 
Wasliiugton,  the  seat  of  government,  SSth  June, 
1*»1." 

fiwf  Side.—"  It  were  but  small  tribute  to  his  mem- 
ory to  say  that.  In  youth  and  manhood,  he  served  his 
conutry  In  the  profession  in  which  be  died,  during  a 
period  of  more  than  forty  years,  without  stain  or 
blemish  upon  his  escutcheon." 

Smih  Side.— "The  honors  conferred  on  him  by 
President  Madison,  received  on  the  field  of  victory 
for  distinguished  and  gallant  conduct  in  defeating 
tbe  enemy  at  Plattsbnrg,  and  the  thanks  of  Congress, 
bestowed  with  a  medal  commemorative  of  this  tri- 
umph of  the  arms  of  tbe  Republic,  attest  tbe  high 
estimate  of  bis  gallantry  and  meritorions  services." 

On  the  west  side,  over  his  name,  is  an  olive  wreath ; 
on  the  Bonth  side  an  hour-glass  with  wings,  and  a 
scythe;  on  the  east  side  a  simple  cross,  and  on  tbe  north  side  a  serpent  and  butterfly. 

In  tbe  above  sketch,  the  little  monument  to  Commodore  Patterson  Ik  eeen  in  an  iron  ratling.    Over  one  comer  of  it, 
in  tbe  distance,  is  seen  William  Wirt's  monument,  and  between  it  and  Macomb's  is  neeu  that  of  Commodore  Cbanocey. 


HAOOMBS  MO.NDIIBifT. 


•iliin* 


i«:»iMiil 


Macdonoiigh,  too,  was  nobly  honored.  The  State  of  Now  York  pave  him  two  thou- 
sand acres  of  land.  The  State  of  Vermont  purc'.ascd  two  hundred  acres  on  Ciiinbcr- 
land  Head  and  presented  it  to  him.  It  was  on  the  borders  of  Cumberland,  or  Platts- 
burg  Hay,  and  the  farm-house  upon  it  overlooked  the  scene  of  his  gallant  exploits. 
The  cities  of  New  York  and  Albany  each  gave  the  hero  a  valuable  lot  of  land. 
'Thus,"  said  Macdonough  to  a  friend,  while  team  stood  in  his  eyes,  "in  one  month, 
from  a  poor  lieutenant  I  became  a  rich  man."  Congress  gave  him  the  thanks  of  thy 
nation,  and  with  his  brave  commanders,  Henley  and  Cassin,  voted  him  a  gold  medal, 
with  suitable  devices  and  inscriptions.' 


MAOnONOrOU'B  MEDAT.. 


'  See  page  808.  The  above  Ih  a  representation  of  the  medal  given  to  Macdonongli.  On  one  side  is  a  bust  of  Ibe 
hero  in  profile,  with  the  legend  "  tuo.  maoikinouqu,  btaqno  onAMPt.AiN  oi.as.  rko.  nair.  bitpebavit."  The  reverse  beare 
the  eame  device  and  inscriptions  as  those  of  Henley  and  Cassin,  given  on  page  808. 

Thomas  Macdonough  was  bom  in  the  connty  of  New  Castle,  Delaware,  on  the  23d  of  December,  1T8S.  His  father  was 
a  physician,  and  a  major  in  the  Continental  array.  Thomas  entered  the  navy  as  midshipman  In  171)8.  He  was  with 
Decatur  In  the  Mediterranean,  where  he  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  especially  In  the  affair  of  the  Philadflphia.  S« 
page  120.  His  spirit  was  shown  in  the  harbor  of  Qlbraltar  on  one  occasion.  He  was  then  first  lieutenant  of  the  Sim. 
Near  her  lay  an  American  merchant  brig.  A  boat  from  a  British  man-of-war  went  alongside  of  her,  and  its  crew  seiiwl 
a  seaman  who  was  claimed  as  a  British  subject.  Macdonough  saw  it.  His  commander  was  absent.  He  instanllj 
armed  and  m-  aned  his  gig  and  gave  chase.  Ho  overhauled  the  boat  under  the  guns  of  the  British  frigate,  released  hini, 
and  took  him  back  to  the  merchant  vessel.  The  British  captain,  in  great  rage,  appeared  on  the  Siren,  and  inqnlrcd  o! 
Macdonough  how  he  dared  to  take  a  man  fi-om  his  boat.  "  He  was  under  the  protection  of  my  country's  flag,  anil  il 
was  my  duty,"  was  the  reply.  With  warm  oaths  the  captain  swore  he  would  lay  his  fUgate  alongside  ind  sink  the 
Siren.  "While  she  swims  yon  shall  not  have  the  man !"  said  Macdonough.  "You'll  repent  of  your  rashness,  yooni! 
man,"  rejoined  the  Englishman.    "  Sappoee  I  had  been  in  that  boat,  would  yon  have  dared  to  commit  such  an  actf" 


V 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  161S. 


879 


k|!' 


nitreM  to  the  Commandtn. 


rk  gave  him  two  thou- 
clri'd  acres  on  Cuinljcr- 
Cumbcrlaml,  or  I'latts- 
of  his  gallant  exploits. 
I,  valuable  lot  of  land, 
is  eycB, "  in  one  month, 
•  him  the  thanks  of  the 
oted  him  a  gold  medal, 


bh  On  one  side  is  a  bust  of  Ite 
..BUPBBAViT."    The  reverse  bew 

Jf  December,  1T88.   His  father  w« 

L  affair  of  the />MWP*-«J« 
Ithen  first  lieutenant  of  the  S.r«. 
lngBiaeofher,anaUBCrewfel«fa 

Inder  was  absent.  He  in,  «nt^ 
I  the  British  Wgate,  re  easeflWm, 

|redontheS<r«».andinci..irc<l° 
lctlonofmyconntry'sflas,«"d 
|»  frigate  alongside  ind  sink  W 
In  repent  of  your  rashness,  yo.»f 
■(  dared  to  commit  such  an  act. 


Eflbot  of  the  Victory  at  Plattibiirg. 


OniTM  of  Brltlih  Oflcen. 


The  Colt  of  Prevost's  Bxpodltlon. 

The  rcHult  of  the  battle 
of  I'liittHburg  was  deeply 
mortifying  to  tlio  Brit- 
i.Mh.  The  Canadian  news- 
paporw  otl'ered  many  jere- 
miail»,  and  Sir  (4eorge 
Prevost  was  censured  in 
unmeasured  terms  for  his 
incomp'jtency  and  coward- 
ice. It  was  estimated  tliat 
he  led  behind  hira  in  his 
fligiit  munitions  and  stores  MAui.ommuu-»  kaem-uodm  om  oo-berlanp  bkai... 

wortii  almost  one  hundred  tliousand  pounds  sterling,  and  that  his  fruitless  expedition 
cost  at  U-iiot  five  hundred  thousand  pounds,  or  two  million  five  hundred  thouwaiul  dol- 
lars. It  was  dislicartening  to  the  enemy,  and  wan  a  powerful  instrumentality  in  the 
speedy  restoration  of  peace.  Prevost  abandoned  all  idea  of  renewing  the  attempt  at 
invasion,  and  retired  to  Quebec.  He  was  soon  afterward  dismissed  and  dishonored 
by  his  government,  and  he  did  not  long  survive  the  anxiety  it  occasioned  and  liis  ef- 
forts to  get  home  to  England  and  vindi- 
cate his  character. 

Three  days  after  the  battle,  when  it  Avas 
ascertained  that  the  British  were  making 
their  way  toward  the  St.  Lawrence,  (tcner- 
al  Macomb  discharged  the  New  York  and 
Vermont  militia,  and  the  solemn  rites  of 
burial  were  accorded  to  the  dead  of  both 
nations.  Fifteen  officers,  including  Com- 
modore Downie,  were  laid  in  the  Platts- 
burg  Burying-ground,  and  a  neat  marble 
slab,  with  the  name  of  the  commemorated 
cut  upon  it,  was  placed  at  the  head  of  each 
grave.  On  each  side  of  Downie's  grave  a 
pine-tree  was  planted.  These  Avere  noble  in 
stature  when  I  made  the  annexed  sketch, 
but  one  has  since  disappeared.  A  few 
years  ago  a  near  relation  of  the  British 
commander  laid  a  recumbent  marble  slab, 
suitably  inscribed,  upon  brick  walls,  over 
his  remains.^  Around  it  are  the  graves  of 
the  other  officers. 


■:^:f^m^^r^K^^^^ 


downie'b  OBAVB.3 


'Yon 


"Ishonld  have  made  the  attempt,  sir !"   ".What  I  would  i/ow  Interfere  if /were  to  Impress  men  from  that  brig  f" 
hare  only  to  try  It,  sir,"  was  Macdonongh's  cool  reply.    He  did  not  try  It. 

Macdonongh  was  sent  to  Lake  Champlain  when  the  War  of  1812  broke  out  There  he  won  unfading  laurels,  as  wc 
find  recorded  In  the  text.  From  the  close  of  the  war  his  health  gave  way,  yet  he  lived  for  more  than  ten  years  with  the 
tooth  of  consumption  undermining  the  citadel  of  his  life.  On  the  10th  of  November,  1826,  he  died  In  Middletown,  Con- 
Dcclicnt,  where  he  married  his  wife,  the  excellent  Miss  Shaler,  and  who  had  died  only  a  few  months  before.  Ho  was 
only  forty-two  years  of  ago.  HIa  portrait  on  page  8M  Is  from  the  one  painted  from  life  by  John  Wesley  Jarvis  for  the 
Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York,  and  now  occupies  a  place  In  the  Governor's  Room. 

I  This  picture  Is  from  the  title-page  of  the  twelfth  volume  of  the  A  naUetie  Magazine.  On  page  S8  Is  some  poor  verse 
latended  as  an  accompaniment.  In  the  distance  Is  seen  the  mouth  of  the  Saranac  and  the  village  of  Plattsburg.  On 
Cumberland  Head  at  that  time  was  the  Plattsbnrg  port  of  entry,  and  the  leading  men  of  that  section  resided  on  that 
pleasant  promontory.  Among  them  was  General  Helancthon  Woolsey  (whose  house  is  yet  standing).  General  Mooers, 
Peter  Sailiey,  Major  Adams,  and  others. 

'  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  inscription :  "  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Gkokok  Downii,  Esq.,  a  post  captain  In  the 
Royal  British  Navy,  who  gloHousIy  fell  on  board  his  B.  M.  S.  the  Conjlanee  while  leading;  the  vessels  under  bis  command 
to  the  attack  of  the  American  flotilla  at  anchor  In  Cumberland  Bay,  off  Plattsburg,  on  the  11th  of  September,  1814. 

"To  mark  the  spot  where  the  remains  of  a  gallant  officer  and  sincere  friend  were  honorably  Interred,  this  stone  has 
been  erected  by  bis  affectionate  slster-inlaw,  Mary  Downii,  1881." 

'  In  the  above  picture  Downie's  tomb  is  seen  between  the  trees.    The  head-stones  of  the  other  officers  are  seen 


» 

t 

I 

1 
] 

B ' 

8^ 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Visit  to  historical  Placea  in  Northern  Now  York. 


Journey  to  Plattsbarg. 


Graves  of  slain  Offlcera. 


I  visited  the  theatre  of  the  British  invasion  of  Northern  New  York,  and  points  of 
interest  at  Plattsburg  and  in  the  vicinity,  in  August,  1860.  I  have  already  men- 
tioned the  passing  of  a  night  at  Rouse's  Point'  Village  after  visiting  La  Colic  Mill 
and  journeying  on  tlie  next  morning  toward  Plattsburg."  I  went  to  Cliaini)laiii 
five  miles  south  of  the  Canada  border,  by  railway,  and  there  strolled  over  the  j)lace 
of  Dearborn  and  Wilkinson's  encampments  on  the  hill  eastward  of  the  railway  sta- 
tion, then  (1860)  the  land  of  Francis  Nye.  I  also  went  to  the  site  of  Izard's  encamp- 
ment, on  rising  ground  south  of  the  village,  and  of  his  battery  on  the  brow  of  a  \n\\^ 
then  (1860)  the  property  of  Noac^Jah  Moore.  After  sketching  the  mansion  of  Judge 
Moore,  w^Iiich  was  used  for  officers'  quarters  by  both  parties,^  I  left  for  Plattsburg  i^ 
a  light  wagon,  accompanied  by  a  very  intelligent  elderly  gentleman  of  Chainplain,* 
whose  name  I  regret  I  can  not  now  recall.  He  was  familiar  with  the  whole  region, 
and  the  events  and  localities  which  make  it  notable. 


TIEW   IN   UEKUHANTOn'N. 


We  passed  through  Chazy,  upon  the  Little  Chazy  River.  Just  before  reaching  it, 
we  saw  at  his  house  Captain  Hiram  Ferris,  an  old  lake  pilot,  who  gave  us  some  of  hiii 
reminiscences  of  adventure  as  commander  of  a  sloop  in  which  Vermont  militia  vm 
taken  ."..ross  the  lake  to  Plattsburg  before  the  battle.    We  rode  on  to  Sampson's, 


JJi. 


n  iwiiP  II  ;;,„[! 


grouped  aronnd  it.  The  annexed  diagram  shows  the  position  of  each 
of  the  graves,  indic.lted  by  numerals  as  follows:  1.  Commodore  Dow- 
L<ic;  2.  Boatswain  Charles  Jackson;  3.  Lieutenant  William  Qunn;  4. 
Lieutenant  WUiinm  Paril;  t.  Captain  Alexander  Anderson,  nf  thcMs- 
rlnes  ;  0.  Captain  John  Purchase.  These  were  of  the  Brltieh  Navy. 
except  Purchase,  who  was  of  the  British  Army.  7.  Pilot  Joseph  Bar- 
ron ;  8.  Lieutenant  Peter  Gamble;  9.  Lieutenant  John  Stansbiiry;  10 
Sailing-master  Rogers  Carter ;  11.  Midshipman  James  M.  Baldwiii 
These  were  of  t'le  American  Navy.  12.  Lieutenant  Oeorgc  W.  Runt, 
of  the  American  Army ;  13.  Colonel  Willington ;  14.  Lieutenant  John 
Chapman,  of  the  British  Army.    A,  A,  the  pine-trees. 

I  am  indebted  to  Captain  J.  Van  Cleve  for  the  diagram.  It  vra? 
made  by  him  In  1S8C.  He  has  omitted  the  grave  of  Lieutenant  R 
Eingsbnry,  of  the  British  Army.    It  Is  near  No.  12  in  the  dlngrani, 

>  Named  from  Jacques  House,  a  French  Canadian,  who  settled  there 
In  1T88.  •  Boe  page  m. 

*  See  engraving  on  page  86T. 

♦  Champlain  is  a  lively  post-village  of  less  than  two  thousand  inhab- 
itants, on  the  Chazy  River,  or  Creek,  and  contains  fine  water  pdwer. 
It  is  the  southern  tcrminns  of  the  Northern  Railroad  from  Ogdenaburi:, 
Mid  from  it  most  of  the  lumber  brongbt  down  on  that  road  ' .  Khlppeil 


OF   THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


881 


Oraves  of  slain  Offlcera. 

fork,  and  points  of 
have  already  men- 
Lting  La  Colic  Mill, 
vent  to  Chami)lain, 
ailed  over  the  place 
I  of  the  railway  sta- 
,e  of  Izard's  encarap- 
n  the  brow  of  a  lull, 
\e  mansion  of  Judge 
eft  for  Plattsburg  i^ 
graan  of  Champlain,* 
,tb  the  whole  region, 


Ride  tbruagb  Beekmautown  and  over  Calver's  Hill. 


The  Seat  of  War  in  Northern  New  York. 


Just  before  reaching  it, 

[ho  gave  ub  some  of  bis 

\  Vermont  militia  were 

rode  on  to  Sampson's, 

Lam  showB  the  position  of  escti 
h  follows:  1.  Commodore Do«- 
Is  Lieutenant  WllllnmGunn;  4. 
rAlexantier  Anderson,  of  the  Ma- 
lhe6ewereoftheDritW.>»vy, 
llshArmy.  T.  Pilot  Joseph  B«- 
■Lieutenant  John  Stanslmry:. 
lidshipman  James  M  B.ldw  . 
l2.  Lieutenant  George  W.  Rmt 
Ivmington;  U.  LicutenanlJota 

I,  the  pine-trees. 
Icleve  for  the  diagram.    H  ■«» 
Ited  the  grave  of  Licntcnsnt  R. 
1g  near  No.  12  in  the  dlmrrani. 
fuch  Canadian,  who  settle.. here 

■  •  See  page  '»«• 

Lf  less  than  two  thonsandlahiV 
1  and  conUins  fine  water  p»«" 

Ihern  Railroad  from  Ogto'urc. 
V  down  on  that  road   .»lilppeU 


•  1814. 


and 
southward  of 
the  tavern,  the  place 
of  the  British  encamp- 
ment from  the  5th  to 
the  6th  of  Septem- 
ber* was  point- 
ed out  to  us,  on 
the  farm  of  Mr.  Phelps. 
We  soon  aflerward 
tui-ned  westward  to- 
ward Beokmantown,^ 
and  in  that  little  vil- 
lage, and  upon  Cul- 
ver's Hill  southward 
of  it,  we  spent  about 
two  hours.  I  sketch- 
ed the  house  of  Ira 
Ilowe^  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  viiiago; 
and  in  the  delightful 
shadow  of  grand  old 
elms,  which  wore  flour- 
ishing trees  in  the  time 
of  the  war,  I  made  the 
sketch  on  the  preced- 
ing page,  on  the  left 
of  which  is  seen  the 
stone  meeting-house, 
built  by  the  Method- 
ists in  1830,  and  in  the 
distance  tlie  road  pass- 
ing over  Culver's  Hill,  on  which  Wool  fought  his  second  battle  with  the  invaders 

'  See  sketch  of  the  honse  on  page  8151). 

<  Named  In  bouor  of  William  Beeknian,  to  whom,  with  tweuty-nlue  others,  the  township  waa  granted  in  the  spring 
of  17W.  '  Sec  page  862. 

SK 


'  September,  on  the  morning  of  the  6th.*  A  little  south  of  the  church  (at  a  spot  indi- 
1814.  cated  by  the  two  figures),  we  were  shown  a  spring,  by  the  side  of  the 
road,  near  which  Colonel  Willington  was  buried  ;  and  directly  in  front  of  Francis 
Culver's  house,  on  Culver's  Hill,  a  flat  rock  was  pointed  out  as  the  spot  where  Wil- 
lington fell'  It  is  said  that  the  stains  of  his  blood  were  upon  it  a  long  time.  There 
too,  we  saw  the  moss-covered  stone  fen'"o,  built  before  the  war,  which  formed  an  ad- 
mirable shelter  for  the  American  militia  during  the  fight  on  the  hill.^ 

Plattsburg  was  now  eight  miles  distant,  and  the  long  summer  day  was  passin" 
away.  We  rode  on,  Avithout  stopping,  by  Ilalsey's  Corners,  where  Leonard  made  a 
stand  with  his  cannon,^  and  at  near  sunset  entered  Plattsburg.  I  became  the  guest 
of  a  kinsman  (Philander  C.  Moore),  and  pnssed  a  part  of  the  evening  profitably  with 
P.  S.  Palmer,  Esq.,  the  historian  of  Lake  Champlain. 

At  an  early  hour  the  next  morning,  accompanied  by  my  kinsman,  I  went  out  to 
visit  the  historical  localities  in  and  about  Plattsburg;  and  just  at  twilight,  after  a 
day  of  incessant  labor,  we  returned,  having  fully  accomplished  the  object  of  my  er- 
rand. We  first  rode  up  to  the  site  of  Pike's  cantonment  (where  the  British  forced  a 
passage  of  the  Saranac),  crossing  the  river  at  the  upper  bridge,  and  traversing  a  roiicli 
road  most  of  the  way  for  about  two  miles.  The  cantonment  was  on  a  low,  narrow 
plain  at  the  foot  of  rapids  in  the  river,  which  are  seen  in  the  little  sketch  on  page  874. 
We  returned  on  the  lake  road  by  the  United  States  military  station,  visiting  the  re- 
mains of  Forts  Moreau,  Brown, 
and  Scott,  and  sketching  the  old 
store-houses  on  the  margin  of 
the  lake,  which  were  erected  ii: 
1813  for  the  use  of  the  Ameri- 
can troops.  We  rode  back  to 
the  villatje,  and,  after  skctchini' 
the  stone  null*  and  the  United 
States  Hotel,"  we  crossed  the 
Saranac,  and  made  our  wav 
along  the  lake  shore  road  toward  Cumberland  Head.  Soon  after  crossing  Dead  Creek 
Bridge  over  the  sluggish  stream,  and  among  sand  dunes  drifted  by  southerly  winds 
from  the  bay  shore,  wo  passed  ,^-vi: 

the  site  of  Macdonough's  farm- 
house,* on  a  rise  of  ground  at 
the  left  of  the  road,  a  mile  and  a 
half  from  the  light-house.  The 
place  of  the  cellar  was  marked 
by  a  luxuriant  growth  of  weeds 
and  bushes.  Near  there  avo 
met  a  farmer  on  his  way  to 
Plattsburg,  who,  to  our  mutual 
surprise,  proved  to  be  Mr.  J.  J. 
Mosher,  who  was  my  scliool- 
master  when  I  was  a  boy  twelve 
years  of  age.  It  was  an  agree- 
able meeting.  He  turned  back, 
accompanied  us  to  various  pla- 
ces of  interest  on  the  Head 
(where  he  has  a  farm),  and  en- 


HTORE-IIOD8ES. 


QENRHAL  HOOKBS  B  BOUBI,  OUMUKHLANn  UKAI>. 


•  Sec  pnce  86?. 

«  The  old  Culver  manstnii,  bnilt  of  wood,  was  on  the  site  of  the  pretteut  brick  mansion  of  Samuel  Andrew?,  on  ihf 
gQUthem  (loi'J  ofthe  hill.  'Seepage  802.  «  See  paije  364.  'Seepage  878.  «  Sec  page  SS. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


883 


Islt  to  Cumberliiud  Iloail, 

rcli  (at  a  spot  indi- 
by  the  side  of  the 
in  front  of  Francis 
-10  spot  where  Wil- 
,  long  time.  There, 
aiich  formed  an  ad- 

liU.^ 

er  day  was  passing 

ere  Leonard  made  a 

I  became  tlie  guest 

ning  profitably  witli 

sman,  I  went  oiat  to 
,t  at  twilight,  after  a 
the  object  of  my  er- 
e  the  British  forced  a 
nd  traversing  a  rougli 
was  on  a  low,  narrow 
Ic  sketch  on  page  8(4. 
station,  visiting  tlic  re- 
Forts  Morcau,  Brown, 
t,  and  sketching  the  oW 
ises  on  the  margin  of 
which  were  erected  in 

the  use  of  the  Ameri- 
)ps.  Wc  rode  back  to 
ire",  and,  after  sketching 
e  mill*  and  the  Uniteil 
lotel,"  we  crossed  the 

and   made    our  way 
•or  crossing  Dead  Creek 

cd  by  sontherly  wuuis 


Besldencee  of  Mooers  and  Woolsey. 


Bemains  of  "  Wilkinson's  Folly." 


Mr.  Piatt  and  hia  Remintscencea. 


Lion  of  Samuel  And-.on.V 
k  page  8iO. 


W00L8KT  UOCSE. 


tertained  us  with  an  excellent  dinner  and 
pleasant  intercourse  with  his  family. 

Taking  the  inner  road  to  the  light-house 
on  tlie  extreme  point  of  the  Head,  we  pass- 
ed the  pleasantly  situated  old  mansion  of 
General  Mooers  (page  882),  where  he  lived 
many  years,  and  where  he  died.     It  over- 
looks the  bay  and  the  lake.     We  visited 
and  sketched  the  light-house,  and  from  its 
lofty  gallery  obtained  a  fine  panoramic 
view  of  the  entire  theatre  of  the  naval 
battle  near.*    Passing  along  the  lake  side 
of  the  Head,  in  full  view  of  Grand  Island 
and  the  Green  Mountains,  we  came,  at  tlie 
distance  of  a  mile  from  the  light-house,  to 
the  residence  of  General  Woolsey,  father 
of  the  active  commander  on  Lake  Ontario.     Near  it  was  Colonel  Durand's,  the  dep- 
uty collector  (when  this  was  the  place  of  the  Plattsburg  port  of  entry),  which  was 
the  custom-house ;  and  between  Woolsey's  and  the  light-house  is  the  dwelling  of  Mr. 
Mosher.     It  Avas  a  tavern  during  the  war,  and  in  front  of  it  was  the  landing-place  of 
the  troops  brought  over  by  Captain  Ferris.    When  the  British  galleys  were  escaping 
down  the  lake,  and  were  passing  this  tavern,  several  men  were  sitting  on  its  porch. 
One  of  them  called  out  to  the  fugitives  in  derision,  when  a  British  marine  fired  a  mus- 
ket-ball at  the  group.     It  passed  just  over  their  heads,  and  through  a  door,  whicli 
Mr.  Moslier  preserves  as  a  memento  of  the  incident. 

About  three  fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  light-house,  on  the  farm  of  J.  T.  Ilagar,  we 
saw  the  prominent  remains  of  tlie  ramparts  and  ditch  of  a  large  redoubt  cast  up  by 
Hampton,  and  which  received  the  name  of  "  Wilkinson's  Folly."  It  is  about  forty 
rods  from  the  lake,  on  high  ground,  and  on  the  shore  in  front  of  it  was  a  water  bat- 
tery. Its  ramparts  were  of  earth  and  stone.  From  its  top  we  had  a  fine  view  of  the 
surrounding  country,  and  we  lingered  some  timo  in  the  sliadow  of  a  tree  that  over- 
hung one  of  its  bastions.  The  day  was  now  far  spent,  and  we  turned  back  toward 
Plattsburg,  where  we  arrived  at  dusk,  well  satisfied  with  our  day's  excursion. 

On  the  following  morning  I  visited  the  venerable  Isaac  C.  Piatt,  then  in  his  eight- 
ieth year,  whose  residence  is  on  the  Beekmantown  road,  not  fitr  from  Ilalsoy's  Cor- 
ners. He  was  living  there  at  the  time  of  the  British  invasion,  and  took  his  family 
over  to  Middlebury,  in  Vermont.  On  his  return  the  skirmish  liad  occurred  at  Ilal- 
soy's Corners.  He  found  his  house  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  used  as  a  sort  of 
hospital.^  He  asked  and  obtained  from  General  Brisbane  protection  for  himself  and 
his  property.  That  ofiicer  gave  hira  a  general  parole  of  honor  to  go  where  he  j)lcased. 
When  the  British  fled  they  left  about  forty  liorscs  in  his  fields,  and  tlicsc  he  consid- 
iTod  a  fair  equivalent  for  hay  and  other  property  whicli  they  had  appropriated  to 
ilieir  own  use.  The  British  behaved  very  honorably,  ho  said,  generally  paying  for 
whatever  they  procured  from  the  inhabitants.  During  a  delightful  interview  of  an 
limir  with  the  liumorous  octogenarian,  he  related  many  stirring  incidents  of  the  iiiva- 
■iii, which  limited  space  will  not  allow  me  to  record.  He  still  [1867]  lives  ui  the 
iiij')ymefit  of  good  health. 

Leaving  Mr.  Plijtt's,  wc  passed  a  huge  old  butternut-tree  between  his  house  and 

llilsey's  Corners,  its  trnnk  terribly  scarred  by  the  passage  of  one  of  Leonard's  can- 

1  ii-halls  completely  through  it.     It  stands  as  a  memento  of  the  affair  at  that  point. 

(We  passed  on  to  the  burial-ground,  and  visited  and  sketched  the  freestone  memorials 

Icf  Downie  and  the  slain,  already  mentioned  ;  of  Colonel  Melancthon  Smith ;  and  of 

>  See  page  STO. .  >  See  page  SOS. 


tfitil 


ill!! 


884 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Orave  of  Hiss  Davidson. 


A  Shot  In  Macomb's  Ilead-qoarters. 


Chauucey  kept  from  active  Service. 


General  Benjamin  Mooers.'  Tliere,  too,  I  found  the  grave  of  the  wonderfully  preco- 
cious child-poet,  Lucretia  Maria  Davidson,  who  was  th  j  author  of  a  volume  entitled 
Amir  Khan,  and  other  Poems^  and  yet  she  died  I  ./ore  she  was  seventeen  years  of 
age.  A  neat  white  marble  monument  marks  the  resting-place  of  her  remains,  and 
bears  those  beautiful  lines  written  by  William  Cullen  Bryant  on  the  occasion  of  her 
burial : 

"  In  the  cold  motst  earth  we  laid  her  when  the  forest  cast  Its  leaf, 
And  we  wept  that  one  bo  lovely  should  have  a  lot  so  brief; 
Yet  not  unmeet  It  was  that  one,  like  that  young  friend  of  ours. 
So  gentle  and  so  beautiful,  should  perish  with  the  flowers."  , 

In  the  course  of  the  day  I  called  on  General  A.  C.  Moore,  whose  fine  mansion,  not 
far  from  the  old  stone  mill,  was  the  head-quarters  of  General  Macomb  before  the  bat- 
tle. In  the  hall,  near  the  foot  of  the  staircase 
and  protruding  from  the  upper  edge  of  the  wains- 
coting, was  a  24-pound  iron  ball,  which  British 
cannon  hurled  across  the  Saranac.  It  had  come 
crashing  through  the  house,  and  lodged  there. 
With  good  taste  and  patriotic  feeling,  it  had  been 
left  undisturbed.  It  was  painted  black  and  var- 
nished, and  on  it,  in  white  letters,  were  the  words 
September  11, 1814. 

Toward  evening  of  the  same  day  I  embarked 
at  Plattsburg  in  a  steamer  for  Whitehall,  and  on 
the  following  evening  I  was  at  my  home  on  tht 
Hudson. 
With  the  flight  of  Prevost  and  his  army  from 
Lake  Champlain  ended  all  military  movements  of  importance  on  the  Northern  front- 
ier. Hostilities  soon  afterward  ceased  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  as  we  have  observed; 
and  during  the  entire  season,  Chauncey,  one  of  the  most  vigilant  and  active  of  naval 
commanders,  had  been  compelled  by  circumstances  to  remain  almost  inactive  at  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor  a  greater  part  of  the  time.  He  was  blockaded  by  a  British  squadron 
tmtil  early  in  June,  when  the  completion  of  the  armament  of  the  Superior  made  Sir 
James  Yeo  prudently  withdraw  his  blockading  vessels.  And  when  the  Mohawk, 
which  was  launched*  in  thirty-four  working  days  after  her  keel  was  laid,  was 
prepared  for  sea,  and  the  movements  on  the  Niagara  frontier  with  vvhicli 
Chauncey  was  to  co-operate  had  commenced,  that  commander  was  prostrated  bv 
severe  illness  at  the  Harbor.  His  re-enforcements  came  tardily,  while  the  enemy  was 
increasing  his  strength  in  vessels,  arms,  and  men.  It  was  the  last  of  July  before  the 
squadron  was  ready  for  sea. 

Meanwhile  Chauncey  had  set  in  motion  minor  operations.  Supplies  for  the  Brit- 
ish were  continually  ascending  the  St.  Lawrence  in  small  boats.  He  resolved  to  at- 
tempt the  capture  of  some  of  them,  and  sent  Lieutenant  (late  Rear  Admiral)  Fran- 
cis H.  Gregory,^  with  Sailing-masters  Vaughan  and  Dixon,  in  three  gigs,  for  that  pur- 


BALL  IH   MOORe'B  UOUBE,  FLATTBBITItO. 


>  Jnne  11, 
1814. 


'  About  a  rod  north  of  General  Moocrs's  grave  is  that  of  Samuel  Norcro^^s,  who,  with  two  other  nnarmcd  cillzeni. 
met  three  British  soldiers  on  the  retreat  on  the  morning  of  the  12th,  and  slnmltanenusly  sprang  upon  them  and  ffiui 
their  guns.  A  desperate  struggle  ensued.  His  antagonist  wrenched  the  gnu  from  Norcross,  and  with  it  shot  him,  kill- 
ing him  almost  instantly.    This  occurred  not  far  from  the  place  where  hie  '  <idy  was  buried. 

>  This  volume  was  published  in  1S29,  and  contained  a  biographical  skii  i  li  of  the  author  by  Professor  Samnel  F.  B, 
Morse.  She  was  born  in  September,  1S08 ;  was  educated  at  Mrs.  Willard's  seminary  in  Troy,  and  died  in  August,  ISS. 
She  was  very  beautiful. 

'  l^runcis  II.  Gregory  was  born  at  Norwalk,  Connccticnt,  on  the  9th  of  October,  1789.    He  entered  the  merchant  «n- 
ice  in  1S02,  and  the  navy  as  a  midshipman  in  1809  in  the  Heveiuje,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  O.  H.  Perry.    He  was  pro- 1 
moted  to  acting  master  in  1811,  and  in  the  spring  of  1812  he  was  placed  under  Chauncey's  command  on  Lake  Ontario. 
In  tbit  service  he  performed  many  gallant  exploits  as  acting  lieutenant,  for  his  skill  and  bravery  were  so  consplcnci'  I 
that  he  was  employed  in  the  most  dangerous  and  diOlcult  service.    In  August,  1814,  be  was  captured  and  sent  to  En- 
gland a  prisoner  of  war,  and  was  kept  there  until  the  close  of  the  contest ;  not  in  close  confinement,  but  on  wide  parok  j 
in  Devonshire,  where  the  "  vivacious  little  Yankee"  was  a  great  favorite  with  the  ladies,  and  graced  many  a  festal  o«i-  j 
►ion.    In  18-25  Lieutenant  Gregory  commanded  the  Drandytoine  when  she  conveyed  Lafayette  to  this  country;  nndii 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


885 


cey  kept  from  active  Service. 

le  wonderfully  preco- 
of  a  volume  entitled 
IS  seventeen  years  of 
e  of  her  remains,  and 
)n  the  occasion  of  her 

af. 
s, 

hose  fine  mansion,  not 
lacorab  before  the  bat- 
!  foot  of  the  staii-casp, 
pper  edge  of  the  waing- 
ron  ball,  which  British 
Saranac.  It  had  come 
)use,  and  lodged  there, 
iotic  feeling,  it  had  been 
1  painted  black  and  var- 
1  letters,  were  the  words 

e  same  day  I  emhaiked 
er  for  Whitehall,  and  on 
was  at  my  home  on  thi' 

svost  and  his  army  from 
e  on  the  Northern  front- 
;r,  as  we  have  observed; 
ilant  and  active  of  naval 
almost  inactive  at  Sack- 
,  by  a  British  squadron 
if  the  Superior  made  Sir 
.nd  when  the  Mohmcl 
:cr  her  keel  was  laid,  ^\ as 
;ara  frontier  with  whiili 
'nder  was  prostrated  by 
ily,  while  the  enemy  was 
c  last  of  July  before  tk 

Supplies  for  the  Biit- 
jats.     He  resolved  to  at- 
[ate  Rear  Admiral)  Fran- 
three  gigs,  for  that  pur- 

I  with  two  other  nnarmcd  citizens 
t„gly  ".prang  upon  them  amUfi'rf 
\orcroL,andwithitBhothira,Wl- 

'a"t''hor'byProfe!..or  Samuel  F_B. 
iu  Troy,  and  died  in  August,  is- 

Isg     He  entered  the  merchant  ot 
Inienant O.H.Perry.    He«»»f">] 
tncey^  command  on  LalceOnUn.! 

I  land  bravery  were  80  couspku.^ 
I4  he  waa  captured  and  .eut  to  EH 
i;e  confinement,  hut  on  «i<iepj|« 

lie.,  and  graced  many  a  (e.tal  «• 
lLafayetretothlacounlry;..a'» 


Exploits  of  lileutennnt  Gregory. 


Chaoncey's  Squadron  leaves  Sacketl's  Harbor. 


Its  Composition, 


pose  at  the  middle  of  June.  They  lay  in 
ambush  among  the  Thousand  Islands, be- 
low Alexandria  Bay,  on  the  19th.  They 
were  discovered,  and  a  British  gun-boat 
sent  to  attack  them.  They  did  not  wait 
for  her  approach,  but  boldly  dashed  upon 
and  captured  her.  She  was  the  Black 
Snake,  Captain  Landon,  carrying  an  18- 
pound  carronade  and  eighteen  men,  chiefly 
Royal  Marines.  Gregory  returned  to  the 
Haibor  with  liis  prisoners,  but  was  com- 
pelled to  destroy  the  lilack  Snake  to  pre- 
vent her  recapture.  For  this  gallant  serv- 
ice the  National  Congress,  tlurty  years 
•  May  4,  afterward,"  gave  Gregory  and  his 
1^-  companions  three  thousand  dol- 
lars.' Ten  days  afterward,  Gregory  and 
the  same  assistants  started  in  two  gigs  for 
Nicholas  Island,  seven  miles  fromPresque 
Isle,  on  the  Canada  coast,  to  intercept 
some  transports  expected  to  pass  there  for 
York  and  Fort  George.  They  did  not 
come ;  so,  finding  his  presence  was  known 
to  the  British  authorities,  Gregory  landed 
at  Presque  Isle,  burned  a  schooner  pierced 


^-'^^.--^^ 


for  fourteen  guns  and  nearly  ready  to  bo 
launched,  and  a  building  containing  her 
stores,  crossed  the  lake,  and  reached  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor  on  the  6th  of  July"" 
without  the  loss  of  a  man. 

Chauncey  was  carried  on  board  the  Su- 
perior in  a  convalescent  state  on  the  3l8t 
of  July,  and  on  that  day  his  squadron  left, 
the  Harbor.  It  consisted  of  the  flag-ship 
Superior,  C2,  Lieutenant  Elton ;  Pike,  28, 
Captain  Crane,  Chauncoy's  second  in  com- 
mand ;2  3fohawk,  42,  Captain  Jones ;  Mad- 
ison, 24,  Captain  Trencliard ;  Jefferson, 
22,  Captain  Ridgeley;  Jones,  22,  Captain 
Woolsey;  Sylph,  14,  Captain  Elliott; 
Oneida,  16,  Lieut.  Commanding  Brown; 
and  the  look-oftt  boat  Za«?y  of  (he  Lake. 
They  appeared  off  the  mouth  of  the  Niag- 
ara River  (then  in  possession  of  the  Brit- 
ish) on  the  6th  of  August."  Leav- 
ing the  Jefferson,  Sylph,  and  Onei- 
da to  blockade  some  British  vessels  in  the 


'  1814. 


1S2(1  he  commanded  the  64-gnn  ship  sent  to  the  Greeks  from  New  York.  He  was  promoted  to  commander  in  1828,  and 
WM  in  active  service  afloat  until  1882,  when  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Boston  Navy  Yard.  When  the  Rebellion 
liroke  out  he  was  anxious  to  enter  into  active  service,  but  he  was  more  ucefiilly  employed  as  general  superintendent  of 
the  construction  of  the  iron-clad  or  armored  vessels  engaged  in  the  Civil  War.  He  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  rear 
sflralral  in  180-2,  and  died  in  Brooklyn,  October  4, 1806,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years.  Few  men  hold  a  more  worthy 
place  on  the  records  of  our  navy.  '  Hough's  HUtory  of  Jeffrrmn  Cmintti,  page  616. 

'  Mr.  Crane  was  one  of  Chauncey'a  most  intimate  friends  and  active  commanders.  He  was  born  in  ElizabethtowD, 
New  Jersey,  on  the  Ist  of  February,  1T84,  and  was  n  son  of  General  Wllliflm  Crane,  who  was  one  of  Montgomery's  army, 
luid  made  a  prisoner  in  Quebec.   He  entered  the  nary  in  1T90  aa  midshipuian,  and  was  in  active  service  in  the  Hedtter- 


mm 


:||'} 


H 


( I 


886 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Chaoncey  tries  to  draw  oat  Yeo. 


A  heavy  British  Ship  on  the  Lake. 


AmericauB  prepare  to  match  her. 


river,  Chauncey  crossed  the  lake  with  the  remainder  of  the  squadron,  looked  into 
•  Augnst  9,     York,  and  then  sailed  for  Kingston,"  where,  with  four  of  his  vessels,  he 

^''"-  blockaded  the  squadron  of  Sir  James  Yeo  for  six  weeks.  He  vainly  tried 
to  draw  him  out  for  combat ;'  and  in  the  mean  time,  as  we  have  seen,  he  conveyed 
a  part  of  Izard's  troops  to  the  Genesee  River.^  During  this  blockade,  Lie..  Lcuant 
Gregory,  while  reconnoitring,  was  captured. 

At  the  close  of  September  it  was  ascertained  that  the  St.  Lawrence,  pierced  for  one 
hundred  and  twelve  guns,  which  had  been  all  the  season  in  preparation  at  Kingston, 
was  ready  for  sea.  Chauncey  prudently  raised  the  blockade,  i-etired  to  Sackett's 
Harbor,  and  prepared  for  attack.  On  the  15  th  of  October  the  St.  Lawrence  sailed, 
bearing  Sir  James  Yeo  and  more  than  a  thousand  men.^  She  was  accompanied  by 
four  ships,  *,wo  brigs,  and  a  schooner,  and  from  that  time  the  baronet,  with  his  great 
ship,  was  lord  of  the  lake.  The  Americans  resolved  to  match  the  St.  Lawrence  before 
the  opening  of  the  lake  the  following  spring,  and  the  keels  of  two  first-class  frigates 
were  speedily  laid — one  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  to  be  called  the  iVeio  Orleans,  and  an- 
other at  Storrs's  Harbor,  farther  up  the  bay,  to  be  called  the  Chippeica.  Of  the  for- 
mer we  have  already  taken  notice  on  page  616.  These  vessels  were  partly  finished, 
when  the  proclamation  of  peace  caused  work  upon  them  to  cease,  as  well  as  all  far- 
ther hostilities  in  that  quarter. 

Yeo  did  not  venture  to  attack  Chauncey*  in  Sackett's  Harbor;  but  so  imminent 


ranean  early  in  the  present  century.  He  was  promoted  to  Ueatenant  in  1803,  ami 
rose  to  the  rank  of  captain  in  1804.  He  was  in  command  of  the  NautUun  when 
she  was  captnred  (see  page  436),  and  after  his  exchange  was  in  continual  service 
on  Lake  Ontario.  He  was  in  the  service  of  his  government,  afloat  and  ashore,  un- 
til his  death,  when  he  was  chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Ordnance  and  Hydrography. 

Commodore  Crane  was  buried  with  naval  honors  in  the  Congressional  Burying. 
ground  In  Washington  City,  and  over  his  remains  is  a  fine  white  marble  moun- 
ment  with  the  following  inscriptions: 

West  Side.— "Saerei  to  the  memory  of  William  Montgomebt  Crane,  a  cuptaln 
in  the  navy,  who  was  bom  in  Elizabethtown,  New  Jereay,  on  th*  Ist  of  Febmar;-. 
1784,  and  died  at  Washinston  on  the  ISth  of  March,  1848."  South  SWe.—'- En- 
dowed with  uncommon  Judgment,  skill,  and  ability,  he  was  conspicuous  amongst 
the  most  distinguished  of  his  professional  compeers."  Eatt  Stdc— "The  manly 
qualities  which  he  on  all  occasions  exhibited  endeared  hijii  to  his  associates,  anil 
forty-seven  years  of  arduous  service  proved  his  devotion  to  his  country.'  Sorth 
Side.—"  In  the  war  with  France,  with  the  Barbary  Powers,  and  with  England,  lie 
was  actively  engaged,  and  with  undiminished  reputation." 

1  The  fact  that  Sir  James  Yeo,  after  boasting  of  his  desire  to  meet  ChnnnceyV 
fleet,  and  his  look-outs  often  feigning  a  design  to  encounter  the  Lady  of  the  Lake. 
Chauncey's  gallant  little  scout,  caused  many  squibs.  Among  others  was  a  short 
poem  entitled  "  The  Courteous  Knight,  or  the  Flying  Gallant."  After  stating  that  a 
British  knight  (Sir  James)  of  high  reputation  had  jilted  an  American  lady  who  had 
already  made  some  noise  in  the  world  {Ladj/  of  the  Voice),  the  poet  said: 

"He  Hed  like  a  truant;  the  lady  in  vain 

Her  ogling  and  glances  employed : 
She  aimed  at  his  heart,  and  she  aimed  at  his  brain, 
And  she  vowed  f^om  pursuing  she  ne'er  would  refrain— 

The  knight  was  most  sadly  annoyed. 
•  ,    At  length  from  love's  fervor  the  recreant  got  clear, 

And  may  have  for  a  season  some  rest; 
But  if  this  fair  lady  he  ever  comes  near, 
For  breaking  his  promise  he'll  pay  very  dear. 

The  price  gallant  Chauncey  knows  best." 

See  epigraph  at  the  head  of  Chapter  XXIX.  »  See  page  S84. 

'  Soon  »fter  the  St.  Lawrence  sailed,  Mr.  M'Gowan,  a  midshipman,  accompanied  by  William  Johnston,  the  "  Hero  of 
the  Thousand  Islands"  (see  page  602),  went  with  a  torpedo  to  Kingston  Harbor  to  blow  her  up.  Her  departure  foiled 
the  enterprise.    See  Cooper's  HavoA  History,  51.,  423. 

*  Isaac  Chauncey  was  a  native  of  Fairfield  County,  Connecticut,  and  was  bom  in  1773.  He  went  to  sea  early  In  life 
from  the  port  of  New  York,  and  was  master  of  a  vessel  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years.  He  made  several  successful  voy- 
ages to  the  East  Indies  in  vessels  belonging  to  John  Jacob  Astor,  and  In  1798  he  entered  the  navy  of  the  United  States 
with  a  lieutenant's  commission  under  Truxtun.  He  behaved  gallantly  In  the  Mediterranean,  and  for  his  good  conduct 
there  Congress  presented  him  with  an  elegant  sword.  He  was  promoted  to  commandant  in  1804,  and  in  1806  he  re- 
ceived the  commission  of  captain.  He  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  embryo  navy  on  the  Lakes  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  War  of  1812,  and  by  his  gallant  and  judicious  conduct  there  he  won  Imperishable  fame.  He  commanded  a 
squadron  in  the  Mediterranean  after  the  war.  He  returned  to  the  XTnited  States  In  1818,  and  was  soon  afterward  called 
to  the  post  of  navy  commissioner  at  Washington  City.  He  was  afterward  commander  of  the  naval  station  at  Brook- 
lyn, but  vras  appointed  navy  commissioner  again  in  1S33,  which  office  he  held  until  his  death,  when  he  was  president 


obasi'b  monuuent. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


887 


ricans  prepare  to  match  her. 

[uadron,  looked  into 
ur  of  his  vessels,  he 
ks.  He  vainly  tried 
,'e  Been,  he  conveyed 
blockade,  Lie  -  ;,euant 

rence,  pierced  for  one 
)aration  at  Kingston, 
,  retired  to  Sackett's 
1  St.  Lawrence  sailed, 
was  accompanied  by 
ironet,  with  his  great 
e  St.  Lawrence  before 
wo  first-class  frigates 
Neio  Orleans,  and  an- 
hippe^oa.  Of  tlic  for- 
were  partly  finislied, 
ase,  as  well  as  all  far- 

t)or;  but  so  imminent 

loted  to  llentenant  in  1S03,  and 
ommand  of  the  Nautilwi  when 
lange  was  in  continual  service 
ernment,  afloat  and  ashore,  un- 
rdnance  and  Hydrography. 
,  in  the  Congressional  Burying- 
I  is  a  fine  wtiite  marble  mouu- 

MoNTGOMEBT  Cbane,  a  cptnta 
Jersey,  on  tlft  Ist  of  Februari-. 
rch,  1846."  South  Side.—'-  En- 
',  he  was  conspicuous  amonget 
jrs."  £o«f  Side— "  The  manly 
tired  hijd  to  his  associates,  anil 
'votion  to  his  country.'    Sorth 

Powers,  and  with  England,  he 
itation." 

his  desire  to  meet  Channccv's 
encounter  the  Lady  of  the  Lake. 
je.  Among  others  was  a  fhort 
r  GaUant."  After  stating  that  a 
ilted  an  American  lady  who  had 

iote),  the  poet  said: 

rain 
i: 

ned  at  his  brain, 
ne'er  would  refrain— 
)yed. 

creant  got  clear, 
rest; 
near, 
very  dear, 
ws  best." 

»  See  page  R84. 
illlam  Johnston,  the  "  Hero  ot 
her  up.    Her  departure  foiled 

,.  He  wont  to  sea  early  In  life 
ie  made  several  surcessfal  tot- 
S  the  navy  of  the  United  SUles 
jnean,  and  for  his  good  conduct 
dant  in  1804,  and  In  180C  he  re- 
lavy  on  the  Lakes  at  the  hegin- 
hablefame.  He  commanded  s 
and  was  soon  afterward  called 
of  the  naval  station  at  Brook- 
I  death,  when  he  was  president 


Cbanneey  caHa  for  Militia. 


Washington  Irving's  Rebniie. 


Close  of  Hostilities  on  the  Northern  Frontier. 


'i^<^2^ 


^y^^2-t^^^ 


seemed  the  danger,  when  it  was  known 
that  the  St.  Lawrence  was  ready  for  sea, 
that  a  request  was  made  by  the  com- 
manding officer  at  that  post,  of  Govern- 
or Tompkins,  to  send  thither  some  mili- 
tia re-enforcements,  the  entire  militaiy 
strength  which  had  been  left  there  by 
Izard  being  some  artillery  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Mitchell,  and  two  battal- 
ions of  infantry,  commanded  respect- 
ively by  Majors  Malcolm  and  Brevoort.. 
The  governor  at  once  sent  his  aid.  Col- 
onel Washington  L'ving,^  with  orders 
for  the  commandant  at  the  Harbor  to 
make  such  requisition  on  the  militia  as 
he  should  think  best.     The  result  was 
that  General  Collins  called  out  the  en- 
tire body  of  the  militia  of  Herkimer, 
Oneida,  Lewis,  and  Joffiarson  counties, 
and  at  the  close  of  October  the  mili- 
tary force  at  Sackctt's  Harbor  was 
about  six  thousand.     When  the  lake 
closed,  and  all  apprehensions  of  an 
attack  by  the  British  subsided,  the 
militia  were  disbanded,  and  the  war  was  closed  on  the  Canada  frontier. 

of  the  board.  He  died  at  Washington  City  on  the  27th  of  Jannary,  1(540,  at 
the  age  of  about  sixty-flve  years.  He  was  interred  with  appropriate  honors 
la  the  Congressional  Burying-gronnd,  upon  the  slope  ovcrloolcing  the  East 
Branch  of  the  Potomac,  and  over  his  grave  stands  a  superb  monument  made 
of  white  clouded  marble.  On  the  pedestal,  in  relief,  is  the  name  CnAtmoKT. 
On  another  part  are  the  names  of  several  of  his  family.  On  the  east  side  is 
the  following  inscription :  "  Isaao  CnAiracEv,  United  States  Navy,  died  in 
this  city  January  27tb,  1840,  while  President  of  the  Board  of  Navy  Commis- 
sioners, aged  sixty-seven  years."  The  monument  is  about  eighteen  feet  in 
height.    Upon  the  obelislc  is  a  wreath  of  laurel  and  a  sword,  cut  in  relief. 

>  This  was  the  beloved  Washington  Irving,  one  of  the  purest  of  the  planet- 
ary lights  of  American  literature.  Mr.  Irving  was  at  that  time  editor  of  the 
Amkctic  Magazine,  for  "which  he  had'furnished  some  brilliant  biographies  of 
the  heroes  of  the  war.  Natnrally  peaceful  and  retiring,  he  felt  no  special  am- 
bition to  become  a  conspicuous  actor ;  yet  his  soul  was  full  of  patriotic  flame. 
It  was  increased  intensely  by  a  circumstance  which  occurred  on  a  Hudson 
River  steam-boat  late  in  August,  1814,  when  the  news  of  the  capture  and  de- 
Rtmction  of  the  national  capital  was  fliling  all  loyal  men  with  sadness.  His 
biographer  thus  relates  the  story :  "It  was  night,  and  the  passengers  had  be- 
ttlicn  themselves  to  their  settees  to  rest,  when  a  person  came  on  board  at 
Ponghkeepsic  with  the  news  of  the  inglorious  triumph,  and  proceeded,  in  the 
darkness  of  the  cabin,  to  relate  the  particulars :  the  destruction  of  the  Presi- 
dent's House,  the  Treasury,  War,  and  Navy  Ofliccs,  the  Capitol,  the  Depository 
of  the  National  Library  and  Public  Records.  There  was  a  momentary  pause 
after  the  speaker  had  ceased,  when  some  paltry  spirit  lifted  his  head  from  a 
rettee,  and,  in  a  tone  of  complacent  disdain,  'wondered  what  yt'mnit/ Madison 
wonid  say  now  ?'  '  Sir,'  said  Mr.  Irving,  glad  of  an  escape  to  his  swelling  in- 
dignation, 'do  you  seize  on  such  a  disaster  only  for  a  sneer?  Let  me  tell 
you,  sir,  it  is  not  now  a  question  about  Jimmy  Madison  or  Johnny  Armstrong. 
The  pride  and  honor  of  the  nation  are  wonndc'  the  country  is  insulted  and 
.  disgraced  by  this  barbarous  success,  and  every  loyal  citizen  would  feel  the  ig- 
nominy, and  be  earnest  to  avenge  it.'  '  I  could  not  see  the  fellow,"  said  Mr. 
Irving,  but  I  let  fly  at  him  in  the  dark.'  "—The  Life  and  Letters  of  Wa»hingtim 
Irving,  by  his  nephew,  Pierre  M.  Irving,  i.,  311.  The  fellow  was  cowed  into 
silence.  He  was  a  prototype  of  a  small  class  which  obtained  the  name  of  Cop- 
perheads during  the  late  Civil  War,  to  whom  the  loyal  men  of  the  nation  ad- 
ministered a  similar  rebuke. 

Mr.  Irving's  feelings  were  so  much  stirred  by  the  incident  that,  on  his  arrival  In  New  York,  he  offered  his  services  to 
Governor  Tompkins  as  his  aid.  They  were  accepted,  and  he  became  his  excellency's  aid  and  secretary,  with  the  rank 
nf  colonel.  His  name  first  appears  attached  to  n  general  order  dated  September  2, 1314.  He  remained  on  the  govern- 
or's itaff  until  the  close  of  the  war,  a  few  months  afierward. 


rUAUKOEY  8    MO.WHENT. 


I      , 


i  'i  :  ini       - 1 


888 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


A  trjrlng  Time  for  New  Bngland. 


The  Blucknde  of  New  London . 


Commodore  Lewli  In  Long  Island  Sound. 


CHAPTER  XXXVm. 

"Then,  warriors  on  shore,  be  brave, 

Tour  wives  and  homes  defend ; 
Those  preclons  boons  be  tme  to  save. 

And  hearts  and  sinews  bend. 
Ob,  think  upon  your  fathers'  fame, 

For  glory  marked  the  way ; 
And  this  foe  aimed  the  blow, 

Bnt  victory  crowned  the  day. 
Then  emulate  the  deeds  of  yore, 

Let  victory  crown  the  day."— Old  Somo. 

^EW  ENGLAND  experienced  very  little  actual  war  within  its  bor- 
ders, yet  it  felt  its  pressure  heavily  in  the  paralysis  of  its  peculiar 
industries,  the  continual  ^rain  upon  its  wealth  of  men  and  money, 
and  the  wasting  excitement  caused  by  constantly  impending  men- 
aces and  a  sense  of  insecurity.  From  the  spring  of  1813  until  the 
■.„<^^  -y  W  close  of  the  contest,  British  squadrons  were  hovering  along  its 
^rw^  coasts,  and,  in  connection  with  the  Embargo  Acts,  were  double- 

barring  its  sea-ports  against  commerce,  and  threatening  the  de- 
struction of  its  maritime  cities  and  villages. 

The  year  1814  was  a  specially  trying  one  for  New  England.  The  British  govern- 
ment, as  we  have  observed,  had  determined  and  prepared,  at  the  beginning  of  that 
year,  to  make  the  campaign  a  vigorous,  sharp,  and  decisive  one  on  land  and  sea. 
Hitherto  the  more  northerly  coasts  of  the  United  States  had  been  very  little  molest- 
ed by  the  enemy  excepting  by  threatenings,  for  Commodore  Hardy's  blockade  of 
New  London  and  its  vicinity  had  been  so  mild  that  it  was  practically  little  more  than 
a  jailor's  custody  of  two  prisoners — Decatur's  vessels — above  that  town.  Now  a  sys- 
tem of  petty  invasions  commenced,  and  were  followed  by  more  serious  operations. 

The  blockade  of  New  London  was  kept  up  in  1814,  and  as  early  as  April  a  party 
of  British  seamen  and  marines,  in  several  small  vessels  (each  armed  with  a  9  or  12 
pounder),  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Coote,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  went  up  the 
■  April  8,  Connecticut  River  in  the  evening,  and  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning"  land- 
^"*-  ed  on  Pautopaug  Point,  seven  miles  from  the  Sound,  spiked  the  heavy  guns 
found  there,  and  destroyed  twenty-two  vessels,  valued  at  one  hundred  and  sixty  thou- 
sand dollars.  At  ten  o'clock  they  went  down  the  river  two  or  three  miles  to  Brock- 
way's  Ferry,  where  they  indulged  in  similar  incendiary  sport.  In  the  mean  time  a 
body  of  militia,  with  some  marines  and  sailors  from  Decatur's  vessels  in  the  Thames, 
under  Captain  Jones  and  Lieutenant  Biddle,  gathered  on  the  shore  and  endeavored 
to  cut  off  their  retreat,  but,  under  cover  of  darkness  that  night,  and  with  the  silence 
of  muffled  oars,  they  escaped. 

At  about  this  time  Commodore  Lewis  made  his  appearance  in  the  Sound  with  thir- 
teen American  gun-boats  for  the  protection  of  the  coast-trade  against  the  Jjiverpool 
Packet  privateer,  which  was  cruising  very  mischievously  all  along  the  Connecticut 
shore.  She  fled  eastward  at  Lewis's  approach,  and  when  he  reached  Saybrook  he 
found  more  than  fifty  vessels  there,  afraid  to  weigh  anchor  for  fear  of  this  corsair. 
Lewis  told  them  to  follow  his  flotilla,  and  he  would  endeavor  to  convoy  them  safely 
to  New  London.  The  entire  fleet  sailed  on  the  25th,''  and  during  the  after- 
**  '    noon  Lewis  had  a  shai-p  engagement  with  a  British  frigate,  sloop,  and  tender. 


\wn 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


889 


wis  Id  Long  Island  Sound, 


I  war  within  its  bor- 
alysis  of  its  peculiar 
1  of  men  and  money, 
ntly  impending  men- 
ingof  1813  untilthe 

hovering  along  its 
)  Acts,  were  doublo- 

threateuing  the  de- 

The  British  goveni- 
he  beginning  of  that 
ine  on  land  and  sea. 
:n  very  little  molest- 
ilardy's  blockade  of 
ally  little  more  than 
,t  town.    Now  a  sys- 
lerious  operations. 
,rly  as  April  a  party 
Irmed  with  a  9  or  12 
,1  Navy,  w  ent  up  the 
next  morning"  land- 
iked  the  heavy  guns 
|idred  and  sixty  thou- 
;hree  miles  to  Brock- 
In  the  mean  time  a 
issels  in  the  Thames, 
ore  and  endeavored 
and  with  the  silence 

the  Sound  with  thir- 
Lgainst  the  Liverpool 
long  the  Connecticut 
leached  Saybrook  he 
'  fear  of  this  corsair, 
convoy  them  safely 
ind  during  the  after- 
Ite,  sloop,  and  tender. 


I«wis  attnclu  the  Blockaders.        Ampblbluns  Warfare  on  tl.-e  New  England  Coast.        New  Bedford  and  Fair  Haven. 

The  merchant  fleet  entered  the  Thames  in  safety,  and  Lewis,  inspirited  by  his  suc- 
cess, determined  to  attack  the  blockading  squadron  with  his  gun-boats.  He  began 
by  hurling  hot  shot,  which  set  the  British  vessels  on  fire.  He  soon  disabled  the  sloop, 
which,  with  the  frigate,  had  attacked  him  while  convoying  the  coasting  vessels.  He 
80  maimed  the  frigate  that  she  was  on  the  point  of  surrendering,  when  night  set  in 
and  the  fire  of  the  gun-boats  ceased.  It  was  excessively  dark,  and  at  dawn  Lewis 
saw  the  enemy  in  the  far  distance  towing  away  the  wounded  vessel.  He  was  about 
to  pursue,  when  several  other  frigates  made  their  appearance,  and  he  prudently  aban- 
doned the  design. 

Early  in  Juno  the  enemy  commenced  depredations  on  the  coasts  of  Massachusetts. 
On  the  13th  a  detachment  of  two  hundred  men,  in  six  barges,  were  sent  from  thi  Su- 
perb and  Mmrocl,  then  lying  in  Buzzard's  Bay,  to  destroy  the  shipping  at  Wareham, 
a  village  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  The  elevated  rocky  neck  at  the  mouth  of  the  Nar- 
rows concealed  the  approach  of  the  barges,  and  the  inhabitants  were  taken  by  sur- 
prise. The  enemy  fired  a  ship,  brig,  and  several  schooners  and  sloops.  The  ship  was 
partially  saved,  and  so  also  was  a  cotton  factory,  which  was  set  on  fire  by  a  Congreve 
rocket.  The  estimated  value  of  the  loss  was  $40,000.  Quite  a  number  of.  the  lead- 
ing inhabitants  were  seized  and  carried  away  as  hostages,  so  as  to  prevent  the  mili- 
tia from  firing  on  the  vessels.  These  were  released  when  the  ships  arrived  at  their 
anchorage.  Similar  destruction  was  inflicted  at  Scituate  and  smaller  places.  Some- 
times the  militia  would  meet  the  marauders  and  drive  them  away,  but  in  most  cases 
the  blow  would  be  struck  before  a  foil  could  be  raised  to  avert  it. 

On  the  16th  of  June  the  Bulwark,  74,  Captain  Milne,  carrying  about  ninety  gnns, 
anchored  oflT  the  mouth  of  Saco  River,  in  Maine,  and  her  commander  sent  one  hund- 
red and  fifty  armed  men,  in  five  larg"  boats,  to  destroy  property  on  the  Neck  belong- 
ing to  Captain  Thomas  Cutts.  That  gentleman  met  them  with  a  white  flag,  and  pro- 
posed a  money  commutation.  The  matter  was  referred  to  Captain  Milne,  who  soon 
afterward  came  ashore  in  his  gig.  He  assured  Cutts  that  he  had  positive  orders  to 
destroy,  and  could  not  spare.  The  torch  was  then  applied,  and  two  vessels  ^one  fin- 
ished, the  other  on  the  stocks),  valued  at  $15,000,  were  destroyed,  and  another  one 
taken  away,  which  the  owner  afterward  ransomed  for  $6000.  They  also  plundered 
Mr.  Cutts's  store  of  goods  to  the  amount  of  $2000.' 

At  about  the  same  time  the  Nimrod  and  La  Hogue  were  blockading  New  Bedford 
and  Fair  Haven,  little  villages  on  each  bank  of  the  Acushnet  River,  an  inlet  from 
Buzzard's  Bay,  They  lay  in  Tarpaulin  Cove,  watching  vigilantly  the  privateer  Yan- 
/tee,  belonging  to  De  Wolfe,  of  Bristol,  Rhode  Island,  the  great  slave-merchant.  This 
vessel,  and  all  others  of  her  class,  wei-e  unwelcome  to  the  New  Bedford  people,  who 
were  Federalists,  but  right  welcome  to  those  of  Fair  Haven,  who  were  Democrats — 
a  difference  of  opinion  which  led  to  the  separation  of  the  two  towns.  The  Fair  Haven 
people  cherished  all  privateers  and  other  enemies  of  the  British,  and  had,  moreover, 
a  fort  on  their  Point,  built  in  the  time  of  the  threatened  war  with  France  in  1798  on 
the  site  of  a  battery  of  the  Revolution.  It  now  had  about  a  dozen  iron  cannon  on  its 
rampart.^:,  and  was  guarded  by  a  small  garrison  under  Lieutenant  Selleck  Osbonie, 
the  poet.'*  Of  course,  the  British  blockaders  did  not  like  the  Fair  Haven  folk,  and 
one  dark  night  they  planned  an  attack  on  the  fort  and  the  destruction  of  the  village. 
Every  thing  was  ready  long  before  daylight,  and  the  Nimrod  was  to  be  the  executor 
of  the  plan.  Just  then  the  tin  horn  of  a  solitary  mail-carrier  was  heard,  and  the  clat- 
ter of  his  horse's  feet  as  ho  galloped  across  the  Acushnet  bridge  and  causeway  sound- 

'  History  of  Saco  and  Blddcford,  by  George  Folsom,  page  309. 

» Selleck  Osborne  was  a  native  of  Connectlcnt,  and  a  printer  by  trade.  He  printed  a  paper  in  Lltchfleld  abont  the 
fesr  1806.  He  was  afterward  an  editor  in  Wilmington,  TA-laware.  He  was  commissioned  first  lientennnt  of  light  dr»- 
Boons  in  .Tuly,  1808,  and  made  captain  in  1811,  His  company  was  disbanded  In  May,  1814,  and  be  was  acting  as  lieuten- 
ut  in  garrison  at  Fair  Haven.  He  went  to  Lake  Chnmplnin,  and  was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Plattsbnrg.  In  1893  ho 
published  a  volume  of  poenu.    He  died  in  Philadelphia  on  the  1st  of  October,  1820, 


II 


t! 


800 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Baa-port  Towns  uf  New  England  blockaded.         Appearance  of  Hardj'i  Squadron.         The  Britltih  capture  Eiutport 

cd  loudly  upon  the  night  air.  The  honi  was  mistaken  for  the  braying  of  a  trumpet 
sounding  an  advance,  and  the  rattle  of  hoofs  was  interpreted  as  the  foi-erunner  of  the 
approach  of  a  large  American  force.  The  Nimrod  hastened  ♦"  "' didraw  to  a  Hufi! 
distance  from  the  fort,  and  New  Bedford  and  Fair  Haven  were  spared  the  notoriiiy 
of  a  battle.  The  fort  and  its  iron  cannon  yet  (1867)  remain,  monuments  of  the  wis- 
dom of  ample  preparation  for  evil. 

Other  places  were  mcaced,  and  some  were  attacked.  Formidable  squadrons  were 
kept  before  New  York,  Now  London,  and  Boston.  Eastport  and  Castine  fell  into  tiie 
hands  of  the  British,  and  Stonington  became  the  theatre  of  a  most  distressing  bom- 
bardment. All  along  the  eastern  coast,  from  the  Connecticut  to  the  St.  Croix,  tlie 
enejny  carried  on  this  kind  of  warfare,  in  most  cases  marauding  on  private  property 
in  a  manner  which  degraded  the  actors  in  the  eyes  of  all  honorable  men  to  the  level 
of  mere  freebooters.  The  more  respectable  portion  of  British  writers  condemned  the 
policy,  for  it  was  damaging  to  the  British  interest.  Hitherto  lukewarm  New  En- 
gland now  became  intensely  heated  with  indignation  against  the  common  enemy,  and 
burned  with  a  war-fever  which  made  the  peace  party  in  that  region  exceedingly  cir- 
cumspect. 

A  more  serious  invasion  of  the  New  England  coast  now  occurred.  Early  in  July 
•  July  6,     Sir  Thomas  M.  Hardy  sailed  secretly  from  Halifax*  with  a  considerable  force 

1814.  fjjp  \an({  and  sea  service.  His  squadron  consisted  of  the  Ramillics,  74,  his 
flag-ship ;  the  sloop  Martin,  brig  Borer,  the  Bream,  the  bomb-ship  Terror,  and  several 
transports  with  troops,  under  Colonel  Thomas  Pilkington.  The  sqnidron  entered 
Passamaqnoddy  Bay  on  the  11th,  and  anchored  off  Fort  Sullivan  at  Euhtport,'  which 
was  then  in  command  of  Major  Perley  Putnam,  of  Salem,*  with  a  garrison  of  fifty 
men  and  six  pieces  of  artillery.  The  baronet  demanded  an  instant  surrender  of  the 
post,  giving  the  commander  only  five  minutes  for  consideration.  Putnam  promptly 
refused  compliance,  but,  on  account  of  the  vehement  importunities  of  the  alarmed  in- 
habitants, who  were  indisposed  to  resist,  he  yielded  his  own  judgment,  and  gave  up 
the  post  on  condition  that  while  the  British  should  take  possession  of  all  public  prop- 
erty, private  property  should  be  respected.  When  this  agreement  was  signed,  a  thou- 
sand armed  men,  with  women  and  children,  a  battalion  of  artillery,  and  fifty  or  sixty 
pieces  of  cannon,  were  landed  on  the  main,  and  formal  possession  was  taken  of  the 
fort,  the  town  of  Eastport,  and  all  the  islands  and  villages  in  and  around  Passama- 
qnoddy Bay.  Declaration  was  made  that  these  were  in  permanent  possession  of  the 
British,^  and  the  inhabitants  were  called  upon  to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  within 
seven  days,  or  leave  the  territory.*  Two  thirds  of  them  complied.  The  custom- 
house was  opened  under  British  officials ;'  trade  was  resumed ;  the  fortifications 
around  Eastport  were  completed,  and  sixty  pieces  of  cannon  were  mounted ;  and  an 
arsenal  was  established.  Several  vessels,  and  goods  valued  at  three  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars,  accumulated  there  to  be  smuggled  into  the  United  States,  were  made 
prizes  of  by  the  British.  The  enemy  held  quiet  possession  of  that  region  until  the 
close  of  the  war. 

Having  established  British  rule  at  Eastport,  and  left  eight  hundred  troops  to  hold 


'  Eastport  Is  on  Moose  Island,  In  Passamaqnoddy  Bay,  which  the  British  claimed  as  belonging  to  New  Brunswick 
nnder  the  treaty  of  1TS3. 

»  After  the  declaration  of  war  in  June,  1812,  the  United  Slates  kept  a  garrison  at  Fort  Sullivan.  At  first  there  were 
two  militia  companies,  from  General  Blake's  brigade  on  the  Penobscot,  under  the  command  of  Major  Ulmer.  The 
United  States  afterward  took  possession,  and  snbstitnted  regular  troops  for  militia.  In  the  autumn  of  1813  Major  Pal- 
nam  was  appointed  to  the  command  there. 

»  It  was  declared  that  "the  object  of  the  British  government  was  to  obtain  possession  of  the  islands  of  Pnsunmnqnod- 
dy  Bay,  in  consequence  of  their  being  considered  within  their  boundary-line."— Letter  fi-ora  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  FItz- 
herbert  to  Oenorai  Brewer,  of  the  Washington  County  Militia,  July  12, 1814. 
. «  A  "  royal  proclamation"  to  this  effect  wag  made  by  Commodore  Hardy  on  the  14th,  In  which  notice  was  given  that 
"all  persons  at  present  on  the  island  are  to  appear  before  ne  on  Saturday  next,  at  ton  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  on  the 
ground  near  the  school-house  [at  Eastport],  to  declare  their  intentions,"  etc. 

;  •  They  took  all  the  public  property  from  the  custom-house,  and  vainly  endeavored  to  compel  the  collector  tr  sign  nn- 
flnlahed  treasury  notes  of  the  value  of  $9000.    He  reftised,  saying  "  hanging  will  b«  no  compnleion." 


mfiirt    , 


OP  THE   WAH  OF    1812. 


fiOl 


Brltlab  capture  Butport. 


Ired  troops  to  hold 

nging  to  New  Brunswick 


Tne  BrltUb  Hqnadron  off  PorUmoath. 


the  conquered  region,  Hardy  sailed  west- 
ward with  his  squiulron,  spreading  alarm 
along  the  coast.  I'reparations  for  his  re- 
ception were  made  every  where.  Vigilant 
eyes  were  watching,  and  strong  arms  were 
waiting  for  the  appearance  of  the  foe  at 
Portsmouth,  where  little  Fort  Sumner  was 
manned.  The  energetic  General  Montgom- 
ery,' of  New  Hampshire,  ordered  every 
tenth  man  of  his  brigade  to  repair  to  Ports- 
mouth for  its  defense,  and  there  he  com- 
manded in  person.  Little  F'ort  Lilly,  at 
Gloucester,  was  armed.  Fort  Pickering, 
near  Salem,  and  Fort  Sewall,  at  Marble- 
head,  were  strengthened  and  garrisoned. 
Fort  Warren,  on  Governor's  Island,  and 
Fort  Lidependenco,  on  Cawtie  Island,  in 
Boston  Harbor,  were  put  in  readiness  for 
action,  and  well  garrisoned  by  Massachu- 
setts militia. 

An  attack  npon 
the  important  city 
ofBoston  was  con- 
fidently expected 
after  intelligence 
was  received  of  the 
bombardment     of 


Vlgtlance  of  Qflneml  Hont|;omei7. 


Alluik  ov  BoitoD  ox|)«eted. 


•  Angnst  9, 
1814. 


VOUT    FIOKERINO.' 

Stonington,*  which  we  shall  presently  consider.  It  was  the  capital  of  New 
England,  and  the  moral  effect  of  its  capture  or  destruction  would  be  great. 
It  was  a  place  for  the  construction  of  American  war-vessels,  which  the  enemy  feared 
more  than  armies.  On  this  account  its  destruction  was  desirable.  It  was  also  a 
wealthy  town,  and  offered  a  rich  har\est  for  plunderers.  It  was  well  known,  too, 
that  it  was  almost  defenseless,  for  it  was  not  until  the  descent  of  the  enemy  upon 
Eastport,  and  his  hostile  operations  elfiewhere,  had  aroused  the  authorities  of  Massa- 

•  John  Montgomery  was  bom  in  Massachnsfctt!!  In  1769,  and  was  a  relative  of  General  Montgomery  who  was  killed 
at  Qaebec.  He  became  a  spirited  and  snccessful  n  irchant,  and  when  the  War  of  1812  broke  out  he  had  just  cent  a  heavy 
consignment  ofgoods  abroad,  which  were  totally  lost  to  him.  At  that  time  he  was  a  brigadier  general  of  New  Ilamp- 
»l)ire  militia.  He  was  a  Federalist  in  politics,  but  when  his  country  was  in  danger  he  gave  the  government  his  snpport. 
When  Portsmouth  was  threatened  by  the  British  squadron,  he  took  command  in  person  at  that  place,  and  there  he  re- 
mained until  the  danger  disappeared. 

General  Montgomery  married  a  daughter  of  General  Henry  Knox,  of  the  Bevolntlon,  by  whom  he  had  six  children, 
nil  danghters.  He  died  at  Haverhill,  New  Hampshire,  on  the  99tb  of  February,  1825,  at  the  age  of  fifty-six  years.  I  am 
indebted  to  his  danghter,  Mrs.  Samuel  Bachelder,  cf  Cambridge,  for  the  above  portrait. 

'  This  view  is  from  the  slope  back  of  the  fort,  looking  seaward.  On  the  extreme  left,  in  the  distance,  is  seen  Beverly. 
A  little  to  the  right,  Misery  Island.  Still  Earther  toward  the  right,  Baker's  Island  light-boase.  On  the  extreme  right  la 
Marblehead  Point. 


h\ 


«» 


*  lift' 


liii 


1 


802 


PIC 


AL    FIELD-BOOK 


AUrm  tn  Botlon. 


Preparattoni  fur  th«  UnbDie  or  tb«  City. 


Cltiuni  at  Wurk  un  FontflcBitoni, 


chusctts  from  their  dreams  of  peace  that  any  important  preparations  wore  made  to 
repel  an  attack.'  Tlio  people  had  seen  tlie  blockading  squadrons  from  the  topH  of 
their  houses,  and  trembled  for  the  safety  of  the  town,  but  it  was  not  until  the  close 
of  August  that  any  energetic  measures  were  taken  by  the  leading  men  of  the  city 
•Augnitso,     toward  providing  for  its  defense.     Then'  a  public  meeting  was  called  to 

'"*•  consider  the  matter;  and  a  committee,  consisting  of  Harrison  Gray  Otis, 
James  Lloyd,  Thomas  II.  Perkins,  and  others,  were  appointed  to  wait  on  the  govern- 
or, and  present  to  him  an  address  on  the  defenseless  state  of  the  city.  They  assured 
him  that  the  people  were  ready  to  co-opcrato  in  any  way  for  the  security  of  the  cap- 
ital and  the  stato. 

Governor  Strong,  whose  opposition  to  the  war  was  intense,  listened  to  this  appeal, 
and  at  once  instituted  measures  for  the  defense  of  the  whole  line  of  the  coast  of  Mas- 
sachusetts and  of  the  District  of  Maine,  its  dependent.  The  high  ground  on  Noddle's 
Island  (now  East  Boston),  known  as  Camp  Hill,^  was  chosen  for  the  site  of  a  new  and 
heavy  fort,  and  it  was  resolved  to  place  its  erection  under  the  supervision  of  Laoinmi 
Baldwin,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  as  engineer.  He  issued  his  first  official  no- 
tice on  the  10th  of  September,  when  he  asked  for  tools  and  volunteers  to  work  on 
the  fortification.  The  response  was  patriotic.  Large  numbers  of  the  inhabitants 
might  be  seen,  day  after  day,  toiling  like  common  laborers  with  pickaxe,  spade,  shov- 
el, and  barrow.  Every  class  of  citizens  was  represented.  "  I  remember,"  says  an 
eye-witness,  "  tho  venerable  Rev.  Dr.  Lathrop,  with  the  deacons  and  elders  of  his 
church,  each  shouldering  his  shovel  and  doing  yeoman's  service  in  digging,  shovel- 
ing, and  carrying  sods  in  wheelbarrows."'  The  volunteers  were  soon  numbered  by 
hundreds.  A  regular  system  of  employment  was  adopted,  confusion  was  avoided, 
and  the  work  went  on  rapidly.*  The  fort  was  completed  at  the  close  of  October. 
On  the  26th  of  that  month  it  was  formally  named,  in  honor  of  Governor  Strong,  Fort 
Strong,  Lieutep  Governor  Phillips  ofliciating  as  the  chief  actor  in  the  ceremonies. 
The  flag  was  1  ^  amid  the  roar  of  artillery  from  Noddle's  Island,  North  Battery, 

and  India  Wh.  ,  ...id  on  the  29th  the  Selectmen  of  Boston  announced  that "  the  im- 
portant post  of  Fort  Strong  was  completed,"  to  the  great  joy  of  the  people.*  Hap- 
pily, it  was  never  needed.'  A  battery  of  heavy  guns  was  placed  on  Dorchester 
Heights  (South  Boston),  and  other  defenses  were  prepared  on  prominent  points  at 
Roxbury  and  Cambridge. 

When  Commodore  Haidy  left  Eastport  he  rejoined  the  blockading  squadron  off 

New  London.     He  was  not  long  inactive.     He  was  charged  with  a  part  of  the  duty 

"  1814     ®"j<'i"^*l  "1  ^^^  terrible  order  of  Admiral  Cochrane,  to  destroy  the  coast  towns 

and  ravage  the  country,  and  on  the  9th  of  August**  he  appeared  off  the  bor- 

'  The  demonstrations  near  Saybrook  and  In  Buzzard's  Bay  had  caused  some  alarm  In  Boston  early  In  the  summer ; 
and  on  the  Iflth  of  Jane  the  governor  and  conncll  appointed  the  Honorable  David  Cobb,  John  Brooks,  and  Tlmotliy 
Pickering  commissioners  for  the  defense  of  the  sea-coast. 

»  On  the  crown  of  present  Webster  Street,  East  Boston,  near  Belmont  Square.  The  fort  was  between  the  square  and 
brow  of  tho  hill,  near  tjo  dwelling  of  Mr.  Lamson  In  1800. 

'  Funeral  sermon  at  the  burial  of  Dr.  Lathrop,  by  his  successor,  T.  -''erend  Dr.  Parkman. 

♦  A  superintendent  was  appointed,  who  entered  in  a  register  the  i-ames  of  the  inhabitants  who  offered  their  service). 
The  laborers  were  classified,  and  particular  days  assigned  for  particnlar  classes.  The  newspapers  of  that  period  were 
filled  with  accounts  of  the  patriotic  ardor  of  the  people  of  all  classes.  Notices  like  the  following  appeared :  "  Twenty- 
five  mechanics  from  each  ward  in  this  town  will  labor  on  the  fortifications  on  Noddle's  Island.  This  day  (September 
14)  to  embark  tram  the  ferry  ways  at  half  past  six  o'clock."— Sen/ine!,  September  14.  "  Dealers  in  dry  goods  and  in 
hardware  to  meet  the  next  Thursday  (20th)  to  do  a  day's  work  on  Fort  Strong,"  the  name  which  it  had  already  been 
determined  to  give  the  new  fortification.  Other  Industrial  pursuits,  trades,  and  professions,  as  well  as  military  and 
civil  organizations,  were  continually  represented  on  the  work.  Citizens  also  came  firom  the  Interior.  The  Bosuin  Ga- 
utte  of  October  8  has  the  following  paragraph :  "  Fort  Strong  progresses  rapidly.  On  Saturday  the  citizens  of  Ooncoril 
and  Lincoln,  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  performed  labor  on  It;  the  punctuality  of  the  patriotic  husbandmen  de- 
served the  highest  praise  of  their  fellow-citizens  of  the  metropolis.  The  volunteers  from  wards  1, 8,  and  4,  together 
with  others,  amounted  yesterday  to  five  hundred."  »  Sumner's  History  of  East  Boston,  page  416. 

•  Governor  Strong  had  called  an  extraordinary  session  of  the  Legislature  on  the  6th  of  October,  and  in  his  short  mes- 
sage to  that  body,  after  giving  the  General  Government  a  blow,  he  said :  "  Bnt,  though  we  may  be  convinced  that  the 
war  in  its  commencement  was  unnecessary  and  unjust,"  etc.,  "and  though,  in  a  war  thus  commenced,  we  may  have  de- 
clined to  afford  our  voluntary  aid  to  offensive  measures,  yet  I  presume  there  will  be  no  doubts  of  our  rights  to  defend 
oar  dwellings  and  possessions  against  any  hostile  attack  by  which  tbelr  destruction  is  menaced." 


OP   THE   WAR   OF    18  13. 


8M 


'Mi' 


I  Bt  Wurk  un  Purllflcailoni. 

itions  wore  made  to 
118  from  tho  topH  of 
s  not  until  the  done 
ing  men  of  the  city 
eeting  was  called  to 
IlarriBoii  (iray  ()ti», 
wait  on  the  goverii- 
city.  They  assured 
3  security  of  tho  cap- 

itcncd  to  this  appeal, 
s  of  tho  coast  of  Mas- 
1  ground  on  Noddle's 
tho  site  of  a  new  and 
ipervision  of  Laoinmi 
•d  his  first  official  no- 
)lunteers  to  work  on 
rs  of  tho  inhabitants 
pickaxe,  spade,  shov- 

remember,"  says  an 
ns  and  elders  of  his 
!e  in  digging,  shovel- 
re  soon  numbered  by 
nfusion  was  avoided, 
the  close  of  October. 
Jovernor  Strong,  Fort 
tor  in  the  ceremonies. 
Bland,  North  Battery, 
lounced  that "  the  ira- 
of  the  people.*  Ilap- 
)laced  on  Dorchester 

prominent  points  at 

jkading  squadron  off 
ith  a  part  of  the  duty 
lestroy  the  coast  towns 
ajjpearcd  off  the  bor- 

BoBton  early  in  the  eumraer; 
lb,  John  Brooks,  and  Timothy 

rt  was  between  the  square  and 


intB  who  offered  their  servlcei. 
ewspapers  of  that  period  were 
[)Uowiug  appeared :  "  Twenty- 
Island.  This  day  (Septeral)cr 
"  Dealers  in  dry  goods  and  In 
imo  which  it  had  already  been 
isions,  as  well  as  military  and 
the  interior.  The  Bmwn  Go- 
iturday  the  citizens  of  Concord 
the  patriotic  husbandmen  dc- 
■om  wards  1,  8,  and  4,  together 
tory  of  East  Boston,  page  416. 
October,  and  in  his  short  me«- 
we  may  be  convinced  that  the 
I  commenced,  we  may  have  de- 
doubts  of  oar  rights  to  defend 
lenaced." 


The  Brlttih  Hquadron  off  Htonlogton. 


Surrender  of  the  Town  demanded  and  refused. 


It  Is  bombarded. 


ongh  of  Stonington,  in  Connecticut,  for  that  purpose,  with  tho  Jiamillies,  74,  Pactohta, 
44,  bomb-ship  Terror,  tho  brig  JJispatch,  22,  and  barges  and  launches.  He  anchored 
his  little  squadron  within  two  miles  of  the  town  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  a 
mile  and  a  half  being  the  nearest  point  to  tho  village  which  the  depth  of  water  would 
allow  the  flag-ship  to  approach.  He  then  sent  a  Hug  of  truce  ashore,  bearing  to  tho 
selectmen  of  the  town  the  following  mcHsage,  dated  half  past  live  o'clock  P.M. :  "  Not 
wishing  to  destroy  tho  unoffending  inhabitants  residing  in  the  town  of  Stonington, 
one  hour  is  granted  them  from  the  receipt  of  this  to  remove  out  of  tlu;  town."'  "  Will 
a  flag  bo  received  from  us  in  return  V"  inquired  the  magistrates  of  the  bearer  of 
Hardy's  letter.  "  No  arrangements  can  bo  made,"  was  the  reply ;  and  in  answer  to 
a  question  whether  it  was  tho  commodore's  intention  to  destroy  the  town,  they  were 
assured  that  it  was,  and  that  it  would  be  done  eftcctually.  Satisfled  that  no  accom- 
modation could  bo  effected,  tho  magistrates  returned  the  following  answer:  "Wo 
shall  defend  tho  place  to  the  last  extremity ;  should  it  be  destroyed,  wo  will  perish 
in  its  ruins  I" 

The  inhabitants  were  now  in  a  state  of  great  consternation.  Tho  sick  and  infirm, 
the  women  and  children — all  who  were  incapable  of  bearing  arms,  left  the  village, 
and  the  most  valuable  articles  were  immediately  removed  or  concealed.  A  few  mi- 
litia under  Lieutenant  Hough  were  stationed  on  the  point  of  tho  narrow  peninsula  on 
which  Stonington  stands,  to  watch  the  enemy  and  give  notice  of  his  nearer  approach ; 
a  precaution  adopted  none  too  soon,  for  toward  sunset  they  reported  the  Terror  mov- 
ing nearer  the  town  by  warping,  accompanied  by  barges  and  launches  each  carrying 
a  carronade.  At  eight  o'clock  the  bomb-ship  commenced  throwing  shell  from  a  13 
and  a  15  inch  mortar,  and  tho  launches  hurled  rockets.  This  assault,  grand  in  appear- 
ance but  teri'ible  in  fact,  was  kept  up  until  midnight,  when  it  ceased,  and  it  wa.s  as- 
certained that  no  life  had  been  lost,  and  no  serious  damage  inflicted  on  the  shore. 

In  the  mean  time  an  express  had  been  sent  to  General  Cushing,  the  United  States 
commander  of  the  district,  who  regarded  the  movement  as  a  feint  to  cover  a  real  at- 
tack on  Fort  Griswold,  at  Groton,  and  an  attempt  to  seize  Decatur's  frigates  in  the 
Thames  above  New  London.  He  made  corresponding  arrangements  with  General 
Williams,  tho  commander  of  the  militia  of  tho  district.  A  regiment  was  ordered  to 
Stonington ;  another  to  the  head  of  tho  Mystic,  to  oppose  tho  landing  of  the  enemy 
there ;  a  company  of  artillery  and  ono  of  infantry  were  sent  to  a  point  on  the  Thames 
above  the  frigates ;  and  another  company  of  artillery  and  a  regiment  of  infantry  were 
ordered  to  re-enforce  the  garrison  of  Fort  Trumbull,  for  the  protection  of  New  Lon- 
don. These  prompt  dispositions  of  troops  disconcerted  the  enemy's  movements  to- 
ward the  Thames,  if  he  ever  liad  a  design  of  making  any. 

During  the  bombardment  on  the  evening  of  the  9th,  some  bold  spirits  at  Stoning- 
ton took  measures  for  opposing  tho  landing  of  the  enemy.  The  only  ordnance  in  the 
place  consisted  of  two  18,  one  6,  and  one  4  pound  cannon.  They  dragged  the  6  and 
one  18  pounder  down  to  the  extreme  point  of  the  peninsula,  cast  up  some  breastworks, 
and  placed  them  in  battery  there.  The  other  18-pounder  was  left  in  a  slight  battery 
on  the  southwest  point,  near  where  the  present  breakwater  leaves  the  shore.  By  the 
streaming  light  of  the  rockets  they  watched  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  reserving 
their  fire  until  the  barges  and  a  launch  came  in  a  line  near  the  southeast  point  of  the 
peninsula,  when  they  opened  upon  them  with  serious  eff"ect.  The  guns,  loaded  with 
solid  balls,  were  double  shotted,  and  these  so  shattered  the  enemy's  vessels  that  the 
little  flotilla  retreated  in  confusion  toward  the  larger  warriors.  From  midnight  until 
dawn  quiet  prevailed,  and  during  that  time  considerable  numbers  of  militia  and  vol- 
unteers assembled  in  the  neighborhood. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  the  frigate  Pactolus  and  brig  Dispatch 
were  seen  making  their  way  up  nearer  the  town,  and  at  the  same  time  the  barges  and 
1  This  was  received  by  two  magistrates,  and  Ueutenant  Hongh  of  the  militia.. 


!ii« 


Hi 


III 


1 


8B« 


PICTOni/L    FIELD-BOOK 


Borabnrdment  of  StoningtnD. 


Captain  llolmes  and  his  Oun. 


Hi8  Flag  nailed  to  its  Staff. 


a  launch  had  approached  the  eastern  side  of  the  peninsula,  out  of  reach  of  the  battery, 
aud  commenced  throwing  rockets.  A  number  of  volunteers,  with  muskets  and  tlie 
4-pounder,  immediately  crossed  the  ptninsula  to  oppose  an  expected  landing  of  the 
enemy,  but  they  could  eftect  little.  The  Dispatch  came  beating  up,  the  Terror  hurled 
her  shells,  and  the  rocketeers  of  the  barges  were  industrious.  The  Pactolus  ground- 
ed too  far  distant  to  hurt  or  to  be  hurt,  and  she  was  not  engaged  in  the  fight  that 
ensued.  So  severe  was  the  bombardment  of  the  Terror  that  the  mi- 
litia and  volunteers  who  had  assembled  dared  not  enter  the  town. 
Most  of  the  missiles  went  over  the  borough,  but  some  of  them  went 
crashing  through  the  village.  One  of  them,  called  a  carcass,'  unex- 
ploded,  may  still  (1867)  be  seen  on  a  granite  post  on  the  corner  of  Main 
and  Harmony  Streets,  in  Stonington.  It  weighs  two  hundred  and  fif- 
teen pounds.2 

At  about  six  o'clock  in  the  morning  some  bold  volunteers  came  over 
from  Mystic,  among  whom  was  the  now  (1867)  venerable  Captain  Jer- 
emiah Holmes,  who  had  been  a  prisoner  in  a  British  war-ship  some 
years  before,  and  had  learned  the  art  of  gunnery  well.  He  and  his 
OAROASB.  companions  made  their  way  to  the  battery  on  the  point,  when  Holmes 
took  charge  of  the  old  18-pounder.  At  uhat  moment  the  Dispatch  was  making  her 
last  tack  preparatory  to  anchoring.  Holmes  sighted  the  gun,  which  Avas  double-shot- 
ted with  solid  round  biills,  and  at  a  favorable  moment  gave  the  word  to  fire.  Both 
shots  struck  the  hull  of  the  brig.  She  at  once  cast  anchor,  with  springs  on  her  cable, 
and  opened  fire  Avith  24-pound  shot.  The  Terror  sent  shells  in  quick  succession,  Avhile 
Holmes  and  his  companions  kept  the  old  iron  cannon  busy.  The  fight  was  now  fiiirly 
opened,  and  it  continued  briskly  for  about  an  hour,  when  Holmes's  ammunition  gave 
out,  and  the  borough  was  searched  in  vain  for  more.  At  eight  o'clock  he  ceased  fir- 
ing; and  to  prevent  the  great  guP;  which  they  could  not  drag  away,  being  turned 
upon  the  tOAvn  by  the  enemy,  he  had  it  spiked. 

Stonington  was  now  wholly  defenseless,  for  the  militia  were  )>t  a  respectful  distance 
from  danger.  It  was  at  the  mercy  of  the  invaders,  and 
a  timid  citizen,  who  was  at  the  battery,  proposed  a  for- 
mal surrender  by  lowering  the  color  that  was  floating- 
over  their  hoads.  "  No  !"  shouted  Captain  Holmes, 
indignantly,  "  that  flag  shall  never  come  down  while  I 
.im  alive  !"  And  it  did  not,  in  submission  to  the  foe. 
When  the  wind  died  away,  and  it  hung  drooping  by 
the  side  of  the  staflf",  the  br.ave  captain  held  out  the  flag 
on  the  point  of  a  bayonet  that  the  British  might  see  it, 
and  while  in  that  position  several  shots  passed  through 
jt.  To  prevent  its  being  struck  by  some  coward, 
Holmes  held  a  companion  (J.  Dean  Gallup)  upon  his 
shoulders  while  the  latter  nailed  it  to  the  staff.  It  was 
completely  riddled  by  the  British  balls  fired  at  the  battery.  I  saw  it  in  Stonington 
in  the  autumn  of  1800,  and  the  above  engraving  is  a  correct  sketch  of  its  appearance. 
The  old  cannon  was  not  long  silent.  Six  kegs  of  powder,  taken  from  the  privateer 
Halka,  and  belonging  to  Thomas  Swan,  had  been  concealed  by  sea-weed  behind  a 


BTONINQTON  FLAO. 


1  Theaa  carcasses  were  generally  made  of  iron  honpg,  canvas,  and  cord,  of  oblong  shape,  and  filled  with  corabneti- 
bies  fi.t  burning  towns  and  ships.  This  one  Is  of  cast-lrou,  and  was  one  of  the  missiles  filled  with  fetid  substances,  and 
called  "  sttnk-pots." 

'  Their  weight  varied  from  sixteen  to  two  hnndr'id  ai.  1  tixt^en  ponnds.  One  of  the  car-iasses  was  set  on  flre,  and 
burned  with  a  flame  ten  fpel  in  height  and  emitting  a  horrible  stench.  Some  of  the  rockets  were  shu'p-pointed,  others 
not,  and  all  were  made  o  hick  sheet-iron,  with  a  fuee.  The  rocket  (which  is  still  In  use  in  modified  foim)  contniuR  in 
Its  cylindrical  case  a  comijosition  of  nitre,  cHtrcoal,  and  sniphnr.  propori  oncd  so  as  to  burn  slower  than  gunpowder. 
The  bead  is  either  a  so''d  shot,  shell,  or  spheiical  case-shot.  It  has  a  guide-stick  attached,  like  the  common  rocket  in 
pjToto(!hnic  displays. 


ai8  Flag  nailed  to  Ita  Staff. 


respectful  distance 


Captain  Holmes  reopens  Are  an  the  Br 


E  WAR   OF   1812. 


895 


Deputation  sent  to  Hard;. 


The  Resnit. 


Tarting  Shots. 


rock.  Their  hiding-place  was  revealed  by  a  lad,  and  at  about  nine  o'clock  the  pow- 
der was  placed  in  care  of  Captain  Holmes.  The  cannon  was  dragged  by  oxen  to 
the  blacksmith-shop  of  Mr.  Cobb,  the  spiking  taken  out,  and  then  it  was  drawn  back 
again  to  the  little  redoubt  and  placed  in  position.  To  the  astonishment  of  the  Brit- 
ish, it  reopened  fire  vigorously.  The  gun  was  always  double-shotted,  and  so  telling 
were  its  missiles  that  by  noon  the  DisjMtch  was  so  much  injured  that  she  slipped 
her  cables  and  hauled  off  to  a  place  of  safety.  The  Terror  kept  throwing  shells  until 
night,  but  she  was  out  of  reach  of  the  little  battery. 

During  the  day  quite  a  number  of  militia  assembled  at  Stonington,  and  General 
Isham  took  chief  command.  Order  was  soon  restored,  and  many  of  the  inhabitants, 
somewhat  reassured,  came  back  to  their  homes.  During  the  afternoon,  a  deputation, 
consisting  of  Colonel  Williams  and  William  Lord,  went  with  a  flag  to  the  liamiUies 
as  bearers  of  a  note  from  the  authorities  of  the  borough  (signed  Amos  Denison,  bur- 
gess, and  William  Lord,  magistrate),  in  which  Hardy  was  informed  that  all  unoffend- 
ing inhabitants  had  left  the  village,  and  asked  what  was  to  be  the  fate  of  the  place. 
They  gave  him  assurances  that  no  torpedoes  had  been  fitted  out  from  that  port,  and 
that  none  should  be  in  the  future;  and  he  agreed  to  cease  hostilities  and  spare  the 
town  on  condition  that  they  should  send  on  board  the  flag-ship,  by  eight  o'clock 
the  next  morning,  Mrs.  Stewart,  a  resident  of  New  London,  and  wife  of  James  Stew- 
art, the  late  British  consul  at  that  place,  who  was  then  in  the  squadron.  The  depu- 
tation returned,  and  the  Ramillies  and  Pactolus  took  station  within  cannon-shot  of 
the  village  to  await  an  answer.  Hardy  having  threatened,  in  the  event  of  noncompli- 
ance with  his  demand,  to  lay  the  village  in  ruins. 

At  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  11th,  the  authorities,  under  the  direction  of 
General  Isham,  sent  a  message  to  Commodore  Hardy,'  saying  (what  he  already  knew) 
that  the  borough  of  Stonington  had  no  power  to  comply  with  the  requisition.  "I 
will  wait  till  twelve  o'clock  to-day,"  said  Hardy,  "  and  if  the  lady  shall  not  be  on 
board  my  ship  at  that  hour  I  shall  renew  the  assault  on  the  town." 

At  three  o'clock  the  Terror  resumed  the  bombardment,  and  threw  shells  until  even- 
ing. A  suflicient  military  force  had  now  arrived  to  prevent  the  landing  of  the  ene- 
my, but  they  could  do  his  shipping  no  hprm. 

The  night  of  the  11th  was  an  anxious  one  for  the  inhabitants  of  Stonington.  There 
was  an  ominous  quietude  on  the  water.  It  was  broken  at  runrise,"  when  •  Angast  12, 
the  Terror  opened  her  mortars  again.  The  Ramillies  and  Pactolus  warped  ^®'^- 
up  near  the  town,  and  at  eight  o'clock  opened  fire.  At  this  time  an  order  was  given 
by  General  Isham  for  the  cannon  on  the  Point  10  be  removed  to  the  north  end  of  the 
town,  where  it  was  supposed  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  land.  About  twenty  of 
t'e  Norwich  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  Lathrop,  volunteered  to  perform  that  peril- 
ous service.     They  did  ^:0  without  the  slightest  accident. 

In  the  mean  time  the  Ramillies  and  Pactolus  had  given  three  tremendous  broad- 
sides with  spiteful  vigor,  which  proved  to  be  a  parting  salute,  and  quite  harmless. 
They  then  withdre'- .  ^ut  the  Terror  kept  np  a  bombardment  until  past  noon.  At 
four  o'c'  ^ck  the  assailaits  ..'n  withdrew,  and  the  little  squadron  anchored  far  away 
toward  I'isher's  Island.^  , 

During  this  whole  series  of  assaults  not  a  single  life  was  lot  One  person  was 
mortally  wounded,^  and  five  or  six  slightly.     Among  the  latter  was  Lieutenant 


1  It  was  signed  Isaac  Williams,  William  Lord,  Alexander  G.  Smith,  magistrates ;  John  Smith,  warden ;  George  Ilnb- 
liard,  Amos  Denison,  burgesses. 

'  Perkins's  History,  rtr.,  nf  the  last  War ;  Reverend  Frederick  Denbon's  paper  on  the  linrnbarilment  of  Stonington,  in 
Thf  Miittie  Pimter;  On\  statements  to  me  by  Captain  Jeremiah  Holmes ;  Report  of  General  t•uAln^'. 

'  This  was  Frederick  Denison,  from  Mystic  Bridge,  a  highly-respected  young  man,  nineteen  years  of  age,  who  was 
in  the  battery  with  Captain  Holmes.  While  ontside  of  tho  battery  relighting  the  match-rope  with  which  to  Are  the  old 
cannon,  he  was  struck  by  a  ball  f-nm  the  Vispateh,  which  shattered  his  knea.  He  lingered  In  pain  many  weeks,  and 
:heu  died.  Over  hl«  grave  was  placed  a  stone  with  the  following  inscription;  "If  thy  country's  freedom  Is  dear  tc 
Ihoc,  contemplate  here  congenial  virtue.    HU  life  was  ihort,  but  Its  eacilflce  deserve;;  a  grateful  reccllecliou.    Uii 


li 


W^ 


* 


ifii* 


896 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


THE  OUUII   UOOSE. 


Btlecti  of  the  Bombardment  ai  StonlngtoD.        The  Numbers  engaged  in  the  Affair.         The  Imputeucy  of  the  Attuck. 

Hough.  About  forty  buildings  were  more  or  less  in- 
jured, and  two  or  three  were  nearly  ruined.  The  rock- 
ets and  shells  set  several  of  them  on  fire,  but  the  flames 
were  extinguished.  Among  the  four  houses  then  on  tlit 
Point,  only  one  remained  unaltered  when  I  visited  the 
spot  in  1860.  This  was  known  as  tIie"Cobb  House." 
It  was  ancient  in  form,  covered  on  the  sides  with  shin- 
gles instead  of  clap-boards,  and  presenting  manj"^  a  scar 
of  wounds  received  during  the  bombardment.  It  stood 
on  Water  Street,  not  far  from  the  site  of  the  battery, 
and  was  owned  in  1 814  by  Elkanah  Cobb.  Of  my  visit 
at  Stonington  and  in  its  vicinity  in  the  autumn  of 
1860  I  shall  write  presently. 
The  repulse  of  the  British  at  Stonington  was  one  of  the  most  gallant  affairs  of  the 
war,  and  the  spirit  there  shown  by  the  few  who  conducted  the  defense  caused  Hardy 
and  his  commanders  to  avoid  all  farther  attempts  to  capture  or  destroy  Connecticut 
sea-port  towns.  The  assailing  squadron  had  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  while  the 
number  actually  engaged  in  driviiig  them  away  did  not  exceed  twenty.'  It  was 
computed  that  the  British  hurled  no  less  than  fifty  tons  of  metal  on  to  the  little  pen- 
insula during  the  three  days.^  The  loss  to  the  British  was  twenty  lives,  over  lifty 
wounded,  and  the  expenditure  of  ten  thousand  pounds  sterling.  The  affair  spread  a 
feeling  of  joy  throughout  the  whole  country,  and  the  result  was  a  deep  mortifica- 
tion of  British  pride.  The  impotence  of  the  attack  was  the  point  of  many  a  squib 
and  epigram.^ 

Hardy's  easy  conquest  at  Eastport  and  its  vicinity  encouraged  the  British  to  at- 
tempt the  seizure  of  the  whoij  country  lying  between  Passamaquoddy  Bay  and  the 

body  moulders  beneath  this  stone,  but  his  spliit  has  fled  to  the  seat  of  immor- 
tality. 

"There  the  brave  youth,  with  love  of  virtue  flrcd, 
Who  gallantly  in  his  country's  cause  expired, 
Shall  know  he  conquered." 
In  ISM  the  State  of  Connecticut  caused  a  handsome  marble  monnment,  eight- 
een feet  in  height,  to  be  erected  over  his  grave  in  the  cemetery  at  Mystic,  on 
which  are  the  following  inscriptions: 

Eastern  Side:  "Frederick  Denison,  died  Nov.  1, 1814,  aged  19.  He  was  mor- 
tally wounded  by  a  shot  ffom  the  enemy's  brig-of-war  Dispatch  while  acting  as 
a  volunteer  in  the  defense  of  Stonington  against  the  attack  of  the  British  squad- 
ron, August  10, 1814."  Northern  Side:  "Erected  by  the  State  of  Connecticut, 
1S56,  that  the  deed  of  patriotic  devotion  may  be  handed  down  to  other  genera- 
tions, inspiring  them  with  ridelity  to  our  liberties,  and  prompting  them  to  such 
sacriflces  as  shall  win  their  country's  meed."  Southern  Side:  "  His  life  was  his 
legacy,  and  his  country  his  hei'.'."  The  tablet  with  the  earlier  inscription  was 
lying  near  this  monnment. 

Young  Denison  w:is  born  in  Stonington  township  ....  the  2Tth  of  December, 
1796.  He  heard  the  roar  and  saw  the  smoke  of  battle  from  Mystic  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  and,  borrowing  a  gnn, 
he  crossed  the  r:ver  in  a  canoe,  stopped  a  moment  to  speak  with  his  sick  father  at  the  homestead,  and  hastened  to  the 
post  of  danger,  where  he  received  his  death-blow 

'  The  followiig  are  the  names  which  have  been  preserved  of  the  most  prominent  of  the  defenders  of  Stoninpton : 
Jeremiah  Ilolme,'",  George  Fellows,  Simeon  Haley,  Amos  Denison,  J.  Deane  Gallnp,  Isaac  Miner,  Isaac  Denison,  Uora- 
tio  Williams,  Jeremiah  Haley,  Asa  Lee,  William  Lord,  Nathaniel  Clift,  Ebenezer  Denison,  Frederick  Denison, Pot- 
ter, John  Miner. 

»  About  flflecn  tons  were  picked  up  by  the  inhabitants  «)f  Stonington,  and  sold  to  the  United  States  government. 
The  following  advertisement  appeared  in  a  New  York  paper  on  the  10th  of  November  following : 

"  Just  receive!,  and  offered  for  sale,  about  three  tons  of  BorNO  snoT,  conslBtlng  of  6,  9, 1'2, 18,  24,  and  32  pounds,  very 
handsome,  b^ing  a  mnall  proportion  which  were  fired  from  his  Britannic  majesty's  ships  on  the  unoffending  iuhnbltants 
of  Stonington  in  the  recent  brilliant  attack  on  that  place.  Likewise  a  few  carcases,  in  good  order,  weighing  about  200 
pounds  each.    Apply  to  S.  Trumbull,  41  Peck  Slip." 

'  The  occasion  was  the  theme  of  one  c  f  the  most  popular  ballads  of  the  time,  written  by  Philip  Freneau,  the  bard  of 
the  Revolution,  In  which  the  Impotence  of  the  attack  was  set  forth  In  the  following  verses : 

"  The  bombardiirs,  with  bomb  and  ball.  They  dashed  away— and,  pray,  what  theu  f 

Soon  made  a  farmer's  barrack  ftill.  That  was  not  taking  Stonington. 

And  did  a  cow-house  sadly  mm]  „  ^^g  g^ells  were  thrown,  the  rockets  flew. 

That  stood  a  mile  from  Stonington.  jj^j  „ot  „  ^hell  of  all  they  threw, 

"  They  killed  a  goose,  they  killed  a  hen,  Thongh  every  house  was  full  In  view. 

Three  hogs  Ihcy  wounded  In  a  pen—  Could  bum  a  bouse  In  Stonington." 


nENlSON's   MONUMENT. 


OP  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


807 


e  Impoleucy  of  the  Attack. 

3re  more  or  less  in- 
ruined.     The  rock- 
I  fire,  but  the  flames 
r  houses  then  on  the 
when  I  visited  tlie 
the  "  Cobb  House." 
the  sides  with  sliin- 
senting  many  a  scar 
bardment.    It  stood 
site  of  the  battery, 
Cobb.     Of  my  visit 
in  the  autumn  of 

gallant  affairs  of  the 
efense  caused  Hardy 
destroy  Connecticut 
dred  men,  while  the 
ed  twenty.'  It  was 
[  on  to  the  little  pen- 
enty  lives,  over  fifty 
The  affair  spread  a 
r&s  a  deep  mortifica- 
oint  of  many  a  squib 

Ted  the  British  to  at- 
iquoddy  Bay  and  the 


i,  Brlti'b  loud  aud  naval  Expedition  leaves  Halifax. 


It  appears  off  Caitioe,  at  the  Month  of  the  Penobreoi. 


Ieni8on'h  munumeht. 

le  10th,  and,  borrowing  a  gm, 
Imestead,  and  hastened  to  the 

|the  defenders  of  Stoniiipton ; 

Miner,  Isaac  Denison,  Uora- 

,  Frederick  Denison, Pot- 

le  United  States  government. 

llowing : 

112, 18,  24,  and  32  ponnds.very 
In  the  nnoffending  inhabitants 
lod  order,  weighing  about  2(« 

ly  Philip  Freneau,  the  bard  ot 

nnd,  pray,  what  then? 
Jing  Stonington. 
vn,  the  rockets  flevf, 
I  they  threw, 
Iwas  full  In  view, 
lae  In  Stonington." 


Penobscot  River.  For  this  purpose  a 
IJritish  fleet,  consisting  of  the  Bulwark, 
jytagon,  and  Spencer,  74  guns  each  ;  the 
frigates  Bacchante  (late  from  the  Med- 
iterranean) and  Tenedoa  ;  sloops-of-war 
^\jll)h  and  Perwoian  ;  and  schooner  Pic- 
ton,  with  ten  transports,  sailed  from 
Halifax  on  the  26th  of  August,  1814.> 
The  latter  bore  almost  four  thousand 
troops,  under  the  command  of  Lieuten- 
ant General  Sir  Jolin  Cope  Sherbrooke, 
jToveinor  of  Nova  Scotia,  assisted  by 
Major  General  Gerard  Gosselin  and  Col- 
onel Douglass.  The  fleet  was  in  com- 
mand of  Rear  Admiral  Edward  Griflith. 

It  was  the  intention  of  Sherbrooke 
and  Griffith  when  they  sailed  to  stop 
and  take  possession  ofMachias;  but  on 
•  August,     t'^*'  30th*  they  learned  from  the 

i^i^'  commander  of  the  brig  jRifle- 
nuxn,  with  whom  they  fell  in,  that  the 
United  States  corvette  John 
Adams,  24,  Captain  Morris,  had 
gone  up  the  Penobscot,  so  they 
hastened  to  the  mouth  of  that  riv- 
er to  blockade  her.  Passing  up 
the  Green  Island  channel,  they  ar- 
rived in  the  fine  harbor  of  Castine, 
oif  Cape  Bigaduce,^  on  which  the 
pleasant  village  of  Castine  now 
lies,  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  of 
September.  I  Jouteiuint  T,i"wis,  of 
ther»iited  States  Army,  with  about  forty  men,  was  occupying  a  half  moon  redoubt 


UAkr-MOON  BEDOrilT.— FOBT  POBTEB.' 


which  the  Americans  had  erected  in  ^  ^08.    That  redoubt,  whose  embankments  were 


il  Artillery;  two  rifle  companies  of  the  Tth  battalion  ofthe  Sixtieth 
ixty-second,  and  Ninety-eighth  Regiments— the  whole  divided  into 


'  The  troops  consisted  of  the  1st  compai 
Rejiraent;  detachments  from  the  Twcntj 
Iwn  brigades. 

'  This  Is  a  cormptlon  and  diminutive  of  Majahiipiaduiv,  the  Indian  name  ofthe  peninsul.i,  which  the  Baron  Castlue, 
of  whom  I  shall  presently  write,  wrote  Mnrch4-M^Uu»,  the  u  in  the  last  syllable  being  pronounced  long.  It  is  on  the 
east  side  of  Penobscot  Bay,  in  full  view  of  the  ocean. 

'  The  engraving  is  a  view  of  the  remains  ofthe  Ilalf-moon  Redoubt  as  it  appeared  when  I  visited  the  spot  in  the  an- 
'iimn  of  IRSn,  looking  soutliward.  On  the  extreme  left,  in  the  distance,  are  Noddle's  Island,  Cape  Rozler,  aud  Hook's 
Macd.  Directly  over  the  redoubt  is  ceen  the  ocean  ;  on  tlie  right,  the  main,  with  a  porll(m  ofthe  Camden  Mouutaine. 
K  little  to  the  right  of  the  redoubt  is  seen  a  small  beacon  at  the  entrance  to  the  March6-blg8duce,  or  Castine  Creek. 
This  redoubt  was  to  command  that  entrance. 

.".  L 


lli' 


^^ 


r  '' 


1 1 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Flight  of  Americans  from  Caatine. 


The  John  Adams  up  the  Penobscot  River. 


The  British  go  np  that  Stream. 


very  conspicuons  on  the  edge  of  the  water  southward  of  the  village  when  the  writer 
was  there  in  1860,  was  armed  with  four  24-pounders  and  two  field-pieces.  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Nichols,  of  the  Royal  Engineers,  who  had  been  sent  in  a  small  schooner 
to  reconnoitre,  sent  a  summons  to  Lewis,  at  sunrise,  to  surrender.  Lewis  saw  that 
resistance  would  be  vain,  so  he  resolved  to  flee.  He  gave  Nichols  a  volley  from  his 
24-pounder8,  then  spiked  them,  blew  up  the  redoubt,  and,  with  the  field-pieces,  he  and 
the  garrison  fled  over  the  high  peninsula  to  its  neck,  and  escaped  up  the  Penobscot. 
Colonel  Douglass  immediately  landed  from  the  fleet  at  the  back  of  the  peninsula 
with  a  detachment  of  lloyal  Artillery  and  two  companies  of  riflemen,  and  took  quiet 
possession  of  Castine,  and  with  it  the  control  of  Penobscot  Bay.  The  number  of 
troops  landed  was  about  six  hundred.  Governor  Sherbrooke  made  the  house  of 
Judge  Nelson  his  head-quarters,  and  the  court-house  and  other  suitable  buildings 
were  occupied  as  barracks  for  the  soldiers.  A  number  of  women  also  Avere  landed.' 
The  John  Adams  had  just  arrived  from  a  successful  cruise,  and  on  entering  Penob- 
scot Bay  in  thick  Aveather  had  struck  a  rock  and  received  so  much  injury  that  it  was 
found  necessary  to  lay  her  down  for  repairs.  She  was  taken  as  far  out  of  harm's  way 
as  possible.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that  she  was  kept  afloat  until  she  reached 
Hampden,  a  few  mil^c  below  Bangor,  when  she  was  moored  au  Crosby's  Wharf,  with 
several  feet  of  water  in  her  hold.  Some  of  her  crew  were  disabled  by  scurvy,  and 
she  was  almost  helpless.  This  condition  and  position  oixXie  Adams  was  made  known 
to  Sherbrooke  on  landing  at  Castine,  and  he  and  Griffith  immediately  detached  a  land 
and  naval  force  to  seize  or  destroy  that  vessel,  and  treat  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns 
on  the  Penobscot  as  circumstances  might  seem  to  require.     The  expedition  consisted 

of  the  Sylph  and  Peruvian,  a  small  schooner  as  a 
tender,  the   transport  brig  Harmony,  and  nine 
launches,  commanded  by  Captain  Robert  Barrio, 
of  the  Royal  Navy  (commander  of  the  Drajon, 
74),  who  acted  as  commodore.     The  land  forces, 
seven  hundred  strong,  were  unde''  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Henry  John, 
assisted  by  Major  Riddle.     The  expedition  sailed  in  the  afternoon  of  the  day  of  the 
•  September  1,     iirrival  at  Castine,"  and,  passing  Buckston  at  twilight,  anchored  for  the 
1S14.  night  in  Marsh  Bay.     In  the  mean  time  Sherbrooke  and  Griffith  had  is- 

sued a  join  i;  proclamation,  assuring  the  inhabitants  of  their  intention  to  take  posses- 
sion of  thf,  country  between  the  Penobscot  and  Passamaquoddy,  and  oflering  them 
protectiori  on  condition  of  acquiescence.  All  persons  taken  in  arms  were  to  be  pun- 
ished, ard  those  who  should  supply  the  -^  j  ij>_ 
British  with  provisions  should  be  paid 
and  protected. 

There  Avas  no  disposition  among  the  in- 
habitants along  the  Penobscot  to  submit 
quietly  unless  absolutely  compelled  to. 
On  the  da/  when  the  expedition  sailed 
up  the  river.  Information  of  the  fact  was 
conveyed  by  express  to  Captain  Morris, 
at  Castine,  and  he  at  once  sent  word 
to  Brigadier  General  John  Blake,  at  his 
home  in  Brewer,  opposite  Bangor,  asking 
him  to  call  out  the  militia  immediately. 
Blake  mounted  his  horse,  and  late  in 
the  afternoon  was  at  Bangor,  issuing  or- 
ders for  the  assembling  of  the  brigade  of 


^^^^/^      ^exy^^^t^ 


PBNKBAI.  UI.AKe'B  BKSlSKNan. 


>  On  the  l8t  and  5th  of  S("i)tember  Sheibrooke  and  Orlftltli  Issi-od  joint  proclamations  assuring  the  inhabitants  nmjile 
protection  and  quietude  iflliey  should  CDiiduct  thcmsolvee  peaceably. 


m 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


809 


M  British  go  np  that  Stream. 


The  ■fohn  Adams  at  Hampden. 


Preparations  there  to  oppose  the  British. 


Gathering  of  the  Hilitia. 


I.akk'b  nKfiiDKNo:;. 


I  assuring  the  Inhabitants  ami.le 


the  tenth  Massaclmsetts  division,  of  which  he  Avas  commander,  and  the  same  evening 
he  rode  down  to  Hampden.  Tlicre  he  found  Captain  Morris  engaged  in  preparations 
for  defense.  lie  liad  dismantled  the  Jo/m  Adams,  dragged  her  heavy  guns  to  the 
summit  of  the  liigh  right  bank  of  the  Soadabscook,  fifty  rods  from  the  wharf,  and 
placed  them  in  battery  there,  so  as  to  command  the  river  approaches  from  below. 
Oil  the  following  morning  Blake  held  a  consultation  with  Morris,  and  citizens  of 
Bangor  and  Hampden,  on  the  best  methods  of  defense,  but  opinions  were  so  various 
that  no  specific  determination  was  arrived  at.  Morris  had  not  much  confidence  in 
the  militia,  and  declined  any  immediate  co-operation  with  them.  He  approved  of  a 
proposition  to  meet  the  foe  at  his  landing-place,  wherever  that  might  be,  and  ex- 
pcssed  his  resolution  to  destroy  the  Adams  should  the  militia  retreat. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d,  Belfast,  on  the  western  side  of  Penobscot  Bay,  was  taken 
possession  of  by  General  Gosselin,  at  the  head  of  six  hundred  troops,  without  resist- 
ance ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  expedition  under  Bavrie  and  John,  after  landing  a 
detachment  from  the  Sixtieth  and  Ninety-eighth  llegimonts  at  Frankfort,  at  the  head 
of  Marsh  Bay,  proceeded  up  the  river.  The  detachment  marched  up  the  western 
side  of  the  Penobscot  unmolested,  and  the  iittle  squadron  arrived  at  Bald  Hill  Cove, 
near  Hampton,  at  five  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  troops  and  about  eighty  marines 
were  landed,  and  bivouacked  there  during  the  night  in  the  midst  of  a  drenching  rain- 
storm. 

During  the  2d,  about  six  hundred  raw  militia,  who  had  never  seen  any  thing  more 
like  war  than  their  own  annual  parade,  assembled  at  Hampden,  and  General  Blake 
posted  them  in  an  admirable  position  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,  where  the  residence  of 
ill'.  James  A.  Swett  was  standing  when  I  visited  Hampden  in  1800.  He  had  been 
joined  by  Lieutenant  Lewis  and  forty  regulars  who  filed  from  Castine.  The  artillery 
company  of  Blake's  brigade,  commanded  by  Captain  Hammond,  was  there  with  two 
brass  s-jjounders ;  and  an  iron  18-pound  carronade  from  Morris's  vessel  was  placed  in 
battery  in  the  highway  near  the  meeting-house,  in  charge  of  Mr.  Bent,  of  the  artillery. 
Many  of  the  militia  were  without  weapons  and  ammunition,  and  these  were  supplied, 
lis  far  as  possible,  by  Captain  Morris.  Such  was  Blake's  position  on  the  dark  and 
gloomy  mornhig  of  the  3d. 

Morris  in  the  mean  time  had  mounted  nine  short  18-pounders  from  the  Adams  upon 
his  redoubt  on  the  high  bank  over  Crosby's  Wharf,  and  placed  the  battery  in  charge 


obobuy's  WUAKF. I 


of  Lieutenant  Wadsworth,  the  first  of  the  Adams,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Madison 
:in(l  Purser.  With  the  remainder  of  his  guns  he  took  position  in  person  on  the  wharf 
with  a'-out  two  hundred  seamen  and  marines  and  twenty  invalids,  prepared  to  defend 
Ills  crippled  ship  to  the  last  extremity. 

'  This  is  a  view  of  Crosby's  Wharf  from  the  month  of  the  SondabBcnolc  Crook,  north  side,  looklns;  sonth.  The  place 
where  the  Adavm  lay  is  indicated  by  the  vessel  at  the  end  of  the  wharf  Hampden  is  seen  in  the  distance  over  the 
wliarf  Toward  the  right  is  Crosby's  old  storc-honse,  and  the  cleared  spot  to  the  richt  and  above  it  Is  the  place  where 
MorriK's  battery  was  planted.  It  Is  the  property  of  the  Honorable  Unnnibnl  Hamlin,  late  [18041  Vice-President  of  the 
I'nlied  States.  Another  store-house,  like  the  one  seen  in  the  picture,  stood  on  the  end  of  the  wharf,  and  was  barnt 
when  the  John  Adam»  was  destroyed. 


'M  M: 


900 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  British  arrive  at  Hampden. 


Panic  and  Flight  of  the  Militia. 


The  British  march  on  Bangor. 


The  whole  region  of  the  Penobscot  was  enveloped  in  a  dense  fog  on  the  morning 
of  the  3d.  The  British  at  BaUi  Hill  Cove  had  been  joined  by  the  detachment  who 
landed  at  Frankfort,  and  at  five  o'clock  all  were  in  motion  toward'IIampdcn.  They 
movt  1 1  cautiously  in  the  mist,  with  a  vanguard  of  riflemen.  On  the  flanks  were  de- 
tachments of  marines  and  sailors,  with  a  6-pound  caniion,  a  G^-inch  howitzer,  and  a 
rocket  apparatus.  The  British  vessels  moved  slowly  up  the  river  at  the  same  time 
within  supporting  distance. 

Blake  had  dispatched  two  flank  companies  to  watch  and  annoy  the  approaching 
enemy.  Between  seven  and  eight  o'clock  they  reported  them  crossing  the  little 
stream  that  divides  Hampden  Corners  from  Hampden,  and  ascending  the  hill  to  at- 
tack the  Americans.  The  fog  was  so  thick  that  no  enemy  could  be  seen,  but  Blako 
pointed  his  18-pounder4n  the  direction  of  the  foe,  and  with  his  field-pieces  blazed 
away  with  considerable  effect,  as  was  afterward  ascertained.  He  had  resolved  to  re- 
serve his  musket-firing  until  the  enemy  should  be  near  enough  to  be  seriously  hurt, 
but  the  ordeal  of  waiting,  AvitLout  breastworks  in  front,  was  too  severe  for  the  un- 
tried militia.  The  enemy  suddenly  advanced  at  a  "  double-quick,"  firing  volleys  in 
rapid  succession.  The  militia,  panic-stricken,  broke  and  fled  in  every  direction,  leav- 
ing Blake  and  his  oflScers  alone.  Lieutenant  Wadsworth,  at  Morris's  upper  battery, 
perceived  the  disaster  in  its  full  extent,  and  communicated  the  fact  to  his  chief  on 
the  wl  arf  Morris  knew  the  impending  danger.  His  rear  and  flank  were  exposed, 
and  he  saw  no  other  way  for  salvation  than  flight.  He  oi-dered  Wadsworth  to  spike 
his  guns,  and  with  his  men  retreat  across  the  bridge  over  the  Soadabscook  while  it 
was  yet  open,  for  that  stream  was  fordable  only  at  low  water,  and  the  tide  was  ris- 
ing. Wadsworth  did  so,  his  rear  gal- 
lantly covered  by  Lieutenant  Watson 
with  some  marines.  The  John  Adams 
was  fired  at  the  same  time,  the  guns 
on  the  wharf  were  spiked,  and  the  men 
under  the  immediate  command  of  Mor- 
ris retreated  across  the  Soadabscook 
bridge.  Their  commander  was  the  last 
man  to  leave  the  wharf.  Before  he 
could  reach  the  bridge  the  enemy  were 
on  the  bank  above  him.  He  dashed 
across  the  stream,  arm-pit  deep,  under 
a  galling  musket-firing  from  the  Brit- 
ish, unhurt,  and,  joining  his  friends  on 
the  other  side,  retreated,  with  Blake, 
his  officers,  and  a  bare  remnant  of  his 
command,  to  Bau'^or.  From  there  Moi*- 
ris  soon  made  his  way  to  Portland  over- 
land. 

The  British  took  possession  of  Hamp- 
den without  farther  resistance,  and  a 
part  of  their  force,  about  five  liundred 
strong,  with  their  vessels,  pushed  on 
toward  Bangor.  They  met  a  flag  of 
truce  a  mile  from  the  town,  with  a 
mess^ige  from  the  magisti-ates  asking 
terms  of  capitulation.     No  other  was 

'  Charles  Morris  was  horn  in  Woodstock,  Connecticut,  on  the  20th  of  Jnly,  1734.  He  was  one  of  the  most  useful  men 
In  the  American  Navy.  He  entered  the  service  as  midshipman  in  July,  1799,  and  from  that  day  until  his  death,  a  pe- 
riod of  flfty-seven  years,  his  furlonghg  and  ahscncea  from  active  duty  amounted  only  to  two  years.  He  was  dlslln- 
guUhed  io  the  Mediterranean  durinj;  the  wars  with  the  Barbar;  powers;  and  as  a  volanteer  with  Decatnr  in  the  de- 


le  British  march  on  Bangor. 


OF  TUE  WAR   OF  1812. 


901 


pinnderiug  at  Baagor. 


Destraction  of  Veesels. 


Oatrages  at  Uumpden. 


Commodore  MorriH. 


promised  excepting  respect  for  private  property.  They  entered  the  village  at  about 
ter  o'clock,*  when  Commodore  Barrie  gave  notice  that,  if  required,  sup- 
plies should  be  cheerfully  sent  in,  the  inhabitants  should  be  unharmed  *  *^  *"*  " 
in  persons  and  property.  This  assurance  was  scarcely  uttered  before  Barrie  gave 
tacit  license  to  his  sailors  to  plunder  as  much  as  they  pleased ;  and  almost  every 
store  on  the  western  side  of  the  Kenduskeag  Creek,  which  there  enters  the  Penobscot, 
was  robbed  of  all  valuable  property.  Colonel  John,  on  the  contrary,  did  all  in  his 
power  to  protect  the  inhabitants. 

The  British  remained  at  Bangor  thirty-one  hours,  during  wbich  time  they  were 
quartered  on  the  inhabitants,  and  compelled  them  not  only  to  bring  in  and  surrender 
all  their  arms,  military  stores,  and  public  property  of  every  kind— ^even  a  few  dollars 
in  the  post-office — but  to  report  themselves  prisoners  of  Avar  for  parole,  with  the 
agreement  that  they  would  not  take  up  arms  against  the  British.  They  compelled 
General  Blake  to  come  to  Bangor,  surrender  himself  as  a  prisoner,  and  sign  the  same 
parole.  One  hundred  and  ninety  citizens  were  thus  bound  to  keep  themselves  fron; 
hostilities.  When  this  work  was  accomplished,  the  selectmen  were  required  to  give 
a  bond,  in  the  penal  sum  of  $30,000,  as  a  guaranty  for  the  delivery  of  vessels  on  the 
stocks  at  Bangor  to  the  commander  at  Castine  by  the  end  of  October.  The  speedy 
appearance  of  peace  canceled  this  bond. 

Having  finished  their  work,  and  despoiled  the  inhabitants  of  property  valued  at 
$23,000,  and  destroyed  several  vessels,'  the  marauders  left  Bangor,  and  spent  the  6th 
in  similar  employment  at  Hampden.  There  the  soldiers  and  sailors,  unrebuked  by 
Barrie,  performed  scenes  which  had  been  enacted  at  Havre  de  Grace  under  the  eye 
ofCockburn.  They  committed  the  most  wanton  acts  of  destruction.  The  village 
meeting-house  (now  the  town-house — see  engraving,  next  page)  was  desolated.  They 
tore  up  the  Bible  and  Psalm-books,  and  demolished  the  pulpit  and  pews.  They  de- 
stroyed cattle  and  hogs  as  at  Havre  de  Grace.  They  carried  away  much  private 
property,  and  compelled  the  selectmen  to  sign  a  bond  for  $12,000  as  a  guaranty  for 
the  delivery  of  vessels  at  Hampden  to  the  commander  at  Castine.''    This  bond  sha>-ed 

stmctlon  of  the  Philadelphia,  he  was  the  flrst  on  her 
deck.  lie  was  a  lieutenant  when  the  War  of  1812  hroke 
oat,  nud  was  the  executive  officer  of  the  Comtitution  at 
the  lime  of  her  CBCapc  from  a  British  squadron  (see  page 
439),  and  her  capture  of  the  Oueniere.  In  that  action 
be  was  shot  through  the  body  by  a  mnsket-ball.  He 
was  promoted  to  post  captain  in  September,  1813,  for 
special  cervices,  and  toolt  command  of  the  John  Adamt 
floop-of-war.  The  following  year,  as  we  have  seen  in 
the  text,  he  was  compelled  to  destroy  his  vessel.  The 
war  closed  soon  afterward,  and  he  was  employed  in  im- 
portant services.  lie  was  captain  of  the  Brandi/ioine 
when  she  conveyed  La  Fayette  back  to  France  In  1825, 
,i!!d  ne  afterward  commanded  squadrons  on  the  Bra7.il 
and  Mediterranean  stations.  His  last  cruise  was  in  the 
DtUucare  in  1S44,  after  which  he  was  almost  continually 
at  the  head  of  one  of  the  bureaus  in  the  Navy  Depart- 
ment at  Washington.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  which 
occurred  at  Washington  on  the  27th  of  January,  1850, 
he  was  chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Hydrography  and  Repairs. 
No  man  in  the  navy  ever  stood  higlier  in  the  estimation 
of  his  countrymen  for  wisdom  and  Integrity.  He  was 
liuried,  with  appropriate  honors,  upon  a  beautlftil  wood- 
ed slope  In  Oak  Hill  Cemetery,  near  Georgetown,  in  the 
District  of  Columbia,  and  over  his  grave  Is  a  beautiful 
white  marble  monument,  delineated  in  the  engraving, 
with  this  simple  inscription  on  Its  western  side,  under 
an  anchor  enwreathcd :  "Com.  Chahles  Mobeis.  Bobn 
JuLV  20, 1784.    Died  Jancarv  27, 1860." 

■  The  number  of  vessels  burned  was  fourteen,  and  six 
were  carried  away.  The  entire  property  destroyed  or 
carried  away  from  Bangor  was  valued  at  $40,000.— Wil- 
liamson's History  «/ Maine,  il.,  048,  note  '.  commodohb  morhib's  .monumknt. 

'  HiMory  of  Aauiie,  Penohiteot  Hay  and  River,  etc.,  by  Joseph  Whipple,  1S16 ;  MS.  HtHtury  of  tlie  Briiinh  Operations  on 
lAe  Pa.iA)»eot,  by  the  late  William  D.  Williamson,  author  of  a  Uintory  of  the  Slate  of  Maine. 


i 

! 

1 

i 

1 

mi 

il 

i^ 


the  fate  of  the  one  given  at 
Bangor.  The  total  Iohs  of 
property  at  Ilampilen,  cxclu- 
siv  of  a  valuabh'  cargo  of 
brandy,  wino,  oil,  and  silk 
whicli  they  found  on  hoard 
the  schooner  Commodore 
Decatur,  was  estimated  at 
«44,000.> 

The  indignant  suft'ercrs 
ciiarged  a  greater  portion  of 
their  misfortunes  to  the  feeble  resistance  made  by  General  lilakc  at  Hampden.  His 
tardiness;  his  non-compliance  with  tlie  wishes  of  Morris  and  others  to  attack  the  t.; 
emy  at  their  landing-place;  his  neglect  to  throw  up  breastworks  on  the  ridge  at 
Hampden,  and  other  evidence  of  inefficiency,  Avere  regarded  as  crimes ;  and  he  was 
charged  with  cowardice,  and  even  treason.  The  clamor  against  him  was  vehement 
for  some  time.  He  was  hung,  shot,  and  burned  in  effigy  ;^  and  for  a  while  his  per- 
sonal safety  was  not  considered  secure  in  some  districts.  The  public  indignation 
finally  cooled,  and  sober  judgment,  on  considering  the  crude  materials  of  his  little 
force,  acquitted  him  of  every  other  fault  but  a  lack  of  competent  military  ability  and 
experience  for  the  extraordinary  occasion.  A  court  of  inquiry  investigated  his  con- 
duct, and  acquitted  him  of  censure  or  suspicion.* 

On  the  12th  of  September  Sherbrooke  and  Griffith,  with  most  of  the  troops  and  a 
greater  part  of  the  fleet,  left  Penv)b8Cot  Bay,  and,  after  capturing  Machias,*  returned 
to  Halifax.  General  Gerard  Gosselin,  a  gentleman  in  manners  and  a  brave  so'dier, 
was  left  in  command  at  Castine,  and  immediately  prepared  to  maintain  his  position 
by  thoroughly  repairing  the  fortifications  thei-e.  Old  Fort  George,  in  the  centre  of 
the  peninsula,  which  was  built  by  the  British  in  1779,*  was  repaired,  fraised,  and 

>  In  the  midst  of  the  rapine  a  committee  waited  on  Harrie,  and  told  him  that  the  people  expected  at  his  hand?  thn 
common  safeguards  of  humanilii,  if  nothing  more,  when  the  brntal  officer  rcplhul,  "  I  have  none  for  you.  My  buKiiiess 
is  to  burn,  sink,  and  destroy.  Yonr  town  Is  taken  by  storm,  and  by  the  rules  of  war  we  ought  botn  to  lay  your  vlllnt'e 
in  ashes  and  put  its  inhabitants  to  the  sword.  But  I  will  spare  your  lives,  though  I  dou't  mean  to  spare  your  huusca." 
—  WilliamiKm'ii  Hiatory  iif  Maine,  ii.,  046. 

»  This  Is  a  view  of  the  old  mecting-honse,  now  used  as  a  town-honse,  as  it  appeared  In  the  antnmn  of  1800.  On  tho 
left  is  seen  the  old  hcnrsc-house,  and  in  the  distance  is  seen  the  dwelling  of  Mr.  Swett,  mentioned  on  page  8U9  as  the 
position  of  General  Blake  when  attacked  by  the  British  on  the  morning  of  the  Sd  of  September. 

'  A  small  building  was  yet  standing  in  Hampden  when  I  was  there  in  1800,  ,«  .,^,  _ 

in  which  the  efflgy  of  General  Blake  was  made.  It  was  a  cabinet-maker's  shop, 
the  property  of  George  C.  Reed,  standing  abont  ninety  rods  from  the  town- 
house.  In  one  corner  of  it  I  saw  a  post  into  which  ft  cannon-ball  entered  dur- 
ing the  action,  and  was  still  lodged.  In  the  shop  was  a  rnde  candelabra,  used 
on  the  occasion  of  exhibiting  the  efflgy.  That  shop  is  one  of  the  scarred  relics 
of  the  fight,  and  is  represented  in  the  annexed  engraving. 

♦  Williamson's  IlUtonj  of  Maine,  ii.,  049. 

»  Machias  is  on  the  west  branch  of  the  Machlas  River,  and  capital  of  Wash- 
ington County,  Maine.  At  thfe  time  we  are  considering,  the  fort  at  that  place 
was  garrisoned  by  flftv  United  Stntes  troops  and  ten  militia,  under  the  com- 
mand of  C^aptain  Leonai-d.  When  the  British  appeared,  and  it  was  evident  that 
the  fort  could  not  be  held,  It  was  blown  up.  and  the  garrison  retreated  to  the 
block-house  near.    They  were  forced  to  fly  fiom  that,  and  escaped. 

•  In  1771),  the  British,  under  General  Francis  M'Lean,  took  possession  of  the 
peninsula  of  Bigaduce  [see  note  2,  page  897],  and  commenced  the  erection  of 
ft  fort  on  the  high  central  part  of  the  land.  The  people  of  Massachusetts  resolved  to  expel  them,  for  they  were  on 
their  territory,  Maine  being  then  a  dependent  of  the  Old  Bay  State.  They  sent  a  fleet  of  nineteen  armed  vesrels  mid 
twenty-fonr  transports,  with  almost  four  thousand  men.  Commodore  Saltonstall  was  the  naval  commander,  and  Gen- 
eral Lovell  led  the  troops.  M'Lean  was  informed  of  this  expedition  four  days  before  Us  arrival  In  Penobscot  Bay,  and 
prepared  to  receive  the  Americans.  They  arrived  on  the  28th  of  July,  and  landed  on  the  28th.  They  at  once  com. 
menccd  a  siege  of  the  fort,  and  continued  it  until  the  1.1th  of  August,  when  Lovell  was  informed  of  the  arrival  of  Sir 
George  Collier  with  a  heavy  naval  force.  Tie  immediately  re-embarked  his  troops  on  the  transports,  and  had  the  flo- 
tilla drawn  up  in  crest  .t  form  across  thi  I'cnobscot,  to  dispute  the  passage  nntll  the  troops  in  the  boats  could  flee  np 
the  river.  Collier  sailed  boldly  in,  chased  the  Americans  np  the  river,  destroyed  all  their  vessels,  and  compelled  them 
to  find  their  way  home  through  the  wilderness.  The  British  then  completed  tiie  fort,  which  they  named  George,  in  hon- 
or of  the  king. 

The  Twenty-ninth  British  Regiment,  that  was  at  the  taking  of  Castine,  was  the  same  that  was  stationed  at  Boston 


RERI>  S  BUOP. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


608 


CsBtloe  in  Ihc  Kevtilutton. 

of  tho  one  givfii  at 
The  total  Iohs  of 

at  IImiii)ilen,exclu- 
i  valuable  cargo  of 

wine,  oil,  and   silk 

hey  found  on  board 

looner    Commodore 

was    esthnated  at 

1 

indignant    sufferers 
I  a  greater  portion  of 
ic  at  Ihunpden.     His 
hers  to  attack  the  i.. 
orks  on  the  ridge  at 
1  crimes ;  and  he  wiis 
St  him  was  vehement 
1  for  a  while  his  per- 
he  public  indignation 
materials  of  his  little 
It  military  ability  and 
f  investigated  his  con- 

)8t  of  the  troops  and  a 
ing  Machias,^  returned 
rs  and  a  brave  soUlier, 
)  maintain  his  position 
rcorgc,  in  the  centre  of 
s  repaired,  fraised,  and 

[■■■lie  expected  at  hli>  hands  the 
live  none  Tor  you.  My  biiMiiesf 
e  onRht  botn  to  Iny  your  vl)l«|.'e 
n't  mean  to  spare  your  houses." 

in  the  nntnmn  of  1800.  On  the 
,  mentioned  on  page  8i)9  as  tbc 
pteuiber. 


Dew  military  Worki  at  Caatlne. 


An  Oath  of  Allegiance  exacted. 


Popularity  of  Qeuvrul  OoiiBcUn. 


ill 


RESI>'8  8U0P. 

„  expel  them,  for  they  were  on 
k  of  nineteen  armed  veps-els  mid 
fthe  naval  commander,  mid  Gcii- 
Its  arrival  in  Penobscot  Bay,  and 
hn  the  28th.  They  at  once  com- 
lis  informed  of  the  arrival  of  Sir 
Ji  the  transports,  and  had  theflo- 
Itroops  in  the  boats  conid  flee  np 
Their  vessela,  and  compelled  them 
yhich  they  named  George,  In  hon- 

,  that  was  stationed  at  Bojtoii 


UKMAINB   OK   roKT   UE(IU<il':. 


armed.  Tho  half-  moon  re- 
doubt was  rebuilt.  In  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  peninsula  new 
-vorks  were  thrown  up ;'  and 
through  the  Neck,  from 
Hatch's  Cove  to  PerkinsV 
Hack  Cove,  a  canal  was  cut. 
(ieneral  Gosselin  issued  a 
.October 81,  proclamation,"  by 
ixii-  which  he  directed 

all  the  male  i">habitaiits  be- 
tween the  I'enobseot  and  the 
boundary-line  of  New  IJruns- 
wicl  above  sixteen  years  of 
age,  to  take  an  oath  of  alle- 
uiaiicc  to  his  majesty,^  and 
iiluo  of  neutrality.  By  the 
latter  they  agreed  that  they 
would  peaceably  and  quietly 
demean  and  conduct  themselves  while  in  that  territory  ;  that  they  Avould  not  carry 

arms,  harbor  lirit- 
isli  deserters,  nor 
give  intelligence  to 
the  king's  enemies 
during  the  current 
Avar.^  The  select- 
men  of  different 

towns  were  authorized  to  administer  these  oaths  of  allegiance  and  neutrality ;  and 
the  permanent  occupation  of  the  country  by  the  British  was  quietly  accepted  by  the 
inhabitants  as  an  inevitable  necessity. 

General  Gosselin  m.-ide  himself  very  popular  at  Castinc.  The  officers  were  quar- 
tered in  private  houses,  and  paid  fairly  for  all  they  received  from  the  inhabitants.* 
The  soldiers  were  housed  in  the  court-house  and  public  school  building.  The  barn 
of  Mr.  Hook,  the  collector  of  the  port,*  was  converted  into  a  theatre,  and  play-act- 
ors from  Halifax  afforded  mucli  amusement.  Had  these  new-comers  been  friends  in- 
stead of  enemies,  the  inhabitants  of  Castine  would  have  enjoyed  their  visit,  notwith- 
standing the  citizens  suffered  many  inconveniences.  It  was  not  very  long.  Peace 
was  proclaimed  early  in  1815,  and  on  the  25th  of  April''  the  British  sailed  out 
of  Penobscot  Bay.^    The  event  was  celebrated  by  the  people  with  festivities 

i\t  the  time  of  the  "  massacre"  there  In  ITTO.  The  celebrated  Sir  John  Moore,  whose  burial  was  the  Buoject  of  Wolfe's 
immortal  poem,  commencing 

"  Not  a  gnn  was  heard,  nor  a  fnneral  note,"  etc., 
was  an  ensign  in  this  regiment,  and,  in  a  letter  to  a  fi-lond,  said  that  the  first  time  he  ever  heard  an  enemy's  gun  was 
at  Cnstlne  on  the  occasion  in  question.    He  then  commanded  a  picket. 

'  The  following  defensive  works  ganiishcd  the  peninsula  at  the  close  of  the  year :  Fort  George  ;  batteries  Shcrbrooke, 
Gowelln,  Penobscot,  Grlfnth,  Furlense,  Castine,  and  United  States ;  a  redoul)t  called  Fort  Anne ;  little  batterlcB  on  North 
and  West  Points,  and  a  block-house.  Battery  Cnptinc  was  old  Fort  Castine,  now  in  the  vlllnpe,  and  flattery  United 
States  was  the  hnlf-moon  redoubt  blown  up  by  Lewis.  It  was  originally  called  Fort  Porter,  it  having  been  construct- 
ed by  an  officer  of  that  name  in  ISOS. 

'  The  following  was  the  form  of  the  oath  of  alleciance,  copied  from  an  original,  in  manuscript,  before  me : 

"I,  A.B.,  do  swear  that  I  wHl  be  faithful,  and  bear  true  allegiance  to  his  majesty  King  George  the  Third.  So  help 
me  Ood." 

'  The  seal  and  signatnre  of  General  Gosselin  above  given  I  copied  from  Ills  proclamation  in  manuscript. 

•  See  note  1,  page  004. 

»  Mr.  Hook  had  the  good  fortune  to  escape  fl-om  Castine  with  the  public  papers  before  the  British  landed. 

•  llittory  of  Aeadie,  PenobHeot  Ban  ""li  IH^fr,  by  .Toseph  Whipple,  1810;  //tViton/  of  the  State  of  Maiw,  by  William  D. 
Wlllinms,  In  two  volumes,  18ii2 :  MS.  Xarralive  of  the  War  in  Maine,  placed  In  the  author's  hands  by  the  Hon.  .Toseph 
Williamson,  of  Belfast ;  Oral  and  written  statements  to  the  author  by  Dr.  John  Mason  and  the  widow  of  the  Rev.  WII- 


»  1816. 


MBMINTO  OP  TUB  BBITIBO  AT  OABTtNS. 


and  rejoicings.  Within  a  few  days  aft. 
erward  not  an  armed  enemy  remained 
westward  of  the  St.  Croix  River  and 
Passamaquoddy  Bay.  Peace,  joy,  tran- 
quillity, and  prosperity  came  with  the 
birds  and  blossoms  in  the  spring  of  1815- 
and  from  that  day  until  now  no  foreign 
enemy  has  ever  appeared  on  our  coast 
with  hostile  intentions,  and  probably 
never  will.' 

T  visited  most  of  the  places  mentioned 
in  this  chapter  in  the  month  of  Novem- 
ber, 1800.     Leaving   New  York  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  16th,  I  arrived  in  Bos- 
ton at  midnight,  and  spent  three  days 
there  visiting  men  and  places  associated 
with  the  War  of  1812,  in  company  with 
a  friend,^  to  whom  I  had  been  indebted 
for  kind  attentions  and  information  while 
seeking  materials  for  my  Pictorial  Field-book  of  the  Eevoliition  twelve  years  before, 
In  East  Boston^  wo  visited  Mr.  Samuel  Dillaway,  who  was  a  soldier  and  a  priva- 
teersman  in  the  war.     He  was  captured  on  board  the  privateer  Sine  qua  nan,  put 
into  a  prison-ship  at  Gibraltar,  sent  to  England,  and  finally  exchanged.    He  informed 
us  that  the  authorities  in  charge  of  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  and  sending  them  in 
cartel  ships  to  America,  generally  subjected  their  victims  to  as  much  annoyance  as 
possible.     They  were  in  the  habit  of  sending  prisoners  whose  homes  were  in  the 
Northern  States  to  some  Southern  port,  and  those  from  Southern  States  to  Northern 
ports.     This  produced  exasperation,  and  in  miiiiy  instances  the  prisoners  rose  and 
took  possession  of  the  ship.     That  was  the  case  when  Mr.  Dillaway  came  in  the  biig 
Shakespeare.    The  captain  was  ordered  to  a  Southern  port.    The  prisoners  too' 
session  of  the  ship  and  sailed  her  into  Boston. 

We  went  to  the  site  of  Fort  Strong,  in  East  Boston,*  saw  some  of  its  reiiiiuung 
mounds,  and  then  started  to  visit  Fort  Warren,  on  Governor's  Island,  which  became 
famous  as  a  prison  for  political  oiTenders  during  the  late  Civil  War.  The  sea  was 
too  rough  for  a  skiff,  and  we  contented  ourselves  with  gazing  at  the  venerable  fort- 
ress from  the  highest  part  of  East  Boston.  We  turned,  and  in  a  two-wheeled  chaise 
rode  over  to  Charlestown,  dined  with  Mr.  Frothingham,  the  accomplished  author  of 
The  Siege  of  Boston,^  who  then  lived  in  the  shadow  of  Bunker's  Hill  Monument,  on 
Monument  Square,  and  with  him  visited  Mr.  Byron,  one  of  the  last  survivors  of  the 
crew  of  the  frigate  Constitution.  He  was  a  Baltimorean  and  a  musician.  He  en- 
tered the  land  service,  but,  preferring  the  sea,  became  a  fifer  on  board  the  Constitu- 
tion, and  was  made  a  "  minute-man ;"  that  is  to  say,  one  ready  to  fight  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning.  As  such  he  fought  gallantly  in  the  actions  of  that  vessel,  and  was 
highly  commended  by  his  superiors.  Mr.  Byron  was  lively  and  fluent  in  conversa- 
tion, and  entertained  us  for  an  hour  with  grave  and  humorous  narratives  of  his  expe- 
rience in  the  service.     He  has  passed  away  since  my  visit. 

liam  Mason,  of  Bnngor ;  Major  Croflhy  and  Mrs.  Stetson,  of  Hampden ;  Dr.  Joseph  L.  Stevens  and  Samnel  T.  Noycf,  of 
Castine,  and  Jndge  WilUams,  of  Belfast. 

1  A  curious  memento  of  the  British  at  Castine  was  yet  in  existence  when  I  visited  that  place  in  1860.  It  was  an  out- 
line of  the  British  flag  above  that  of  the  American  flag,  and  the  words  "  Yanlcee  Doodle  npeet,"  cut  by  Lieutensnt  El- 
liot, of  the  British  Army,  with  a  diamond  on  a  window-pane  In  the  house  of  Mrs.  Whitney,  where  some  of  the  officers 
were  qoartered.  That  pane  of  glass  was  the  only  one  In  the  sash  at  the  time  of  my  visit  that  was  not  badly  cracked. 
The  above  engraving  is  a  fac-simile  of  the  diamond-etching,  slightly  reduced.  '  Frederick  Kidiier,  E*). 

3  Noddle's  Island.    It  contained  26,000  Inhabitants  iu  1800.  ♦Page  892. 

»  Uistory  qfthe  Sieye  ({fJBoaton,  etc.,  by  Bichard  Frothingham,  Jnn. 


OF   THE    WAR   OP    1812. 


005 


on  the  New  England  Uuut. 

thin  a  few  days  aft- 
L'd  enemy  remuined 
t.  Croix  River  and 
y.  Peace,  joy,  tran- 
rity  came  with  the 
n  the  spring  of  181 5; 
until  now  no  foreign 
peared  on  our  coast 
tions,  and  probably 

the  places  mentioned      j 
he  month  of  Novcm-      I 
g   New  York  in  the 
3th,  I  arrived  in  Bos- 
md  spent  three  days 
and  places  associated 
B12,  in  company  with 
I  I  had  been  indebted 
and  information  while 
I  twelve  years  before, 
a  soldier  and  a  priva- 
3er  Sine  qua  non,  \M 
hanged.     He  informed 
i,  and  sending  them  in 
18  much  annoyance  as 
se  homes  were  in  the 
prn  States  to  Northern 
.he  prisoners  rose  and 
away  came  in  the  brig 
le  prisoners  too' 

some  of  its  rcn.uiaiij; 
Island,  which  became 
War.    The  sea  was 
at  the  venerable  fort- 
.  a  two-wheeled  chaise 
ccomplished  author  of 
r's  Hill  Monument,  on 
last  survivors  of  the 
d  a  musician.    He  en- 
on  board  the  Constitn- 
sady  to  fight  at  a  mo- 
of  that  vessel,  and  was 
md  fluent  in  conversa- 
narrativesofhisexpe- 


Nivjr  Yard  at  Cbarlentown, 


The  Figure-head  of  the  CotutUuHon. 


The  Place  of  her  Conitrnctlon. 


ilfN 


Itevens  and  Samnel  T.Noyw,ot 

,at  place  In  1800.  Itwasanojt- 
die  upset,"  cut  by  Llentenant  E)- 
Itney,  where  some  of  the  offlceri 
risit  that  was  not  badly  cracW. 
■^  a  Frederick  Kiduer,  Esq. 

4  Page  S92. 


•1834. 


BILLET-UEAD. 


At  Charlcstown  wo  visited  the  national  dock-yard,  and  at 
tiio  head  of  the  dry-dock  saw  upon  a  post,  over  a  lunij),  the 
billet-head  which  the  Constitution  had  boi-ne  during  lier  bat- 
tles in  the  War  of  1812.'  It  was  the  one  which  Coininod(»re 
Elliott  removed  in  1834  while  she  was  lying  at  that  station, 
and  put  in  its  place  a  bust  of  (ieneral  Jackson,  then  President 
of  the  United  States.  The  substitution  of  tliat  image  for  the 
old  billet-head  which  had  braved  tlie  storms  of  battle  and  the 
seas  during  the  War  of  1812  was  considered  an  unpatriotic 
act,  and  was  vehemently  denounced  by  the  Opposition  as  a 
partisan  outrage.  Elliott  was  assailed  in  newspapers,  hand- 
billH,2  and  speeches,  and  was  threatened  with  violence  in 
anonymous  letters  if  he  did  not  remove  the  obnoxious  efti- 
gy.  He  disregarded  all  complaints ;  so,  one  night,  early  in 
July,»  during  a  feaiful  storm  of  wind,  lightning,  and 
rain,  a  daring  young  man  from  New  York  went  out  to 
the  ship  in  a  skiff,  sawed  off  the  head  of  the  image,  and  car- 
ried it  to  Boston.  Great  efforts  were  made  to  discover  the 
mutilator  of  a  government  vessel,  but  in  vain.  The  excite- 
ment died  away,  and  at  near  the  close  of  Jackson's  adminis- 
tration the  iconoclast  went  to  Washington  City,  called  on  the 
President,  frankly  acknowledged  his  exploit,  and  assured  him  that  it  was  only  a 
"young  man's  daio-dovil  adventure."  Fie  amused  more  than  angered  the  President, 
who  told  him  he  should  not  be  harmed. 

In  the  museum  of  the  Navy  Yard  at  Charlestown  we  saw  a  beautiful  alabaster 
model  of  the  monument  erected  to  the  memory  of  Lieutenant  Allen,  at  Hudson,  New 
York,  Under  it,  in  a  glass-case,  were  a  lock  of  Allen's  hair,  and  the  bullet  which 
caused  liis  death.  We  found  little  else  of  interest  connected  with  the  history  of  the 
War  of  1812,  and,  after  a  brief  visit  to  Bunker's  Hill  Monument,  returned  to  Boston. 
On  the  following  day  ihe  writer  went  out  to  Salem  by  railway,  sixteen  miles  from 
Boston,  and  visited  Fort  Pickering,  Marblehead,  and  other  points  of  interest,  in  com- 
pany with  a  citizen  of  Salem.  If  was  a  cold  November  morning,  and  with  difficulty 
the  pencil  was  used  in  sketching  the  exterior  of  Fort  Pickering,  seen  on  page  891,  and 
the  view  of  the  interior  (see  next  page),  drawn  while  standing  on  t!ie  southern  ram- 
parts of  the  fortification,  looking  northward  toward  Beverly.  This  fort  was  built  in 
1798,  and  named  in  honor  of  the  eminent  Timothy  Pickering,  who  was  born  in  that 
town,  and  whose  remains  lie  buried  in  its  soil.     It  was  an  irregular  work,  occupied 

about  an  acre  of  ground,  and  commanded  the  harbor  and  the  entrance  to  the  North 

1 . 

'  The  original  flsure-head  of  the  Conxtitution  was  a  bn«t  of  Ilcrcnles.  It  was  shot  away  In  the  Tripolitan  war  [see 
Chapter  VI],  and  its  place  supplied  with  the  blllct-hcad  delineated  lu  the  engraving. 

'One  of  these,  posted  about  the  streets  of  Boston,  was  headed,  "Fbekmen,  awake!  or  the  CoNSTirnTios  wm, 
piSKi!"  It  then  went  on  to  sny  that  the  President  had  issued  orders  "for  a  colossal  figure  of  his  royal  «?(/,  in  Roman 
costnme,  to  be  placed  as  a  flgurc-head  on  Old  Ironbideb."  It  appealed  to  the  most  excitable  people  and  passions  to 
"save  the  ship"  by  the  cry  of  "all  hands  on  deck."  It  asked  the  citizens  to  assemble  at  Fnneuii  Hail  to  take  action 
affainst  the  outrage.  "North  Enders!"  It  exclaimed,  "shall  this  Boston-bnilt  ship  be  thus  disgraced  without  remon- 
strance f  Let  this  wooden  i/orf— this  old  Roman,  builded  at  the  expense  of  three  hundred  dollars  of  tiie  people's  money, 
be  presented  to  the  office-holders,  who  glory  in  such  worship,  bnt,  for  God's  sake,  save  tub  suir  from  this  foul  disgrace." 
It  was  signed  "  A  North  Ender." 

The  Constitution  was  built  where  Constitution  Wharf  now  is,  at  what  was  called,  even  before  the  Revolution,  The 
North  Eud— that  is,  of  Boston.  It  was  the  place  for  ship-building,  and  trom  the  Revolution  until  the  War  of  1812  it  was 
the  focus  of  groat  political  power.  Samnel  Adams  was  bom  in  that  section  of  the  town,  and  always  had  great  influence 
with  the  people  there.  The  caulkers  were  a  numerous  class,  and  with  these  Adams  held  ir.any  secret  meetings  when  the 
revolntionary  movements  were  going  on  from  1704  to  1774.  These  were  known  as  the  "  Caulkers'  meetings,"  where 
revolutionary  measures  were  proposed  and  perfected.  From  this  fact  has  come  the  word  caucus  in  our  political  nomen- 
clature—the private  gathering  of  politicians  to  arrange  for  a  political  campaign.  It  is  said  that  these  caulkers  of 
Adams's  time  were  mostly  descendants  of  the  Huguenots. 

'  Oral  statement  to  the  author  by  the  adventurer.  He  is  yet  (1807)  living— a  small,  fearless,  shrewd,  energetic  busl- 
nesB  man,  with  a  character  above  reproach  in  private  life.  Upon  his  address  card  he  yet  has  the  device  of  a  iiand-saw, 
aad  the  words  of  Csesar— "  I  came,  I  saw,  I  conqaered,"  in  allusion  to  the  exploit  of  bis  earlier  daya. 


\        lit!  I 


I     !|, 


;I-! 


'1  f " 


000 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-nOOK 


ForU  PIckorlug  and  I^e, 


Balem  Harbor  and  itR  HurroondliiK' 


BItuatton  of  Marblchcnd. 


aiifl  South  Hivprs,  ns  tlio  cs- 

limi'u'H  lire  called  wliiiii  cm- 

imco  the  |)('iiiiiH\ila.    Uh  oin- 

(Uukiiu'iitM,  coiupoHcd  ot'cartli 

and  sl(»ii(',c'X('ej)tiiijj  tho  hiick 

wall  ill  till!  rear  {hvv  ])i('tuiv 

oil  \)n<^^'   Hl)l),  wore   alxjiit 

eijj;ht  leet  in  hei<jlit,  and  well 

|)reserveil.    TliedHicer.s'iiiiai- 

ters  (seen  on  the  ii,i,dit),liuilt 

of  brick,  an<l  wliadod  by  balm 

ofClilead  trccH,  were  well  \nv 

served.     There    the    keejicr, 

Sergeant  llouben  Cahooii,  w- 

Hided.     He  was  Heveiily-(me 

years  of" age  when  I  was  tlieii'. 

I  le  was  a  soldier  on  the  North- 

Hjui'  noKKBiNo,  NKAB  sAiKM,  IN  1800,  (jfn  frotitior  jii  1812,  aiid  yt't 

carried  a  ball  in  his  leg  which  he  received  at  the  battle  of  Plattsburg.     His  wife  was 

his  only  companion. 

Not  far  from  Fort  Picker- 
ing wc  passed  the  remains  of 
Fort  Lee,  near  the  house  of 
Mr.  Welch,  at  the  western  end 
of  the  causeway  leading  to 
Winter  Island.  It  was  an  ir- 
regular work,  built  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  War  nf  1812, 
and  occupied  a  very  com- 
manding position,  especially 
as  the  guardian  of  JJeverly 
Harbor.  It  also  commanded 
Salem  Harbor,  in  a  degree. 
From  its  mounds,  now  eight 
or  ten  feet  in  height,  we  ob-  'i^ 
tained  fine  views  of  Salem, 
Beverly,  and  the  Avhole  outer 
harbor.  The  Avater  which  it 
was  chiefly  designed  to  watch 
over  and  protect  was  the  estuary  called  Bass  River.  It  extends  up  to  Danvers,  or 
Old  Salem  Village,*  and  was  the  one  spanned  by  the  famous  "Leslie  Bridge"^  of  tlii' 
Revolution. 

Returning-  to  Salem,  we  rode  out  to  Marlilehead.  After  passing  a  fine  avenue  skirt- 
ed with  lofty  elms,  we  crossed  the  Forest  River,  near  the  Forest  City  Mills,  anil,  as- 
cending the  gentle  slope  of  Marblehead  promontory,  soon  came  to  the  village  lyins; 
at  the  head  of  a  bay  in  which  there  is  a  good  harbor.  The  village  is  situated  amom.' 
rocks,  and  the  street  lines  are  so  irregular  in  some  places  that  it  appears  as  if  the 
houses  might  have  dropped  from  the  clouds,  and  the  ways  among  them  had  been  laid 
out  afterward.     It  was  quite  natural  for  the  celebrated  Whitcfield,  on  entering  tho 

»  At  Danvers  Governor  Endleott  and  his  associates  made  the  first  settlement  In  1628.  There  was  the  scene  of  "  Salem 
Witchcraft,"  and  there  the  famons  General  Israel  Pntnam  was  bom.  A  pear-tree  planted  by  Governor  Endlcott  yet 
(IMT)  bears  frnit.  It  was  planted  at  about  the  time  the  Stiivvesnnt  pear-tree  In  the  city  of  New  York,  that  died  in 
lS6fl,  wag  brought  ftom  Holland.  »  See  Losslng's  Field-book  of  the  Bevolutum,  11,  8T4,  note  2. 


UKMAINH  OF    FORT    LEK,  bAI.LM. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1819. 


907 


BltuattoD  of  Mkrbltheiui 


Kurt  s«wiitl  and  lU  Keeper. 


AKumllyorHoldlen. 


Marblehend  diirInK  the  lievulutlon. 


town,  and  M'l'injj  no  vcrdnn-  us  in<lit'!iliv(>  of  Koil,  to  in<|iiin',  "  I'luy,  wlu'iv  do  they 
bury  llii'ir  dfiulV"'  It  wuh  inlmbilod  chictly  bfciuisu  of  itH  udviiiitanfH  und  ron- 
voniencc  as  a  fishing  jmrt,  ti  churactt-r  which  it  has  alwayH  bonu'.''  Its  tradu  wuh 
alinoat  wliolly  tk'stroyed  during  tho  Uevohition,^  but  it  revived  booh  afterward. 


MABIILEUBAI)  lURIIOH.* 


Mil 


ith 


^'  -fSf'r 


H>ltT   HKWAI,!,.'' 


3I0UH,  With  many  rocky  islaiidR 
trance.  On  the  liigh  promon- 
tory near  tlie  viUage  was  Fort 
Scwail,  built  'n  the  year  1800, 
and  rebuilt  eauy  in  tlic  War 
of  1812.  When  I  visited  it 
Mrs.  Maria  T.  Perkins  was  tlie 
United  States  Agent  in  charge 
of  tlie  property  there,  liaving 
been  a  resident  of  Fort  Sewall 
since  1835.  She  was  an  ener- 
getic woman,  and  with  the 
greatest  courtesy  she  received 
and  entertained  us.  On  the 
floor  of  one  of  lier  rooms  was 
a  carpet  ofwliich  she  was  just- 
ly proud.  It  was  made  en- 
tirely of  the  clothes  of  her  fa- 
ther (Sergeant  Stephen  Twist, 
of  the  Continental  Army)  and  her  two  brothers,  worn  by  th-^m  during  tlie  War  of 
1812.  They  were  ever  afterward  in  the  military  service  of  the  United  States  up 
to  1857."  She  was  engaged  in  piecing  it  during  twenty  years.  The  carj)et  was 
woven  by  Mrs.  Perkins  and  her  daughter,  in  Fort  Sewall,  a  few  months  before  my 
visit,  and  took  a  premium  at  a  Fair  in  Boston. 

On  returning  to  Salem  I  liad  the  pleasure  of  meeting  T)r.  Benjamin  F.  Browne,  a 
native  of  that  place,  who  entered  the  naval  service  as  surgeon's  mate  in  the  })rivateer 
Alfred,  in  September,  1612,  when  lie  was  only  nineteen  years  of  age.  While  in  the 
schooner  Frolic,  in  the  West  Indies,  he  was  captured,  taken  to  Barbadoes,  sent  to  En- 

1  Barber's  Ilietorical  CoUffiliotvi  of  MasmrhunHts,  pnge  201,  note. 

2  A  hundred  years  ngo  there  were  between  thirty  and  forty  ships,  scows,  and  topsaii-scliooners  owned  in  Marblehead, 
and  cngafied  in  foreign  trade ;  and  In  1770  it  contained  a  greater  number  of  inhabitants  than  any  town  in  Massachn- 
wlt«  excepting  Boston. 

'The  inhabitants  were  very  patriotic.  In  1774,  when  the  port  of  Boston  was  closed  by  order  of  Parllnmcnt,  the  in 
habitants  offered  the  nse  of  their  harbor  to  the  Boston  mcrcliants.  They  also  ftirnished  an  entire  regiment,  fully  offl- 
rerert,  for  tbe  Continental  Army.  Blbridge  Gerry,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  was  born  at 
Marblehead. 

•  This  slcetch  was  made  from  the  gravelly  beach.  On  the  left  is  seen  Fort  Sewall,  and  on  the  extreme  right,  In  the 
liletance,  Marblehead  Point.    Toward  the  left,  and  extending  behind  Fort  Sewall,  is  seen  Lowell  Island. 

'  In  this  view,  ft-om  the  entrance  to  the  fort,  with  baclf  to  the  harbor,  is  seen  the  row  of  boml)-proof  casemates,  with 
arched  windows  and  doors.    Above  them  is  seen  the  offlcers'  quarters,  builtof  briclc,  in  which  Mrs.  Perliins  resided. 

*  The  aggregate  tipie  of  military  service  by  her  father  and  two  brothers  was  about  one  hundred  years. 


I 


1^ 


i 

il; 

i 

^l*fit«*H^» 


903 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


/: 


//C/>yyo 


.^s. 


'/njfjjtie^ 


A  Survivor  of  the  Dartmoor  Prison.         Rettiin  to  Boston  from  Sr.lem.         Journey  to  Boston  and  Voyago  to  Castine. 

gland,  and  confined  six  months  in  the 
notorious  Dartmoor  prison,  of  which  I 
shall  write  hereafter.  The  cartd  sliip 
Anne^  in  which  he  was  sent  homo,  was 
ordered  to  Norfolk.  Most  of  the  priv 
oners  were  from  New  England  and 
New  York.  They  seized  the  ship,  and 
sailed  into  New  York  in  .Tune,  1815. 
Dr.  Browne  was  in  the  Dartmoor  pris- 
on at  tht  time  of  the  massacre  there, 
and  published  an  interesting  sketch  of 
it  in  the  Democratic  Heview,  1845.' 
The  prisoners  were  chiefly  privateers- 
men,  and  a  verj"^  large  proportion  of 
them  were  from  New  England.  He 
furnished  me  with  a  list  of  the  names 
of  more  than  one  hundred  survivors 
k»'own  to  be  living  in  the  vicinity  of 
Salem  at  the  time  of  my  visit. 

In  the  evening  I  had  an  interview 
with  Mr.  William  Leavitt,  a  teacher  of 
navigation  at  Salem,  who  was  living 
there  during  the  war,  and  saw  the  Con- 
stitution chased  into  Marblehead  by  liic 
British  frigates  Junon  and  Tenedos,  early  in  April,  1814.  Mr.  Leavitt  was  a  careful 
investigator  and  chronicler ;  and  he  furnished  me  with  a  most  interesting  list  of  all 
the  privateers  fitted  out  at  Salem  during  the  war,  and  of  the  names,  armament,  ton- 
nage, oommanders,  etc.,  of  all  the  prizes  taken  by  them  during  that  period. 

I  passed  the  night  at  Salem,  returned  to  BonLon  the  next  day,  and  toward  evening 
departed  on  a  visit  to  the  theatre  of  the  sti'ring  historic  scenes  on  the  Penobscot  Bay 
and  River,  in  Maine,  in  the  year  1814.  I  traveled  on  the  Eastern  Railway  to  Port- 
land, one  hundred  and  seven  miles,  where  I  embarked  for  Belfas-t,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  in  the  steamer  Daniel  Webster.  It  was  a  rough  and  stormy  night  on  the 
Atlantic,  but  we  made  the  voyage  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles  in  good  lime. 
When  we  entered  Penobscot  Bay  at  dawn,  the  storm-clouds  had  passed  away,  and 
the  sun  shone  out  brilliantly  when  we  landed  at  Belfast  between  seven  and  eight 
•  November  19,  o'clock  in  the  morning."  Soon  after  breakfast  I  sailed  in  the  little  piiek- 
***"'*■  et  Spy  (formerly  a  Boston  pilot-boat),  with  raking  masts  and  schooner- 

rigged,  for  Castine,  on  the  eastern  side  of  Penobscot  Bay.  A  stiff  breeze  had  sprung 
up  from  the  northwest,  and  before  it  we  ran  across  the  bay,  thirteen  miles,  in  little 
more  than  an  hour.  It  was  an  exhilarating  voyage.  We  entered  the  picturesque 
harbor  of  Castine  at  eleven  o'clock,  and,  after  a  pleasant  and  profitable  interview  Avith 
Dr.  Joseph  L.  Stevens  and  Samuel  T.  Noyes,  Esq.  (the  former  a  physician  and  the  lat- 
ter a  ship-builder  of  Castine),  I  rambled  over  the  interesting  peninsula  with  an  intel- 
ligent lad  who  was  familiar  with  the  historical  localities.  A  portion  of  the  peninsula 
is  high,  rocky,  and  covered  with  evergreens,  while  its  southwestern  slope  is  wet  and 
spongy,  bare,  and  abounding  in  juniper  bushes.  Tiie  village  of  Castine  is  beautifully 
situated  on  a  slope  overlooking  several  picturesque  islands.  It  is  said  to  be  the 
wealthiest  town  in  Maine  in  proportion  to  its  size,  and  is  the  seat  of  customs  of  the 
Penobscot  district. '^ 

•  Dr.  Browne  was  a  member  of  the  MaBsaclniBetts  Le^elature  In  1831,  and  of  the  State  Senate  in  1848.    He  was  In  the 
enjoyment  of  remarltal)le  health,  having  never  been  sick  in  his  life. 
>  Castine  is  a  pleasant  town  of  about  fifteen  hundred  inhabitants,  whoso  principal  business  Is  fishing  and  ship-bailil' 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812, 


909 


on  and  Voyage  to  Castlne. 


MementoB  of  the  War  at  Castine. 


Fort  George  and  View  from  It. 


Kemaina  of  Fort  Oantine. 


We  first  visited  Fort  Geort^e,'  the  principal  military  work  on  the  peninsula,  which 
lies  northwestward  of  the  town.  A  sketch  of  a  portion  of  the  ruins  from  the  south 
bastion  is  given  on  page  903,  in  which  one  of  the  casemates  is  seen.  In  that  bastion 
was  tiie  bomb-proof  magazine.  That,  and  all  of  the  casemates,  excepting  the  one  de- 
lineated, built  of  brick  and  stone,  had  becij  carried  away  for  building  purposes.  The 
fort  was  a  quadrangle,  with  bastions  at  each  angle.  The  ditch  was  dug  down  to  the 
flat  rock,  about  six  feet  deep.  The  banks  were  about 
eighteen  feet  in  height  from  the  bottom  of  the  ditch 
when  I  visited  it,  and  were  covered  with  a  hard  sward. 
Near  the  fort  lay  a  24-pound  iron  cannon — a  relic  of 
the  War  of  1812 — on  a  decayed  carriage,  whic^.  the 
citizens  on  some  occasion  had  dragged  up  from  the 
old  half-moon  redoubt  (Fort  Porter)  on  the  shore, 
where  two  of  the  same  kind  yet  lay. 

The  view  from  the  banks  of  Fort  George  is  very  interesting  at  every  point.     The 
little  picture  gives  an  outline  of  the  scenery  around  the  head  of  Penobscot  Bay,  look- 


VIEW    FROM   FORT   OKOROE. 

ing  northwestward  from  the  fort.  On  the  extreme  right  is  the  entrance  to  the  canal 
across  Castine  Neck,  cut  by  the  British.  This  canal  was  about  twelve  feet  in  width 
and  eighty  rods  in  length,  and  made  Castine,  or  Bigaduce  j)enin8ula,  an  island.  It 
is  now  crossed  by  a  bridge.     Between  the  promontory  seen  beyond  Brigadier  Island 

ing.  It  derives  its  name  fi'om  tlie  Bnron  de  Castin,  a  French  no1)1eman,  who  established  a  residence  there  in  188T, 
married  the  daughter  of  Modockawando,  a  Penobscot  Indian  chief,  built  a  fort,  and  opened  a  profitable  trade  with  the 
natives,  among  whom  he  introduced  Christianity  in  the  form  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  and  gaimil  the  greatest 
influence  over  them.  The  baron  lived  there  thirty  years,  and  then  returned  to  France,  leaving  his  domiiin  in  possession 
of  his  hnlf-blood  son,  Cnstln  the  Younger,  who  was  a  man  of  dome  education.  When  the  country  fell  into  the  control 
of  the  English,  after  the  fall  of  Louisburg  in  1746,  the  Castine  family  abandoned  it,  and  it  became  permanently  settled 
bytheEugiishin  1700. 

Castin  was  a  foe  to  the  New  Englanders.  lie  taught  the  Indians  around  him  the  nse  of  fire-arms,  and  he  frequently 
co-operated  with  them  in  their  attacks  on  the  frontier  New  England  settlements.  The  penalty  for  these  sins  of  the  fa- 
ther was  unrighteously  visited  npon  the  son,  who  was  really  a  friend  to  the  English.  In  IT'il  he  wjs  secured  and  car- 
ried to  Boston,  and  there  kept  a  prisoner  for  several  months.    The  ruins  of  Castin's  fort,  now  (1S07)  in  the  suburbs  of 


BEMAIH8  OF  FORT  OASTINE. 


Ihe  village  of  Castine,  on  the  property  of  Mr.  Oeorgo  Webb,  arc  nearly  obliterated.  Indeed,  the  monnda  now  seen  are 
the  remains  of  the  embankments  cast  up  In  1S12  on  those  of  the  ancient  fort.  In  the  above  view  are  seen  the  remains 
ofthefort,  Castine  River,  and  the  islands  In  front  of  Ihe  village,  with  the  high  head  of  a  peninsula.  The  highest  |)otnts 
are  called  the  Caterpillar  and  Ilnekctt's  Hills.  The  lillle  Island  with  the  evergreens,  between  the  two  vessels  on  the 
rljht,  is  Noddle's.  '  Ou  the  land  of  the  heirs  of  Captain  Joseph  I'erkln'',  near  the  vcsidcuce  of  Charles  Abbott,  Ksq. 


910 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Remains  of  Fortifications  near  Castiue. 


Voyage  up  the  Penobscot. 


Historical  Localities. 


BKMAI^H  Of   FORT   OBIKFITII.' 


(then  the  pi-operty  of  David  Soars,  of  Boston),  near  the  centre  of  the  picture,  is  sion 
the  mouth  of  the  Penobscot  River.  On  the  extreme  left,  over  the  cedar-covered  point 
of  land  called  Banks's  Head,  is  seen  Belfast,  thirteen  miles  distant. 

J'rora  Fort  George  we  wont 


down  the  northwestern  slope 
toward  the  Neck  to  the  re- 
mains of  Fort  Griffith,  one  of 
the  larger  redoubts  built  l)v 
the  British,  and  named  in 
honor  of  the  English  admiral. 
It  was  intended  to  guard  tlic 
Neck.  There  was  another, 
called  Fort  Gosselin  in  honor 
of  the  general,  just  above  tlu' 
present  bridge  over  the  canal.  After  sketching  the  remains  of  Fort  Griffith,  we  visit- 
ed those  of  two  or  three  others,  and  then  hastened  back  to  Castine,  and  embarked  in 
the  Spy  for  Belfast.  It  was  toward  evening,  and  the  light  wind  was  directly  aiiead. 
The  voyage  was  long  and  tedious,  and  it  was  almost  eight  o'clock  before  I  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  comforts  of  a  warm  supper  at  our  destined  haven,  where  I  hud  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  Judge  Joseph  Williamson,  son  of  the  historian  of  Maine,  and  to 
whom  I  am  indebted  for  valuable  information. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st  I  left  Belfast  for  Hampden  on  the  steamer  Sanford. 
Cai)tain  C  B.  Sanford,  which  plied  between  Boston  and  Bangor.  The  voyage  up  th( 
Penobscot — the  winding,  picturesque  Penobscot — was  a  delightful  one,  and  was  made 
particularly    instructive    to 

me  by  Captain  Sanford,  who  ,,  ■     i:  i.  ■\^"'*:  "  ^  ^ '^^^"^^ 

kindly   pointed  out  every  a^ 

place  and  object  of  interest 
on  the  way.  Fourteen  miles 
from  Belfast  we  passed  Fort 
Point,  a  bluff  with  a  light- 
house upon  it.^ 

Opposite  Bucksport,  on  the 
rugged  hills,  the  solid  mason- 
ry of  a  stupendous  fortifica- 
tion, called  Fort  Knox,  in  process  of  erection,  was  seen,  with  the  small  village  of  Pros- 
pect nestled  near.  A  little  above  we  passed  Indian  Point,  made  famous  as  the  site 
of  a  conflict  between  the  savages  and  Captain  Ciiui-ch,  the  decapitator  of  the  slain 
King  Philii).  Farther  on  we  entered  Marsh  Bay,  in  which  the  British  invading  squad- 
ron lay  one  night  on  their  way  toward  Hamj)den.^  It  is  an  expansion  of  the  Penob- 
scot, and  at  its  head  lies  the  pretty  little  village  of  Frankfort.  Westward  rises  tlu' 
Musquito  Mountain,  a  huge  mass  of  granite,  ivhere,  it  seems,  quarrying  might  bo  car- 
ried on  for  a  thousand  years.  In  Frankfort,  M'Glathry's  store-house  was  jKjintod  o\il 
as  the  recipient  of  a  British  cannon-ball  when  the  invaders  landed  there  in  Septoni- 
ber,  1814;*  and  about  a  mile  above  the  landing  my  attention  was  called  to  a  thick 
Norway  pine,  the  only  one  in  that  region,  which  bears  the  name  of "  Tiie  Bacon 
Tree."  It  is  a  round,  compact  ti'ee,  its  short  trunk  composed  apparently  of  a  groii|i 
of  smaller  ones,  and  the  limbs  so  near  the  ground  that  it  is  difficult  to  get  under  it. 

'  On  the  left  is  seen  Banks's  Head,  on  which  were  batteries.  One  was  named  Furieute,  as  It  was  armed  with  cannon 
taken  from  ii  French  vessel  of  that  name,  by  the  Kngllsh.    On  the  rlpht  Is  BriKndier  Island  and  month  of  the  Penobecol 

1  For  the  protection  of  the  Penobscot  Kivcr,  Governor  Pownnll  oauscd  a  fort  to  be  built  on  this  point  In  17HB.  Ho 
made  an  expedition  from  Iloston  for  the  imn'ose  with  three  hundred  and  Ihlrly-thrce  men.  It  was  completed  In  July 
at  a  cost  of  nearly  ilSOflO.  It  was  named  Fort  Pownall.  Some  remains  of  It  may  yet  be  seen.  It  was  (garrisoned  until 
the  Revolution,  when  It  was  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  the  British  by  a  Tory  commander.       '  Page  898.       ♦  Pago  899. 


FOBT  POINT. 


Illstorical  Localities. 

the  picture,  is  seen 
cedar-covered  point 
t. 

''ort  George  we  wont 
>  northwestern  nlopc 
:he  Neck  to  the  ro- 
Fort  Griffith,  out' of 
n-  redoubts  built  hy 
tish,  and   nanu'd  in 
the  English  admiral, 
itended  to  guard  the 
Tliere  was   anotlicr, 
ort  Gossclin  in  lionor 
sneral,  just  o,bovc  tlio 
fort  Griffith,  wo  visit- 
ine,  and  embarked  in 
1  was  directly  ahead. 
,ock  before  I  was  ad- 
vex\,  where  I  had  tlu' 
rian  of  Maine,  and  to 

Lhe  steamer  Sanford. 

The  voyage  up  the 

till  one,  and  was  made 


small  village  of  Pros- 
lo  famous  as  the  siti' 
capitator  of  the  slain 
itish  invading  squad- 
)ansion  of  the  Peuob- 
Westward  rises  thu 
arryiug  might  be  car- 
louse  was  pointed  out 
idod  there  in  Scpteni- 
was  called  to  a  thick 
name  of  "The  Bacon 
.pparently  of  a  grouji 
fficult  to  get  under  it. 

.,  as  It  was  armed  with  cannon 
1(1  and  mouth  of  tlin  Pciii)bsoot. 
iillt  on  this  point  in  ITim.  He 
icn.  It  was  compli'tcd  In  July 
seen.  It  was  garrisoned  nnf.l 
3  Page  888.       «Fa({cSii9. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   18  12. 


911 


The  Bacon  Tree. 


A  Visit  to  Hampden. 


Jonmey  to  Buugur. 


THE    HACON    TKKK. 


I  had  a  good  view  of  it  th»-iigh  a  telescope,  by  which  I 
was  enabled  to  make  the  annexed  sketch.  It  derived  its 
name  from  the  circumstance  that  when  the  British  land- 
ed, a  citizen  of  Frankfort,  having  a  large  quantity  of  ba- 
con, carried  it  to  this  tree,  and  hung  the  pieces  in  the 
branches  to  conceal  them  from  the  foe.  The  measure 
was  successful.  The  British  passed  along  the  road  a  short 
distance  from  the  tree  without  observing  its  savory  fruit, 
and  the  man  saved  his  bacon.  In  a  cove  oif  Oak  Point, 
two  or  tliree  miles  above  Frankfort,  we  saw  the  ribs  of 
the  Warren,  one  of  the  Massachusetts  vessels  destroyed 
by  the  British  when  they  took  Castine  in  1779.' 

We  landed  at  Hampden  at  an  early  liour,  and  T  went 
immediately  in  search  of  the  historical  localities  of  that  pleasant  town.  I  called  on 
the  venerable  Mrs.  Stetson  witli  a  letter  of  introduction  from  a  friend  in  Boston.  She 
was  then  eighty-seven  years  of  age,  and  lived  in  a  fine  old  mansion  in  the  Upper 
Town,  not  far  from  the  Soadabscook.  Her  husband  was  one  of  the  citizens  who  was 
confined  as  a  prisoner  on  board  the  Decatur.'^  She  gave  me  a  most  vivid  description 
of  events  in  Hampden  at  the  time  of  the  invasion;  and  s]i(>  furnished  me  with  such 
directions  that,  with  the  aid  of  a  young  man  wiiom  I  had  engaged  to  take  me  to 
Bangor  in  a  light  wagon,  I  experienced  no  difficulty  in  finding  all  I  had  come  to  sec. 
I  went  down  the  winding  road  to  the  mouth  of  the  Soadabscook,  and  sketched  Cros- 
by's Wharf,3  climbed  to  the  place  of  Morris's  hill  battery,  and  visited  the  meeting 
(now  town)  house  and  the  site  of  Blake's  brief  encounter  with  the  invaders  near  the 
Lower  Town.  When  these  pleasant  tasks  Avere  accomplished,  we  dined  at  the  liotel, 
near  which  I  saw  a  small  building,  with  a  little  Aveather-beaten  signd)oard  over  the 
door,  that  was  innocent  of  all  paint  excepting  the  black  letters  wliich  composed  the 
name  of  IlAxxinAL  Hamlix.  It  was  the  law  office*  of  that  distinguished  United 
States  Senator,  who  a  few  Aveeks  before  had  been  elected  V^ice-President  of  the  Re- 
public. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  I  left  Hampden  for  Bangor,  following  the  road 
which  the  British  traveled  in  their  march  to  that  place.*    I  spent  the  remainder  of 

the  afternoon  in  ram- 
bling about  that  fine 
inland  city  of  the  pic- 
turesque State  of 
IMaine,  and  Avas  sur- 
prised by  the  great 
number  of  schooners 
that  lay  in  the  Penob- 
scot and  in  the  mouth 
of  the  Kenduskeig. 
There  Avere  no  less 
than  two  hundred  and 
thirty.     It  Avas  the 


VIEW   AT  TUH   MOUTU  Of  TUK   KENUimKEAO. 


'  Note  «,  pace  W2.  "  Page  902. 

'  CroshyV  Wharf  (see  pirtnre  on  pasje  SiW)  was  erected  liy  (Jeneral  John  Croshy,  one  of  the  early  settlers,  wlio  came 
from  Woolwich  in  ITW.  He  entered  Into  commercial  businesB  there,  and  carried  on  an  extensive  trade  with  Europe 
ami  the  AVest  Indies.  He  was  a  ft-iend  and  correspondent  of  Washinslon  durinir  the  Revolution.  General  Crosby  died 
.It  Hampden  in  May,  1S4.S,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six  yeiirs.  Vm  a  more  minute  account  of  Hampden  and  its  people,  see 
Cnolliige  and  Mansfield's  llintiini  and  Ikiurriptinn  »/  .Vcic  Knfilnnd— Maine, 

'  Mr.  Hamlin  settled  In  Hampden  as  a  lawyer  in  the  year  is:i2. 

'  Bangor  is  a  line  city  of  about  seventeen  thousand  Inhabitants.  Ills  a  port  of  entry  and  a  great  lumber  dfpiH.  It  Is 
Miont  thirty  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Penobscot,  and  wae  originally  culled  Kenduskeag,  from  the  Indian  name  of 
lhe  stream  that  there  enters  the  river. 


\i 


912 


PICTOUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Bangor. 


Henry  Van  Meter  and  his  History. 


From  Baugor  to  New  Bedford, 


time  for  these  vessels,  engaged  in  the  lumber-trade,  to  lay  up  for  the  winter,  and 
they  were  rapidly  lilling  tlie  stream  below  the  bridge. 

I  remained  in  Bangor  two  days,  and  spent  a  greater  part  of  the  time  in  the  com- 
pany and  under  the  hospitable  roof  of 
br.  John  Mason.  With  him  I  visited 
places  of  interest  about  Bangor;  rode 
over  to  Brewer,  and  sketched  the  resi- 
dence of  General  Blake,'  and  spent  some 
time  in  the  humble  dwelling  of  Henry 
Van  INIeter,  a  remarkable  black  man, 
then  ninety-five  years  of  age.  He  was 
a  slave  to  Governor  Nelson,  of  Virginia, 
during  the  Revolution,  became  a  sea- 
man in  long  after  years,  and  was  one 
of  the  crew  of  the  privateer  Lawrence 
which  sailed  from  Baltimore  in  1814.^ 
He  was  captured,  sent  to  Plymouth,  and 
confined  in  the  Dartmoor  Prison,  where 
he  saw  the  massacre  in  the  spring  of 
1815.  Van  Meter's  history,  as  he  re- 
lated it  to  me,  was  an  eventful  one.^ 
His  mind  seemed  clear,  and  his  body  not 
very  feeble ;  and  when  I  had  finished 
the   annexed  sketch   of  him,  he 

wrote  his  name,  Avith  my  pencil,  ^,^^  .  9^^  ^^'^~6  /~\rO  y^yr~    >0 

under  it,  as  well  as  he  could  with-    O^^*/^    ^^     >icy  /C/^^L^^  ^^ 
out  glasses. 

I  left  Bangor  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,*  and,  traveling  by  railway, 
reached  Boston  the  same  evening.  A  few  days  afterward,  just  at  twi- 
light, I  arrived  at  New  Bedford,''  spent  the  evening  with  Dr.  Charles  L.  Swasey,  and 
made  arrangements  for  a  ride  the  next  morning  to  the  old  fort  near  Fair  Haven, 
across  the  Acushnet,  spoken  of  on  page  889  as  having  been  saved  from  an  attack  by 
the  British  on  a  dark  night  in  1814  by  the  blast  of  a  postman's  tin-horn  and  the  clat- 
ter of  his  horse's  hoofs,  which  frightened  them  away.  A  heavy  storm  of  wind  and 
rain  arose  during  the  night ;  nevertheless  we  made  the  journey,  and  at  ten  o'clock 

'  About  a  mile  and  a  half  above  Bangor,  on  the  same  side  of  the  Penobscot,  was  the  residence  of  General  Joseph 
Treat.    See  note  2,  page  SOT.  •  See  page  liwo, 

s  Henry  remembered  peeing  Washington  many  times.  When  Governor  Nelson's  estate  was  sold  after  the  war  to 
pay  hi«  debtK,  Henry  became  the  property  of  a  planter  beyond  the  Blue  Ridge,  on  the  extreme  frontier.  He  wiis  lli^ 
contented,  and  wished  to  leave,  notwithstanding  his  master  was  kind.  He  wished  Henry  to  marry  one  of  his  tiliivi' 
girls,  and  raise  cliildrcn  for  him,  offering,  if  he  would  do  so,  to  order  in  his  will  that  he  should  bo  made  a  free  man  at 
his  death.  "  I  didn't  like  the  gals,"  said  Henry,  "  and  didn't  wani  to  '  wait  for  dead  men's  shoes.'  So  master  sold  me 
to  a  man  near  Lexington,  in  Kentucky,  and  there  was  only  one  log  house  in  that  town  when  I  went  there."  He  wa* 
sooA  sold  to  one  of  those  vile  men  engaged  in  the  slave-trading  business,  who  treated  him  shamefully.  Henry  inouut- 
ed  one  of  his  master's  horses  one  night,  and  fled  to  the  Iventnclty  River,  where  he  turned  him  loose,  and  told  him  to  go 
home  if  he  had  a  mind  to,  as  he  didn't  wish  to  steal  him.  Some  benevolent  white  people  helped  b'-n  on  to  the  Ohio, 
and  at  Cincinnati,  then  a  collection  of  houses  around  Fort  Washington,  he  took  the  name  of  Van  Meter,  borne  by  some 
of  the  family  of  his  kind  master  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley. 

Henry  became  a  servant  of  an  officer  in  St.  Clair's  army,  and  served  in  the  company,  in  the  Northwest,  with  that  com- 
mander a-il  General  Wayne.  After  the  peace  in  171)6,  he  was  living  in  Chlllicothe,  and  came  East  with  some  E.ifrtifh-  , 
men  with  horses,  by  way  of  Wheeling,  to  Philadelphia.  In  the  latter  city  some  Quakers  sent  him  to  school,  and  he  learned 
to  read  and  write.  When  the  war  broke  out  he  shipped  as  a  common  sailor  in  the  privateer  Lawmirr,  having  previ- 
ously been  to  Europe  several  times  In  the  same  capacity,  and  when  cast  into  Dartmoor  he  held  a  prize  ticket  which  was 
worth,  when  he  got  home,  one  thousand  dollars.  He  let  a  captain  have  it  as  security  for  sixteen  dollars.  The  man  died 
of  yellow  fever  in  the  South,  and  Henry  never  recovered  his  ticket. 

♦  The  half-shire  town  of  Bristol  County,  Massachusetts,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Acushnet  River,  an  arm  of  Buzzard'? 
Bay.  It  is  beanlifully  situal.d  upon  rising  ground,  and  is  the  child  of  the  whale-flshery,  that,  and  other  branches  con- 
nected with  it,  having  been  from  the  beiriuning  the  chief  business  of  the  inhabitants.  During  the  Revolution  It  was  a 
Kreat  resort  for  privateers.  A  force  of  four  thousand  men,  under  General  Grey,  fell  npon  it,  and  destroyed  buildings, 
wharves,  vc  ^els,  and  merchandise  to  the  amount  of  more  than  $3'20,O0O. 


•  November, 

1800. 


m  Bangor  to  New  Bedford. 

for  the  winter,  and 
le  time  in  the  com- 


traveling  by  railway, 

fterward,just  at  twi- 

harles  L.  Swascy,  and 

brt  near  Fair  Haven, 

ed  from  an  attack  by 

tin-horn  and  the  clat- 

■y  storm  of  wind  and 

r,  and  at  ten  o'clock 


e  residence  of  General  Joreph 
«  See  pnge  im. 
ate  was  sold  after  the  war  to 
!Xtreme  frontier.  lie  was  (lis- 
nry  to  marry  one  of  liis  slave 
slioHld  bo  made  a  free  man  at 
i'8  shoes."  So  master  sold  nic 
wiicn  1  went  there."  He  was 
i,n  shamefully.  Henry  mount- 
I  him  loose,  and  told  him  to  go 
)le  helped  bii  on  to  the  Obio. 
ic  of  Van  Meter,  borne  by  Bomc 

the  Northwest,  with  that  com- 
came  East  with  some  E.itrlifh-  , 
nt  him  to  pchool,  and  he  learned 
vateer  Lavrence,  havinft  previ- 
,e  held  a  pri7,cticliet  which  was 
sixteen  dollars.    The  man  died 

net  River,  an  arm  of  Vrnmi't 
rf,  that,  and  other  branches  con- 
luring  tlie  Kevolution  it  wne  a 
on  11,  and  destroyed  buiWiugJ, 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


913 


Thfl  Port  at  Fair  Haven. 


Captain  Lemuel  Akin. 


Providence. 


Mew  London. 


Stonington. 


rode  into  the  parade  of  the  ruined  fortress  as  far  as  the  rocks  would  allow.  The  re- 
mains of  the  fort  were  upon  a  very  vough  cape  opposite  New  Bedford,  and  a  mile  be- 
low the  Acushnet  Bridge  and  causeway.  It  was  called  Fort  Phoenix,  and  was  little 
more  than  an  8  or  10  gun  battery,  whose  walls  were  of  hewn  stone  and  earth.  Sev- 
eral of  the  iron  cannon  (24-pounder8)  with  which  it  was  armed  were  lying  within  it, 
never  having  been  removed  since  they  were  placed  there  in  1812. 

The  storm  was  beating  so  furiously  as  it  came  driving  in  from  the  sea  that  our  horse 
became  very  restive; 
so  the  kind  Doctor 
stood  out  in  the  blind- 
ing tempest,  and  held 
him  in  quietude  while, 
under  the  cover  of  tlic 
little  carriage,  I  made 
the  annexed  sketch  of 
the  interior  of  the  fort 
with  all  possible  dis- 
patch.' Then  we  re- 
turned to  Fair  Haven 
village,  and  rode  out  to 
the  residence  of  Cap- 
tain Lemuel  Akin,  an 
exceedingly  intelli- 
gent and  well-read  gen- 
tleman, whose  home 
had  been  on  the  sea 
during  a  large  portion 
of  his  long  life.2  For 
the  good  cheer  with  which  he  welcomed  us,  and  for  much  valuable  information  which 
he  gave  me  then,  and  afterward  in  letters,  I  feel  grateful.  While  at  his  house  the 
storm  abated  somewhat.  Wc  rode  back  to  New  Bedford,  and  in  the  aflcrnoon  I 
traveled  by  railway  to  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  where  I  passed  Thanksgiving  Day 
most  profitably  with  Dr.  Usher  Parsons,  the  surgeon  of  the  Lawrence,  Perry's  flag- 
ship at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Lake  Erie,  whoso  name  and  record  of  services  are 
fiimiliar  to  the  readers  of  this  volume.  From  this  last  survivor  of  Perry's  commis- 
sioned officers  I  received  much  valuable  and  minute  information  concerning  the  army 
and  navy  on  the  Niagara  frontier  and  on  Lake  Erio.^  Dr.  Parsons  is  still  (1867)  liv- 
ing, in  the  enjoyment  of  excellent  health  of  body  and  mind. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  29th''  I  left  Providence  for  New  London,  •November, 
on  the  Thames,  fifty  miles  westward,  whore  I  spent  the  day,  as  already  re-  ^®™' 
corded  in  the  latter  part  of  Chapter  XXX.  of  this  work.  At  sunset  I  left  for  Ston- 
ingto'.,  a  few  miles  eastward,  and  became  the  guest  of  Dr.  George  E.  Palmer,  whose 
house  bears  evidence  of  the  cannonade  in  1814.  On  the  following  morning,  accom- 
panied by  Dr.  Palmer,  I  visited  places  of  interest  about  Stonington,  among  others  the 
old  arsenal  at  the  upper  end  of  Main  Street,  in  which  were  two  or  three  cannon.    It 

'  Between  the  walls  of  the  fort  and  the  wooden  bnllding  more  in  the  foreground  Is  seen  Ceres  Island,  with  the  city 
of  New  Bedford  beyond.  Since  my  visit  the  fort  has  been  revived.  "  For  five  months,"  Dr.  Swasey  wrote  to  me  in 
September,  1861  (six  months  after  the  great  Civil  War  had  begun),  "  the  old  fort  has  been  thoroughly  repaired,  and  gai-- 
risoned  by  the  Home  Guard  of  New  Bedford  and  Fair  Haven.  IIow  little  did  you  or  I  dream  of  the  events  and  neces- 
lities  which  have  brought  about  this  change,  as  wc  stood  on  that  old  place  that  day  when  you  sketched  the  fort !  How 
mild  and  gentle  was  even  that  storm  that  beat  on  our  unsheltered  beads  compared  with  the  tempest  of  war  that  has 
(Ince  burst  over  our  beloved  land  1" 

'  Mr.  Akin  was  engaged  in  the  merchant  service.  He  was  captured  ofT  the  Carolina  coast  by  the  British  fri..'ate 
Sewm,  taken  to  Amelia  Island,  and  sent  ftom  there  to  Bermuda,  where  he  was  exchanged.  Captain  Akin  died  in  186T, 
at  the  age  of  gcvouty-flve  years.  '  See  Chapter  XXV. 

3M 


BEMAIhS  OF  FOUT   PUUiNlX,  FAIB  HAVEN. 


f 


If 


ill 


ffr 


!  i 


014 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Ileru  ofStoalngton  and  bis  Wife. 


The  Kim  Grove  Cemetery. 


The  Denlsuu  Fiimily, 


AB8KNAJ.  AT  bTOMlKUTON. 

ward,  the  joyful  news 
of  peace  came,  and  the 
men  of  Stonington  and 
Mystic  were  celebra- 
ting the  event  at  a 
public  dinner,  Mrs. 
Holmes,  justly  consid- 
ering her  sex  entitled 
to  recognition  in  the 
public  demonstrations 
of  delight,  procured 
some  powder,  andjwith 
the  aid  of  other  young 
women,  loaded  and 
fired,  with  her  own 
hands,  a  heavy  cannon, 
in  joyful  commemora- 
tion of  the  great  event. 
She  bears  the  distinc- 
tion of  having  fired  the 
first  salute  in  that  re- 
gion as  a  voice  of  wel- 
come to  Peace. 

While  at  Mystic  we 


was  a  brick  building,  somewhat  altered  since  the  war 
when  the  door  was  in  the  centre  where  the  arch  is  seea 
Toward  noon  we  rode  over  to  Mystic,  to  visit  the  vcn- 
erable  liero,  Captain  Holmes,  who  performed  so  conspic- 
uous  a  part  in  the  defense  of  Stonington,  as  already  re- 
lated in  this  chapter.  We  found  him  and  his  aged  wifu 
in  the  enjoyment  of  good  health  of  mind  and  body 
and  such  is  still  their  condition."  •  December 

Mrs.  Holmes  is  a  small  woman,  and  retains         ^^''■ 
many  mail<s  of  the  beauty  of  her  earlier  years.    She 
was  as  tuergetic  and  patriotic  as  her  husband,  and 
did  all  a  woman   i  ould  do  at  the  trying  time  when 


Stoninsiion  was  attacked. 


When,  several  months  after- 


IIKMBON  B   U 


visited  the  beautiful  Elm  Grove  Cemetery,  in  wliich,  as 
we  have  observed  in  note  on  page  896,  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut erected  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  Freder- 
ick Denison,  who  lost  his  life  in  defense  of  Stonington. 
Near  that  monument  was  one  (delineated  in  the  anne.\ed 
engraving)  in  commemoration  of  the  first  of  his  franily 
who  resided  in  that  vicinity;^  and  near  it  (seen  to  the 
left  of  the  monument  in  the  picture)  was  the  first  tomb- 
stone erected  in  the  town  of  Stonington.^    It  is  of  dark 


t  Upon  it  Ih  the  following  inscription :  "  Oeoroe  Denison,  a  flrst  settler  in  Stonington,  and  founder  of  the  Denlenn 
family.  Died  Oct.  23d,  1694,  aged  T4  years.  This  stone  is  erected  by  his  descendants  in  1S66.  Ann  B.,  his  wife,  died 
Sept.  26, 1712,  aged  07  years." 

«  It  bears  the  following  inscription :  "Here  lyes  y«  body  of  Ann  Denison,  who  died  Sept.  y'  2«th,  1712,  ngecl  9' 
years."    This  stone  is  abont  twenty  inches  in  height.    The  modem  mounment  is  of  granite,  fifteen  feet  in  height. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF    1812. 


018 


The  Denlnou  Family. 

tered  since  the  war, 
lere  the  arch  is  seen. 
itic,  to  visit  the  von- 
erformed  so  conspic- 
iigton,  as  ahviuly  re- 
im  and  his  aged  wife 
of  mind  and  body, 

•  December, 

id  retains         ^'"^^^ 
r  earlier  years.    She 
18  her  huBband,  ami 
e  trying  time  when 
several  months  after- 


i/^. 


-^2^ 


ICemetery,  in  which,  as 

896,  the  State  of  Con- 

[he  memory  of  Freder- 

[defense  of  Stonington. 

Vneated  in  the  annexed 

the  first  of  his  franily 

id  near  it  (seen  to  the 

fre)  was  the  first  tomb- 

ungton.2    It  is  of  dark 

ton,  and  fonnder  of  the  nenUon 
Tin  1868.    Ann  B.,hlB  wife,  died 

lied  Sept.  y  26th,  1712.  aged  9; 
lanite,  fifteen  feet  In  height. 


Bnrun  de  Steubeu'a  Gold  Box. 


The  fftithftil  Daughter. 


Return  Home. 


slate,  witii  the  cherub  on  the  arched  upper  part,  which  was  a  fashionable  ornament  a 
hundred  and  fifty  years  ago. 

We  returned  to  Stonington  toward  sunset,  and  called  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Weston,  of 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  where  we  saw  the  beautiful  gold  box  in  whicli  the 
freedom  of  the  city  of  New  York  was  publicly  presented  to  the  Baron  de  Steuben  by 
the  hands  of  liis  old  friend  and  aid-de-camp,  General  North.  Around  its  edge  was 
the  following  inscription :  "  Presented  by  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  Neto  York, 
with  the  Freedom  of  the  City."  On  the  lid  are  the  arras  of  the  city,  engraved  by 
Maverick.  We  also  saw,  in  the  course  of  the  evening,  the  famous  Stonington  flag, 
delineated  on  page  894,  bearing  sixteen  stars,  the  then  number  of  States  in  tlie 
Union.  It  is  bunting,  about  six  yards  in  length  and  three  yards  and  a  luilf  in  width. 
It  was  in  the  possession  of  Captain  Francis  Amy,  of  Stonington. 

During  that  evening  I  heard  many  relations  of  stirring  incidents  connected  with 
the  attack  on  Stonington.  I  will  repeat  only  one,  a  touching  narrative  of  a  dying 
mother  and  her  faithful  daughter.  The  mother  (Mrs.  Hall)  Avas  a  poor  woman,  liv- 
ing in  the  old  barracks  near  the  "  Cobb  House"  (page  896),  in  the  last  stages  of  con- 
sumption, and  exposed  to  tlie  British  balls  when  they  were  Inirled  upon  the  town. 
Tlie  people  had  fled  in  terror,  and  none  but  Huldah,  the  daughter  of  the  dying  Avom- 
an,  remained.  She  was  faithful.  Sometimes,  Avhen  the  balls  came  crashing  through 
the  building,  she  would  fly  to  the  cellar,  and  sometimes  to  the  garret,  and  then  im- 
mediately return  to  the  bedside  of  her  mother.  At  length  two  or  three  soldiers 
rushed  into  the  building,  and  bore  the  poor  woman  away  on  her  bed  to  tlie  burying- 
ground  near  the  present  Watawanuc*  Institute,  by  the  railway,  where  tliey  thought 
she  would  be  safe.  Just  as  they  had  laid  her  on  the  greensward,  a  bomb-shell  struck 
near  and  exploded,  by  which  a  deep  trench  was  scooped  from  the  earth.  The  shock 
was  too  much  for  the  poor  woman,  and  she  expired.  In  the  grave  dug  by  the  shell 
she  was  hastily  buried,  and  then  tlie  faithful  Huldah  hurried  away  to  a  place  of  great- 
er safety. 

At  a  late  hour  in  the  evening  I  bade  adieu  to  Dr.  Palmer  and  his  excellent  family, 
rode  over  to  New  London,  and  then  embarked  in  a  stanch  steamer  for  New  York, 
where  Ave  arrived  tlie  next  morning  at  the  beginning  of  the  first  snoAv -storm  of  the 
season.  I  had  seen  snow  but  once  before  since  my  departure  from  the  city,  and  that 
was  on  the  summits  of  the  lofty  Katahdin  mountains  of  Maine,  while  vieAving  them 
from  the  hills  around  Bangor  at  a  distance  of  almost  a  hundred  miles  in  the  far  north- 
east. 

So  ended  a  delightful  and  instructive  visit  to  the  eastern  coast  district  of  New  En- 
glnnd,  Avhere  I  gleaned  much  valuable  materials  for  History,  and  enjoyed  open-hand- 
ed hospitality  that  can  never  be  forgotten  by  the  recipient. 

1  AA'atawannc  was  the  Indian  name  for  the  site  of  Stonington. 


fti 


\u 


i 

1 

1 

i 

k' 

■...rt     t 
,■     i 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

"  A  veteran  hoit,  by  vetcrnnB  led, 
With  Ru88  and  Cockbum  at  thoir  head, 
They  came— they  saw— they  burned— and  fled  I 

They  left  oar  Congress  naked  walls— 

Farewell  to  towers  and  capltols  I 

To  lofty  roofs  and  splendid  halls !  » 

To  conquer  armies  in  the  field 
Was,  once,  the  surest  method  held 
To  make  a  hostile  conntry  yield. 

The  warfare  now  the  invaders  make 
Must  surely  keep  us  all  awake, 
Or  life  is  lost  for  freedom's  sake. 

PniLip  Fbkneau. 

niLE  tlic  events  recorded  in  the  preceding  chapter  were  occurring 
on  the  New  England  coast,  others  of  a  more  important  character 
in  the  vicinity  of  Chesapeake  Bay  were  attracting  public  atten- 
tion. We  have  already  observed  how  audaciously  the  British  op- 
erated along  the  shores  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  Bays 
during  the  year  1813,  continually  menacing  not  only  the  smaller 
coast  villages,  but  the  larger  cities.  The  national  capital  itself, 
situated  at  the  head  of  the  navigation  of  the  Potomac,  was  in  peril  at  times,  and  yet 
the  government  seemed  to  have  been  paralyzed  by  a  strange  delusion — a  conviction 
that  the  British  would  never  attempt  to  penetrate  the  country  so  far  as  the  city  of 
Washington,  and  that  the  archives  of  the  nation  were  safe  there.  Tokens  of  danger 
were  not  wanting.  First  came  intelligence,  late  in  January,  that  fonr  thousand  Brit- 
ish troops  destined  for  the  United  States  had  landed  at  Bermuda.  This  was  folloAvcd 
by  the  appearance  of  Admiral  Cockburn,  the  marauder,  in  Lynnhaven  Bay,  on  the  1st 
of  March,  with  a  74  line-of-battle  ship,  two  frigates,  and  a  brig,  and  who  commenced 
at  once  the  practice  of  his  wicked  amphibious  warfare.  At  the  close  of  April  a  ves- 
sel from  Europe  brought  the  startling  news  of  the  downfall  of  Napoleon ;  and  soon 
afterward  came  the  announcement  of  his  abdication  and  retirement  to  Elba,  and  the 
probable  release  of  a  large  British  force  that  might  be  sent  to  America. 

For  several  months  previous  to  the  advent  of  Cockburn,  thoughtful  men  had  called 
the  attention  of  the  President  and  his  constitutional  advisers  to  the  exposed  state  of 
the  entire  District  of  Columbia,  and  especially  the  capital,  and  to  the  importance  of 
adopting  vigorous  measures  for  its  defense.'  The  President  appears  to  have  feared 
danger,  but  his  cabinet  were  unmoved.  Ev*n  when  the  foe  was  so  near  that  the 
booming  of  his  cannon  could  almost  be  heard,  they  could  not  be  impressed  with  a 
sense  of  impending  danger;  and  on  the  14th  of  May  the  government  organ  {National 
Intelligencer')  said :  "  We  have  no  idea  of  the  enemy  attempting  to  reach  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  capital ;  and  if  he  does,  we  have  no  doubt  he  will  meet  such  a  reception  as 


or,  when  ^  . 

he  mem-  ^-^   -^^m^^mmmmjL-. 


1  So  early  as  the  middle  of  July,  the  previous  year,  when 
the  enemy  were  no  nearer  the  capital  than  at  the 
question.  General  Philip  Stuart,  of  the  Maryland  militia 
fered  a  resolution  In  Conjtress  for  the  distribution 
among  the  people  of  the  District  of  Columbia  and  the  i 
bers  of  Congress  for  the  defense  of  the  capital. 

a  This  paper  is  still  (1S6T)  published  at  Washington  City,  and,  until  recently,  by  Gales  and  Soaton,  the  proprietors 
in  1S14. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   1812. 


Oil 


ipalhy  of  the  Government. 


lapter  were  occurring 
!  important  charactor 
racting  public  attoii- 
jioualy  the  British  op- 
I  and  Delaware  Ikyi? 
;  not  only  the  smaller 
lational  capital  itself, 
leril  at  times,  and  yet 
[elusion — a  conviction 
r  so  far  as  the  city  of 
•e.     Tokens  of  danger 
at  four  thousand  Brit- 
This  was  followed 
haven  Bay,  on  the  1st 
and  who  commenced 
c  close  of  April  a  vcs- 
Napoleon ;  and  soon 
mcnt  to  Elba,  and  the 
America. 

ghtful  men  had  called 
0  the  exposed  state  of 
to  the  importance  of 
ppears  to  have  feared 
was  so  near  that  tlie 
be  impressed  with  a 
.ment  organ  {National 
ing  to  reach  the  vicin- 
eet  such  a  reception  as 


^  ^^^uM/rO 


les  and  Soaton,  the  proprietors 


A  Dearth  of  Troops  for  the  Deftonae  of  Washington.     The  Qovemment  alarmed.     The  Prealdent'i  Plan  for  Defense. 

he  had  a  sample  of  at  Craney  Island.  The  enemy  knows  l)cttpr  than  to  trust  him- 
self abreast  of  or  on  this  side  of  Fort  Washington."  This  idle  boast  and  the  govern- 
ment apathy  were  terribly  rebuked  a  little  more  than  three  months  afterward  by 
British  arms  and  British  torches.  At  that  very  time  hostile  marauders  were  in  tlie 
waters  of  the  Potomac,  and  their  leaders,  employing  competent  spies,  had  made  them- 
nelves  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  the  country,  and  of  military  afluirs 
around  Washington. 

June  came,  and  yet  there  was  strange  apathy  in  official  circles,  and  very  little  prep- 
aration for  defense.  In  the  entire  Fifth  Military  District,  of  which  the  District  of 
Columbia  was  a  part,  there  were  only  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty-four  effect- 
ive enlisted  men,  of  whom  one  half  were  at  Norfolk,  one  quarter  at  Baltimore,  and 

the  remaining  quarter  divided  between  An- 
napolis, Fort  Washington,  and  St.  Mary's. 
There  were,  besides,  only  a  company  of  ma- 
rines in  the  barracks  at  Washington,  and  a 
company  of  artillery  at  Fort  Washington 
(late  Fort  Warburton),  on  the  Potomac, 
twelve  miles  below  the  capital.  Five  hund- 
red recruits  for  the  regular  army  from  North 
Carolina,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clinch,* 
who  had  been  in  camp  near  Washington  for 
the  purpose  of  drill  and  exercise,  were  al- 
lowed to  leave  for  the  Northern  frontier 
(juite  late  in  June,  when  the  public  mind 
was  filled  Avith  alarm  because  of  the  men- 
aces of  the  enemy. 

At  length  the  government  was  aroused  to 
a  sense  of  danger  and  responsibility  by  in- 
telligence that  a  number  of  the  largest  class 
of  transports  had  been  fitted  out  at  Ports- 
mouth, England, "  as  well  as  all  troop-ships  in 
that  port,"  for  the  purpose,  it  was  believed, 
of  going  to  Bordeaux  and  taking  on  board 
there  the  most  effective  of  Wellington's  reg- 
iments and  conveying  them  to  the  United  States.  This  was  confirmed  at  near  the 
close  of  June  by  the  arrival  at  New  York  of  a  cartel  from  Bermuda,  which  brought 
intelligence  that  she  left  at  that  port  "  a  fleet  of  transpoi-ts,  with  a  large  force,  boimd 
to  some  port  in  the  United  States,  probably  the  Potomac."  Official  intelligence  of 
this  fact  reached  the  government  on  the  26th,  and  on  the  1st  of  July  the  President 
called  a  cabinet  council  and  laid  before  them  a  Avell-considered  plan  of  defense  against 
threatened  invasion,  which  had  been  suggested,  if  not  actually  prepared,  by  General 
William  H.  Winder,  who  had  lately  been  exchanged,  and  had  returned  from  Canada.^ 
It  contemplated  the  establishment  of  a  camp  of  regular  troops,  two  or  three  thousand 
strong,  somewhere  between  the  Eastern  Branch  of  the  Potomac  and  the  Patuxent 
Rivers,  in  Maryland,  and  the  concentration  of  ten  thousand  militia  in  tlie  vicinity  of 
Washington  City. 

'  Di.ncan  L.  Clinch  wns  one  of  the  most  mcrltorions  officers  in  the  United  Stntcs  service.  lie  was  n  native  of  North 
Carolina,  and  entered  the  army  as  first  liontcuant  of  infantry  in  180S,  and  was  soon  made  regimental  paymaster.  lie 
ffas  promoted  to  captain  in  1810,  and  lieutenant  colonel  in  August,  1813.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  retained  in  the 
array,  and  was  promoted  to  colonel  in  1810.  In  1829  he  was  breveted  brigadier  general  for  ten  years'  meritorious  serv- 
ices. He  was  an  efficient  officer  in  the  war  with  the  Seminolcs  in  1836  and  1830.  He  resigned  in  September,  1S36. 
From  1843  to  1846  he  was  a  representative  in  Congress  from  Georgia.  He  died  at  Macon,  Georgia,  on  the  28th  of  Octo- 
licr,  1849.  He  was  a  bravo  soldier  and  noble-hearted  man.  I  am  indebted  to  his  daughter,  the  wife  of  General  Robert 
Anderson,  of  Fort  Snmter  fame,  for  the  above  portrait. 

"  U;tter  to  the  Secretarr  of  War,  June  80, 1814,  in  Winder's  Letter-book. 


i ; 


-^^ 


/r^^^^^^^^^w^ 


I  ■  if 


r 


918 


PICTOKIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


I'rupuratious  fur  defeudlnK  the  Capital.       Oeaeral  Winder  iu  military  Command.       Tbe  Htatca  called  on  for  Troopn, 

Tho  Cabinet  approved  the  Prosi- 
dent'H  plan.'  A  n»'\v  military  diHtrici, 
entitled  the  Tenth,  was  formed,  com- 
prising  Maryland,  tho  Distrit^t  of  Co- 
lumhia,  and  tho  portions  of  Eastern 
Vir^'inin  lying  between  the  I'otouuK 
and  Uappahannot^k  Kivors.  Brigadier 
General  Winder^  was  appointed  to  the 
command  of  it,  and  tho  goveniinoiu 
made  a  niiiisition  upon  the  several 
States  for  militia  to  the  aggregate  of 
iiinely-tliree  thousand  men,  who  were 
to  be  organized  at  home  and  held  in 
readiness.^  The  District  of  Colnnihia 
and  the  State  of  IVIaryland  were  ( ailed 
upon  to  furnish  their  respective  quo- 
tas immediately,  the  former  being  two 
thousand  men  and  the  latter  six  thou- 
sand. Pennsylvania  was  directed  to 
send  five  thousand  and  Virginia  two 
thousand  to  tho  militia  rendezvous  at 
once.  The  naval  defenses  were  in- 
trusted to  Commodore  Barney,  a  vet- 
eran commander,  who  was  in  tho  Patuxent  with  a  small  flotilla  of  gun-boats. 

In  oflicial  orders  there  appeared  an  army  of  fifteen  thousand  militia  for  t  he  defense 
of  Washington,  and  General  Winder  was  envied  as  the  fortunate  commander  of  a 
larger  force  than  had  yet  appeared  in  the  field.     But  that  army  remained  hidden  in 


.^i^-^'^^^^^-LPe^ 


>  The  Secretnry  of  War  could  not  be  made  to  believe,  even  as  late  as  Aiignst,  when  the  enemy  was  almost  at  the  door 
of  the  capital,  tlmt  Washington  City  was  his  object.  "  What  the  devil  will  they  do  here  f"  was  his  qnestion  to  one  who 
expressed  a  belief  that  the  cnpitnl  was  in  dnnjier.  "No,  no;  Baltimore  Is  the  place,  civ  :  that  Is  of  so  much  more  coii- 
sequence."— Statement  of  Ocncrnl  Van  Ness  before  a  Committee  of  Inquiry.  In  his  Xotirrn  of  the  War  of  1S12,  tiie  Spc ro- 
tary says  that  the  attack  on  Wiishlngton  was  an  after-thought  of  Admiral  Cochrane  when  he  had  caused  the  destruclion 
of  IJarney's  flotilla.  Cochrane,  in  a  letter  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty  In  September,  says  that  the  presence  of  n  flotilla 
at  the  head  of  the  Patuxent  gave  him  a  "pretext  for  ascending  that  river,"  while  "  the  ultimate  destination  of  thi' com- 
bined force  was  Washington,  should  it  be  found  that  the  attempt  might  be  made  with  any  prospect  of  success."  And  at 
the  beginning  of  August,  a  letter,  written  by  some  one  on  compulsory  duty  in  the  British  fleet  in  the  Chesapeake,  dated 
July  27th,  was  placed  In  Winder's  hands,  and  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  which  the  Intentions  of  the  enemy 
to  rush  to  the  capital  were  fully  revealed.  "The  manner  In  which  they  Intend  doing  it  is,"  said  the  writer,  "tn  tnlie 
advantage  of  a  fair  wind  in  ascending  the  Patuxent,  and,  after  having  ascended  it  a  certain  distance,  to  land  their  men 
at  once  and  to  make  all  possible  dispatch  to  the  capital,  batter  it  down,  and  then  return  to  their  vessels  immediately. 
In  doing  this  there  is  calculated  to  be  employed  upward  of  seven  thousand  mou."— Winder  Papers. 

On  the  contrary,  Mr.  Gleig,  the  now  (1S07)  venerable  chaplain  general  of  the  Uritish  Army,  who  accompanied  the  in- 
vaders, soys  that  thr  destruction  of  Barney's  flotilla  was  the  sole  oliject  of  the  passage  up  the  Patuxent,  and  that  ilio 
capture  and  destruci  ion  of  Washington  was  suggested  by  Cockburn,  tlic  marauder,  wlien  that  work  was  accompli.«lio(l. 

'  William  II.  Winder  was  born  in  Somerset  County,  Maryland,  on  tlie  18th  of  February,  1775.  Ills  ancestors  were 
among  tbe  earliest  settlers  In  that  state,  and  were  influential  nicii.  lie  was  graduated  at  the  University  of  Pennpylva- 
nin,  studied  law,  and  entered  upon  Us  practice.  He  went  to  Nnshvlllc,  Tennessee,  to  settle,  but  fonnd  so  little  encour- 
agement that  he  returned  to  his  native  state.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Maryland 
Legislature.  In  1802  he  took  np  his  residence  in  Baltimore,  and  soon  stood  in  the  foremost  rank  at  the  bar  in  that  city, 
where  his  rivals  and  friends  were  William  Plnkney,  Luther  Martin,  and  men  of  that  character.  In  March,  1S12, lie 
received  the  commission  of  lieutenant  colonel  of  infantry,  and  was  promoted  to  colonel  In  July  following,  and  with 
troops  from  his  state  performed  eminent  service  on  the  Niagara  frontier.  He  was  commissioned  a  brigadier  in  March, 
1843^ and  in  June  following  he  was  captured  at  8t<mv  Creek,  in  Canada,  and  held  as  a  prisoner  of  war  until  the  eprini; 
of  1814.  In  May  of  that  year  he  was  appointed  adjutant  and  inspector  general,  and  at  the  beginning  of  July  he  was  as- 
signed tn  the  command  of  the  Tenth  Military  District.  He  was  active  iu  efforts  to  defend  Washington  City,  and  after- 
ward Baltimore.  After  the  retirement  of  the  British  he  was  ordered  to  the  Northern  frontier.  Ho  left  the  army  in 
1819,  and  returned  to  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  a  ruined  constitution.  He  was  twice  elected  state  senator.  Ili« 
health  finally  gave  way,  and  he  died  in  Baltimore  on  the  24th  of  May,  1824,  at  the  age  of  forty-eight  years.  He  was 
Grand  Master  of  the  Masonic  Order  in  Maryland.  No  private  citizen  was  ever  before  or  since  honored  with  such  a  fu- 
neral as  his;  and  the  pen  of  William  Wir;  indited  a  most  eloquent  eulogy  of  his  characlei. 

'  The  requisition  upon  the  several  States  was  as  follows:  New  Hampshire,  S600;  Massachusetts,  10,000;  Rhode  W- 
and,  1500;  Connecticut,  SOOO;  New  York,  13,600;  New  Jersey,  6000;  Pennsylvania,  14,000;  Delaware,  1000;  Maryland, 
6000 ;  Virginia,  12,000 ;  North  Carolina,  7000 ;  South  Carolina,  6000 ;  Georgia,  S800 ;  Kentucky,  B.'iOO ;  Tennessee, '"  '^  ■ 
I<oulsiaua,  1000 ;  Missigsippi  Territory,  600.    Of  this  force  8400  were  to  be  artillery,  and  the  remainder  Infantry. 


OF   THE  WAR   OP   1812. 


019 


•Itutei  called  ou  for  Truopr. 

iprovcd   tlio   Pri'wi- 
•w  mUitiiry  diHtrict, 
I,  W118  foniu'd,  (Mini- 
the  District  of  Co- 
jiortioim   of  Eiistcni 
tweou  the  I'otomui 
i.  Rivers.     Brigadiir 
vas  apiiointeil  to  tlic 
11(1  the  govcrnnient 
m  upon  the  several 
to  the  aggrefiiitc  of 
saml  n\en,  who  wcw 
\t  home  and  held  in 
District  of  Columhia 
^laryland  wore  imIIoiI 
their  resptctive  qiio- 
the  former  heing  two 
d  the  latter  six  thou- 
vnia  was  directed  to 
lid  and  Virginia  two 
militia  rendezvous  at 
al   defenses  were  iii- 
lodore  Barney,  a  vet- 
\  of  gun-boats, 
militia  for  the  defense 
nate  commander  of  a 
ly  remained  hidden  in 

enemy  was  almoBt  at  the  door 
'  was  his  question  to  one  whD 
that  Is  of  so  much  more  con- 
a  0/  the  War  of  1S12,  the  Secro- 
he  had  caused  the  dcstnictioii 
„  that  the  prcpcnce  of  n  flotilla 
Itlmato  destination  of  Un  com- 
y  pr(  ispect  of  success."  Ami  al 
1  llect  111  the  Chesapeake,  dated 
ch  the  intentions  of  the  enemy 
it  is,"  said  the  writer,  "  to  take 
ain  distance,  to  land  their  men 
to  their  vessels  immediately. 
,  r  Papers. 
i-niv,  who  accompanied  the  in- 
np'  the  Patuxent,  and  thiit  tlic 
,1  that  work  was  nccompllfliod. 
lary,  177».    His  anccBtors  were 
ttt  the  University  of  Pcnnpylvn- 
ittle,  but  fonnd  so  Utile  enconr- 
;ted  a  member  of  the  Maryland 
lost  rank  at  the  bar  In  thiit  city, 
character.    In  March,  lS12,hc 
lel  in  July  following,  and  with 
nlssioned  a  brii;adier  in  Miircli, 
irleoner  of  war  until  the  eprini; 
ic  beginning  of  July  he  was  as- 
k1  Washington  City,  and  aflcr- 
frontier,    lie  left  the  army  iu 
wlcc  elected  state  senator.  Ilis 
of  forty-eight  years.    He  was 
since  honored  with  such  a  fu- 

issnchusetts,  10,000;  Rhode  IrI- 
flO:  Delaware,  1000;  Maryland, 
ntucky,  KM;  Tennessee,''  ''■ 
the  remainder  Infantry. 


Turdiucsji  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 


Apathy  of  the  People. 


Winder's  Advice  and  Wanilngt. 


official  paragraplis,  ami  only  a  small  portion  of  it  confronted  the  invader,  for  he  camo 
before  the  States  on  whom  the  government  had  made  a  requiHition  ftu  militia  had 
moved  in  the  matter.  There  was  extraordinary  tardiness  every  where,  and  indiea- 
tions  of  the  most  fatal  oflieial  ai)athy  or  weakness.  The  Governor  of  Maryland,  re- 
siding within  an  easy  day's  ride  of  tlie  War  Offitie,  did  not  receive  a  copy  of  that  req- 
uisition until  six  days  alter  it  was  orde^'d;  and  the  (iovernor  of  Pennsylvania  did 
not  receive  his  until  ten  days  afterward.  And  it  was  not  until  the  day  when  the 
IJiitish  ai)peai'ed  in  heavy  force  in  Chesapeake  Hay  (July  12, 1814)  that  the  Secretary 
of  War  placed  a  copy  of  it  in  the  hands  of  (Jeneral  Winder,  and  then  it  was  accom- 
panied by  a  cautious  order  ilirecting  him,  in  the  event  of  an  invasion,  to  call  for  a 
liart  or  the  whole  (piotii  required  of  Maryland,  but  to  "be  careful  to  avoid  unneces- 
sary calls,  and  to  ap])o!lioii  the  call  to  the  exigency."'  Five  days  afterward  another 
order  from  the  War  Department  reached  him,  which  gave  him  authority  to  draw,  in 
addition  to  the  Maryland  quota,  two  thousand  men  from  Nirginia  and  five  thousand 
iVoin  Pennsylvania,  and  assuring  him  that  the  whole  of  the  militia  of  the  District 
of  Columbia,  amounting  to  about  two  thousand,  were  kept  in  a  disposable  state,  and 
subject  to  liis  orders. 

General  Winder  had  comprehended  the  difficulties  of  the  situation  from  the  begin- 
ning. As  early  as  the  9th  of  July,  before  he  had  received  notice  of  his  afipointment 
to  the  comnnmd,  he  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  full  of  sound  advice, 
wholesome  Avarning,  and  sagacious  predictions,  but  that  functionary  never  deigned 
to  reply  to  it.^  He  issued  orders  in  accordance  with  his  own  judgment  alone,  and 
with  an  ajiparent  obliviousness  to  stern  facts — orders  which  inqilieil  the  organization 
and  readiness  of  the  troops  mentioned  when  there  was  not  a  shadow  of  such  force  in 
existence.  The  Governor  of  Maryland  (Levin  Winder),  after  issuing  dtafls  for  three 
thousand  men,  foimd  that  scarcely  so  many  liuiidreds  could  be  collected;  and  the 
Governor  of  Pennsylvania  informed  the  Secretary  of  War  that,  in  consequence  of  the 
ilefcct  of  the  militia  laws  of  that  commonwealth,  the  executive  liad  no  power  to  en- 
force the  draft. 

General  Winder  entered  upon  nis  duties  with  alacrity,  under  the  inspiration  of  se- 
ductive promises  by  the  government;  and,  notwithstanding  lie  was  soon  made  to 
feel  that  he  was  the  victim  of  official  incompetency,  he  was  untiring  in  his  exertions 
to  make  the  defenst"  of  the  District  a  certainty.  He  visited  every  part  of  the  region 
to  be  defended,  inspecting  every  fortification  under  his  command,  and  reconnoitring 
every  position  thought  to  be  favorable  for  the  defense  of  the  capital.^  He  was  in 
daily  communication  with  the  government,  giving  information,  sounding  notes  of 
alarm,  and  making  wise  suggestions.  "  The  door  of  Washington"  (meaning  Annapo- 
lis), he  wrote  on  the  16th  of  July,  "is  wide  open,  and  can  not  be  shut  Avith  the  few 
troops  under  my  command."  Fort  Madison  there  Avas  utterly  defenseless,  and  too 
iiiihcalthfid  for  a  garrison  to  occupy  it.  He  Avarncd  the  government  that  its  heavy 
armainuut  might  be  easily  seized  by  the  invaders,  and  turned  upon  the  town  and  Fort 
Severn  Avith  fatal  effect.*  He  begged  in  vain  for  efforts  to  save  that  post,  and  made 
stirring  appeals  to  the  people  to  come  forward  for  the  defense  of  the  state.  Yet,  not- 
withstanding the  danger  that  threatened,  and  his  great  personal  popularity,  height- 
ened by  good  deeds  on  the  Northern  frontier.  Winder  Avas  compelled  to  report  on  the 
1st  of  August  that  he  had  actually  in  camp  only  one  thousand  regulars,  and  about 

'  The  Secretary  of  War,  as  we  have  seen,  did  not  believe  that  the  British  would  attempt  to  penetrate  to  Washington ; 
and  on  the  day  when  he  gave  this  cautious  order,  the  Satioiuil  Tntelliijeneer  (the  government  organ)  said,  "  It  is  not  prob- 
able they  will  be  required  to  be  embodied  unless  the  enemy  should  attempt  to  execute  his  threats  of  invasion." 

'  Autograph  Letter,  Winder  Papers  ;  Report  of  an  Investigating  Committee  of  Congress. 

'  It  is  related  that  n  f:irmer  living  near  Bladensburg,  who  having,  with  some  of  his  neighbors,  followed  some  direc- 
tions for  deep  plowing  given  iu  a  book,  struck  the  gravel  below  his  soil,  and  allowed  all  his  manure  to  leach  through 
and  Ihns  ruin  his  land,  saw  General  Winder  one  day,  when  the  British  were  near,  with  a  map  in  his  hand,  inspecting 
that  region.  "  He'll  be  whipped,"  said  the  farmer.  "  Why  f "  asked  a  by-stander.  "  Because  he's  going  to  book-flght- 
ing  the  British,  as  we  have  been  book-farming,  and  got  whipped."  *  Autograph  Letter. 


I 


020 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tbo  lirltlih  sppcBr  In  Chesapeike  Bay. 


Barney'i  Flotilla. 


Ueneral  Winder's  Ualla  fur  Tniopa, 


four  thousand  militia  (.'iirollcd,  a  larger  proportion  of  them  yet  to  be  collected.  Tlie 
jjovcrnincnt  had  neglected  to  rail  for  cavalry  and  riflemen,  very  important  braiieheg 
of  the  service. 

While  these  feeble  efforts  were  in  operation  the  enemy  ;ij)[>oared  in  strong  force. 
On  the  Iflth  of  August  the  small  Hritish  sciuudron  in  the  Chesn,  "ake  was  re-enforcuil 
by  a  fleet  of  twenty-one  vessels  under  Admiral  Sir  Alexander  Cochrane,  the  senior 
commander  on  the  American  station.  These  were  soon  joined  by  another  umlur 
Commodore  Sir  Charles  Malcolm.  These  vessels  bore  several  thousand  land  troops 
commanded  by  General  Ross,  an  Irish  officer,  and  one  of  Wellington's  most  active 
leaders.  Washington  and  J$altiiuore  ajipear  to  have  been  chosen  objects  of  attack 
simultaneously.  A  part  of  the  British  naval  force,  under  Captain  Gordon,  went  up 
the  Potomac,  and  another  portion,  under  Sir  Peter  Parker,  went  up  the  Chesapuaku 
toward  IJaltimore. 

At  that  time  Commodore  Barney,  with  a  fl(»tilla  of  thirteen  armed  barges  and  the 

schooner  Scorpion,  with  an  aggregate  of  about  five  hundred  men,  was  in  the  Patux- 

ent  River.     Ilis  vessels  had  been  clased  out  of  the  Chesapeake,  and  blockaded  in  St. 

-  Leonard's  Bay.     Of  this  confineiiient 

jj)/^        .  ^^  ^    J?y,  <j^  v*^  *^''"y  ^* '""'  '■^'I'l'vcd  by  some  artillery 

^JjC^n^yJl^    i^^in^-C^TQn  under  Colonel  Henry  Carbory,"  witJi 

/  ^r^    which  he  drove  away  the  ZoeVe,  the 

blockading  frigate,  when  the  released 
flotilla  went  up  the  Patuxent,  first  to  Benedict,  and  then  to  Nottingham,  that  it  might 
be  within  co-operating  distance  of  both  Washington  and  Baltimore.  Seeing  this,  the 
Jiritish  determined  to  capture  or  destroy  it,  and  on  the  18th  of  August  a  force  of  a 
little  more  than  five  thousand  men,  composed  of  regulars,  marines,  and  negroes,^  went 
up  the  Patuxent,  and  landed  at  Benedict  with  three  cannon  under  cover  of  an  armed 
brig.  Most  of  the  other  large  British  vessels  were  below,  some  of  them  aground,  and 
all  too  heavy  to  ascend  the  comparatively  shallow  stream. 

Bamey,  then  at  Nottingham,^  promptly  informed  the  Navy  Department  of  this 
movement,  and  of  a  boast  of  the  British  admiral  that  he  would  destroy  the  American 
flotilla,  and  dine  in  Washington  the  following  Sunday.  General  Winder,  by  direction 
of  the  War  Department,  immediately  ordered  General  Samuel  Smith's  division  (the 
Third)  of  the  Maryland  militia  into  actual  service.  He  also  called  upon  General  John 
•AoifUBtis,    P-  Van  Nc88,»  com- 

1814.        mander  of  the  militia 
of  the  District  of  Columbia,  for  X//   //7/%        //  7  /y/jL''ty\^ 

two  brigades,  to  be  encamj)ed       ////    ^'  t-^    C/   '    C^  f^^ 
near  Alexandria ;  and  he  sent  a 
circular  letter*"  to  all 

b  Ancmst  ID 

the  brigadiers  of  the  Maryland  militia,  asking  for  volunteers  to  the  atnount 
of  one  half  of  their  respective  commands.  By  his  orders,  his  adjutant  general,  Ilite, 
issued  a  stirring  aj)peal  to  the  citizens  to  come  forward,  "  without  regard  to  sacri- 
fices and  privations,"  in  defense  of  the  national  capital.  Winder  also  asked  General 
Strieker,  of  Baltimore,  to  send  to  Wasliington  his  volunteer  regiments  of  infantry  and 
his  rifle  battalion.  These  calls  for  volunteers  were  approved  by  the  Secretary  of 
War,  who  enjoined  Winder  so  to  word  the  requisition  as  "  to  guard  against  interfer- 
ing with  the  legal  draft."* 

'  Henry  Carbery  was  n  captain  in  the  American  Navy  In  1T92,  and  reslprncd  In  1704.  He  entered  the  military  serv- 
ice In  Maryland  In  the  spring  of  1813  as  colonel.    lie  died  on  the  20th  of  May,  1822. 

»  These  "dieciplined  negroes"  hod  been  forced  by  threats,  and  bribed  by  promises  of  freedom,  to  enter  the  Britisli 
service. 

3  Bamey  had  been  very  active  with  his  flotilla  in  opposinfj  the  maranding  expeditions  of  the  British.  On  the  Mb  of 
July  he  wrote  from  Nottingham  to  a  friend,  sayiuR,  "  Six  times  In  one  month  I  have  beat  the  enemy,  always  increajlD? 
In  their  force,  so  that  I  believe  they  are  tired  of  me.    They  now  lie  at  the  mouth  of  the  Patuxent."— Autograph  Letter, 

*  Autograph  Letter,  Winder  Papers. 


OF  THE   WAK    OF   181t. 


831 


I  WIndtr'i  C«1U  fur  Trnopi. 


OatherlngofTriMjpi. 


'  )ie  BritUb  In  the  Pttuxent. 


OMtraetlon  of  Ilarnajp'i  Flotilla. 


for  aof  ive  hitvico,  addinf?,"Tho 
third  brigade  ia  now  under  the 
pay  of  the  Un.tod  States,  in  it« 
Borvicc,  and  Huiijoct  to  tiic  Ai*- 


'  August  20. 


The  veteran  patriot,  General  Smith,  promptly  reHponded  to  the  call  of  tlie  goveni- 
meiit.  He  at  onee  isHued  a  diviHion  order,"  in  which  he  j^avo  notice  of  the  •  Ainru"t  i», 
invasion,  and  directed  the  whole  of  General  Staimbury's  hrifjade  (the        ""''• 

^^  Third)  to  be  held  in  readinenK 

tides  of  War."'  Tliat  corps  General  Smith  declared  to  bo  "  the  finest  set  of  men  lio 
ever  saw."*  They  paraded  at  foiir  o'clock  the  same  day,  and  on  the  following'  morn- 
ing General  Staimbury'  lell  lialtiiuoro  for  Washington  with  tiiirteen  hundred  of  hia 
corps.  Another  force,  un- 
der Lieutenant  Colonel 
Joseph  Sterett,  consisting 
of  the  Fifth  Regiment 
of  Baltimore  Volunteers, 
Major  Pinkiiey's*  ritlo 
battalion,  and  tho  artil- 
lery com])anies  of  Cap- 
tains JMyers  and  Magru- 
(ler,  left  Baltimore  on  tho  evening  of  the  20th,  and  joined  Rtansbury  on  the  evening 
of  the  2nd.  With  wise  precaution.  General  Smith  ordered''  tho  eleventh 
brigade  and  Colonel  Moore's  cavalry  to  hold  tliemselves  in  readiness  to 
march  to  Baltimore  at  a  moment's  warning,  for  it  seemed  probable  that  the  enemy 
would  strike  at  both  cities  simultaneously.  They  were  ordered  to  Baltimore  on 
the  23d. 

The  British  in  the  mean  time  had  moved  up  tho  Patuxont  from  Benedict,  the  land 
troops  being  accompanied  by  a  flotilla  of  launches  and  barges  that  kept  ai)reast  of 
thcni.  The  naval  forces  were  under  the  command  of  the  notorious  marauder,  Cock- 
burn.  Tliey  reached  Lower  Marlborough  on  the  21st,  when  Barney's  flotilla,  then  in 
charge  of  Lieutenant  Frazier  and  a  sufficient  number  of  men  to  destroy  it  if  neces- 
sary, moved  up  to  Pig  Point,  where  some  of  the  vessels  grounded  in  the  shallow  wa- 
ter. Barney  hau  landed  with  four  hundred  seamen  and  pushed  on  toward  Winder's 
head-quarters,  then  at  the  Wood  Yard,  on  the  road  between  I  '^jjper  Marlborough  and 
Washington,  and  twelve  miles  from  tho  latter,  where  he  had  established  a  slightly- 
intrenched  camp.  Frazier  was  instructed  to  destroy  tho  flotilla  at  Pig  Point  rather 
than  allow  it  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  foe.  This  order  was  obeyed,  and  the  flotil- 
la was  blown  up  on  the  morning  \*"  he  22d,  when  the  enemy  moved  up  from  Notting- 
ham in  forty  barges,  and  comir '  ,'td  firing  u])on  it  with  cannon  and  rockets.*  They 
found  only  the  ruins  of  Baraf  -^  vessels  at  Pig  Point.  Their  land  force  pressed  for- 
ward to  Upper  Marlborough,  -.vhence  a  road  led  directly  to  Washington  City,  and 
there  encamped,  leaving  Cockburn  and  the  British  fiotilla  at  Pig  Point. 

Now  let  us  see  what  forces  were  at  the  disposal  of  General  Winder  for  the  defense 
of  Washington-  There  were  two  small  brigades  of  District  troops.  One  of  these 
comprised  the  militia  and  volunteers  of  Washington  and  Georgetown,  arranged  in 
two  regiments  under  Colonels  Magruder  and  Brent,  and  was  commanded  by  General 
Walter  Smith,  of  Georgetown.    Attached  to  tho  brigade  were  two  companies  of  light 

'  General  Smith's  MS.  Order-book.  I  am  Indebted  to  the  kind  courtesy  of  Qencrnl  .lohn  Spoar  Smith,  of  Baltimore, 
HOD  of  General  Samnel  Smith,  and  hie  aid-de-camp  in  1814,  for  the  use  of  hla  father's  military  papers  of  this  period. 

'  Autograph  Letter  to  General  Winder. 

'  Tobias  E.  Stansbnry  lived  to  the  great  age  of  ninety-three  years.  He  was  an  activa  public  man  f^om  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Revolution  almost  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Baltimore  County,  Maryland,  on  the  26th  of 
October,  1849.  He  was  repeatedly  a  member  of  the  Maryland  Legislature,  and  was  Speaker  of  its  Honse  of  Delegates. 
He  always  enjoyed  the  perfect  confidence  of  his  fellow-citizens.  •  See  sketch  of  William  Finkney  on  page  148. 

*  Barney's  autograph  Letter  to  the  lavestigating  Committee,  October  30, 1814. 


1^ 


I' 


II 


>  I 


*i 

922 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Forces  gathered  for  the  Defense  of  Washiugtoii  and  Baltimore. 


'  * : 

!■«  i 

1 

•  i 

1 
1 

artillery,  commanded  respectively  by  Ma- 
jor George  Peter,  of  the  regular  army, 
and  Captain  Benjamin  Burch,  a  soldier 
of  the  lievolution.  There  were  also  two 
rifle  companies  under  Captains  Doughty 
and  Stull.  This  brigade  numbered,  on 
the  morning  of  the  2l8t  of  August,  one  tliousand  and  seventy  men.  The  second  bri- 
gade was  commanded  by  General  Robert  Young,  and  numbered  live  Iiundred  mon. 
It  comprised  a  company  of  artillery  led  by  Captain  Marsteller.  It  was  chiefly  em- 
ployed in  defending  the  approaches  to  I'^ort  Wusiiington 
about  twelve  miles  below  the  capital.  Brigadier  Gen- 
ral  West,  of  I'rince  George's  County,  Lad  troops  on  the 


w/ 


————    -    •      look-out  toward  the  Potomac. 

The  troops  from  lialtimore  comprised  a  greater  portion  of  the  brigade  of  General 
Stansbury,  formed  in  tAvo  regiments  under  Lieutenant  Colonels  Kagan  and  Scliiitz 
thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  in  number;  and  the  Fifth  Regiment,  under  Colojiel  Stci- 
ett,  with  ariillery  and  riflemen  already  mentioned,  the  latter  under  the  celebrated 
William  Pinkney.  The  whole  force  from  Baltimore  Avas  about  two  thousand  two 
hundred,  commanded  by  General  Stansbury  as  chief.  Besides  these  there  were  vari- 
ous detachments  of  Maryland  militia,  under  the 
respective  command  of  Colonels  W.  D.  Beall  (of 
the  Revolution)  and  He  id.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Kramer,  and  "Majors  Waring  and  Maynard — in  all 
less  than  twelve  hundred.  There  was  also  a  regi- 
ment of  Virginia  mililia  under  Colonel  George  Mi- 
nor, six  hundred  strong,  with  one  Iiundred  cavalry.     The  regular  army  cf)ntribiite(l 

three  hundred  men  from  the  Twelfth,  Thirty-sixth, 
and  Thirty-eighth  Regiments,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  William  Scott.  To  these  must  be  added 
the  sailors  of  Barney's  flotilla,  four  hundred,  and 
one  hundred  and  twenty  marines  from  the  nnw 
yard  at  Washington,  furnished  with  two  1 8-])oiiml 
ers  and  tiiree  Impounders.  There  were  also 
various  small  companies  of  volunteer  cav- 
alry from  tlie  district,  Maryland,  and  Vir- 
ginia, under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Tilghmun, 
and  Maiors  O.  II.  Williams  and  Charles  Ster- 
ett,  three  Iiundred  in  number,  and  a  squad- 
ron of  United  States  dragoons  commanded 
by  Major  Laval.  Tlie  whole  force  was  about  seven  tliousand  strong,  of  .vhom  nim 
hundred  were  enlisted  men.  The  cavaliy  did  not  exceed  four  hundred  in  miinber. 
The  little  army  had  twenty-six  pieces  of  cannon,  of  which  twenty  were  only  O-pouiid- 
ei-3.  This  force,  if  concentrated,  would  have  been  cumpotent  to  roll  back  the  inva- 
sion had' the  commanding  oflicer  been  untrammeled  by  the  interference  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  his  Cabinet. 

Winders  v  igilanee  was  sleepless  after  the  apjiearance  of  the  invaders  in  th-j  P.i- 
tuxent.  He  was  actively  employed  with  the  cavalry  in  reconnoitring;  and  on  lln 
morning  of  the  22d  lie  ordered  Lie.itcnant  Colonel  Scott's  command,  Laval's  cavalry. 
Major  Peter's  artillery,  and  the  rifle  company  of  Stull,  and  another  under  Cai»taiii 
Davidson,  acting  as  riflemon,  with  8o\'tral  tieid-j.ieces,  numbering  about  eight  hiuidied 
men,  to  proceed  immediately  to  Nottingham,  where  the  onomy  had  encamped  during 
the  night  just  passed,  and  reconnoitre  and  liarasp  (hem.  The  remainder  of  WiiuU'i's 
force  in  hand  was  directed  to  follow  iu  their  supp«>rt.    The  general  himself,  accompa- 


OF    THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


923 


The  British  move  ou  Waabla^hn. 


AlBTnlnr  Note 


Secretary  Honroe. 


Remnval  of  the  Pnblic  Records, 


jz:^^ 


.•11.  Tlie  pccond  hri- 
1  five  liuiulrc'd  inen, 
It  was  cliicfly  oiii- 
;0  Fort,  Wasliingtoii, 
tal.  Brigadier  Gen- 
y,  Lad  troops  on  the 

e  brigade  of  General 
!  Ragan  and  Sebutz, 
,,  under  Ccjloiiel  Stei- 
under  tlie  celebrated 
it  two  tbousand  two 
these  there  wore  vaii- 


ilar  army  contributcri 
Twelfth,  Thirty-sixtli. 
ts,  under  Lieutenant 
these  must  be  uddcil 
],  four  hundred,  ami 
rines  from  the  navy 
with  two  18-])oun(l- 


strong,  of  -vhom  niii' 
hundred  in  number, 
ty  were  only  C-pound- 
to  roll  bacik  the  invn- 
erferenco  of  the  Presi- 

le  invaders  in  the  P;i- 
moitring ;  and  on  tlu' 
nand,  La^'al's  cavalry, 
lother  under  Captain 
g  about  eight  liundnnl 
had  encamped  during 
emainder  ofWiiidor's 
-val  himself,  accompa- 


nied by  his  liaofCed  stjdt Proceeded  in  advance  of  the  troops,  and  soon  discovered  the 
enemy  movieg  ap  the  rrver.  He  was  convinced  that  an  encounter  with  that  over- 
whelming force  would  fce  perilous,  and  he  ordered  Scott  and  Peter  to  fall  back  to  the 
Wood  Yard  and  vait  for  him.  The  main  body  of  the  trocps,  under  General  W. 
Smith,  had  arrived  m  the  mean  time  within  two  miles  of  the  advr.nce;  and  the  whole 
American  foree,  th«  within  five  miles  of  the  invaders,  including  Barney's  men  and 
marines  from  the  Wanffiingt  -fi  Navy  Yard,  numbered  about  twenty-five  hundred,  fair- 
iv  iriiUHl  with  musket*  an.,  rilles,  and  five  pieces  of  heavy  artillery. 

)n  arriviitc  at  the  junction  of  the  roads  leading  respectively  to  Marlborough  and 
;i  Wood  Yard,GeuefnB  Ross,  who  led  the  British  column  in  person,  turned  into  the 
la;  r  with  the  seeming  intention  of  pushing  on  toward  Washington.  He  was  in- 
duced to  do  so  by  Cockburn,  who  thirsted  for  plunder,  and  who  argued  that  the  pres- 
isj-e  which  the  British  ^Vould  accpjire  by  the  capture  of  the  'netropalis  of  the  re])ublic 
Tv'-nld  be  of  immense  advantage  to  the  cause,  and  that  no  doubt  the  government,  to 
■  city,  would  make  a  liberal  oifer  of  money,  a  circumstance  that  would  greatly 
111,  11"  the  marauder's  amount  of  prize-money.  After  proceeding  a  short  distance, 
Ross  hanged  his  course  and  j)roceeded  toward  Marlborough.  Vv^inder  deemed  it  pru- 
dent to  avoid  an  encounter,  an<?  in  the  afternoon  he  retreated  toward  the  capital,  and 
encan-Med  at  a  place  called  Long  Old  Battalion  Fields,  about  eight  miles  from  the 
city,  where  he  might  be  within  easy  striking  distance  of  Bladensburg,  the  bridges 
over  the  East  Branch  of  the  Potomac,  and  the  road  leading  to  Fort  Washington.' 

Colonel  James  Monroe,  the  Secretary  of  State,  who  had  been  several  days  with 
Winder  reconnoitring  the  enemy,  and  watching  all  military  movements,  believed  that 
Washington  was  in  great  peril,  for  he  well  knew  the  weakness  of  the  American  forTS. 
While  Ross  was  yet  advancing,  and  before  he  retraced  his  steps  and  went  toward 
Marlborough,  Monroe  sent  the  following  dispatch  to  the  President : 

"The  enemy  are  advanced  six  miles  on  the  road  to  the  Wood  Y'"ard,  and  our  troops 
are  retiring.  Our  troops  were  on  tlie  march  to  meet  them,  but  in  too  small  a  body 
to  engage.  General  Winder  proposes  to  retire  till  he  can  collect  them  in  a  body. 
The  enemy  are  in  full  march  to  Washington.  Have  the  materials  prejiared  to  de- 
stroy the  bridges.  J.  Monroe. 

"P.S. — You  had  better  remove  the  records."^ 

This  message  produced  the  wildest  excitement  in  the  national  capital,  tiieu  a  strag- 
ijling  town  of  between  eiglit  and  nine  thousand  inhabitants,  and  caused  a  sudden  and 
confused  exodus  of  all  the  timid  and  helpless  ones  who  were  able  to  leave. 

Winder's  situation  was  an  unenviable  one.  With  a  comparatively  strong  foe  on 
liis  front,  ready  to  fall  upon  him  or  the  capital  he  was  expected  to  dcll'iid,  he  had 
only  aboiit  twenty-five  hundred  armed  and  effective  men  in  camp,  and  many  of  these 
iiaJ  been  from  their  homes  only  three  or  four  days.  They  Avere  undisciplined  and 
untried,  and  surrounded  and  influenced  by  a  crowd  of  excited  civilians,  to  wliose 

officious  but  well-intended  information  and  advice"  the  general  was  compelled  to 
listen.    In  addition  to  this  intrusion  and  interference  of  common  men,  he  was  einbar- 


'  S<p  Map  nil  page  920. 

'  Mr.  S.  Pleueanton,  then  eniployt.1  In  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  made  immedln.te  arranijcmenlo  for  the  re- 
raoval  of  thj  booka  snti  pr.per-i  of  the  State  Department.  Ho  had  lluen  hajjs  made  In  Vi'hlch  tlii'y  were  placed,  and 
tlicii  conveyed  In  cnrt3  a'jroBB  the  Chain  Bridge,  ovi ,  'he  Potomac,  two  miles  above  Georgetown,  to  the  grist-mill  of 
Srtsnr  Patterson,  lu  Virgin.a.  Consideung  them  iniBafe  there,  Irtr.  Plea.wnton  had  them  conveyed  to  Leesburp,  iliirty- 
live  miles  from  Wnshington,  where  they  were  locked  up  in  an  iinoccupied  hnnse,  and  the  keys  ^Iven  to  the  Kcv,  Mr. 
Litflejohn,  who  had  been  one  of  the  collectors  oftlic  intern.il  rcvenne.  Thus  the  prccions  docnmciitc  of  the  Revola- 
:ioniiry  period  uid  other  valuable  papern  rum  in  the  Ofllce  of  the  Rolls  at  Wnshineton  City  wore  saved  fj  i  in  de.sl ruction. 
-Antnjrnph  Letter  of  S.  Pleasanton  to  (Jeneral  Winder,  August  7, 1S48.  Mr.  I'leasanton,  in  his  account  of  tills  trans- 
action, 5ayR :  "  Whilj  engaged  in  the  pnss.ige-wny  of  the  buildings  with  tlie  papers,  tlio  nepartment  of  State  being  on 
due  side,  and  the  War  Department  on  the  other  side  of  the  passage,  General  Arnistron;;,  then  Secretary  of  War,  on  his 
»sy  to  his  own  room,  stopped  a  short  time,  and  observed  to  me  that  he  thonght  we  were  under  unnecessary  alarm,  as 
V  did  not  think  the  lirltish  were  serious  in  their  imenJoaa  of  coming  to  Waehlugton."  To  this  belief  the  Secretary 
odlierud  until  tbej'  were  iu  fiili  mcrcli  upon  the  capital. 


I«:| 


) 

1 

■;| 

i 

i 

■      1 

f| 

924 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Prcparattone  for  Battle. 


DlspoBitlon  of  Troops. 


Battle-Hue  formed  near  Bladensburg. 


rassed  by  the  presence  and  snggestions  of  the  President  and  his  Cabinet  ministers 
the  most  of  them  utterly  ignorant  of  military  affairs.  Bettor  would  it  have  been  for 
Winder  and  the  country  if  these  civilians,  from  the  President  down,  had  kept  awav 
from  the  camp  and  the  field,  and  prudently  j)reServed  silence. 

The  fatigued  little  army  at  Long  Old  Fields  had  reposed  but  a  short  time  when,  at 
two  o'clock  in  the  morning  (August  23),  a  timid  sentinel  gave  a  false  alarm,  and  tliey 
were  summoned  to  their  feet  in  battle  order.  They  Avere  soon  dismissed,  and  slept 
on  their  arms  until  dawn.  At  sunrise  they  were  ordered  to  strike  their  tents,  load 
the  baggage  wagons,  and  have  every  thing  in  readiness  to  move  within  an  hour. 
When  every  thing  was  prepared  for  marching  they  Avere  reviewed  by  President  ^lacl- 
ison.  In  the  mean  time  Winder  had  ascertained  from  scouts  that  the  British  Avero 
resting  quietly  in  their  camp  at  Upper  Marlborough,  and  lie  resolved  to  concentrate 
all  the  troops  within  his  reach  at  some  point  between  his  present  camp  and  that  of 
the  enemy.  He  accordingly  sent  orders  to  General  Stansbury,  at  Bladensburg,  to 
march  with  his  own  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Sterett's  troops,  and  take  position  in  the 
road  within  seven  miles  of  Marlborough.  The  same  order  was  sent  to  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Beall,  supposed  to  be  then  approaching  with  his  corps  from  Annapolis.  A 
detachment  from  General  Walter  Smith's  brigade,  under  Major  Peter,  composed  of 
the  same  companies  as  the  detachment  sent  forward  the  day  before,  was  ordered  to 
move  from  camp  in  the  same  direction  and  for  the  same  purj)ost — to  approach  as 
near  the  enemy  as  possible  without  incurring  too  much  risk,  and  annoy  him  whetlier 
in  motion  or  at  rest.  General  Winder  himself,  accompanied  by  a  troop  of  Laval's 
cavalry,  started  for  Bladensbnrg  at  noon  for  the  purpose  of  holding  a  conference  with 
General  Stansbury.  When  within  four  or  five  miles  of  that  place,  he  was  overtaken 
by  Major  M'Kenney  with  intelligence  that  Major  Peter  had  met  and  skirmished  with 
the  vanguard  of  the  advancing  enemy,  two  or  three  miles  from  Marlborough,  on  tlio 
road  toward  the  Wood  Yard,  had  been  driven  back  toward  the  Old  Fields,  and  that 
General  Smith  had  sent  off  the  baggage  toward  Washington  across  the  Eastern 
Bran(!h,  and  had  drawn  up  his  own  troops  and  Banuy's  seamen  in  battle  order  to 
await  an  attack  from  the  foe.  Winder  'mraediately  sent  orders  to  Stansbury,  now- 
moving  forward,  to  fall  back  toward  Bladensburg,  take  the  best  position  possible  witli 
his  own  and  Sterett's  troops  in  front  of  that  village,  and  resist  the  enemy  if  attaciied. 
if  driven,  lie  was  to  re- 


treat toward  the  cap- 
ital. He  then  h;  sten- 
ed  bad.  to  the  Old 
Fields,  where  he  found 
Smith  and  Barney  well 
posted.  Stansbury's 
force  took  ])osition  in 
an  orchard  (near  a  mill 
yet  standing  near  Bla- 
densburg) on  a  gentle 
eminence,  and  there, 
behind  a  slight  breast- 
work, he  placed  si.x 
heavy  guns  in  position 
to  command  the  pass 
into  the  town  and  the 
bridge  sonthwestward 
of  it.  Al>out  one  hun- 
dred yards  in  the  rear 


Ol.l>  MILL  UUMi  lll.AI>l'..'<IHnilllU  IM    ISlil.' 


>  Thin  in  a  sketch  of  the  old  mill  made  near  the  close  of  ISOl.    Bladensburg  uud  the  bridge  are  seen  In  the  dietauce. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1812. 


928 


formed  near  Bludeiwburg. 


Advance  of  the  British. 


Retreat  of  the  Americans. 


Winder  invites  the  Government  to  a  Council. 


Uge  arc  seen  In  the  dlstauce. 


of  this  position,  in  the  small  dwelling  on  Tourneclifte's  farm,  the  surgeons  of  the  com- 
mand were  placed,  to  receive  and  take  care  of  tlie  wounded  soldiers. ' 

General  Ross  rested  at  Upper  Marlborough  until  after  noon  of  the  23d,  when,  being 
joined  by  Cockburn  and  his  seamen  and  marines,  he  moved  fonvard  at  two  o'clock, 
and,  as  we  have  observed,  encountered  and  drove  back  Major  Peter  and  his  command. 
He  then  pressed  steadily  on  unmolested  to  the  junction  of  the  roads  leading  respect- 
ively to  Washington  City  and  the  Alexand.-ia  Ferry,  on  the  Potomac  River,  not  far 
above  Fort  Washington.  There  they  halted.  The  Americans  were  puzzled.  Some 
believed  that  an  attack  on  Fort  Washington  in  the  rear,  simultaneously  with  an  as- 
sault by  the  British  fleet  in  front,  was  contemplated ;  but  more,  and  among  these 
General  Winder  and  Colonel  Monroe,  believed  the  national  capital  to  be  the  prize 
sought  to  bo  won.  Impressed  with  this  conviction.  Winder  issued  orders  toward 
sunset  for  the  troops  to  retire  across  the  Eastern  Branch  Bridge  and  take  position  on 
the  borders  of  the  city,  where  greater  facility  would  be  afforded  for  assisting  General 
Young,  who  was  covering  Fort  Wasliington  with  a  small  force,  and  for  drawing  to 
himself  Stansbury  and  Sterett  if  the  enemy  should  advance  rapidly  upon  tlie  capital. 
Late  at  night  the  troops,  greatly  wearied  and  dispirited,  encamped  within  the  limits 
of  the  city.  "  Thus,"  said  General  Smith, "  terminated  the  four  days  of  service  of  the 
troops  of  this  District.  They  had  been  under  arms,  with  but  little  intermission,  the 
whole  of  the  time,  both  night  and  day ;  had  traveled,  during  their  different  marches 
in  advance  and  retreat,  a  considerable  tract  of  country,  exposed  to  the  burning  heat 
of  a  sultry  sun  by  day,  and  many  of  them  to  the  cold  dews  of  the  night,  uncover- 
ed. They  had  in  this  period  drawn  but  two  rations,  the  requisition  therefor  in  the 
Srst  instance  heing  but  partially  con.pliod  with,  and  it  being  afterward  almost  ini- 
poesib'c  to  procure  the  means  of  transportation,  the  wagons  employed  by  our  quar- 
tiimaster  for  that  purpose  being  constantly  im])ressed  by  the  government  agents 
for  the  purpose  of  removing  the  public  records  when  the  enemy's  approach  was 
known,  and  some  of  them  thus  seized  while  proceeding  to  take  in  provisions  lor  the 
army." 

'.lie  night  of  the  23d  of  August  was  marked  by  great  excitement  in  the  National 
( iqiital.  The  President  and  his  Cabinet  indulged  in  no  slumbers,  for  Ross,  the  invad- 
er, was  bivouacked  at  Mclw  ood,  near  the  Long  Old  Fields,  about  ten  miles  from  the 
city,  and  Winder's  troops,  worn  down  and  ''spirited,  were  fugitives  before  him.  La- 
val's horsemen  were  exhausted,  and  Stansbury's  troops  at  Bladcnsburg  were  too 
wearied  with  long  marching  to  do  miu'h  fighting  without  some  repose.  What  the 
morning  would  reveal  no  one  could  tell,  and  the  daik  hours  were  passed  in  great 
anxiety  by  the  troops  and  people.  The  Secretary  of  State  was  in  his  saddle  half 
the  night;  and  .it  midnight  he  had  visited  the  hcad-quaiters  of  Stansbury,  acquaint- 
ed him  with  the  relative  [)OHitions  of  Winder  and  Ross,  and  advised  him  to  fall  in  the 
rear  of  the  latter.  Fortunately  the  military  leader  did  not  follow  the  advice  of  the 
eivilian. 

Winder's  head-quarters  were  at  Combs's,  near  the  Eastern  Branch  Bridge,  and  at 
(lawn  the  President  and  several  of  his  Cabinet  minister  were  there."  Before  tlieir 
irrival,  General  Winder  (who  was  greatly  fatigued'  in  body  and  mind,  and  had  re- 
i^eived  a  severe  injury  from  a  fall  during  the  night)  had  sent  a  note  to  the  Secretary 
if  War,  expressing  a  desire  to  have  the  counsel  of  that  officer  and  of  the  government. 
Tills  was  a  mistake.  lie  had  had  too  miu'h  of  (hat  bane  to  success  already,  and  it 
was  now  administered  too  libei-ally  for  the  good  ri>putation  of  liimself  and  his  coun- 
try. These  government  officera  were  so  officious  as  well  as  fickle — fickle,  because  im- 
l>nl,m>,  and  not  judgment,  guided  them— that  the  general's  thoughts  and  plans  were 

1 1  have  heforo  mi>  a  vci  v  intcrcstlnc  narrative  in  manuscript  of  the  events  of  the  Iiattle,  which  came  under  thp  ob- 
serration  of  Dr.  8am\u:l  B.  Martin,  cue  of  the  surpeons  stationed  at  Tminici-llffe's  honcc,  whnro  he  was  made  a  prisoner 
at  tlie  doie  of  the  battle.  a  Secretarie*  of  War,  Navy,  and  Treasury,  and  the  Attorney  Genor»I. 


m 


iWB 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


WfllMMix 


iianflMtaiilnirg. 


The  Field  of  Action. 


The  Secretary  of  War  and  General  Winder. 


»teffer<i^  wifli  akmwmment  when  one  mind  sliould  control  all  movements,  a  id  that 
4KMt4  be  frtA  t^  acKaHMnmrneled  and  unbiased.^ 

WkMe  yithli4¥  •wi  "(fe  government  were  in  council,  Ross  moved  toward  Bladcns- 
burg.  //avarw  .'/  ' -■  first  br^  ight  intelligence  of  the  fact  to  head-quarters.  They 
were  soon  followc  y  an  <xpres8  from  Stansbury,  giving  positive  information  tliat 
the  British  weif  .arching  in  tlmt  direction,  T^ith  the  view,  no  doubt,  of  crushing  the 
little  force  of  Baltii/iorcans  lo  Bladonsbin-L'^  Mill.    \Tp  to  that  moment  the  coun. 

cil  believed  that  Ross  won  in  .  ve  on  Fort  \V  isliington,  or  on  the  city  .by  the  very 
bridge  near  which  they  were  in  consultation.  This  delusive  idea  now  vanished,  anil 
government,  general,  and  troops  all  moved  off  toward  the  point  of  danger.  Winder 
ha/1  now  under  his  command  at  Washington  and  Bladensburg  five  thousand  oni 
hundred  effective  men.     The  force  of  f  lie  enemy  was  about  the  same. 

It  was  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  wlien  Winder  ordered  General  W.  Smith,  with 
the  whole  of  his  troops,  to  hasten  tOAvard  Bladensburg.  Barney  was  soon  afterwanl 
ordered  to  move  with  his  five  hundred  men,  and  the  Secretary  of  State,  who  had  seen 
some  military  service  in  the  Revolution,  was  requested  by  the  President  and  General 
Winder  to  hasten  to  Stansbury  and  assist  him  in  properly  posting  his  troops,  Mr. 
Monroe  was  immediately  followed  by  General  Winder  and  his  staff.  The  Secrctaiv 
of  War  then  followed;  and  lastly  the  President  and  Attorney  General,  accompanied 
by  some  friends,  all  on  horseback,  rode  on  toward  the  expected  theatre  of  battle.- 
Stansbury  seems  not  to  have  been  well  pleased  with  the  aid  of  the  Secretary  of  State 
for  he  afterward  intimated  that  "  somebody,"  without  consulting  him,  cluingecl  and 
deranged  his  order  of  battle.  That  "somebody"  wan  Colonel  Monroe,  as  we  shall 
prpsontly  observe.     '  ' 

li<  /  i/rt  fur  n  moment  take  a  glance  at  the  theatre  on  wliieli  the  opposing  forces  were 
soon  to  meet  litm  la  fiipo,  |f,  wfis  III''  Hhines  and  plain  ariMiiwI  lihideiisl/uig,  then  a 
little  straggling  village  at  the  |l|i|j/|  ((rHIIinll-nrMCl  navigation  on  I  he  KimtUf/i  Brnneh 
of  the  Potomac,  up  which  for  four  rnili's  vessels  itl'  lummi  elnss  might  ride.  Tho  vil 
l^ge  is  about  six  miles  from  Washington  by  the  old  post-road  fiu/ii  Ihdl  city  to  Bal- 
iAtlioTi'.  Another  road  from  Georgetown  joined  the  Washington  Road  at  ((//  (je(i(e 
angle  a  few  yards  from  the  bridge  less  than  a  hundred  feet  long,  that  spanned  the 
stream  at  Bladensburg.     Above  the  bridge  the  creek  was  every  where  fordable. 

In  the  triangular  field  formed  by  the  two  roads  just  mentioned,  and  near  the  mill, 
Generjil  Stansbury's  command  was  posted  on  the  morning  of  the  24th.  On  tlie  hmw 
of  a  little  eminence  in  that  field,  three  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  Blinlensbr.ra 
Bridge,  between  a  large  barn^  and  the  Washington  Road,  a  barbette  earth-work  had 
been  thrown  up  for  the  use  of  heavy  cannon.  Behind  this  work  were  tlic  arli'lerv 
companies  from  Baltimore,  under  Captains  Myers  and  Magruder,  one  hundred  and 
fifty  strong,  with  six  6-pounders.  These  were  too  small  for  the  high  embankment, 
and  embrasures  were  cut  so  that  they  might  command  the  bridge  and  both  roads. 
Major  Pinkney's  riflemen  were  on  the  right  of  the  battery,  near  the  junction  of  the 

<  It  Appears  from  contcmporaneons  testimony  that,  at  the  interview  at  Winder's  head-qnnrtcrs  that  mominp,  it  was 
resolved  by  the  President  to  give  the  supreme  control  of  military  nffiiirs  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  lint  that  in  a  short 
time  ihe  President  changed  his  mind,  who  toJd  the  Secretary  that  "the  military  functionaries  should  he.  left  to  the  dis- 
charge of  their  own  duties  on  their  own  rcsponsibtlitieH.''  See  General  Armstrong's  account  of  the  matter  in  his  SDlim 
(ff  Ihe  War  of  ist2.  The  now  (1867)  venernble  .Jacob  Barker,  of  New  Orleans,  who  was  at  the  seat  of  government  at  this 
time,  in  an  interesting  narrative  of  these  events,  says :  "  The  President  left  Washington  at  about  9  A.M.  [August  ^41, in 
great  haate,  to  recall  General  Armstrong,  who  had  preceded  hini  ahont  an  hour  witli  the  President's  order  to  saperwde 
General  Winder  in  the  defense  of  the  capital,  and  reaching  the  ground  a  few  minutes  before  the  flght  began,  said  lo 
General  Armstrong, '  It  is  too  late  to  make  any  change.  Come  with  me,  and  leave  the  defense  with  the  military  au- 
thorities, where  it  lielongs."  "—Letter  to  Mr.  Carrol',  February  8, 1848,  in  reply  to  one  from  that  gentleman  in  the  New 
York  //croW,  December  1, 1847.  General  Armstrong  was  offended,  and,  as  he  eays  In  his  narrative,  "now  became, of 
courpc,  a  more  spectator  of  the  combat." 

a  Richard  Rush,  then  Attorney  General,  says  tliat  the  President  informed  him,  when  they  were  riding  ont  toward 
Bladensburg.  that  one  motive  that  caused  his  going  to  the  Held  was  to  be  on  hand  to  give  the  requisite  sanctiou  to  the 
claims  to  superior  command  of  (Jeneral  .Armstmug. 

'  This  barn,  on  the  Georgetown  Road,  was  yet  standing  In  18G1,  A  small  drawing  of  it  is  seen  In  the  corner  of  the 
ttsiller  section  of  the  map  on  page  9129, 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


927 


•War  and  General  Wluder. 

ovcments,  a  id  that 

ed  toward  Blailcns- 
lad-qiiarters.  Tluy 
ve  information  that 
lubt,  of  crushing  tlif 
it  inomei\t  the  co\in- 
:,hc  city  .by  the  very 
a  now  vanished,  ami 
of  danger.  Winder 
y  five  thousand  one 
»ame. 

icral  W.  Smith,  witli 
r  was  soon  afterward 
t"  State,  who  had  seen 
'resident  and  General 
ting  his  troops.    Mr. 
staff.     Tlie  Secretary 
Kcneral,  accompanied 
ed  theatre  of  hattle.- 
he  Secretary  of  State, 
ng  him,  cliaugcd  and 
I  Monroe,  as  we  shall 

1  opposing  forces  wen 
rl  Uhideiislmrg,  thena 
n  till"  KiiHli'ilt  MniiKli 
niinlit  ride.     The  vil 
rnilil  lli/it  ('|t|rtoBal- 
Iton  Road  al  an  miili 
ong,  that  spanned  the 
|y  wiiere  fordahle. 
lied,  and  near  tin*  mill, 
ic  '24th.     On  the  hrow 
IVom  the  Bladeiisbr.rg 
rhette  earth-work  had 
,;rk  were  the  arti'lery 
|der,  one  hundred  and 
die  liitrh  embankment, 
■idge  and  both  roads. 
ar  the  junction  of  the 

|l-qnnrt^eie  that  momlnp,  it  wan 
Inry  of  Wnr,  hnt  that  In  n  ftwrt 
liarlcs  phouUl  he  left  to  the  dif- 
[mnt  of  the  matter  ill  his  .V»(i«« 
T  the  seat  of  (rovertiinent  ntilils 
|atabout9A.M.[Angnsf!41,in 
I  Prosiflent's  order  to  Hupcrwde 
Iheforc  the  flpht  heRnn,  fwl 'o 
1  defence  with  the  military  nn- 
|)m  that  pentleman  in  the  Now 
Vsuarrallvc,"  now  became,  or 

m  they  wero  riding  ont  toward 
Ivc  the  requisite  aanctlon  to  the 

r It  l8  seen  In  the  corner  ottta 


Arrangements  for  Battle  near  niadensbiiri;. 


lUli   IIUIDOK  AT   ULAUKNHUCUU  IN    1$G1.> 


roads,  and  concealed 
by  tlie  shrubbery  on 
the  low  ground  near 
the  river.  Two  com- 
panies of  militia,  un- 
der Captains  Ducker 
and  Gorsuch,  acting  as 
riflemen,  were  station- 
ed in  the  ronr  of  the 
left  of  the  battery, 
near  the  barn  and  the 
Georgetown  Road. 
About  fifty  yards  in 
the  rear  of  Pinkiiey's 
riilemen  was  Sterett's 
Fifth  Regiment  of 
Baltimore  Volunteers, 
while  the  regiments 
of  Ragan  and  Schutz 
were  drawn  uj)  en  eche- 
lon,'^ their  right  rest- 
ing on  the  left  of  Ducker's  and  Gorsuch's  companies,  and  commanding  the  George- 
•own  Road.  The  cavalry,  about  three  hundred  and  eighty  in  all,  were  placed  some- 
what in  the  rear,  on  the  extreme  left,  and  seem  not  to  have  taken  any  part  in  the  bat- 
tle that  ensued. 

This,  all  things  considered,  seems  to  have  been  a  judicious  arrangement ;  but  Colo- 
nel Monroe,  without  consulting  General  Stansbury,  and  in  face  of  the  enemy,  then  on 
the  other  side  of  the  Eastern  Branch,  proceeded  to  change  it,  by  moving  the  Balti- 
more reg  nts  of  Sterett,  Ragan,  and  Schutz  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  the 
artillery  una  riflemen,  their  right  resting  on  the  Washington  Road.  This  formed  a 
second  line  in  full  view  of  the  enemy, 
within  reac'  of  his  Congreve  ro(!kets,  en- 
tirely uncovered,  and  so  far  from  the  first 
line  ac  not  to  be  able  to  give  it  immedi- 
ate support  in  case  of  an  attack.  This 
was  a  blunder  that  proved  disastrous, 
but  it  was  made  too  late  to  be  corrected, 
the  enemy  Avas  so  near. 

General  Winder  in  the  mean  time  had 
arrived  on  the  field,  and  posted  a  third 
and  rear  line  on  the  crown  of  the  hills, 
near  the  residence  of  the  late  John  C 
Rives,  proprietor  of  the  Washington 
Globe,  about  a  mile  from  the  Bladens- 
burg  Bridge.  This  line  embraced  a  reg- 
iment of  Maryland  militia,  under  Colonel 


BEBIDENOG  or  TBE  LATK  JOHN  O.  R1VK8.' 


'  This  view  Is  ft-om  the  right  hank  of  the  Eastern  Branch,  on  the  road  leading  to  Washington. 

'  See  note  4,  page  652. 

"  ThiB  mnnnlon  stands  between  the  Baltimore  and  Washington  Railway  and  the  turnpike  lending  from  Washlnpton 
In  Bladensburg.  It  1b  abont  four  ni'!"9  from  the  national  capital.  Mr.  Rives,  who  died  there  on  Sunday,  the  inth  of 
April,  1864,  at  the  age  of  eiity-nine  j'.>ar«,  was  one  of  the  foiindern  of  the  Washington  Globe,  the  official  ofu'sn  of  Prcsl- 
dcntJackson.  His  partner  in  the  cstablishmeut  of  that  paper,  Mr.  Blair,  survives  hiin.  Mr.  Blair  was  thf  editor  of  the 
(Hobf,  and  Mr.  Kiver  v.  as  the  business  manager.  The  latter  was  the  publisher  of  the  Mnbf  at  the  time  of  his  death.  H« 
».  1  a  uoble  and  generous  citizen.  For  a  long  time  duriii(T  the  great  Civil  War  he  gave  from  his  private  purse  nbout 
SliXK)  1.  month  to  the  famillea  of  the  volunteer  soldiers  It  tb<  District  of  Columble. 


M^^ 


.      K.^'-r'  .^■'-'■'^\-r-<f- 


i 


Beall,  which  liad  just  arrived  from  Annapolis,  and  was  posted  on  the  extreme  riglit- 
Barney's  flotilla-men,  who  formed  the  centre  on  the  Washington  Road,  with  two  18 
pounders  jjlanted  in  the  highway  a  few  yards  from  the  site  of  llives's  barn,  a  portion 
of  the  seamen  acting  as  artillerists ;  and  Colonel  Magruder's  District  militia,  rejftilai'H 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott,  and  Peter's  battery,  who  formed  the  left.  About 
five  hundred  yards  in  front  of  this  position  the  road  descends  into  a  gentle  ravine, 
which  was  then,  as  now,  crossed  by  a  small  bridge  (Tournecliffe's),  on  the  north  of 
which  it  widens  into  a  little  grassy  level,  and  formed  the  dueling-grouud  where  De- 


DL'ELIMa-UUUUNI)  NEAIi  lll.AUEMHUritU.' 

catur  and  others  lost  their  lives.  Overlooking  it,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
from  the  road,  is  an  abrupt  blufi",  on  which  the  companies  of  Captains  StuU  and  Da- 
vidson were  posted 
in  position  to  com-  ^y       ^  \^    I  '/7 

mand    that    high-    ^^^ ~P^^^^^^^-^^   <=^<^ ^^.^C^^-'Z^C^-'O'i^^^ 

way .      L  i  e  u  t  e  n- 
ant  Colonel  Scott, 

with  his  regulars.  Colonel  Brent,  with  the  Second  Regiment  of  General  Smith's  bri- 
gade, and  Major  Waring,  with  the  battalion  of  Maryland  militia,  were  posted  in  the 
tear  of  Major  I'eter's  battery.  Magrudcr  was  immediately  on  the  left  of  Barney's 
men,  his  right  resting  on  the  Washington  Road ;  and  Colonel  Kramer,  with  a  small 
detachment,  was  thrown  forward  of  Colonel  Beall. 

Such  was  the  disposition  of  Winder's  little  army  when,  at  noon,  the  enemy  were 
seen  descending  the  hills  beyond  Bladensburg,  and  pressing  on  toward  the  bridge. 
At  half  past  twelve  they  were  in  the  town,  and  came  within  range  of  the  heavy  guns 

.  '  This  Is  a  view  of  Toumccliffo's  Bridge  and  the  Dnelinft-ground  from  the  north  side  of  the  road  from  Wnshiiiiton 
to  niiuleushurg.  The  place  where  Decatur  and  Barron  fouKht  was  on  the  low  ground  by  the  creek,  eeeu  immediaiely 
over  the  two  figures  in  the  picture,  nearest  the  left  of  it.  These  officers  fought  with  pistols  on  the  22d  of  Miinli,  1S'20, 
when  Dccatnr  was  mortally  wsnndcd,  and  died  lu  the  arms  of  his  distracted  wife  at  Kaloranin,  near  Georgetown,  tlic 
same  night,  at  the  early  age  of  fo.-ty  years.  The  even'.  Is  olsewhere  mentioned  in  this  volume.  Here,  also,  a  duel  was 
fought  by  Jonathan  Cilley,  of  Maine,  and  W.  J.  Graves,  of  Kentucky  (both  members  of  Congress),  on  the  24th  of  Fcbra- 
ary,  183S.  They  fought  with  rifles  at  eighty  yards'  distance.  Cilley  was  mortally  wouuded  at  the  third  flre.  The  hlglicr 
ground  seen  toward  the  right  of  the  picture  is  the  place  where  Captains  Davidson  and  Stnll  were  posted. 

Other  duels  have  been  fought  on  this  ground.  The  first  was  In  1814,  when  one  of  the  parties  (Edward  Hopkins)  wu 
killed.  The  next  was  in  ISISI,  by  A.  T.  Mason  and  .lohn  M'Carty.  Mason  was  killed.  Decatur  and  Barron  foughtthcrc 
the  next  year.  In  1822,  Midshipman  Locke,  and  Gibson,  Chief  Clerk  of  the  Troafcury  Department,  fought  there.  Olbsoii 
i«as  shot.  Key  and  Sherborn  fought  there  in  18.18,  when  Key  was  killed.  The  duel  of  Graves  aad  CUIey,  as  wc  hnvc 
eeen,  was  in  1838.  There  was  a  duel  there  in  1848,  when  a  lawyer  named  Joues  killod  Dr.  Johnson.  Hoole  and  Dallaj 
exchanged  shots  there  in  1860  or  1861. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF   18  12. 


029 


ng-groind  nt  Blftdounburg. 

the  extreme  right; 
lload,  with  two  18 
/es's  harn,  a  portion 
rict  militia,  regulai-s 
ccl  the  left.  Al)Oul 
tito  a  gentle  vaviiit', 
j's),  on  the  north  of 
g-grovmd  where  Do- 


,-«^ 


Battle-nroiiiiil  nt  RlnilvDHburi;. 


andred  and  fifty  ymds 
Captains  Stull  auJ  Da- 


i^^^V^' 


C-^^Z-'v-^ 


X  General  Smith's  hri- 
itia,  were  posted  in  the 
oil  the  left  of  Barney's 
Kramer,  with  a  small 

noon,  the  enemy  were 

Ion  toward  the  bridge. 

Mige  of  the  heavy  guns 

L  of  the  road  from  WnshlMt™ 
I  by  the  creek,  eeen  immcdiaiels 
Ltolsonthe22dofMnr.h,b», 
Valoran.n.nearQeorKClowMh 

fvolume.    Here, also  ttducUn^^ 

lcoiiKreBe),onthe5!4thorFehni- 

lied  at  the  third  fire.   TheUighcr 

latnll  were  posted. 

\  parties  (Edward  Hopkins)  w 

peCur  and  Barron  foughUhojc 

tpartn-cnt,  fought  there,  (to™ 
|f  Graves  uadClUey,  as  rf 


MAS  (D  K 
of  jbfia 

Pf]ITOH  ARMY* 

fra^f 

BEMCDICT 

TO  BLApCNS^{« 


^BATTLE  GROW W0  AT  1I,A0EMSPW!??G' 


of  the  first  American  line.'  The  British  commenced  hurling  rockets  at  the  exposed 
Americans,  and  attempted  to  tlirow  a  heavy  force  across  the  bridge,  but  were  driven 
baek  by  their  antagonists'  cannon,  and  forced  to  taivc  shelter  in  the  village  and  be- 
hind Lowndes's  Hill,  in  the  rear  of  it.^  Again,  after  due  preparation,  they  advanced 
in (lonble-quick  time;  and,  when  the  bridge  was  crowded  Avitli  them,  tlie  artillery  of 


'  Sec  Note  on  page  943. 


'  Ross  made  the  house  of  Mr.  Lowudes  his  head-quarters  on  that  day. 
3N 


^'^9lmM 

^s 

^M 

1- 

i 

/  / 

■  i 

t 

'  1 

m 


I 

T 

1 

ii 


t 


930 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  iieiir  HInileiiBbiirg. 


Gallant  aud  cflTcctivo  Stuiid  by  Coinmodoro  Ilurney. 


"Winder's  first  and  second  lines  opened  upon  tliem  with  terrible  effect,  sweeping  down 
a  whole  coni))any.  The  concealed  ritlenu'ii,  under  l*i»>kney,  also  poured  deadly  vol- 
leys into  their  exposed  ranks  ;  hut  the  British,  continually  rc-enlorced,  pusheil  gul- 
lantly  forward,  some  over  the  bridge,  and  some  fording  the  stream  above  it,  and  I'lH 
so  heavily  upon  the  first  and  unsupported  line  of  the  Americans  that  it  was  com- 
))elled  to  fall  back  upon  the  second.  A  company,  whose  commander  is  minaimd  in 
the  reports  of  the  battle,  were  so  panic-stricken  tliat  they  fled  after  the  first  fire,  leav- 
ing their  guns  to  fall  into  the  liands  of  the  enemy. 

The  first  British  brigade  were  now  over  the  stream,  and,  elated  by  their  success, 
did  not  wait  for  the  second.  They  threw  aAvay  their  knapsacks  and  haversacks,  aiul 
pushed  up  the  hill  to  attack  the  American  second  line  in  the  face  of  an  annoying  tire 
from  Captain  Burch's  artillery.  They  weakened  their  force  by  stretching  out  so  as 
to  form  a  front  equal  to  that  of  their  antagonists.  It  was  a  blunder  which  Windei' 
(piickly  j)erceived  and  took  advantage  of.  He  Avas  then  at  the  head  of  Sterett's  rc;;- 
iment.  With  this  and  some  of  Stanobury's  militia,  who  behaved  gallantly,  ho  not 
only  checked  the  enemy's  advance,  but,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  pressed  their  at- 
tenuated line  so  strongly  that  it  fell  back  to  the  thickets  on  the  brink  of  the  vivor. 
near  the  bridge,  where  it  nuiintained  its  position  most  obstinately  until  re-enfoicwl 
by  the  second  brigade.  Thus  strengthened,  it  again  pressed  forward,  and  soon  turiK'd 
the  left  flank  of  the  Americans,  and  at  the  same  time  sent  a  flight  of  hissing  rockets 
over  and  very  near  the  centre  and  right  of  Stansbury's  line.  The  frightened  rei,'i- 
ments  of  Schutz  and  Kagan  broke,  and  fled  in  the  wildest  confusion.     Winder  tried 

to  rally  them,  but  in  vain.   Sterett's  corps 


wounded,  and  General  Ross  had  his  horse  sliot  under  him. 


maintained  their  ground  gallantly  until 
the  enemy  had  gained  both  their  flanks, 
when  Winder  ordered  them  and  the  sup- 
porting artillery  to  retire  up  the  liiil. 
They,  too,  became  alarmed,  and  the  re- 
treat, covered  by  riflemen,  was  soon  a 
disorderly  flight. 

The  first  and  second  Hnc  of  the  Amer- 
icans having  been  dispersed,  the  Britisii. 
flushed  with  success,  pushed  forward  to 
attack  the  third.  Peter's  artillery  an- 
noyed, but  did  not  check  them ;  and  the 
left,  under  the  gallant  Colonel  Thornton, 
soon  confronted  Barney,  in  the  centre, 
who  maintained  his  position  like  a  genu- 
ine hero,  as  he  was.  Ilin  18-poundors  en- 
filaded the  Washington  Road,  and  with 
them  he  swept  the  highway  with  such 
terrible  efl'i-ct  that  the  enemy  filed  oti' 
into  a  field,  and  attem])ted  to  turn  Bar- 
ney's right  flank.  There  they  were  met 
by  three  1 2-pounders  and  marines,  under 
Captains  Miller  and  Sevier,  and  were 
badly  cut  u]>.  They  were  driven  baek 
to  the  ravine  already  mentioned  as  tlie 
dueling-ground,  leaving  several  of  their 
wounded  oflieers  in  the  hands  of  tlio 
Americans.  Colonel  Thornton,  who  brave- 
ly led  the  attacking  colunm,was  severely 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


931 


(1  by  Commodore  Barney. 

ct,  swccpiti;^  ilown 
poured  doiidly  vol- 
Ibrccd,  piishi'd  <j;al- 
u  abovo  it,  ami  till 
H  that  it  V.-M  cdin- 
[kIlt  is  uiniiiiiH'(l  ill 
sr  the  first  liie,  leav- 
ed by  their  success, 
iiid  haversacks,  iuul 
of  an  annoying;  tiro 
stretching  out  so  as 
inder  whidi  Wiiukr 
lead  of  Stcrett's  reg- 
ed  gallantly,  he  not 
net,  pressed  their  at- 
e  brink  of  the  river, 
ely  until  re-enforccd 
ard,  and  soon  turned 
;ht  of  hissing  rockcU 
The  frightened  rogi- 
ision.     AV  inder  tried 
vain.    Stcrett's  corps 
round  gallantly  until 
led  both  their  flanks, 
red  them  and  the  suii- 
o  retire  up  the  hill, 
alarmed,  and  the  re- 
riflemen,  was  soon  a 

loud  line  of  the  Amor- 
dispersed,  the  Britisli, 
ss,  pushed  forward  to 
Peter's  artillery  an- 
check  them  ;  and  t'lo 
;mt  Colonel  Thornton, 
iirney,  in  the  ccntiv, 
.  position  like  a  genu- 
irnlS-poundcrscn- 
vton  Road,  and  with 
"highway  with  suoli 
„  the  enemy  filed  oft' 
:temi>ted  to  turn  Bar- 
There  they  were  met 
rs  and  marines,  under 
,nd  Sevier,  and  were 
lioy  were  driven  haik 
ady  mentioned  as  tlu' 
[iving  several  of  tluii 
in   the  hands   of  tli>' 
■1  Thornton,  who  hravi- 
column,  was  severely 


Carney  wounded,  mude  Prisoner,  and  paroled. 


Blcigraphical  Sketch  of  Uarnejr. 


VIEW    AT   U.VBNEV'b  Bl'Bl.NO 


The  flight  of  Stansbury's 
troops  left  Harney  utisujjported 
ill  that  direction,  while  a  lieavy 
column  was  hurled  against  J}eall 
and  his  militia,  on  the  right,  with 
such  force  as  to  disperse  them. 
Tiie  British  light  troops  soon 
gained  position  on  each  flank, 
and  Barney  himself  was  severely 
wounded  near  a  living  fountain 
of  water  on  the  estate  of  the  late 
Mr.  liivc's,  which  is  still  known 
as  Barney's  Spring.'  When  it 
became  evident  that  Minor's  Vir- 
ginia troops  could  not  arrive  in 
time  to  aid  the  gallant  flotilla- 
men,  who  were  obstinately  main- 
taining their  position  against 
fearful  odds,  and  tliM  farther  re- 
sistance would  be  i.-^eless.  Win- 
der ordered  a  general  retreat. 
The  commodore,  too  severely 
hurt  to  be  moved,  became  a  pris- 
oner of  w\ar,2  but  was  immediate- 
ly paroled  by  General  Ross,  and 
sent  to  Bladensburg  after  Ins 
wound  was  dressed  by  a  British 
surgeon.^  Tiiere  he  was  joined 
by  his  wife  and  son,  and  his  own  surgeon,  and  on  the  27th  was  conveyed  to  his  farm 
at  Elkridge,  in  Maryland.    The  great  body  of  the  Americans  Avho  were  not  dis- 

1  The  picture  is  n  view  at  "Barucy's  Spring"  wlien  I  viBltcd  and  eltctctied  it  in  Decenibcr,  180(1.  It  is  n  little  fiontli 
of  the  road  leading  between  Wnsliington  and  Bladensburg,  and  about  two  hundred  yards  southwest  from  the  mansion 
of  the  lute  5Ir.  Rives.  Barney's  battery  was  in  the  road  near  by ;  and  the  stumps  of  two  cedar-trees,  a  short  distance 
from  the  site  of  the  battery,  indicate  the  spot  where  the  commodore's  horse,  which  was  shot  under  him,  was  buried. 

2  Joshua  Barney  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  on  the  fith  of  July,  17.59.  He  went  to  sea  when  a  small  boy,  and  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  years  was  second  mate  of  a  vessel,  and  at  sixteen  was  commander.    After  many  adventures  abroad,  he 

arrived  in  the  Chesapeake  in  October.  1775.  The  following  .lunc  he  was  appoint 
cd  a  lieutenant  in  the  United  States  Navy,  and  was  the  first  to  unfurl  the  Amer- 
ican flag  in  Maryland.  Ho  was  a  very  active  oftlcer  during  the  whole  war.  He 
brought  the  first  news  of  peace  with  Great  Britain,  on  the  12th  of  March,  17S;(. 
Continuing  in  service,  he  was  one  of  the  six  comnmndcrs  appointed  under  the 
act  of  17'.)3,  but  he  declined  the  honor.  He  went  to  France  with  Monroe,  and  was 
the  bearer  of  the  American  flag  to  tlie  National  Convention.  He  entered  the 
French  service  in  command  of  two  fine  frigates.  He  resigned  his  French  com- 
mission in  1802,  and  returned  home.  He  again  entered  the  naval  service  of  the 
United  States  in  1812,  and  distinguished  himself  during  the  war  that  ensued.  He 
died  of  a  bilious  fever  at  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  1st  of  December,  ISIR, 
at  the  age  of  fifty-nine  years.  His  renntlns  were  interred  in  the  burjiiig-ground 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  at  Pittsburg,  and  over  them  a  plain  white  mar- 
ble slab  was  laid  by  his  widow.  They  were  removed  to  the  Alleghany  Cemetery 
on  the  12th  of  May,  1848,  where  they  repose  in  the  shadow  of  thrifty  young  trees, 
without  a  record  there  on  wood  or  stone.  The  bullet  which  finally  caused  the 
death  of  Commodore  Barney  was  never  extracted  during  his  lifetime.  In  obe- 
dience to  his  orders,  it  was  sought  for  after  his  death,  and  found.  It  is  preserved 
in  a  disc  of  brass,  with  an  inscription,  in  the  archives  of  the  Navy  Department 
at  Washington  City.  The  annexed  engraving  is  a  representation,  the  exact  size, 
of  the  bullet,  the  disc,  and  the  inscription.  The  portrait  uf  Barney  on  the  oppo- 
•  fitc  page  was  painted  by  Joseph  Wood,  of  Washington  City,  in  1S18. 
'  Dr.  Martin,  In  his  MS.  Kcminisccnccs,  already  mentioned,  says  that  when  he  and  other  prisoners  were  going  np  the 

hill  toward  where  Barney  fell,  they  met  a  litter  with  the  wouuded  commodore  on  It.    He  desired  his  guard  to  halt,  and 

call  the  prisoners  to  him.    The  leader  called  out  to  them,  "  Coom  over  here,  Yankees,  to  see  your.coonthrymau,  Barney ; 

lie  Iiiciks  like  a  spread  aigle,  Yankees  !"    The  prisoners  shook  hands  with  the  brave  old  commodore,  who  gave  them 

words  of  cheer. 


;S.:*S-^^*»»=*«»we 


'  ?■■ 


■  /I  '■ 


i'^ 


1;    : 


932 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


CUmo  of  the  Ilnttlo  of  UlailvniibiirK.        1'lic  BritiHh  inarch  uii  WoithliiKtun.        Au  Bxciire  for  burulUK  tho  City  wiiijied. 

pcrHcd  retreated  toward  Alontgoinory  Coiirt-hoiiHc,  in  Maryland,  leavins;  tho  battle- 
field in  full  j)OHse8Hion  of  the  enemy,  and  their  Avay  to  the  national  capital  unobstruct- 
ed except  by  the  burnini»  of  the  two  bridjjeH  over  the  Eastern  Hranch  of  the  Poto- 
mac.' Tho  AmericanH  lost  twenty-six  killed  and  lifty-on  wounded.  The  HritJHh 
loss  was  manifold  greater.  According  to  one  of  their  officers  who  was  in  tho  battle 
and  yet  living  (Mr.  Gleig,  Chaplain  General  of  the  British  Army),  it  was  "  upwiinl 
of  five  hundred  killed  and  wounded,"  among  them  "several  ortiic  ^  of  rank  and  dis- 
tinction."   The  battle  commenced  at  about  noon,  and  ended  at  four    'dock. 

Up  to  this  time  tho  conduct  of  the  British  had  bi'on  in  accordance  with  the  rules 
of  modern  warfare.  Now  they  abandoned  them,  and  on  entering  the  national  capi- 
tal they  performed  deeds  worthy  only  of  barbariatis.  In  a  proclamation  issued  by 
the  President  on  tho  1st  of  September  ho  submitted  tho  following  indictment :  "Tluy 
wantonly  destroyed  the  public  edifices,  having  no  relation  in  their  structure  to  oper- 
ations of  war,  nor  used  at  the  time  for  military  aiuioyance ;  some  of  these  edifices 
being  also  costly  monuments  of  taste  and  of  the  arts,  and  others  depositories  of  the 
public  archives,  not  only  precious  to  the  nation  as  the  memorials  of  its  origin  and  its 
early  transactions,  but  interesting  to  all  nations  as  contributions  to  the  general  stock 
of  historical  instruction  and  political  science."  Let  us  briefly  examine  the  testimony 
of  history. 

When  Koss  was  assured  of  complete  victory,  lie  lialted  his  army  a  short  time  on 
the  field  of  battle,  and  then,  with  the  fresh  Third  Brigade,  which  had  not  been  in  the 

conflict,  he  crossed  the  East- 
ern Branch  Bridge.  Assured 
of  the  retreat  of  the  Americans 
beyond  Georgetown,  Uoss  left 
the  main  body  a  mile  and  a 
half  from  tho  Capitol,  and  en- 
tered the  town,  tl.cn  contain- 
ing about  nine  hundred  build- 
ings, lie  came  to  destroy  the 
public  property  there.  It  was 
TUB  oAPiToi.  IN  isu,  F1.0M  ,-KN.N8Yi.vANiA  AVENUB.  j^,^  crraiid,  it  Is  Said,  uot  at  all 

coincident  with  his  taste  or  habits,  and  what  was  done  by  him  appears  to  have  been 
performed  as  humanely  as  the  orders  of  his  superiors  would  allow.^  When,  on  his 
arrival  in  the  Chesapeake,  he  had  been  informed  by  Admiral  Cochrane  that  he  (the 
•admiral)  had  been  urged  by  Sir  George  Provost,  tho  Governor  General  of  Canada 
(who  was  not  satisfied  with  tho  terrible  devastation  of  tho  Niagara  froYitier  at  the 
close  of  1R13),3  to  retaliate  in  kind  upon  the  Americans  for  the  destruction  of  the  gov- 
ernment buildings  at  York*  and  the  village  of  Newark,'  lie  demurred,  saying  that  they 

'  The  lowor  bri(l<rp,  near  the  nnvy  yard,  had  been  left  in  charge  of  Captain  Crelghton,  with  orders  to  destrr.y  It  on  Ihp 
approach  of  the  enemy.    If  was  flred  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

'  Hoping  to  spare  the  town,  Ross  had  sent  an  agent  to  negotiate  for  n  pecuniary  ransom.  There  was  no  compotput 
authority  to  meet  his  agent,  and  if  there  \vm>,  the  proposition  would,  as  tho  President  afterward  said,  have  been  Ircf.tcil 
with  contempt.  '  See  page  f).S4.  *  See  page  (i-29. 

»  See  page  (Ki2.  Evidently  ashamed  of  the  barbarism  committed  by  Britislj  hands,  Vice  Admiral  Cochrane  attempted 
to  pnllinte  ii  by  a  pitifitl  trick.  After  the  destruction  of  the  capital,  and  the  invaders  were  safely  back  on  their  vessels 
in  the  Piitiixent,  Cochrane  wrote  a  letter  to  Secretary  Monroe,  in  which  he  said  to  him,  "  Having  been  called  npni  by 
the  fiovernor  Clonerttl  of  the  Canadas  to  aid  him  in  carrying  into  effect  measures  of  retaliation  against  the  inhabitants 
of  the  United  States  for  the  wanton  destruction  committed  t)y  their  army  in  Tapper  Canada,  it  has  become  imporionsly 
my  duty,  conformably  with  the  governor  general's  application,  to  issue  to  the  naval  force  under  my  command  nn  order 
to  destroy  and  lay  wasti  such  to\vTis  and  districts  upon  tlie  mast  as  may  le  found  assailable."  Cochrane  t*-  expressed 
a  hope  that  the  "conduct  of  the  csiuitive  of  the  United  stnieg  would  huthorlzc  him  in  staying  such  pr^-.^-edlngs,  by 
roakiuL'  •  :i:iration  to  the  sufferint  'nhabitants  of  Upper  C':'nnda,"  etc.  This  letter  wan  nn talaUd  Ansnul  IS,  or  six  days 
before  rhi  lattle  of  Bladensbnrg,  so  :ik  t^  appear  like  a  huniane  sucrgcstion,  in  the  non-compliance  with  which  might  be 
found  an  exi  use  for  the  iles'ructinn  nl'  the  national  rapitni.  It  did  not  reach  Mr.  Monroe  until  tlie  morning  of  the  3l!t 
<*  August,  a  week  after  Washington  was  devastated,  when  that  officer,  in  a  dignified  reply,  reminded  tho  vice  admiral 
that  the  wanton  destruction  by  the  British  of  Frenchto^vn,  Frederick,  Georgetown,  and  Havre  de  Grace,  and  tho  ont- 
figes  at  Hampton  by  the  same  people,  had  occurred  long  before  the  dcstraction  of  Newark. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


088 


iruluK  tho  City  wiimcd. 

iviiiij  the  l)iittl(- 
ipiliil  unubntruct 
inch  of  the  I '"to- 
ed.    The  Hnii«h 
was  ill  the  battle, 
,  it  was  "  ujiwiird 
4  of  rank  and  dis- 
r  I 'clock, 
ice  with  the  rules 
the  national  capi- 
imation  issued  by 
idiotnient:  "They 
structure  to  nper- 
e  of  these  ediiiees 
depositories  of  the 
,f  its  ori<?in  and  its 
■y  the  tfoncral  Ktotk 
nine  tho  testimony 

ly  a  short  time  on 
uid  not  been  in  tlie 
i  crossed  the  East- 
i  Bridge.     Assured 
lat  of  the  Americans 
■orgetown,  Uoss  left 
body  a  mile  and  a 
the  Capitol,  and  en- 
town,  tl.on  contain- 
nine  hundred  Imild- 
came  to  destroy  the 
porty  there.    It  was 
it  is  said,  not  at  all 
)pears  to  have  been 
)W.-     When,  on  his 
•hrane  that  he  (the 
(U'ucral  of  Canada 
fara  frotitier  at  the 
[truction  of  the  gov- 
,d,  saying  that  they 


The  BrItUb  eulor  Wuiiblii)(iun. 


Cuckbuni  in  hia  Element. 


'?'^1 


I  orders  to  destrry  it  on  Ihc 

■  There  was  no  competent 
lard  Buid,  have  been  trcf.tea 
J  t  Sec  page  IV2'<. 

Idmlrnl  Cochrane  nttomptcd 
Ipofely  back  on  their  vessels 
BavinR  been  called  npnr  by 
lion  asninst  the  inhabitants 
l  it  has  become  imperimisly 
lider  mv  command  an  order 
>  Coctiranef-  expressed 
liying  ench  pr>.  ..iedingf ,  by 
[,/«WAnKUHtlS,or8ixday9 
lllnnce  with  which  micht  1)6 
liin  tlie  morninRofthfiawt 
I  reminrtrd  the  vice  adinirsl 
livro  de  Grace,  and  the  ont- 


Dvatructiun  ufthe  Public  Bollding*. 


had  carried  on  the  war  on  the  Peninsula  and  in  France  with  a  very  different  spirit, 
and  that  he  could  not  sanction  the  destruction  of  public  or  private  property,  wit  li  the 
exception  of  military  structures  and  warlike  stores.'  "  It  was  not,"  says  one  of  Itoss's 
surviving  aids,  Sir  Duncan  M'Dougall,  in  a  letter  to  the  author  in  1 80 1 , "  until  he  was 
w arinly  iinssid  that  he  consented  to  destroy  the  Cai)itol  anil  President's  Iiouse,  for 
the  piirjiose  of  preventhig  a  repetition  of  the  uncivilized  proceedings  of  tlie  troops  of 
the  United  Mates."  Fortunately  for  Ross's  sensibility  there  was  a  titled  incendiary 
at  hand  in  the  person  of  Admiral  Sir  George  Cockburn,  who  delighted  iu  such  inhii- 
inaii  work,  and  who  literally  became  his  torch-bearer. 

The  bulk  of  the  invaders,  having  crossed  the  Eastern  Branch,  halted  ui)on  the  plain 
between  the  Cajiitol  and  tiie  site  of  the  Congressional  Hurying-ground,  wlii-n  (iciieral 
Ross,  accompanied  by  Cockburn  and  a  guard  of  two  liundred  men,  rode  into  the  city 
at  eiglit  o'clock  in  the  evening.  They  were  fired  upon  from  behind  the  house  of  Rob- 
ert Sewall,  near  tiie  Capitol,  by  a  single  musket,  and  the  horse  on  wliicli  the  general 
was  riding  was  killed.  Mr.  SewalFs  house  was  immediately  destroyed.  The  same 
fate  awaited  the  materials  in  the  office  of  the  National  Iiitelllgencer,  ihc  government 
organ,  whose  strictures  on  the  brutality  of  Cockburn  had  filled  that  marauder  with 
hot  anger.^  These,  and  some  houses  on  Cajiitol  Ilill,  a  large  rope-walk,  and  a  tavern, 
comprised  the  bulk  of  private  property  destroyed,  tlianks  to  the  restraining  power  of 
tJeneial  Ross.  Several  houses  and  stores  Avere  also  plundered.  The  iiiifinished  Cap- 
itol, in  which  was  tho  library  of  Congress,  the  I'resideiit's  house,  a  mile  distant,  the 
Treasury  buildings,  the  Arsenal,  and  barracks  for  almost  three  thousand  troops,  were 
soon  in  flames,  whose  light  was  jilainly  seen  in  Baltimore,  about  forty  miles  north- 
ward. In  the  course  of  a  few  hours  nothing  of  the  superb  Cajiitol  and  the  Presiden- 
tial mansion  was  left  but  their  smoke-blackened  walls.^  Of  the  public  buildings  only 
the  Patent-office  was  saved. 

All  the  glory  that  the  British  had  won  on  the  battle-fiekl  was  lost  in  this  barbarian 


v.-^<'^^* 


BKMAINB  OF  TU£   UAI'ITOL   AFTKB  lUK   FIBE. 


i^onflagration.  "  Willingly,"  said  the  London  Statesman  newspaper,  "  would  we 
tiirow  a  veil  of  oblivion  over  our  transactions  at  Washington.  The  Cossacks  spared 
Paris,  but  we  spared  not  the  capital  of  America."  The  British  Aimnal  Register  for 
1814  denounced  the  proceedings  as  "  a  return  to  the  times  of  barbarism."  It  can  not 
be  concealed,"  the  writer  continued, "  that  the  extent  of  devastation  practiced  by  the 
victors  brought  a  heavy  censure  upon  the  British  character,  not  only  in  America,  but 

'  Dr.  Martin  (eec  note  1,  pnpf  fl25)  snya :  "  General  Ross  was  the  perfect  model  of  the  Irish  gentleman,  of  easy  and 
'leantiful  manners,  humane  and  br.ive,  and  dij»niflcd  in  his  deportment  to  all.  lie  was  beloved  by  all  bia  officers,  and 
tlie  prisnnerK  had  no  reason  to  rcf^ret  falling  into  snrli  hands." 

'  Cockburn  was  about  to  apply  the  torch,  when  lie  was  prevailed  upon  by  the  women  of  adjoining  residences  not  to 
do  so,  as  it  would  endanger  their  dwellingf.  lie  caused  all  the  type  and  otlier  printing  materials  to  be  thrown  into  the 
street,  the  printing-presses  to  be  destroyed,  and  the  library,  contaiuing  several  hundred  volumes,  to  be  burned.  IIo  as- 
sisted in  this  work  with  his  own  liiinds.    Ilia  companions  in  the  business  were  some  sailors  and  soldiers. 

'  These  buildings  were  flred  under  the  direct  superintendence  of  Lieutenant  George  Pratt,  the  second  of  the  Sea-Iiorse, 
who  was  shot  In  the  gun-boat  battle  on  Lake  Uorguo,  near  New  Orleans,  a  few  montha  afterward. 


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984 


riCTOllIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Barbarities  of  the  British  condemned  by  their  Countrymen.    The  Navy  Yard  destroyed.     The  Long  Bridge  l)artiL 


SKIIAIM8  UF  TilU   I'UKblDKNX's  UUUSE  AFTER  TUK   FIRB. 

on  the  Continent  of  Europe."  Continental  writers  and  speakers  condemned  the  act 
in  unmeasured  terms ;  pud  yet  the  government  of  England,  which  has  seldom  repre- 
sented the  sentiments  of  the  pecple,  caused  the  Tower  guns  to  be  fired  in  honor  of 
Ross's  victory ;  thanked  the  actors  through  Parliament ;  decreed  a  monument  to  that 
general  in  Westminster  Abbey  at  lis  death;  and,  making  additions  to  his  armorial 
bearings,  authorized  his  descendants  forever  to  style  themselves  "  Ross  of  Bladeiis- 
burg !"' 

While  the  public  buildings  in  Washington  were  in  flames,  the  national  shipping, 
stores,  and  otiier  property  were  blazing  at  the  navy  yard;  also  the  great  bridge 
over  the  Potomac,  from  Was'aington  City  to  the  Virginia  shore.    Commodore  Thomas 

Tingey  was  in  command  of  the 
navy  yard,  and,  before  the  bat- 
tle, had  received  orders  to  set 
fire  to  the  public  property  there 
in  the  event  of  the  British  gain- 
ing a  victory,  so  as  to  prevent 
its  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  invaders.  Tingey  delayed  the  execution  of  the  order 
for  four  hours  after  the  contingency  had  occurred.  When,  at  half  past  eight  in  the 
evening,  he  was  informed  that  the  enemy  was  encan)ped  within  the  city  limits,  :icar 
the  Capitol,  he  applied  the  torch,  and  property  valued  at  about  a  million  of  dollars 
was  destroyed.  The  schooner  Lynx  was  saved,  and  most  of  the  metallic  work  at  the 
navy  yard  remained  but  little  injured.'^  The  fine  naval  monument,  delineated  on 
p.age  124,  was  somevt'hat  mutilated,  but  Avhether  accidentally  at  the  time  of  the  con- 
flagration, or  wantonly  by  the  British,  who  went  there  the  next  day  to  complete  the 
destructive  work,  is  an  unsettled  question.^  At  the  same  time,  the  Long  Bridge  over 
the  Potomac  was  fired  at  botli  ends.  The  Americans  on  the  \  irginia  side  thought 
a  large  body  of  British  troops  were  about  to  pass  over,  and  fired  that  end  to  foil 
them,  while  the  British  on  the  city  side,  perceiving,  as  they  thought,  a  large  body  of 
Americans  about  to  cross  over  from  the  Virgiriia  side,  fired  the  Maryland  end  of  the 
bridge.    The  value  of  the  entire  amount  of  property  destroyed  at  Washington  by  the 

'  The  London  Timet,  then,  as  now,  the  exponent  of  the  principles  of  the  niling  classes  in  England,  and  the  lilitcr  foe 
of  the  American  people,  gloried  over  the  destmction  of  the  public  buildings,  and  the  expulsion  of  the  Prcsiilcnt  and 
C'lblnct  from  the  capital,  and  Indulged  in  exulting  prophecies  of  t*ic  speedy  disappearance  of  the  great  repnlilic  lu  the 
West.  "That  ill-organized  association,"  said  the  Tim&t,  "is  on  the  eve  of  dissolution,  and  the  world  Is  speedily  to  be 
delivered  of  the  mischievous  example  of  the  existence  of  a  government  founded  on  democratic  rchellion."  In  loiij;  after 
years,  when  Cockbnrn  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-two,  the  Time»  lauded  him  chleHy  for  his  marauding  exploits  in  thit 
country,  and  his  "  splendid  achievement"  lu  firing  onr  national  capital. 

«  Letter  of  Commodore  Tingey  to  the  EJecretary  of  the  Navy,  August  2T,  1814.  The  ofBcers  and  other  persons  at  the 
navy  yard  fled  In  boats  to  Alexandria. 

'  On  the  dny  after  the  entrance  of  the  British  Into  Washington  (August  20),  a  party  of  two  hundred  of  them  were 
sent  to  finish  the  work  of  destruction  at  the  navy  yard.  A  large  quantity  of  powder,  shot,  and  shell  had  been  thrown 
into  a  well.  A  British  ar".lleryinan  accidentally  dropped  a  match  into  it,  when  a  terrible  c:cp1oslon  occurred,  and  com- 
municated Are  to  a  small  magazine  of  powder  near  by.  That  also  exploded.  Earth,  stones,  bricks,  shot,  shell!",  etc.. 
were  thrown  Into  tbe  air,  and,  falling  among  the  Invaders,  killed  twelve  men,  and  wonntleil  more  than  thirty  others. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   18  12. 


935 


The  Long  Bridge  bniit. 


acers  and  other  persons  nt  the 


flight  <if  the  President  nud  bis  Cabinet. 


MfH.  Madixon'g  Patrlotlem. 


Jacob  Barker  at  the  President's  House. 


British  and  Americans  was  estimated  at  about  two  million  dollars.    The  walls  of 
the  Capitol  and  President's  house  stood  firm,  and  were  used  in  rebuilding. 
President  Madison,  and  other  civil  offi- 


cers wlio  went  out  to  see  the  fight  and 
give  such  assistance  as  they  might,  re- 
mained on  the  field  until  Bjirney  fell,  when 
they  fled  to  the  city  as  fiist  as  swift-fiDOted 
horses  could  carry  them,  and  were  among 
the  first  to  announce  the  startling  intelli- 
ireiicc  that  the  British,  victorious,  were 
probably  marching  on  the  town.'  Mrs. 
Madison'^  had  already  been  a' 'prised  of  the 
dfjiger.  Wlien  the  flight  ^v"  Congreve 
rockets  caused  the  panic-stricken  militia  to 
fly,  the  President  sent  messengers  to  in- 
form her  that  the  defeat  of  the  Americans 
and  the  capture  of  the  city  seemed  to  be 
promised,  and  to  advise  her  to  fly  to  a 
place  of  safety.  These  messengers  reached 
iier  between  two  and  three  o'clock.  Mrs. 
Madison  ordered  her  carriage,  and  sent 
away  in  a  wagon  silver  plate  and  other 
valuables,  to  be  deposited  in  the  Bank  of 


=0"^^.^, 


■&Jt 5 


Maryland.  She  anxiously  waited  for  her  husband,  and  in  the  mean  time  took  meas- 
ures for  preserving  the  full-length  portrait  of  Washington,  painted  by  Stuart,  which 
hung  in  the  presidential  mansion.^  Finding  the  process  of  unscrewing  the  frame 
from  the  wall  too  tedious  for  the  exigency,  she  had  it  broken  in  pieces,  and  the  pic- 
ture removed  with  the  "  stretcher,"  or  light  frame  on  which  the  canvas  was  nailed. 
This  she  did  with  her  own  hands.  Just  as  she  had  accomplished  so  much,  two  gen- 
tlemen from  New  York,  one  of  whom  wab  the  now  (18G7)  venerable  New  Orleans 
hanker,  Jacob  Barker,''  entered  the  room.  The  picture  was  lying  on  the  floor.  The 
sounds  of  approaching  troops  were  heard.  They  might  be  the  invaders,  Avho  would 
be  delighted  by  the  possession  of  so  notable  a  captive  as  the  beautiful  wife  of  the 
President.  It  was  time  for  her  to  fly.  "  Save  that  picture,"  she  said  to  Mr.  Barker 
;ind  Mr.  R.  G.  L.  De  Peyster,  his  companion  —  "  save  that  picture,  if  possible ;  if  not 
possible,  destroy  it :  under  no  circumstances  allow  it  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 

'  Tlic  Opposition  press  and  speakers  were  merry  over  the  flight  of  the  President  and  his  Cabinet  from  the  battlc-fleld. 
A  New  Yolk  paper  said ;  " Should  some  Walter  Scott  in  the  next  century  write  a  poem,  and  call  it  Madison,  «r  tite  Bat- 
ik (/  Bladeivsburg,  we  wonld  suggest  the  'bllcwing  lines  for  the  •jonchision,  to  be  put  into  the  mouth  of  his  hero : 

" '  Ply,  Monroe,  fly  I  run,  Armstrong,  run ; 
Were  the  last  words  of  Madison.' " 

'  Dolly  Payne  was  the  maiden  name  of  Mrs.  Madison.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Qoaker  parents,  residents  ofVlr- 
;'lnia,  and  was  bom  on  the  20th  of  May,  1T07,  while  her  motlier  was  visiting  some  friends  in  North  Carolina.  Her  fa- 
ther manumitted  his  slaves,  and  made  Philadelphia  his  residence.  There  Dolly  married  a  young  lawyer  named  Todd, 
who  was  also  n  Quaker.  He  died,  leaving  her  a  yonng  ividow  with  an  infant  son  j  and  in  1704  she  married  Mr.  Madi- 
son, then  a  distinguished  member  of  Congress,  and  Montpellier,  in  Virginia,  became  their  home.  She  adorned  every 
slntioii  in  life  in  which  she  was  placed.  She  died  In  July,  1S60,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  haviug  survived  her 
hnsbnnd  fourteen  years. 

'  Mrs. Madison  wrote  to  her  sister  at  Intervals.    At  three  o'clock  she  wrote:  "Mr. Madison  comes  not.    May  God 

protect  him !    Two  messengers,  covered  with  dust,  come  to  hid  me  fly,  but  I  wait  for  him Our  kind  friend,  Mr. 

Carroll,  has  come  to  hasten  my  departure,  and  is  In  a  very  bad  humor  with  me  because  I  insist  on  waiting  un'll  the 
large  picture  of  General  Washington  Is  secured,  and  It  requires  to  he  unscrewed  from  the  wall." 

'  Jacol)  Barker  Is  one  of  the  remarkable  men  of  this  country.  He  was  bom  In  Maine  on  the  17th  of  December,  1770. 
nia  mother  was  a  Quaker,  and  he  has  been  a  member  of  that  Society  through  life.  He  entered  early  into  mercantile 
life,  and  became  largely  Interested  In  commerce  as  an  extensive  ship-owner.  He  wa  i  a  firm  and  efficient  snpporter  of 
ihc  administration  during  the  war,  and  aided  the  govem-ncnt  largely  in  It*  flnanelal  operations.  He  was  an  Intimate 
family  friend  of  President  M.-.dlson.  Ho  became  extensively  engaged  in  banking,  and  his  long  and  active  life  has  been 
a  scene  of  many  vicissitudes  for  bim.  He  Is  now  (18<i7),  ot  the  age  of  eighty-nine  years,  engaged  In  banking  In  tlie  city 
"f  New  Orleans. 


■1.1 

1 
1^! 

I 


n 


4. 


i^ 

mm 

mt 

» 

■hib 

jp' 

h 

v 

m 

m 

936 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


^fiH^^l!'^^ 


The  Declaration  of  Iiulepcniloncc  Hiived.    Origlual  Object  of  this  Britinh  Invasion.    Their  Fears  of  the  aroused  People. 

British."  Then,  snatching  up  the  pre- 
cious parchment  on  which  was  written 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  and 
the  autograpliti  of  the  signers,  whicli 
she  had  resolved  to  save  also,  she  hast- 
ened to  the  carriage  with  her  sister 
(Mrs.  Cutts)  and  her  husband,  and  tAvo 
servants,  and  was  borne  away  to  a  place 
of  safety  beyond  the  Potomac' 

Just  as  Barker  and  De  Peyster  had 
taken  the  picture  from  the  stretcher 
and  rolled  it  up,  a  portion  of  the  flying 
American  army  came  up,  and  halted  in 
front  of  the  President's  house.     Some 
refreshments  were  given  to  them,  when 
they  marched  on  toward  Montgomery 
Court-house,  the   appointed  place   of 
rendezvous  for  the  broken  armj"^,  fol- 
lowed by  those  gentlemen  Avith  the  pic- 
ture.   They  left  it  in  charge 
of  a  farmer  in  whose  house 
they  lodged  that  night,  and 
a  few  weeks  afterward  Mr. 
Bai'ker  restored  tlie  portrait 
to  Mrs.  Madison.*    It  now 
hangs  upon  the  wall  in  the  Blue  Room  of  the  Presidential  mansion. 

It  was  not  the  design  of  the  British  to  hold  the  territory  which  they  had,  unex- 
pectedly to  themselves,  acquired.  Indeed,  the  whole  movement  up  the  Chesapeake 
was  originally  intended  as  a  feint — a  menace  of  Baltimore  and  Washington,  to  en- 
gage the  attention  of  the  govei'nment  and  people,  and  to  draw  in  that  direction  the 
military  force  of  the  country,  while  the  far  more  important  measure  of  invading  Lou- 
isiana with  a  formidable  force,  and  taking  possession  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  should 
be  matured  and  executed.  Accordingly,  Avhen  Winder's  forces  were  defeated  ami 
routed,  the  President  and  his  Cabinet  driven  from  the  national  capital,  and  the  pub- 
lic buildings  Averc  destroyed,  the  invaders  retreated  precipitately,  evidently  in  fear 
of  a  reactive  blow.  While  the  British  Cabinet,  judging  from  metropolitan  influence 
in  European  countries,  were  disposed  to  believe  that,  with  the  loss  of  their  capital, 
the  Americans  would  consider  all  gone,  and  would  yield  in  despair  to  their  victors, 
those  conquerors,  on  the  spot,  saw  too  vrell  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  fi'om  the 
spnit  of  a  people  aroused  to  greater  exertions,  and  with  more  united  energy,  because 
of  that  very  misfortune. 

'  The  flight  of  the  President  from  the  battle-fleld,  and  of  Mrs.  Madison  from  the  Presidential  mansion,  formed  the 
subject  of  many  sqnibs  for  the  Opposition.  Among  others  was  a  witty  parody  on  Jnlin  Gilpiii'a  Hide,  only  one  sinnzji 
of  which  I  can  now  recall.  It  is  descriptive  of  Mrs.  Madison's  directions  for  the  flight  of  the  family,  where  she  says  to 
the  President : 

"  Sister  Ciitts,  and  Cntts  and  I, 

And  Cutts's  children  three, 
Shall  in  the  coach— and  you  shall  ride 

On  horseback  after  we." 
Accotiling  to  letters  among  General  Winder's  papers,  the  President  and  his  Cabinet  fled  to  different  vlaccs.  On  the 
2«th,  the  day  after  the  British  withdrew  from  Washington,  the  President,  with  General  Mason,  the  Commissary  of  Pris- 
oners, and  Richard  Rush,  the  Attorney  General,  was  at  Brookvllle,  in  Maryland;  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  was  with 
the  President's  fiimlly  in  London  Connty,  Virginia;  and  the  Secretary  of  War  and  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  wore  at 
Frederick,  In  Maryland,  on  the  Momcacy  River.  As  soon  as  the  President  was  certified  of  the  flight  of  the  Invaders  to 
their  ships,  he  summoned  his  Cabinet  to  a  reunion  at  Washington.    The  President,  with  the  Secretary  of  State,  arrived 

thcre.on  the  38th,    The  reaDion  took  place  <m  the  99th Autograph  Letters  of  Monroe  and  Armstrong,  Augnst  2«  and 

21, 1814.  »  Oral  atatement  of  Mr.  Barker  to  tht  author  at  New  Orleans  in  April,  1S«1. 


ars  of  the  aroused  People. 


^^i;^^^^^ 


ion. 

fiich  they  had,  unex- 

up  the  Chesapeake 

Washington,  to  en- 

n  that  direction  the 

ure  of  invadinp;  Lo«- 

ssippi  Valley,  should 

were  defeated  ami 
capital,  and  the  pnb- 
ly,  evidently  in  fear 
etropolitan  influence 
0S8  of  their  capital, 
jair  to  their  victors, 

prehended  from  the 

ted  energy,  because 


(Ipntifil  mnnslon,  formed  the 
ilpin'K  linie,  only  one  stnnza 
,he  family,  where  she  Bays  to 


to  different  iiUece.  On  the 
son,  the  CommiBsnryofPri!- 
retnry  of  the  Nnvy  was  with 
nrv  of  the  Treasury  w<!re  at 
fthcilislitofthe  invaders  to 

e  Secretary  of  State,  arrived 
.1  Armstrouir,  Angnst  28  and 
lew  Orleans  In  April,  ISOl. 


OF   THE  WAK   OF    18  12. 


987 


Brllish  retreat  A-um  Washington. 


An  Account  by  an  Eye-witness. 


Effect  of  the  Invasion. 


'^.f£e^ 


Impressed  with  a  sense  of  this  danger, 
Ross  and  Cochrane  moved  away  with 
their  forces  with  great  secrecy  on  tlie 
night  of  the  25th  of  August,  after  order- 
ing every  inhabitant  of  Wasliington  to 
remain  within  doors  from  sunset  till  sun- 
rise, on  pain  of  death,  aiid  increasing  tlieir 
camp-fires,  so  as  to  deceive  the  Ameri- 
cans. It  was  immediately  after  the  pas- 
sage of  a  terrific  tempest  of  wind,  light- 
ning, and  rain,  during  wh.ich  houses  were 
unroofed  and  trees  were  uprooted.  Soft- 
ly these  victors  stole  away  in  the  gloom. 
"No  man  spoke  above  his  breath,"  says 
one  of  the  British  officers  who  was  pres- 
ent. "  Our  v  I  y  steps  were  planted 
lightly,  and  "  .eared  the  town  without 
exciting  obse;  vation."!  At  midnight, 
just  as  the  moon  arose  and  cast  a  pale 
light  over  the  scenes,  they  passed  the 
battle-field  and  Bladensburg,  leaving 
tlieir  dead  unburied,  and  full  ninety  of 
their  wounded  to  the  humanity  of  Com- 
modore Barney  and  his  men.  It  was  hu- 
miliating to  the  British  troops  tlius  to  steal  away  in  the  dark  from  the  field  of  their 
conquest.  They  moved  sullenly  onward,  so  wearied  with  fatigue  aiid  loss  of  sleej) 
that,  wlien  the  columns  halted  for  a  few  minutes,  the  roads  would  be  filled  with  sleep- 
ing soldiers.  At  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  finding  themselves  but  little  annoyed 
by  pursuers,  they  halted  for  rest  and  refreshments  for  several  hours.  At  noon  tliev 
moved  forward,  encamped  at  Marlborough,  and,  marching  leisurely,  reached  Benedict 
on  the  29th,  where  they  embarked  on  the  transports  the  next  day."^  •Anpustao 

Tiie  loss  of  the  battle  at  Bladensburg  and  of  the  national  capital  filled  ^'*^''- 
the  American  people  with  mortification,  and  produced  the  most  intense  excitement 
throughout  the  country.^  Crimination  and  recrimination  kindled  widespread  anger, 
ihat  burned  intensely  Avhile  the  actors  lived.  The  public  Aveie  disposed  to  hold  the 
Secretary  of  War  responsible  for  the  misfortune,  because  of  his  alleged  obstinaov  and 
inefficienoy,  and  on  the  3d  of  September  he  left  the  Cabinet,  and  retired  to  private 

'  Rev.  George  R.  Gleig,  now  (1807)  chaplain  general  of  the  British  Army.  He  entered  the  army  at  an  early  age,  was 
in  the  Pc;  insular  War  with  Wellington,  and  served  as  a  subaltern  in  America  at  Haltiinore,  and  Washington,  and  New 
Orleans.  He  was  severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Bladensourg.  He  has  published  two  works  on  these  campaigns, 
jne  entitled  The  Subaltern  inAmirica,  and  the  other  Campaigns  of  Washington  and  Xeio  Orleans.  To  these  books,  writ- 
ten with  great  candor,  I  am  indebted  for  much  information  concerning  the  movements  of  the  British  in  these  cam- 
paigns. Mr.  Oleig  has  been  an  indnstrions  book-maker.  After  the  war  in  this  country  he  took  orders,  and  was  chap- 
lain of  Chelsea  Hospital  for  some  time.  He  was  made  chaplain  general  to  the  forces  In  1S40.  A  line  lithographed  por- 
trait of  him,  fi-om  which  the  above  picture  was  copied,  and  his  signature,  I  r  jceived  from  him  through  the  hands  of  a 
gentleman  residing  in  London. 

'The  chief  anthorities  consulted  in  the  preparation  of  the  narrative  of  the  capture  of  Washington  are  the  official 
reports  of  the  commanders;  Wilkinson's  Memoirs ;  Armstrorg's  Uotlces  of  the  War  of  1812 :  flics  of  the  National  In- 
telligencer; Niles's  Register ;  Ingraham's  Sketch  of  the  Event  which  preceded  the  Capture  of  Washington ;  Ingersoll's 
liistorlcal  Sketch  of  the  Second  War,  etc. ;  Williams's  Histcrj  of  the  Invasion  and  Capture  of  Washington  ;  the  MS. 
Papers  of  General  Winder  and  Commodore  Barney ;  Glelg's  C.  mpaign  of  Washington,  etc. ;  Statements  of  Survivors, 
ftc,  etc. 

'  Intelligence  of  the  disaster  reached  Cincinnati  on  the  0th  o*  September.  General  Harrison  was  there.  Forgetful 
»f  the  ill  treatment  which  he  had  received  from  those  in  power  and  anxious  to  save  his  country,  he  at  once  addressed 
a  letter  to  the  Governors  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky,  to  whom  ny  ,.cal8  had  never  been  made  in  \  ain,  suggesting  the  i)roprl- 
oty  offending  a  volunteer  force  of  dragoons  and  monntr  j  riflemen  to  the  aid  of  the  people  on  the  sea-board.  Move- 
ments for  that  purpose  were  set  on  foot,  when  the  repuls  ■  of  the  British  at  Baltimore,  and  their  abandonment  of  expe- 
(llllors  (If  ever  conceived)  against  Philadelphia  and  New  "^ork,  rendered  farther  operations  in  the  West  unnecessary.— 
.\ntograph  Letter  of  General  Harrison  to  Governor  Shelh  •,  Septe-  bcr  0, 1S14. 


Mk4 


w 


t|HD| 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Who  was  to  blnmc  for  the  Unfeat  at  hluilcuBburg. 


Slavery  the  Oulprit. 


Fort  W:  iuiugton. 


Hie.*  The  g.yvernment  glndly  afiempted  to  fix  the  otliiim  upon  the  milit  of  Maiy. 
land  and  the  District  of  Columbia,  who  were  easilj'  panicftricken,  and  who,  on  hii'iwr 
driven  from  the  field,  fled  in  disorder  to  their  homes;  and  General  Wlnc'er  ieco''o(] 
a  full  share  of  bkrao,  how  worthily  let  the  preceding  narrative  determine.  O.ily  Bar- 
ney and  his  seamen  were  praised.  Historians,  pui.zled  by  contemporaneouH  quarrel?, 
have  generally  agreed  in  condemning  both  tiie  government  and  the  militia — the  I'o;- 
mer  for  imbecility,  and  the  latter  for  cowardice.  A  culprit  more  cuipable  i,lian  'jitl.er 
may  be  discovered  by  close  research.  The  lato  Alvan  Stewart,  in  a  lettc:  to  Or. 
Bailey  on  the  .'<Oth  of  Auif ust,  1845,  gives  us  a  clew  to  tl'.r:  identity  of  the  criniii)al. 
He  says:  "General  Smith,''  of  Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  told  me  hi  1818, 
Avhile  passing  over  this  ^ery  ground  [between  Bladensburg  and  the  national  cap-fall 
in  a  journey  I  i^-?'-  taking  to  Washington  City,  that  he  commanded  a  b;  igade  in  the 
fleeing  army  of  ours,  ji-id  that  the  secret  of  our  disgraceful  flight  war  -hat  a  story  liad 
been  clvcuhited  through  the  District  and  ailjucent  counties  of  the  two  states,  tliat 
on  that  day  the  slaves  were  to  rise  and  assert  then'  liberty,'  aud  that  each  man  mon 
feareil  th?  enemy  he  had  left  behind^  in  the  shape  of  Ci  slave  in  his  own  house  or  plan- 
tation., than  he  did  any  thing  else.*  The  ofticf  rs  and  soldiers  had  their  minds  distract- 
vf^  with  the  possibility  of  this  insurrection,"  paid  General  Smith/' and  therefore  fled 
to  their  homes  before  an  inferior  force,  and  left  Washington  to  liio  mercy  of  its  cap- 
tors.'"^  J^arney's  men,  having  no  such  fears,  fought  gallantly  and  persistently.  'Shx 
wc  not  look  for  the  chief  cause  of  the  disaster  fit  Pladens'jurg,  and  the  loss  of  the  na- 
tional capital  iii  1814,  to  the  slave  system,  which  ha^  cursed  evCi-y  thing  upon  which 
the  blight  of  its  influence  has  fall?!  's 

While  C'ochrane  ai-d  Ross  were  making  their  way  toAvard  Washington,  a  portion 
of  the  British  fleet,  consisting  of  two  fv-gates  of  thirty-six  and  thirty-eight  guns,  two 
rocket-ships  of  eighteen  guns  each,  two  bomb-vessels  of  eight  guns  each,  and  or-" 
ischooner  of  two  guns,  sailed  up  the  Potomac  River,  under  Commodore  Gordon,  of  the 
Sea-horse,  to  co-operate  Avith  them.  The  only  obstruction  to  the  passage  of  the  fleet 
on  which  the  Americans  might  place  the  least  icliance  was  Fort  Washington  (late 
Wa'"^  "1  ton),  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac,  about  tn-elve  miles  below  theNa- 
tion.il  capital.  It  was  a  feeble  f(>rtress,  but  capable  of  being  made  strong.  So  early 
as  May,  1813,  a  deputation  from  Alexandria,  Georgetown,  and  Washington  waited 
upon  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  represented  the  importance  of  strengthening  f'lat 

^,--^      f^^  ^^ 5  X,   post-    -An  engineer  (Colonel  Decius  AVads- 

-.~^^  .     '^^^^  C^i^''^-'^'~V~''^^'^C'     ^orth)  A\ns  sent  to  examine  it.    He  re- 
^^^^^  X  ^^1  ported  in  favor  of  additional  works  in  the 

rear,  while  he  believed  that  the  armament 
of  the  fort,  and  its  elevated  situation,  would  enable  a  well-managed  garrison  to  re- 
pulse any  number  of  ships  of  war  that  might  attempt  to  pass  up  the  river.  Nothins 
more  was  done.  In  July,  1814,  when  a  British  fleet  and  army  were  in  the  Chesa- 
peake, the  authorities  of  Alexandria  again  called  the  attention  of  the  Secretary  of 
War  to  the  feeble  condition  of  Fort  Washington.  The  Secretary  did  not  believe  tlie 
enemy  would  push  for  the  capital,  anfi  nothing  was  done.    The  Alexandrians  appealed 

'  On  the  29t.  of  August  President  Madison  Informed  General  Armstrong  that  there  was  a  high  degree  of  oxciieracnt 
iigainst  him  among  the  militia  of  the  Blstrict,  and  that  an  officer  of  a  corps  had  given  notice  that  he  wonld  no  loiipor 
obey  any  order  coming  through  the  then  Secretary  of  War.  He  told  Armstrong  that  he  must  so  far  yield  to  public 
clamor  as  to  permit  some  other  person  to  perform  the  duties  of  his  office  in  relation  to  the  defense  of  the  District.  Arm- 
strong would  not  consent  to  a  division  of  hie  dnries,  and  resigned.  In  his  letter  of  rcsi^rnation,  and  in  a  euhscquoDt 
paper,  he  offered  a  vindication  of  his  conduct,  in  the  year  ISilfi  General  Armstrong  published  a  still  nrore  elaborate 
vindication,  in  two  small  volumes,  entitled  Noticen  of  the  War  0/I8I2. 

»  General  Walter  Smith.    See  page  922. 

>  On  several  occasions  during  the  war  the  British  had  offered  liberty  to  the  slaves  if  the  latter  wonld  join  them,  nnd 
on  one  occasion,  as  we  have  seen  (page  090),  preparations  were  made,  on  that  account,  for  a  general  insurrection  In 
South  Carolina. 

«  See  the  testimony  of  John  Randolph  on  this  point  in  a  speech  on  the  floor  of  Congress  in  the  yearlSll.  Sec 
page  214. 

»  WV«in<7»  and  Speeches  (if  Alvan  Stewart  on  Slavery,  edited  by  his  aon-in-law,  Luther  B.  Marsh,  page  372. 


OF    THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


039 


Fort  Wi  juiugton. 
the  milit     of M.ny 


Fort  \Va«hi:igtou  neglected. 


It  is  denerted  and  blown  up. 


British  8litpB  pass  up  tlio  Potomac. 


.Inly  28, 
1S14. 


to  General  Winder,  who,  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  Wai-,"  recommended 
the  streug^hening  of  the  post.  Three  of  the  banks  of  Alexandria  oftered  to 
loan  the  government  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  the  construction  of  more  defenses  for 
the  District.  The  money  was  accepted,  but  nothing  was  done  to  Fort  Washington. 
v,'l)on  the  battle  of  Bladensburg  occurred,  a!id  the  seat  of  government  was  left  to  the 
lueicy  of  the  invaders,  Fort  Washington  was  as  feebly  armed  as  ever,  and  its  gar- 
rison consisted  of  only  about  eighty  men,  under  Captain  Samuel  T.  Dyson,  who  had 
received  orders  from  General  Winder  to  be  very  watchful,  and,  in  the  event  of  its  be- 
ing apji  reached  by  the  enemy  on  land,  to  blow  up  the  fortification  and  retreat  across 
I'lC  rivtr. 
The  British  squadron  appeared  before  Fort  Washuigton  on  the  27th  of  August, 


t^  -  -■.'.«.rf 


FOKT    WABUINQTON, 


three  days  after  the  capture  of  the  capital.  Captain  Dyson  cither  misunderstood 
General  Winder's  order,  or  was  influenced  by  mortal  fear,  for  he  blew  up  and  aban- 
doned the  fort  without  firing  a  gun.'*  No  doubt  the  British  fleet  could  have  been 
kept  below  by  the  heavy  cannon  of  the  fort.  Dyson  chose  not  to  try  the  experiment, 
and  for  his  injurious  conduct  he  was  dismissed  from  the  service. 

The  British  squadi'on  now  had  nothing  to  fear,  and  without  hinderance  it  sailed  on, 
and  was  anchored  off  Alexandria  on  the  evening  of  the  28th.  On  the  morning  of  the 
29th  it  assumed  a  hostile  attitude  a  hundred  yards  from  the  wharves,  and  was  well 
prepared  to  lay  every  building  in  the  town  in  ashes.  The  citizens  had  done  Avhat 
they  could  to  protect  their  city.^  The  able-bodied  men  and  their  heavy  guns  had 
been  called  to  the  defense  of  Washington  City,  and  only  exempts  and  a  few  others, 
not  more  than  one  hundred  in  all,  were  left.  When  the  squadron  came  they  had  no 
effective  means  to  oppose  the  intruders,  aiid  the  citizens  sent  a.  deputation  to  Com- 
modore Gordon  to  ask  upon  what  terms  he  would  consent  to  si)are  the  town.  He 
replied  that  all  naval  stores  and  ordnance ;  all  the  shipping  and  its  furniture  :  mer- 
chandise of  every  description  in  the  city,  or  which  had  been  carried  out  of  it  to  a 
place  of  safety ;  and  refreshments  of  every  kind,  must  be  immediately  given  up  to 
him.  Also  that  the  vessels  which  had  been  scuttled  to  save  them  from  tlostruction 
must  be  raised,  and  delivered  up  to  him.  "  Do  all  this,"  he  said,  "  and  the  town  of 
Alexandria,  with  the  exception  of  public  works,  shall  be  spared,  and  the  inhabitan*;8 

'  'ijls  is  a  view  of  Fort  Washington  from  the  roar,  loolcing  across  the  Potomac  to  the  Virginia  shore,  as  it  appeared 
In  November,  1801.    It  is  on  the  Maryland  shore,  abont  three  miles  higher  up  the  river  than  Mount  Vernon. 

'  In  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  "Camp  at  Macon's  Island,  August  29, 1S14,"  Captain  Dyson  excused  his 
conduct  by  saying  he  had  been  Informed  that  the  enemy  had  been  re-cnforced  at  Benedict  by  six  thousand  men,  and 
w°ro  marching  on  Fort  Washington  to  co-operate  with  the  fleet.  This  was  a  false  rumor.  He  acted  too  precipitately 
10  And  out  the  truth,  but  not  until  it  was  too  late  t«  be  usefiil. 

'  At  about  the  time  vthen  the  British  fleet  appeared  in  the  Potomac,  General  Winder  received  from  nn  nnknown  hand 
niketch  of  a  simple  torpedo  for  blowing  np  vessels,  with  a  description  of  Its  construction  and  use.  The  engraving  of 
it  on  the  next  page  is  a  fac-simile  of  the  original  pen-and-ink  sketch  found  among  the  Winder  papers.  General  Winder 
lielieved  It  was  from  General  Guy,  of  Alexandria,  who  had  conversed  with  him  on  the  subject  previously. 

The  torpedo's  construction  and  use  were  described  as  follows :  Ascertain  the  depth  of  the  channel  in  which  a  row  of 
torpedoes  are  to  be  placed,  and  cut  trees  three  feet  in  diameter  of  such  length  as  will  allow  ships  to  pass  over  them 
ivhcn  they  stand  perpeudicular.    Bore  them  ont  with  a  pnmp  auger,  the  hole  being  large  "inough  for  a  IS-ponod  ball. 


I  I 


/ 


ft 


•  !•  1  '  ■  V 


jl-  I' 


tt9  )i  I 
-L'ff  at 

'SSI 


i 


\   1 


r: 


040 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Alexmidrlu  plundered. 


I'ropuratious  tu  intercept  tbe  BrltiHh  Vessela  lu  the  Putumac. 


A  Toriwdo. 


shall  remain  unmolested.  These  were  harsh  and  humiliating  terms,  and  the  iiiliabit- 
nuts  were  allowed  only  one  hour  for  consideration.  They  were  powerless,  and  wiio 
compelled  to  submit.  The  merchandise  that  had  been  carried  from  the  town  iiud  iln. 
sunken  vessels  could  not  be  given  up  to  the  invader,  so  ho  contented  himself  by  I»uin. 
ing  one  vessel  and  loading  several  others,  chiefly  with  flour,  cotton,  and  tobacco. 
With  these  in  charge,  the  squadron  weighed  anchor  aud  sailed  down  the  Potomac.' 
On  hearing  of  the  surrender  of  Alexandria,  the  government  determined  to  annov 
and,  if  possible,  capt.iro  or  destroy  the  British  squadron  in  its  descent  of  the  Potomac. 
The  Maryland  and  District  militia  could  not  be  rallied  in  time,  so  the  Secretary  of  tlic 
Navy  sent  an  express  to  Commodore  Rodgers,  at  Baltimore,^  for  him  to  hasten  to  tlic 
Potomac  with  as  large  a  number  of  seamen  as  he  could  collect.  These  were  ])laccil 
under  the  command  of  Commodores  Rodgers,  Perry,  Porter,  and  Creighton.^  Armed 
boats  and  fire-ships  Mere  soon  prepared,  and  the  seamen,  in  conjunction  with  tiie  Vir- 
ginia militia,  gave  the  enemy  a  great  deal  of  trouble.  Batteries  were  erected  on  the 
river  bank  at  the  "  White  House,"  a  short  distance  below  Mount  Vernon,  and  on  In- 
dian Head,  both  commanding  points  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  stream.  Musketeei's 
were  stationed  on  the  thickly-wooded  shores.  Cannon  M'cre  taken  by  District  Volun- 
teers, and  placed  in  battery  with  all  possible  dispatch,  and  for  several  days  from  the 
,  1st  of  September  they  kept  the  British  war  and  plunder  vessels  from  descend- 

ing the  river.  Meanwhile  the  batteries  and  the  militia  were  strengthened  hy 
accessions  of  guns  sent  down  from  Washington  and  men  from  the  neighboring  coun- 
try, and  at  times  there  was  heavy  fighting.  Finally  the  war  vessels,  ten  in  number, 
with  an  aggregate  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-threo  guns,  brought  their  concentrated 


^X^>v^      /o     Ccririyvui^  .fc^c^^"^ 


Then  flII  the  place 
with  liot  tallow,  so 
that  it  will  llioronjh- 
'^  ly  enter  tlic  pores  of 
tlic  wood,  and  make 
it  impervious  to  wa- 
ter.    Tlien   bore  it 
oiitas.iini.nndimtin 
powder    in    flannel 
cartridges.   Overthc 
powder    p!ncc   two 
balls,  and  tlicr.  pour 
in    melted    tallow 
again,  so  as  to  com- 
pletely  inclose   the 
powder.     Over  the 
balls  put  a  wad  of 
oakum,  also  covered  at  top  with  tallow.    Beioro  putting  in  the  powder,  a  hole 
must  be  made  in  the  log,  and  a  wire  inserted  so  as  to  penetrate  the  cartridge,  and 
the  hole  then  made  water-tight.    This  wire  was  to  extend  to  the  shore.    It  was 
to  be  a  conductor  of  an  electric  spark  to  the  po-vder.    To  secure  the  trees  from 
bursting  with  the  powder  explosion,  they  were  to  be  hooped.    The  following  are 
the  directions  for  the  working  of  the  torpedo,  given  by  the  projector: 

t,  a  tree  on  the  shore,  serving  as  a  mark  by  day,  and  having  a  lantern  hanging 
upon  it  by  night.  2,  position  of  a  sentinel,  who  views  an  object  on  the  water  be- 
tween himself  and  the  tree  1  through  a  fixed  tube,  it,  another  tree,  with  a  lantern 
at  night.  4, 6,  C,  7, 8,  other  sentinels  on  the  shore,  who  look  through  fixed  lubes 
upon  tree  number  3,  their  vision  crossing  that  of  sentinel  number  2  at  different 
poaitlons.  The  circles  in  the  channel  of  the  river  show  the  position  of  five  tree  torpedoes.  Thus  stationed,  the  differ- 
ent sentinels  would  all  see  a  vessel,  as  it  crossed  their  vision  between  them  and  tree  3,  at  differ-jnt  points.  When  the 
sentinel  at  4,  5,  0,  7,  or  8  sees  an  object  on  his  line  of  vision,  he  will  immediately  pull  a  cord  to  convey  information  of 
the  fact  to  number  2,  and  if,  at  the  same  time,  that  object  covers  the  vision  of  the  sentinel  on  line  1  and  2,  the  vessel 
must  be  over  one  of  the  torpedoes.  Then  number  2,  having  in  charge  the  electric  wire,  will  communicate  the  spark  to 
the  powder  of  the  torpedo. 

'  The  loss  sustained  by  the  Alexandrians  by  the  surrender  of  the  city  consisted  of  three  shlpc,  three  brigs,  several 
small  bay  and  river  craft,  10,000  pounds  of  flour,  1000  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  tBO  bales  of  cotton,  and  $5000  worth  of  wines 
and  segurs. 

•  Commodore  Rodgers  was  at  Philadelphia  when  the  British  captured  Washington.  As  early  as  the  20th  he  hod  re- 
ceived an  order  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  hasten  to  Washington  with  all  the  force  under  his  command,  lie 
started  with  four  hundred  seamen  and  fifty  marines  armed  with  muskets,  and  four  pieces  of  artillery  (12-poHnders),  bnt 
before  he  reached  Unltlmore  he  heard  of  the  fall  of  the  capital.  At  Baltimore  he  awaited  farther  orders.— Rodgers  to 
Winder— Autograph  Letter  among  the  Winder  Papers. 

'  Perry  and  Porter  were  in  Baltimore  at  the  time,  and  accompanied  Rodgers  to  Washington.  The  former  was  In  com- 
mand of  the  frigate  Java,  recently  launched  at  Baltimore. 


F;l0-8IMILE   OK    DRAWINO   OF 
TOBPEDO. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


041 


A  Torpedo. 


rms,  and  the  inhabit- 
j)Owei-lt'8s,  and  wito 
orn  the  town  iind  tlic 
ited  himself  hy  burn- 
cotton,  and  tobacco. 
down  the  Potomac' 
Ictermined  to  annoy, 
icent  of  the  Potomac. 
3  the  Secretary  of  tlic 
hint  to  hasten  to  the 
These  were  jjlac'cd 
.  Creighton.^    Armed 
unction  Avith  the  Vir- 
8  were  erected  on  tlic 
lit  Vernon,  and  on  hi- 
stream.     Muskcteei's 
en  by  District  Vohin- 
Beveral  days  from  the 
vessels  from  desccnd- 
were  strengthened  by 
the  neighboring  coun- 
essels,  ten  in  number, 
Tht  their  concentrated 

Then  fill  the  pl.ice 
with  hot  tallow,  so 
thnt  it  will  thoron;.'!!- 

'^  ly  enter  the  pores  of 

tlie  wooil,  and  make 
it  impcrvinns  to  wa- 
ter.    Then    bore  it 
out  ns'^in.andputin 
powder    in    flannel 
cartridges.   Over  the 
powder    place    two 
balls,  and  then  pout 
In    melted    tallow 
again,  so  as  to  com- 
pletely  inclope    the 
powder.     Over   tlic 
balls  put  a  wad  of 
DUtting  in  the  powder,  ii  hole 
.0  penetrate  the  cartiidgc, and 
extend  to  the  shore.    It  was 
To  secure  the  trees  from 
)e  hooped.    The  following  arc 
by  the  projector : 
and  having  a  lantern  hanging 
ws  an  object  on  the  water  be- 
3,  another  tree,  with  a  lantern 
vho  look  through  fixed  lubes 
lentinel  number  2  at  difTercnt 
Thus  stationed,  the  differ- 
.  difi"ennt  points.    When  tlie 
!ord  to  convey  information  of 
lel  on  line  1  and  2,  the  vessel 
■ill  communicate  the  spark  to 


—  7 

—  6 
S 


ree  shlpn,  three  brigs,  several 
:ton,  and  $5000  worth  of  wiues 

LB  early  as  the  2flth  he  had  re- 
rce  under  his  command.  He 
of  artillery  (12-ponnder9),  but 
d  farther  orders.— Kodgers  to 

■ton.  The  former  was  in  com- 


British  Ships  pass  American  Uatteries  and  escape.      Visit  to  the  Battle-ground  at  Bladensbnrg.      Oak  IIIll  Cemetery. 

power  to  bear  upon  Porter's  battery  at  the  "  White  House"  and  its  bupports,  and 
drove  all  away.  Perry's  battery  at  Indian  Head  received  like  attention.  His  guns 
were  skillfully  managed  by  Lieutenant  (late  Commodore)  George  C.  Read ;'  but 
Perry,  like  Porter,  overwhelmed  by  a  vastly  sui)erior  force,  was  compelled  to  retire, 
and  allow  the  enemy,  with  his  plunder,  to  pass  on  to  Chesapeake  Bay.^ 

Tlius  ended  the  invasion  which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  Washington  City,  the  de- 
struction of  its  public  buildings  and  navy  yard,  the  surrender  and  plunder  of  Alexan- 
dria, and  the  profound  regret  and  humiliation  of  the  American  people.^ 

I  visited  the  theatre  of  many  of  the  events  described  in  this  chapter,  in  the  years 
I860  and  1861.  At  the  close  of  the  former  year  I  was  in  Washington  City,  on  my 
way  southward  to  go  over  the  region  of  tlie  Creek  War  in  Alabama*  from  the  Ten- 
nessee River  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  to  view  the  grounds  of  conflict  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  New  Orleans.  I  was  met  there  by  a  letter  from  a  distinguished  South  Caro- 
lina author,  informing  me  that  on  a  certain  day  a  Convention  would  declare  that 
state  seceded  from  the  Union,*  and  advising  me  to  defer  my  visit  on  account  of  the 
excitement  and  confusion  that  must  inevitably  follow  such  revolutionary  action.  On 
the  day  after  receiving  this  letter,"  and  while  conversing  with  the  ven-  •  Decemi-er  20, 
erablo  General  Cass  (who  had  lately  left  Mr.  Buchanan's  Cabinet  in  dis-  ^**'**'- 

gnst)  at  his  own  house,  a  messenger  brought  to  him  the  startling  intelligence  of  the 
passage  of  the  Ordinance  of  Secession  by  the  South  Carolina  Conven- 

'...,,  December  20. 

tion  of  politicians."     I  shall  never  forget  the  extreme  sadness  of  counte- 
nance, voice,  and  words  of  the  eminent  statesman  after  chat  announcement.     "  I 
hoped,"  he  said,  "  to  leave  to  my  children,  as  an  inheritance  from  patriotic  men,  a 
united,  prosperous,  and  happy  country ;  but  all  is  over !     This  is  but  the  beginning 
of  the  end!" 

Tlie  political  finnament  was  so  cloudy  th.at  I  concluded  to  defer  my  visit  to  the 
Gulf  region  until  a  more  propitious  time,  and  so  I  spent  a  week  among  the  public 
reccrds  in  the  Departments  at  Washington,  and  in  visiting  the  battle-ground  at  Bla- 
densburg.  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  go  over  that  field  of  strife  with  the  late  John 
C.  Rives,  whose  residence,  we  have  observed,^  was  near  the  place  where  Barney  fought 
and  fell.  Beuig  his  guest  for  a  day,  we  spent  nearlj'^  the  whole  time  in  exploring  the 
battle-ground,  and  making  the  sketches  on  preceding  pages.  Not  long  afterward  the 
great  Civil  War  broke  out,  and  it  was  a  year  after  the  visit  now  considered  before  I 
was  again  in  the  National  capital  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work,  when  it  was  filled 
with  soldiery  and  all  the  paraphernalia  of  war.  Accompanied  by  a  young  kins- 
woman, I  then  visited  localities  of  interest  connected  with  the  War  of  1812  in  and 
around  Washuigton  City,  at  Baltimore,  North  Point,  Havre  do  Grace,  and  other 
places. 

It  ^^-as  a  bright  day  in  November''  when  we  rode  over  to  Oak  Hill  Ceme-    ^ 
tcry,  near  Georgetown,  to  visit  the  graves  of  General  Towson  and  Commodore 
Morris.     It  was  3,  beautiful  spot.     The  burial-pla(!es  were  spread  over  the  slopes  of  a 
broad  ravine  that  went  down  to  Piney  Branch  Creek,  where  the  gentle  murmur  of  a 
small  cascade  was  heard.    The  ground  was  covered  with  stately  oaks,  and  among 
them  stood  many  commemorative  monuments.    I  sketched  those  of  Towson  "nd  Mor- 

1  Commodore  Read  died  at  Philadelphia,  v.hero  he  was  Governor  of  the  Naval  Asylum,  in  August,  1863. 

'  On  the  6th  of  September  twenty-six  sail  passed  Point  Lookout,  and  at  four  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  the  l)th 
twenty-one  ships,  six  brigs,  and  three  smaller  vessels  were  seen  beating  up  the  Chesapeake. — Autograph  Letters  from 
Thomas  Swann,  at  Point  Lookout,  among  the  Winder  Papers. 

'  The  slight  resistance  offered  to  the  invaders  during  their  operations  in  the  space  of  twelve  days  excited  great  sur- 
prise, alarm,  and  indignation.  They  had  been  performed  In  the  midst  of  n  population  most  interested  In  the  events, 
sDd  capable  of  furnishing  at  least  20,000  able-bcdied  men  for  the  defense  of  their  homes  and  the  National  capUal.  The 
tatlonal  honor  required  an  investigation,  and  early  in  the  next  session  of  Congress  a  committee  for  that  pnrpoee  was 
sppoirted  by  the  House  of  Representatives.  Their  report  exculpated  the  President  and  General  Winder,  but  left  Con- 
gress and  the  people  to  form  their  own  judgment  from  the  facts  presented.  ♦  See  Chapters  XXIII  and  XXIV. 

'  Tho  writer  was  William  Gilmoro  Simms.  His  letter  was  dated  December  13, 1860.  "  In  ten  days  more,"  he  wrote, 
"South  Carolina  will  have  certainly  seceded ;  and  in  reasonable  Interval  after  tlilB  event,  if  the  forts  in  our  harbor  are 
not  eurrendered  to  the  state,  they  will  be  taken."  '  See  page  027. 


\\ 


> 

lii 

," 

042 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Kalorama. 


Barlow'a  Vault. 


The  Death  of  Decatur. 


Van  Kenaaeluer'it  Letter. 


■IIIE    UNKNOWN. 


Klope,  at  the  foot  of  which 
was  a  circiUar  plain  of  ten 
or  twelve  acres,  then  beat- 
en hard  by  the  tread  of 
troops,  for  it  had  been 
made  a  camp-groiind.  On 
the  edT;e  of  this  plain, 
overlooking  a  steep  slope 
covered  with  oaks,  was 
the  family  vault  of  Mr. 
Barlow,^    in    which    the 


ris,'  and  a  small  uninscribed  stone,  witlt  a  cross  upon  it 
near  tiie  latter,  and  tiieii  we  rode  back,  crossed  I'liicy 
Creek,  and,  a  mile  from  (Jeorgetown,  entered  a  pkasant 
lane  sliaded  with  oaks,  that  led  to  tiie  beautiful  mansion 
of  Kalorama,  on  the  brow  of  a  hill,  which  was  oiiec  tlic 
residence  of  the  eminent  Joel  IJarlow.'*  At  the  time  of 
our  visit  it  was  used  as  a  hospital  for  soldiers  sick  with 
small-pox  and  measles.     Uefore  it  was  a  gentle  woodtil 


KAl.UUASIA. 


uaklow'h  vault. 


body  of  Commodore  Decatur  was  laid  on  the  24th  of 
March,  1820,  two  days  after  he  fell  in  a  duel  with  Commodore  Barron,  nei\.'  Bladciis- 
burg.*  It  was  followed  to  this  tomb  by  a  vast  concourse  of  people,  and  was  plactil 
in  it  with  military  honors.® 

We  returned  to  Washington  just  as  the  stars  were  appearing.    Early  the  next  day 
we  rode  out  to  the  Congressional  Burial-ground,  which  lies  party  upon  a  plain,  ami 

•  A  picture  of  Towson's  appears  on  page  809,  and  Morris's  on  page  901.  '  See  pnjie  04 
'On  each  side  of  the  entrance  door  to  the  vau't  was  a  white  marble  slab,  suitably  Inscribed.    Commencing  on  one,  and 

running  across  to  the  other,  are  the  words  "  Sacred  to  the  repose  of  the  dead  and  the  meditation  of  the  living."  On  the 
left-hand  slab  we  read :  "  Joel  Barlow,  Patriot,  Poet,  and  Philosopher,  lies  burled  at  Zarowltch,  Poland,  where  he  dieii, 
20th  December,  1812,  aged  flfty-seveu  years." 

"Judith  Baldwin  Barlow,  his  wife,  died  29th  of  May,  1818,  aged  sixty-two." 

"  Abraham  Baldwiu,  her  brother,  died  a  senator  In  Congress  from  Georgia,  4tb  of  March,  1807,  aged  fifty-two  years. 
nis  memory  needs  no  marble ;  hU  country  is  his  monument ;  the  Constitution  his  greatest  work."  Mr.  Baldwin  was 
a  member  Irom  Georgia  of  the  Convention  that  framed  the  National  Constitution  in  17ST.  On  the  right-hand  side  arc 
luscrlptions  commemorative  of  the  Bomford  family. 

*  General  Solomon  Vau  Beusselacr,  then  in  Washington  City,  wrote  as  follows  to  Mrs.  Van  Rensselaer: 

"Washington,  March  50,  ISM. 

"Dear  Habeiet,— I  have  only  time,  after  writing  to  several,  to  say  that  an  affair  of  honor  took  place  this  mornin; 
between  Commodores  Decatnr  and  Barron,  in  which  both  fell  at  the  first  fire.  The  ball  entered  Decatur's  body  Hvi 
inches  above  the  hip,  and  lodged  against  the  opposite  side.  I  just  came  from  his  house.  He  yet  lives,  but  wDl  neve: 
see  another  sun.  Barron's  wonnd  is  severe,  but  not  dangerous.  The  ball  struck  the  upper  part  of  his  hip,  and  turucil 
to  the  rear.    He  Is  mined  in  public  estimation.    The  excitement  Is  very  great." 

On  the  following  day  Vau  Rensselaer  wrote  of  his  death,  and  said :  "  His  poor  wife  (they  have  no  children)  is  dis- 
tressed beyond  expression.  She  would  suflfer  no  one  to  be  in  her  room,  and,  strange  to  say,  she  did  not  see  him  unlil 
after  his  death."  General  Vau  Rensselaer  was  misinformed,  for  she  was  present  when  he  died.  Mrs.  Decatur  surviwil 
her  husband  about  forty  years.    She  died  at  Georgetown,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  in  ISOO. 

»  Decatur's  remains  were  taken  from  his  late  residence  in  Washington  City  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  Iwmf 
to  Kalorama  by  the  following  officers :  Commodores  Tlngey,  Macdoiiongh,  Rodgers,  and  Porter,  Captains  Cassln,  Bal- 
lard, and  Chauncey,  Generals  Brown  and  Jesup,  and  Lieutenant  M'Phersim.  The  funeral  was  attended  by  iicnrly  all 
the  public  functionaries  in  Washington,  American  and  foreign,  and  a  great  rumber  of  citlzeus.  While  the  processiuu 
was  moving,  minnte-gans  were  fired  ut  the  navy  yard. 


OF  THE  WAU  OF   1812. 


043 


Van  Keniaelaer's  Letter. 

with  a  cross  upon  it, 
I  back,  crossed  I'iiuy 
'11,  entered  a  pliasant 
the  beautiful  iniuisidn 
,  which  was  oiu'e  tlic 
ow.'*  At  the  time  of 
for  soldiers  sick  with 
was  a  gentle  woodwl 


The  CniiKreailonBl  BuryluK-Kround. 


A  Visit  to  Fort  WuhiiiKtoD. 


Departure  rrom  the  NatlonI  Otpttal.' 


1  laid  on  the  24tli  of 

Barron,  nciw  Bladcns- 

people,  and  was  placed 

Early  the  next  day 
>arty  upon  a  plain,  ami 

»  See  pnfrc  M. 
■Ibecl.    CommencinK  on  one,  anfl 
cditntion  of  tliclivlnj:."  On  the 
irowitch,  Poland,  where  he  dW, 


larch,  180T,  aged  fifty-two  years. 
eatcst  work."  Mr.  Baldwin  was 
:ST.    On  the  right-hand  side  are 

rs.  Van  Rensselaer: 
Washington,  March  £0, 1S20. 

honor  took  place  this  morniii? 
ball  entered  Decatur's  body  Hfo 
ise.    He  yet  lives,  but  will  never 

pper  part  of  his  hip,  and  turned 

K  (they  have  no  children)  Is  dif- 
to  say,  she  did  not  see  him  until 
ho  died.  Mrs.  Decatur  survivcil 
in  ISCO. 

:lock  In  the  afternoon,  and  home 
nd  Porter,  Captains  Cassiu.Bal 
lernl  was  attended  by  nearly  all 
•  citizens.    While  the  processiou 


l)iirtly  upon  an  uneven  slope  toward  the  Anacostia,  or  East- 
ern Hraiicii  of  the  Potonitic.  It  contains  many  beautiful 
moiiunients,  and  also  monotonous  rows  of  small  marble  cen- 
(itiiplis  erected  to  the  memory  of  members  of  Congress  who 
r  died    while    representatives 

of  districts,  but  who  were 
not  buried  there.  Anionij:  the 
most  elaborately  wrought  of 
the  tine  monuments  is  that 
of  Elbridgc  (icrry,  who  died 

suildenly  while  he  was  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States.'  It  is  of  white  marble,  about  thirteen  feet  in 
height,  with  a  netit  iron  railing  around  it.^  ./vfter 
sketching  this  monument  and  those  of  several  other 
distinguished  ])ublic  servants,  we  returned  to  the 
city,  and  ])as8ed  the  evening  pleasantly  with  Colonel 
C.  S.  Todd,  one  of  (leneral  Harrison's  staft"  in  the 
War  of  1812,  already  mentioned,^  and  the  late  ven- 
erable Elisha  Whittlesey,  Comptroller  of  the  Nation- 
til  Treasury,  who  was  also  an  active  jiarticipant  in 
the  Second  War  for  Independence.' 

Having  procured  a  special  letter  of  permission 
from  General  M'Clellan,  we  st.-yted  for  old  Fort 
Wasliington,  twelve  miles  down  the  Potomac,  on 
the  following  morning,  accompr.nied  by  Mr.  Samuel 
Yorke  At  Lee,  Librarian  of  the  Treasury  I)e])art- 
ment.  Beyond  Cue  Potomac,  from  Arlington  Heights 
to  Alexandria  and  below,  we  saw  the  white  tents  of 
At  Fort  Washington,  v.'hich  stands  upon  the  high 
bank  of  the  Potomac,  on  the  Maryland  side,  at  the  mouth  of  the  T'jscatiiway  Cret'., 
we  were  courteously  received  by  Major  Haskin,  the  comtrande-  jf  the  garrison  ;  and 
while  making  the  sketch  seen  on  page  939,  we  heard  the  heavy  guns  of  the  Confeder- 
ates, Avho  then  blockaded  the  Potomac.  It  was  twilight  Avhen  we  returned  to  Wash- 
ington City.  At  an  early  hour  tl-.o  next  morning  we  crossed  the  Long  Bridge  into 
Virginia,  m.ade  a  journey  of  almost  twenty  miles  among  camps  and  forts  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  National  capital,  and  returned  to  Washington  at  dusk.  On  Monday  morn- 
ing we  departed  for  Baltimore,  to  visit  places  of  historic  interest  there  and  in  its 
vicinity. 

'  Mr.  Gerry  was  boarding  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Wilson,  and  was  on  his  way  from  there  to  the  Capitol  when  the  death- 
Eummons  came  to  him  in  the  street.  At  his  ftincral  his  body  was  taken  from  Mrs.  Wilson's  to  the  hall  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  In  charge  of  a  committee  of  arrnngcments.  From  there  it  was  conveyed  to  the  Congressional  Bury- 
ing-g;round  by  Messrs.  Tallmadge,  Macon,  Browcr,  Sevier,  Wright,  Findicy,  Nelson,  and  Brighum,  chosen  pall-bearcrs, 
fallowed  by  all  the  public  functionaries  in  Washington,  domestic  and  foreign. 

'  Mr.  Gerry  was  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  had  ever  been  conspicuous  In  public  life. 
The  following  is  a  copy  of  tlie  inscription  on  his  monument :  Eaiit  Siile—"  The  tomb  of  Ei.»nti)OK  Gkbrv,  Vice-President 
of  the  United  States,  who  died  suddenly  In  this  city,  on  his  way  to  the  Cai)ltol  as  Pre.<ident  of  the  Senate,  November  23d, 
ISU,  aged  seventy,  thus  fulfllling  ills  own  memorable  injunction,*  It  is  the  duty  of  every  citizen,  though  he  may  have 
lint  one  day  to  live,  to  devote  that  day  to  the  good  of  his  country.' "  West  Side—"  Erected  by  order  of  the  Conurees 
of  the  United  States,  1823."  '  See  page  648.  «  See  page  341. 

Note.— In  the  smaller  section  of  the  map  on  page  929  are  figures  which  Indicate  the  iiosition  Ok  certain  troops,  as  fol- 
lows:  6,  Second  Regiment,  of  Smith's  brigade;  0,  Major  Peter's  battery;  7,  Mn.|or  Warlng's  battnlion;  fi,  Scott's  rcgn- 
lars;  9,  companies  of  Stull  and  Davids(m ;  10,  Ragan's  regiment:  11,  Schntz's;  12,  Fifth  Baltimore  Regiment;  13, 
Bnrch's  artillery ;  IC,  militia  and  riflemen  ;  17,  Baltimore  artillery ;  20,  the  British. 


I  I 


okkuv'h  mondmsnt, 

various  military  encampments, 


lli'Sj'  i 


H;;^:r 


.■; 


1 

f' 

1 

w 

1 

i 

1'' 

044 


PICTOlilAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Brltlih  tn  CbeMpcnke  Day. 


An  Atuek  on  8t.  MIchMl'f 


CHAPTER  XL. 

"The  eon'rnl  (jave  orders  for  the  troop*  to  mnrrh  down. 

To  meat  tho  proud  Hdhh,  nnd  to  chock  Mo  nmblliou; 
To  tiiform  him  w«  have  dccrcnd  In  our  town 

Thiit  hrre  he  cnn't  enter  without  our  pcrmUiilon. 
And  If  life  he  rettnrdn,  he  will  not  preKH  too  hard, 
For  Hiiltlniorc  frflenicn  iire  ever  prepared 
To  check  the  prcRuniptuoua,  whoever  they  be, 
That  may  raahly  attempt  tu  ovado  our  decree."— Old  Bono. 

\ALTIM0RE  was  menaced  while  Washington  was  assailed.  In- 
deed,  the  whole  coast  of  tho  ChoHapeako  Bay,  front  its  mouth  to 
the  Patapsco,  wa.s  continually  harassed  by  the  invaders  diirin<; 
August  and  September,  1814.  "Whenever  a  favorable  oppor- 
tunity presented  itself,"  wrote  a  British  officer  who  participated 
in  the  capture  of  Washington,  "  parties  landed,  plundered  or  de- 
stroyed the  government  stores,  and  brought  off  all  the  shipiiinir 
which  could  be  reached.  In  a  word,"  he  says,  with  great  cuiidor, 
"the  hostilities  carried  on  in  tlie  Chesapeake  resembled  the  expeditions  cf  tlie  aii- 
ciont  Danes  against  Great  Britain  ratlier  than  a  modern  war  between  civilized  na- 
tions." He  added, "But  these  hasty  excursions,  though  generally  successful,  were 
not  always  performed  Avithout  loss  to  the  invaders."'  We  will  hero  record  two 
events  in  proof  of  the  truth  of  the  last  observation,  in  which  tho  courage  and  spirit 
of  the  M.aryl.and  militia  were  very  conspicuous. 

Among  other  places  on  the  Chesapeake  which  received  special  attention  from  the 
British  was  the  little  village  of  St.  Michael's,  in  Talbot  County,  on  the  eastern  shore 
of  the  bay.  It  was  founded  by  ship-builders,  and  was  famous  as  the  place  wiiore 
most  of  the  swift-sailing  priva'.eers,  called  "  Baltimore  clij)per8,"  were  constructed. 
At  the  time  in  question  seven  of  these  wene  on  the  stocks  there.  Cockburn,  the  ma- 
rauder, determined  to  destroy  them,  the  ship-yards,  and  the  town.  Intimation  of  iiis 
intentions  had  been  received  at  the  village,  and  the  veteran  General  Derry  Benson, 
commander  of  the  militia  of  Talbot  County,  prepared  to  receive  them.  He  construct- 
ed two  batteries,  one  at  tho  entrance  to  the  harbor  or  creek,  mounting  three  Opoiind- 
ers  and  one  long  9-pounder,  and  the  other  on  an  emincnue  in  front  of  the  town,  armed 
with  two  6-pounders. 

Two  companies  from  Easton,  and  two  or  three  from  the  adjacent  country,  were 
called  to  the  defense  of  St.  Michael's,  numbering  in  the  aggregate  about  three  hun- 
dred souls.  They  were  in  readiness  for  some  time,  AVJiiting  for  the  invaders.  They 
appeared  oarly  in  August,"  in  a  small  squadron,  that  entered  Eastern  Bay  be- 
tween the  Talbot  County  main"  and  Kent  Island.  Between  midnight  and  the 
dawn  of  the  11th,  while  the  darkness  was  intensifi  ,1  by  thick  clouds,  they  made  their 
way  in  eleven  barges  (each  armed  with  a  6-poun(I  field-piece),  with  oars  muffled,  so 
secretly  that  the  booming  of  their  cannon  was  the  Irst  intimation  the  Americans  re- 
ceived of  their  near  presence.  The  Maryl.inders  were  a  little  surprised,  yet  they  be- 
haved most  gallantly.  They  returned  the  fi/e  with  spirit  from  the  lower  battery. 
Tlie  9-pounder  was  in  charge  of  Captain  William  Dodson,  of  St.  Michael's,  and  did 
terrible  execution.  He  had  literally  crammed  it  with  grape  and  canister  shot,  nnd 
'  Campaign*  of  WathingUm  and  Nem  Orleans,  by  the  Hev.  Q.  K.  Qleig.    See  page  981. 


•  1814. 


i.r,\^ 


n  Atuck  on  Bt.  MIchtel'P 


1  was  aHsaile<l.  In- 
,  from  Uh  mouth  to 
he  invaders  duriii;^ 
a  favorable  o]i|)or- 
ar  who  participated 
!(1,  phuulored  or  dp- 
off  all  the  Hhii)]iini,' 
i,  with  great  candor, 
peditions  cf  the  an- 
['tween  civilized  na- 
illy  Bucccssfiil,  were 
ill  hero  record  two 
courago  and  spirit 

1  attention  from  the 
)n  the  eastern  siiore 
as  the  place  wliore 
'  were  constructed. 

Cockburn,  the  ma- 
Intimation  of  his 
iieral  Dcrry  Benson, 
lem.  He  construct- 
iiting  three  O-pound- 

of  the  town,  armed 

Lcent  country,  were 
ke  about  three  hun- 
the  invaders.  They 
ted  Eastern  Bay  be- 
Jn  midnight  and  the 
lids,  they  made  their 
>ith  oai-8  muffled,  so 
In  the  Americans  re- 
l-prised,  yet  they  be- 
the  lower  battery 
.  Michael's,  and  did 
canister  shot,  and 

I  page  98T. 


OF  THE  WAR   UF   18  12. 


948 


1'h«  I>ef«DM  of  Bt.  Iltellli«rs. 


Bsplolti  of  Sir  Pttw  Parker. 


lufHinnaii  Cimduct  of  Admiral  Cuckbnm, 


'  1814. 


being  well  acquainted  with  every  foot  of  the  locality,  ho  know  precisely,  by  soundB, 
where  to  (ire  most  eftectively  in  the  gloom.  The  invadoi>,  under  cover  of  their  heavy 
guns,  had  landed  in  a  campaet  body  for  the  purpose  of  storming  the  batteries,  and 
whun  Dodson  opened  his  great  gun  ujx)!!  them,  a  wide  swathe  was  cut  tlirough  tiieir 
Hue.  Nineteen  of  the  British  were  killed,  aiul  many  were  wounc'ed.  Tin-  Ameri- 
eans,  fimling  themselve"  outiMind>ered,  fled  to  the  upper  battery,  whose  guns,  worked 
liy  C!i])taiiis  Viekers  and  Auld,  kejit  up  a  eontintuu's  tire  on  the  foe.  The  fight  con- 
tinued until  daylight,  when  the  Britisli  fle<l  to  their  boats  and  abandoned  the  enter- 
|irise.  They  had  spiked  the  guns  in  the  lower  battery,  and  this  was  the  |»rinei|  al 
lo,«s  sustained  by  the*  Americans.'  St.  Miriiaers  and  its  siiip-yards  were  savetl  by  the 
gallantry  of  a  few  spirited  militia,  and  no  attempt  to  enter  its  harbor  was  ever  afler- 
v.ard  made  by  a  British  arme<l  vessel.  It  is  yet  a  flourishing  town  of  about  eight 
liundred  people,  surrounded  by  fertile  land  and  deep  estuaries  of  the  Clx'sapeake. 

Soon  after  the  expulsion  of  the  invaders  from  St.  Michael's,  Sir  Peter  Parker,  of  the 
Royal  Navy,  appeared  in  the  Upper  Chesapeake  for  the  purpose  of  patrolling  its  wa- 
ters and  blockading  the  harbor  of  Baltimore  with  two  vessels  iinder  his  command, 
while  Cochrane,  and  Ross,  and  Cockburn  were  penetrating  the  country  to  Washing- 
ton. His  flag-ship  was  the  frigate  Menelaiw,  38,  and  his  deportnu-nt  was  so  haughty, 
and  his  acts,  under  the  direction  of  his  superior,  Cockburn,  were  so  cruel,'^  that  the 
Americans  became  greatly  exasperated,  lie  frequently  sent  parties  ashore  to  plun- 
der and  destroy  private  as  well  as  public  prcperty,  and  he  swept  domestic  commerce 
from  the  bay.  He  boasted  to  his  8n})eriors  that  during  the  month  of  his  blockading 
service  not  a  single  American  boat  crossed  the  waters  of  the  Chesapeake. 

On  the  fall  of  Washington  Sir  Peter  was  ordered  to  proceed  down  the  bay.  "  I 
must  first  have  a  frolic  with  the  Yankees,"  he  said.^  Accordingly,  on  the  night  of 
the  30th  of  August,"  after  a  jolly  dinner  with  his  oflieers,  and  Indulgence  in 
drinking;  .and  dancing,  he  proceeded  to  engjvge  in  tlie  sport.  He  had  been  in- 
formed that  a  body  of  Maryland  militia  were  encamped  at  Moorfields,  near  th.e  George- 
town Cross  Koads,  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland  (not  far  from  Chestertown),  anu 
he  prepared  to  surprise  them.  They  were  loss  than  two  hundred  in  number,  under 
the  vigilant  Colonel  Read,  who  was  fully  apprised  of  the  movement. 

The  Menelaus  ran  into  one  of  the  numerous  estuaries,  and  at  eleven  clock  at  night 
landed  a  force  of  seamen  and  marines,  armed  with  muskets,  pikes,  and  cutlasses. 

1  rommnnlcatloiiB  to  the  author  by  Mesers.  Dr.  Ooldsborongh,  M.  Spencer,  and  William  H.  Qroome,  of  Easton.Mnry- 
liind,  in  Miirch,  ISuO. 

»  A  British  ofBccr,  who  gerved  with  Cockbnm  and  Parker,  publlehed  ennie  spicy  sketches  of  his  experience  in  nM- 
rmidliig  expeditions  along  the  shores  of  the  Chesapeake.  He  relates  one,  commanded  by  Cockbiirn  In  person,  wfUi 
Parker  and  General  Ross  as  "  amateurs,"  as  he  expresses  it.  The  object  was,  he  says,  "  to  destroy  a  factory  village, 
wliich  was  not  only  the  abode  of  innocent  labor,  but  likewise  the  resort  of  some  few  militiamen  guilty  of  the  unnatar>U 
fin  of  defending  their  own  county."  Their  apr  ..  *i  being  known,  all  but  women  and  children  had  fled  fl-om  the  town. 
"We  therefore,"  he  says,  "most  valiantly  set  fl'  o  the  unprotected  property,  notwithstanding  the  tears  of  the  wom- 
en, and,  like  a  parcel  of  savages,  as  we  were,  we  d  -ced  round  the  wreck  of  ruin."  The  excuse  was  the  necessity  of  re- 
tallntion  for  the  destruction  of  Newark,  In  Oanadii.  See  pages  034  and  932.  "  Eveiy  house,"  uc  continues,  "which  we 
conld  by  ingenuity  vote  Into  the  residence  of  a  military  man,  was  burned."  He  then  gives  an  account  of  scones  at  a 
dwellln^-house  neor  the  beach  which  they  surrounded.  "Like  midnight  murderers,"  he  says,  "we  cautiously  ap- 
proached the  house.  The  door  was  open,  and  we  unceremoniously  intruded  ourselves  upon  three  young  ladies  sitting 
quietly  at  teo.  Sir  George  Cockburn,  Sir  Peter  Parker,  and  myself  enterml  the  room  rather  suddenly,  and  a  simultane- 
ons  fcream  was  our  welcome."  Sir  George,  he  said,  was  austere,  but  Sir  <  ;ter  "  was  the  handsomest  man  In  the  navy," 
and  to  the  latter  the  ladles  appealed.  Cockbnm  told  them  that  he  knew  their  father  to  be  an  American  officer — a  col- 
onel of  militia,  and  that  his  duty  being  to  bum  their  house,  he  gave  them  ten  minutes  for  removing  what  they  most  de- 
fired  to  save.  The  youncr  womeu,  on  their  knees,  begged  the  admiral  to  spare  their  house.  "  The  youngest,  a  girl  of 
flxtcen,  and  lovely  ijeyoiid  the  general  beauty  of  those  parts,  threw  herself  at  Sir  Peter's  feet,  and  prayed  him  to  inter- 
fere. The  tears  started  from  his  eyes  in  a  moment,  and  I  was  so  bewildered  at  the  afflicting  scene  that  I  appeared  to 
fee  Ihrongh  a  thick  mist."  Cockburn  was  unmoved,  with  his  watch  on  the  table,  measuring  the  fleeting  minutes.  The 
other  girls  were  In  tears,  and  asking  for  mercy.  Sir  Peter  had  opened  his  lips  to  plead  for  them,  when  the  brutal  Cock- 
^bnrn  stopped  him,  and  ordered  men  to  bring  the  flre-balls.  "Never  shall  I  forget  the  despair  of  that  moment.  Poor 
'  Sir  Peter  wept  like  a  child,  while  the  girl  clung  to  his  knees  and  Impeded  his  retreat.  The  admiral  walked  ont  with 
his  usnal  haughty  stride,  followed  by  the  two  elder  girls,  who  vainly  implored  him  to  countermand  the  order.  In  a  mo- 
ment the  house  was  in  flames.  "  We  retreated  from  the  scene  of  ruin,  leaving  the  three  daughters  gazing  at  the  work 
o(  destruction,  which  made  the  innocent  houseless  and  th-s  affluent  beggars By  the  li?ht  of  that  honse  we  em- 
harked  and  retumed  on  board.  It  was  a  scene  which  impressed  itself  apou  my  heart,  and  which  my  memory  and  my 
liand  anwUUngly  recall  and  publish."  '  Niles's  Wetkbj  RegitUr,  vii.,  11. 

30 


II 


'  ! 

m 

!i 

••lit 

^ 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Death  of  Sir  Peter  Parker. 


The  Britlnh  Fleet  in  the  Chesapeake. 


The  mo(>n  was  shining  brightly.  Stealth- 
ily they  moved  forward,  and  fell  furi- 
ously upon  the  Marylanders,  who  were 
in  battle  order  to  receive  them.  A  fierce 
conflict  of  an  hour  ensued,  when  the  in- 
vaders, repulsed,  fled  back  to  their  frig- 
ate, leaving  thirteen  dead  and  three 
wounded  on  the  field.  Among  those 
mortr.lly  hurt  was  the  gallant  Sir  Peter, 
a  brave  and  generous  Irishman,  descend- 
ed from  Archbishop  Parker  and  Admiral 
Byron,  and  then  only  twenty-eight  years 
of  age.  He  was  at  the  head  of  his  men, 
cheering  them  on,  when  a  musket-bali 
cut  *V.e  main  artery  in  his  thigh.  "  They 
have  hit  me,  Peaice,"  he  said  to  his  first 
lieutenant, "  but  it  is  nothing  ;  push  on, 
my  bravo  boya,  and  folio%v  me  !''  He 
attempted  to  cheer,  but  his  voice  failed 
him.  He  fell  in  the  arms  of  Pearce,  and 
'  efore  he  could  be  conveyed  to  the  frig- 
ate or  receive  surgical  aid  he  bled  to 
death. '  The  invaders  fled  to  their  ship, 
and  the  Mcnelaus  sailed  down  the  bay. 

Sir  Peter's  body  was  preserved  in  spirits  and  sent  to  England,  and  on  the  14th  of 
May,  1815,  it  was  deposited  in  the  family  vault  in  St.  Margaret's  Church,  West- 
minster.^ 

Let  us  now  observe  the  movements  of  the  British  army  and  navy,  under  General 
Ross  and  Admiral  Cochrane,  after  the  flight  of  the  former  from  the  smoking  ruins  of 
Washington  City. 

We  left  the  invaders  re-embarked  on  their  vessels  in  the  Patuxent.  They  re- 
mained tlier«  several  days  to  rest,  recruit,  and  make  provision  for  their  wounded. 
These  were  placed  on  board  vessels,  and  sent,  some  to  Halifax  and  others  to  England 
and  by  the  Iphigenia  dispatches  were  sent  to  the  home  government.  Preparacions 
were  made  in  the  mean  time  for  other  oflensive  operations.  At  daybreak  on  ihe 
eih  of  September  the  whole  fleet  weighed  anchor,  and  stood  toward  the  Chesapeake 
with  a  fair  wind.  Down  that  bay  they  sailed,  ana  on  the  morning  of  the  Vth  entered 
the  Potomac.  For  two  days  they  moved  up  that  stream  to  assist  Gordon  in  his 
operations  against  Fort  Washington  and  .Jexandria.  Hearing  of  his  success,  they 
•  September  9,  turned,*  hastened  back  to  the  Chesapeake  and  stood  for  the  mouth  of 
IS"-  the  Patapsco,''  spreading  terror  along  the  entire  coasts  of  the  bay.    TIio 

"  September  10.  pgopig  ^^^  ft-om  their  dwellings  and  the  villages  with  their  most  valued 
property  that  might  be  carried  away,  and  at  every  light-house  and  .ugnal-statioii 
alarm  guns  were  fired.     On  Sunday,  the  11th,  they  entered  the  Pat  ipsco  with  fifty 

>  Dallne'e  Bioijraphieal  Memoir  of  Sir  Peter  I'arker,  Barf. 

»  Sir  Peter  Parker  w;ib  a  son  of  Admiral  Christopher  Parker,  and  first  cousin  of  the  eminent  poet,  Lord  Byron.  Hi- 
i.iherlted  from  his  f.ther  a  love  of  the  naval  service,  and  fl-om  his  mother  much  personal  beauty.  He  was  educated  ai 
Westminster  Sch.)ol,  and  entered  the  navy  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  with  his  grandfather.  Sir  Peter  Parker,  who  fom- 
manded  the  British  fleet  at  Charleston  in  the  summer  of  1T78.  He  rose  rapidly  In  hlf,  profession  under  Lord  Nelsnii. 
Earl  St.  Vincent,  and  others,  and  in  1810  he  wag  made  commander  of  the  MimeUiuK,  a  new  ship,  in  which  he  performed 
gallant  service.  He  accompanied  Admiral  Malcolm  to  Bermuda  in  the  spring  of  1814,  and  -vith  him  went  with  hi' 
frigate  to  the  Chesapeake,  whefe,  as  thj  text  relates,  he  lost  Ms  life.  His  body  was  flijt  conveyed  to  Bcrmnda,  and 
there  received  the  honors  cf  a  public  funeral.  It  was  afterward  conveyed  In  the  same  vessel  (the  Hcbrxui)  to  Kngland. 
apd  was  again  burled  with  a  public  funeral.  Lord  Byror.  wrote  r  poetic  eulogy  of  S'r  Peter.  HIg  ft'lend,  and  one  of  the 
chief  mourners  at  his  ftineral,  wrotfl  a  touching  Biographical  Memoir  of  him,  dedicated  to  his  wife,  from  which  the 
above  portrait,  fl-om  a  painting  by  Hoppner,  of  the  Royal  Academy,  woa  copied. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1812. 


947 


Fleet  In  the  Chesapeake. 


BaltiiTiore  threatened. 


Exasperation  against  it. 


General  Samuel  Smith. 


1,  and  on  the  14tli  of 
ravet's  Church,  West- 
navy,  under  General 
le  smoking  ruhis  of 

Patuxent.    They  re- 
n  for  their  wounded. 
nd  others  to  England, 
nment.     Prcparacions 
At  daybreak  on  ihe 
ward  the  Chesapeake 
ling  of  the  7th  entered 
assist  Gordon  in  his 
jg  of  his  success,  they 
ood  for  the  mouth  of 
oasts  of  the  bay.    The 
ith  their  most  valued 
se  and  .xignal-statiou 
le  Pat  ipsco  with  fifty 


imtnent  poet,  Lord  Byron.  n> 
1  beauty-  He  was  educated  at 
MX,  Sir  Peter  Parlter,  who  corn- 
profession  under  Lord  Nelson 
»  ship,  in  which  he  per  ormet 

4,  and  vdth  him  went  with  hl» 
vjt  conveyed  to  Bermuda,  ami 
reasel  (the  ff«bn«)  to  hnRland, 
ter.  His  friend,  and  one  of  je 
I  to  Ws  wife,  from  winch  tbc 


sail  of  vessels,  bearing  at  least  six  thousand  fighting  men,  for  the  purpose  of  attack- 
ing Baltimore.  The  victorious  Ross,  elated  by  his  good  fortune,  had  boasted  that  he 
would  make  that  fine  city  of  forty  thousand  inhabitants  (one  fifth  negroes)  his  win- 
ter quarters. 

Saltimoro  stands  on  the  Patapsco  River,  ten  miles  from  the  Chesapeake.  Tlie  har- 
bor is  entered  by  a  narrow  strait,  commanded  by  Fort  M'llenry,  'vhich  stood  there 
at  the  lime  we  are  considering.     The  growth  of  the  city  had  been  extremely  rapid. 

In  1814  it  was  the  third  in  population, 
and  fourth  in  wealth  and  commerce,  in 
the  United  States. 

Intelligence  of  the  capture  of  Wash- 
ington, created  intense  excitement  in 
Baltimore.  It  was  believed  that  the 
victorious  Ross  would  fall  upon  it  im- 
mediately, either  by  land  or  water;  and 
the  V3teran  soldier  of  the  Revolution, 
General  Samuel  Smith,'  renewed  his  ex- 
ertions for  the  defense  of  the  city,  and 
Annapolis,  the  political  capital  of  Mary- 
land. That  v'igilant  officer  had  been 
active  ever  since  the  first  appearance 
of  danger  in  the  spring  of  1813,  when  a 
British  squadron  appeared  in  tlie  Ches- 
apeake. It  was  well  known  that  the 
enenriy  felt  great  exasperation  toward 
the  I'altimoreans  because  they  had  sent 
out  so  many  swift  "  clipper-built"  ves- 
sels and  expert  seamen  to  smite  terri- 
bly the  commerce  of  Great  Britain  on 
the  high  seas.  "  It  is  a  doomed  town," 
declared  Vice-admiral  Warren.  "  The 
American  navy  must  be  annihilated," 
said  a  London  paper;  his  arsenals  and 
dock -yards   must  be    consumed,  and 

'  Samuel  Smith  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  PcniiBvlvania,  July  2T,  1T52.  Hia  education,  commenced  at  Carlisle, 
was  completed  at  an  academy  at  Elltton,  in  Maryland,  after  his  father  made  Baltimore  his  place  of  residence.  lie  was 
in  his  father's  counting-house  five  years,  and  thcu,  in  1TT2,  sailed  for  Havre  in  one  of  his  father's  vessels  as  supercargo. 
Having  traveled  extensively  in  Europe,  he  returned  home  to  find  his  countrymen  in  the  midst  of  the  excitements  of 
tlic  opening'  of  tlie  Revolutionary  hostilities.  The  battles  of  Lexington,  Concord,  and  Banker  Hill  bad  been  fought. 
Fired  with  patriotic  zeal,  he  sought  to  serve 
his  country  in  the  army,  and  In  January,lITO, 
obtained  a  captaln'r-  commission  in  Colonel 
Sraallwood's  regiment.  He  was  soon  after- 
ward promoted  to  the  ranlt  of  major,  and 
early  In  1777  he  received  n  lieutenant  colo- 
nel's commission.  In  that  capacity  he  served 
with  distinction  in  the  bfittlus  of  Brandywine 
and  Fort  Mifflin,  suflfcred  at  Valley  Forge, 
and  participated  in  the  action  on  the  plains 
of  Monmouth.  For  his  gallantry  at  Fort 
Mifflin,  Congress  voted  him  thanks  and  a 
sword.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  ap- 
pointed a  brigadier  general  of  militia,  and 
commanded  the  Maryland  quota  of  troops 
In  the  "  Whisky  Insurrection"  in  Pennsylva- 
nia. He  served  as  major  general  In  the  War 
of  181?,  anO  commanded  the  troops  assembled 
for  the  defense  of  Baltimore  in  1S14.  At  that 
period  he  was  spending  much  of  his  time  at 
his  elevaut  country-seat  of  Mit/ifeMdi,  north 
01  Baltimore,  which  is  yet  (1307)  standing 


MONTItl;KI.I,0. 


During  a  riot  In  Baltimore  in  1$S6,  when  the  civil  power  was  Inadequate  to 


1 1 


m 


\m 


I 


mil 


948 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Preparations  for  the  Defense  of  Baltimore  in  1813  and  1814. 


Patriotism  of  tlie  Cilizcng, 


'  1818. 


the  truculent  inhabitants  of  Baltimore  must  be  tamed  with  the  weapons  which  shook 
the  wooden  turrets  of  Copenhagen." 

So  early  as  the  13th  of  April,  1813,  the  City  Councils  of  Baltimore  appropriated 
twenty  thousand  dollai's  to  be  used  for  the  defense  of  the  city,  under  the  direction  of 
the  mayoi',  Edward  Johnson,  and  seven  other  citizens,  who  were  named  as  a  Com- 
mittee of  Supply.'  The  gc  .ernor  of  the  State  (Levin  Vfinder)  also  called  an  extra- 
ordinary session  of  the  Legislature,  to  meet  at  Annapolis  on  the  third  Monday  in 
May.  Meanwhile  a  rumor  reached  the  city  that  the  enemy  were  approaching,  aiid 
within  a  few  hours  at  least  five  thousand  armed  men  were  found  i?i  their  proper 
places,  and  several  companies  of  militia  from  the  country  came  pouring  into  Balti- 
more. Several  persons  Avere  arrested  as  traitors  and  spies.  These  deraonstritions 
of  preparation  and  power  undoubtedly  saved  the  city  from  assault  at  that  time. 
Very  soon  afterward,  Strieker's  brigade,  and  other  military  bodies  in  the  city,  full 
five  thousand  strong,  with  forty  pieces  of  artillery,  were  reviewed.  At  the  beginning 
of  June  a  batt'jry  was  erected  at  Fort  M'PIeury  for  the  marine  artillery  of  Baltimore 
one  hundred  and  sixty  in  number,  under  Captain  George  Stiles,  and  composed  of  mas 
ters  and  master's-mates  of  vessels  there      It  was  armed  with  42-pounders.2 

In  September*  the  British  fleet  went  to  sea,  and  Baltimore  enjoyed  a  season 
of  repose.  The  blockaders,  as  we  have  observed,  reappeared  in  the  Chesa- 
peake in  the  spi-ing  of  1814,  and  all  tLe  summer  and  early  autumn  infested  its  wa- 
ters, during  which  time  occurred  the  destructive  invasion  recorded  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  when  every  thing  that  could  be  done  by  vigilant  men  for  the  safety  of  Bal- 
timore was  accomplishe(?.  A  Committee  of  Vigilance  and  Safety,  of  which  Mayor 
Johnson  was  Chairman,  aiid  Theodore  Bland  was  secretaiy,  co-operated  unceasingly 
with  General  Smith  and  the  military.  On  the  27th  of  August,  three  days  after  the 
capture  of  Washington,  that  committee  called  upon  the  citizens  to  organize  into 
working  parties,  and  to  contribute  implements  of  labor  for  the  purpose  of  increasing 
the  strength  of  the  city  defenses.  The  city  was  divided  into  four  sections,  and  the 
people  of  each  'abored  alternately  on  the  fortifications.  The  exempts  from  military 
service  and  free  colored  men  were  required  to  assemble  fof  labor,  with  provisions  for 
a  day,  at  Hempstead  Hill  (equally  well  known  as  Loudenslager's  Hill),  on  Sunday, 
the  28th  of  September  ;  at  Myer  Garden  on  Monday ;  at  Wasliington  Square  on  Tues- 
day ;  and  at  the  intersection  of  Eutaw  and  Market  Streets  on  Wednesday.  Eoch 
portion,  comprising  a  section,  was  under  the  command  of  appointed  superintendents. 
The  response  of  the  citizens  in  men  and  money  was  quick,  cordial,  and  ample ;  and 
volunteers  to  work  on  the  fortifications  came  from  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Vii- 
ginia.  By  the  1 0th  of  September  General  Winder  was  in  Baltimore,  with  all  the  forces 
of  the  Tenth  Military  District  at  his  command. 

The  principal  fortifications  constructed  by  the  people  consisted  of  a  long  line  on 
Hempstead,  or  Loudenslager's  Hill,  now  the  site  of  Patterson  Park.  At  proper  dis- 
tances several  semiaircular  batteries  were  constructed,  well  mounted  with  cannon  and 


qnell  the  violence  of  the  mob,  the  aged  generrl,  then  oigtity-fonr  years  old,  appeared  in  the  streets  with  the  United 
i'tates  fliig,  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  peaceful  citiaMins,  and  very  soon  restored  order  and  tranquillity.  In  the  an- 
tnmn  of  that  year  he  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city,  which  office  he  held  until  his  death  on  the  2'id  of  April,  iS.tn,  at  thr 
age  of  eighty-seven  years.  General  Smith  waj  elected  a  representative  In  Congress  In  1793,  and  served  until  1803.  He 
was  again  elected  in  1816,  and  served  six  years  longer.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the  TTnlted  States  Senate  for  a  period 
of  twenty-three  years.  The  portrait  on  the  preceding  page  is  from  a  painting  in  possession  of  his  son,  Qenernl  Jnliii 
Spear  Smith,  who  was  his  volunteer  ald-de-camp  during  the  defense  of  Bnltimnre  In  1S14.  It  was  painted  by  iJlllicit 
Stuart  when  the  general  was  about  forty-flve  years  of  age.  lie  is  in  the  uniform  of  a  miOcr  general  of  that  day  (1791). 
and  shows  the  Order  of  thi  Cincinnati  suspended  from  a  button-hole. 

1  These  were  James  Hosher,  Luke  Tiernan,  Henry  Payson,  Dr.  J.  C.  White,  James  A.  Bnchannan,  Samuel  Sterett,  and 
Thorndike  Gha«e. 

«  This  corjffl  was  celebrated  for  its  gallantry.  Dr  Martin  (see  note  1,  page  928)  says,  in  his  MS.  Reminiscences  before 
me,  that  when  he  was  atBladensburg,  the  British  officers,  who  were  expecting  re-enforcements  for  Winder  from  Ball!- 
more,  "  were  particularly  anxious  about  the  marine  ar'Jllery— the  material  of  which  it  was  c.imposed,  the  weight  of 
pietal,  number  of  men,  etc.  I  exaggerated  the  condition  of  its  ability  to  do  effective  service,"  he  said,  "and  I  coiifldent- 
ly  believe  that,  had  they  been  part  of  our  force  at  Bladensburg,  we  would  have  succeeded  In  driving  back  the  enemy,  It 
not  lu  capturing  the  whole  force,  for  I  never  eaw  men  so  completely  exhausted  as  were  the  foe." 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


049 


airlotism  of  the  Cillitns, 

ipoDS  which  shook 

nore  appropriated 
er  the  direction  of 

named  as  a  Com- 
80  called  an  extra- 
3  third  Monday  in 
3  approaching,  and 
ind  in  tlielr  proper 
pouring  into  Balti- 
ese  deraonstrntions 
sault  at  that  time, 
ies  in  the  city,  full 
At  the  beginning' 
tillery  of  Baltimore 
id  composed  of  mas 
lounders.^ 
ire  enjoyed  a  season 
jared  in  the  Chesa- 
imn  infested  its  wa- 
led in  the  preceding 
or  the  safety  of  Bal- 
3ty,  of  which  Mayor 
•perated  unceasingly 
three  days  after  the 
3n8  to  organize  into 
lurpose  of  increasing 
)ur  sections,  and  the 
[empts  from  military 

',  with  provisions  for 

[r's  Hill),  on  Sunday, 

ton  Square  on  Tues- 

Wednesday.    Enr-h 

ited  superintendents, 
ial,  and  ample ;  ami 

,,  Maryland,  and  Vir- 

,ro,with  all  the  forces 

3d  of  a  long  line  on 
[ark.  At  proper  dis- 
Ited  with  cannon  and 

1  the  streets  with  the  United 
land  tranqumUy.  lu  the  an- 
il the  Md  of  April,  1S39,  nt  t>.r 
la,  and  served  until  1803.  Ho 
led  States  Senate  for  a  period 
Won  of  his  son,  General  .lohii 
u.  It  was  painted  by  Oillici; 
Icr  general  of  that  day  (ITO^. 

Ichannan,  Samnel  Sterett,  ord 

his  MS.  Bemlniecences  before 
ments  for  Winder  from  Bait!- 
Us  cimposed,  the  weight  ot 
ie,"  he  said,  "  and  I  confldent- 
Iln  driving  back  the  enemy,  H 
le  toe." 


Fortifications  at  Baltimore. 


Troops  for  Defense,  and  their  Uispositlon. 


ably  manned,  some  of  them  by  volunteer  artillery  companies  of  Baltimore,  but  chiefly 
by  men-of-war's  men,  about  twelve  hundred  in  number,  under  the  general  command 
of  Commodore  Rodgers.  The  spaces  between  these  batteries  were  filled  with  mili- 
tia.   One  of  the  larger  of  these  bastions,  known  as  Rodgers's  Bastion,  may  now  (1807) 


ilUUOEBS's  BASTION.' 

be  seen,  well  preserved,  on  the  harbor  side  of  Patterson  Park,  and  overlooking  Fort 
M'Henry  and  the  region  about  it.  Four  of  the  smaller  batteries  on  this  line  M'orc  ui 
charge  of  officers  of  the  Cruerriere  and  Erie,  the  former  then  lying  in  Baltimore  Har- 
bor.^ 

A  brigade  of  Virginia  Volunteers  and  of  regular  troops,  including  a  corps  of  cav- 
alry under  Captain  Bird,  were  placed  under  the  command  of  General  Winder ;  the 
City  Brigade  of  Baltimore  was  commanded  by  General  Strieker ;  and  the  general 
management  of  the  entire  military  force  destined  \ov  the  defense  of  the  city  was  in- 
trusted to  General  Smith.  Fort  M'Henry  was  garrisoned  by  about  one  thousand 
me:i,  volunteers  and  regulars,  commanded  by  Major  George  Armistead.  To  the  right 
of  ii,  guarding  the  shores  of  the  Patapsco.  on  the  I'erry  Branch,  from  the  landing  of 
troops  who  might  endeavor  to  assail  the  city  in  the  rear,  were  two  redoubts,  named 
respectively  Fort  Covington,  and  City,  or  Babcock  Battery.  The  former  was  manned 
by  a  detachment  of  seamen  under  Lieutenant  Newcorab,  and  the  latter — a  6-gun  bat- 
tery— by  another  detachment  from  Barney's  flotilla  under  Sailing-master  John  A. 
Webster.  In  the  rear  of  these,  upon  high  ground,  at  the  end  of  Light  Street,  near  the 
present  Fort  Avenue,  was  an  unfinished  circular  redoubt  for  seven  guns,  in  charge  of 
Lieutenant  (Seorge  Budd.  On  Lazaretto  Point,  across  the  entrance  channel  to  Bal- 
timore Harbor,  opposite  Fort  M'Henry,  was  also  a  small  battery,  in  charge  of  Lieu- 
tenant Rutter,  of  the  flotilla.  To  these  several  batteries,  and  to  Fort  M'Henry,  the 
citizens  of  Baltimore  looked  most  confidently  for  defense.' 

Such  were  the  most  important?preparationa  for  the  reception  of  the  enemy,  when, 
on  Sunday  evening,  the  11th  of  September,  they  were  seen  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pa- 

<  This  view  Is  f^om  one  sidt  of  the  bastion,  looking  toward  the  harbor.  On  the  point  on  the  right  is  seen  Fort 
M'Henry.    The  point  opposite  Is  Lazaretto  Point. 

'  These  were  Lieutenant  Onmblc,  the  first  of  the  Gturriere,  Midshipman  Field,  Sailing-master  Hamate,  and  Mldchlp- 
man  Salter,  of  the  same  vessel,  and  Sailing-master  Dc  la  Roche,  of  the  Erie 

'  Letter  of  Commodore  Rodgers  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  September  28,1814;  Letter  of  Sailing-master  (now  Cap- 
tain) John  A.  Webster  to  Brantz  Mayer,  Esq.,  Jtil;  22, 18SS, 


I  i 


[till 


■  '   i 


t  |.,|f  I 


t':! 


hi 


960 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


"'i 


The  British  land  at  North  Point.      Preparations  for  advancing  on  Baltimore.      General  Strieker  sent  to  oppose  then. 

tapsco,  in  strong  force,  preparing  to  land  at  North  Point,  twelve  miles  from  Balti- 
more by  Avater,  and  fifteen  miles  by  land.  Off  that  point  the  fleet  anchored  that 
evening.  The  night  was  a  delightful  one.  The  air  was  balmy,  and  the  full  moon 
shone  brightly  in  a  cloudless  sky.  The  sarth  was  refreshed  by  vhe  falling  of  a  heavy 
dew.  The  fleet  lay  two  miles  from  the  shore.  Brief  repose  was  given  to  its  people, 
•  September  12,  for,  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,"  the  boats  of  every  sliip  were  low- 
1814.  ered,  and  then  the  land  troops  and  scan,  n  went  to  the  shore,  under  cover 

of  several  gun-brigs  anchored  within  a  cable's  length  of  the  beach.     The  boats  went 
in  divisions,  and  the  leading  one  of  each  was  armed  with  a  carronade  ready  for  actioii. 

At  about  seven  o'clock  in  tlie  morning,  General  Ross  and  Admiral  Cockburn  were 
on  shore,  with  a  force  nine  thousand  strong,  composed  of  five  thousand  land  tioops, 
two  thousand  marines,  and  two  thousand  seamen,  led  by  Captain  E.  Crofton.  They 
were  furnished  with  cooked  provisions  sufiicient  for  three  days.  Each  combatant 
bore  eighty  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  carried  as  little  baggage  as  possible,  for  they 
were  to  march  rapidly  and  take  Baltimore  by  surprise,  where  Ross  had  boasted  that 
he  should  eat  his  Sunday  dinner.  At  the  same  time,  a  frigate  was  sent  to  try  the 
depth  and  take  the  soundings  of  the  channel  leading  to  Baltimore,  as  the  navy,  under 
the  immediate  command  of  Captain  Nourse,  of  Cockburn's  flag-ship  Severn,  was  to 
co-operate  wi'  h  the  arif  y.  Intelligence  of  these  movements  produced  great  alarm  in 
Baltimore.  A  large  number  of  families,  with  portable  articles  of  value,  were  sent  uito 
the  interior  of  the  country,  and  every  inn,  for  almost  a  hundred  miles  northward  of 
the  city,  was  crowded  with  the  refugees. 

When  it  was  known  tnat  the  Britisli  fleet  was  anchor- 
ed ofl"  North  Point,  General  Smith,  who  had  about  nine 
thousand  troops  under  his  command,  sent  General  Striek- 
er' with  three  thousand  two  hundred  in  that  direction 
to  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy  and  act  as  circum- 
stances might  warrant.  He  left  the  city  toward  even- 
ing, and  just  before  sunset  reached  a  meeting-house  (yet 

Stan  d- 


r^\ 


METnODIST  UEETLNU-UOl'BE. 


^jj^^-T^^*^  '^/^c^c^t 


VJ'Z^ 


ing)  almost  seven  miles  from  tlie 
town,  near  the  junction  of  the  roads 
leading  respectively  to  North  Point 
and  Bear  Creek.  Meanwhile  Major 
Randall,  of  the  Maryland  militia,  had 
been  sent  with  a  light  corps  from 
General  Stansbury's  brigade,  and 
the  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  to  tiie 
mouth  of  Bear  Creek,  to  co-operate 
with  Strieker,  and  to  check  the  de- 
barkation of  the  enemy,  should  it  bo 
attempted  at  that  point. 

Strieker's  little  army  rested  until 
morning  at  the  meeting-house,  not 
far  from  what  was  then  called  Long 
Log  Lane  (now  the  road  to  North 
P«int),  with  the  exception  of  a  de- 
tachment of  one  hundred  and  forty 
horsemen  xmder  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Biays,  who  were  ordered  forward, 
three  miles,  to  Gorsuch's  farm,  and 


I  The  Kbove  portrait  of  General  Strieker  Is  fhim  a  painting  in  the  possession  of  the  Maryland  Historical  Society, 
erol  Strieker  died  in  Baltimore  on  the  2Sd  of  June,  1820, 


Gen- 


OF   THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


051 


ker  eent  to  oppose  them. 

miles  from  Balti- 
eet  anchored  that 
and  the  full  moon 
falluig  of  a  heavy 
;iven  ♦o  its  people, 
•ry  sliip  were  low- 
shore,  under  cover 
,     The  boats  went 
ie  ready  for  actioil. 
ral  Cockburn  wore 
tusaud  land  tioops, 
E.  Crofton.    They 
Each  combatant 
vs  possible,  for  they 
88  had  boasted  that 
yas  sent  to  try  the 
,  as  the  navy,  imder 
ship  Severn,  was  to 
uced  great  alarm  in 
calue,were  senthito 
miles  northward  of 


Position  of  the  American  Troops. 


Disposition  of  the  British  Troops. 


Preliminary  SlEirmish. 


lODIST  IIEKTIKO-UOCBB. 

/en  miles  from  the 
junction  of  the  roads 
[vely  to  North  Point 
,     Meanwhile  Major 
^laryland  militia,  had 
a  light  corps  from 
jury's   brigade,  and 
[ia  Volunteers,  to  the 
Creek,  to  co-operate 
Ind  to  check  the  de- 
enemy,  should  it  he 
lat  point. 

[le  army  rested  until 
meeting-house,  not 
-as  then  called  Long 
the  road  to  North 
e  exception  of  a  de- 
|e  hundred  and  forty 
r  Lieutenant  Colonel 
fre  ordered  forward, 
Gorsuch's  farm,  and 

land  Historical  Society.  Gen- 


one  hundred  and  fifly  riflemen  under  Captain  Dyer,  who  were  directed  to  take  posi- 
tion at  a  blacksmith's  shop  one  mile  in  the  rear  of  the  cavaliy.  So  they  remained 
until  the  moi'ning  of  the  12th,  when  information  was  received  fi-om  the  vedettes  that 
the  enemy  had  landed  at  North  Point,  w^en  Strieker  immediately  sent  back  his  bag- 
gage under  a  strong  guai'd,  and  disposed  his  troops  for  battle  in  three  lines,  stretch- 
ing from  a  branch  of  Bear  Creek  on  his  right,  to  a  swamp  on  the  mai-gin  of  a  branch 
of  Back  River  on  his  left.  The  sevei*al  corps  v/ere  posted  as  follows:  the  Fifth  Bal- 
timore Regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Sterett,  five  hundred  and  fifty  strong,  were 
placed  on  the  right,  extending  from  Long  Log  Lane  to  a  branch  of  Besy  Creek ;  the 
Twenty-seventh  Maryland  Regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Long,  numbering  the  same, 
were  on  the  lefb  of  the  Fiflh,  extending  from  the  Lane  to  the  swamp  ;  and  the  Union 
Artillerymen  of  Baltimore,  seventy-five  in  number,  with  six  4-pounders,  under  Cap- 
tain Montgomery,  then  Attorney  General  of  the  State,  were  in  the  Lane.  The  Thirty- 
ninth  Regiment,  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fowler,  were 
posted  three  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  Twenty-seventh  and  parallel  with  it ; 
and  on  the  riglit  of  the  Thirty-ninth,  at  the  same  distance  in  the  rear  of  the  Fifth, 
were  the  Fifly-first  Regiment,  inider  Lieutenant  Colonel  Amey.  These  formed  the 
second  line.  About  half  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  this  line,  near  the  site  of  the  present 
(1867)  Battle-ground  House,  was  a  reserve  corps,  consisting  of  the  Sixth  Regiment 
(six  hundred  and  twenty  men),  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donald.  Thus  judicious- 
ly posted,  Strieker  awaited  the  approach  of  Ross. 

The  British  general  disposed  his  troops  as  at  Bladensburg.  A  coi'ps  composed  of 
the  light  companies  of  the  Fourth,  Twenty-first,  and  Forty-fourth  Regiments,  the  en- 
tire Eighty-tiflh,  a  battalion  of  "disciplined  negroes,"  and  ..  company  of  marhies,  num- 
bering in  the  aggregate  about  eleven  hundred  men,  under  Major  Jones,  were  sent  in 
advance.  These  were  followed  by  six  field-pieces  and  two  howitzers  d  wn  by  horses ; 
and  the  whole  formed  the  first  brigade.  The  second  brigade,  under  Colonel  Brooke, 
was  composed  of  the  Fourth  and  Forty-fourth  Regiments,  about  fourteen  hundred 
strong,  and  was  followed  by  more  than  a  thousand  sailors  led  by  Captain  Crofton. 
The  rear,  or  third  brigade,  consisted  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment,  and  a  battalion  of 
raa.'ines,  numbering  in  all  about  fointeen  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under  Colonel  Pat- 
terson At  the  same  time,  the  fleet  moved  toward  Baltimore  to  attack  Fort  M'Henry. 
Feeling  confident  of  success,  Ross  and  Cockburn  rode  gayly  forward  at  the  head 
of  the  troops  for  about  an  hour,  when  they  halted  at  Gorsuch's  farm,  and  spent  an- 
other hour  in  resting  and  careless  carousing.  The  American  riflemen  in  the  advance 
had  fallen  back  in  the  mean  time,  with  the  impression  that  the  British  were  landing 
on  Back  River  or  Bear  Creek  to  cut  them  off,  and  they  were  placed  on  tlie  right  of 
Strieker's  front  line.  When  the  general  was  informed  of  the  exact  position  of  the 
invaders,  he  sent  forward  to  attack  them  the  companies  of  Captains  Levering  and 
Howai-d  from  Sterett's  Fifth,  one  hundred  an'i  fifty  in  number,  under  Major  Richard 
K.  Heath,  and  Asquith's  and  a  few  other  riflemen,  numbering  about  seventy,  with  a 
small  piece  of  artillery  and  some  cavalry  under  Lieutenant  Stiles.  They  met  the 
British  advancing,  and  a  skirmish  ensued  near  the  house  occupied,  when  the  writer 
visited  the  spot  in  1861,  by  Samuel  C.  Cole  as  a  store  and  dwelling,  seven  and  a  half 
miles  from  Baltimore,  and  about  seven  from  the  landing-place  of  the  Biitish.  Ross 
was  mortally  wounded  by  one  of  two  young  men,  natives  of  Maryland,  belonging  to 
Asquith's  rifle  corps,  and  who  had  both  fought  in  the  battle  at  Bladensburg.  Their 
names  were  Daniel  Wells  and  Henry  C.  M'Comas.  They  were  concealed  in  a  hollow, 
and  fired  the  fatal  shot  when  Ross  appeared  upon  a  little  knoll  near  them.  That 
commander  died  in  the  arms  of  his  favorite  aid,  the  now  (1867)  venerable  Sir  Duncan 
M'Dougall,  of  London,'  before  his  bearers  reached  the  boats  at  North  Point.     "  He 

'  Sir  Dnncan  M'Don^all,  K.C.F.,  son  of  Patrick  H'Souf^ali,  Esq.,  of  Argyleshire,  Scotland,  was  bom  in  1789.    He  en- 
tend  the  army  in  isai,  and  served  in  several  regiments,  and  on  the  staff  in  Portugal,  Spain,  France,  America,  Cape  of 


:l'i 


i:       --i     [ 


032 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Death  orUeoeral  Rosa. 


Advance  ^f  the  BrItlHh. 


A  spirited  Battle. 


lived  only  long  enough,"  Hays  Glelg,"  to 
name  his  wife,  and  to  commend  his  fum- 
ily  to  the  protection  of  his  country.'  In 
this  skirmish  Heath's  horse  was  sliot 
under  hira,  and  several  Americans  wore 
killed  or  wounded.  Among  the  slain 
were  the  two  young  men  whose  bullets 
brought  Ross  to  the  earth.'  Tiie  ad- 
vancing British  far  outnumbered 
Heath's  detachment,  and  he  ordered 
them  to  fall  back.  Finding  the  com- 
panies of  Levering  and  Howard  too  fa- 
tigued to  engage  efficiently  in  the  im- 
pending battle,  Strieker  ordered  them 
to  the  rear  to  attach  themselves  to  the 
reserve. 

On  the  fall  of  Ross  the  command  of 
the  British  troops  devolved  on  Colonel 
A.  Brooke,  of  the  Forty-fourth  Regi- 
ment, and  under  his  direction  the  entire 
invading  force  pressed 
vigorously  forward.  At 
about  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  they  came 
within  cannon-shot  of 
the  American  line,  and 
were  immediately  formed  in  battle  order.  Their  first  brigade,  supported  by  the  For- 
ty-fourth Regiment,  the  seamen  and  marines,  menaced  the  entire  front  of  the  Amer- 
icans, and  commenced  the  action  by  opening  a  brisk  discharge  of  cannon  and  rockets 
upon  them.  The  British  Twenty-first  remained  in  column  as  a  reserve;  and  the 
Fourth  made  a  circuitous  march  to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  Americans,  against  which 
also  artillerists  and  rocketeers  directed  their  missiles,  and  were  replied  to  by  Captain 
Montgomery's  cannon.  General  Strieker  instantly  comprehended  the  meaning  of  the 
flank  movement  and  artillery  attack,  and  brought  up  the  Thirty-ninth  Regiment, 
with  two  field-pieces,  to  its  support  in  a  line  with  the  Twenty-seventh,  which  was 
behaving  most  gallantly.  He  also  ordered  the  Fifty-first,  under  Colonel  Aniey,  to 
form  in  line  at  right  angles  with  the  first  line,  with  its  right  resting  on  the  left  of 
the  Thirty-ninth.  This  movement  was  productive  of  some  confusion,  but  Strieker's 
staff"  soon  brought  out  order.  The  battle  was  continued  with  great  spirit  on  botli 
sides,  in  the  mean  time,  with  Victory  coquetting  first  with  one  and  then  Avith  the 
other,  and  the  armies  swaying  backward  and  forward  with  mutual  pressure. 

When  the  contest  had  been  carried  on  for  about  two  hours  the  enemy's  right  col- 
umn fell  upon  and  endeavored  to  turn  the  i^.merican  left.  The  Fifty-first  were  sud- 
denly struck  with  dismay,  and,  after  firing  a  voUey  at  random,  broke,  and  fled  in 
wild  disorder,  producing  a  like  effect  in  the  second  battalion  of  the  Thirty-ninth. 

Good  Hope,  and  West  Indies.  He  has  the  distinction  of  having  received  into  his  arms  two  eminent  British  generals 
when  they  fell  In  battle,  namely,  General  Boss,  killed  .loar  Baltimore,  and  General  Pakenham,  slain  near  New  Orleous. 
He  commanded  the  Seventy-ninth  Highlanders  for  several  years.  His  son  and  heir.  Colonel  Patrick  Leonard  M'Dou- 
Kall,  l«  commandant  of  the  Royal  Stall  College.  The  family  is  descended,  in  a  direct  line,  trom  Somerled,  the  Prince  of 
the  western  coaet  of  A'gyleshlre,  and  famons  "  liord  of  the  Isles."  The  above  portrait  of  the  gallant  soldier  Is  from  a 
carte  de  visite  likeness,  gent  to  me  at  my  reqnest  by  Sir  Dnncan  in  the  enmmer  of  1861. 

'  The  remains  of  these  young  men  were  reinterrod  In  a  vault  in  Ashland  Square  on  the  12th  of  September,  18B8,  with 
civic  and  military  honors.  The  mayor  of  the  city,  Thomas  Swann,  made  some  remarks,  and  was  followed  by  Hon.  John 
C.  Le  Grand,  who  pronounced  an  oration.  A  dirge  was  executed  by  the  East  Baltimore  band,  and  before  the  retnalns 
were  laid  in  the  vault,  over  which  a  monument  Is  to  be  erected,  the  Law  Greys  flred  a  volley  over  them. 


:ir 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


908 


A  spirited  Buttle. 

rb,"8ay8Gleig,"to 
I  coinineml  his  fam- 
of  his  country.'  In 
I's  liorse  was  shot 
ral  Americans  were 
Among  the  slain 
men  whose  bullets 
e  earth.  ^    The  atl- 
r  outnumbered 
it,  and  he   ordered 
Finding  the  com- 
and  Howard  too  fa- 
fficiently  in  the  im- 
icker  ordered  them 
h  themselves  to  the 

)88  the  command  of 
devolved  on  Colonel 

Forty-fourth  Regi- 
3  direction  the  entire 
duig  force  pressed 
rously  forward.  At 
it  two  o'clock  in  the 
I  mo  on  they  came 
lin   cannon-shot  of 

American  line,  and 
ipported  by  the  Fov- 
•e  front  of  the  Amer- 


Plcture  ufthe  Battle  of  Nortb  Puint. 


cannon  and  rockets 
a  reserve ;  and  the 
ricans,  against  which 
)lied  to  by  Captain 
the  meaning  of  tlu' 
■ty-ninth  Regiment, 
seventh,  which  was 
er  Colonel  Amey,  to 
ESting  on  the  left  of 
fusion,  but  Strieker's 
great  spirit  on  both 
and  then  with  the 
.al  pressure, 
le  enemy's  right  col- 
Fifty-first  were  sud- 
n,  broke,  and  fled  in 
of  the  Thirty-ninth, 


wo  eminent  BrltUh  generals 
,am,  slain  near  New  Orleans, 
incl  Patrick  Leonard  M'Dou- 
from  Somerled,  the  Frince  of 
the  gallant  soldier  is  from  a 

12th  of  September,  1858,  with 
d  was  followed  by  Hon.  John 
land,  and  before  the  remaina 
ej  over  them. 


I    ' 


|l|l 


All  efforts  to  rally  the  fugitives  were  vain.     But  the  remainder  of  the  Thirty-niuth 


M 


,1    * 


054 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


W-\ 


II  ; 


ni^-; 


Retreat  of  the  Amerlciina. 


The  BritiHh  Fleet  approaches  Baltlmure. 


PreparutlonH  tu  attack  Furt  M'Uturv. 


and  the  gallant  Twenty-seventh  (whose  tattered  bat- 
tle-flag, now  in  the  possession  of  its  bearer  in  the  fight 
Captain  Lester,  of  Baltimore,  attests  the  severity  of 
their  conflict)  bravely  maintained  their  position.  Fi- 
nally, at  about  four  o'clock,  when  the  superior  force  of 
the  enemy  could  no  longer  be  kept  in  check.  General 
Strieker  ordered  a  retreat  upon  his  reserved  corps. 
This  movement  was  performed  in  good  order.  Some 
of  the  wounded  and  two  field-pieces  were  abandoned. 
Strieker  reformed  his  brigade,  and  then  fell  back  to- 
ward the  city  as  far  as  Worthington's  Mill,  about  half 
a  mile  in  advance  of  the  intrenchments  car.t  up  by  the 
citizens.  There  he  was  joined  by  General  ^V^inder,  with 
General  Douglass's  Virginia  Brigade  and  Captain        ^^ 

Bird's  United  States  Dragoons,  who  took  post  on  his   "^"I^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^— ^ 
left.     The  British  bivouacked  on  the  battle-field  that  "^    '^ 

night,  after  calling  in  some  pursuers  and  collecting  the  stragglers. 

While  these  movements  were  in  operation  on  the  land,  the  British  fleet  was  pro- 
paring  to  perform  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  drama.  Frigates,  schooners,  8loop.s,  aiul 
bomb-ketches  had  entered  the  Patapsco  early  in  the  morning  of  the  12th,  while  Hoss 
was  moving  from  North  Point,  and  anchored  oft"  Fort  M'Henry  (then  about  one  htJf 
its  present  dimensions),  beyond  the  reach  of  its  guns,  near  the  present  Fort  Carroll. 


^.;--.B;^. 


BATTLB-FLAO  OP  TIIB  TWKNTT-BBVKMTH 
BKUIliEHT.' 


I'OBT   M'UKNBY    in    ISUl. 


During  the  day  and  evening  the  bomb  and  rocket  vessels  were  so  posted  as  to  act 
upon  the  fortifications  on  the  hill,  commanded  by  Rodgers,  as  well  as  on  Fort 
M'Henry,  while  the  frigates  were  stationed  farther  outward,  the  water  being  so  slial- 
'  low  that  they  could  not  approach  nearer  the  city  than  four  or  five  miles,  nor  the  fort 
within  two  and  a  half  miles.  The  Americans  had  already  sunk  some  vessels,  as  ve 
have  observed,  in  the  narrow  channel  at  Fort  M'Henry,  which  prevented  any  pas?a(;e 
by  the  ships  of  the  enemy.^  During  the  night  of  the  12th  the  fleet  made  full  prepa- 
rations for  an  attack  on  the  fort  and  hill  intrenchments  on  the  morning  of  the  13tli, 
when  Brooke  was  to  move  on  Baltimore  with  the  British  land  force  from  the  battle- 
field of  the  day  before.  The  fleet  prepared  for  action  consisted  of  sixteen  heavy  ves- 
sels, five  of  them  bomb-ships. 
Fort  M'Henry  was  commanded  by  a  brave  soldier,  and  defended  by  gallant  com- 

'  This  little  picture  represents  the  tnttered  battle-flag  of  the  Jeferson  BhieM,  Twenty-seventh  Regiment  of  the  Mary- 
land Militia,  who  fought  gallantly  on  the  12th  of  September,  1814.  It  was  in  the  poseesHlon  of  Captain  John  Lester,  of 
Ball,imore,  when  I  made  a  sketch  of  It  In  1862.  He  has  presented  It  to  the  Maryland  Historical  Society.  It  is  blue  (ilk, 
with  the  designs  in  gold.  Its  width  is  four  feet  six  inches.  It  is  qnlte  tattered.  The  black  spots  represent  the  forms 
of  cannon-ball  holes  made  during  the  battle.    On  scrolls  are  the  words  Jefferson  liluea  and  Hon  tibi  »ed  patria. 

»  General  Smith,  on  the  recommendation  of  Commodore  Rodgers,  caused  twenty-four  vessels  then  lying  In  the  harbor 
to  be  sunk  in  the  narrow  channel  between  Fort  M'Henry  and  Lazaretto  Point.  These  were  afterword  raised  at  the  ex- 
jwnse  of  the  United  States.    The  aggregate  amount  of  money  paid  to  the  owners  afterward  was  about  $100,000. 


H»P"s^ 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


055 


nB  tu  uttuck  Furl  M'lU'ury. 

whose  tattered  bat- 
i  bearer  in  the  fight, 
'8t8  the  severity  of 

their  |iosition.  Fi- 
,he  superior  force  of 
pt  in  clieck,  General 

his  reserved  corps. 

good  order.  Some 
jes  were  abandoiitd. 
d  then  fell  back  to- 
on's Mill,  about  iialf 
ncnts  caf.t  up  by  tlic 
General  ^Vinder,  with 

rs. 

3ritish  fleet  was  pre- 
icliooners,  sloops,  and 
the  12th,  wliile  Ross 
(then  about  one  lit»lf 
present  Fort  Carroll. 


Xli»  Defenders  of  Fort  M 'Henry. 


Bombardment  of  the  ?ort. 


Ita  effective  Beply. 


e  so  posted  as  to  act 
as  well  as  on  Fort 
water  being  so  slial- 
e  miles,  nor  the  fort 
some  vessels,  as  ^e 
•evented  any  passaj^c 
fleet  made  full  prcpa- 
morning  of  the  13tli, 
brce  from  the  hattle- 
of  sixteen  heavy  vcs- 

ided  by  gallant  cora- 

venth  Regiment  of  the  Mary- 
lu  of  Cnptiiln  John  Uster.or 
irlcftl  Society.  It  Is  bine  Mlk, 
ick  BpotB  represent  the  forms 

J  jVonsiftioedpatna- 
ssels  then  lying  In  the  harbor 

•,re  fttlerward  rnlsed  ntthe  ei- 
:d  was  aboat  $100,000. 


^^c^^^^^  ^ <^t^^Z^- 


nanions.  The  latter  were  composed  of  one  company  of  United  States  Artillery,  iin- 
iler  Captain  Evans ;  two  companies  of  Sea-fencibles,  under  Cai)taiiiH  Hunbury  and  Ad- 
dison ;  two  companies  of  volunteers  from  the  city,  named  respectively  the  "  Washiiijj- 
ton  Artillery"  and  the  "  Baltimore  Independent  Artillerists,"  the  former  commanded 
by  Captain  John  Berry,  and  the  latter  by  Lieutenant  Commanding  Charles  Penning- 
ton ;  the  "  Baltimore  Fcncibles,"  a  fine  company  of  volunteer  artillerists  led  by  Judge 
Joseph  II.  Nichol-  ^ 

iion;  a  detachment  (j 

of  Barney's  flotil- 
la-men,  command-    //  ^ 

od  by  Lieutenant 
Redman ;  and  de- 
tachments of  regulars,  in  all  six  hundred  men,  furnished  by  General  Winder  from  the 
y^   (  /^  Twelfth,  Fourtee...,h,  Thirty -sixth,  and  Thirty-eighth  Uegi- 

C-<^     JLTiA     d  /        ''*'^'  ""J*^""  t^'^  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Stewart  and 
^J      c^       V\JLJ  Major  Lane.     The  regular  artillerists  under  Captain  Evans, 
and  the  volunteers  under  Captain  Nicholson,  manned  the  bastions  in  tlie  Star  Fort. 
Tiie  commands  of  Bunbury,  Addison,  Redman,  Berry,  and  Pennington  were  stationed 
the  lower  works ;  and  the  infantry,  imder  Stewart  and  Lane,  were  placed  in  the 


outer  ditch,  to  meet  the  enemy  at  his  landing,  if  ho  should  attempt  it. 

Tlie  bomb-vessels  opened  a  heavy 
fire  upon  the  American  works  at  sun- 
rise on  Tuesday  morning,  the  13th,  at 
about  seven  o'clock,  at  a  distance  of 
two  miles,  and  kept  up  a  well-directed 
bombardment  until  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon.  Armistead  immediately 
opened  the  batteries  of  Fort  M'llenry 
upon  them,  and  kept  up  a  brisk  fire 
for  some  time  from  his  guns  and  mor- 
tars, when,  to  his  great  chagrin,  he 
found  that  his  missiles  fell  short,  and 
were  harmless.  The  garrison  was  ex- 
posed to  a  tremendous  shower  of  shells 
for  several  hours  without  power  to  in- 
flict injury  in  turn,  or  even  to  check 
the  fury  of  thu  assault ;  yet  they  kept 
at  their  posts,  and  endured  the  trial 
with  cool  courage  and  great  fortitude. 
At  length  a  bomb-shell  dis- 
mounted one  of  the  24-pound- 
ers  in  the  southwest  bastion, 
under  the  immediate  command 
of  Captain  Nicholson,  killing 
his  second  lieutenant  (Clag- 
geit),  and  wounding  several  of 
his  men.  The  confusion  in  the 
fort  produced  by  this  accident  was  observed  by  Cochrane,  who  commanded  the  fleet, 
and,  hoping  to  profit  by  it,  he  ordered  three  of  his  bomb-vessels  to  move  up  nearer 
the  fort  in  order  to  increase  the  eflfectiveness  of  their  guns.  This  movement  delight- 
ed Armistead.  His  turn  for  inflicting  injury  had  come,  and  he  quickly  took  advan- 
tage of  it.  He  ordered  a  general  cannonade  and  bombardment  from  every  part  of 
the  fort ;  and  so  severe  was  his  punishment  of  the  venturesome  intruders,  that  within 


!    ' 


\\\ 


if 


111'!  m    !: 


956 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Attempt  to  aelze  Kort  Covington. 


Tbe  Invadura  driven  off. 


Knd  of  the  Bombnrtlmeni. 


half  an  hour  they  fell  back  to  their  old  anchorage.  The  rocket-vesHcl  M-ehus  was  so 
mucli  injured  that  they  were  compelled  to  send  a  diviHioii  of  Hinall  boats  to  tow  her 
beyond  the  range  of  Armistead'a  guns  to  save  her  from  deutructiou.  The  garrison 
gave  three  cheers,  and  the  firing  ceased. 

After  resuming  their  former  stations  the  vessels  kept  up  a  more  furious  bombard- 
ment  than  before,  with  slight  intermissions,  until  past  midnight,  when  it  was  discov. 
ered  that  the  enemy  had  thrown  a  considerable  force  up  the  Patapsco  to  the  right  of 
the  fort,  and  between  it  and  the  city,  under  cover  of  the  darkness,  for  the  purpose  of 
capturing  Fort  Covington,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Newcomb,  of  the  United  States 
Navy,  and  the  City  Battery,  in  charge  of  the  gallant  sailing-masfcr  of  Barney's  flotil- 
la,  and  assaulting  Fort  M'llenry  in  the  rear.  For  this  service  twelve  hundred  ami 
fifty  picked  men  were  sent  in  barges,  with  scaling-ladders  and  other  implements  for 
storming  the  fort.  For  the  purpose  of  examining  the  shores,  wh.  i  near  Covington 
they  threw  up  sonic  small  rockets.  These  gave  the  alarm,  and  Fort  M'llenry,  as  well 
as  the  two  redoubts  on  the  Patapsco,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  the  invaders.  It  was 
kept  up  for  nearly  two  hours,  when  the  enemy  were  driven  away.  The  concussion 
was  tremendous.  The  houses  in  the  city  were  shaken  to  their  very  foundations. 
Itodgers's  men  in  Fort  Covington  worked  their  guns  with  great  effect,  but  to  tiio 
continuous  and  skillful  cannonade  kept  up  by  Webster  with  his  six-gun  battcrv, 
nearer  the  sliore.  Major  Armistead  said  he  was  "  persuaded  the  country  was  miicli  iii- 
debted  for  the  final  repulse  of  the  enemy."  It  is  not  too  much  to  say,  I  think,  that 
Captain  Webster's  gallant  conduct  on  that  occasion,  which  frustrated  the  plans  of 
the  British  boat  expedition,  saved  Fort  M'llenry  and  Baltimore.  Two  of  the  enemy's 
vessels  were  sunk,  and  a  large  number  of  his  men  were  slain.  Sailing-master  (after- 
ward Captain)  Webster  yet  (1867)  lives,  at  the  age  of  eighty  years,  to  enjoy  the  re- 
spect and  gratitude  of  his  countrymen.  He  was  in  active  service  until  the  year 
1852. 

The  bombardment  from  the  vessels  was  continued  until  seven  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  14th,  when  it  ceased  entirely.'  The  night  had  been  passed  in  the  greatest 
.inxiety  by  the  inhabitants  of  Baltimore,  for  in  the  maintenance  of  Fort  M'llenry  was 

y      .     their  chief  hope  for  the  safety  of  the  city.     An  incident 

V^     jf^i^^f^^oyj    which  occurred  at  that  time  gave  birth  to  one  of  the  most 

popular  of  our  national  songs,  the  Star-spangled  Hanner,^ 
in  which  that  anxiety  is  graphically  expressed.  It  was 
written  by  Francis  S.  Key,  who  was  a  resident  of  George- 
town, in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  then  a  volunteer  in  the  light  artillery  com- 
manded by  Major  Peter.' 

'  The  bombardment  of  Fort  M'Hcnry  lasted  twenty-five  honrs,  with  two  slight  intermissions,  and  it  was  estimaleil 
by  Armistead  that  during  that  time  from  1500  to  ISOO  shells  were  thrown  by  the  enemy.  A  few  of  them  fell  short,  tnl 
a  greater  number  burst  over  the  fort,  throwing  their  fragments  among  the  garrison.  Abont  400  Aielis  fell  wllhlu  the 
works,  some  of  them,  afterward  dug  up,  weighing  210  and  220  pounds.  "  Wonderful  as  it  may  appear,"  said  the  com- 
mander in  his  report,  "  our  loss  amounts  only  to  fonr  men  killed  and  twenty-four  wounded.  The  latter  will  nil  recov- 
er." The  wife  of  a  soldier,  while  conversing  with  her  husband  before  the  tents  outside  of  the  fort,  was  cut  in  two  by  a 
cannon-ball.    A  shell  fell  into  the  magazine,  but  did  not  explode. 

'  The  fac-simile  of  the  original  manuscript  of  the  first  stanza  of  the  "  Star-spangled  Banner,"  given  on  the  opposite 
page,  was  first  published,  by  permission  of  ite  owner  (Mrs.  Howard),  daughter  of  the  author,  in  "Autograph  Leaves  of 
our  Country's  Authors,"  a  volume  edited  by  John  P.  Kennedy  and  Alexander  Bliss  for  the  Baltimore  Sanitary  Fair.lWl. 

3  On  the  return  of  the  British  to  their  vessels  after  the  capture  of  Washington  City,  they  carried  with  them  Dr. 
Beanes,  an  influential  citizen  and  well-known  physician  of  Upper  Marlborough.  His  friends  begged  for  his  release, 
but  Cockbum  refused  to  give  him  up,  and  sent  him  on  board  the  flag-ship  of  Admiral  Cochrane.  Mr.  Key,  well  known 
for  his  affability  of  manner,  was  solicited  to  go  to  Cochrane  as  a  pleader  for  the  release  of  the  doctor.  He  consented. 
The  President  granted  bim  permission,  and,  in  company  with  the  late  Oeneral  J.  8.  Skinner,  he  went  In  the  cnrtel-shlp 
Minden,  under  a  flag  of  truce.  They  found  the  British  fleet  at  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac,  preparing  to  attack  Bnlllmore. 
Cochrane  agreed  to  release  Beanes,  but  refused  to  let  him  or  his  friends  return  then.  They  were  placed  on  board  the 
Surprine,  where  they  were  courteously  treated.  The  fleet  sailed  up  to  the  Patapsco,  where  they  were  transferred  to  their 
own  vessel,  but  with  a  guard  of  marines  to  prevent  their  landing  and  communicating  information  to  thtir  conntrymen. 
The  Mindm  was  anchored  in  sight  of  Fort  M'Henry,  and  fh)m  her  deck  the  three  friends  saw  the  bombardment  of  that  { 
fortress  which  soon  ensued.  It  ceased,  as  we  have  observed  In  the  text,  soon  after  midnight.  Having  no  communicj- 
tion  with  the  shore,  these  anxious  Americans  did  not  know  whether  the  fort  had  surrendered  or  not.  They  awaited 
the  dawn  with  the  greatest  sollcltnde.    In  the  dim  light  of  the  opening  morning  they  saw  through  their  glasses  that 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


067 


Knd  of  the  Bnmhnrdmenl. 

-vcHHcl  ijrefnis  waa  80 
mull  boats  to  tow  her 
Action.     The  garrwon 

lore  furious  bombard- 
t,  wlicn  it  was  discov- 
ta|)8CO  to  tbc  right  of 
38S,  for  tbo  ])uri)08e  of 
\),  of  tbc  Unitiul  Stall's 
isfer  of  IJarucy's  flotil- 
B  twelve  bundreil  ami 
otbcr  iniplemi'iitH  for 
wli.  1  near  Covington 
Fort  M'llenry,  as  wdl 
I  tbc  invaders.    It  was 
way.     Tbo  ccxussion 
bcir  very  foundations. 
reat  effect,  but  to  tiic 
li  bis  six-gun  battery, 
!  country  was  much  in- 
cb  to  say,  I  think,  tii;it 
rustrated  tlic  plans  of 
B.    Two  of  tbe  enemy's 
Sailing-master  (after- 
years,  to  enjoy  the  re- 
servico  until  the  year 

in  o'clock  on  tbe  morn- 
i  passed  in  tbe  greatest 
e  of  Fort  M'llcnry  was 
tlie  city.  An  incident 
)irtb  to  one  of  the  most 
Star-spangled  Banner^- 
Uy  expressed.  It  was 
8  a  resident  of  George- 
he  ligbt  artillery  com- 


rmisBlons,  and  U  was  cstlmatetl 

A  few  of  them  fell  short,  tut 

About  400  Shells  fell  wllhlu  tk 

it  may  appear,"  said  the  com- 

inded.    The  latter  will  nil  recov- 

of  the  fort,  was  cut  lu  two  by  a 

Banner,"  given  on  the  opposite 

uthor.  In  "  Autograph  Lcnvcs  of 

he  Baltimore  Sanitary  Fair,  ISM. 

Ity,  they  carried  with  them  Dr. 

ft-iends  begged  for  his  release, 

Cochrane.    Mr.  Key,  well  knom 

96  of  the  doctor.    He  consented. 

inner,  he  went  In  the  cartel-ship 

:,  preparing  to  attack  Baltimore. 

They  were  placed  on  board  tke 

re  they  were  transferred  to  their 

iformatlon  to  thtir  conntryraeo. 

Is  enw  the  bombardment  of  thai 

Jnight.    Having  no  communlo- 

rendered  or  not.    They  awaited 

saw  through  their  glasses  that 


The  Stor-ipangled  Banner. 


I  ' 


Simultaneously  witb  the  movement  of  tbe  fleet  toward  Fort  M'Henry,  on  the  raorn- 

"oar  flag  woa  still  there !"  To  their  great  Joy,  they  goon  learned  that  the  attack  on  Baltimore  had  failed,  that  Horb  was 
killed,  and  that  tbe  Britleh  were  re-embarktng.  When  tbe  fleet  was  ready  to  sail.  Key  and  bis  friends  were  released, 
iDd  returned  to  the  city. 

It  was  during  the  excitement  of  the  bombardment,  and  when  pacing  the  deck  of  the  Minden  with  Intense  Anxiety  be- 
tween midnight  and  dawn,  that  Key  composed  that  song—"  The  Star-spangled  Banner"— which  immortalUed  him,  and 
ohose  first  stansa  expressed  the  feelings  of  thousands  of  eye-witnesses  of  the  scene : 


A 


OfiS 


PICTUUIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Tba  BrItUrti  move  towkrd  Baltlmon. 


AmmKcnieiiU  tat  «n  Auault  on  the  Dehniieii  nfthe 


ing  of  the  inth,  was  that  of  the  land  forces  of  the  Uritish  from  their  Hmoiil(l(riii(» 
caiii|»-Hres  on  tlie  hattle-tield,  until  they  arrived  at  the  brow  of  the  Hlojje  on  whiili  lav- 
Surrey  Farm  (now  the  valuable  estate  of  Mrs.  Jane  Diinj^an),  then  the  fine  reNidonci, 
of  Colonel  Sterett,'  of  the  Fifth  Maryland  Uefi;iinent,  who  was  busily  eni^aged  in  nut. 
inu;  up  intrenchments  on  Loudenslat^er's  Hill,  about  two  miles  distant,  between  then, 
and  Haitimore.  There  they  halted  to  reeonnoitre,  and  Colonel  IJrooko  made  liix  Ikh,]. 
quarters  at  the  old  farm-house  of  Mr.  Ernest,  liirther  in  the  rear.  They  were  in  sjulii 
of  the  American  intrenehments,  behin<l  which  were  the  brigades  of  Stansbury  and 
B\)reman  ;  the  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  under  C'olonels  Cobeau  and  Findlay;  tin 
marines,  under  Uodgors ;  the  Baltimore  Artillery,  under  Colonel  Harris;  and  the 
Marine  Artillery,  under  Captain  Stiles,  who  had  spent  the  night  under  arms,  exinjct- 
ing  a  vigorous  j)ursuit  and  attaek  by  the  Hritisli. 

The  enemy  manceuvred  a  good  deal  in  tlu*  morning  toward  the  left  of  the  American 
works,  and  at  one  time  seemed  disposed  to  move  upon  them  by  the  York  and  liar- 
ford  Roads;  but  they  were  baffled  by  eountervailing  movements  on  the  part  ot'Otti- 
crals  Winder  and  Strieker.  At  noon  tJiey  eoneentrated  in  front,  and  moved  to  within 
a  mile  of  the  intrenehments,  when  they  made  arrangements  for  an  assault  that  even- 
ing. Perceiving  this,  (Jeneral  Smith  ordered  Winder  and  Strieker  to  move  to  the 
right  of  the  enemy,  and,  in  the  event  of  their  making  an  attack,  to  fall  upon  tluir 
flank  and  rear.  ]irf)oke  was  cautious  and  watchful,  and  clearly  saw  the  peril  ot  his 
])ro])osed  undertaking.  He  was  also  aware  that  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Al'Ilcnry 
from  morning  until  evening  had  produced  very  little  effect  upon  that  work,  and  that 
the  vessels  could  not  run  by  it  because  of  the  obstructions  in  the  chaimel.  Insttad 
of  opening  a  battle,  he  sought  and  obtained  a  conference  with  Admiral  Coclirano  dur- 
ing the  evening.     The  result  of  the  interview  was  the  conclusion  that  the  eHbrt  of 

"O  Bny !  can  yon  gee,  by  the  dawn's  cnrly  light, 

What  so  proudly  we  hailed  at  the  twilight's  last  gleaming, 
Wh<)80  broad  stripes  and  bright  stars,  through  the  perilous  light, 

O'er  the  ramparts  we  watched  were  so  gallantly  streaming? 
And  the  rockets'  red  glare,  the  bombs  bursting  In  air, 
Gave  proof  through  tlie  night  that  our  flag  was  still  tiicre : 

U  say  !  does  that  star-s|>unglcd  banner  yet  wave 

O'er  the  laud  of  the  free  and  the  home  of  the  bravo  ?" 

The  rude  substance  of  t;'.e  song  was  written  on  the  back  of  a  letter  which  Key  happened  to  have  In  his  pockol,  ind 
ho  wrote  It  out  In  full  on  the  night  after  his  arrival  In  Baltimore.  On  the  following  morning  ho  read  It  to  hl»  iinclp, 
Judge  Nicholson,  one  of  the  gallant  defenders  of  the  fort,  and  asked  his  opinion  of  It.  The  judge  was  so  pleased  with 
It  that  he  took  it  t  the  prlntlng-ofBco  of  Captain  Henjnmin  Edes,  on  the  corner  of  Ualtimore  and  (lay  Streets,  mid  di- 
rected copies  of  It  to  be  struck  off  In  hand-bill  form.  Edes  was  then  on  duty  with  the  gallant  Twenty-seventh  licgl- 
ment,  and  his  apprentice,  Samuel  Sands,  who,  1  believe.  Is  yet  living  In  Baltimore,  net  up  the  song  In  type,  printed  it, 
and  distributed  it  among  the  citizens.*  It  was  first  sung  in  a  restaurant  In  Baltimore,  next  door  to  the  Holidii.v  Street 
Theatre,  by  Charles  Durang,  to  an  assemblage  of  the  jiatrlotlc  defenders  of  the  city,  and  after  that,  nightly  at  the  tliei- 
tre.    It  created  intense  enthusiasm,  and  was  every  where  sung  In  public  and  In  private. 

"The  Star-spangled  Banner"  ili^elf,  the  old  garrison  flag  that  waved  over  Fort  M'llenry  during  that  bombardment, 
Is  still  In  existence.  I  saw  it  at  the  house  of  Christopher  Hughes  Armlstead  (a  son  of  the  gallant  defender  of  the  fort) 
iu  Baltimore  during  the  late  Civil  War.  It  had  eleven  holes  in  It,  made  there  by  the  shot  of  the  British  during  tbc 
bombardment. 

'  When  the  British  discovered  that  they  were  in  actual  possession,  for  a  day,  of  the  mansion  of  one  of  the  nfBcersnf 
the  American  army  then  confronting  them,  they  made  Its  contents  the  object  of  their  special  attcntl(m.  The  fnmliy 
had  fled  that  morning,  leaving  the  house  in  charge  of  only  the  colored  butler  and  cook.  Some  Britleh  ofUcers  toul; 
possession  of  It.  In  the  cellar  was  found  a  large  quantity  of  choice  wine.  It  was  ft-cely  used,  and  what  was  not  con- 
sumed on  the  premises  was  carried  away  as  lawfnl  plunder.  Wax-candles,  bedding,  and  other  things  were  also  carried 
away,  and  all  the  bureau-drawers  were  ijroken  open  Iu  a  search  for  valuables.  Among  other  things  prized  by  the  fam- 
ily which  the  plunderers  seized  was  the  Order  of  the  Cincinnati  that  had  belonged  to  the  deceased  father  of  Mrs,  Ster- 
ett. Finally,  after  keeping  the  cook  busy,  and  faring  sumptuously,  and  when  they  were  about  to  depart,  the  following 
good-natured  but  Impudent  note  was  written  and  left  on  the  sideboard : 

"Captains  Brown,  Wilcox,  and  M'Namara,  of  the  Fifty-third  Regiment,  Royal  Marines,  have  received  everything' 
they  could  desire  at  this  house,  notwithstanding  It  was  received  at  the  hands  of  the  butler,  and  in  the  absence  of  tiie 
colonel."  I  saw  the  original  of  this  note  In  ISGO,  iu  the  possession  of  a  daughter  of  Colonel  Sterett,  the  wife  of  J.  M. 
Uolllns,  then  a  captain  in  the  United  States  Navy.  It  was  written  on  a  piece  of  paper  on  one  side  of  which  an  epitaph 
for  the  tomb-stone  of  Mrs.  Sterett's  father  had  been  prepared. 

*  The  words  of  the  song  were  inclosed  iu  an  elliptical  border  composed  of  the  common  type  ornaments  of  that  day. 

Around  that  border,  and  a  little  distance  from  it,  on  a  line  of  the  same  form,  are  the  words  "  Bombardment  of  Furl 

tPHmrit."    The  letters  of  these  words  are  wide  apart,  and  each  one  Is  surrounded  by  a  circle  of  stars.    Around  the 

'  four  edges  of  the  hand-bill  is  a  heavy  border  of  common  typo  ornaments.    Below  the  song,  within  the  ellipse,  ate  the 

words  "  Written  by  Francis  S.  Key,  of  Geurgetowu,  D.  0." 


OP   THE   WAR   OF   1 8  H. 


OSO 


III 


(  .  i 


Miilt  on  tha  Dehnieii  ofthc  (,'it;. 

from  thoir  RiiKmldi'ring 
if'tho  h1<>|u'  on  wliich  lay 
, tlion  till-  fine  icsidfiKL. 
1  biiHily  cnj^agi'd  in  cant. 
■H  (liHtiintjlK'twccn  thciu 
•1  Brooko  niadt'  hi.s  luad. 
■ar.  Tlicy  wurc  in  siirlit 
jrades  ofStuiiHhury  ami 
)l)eau  and  Findliiy;  tli( 
:!oloiitd  Harris;  luul  tlif 
iglit  undor  anus,  expect- 

.  the  left  of  the  American 
ni  by  the  York  and  Ilm-- 
iients  on  the  imrl  (it'(ien- 
ont,  and  moved  to  witliiu 
for  an  assault  that  even- 
Strieker  to  move  to  tlie 
attack,  to  fall  upon  their 
early  saw  the  peril  ot'iiis 
vrdment  of  Fort  ^I'llenry 
upon  that  work,  and  tlwi 
in  the  ehaniud.  Instead 
til  Admiral  Cochrane  dm- 
iclusion  that  the  effort  of 


nmlng, 
rUoiis  fli;ht, 
camiogt 

I 
here: 


inppened  to  have  In  his  pocket,  jnd 
lU  morning  ho  rend  it  to  til*  uurle, 
it.  The  judge  was  no  jilcaswl  with 
llaltimore  nnd  Ony  Streeti',  mid  dl- 
111  tlio  gallant  Twcnly-scvenlh  Kcsi- 
]  -ct  up  the  song  In  type,  printprt  it, 
[ore,  next  door  to  the  Holldiiy  Sirect 
r,  and  after  that,  nightly  at  the  then- 
Ivate. 

,.. 'Henry  during  that  hombnrdmcnl, 
1  of  the  gallant  defender  of  the  furl) 
the  shot  of  the  DrltlBh  during  tlic 

Ihe  mansion  of  one  of  the  ofBcere  of 
Vhelr  special  attention.  The  family 
1  cook.  Some  British  olflccrs  tocilc 
[fi-eely  used,  and  what  wna  not  con- 
k  and  other  thlngn  were  also  carried 
long  other  things  prized  by  the  fair- 
I  to  the  deceased  father  of  Mrs.Stcr- 
I  were  about  to  depart,  the  toilowing 

iMarlncs,  have  received  every  thin; 
Le  butler,  and  In  the  absence  of  the 
lof  Colonel  Stereit,  the  wife  of  J.  SI. 
Iper  on  one  side  of  which  an  epitaph 


innmon  type  ornaments  of  that  day. 
le  the  words  "  Bombardnienl  o)  Fort 
Id  by  a  circle  of  stars.  Aronnd  the 
■the  song,  within  the  ellipse,  are  the 


Th<  I'riiliih  fall  bkck  and  rttoin  to  tiMir  8kl|w.        Rflkct  of  tha  RcpulM  of  the  Invadart.        Tha  iirltliih  Programme. 

the  combined  forces  to  capture  Haltiujore  was  already  a  fiiilure,  and  that  priulenco 
(leniiiuded  an  immediiite  relinquishment  of  the  enterprise.  Hrooke  liiist('iie<l  back  to 
camp.  Tlie  rain,  which  eommeiu'ed  <lropi>iiij^  twenly-foi'r  liours  before,  was  yet  fall- 
inir  copiously,  and  the  nii^ht  was  very  dark.  In  the  midst  of  the  j^loom,  at  three 
o'idoek  in  the  morning  of  the  14th,  while  the  8hij)s  kept  up  the  bombardment  to  di- 
vert the  attention  of  the  Aiiu'ricans,  the  Hritish  stole  otf  to  North  Toint,  and  tied  in 
boats  to  the  fleet.  The  latter  also  withdrew  at  an  early  hour,  and  llaltimore  was 
sftveil. 

When,  at  dtiwn,  the  retreat  of  the  liritish  was  discovered,  (4eneral  Winder,  with 
the  Virginia  brigade,  Captain  Bird's  dragoons,  Major  Randall's  light  corpf,  and  all 
the  cavalry,  were  immediately  detailed  in  pursuit.  But  the  troops  were  so  exhaust- 
ed by  continued  watidiing  and  working  after  the  battle  and  retreat,  having  been  un- 
der arms  during  three  days  and  three  nights,  a  portion  of  the  tinu!  drenched  by  rain, 
that  it  was  found  impossible  to  accomplish  any  thing  of  moment  beyond  the  picking 
up  of  a  few  stragglers  of  the  enemy.  The  troops  were  taken  on  board  the  fleet  on 
the  evening  of  the  14th,  and  on  the  following  nu)rning  the  entire  land  and  naval  ar- 
mament of  the  enemy  went  down  the  bay,  crestfidlen  and  badly  punished.  In  the 
l)attle  of  the  I'ith  they  had  lost  their  general,  a  lieutemmt,  and  thirty-seven  men 
killed,  and  eleven  ofticers  and  two  hmidred  and  forty  men  wounded.  The  Americans 
lost  twenty-four  men  killed,  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  wounded,  fifty  jjrisonere, 
and  two  field-pieces.  In  the  attack  on  the  forts  by  the  shij)ping  the  British  lost  not 
a  man  killed  or  wounded,  while  the  Americans  lost  four  men  killed  and  tAvcnty-four 
wounded,  as  wo  liavo  before  observed,  chiefly  by  the  explosion  of  the  shell  that  dis- 
mounted Nicholson's  24-poundcr. 

The  successful  defense  of  Baltimore  was  hailed  with  great  delight  throughout  the 
country,  and  trembling  Philadelphia  and  New  York  breathed  freer.  It  was  a  very 
humiliating  blow  to  the  British,  for  great  confidence  of  success  was  felt  throughout 
the  realm.  After  the  capture  of  Washington,  that  of  Baltimore  seemed  but  holiday 
sport ;  and  so  well  assured  of  Ross's  success  there  was  the  Governor  General  of  Can- 
ada, tliat  the  proposed  public  rejoicings  at  Montreal  because  of  the  capture  of  Wash- 
ington were  postponed,  bo  that  they  might  celebrate  that  of  Baltimore  at  the  same 
time !  lu  England  no  one  seemed  to  doubt  that  an  army  from  Canada  would  meet 
that  of  Ross  on  the  Susquehanna  or  the  Schuylkill  as  conquerors  of  the  country,  and 
that  Baltimore  would  be  their  base  for  future  operations.  "  In  the  dij)lomatic  circles 
ii  is  rumored,"  said  a  London  paper  as  early  as  the  llth  of  June, "  that  our  naval  and 
military  commanders  on  the  Am'^rican  station  have  no  power  to  conclude  any  armis- 
tice or  suspension  of  arms.  They  carry  with  them  certain  terms,"  the  supercilious 
writer  continued, "  which  will  be  ofibred  to  the  American  government  at  the  point 
of  the  bayonet.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  America  will  be  left  in  a  much  worse 
situatior ,  as  a  naval  and  commercial  power,  than  she  was  at  the  commencement  of 
the  war." 

This  programme,  so  delightsome  to  British  arrogance  and  British  commercial  greed, 
was  not  carried  out.  On  the  very  day  when  Ross  and  his  army  anchored  off"  North 
Point,*  Sir  George  Prevost,  the  Governor  General  of  Canada,  and  his  .  September ii. 
army,  making  their  way  toward  the  Susquehanna,  were  so  smitten  at  **^'*- 

the  very  beginning  of  their  march — within  the  sound  of  cannon-booming  of  the  Can- 
ada line — that  they  fled  back  toward  the  St.Lawrence  in  wild  disorder.'  Instead  of 
monrning  as  captives,  the  Americans  were  jubilant  as  victors. 

The  prowess  of  Colonel  Armistead  and  his  little  band  in  defending  Fort  M'Henry 
was  a  theme  for  praise  upon  every  lip.  The  grateful  citizens  of  Baltimore  presented 
hira  with  a  costly  and  appropriate  testimonial  of  their  appreciation  of  his  services  in 
the  shape  of  an  elegant  silver  vase,  in  the  form  and  of  the  size  of  the  largest  bomb- 

1  See  page  8T5. 


I! 


•1  *l 


|i 


ii 


mi 


n 


f  1'9 


960 


PICTOBI\L    FIELD-BOOK 


Honors  to  Colonel  Armistcnd. 


Tokens  of  pnbllc  Gratitude. 


The  Artnlstead  Faniilj. 


shell  thrown  into  the  fort 
by  the  British ;  also  goblets 
and  salver  of  the  same  ma- 
terial.' These  are  in  the 
possession  of  his  son,  who. 
as  we  have  observeil,  has 
the  old  "  Star-spangled  Han- 
ner,"  and  also  a  sword  voted 
to  him  by  the  Stato  of  Vir- 
ginia.'' After  his  death  a 
tine  marble  monument  was 
erected  to  his  memory,  on 
which  the  following  words 
were  written  with  a  pen  of 
steel :  "  Colonel  George  Ar- 
MisTEAD,  in  honor  of  wliom 
this  monument  is  erected, 


TIIK   AllMIBTEAl)   VABK, 


was  the  gallant  defender  of  Fort  M'Henry 
during  the  bombardment  of  the  British  fleet, 
13th  September,  1814.  He  died,  universally 
esteemed  and  regretted,  on  the  25th  of  April, 
1818,  aged  thirty-nine  years. "^ 

The  grateful  citizens  were  not  contented 
with  bestowing  praises  upon  their  defenders, 
so  tliey  devised  a  memf>rial  as  perpetual  and 
enduring  as  marble  could  make  it.  ~  i  the 
now  great  city  of  Baltimore,  containing  (1867) 
full  two  hundred  and  forty  thousand  souls, 
may  be  seen  a  noble  monument  designed  by 
Maximilian  Godefroy,  and  wrought  in  Avhite 
marble.  It  was  erected  in  1815,  at  a  cost  of 
sixty  thousand  dollars,  in  commemoration  of 
those  who,  on  the  13th  and  14th  of  Septem- 


aiuiibteaii'b  monument. 


'  The  vase  was  made  to  answer  the  pnrpose  of  a  pnnch-bowl.  The  iaa.e  is  in  the  form  of  a  shrnpuel  shell.  The  bndj 
rests  upon  four  eagles  wiih  outspread  wings.  Upon  one  side  Is  an  engraving,  surronndcd  by  military  trophies,  repre- 
senting the  boTibardment  of  Fort  M'Henry.  Upon  the  other  side  is  the  following  Ini^cription':  "  Presented  by  a  niim- 
ber  of  the  cilizens  of  Baltimore  to  Lieutenant  Coioiicl  George  Annistead.  for  his  gallant  and  successful  defense  of  Fort 
M'Henry  during  the  bombardment  by  a  large  British  force  on  the  12th  and  13th  of  September,  ISU,  when  upwnrd  of 
IBOO  shells  were  thrown,  400  of  which  fell  within  the  area  of  the  fort,  and  some  of  them  of  the  diameter  of  this  vase " 
I  am  indebted  to  the  kind  courtesy  of  Mr.  C.  Hughes  Armistead  for  the  photograph  of  the  vase  and  surroundings  from 
which  the  above  picture  was  engraved. 

»  That  sword  was  presented  to  his  son,  C.  Hughes  Armlitead,  and  baars  the  following  inscription :  "  The  State  of  Vir- 
ginia to  Colonel  George  Armistead,  U.  8.  A.  Honor  to  the  brave.  Presented  by  the  State  of  Virginia  to  the  eon  of  Col- 
onel Georjje  Armistead,  late  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  as  an  evidence  of  the  high  esteem  and  admiration  enter- 
taincdbyhis  n  ''ve  state  of  the  courage  and  soldierlike  conduct  of  Colonel  Armistead  in  the  cannonade  of  Fort  Gcorgf 
by  Niagara,  and  ia  the  gallant  defense  of  Fort  M'Henry,  September  14, 1814." 

»  George  Armistead  was  born  at  New  Market,  Caroline  County,  Virginia,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1T80,  and  was  rchtfd 
to  several  of  the  most  distinguished  families  in  that  state.    He  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant  in  17W.    lie  vu 

appointed  assistant  military  agent  at  P"rt  Niagara  in  isn2,  and  a^ 
sistant  paymaster  in  1806.  He  rose  •  ihe  rank  of  major  of  the 
Third  Artillery  in  1813,  and  was  distinguished  at  the  captnrc  of  Fort 
George,  in  May,  1818,  where  his  brother,  William  Keith  Armistead, 
as  chief  engineer  on  the  Niagara,  was  conspicuous  in  the  bom'o.ir(l- 
mt.it  of  Fort  NIagpra  In  November,  1812.  For  his  gallantry  at  Fort  Ger.rge,  the  subject  of  this  notice  was  breveted 
lieutenant  colonel.  He  had  Hve  brothers  In  the  army  during  the  War  of  1812,  three  in  the  regular  service  and  two  In 
the  militia.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Annistead  served  mnch  among  the  Indians  previous  to  his  marriage  with  a  sister  of 
the  eminent  Christopher  Hnghcs,  In  1810.    While  in  command  of  Furt  M'Henry,  after  the  war,  a  number  of  chiefs  villi- 


e'd  him,  and  partcok  of  refreshments  oat  of  the  allver  bomb-shell. 


OF   THE   WAR    0?    1812. 


961 


The  Arinlstciid  Family. 

thrown  into  the  fort 
le  British ;  also  gu'olets 
salver  of  the  same  ma- 

1.1  These  are  in  tho 
Bssion  of  his  son,  who, 
ve  have  observed,  lias 
)ld  "  Star-spanglod  JJan- 
'  and  also  a  sword  voted 
im  by  the  State  of  Vir- 

1.2  After  liis  death  a 
marble  monument  was 
ted  to  his  memory,  on 
}h  the  following  words 
3  written  with  a  pen  of 
I :  "  Colonel  George  Ah- 
ead, in  honor  of  Avhom 

monument  is  erected, 


Battle  Mouumeut  in  Bnltimure. 


A  ViBtt  to  i^ultimore. 


Services  of  a  valuet  Friend. 


- — ir- 

',. ii.      \'M 

m 

■  i 

liiii. 

.!■  w.wi:iiii<«:i 

W4M 

^ 

AIL 

fc3  — - 

.a 
•IH 

II 

■  ■  " ' 

!  1 

P                              ■»!                                   .•••       ■ 

■ 

'■,"■           ,.       ■""            •■ 

:;;;"" 

B.: 

bTEAV's  lIONimENT. 


rm  of  n  shrnpuel  shell.  The  bojT 
inded  hy  mllltnry  trophle?,  Kfrf- 
Lcrlptlon:  "  Prcpcnted  by  ft  niim- 
[nt  nnd  enccessfiil  defense  of  Fort 
feptemher,  1814,  when  iipwnrd  of 
\m  of  the  diameter  of  this  vnce" 
f  the  vase  and  anrroundings  from 

-!  inscription :  "  The  State  of  Vir- 
late  of  Virginlft  to  the  eon  ofCol- 
Igh  eB»eem  and  admiration  enter- 
lin  the  cannonade  of  FortGcorgf 

Ih  of  April,  1T80,  and  was  rehleii 

lond  lieutenant  In  17ii9.    He  was 

t  at  F"rt  NlBRBra  in  1S02,  and  a."- 

i)«e  •     ihe  rank  of  ninjor  of  the 

itinRTilshed  at  the  cnptnre  of  Fort 

lother,  William  Keith  Armlsteail, 

jfas  conspicnona  In  tho  bonu.ir(l- 

Uect  of  this  notice  was  breveted 

1  tho  regnlar  service  and  two  Ir. 

I  to  his  marriBRO  with  a  sister  of 

Ibe  war,  a  number  of  chiefs  visit- 


ber,  1814,  fell  on  the  field 
and  in  the  fort.  The  en- 
graving depicts  it  as  it  ap- 
peared, with  its  surround- 
ings, in  the  autumn  of  1861, 
when  the  writer  sketched 
it  liom  the  stops  of  Bar- 
num's  Hotel. 

I  visited  the  theatre  of 
scenes  described  in  the  few 
preceding  pages  in  Novem- 
ber, 1861,  on  my  return 
homeward  from  Wasiiing- 
ton,  mentioned  on  page 
943.  On  arriving  at  the 
E".taw  House,  Baltimore, 
in  the  evening,  I  had  the 
good  fortune  to  meet  an 
esteemed  friend,  Brantz 
Mayer,  Esq,,  a  resident  of 
that  city,  and  perfectly  fa- 
miliar with  the  mtn, events, 
and  localities  we  have  just 
been  considering.  To  his 
kind  courtesy  I  am  indebt- 
ed for  much  valuable  infor- 
mation,  and  for  facilities  for 


BATTLE  MOMCUENT.' 


Armlstcttd  was  In  command  of  Fort  MS'Jenry  when  the  war  brolce  oat,  and  held  It  until  its  close.  His  gallant  defense 
of  that  position  is  made  more  consplcuoui;  from  the  fact  that  he,  and  he  alone,  Itnew  that  the  magazine  was  not  bomb- 
proof when  the  foe  approached.  He  dared  not  reveal  the  fact,  for  feai'  his  men  might  refnse  to  remain  in  the  fort.  With 
these  enormous  chances  against  him,  he  faithfully  sustained  that  siege,  and  won  a  victory  and  a  namt.  The  sense  of 
responsibility,  and  tho  tax  upon  his  nervous  system  during  that  bombardment,  left  him  with  a  disease  of  the  heart,  and 
three  years  and  n  half  afterward,  or  on  tho  2ISth  of  April,  1818,  he  expired,  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight  years.  Colonel  Ar- 
ralstcnd  was  bur'-!d  with  military  honors.  There  was  an  Immense  funeral  procession,  civil  and  inlll'ary,  and  during  the 
Mrcmonies  artillerists  tired  minute-guns  on  Federal  Hill.  It  was  said  to  have  been  the  largest  procession  that  had  ever 
been  seen  in  Baltimore.  The  lllieness  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Armistead  or.  page  965  is  f^om  a  miniature  in  |)ossession 
of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Mary  Bradford,  of  Westchester,  Pennsylvania,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  much  minute  and  valu- 
able information. 

I  The  monument  represents  a  cenotaph  surmounted  by  a  short  column,  and  rests  upon  a  plinth,  or  terrace,  of  the 
fame  material,  forty  feet  square  and  four  feel  high.  At  eaoh  angle  is  placed  a  cannon  erect,  having  a  ball  apparently 
iesning  from  Itt  month.  Betwseu  the  cannon  are  continuous  rows  of  spear-shaped  railing,  and  eight  heavy  supporting 
fasces,  all  of  iron.  Outside  of  all  is  a  chain  guard.  The  lower  part  of  the  monument  is  of  Egypt'.iu  form  and  ornament- 
ation, composed  of  eighteen  layers  of  stone,  the  then  number  of  the  states  of  ti5C  republic.  At  each  of  four  angles  of  the 
surmountlBg  cornice  Is  a  massive  grlflln,  wrought  of  marble.  The  column  represents  a  huge  fasces,  symbolical  of  the 
Union,  the  rods  of  which  are  bound  by  a  fillet,  on  which.  In  bronze  letters,  are  the  names  of  the  honored  dead,  whose 
brave  conduct  strengthened  the  bands  of  that  Union.  Wreaths  of  laurel  and  cypress,  emblems  of  glory  and  mourning, 
bind  the  top  of  the  great  fasces ;  and  between  them,  in  bronze  letters,  are  the  names  of  the  following  officers  who  per- 
ished on  the  occasion : 

Jamks  I.,owbv  DoNAi.nsoN,  Adjutant  Twenty-seventh  Regiment ;  Gbkooricf  Anorek,  Lieutenant  First  Rifle  Battal- 
ion ;  Lkvi  Ci.aooktt,  Third  Lientenant  Nicholson's  Artillerists.  On  the  fillet  are  the  following  names  of  the  slain  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates .-  John  Clemm,  T.  V.  Beaston,  8.  Haubert,  John  Jephson,  T.  Wallace,  .1.  II.  Marrlot 
of  John,  K.  Marrlot,  Wni.  Ways,  J.  Armstrong,  J.  Richardson,  BcnJ.  Pond,  Clement  Cox,  Cecllins  Bc't,  .Tohii  Garrett,  H. 
O.M'Comas,  Wm.  M'Ciellan,  .Tohn  t.  Bird,  M.  Desk,  Daniel  Wells,  Jan.,  John  R.  Cop,  BenJ.  Neal,  C.  Reynolds,  D.  How- 
nrd,  Uriah  Prosser,  A.  Randall,  R.  H.  Cooksey,  J.  Gregg,  J.  Kvaus,  A.  Maas,  G.  Jenkins,  W.  Alexander,  C.  Fallicr,  T. 
Bnnicston,  J.  Dunn,  P.  Byard,  J.  Craig. 

On  the  lower  part  of  the  fasces  are  two  hasso-rellevos,  one  representing  the  battle  of  North  Point  and  the  death  of 
Oenernl  Ross,  and  the  iher  a  batter;,  of  Fort  M'Henry  at  the  moment  of  the  bombardment.  On  the  east  and  west 
fronts  are  lachrymal  urns,  emblematic  of  regret  and  sorrow.  On  the  sonth  part  of  tho  square  base  of  the  fasces,  below 
the  basso-relievos,  is  the  following  inscription  In  bronze  letters:  "Battle  of  North  Point,  12th  September,  A.D.  1814,  and 
of  Ihe  Independence  of  the  United  States  the  thirty-ninth."  On  tho  north  front,  corresponding  to  this,  is  the  following : 
"Bombardment  of  Port  M'Henry,  18th  September,  A.D.  1814,  and  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States  the  thlrfy- 
ninlh."  That  base  and  fasces  together  form  a  column  :hirty-nlne  feel  in  height,  to  show  that  the  events  commemorated 
ocenrrert  In  the  thirty-ninth  year  of  tho  Independence  of  the  republic.  The  whole  monument,  including  the  exquisitely- 
wronght  female  figure,  representing  the  City  of  Baltimore,  that  surmounts  It,  rises  to  the  height  of  almost  flfly-three 
fcct.   Ujiou  the  head  of  ttat  figure  is  a  mural  crown,  the  emblem  of  a  city.    In  one  bund  she  holds  an  antique  rudder, 

3P 


PICTORIAL    riP:LI).B(JOK 


A  Visit  to  Patterson  I'ark  and  other  historical  Localities. 


The  Cltj-  Sprlnj;. 


acquiring  more.  His  introiluotion  was  a  key  to  the  treasures  of  the  Maryland  His- 
torical Society.  He  acconipanietl  me  to  many  places  of  interest  in  the  city  aiul  its 
vicinity,  ainong  others  Patterson  Pai'k  and  R<nlger8's  Battery,  There  we  met  tin 
venerable  John  M'Lean,  the  keeper  of  the  park,  who  was  then  peventy-eight  years  of 
age.  He  was  a  member  of  Captain  Benjamin  Ringgold's  company  in  the  battle  of 
North  Point.  After  listening  with  pleasui-e  to  his  reminiscences,  we  returned  to  tho 
city,  where  I  was  introduced  to  General  John  Spear  Smith,  a  son  of  the  cliivf  com- 
mander  in  the  defense  of  Baltimore,  and  his  volunteer  aid  on  that  occasion.  GciK'ial 
Smith  subsequently  placed  in  my  hands  his  father's  military  papers  of  that  period, 
which  I  freely  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  foregoing  narrative. 
We  went  to  the  pleasant  inclosure  of  the  City  Spring,  to  see  the  monument  erected 


TUI   OITT   SraiNd    ANU   AltMIHTEAU's    tld.xrMKNT.' 

there  to  the  memory  of  Colonel  Armistead  (delineated  on  page  960),  but  found  it  re- 
moved, and  the  embattled  edifice  around  it,  seen  beyond  the  figures  in  the  above  jiio- 
ture,  nearly  demolished.  Nor  could  we  find  any  clew  to  it.  On  leaving  that  sluuli'l 
5pot,  where  so  many  Baltimoreans  have  promenaded  during  the  heats  of  summer,  i 
was  inti'odnced  to  Captain  John  Lester,  a  veteran  soldier,  seventy-one  years  of  agf. 
Avho  (then  an  ensign)  was  the  color-bearer  of  the  gallant  Twenty-seventh  Marylaii'l 
Regiment  in  the  battle  of  North  Point.  He  seemed  quite  too  young  to  claim  tin 
.patriarchal  honors  of  threescore  and  ten  yeai's.  I  found  in  his  possession  the  tatternl 
flag  of  the  Twenty-seventh  (delineated  on  page  054),  whose  wounds  were  receivtMl 
while  it  was  borne  in  his  hands  forty-seven  years  before.    Twenty-seven  years  atler- 

symbnllc  of  navigation,  and  in  the  other  n  crown  of  laurel  j  while,  with  a  graccfiil  Inclination  of  the  head,  flic  lookc  In 
the  direction  of  the  theatre  of  conflict.  At  her  feet,  on  hci  right.  Is  an  eagle,  and  near  it  .1  bomb-fhell,  connncmoraliv.' 
of  the  bombardment.    This  monument,  in  its  cuiireption  and  execution.  Is  worthy  of  the  great  events  commciiioraicd 

A  few  years  ago,  a  thin  volume  was  published  In  Baltimore  entitled  The  Citizen  SohUfri  at  Xorth  Point  nnrf  Fiirl  M'llrnni, 
Srptembitr  12  and  18, 1R14.  It  contains  the  names  of  all  the  men,  ofllrers  and  privates,  who  were  on  dnty  at  that  time, 
and  Is  dedicated  to  "  Major  Qeiieral  Samuel  Smith,  the  Hero  of  two  Wars." 

'  This  Is  a  view  of  the  City  Spring  and  Its  surrouudlngs  taken  fl-om  Saratoga  Street  a  short  time  before  the  monn- 
ment  was  removed.  That  monnmcnt  was  placed  In  a  recess  of  tho  building  with  bnttlements,  seen  townrrt  the  left  of 
the  picture,  with  an  Iron  railing  in  front.  The  City  Spring  Is  under  the  temple-shaped  pavilluu  In  the  foregrouud,  wlild 
is  yet  (1S07)  standing,  I  believe,  with  the  same  lantern  banging  beneath  Its  dome. 


The  City  Sprlnj!. 


i"  the  Maryland  Ilis- 
,  in  the  city  and  its 
There  we  met  tlie 
/cnty-eight  years  of 
any  in  the  haltle  of 
,  we  returned  to  the 
on  of  the  chief  com- 
t  occasion.  Gcni'ral 
ipers  of  that  jjeriod, 

le  monument  creeled 


OF   THE   WAU    OF    1812. 


068 


The  Color-bearer  of  the  Twenty-seventh  Begiment. 


Visit  to  North  Point  Battle-ground. 


•1841. 


ward*  he  bore  the  same  flag  at 

the  head  of  about  thirty  surviv- 
ors of  the  Twenty-seventh,  who  were 
in  the  funeral  procession  at  the  burial 
of  President  Harrison,  the  distinguish- 
ed soldier  of  the  Second  War  for  Inde- 
pendence. 

Captain    Lester    accompanied    my 
traveling   companion   and   myself  to 
the  North  Point  battle-ground  on  the 
'November,    morning  of  the  20th.''    The 
1800.  jjjj.  ^yjjg  very  chilling,  but 

ill  a  covered  carriage,  with  fleet  horses 
and  a  good  postillion,  we  made  the 
journey  comfortably  and  quickh  'o 
the  battle-ground,  seven  miles  Iroiu 
the  city.  On  our  way,  as  we  approach- 
ed Long  Log  Lane,  I  sketched  the 
Methodist  meeting-house,  whicli  was 
used  for  a  hospital  after  tlie  battle,  and 
where  General  Strieker  biv- 
ouacked  on   tlie   night   of  the 

'September,      Hth^      A    sllOl't    dis- 

^^^*-  tance  from  it,  on  the 
comer,  where  a  road  leads  to 
Hancock's  Pavilion,  on  Ik-ar 
Creek,  was  a  place  of  refresliment  called  the  Battle-ground  House.  In  a  field  adjoin- 
ing it  we  saw  a  roughdiewn  block  of  granite,  with  a  square  hollow  in  it,  which  was 
piiited  out  as  the  corner-stone  of  a  mominient  which  it  is  proposed  to  erect  on  the 
tield  of  strife.  This  was  on  the  right  of  Long  Log  Lane  going  out.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  lane  (which  is  now  the  highway  to  North  Point)  was  the  scene  of  the 
lieavicst  of  the  battle,  which  was  then  an  open  oak  wood,  as  delinoated  in  the  accora- 
piiiiying  picture  of  the  battle-ground,  drawn  a  few  days  after  the  conflict  by  Thomas 


'I 


1  1 


M 


9G0),  but  found  it  n- 
lures  in  the  above  yw- 
h  leaving  that  shade.l 
lie  heats  of  summer,  1 
Inty-one  years  of  agi, 

ity-M'venth  ]\Iarylaiul 
young  to  claim  the 

pssession  the  tattercJ 

[-ounds  were  received 
ity-seven  years  after- 

Jition  of  the  head,  die  'ookp  in 
1.1  bomb-shell,  comniomorativ.' 
1  great  event*  commemoraled. 
[Xorthi'mntand  Fort  H'lUnrii. 
\o  were  on  duty  at  that  llnw, 

I  short  Umo  before  the  niona- 
JnentK,  feen  townrd  the  left  "I 
liliou  la  the  foreground,  vh\di 


im^^0itimmM:i:m!^ 


*mt',^~^;"i^i 


WOllTU   POINT  UATTLE-OUOCNI).' 

Rmkle,  who  was  hi  the  fight.     The  view  is  from  the  site  of  the  Battle-ground  House. 
Tlie  stately  oaks  which  then  shaded  the  ground  have  disappeared,  and  it  is  covered 
by  a  new  and  smaller  growtli,  and  in  some  places  by  a  tangled  undergrowth. 
We  rode  on  to  the  house  of  Richard  Brady  (occupied  at  the  time  of  our  visit  by 

1  In  thlf  view,  copied  fl-om  Rnckle's  picttu-e  In  the  Maryland  Hlgtorlcnl  Society,  LonR  Log  Lane  Ib  Been  over  the 
oqnpplrlan  flcnres  townrd  the  right,  and  on  the  extreme  right  the  head  of  Bear  Creek.  The  conflict  occurred  within 
the  (paces  included  in  the  picture. 


> 


u 


'  '  ! 


1 

^  i 

'I 

{ 

» 1 


I: 


:;     i 


\m. 


.     Si 
ii,  -': 


''•i|!l 


'   h 


664^ 


PICTOniAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Monumeut  where  Ross  fell. 


AViBtttoPortM'Henry, 


Samuel  Cole),  in  front  of  which  General  Ross  received  his  death-wound,  as  related  on 
page  951.  Near  that  spot,  by  the  side  of  the  road,  the  soldiers,  commanded  by  Cap- 
tain Benjamin  C.  Howard  on  that  occasion,  and  known  as  the  First  Mechanical  Vol- 
unteers, erected  a  monument,  about  eight  feet  in  height,  partly  in  commemoration 


MOKCUENT  WUEBE  BOSS  FELL. 


of  the  action,  but  specifically,  as  the  inscription  declares,'  "  as  a  tribute  of  respect  for 
the  memory  of  their  gallant  brother"  in  arms,  Aquila  Randall,  who  fell  there.  Tlio 
view  in  the  engraving  was  sketched  from  Mr.  Cole's  house,  in  which  is  seen,  towaid 
the  left,  the  venerable  oak-tree  under  which  Ross  was  laid  for  a  few  minutes  by  Cap- 
tain M'Dougall,  and  in  the  centre,  over  the  horseman,  a  part  of  Bear  Creek.  Ross 
was  shot  on  the  gentle  rise  of  ground  in  the  road  a  few  rods  eastward  of  the  monu- 
ment. 

We  returned  to  Baltimore  at  a  little  past  noon,  turning  off  from  the  direct  road  to 
visit  the  homestead  of  Colonel  Sterett,  mentioned  on  page  958.  The  mansion  was 
upon  a  beautiful  terraced  slope  along  the  old  Philadelphia  Road.  "We  did  not  stop 
in  the  city,  but  riding  through  it  to  Fort  Avenue,  which  traverses  the  length  of  Fell's 
Point  to  Fort  M'Henry,  we  passed  along  that  fine  stone  road  a  full  mile,  to  the  en- 
trance-gate to  the  outer  grounds  of  the  fort.  A  pass  from  General  Dury^e,  then  in 
command  at  Baltimore,  opened  the  portals.  We  were  kindly  received  by  the  courte- 
ous Colonel  (afterward  General)  W.  Morris,  the  commandant  (since  doad),  and  were 
allowed  to  visit  every  part  of  the  venerated  fortification.  After  making  the  sketcli 
on  page  954,  we  returned,  stopping  on  the  way  to  make  a  drawing  of  the  circular 
seven-gun  battery  mentioned  on  page  949,  and  to  find  the  sites  of  Fort  Covington 
and  the  City  Battp:  y,  which  was  commanded  by  the  gallant  Webster.    These  were 

■  The  following  are  the  inscriptions  on  the  raonnment:  A'ortfc  Side:  "Sncred  to  the  memory  of  Aquila  RASDiLi. 
who  died  In  brnvely  defending  his  country  and  his  home  on  the  mcmomble  12th  of  September,  1814,  aged  24  years." 
EaM  Side :  "In  the  skirmish  which  occurred  at  this  spot  between  the  advanced  party  nnder  Mnjor  Richard  K. Ileath. 
of  the  Pth  Regt.  M.  M.,  and  the  fl'ont  of  the  British  column.  Major  General  Ross,  the  commander  of  the  British  forces 
received  his  mortal  wound."  West  Siik :  "  The  First  Mechanical  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Benjamin  C.  Hon-- 
ard,  in  the  6th  Regt.  M.  M.,  have  erected  this  monument  as  a  tribute  of  their  respect  fur  the  memory  of  their  gallant 
'  brother."    South  Side :  "  How  beautiful  is  Death  when  earned  by  Virtue." 


AVUtttoFortM'Henry. 

•wound,  as  relatuil  on 
commanded  by  Cap- 
rirst  Mechanical  Vol- 
y  in  comraeraoration 


3. 


1  tribute  of  respect  for 
,who  fell  there.  The 
which  is  seen,  toward 
few  minutes  by  Caj)- 
of  Bear  Creek.    Ross 

jastward  of  the  menu- 

rem  the  direct  road  to 
The  mansion  was 

ad.     We  did  not  stop 

ses  the  length  of  Fell's 
a  full  mile,  to  the  en- 

eneral  Duryfie,  then  in 
■eceived  by  the  courtc- 
since  dead),  and  were 

ter  making  the  sketcli 
•awing  of  the  circular 
tes  of  Fort  Covington 
Webster.    These  were 

P  memory  of  Aquii-a  Randaii. 
ieptember,  1814,  Bgefl  24  yearsT 
nnder  Major  Hlchnrd  K.  Heath, 
immander  of  the  British  fcirce«. 
Iby  Captain  Benjamin  CHmv- 
or  the  memory  of  their  gallant 


OF    THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


965 


The  Circular  Battery  auii  Its  Outlook. 


New  York  and  Philadelphia  relieved. 


Philadelphia  Troops. 


BEMAINS  OF  THE  UIBODLAB  U^TTKBY. 

situated  on  the  river  bank,  below  the  circular  battery,  and  nearly  half  a  mile  distant. 
Webster's  battery  was  on  a  line  with  it,  in  the  direction  of  the  river,  and  Fort  Cov- 
ington was  about  five  hundred  yards  farther  up  the  stream.  The  circular  battery 
was  at  the  end  of  Light  Street,  that  skirts  Federal  Hill,  on  which,  at  the  time  of  my 
visit,  were  heavy  earth-works,  in  charge  of  Duryfce's  Zouaves,  thrown  up  as  a  protec- 
tion to  Fort  M'Henry  against  land  attacks  by  insurgents.  The  mounds  of  the  old 
cii'cular  battery  were  six  or  eight  feet  high  in  some  places.  It  was  in  a  commanding 
position.  Our  \dew,  taken  from  within  it,  comprises  the  entire  theatre  of  the  opei-a- 
tions  of  the  British  boat  expedition  on  that  eventful  night.  "We  are  looking  toward 
Chesapeake  Bay.  On  the  left  is  seen  Fort  M'Henry,  and  in  the  extreme  distance,  ap- 
pearing like  a  speck  near  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco,  is  Fort  Carroll. 

On  the  following  morning*  I  made  a  careful  drawing  of  the  Battle  •  November  21, 
Monument,  delineated  on  page  960.     We  afterward  spent  several  hours  ^®''^- 

in  the  rooms  of  the  Historical  Society,  and  in  the  afternoon  called  on  Mr.  Armistead, 
where  we  were  kindly  shown  the  old  garrison  flag,  tattered  and  faded — the  identical 
S^ar-spangkd  Banner  on  which  Key  and  his  companions  so  anxiously  gazed  "  at  the 
twilight's  last  gleaming."  On  the  same  evening  we  left  Baltimore  for  Havre  de 
Grace,  where,  as  we  have  observed  on  page  943,  we  passed  the  night  and  the  follow- 
ing day. 

We  have  remarked  that  when  the  British  were  driven  away  from  Baltimore,  the 
trembling  citizens  of  Philadelphia  and  Now  York  breathed  freer.  Both  felt  them- 
selves seriously  menaced  by  the  heavy  British  force  in  the  Chesapeake,  and  both  had 
made  juch  vigorous  preparations  for  attack  that  the  enemy  did  not  deem  it  prudent 
to  attempt  it.  Indeed,  it  was  not  their  intention  to  do  so  at  that  time,  and  they 
sailed  away  to  the  Bermudas  to  join  in  the  more  important  work  of  mvading  Lou- 
isiana. 

When,  as  we  have  already  obsei-ved,  the  depredations  of  Cockburn  on  the  shores 
of  the  Delaware,  in  the  spring  of  1813,  were  made  known  at  Philadelphia,  an  intense 
martial  spirit  was  aroused  in  that  city,  and  along  the  shores  of  the  Delaware  River 
and  Bay.  At  the  beginning  of  the  Avar  that  spirit  was  almost  dormant.  The  fine 
corps  known  as  the  M'^Pherson  Blues^  had  been  disbanded  twelve  years  before  the 
ileclaration  of  war,  and  another,  called  Sheets  Legion,  was  no  more.  Only  three  or 
four  volunteer  companies  of  any  note  then  existed  in  Philadelphia,  the  oldest  of  which, 
a  company  of  cavalry,  was  called  the  First,  or  old  City  Troo}),  Captain  Charles  Ross, 
which  was  formed  in  the  autumn  of  1774,  and  did  good  service  in  the  Revolution 
un'''r  Captain  Morris.  They  formed  a  body-guard  for  General  Washington  when 
he  traveled  from  "Philadelphia  to  New  York  in  1775  to  take  command  of  the  army 
at  Cambridge.  These,  with  Captain  Rush's  old  Philadelphia  Blues,  and  Captain 
Fottevall's  Independent  Volunteers,  both  large  companies,  composed  the  most  of  the 

1  See  page  111.  . 


Ill  I  ' 


V    f 


96& 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  Volunteer  Compauies  uf  Philadelphia. 


Protection  for  Duponts'  Powder-mllb. 


Captain  Junies  Page. 


uniformed  militia  of  that  vicinity.  During  the  summer  of  1812 
a  new  uniform  company  was  formed,  called  the  State  Fenciblea, 
which,  like  the  City  l^roop,  is  still  an  organized  corps,  and  until  a 
few  years  ago  was  led  by  Captain  James  Page,  who  was  elected 
its  commander  in  June,  1818.'  The  original  manuscript,  contain- 
ing the  call  for  the  formation  of  this  company,  is  before  me,  having 
been  kindly  placed  in  my  hands  by  the  veteran  Captain  Page,  of 
Philadelphia,  who  was  a  private  in  that  company  during  the  War 
of  1812,  The  first  name  on  tlie  list  is  that  of  one  of  Philadelphia's 
most  honored  sons,  lion,  Joseph  R.  Ingersoll,  and  the  third  is  that 
of  the  late  Colonel  Clement  C.  Biddle.  The  latter,  who  was  the 
originator  of  the  company,  was  chosen  captain,  and  the  former  first 
lieatenant.  Captain  Page  is  yet  (1867)  a  vigorous  man,  nearly 
eighty  years  of  age,  and  to  him  I  am  indebted  for  much  valuable 
information  concerning  military  affairs  in  and  around  Philadelphia 
during  the  war,* 

When  the  news  of  the  presence  of  the  British  in  the  Delaware  ^  -. . 
reached  Philadelphia,  great  alarm  was  felt  because  of  the  defense-  *^^™  fenoiule  i>  isu. 
less  state  of  the  city.  Fort  Mifflin,  just  below,  its  only  defense  on  the  water,  was  gar- 
risoned by  only  eleven  recruits,  under  Captain  James  N,  Barker,  Something  must  be 
done  immediately  to  strengthen  that  post.  James  M.  Porter,  Secretaiy  of  the  "  Youii(» 
Men's  Democratic  Society"  of  Philadelphia,  a  young  lawyer,  called  a  meetin"'  on  the 
20th  of  March  at  Stratton's  Tavern.  It  was  fully  attended,  and  about  seventy  youii" 
men  who  Avere  present  formed  a  volunteer  company  for  artillery  service  on  that  very 
evening.  They  organized  by  the  election  of  officers  the  next  day,  with  the  name  of 
The  Junior  Artillerists.  They  at  once  tendered  their  services  to  General  Bloonifiold 
the  commander  of  the  district,  to  re-enforce  the  garrison  at  Fort  Mifflin.  They  were 
accepted,  and  within  three  days  after  they  were  organized  they  marched  to  Fort 
Mifflin,  under  Captain  Fisler,  each  Avith  a  cockade  in  his  hat,  and  Avearing  a  coat  Avitli 
bright  buttons,  accompanied  by  Captain  Mitchell's  volunteer  corps  of  eighty  n^cn 
dressed  in  bh;e  and  buff,  and  known  as  the  Independent  Blues.  The  latter,  Avith  the 
Independent  Volunteers,  and  a  ncAvly- organized  company  called  the  Washington 
Guards,  Captain  Raguet — the  first  new  company  of  infantry  formed  in  Philadelphia 
at  that  time — left  the  city  for  the  State  of  Delaware  on  the  afternoon  of  the  12th  of 
May,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Lewis  Rush,  They  proceeded  to  Staunton, 
about  six  miles  bi^yond  Wilmington,  and  near  that  place  formed  a  camp  at  a  spot  se- 
lected by  OeneiT.l  Bloomfield, 

At  about  that  time  it  Avas  rumored  that  Duponts'  powder-mills  at  Wilmington 
Avere  about  to  be  attacked.  Colonel  Rush  disposed  his  troops  in  that  vicinity  so  as 
to  protect  them,  and  there  they  remained  until  the  invaders  left;  the  neighboring  Ava- 
ters.  The  inhabitants  of  DelaAvare,  in  the  mean  time,  had  raised  several  volunteer 
companies;  and  the  names  of  the  Duponts,  Rodney,  Young,  Van  Dyke,  Warren, Wil- 


1  Captain  Page  was  commander  of  the  First  Company.  AVhen,  in  April,  1801,  the  President  of  the  United  States 
railed  for  scveuty-flve  thousand  troops  to  put  down  the  great  insurrection  of  the  slaveholders  against  the  government, 
the  Fencibles  offered  themselves  as  volunteers,  and  were  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  formed  ii 
I)art  of  the  Eighteenth  Hegiment  Pennsylvania  Volunteers.  They  served  the  full  term  of  three  months,  when  they  were 
mustered  out  of  the  service,  and  honorably  discharged.  Many  of  them  afterward  entered  the  service  as  volunteers  in 
different  corps.  The  Pennsylvania  militia  law  of  May,  1804,  dissolved  the  organization,  and  the  Htnte  Fmdhkx,  after  an 
honorable  career  of  more  than  half  a  century,  passed  into  History  as  an  extinct  military  association.  The  Inst  captain 
was  John  Miller.  Among  the  brave  men  of  the  corps  who  went  into  the  War  for  the  Union,  Captain  Hesscr,  made 
colonel  of  the  Seventy-second  Regiment  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  deserves  honorable  mention.  He  fr'l  at  the  head 
of  his  regiment,  at  Orange  Court-house,  Virginia,  in  November,  1868. 

a  In  is.'ift  former  members  of  the  State  Fencibles  presented  to  Captain  Pu^e  a  sword,  on  which  is  the  following  In- 
scription :  "  Presented  to  Captain  James  Page  by  retired  members  of  the  State  Fencibles,  as  a  token  of  their  esteem 
f(ir  him  as  a  citizen  and  soldier,  and  of  their  appreciation  of  his  services  as  commanding  officer  of  that  corps  for  a  pe- 
niod  of  forty  years.    Philadelphia,  December  20, 1SS9." 


OP   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


967 


Captain  Jume«  Page. 


Orguulzation  of  Troops. 


Camp  DnpuDt. 


Camp  at  Marcan's  Ilook. 


jg.    BTATE  FBNOUILE  IN  ISU. 

a  the  water,  was  giir- 
Something  must  be 
retaiy  of  the  "Young 
led  a  meeting  on  the 
about  seventy  young 
service  on  that  very 
ly,  with  the  name  of 
)  General  Bloomfield, 
f  Mifflin,     They  were 
ey  marched  to  Fort 
wearing  a  coat  witli 
orps  of  eighty  ircn, 
The  latter,  with  the 
led  the  Washington 
med  in  Philadelphia 
;rnoon  of  the  12th  of 
ceeded  to  Staunton, 
a  camp  at  a  spot  se- 
nilis at  Wilmington 
in  that  vicinity  so  as 
the  neighboring  wa- 
ed  several  volunteer 
Dyke,  Warren,  Wil- 


isident  of  the  United  States 
lere  agninst  the  government, 
UnUed  States,  nnd  formed  ii 
iree  months,  when  they  were 
the  service  as  volunteers  in 
d  the  fitnte  FencihlcK,  nfler  an 
^sociation.  The  last  captain 
Tnion,  Captain  Hesser,  made 
entlon.    He  fr'l  at  the  head 

n  which  is  the  following  in- 
B,  as  a  token  of  their  esteem 
jfflcer  of  that  corps  for  a  pe- 


son,  Leonard,  and  others,  are  held  in  grateful  remembrance  to  this  day  as  prominent 
actors  in  the  business  of  state  defense. 

On  the  receipt  of  the  requisition  for  troops  from  the  War  Department  early  in  July, 
1814,  Governor  Snyder,  of  Pennsylvania,  caused  a  general  order  to  be  issued  for  the 
mustering  of  the  militia  and  the  raising  of  volunteers,  in  which  several  military  com- 
])anies  of  Philadelphia,  and  elsewhere  in  the  state,  who  had  ottered  their  services  to 
tlic  government  in  the  sumir  3r  of  1812,  were  named  as  accepted  volunteers,  and  as 
forming  a  part  of  the  quota  of  the  state.'  Recruiting  Avent  briskly  on,  and  it  was 
greatly  promoted  by  intelligence  of  the  capture  of  Washington  toward  the  close  of 
August.  Volunteers  flocked  to  the  standard  of  General  Bloomfield  in  great  num- 
bers.* Kennet  Square,  in  Chester  County,  thirty-six  miles  southwest  from  Philadel- 
phia, was  the  designated  place  of  rendezvous,  and  there,  at  the  close  of  August,  a 
camp  was  formed,  under  the  direction  of  Cr.ptain  C.  W.  Hunter,  and  named  Camp 
Bloomfield.  On  the  7th  of  September,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clemson,  of  the  United 
States  Army,  assumed  the  command,  and  on  the  14th  he  was  succeeded  by  Brigadier 
General  Thomas  Cadwalader.  The  troops  were  brigaded,  and  the  corps  was  called 
The  Advanced  Light  Guard.^  Captain  Ross,  with  his  First  City  Troop,  took  post  on 
Mount  Bull,  a  height  overlooking  the  Chesapeake,  thirteen  miles  below  Elkton,  to 
watch  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  and  held  communication  with  the  camp  and  Phila- 
delphia by  a  line  of  vedettes. 

The  brigade  changed  its  position  several  times,  but  was  continually  in  the  vicinity 
of  Wilmington.  The  last  one  that  it  occupied  was  called  Camj)  Dupont,  about  three 
miles  west  of  Wilmington,  where  it  remained  until  the  30th  of  November,  when,  all 
danger  seeming  to  be  distant,  the  troops  were  marched  back  to  Philadelphia,  and 
there  disbanded  on  the  3d  of  January,  1815.* 

In  the  mean  time  a  body  of  almost  ten  thousand  men  was  assembled  near  Marcus's 
Hook,  on  the  Delaware,  twenty  miles  below  Philadelphia,  which  was  at  first  organ- 
ized by  Adjutant  General  William  Duane,  under  the  command  of  Major  General  Isaac 
Worrall.  It  was  composed  of  Pennsylvania  militia  and  volunteers.  Its  rendezvous 
was  called  Camp  Gaines,  in  honor  of  General  E.  P.  Gaines,  who  succeeded  Bloomfield 
in  the  command  of  the  Department,  in  September.  This  camp  was  broken  up  on  the 
5th  of  December,  1814.  Besides  these,  several  companies  were  organized  in  the  city 
and  county  of  Philadelphia  who  did  not  take  the  field.^  When  Gaines  left  for  New 
Orleans  in  December,  General  Cadwalader'  succeeded  him  as  chief  of  the  Fourth 
Military  Department. 

While  the  volunteers  were  hastening  to  the  camps  to  be  enrolled  as  soldiers,  the 
inhabitants  of  Philadelphia  were  vigorously  making  preparations  for  the  defense  of 

'These  were  the  Ilarrialntrrf  rohtnteers,  C!t\)Mn  Thomas  Walker:  State  Ftm^^Mfi.Capiain  C.  C.  Biddlc;  three  rifle 
companies,  commanded  respectively  by  Captains  Andrew  Mitchell,  Nicholas  Bcckwith,  and  Samuel  Dunn ;  Benevolent 
Blws,  Henry  Reed ;  and  Light  Dracioont,  James  Noble. 

»  "The  very  flower  of  the  yonth  and  best  hopes  of  the  nation,"  wrote  an  eye-witness—"  citizens  of  erery  rank  and 
profession,  and  of  every  political  name,  were  there  commingled  in  the  ranks,  united  In  a  common  cause  for  the  defense 
nf  their  country,  and  exhibiting  to  the  monarchs  of  Europe  the  glorious  spectacle  of  practical  equality."— Author  of  A 
Short  liketch  of  the  MiUtanj  Operations  on  the  Delaware  durinj  the  late  War,  etc.    Philadelphia,  1820. 

'The  brigade  staff  consisted  of  the  fbllowlng  officers:  Thomas  Cadwalader,  brigadier  general;  John  Hare  Powell, 
brigade  major.  In  place  of  Hnnter,  promoted ;  Richard  M'Call  and  John  G.  Biddle,  alds-de-camp :  Henry  Sergeant,  as- 
eistant  quartermaster  general :  David  Correy,  assistant  deputy  quartermaster  general.  The  number  of  officers  and  prl- 
v.itesmaybe  stated  as  follows :  Brigade  staff,  7;  one  companyof  flying  artillery,  Captoin  Richard  Bache,  01 ;  two  troops 
of  cavalry,  116 ;  one  artillery  regiment,  689  j  one  infantry  regiment,  1203 ;  riflemen,  11T9 ;  one  militia  battalion,  280. 
Total,  3604. 

'  Among  the  gallant  officers  at  Camp  Dnpont  was  Captain  John  Ross  Mifflin,  of  the  Washington  Guards.  He  was  a 
nephew  of  Captain  Ross,  and  died,  unmarried,  in  Philadelphia  in  1826.  He  wrote  a  series  of  interesting  letters  IVom 
C»mp  Dnpont,  copies  of  some  of  which  were  kindly  placed  in  my  hands  by  Miss  Elizabeth  Mifflin,  of  Philadelphia. 
Tliese  give  a  lively  picture  of  camp  life  there. 

» A  Short  Sketch  of  Militarii  Operations  on  the  Delaware  during  the  late  War,  pages  8  to  29  Inclusive. 

•  Son  of  General  John  Cadwalader,  of  the  Continent!  1  Army.  He  was  born  on  the  28th  of  October,  1"T9.  He  wai 
admitted  to  the  bar  In  Phlladfilphia  In  ISOl.  He  studied  military  science  Intently,  and  entered  the  service  as  captain  in 
1S12.  He  rose  to  the  rank  of  briiradier  general  in  1814.  After  the  war  he  became  major  general  of  Pennsylvania  mllU 
lla.   Be  assisted  tn  forming  a  system  of  cavalry  tactics  in  1S26.    He  died  on  tb«  20tb  of  October,  1341. 


f 

i 

1 

■   1 

'■ 

'      ! 

i 

1 

-r    :!  >  til 


w 


068 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Public  Mcotlu)Jt  In  I'blliiilclphlii. 


Committee  of  UereuHO. 


CItlicenK  coiiBtruct  Fortlflcmidiu. 


the  city.  When  intelligence  of  the  capture  of  Washington  reached  them,  a  public 
meeting  was  held,  and  a  committee  of  defense  was  appointed,  with  ample  powers  to 
adopt  such  measures  as  the  exigency  seemed  to  require.'  "They  determined,"  says 
Mr.  Wescott,''  "  that,  for  the  safety  of  the  city,  field  fortifications  should  be  thrown 
up  in  the  most  eligible  situations  on  the  western  side  of  the  town,  and  where  an  at- 
tack might  be  expected.  A  fort  was  planned  near  Gray's  Ferry,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Schuylkill  River,  at  the  junction  of  the  Gray's  Ferry  and  Darby  Roads ;  also  a 
redoubt  opposite  Hamilton's  Grove,  another  upon  the  Lancaster  Road,  and  a  third 
upon  the  site  of  an  old  British  redoubt  on  the  southern  side  of  the  hill  at  Fainnomit 
which  would  command  the  bridge  at  Market  Street  .and  the  roads  leading  to  it. 

"  To  construct  these  works  required  much  labor,  and,  under  the  circumstances,  tiiey 
could  not  have  been  built  without  the  voluntary  assistance  of  the  citizens.  A  hearty 
enthusiasm  was  shown  in  the  service.  Companies,  societies,  and  the  artificers  of  the 
difierent  trades  organized  themselves  for  the  purpose.  Day  after  day  these  parties 
assembled,  and  left  the  city  at  from  five  to  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and,  with  knap- 
sacks or  handkerchiefs  containing  a  supply  of  food,  marched  out  to  the  fortifications 
to  a  dj>v  of  toilsome  labor  at  an  occupation  to  which  but  few  of  them  were  accus- 
tomed. Labor  commenced  on  the  3d  of  September,  and  from  that  time  until  .about 
the  1  st  of  October,  when  the  field-works  were  finished,  the  toil  was  participated  in 
by  parties  having' the  following  numbers:  House  carpenters,  62  ;  victualers,  400 ;  the 
Tammany  Society,  400 ;  painters,  70 ;  hatters  and  brickmakers,  300 ;  Philadelphia  Be- 
nevolent Society  and  Fourth  Washington  Guard,  160;  Rev,  Mr.  Staughton  and  tlie 
members  of  his  church,  60;  printers,  200 ;  crew  of  the  Wasp,  140;  watchmakers,  sil- 
versmiths, and  jewelers  (on  Monday,  September  11),  400 ;  cabinet-makers  and  joiners, 
300 ;  Washington  Association,  70 ;  Tioie  Republican  Society,  70 ;  teachers,  30  ;  friend- 
ly aliens,  500  ;  Freemasons,  grand  and  subordinate  lodges,  510  ;  Washington  Benev- 
olent Society,  600 ;  Sons  of  Erin,  citizens  of  the  United  States,  2200 ;  Tammany  Soci- 
ety, second  day,  1 30 ;  friendly  aliens,  second  day,  150;  German  societies,  540 ;  colored 
men,  650;  citizens  of  Germantown,  400  ;  Scotchmen,  100 ;  Sons  of  Erin,  second  day, 
350.  The  colored  people  also  gave  a  second  day  to  the  work.  Small  bodies,  not 
enumerated,  including  beneficial  societies  and  social  clubs,  participated.  The  physi- 
cians and  artists  of  the  city  also  labored  at  the  works.  When  the  fortifications  were 
completed,  it  was  found  that  about  fifteen  thousand  persons  had  labored  on  them.  In 
lieu  of  work,  many  who  were  unable  or  unwilling  to  assist  in  that  manner  gave  money. 
The  collections  from  this  source  amounted  to  about  six  thousand  dollars. 

"  Arriving  at  the  fortifications,  the  citizens,  having  been  previously  divided  into 
companies,  were  put  to  work.  At  ten  o'clock  the  drum  beat  for '  grog,'  when  liquor 
suflicient  for  each  company  was  dealt  out  by  its  captain.    At  twelve  o'clock  the  drum 

>  The  public  meeting  was  held  In  the  State  House  Yard,  on  the  26th  of  Angnst,  1814.  Thomas  M'Kean  was  chair- 
man, and  Joseph  Reed  was  secretary.  A  committee,  of  which  Jared  IngersoU  was  chairman,  was  appointed  "to  con- 
sider and  report  what  measares  ought,  in  their  opinion,  to  he  adopted  for  protection  and  defense."  They  reported 
resolutions,  the  first  of  which  nominated  a  number  of  gentlemen  as  a  committee  of  defense,  for  the  purpose  of  orgiiniz- 
Ing  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia,  and  of  the  northern  and  southern  districts,  for  defense,  with  power  to  appoint  cotiimit- 
tees  under  them,  correspond  with  the  state  and  general  governments,  malce  arrangements  for  supplies,  fix  on  places  of 
rendezvous,  etc.  This  committee  consisted  of  the  following  named  persons:  For  the  city  of  Philadelphia— Charles 
BIddle,  Thomas  Lelper,  Thomas  Cadwalader,  Gen.  John  Steel,  George  Latimer,  John  Earlier,  Henry  Hawkins,  Liberty 
Browne,  Ci.urles  Ross,  Manuel  Eyre,  John  Connelly,  Condy  Raguet,  Wm.  M'Faden,  .Tohn  Sergeantj  John  Geyer  (ilnyof). 
and  .Toseph  Reed.  For  the  Northern  Liberties  and  Penn  Township— Colonel  Jonathan  W  -  ■>.  John  Goodman,  Dan- 
lei  Groves,  John  Barclay,  John  Naglee,  Thomas  Snyder,  J.  W.  Norris,  Michael  Lieb,  Jacob  HniT,  anJ  James  Whltehend. 
For  the  district  of  Southwarlt  and  townships  of  Moyamensing  and  Passynnk— James  Josiah,  R.  M'Mullen,  John  Thomp- 
son, K.  Ferguson,  James  Ronaldson,  P.  Mlercken,  R.  Palmer,  and  P.  Pitts. 

These  citizens  met  on  the  day  of  their  appointment,  at  the  State  House,  where  they  were  organized  into  a  committee 
of  defense,  with  Chories  Biddle  as  chairman,  and  .Tohn  Goodman  as  secretary.  The  labors  of  the  committee  were  very 
nseta\  and  Important.  The  organization  was  continued  until  the  16th  of  August,  1815,  when,  at  the  eighty-second  meet- 
lug,  their  labors  ceased.  The  minutes  of  the  committee,  caref^iHy  kept  by  Mr.  Goodman,  and  giving  the  details  of  tlieir 
proceedings,  were  published  in  1S6T  as  the  eighth  volume  of  the  Memoirs  of  the  Historical  Society  ^f  Penntvlvania,  accom- 
panied by  brief  biographical  notices  of  the  members  of  the  committee. 

•  Hixtoni  of  the  Citu  of  PMlmMphia  frcm  1682  to  1864,  by  Thompson  Wescott,E8q.  This  history  was  in  manuscript 
when  Mr.  Wescott  kindly  allowed  me  to  copy  the  matter  quoted  in  the  text. 


OF  THE  WAIl  OF   18  12, 


909 


in  coustruct  Fortlflcatluni, 

hed  them,  a  public 
h  amplo  powern  to 
■  ckteriniiied,"  says 
Hhould  be  thiuwii 
II,  and  where  an  al- 
on  the  west  side  of 
arby  Roads ;  also  a 
•  Road,  and  a  tliiid 
e  hill  at  Fan-mount, 
I  leading  to  it. 
circumstances,  they 
I  citizens.    A  hearty 
the  artificers  of  the 
er  day  these  parties 
ling,  and,  with  knap- 
,  to  the  fortifications 
of  them  were  acciis- 
liat  time  until  about 
was  participated  in 
victualers,  400 ;  the 
00 ;  Philadelphia  Be- 
■.  Staughton  and  tlic 
.0 ;  watchmakers,  sil- 
;t-maker8  and  joiners, 
teachers,  30 ;  friend- 
Washington  Benev- 
200;  Tammany  Soci- 
jcieties,  540 ;  colored 
of  Erin,  second  day, 
Small  bodies,  not 
icipated.     The  pUysi- 
lie  fortifications  were 
labored  on  them.    Li 
manner  gave  money. 
Id  dollars, 
viously  divided  into 
,r '  grog,'  when  liquor 
'Ive  o'clock  the  drum 


New  York  stirred  up. 


Committee  of  Defense. 


Pntrtotlc  Action  of  the  CltUens. 


Thomas  M'Kean  was  chnlr- 
man,  was  appointed  "to  con- 
tnd  defense."  They  reported 
L,  for  the  purpose  of  orgaiiiz- 
llth  power  to  appoint  commit- 
\  for  supplies,  ax  on  places  of 
(city  of  Phlladelphla-Chnrles 
fker,  Henry  Hawkins,  Liberty 
Icreeant,  John  Gcyer  (Mayor), 
"■  ■  •..  .lohn  Goodman,  Dao- 
■>  HniT,  an.:  James  Whitehead. 
|h,  R.  M-MuUen,  John  Thomp- 

le  organized  Into  a  committee 
\s  of  the  committee  were  very 
len,  at  the  eighty-second  meet- 
f  nd  Riving  the  details  of  ttieir 
hoeietij  of  Penn«vlnani<t<  """""■ 

lis  history  was  In  manuecript 


beat  for  dinner,  when  more '  grog'  was  furnished.  This  was  also  the  case  at  three  and 
at  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  At  six  the  drum  beat  the  retreat,  when  it  was  sug- 
gested in  General  Orders, '  For  the  honor  of  the  cause  we  are  engaged  in,  freemen  to 
live  or  die,  it  is  hoped  that  every  man  will  retire  sober.'' " 

So  did  Philadelphians  prepare  for  the  invader.  Happily  the  enemy  did  not  come, 
and  their  beautiful  city  was  spared  the  horrors  of  war. 

New  York  was  likewise  fearfully  excited  by  apprehensions  of  danger  during  tlio 
ginnmer  and  autumn  of  1814,  Like  Philadelj)hia  and  Boston,  its  defenses  were  few 
and  weak  at  that  critical  moment.  The  appearance  of  the  powerful  British  force  in 
the  Chesapeake  aroused  the  citizens  to  a  sense  of  their  immediate  danger,  and  they 
soon  put  forth  mighty  efforts  ui  preparations  to  repel  the  invader.  The  mayor  of  the 
city,  De  Witt  Clinton,  issued,  through  the  medium  of  the  City  Council,  a  stirring  ad- 
dress to  the  people  on  the  2d  of  August,  in  which  he  set  forth  the  importance  of  New 
York  to  the  enemy  on  account  of  its  wealth  and  geographical  position,  which  in- 
creased its  liabilities  to  attack.  He  recommended  the  militia  to  hold  themselves  in 
readiness  for  duty,  and  called  upon  the  citizens  to  offer  their  personal  services  and 
means  cheerfully  to  the  United  States  officers  in  command  there,  to  aid  in  the  com- 
pletion of  the  unfinished  fortifications  around  the  city. 

In  response  to  the  mayor's  appeal,  a  large  meeting  of  citizens  was  held  in  the  City 
Hall  Park,  on  Tuesday,  the  9th  of  August,'  when  a  Committee  of  Defense,  chosen  from 
the  Common  Council,  was  appointed,^  clothed  with  ample  powers  to  direct  the  ef- 
forts of  the  inhabitants  in  the  business  of  protection.     On  the  same  morning  the  ofli- 
cers  of  General  Mapes's  brigade,  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  gave  the  first  prac- 
tical response  to  the  mayor's  appeal  by  crossing  the  East  River  from  Beekman's  Slip, 
and,  with  Captain  Andrew  Bremmer's  artillery,  marching  to  the  lines  traced  out  for 
the  fortifications  on  the  heights  around  Brooklyn  by  General  Swifl,  and  taking  pick- 
axes, and  shovels,  and  every  other  appropriate  implement  at  hand,  breaking  ground  at. 
eight  o'clock,  and  working  lustily  all  day.     They  were  followed  the  next  morning  by 
as  many  carpenters  and  cabinet-makers ;  and  only  four  days  after  the  meeting  in  the 
Park,  the  Committee  of  Defense  announced*  tliat  three  thousand  persons 
were  at  work  on  the  fortifications.     They  also  reported  the  receipt  of 
large  sums  of  money ;  and  on  the  same  day  it  was  announced  that  "  two  hundred 
journeymen  printers,  one  thousand  Sons  of  Erin,  thirty  pilots,  seventy  men  from  the 
Asbury  (African)  Church,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  other  colored  men,  two  hundred 
weavers,  and  many  heads  of  manufacturing  establishments,"  were  at  work  on  the 
lines.    Two  days  afterward  the  city  newspapers  were  suspended,  that  all  hands  might 
work  on  the  fortifications ;  and  on-  the  20th  of  August  five  hundred  men  "  left  on  the 
Jersey  steam-boat  for  Harlem  Heights,"  to  work  on  intrenchments  there  ;  and,  at  the 
same  time,  fifteen  hundred  "  patriotic  Sons  of  Erin"  crossed  the  ferry  to  Brooklyn  for 
the  same  purpose.     Two  days  afterward  nearly  one  thousand  colored  people  crossed 
the  Catharine  Ferry  to  work  on  the  fortifications  between  Fort  Greene  and  GoAvanus 
Creek ;  and  on  the  25th  the  Washington  Benevolent  Society,  an  organization  opjiosed 
to  the  war,  inspired  with  zeal  for  the  common  cause,  went  over  in  a  body,  with  their 
banner  bearing  the  portrait  of  Washington — the  largest  number  belonging  to  one 
society  that  had  crossed  over  at  one  time.     On  the  same  day  the  butchers  went  to 
the  lines  to  labor,  bearing  the  flag,  on  which  was  the  figure  of  an  ox  prepared  for 
slaughter,  which  had  been  used  by  them  in  the  great "  Federal  Procession"  in  honor 
of  the  ratification  of  the  National  Constitution  in  1789,     Masonic  and  other  societies 
went  in  bodies  to  the  patriotic  task ;  and  school-teachers  and  pupils  went  together 
to  give  their  aid.     Little  boys,  too  small  to  handle  a  spade  or  pickaxe,  carried  earth  on 


tH 


Jv 


r     ,1  '    ' 


'  The  call  was  signed  by  Henry  Eutger  and  Oliver  Wolcott.    The  chief  organ  of  the  Opposition— the  Evening  Pott— 
denounced  it,  and  asked,  "  Has  it  not  a  squinting  toward  the  charter  election  ?" 
*  The  committee  consisted  of  Nicholas  Fish,  Gideon  Tucker,  Peter  Mesier,  George  Bnckmaster,  and  J.  Nltchle. 


I.d 


1)        i 


070 


riCTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


NolicbborH  usrIhI  Now  York. 


tintherliiK  of  T.'unpi  in  and  aronnd  th«  Oity. 


"  The  Patriotic  Ulggon." 


flhinglea,  atid  ho  adilud  their  niitos  in  roarinj?  tln»  breastworkH.  It  was  a  scene  like 
that  of  cairii-l)uil(liiig  in  the  olden  time.  The  infection  Hpread,  and  every  day  ciil- 
zenw  from  neighboring  towim  on  Long  Island,'  on  the  Hudson,  and  from  New  Jersey, 
j)rottered  their  services.  Nor  were  the  nights  undisturbed  by  the  sound  of  the  patri- 
otic toil.  On  that  of  the  31st  of  August  it  is  recorded  that  full  six  hundred  men 
went  over  to  Brooklyn,  and  worked  "  by  the  light  of  the  moon." 

Intelligence  of  the  capture  of  Washington  City  reached  New  York  on  the  27th  of 
August,  three  days  after  that  sad  occurrence.     The  zeal  and  patriotism  of  the  citi- 
zens were  increased  tiiorc- 
by.     In   General  Orders, 

,  y  •'  /  >^  y  l''"''^'l  T^-  Tompkins,  gov- 

^1   J^.  /7     / (^  a  yvOtoT^  ^yt yW^..^i^ yf    ernor  of  the  State  of  Now 

York,  who  had  been  untir- 
ing in  his  exertions  for  the 
public  good  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  war,  ea'led  on  the  inhabitants  to  send  arms  of  every  description  to  the 
State  Arsenal,  where  all  fit  for  service  would  be  paid  for.  The  call  was  ])roniptly 
answered.  He  also  ordered  the  organization  of  a  battalion  of  Sea  Fencibles,  to  be 
commanded  by  Captain  James  T.  Leonard ;  and  expressed  a  desire  to  enroll  volun- 
teers for  one  or  two  months'  service.  Already  nearly  four  thousand  militia  had 
come  do  rn  the  Hudson  in  sloops;  and  Commodore  Decatur  had  been  assigned  to 
the  command  of  the  naval  force  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  with  orders  to  co-op- 
erate with  the  military  in  defense  of  the  city.  On  the  Ist  of  September  the  gov- 
ernor issued  a  proclamation  for  an  extraordinary  session  of  tlie  Legislature  of  the 
State,  to  commence  on  tlie  27th  of  that  month. 

On  the  3l8t  of  August  there  was  a  grand  military  review  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
Avhen  about  six  thousand  men  were  under  arms.  On  the  2d  of  September  the  militia 
were  mustered  into  actual  service,  when 
the  division  of  General  Ebenezer  Stevens 
was  transferred  to  the  command  of  Major 
General  Morgan  Lewis,  Cadwallader  D. 
Golden  was  appointed  to  the  command  of 
all  the  uniformed  militia  companies  of  the 
city  and  county,  and  every  thing  pertain- 
ing to  the  military  was  put  upon  the  war  footing  of  actual  service.  The  citizens  con- 
tinued their  zealous  labors  on  the  military  works  all  through  September  and  in  Octo- 
ber, and  made  the  lines  of  fortifications  around  New  York  truly  formidable.^ 

'  On  the  17th  of  August,  the  people  of  Biishwick,  Long  Island,  led  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bnssett,  repaired  to  Fort  Swift  (erect- 
ed on  the  old  redoubt  of  the  Revolution  on  Cobble  Hill)  to  labor  on  that  work.  The  venerable  pastor  of  the  flock  that 
followed  him  opened  the  operntlons  with  prayer,  and  be  remained  with  them  throughout  the  day,  encourngiiig  tliera 
aud  distributing  refreshments  among  them. 

a  These  displays  of  patriotism  inspired  Samuel  Woodworth,  an  American  poet  of  considerable  eminence,  and  then  the 
editor  and  publisher  of  a  weekly  record  of  events  entitled  The  irar,  to  write  a  very  popular  ballad  called  V/m;  J'alriolic 
Diggtrri,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 


"Johnny  Bull,  beware. 
Keep  at  proper  distance. 
Else  we'll  make  you  stare 
At  onr  firm  resistance ; 
Let  alone  the  lads 

Who  are  freedom  tasting, 
Recollect  our  dads 
Gave  yon  once  a  basting. 
Pickaxe,  shovel,  spade. 

Crowbar,  hoe,  and  barrow, 
Better  not  invade, 
Yankees  have  the  marrow. 

"To  protect  onr  rights 

'Gainst  yonr  flints  and  triggers, 
See  on  Brooklyn  Heights 


Our  patriotic  diggers ; 
Men  of  every  age. 

Color,  rank,  profession, 
Ardently  engage. 

Labor  in  succession. 
Pickaxe,  etc. 

"  Grandeur  leaves  her  towers, 
Poverty  her  hovel. 
Here  to  join  their  powers 

With  the  hoe  and  shovel. 
Here  the  merchant  toils 

With  the  patriot  sawyer. 
There  the  laborer  smiles. 
Near  him  sweats  the  lawyer. 
Pickaxe,  etc. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF   1813. 


911 


Tbe  Patriotic  Ulgi;en." 

WHS  ft  scene  liki- 
d  every  day  citi- 
IVom  New  Jerney, 
ouiul  of  the  patvi- 
BIX  hundred  men 

.rk  on  the  27th  of 
iotism  of  the  eiti- 

0  increased  tliere- 
(ieneral  Orders, 
).  Tonii)kins,  s^ov- 
the  State  of  New 
10  liad  been  uiitir- 
9  exertions  for  the 
;ood  from  the  he- 
T  description  to  tlie 
call  was  promptly 
ea  Fencibles,  to  bo 
re  to  enroll  voluii- 
ousand  militia  had 

1  been  assigned  to 
th  orders  to  co-op- 
leptember  the  gov- 

Legislature  of  the 

3  city  of  New  York, 
ptember  the  militia 


Ueneral  Hwin>  Kepnrt  uf  tbo  Fortlflcntliinii  nMnnd  Now  York. 


The  citizens  con- 
'mber  and  in  Octo- 
[brmidable.2 

I'pnired  to  Fort  Swift  (erect- 
iible  pnstor  of  the  floek  that 
the  Any,  encouraging  tliem 

iblc  eminence,  and  then  the 
•  ballad  called  Tlie  Patriotk 

Iggets; 

'I 
ofeBeton, 

aeloD. 

her  towers, 

)vel, 

r  powers 

ind  shovel. 

nt  tolls 

ot  sawyer, 

!r  smiles, 

Its  the  lawyer. 


Earlier  than  the  movements  of  the  public  authorities  and  inhabitants  of  New  York 
and  l'hiladel|)hia  for  the  defense  of  their  cities,  recorded  in  the  preceding  pages,  the 


"Uero  the  ninson  hiitldii 
Frecdom'8  nhrlno  uf  ^lory, 
WhWe  the  painter  i;ild8 

Tno  Immortal  story. 
filacksmilhH  eutch  the  flame, 

Grocers  feel  the  spirit. 
Printers  Hliare  the  fume, 
And  record  their  merit. 
Pickaxe,  etc. 
"Scholars  leave  their  schools 
With  their  patriot  teachers  , 
Farmers  soixe  their  tools, 

lleadc<l  hy  their  prencliers. 
How  they  break  the  soil ! 

Hrewers,  butchers,  bakers ; 
Here  the  doctors  toll. 
There  the  undertakers. 
Pickaxe,  etc. 

"  Bright  Ap(dlo'»  sims 

Leave  their  pipe  and  tabor, 
'Mid  the  roar  of  guns 

Join  the  martiiM  labor; 
Round  the  embattled  plain 

In  sweet  concord  rally. 


And  In  freedom's  strain 
Sing  the  foe's  flnale  t 
Pickaxe,  etc. 

Plnmbers,  founders,  dyers. 

Tinmen,  turners,  shavers, 
Hwecpers,  clerks,  and  criers, 

Jewelers,  engravers, 
Clothiers,  drapers,  players, 

Curtmen,  hatters,  tailors, 
Gangers,  sealers,  weighers, 

Carpenters  and  sailors. 
Pickaxe,  etc. 

"Better  not  invade; 
llecollcct  the  spirit 
Which  our  dads  displayed, 

And  their  s(mH  inlierlt. 
If  you  still  advance, 

Friendly  caution  slightltig. 
You  mny  get,  by  chance, 
A  bellyful  of  tlghling. 
Pickaxe,  shovel,  spado, 

Crowbar,  hoe,  and  burrow, 
Better  not  invade, 
Yankees  liave  the  marrow. 


The  most  onthentlc  account  of  the  fortifications  thrown  up  around  New  York  in  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1S14  may 
lie  found  in  the  report  of  General  Joseph  Swift,  Chief  Engineer  (sec  page  (>:!S),  to  the  Common  Council  Committee  of 
Defense,  made  at  the  close  of  the  year  H14.  1  have  complied  the  following  statements  from  the  original  mauuscrliit 
of  tiiat  report,  with  Its  maps,  and  landscape  and  topographical  drawings,  which  are  now  before  me. 

The  city  of  New  York  might  be  approached  by  un  enemy  by  way  of  Sandy  Uook  and  the  Narrows,  Long  Island  Sound 
tnd  the  East  River,  and  across  Long  Island.  To  guard  against  invasion  by  either  one  of  these  approaches,  and  to  l.'o 
prepared  at  all  points,  old  fortifications,  built  during  the  Revolution,  or  when  war  witli  France  seemed  inevitable  In  ITI S 
and  1791),  were  strengthened  and  new  ones  were  erected.  The  commanding  situations  near  the  dangerous  passage  In 
the  East  SIvcr  known  as  Hell  Gate,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Hurlem  River,  were  occupied  by  batteries,  some  of  which  were 
oovcred  by  towers.  The  heights  overlooking  Harlem  Plains,  and  those  around  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island,  were  also 
covered  with  military  works,  within  which  necessary  magazines  and  barracks  were  erected.  The  jjosltlon  of  these  va- 
rious works,  and  those  around  and  In  the  harbor  of  New  York,  may  be  seen  at  a  glance  by  reference  to  the  map  ou  the 
uext  page. 

In  the  rear  of  Brooklyn  works  were  erected  which  completely  Isolated  the  town.  On  the  high  ground  overlooking 
the  Wttllabout  and  the  navy  yard  was  Fort  Greene,  mounting  twenty-three  heavy  cannon,  and  between  it  and  Oowauua 
Creek,  which  ran  through  a  low  morass,  Kcdoubts  ('niniiiin;;s  and  MiisDnic,  WaHliiii^itoii  HiUtcry  and  Fort  Firemen  were 
erected.     These    were 

united  by  lines  of  In-  ■■:^''l^^'-^^BillllgBilUtSE)^KaitiiiiiiUMltllt8iS^-  ta 

trcndnnents.  In  each 
of  these  redoubts,  as 
well  as  nt  the  salient 
nnijlcs  of  the  lutrench- 
meuts,  twelve -pound- 
ers were  placed.  The 
intervals  between  them 
did  not  exceed  half 
grape-shot  distance  of 
^nns  of  that  capacity. 
On  a  email  eminence  ou 
the  margin  of  Gownuus 


-JfeijtubO 


TOWKK  AT  IIAl.Lr.TTS  POINT. 


rOBT   STEVENS   AND    MILL   BOCK.' 

Creek,  on  the  right  flank  of  these  lines,  was  a  little  redonbt,  op-  in  the  rear,  cal- 
culated for  three  heavy  guns,  to  defend  the  ralll-dam  and  bridge.  On  a  com- 
manding conical  hill  forming  a  part  of  Brooklyn  Heights,  and  nearly  on  the  site 
of  Port  Stirling  of  the  Revolution,  was  a  strong  redoubt  called  Fort  Swift ;  and 
another,  named  Fort  Lawrence,  was  constrncted  at  the  southwestern  extremity 
of  the  heights,  and  overlooking  Gowanue  Bay  and  Governor's  Island. 

On  Hnllett's  Point,  Long  Island,  near  Hell  Gate,  was  quite  an  extensive  work 
called  Port  Stevens,  In  honor  of  General  Ebenezer  Stevens,  who  had  been  In 
command  of  the  troops  In  and  around  New  York.  On  Lawrence's  IIIII,  In  the 
rear,  and  commanding  an  extensive  view,  was  a  tower.  In  front  of  It,  In  the 
middle  of  the  East  River,  at  the  month  of  the  Oarlcm  River,  stood  (and  yet 
stands)  Mill  Rock.  On  this  a  very  strong  block-house  and  a  powerful  battery 
were  erected.  On  the  shore  of  York  I:«land,  opposite,  at  a  place  Icnown  as  Rhine- 
lander's  Point  (Horn's  Hook  In  the  Revolution),  not  far  above  the  present  Asto- 


Mi:!' 


ii-\-\ 


'  This  Is  a  view  from  the  tower  ou  La\vrence'8  Hill,  back  of  Fort  Stevens,  at  d  looking  up  the  Hnrlem  River.  Directly 
over  tbe  fort  is  seen  the  block-bouse  on  Mill  Rock.  Over  the  island  on  the  left  is  seen  Rbiuelauder's  Point.  At  the 
extreme  right  Is  Hell  Gate. 


m 


ii 


mij 


I  i 


U72 


PICTOKIAL    FIELD-HOOK 


,(' 


1-  t 


jtii  Ul:  ■   ■   ,  f     I 


Fiirtldcatloni  aroaml  New  Yurk. 


subject  of  harbor  defenses  had  occupied  much  of  the  public  attention  in  sea-coast 

rla  Ferry,  wag  a  redoubt  to  cover  the  Hell  Gate  passage.  These  works,  in  the  aggregate,  were  of  sufficient  capacity  to 
mount  thirty  large  cannon,  beside,  mortars,  so  arranged  that  half  of  them  might  be  concentrated  at  one  time  upon  nny 
object  in  the  river.  At  Benson's,  nearly  on  a  line  with  the  present  Second  Avenue,  was  a  redoubt  to  guard  a  mill-aam 
and  fording-place  on  the  Harlem  Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Harlem  Hiver  near  by.  Intrenchments  extended  bad 
to  another  short  creek,  where  they  were  flanked  by  a  battery.  At  the  head  of  Harlem  Creek  commenced  a  pnrnpct  anil 
ditch,  running  to  Fort  Clinton  (delineated  on  the  next  page),  which  was  situated  on  an  elevated  rock  at  M'Gownn'i' 


OF   TUli   WAK   OF    1812. 


078 


IK  HOUSC 


ttention  in  sea-coast 

■were  of  sufficient  capacity  to 
itrated  at  one  time  upon  nny 
redoubt  to  gnard  a  miU-dara 

—atrenchmentB  extended  back 
ek  commenced  a  pnrnpct  and 
elevated  rock  at  M'Gowan'f 


Ooueral  Swlft'a  HaporL 


towns,  oipccially  in  tlio  fast-f?rowing  conimorcifti  city  of  Ncv,  Yurk.    Among  tlio  scl- 

Piiiia,  now  called  Moimt  Ht. 
Viiii'uiit,  III  tliv  niirtlieiintttrn 
|iurt»rili<!('eii<i'<il  I'lirk.  tim- 
Mt'clcil  Willi  Kort  C'liiitiin,  ami 
oxii'iiilliiK  like  n  l)ridi;e  over 
M'Uiiwiiirii  I'ujia,  wore  a  lilock- 
liDiiHi!  and  Niittor'a  llattvry  (u 
•ki'toh  of  wlilcli  U  ;{iv(<n  on 
the  foliowiiiK  paijfl),  the  whole 
jnliK'il  to  and  coiiimaniluil  liy 
Fort  FIhIi  (a  vi«w  of  l\w  lii>i>- 
rliir  of  wlilcli,  with  lliirli m  In 
the  diHtancc,  will  aUo  be  r<iniiil 
on  the  following  pn^'e),  on  an- 
other cniincncu  wi'Htward  of 
the  paHR,  on  which  llvu  heavy 
cannon  were  piiintert.  Thin 
pane,  on  the  old  KliiK"l)rld,.-i' 
Road  (between  the  prcHoni 
Fifth  and  Hixth  AvenneH  nmi 
One  Hundred  and  Fifth  and 
Une  Ilnndred  and  Kif;lilh 
Htreeti<)i  was  a  very  Important 
point,  and  (;rcat  cffortu  were 
used  tu  make  It  a  Tliermopylog 


BUCK   AM)    IIH    M'UIU'K^VTIONH. 


rOBT  CLINTON  AT  M'QOWAN'b  PAPH. 


ward  the  Earl  of  Dev- 
on), was  a  Btronp  «tone 
tower  (see  picture  on 
pni?e  976)  which  com- 
manded Mnnhattnn- 
ville,  and  from  which 
was  a  fine  view  of  the 
Paiifodes  of  the  Ilud- 
xtn,  and  of  the  river  al- 
most to  the  II!;»hlands. 
Such  were  the  fortiflca- 
tlons  described  In  Gen- 
eral Swift's  report,*  at 
the  conclneion  of  which 
he  raid ; 

"The  worka  compre- 
hended In  the  foregoing 


to  any  foe  that  might  attempt  to  go 
throHKh. 

Immediately  woBt  of  Fort  Fish,  and 
at  the  foot  of  tlie  worke,  wn»  a  deep, 
ronph,  wondod  valley,  whiili  Is  now 
within  the  Coiitral  Park,  and  jirc- 
Hcrvod  In  all  Its  original  riideness. 
On  the  opposite  side  of  this  valley 
was  a  raiife  of  wooded  and  rocky 
heights,  of  difllcuit  ascent  excepting 
In  one  place,  and  there  for  only  the 
lightest  troops.  On  these  heights, 
extending  to  Mnnliattanvilie,  several 
block -houses  were  erected,  mostly 
of  Btonc,  within  supporting  distance 
from  each  other.  These  extended 
from  near  SrOowan's  Pass  almost 
to  the  Bioomingdale  Road.  The 
one  nearest  that  road,  and  overlook- 
ing Manhnttanviiie,  was  called  Fort 
Luiglit.  All  of  them  had  heavy  guns 
mounted  en  barMte,  that  Is,  on  the 
top,  without  embrasures. 

From  Fort  Lalglit  ran  a  line  of  in- 
trenchments  wcstwardly  across  the 
Bioomingdale  Road,  which  ended  on 
the  high,  precipitous  bank  of  the 
Hudson.  Here,  near  the  tlien  resi- 
dence of  Viscount  Courtenay  (after- 


FOBT  CLINTON   AND  UABLKM   CREEK. 


'  General  Swift's  aid-de-camp.  Lieutenant  Oadsden,  of  the  United  States  Engineers,  superintended  the  erection  of  the 
works  at  Brooklyn,  assisted  by  Messrs.  Nlcholls  and  Merceln.  Ma.lor  Horn  snperlntended  those  In  the  vicinity  of  Har- 
lem. The  snrveys,  maps,  and  small  views  presented  in  the  report  were  flirnlshed  by  Captain  (late  Professor  In  Colum- 
bia College,  New  York)  Renwlck,  of  General  Mapes's  brigade,  aided  by  Lieutenants  Oadsden,  Craig,  Turner,  De  Russy, 
Kemble,  and  Oothont.    The  larger  views  were  drawn  by  Mr.  Holland, 


W 


i  j; 


■B 


974 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


r'i 


m.. 


m 


I  mm 


i 

\i 

:  ii' 

j;  .1.'  -r:  tli.S,       .     .    i 


Fortifications  arotind  NcwYorlc. 


A  proposed  Revolving  Batter)-. 


entific  men  of  that  clay,  John  Stevens  and  Robert  Fulton  appear  most  conspicuous  in 
proposing  plans  for  that  pui-pose.  Earlier  than  this  (in  1807),  Abraham  Blood'food 
of  Albany,  suggested  the  construction  of  a  floating  revolving  battery,  not  unlike  in 
its  essential  character,  the  tuiret  of  Captain  Ericsson's  Monitor  of  1802.'     In  March 

description  liave  been  chiefly  con- 
structed by  the  labor  of  the  citizens 
of  tbe  city  of  New  Yorlc,  Lon;,'  Isl- 
and, and  of  the  neighboring  towns 
near  the  North  River,  and  iu  Xew 
Jersey,  all  claeses  volunteering  daily 
working-parties  of  from  five  to  flf- 
teen  hundred  men.  The  fortifica- 
tions are  testimonials  of  patriotic 
zeal,  honorable  to  the  citizens  anfi 
to  the  active  and  assiduous  Commit- 
tee of  Defense." 

Besides  these  works  there  were 
old  Fort  George,  at  the  foot  of  Broad- 
way ;  the  North  Battery  (given  be- 
low), at  the  foot  of  llubert  Street; 
and  a  partly  finished  work  near  the 
foc't  of  the  present  Twenty -third 
Street,  called  Fort  Ganscvoort.  At 
Princes  Bay,  Staten  Island,  a  towc?r 
was  erected  to  command  the  oniv 
secure  auchorago  for  the  shipping 
and  safe  landing-place  of  a  foe.  For- 
tifications were  commenced  on  the 

WOBKS  AT  m'OOVAn's  PASS. 

Staten  Island  Shore  at  the  Narrows,  and  near  there  a  brigade 
of  two  thousand  militia  from  the  Hudson  River  counties  were 
stationed  from  August  to  December,  1S14.  On  Governor's  Isl- 
and, very  near  the  city,  were  Forts  Jay  and  Castle  Williams.  Of 
all  these  works  only  those  on  Governor's  Island  remain,  ex- 
cepting one  of  the  block-honses  near  M'Gowan's  Pass,  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  Central  Park,  between  Seventh  and  Eighth 
Avenues,  at  One  Hundred  and  Fifth  Street,  overlooking  Har- 
lem Plains.  Its  massive  walls  are  well  preserved,  as  may  be 
seen  from  the  drawing  of  it  given  on  page  976.  The  mounds 
of  Forts  Fish  and  Clinton,  at  M'Gowan's  Pass,  were  also  well 
preserved  as  late  as  ISOO,  when,  from  the  north,  they  presented 
thi.  appearance  given  in  the  engraving  on  the  opposite  page.  nouth  battery. 


yiKW  FBOM  roRT  Ftsn,  looking  toward  uablku. 

>  In  a  volume  containing  the  proceedings  of  the  Sneietji/nr  the  Promotion  nf  Vne/vl  A  rt»  in  the  fitate  of  AVie  Tori;  pnl>- 
llshed  at  Albany  in  ISOT,  is  th?  following  account  of  Mr.  Bloodgooi.  s  plan,  reference  being  had  to  nccompanyini:  diaw 
ings:  "The  model  of  this  battery  was  exhibited  to  the  society  with  a  verbal  description  only.  The  annexed  plalc 
shows  an  exact  profile  of  its  body,  the  shape  of  which,  as  seen  above,  is  circular.  It  Is  to  be  connected  at  the  centre  of 
its  bottom  with  a  strong  keel,  in  such  a  manner  that,  while  the  keel  is  held  by  cables  and  anchors  in  one  position,  Ihi 
batterri  U  made  to  turn  ronnri  on  tts  centre.  This  motion  may  be  given  to  it  either  by  tlie  tide  acting  on  float-boards  at- 
tached to  the  body  of  the  battery,  by  sails  raised  ou  its  exterior  parts,  or  by  manual  application.   In  this  last  way  it  may 


upoeed  Hevolving  Baitery. 

lost  conspicuous  in 
irahain  Bloodgood, 
;tery,  not  unlike,  in 
ri862.>     In  March, 

m  have  been  chiefly  con- 
by  the  labor  of  the  citizens 
ly  of  New  York,  Loii;,'  M- 
of  the  neighboring  towns 
North  River,  and  in  Xew 
II  classes  volunteering  daily 
parties  of  from  five  to  flf- 
idrcd  men.  The  fortiftcii- 
!  testimonials  of  patriotic 
orable  to  the  citizens  anc! 
live  and  assiduous  Commit- 
fense." 

B  these  works  there  were 
Seorge,  at  the  foot  of  Broad- 
3  North  Battery  (given  Ije- 
the  foot  of  Uubert  Street; 
rtly  finished  work  near  ilie 
the  present  Twenty  -  third 
ailed  Fort  Gansevoort.  At 
Bay,  Staten  Island,  a  towor 
:ted  to  command  the  only 
inchorage  for  the  shipping 
landing-place  of  a  foe.  For- 
18  were  commenced  on  the 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   18  12. 


975 


i\ 


Description  of  proposed  Itevolving  Battery. 


A  proposed  Iron-clad  Vessel. 


Remains  of  a  Block-house. 


1814.  Thomas  Gregg,  of  Pennsylvania,  obtained  a  patent  for  a  proposed  iron-clad 

be  effected  by  men  in  the  hold 
liriiwing  on  a  lever  fastened  to  a 
po!<t  flxed  to  the  keel  and  rising 
through  a  well-hole  in  the  centre 
of  the  battery.  The  strength  of 
horses  might  perhaps  be  applied 
to  the  same  purpose.  The  cablta 
))T  which  the  keel  is  held  are  to 
Je  entirely  under  water,  and  thus 
secure  from  an  enemy's  shot. 
The  advantages  of  such  a  battery 
would  be  — 1.  Ita  rotary  motion 
would  oiing  all  its  cannon  to  bear 
successively,  as  fast  as  they  could 
be  loaded,  on  objects  in  any  direc- 
tion, ii.  Its  circular  form  would 
cause  every  shot  that  might  strike 
it  not  near  the  centre  to  glance. 
3.  Its  motion,  as  well  as  its  want 
of  piirts  on  which  grapplings 
mijs'ht  be  fastened,  would  rendn- 
boarding  almost  impossible.  4. 
The  steadiness  with  whica  it 
wu\ild  lie  on  the  water  would  ren- 
der ii8  fire  more  certain  than  that 
of  a  ship.  6.  The  guns  would  be 
more  easily  worked  than  is  com- 
mon, as  they  would  not  require 
any  lateral  movement.    C.  The  cornTENAv's  and  tiik  utrusoN  towkb.' 


thr  State  (^Xeto  YnrV,  pnli- 
nd  to  nccompanyini;  diaw 
only.  The  annexed  pink 
connected  at  the  ceiitro  of 
irhors  in  one  position,  Ik 
acting  on  float-hoards  at- 
In  this  last  way  It  tuuy 


!1    II    i 


BEMAINH  OF   ULOOX-UOl'SE   OVEBLOOKLNO    UAUr.EM    I'l.AINB    IM    ISCO.t 


men  would  bo  completely  sheltered  from  the  Are  of  the 
1  l{?ntod  parts  of  an  enemy's  ship.  7.  The  battery  might 
Iki  made  so  strong  ae  to  be  impenr  trable  to  common  shot. 


■  Th''  house  in  which  Vlncount  Oonrtenay,  son  of  the 
Eiirl  of  Devon,  lived  was  bnllt  by  the  elder  Doctor  Post, 
cf  Now  York,  and  named  Clennont.  There  .Joseph  Boua- 
pnrtf  resided  for  a  while.  It  Is  now  (ISfiT)  kno«ii  as 
Iiinoa's  Ci.iremont  Hotel,  and  Is  a  place  of  great  resort  In 
lliic  weather  for  pleasure-seeker  .  who  frequent  the  Blooni- 
iiiLMiale  and  Kiiigsbridgc  Road.s  The  appearance  of  the 
man.«ion  has  been  entirely  changed  by  ndditiims. 

t  This  sketch  shows  the  character  of  the  rocky  heights 
nil  which  the  line  of  hlock-houseg  was  built.  In  the  dis- 
tance is  seen  the  "High  Bridge,"  or  Croton  Aqueduct, 
iwr  Harlem  River.  The  w.iIIh  of  the  bloek-liouse  arc 
i«elve  or  fifteen  feet  In  height,  and  four  feet  in  tbick- 
nc<«. 

.  )  'Hic  remains  of  Fort  Clinton  nre  seen  on  the  left. 


H'aOWAJt'a  I'ABH  l.N    ItMXi.t 


1.  ii 


ill 


I .: 


H: 


976 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Iron-clad  Gan-boat. 


A  Floating  Battery  authorized  by  Congress. 


Launch  of  the  Battery. 


Steam  vessel  of  war,  resembling  in  figure  vessels  used  during  our  late  great  Civil 
War.  Drawings  of  it  may  be  seen  in  the  Patent-office,  with  full  specifications.' 
Our  little  sketch  below  was  copied  from  one  of  these  drawings. 

At  about  the  same  time  a  committee  of  citizens  examined  a  plan  of  a  floatino'  bat- 
tery  submitted  by  Robert  Fulton,  and  approved  by  such  tried  naval  officers  as  Cui)- 
tains  Decatur,  Jones,  Evans,  Biddle,  Perry,  Warrington,  and  Lewis.  It  was  to  bo  in 
tlie  form  of  a  steam-ship  of  peculiar  construction,  that  might  move  at  the  rate  of  four 
miles  an  hour,  and  furnished,  in  addition  to  its  regular  armament,  with  subniaiine 
guns.  Tlie  committee  memorialized  Congress  on  the  subject,  and  asked  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Navy  to  give  it  his  official  favor.  It  was  objected  that  a  discussion  in 
Congress  would  reveal  the  matter  to  the  enemy,  and  also  that  the  President  was  not 
authorized  to  make  an  appropriation  without  the  special  authority  of  law.  To  meet 
these  objections,  the  committee  agreed  to  have  the  vessel  constructed  at  their  own 
expense  and  risk,  provided  assurances  should  be  given  that  the  government,  which 
alone  could  employ  her,  would  receive  and  pay  for  her  when  her  utility  should  be 
demonstrated.  It  was  estimated  that  she  would  cost  nearly  as  much  as  a  first-class 
frigate,  or  about  three  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars.  Tlie  liberal  offer  was 
•  March,  accepted,  and  Congress  authorized  the  President"  to  liave  one  or  more  float- 
ing batteries  built,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Coast  and  Harbor  Defense 

Committee.^  They  appointeil 
Mr.  Fulton  the  engineer,  and 
Adam  and  Noah  Brown  the 
architects.  The  keel  was  laid 
at  the  ship-yard  at  Corlcar's 
Hook,  in  tlie  city  of  Now  Yoik, 
on  the  20th  of  June,  1814,  and 
she  was  launched  at  9  o'clock 
in  the  morning  of  the  29th  of  October  following,  in  the  presence  of  a  vast  assemlda^'c 


1814. 


^^d 


l^/^ 


•.■.*^'~.. 


of  people.  The  scene  was  described  as  vei-y  exciting.  It  was  a  bright  autumnal 
day.  Fleets  of  vessels  and  crowds  of  spectators  might  be  seen  on  every  hand ;  and 
she  went  into  the  water  amid  the  roar  of  cannon  and  the  shouts  of  a  multitude  full 
twenty  thousand  in  number.'     Her  engines  were  put  on  board,  and  her  machinciy 


'  The  foliowing  is  a  portion  of  the  specifl- 
cation : 

"The  l)08t  is  framed  on  an  angle  of  nbont 
eighteen  degrees  all  round  the  vessel,  when 
the  top  timbers  elevate  the  balls,  and  the 
lower  ones  direct  them  under  her.  The  top 
deck,  which  glances  the  ball,  may  be  hung 
on  a  muss  of  hinges  near  the  ports.  Said 
deck  is  supi)orted  by  knees  and  croes-tlmbers 
on  the  lower  Hide?,  so  that  it  may  be  sprung 
with  powder,  if  required  (when  boarded  by 
the  enemy),  to  a  iM-.rpendicnlar,  when  the  said 
deck  will  be  checked  by  stays,  while  the  pow- 
er of  powder  will  be  exhausted  in  the  open 
air,  and  then  fall  or  spring  to  the  centre  of 
the  deck  again.  The  aforesaid  deck  will  run 
up  and  down  with  the  angle,  which  may  be 
coppered  or  laid  with  iron.    The  gun-deck 


IROM-OLAU   TKUSKL    IN    1814. 


may  be  bored  at  pleasure,  to  give  room,  if  required,  as  the  men  and  guns  are  under  said  deck.  The  power  is  apiilicd 
between  her  keels,  where  there  is  a  concave  formed  to  receive  them  from  the  bow  to  the  stern,  except  n  small  distHiicc 
ill  each  end,  forming  an  eddy.  The  power  may  be  reversed  to  propel  her  cither  way.  Said  power  is  connected  lo  ni)- 
right  levers  to  make  horizontal  strokes  alternately.  The  elevation  of  her  timbers  and  gearing  will  be  proportioned  by 
her  keel  and  tonnage." 

'  That  committee  consisted  of  General  Dearborn,  then  commanding  the  district,  Colonel  Henry  Rutgers,  Oliver  Wol- 
cott,  Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  and  Thomas  Morris. 

'  The  New  York  Eveniiu)  Pout  published  an  account  of  the  launching  of  r 
dimensions  and  capacity  for  armament :  "  She  measures  one  hundred  aid 
breadth  of  beam,  draws  only  oi^xht  feet  of  water,  mounts  thirty  82-pound  "' 
drod  pounds  each.    She  is  to  bn  commanded  by  Captain  Porter."   It  may  b( 


vessel,  and  gave  the  following  as  her 

£y-five  feet  on  deck,  and  flfly-flve  foot 

ies,  and  two  coliimhlnds  of  one  liuti- 

cha'.  it  was  a  structure  resting  upon 


two  boats  and  keels,  separated  from  end  to  end  by  a  channel  flftceu  feet  wide  .luu  sixty-six  feet  long.    One  boat  ciiu- 


I     'l\ 


Launch  of  the  Battery, 


OF   THK  WAR   OF   18  12. 


977 


gteam-Bhip  or  Floating  Battery,  Fulton  the  First. 


Extravagant  Stories  concerning  her. 


•  1816. 


tested,  in  the  month  of  ^<l^.y  foHowing,*  when  Fulton  was  no  more,  he  having 
(lied  in  February.'  She  made  a  trial  trip  to  the  ocean  and  back,  fifty-tltree 
miles,  on  tho  4th  of  July,  at  the  rate  of  about  six  miles  an  hour  by  her  engines  alone. 
In  September  she  made  another  voyage  to  the  sea,  with  her  whole  armament  on 
board,  at  the  rate  of  live  and  a  half  miles  an  hour  against  wind  and  tide.  The  vessel 
was  named  Fulton,  the  First. 

At  the  close  of  1814  active  war  had  ceased  in  the  Northern  States.  Its  chief  thea- 
tre of  operations  was  in  Louisiana  and  on  the  ocean,  to  which  we  will  now  turn  our 
attention. 

Uined  the  boiler  for  generating  Bteam,  which  was  made  of  copper.  The  machinery  occupied  fhe  other  boat.  The  wa- 
ter-wheel (A)  revolved  in  the  space  between  them.  The  main  or  gnu-deck  supported  tho  ar- 
mament, and  was  protected  by  a  parapet  four  feet  ten  inches  thick,  of  solid  timber,  pierced  by 
embrasures.  Through  twenty-flve  port-holes  were  as  many  SU-pounders,  Intended  to  lire  red-hot 
shot,  which  could  be  heated  with  great  safety  and  convenience.  Her  upper,  or  spar-deck,  upon 
which  many  hundred  men  might  parade,  was  encompassed  with  a  bulwark,  for  safety.  She  was 
rigged  with  two  stout  masts,  each  of  which  supported  a  large  lateen  yard  and  sails.  She  hud  two 
bowsprits  and  jibs,  and  four  rudders,  one  at  each  extremity  of  each  boat,  so  that  she  might  be 
steered  with  either  end  foremost.  Her  machinery  was  calculated  for  an  additional  engine, 
which  might  discharge  an  immense  column  of  water,  which  it  was  intended  to  throw  upon  the 
deckj  and  through  the  port-holes  of  an  enemy,  and  thereby  deluge  her  armament  and  ammu- 
nitlon.— See  Colden's  Li/e  of  Robert  Fulton,  page  229. 

The  most  extravagant  stories  concerning  this  monster  of  the  deep  went  forth  at  abont  the 
time  of  her  being  launclfcd.  In  a  treatise  on  steam-vessels,  published  in  Scotland  soon  after- 
ward, the  author  said :  "  Her  length  is  300  feet ;  breadth.  200  feet ;  thickness  of  her  sides,  13 
feet,  of  alternate  oak  plank  and  corkwood :  carries  44  guns,  four  of  which  are  100-pounders  ;  can 
discharge  100  gallons  of  boiling  water  In  a  few  minutes,  and  by  mechanics  Ijrandlshes  300  cutlasses  with  the  utmost 
regularity  over  her  gunwales ;  works,  also,  an  equal  number  of  pikes  of  great  length,  darting  them  from  her  sides  with 
prodi"ioU8  force,  and  withdrawing  them  every  quarter  of  a  minute."  '  See  page  242. 

3Q 


bEOIION   OF  TUP.  KLOAT- 
INO   UATTERV. 


i  ! 


Inenry  Rutgers,  Oliver  Wol- 


rULTUM  TUE  FIB6T, 


h 


i 


!    i 


ij 


m  mm 


M 

'•  1 

H 

■■•■ ' 
1 

w 

IE 

i 

I 

978 


PICTOKIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


New  yessels  for  tbe  American  Navy. 


The  Adams  runs  tbe  Blockade. 


Her  Escape  from  Danger. 


CHAPTER  XLL 

"We  had  sailed  ont  a  letter  of  marque, 

Fourteen  guns  and  forty-five  men, 
»  And  a  costly  freight  our  gallant  barque 

Was  bearing  home  again. 
We  had  ranged  the  seas  the  whole  summer  tide, 

Crossed  the  main  and  returned  once  more ; 
And  our  sails  were  spread,  and  from  the  mast-head 

The  look-out  saw  the  distant  shore. 
A  sail  1  a  sail  on  our  weather-bow  1 

Hand  over  hand  ten  knots  nn  hour ; 
Now  God  defend  it  ever  should  end 

That  we  should  fall  in  the  foeman's  power."'— Caeoline  P.  Obne. 

fUR  story  of  the  operations  of  the  American  Navy  during  the  year  1813 
closed  with  the  cruise  of  the  Pr^ident,  imder  Commodore  Rodgeis, 
and  her  bold  dash  through  the  British  blockading  squadron  off  Sandy 
Hook  into  the  harbor  of  New  ifork,  at  the  middle  of  February,  1814, 
when  the  broad  pennant  of  Commodore  Decatur  was  unfurled  over 
her  deck. 

The  Guerriere,  44,  the  first  frigate  built  by  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment on  the  sea-board  since  1804,  was  launched  at  Philadelphia  on 
the  20th  of  June,  1814,  in  the  presence  of  fifty  thousand  persons,  and 
was  placed  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Rodgers.  On  the  20tli 
of  July,  the  Independence,  74,  was  launched  at  Charlestown,  amid  the  roar  of  cannon 
and  the  shouts  of  a  great  multitude.  She  was  placed  in  charge  of  Commodore  Bain- 
bridge.  The  Ind^endence  was  a  two-decker,  the  first  that  had  ever  been  built  for 
the  service  of  the  United  States. '^  The  keels  of  two  others  were  laid,  but  they  were 
not  put  afloat  until  the  war  had  ceased.  The  Java,  44,  was  launched  at  Baltimore 
on  the  1st  of  August,  while  twenty  thousand  people  were  looking  on.  She  was  placed 
under  the  command  of  Commodore  Perry.  Several  new  sloops  of  war  were  made 
ready  for  sea  during  the  summer  of  1814 ;  and  the  Adams,  28,  had  been  cut  down  to 
a  sloop  and  lengthened  the  previous  autumn  at  Washington,  and  armed  with  the 
same  number  of  guns,  but  on  a  single  deck. 

On  the  night  of  the  18th  of  January,  1814,  the  Adams,  Ca^ioXn  Charles  Morris, 
passed  the  blockading  squadron  in  Lynnhaven  Bay,  put  to  sea,  and  ran  off  to  the 
northeast  to  cross  the  track  of  the  British  West  India  merchantmen.  She  made  a 
few  prizes.  On  the  25th  of  March  she  captured  the  Indiaman  Woodbridge,  and,  while 
taking  possession  of  her,  observed  twenty-five  merchant  vessels,  with  two  ships  of 
war,  bearing  down  upon  her  with  a  fair  wind.  Morris  abandoned  his  prize,  and  gave 
the  Adams  wings  for  flight  from  danger.  She  escaped,  sailed  down  the  coast,  and 
entered  the  harbor  of  Savannah  for  supplies  in  the  month  of  April.  On  the  5tli  of 
May  she  sailed  for  the  Manilla  Reef  to  watch  for  the  Jamaica  convoy.  The  fleet 
passed  her  in  the  night.  She  gave  chase  in  the  morning,  gained  uji  ii  the  fugitive?, 
but  was  kept  at  bay  by  two  vessels  of  war. 

The  Adams  now  stood  to  the  northward,  and  on  the  3d  of  July  was  off  the  Irisli 
coast,  where  she  was  chased  by  British  frigates  at  different  times,  but  always  escaped. 

'  Prom  a  spirited  poem,  'n  manuscript,  written  by  Miss  Orne,  of  Cambridge,  Massnchnsetts,  entitled  "The  Letter  of 
Marque." 
9  The  America,  of  the  same  class,  was  presented  to  the  French  government  while  she  was  yet  on  the  stocks. 


Her  Escape  from  Danger, 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


979 


Destruction  of  the  Adama. 


Cmlse  of  the  Wanp. 


She  carv^ares  the  Reindeer. 


The  weather  was  cold,  damp,  and  foggy  for  nearly  two  months,  because  the  ocean 
was  dotted  with  icebergs  floating  down  from  circumpolar  waters.  Her  crew  sick- 
ened, and  Captain  Morris  determined  to 
go  into  port.  He  entered  the  Penobscot 
liiver,  in  a  somewhat  disabled  condition, 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  17th  of  AugiSt, 
and  made  his  way  with  the  Adams  to 
Hampden,  far  up  the  river,  where  he  was 
soon  afterward  compelled  to  destroy  his 
vessel  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  British,  as  we  have  already  ob- 
served.' 

Captain  Johnston  Blakeley  left  the  har- 
bor of  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire,  on 
the  1st  of  May,  1814,  in  command  of  the 
new  sloop-of-war  Wasp,  18,  and  soon  ap- 
peared in  the  chops  of  the  British  Chan- 
nel. There  he  spread  terror  among  the 
merchant  ships  and  the  people  of  the  sea- 
port towns,  and  revived  painful  recollec- 
tions of  the  exploits  of  the  Argus."^  On 
the  morning  of  the  28th  of  June,  Avhile 
some  distance  at  sea,  the  Wasp  was  chased 
by  two  vessels.  These  were  joined  by  a 
third  at  ten  o'clock,  when  the  foremost 
one  showed  English  colors.  After  a  good 
(leal  of  manoeuvring  until  a  little  past  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  foe 
was  within  sixty  yards  of  the  Wasp  and  on  her  weather-quarter,  the  former  opened 
fire  with  a  12-pound  carronade,  and  gave  four  heavy  discharges  of  round  and  grape 
shot  before  her  antagonist  could  bring  one  of  her  guns  to  bear.  At  about  half  past 
three  the  Wasp  opened  fire,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  action  became  very  severe. 
Several  times  the  men  of  the  stranger  attempted  to  board  the  Wasp,  but  were  re- 
pulsed. Her  crew  finally  boarded  the  stranger,  and  at  the  end  of  twenty-eight  min- 
utes after  the  combat  commenced  the  latter  was  a  prize  to  the  Wasp.  The  van- 
quished vessel  was  the  British  sloop-of-war  Meindeer,  Captain  William  Manners.  She 
was  terribly  shattered.  Her  people  had  fought  bravely,  and  her  captain  and  purser 
(Barton),  and  twenty-three  others,  were  killed,  and  forty-two  were  wounded.  The 
Wasp  was  hulled  six  times,  but  was  not  very  seriously  damaged.  Her  loss  was  five 
men  killed  and  twenty-two  wounded.  She  was  every  Avay  the  superior  of  the  Eein- 
deer.  She  was  new,  mounted  twenty  32-pound  carronades  and  two  long  guns,  and 
her  complement  was  one  hundred  and  seventy-three  men.  That  of  the  Jiei7ideer  was 
only  one  hundred  and  eighteen.  Blakeley  put  some  of  his  wounded  prisoners  on  a 
neutral  vessel,  and  with  the  remainder  sailed  for  L'Orient,  where  he  arrived  on  the 
8th  of  July.  He  had  burned  the  wrecked  Reindeer.  For  his  gallant  conduct  on  this 
occasion  Congress  voted  him  a  gold  medal.^ 

Blakeley  left  L'Orient  on  another  cruise  '  *\\c  Wasp  on  the  27th  of  August.  On 
the  evening  of  the  Ist  of  September  he  disco  v^ered  four  sail  ahead,  two  on  the  lar- 
board and  two  on  the  starboard  bow  of  the  Wasp.  He  bore  down  upon  them,  and 
at  almost  half  past  nine  in  the  evening  he  was  so  near  one  of  them  that  he  opened 

'  See  page  899.  '  See  page  716. 

'  On  one  side  of  the  medal  Is  a  bmt  of  Captain  Blakeley  In  profile,  with  the  words  aronnd  It  "  johnston  iimkelev 
««ir.  F.KD.  AM.  WAV.  WABP  vivx."    On  the  other  side  1b  represented  a  naval  action,  with  the  legend  "  khmi  I  bib  tio- 

TOB.  TATBIA  TUA  TB  LVQXT  rLAlTOITO."     BelOW,  "  INTKB  WABP  NAV.  AMKBI.    KT  BEINDEEB  NAV.  AMQ.      DIE  XXTIII.  JUNItB 
HBOOOXIT." 


1    I 

h 


980 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Combat  between  the  tt'aup  and  Avon.  Loss  uf  the  Waup  aud  all  un  buard.  Blakeley  and  Warriugtoi 


M 


'  i 


1 

1 

i 

i 

l:t 


ill        !> 


IILAKELGY  8  MEDAL. 


fire  upon  her  with  a  12-pound  carronade.  The  shot  was  promptly  returned.  Tlie 
night  was  intensely  dark,  the  wind  was  blowing  freshly,  and  the  vessels  were  run- 
ning at  the  rate  of  ten  knots  an  hour.  After  the  exchange  of  shots,  the  commanders 
of  both  vessels  hailed ;  and  soon  afterward  the  Wasp  opened  a  broadside  upon  her 
antagonist.  A  severe  engagement  ensued.  Thirty  minutes  later  the  fire  of  the 
stranger  ceased.  "  Have  you  surrendered  ?"  inquired  Blakeley.  He  was  answered 
by  a  few  shots,  when  he  gave  his  foe  another  broadside,  followed  by  the  same  ques- 
tion. It  was  answered  in  the  affirmative,  when  a  boat  was  lowered  from  the  Wasj), 
with  an  officer  to  take  possession  of  the  prize.  Just  then  another  vessel  appeared 
astern,  rapidly  approaching ;  then  another,  and  another.  Blakeley  felt  compelled  to 
abandon  his  prize,  so  nearly  in  his  possession.  He  could  not  ascertain  the  name  or 
power  of  his  antagonist,  but  believed  her  to  be  one  of  the  largest  brigs  in  the  British 
Navy.  It  was  afterward  ascertained  that  it  was  the  Avon,  1 8,  Captain  Arbuthnot, 
and  that  the  vessel  that  first  came  to  her  aid  was  the  Gastilian,  18.  The  Avon  was 
so  much  shattered  in  the  contlict  that  she  sunk  almost  immediately.  The  survivors 
of  her  people  were  rescued  by  their  friends  in  the  other  vessels. 

The  Wasp  continued  her  cruise,  capturing  several  prizes.  Among  others,  she  took 
the  Atlanta,  nG?kr  the  Azores,  on  the  21st  of  September.  The  prize  was  so  valuahlc 
that  Blakeley  sent  her  home  in  command  of  Midshipman  (late  Commodore)  David 
Geisinger.'  She  arrived  safely  at  Savannah  on  the  4th  of  November.  On  the  9tli 
of  October  the  Wasp  was  spoken  by  the  Swedish  bark  Adonis,  making  her  way  to- 
ward the  Spanish  Main.  On  that  occasion  two  officers  of  the  Essex  (Acting  Lieuten- 
ant M'Knight  and  Master's-mate  Lyman),  who  were  passengers  in  the  Adonis,  left 
her  for  the  Wasp.  This  was  the  last  that  was  ever  heard  of  that  vessel  and  of  those 
on  board  of  her  at  that  time.  She  and  all  her  people  perished  in  some  unknown  way 
in  the  solitudes  of  the  sea.^ 

In  March,  1814,  the  Peacock,  18,  Captain  Warrington,^  sailed  on  a  cruise  from  New 

'  Commodore  Gelsluger  died  at  hU  residence  In  Philadelphia  on  Saturday,  the  10th  of  March,  1800,  at  the  aec  of  nhoiit 
seventy  years.  He  was  among  the  oldest  officers  of  the  navy.  His  commission  as  captain  was  dated  May  24, 1S3S. 
For  several  years  he  was  stationed  at  the  Naval  Asylum  in  Philadelphia. 

'  Johnston  Blakeley  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  where  he  was  born  in  the  month  of  October,  1T81.  His  father  emigrated 
to  the  United  States  with  his  family  in  1T83,  and  settled  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and  afterward  made  Wilminj;- 
ton,  in  North  Carolina,  his  home.  He  sent  Johnston,  his  only  surviving  son,  to  New  York  to  be  educated.  He  fliiishcd 
his  education  at  Chapel  Hill,  in  North  Carolina.  He  entered  the  navy  as  a  midshipman  in  the  year  1800.  He  served 
with  faitlifulness,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of  captain.  In  1814  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Wa«p,  in  which,  as 
we  have  observed  in  the  text,  he  perished  toward  the  close  of  that  year,  when  he  was  only  thirty-three  years  of  age. 

3  Lewis  Warrington  was  born  at  Williamsburg,  in  Virginia,  on  the  Sd  of  November,  1782.  He  was  educated  at  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  College  in  that  state.  He  entered  the  naval  service  as  midshipman  in  January,  1800,  and  made  hi«  flrft 
cruise  with  Captain  Barron  in  the  Chesapeake.  He  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  in  180T,  and  to  master  commandnnt  nn 
the  24th  of  July,  1813.    This  was  the  office  which  he  held,  by  commission,  when  he  started  on  the  cruise  In  the  PokocI 


lakeley  and  Warrlugtun. 


,tly  returned.  Tlic 
e  vessels  were  run- 
its,  the  commandevs 
broadside  upon  her 
,ter  the  fire  of  the 

He  was  answered 
i  by  the  same  ques- 
ered  from  the  Wasp, 
her  vessel  appeared 
ey  felt  compelled  to 
[certain  the  name  or 

brigs  in  the  Britisli 
Captain  Arbuthnot, 
The  Avon  was 


8. 


The  survivors 


ong  others,  she  took 
•ize  was  so  valuable 
Commodore)  David 
ember.  On  the  9th 
making  her  way  to- 
sea;  (Acting  Lieuten- 

in  the  Adonis,M{ 
.  vessel  and  of  those 

some  unknown  way 

a  cruise  from  New 


irch,  1800,  at  the  age  of  nbont 
tttlu  was  dated  May  24, 1S3S. 

,1781.  nisfatlicrcmit^ated 
id  afterword  made  Wilroinj.-- 
to  he  educated.  He  fiiiisti<"l 
In  the  year  isno.  He  cerved 
*nd  of  the  Wasp,  in  wh'clit »« 

thirty-three  years  of  nw- 
I.    He  was  educated  at  Wil- 
lary,  1800,  and  made  his  flrrt 
d  to  master  commandnnt  nii 

on  the  cruise  In  the /Vofwt. 


OF   THE   WAIl    OF    18  12. 


081 


Fight  between  the  Peacock  and  Epervier. 


Capture  of  the  latter. 


Her  Escape  (torn  Recapture. 


York.  She  went  down  the  coast,  and 
was  off  tlie  shores  of  Florida  for  some 
time  without  encountering  any  conspic- 
uous adventures.  Finally,  on  tlie  29th 
of  April,  Warrington  discovered  three 
sail  to  the  windward,  under  convoy  of 
an  armed  brig  of  large  dimensions.  The 
mcrcliantmen  were  an  English  brig,  and 
a  Russian  and  a  Spanish  ship.  Tlie  two 
war  vessels  made  for  each  other,  and 
very  soon  a  close  and  severe  battle  com- 
menced. The  Peacock  was  so  badly 
wounded  in  the  rigging  by  a  broadside 
from  her  antagonist,  which  proved  to  be 
the  Epervier,  1 8,  Captain  Wales,  that  she 
was  compelled  to  fight  "  running  large," 
as  the  jjhrasc  is.  She  could  not  manoeu- 
vre much,  and  the  contest  became  one 
of  gunnery.  The  Peacock  won  the  game 
at  the  end  of  forty  minutes  after  it  be- 
gan, when  the  Epervier  struck  her  col- 
ors. She  was  extensively  injured.  No 
less  than  forty-five  round  shot  had  struck 
her  hull,  and  twenty-two  of  her  men  were  slain  or  disabled.  The  hull  of  the  Pea- 
cock was  scarcely  bruised,  and  witliin  an  hour  after  the  conclusion  of  the  combat 
she  was  in  perfect  fighting  order.  Not  a  round  shot  had  touclied  her  hull,  and  not 
a  man  on  board  of  her  was  killed.     Only  two  men  were  wounded. 

The  Peacock  was  ihe  heavier  of  the  two  vessels,  fully  manned,  and  in  stanch  order. 
The  Epervier  was  also  fully  manned.  Slie  was  a  valuable  prize.  The  vessel  sold  for 
fifty-five  thousand  dollars,  and  on  board  of  her  were  found  one  hundred  and  eighteen 
thousand  dollars  in  specie.  She  was  so  rich,  and  the  waters  of  the  Southern  coast 
was  then  so  much  infested  by  British  cruiisers,  that  Warrington  determined  to  con- 
voy her  into  Savannah,  He  placed  J.  B,  Nicholson,  liis  first  lieutenant,  on  board  of 
her,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  day  of  the  capture  started  for  port.  On  the  following 
day,  when  abreast  Amelia  Island,  on  the  coast  of  Florida,  they  encountered  two  Brit- 
ish frigates.  Arrangements  were  at  once  made  to  send  the  prize  into  St.  Mary's, 
and  to  haul  to  tlie  southward  with  the  Peacock.  By  this  means  the  frigates  were 
separated,  and  the  one  in  chase  of  the  Peacock  iras  led  off  the  coast,  and  lost  sight 
of  her  intended  victim  on  the  1  st  of  September.  The  Epervier,  while  veering  along 
the  coast  toward  Savannah,  fell  in  with  the  other  frigate.  The  w\ater  was  shoal  in 
which  the  prize  vessel  ran.  The  bo.ats  of  the  frigate  were  lowered,  filled  with  armed 
men,  and  sent  in  chase  of  the  Epervier,  which  moved  slowly  before  a  very  light  wind. 
Tlie  boats  gained  upon  her,  .and  her  position  became  critical,  for  Nicholson  had  only 
sixteen  officers  and  men  with  him.  He  employed  a  stratagem  successfully.  Using 
the  trumpet,  as  if  his  vessel  was  full  of  men,  he  summoned  them,  in  a  loud  voice,  to 
prepare  to  fire  a  broadside.  Tlie  men  in  the  boats  heard  the  order,  and  fled.  Had 
they  known  the  real  state  of  affairs,  they  might  have  captured  the  Epervier  in  less 
than  five  minutes  with  little  loss.  She  escaped,  and  reached  Savannah  on  the  Ist  of 
May.    The  Peacock  entered  the  same  port  on  the  4th. 

Recanse  of  his  bi;ccps»,  i.e  was  promoted  to  captain  in  November,  1814.  He  had  served  with  distinction  under  Decatur 
snd  others.  He  was  a  very  active  and  nscfnl  ofBcer  during  the  whole  of  the  second  War  for  Independence,  and  subse- 
quently performed  much  important  service  afloat  and  ashore.  For  many  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Navy 
Commissioners ;  and  in  September,  1842,  he  was  appointed  chief  of  the  Burean  of  Ordnance  and  Hydrography,  which 
office  he  held  at  the  time  of  his  death.    That  event  occurred  at  Washington  City  on  the  12th  of  October,  1851. 


t 

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111 

982 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Baruey'i  Flotilla  In  Cheaapeake  Bay. 


It  is  blockaded. 


Bight  with  the  Blockaderi. 


Tho  capture  of  the  Epervier  produced  much  exultation  throughout  the  country. 
The  name  of  Warrington  was  upon  every  lip  in  phrases  of  honor,  and  the  CongrcHs 
of  tho  United  States  ordered  a  gold  medal  to  be  struck  and  presented  to  him  because 
of  this  exploit.' 


WABEIJIOTO.n'h  MEnAL. 

Soon  after  her  return  to  Savannah  the  Peacock  went  on  another  cruise,  and  entered 
the  Bay  of  Biscay  and  the  waters  on  the  coast  of  Portugal.  She  captured  fourteen 
merchantmen,  but  had  no  engagement  with  a  ship  of  war.  iSho  returned  to  New 
York  at  the  end  of  Octobei*. 

We  have  alluded  to  Barney's  operations  with  a  flotilla  in  the  Chesapeake  in  the 
summer  of  1814.  The  brave  and  active  veteran  left  the  Patuxent  on  the  Ist  of  June, 
with  the  Si'OTpion  as  liis  flag-ship,  two  gun-boats,  and  several  large  barges,  in  chase 
of  two  British  schooners.  By  the  vigorous  use  of  sweeps  he  was  fast  overhaulintc 
the  fugitives,  when  a  large  ship  was  se^in  at  the  southward.  The  wind  commenced 
blowing  freshly,  and  the  great  vessel,  being  to  windward,  was  seen  bearing  down  upon 
the  flotilla.  Barney  signaled  the  return  of  his  boats,  and  all  fled  back  to  the  Patux- 
ent, followed  for  a  while  by  the  huge  enemy,  a  two-decker,  which  anchored  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  On  the  6th  of  June  this  ship  was  joined  by  two  others,  and  Bar- 
ney's flotilla  was  thoroughly  blockaded.  On  the  8th,  the  ship  of  the  line,  a  brig,  two 
schooners,  and  fifteen  barges  sailed  up  the  Patuxent  with  a  fair  wind,  and  Barney 
moved  to  St.  Leonard's  Creek,  two  miles  farther  up,  and  there,  in  battle  order,  await- 
ed their  approach.  The  heavier  British  vessels  anchored  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek, 
and  the  barges  advanced,  led  by  a  rocket-boat.  Barney,  with  thirteen  barges,  ad- 
vanced to  meet  them,  when  they  retreated.  Tiie  movement  was  repeated  in  the  aft- 
•Jnneo,  ernoon.  Twenty-four  hours  afterward*  the  enemy  sent  twenty  barges  up 
*^^*-  the  creek,  which,  after  a  sharp  skirmish,  fled  back  to  the  protection  of  the 
large  armed  vessels.  On  the  11th,  twenty-one  barges,  and  two  schooners  in  tow,  re- 
newed the  attack,  when,  after  receiving  a  more  severe  punishment  than  at  any  time 
before,  they  were  again  compelled  to  fly,  with  considerable  loss. 

Barney  now  caused  some  small  earth-works  to  be  thrown  up  on  the  shore  to  pro- 
tect his  flotilla.  These  were  placed  in  the  command  of  Captain  Miller,  of  the  Marine 
Corps,  and  a  considerable  force  of  militia,  under  Colonel  Decius  Wadsworth,  of  the 
Ordnance  Corps.  The  combined  force  attempted  to  end  the  blockade  on  the  26th. 
A  raking  shot  ripped  a  plank  from  the  bottom  of  the  large  British  ship,'*  and  she  was 

I  On  one  side  of  the  mednl  Ig  a  bust  in  profile  of  Captain  Warrington,  and  the  words  "  i.itdovioijb  wABniNnTO.s  on 
NAVAUB  AHRi."    On  the  other  side  is  a  representation  of  a  naval  battle,  and  aronnd  it  the  legend  "  pro  patria  tara- 

TUB  ACT  YINOEBR  ADT  liOBI."     BcloW,  "  INTEB  PEACOCK  BAT.  AUBI.  ET  EPEBTIEB  NAT.  ANO.  DIE  XXIX  HABOU  HOOCCXIV." 

'  This  was  either  the  Severn  or  the  Loin. 


!l 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


988 


I  I 


ght  with  the  Blockadert, 


Reappearance  of  the  Oarutitution, 


8be  U  chaied  Into  Marblehead  Uarbor. 


Again  pata  to  Sea. 


compelled  to  run  on  a  Band-bank  to  avoid  sinking.  The  engagement  continued  about 
two  hours,  during  which  time  Barney  lost  thirteen  men  in  killed  and  wounded.  The 
blockade  was  eifectually  raised,  for  the  enemy  prudently  dropped  down  the  Patux- 
ent.  Barney  and  his  flotilla  remained  in  that  river  until  about  the  middle  of  Au- 
gust, when  the  British  commenced  those  operations  which  resulted  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  vessels  by  order  of  its  commander,'  and  the  capture  of  Washington  City, 
as  recorded  in  a  preceding  chapter. 

Now  the  gallant  Constitution,  44,  again  appears  on  the  scene  of  strife.  When 
Bainb ridge  relinquished  the  command  of  her  in  1813  she  was  thoroughly  repaired. 
A  greater  portion  of  her  crew  were  sent  to  the  Lakes,  and  when  she  was  ready  for 
sea  a  new  one  was  entered,  and  she  was  placed  under  the  command  of  Captain  Charles 
Stewart.  She  left  Boston  Harbor  for  a  cruise  on  the  30th  of  December,  1 813,  and  for 
seventeen  days  did  not  see  a  sail.  She  was  on  the  coast  of  Surinam  at  the  beginning 
of  February,  and  on  the  14th  of  that  month  she  captured  the  British  war  schooner 
Picton,  1 6,  together  with  a  letter-of-marque  which  Avas  under  her  convoy.  Return- 
ing northward  through  the  West  India  Islands,  she  chased"  the  British  •  February  is, 
frigate  La  Pique,  36,  Captain  Maitland,  off  Porto  Rico.  Night  coming  ^^^*- 
on,  that  vessel  escaped  through  the  Mona  Channel.  The  Constitution  continued  her 
way  Homeward,  and  early  in  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  3d  of  April,  when  off  Cape 
Anne,  discovered  two  large  sail  to  the  southeast  standing  for  her,  and  nearing  her 
rapidly  with  a  fair  breeze.  They  were  two  British  frigates  of  great  weight,  the  Jto- 
nan  and  La  JVjttnphe.  Boston  Ilarbor  was  her  destination,  but  she  was  compelled 
to  seek  safety  in  that  of  Marblehead.  By  great  exertions,  superior  skill  in  manage- 
ment, and  lightening  her  of  much  of  her  burden,  Stewart  succeeded  in  reaching  the 
harbor  of  Marblehead  in  safety.  The  situation  of  the  Constitution  was  still  one  of 
great  peril.  An  express  was  in. mediately  sent  to  Commodore  Bainbridge,  at  Boston, 
who  proceeded  with  all  the  force  at  his  command  to  her  relief.  Several  companies 
of  militia,  artillery,  and  infantry  hastened  to  Marblehead.  The  pursuers  kept  at  a 
respectful  distance,  and  the  Constitution  was  soon  afterward  safely  anchored  in  the 
harbor  of  Salem,  from  whence  she  sailed  in  due  time  to  Boston,  where  she  remained 
until  near  the  close  of  the  year. 

At  the  close  of  December,'"  the  CowttitHtion,  still  commanded  by  Captain 
Stewart,  put  to  sea.  She  went  to  the  Bay  of  Biscay  by  way  of  Bermuda  and 
Madeira,  and  then  cruised  some  time  farther  southward  off  Lisbon.  While  in  sight 
of  the  Portuguese  capital,  Stewart  observed  a  large  ship  seaward,  and  immediately 
gave  chase.  Stopping  to  capture  and  secure  a  prize,  he  lost  sight  of  her.  She  was 
the  Elizabeth,  74,  on  her  way  to  the  port  of  Lisbon.  On  her  arrival  there  her  com- 
mander was  informed  of  the  presence  of  the  Constitution  on  the  coast,  and  he  went 
out  at  once  in  search  of  her.     He  was  unsuccessful. 

Stewart  sailed  farther  southward  toward  Cape  St.  Vincent,  and  on  the  20th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1815,  he  discovered  a  strange  sail  and  made  chase.  At  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  a  second  vessel  appeared  farther  to  the  leeward.  Both  were  ships,  and 
evidently  in  comppny.  Toward  evening  ori^  signaled  the  other,  and  they  drew  to- 
gether. The  Constitution  still  kept  up  the  chase,  and  crowded  all  sail  to  get  the  near- 
est of  the  two  under  her  guns  before  night  should  set  in.  At  near  sunset  she  fired  a 
few  shots,  but  they  fell  short.  Stewart  found  he  was  slowly  gaining  on  the  fugitives, 
and  cleared  the  Constitution  for  action.  At  six,  being  within  range,  he  showed  his 
I  colors,  when  the  two  strangers  flung  out  the  British  flag. 

The  position  of  the  three  vessels  now  became  very  interesting.  The  Constitution 
shot  by,  and  the  three  ships  were  so  ranged  that  they  formed  the  points  of  an  equi- 
lateral triangle,  Stewart's  vessel  to  windward  of  the  other  two.  In  this  advantageous 
position  the  Constitution  commenced  the  action,  the  ihree  vessels  keeping  up  an  un- 


'1814. 


ru 


>  See  page  921. 


MM! 


'i  ;  li 


1-  ]i    '• 


)I<!J 


'I     ' 


i, 

f. 

1 

984 


PIC  'ORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  between  the  Canntitution  and  British  Vesieli  Cyan*  and  Levant. 


The  CtnuM(u««n  capturea  both. 


ceasing  and  terrific  fire  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  when  that  of  the  enemy  slackened. 
An  immense  volume  of  heavy  smoke  hung  over  the  combatants,  admitting  only  an 
occasional  gleam  of  moonlight.  The  Constitution  also  became  silent;  ^r. '.  as  the 
cloud  of  smoke  rolled  sullenly  away  as  a  very  light  breeze  sprung  up,  Stewart  per- 
ceived the  leading  ship  of  the  enemy  to  bo  under  the  lee-beam  of  his  own  vessel 
while  the  stcrnmost  was  lufiing  up  as  il'  with  the  intention  of  tacking,  and  crossing 
the  stern  of  the  Constitution.  TLj  latter  delivered  a  broadside  into  the  shij)  abreast 
of  her,  and  then,  by  a  skillful  management  of  the  sails,  backed  swiftly  asteui,  com- 
pelling the  foe  to  fill  again  to  avoid  being  raked. 

The  leading  ship  now  attemi)ted  to  tack  so  as  to  cross  the  bow  of  the  Constitution. 
For  some  time  both  vessels  manoeuvred  admirably,  pouring  heavy  shot  into  eacii 
other  whenever  opportunity  offered,  when,  at  a  quarter  before  seven,  the  British  ves- 
sel fired  a  gun  to  leeward  and  struck  her  flag.  Lieutenant  Iloff'man  was  sent  to  take 
possession  of  her.  She  was  the  frigate  Cyane,  30,  Cajitain  Falcoln,  manned  by  a  crew 
of  one  hundred  and  eighty  men. 

Stewart  now  looked  after  the  Cyane's  consort,  which  had  been  forced  out  of  tlu! 
combat  by  the  crippled  condition  of  her  running  gear,  and  to  avoid  damage  from  the 
Constitution's  heavy  cannonading.  She  was  ignorant  of  the  fate  of  her  consort. 
About  an  hour  after  the  action  had  ceased,  having  repaired  damages,  she  bore  up, 
and  met  the  Constitution  coming  down  in  search  of  her.  They  crossed  on  opposite 
tacks,  each  delivering  a  broadside  as  they  did  so.  For  a  time  there  was  a  brisk  run- 
ning fight,  the  Constitution  chasing,  and  her  bow  guns  sending  shot  that  ripped  up 
the  planks  of  her  antagonist.  The  latter  was  soon  overpowered,  and  at  ten  o'clock 
at  night  she  fired  a  gun  to  leeward  and  surrendered.  Lieutenant  (now  Admiral)  W.  B, 
Shiibrick  was  sent  to  take  possession  of  her.  She  was  found  to  be  the  Levant,  18, 
Captain  Douglass. 

The  Constitution  at  this  time  was  equipped  with  fifty-two  guns,  and  her  comple- 
ment of  men  and  boys  was  about  four  hundred  and  seventy.  The  Cyane  was  a 
frigate-built  ship,  mounting  twenty  32-pound  carronades  on  her  gun-deck,  and  ten 
1 8-pound  carronades,  with  two  chase-guns,  on  her  quarter-deck  and  forecastle,  making 
thirty-four  in  all.  Her  complement  of  men  was  one  hundred  and  eighty-five.  The 
Levant  was  a  new  ship,  mounting  eighteen  32-pound  carronades,  a  shifting  18  on  her 
top-gallant  forecastle,  and  two  chase-guns,  making  twenty-one  in  all.  Her  regular 
complement  was  one  hundred  and  thirty  souls.  Both  vessels  had  additional  nuniliers 
on  board,  going  to  the  Western  Islands  to  bring  away  a  ship  that  was  being  built 
there.  The  loss  of  the  Constitution  in  this  gallant  action  Avas  three  killed  and  twelve 
wounded.  That  of  the  enemy,  in  the  two  vessels,  was  estimated  at  seventy-seven 
killed  and  wounded. 

The  Constitution  was  so  little  damaged  that  in  three  hours  after  her  last  conflict 
she  was  again  ready  for  action.  She  had  been  engaged  for  three  hours  with  her  an- 
tagonists, but  the  actual  fighting  had  not  occupied  more  than  forty-five  minutes.  She 
had  not  a  single  officer  hurt.  It  was  a  most  gallant  fight  in  that  moonlit  sea  by  the 
three  vessels;  and  the  commanders  of  Till  received,  as  they  deserved  to,  the  highest 
praise. 

Placing  Lieutenant  Iloff'man  on  the  Cyane,  and  Lieutenant  Ballard  on  the  Levant., 
as  commanders.  Captain  Stewart  proceeded  with  the  Constitution  and  her  prizes  t<i 
Porto  Praya,  the  capital  of  Santiago,  one  of  the  Cape  de  Verde  Islands,  where  he  ar- 
rived on  the  10th  of  March,  1815.  On  the  following  day,  while  Lieutenant  Shubrick  ^j 
was  walking  the  quarter-deck,  he  heard  one  of  the  prisoners,  a  midshipman,  exclaim, 
"  There's  a  large  ship  in  the  offing !"  One  of  the  English  captains  severely  repri- 
manded him  in  a  low  tone.  Shubrick's  vigilance  was  aroused.  The  ocean  was  cov- 
ered with  a  thick  fog  resting  low  on  the  water.  Above  it,  in  thick  luminous  mist,  he 
saw  the  sails  of  a  large  ship,  set  portward.     He  immediately  reported  to  Stewart, 


O^   THE   WAR    OF    18  12. 


086 


mtittUinn  capturca  hciih. 

enemy  slackened, 
dmittiiig  only  an 
ilent;  -:'. '  as  the 
f  up,  Stewart  per- 
>f  his  own  vesHel, 
iing,  antl  crossing 

0  the  ship  abrt'ust 
rit'tly  aatcin,  coni- 

)f  the  Constitution. 
vj  shot  into  eacli 
;n,  the  British  vos- 
n  was  sent  to  tiike 
manned  by  a  crew 

forced  out  of  the 
il  damage  from  the 
,te  of  her  consort, 
lages,  she  bore  up, 
irossed  on  opposite 
re  was  a  brisk  run- 
hot  that  rippeil  u)) 
,  and  at  ten  oVinek 
low  Admiral)  W.B. 

1  be  the  Levant,  18, 

ns,  and  her  comple- 

1  The  Cyane  was  ii 

gun-deck,  and  ten 

forecastle,  raakinj; 

eighty-five.    The 

shifting  18  on  her 

all.     Iler  regular 

additional  nunihers 

it  was  being  built 

killed  and  t  welve 

at  seventy-seven 

ler  her  last  conflict 
lours  with  her  an- 
five  minutes.    She 
moonlit  sea  by  the 
irved  to,  the  highest 

iird  on  the  Levant, 
.  and  her  prizes  to 
ilands,  where  he  ar- 
lieutenant  Shubrick 
idshipman,  exclaim, 
ains  severely  rcpri- 
riie  ocean  was  cov- 
{  luminous  mist,  he 
sported  to  Stewart, 


The  CofvUitutiun  eK«p«i  frum  three  Brltliih  Frigate 


Fate  of  her  Priiei. 


Ilonon  to  Comm«>dore  Stewart. 


1IILI.ET-11KA]). 


who  was  below.  That  officer  coolly  replied  that  it  was  probably  an  Knglish  frigate, 
and  directed  Shubrick  to  return  to  the  deck,  call  all  haiuls,  and  get  ready  to  go  out 
and  attack  her.  Shubrick  did  so,  wlien  he  discovered  the  sails  of  two  other  vessels 
above  the  fog-bank,  and  tliey  were  evidently  those  of  men-of-war.  Again  he  reported 
to  Captain  Stewart,  when  that  officer,  perfectly  unmoved  by  what  he  knew  to  be  im- 
minent peril  to  liis  vessel,  immediately  ordered  the  cables  of  the  Vonstitutioii  to  bo 
cut  and  signals  made  for  the  prizes  t«)  follow.  lie  well  knew  that  the  English  would 
have  no  resjiect  for  the  neutrality  of  that  port,  and  that  he  was  too  feeble  to  cope 

witii  three  heavy  men  of  war;  autl  within  fifteen  minutes 
afler  the  first  shij)  had  been  seen,  the  Constuution  was  mak- 
ing her  way  out  of  tiie  roads  of  Porto  Praya,  followed  by 
the  two  prizes.  They  were  chased  by  the  strangers,  which 
were  the  British  frigates  Leander,  50,  Sir  George  Collier; 
Neiccastle,  50,  Lord  (ieorge  Stuart ;  and  Acasta,  40,  Captain 
Kerr.  Tiu-y  jiressed  hard  ujton  the  fugitives.  The  Cyane 
was  falling  astern,  and  must  soon  become  a  prey  to  her  pur- 
suers. Stewart  signaled  for  her  to  tack.  Ilofi'nian  ])roni|tt- 
ly  obeyed,  and  she  was  soon  lost  to  view  in  the  fog,  under 
cover  of  which  she  escaped,  and  reached  New  York  on  tho 
10th  of  April.* 

The  three  sliips  continued  to  chase  the  Constitution,  and  finally  the  Nerccastle  began 
to  fi..'  her  chase-guns,  but  withe  it  eftect.  Meanwhile  the  Levant  had  fallen  far  in  tho 
rear,  and  Stewart  signaled  for  her  commander  to  tack.  Ballard  obeyed,  when  the 
three  British  ships,  abandoning  the  chase  of  the  Constitution,  ytnrsnvd  him.  He  ran 
the  Levant  back  to  port,  and  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  anchored  her  Avithin  one 
hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  shore,  under  the  shelter  of  what  he  supposed  to  be  at 
least  a  neutral  battery  of  thirty  or  forty  guns.  He  Avas  mistaken.  Tlie  English  pris- 
oners, one  hundred  and  twenty  in  number,  Avhom  Stewart  had  landed  there  on  parole 
before  the  British  squadron  hove  in  sight,  regardless  of  the  neutral  character  of  the 
port  (Portuguese),  took  possession  of  the  battery  and  opened  it  upon  the  Jjcvant.  She 
received  the  fire  of  her  pursuers  at  the  same  time,  and  was  compelled  to  strike  her 
colors.  She  was  sent  to  Barbadoes  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Jellicoe,  formerly  of  the 
Cyane. 

With  these  exploits,  performed  after  peace  had  been  proclaimed  in  the  United 
States,  ended  the  career  of "  Old  Ironsides,"  as  the  Constitution  was  called,  in  tho 
War  of  1812.  Stewart  landed  many  of  his  prisoners  at  Marauliam,  in  Brazil ;  and  at 
Porto  Rico  he  heard  of  the  proclamation  of  peace.  He  immediately  sailed  home- 
ward, and  arrived  in  New  York  at  the  middle  of  May,  bringing  with  him  the  intel- 
ligence of  the  capture  of  the  Cyane  and  Levant.  The  arrival  of  the  Constitution 
was  hailed  with  delight.  The  Common  Council  of  New  York  gave  him  the  freedom 
of  the  city  in  a  gold  box,'^  and  tendered  to  him  and  his  officers  the  hos])italities  of 
the  city  at  a  public  dinner.  The  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania  gave  him  thanks  in 
the  name  of  the  state,  and  voted  him  a  gold-hilted  sword ;  and  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States  voted  him  and  his  brave  men  the  thanks  of  the  nation,  and  directed  a 
gold  medal,  commemorative  of  the  capture  of  the  Cyane  and  JjCvant,  to  be  struck 
and  presented  to  him.  His  exploits  and  that  of  his  ship  became  the  theme  for  ora- 
tory and  song,  and  from  that  day  to  this  the  people  of  the  United  States  have  held 
that  vessel  in  peculiar  reverence.  She  was  always  fortunate  in  having  skillful  com- 
manders, and  brave  and  intelligent  men.  Her  crews  were  principally  men  of  New 
England.  From  the  time  of  the  Tripolitan  War  until  she  left  oflf"  cruising  and  be- 
came a  school-ship,  she  always  ranked  as  a  "  lucky  vessel." 

'  The  billet-head  of  the  Cijane,  finely  carved,  is  preserved  at  the  Philadelphia  Na^-y  Yard.  It  is  about  three  feet  six 
inches  in  height,  and  baa  the  representation  of  a  dragon  carved  upon  it.  >  See  note  3,  page  841. 


i     I 


I' If 


\i 


II    ' 


i 

ill' 

1 

I 


Mihpl  :  !•■!:! 


•N 


I'ICTORIA  JLD-UOOK 


Admiral  8tew»rt. 


nil  Home  In  New  Jetiey. 


Bl(>2r*phleal  Sketch, 


GT2W  art's  1IIDAL.> 


couMonoBE  btewabt'b  rkbii>enoi. 


The  gallant  commaiulor  of  the 
ConstUntioti  at  the  close  of  the  war, 
who  was  then  a  veteran  in  the  serv- 
ice, still  (1807)  survives,  and  is  oft- 
en called  affectionately  by  the  nanii' 
siven  to  his  vessel  — "  Old  Iron- 
sides."  lie  lives  in  retirement,  with 
a  sufficiency  of  this  world's  goocb, 
in  an  unostentatious  dwelling  on 
the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  at  Bor- 
dentown,  New  Jersey,  around  which 
are  delightful  grounds  attached  to 
the  mansion.* 

In  the  summer  of  1814,  Commo- 
dore Decatur,  who  had  been  endur- 


I  The  ftbo'  e  picture  represents  tlie  medal,  flill  size.  On  one  side  Is  a  bust  of  Stewart,  with  the  words  nronnd  It "  ca- 
HOLDS  sTEW.iRT  NAV18  AMER.  CON8TITDTION  DUX."  On  thc  Other  sldc  ft  represeulatlon  of  the  capture  of  the  Ci/atie  and 
lAtvant,  and  'he  words  "  una  viotoriam  erm'Uit  ratihdb  iiinis."    Below,  "inter  oonbtitc. 

WAV.  AMEBI.  ET    LEVANT   ET    OYANE   NAV.   ANQ.   PIE    XX    EKIIR.    MPOOOXV." 

s  The  writer  visited  Admiral  Stewart  at  his  pleasant  home,  near  Bordentown,  In  the  snmmer 
of  1803,  In  company  with  Dr.  Peterson,  his  neighbor  and  friend.  I  was  then  on  my  return  from 
the  then  fresh  battle-field  at  Gettysburg.  At  that  time  he  was  cighty-slx  years  of  age,  a  firm 
and  compactly-knit  man,  about  five  "eet  nine  Inches  In  height,  and  possessed  of  great  bodily 
and  mental  vigor.  Ills  narrative  of  adventnres  on  sea  and  land  In  the  service  of  his  country 
for  more  than  sixty  years  were  full  of  romance  of  the  most  stirring  character.  lie  showed  us 
a  plain  sword,  the  blade  of  which  was  presented  to  hira  by  the  King  of  Spain  In  1S04  because 
of  his  services,  while  In  command  rtthc  Experiment,  in  the  West  Indies,  in  saving  from  destruc- 
tion about  sixty  persons,  many  of  them  women,  who  were  flying  from  Insurgent  blacks  of  St. 
Domingo.  He  could  not  constitutionally  receive  a  sword  from  a  foreign  potentate,  but  he  might 
a  blade  for  his  defense.  He  had  it  plainly  mounted,  and  wore  it  on  the  occasion  of  the  combat 
with  the  Cyaiw.  and  f^vant.  During  that  contest  the  guard  was  carried  away  by  a  cannon-ball 
that  grazed  the  commander's  side.  The  blacksmith  of  the  Comtitulian  constnicted  a  rude 
guard,  and  It  still  remains.  He  also  showed  ns  a  dirk,  a  foot  long,  with  a  handle  made  of  a 
rhinoceros  tooth,  which  was  In  the  hands  of  the  Turk  with  whom  Decatur  engaged  In  mortal 
struggle  on  the  deck  of  the  PhiVidelphia  In  the  harbor  of  Tripoli,  mentioned  on  page  122. 

Chorles  Stewart  was  bom  In  Philadelphia  on  the  22d  of  .July,  177«.  His  parents  were  natives 
of  Ireland.  His  father,  who  was  a  mariner  In  the  merchont  service,  came  to  America  at  an 
early  age.  Charles  was  the  yonngest  of  eight  children,  and  lost  his  father  before  he  was  two 
years  of  age.  He  entered  the  merchant  service  on  the  ocean  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years  as  a 
cabin-boy,  and  rose  gradually  to  the  office  of  captain.  In  March,  1X08,  he  was  commissioned  a 
lieutenant  in  the  Navy  of  the  United  States,  and  made  his  first  cniise  under  Commodore  Bar- 
ney. In  1800  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  armed  schooner  Experiment.  At  the 
beginning  of  the  autumn  of  that  yeor  he  fonght  and  captured  the  French  schooner  Twn  Friendg, 
after  ap  action  often  minutes,  without  incurring  loss  on  his  part.  From  that  time  the  caveer 
of  Lieutenant  Stewart  was  a  most  honorable  one  to  himself  and  the  navy  of  his  country.  Ha 
was  conspicuous  in  the  war  with  Tripoli,  and  was  greatly  beloved  by  the  brave  Decatur  for  his 


STEWART'S  8W0«I). 


BliiiP'iphlcal  Hkctch, 


OP  THE  WAR   OP   J8ia. 


987 


Owalur'*  Hqundrun. 


lU  pats  tu  8«a  In  tho  I'raiMtnt. 


The  />»•<•'•/  chiued. 


ing  inaction  for  a  long  time  on  account  of  the  blockade  of  his  vcsHcltt  in  the  Thames 
above  New  Lon<l()ri,  was  trsinHferred  to  the  coiuinimd  of  tho  President,  44,  which 
Kodgers  lind  li'ft  for  tho  new  Hhip  Ciuerriire.  Captiiin  iiiddle,  comnuuider  or  the 
Jfoniet,  which  iiad  been  long  engaged  in  protecting  the  Cnitcd  IStutes  and  the  J\I<ice- 
duniun  in  tlie  Thames,  was  iinally  ordered  to  join  Deeatur,  and,  with  joyous  alacrity, 
he  obeyed.  He  soon  found  an  opportunity  to  avoid  the  bloeivading  mpnidron,  and  in 
November  he  joined  Decatur  with  his  ship  at  New  York,  when  that  commander's 
8(iuadron,  assembled  there,  consisted  of  the  President  (the  flag-ship) ;  Peacock,  18, 
Captain  Warrington;  7/<>r/<67,  1 8,  Captain  Hiddle;  and  7'om  /yoW/ziC,  store-ship. 

Decatur  had  been  engaged  all  the  summer  and  autumn  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York,  watching  for  tho  ajtproach  of  the  enemy,  who  were  ravaging  the  cotmtry  in 
tho  vicinity  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay.  Ignorant  of  tiie  real  destination  of  the  Uritish 
when  they  left  those  waters,  the  government  detained  Decatur  so  long  as  there  were 
any  apprehensions  of  an  attack  on  New  York.  lie  finally  received  an  order  to  pro- 
pare  for  a  cruise  in  the  East  Indies,  to  si)rea<l  havoc  among  the  British  shipi)ing  in 
that  ren\ote  (juartcr  of  the  world.  He  was  ready  at  the  middle  of  January,*  •  ism. 
and  on  the  niglit  of  the  14th''  tho  President  dropped  down  to  Sandy  Hook,  '  Jtuumry. 
leaving  the  other  vessels  at  their  ancliorage  near  Staten  Island.  Hhe  grounded  on 
the  bar  in  the  darkness  of  the  nigiit,  but  was  floated  off  by  the  rising  tide  in  time  to 
clear  the  coast  and  the  Hritish  blockading  Sipiadron  before  morning. 

Tl)ere  had  been  a  heavy  gale  on  the  14th,  and  Decatur,  believing  that  tho  block- 
aders  had  been  driven  by  it  to  the  leeward,  ke|»t  the  President  close  along  tho  Long 
Island  shore  for  about  five  hours,  when  he  sailed  boldly  out  to  sea  in  a  southeasterly 
by  easterly  direction.  Two  hours  after  changing  his  course  ho  discovered  by  the 
starlight  a  strange  sail  ahead,  and  within  gun-shot  distance.  Two  others  soon  mai'e 
thi  i  appearance,  and  at  dawn  the  President  was  chased  by  four  ships  of  war,  two  on 
iicr  quarters  and  two  astern.     These  were  the  Endymion,  40;  Pomone,?>% \  Ihnedos, 


)l 


BTEW  art's  SWOJD- 


eerviccs  there,  and  his  generous  friendship  ever  afterward.  In  tho  month  of  May,  1804,  he  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  master  commandant,  and  tu  that  of  captain  in  ISOO.  During  that  and  tho  foiiuwing  yeak  ho  was  employed 
in  snpcrintendiniJt  the  construction  of  gun-boats.  In 
isi'i  lie  was  appointed  to  tho  command  of  the  frigate 
Cimilitutinn.  lie  was  with  her  in  Hampton  Roads 
in  February,  1813,  where,  by  Gkillful  management,  lio 
eliulcd  the  enemy,  and  took  his  ship  safely  to  Norfolk. 
In  tinnc  following  he  was  appointed  to  the  command 
of  the  OmalilHliim,  and  in  her  ])erformed  the  gallant 
servirca  recorded  in  the  text.  After  the  war  ho  was 
placed  in  command  (ISIC)  of  the  Franklin,  74,  and  con- 
veyed the  Hon.  Richard  Rush,  American  minister,  to 
England.  Until  very  recently  he  has  been  employed, 
adoat  or  ashore,  in  the  naval  service  of  his  country,  and 
on  all  occasions  evincing  eminent  executive  ability 
and  statesmanlike  views.  The  annexed  portrait  of  the 
venerable  admiral  is  from  a  photograph  taken  In  1SG4. 

Admiral  Stewart  is  the  only  surviving  officer  in  the 
civiior  military  service  of  the  United  States  who  holds 
a  commission  dated  in  the  last  century.  He  is  a  most 
interesting  link  between  the  fathers  of  the  Revolution 
and  the  patriots  and  heroes  of  our  day.  Our  visit  with 
tiim  in  his  pleasant  homo  was  fur  too  short  for  our  own 
inclination,  and  we  reluctantly  parted  with  one  so  fa- 
mous in  our  nnnals,  and  so  fluent  In  speech  In  the  re- 
cital of  tho  events  of  his  wonderful  experience.  We 
bade  the  hale  old  admiral  farewell  with  feelings  coin- 
cident with  those  of  an  anonymous  poet,  who  wrote, 
"Oh,  oft  may  you  meet  with  brave  Stewart, 

The  tar  with  the  free  and  the  true  heart ; 

.\  bright  welcome  smile,  and  a  soul  free  from  guile, 

You'll  find  in  the  hero,  Charles  Stewart. 

A  commander  both  generous  and  brave,  too, 

Who  risked  his  life  others  to  save,  too; 

And  thousands  that  roam  by  his  neat  Jersey 
home 

Bless  thekindheart  of  gallantCharlesStewart." 


988 


PICTORIAL    FIKLD-BOOK 


Battle  Mil  t-en  the  /'resident  nnd  Endyviion. 


Cap'ure  of  the  I'rmiiieitt. 


'  ) 


W'A 


1 1 


38  ;  and  Majestic,  razee,  of  the  blockaJing 
squadron,  which  had  been  blown  off  the  coast 
by  tlie  gale,  and  were  now  returning  to  the 
cruising-ground  off  Sandy  Hook. 

The  chase  continued  during  the  mornintj 
with  a  light  and  baffling  Avind,  and  the  Prai- 
dent,  deeply  laden  with  stores  for  a  long  cruise 
soon  found  the  Endymion,  Captain  Hope,  the 
nearest  vessel,  rapidly  overtaking  her.  Deca- 
tur at  once  gave  orders  for  lightening  his  own 
ship  for  the  purpose  of  increasing  her  speed. 
It  availed  but  little.  At  three  o'clock  in  tlio 
afternoon  the  Endyinion  came  down  with  a 
fresh  breeze,  which  the  President  did  not  leel, 
and  opened  her  bow-guns  upon  the  fugitive. 
The  President  promptly  returned  the  fire  in 
an  effort  to  damage  the  spars  and  rigging  of 
her  pursuer,  but  without  effect.  Iler  sliot 
moved  feebly  and  fell  short,  as  if  propelled  by 
weak  powder.  On  came  the  En- 
'  y/  y^  — -      dymion,  and  at  five   o'clock  she 

^^T'lyC^^^^'i^''^^ ■€  C  CC^^i^C^  ^^~*  gained  a  position  in   which  she 

terribly  annoyed  her  antagonist, 
The  President  could  not  bring  a  gun  to  bear  upon  the  foe,  and  was  lacerated  by  every 
shot  of  her  pursuer.  It  was  evident  that  the  Endymion  was  endeavoring  to  secure 
a  victory  by  gradually  crippling  the  President,  and  reducing  her  to  an  unmanageable 
wreck. 

Decatur  quickly  penetrated  the  design  of  his  enemy,  and  prepared  to  frustrate  it 
by  boldly  running  down  upon  the  Endymion,  carrying  her  by  a  hand-to-hand  fight, 
and,  abandoning  his  own  vessel,  seize  his  antagonist  as  a  prize,  and  in  her  ■  an  away 
from  the  other  pursuers.  But  the  commander  of  the  Endymion  was  as  wary  as  he 
Avas  skillful,  and  was  not  to  be  caught  in  that  manner.  He  .accommodated  the  move- 
ments of  his  own  ship  to  those  of  his  antagonist,  until  at  length  they  were  brought 
abeam  of  each  other,  and  both  opened  tremendous  broadsides.  Every  attempt  of 
Decatur  to  lay  the  President  alongside  the  Endymion  was  foiled  by  Captain  Hope, 
who  adroitly  kept  his  ship  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  his  antagonist. 

Decatur  no\\«  determined  to  dismantle  the  Endymion.  The  two  frigates  kept  run- 
ning dead  before  the  wind,  head  and  head,  each  discharging  heavy  broadsides  upon 
the  other  for  two  hours  and  a  half,  when  the  Endymion,  having  most  of  her  sails  cut 
from  the  yards,  fell  astern.  The  President,  no  doubt,  could  have  compelled  her  ad- 
versary to  strike  her  colors  in  a  few  minutes,  but  just  at  that  moment  the  other  ves- 
sels in  chase  were  seen  by  the  dim  starlight  to  be  approaching.  The}'  had  been  joined 
by  the  Dispatch.  The  President  tlierefore  kept  on  her  course  in  efforts  to  escape, 
Il>  this  she  failed.  The  pursuers  closed  upon  her.  At  11  o'clock  the  Pomone  got  on 
the  weather-bow  of  the  President,  and  gave  her  a  damaging  broadside.  The  Ihiahi 
was  coming  up  and  closing  on  her  quarter,  and  the  Jfajestic  .iid  Dispatch  were  with- 
in gun-shot  distance  astern.  They  all  fell  upon  her  wii'  energy.  Farther  resistance 
would  have  been  useless.  The  President  struck  her  colors,  and  Decatur  surreiulcreil 
his  t  word  to  Captain  Hayes,  of  the  Majestic,  which  was  the  tiist  vessel  that  came 
alongside  of  the  vanquished  frigate. 

In  the  chase  and  running  fight  the  President  lost  twenty-four  men  killed  and  fifty- 
six  wounded.  Among  the  s'-'in  were  her  first,  fourth,  and  fifth  lieutenants,  ]\fessis. 
Babbitt,  Hamilton,  and  How  .11.     "he  Endymion  had  eleven  killed  and  fourteen 


!n 


OF   THE   WAR    OF   1812. 


989 


Capture  of  the  I'reMmL 

f  the  blockading 
lown  off  the  coast 

returning  to  the 
Look. 

•ing  the  morning, 
iu(l,  and  the  Fred- 
>s  for  a  long  cruise, 
Captain  Hope,  tlie 
taking  her.  Deca- 
lightening  his  own 
reasing  her  speed. 
Iircc  o'clock  in  tlic 
!ame  down  AviUi  a 
sident  did  not  I'eel, 
upon  the  fugitive, 
eturncd  the  fire  in 
lars  and  rigging  of 

effect.  Her  sliot 
t,  as  if  propelled  by 
On  came  the  En- 
It  five  o'clock  she 
tion  in  which  she 
^ed  her  antagonist. 
i  lacerated  by  every 
leavoring  to  secure 
to  an  unmanageable 

larcd  to  frustrate  it 

land-to-hiind  fii^lit, 

nd  in  her  ■  an  away 

was  as  wary  as  he 

miodatcd  the  niove- 

they  were  brought 

very  attempt  of 

by  Captain  Hope, 

o  frigates  kept  rnn- 
\-y  broadsides  uiion 
[lost  of  her  sails  cut 
compelled  her  ad- 
Tieiit  the  other  vcs- 
ley  had  been  joined 
1  efibrts  to  escape, 
he  Fomone  got  on 
side.    The  Tenahs 
^ispatch  were  witli- 
1  Farther  resistance 
lecatur  surrendered 
It  vessel  that  came 

len  killed  and  fifty- 
lieutenants,  ^Messrs. 
lilled  and  fourteen 


The  rest  of  Decatur's  Squadron  puts  to  Sea. 


Biographical  Slietch  of  Decatur. 


wounded.  It  was  found  that  her  hull  had  been  struck  by  many  balls  which  did  not 
penetrate,  and  this  fact  confirmed  the  impressions  of  Decatur  at  the  beginning  of  the 
contest  that  the  powder  Avas  inferior. 

After  the  action,  the  Presicltn',  accompanied  by  the  Etulymion,  sailed  for  Bermuda. 
Both  vessels  were  dismasted  in  a  gale  before  reaching  port.  Decatur  wrote  an  offi- 
cial account  for  the  Secretary  of  War  on  board  of  the  Endymion  on  the  1 8th.  He 
was  soon  after  paroled,  and  returned  to  New  York  at  the  beginning  of  March.  A 
court  of  inquiry  was  convened,  and  he  and  all  of  his  officers,  tried  for  losing  their  sliip, 
were  honorably  acquitted.  It  was  proven,  and  was  admitted  by  the  English,  that 
the  President  was  captured  by  the  squadron,  and  not  by  a  single  vessel. •  And  when 
the  details  of  the  combat  became  known,  the  heroism  of  Decatur  and  his  men  pro- 
duced the  most  profound  sensation.  Language  was  too  feeble  to  express  the  admi- 
ration of  the  American  people.* 

On  the  22d  of  January*  the  Peacock,  Hornet,  and  Tom  liowline  followed  the 
President  to  sea.  Their  commanders  were  ignorant  of  her  fate.  They  passed 
the  bar  at  daylight,  regardless  of  the  blockading  squadron,  and  passed  out  upon  the 
broad  ocean  unmolested.  Each  made  its  Avay,  sometimes  alone  and  sometimes  con- 
sorting with  another,  for  the  port  of  Tristan  d'Acunha,  the  principal  of  a  group  of 
islands  in  the  South  Atlantic,  in  latitude  37°  S.,  and  longitude  12°  W.  from  Washing- 
ton.    That  was  the  place  of  rendezvous  designated  by  Decatur.     Tiie  Peacock  and 


'  1810. 


1  The  force  of  the  President  was  thirty-two  long  24-ponndcr8,  one  24-ponn(l  howitzer,  twenty  42-pound  carroiiades, 
and  dvc  small  pieces  in  her  tops.  The  Kmbjmiun  mounted  tweuty-six  long  24-p()unders,  twenty-two  !t2-i)ounrlerH,  one 
12-pound  carrot  ade,  and  one  long  IS.  The  Majestic  rated  60  guns ;  the  Tetudoa,  38 ;  the  funnoiu,  38.  That  of  the  Dis- 
patch  is  nnknovn. 

»  We  have  noticed  on  pages  457  and  45S  the  honors  showered  npon  Decatur  on  another  occasion,  when  Congress  voted 
him  a  gold  medal.  Stephen  Decatur  was  born  in  Worcester  County,  Maryland,  on  the  6th  of  January,  1779.  He  en- 
tered the  navy  as  a  midshipman  in  the  frigate  United  States,  Commodore  Barry.  In  isni  he  was  promoted  to  licutennnt, 
and  sailed  in  the  Essex,  then  of  Commodore  Dale's  squadron,  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  On  account  of  an  affray  with 
a  British  ofHcer  at  Malta,  ht  was  suspended,  and  returned  home.  An  investigation  proved  him  to  have  been  blameless, 
and  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Argus,  of  Preble's  squadron,  tiieu  lying  before  Tripoli.  Ilis  services  in 
tliat  field  of  duty  have  been  noticed  in  the  text.  On  his  return  to  America  he  was  appointed  to  superintend  llic  build- 
ing of  gim-boats,  and  Unally  succeeded  Barron  in  com- 
mand of  the  frigate  Chesapeake.  His  services  during  the 
Second  War  for  Independence  have  been  recorded  in  the 
text.  After  the  peace  with  England  he  was  sent  to  the 
Mediterranean  with  a  sqnadron  to  chastise  the  Alge- 
rines,  and  his  vigorous  actlim  there  caused  the  discon- 
tinuance of  tlie  practice  of  paying  tribute  to  the  Barbary 
powers,  not  only  by  the  United  States,  but  by  the  pow- 
ers of  Western  Europe.  On  his  return  home  lie  was  ap- 
pointed one  of  the  Board  of  Naval  Commi88i(mers,  and 
resided  at  Kalorama,  near  Georgetown  (see  page  !t42), 
until  hi^  death  in  March,  lS2n.  He  was  mortally  wound- 
ed in  a  iiiel  with  Commodore  Barron,  fought  near  Bla- 
ilensburg  (see  page  !I2!S)  on  the  2nth  of  that  month,  and 
(lied  at  Kalorama  the  same  evening.  Ills  remains  were 
laid  in  the  family  vault  o '  Joel  Barlow,  where  they  re- 
mained until  1S4C,  when  they  were  reinterred,  with  ap- 
propriate ceremonies.  In  the  burial-ground  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Philadelphia,  by  the  side  of  those  of  his  father 
and  family,  and  over  them  a  beautiful  monument,  de- 
picted in  the  anne.xed  engraving,  was  erected,  bearinf- 
llic  following  inscriptiims : 

Sorth  Side:  "Stephen  Decatur,!  ^m  January  5,1 779. 
l^ntercd  llie  navy  of  the  United  Sta'ea  as  midshipman 
.\pril  ;tn,  1793.  Became  lieutenant  June  3, 179!).  Made 
(iiptain  for  distinguished  merit,  passing  over  the  rank 
iif commander,  Fel)ruary  10, 1S04.  Oied  March  22, 1820." 
Kail  Side:  "Devoted  to  his  country  by  u  patriot  father, 
tie  cherished  in  his  heart,  and  sustained  by  his  intrepid 
;i'"llonH,  the  Inspliing  sentiment,  'Our  country,  right  or 
wrong.'  A  nation  gave  him  in  return  its  applause  and 
gratitude."  Smith  Side:  "The  gallant  officer  whose 
p.ompt  and  active  Valor,  always  on  the  watch,  was 
.iiided  by  a  Wisdom  and  supported  by  aPlrmuess  which 
never  tired.  Whosi  exploits  ii.  arms  reflected  the  daring  featnrcs  of  Romance  and  Chlvalr/."  WestSiile:  "A  name 
lirilllant  from  a  series  of  heroic  deeds  on  the  coast  of  Barbi.ry,  and  Uiustrious  by  acUievcmeuvs  agaliiBt  more  disciplined 
enemies ;  the  pride  of  the  Navy,  the  glory  of  the  Republic." 


1 

'  1 
.  1 

, 

s 

ATIIK  B    HONIUIEMT. 


990 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  between  the  llomet  and  i'enguin. 


//^ 


c- '  t2^i>t^^,e^ 


Tom  Bowline  arrived  there  togetlier  at 
the  middle  of  March,  and  were  driven 
away  by  a  storm.  The  Hornet,  Captain 
Biddle,  entered  the  port  on  the  23d,  and 
was  about  to  cast  her  anchor,  when  a 
strange  sail  was  discovered  to  the  wind- 
ward. Captain  Biddle  immediately 
spread  the  sails  of  the  Hornet,  and  went 
seaward  to  reconnoitre.  The  stranger 
soon  came  running  down  before  the 
wind,  and  at  a  quarter  before  two  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  approached  the  Hornet 
within  musket-shot  distance,  displayed 
English  colors,  and  fired  a  gun.  The 
Hornet  accepted  the  challenge,  and  for 
about  fifteen  minutes  a  sharp  cannonade 
was  kept  up.  The  fire  of  the  Hornet 
was  so  severe  that  her  antagonist  ran 
down  for  the  purpose  of  boarding  her. 
The  vessels  became  entangled,  and  a 
good  opportunity  was  oftered  to  the 
stranger  to  accomplish  her  purpose. 
But  her  first  lieutenant  could  not  in- 
duce his  men  to  follow  him.  Biddlc's  men,  on  the  contrary,  were  eager  to  rush  into 
the  British,  ship  for  a  hand-to-hand  fight.  Ilia  advantage  lay  with  his  guns,  and  he 
would  not  allow  his  people  to  leave  the  ^hip.  His  broadsides  raked  the  foe  terribly, 
and  very  soon  an  officer  on  board  the  stranger  called  out  thiit  she  had  surrendered. 
Firing  ceased,  and  Captain  Biddle  sprang  upon  the  taffrail  to  inquire  whether  his  an- 
tagonist had  actually  surrendered,  Avhen  two  British  marines  fired  at  him.  One  bul- 
let wounded  him  severely  in  the  neck.  The  assassins  wore  instantly  slain  by  bullets 
fired  from  the  Hornet.  She  immediately  Avore  round,  after  being  disentangled  from 
her  foe  by  a  lurch  given  by  the  sea,  and  Avas  preparing  to  fire  another  broadside, 
when  at  least  twenty  men  appeared  on  her  antagonist  throwing  up  their  hands  aiii, 
asking  for  quarter.  It  was  difficult  to  restrain  the  indignant  Americans,  who  wanted 
to  avenge  the  injury  done  to  their  commander.  It  was  done,  however.  The  van- 
quished vessel,  after  a  contest  of  twenty-three  minutes,  struck  her  colors.  She  was 
the  brig  Penguin,  18,  Captain  Dickenson,  which  had  been  fitted  and  manned  express- 
ly to  encounter  the  privateer  Young  Wasp,  a  more  powerful  vessel  than  herself.  She 
mounted  nineteen  carrin^^c-guns,  besides  guns  on  ner  tops,  and  her  size  and  weight  of 
metal  was  the  same  as  that  of  the  Hornet.  Her  complement  of  men  was  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-two. 

The  Hornet  lost  one  man  killed  and  ten  wounded.  Among  the  latter  were  Cap- 
tain Biddle,  Lieutenant  (afterward  Commodore)  Conner,  and  eight  men.  Not  a 
round  shot  marred  the  hull  of  the  Hornet,  but  her  rigging  was  much  cut,  while  tiie 
Penguin  was  terribly  riddled.  Her  foremast  and  bowsj)rit  were  shot  away,  and  her 
mainmast  was  so  riiuch  shattered  that  it  could  not  be  secured  for  farther  use. 
Amojg  her  slain  were  her  commander  and  boatswain.  After  taking  from  her  all 
that  was  valuable.  Captain  Biddle  scuttled  her  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  and  she 
went  to  the  bottom  of  the  deep  South  Atlantic  Ocean. 

The  conflict  between  the  Hornet  and  Penguin  was  regarded  by  naval  men  as  one  of 
the  most  creditable  actions  of  the  war,  and  the  American  people  testified  their  ajipre- 
elation  of  the  services  of  Captain  Biddle  by  the  bestowal  of  special  honors  upon  him.' 

>  James  Biddle  waa  boru  in  Philadelphia  on  the  18th  of  February,  1T83,    Ho  wai  edocated  at  the  University  of  Pcun- 


re  eager  to  rush  into 

n\\\  his  guns,  and  he 

ikcd  the  foe  terribly, 

she  had  surrenderod, 

juire  wliether  his  an- 

d  at  liim.     One  hul- 

intly  slain  by  bullets 

tr  disentangled  from 

another  broadside, 

up  their  hands  an., 

icricans,  who  Avanted 

lowever.     The  van- 

icr  colors.     She  was 

and  manned  exprcss- 

,el  than  herself    Slie 

■r  size  and  weight  of 

men  was  one  hun- 

hc  latter  were  Cap- 
eiglit  men.  Not  a 
much  cut,  while  the 

shot  away,  and  her 
red  for  farther  use. 

taking  from  hor  all 
of  the  25th,  and  she 

naval  men  as  one  of 

testified  their  aiipre- 

■al  honors  upon  him.' 

ed  at  the  Unlvorslty  of  Pcun- 


Hooors  to  Captain  Biddle. 


OF   THE   WAR   OF   1812. 
J — 


991 


fiiugrupblcal  Sketch. 


Wlien  lie  arrived  in  New  York  a  public  dinner  was  given  liim  in  that  city.  Citizens 
of  his  native  town,  Philadelphia,  presented  to  him  a  beautiful  service  of  silver  plate ;' 
and  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  in  the  name  of  the  Republic,  gave  him  thanks, 
and  ordered  a  gold  medal  to  be  struck  in  commemoration  of  the  victory,  and  pre- 
sented to  him. 


bidsle's  medal.' 

On  tlie  same  day,"  and  a  few  hours  after  the  action  with  the  Penguin,  •  March  28, 
Captain  Biddle  discovered  another  sail  in  sight.  It  proved  to  be  the  Peor  ^^'°- 
nock,  having  the  Tom  Bowline  in  company.  He  converted  the  latter  into  a  cartel 
ship,  and  sent  her  to  Rio  de  Janeiro  with  his  prisoners.  They  then  continued  on 
tlieir  course,  after  remaining  in  Tristan  d'Acunha  the  length  of  time  appointed  by 
Decatur  (until  the  13th  of  April),  and,  in  the  mean  time,  they  had  intelligence  that 
the  President  was  probably  captured. 

While  sailing  onward  toward  the  Indian  Seas  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  April, 
Captain  Warrington,  o*  the  Peacock,  signaled  to  Captain  Biddle  that  a  strange  ves- 
sel was  seen  in  the  distance.  Both  ^'oops  started  in  chase  with  a  light  wind,  and 
before  evening  tiny  had  rapidly  gained  on  the  stranger.  She  was  yet  in  sight  in  the 
morning.    The       K^ock  was  two  leagues  ahead  of  the  JTomet  between  two  and  three 

o'clock  in  the  ali<   noon.'  and  at  that  time  bcsjan  \'    si    \v  some  caution  in 

1  I  ,  •  T     1  ■  1  April  28. 

her  movements.     It  wa-  soi  n  discDveriMl  that  tn<    stranger  was  a  heavy  , 

line-of-battle  ship  and  an  ■  .uiny,  and  that  she  was  about  to  give  cli:ise.     The  Pea- 


»ylvania.  He  and  his  brotlicr  Edward  entered  the  navy  in  1800  an  mirt«"ilpinen  In  the  frigate  i>/-.  "iAent.  James  made 
a  cruise  in  the  Mediterranean  under  Captain  Murray,  and  afterward  '  Icr  Bninbridge.  Ilis  condiiit  while  in  those 
waters,  and  especially  at  Tripoli,  was  distinguished  by  gnat  courage  aii  nnntioal  skill.  He  was  a  prisoner  among  the 
semi-barharianB  of  that  region  for  nineteen  months.  On  !  -  rctnni  in  If'O.'i  ho  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy,  and  was 
in  active  service  most  of  the  time  until  the  war  broke  on;  u  1S1'2,  when  he  sailed  in  the  Wafp,  Captain  Jones,  in  which 
he  acquired  special  honor  in  the  flght  of  that  vessel  witt  .«■  PrnlU\  Soon  after  that  affair  Lieutenant  IJiddlc  was  pro- 
moted to  master  commandant,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  Hornet.  With  her  he  gained  new  laurels,  as  record- 
ed ill  the  text.    On  his  return  to  the  United  States  in  the  summer  of  1816  he  was  promoted  to  post  captain.    He  con- 


mportant.    In  1817  he  took  possession  of  Oregon 

■38  to  1842  he  was  Governor  of  the  Naval  Asylum, 

t  Indies,  be  exchanged  the  ratillcations  of  the  flrst 

r.iclflc,  he  engaged  In  some  of  the  scenes  in  the  war 

larch,  1S4S,  and  died  at  Philadelphia  on  the  1st  of  Oc- 


tinued  in  active  service  until  his  death.    Ills  special  servlci  -  wi 

Territory ;  in  1820  he  signed  a  commercial  treaty  with  Turkey  ,  fi 

Pliiladclphla ;  and  in  184(1,  while  in  command  of  a  squadron  in  " 

American  treaty  with  China.    lie  was  at  Japnn,  and,  cros"- 

with  Mexico  on  the  coast  of  California.    He  returned  her         » 

tol)cr  following.    The  portrait  of  Commodore  Biddle  on  the  opposite  page  was  copied  from  one  in  the  possession  of 

the  Navy  Department  at  Washington. 

>  He  had  already  received  from  his  townsmen  and  friends  a  beautiful  testimonial  of  their  esteem  the  previous  year. 
See  page  4.'B. 

'  The  above  plctnre  represents  the  medal,  the  exact  size.    On  one  side  Is  a  bust  of  Captain  Biddle,  and  the  words 

"the  onNOBESS   OK   THE   tl.  B.  TO  OAPT.  J.\MKH  UIDOI.E   FOB  IMS   nAI.I.ANTnV,  OOOI)  OONIICOT,   ANTJ  BERVIOKS."      On  the  Other 

side  is  represented  a  naval  action,  with  the  Peak  of  Tristan  d'Aounhu  in  sight  beyond  the  smoke.    Around  this  are  the 
words  " (^APTUBE  or  tue  ubitisii  ubiu  i>ii«uiin  uy  tue  u.  b.  buii>  uounet.    Below,  "  off  tristan  u'AuuNaA,  mabou  xxiu. 

UDOOOXV." 


ii 


fiCTORIAL    FIE'.D-BOOK 


The  War  over. 


The  American  Navy  at  the  close  of  the  War. 


cock  and  tlie  Hornet  spread  their  sails  /or  flight,  Tlie  latter  was  more  particularly 
in  peril,  as  she  was  a  slower  sailer  than  her  consort.  The  huge  Englishman  was  gain- 
ing upon  her.  Biddle  began  to  lighten  her,  and  the  chase  became  intensely  interest- 
ing during  the  entire  night  of  the  28th  and  early  morning  of  the  29th.  At  dawn  the 
enemy  was  within  gun-shot  distance  of  the  Hornet  on  her  Ico  quarter.  At  seven 
o'clock  English  colors  and  a  rear  admiral's  flag  was  dis]  layed  by  the  stranger,  and 
she  commenced  firing.  On  sped  the  Hornet,  casting  overboard  shot,  anchors,  cables, 
spars,  boats,  many  heavy  articles  on  deck  and  below,  and  all  of  her  guns  but  one. 
At  noon  the  pursuer  Avas  within  a  mile  of  her,  and  again  commenced  firing,  three  of 
the  balls  striking  the  Hornet.  Still  on  she  sped,  her  gallant  commander  having  ic- 
solved  to  save  his  ship  at  all  hazards.  He  did  so.  By  consummate  seamanshij)  and 
prudence,  he  soon  took  the  Hornet  out  of  harm's  way,  and  with  her  single  gun,  and 
without  boat  or  anchor,  she  made  her  way  to  New  York,  where  she  arrived  on  the 
9th  of  June.  Biddle's  skill  in  saving  his  vessel  elicited  the  unbounded  praise  of  his 
countrymen.  It  was  afterward  ascertained  that  the  pursuer  of  the  Hornet  was  tlio 
CormoaliiSy  14,  on  her  way  to  the  East  Indies,  and  bearing  the  flag  of  an  oflicer  in 
that  service. 

Warrington  continued  his  cruise  in  the  Peacock,  and  on  the  30ir  ^Junc," 
when  off"  Anjer,  in  the  Straits  of  Sunda,  between  Borneo  and  Sumatra,  he  fell 
in  with  the  East  India  Company's  crnhcr  Nautilus,  14,  JAQ.utena.nt  Charles  Boyce, 
Broadsides  were  exchanged,  when  the  Nautilus  struck  her  colors.  She  had  lost  six 
men  killed  and  eight  wounded.  The  Peacock  lost  none.  This  event  occurred  a  few 
days  after  the  period  set  by  the  treaty  of  peace  for  the  cessation  of  hostilities.  War- 
rington was  ignorant  of  any  such  ti'eaty,  but,  being  informed  of  its  ratification  on  the 
next  day,  he  gave  up  the  Nautilus,  and  did  every  thing  in  his  power  to  alleviate  the 
sufferings  of  her  wounded  people.  He  then  returned  home,  bearing  the  lionor  of  hav- 
ing fired  the  last  shot  in  the  Second  War  for  Independence.  The  combat  betAveen 
the  Hornet  and  Penguin  was  the  last  regular  naval  battle,  the  affair  between  the  Pea- 
cock and  Nautilus  being  only  a  rencounter. 

When  the  Peacock  reached  America,  every  cruiser,  public  and  private,  that  had 
been  out  against  the  British  Jiad  returned  to  port,  and  the  Avar  was  over.  "The 
navy,"  says  Cooper, "  came  out  of  this  struggle  with  a  vast  increase  of  reputation. 
The  brilliant  style  in  which  the  ships  had  been  carried  into  action,  the  steadiness  and 
rapidity  with  which  thoy  had  been  handled,  and  the  fatal  accuracy  of  their  fire  on 
nearly  every  occasion,  'jroduced  a  new  era  in  naval  Avarfare.  Most  of  the  frigate  ac- 
tions had  been  as  soon  decided  as  circumstances  would  at  all  alloAV ;  and  in  no  in- 
stance was  it  found  necessary  to  keep  up  the  fire  of  a  sloop  of  Avar  an  hour  Aviion 
singly  engaged.  Most  of  the  combats  of  the  latter,  indeed,  AA^ere  decided  in  about 
half  that  time,  i'h.i  execution  done  in  these  short  conflicts  Avas  often  equal  to  that 
made  by  the  largest  vessels  of  Europe  in  general  actions,  and  in  some  of  them  the 
slain  and  wounded  co.nprised  a  very  large  proportion  of  the  crcAvs.     It  is  not  easy  to 

say  in  vhich  nation  th?s  unlooked-for  resnlt  created  the  most  surprise The 

ablest  and  bravest  captains  of  the  English  fleet  Avere  ready  to  admit  that  a  ncAV  pow- 
er Avas  about  to  appear  on  the  ocean,  and  that  it  Avas  not  improbable  the  battle  for 
the  mastery  of  the  seas  would  have  to  be  fought  over  again."' 

It  noAV  remains  for  us  only  to  cwnsider  the  principal  exploits  of  the  American  pri- 
vateers, whose  services  appear  in  most  admirable  conspicuousness  at  every  period  of 
the  war,  from  the  month  af^or  it  was  proclaimed  until  some  time  after  peace  Ava;;  as- 
sured by  solemn  treaty.  Although  privateering  is  nothing  less  than  legalized  piracy, 
it  has  ever  been  sanctioned  by  the  laws  of  nations  since  such  codes  Avcre  first  estab- 
lished, and  th<  foremost  of  the  American  statesmen  at  the  period  we  are  considering 
advocated  it  .     a  just  and  expedient  measure  for  a  nation  so  feeble  as  ours  in  mari- 

~~  •  1  Naval  nistory  of  the  United  Statet,  iT,  47o! 


y  at  the  close  of  the  War. 

more  particuhiily 
;lishinan  was  gain- 
intensely  inteix'st- 
)lli.  At  dawn  the 
uarter.  At  sovcn 
'  the  stranger,  aiul 
ot,  anchors,  cahlcs, 
lier  guns  bnl  oiip. 
eecl  firing,  three  of 
niantler  having  rc- 
ite  seamansliii)  and 
ler  single  gun,  and 
she  arrived  on  the 
unded  praise  of  his 
,he  Hornet  was  tl>c 
las  of  an  officer  in 

1  the  30u-    ^'.Tunc,* 
nd  Sumatra,  he  fdl 
ant  Charles  Boycc. 
3.     She  had  lost  six 
vent  occurred  a  few 
of  hostilities.    War- 
is  ratification  on  the 
wer  to  alleviate  tlip 
[ig  the  honor  of  hav- 
he  combat  between 
lir  between  the  Pea- 
private,  that  had 
was  over.     "The 
■ease  of  reputation, 
the  steadiness  and 
acy  of  their  fire  on 
)st  of  the  frigate  ac- 
ow ;  and  in  no  in- 
war  an  hour  wlicn 
decided  in  about 
often  equal  to  that 
some  of  them  the 
It  is  not  easy  to 

iirprise The 

init  that  a  new  pow- 
bable  the  battle  for 

)f  the  American  jiri- 
at  every  period  of 
after  peace  wa;.  as- 

lan  legalized  piracy, 

ties  were  first  estah- 
we  arc  considering 

■ble  as  ours  in  mari- 


OF  THE  War   OF   1813. 


993 


'/•rlvatcerB  commiesloned. 


Tlie  flfBt  Crulserg  ofthnt  Class. 


PrlvateerluR  approved. 


Ul.iri'£U-UUlLT    rlllVATKKU  HCIIUUNtll. 


time  strength  when  contending  with  one  so  powerful  as  Great  Britain.'  So  regard- 
ing it,  Congress,  in  the  act  declaring  war,  sanctioned  it,  by  authorizing  the  President 
to  "  issue  to  private-armed  vessels  of  the  United  States  commissions,  or  letters  of 
marque  and  reprisal,"  as  they  were  termed,  in  such  manner  as  he  should  think  proper. 
The  President  was  not  tardy  in 
issuing  such  commissions  under  a 
specific  act  of  Congress  passed  on 
the  2Gth  of  June,"  and  very 
soon  swift-sailing  brigs  and 
schooners,  and  armed  pilot-boats, 
were  out  upon  the  high  seas  in 
search  of  plunder  from  tlie  com- 
mon enemy.  Of  these  the  clip- 
per-built schooner  represented  in 
the  engraving  was  the  favorite. 
The  most  noted  of  these  were 
huilt  at  Baltimore.  They  gener- 
ally carried  from  six  to  ten  guns, 
with  a  single  long  gun,  called 
"Long  Tom,"  mounted  on  a  swiv- 
el in  ti;e  centre.  They  were  usu- 
ally manned  with  fifty  i)ersons,  besides  ofiicers,  all  armed  with  muskets,  cutlasses,  and 
hoarding-pikes,  commanded  to  "burn,  sink,  and  destroy"  the  property  of  an  enemy 
wherever  it  might  be  found,  either  on  the  high  seas  or  in  British  ports. 

Into  the  pon  of  Silem,  Massachusetts,  which  became  famous  as  the  home  of  priva- 
teers during  the  contest,  the  first  prize  captured  on  the  ocean  after  the  declaration 
of  war  was  taken.  On  the  10th  of  July  the  private-armed  schooner  i^tme,  Captain 
Webb,  took  into  that  harbor  two  British  ships,  one  laden  with  timber  and  the  other 
with.  tar.  On  the  same  day  the  privateer  Dash,  Captain  Carroway,  of  Baltimore,  en- 
tered Hampton  Roads  and  captured  the  British  government  schooner  Whiting,  Lieu- 
tenant Maxey,  who  was  bearing  dispatches  from  London  to  Washington. 

On  the  14th  of  July,  a  stanch  privateer  of  Gloucester,  Massachusetts,  named  the 
j)/tf(//so«,  fell  in  with  a  British  transport  ship  from  Halifax  bound  to  St.  John's.  She 
liad  been  under  convey  of  the  Indian,  a  Bntish  sloop  of  war,  which  had  just  given 
cliase  to  the  Folhj  and  Dolphin,  two  American  privateers.  The  Madison  pounced 
on  and  captured  the  transj)ort,  which,  with  the  cargo,  was  valued  at  $50,000.  She 
was  sent  into  (Tloucester.  On  the  following  day  the  Indian,  after  chasing  the  Polly 
for  sonic  time,  manned  her  launch  and  several  boats,  and  sent  them  to  capture  the 
fugitive.  The  Polhj  turned,  and  resisted  so  gallantly  that  she  caused  the  launch  to 
strike  her  colors.  By  this  time  the  Indian  was  almost  within  gun-shot,  when  the 
Volhj  took  to  her  sweeps  and  esca])ed.  The  Madison  soon  afterward  caj)tured  a  Brit- 
ish ship  of  twelve  guns,  name  not  given,  and  the  brig  Eliza,  of  six  guns. 

On  the  18th  of  July  the  letter  of  marque  schooner  Falcon,  of  Baltimore,  armed 


'  Immediately  after  the  declnrattoii  of  war,  Thomax  Jefferson  wrote  on  the  snbject  (July  4, 1S12),  and  after  asking 
"What  Is  war?"  answered,  "It  Is  ciniply  n  contest  between  nations  of  trylni;  whhh  can  do  the  other  the  most  harm." 
.\g3lii  he  asked  and  answered  as  follows :  "  Who  carries  ou  the  war?  Armies  are  formed  and  navies  n.aniied  by  indl- 
viiliinls.  What  jirodnces  pence?  The  distress  of  Individuals.  What  difference  to  the  sufferer  Is  It  that  his  property  Is 
taken  by  a  national  or  private-armed  vessel  ?  Did  our  merchants,  who  have  lost  !>17  vessels  by  British  captures,  feel  any 
sratillcation  that  most  of  them  were  taken  by  his  majesty's  mtn-of-war  ?  Were  the  spoils  less  rifrldly  enforced  by  a  74- 
pin  ship  than  by  a  privateer  of  four  jinns,  and  were  not  all  equally  condemned  ?  ....  In  the  United  States  every  pos- 
flble  enconrapement  should  oe  piven  to  prlvateerlnj;  in  time  of  war  with  a  commercial  nation.  We  have  tens  of  thou- 
tands  of  seamen  that  without  It  would  be  destitute  of  the  means  of  support,  and  useless  to  their  country.  Our  national 
ships  are  too  few  in  number  to  (jIve  employment  to  one  twentieth  part  of  them,  or  retaliate  the  acts  of  the  enemy.  By 
liceiisinc  private-armed  vessels,  the  whole  naval  force  of  the  nation  Is  trnly  brought  to  bear  on  the  foo ;  and  while  the 
contest  lasts,  that  it  may  have  the  speedier  termination,  let  every  individual  contribute  his  mite,  in  the  best  way  he  can, 
to  distress  and  harass  the  enemy,  and  compel  him  to  peace."  So  arizued  Mr.  Jefferscni,  the  founder  of  the  Democratic 
party,  thou  admluisterlnj;  the  national  government,  and  which  was  a  unit  in  favor  of  war  with  Great  Britain. 

3  11 


S■^^ 


I 


I    I 


if: 


094 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


EffectH  of  American  PrIvatcerlDg. 


Cruise  of  the  Hostie. 


'  1812. 


■  July  22. 


with  four  guns  and  si-xteen  men,  fought  the  British  cutter  Hero,  five  guns  and  fifty. 
five  men,  on  the  coast  of  France,  for  two  hours  and  a  lialf,  and  drove  her  off.  On  tlie 
following  day  the  Falcon  was  attacked  by  a  British  privateer  of  six  guns  and  forty 
men.  She  resisted  for  an  hour  and  a  half,  wlien,  her  captain  having  been  killed  and 
several  of  her  (icw  wounded,  she  struck  her  colors,  and  was  taken  into  a  Guernsey 
port.  The  first  prize  that  arrived  at  ]Jaltimore  was  a  British  schooner  laden  with  a 
cargo  of  sugar,  valued  at  $18,000.  She  was  captured  by  the  Dolphin.  This  was  on 
the  2Cth  of  July.  A  little  more  than  a  month  had  elapsed  since  the  declaration  of 
war,  yet  within  that  time  such  displays  of  American  valor  had  been  made  on  the  soa 
that  the  British  began  to  feel  some  respect  for  their  new  foe  on  that  element.  Dur- 
ing the  month  of  July  more  than  fifty  vessels  were  taken  from  the  British  by  Amer- 
ican privateers,  and  taken  into  the  harbors  of  the  United  States. 

Toward  the  middle  of  July  se^'en  privateers  sailed  from  Baltimore  on  a  cruise. 
One  of  them  was  the  swift  clipper-built  schooner  Jiossie,  fourteen  guns  and  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  men,  commanded  by  the  veteran  Commodore  Barney.  His  manu- 
script journal  of  that  and  a  second  cruise  lies  before  me,  and  bears  evidence  that  it 
was  one  of  the  most  exciting  voyages  on  record.  He  sailed  from  Baltimore  on  the  12th 
of  July,"  and  cruised  along  the  eastern  coast  of  the  United  States  for  forty-five 
days  without  entering  port.  He  was  almost  daily  capturing  English  vessels, 
cliasing  and  being  chased,  and  informing  all  American  vessels  that  fell  in  his  way  of 
the  beginning  of  war. 

Nine  days  after  lie  left  Baltimore''  Barney  fell  in  with  the  brig  Wi/wph, 
of  Newburyport,  and  seized  her  for  violating  the  Non-importation  Act.  On 
the  following  day  the  liossie  was  chased  by  a  British  frigate,  which  hurled  twenty- 
five  shota  after  her,  but  without  effect.  The  Jiossie  outsailed  the  frigate,  and  es- 
<•  July  80.  caped.  Six  days  afterward''  she  was  chased  by  another  frigate,  and  aiiaiii 
outsailed  the  pursuer.  On  the  following  day  Barney  took  and  burned  tlie 
'  August  1.  giiip  Princess  lioyal,  and  the  day  following''  took  and  manned  the  ship 
Kltti/.  On  the  2d  of  August  he  took  and  burned  the  brigs  Fame  and  Devonshire, 
and  schooner  Squid ;  and  on  the  same  day  he  captured  the  brig  Two  Drothers,  \m 
on  board  of  her  sixty  of  his  prisoners,  and  ordered  her  as  a  cartel  to  St.  John's,  New 
Brunswick,  to  eflect  an  exchange  for  as  many  American  prisoners.     Barney  sent  his 

compliments  to  Admiral  Sawyer,  the  British 
commnnder  on  tlie  Halifax  station,  desired  him 
to  treat  the  prisoners  well,  and  assured  him, 
very  coolly,  that  he  should  soon  send  him  an- 
other shipload  of  captives  for  exchange.  On 
the  next  day  he  took  and  sunk  the  brig  Henry,  and  schooners  Race-horse  and  IMl- 
fax,  captured  and  manned  the  brig  William,  and  added  forty  prisoners  to  the  num- 
ber on  board  the  Tico  Brothers.  On  the  9th  of  August  he  captured  the  ship  Jcunij, 
of  twelve  guns,  after  a  brief  action  ;  and  on  the  following  day  he  seized  the  brig  Re- 
becca, of  Saco,  from  London,  for  a  breach  of  the  non-importation  law.  On  the  28th 
he  seized  the  Euphrates,  of  New  Bedford,  for  the  same  reason ;  and  on  the  30tli  he 
ran  into  Narraganset  Bay,  and  anchored  off  Newport.  During  his  cruise  of  forty- 
five  days  he  seized  and  captured  fourteen  vessels,  nine  of  which  he  destroyed.  Their 
aggregate  capacity  amounted  to  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  fourteen  tons,  and 
they  were  manned  by  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  men.  The  estimated  value  of  his 
prizes  was  $1,289,000. 

Barney  remained  in  Newport  until  the  Tth  of  September,"'  when  the  Rmk 

started  on  another  cruise.     On  the  9th  she  was  chased  by  three  British  ships 

of  war,  but  by  superior  speed  she  soon  lefb  them  out  of  sight.     On  the  12th  she  was 

chased  by  an  English  frigate  for  six  hours,  when  she,  too,  was  left  so  far 


'  September  10. 


behind  that  she  gave  up  the  pursuit.     Four  days  afterward'  she  fell  i 


!!l 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


995 


Cruise  of  the  Houiie. 


Cruise  of  the  Hossie. 


First  Prize  in  Baltimore. 


Cruise  of  tlie  Olobe. 


"  1812. 


with  and  captured  the  British  armed  packet  Priiicess  Amelia,  They  had  a  severe 
engagement  for  almost  an  hour,  at  pistol-shot  distance  most  of  the  time.  Mr.  Long, 
Barney's  iirst  lieutenant,  was  severely  wounded;  and  six  of  the  crew  were  injured, 
but  not  so  badly.  The  Princess  Amelia  lost  lier  captain,  sailing-master,  and  one  sea- 
man killed  ;  and  the  master's  male  and  six  seamen  were  wounded.  The  Rossie  suf- 
fered in  her  rigging  and  sails,  but  not  in  her  hull,  while  the  Princess  Amelia  was  ter- 
ribly cut  uj)  in  all. 

Barney  had  just  secured  his  prize  when  he  fell  in,  on  the  same  day,*  •  September  12, 
with  three  ships  and  an  armed  brig.     From  tlie  latter  the  Possie  re-  ^***'^- 

ceived  an  eighteen-pound  shot  through  her  quarter,  which  wounded  a  man  and  lodged 
ill  the  pump.  She  dogged  the  three  vessels  for  four  days  in  hopes  of  seeing  them 
separated,  and  thus  aifording  an  opportunity  to  pounce  on  one  of  them.  They  kept 
together,  and  he  gave  up  the  game.  On  the  23d  he  spoke  the  privateer  Globe,  Cap- 
tain Murphy,  of  Baltimore,  and  the  two  went  in  seai'ch  of  the  three  ships,  but  could 
not  find  them.  On  the  8th  of  October,  while  they  were  sailing  together,  they  cap- 
tured the  British  schooner  Jubilee,  and  sent  her  into  port.  On  the  22d  Ba.ney  seized 
the  ship  Merrimack  for  a  violation  of  law.  She  was  laden  Avith  a  valuable  cargo. 
On  the  10th  of  November''  he  returned  to  Baltimore.  The  result  of  his  two 
cruises  in  the  Rossie  since  he  left  that  city  was  3698  tons  of  shipping,  valued 
at  $1,500,000,  and  two  hundred  and  seventeen  prisoners. 

The  Dolphin,  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Stafford,  was  a  (Successful  privateer.  She  car- 
ried twelve  guns  and  one  hundred  men.  Tlie  first  prize  sent  into  Baltimore  after  the 
declaration  of  war  was  hers,  as  we  have  observed  on  the  opposite  page ;  and  other 
ports  received  her  captives.  She  entered  Salem,  Massachusetts,  on  the  23d  of  July, 
after  a  cruise  of  twenty  days,  during  which  time  she  had  taken  six  vessels  without 
receiving  tlie  least  injury.  She  was  repeatedly  chased  by  British  cruisers,  but  al- 
ways outsailed  them.  Captain  Stafford  Avas  remarkable  for  kindness  of  manner  to- 
ward his  prisoners.  Such  M'as  its  power,  that  on  several  occasions,  when  he  was  com- 
pelled to  use  sweeps  to  escape  from  the  ICnglish  men-of-Avar,  they  volunteered  to  man 
them. 

Tiie  privateer  Globe,  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Mui-phy,  carrying  eight  guns  and  about 
eighty  men,  went  to  sea  on  the  24tli  of  July  in  company  with  the  letter  of  marque 
Oora,  On  the  31st  of  that  month  she  chased  a  vessel  about  three  hours,  when  she 
was  within  gun-shot,  and  commenced  firing.  The  fugitive  hoisted  British  colors,  and 
returned  the  shots  from  her  stern-chasers,  consisting  of  two  long  9-pounders.  The 
Ghhe  could  only  bring  a  long  nine  amidships  to  bear  during  an  action  of  about  forty 
minutes,  for  it  was  blowing  very  fresh,  and  the  enemy  crowded  all  sail.  The  Globe 
Snally  gained  on  her,  .and  commenced  firing  broadsides.  Her  antagonist  returned 
broadside  for  broadside,  until  the  Globe,  getting  within  musket-shot  distance,  fired 
deadly  volleys  of  bullets.  After  a  brisk  engagement  of  an  hour  and  a  half  at  close 
quarters,  the  British  vessel  struck  her  colors.  She  proved  to  be  the  English  letter  of 
marque  Boyd,  from  New  Providence  for  Liverpool,  mounting  ten  guns.  No  person 
was  injured  on  eitlier  ship.  Tlie  Boyd's  boats  were  destroyed,  and  she  suffered  much 
in  hull  and  rigging.  The  Globe  suffered  in  sails  and  rigging,  but  was  able,  after  send- 
ing her  prize  to  Philadelphia,  to  proceed  on  her  cruise.  On  the  14th  of  August  she 
captured  a  British  schooner  of  four  guns,  laden  with  mahogany ;  and,  a  few  days  aft- 
erward, she  arrived  at  Hampton  Roads,  accompanied  by  a  large  British  ship  carrj'- 
ing  twenty-two  guns,  richly  laden,  and  bound  for  Glasgow,  which  she  captured  not 
far  from  the  Bermudas.  Having  secured  her  prize  in  port,  the  Globe  started  immedi- 
ately on  another  cruise.' 


i 


'  Willie  cruising  off  the  const  of  Portiifrnl.  the  Glohe  hnd  n  severe  eniragemcnt  with  an  Algerlne  sloop  of  war,  which 
lastctl  three  hours,  at  iialf  gun-shot  distance.  The  Algerlnc  shot  lilirh.  The  Olohe  received  110  less  than  eighty-two 
(hot  through  her  Bails,  bat  had  not  a  roan  killed,  and  only  two  wounded.    It  was  a  drawn  battle. 


!'  '  I 


i  ,: 


006 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Cralees  of  the  Highflyer,  Yankee,  nnd  Shadow. 


The  Highflyer.,  Captain  Gavit,  of  Baltimore,  was  ano'''"ir  successful  cruiser  on  pri- 
vate account.  She  was  armed  with  eight  guns,  and  manned  by  one  hundred  men. 
She  left  Baltimore  early  in  July,  and  on  the  20th  captured  the  British  schooner  Ilm- 
riet,  in  ballast,  but  with  $8000  in  specie  on  board.  On  the  10th  of  August,  while  in 
the  G'jlf  of  Mexico,  Captain  Gavit  discovered  the  Jamaica  fleet  of  merchantmen,  ami 
gave  chase.  He  soon  observed  that  they  were  convoyed  by  a  British  frigate.  That 
vessel  gave  chase  to  the  Highflyer.  The  latter  outsailed  her,  and  on  the  2l8t  pounced 
upon  the  Diana,  one  of  the  fleet,  and  captured  her.  She  was  of  three  hundred  and 
fifty  tons  burden,  and  laden  with  a  valuable  cargo  of  rum,  sugar,  coffee,  etc.  Gavit 
took  out  her  crew,  and  sent  her  as  a  prize  to  the  United  States.  On  the  following 
day  the  Highflyer  fell  in  with  and  engaged  two  other  British  vessels  at  half  gun-shot 
distance,  giving  them  about  sixty  shot.  The  breeze  was  too  stiff"  to  allow  safety  in 
boarding  them,  and  so  he  hauled  oflTand  left  them.  These  were  the  Jamaica,  of  Liv- 
erpool, and  the  Mary  Ann,  of  London,  the  former  carrying  seven  guns  and  twenty- 
one  men,  and  the  latter  twelve  guns  and  eighteen  men.  On  the  23d  the  Hig/ijfi/er 
fell  upon  tiic  vessels  again,  the  wind  having  moderated..  Her  people,  after  a  severe 
cannonading  and  musket  firing  from  both  sides,  boarded  the  Jamaica,  and  captured 
her.  The  Mary  Ann  struck  her  colors  at  the  same  time.  During  the  action  Captain 
Gavit  was  shot  thiough  his  right  arm  by  a  musket-ball,  and  one  of  his  seamen  was 
wounded  in  the  cheek.  These  were  the  only  casualties,  excepting  the  damage  (which 
was  considerable)  done  to  the  sails  and  rigging  of  the  Highflyer.  Her  antagonists 
were  severely  bruised.  Several  of  their  seamen  were  wouuded.  Both  ships  were 
richly  laden  with  the  products  of  the  West  Indies. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  the  privateer  Ya7ikee,  carrying  ten  guns,  while  cruising  off 
the  coast  of  Nova  Scotia,  fell  in  with  the  letter  of  marque  lloyal  Bounty,  also  can  y- 
ing  ten  guns.  She  was  a  fine  vessel  of  six  hundred  and  fifty-eight  tons,  and  manned 
by  twenty-five  men.  The  Yankee  had  the  advantage  of  wind,  and,  bearing  down 
upon  the  weather  quarter  of  the  Royal  Bounty,  o^^iva  her  a  division  broadside,  whieli 
made  her  quake  in  every  fibre.  Making  a  quick  movement,  she  gave  her  an  entire 
broadsid(!,  which  was  returned  with  spirit.  The  mariners  of  the  Yankee  were  most- 
ly sharp-shooters,  and  their  execution  was  terribly  galling.  At  the  same  time  tiie 
ship  was  well  managed,  and  her  great  guns  were  making  havoc  with  her  enemy's 
sails  and  rigging.  The  Royal  Boi(nty''s  helmsman  was  killed,  and  she  became  so  un- 
manageable that,  after  fighting  an  hour,  she  was  compelled  to  surrender.  She  was 
terribly  wounded.  All  her  boats  were  stove,  and  no  less  than  one  hundred  and  titty 
round  shot  of  various  kinds  went  through  her  rigging  and  sails,  or  lodged  in  her  hull 
and  spars. 

The  schooner  Shadow,  Captain  Taylor,  of  Philadelphia,  had  a  severe  encounter  with 
the  British  letter  of  marque  May,  Captain  Affleck,  from  Liverpool  bound  to  St.  Lucia. 
carrying  fourteen  guns  and  fifty  men.  At  noon  on  the  4th  of  August  the  Shadow 
discovered  the  May,  and  gave  chase.  It  continued  until  almost  sunset,  when  an  ac- 
tion was  fought.  At  six  o'clock,  Avhen  the  vessels  wore  within  gun-shot  of  each  otli- 
er,  the  3fay  commenced  firing  from  her  stern  guns.  The  action  commenced  at  seven, 
and  at  half  past  seven  the  May  hoisted  a  light  in  her  mizzen  rigghig.  The  Shadow 
then  hailed  her,  and  Captain  Taylor  ordered  her  to  send  her  papers  on  board  of  his  ves- 
sel that  he  might  examine  them.  This  was  only  partially  compjied  with.  Taylor  im- 
mediately sent  a  boat's  crew  to  the  May  with  a  demand  for  the  instant  surrender  of 
all  her  papers.  The  British  captain  refused.  He  sent  a  note  to  this  effect  to  Captain 
Taylor,  stated  the  character  and  force  of  his  vessel,  and  informed  him  that  a  change 
of  ministry  had  taken  place  in  England,  and  that  the  Orders  in  Council  had  been  re- 
scinded. Again  Captain  T  ylor  dcmandrd  Affleck's  papers,  and  again  they  were  re- 
fused. At  half  past  eight  o'clock  the  action  was  renewed.  The  night  was  squally 
and  dark.    The  vessels  kept  near  each  other,  occasionally  exchanging  shots,  and  in 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


997 


ssful  cruiHcr  on  pri- 
one  hundred  num. 
itish  schooner  ILn- 
of  August,  while  in 
f  merchantmen,  iiml 
itish  frigate.    That 
on  the  21 8t  pounced 
"three  hundred  and 
,  cotFee,  etc.     Gavit 
On  the  following 
sels  at  half  gun-shot 
ff  to  allow  safety  in 
the  Jamaica,  of  Liv- 
n  guns  and  twonty- 
e  23d  the  Jliff/ifyer 
eople,  after  a  severe 
naica,  and  captured 
g  the  action  Captain 
e  of  his  seamen  was 
I  the  damage  (whicli 
°r.     Her  antagonists 
J.    Both  ships  were 

IS,  while  cruising  off 
I  Bounty,  also  cari'v- 
;ht  tons,  and  manned 
I,  and,  bearing  down 
ion  broadside,  which 
e  gave  her  an  entire 
e  Yanhee  were  most- 
t  the  same  time  ♦he 
)c  with  her  enemy's 
id  she  became  so  un- 
surrender.  Slio  was 
ne  hundred  and  tit'ty 
or  lodged  in  her  hull 

Dvere  encounter  with 
il  bound  to  St.  Lucia, 
August  the  Sliadov 
,  sunset,  when  an  ac- 
run-shot  of  each  otii- 
■ommenced  at  seven, 
jging.  The  Sfiadow 
•s  on  board  of  his  ves- 
ed  with.  Taylor  im- 
instant  surrender  of 
this  eiFect  to  Captain 
d  him  that  a  change 
Council  had  been  re- 
again  they  were  re- 
le  night  was  squally 
anacing  shots,  aud  ui 


Salem  and  Baltimore  Privateers. 


^1 


the  morning  early  they  commenced  a  severe  fight.  Captain  Taylor  was  shot  through 
the  head  and  instantly  killed,  and  tlie  Shadow  was  so  much  damaged  that  she  with- 
drew, and  by  superior  sailing  escaped,  and  returned  to  Philadelphia. 

On  the  3d  of  August,  the  schooner  Atlas,  Captain  David  Alaffit,  attacked  two  Brit- 
ish armed  sh'ps  at  the  same  time.  Aller  an  engagement  of  about  an  hour  the  smaller 
vessel  of  the  foe  surrendered,  and  the  fire  of  tlie  Atlas  was  wholly  directed  upon  tlte 
larger  one.  Suddenly  the  smaller  one,  notwithstanding  her  colors  were  down,  again 
opened  her  fire;  but  tha  Atla^  soon  silenced  her, and  in  less  than  an  hour  and  a  half 
from  the  time  of  the  attack  both  vessels  were  captured.  They  proved  to  be  the  ship 
Pursuit,  sixteen  guns  and  a  complement  of  thirty-five  men,  and  the  ship  Planter, 
twelve  guns  and  fifteen  men.  Tliey  were  both  stored  with  valuable  cargoes  from 
Surinam,  and  bound  to  Loudon.  They  were  sent  to  the  United  States.  The  Atlas 
was  badly  damaged  in  the  contest. 

At  about  this  time  the  privateer  «7t»/(M,  Captain  Benjamin  Crowninshield,  of  Salem, 
returned  to  that  port  after  a  cruise  of  three  weeks,  during  whicli  time  she  made 
eleven  captures.  All  along  the  coasts  of  the  United  States  and  the  West  Indies  the 
American  privateers  were  now  exceedingly  active.  None  were  more  so  than  the 
Paul  e/bwt's.  Captain  Hazard,  of  New  York.  Within  a  very  short  space  of  time  slie 
captured  fourteen  vessels  near  the  island  of  Porto  Rico,  some  of  them  of  considerable 
value;  and  she  obtained  a  crowning  glory  by  the  capture,  early  in  August,  of  the 
British  ship  Hassan,  fourteen  guns  and  twenty  men,  sailing  from  Gibraltar  for  Ha- 
vana with  wines  and  dry  goods  valued  at  $200,000.  This  was  accomplished  after  a 
contest  of  only  half  an  hour. 

One  of  the  boldest  of  the  privateersmen  was  Captain  Thomas  Boyle,  of  Baltimore, 
who  sailed  the  Comet,  of  fourteen  guns  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  men.  One  of 
his  earliest  exploits  in  the  Comet  was  the  capture,  in  August,  1812,  of  the  British  ship 
Ifopewell,  carrying  fourteen  guns  and  twenty-five  men.  She  was  bound  from  Surinam 
for  London  with  a  cargo  valued,  with  the  ship,  at  $150,000.  The  two  vessels  had  an 
obstinate  combat,  but  the  Comet  was  the  victor.  The  prize  was  sent  into  Baltimore. 
Of  the  Comet  and  her  captain  we  shall  have  more  to  say  hereafter. 

Another  active  and  successful  Baltimore  privateer  was  the  Nonsuch,  Captain  Leve- 
ley,  armed  with  twelve  guns,  and  carrying  about  one  hundred  men.  She  was  one  of 
the  famous  "Baltimore  clippers."  On  the  27th  of  September,  when  cruising  near  the 
island  of  Martinique,  she  fell  in  with  a  British  ship  mounting  sixteen  guns,  Avith 
about  two  hundred  troops  on  board,  and  a  schooner  mounting  six  4-pounders,  and 
manned  with  a  crew  of  about  fifty  or  sixty  men.  The  Nonsuch  ran  in  between  the 
two  vessels,  within  pistol-shot  of  each,  and  commenced  a  hot  contest  which  lasted 
three  hours  and  twenty  minutes.  It  was  a  fierce  fight.  The  guns  of  the  Nonsuch 
(carronades)  became  much  heated  by  continual  firing.  Their  bolts  and  breachings 
were  carried  away,  and  they  were  all  dismounted.  Captain  Leveley  now  deter- 
mined to  board  his  antagonists ;  but  the  damage  done  to  the  rigging  of  the  Nonsuch 
so  disabled  her  that  he  was  not  able  to  bring  her  alongside  for  the  purpose.  In  con- 
sequence of  this  disability  the  two  vessels  escaped,  but  not  without  severe  punish- 
ment. The  larger  ship  was  much  damaged  in  hull  and  rigging,  and  lost  twenty-three 
of  her  men  killed  and  wounded.  The  schooner  was  also  much  damaged.'  The  per- 
formance of  the  Nonstich  yvds  called,  by  the  journals  of  the  day,  "gallant,  but  un- 
profitable conduct."  The  British  spoke  of  the  attack  upon  them  as  "  exceedingly 
brave."    Several  persons  of  distinction  in  these  ships  were  injured. 

The  privateer  Saratoga,  of  New  York,  Captain  Riker,  armed  with  eighteen  guns 

and  one  hundred  and  forty  men,  was  a  successful  cruiser.     In  the  autumn  of  1812  she 

captured  the  ship  Quebec,  sixteen  guns,  from  Jamaica,  with  a  cargo  valued  at  $300,000. 

In  December  following  she  had  a  desperate  fight  o9"Laguira,  Venezuela.     It  was  on 

•  Log-book  of  the  Somuclh  qaoted  In  The  War,  1.,  92 ;  and  NUes's  SegMer,  ill.,  1T2. 


m\ 


098 


I'ICTOKIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Privateering  to  the  cloae  uflilU. 


Captain  Shnler'a  Letter. 


The  Comtt,  of  Baltimore 


tho  11th  of  that  month,  and  she  was  then  in  command  of  Captain  Charles  W.  Woos- 
ter.  She  entered  tlie  [)ort  oFLuguira  the  lOth,  but  was  warned  ott",  tlic  authorities  be- 
ing neutrals.  Going  out  of  the  bay,  siio  captured  a  vessel  with  goods  wortii  ij!20,()00, 
•December  11,  in*l  ^^  ""'^  '"  ^''0  morning  Oil  the  following  day,"  after  the  elearini;  up 
i*''*-  of  the  fog,  she  fell  in  with  the  brig  Jiachcl,  from  (ireenock,  S(!otl,iii(l, 

which  mounted  twelve  guns  and  carried  sixty  men.  They  were  in  sight  of  the  town, 
and  almost  the  entire  population,  from  the  beggar  to  the  commander,  turned  out  to 
see  the  conflict  from  the  house-tops.  The  combat  was  quick  and  furious.  It  result- 
ed in  victory  for  the  Saratoga,  whoso  loss  was  only  one  man  slightly  wounded.  The 
liachel  sutfered  much.     The  second  mate  was  the  only  officer  alive  after  the  action.' 

Such  is  a  brief  record  of  some  of  the  most  prominent  events  in  tho  history  of 
American  privateering,  from  the  declaration  of  war  in  'une,  1812,  until  the  close  of 
tho  year.  Tho  record  is  of  a  small  i)ortion  of  the  swarm  of  private-armed  vessels 
which  were  out  at  the  beginning  of  1813.  These  were  harassing  IJritish  comnurcc 
in  all  directions,  and  uttbrding  powerful  and  timely  aid  to  the  little  navy  of  the  re- 
public. The  business  was  recognized  as  legitimate,  useful,  and  practically  ijatriotic. 
Merchants  and  other  citizens  of  the  highest  respectability  engaged  in  it,^  and  Con- 
gress passed  laws  to  encourage  it  by  the  allowance  of  liberal  privileges,  making  pro- 
visions for  pensions  for  tliose  engaged  in  the  service,  and  for  the  families  of  those 
who  might  be  lost  on  board  private-armed  vessels,  etc. 

The  history  of  American  privateering  in  1813  opens  with  a  letter  from  Captain 
Shaler,^  of  the  schooner  Governor  Tompkins,  which  was  armed  with  fourteen  cai- 
ronades  and  one  "  Long  Tom,"  and  manned  by  about  a  hundred  and  forty  men.  She 
was  built  in  New  York,  and  was  first  commanded  by  Cajjtain  Skinner.  Shaler  wrote 
on  the  1st  of  January  that  on  the  25th  of  December  he  chased  three  British  vessels, 
which  appeared  to  be  two  ships  and  a  brig.  The  larger  he  took  to  be  a  transport, 
and  ran  down  to  attack  her,  when  he  found  himself  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  a 
large  frigate,  which  had  been  completely  masked.  He  boldly  opened  fire  upon  her, 
and  received  a  terrible  response.  Of  course  he  could  not  sustain  a  contest  witli 
such  overwhelming  odds,  so  he  spread  his  sails  to  fly.  He  was  successful.  "  Thanks 
to  her  heels,"  he  said, "  and  the  exertions  of  my  brave  officers  and  crew,  I  still  have 
the  command  of  her."  He  got  out  all  his  sweeps,  threw  overboard  all  the  lumber 
on  his  decks,  and  about  two  thousand  pounds  cf  sliot  from  the  after-hold,  and  at  halt' 
past  five  o'clock  in  the  evening  had  tho  pleasure  of  seeing  his  pursuer  far  beliiiul, 
heaving  about.  The  Tomjikins  lost  two  men  killed  and  six  wounded.  One  of  tiie 
former,  a  black  man  named  Johnson, "  ought  to  be  registered  on  the  book  of  fume," 
Captain  Shaler  wrote,  "and  remembered  with  reverence  as  long  as  bravery  is  con- 
sidered a  virtue.  A  24-pound  shot  struck  him  in  the  hip,  and  took  away  all  the 
lower  part  of  his  body.  In  this  state  the  poor  brave  fellow  lay  on  the  deck,  and  sev- 
eral times  exclaimed  to  his  shipmates,  *'  Fire  away,  boys  ;  neber  haul  de  color  down !" 
The  other  man  killed  was  also  colored,  and  was  wounded  in  a  similar  manner.  "  Sev- 
eral times,"  says  Shaler,  "  he  requested  to  be  thrown  overboard,  saying  he  was  only 
in  the  way  of  the  others.  While  America  has  such  sailors  she  has  little  to  fear  from 
the  tyrants  of  the  ocean." 

We  have  already  spoken  of  the  Comet,  of  Baltimore,  and  her  brave  commander, 
Captain  Boyle.  She  sailed  from  that  port  late  in  December,  1812,  passed  througli 
the  British  blockading  squadron  on  a  dark  night,  and  went  on  a  cruise  toward  the 


1  Letter  from  Lagnira,  quoted  In  Coggeshall's  ITintory  of  the  American  Privateers,  etc.,  page  TO. 

»  Washington  and  other  patriots  were  specnlators  in  the  profits  of  privateering  during  the  Revolution.  In  a  loiter 
before  me,  written  to  John  Parke  Cnstis,  and  dated  at  Whitemarsh,  November  14,  ITTT,  In  answer  to  one  from  that 
gentleman  on  the  subject  of  a  sale  of  a  portion  of  a  privateer  ship,  Washington  aald :  "  It  is  perfectly  agreeable,  too, 
that  Colonel  Baylor  should  share  part  of  the  privateer.  I  have  spoken  to  him  on  the  subject.  I  shall  therefore  con- 
sider myself  as  possessing  one  fourth  of  yonr  ftill  share,  and  that  yourself,  Baylor,  Lund  Washington,  and  I  are  equally 
concerned  In  the  share  you  at  first  held."— 3f.S.  Letttrr. 

'  Quoted  by  Coggeshall  in  bis  History  qf  the  American  Privateers,  page  140. 


OF   THE   WAU   OF    1812. 


099 


Tbe  Camtt,  of  Bullimore 

I'liiirlos  W.  \V()08- 
;ho  authorities  be- 
ds worth  i|!20,()n(), 
cr  the  cloiirini^  ii|) 
reenock,  ScioUaiHl, 
sight  of  the  town, 
iler,  turned  out  to 
furious.  It  ri'siilt- 
,ly  wounded.  Tlic 
2  after  tlie  aetioii.' 
in  the  liistory  of 

until  the  close  of 
irate-arnied  vessels 

British  comniercu 
tie  navy  of  the  re- 
actically  vatriotic. 
ed  in  it,^  and  Con- 
ileges,  niakinu;  pro- 
e  liirailies  of  those 

)ttor  from  Captain 
with  fourteen  car- 
id  forty  men.    She 
iner.    Shaler  wrote 
ree  IJritish  vessels, 
to  be  a  transport, 
irter  of  a  mile  of  a 
encd  fire  upon  her, 
ivhi  a  contest  witli 
cccssful.    "  Tiianks 
crew,  I  still  have 
ard  all  the  hunher 
r-hold,  and  at  half 
jursucr  far  beliiml, 
inded.     One  of  tlie 
the  book  of  fume," 
as  bravery  is  con- 
took  away  all  tlie 
the  deck,  and  sev- 
ul  de  color  down !" 
!ir  manner.    "  Scv- 
ying  he  was  only 
s  little  to  fear  from 

brave  commander, 
12,  passed  througli 
cruise  toward  the 

eTO. 

le  Rcvolntion.  In  ii  letter 
answer  to  one  from  that 
is  perfectly  agreeable,  too, 
3ct.  1  shall  therefore  con- 
ihington,  and  I  are  equally 


Crolw  ufthe  Comet. 


Uer  wouderfal  Career. 


The  Chamiur. 


coast  of  Ilrazil.  On  the  0th  of  January,  I  HI  H,  she  was  oft'  the  harbor  of  I'ernanibuco, 
antl  Hoyle  was  informed  by  a  coaster  that  some  Jiritish  vessels  were  about  to  sail 
from  that  jtort.  The  Comet  watched  until  the  14tii,  when,  at  a  little  jtast  noon,  four 
sail  appeared.  Boyle  waited  mitil  they  were  well  clear  of  the  land,  and  then  gave 
chase.  The  Cornet  was  a  switl  clipper,  and  soon  overhauled  them ;  and  at  seven  in 
the  evening,  Imving  prepared  for  action,  she  hoisted  her  colors,  and  made  for  the 
larger  of  the  four  vessels,  wliich  proved  lo  be  a  I'ortiiguese  brig^  mounting  twenty 
heavy  guns  (;{2-pounders),  and  manned  by  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  men.  She  was 
convoying  three  English  merchant  ships  laden  with  wlieat,  aiul  warned  Captain  JJoyle 
not  to  molest  them.  To  this  injunction  Boyle  replied  that  his  commission  authorized 
him  to  capture  them  if  he  could,  and  that  the  Portuguese  warrior  had  no  right  to  in- 
terfere. 

All  the  vessels  were  now  crowding  sail  with  a  stiffi'iiing  breeze.  The  Comet  shot 
past  the  others,  when  Boyle  summoned  the  Englishmen  to  heave  to,  with  a  threat 
tiiat  if  they  did  not  ho  would  open  a  broadside  upon  them.  The  Portuguese  gave 
chase  to  the  Comet.  The  latter  tacked,  came  alongside  of  the  meichantinen  at  half 
past  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  so  distributed  a  heavy  fire  that  she  wounded 
all  three.  The  Portuguese  suftered  severely  in  the  contest  which  followed,  for  the 
quick  movements  of  the  clipper  gave  the  latter  great  ad\  .intages  of  position.  Tlie 
combat  continued  until  an  hour  past  midnight,  whin  the  moon  went  down, and  the 
night  became  dark  and  squally.  In  the  mean  time  the  merchantmen  had  surrendered, 
and  one  of  them  was  taken  possession  of  by  IJoyle.  At  dawn,  the  Portuguese  brig, 
with  the  other  two  English  vessels,  fied  for  Pernambuco,  while  the  Comet  and  her 
prize,  the  i^owt'«,  proceeded  liomeward.  Boyle  -  ion  afterward  cajjtured  the  Scotch 
i]xvp  Adelphi,  andi  outsailed  the  famous  British  frigate  Surprise,  ihiii  gave  chase. 

On  the  0th  of  February  the  Comet  captured,  first,  the  brig  Alexis,  of  Greenock,  and 
soon  afterward  an  armed  brig  v/hich  formed  part  of  a  convoy  for  nine  merchantmen 
from  Demerara.  At  the  same  time  another  man-of-war,  called  the  Sina(j(jerer,  ap- 
peared, Boyle  was  anxious  to  get  his  prizes  oft",  and  he  amused  the  brig  until  that 
desired  end  was  accomplished.  In  the  mean  time  he  added  tiie  Dominica,  a  Liver- 
■ool  packet,  to  his  list  of  prizes.  When  these  were  fairly  on  their  way  he  turned  his 
heels  ui)on  the  Swdf/r/erer,  and  soon  outsailed  his  pursuer.  At  three  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  he  captured  the  schooner  Jtme,  and  before  sunset  he  lost  sight  of  the  tiwag- 
gerer  entirely. 

Soon  after  this  encounter  Boyle  turned  his  face  homeward,  and  on  the  way  met 
and  fought  a  terrible  battle  for  eight  hours  with  tho  British  slii])  Ilibernia,  eight  hun- 
dred tons,  twenty-two  guns,  and  a  full  complement  of  nun.  The  Comet  lost  three 
killed  and  sixteen  wounded.  The  Jlihernia  lost  eight  killed  and  thirteen  wounded. 
Tlie  Comet  put  into  Porto  Rico  for  repairs,  and  the  Ilibemia  into  St.  Thomas.  Both 
were  much  injured.     The  Comet  arrived  at  Baltimore  on  the  17th  of  jVIarch. 

Boyle  was  not  long  on  land.  His  next  cruise  was  in  the  beautiful  C/iusstiir,  a  pri- 
vateer brig,  elegant  in  model,  and  formidable  in  men  and  arms.  She  was  the  fieetest 
of  all  vessels,  and  the  story  of  her  cruises  is  a  tale  of  romance  of  the  most  exciting 
kind.  She  seemed  as  ubiquitous  as  the  "  Phantom  Ship."  Sometimes  she  was  in  the 
West  Indies  ;  then  on  the  coasts  of  Spain,  Portugal,  and  France ;  and  then  in  the 
Irish  and  British  Channels,  spreading  the  wildest  alarm  among  England's  commercial 
marine.  So  much  was  she  feared  in  the  West  Indies  and  the  islands  of  the  Carib- 
bean Sea,  that  the  merchants  there  implored  Admiral  Dunh.im  to  send  them  "at  least 
a  heavy  sloop  of  war"  to  protect  their  property.  The  admiral  immediately  sent  them 
the  frigate  Barrosaa,  which  the  fleet  Chasseur  delighted  to  tease. 

The  Chasseur  captured  eighty  vessels,  of  which  thirty-two  were  of  equal  force  with 
herself,  and  eighteen  her  superior.  Many  of  the  prizes  were  of  great  value.  Three 
of  them  alone  were  valued  at  $400,000.    She  seemed  to  sweep  over  the  seas  with  im- 


I 


I '     ' 


1000 


PICTORIAL    FIKLU-UOOK 


Boyle'i  Proclamation  of  Blockada. 


i 


u 


OrallM  of  the  Dolphin,  Saratnga,  l^iU«ry,iun\  ymttm. 


punity,  and  wnH  n«  itn|)ii(k>iit  an  ho  was  bold.  On  one  occasion,  while  in  the  liritish 
Clmiinel,  ho  inMuod  a  proclnniation,  as  a  ImrlcHquc  on  thone  of  AdniiralH  Warren  and 
Coelirane  concerning  the  hlocknde  of  the  portH  of"  the  Tfnited  States,  in  which  he  de- 
clared "  all  the  ports,  hurhors,  bays,  creeks,  rivers,  iidets,  outlets,  islands,  and  Hca-eoast 
of  the  United  Kingdom  of  <«reat  Jiritain  and  Jrelutid  in  a  state  of  rigorous  hloekadc." 
He  assured  the  world  that  he  possessed  a  sutHcient  force  (the  ChiiKseur)  to  eonipcl 
obedience.  This  proclanrntion  he  caused  to  be  sent  in  a  cartel  to  London,  with  a  re- 
quest  to  have  it  j)ost(  <1  up  at  Lloyd's  C'ottee-house  1 

We  have  already  noticed  some  of  the  earlier  operations  of  the  Dolphin,  Cii]Asm 
Stafford.  On  the  25th  of  January,  18i;J,  she  fell  in  with  a  largo  ship  and  a  brig  off 
Cape  St.  Vincent,  and,  as  was  common  with  the  njore  daring  American  privateers,  en. 
gaged  them  both.  After  a  severe  tight  they  were  cai>tured,  and  sent  to  the  United 
States.  They  were  richly  laden,  and  were  valuable  j)rizes.  The  wounded  Captain 
Brigh.am,  of  the  liritish  ship  {IJef)e,  10),  thought  his  capture  "extronary."  Tie  did 
"not  expe(;t  to  find  a  damned  Yankee  jjrivateer  in  that  part  of  the  world  !"  and  when 
assured  by  Stafford  that  they  would  appear  in  the  Thames  by-and-by,  his  eyes  ijilat- 
cd  with  mute  wonder.  Stafford's  kind  good-nature  won  Hrigham's  heart ;  and  in  a 
card,  published  on  his  arrival  in  Boston  in  Februal-y,  he  thanked  the  commander  of 
the  Dolphiii,  ,ind  his  associates  for  their  attentions,  saying, "  Should  the  fortune  of 
war  ever  throw  Captain  Stafford  or  any  of  his  crew  into  the  liands  of  the  British,  it 
is  sincerely  hoped  he  will  meet  a  similar  treatment."' 

We  again  find  the  Saratoga,  Captain  Woolsey,  on  lior  destructive  errand  in  Febru- 
ary, 1813.  On  the  0th  of  that  month  she  captured  the  Lord  Nelson,  o\'  Kix  hinidred 
tons,  and  one  of  the  finest  vessels  in  the  British  mercliant  service.  She  was  sent  into 
New  Orleans.  At  about  the  same  time  tlie  Saratoga  captured  the  Britisli  packet 
Morgiana,  eighteen  guns.  The  Saratoga  liad  just  been  chased  by  a  British  frigate, 
and  h.^d  been  compelled,  in  order  to  lighten  her  to  increase  her  speed,  to  throw  over- 
board twelve  of  her  guns.  She  had  only  four  to  attack  the  Morgiana  with.  Her 
annory  was  replenished  with  several  of  the  fine  brass  pieces  of  the  captive,  and  the 
prize  was  sent  to  Newport  witli  her  caj)tain.  The  kindness  of  the  prize-master  w.is 
so  conspicuous  that  the  captain  of  the  Morgiana  thanked  him  in  the  Newport  news- 
papers. 

On  the  15th  of  February*  the  letter  of  marque  Lottery,  of  Baltimore,  anned 
with  six  guns  and  manned  by  thirty-five  men,  had  a  desperate  fight  in  Ciiosa- 
peake  Bay  with  nine  British  barges  containing  two  hundred  and  forty  men.  She 
fought  them  an  hour  and  a  half,  during  which  time  it  was  believed  that  more  of  tlie 
foe  were  killed  than  the  number  of  the  whole  crew  of  the  letter  of  marque.  At  length 
Captain  Southcote,  commander  of  the  schooner,  Avas  severely  wounded,  and  the  ene- 
my, in  overwhelming  numbers,  boarded  the  vessel,  hauled  down  the  colors,  and  made 
her  a  prize. 

At  about  tliis  time  we  find  the  privateer  Yankee,  whose  exploits  we  have  already 
observed,  entering  the  harbor  of  Newport  after  a  cruise  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
days,  during  which  time  she  had  scoured  the  whole  western  coast  of  Africa,  taken 
eight  prizes,  made  one  hundred  and  ninety-six  prisoners,  and  secui'ed  as  trophies 
sixty-two  cannon,  five  hundred  muskets,  and  property  worth  almost  $300,000. 

The  merchants  of  New  York  fitted  out  no  less  than  twenty-six  fast-sailing  priva- 
teers and  letters  of  marque  within  a  hundred  and  twenty  days  after  the  declaration 
of  war,  carrying  almost  two  hundred  pieces  of  artillery,  and  manned  by  over  two 
thousand  seamen.  Among  the  most  noted  of  these  privateers  was  a  moderate-sized 
schooner,  mounting  a  Long  Tom  42-pounder,  and  eighteen  carronades.^  Her  comple- 
ment was  one  hundred  and  forty  men,  and  her  first  commander  was  Captain  Barnard. 

1  History  of  American  Privateers  and  Letters  of  Marqtu,  by  George  Coggeshall,  page  129. 
3  See  table  of  New  York  privateers  in  Niles'B  Register,  iil.,  120. 


OF   TlIK   VVAll   OF    18  12. 


1001 


000,  Lotttry,  and  I'artktt. 

lilc  in  tin-  British 
inils  WiiiTi'ii  and 
s,  ill  which  he  dc- 
iuIh,  ivikI  Hca-coiiKt 
jforouH  hloeitiKh'." 
asaeiir)  to  compel 
joiidon,  with  a  re- 

Dolphin,  Cii\>\im 
lii]i  and  a  hriu;  off 
can  in-ivatciM's,  en- 
sent  to  the  UiiiliMl 
wounded  Caiitaiii 
Toiiary."  He  (Uil 
world  I"  and  wlioii 
-by,  his  eyes  dilat- 
's  heart ;  and  in  a 
tlic  commander  of 
lid  the  fortune  of 
Ib  of  the  British,  it 

^c  errand  in  Fehru- 
son,  of  six  iniiidred 

She  was  sent  into 
the  British  packet 
y  a  British  iriuato, 
ced,  to  tlirow  over- 
rgiana  witli.  Iler 
lie  captive,  and  the 
e  prize-master  was 

he  Newport  news- 

|f  Baltimore,  aniied 
•ate  fight  in  Chesa- 
Id  forty  men.  Slio 
Id  that  more  of  the 
arque.  At  length 
mded,  and  the  enc- 
le  colors,  and  made 

[;a  we  have  already 

hundred  and  fifty 

Ist  of  Africa,  taken 

jcufed  as  trophies 

[st  $300,000. 

fast-sailing  priva- 

ter  the  declaration 

Inned  by  over  two 

Is  a  moderate-sized 

|les.2    jier  complc- 

Captain  Barnard. 

L  page  129. 


CrolMi  of  the  Utntral  AmuOnmg,  Xtd,  tud  Seourgi. 


Valuable  Prlua  taken  by  th«  KanjM. 


Early  in  March,  181.1,  the  General  Armatrong  was  in  command  of  (luy  11.  Cham- 
plin,  and  cruisinn  otV  the  Surinam  Uiver,  on  the  coast  of  South  America.  Karly  in 
ilio  morning  of  the  11th  she  gave  chase  to  the  Coquette,  a  British  sloop  of  war  iiKuint- 
ing  twenty-seven  guns,  and  manned  by  one  liundred  and  twenty-one  men  and  b  lys. 
lletween  nine  and  ten  o'clock  the  vessels  were  within  gun-shot,  and  commenced  a 
brisk  engagement.  Convinced  by  observation  that  liis  antagonist  was  a  Ibitish  loi- 
ter of  maniue,  Chani|)liii  and  his  men  agreed  to  board  her,  and  ft)r  this  purpose  they 
ran  the  Armatroiuj  down  upon  her,  when,  too  late  to  retreat,  they  discovered  her  to 
he  a  much  heavier  vessel  than  they  imagined.  The  two  vessels  poured  heavy  shot 
into  each  other,  and  for  a  while  the  fight  was  fierce  and  obstinate,  witliin  piwtol-shot 
distance  for  almost  an  hour.  The  Annsfrotig  was  severely  injured,  and  her  captain 
received  a  ball  in  his  shoulder,  but  continued  some  time  on  duty  after  the  wound  was 
dressed,  and  from  the  cabin  gave  orders  until  his  vessel  was  fairly  out  of  the  clutches 
of  the  enemy.  By  the  vigorous  use  of  sweeps  the  Annstronr/  escaped,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  the  Coquette.  For  his  gallant  condmit  on  this  occasion,  and  his  skill  in  sav- 
ing his  vessel,  the  stockholders,  at  a  meeting  held  at  Tammany  Hall  on  the  14th  of 
April,  presented  Captain  Chainplin  an  elegant  sword,  and  voted  thanks  to  his  com- 
panions in  the  coiiibat.     We  shall  meet  the  Armdrovf;  !;crv.'after. 

The  Ned,  Captain  Dawson,  a  New  York  letter  of  marque,  arrived  at  tliat  port  ten 
days  after  the  sword-preseitation  to  Champlin,  and  brought  with  her  the  !{ritish  let- 
ter of  marque  Maluina,  of  Aberdeen,  mounting  ten  guns.  The  N^ed  captured  her 
after  an  action  of  almost  an  hour.  Her  ca])tain  was  killed,  and  in  the  combat  the 
^ed  had  seven  men  badly  wounded.  The  Malvina  was  laden  with  wine  from  tlio 
Mediterranean,  and  was  a  valuable  prize. 

Another  successful  privateer,  owned  in  New  York,  was  the  Scouiv/c,  Captain  Nicoll. 
She  mounted  fifteen  guns,  and  sailed  from  port  in  April,  181. 'J,  for  a  long  cruise  in 
European  waters,  and  was  frequently  in  consort  with  the  ii««fc»Mrt^t',  ofl'hiladelphla. 
Captain  David  Mattit.  This  commander  went  into  tlie  business  at  the  beginning  of 
the  war,  with  the  Atlas,  and  continued  its  pursuit  until  the  close  of  the  contest  in 
1815.     The  Rattlesnake  was  a  fast-sailing  brig  of  fourteen  guns. 

Captain  Nicoll  was  often  absent  from  the  Ificourge  while  on  the  coast  of  Norway, 
because  he  found  it  more  profitable  to  remain  on  shore  and  attend  to  the  sale  of 
prizes  brought  or  sent  in,  while  his  first  officer  skillfully  commanded  her  in  cruises. 
The  Scourge  made  a  large  number  of  captures  on  the  coast  of  Norway,  and  these 
were  nearly  all  sent  into  Drontheim  and  disposed  of  there.  The  aggregate  tonnage 
of  prizes  then  and  there  disposed  of,  captured  by  the  Scourge  and  Rattlesnake,  was 
4500.  The  trophies  were  sixty  guns.  On  her  homeward  passage  from  Norway  the 
t>coiirge  made  several  captures.  She  arrived  at  Cape  Cod  in  May,  1814,  liaving  been 
absent  little  more  than  a  year.  During  her  cruise  she  had  made  four  hundred  and 
twenty  prisoners.  Her  deeds  made  her  name  an  appropriate  one,  for  she  scourged 
British  commerce  most  severely. 

The  Yankee,  already  mentioned,  left  Newport  on  a  cruise  on  the  2:kl  of  May,  1813. 
A  month  afterward,  when  off"  the  coast  of  Ireland,  she  captured  the  British  cutter 
sloop  Mirl  Camden,  valued  at  $10,000.  Eight  days  afterward"  she  cap- 
tured the  brig  Elizabeth,  valued  at  $40,000,  and  the  brig  Watson,  laden  with 
cotton,  valued  at  $70,000.  On  the  2d  of  July  she  took  the  brig  Mariner,  with  a  cargo 
valued  at  $70,000.  All  of  these  prizes,  Avorth  in  the  aggregate  about  $200,000,  were 
sent  to  French  pprts  for  adjudication  and  sale.  The  work  was  accomplished  in  the 
space  of  about  six  weeks.  The  Yankee  returned  to  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  on 
the  19th  of  August,  without  having  lost  a  man  during  the  cruise  either  killed  or 
wounded. 

The  records  of  privateering  during  the  summer  of  1813  present  one  dark  chapter 
iu  the  deed  of  a  desperate  wretch  named  Johnson,  who  commanded  the  Teaser,  a  lit- 


•  June  30. 


H«|«n 


■  15'  • 


i! 


91 


f  t 


1002 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


PestrucUou  of  tho  TeoMr. 


Capture  of  the  BagU. 


Cruise  of  the  Decatur. 


1*9 


!l 


tie  two-gun  vessel,  that  went  out  from  New  York  with  fifty  men.  When  that  vessel 
was  captured  by  one  of  Admiral  Warren's  fleet,  Johnson  was  released  on  his  parole. 
Soon  afterward,  without  waiting  to  be  exchanged,  he  entered  as  firnt  lieutenant  ou 
board  another  privateer  named  the  Yoimg  Teaser,  Captain  Dawson.  In  June,  isi.s^ 
slie  was  closely  pursued  by  an  English  man-of-war.  She  was  likely  to  be  overtaken, 
and  Johnson  knew  that  death  would  be  his  fate  should  he  be  oauglit.  Dawson  called 
liis  orticcrt-  aft  in  consultation,  and  while  they  were  deliberating  on  tlie  subject  one 
of  the  sailors  called  out  to  the  captain  that  Lieutenant  Johnson  had  just  gone  into 
the  cabin  with  a  blazing  fire-brand.  The  next  instant  the  Teaser  was  blown  into 
fragments.  Only  six  of  all  her  people  escaped  desiruction.  Tlie  captain,  Joinison, 
and  all  tlie  others,  had  perished  in  a  moment. 

Toward  midsummer,  1813,  an  affair  occurred  off  Sandy  Ilook,  New  York,  winch 
created  a  great  sensation.  It  properly  belongs  to  the  history  of  privateering.  Com- 
modore Lewis  was  then  in  command  of  a  flotilla  of  gun-boats  on  that  station,  anil 
the  British  man-of-war  Foictiers,  74,  waa  cruising  in  those  waters.  She  had  for  ten- 
der the  sloop  Uar/le,  and  on  the  5th  of  July  Lewis  sent  out  a  little  fishing-smack 
named  Yankee,  which  he  borrowed  at  V\y  Market,  in  New  York,  to  capture  this  ten- 
der hy  stratagem.  With  a  calf,  a  sheep,  and  a  goose  secured  on  deck,  and  between 
thirty  and  forty  well-armed  men  below,  tlie  smac':  stood  out  for  sea  with  only  three 
men  in  sight,  in  tishermen's  garb,  as  if  going  to  the  fishing-banks.  The  Aht/le  gave 
i>ba«o,  overhauled  her,  and,  seeing  live-stock  on  board,  ordered  her  to  go  to  the  com- 
modore. The  watchword  "Lawrence"  was  then  given,  when  the  armed  men  rusheil 
to  the  deck,  and  delivered  a  volley  of  musketry  which  sent  the  crew  of  the  L'a;/le  he- 
low  in  dismay.  Sailing-master  Percival,  who  commanded  the  expedition,  ordered  tho 
firing  to  cease,  when  one  of  the  Ragle's  company  came  up  and  struck  her  colors.  The 
surprise  was  so  complete  that  her  heavy  brass  howitzer,  loaded  with  canister-sliot, 
remained  undisoharged.  Her  crew  consisted  of  her  commander,  a  midshipman,  an<l 
eleven  seamen.  The  two  former  and  a  marine  were  slain.  The  Eagle  and  prisoners 
were  taken  to  the  city  in  view  of  thousands  of  the  inhabitants,  who  were  on  the  Bat- 
tery celebrating  the  anniversary  of  the  National  Independence.'  They  were  received 
with  shouts,  salvos  of  artillery,  the  waving  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs,  and  the  ring- 
ing of  bells. 

A  month  ufter  the  capture  of  the  iSagle,  the  privateer  schooner  Commodore  Deca- 
tur, Captain  Diron,  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  carrying  seven  guns  and  a  little 
over  a  hundred  men,  had  a  dcsjierate  encounter  with  the  British  war  schooner  Do- 
minica, Lieutenant  Barrette,  carryhig  sixteen  guns  and  eighty-eight  men.  The  De- 
catur was  cruising  in  the  track  of  the  West  India  traders  on  their  return  to  England, 
and  on  the  morning  of  the  5th  of  August"  gave  chase  to  a  ship  and  a  schoon- 
er. At  about  one  o'clock  in  tho  afternoon  they  were  so  near  each  other  that 
the  schooner  fired  a  shot  at  the  Decatur.  The  latter  was  immediately  prei)arcd  for 
action,  not  with  heavy  guns  alone,  but  with  implements  for  boardinrt.  Diron  intend- 
ed to  run  down  near  his  adversary,  discliarge  all  his  guns,  great  and  small,  and  then 
bGiMtl  her  under  cover  of  the  smoke.  This  was  not  immediately  accomplished,  t'of 
the  Dominica  was  on  the  alert,  and  manoeuvred  so  as  to  give  the  Decatur  some  dam- 
aging broadsides.  Twice  her  crew  attempted  to  board  her  antagonist,  but  failed, 
and  the  contest  was  kept  up  with  cannon  and  musketry.  Finally,  at  about  half  past 
three  o'clock,  the  Decatur  forced  her  bowsprit  over  the  stern  of  the  Dominica,  and 
her  jib-boom  penetrated  the  Englishman's  mainsail.  In  face  of  a  murderous  fire  of 
musketry,  the  Decatur's  men,  led  by  P^irst  Prize-master  Safifth  and  Quartermaster 
VYasborn,  rushed  from  her  bow  along  the  bowsprit,  boarded  the  enemy,  and  engaged 
in  a  most  sanguinary  fight,  hand-to-hand,  with  swords,  pistols,  and  small-arms.  Both 
parties  fought  with  the  greatest  courage  and  determination.  The  decks  were  cov- 
1  It  fell  ou  Sunday  lii  1818,  aud  the  event  was  celebrated  on  Monday,  the  Bth. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1003 


Crnise  of  the  Decatur. 

When  that  vessel 
asctl  on  liis  jmrole, 

tir.it  lieutenant  on 
Ml.  In  June,  1813, 
ly  to  bu  overtaken, 
[it.  DawHon  called 
on  the  subject  one 
had  just  f^one  into 
ler  was  blown  into 
e  captain,  Johnson, 

,  New  York,  wliicii 
irivateering.    Com- 
in  that  station,  and 
I.     She  liacl  for  ten- 
little  fishing-smack 
to  capture  this  ten- 
deck,  and  between 
sea  with  only  three 
8.     The  Miffle  gave 
r  to  go  to  the  com- 
I  armed  men  rushed 
•ew  of  the  A\i(/le  he- 
ledition,  ordered  the 
ick  licr  colors.    The 
with  canister-shot, 
a  midshipman,  and 
Eagle  and  prisoners 
lio  were  on  the  IJat- 
^hey  were  received 
liefs,  and  the  ring- 

Commodore  Beca- 
n  guns  and  a  little 
war  schooner  Do- 
<rht  men.    The  Be- 
■eturn  to  England, 
ship  and  a  schoon- 
lear  each  other  that 
lately  prei>are(l  for 
ni'r.     Diron  intend- 
and  small,  and  then 
accomplislicd,  for 
Decatur  some  dam- 
agonist,  but  failed, 
.  at  about  h.alf  past 
the  Dominico,  and 
murderous  fire  of 
and  Quartermaster 
nemy,  and  engaged 
small-arms.     Both 
he  decks  were  cov- 
he  otb. 


CruUe  of  the  David  Porter,  Ulubt,  and  Uarpy. 


ered  with  the  dead  and  wounded.  The  colors  of  the  Dominica  were  hauled  down 
by  the  boarders,  and  she  became  the  Decatur's  in'he.  The  Dominica  lost  sixty-five 
killed  and  wounded.  Among  tlio  former  were  the  captain,  sailing  master,  and  purser. 
The  Decatur  lost  twenty  killed  and  wounded.  Diron  started  with  his  prize  for  Charles- 
ton, and  on  the  following  day  captured  the  London  Trader,  bound  f"om  Surinam  to 
London  with  a  valuable  cargo.     She  reached  Charleston  in  safety  with  both  prizes.* 

In  the  autumn  of  181-1,  Captain  George  Coggeshall,  whose  History  of  the  American 
Privateers  luis  been  alluded  to,  commanded  the  letter  of  marque  schqpner  David  Por- 
ter, of  New  York.  Late  in  October  she  was  lying  at  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  where 
the  President,  Commodore  Rodgers,  was  blockaded.  In  a  thick  snow-storm  on  the 
14th  of  November,  and  under  the  cover  of  night,  the  Porter  passed  the  blockading 
squadron  and  p'.t  to  sea.  She  reached  Charleston,  lier  destined  port,  in  safety,  where 
she  was  freighted  for  France  with  Sea  Ishind  cotton,  and  sailed  for  "  Bordeaux,  or  a 
port  in  France,"  on  the  20th  of  December.  In  the  Bay  of  Biscay  she  encountered  a 
terrible  and  damaging  gale,  but  weathered  it,  and  on  the  20th  of  January  entered  the 
port  of  La  Teste.  Coggeshall  sent  his  vessel  home  in  cliarge  of  hja  first  officer,  and 
remained  in  France  some  time.  The  Porter  captured  several  prizes  on  her  way  to  the 
United  States. 

We  have  noticed  the  arrival  at  Hampton  Roads,  with  a  large  British  ship  as  a 
prize,  the  privateer  Globe,  of  Baltimore,  and  her  departure  on  another  cruise.^  She 
was  successful  in  the  capture  of  prizes,  but  did  not  meet  with  any  foir  tests  of  her 
sailing  qualities,  or  the  valor  and  skill  of  her  men,  until  November,  1813,  On  the  Ist 
of  that  month,  while  cruising  off  the  coast,  of  Madeira,  she  fell  in  and  exchanged  shots 
with  a  large  armed  brig,  but  considered  it  prudent  to  keep  at  a  respectful  distance 
from  her.  She  then  proceeded  to  the  offing  of  Funchal,  where,  on  the  2d,  she  chased 
two  vessels  in  vain,  for  night  came  on  dark  and  squally,  and  she  lost  sight  of  them. 
On  the  .3d  the  Globe  again  chased  two  vessels,  and  at  eleven  o'clock  were  so  near  that 
the  larger  of  the  fugitives  opened  her  stern  guns  on  her  pursuer,  A  severe  action 
ensued,  when,  at  noon,  the  crew  of  the  Globe  attempted  to  board  her  adversary. 
They  failed.  Their  vessel  Avas  much  damaged,  and  while  in  this  condition  the  other 
vessel  came  up  and  gave  the  Globe  a  terrible  raking  fire,  which  almost  disabled  her. 
Yet  they  fought  on  at  close  quarters,  and  at  half  past  three  o'clock  the  larger  vessel 
was  compelled  to  strike  her  colors.  The  other  one  poured  in  broadside  after  broad- 
side within  half  pistol-shot  distance.  The  Globe  was  reduced  to  an  almost  sinking 
condition,  yet  she  managed  to  give  her  second  antagonist  such  blows  that  she,  too, 
struck  her  colors.  She  then  hauled  to  windward  to  take  possession  of  the  first  prize, 
when  that  vessel  hoisted  her  colors  and  gave  the  Globe  a  tremendous  broadside.  She 
was  compelled  to  haul  off  for  repairs,  and  the  two  vessels,  believed  to  be  severely  in- 
jured, sailed  slowly  away.  They  were  packet  brigs,  one  mounting  eighteen  and  the 
other  sixteen  cannon,  mostly  brass.  The  Globe  lost  eight  men  killed  and  titleen 
wounded  in  tliis  desperate  encounter. 

During  the  first  eight  or  nine  months  of  the  year  1814,  although  the  American  pri- 
vate-armed ships  were  active  and  successful,  there  seems  not  to  have  been  any  per- 
formance by  them  that  deserves  the  name  of  a  naval  action.  This  monotony  of 
quiet  business  Avas  broken  in  September,  when  the  privateer  Harpy  fell  in  with  the 
British  packet  Princess  Elizabeth,  and  captured  her  after  a  short  but  sharp  confiict. 
The  Elizabeth  was  armed  with  ten  guns,  and  manned  by  thirty-eight  men.  She  had 
on  board  a  Turkish  embassador  for  England,  an  aid-de-camp  to  a  British  general,  a 
lieutenant  of  a  74  line  of  battle  ship,  and  j!10,000  in  specie.  This  specie,  with  sev- 
eral pipes  of  wine  and  some  of  the  cannon,  were  transferred  to  the  Harj)y,  The  re- 
mainder of  her  armament  was  thrown  overboard,  and  the  ship  was  ransomed  for 
12000,  when  she  was  allowed  to  proceed  on  her  voyage. 


!M: 


'  Coggeshall'a  HUtory  of  AtMiican  Privateers,  page  172. 


>  See  page  095. 


h 


1604 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


The  Cureer  of  the  General  ,1  rviatnnuj. 


How  New  Orloana  waa  saved. 


The  most  desperate  and  famous  combat  recorded  in  the  history  of  privateering 
during  the  war  Avas  that  maintained  by  the  Getieral  Armstrong,  of  New  York,  Cap- 
tain Samuel  C.  Rcid  (whose  earlier  exploits  we  liave  already  noticed),  in  the  liurbor 
of  Fayal,  one  of  the  Azores  islands  of  that  name  belonging  to  Portugal.  It  occurred 
on  the  20th  of  September,  1814.  While  she  lay  there  at  anchor,  in  a  neutral  port 
she  was  attacked  by  a  large  British  squadron  under  the  command  of  Commodore 
Lloyd.  The  attacking  vessels  consisted  of  the  flag-ship  Plantayenet,  T4  ;  the  frigate 
J^o^a,  44,  Captai^i  Somerville;  and  the  brig  Ca»via<iOM,  18,  Captain  Ijontham,  each 
with  a  full  complement  of  men.  The  Armstrong  carried  only  seven  guns  and  ninety 
men,  including  her  officers. 

In  flagrant  violation  of  the  laws  and  usages  of  neutrality,  Lloyd  sent  in,  at  eight 
•  September  20,  o'clock  in  the  evening,"  four  large  and  well-armed  launches,  manned  by 
^'*^^-  about  forty  men  each.     At  that  time  Keid,  suspecting  danger,  was 

warping  his  vessel  under  the  guns  of  the  castle.  The  moon  was  shining  brightly. 
These  and  the  privateer  opened  tire  almost  simultaneously,  and  the  latniches  were 
driven  olFwith  hwivy  loss.  The  tirst  lieutenant  oi  t\\G  Armstrong  was  wounded,  and 
one  man  was  killed. 

Another  attack  was  made  at  midnight  with  fourteen  launches  and  about  five  lum- 
dred  men.  A  terrible  conflict  ensued,  which  lasted  forty  minutes.  The  enemy  wore 
repulsed  with  a  loss  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty 
wounded.  At  daybreak  a  tiiird  attack  was  made  by  tlie  brig  of  war  Carnation.  She 
opened  heavily,  but  was  very  soon  so  cut  up  by  the  rapidly-delivered  and  well-di- 
rected shots  of  the  Armstrong  that  she  hastily  withdrew.  The  privateer  was  also 
much  damaged.  It  was  evident  that  she  could  not  maintain  another  assault  of  equal 
severity,  so  Captain  Reid,  who  had  cool- 


ly given  orders  from  his  quarter-deck 
during  the  attacks,  directed  her  to  be 
scuttled,  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the 
liands  of  the  enemy.  She  was  then  aban- 
doned, when  the  British  boarded  her  and 
set  her  on  fire.  It  is  a  curious  fact  that, 
while  the  British  lost  over  three  hundred 
in  killed  and  wounded  during  ten  hours, 
the  Americans  lost  but  two  killed  and 
seven  wounded.  > 

In  addition  to  the  glory  won  by  the 
bravery  of  this  resistance  to  the  British 
squadron,  Ca})tain  Reid  and  his  gallant 
men  deserve  the  just  credit  of  having 
thereby  saved  tlie  city  of  New  Orleans 
from  capture.  This  squadron  was  part 
of  tise  expedition  then  gathering  at  Ja- 
maica for  the  purpose  of  seizing  New 
Orleans,  and  the  object  of  their  attack 
on  the  Armstrong  was  to  capture  her, 
and  make  her  a  useful  auxiliary  in  the 
work.  She  so  crippled  her  assailants 
that  they  did  not  reach  Jamaica  until  fidl  ten  days  later  than  the  expedition  expected 

'  For  a  detailed  account  of  this  affair,  see  American  Stale  Papim,  xiv.,  Navai  AffairB,  pnge  40.1,  and  CopKeshnll's  Wi'*- 
tory  of  the  American  Privatecm,  page  370.  The  Portnguesc  covemmcnt  demanded  and  received  from  that  of  Enulnnd 
an  apoingy  for  this  violation  of  neutrality ;  also  rpRtltution  for  the  dcstmction  oiPortnguepe  property  at  Fayal  during 
the  action.  That  sfovernnient  also  demanded  satiKfaction  and  Indemnlflcallon  for  the  destruction  of  the  American  ves- 
sel in  their  neutral  port.  This  England  refused,  and  from  that  day  to  this  the  owners  of  the  privateer  and  their  heirs 
have  never  been  able  to  procure  iudemnlflcatlon  for  their  losses  either  from  England  or  Portugal,  or  from  their  own 
government. 


J  ^^^vv^^e/rteA:^ 


w  UrleaoA  was  saved. 


>cfiition  expected 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


1005 


Honors  to  Captain  Reid. 


The  American  Flag. 


Cruise  of  the  Prirue  de  Xev/chdtel. 


to  sail  from  there.  Tliat  expedition  wa  *ecl  for  Commodore  Lloyd ;  and  when  it  final- 
ly api)roached  New  Orleans,"  General  Jackson  was  liastcniiig  to  make  •  December  c, 
competent  arrangements  for  its  defense.     Had  the  fleet  arrived  ten  days  ^^''*' 

sooner,  that  city  would  have  been  an  easy  prey  to  the  British,  for  it  was  utterly  de- 
fenseless until  that  general's  arrival  with  his  troops. 

The  defense  made  by  the  Armstrong,  and  the  circumstances  of  the  attack,  pro- 
duced a  great  sensation  throughout  the  United  States.  Captain  Keid  was  justly 
praised  as  one  of  the  most  daring  of  American  naval  commanders,  and  he  received 
various  honors  in  alnindance.  The  State  of  New  York  gave  him  thanks  and  a  sword, 
and  he  was  every  where  received  with  the  greatest  enthusiasm  on  his  return  to  the 
United  States.' 

The  New  Yorkers  sent  out  a  splendid  vessel  of  seventeen  guns  and  one  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  called  the  Prince  de  Keiifchdtel,  in  command  of  Captain  Ordronaux. 
Slie  was  a  very  fortunate  privateer.  During  a  single  cruise  she  was  chased  by  no 
less  than  seventeen  armed  British  vessels,  and  escajx'd  them  all ;  and  she  brought  to 
the  United  States  goods  valued  at  $300,000,  with  much  specie.  On  the  11th  of  Oc- . 
tobcr,  1814,  she  encountered  tivc  armed  boats  from  the  British  frigate  Endymion  oft" 
Nantucket.  The  Neufchdtdv{^%  then  very  liglit  lianded,  having,  when  the  fierce  bat- 
tle that  ensued  commenced,  only  thirty-six  men  at  quarters.  Eai-ly  in  the  forenoon 
the  engagement  began.  The  boats  were  arranged  for  the  assaidt  one  on  each  side, 
one  on  each  bow,  and  one  under  the  stern.  Witliin  the  space  of  twenty  minutes  the 
assailants  cried  for  quarter.  It  was  granted.  One  of  the  boats  had  gone  to  the  bot- 
tom with  forty-one  out  of  forty-three  of  her  crew.  The  wliole  number  of  men  in  the 
five  boats  was  one  hundi-ed  and  eleven,  a  larger  portion  of  whom  were  kiHed,  wound- 
ed, or  made  prisoners.  The  privateer  lost  seven  killed  and  twenty-foiir  Avounded. 
She  returned  to  Boston  on  the  15th  of  October.  The  NmfchCitel  was  afterward  cap- 
tui'cd  and  sent  to  England. 

At  this  time  the  terror  inspired  by  the  doings  of  the  American  privateers  was  in- 
tense. The  British  began  to  seriously  contemplate  the  probabilities  of  the  complete 
destruction  of  their  commerce.    Fear  magnified  the  numbers,  powers,  and  exploits  of 


'  On  his  return  to  the  United  States  Captain  Reid  landed  at  Saviinnnh,  and  made  his  way  north  by  land.  At  Rich- 
mond he  was  invited  to  u  public  dinner  by  members  of  the  Vi.j,'inla  LcfriHlature,  at  which  were  seated  the  governor, 
members  of  his  c(,uncil,  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  other  distinijuished  men.  It  was  the  tiri-t  oppoitiinity  the 
Virginians  had  enjoyed  of  liaying  their  p-^r.^onal  respects  to  a  hero  of  ttie  war,  and  they  did  it  witli  cnthusiai-m.  The 
•penker  of  the  Ilonse  of  Burgesses  presided,  and  William  W'irt  was  vice-president.  When  Captain  lieid  retired,  the 
chiiirman  gave  as  a  sentiment,  "  Captain  Held— his  valor  has  shed  a  blaze  of  renown  upon  the  character  of  our  seamen, 
and  won  for  himself  a  laurel  of  eternal  bloom." 

On  the  7th  of  April,  ISlft,  the  Legislature  of  New  York  voted  the  thanks  of  the  state  and  a  sword  to  Captain  Reid.  At 
Tanmtany  Hall,  in  Now  York,  lie  was  presented,  in  the  name  of  the  citizens,  with  a  handsome  service  of  plate. 

Sanniel  Chester  Reid  was  born  at  Norwich,  Connecticut,  on  ttie  '2.Mh  of  August,  1783.  He  went  to  sea  at  the  age  of 
eleven  years,  and  was  captured  by  a  French  privateer  and  taken  to  Gnadahuiiie.  He  was  a  midshipman  with  Commo- 
dore'i'ruxtun.  The  occasion  in  his  puldic  life  which  gave  him  most  fame  wae  this  defense  of  the  Ueneial  Armslronri 
at  Fayal.  After  the  War  of  1S12  Captain  Reid  was  appointed  a  sailing-master  in  the  United  Stales  Navy,  and  held  that 
office  until  liis  death.  Ho  was  port-warden  at  New  York  for  some  time,  and  a  weijrlier  of  customs.  He  was  about  be- 
ing made  collector  of  the  customs  there,  in  place  of  Swarlwnut,  by  Secretary  Duane,  when  that  oflicer  was  removed  by 
President  Jackson.  He  invented  and  erected  the  signal  telegraphs  at  the  Battery  and  the  Narrow.-,  and  is  also  distin- 
guished as  the  designer  of  the  present  arrangement  of  the  stripes  and  stars  on  onr  national  standard.*  Captain  Reid 
was  simple  in  his  habits  and  manr.ers,  upright  in  condnct,  and  hoiie.Kt  in  all  his  ways.  He  was  the  cliosen  social  com- 
panion of  many  of  the  l)CBt  and  most  distingnished  American  citizens,  and  his  memory  is  sweetest  to  those  who  knew 
him  best.  He  died  In  the  cityof  New  York  on  the  2Hth  of  January,  1>*01.  His  funeral  took  place  at  Trinity  Clmrch,  and 
w:i»  largely  attended.  His  remains  were  escorted  to  their  last  resting-place  in  Greenwood  Cemetery  by  the  mariuea 
of  the  navy  yard  at  Brooklyn. 

•  Our  flag  originally  bore  th'rieen  stars  and  thirteen  stripes.  As  new  states  came  in,  the  number  of  the  stars  and 
ctrlpes  was  correspondinzly  increased,  pursuant  to  an  act  of  Congress  jias'ed  in  1704.  Tliis  was  found  to  he  impracti- 
cable :  for,  as  the  states  increased,  the  tvidth  of  the  striiies  had  to  he  lessened.  Besides,  tliere  was  nothing  in  the  device 
to  recall  the  original  confederacy  of  thirteen  states.  To  return  to  the  use  of  only  thirteen  stars  and  stripes  would  be 
innpprop-inte,  because  the  device  would  give  no  hint  of  the  growth  of  the  rcpul)lic.  t'aptain  Reid  proposed  to  retain 
the  oriirlnal  tliirteen  stripen  as  a  memento  of  the  original  Union,  and  to  add  a  new  alar  whenever  a  new  state  was  ad- 
mitted, as  indicative  of  the  growth  of  the  states.  This  suggestion  was  adopted.  A  flag  with  this  new  arrangement  was 
first  raised  over  the  Hall  of  Representatives  at  Washington  on  the  4lh  of  April,  ISIS,  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
M  that  time  the  Seimte  Chamber  and  Hall  of  Kei)rcsentatives  of  the  (Capitol  were  separated,  the  centre  of  the  building 
not  being  completed.  Resiihitions  of  thanks  to  Captain  Rold  "for  having  designed  and  formed  the  present  flag  of  the 
United  States"  were  oQercd  iu  Congress. 


!  l!  1 


;    » 


iMil 


11 '  ' 


|-li.:M-^  ^  '1 


i 


1006 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Effect  of  Amcriciin  Prlviitcerlng  on  British  Comniei-cc. 


Cruiee  of  tiie  Saucy  Jack  iiud  Knnp, 


tlie  privateers.  Meetings  of  merchants  were  held  to  remonstnile  against  their  depre- 
dations. It  was  asserted  that  one  of  these  "  sea-devils"  was  rarely  captured,  and  tliat 
they  impudently  bid  defiance  alike  to  English  privateers  and  stately  seventy-foiu-s. 
Insurance  was  refused  on  most  vessels,  and  on  some  the  premium  was  as  high  as  thir- 
ty-three per  cent.  "Thirteen  guineas  for  one  hundred  pounds,"  said  a  London  jour- 
nal, "  was  paid  to  insure  vessels  across  the  Irish  Channel !  Such  a  thing  never  hap- 
pened, we  believe,  before."  The  Board  of  Admiralty  and  the  Prince  Regent  weie 
petitioned  for  aid  in  checking  these  depredations ;  and  the  government  was  com- 
pelled, because  of  the  state  of  public  feeling,  to  give  assurances  (which  they  had  no 
power  to  support)  that  ample  measures  should  be  taken  for  the  protection  of  British 
commerce. 

We  have  referred  to  the  impudence,  as  well  as  boldness,  of  tlie  American  priva- 
teers. A  small  one  belonging  to  Charleston,  mounting  six  carriage  guns  and  a  Lonir 
Tom,  appropriately  named  Saucy  Jack,  affords  an  illustration.  She  was  every  where, 
and,  being  clipper-l)uilt  and  skillfully  managed,  was  too  fleet  for  the  English  cruisers. 
On  one  occasion,  when  cruising  off  the  west  end  of  St.  Domingo,  she  chased  two  ves- 
sels. It  was  on  the  31st  of  October,  1814,  at  midnight;  and  when  near  enough,  at 
one  in  the  morning,  she  fired  upon  them.  On  coming  up,  it  was  ascertained  that  one 
of  them  carried  sixteen,  and  the  other  eighteen  guns.  Nothing  daunted  by  this  dis- 
covery, she  boarded  one  of  them  at  seven  in  the  morning,  when  it  was  found  that  she 
was  full  of  men,  and  a  war  vessel.  The  boarders  fled  back  to  the  Saucy  Jack,  ami 
the  little  privateer  made  haste  to  get  away.  The  two  ships  chased  her,  pouriiin; 
gra)>e  and  musket-balls  upon  her,  but  within  an  hour  she  was  out  of  reach  of  even 
their  great  guns.  She  lost  eight  men  killed  and  fifteen  wounded.  Her  chief  antag- 
onist was  the  British  bomb-ship  Volcano,  with  the  transpoi't  Golden  Fleece.  One  of 
the  lieutenants  and  two  of  the  men  of  the  Volcano  were  killed  and  two  were  wound- 
ed. On  Sunday,  the  1st  of  May,  tlie  Saucy  Jack  ca|)tured  the  fine  English  ship  Pel- 
liam,  carrying  ten  guns  and  thirty-eight  men.  She  Avas  bound  from  London  for  a 
West  India  port,  and  had  a  cai-go  valued  at  $80,000. 

The  schooner  Kemp,  of  Baltimore,  was  a  very  successful  privateer.  She  was  com- 
manded by  Captain  Jacobs.  At  the  close  of  Novembci-,  1814,  she  sailed  on  a  cimise 
in  the  West  Indies  from  Wilmington,  North  Carolina.  On  the  1st  of  December  she 
chased  a  squadron  of  eight  merchant  ships  in  the  Gulf  Stream  iinder  convoy  of  a  fiig- 
ate.  The  frigate,  in  turn,  gave  chase,  but  the  Kemjy  dodged  her  in  the  darkness  of 
the  ensuing  night,  and  the  next  morning  again  gave  chase  to  the  merchantmen.    At 

noon  the  following  day''  she  found  them  drawn  ui)  in  battle  line,  and  at 
'  December  3.  ^        j  a  _  ' 

two  o'clock  they  bore  down  upon  the  privateer,  each  giving  her  some 

shots  as  they  passed.  She  reserved  her  fire  until,  by  a  skillful  movement,  she  broke 
through  the  line,  and  discharged  her  whole  armament  into  the  enemy.  This  pio- 
duced  the  gi'eatest  confusion,  and  within  an  hour  and  a  half  four  of  the  eight  vessels 
were  the  prizes  of  the  Kemp.  She  would  liave  taken  the  Avhole  of  them,  but  she  iiad 
not  men  enough  to  man  them.  The  other  four  proceeded  on  their  voyage.  The  con- 
voy frigate  all  this  time  was  absent,  vainly  looking  for  the  saucy  privateer !  These 
prizes,  which  gave  an  aggregate  of  forty-six  cannon  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-four 
men,  were  all  sent  into  Charleston.  It  was  a  profitable  cruise  of  only  six  days.  Tae 
Monmouth  privateer,  of  Baltimore,  at  about  the  same  time  was  dealing  destruction 
to  British  commerce  off  Newfoundland.  She  liad  a  desperate  encounter  with  an  En- 
glish transport  ship  with  over  three  liundred  trooj)s  on  board.  Her  superior  speed 
saved  her  from  capture.  Another  successful  Baltimore  privateer  was  the  Laicrence. 
of  eighteen  guns  and  one  hu?\di"ed  and  eleven  men.  During  a  single  cruise,  Avhicli 
terminated  at  New  York  on  the  25111  of  January,  1815,  a  month  before  the  proclama- 
tion oi'  peace,  she  captured  thirteen  vessels.  She  took  one  hundred  and  six  pi-isoners. 
and  the  aggregate  amount  of  tonnage  seized  by  her  was  over  three  thousand  tons. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1007 


le  l^attcy  Jack  aud  Konp, 

gainst  their  depre- 
laptured,  and  tliat 
ely  sevonty-lburs. 
as  as  high  as  thir- 
lid  a  London  jour- 
I  thing  never  bap- 
ince  Regent  wore 
irnment  wJis  com- 
k'hich  they  had  no 
otection  of  British 

B  American  priva- 
3  guns  and  a  Long 
>  was  every  where, 
e  English  cruisers, 
lie  chased  two  ves- 
en  near  enough,  at 
jcertained  that  one 
lunted  by  this  dis- 
was  found  that  she 
le  Smicy  Jack,  and 
iiased  lier,  pouring 
it  of  reach  of  even 
Her  chief  antag- 
en  Fleece.  One  of 
1  two  were  wound- 
e  Englisli  sliip  Pel- 
from  London  for  a 

icr.     She  was  corn- 
sailed  on  a  cruise 
it  of  December  she 
cr  convoy  of  a  frig- 
in  the  darkness  of 
merchantmen.    At 
battle  line,  and  at 
1  sriving  her  some 
ovemcnt,  she  broke 
enemy.     This  pro- 
:)f  the  eight  vessels 
them,  but  she  had 
voyage.    The  con- 
privateer  !    Those 
red  and  thirty-four 
mly  six  days.     T.io 
t'liling  destruction 
>unter  with  au  En- 
Her  superior  speed 
Avas  the  iMtorence, 
iingle  cruise,  Avhich 
efore  the  proclama- 
1  and  six  prisoners, 
iree  thousand  tons. 


Cruise  of  the  Manlunowjh  naA  Ainelia. 


Close  of  the  War. 


The  American  Privateers  aud  their  Uolugg. 


One  of  the  original  crew  of  the  Lawrence  was  a  colored  man  named  Henry  Van  Me- 
ter, mentioned  on  page  912, 

The  Macdonoufjh,  of  Rhode  Island,  had  a  severe  fight  with  a  British  ship,  whose 
name  is  not  recorded,  on  the  Slst  of  January,  1815.  The  action  commenced  at  mus- 
ket-shot distance  at  half  past  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  tremendous  musket- 
lire  of  the  enemy  caused  the  people  of  the  Macdonough  to  suspect  her  of  being  a 
troop-ship.  Such  proved  to  be  the  case.  She  had  at  least  three  hundred  soldiers  on 
hoard  besides  her  crew.  The  Macdonoiujh  suflered  terribly  in  sails,  and  rigging,  and 
loss  of  men,  for  her  antagonist,  in  addition  to  the  overwhelming  number  of  men,  car- 
ried eighteen  9-pounders.  She  succeeded  in  escaping  from  the  British  vessel,  and 
reached  Savannah  on  the  7th  of  March. 

The  war  ended  early  in  1815,  but  it  was  some  time  after  the  proclamation  of  peace 
had  been  promulgated  before  all  of  the  fifty  privateers  then  at  sea  were  apprised  oi 
it,  and  many  captures  were  made  after  the  joyful  event  had  occurred.  One  of  the 
latest  arrivals  of  successful  privateers  was  that  of  the  ^?«e^<V/,  of  Baltimore,  in  April, 
1815.  Siie  had  a  full  cargo  of  valuable  goods.  During  her  cruise  she  had  cajjlured 
ten  British  vessels.  Some  she  destroyed,  others  she  sent  into  port,  and  one  she  gave 
up  as  a  cartel  for  her  prisoners.  She  carried  only  six  guns  and  seventy-five  men. 
The  vessels  she  captured  amounted  in  the  aggregate  to  about  two  thousand  three 
Inindred  tons,  and  her  prisoners  numbered  one  hundred  ^,nd  twelve.  Her  trophies 
in  arms  were  thirty-two  cannon  and  many  muskets.  She  was  frequently  chased  by 
English  cruisers,  but  her  fleotness  allowed  her  to  escape. 

Li  this  outline  sketch  of  American  privateering*  during  the  Second  AVar  for  Inde- 
pendence, notice  has  boon  taken  of  only  the  most  prominent  of  the  vessels  which  ac- 
tually sustained  a  conflict  of  arras  on  the  ocean  of  suflicient  importance  to  entitle  the 
act  to  the  name  of  a  naval  engagement.  The  record  shows  the  wonderful  boldness 
and  skill  of  American  seamen,  mostly  untaught  in  the  art  of  naval  Avarfare,  and  the 
general  character  of  the  privateering  service.  Nothing  more  has  been  attempted. 
The  full  history  of  the  service  as  it  lies,  much  of  it  ungarnished,  in  the  newspapers 
of  the  day  and  the  manuscript  log-books  of  the  commanders,  exhibits  marvelous  ac- 
tions and  results. 

After  the  first  six  months  of  the  war  the  bulk  of  naval  conflicts  was  carried  on 
upon  the  ocean,  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  by  private-armed  vessels,  which  "took, 
burned,  and  destroyed"  about  sixteen  hundred  British  merchantmen,  of  all  classes,  in 
the  space  of  three  years  and  nine  months,  while  the  number  of  American  merchant 
vessels  destroyed  during  the  same  period  did  not  vary  much  ^rom  five  hundred.  The 
American  merchant  marine  was  much  smaller  than  that  of  the  British,  and,  owing 
to  embargo  acts  and  apprehensions  of  war  several  months  before  it  was  actually  de- 
clared, a  large  proportion  of  it  was  in  port.  When  war  was  declared  many  vessels 
were"  taken  far  up  navigable  rivers  for  security  against  British  cruisers  and  maraud- 
ing soldiers,  while  others  were  dism.antled  in  safe  places. 

The  American  private-armed  vessels  which  caused  such  disasters  to  liritish  com- 
merce number  jd  two  hundred  and  fifty.^  Of  these,  forty-six  were  letters  of  manpie, 
and  the  remainder  were  privateers.  Of  the  whole  number,  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
four  were  sent  out  from  the  four  ports  of  Baltimore,  New  York,  Salem,  and  Boston 
alone.  The  aggregate  number  sent  out  from  Philadelphia,  Portsmouth  (N.  II.),  and 
Charleston  was  thirty-five.  Large  fortunes  were  secured  by  many  of  tlie  owners, 
and  some  of  them  are  enjoyed  by  their  descendants  at  the  present  day. 

'  The  materials  for  this  sketch  have  been  (jnthcrcd  from  official  documents,  the  newspapers  of  the  day,  Coggeshall'B 
Hinlnrii  ofAmeriean  PrivateerK,  and  personal  and  written  communications  to  the  author. 

5  This  was  IIB  less  than  were  commUsioned  while  there  were  difficulties  with  France  In  the  years  1708  and  1709. 
The  number  of  private-armed  vesgcls  then  commissioned  was  806,  Their  tonnage  was  00,991,  Number  of  guns,  2728 ; 
and  of  men,  0847, 


I  , 


W-        r: 


i. 

{    1 1 


1008 


riCTORIAL   l-IKLD-BOOK 


A  Peuco  Faction. 


Boaton  the  Centre  of  Illicit  Trade. 


The  Qoverameiit  a«  a  Borrower. 


CHAPTER  XLH. 

"  Bravo  sons  of  the  West,  the  blood  In  yonr  veins 
At  dauRer's  ajiproaoh  waited  not  for  persuaders; 
You  rnshed  from  your  monntains,  ymu  hllN,  mid  yonr  plains, 
And  followed  yonr  streams  to  repi .  i!ic  invaders." 

Ol.I>  SONO. 

ET  US  now  take  a  glance  at  some  prominent  civil  affairs  durintr 
f;he  year  1814,  before  proceeding  to  consider  the  great  and  de- 
cisive military  events  in  the  vicinity  of  New  Orleans  with  which 
the  war  on  the  land  closed. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  contest,  as  we  have  seen,  there  was 
an  active  and  influential  body  in  the  Federal  party  known  as  the  Peace  Faction,  many 
of  whom  were  selfish  and  unpatriotic  politicians,  and  who,  by  their  endeavors  to 
thwart  the  government  in  its  efibrts  to  provide  means  for  carrying  on  the  war, 
brought  discredit  upon  the  great  and  patriotic  party  to  which  they  belonged,  and 
deeply  injured  their  country.  These  politicians  were  chiefly  confined  to  New  En- 
gland, whose  commercial  interests  had  been  ruined  by  the  war,  and  Boston  was  their 
head-quarters.  Embargo  acts  had  closed  all  American  ports  against  the  legal  admis- 
sion of  goods  from  abroad,  and  these  could  only  be  obtained  through  contraband 
trade.  Such  trade  was  carried  on  extensively  at  the  New  England  capital,  where,  as 
we  have  seen,  the  magistrates  were  not  zealous  in  the  maintenance  of  the  restrictive 
laws.  Smuggling  became  almost  respectable  in  the  eyes  of  many  because  of  its  prev- 
alence,' and  foreign  goods,  shut  out  from  other  sea-ports,  found  their  v/ay  there. 
Many  valuable  British  prizes  were  taken  into  that  port,  and  upon  Boston  the  mer- 
chants of  other  cities  became  dependent  for  a  supply  of  foreign  goods.  For  tiieso 
they  paid  partly  in  bills  of  the  banks  of  the  Middle  and  Southern  States,  and  partly 
in  their  own  promissory  notes.  By  this  means  Boston  became  a  financial  autocrat, 
having  in  its  hands  despotic  power  to  control  the  money  aft'airs  of  the  country.  This 
fact  suggested  to  the  leaders  of  the  Peace  Faction  in  New  England  a  scheme  for  ciip- 
pling  the  government  financially,  and  thereby  com])elling  it  to  abandon  the  struggle 
with  Great  Britain  with  dishonor.  They  Avcrc  quick  to  act  upon  the  suggestion  and 
to  pnt  the  scheme  into  operation. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  war  the  government  was  compelled  to  ask  for  loans,  and 
thn  Peace  Faction  made  such  persistent  opposition,  for  the  purpose  of  embarrassing 
the  administration,  that  in  every  case  a  bonus  was  paid  for  all  sums  borrowed.  In 
January,  1813,  a  loan  of  $16,000,000  was  authorized.  It  was  obtained  principally  from 
individuals  at  the  rate  of  $88  for  a  certificate  of  stock  for  $100,  by  which  lenders  re- 
ceived $2,100,377  as  a  bonus  on  that  small  loan.  In  August  the  same  year  a  furtlier 
loan  of  $7,500,000  Avas  authorized  ;  and  in  March,  1814,  a  loan  of  $25,000,000  was  au- 
thorized. This  was  the  darkest  hour  of  the  war,  and  then  it  was  that  the  Peace  Fac- 
tion at  political  meetings,  through  the  press,  and  even  from  the  pulpit,  cast  every 
obstacle  in  the  way  of  the  government.     That  opposition  now  assumed  the  form  of 

'  One  of  the  most  eminent  members  of  the  Federal  party  (Harrison  Orny  Otis)  charged  the  administration  and  the 
war  with  the  nuthor!<:iip  of  that  "monstrous  depreciation  of  morals"  and  "execrable  course  of  smucKlinfC  and  fraud," 
and  said  that  a  class  of  citizens,  "encouraged  by  the  Just  odium  n<rainst  the  war,  sneer  at  the  restraints  of  conscience, 
I'luch  at  perjury,  mock  at  leiral  restraints,  and  acquire  Ill-gotten  wealth  at  the  expense  of  public  morals,  and  of  the  more 
sober,  conscientious  part  of  the  community." 


OF   THE  WAU   OF    1812. 


1009 


vernmeut  as  u  Borrower, 


Tbe  pnbllc  Credit  aBsatled. 


)  SONO. 


civil  affairs  during 
tlic  great  and  de- 
)rleans  with  wliich 

ave  seen,  there  was 
3ace  Faction,  many 
their  endeavors  to 
rying  on  the  war, 
,hey  belonged,  and 
ifincd  to  New  En- 
d  Boston  was  tliciv 
ist  the  legal  adinis- 
irough  contrahaud 
1  capital,  where,  as 
c  of  the  restrictive 
jecause  of  its  prnv- 

their  way  tliere. 
n  Boston  the  mer- 
goods.     For  tlicso 

States,  and  jiartly 
financial  autocrat, 
the  country.    Tliis 

a  scheme  for  crip- 
mdon  the  struggle 

le  suggestion  and 

ask  for  loans,  and 
e  of  embarrassing 
ms  borrowed.  In 
d  principally  from 
which  lenders  re- 
ime  year  a  furtluT 
25,000,000  was  au- 
lat  the  Peace  Fac- 
pulpit,  cast  every 
umed  the  form  of 

e  ndminiftrntion  niul  the 
of  smncglinu  and  fraud," 
I  restrniiits  of  conscience, 
Ic  morals,  and  of  the  more 


The  WeakuesB  of  the  Qoveroment  a  lieason  fur  rejoicing. 

1 — — — — — — — — 

virtual  treason.  The  government  was  weak  and  in  great  need,  and  its  internal  ene- 
mies knew  it,  and  in  jjroportion  to  its  wants  they  became  bolder  and  more  outspoken. 
Their  denunciations  of  the  government,  and  those  who  dared  to  lend  it  a  helping 
hand,  were  violent  and  effective.  By  inflammatory  and  threatening  publications  and 
personal  menaces,  tiiey  intimidated  many  capitalists.'  The  result  was,  that  only 
!|ll  1,400,000  of  the  projjosed  loan  were  raised  in  the  spring  of  1814,  and  tliis  by  pay- 
ing a  bonus  of  $2,852,000,  terms  so  disastrous  that  only  one  more  attempt  was  made 
to  borrow  money  during  the  war,  the  deficiency  being  made  up  by  the  issue  of  treas- 
ury notes  to  the  amount  of  ^ftl 8,452,000.  Over  this  failure  of  the  government  these 
unpatriotic  men  rejoiced.  One  of  them,  writing  from  Boston  in  February,  1815,  said, 
exultingly,  "This  day  !j(20,000  six  per  cent,  stock  was  put  up  at  auction,  $5000  of 
which  only  was  sold  for  want  of  bidders,  and  that  at  forty  per  cent,  under  par.  As 
for  the  former  war  loan,  it  would  be  considered  little  short  of  an  insult  to  offer  it  in 
the  market,  it  being  a  very  serious  question  who  is  to  father  the  child  in  case  of  na- 
tional difficulties."  The  last  expression  referred  to  the  hopes  of  the  conspirators  that 
a  dissolution  of  the  Union  would  be  brouglit  about  by  the  body  known  in  history  as 
the  Hartford  Convention,  which  had  adjourned,  to  meet  again  if  necessary — a  body 
of  men  inspired  by  motives  and  actions  too  lofty  to  be  compreliended  by  the  vulgar 
politicians  who  were  the  leaders  of  the  Peace  Faction  of  that  day. 

But  these  machinations  failed  to  produce  the  full  effect  desired.  Patriotic  men  in 
New  England  of  the  Opposition  party  subscribed  to  the  loan ;  and  in  the  Middle 
States  they  did  so  openly  and  liberally,  to  the  disgust  of  the  Peace  Faction,  who  noAv 
resorted  to  a  more  reprehensible  scheme  for  embarrassing  the  government.  We  have 
observed  that,  for  reasons  named,  Boston  became  the  centre  of  financial  power.  These 
men  determined  to  use  that  power  to  embarrass  the  administration,  and  they  did  it 
in  this  wise :  Tlie  banks  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States  were  the  priticipal  sub- 
scribers to  the  loan,  and  measures  were  adoj)ted  to  drain  them  of  their  specie,  and 
thus  produce  an  utter  inability  to  pay  their  subscriptions.  Some  of  the  Boston  banks 
became  parties  to  the  scheme.  The  notes  of  those  in  New  York  and  cities  farther 
south  held  by  these  banks  were  transmitted  to  them,  with  demands  for  specie,  and  at 
the  same  time  drafts  w.ere  drawn  on  the  New  York  banks  for  the  balances  due  the 

1  "Will  Federa'.ists  subscribe  to  the  loan?  Will  they  lend  money  to  onr  national  rnlcrs?"  a  leading  Boston  paper 
significantly  asked.  "  It  is  impossible,  first,  because  of  the  principle,  and,  secondly,  because  ot principal  and  interest. 
If  they  lend  money  now,  they  make  themselves  parties  to  tlie  violation  of  the  Constitntlon,  the  cruelly  oppressive 
measures  in  relation  to  commerce,  and  to  ull  the  crimes  which  have  occurred  in  the  field  and  in  the  cabinet.  .  .  .  Any 
Federalist  who  lends  money  to  the  government  will  be  called  infavioiis !"  The  people  were  then  adroitly  warned  that 
money  loaned  to  the  government  would  not  be  safe.  "  IIow,  where,  and  when,"  asked  this  disloyal  news|)aper,  "  are 
the  government  to  get  money  to  pay  interest?"  Then,  in  language  almost  the  same  as  that  of  a  distinguished  leader 
of  a  Peace  Faction  of  our  day,  a  threat  of  future  repudiation  was  thrown  out,  to  create  distrust  in  tlie  government  se- 
curities. "  Who  can  tell,"  said  the  writer  above  alluded  to,  "  whcthCT  future  rulers  matj  think  the  debt  enntracted  umler 
tiich  circttmslattcffi,  and  by  men  who  lend  money  to  help  out  measures  which  they  have  loudly  and  constantly  cmuiemncd, 
ought  to  be  jjoid  t" 

Another  newspaper  said  of  the  Boston  merchants :  "  They  will  lend  the  government  money  to  retrace  their  steps,  but 
none  to  persevere  in  their  present  course.  Let  every  highwayman  find  his  own  pistols."  And  a  doctor  of  divinity 
tliouted  from  the  pulpit  at  Byfleld:  "If  the  rich  men  continue  to  furnish  money,  war  will  continue  till  the  mountains 
are  melted  with  blood— till  every  field  in  America  is  white  with  the  bones  of  the  people;"  while  another  said,  "Let 
uo  man  who  wishes  to  continue  the  war  by  active  means,  by  vote  or  lending  money,  dare  to  prostrate  himself  at  the 
allar  on  the  fast-day,  for  such  are  actually  as  much  partakers  in  the  war  as  the  soldier  who  thrusts  his  bayonet,  and  the 
judgment  of  God  will  await  them." 

These  extracts  give  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  violence  of  the  leaders  of  that  faction.  Many  capitalists  were  intimidated, 
and  were  afraid  to  negotiate  for  the  loan  openly,  a  fact  which  brokers  at  that  time  have  idaced  on  record.  Gilbert  and 
Dean  advertised  that  the  "names  of  all  subscribers  shall  be  known  only  tj  the  undersigned."  Another  made  it  known 
that "  the  name  of  every  applicant  shall,  at  his  request,  be  known  only  to  tlie  subscriber."  Another  assured  the  people 
that  he  had  made  arrangements  "for  perfect  secrecy  in  the  transact*  jn  of  his  business." 

These  advertisements  excited  the  venom  of  the  Peace  party  exceedingly,  and  they  poured  abuse  upon  the  subscribers 
and  the  govcrimient  together.  "  Money,"  said  one  of  the  most  prominent  nmond  them,  with  great  bitterness,  "  is  such 
a  drug  (the  surest  signs  of  the  former  prosperity  and  present  insecurity  of  trade),  that  men,  against  tlieir  consciences, 
their  honor,  their  duty,  their  professions  and  promises,  are  willing  to  lend  it  secretly  to  support  the  very  measures  which 
are  both  intended  and  calculated  for  their  ruin."  Another  said,  "  How  degraded  must  our  government  be,  even  in  her 
"wn  eyes,  when  they  resort  to  such  tricks  to  obtain  money,  which  a  common  Jew  broker  would  be  ashamed  of.  They 
must  he  well  acquainted  with  the  fabric  of  the  men  who  are  to  loan  them  money  when  they  offer  that  if  they  will  have 
the  goodness  to  do  it  tholr  uamea  shall  not  be  exposed  to  the  world." 

3S 


jll 


I!! 'I 


1010 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Condact  of  Boaton  Bniikerr 


Effect!)  of  the  Conspiracy  agaiuat  tho  public  Credit. 


Boston  corporations,  to  the  amount,  in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  of  about  18,000,000. 
The  New  York  bankers  were  compelled  to  draw  largely  on  those  of  Philiulel])hiii,  and 
the  latter  on  those  of  Baltimore,  and  so  on.  A  panic  was  created.  No  one  could 
predict  the  result.  Confidence  was  shaken.  Wagons  were  seen,  loaded  with  specie, 
leaving  bank  doors  with  the  precious  freight,  going  from  city  to  city,  to  find  its  way 
finally  into  the  vaults  of  those  of  Massachusetts.'  The  banks  thus  drained  were  com- 
pelled to  curtail  their  discounts.  Commercial  derangement  and  bankruptcies  ensued. 
Subscribers  to  the  loan  were  unable  to  comply  with  their  promises,  and,  so  uncertain 
was  the  futui-e  to  the  minds  of  many  who  uitended  to  subscribe,  that  they  hesitated. 
Tho  effect  of  tho  conspiracy  against  tho  public  credit  was  potent  and  ruinous,  and  for 
a  while  it  was  thought  impossible  for  tlie  government  to  sustain  its  army  and  navy. 
The  banks  out  of  New  England  were  compelled  to  suspend  specie  payments,  and  the 
effect  upon  the  paper  currency  of  the  country  was  most  disastrous. '^ 

Nor  was  this  all.  To  make  the  blow  against  the  public  credit  still  more  effectual, 
the  conspirators  made  arrangements  with  agents  of  the  government  authorities  of 
Lower  Canada  whereby  a  very  large  amount  of  British  government  bills,  drawn  on 
Quebec,  were  transmitted  to  New  York,  Philadelphia,  and  Baltimore,  and  offered  on 
such  advantageous  temis  to  capitalists  as  induced  them  to  purchase.'  By  this  means 
an  immense  amount  of  gold  was  transmitted  to  Canada,  placed  beyond  the  reach  of 
the  government  of  the  United  States,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  tlie  enemy,  to  pive 
succor  to  the  war  they  were  waging  against  the  independence  of  the  republic.  Had 
the  conspirators  fully  succeeded,  the  national  armies  must  have  been  disbanded,  and 
the  country  reduced  to  a  dependency  of  Great  Britain. 

It  was  during  the  despondency  incident  to  the  gloomy  aspect  of  financial  affairs, 
the  capture  of  Washington  and  the  destruction  of  the  public  buildings  and  archives, 
the  utter  prostration  of  business,  the  certainty  that  a  very  large  British  force  would 
be  speedily  sent  to  our  shores,  and  the  neglect  and  discourtesy  with  which  the  Brit- 
ish government  had  treated  the  American  ministers  sent  to  Europe  to  negotiate  a 
treaty  of  peace,  that  a  convention  of  representatives  of  the  Opposition  party  in  New 

'  When,  hi  deference  to  public  opinion,  the  Boston  bankers  attempted  to  expliitn  their  movement  in  this  mattpr.  tliev 
made  the  specious  plea  of  their  right  to  the  balances  due  them  from  other  banks.  This  was  not  satisfactory.  Mimliew 
Carey,  one  of  the  ablest  publicists  of  the  day,  says  that  tho  demand  was  made  at  a  season  of  the  year  when  frcij:lit  on 
the  specie,  on  account  of  the  bad  state  of  the  rnnils,  was  from  twenty  to  thirty  per  cent,  more  than  It  would  h.ive  heen 
had  they  waited  a  few  weeks.  That  they  cniiid  have  waited  without  detriment  to  any  interest  is  made  mnnifc»t  b.v 
the  following  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  banks  In  Massachusetts  in  January,  1814,  just  before  the  moveineut  was 
made: 

Specie.  Nottii  In  Clrculntlon. 

Massachusetts  Bank $2,114,lf4 $082,708 


Union ftlTiTflS. 

Boston 1,182,S72. 

State BB(t,006. 

New  England 284,4Bfl. 

Mechanics' 47,301. 


2S,'),225 
300,003 
600,000 
101,170 
44.505 


$4,045,444  $2,000,001 

By  this  statement  it  appears  that  they  had  in  their  vaults  about  $250  in  specie  for  every  $100  of  their  notes  in  circ nla- 

tlon :  "  a  state  of  things,"  says  Carey,  "  probably  anparallcled  in  the  history  of  banking  from  the  days  of  the  Lomljard! 

to  the  present  time." 
»  The  injurions  effects  upon  the  paper  currency  of  tho  conntry  may  be  seen  by  the  following  price  current,  published 

on  the  7th  of  February,  1815: 


Below  Pv. 

All  tho  banks  in  New  York  State, 
Hr-lson  and  Orange  excepted. ..  19  to  20  per  cent. 

Hudson  Bank .,.,.  20       " 

Orange  Bank 24       " 


Below  Par. 

Philadelphia  City  Banks 24  per  cent. 

Baltimore  Banks 30       " 

Treasury  Notes 24to25       " 

United  States  six  per  cents. 30 


'  These  transactions  with  the  public  were  made  so  boldly  that  advertisements  like  the  following  appeared  iu  tlic 
Boston  papers : 

"Ibin  for. £800  )         British  Government  Bills, 

1    do a 260  f  Forsaleby 

1    do.     203  f  CuAni.KS  W.  Orrks, 

£1,263  ;  No.  14  India  Wharf." 

So  great  was  the  drain  caused  by  the  transmission  of  gold  to  Canada,  and  the  demand  for  specie  to  pay  for  smuijiled 
goods  brought  from  Canada  and  Nova  Scotia,  that  the  specie  In  the  Massachnsetts  banks  was  reduced  In  the  course  of 
six  months  nearly  $3,600,000— the  Bmount  being  $6,468,004  on  the  Ut  of  July,  1814,  and  only  $1,989,808  on  the  1st  of  Jau- 
uary,  1815. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


1011 


Cabinet  Changes. 


New  flnancial  Meaauroa  proposed. 


Revival  of  the  pabllc  Credit. 


England,  to  conBidor  public  affairs,  was  conceived,  not  by  the  factious  politicians  we 
liavo  just  noticed,  l)ut  by  thoughtful  and  eamcst  patriots  of  the  Federal  party. 

After  tlie  invasion  of  Washington  there  were  some  changes  in  President  Madison's 
Cabinet.     Mr.  Monroe  continued  in  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State,  and  was  Acting 

Secretary  of  War  after  the  close  of  Septem- 


/^. 


^  y  ber,  1814,  when  Mr.  Armstrong  had  resigned.' 

'^^^^Jr^^^    George  W.  Campbell,  of  Tennessee,  the  Secre- 


tary of  the  Treasuiy,  was  succeeded  by  Alex- 
ander J.  Dallas — a  man  of  courage,  energy,  and  decision — early  in  Octo-  .  October  o, 
ber.*  The  new  secretary  entered  upon  his  duties  with  a  determination  to  ***'•*• 
revive  the  public  credit,  if  possible,  and  he  did  it.  The  prospect  was  unpromising, 
Campbell's  report  of  the  condition  of  the  Treasury  immediately  preceding  his  resig- 
nation was  a  deplorable  picture  of  the  national  finances.  So  great  was  the  general 
distrust  that,  when  an  attempt  was  made  to  borrow  $6,000,000,''  there  were  b  aukmi, 
not  bids  for  one  half  the  amount ;  and  so  great  were  the  government  needs,  ^^"• 
tliat,  in  order  to  procure  $2,500,000,  the  secretary  liad  been  compelled  to  issue 
stock  to  the  amount  of  $4,206,000.  There  were  $8,000,000  treasury  notes  outstand- 
ing, one  half  of  wliich  would  fall  due  the 
next  year.  The  entire  amount  to  be  paid 
within  the  fiscal  year  was  not  less  than 
|!25,000,000,  while  the  new  revenues,  al- 
ready provided  for,  including  new  taxes, 
could  not  be  expected  to  produce  above 
$8,000,000,  owing  to  the  total  destruction 
of  commerce.  Yet  Dallas  was  not  dis- 
mayed, nor  even  discouraged.  He  pro- 
posed methods  which  startled  Congress 
and  the  people.  The  crisis  demanded  im- 
mediate and  effective  measures,  so  he  pro- 
posed new  and  increased  taxes ;  and,  as  a 
means  for  furnishing  a  circulating  medium 
and  immediate  resources  in  the  way  of 
loans,  he  recommended  the  establishment 
of  a  national  bank,  the  government  to  be  a 
large  and  controlling  stockholder,  and  the 
bank  to  be  compelled  to  loan  to  the  gov- 
ernment $30,000,000.2  Congress  consider- 
ed the  propositions  favorably;  and  such 
was  the  confidence  which  the  character  and  ■ ^ 

'  Jolin  Armstrong  was  bom  at  CnrllBle,  in  Pennsylvania,  on  tbc  25th  of  November,  1758.  He  was  a  student  at  Prince- 
ton CoUetje  when  tlie  old  War  for  Independence  broke  ont,  when  he  joined  the  army,  and  soon  became  a  member  of  the 
staff  of  General  Mercer.  He  was  afterward  on  the  utaff  of  General  Gates,  and  was  for  a  while  adjutant  general  of  the 
Southern  Army  under  that  leader.  He  remained  with  that  officer  nntll  the  close  of  the  war.  Young  Armstrong  was 
the  author  of  the  celebrated  ^ewhurg  Adilresxes  just  at  the  close  of  hostilities.  While  their  tendency  was  most  danger- 
ous to  the  public  welfare,  Washlni,'ton  bore  testimony  to  the  patriotic  motives  of  the  writer.  Armstrong  was  Secretary 
of  State  of  Pennsylvania.  After  marrying  the  sister  of  Chancellor  Livingston,  of  New  York,  he  settled  on  the  Hudson, 
in  that  State,  near  Red  Hook,  where  he  resided  until  his  death  on  the  1st  of  April,  1833.  He  was  United  States  senator 
in  the  year  1800,  and  in  1804  President  Jefferson  appointed  him  minister  to  France,  where  he  performed  his  duties  with 
ability.  He  was  appointed  brigadier  general  when  the  war  broke  out  In  1812,  and  the  following  year  he  was  called 
to  the  ofiBcc  of  Secretary  of  War,  which  he  reluctantly  accepted.  When  he  retired  from  that  post  he  left  public  life 
forever. 

'  Dallas's  proposition  contemplated  a  national  bank  with  a  capital  of  $50,000,000,  one  tenth  in  specie  and  the  remain- 
der In  government  stocks ;  the  government  to  subscribe  two  fifths  of  the  capital,  and  to  have  the  appointment  of  the 
president  and  a  third  of  the  directors,  and  power  also  to  authorize  the  suspension  of  specie  payments.  A  bill  charter- 
ing a  national  bank  was  passed  in  1816,  but  was  vetoed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States.  Finally,  in  April,  1816, 
an  act  Incorporating  a  national  bank  became  a  law.  This  was  the  famous  United  States  Bank,  whose  existence  terml- 
uated  in  183U. 

Alexander  J.  Dallas  was  bom  in  the  island  of  Jama'.ca  in  1769.  His  father  was  a  Scotchman,  and  an  eminent  physi- 
cian there.    This  eon  was  educated  at  Kdlnburg  and  Weetmiuster.    After  the  death  of  his  father  he  settled  in  Fbiladcl- 


^.  J     JbikyCUyf 


f  ' 


1012 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Meiunres  for  Increiinlng  the  Army. 


Peace  apparently  remote. 


DUcunteiUi)  in  New  Kn^lund, 


§ 

'     :;  ■ 

.4     -    :. 

. ::  ■-■)■■ 

.  "'1  • 

f  V   ' 

.  '- 

igU^ 

1 

Ai 

immediate  acts  of  Dallas  inspired,  that  the  loan  vainly  attempted  to  ho  made  in  Au- 
gust was  laviiiiibly  nejrotiated  in  October;  and  treasury  notes,  which  then  "none  but 
nccessitons  creditors,  or  contractors  in  distress,  or  conunissaries,  quartermasters,  and 
navy  agents,  a'jting  as  it  were  officially,  seemed  willing  to  accept,"  were,  early  in  Jan- 
nary  following,  sold  at  par,  with  the  interest  added. 

Mr.  Monroe,  as  iicting  Secretary  of  War,  proposed  vigorous  measures  for  giving 
strength  to  the  army.  Volunteeriii'4  had  ceased,  and  he  proposed  to  raise,  by  eon- 
scription  or  draft,  sufficient  men  to  luako  the  existing  army  minilxr  nearly  sixty-lhroi' 
thousand,  and  to  provide  forty  thousand  men  as  a  k  ^^ular  force,  to  be  locally  im. 
ployed  in  the  defense  of  the  frontiers  and  the  sea-coast.  1  Jills  for  this  purpose  were 
•  ootoiiorST,  introduced  in  Congress;"  and  this  and  other  war  measures  were  more  fa- 
1814.  vorably  received  than  usual,  because  of  tlu;  waning  prosjjects  of  peace 
with  Great  liritain  excepting  on  terms  humiliating  to  the  United  States.  Negotia- 
tions for  peace  were  then  in  progress  at  Ghent,  in  Belgium  ;  but  the  unfair  deniandH 
and  denials  of  Great  Britain,  through  her  commi  sjoners,  gave  very  little  promise  of 
satisfactory  results.  That  hanghty  power  woul  .  not  consent  to  make  peace  excejit 
ing  on  very  humiliating  terms  for  the  Americans;  and  yet  there  were  those  who 
could  not  value  national  independence,  nor  romprehend  their  duty  to  posterity,  wIki 
thought  that  peace  would  be  chea])ly  purchased  even  on  such  temis.  While  tlu' 
Legislature  of  New  York  called  them  "extravagant  and  disgraceful,"  and  that  of 
Virginia  spoke  of  those  terms  as  "  arrogant  and  insulting,"  the  New  England  l^'gis- 
latures  had  no  word  of  condemnation. 

The  ])ropo8ition  to  raise  a  large  force  by  conscription  brought  matters  to  a  crisis 
in  New  England.  In  some  of  the  other  states  the  matter  of  local  defenses  had  Iicun 
left  almost  wholly  to  the  discretion  of  the  respective  governors.  But  the  Presidint. 
made  suspicious  of  the  loyalty  of  New  England  because  of  the  injurions  action  oftlic 
Peace  Faction,  insisted  upon  the  exclusive  control  of  all  military  movements  tliorc. 
Because  the  Massachusetts  militia  had  not  been  placed  under  General  Dearborn's  or- 
ders, the  Secretary  of  State,  in  an  official  letter  to  (lovernor  Strong,  refused  to  jmy 
the  expenses  of  defending  Massachusetts  from  the  common  enemy.  Similar  actimi 
for  similar  cause  liad  occurred  in  the  case  of  Connecticut,  and  a  clamor  was  instantly 
raised  that  New  England  was  abandoned  to  the  enemy  by  the  National  (.iovernniont. 
A  joint  committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  made  a  report  on  the  state  of 
public  affiiirs,  which  contained  a  covert  threat  of  independent  action  on  the  part  of  the 
people  of  that  section,  saying  that,  in  the  position  in  which  that  state  stood,  no  choice 
Avas  left  it  between  submission  to  the  enemy,  M'hich  was  not  to  bo  thought  of,  and 
the  appropriation  to  her  own  defense  of  those  revenues  derived  from  the  people,  but 
which  the  General  Government  had  hitherto  thought  proper  to  expend  elsewhere. 
The  committee  recommended  a  conference  of  sympathizing  states  to  consider  the  pro- 
priety of  adopting  "  some  mode  of  defense  suited  to  the  circumstances  and  exigencies 
of  those  states,"  and  to  consult  upon  a  radical  reform  in  the  National  Constitution. 

The  administration  minority  protested  against  this  action,  and  denounced  it  as  a 
disguised  movement  to  prepare  the  way  for  a  dissolution  of  the  Union.  Their  pro- 
test was  of  no  avail.  The  report  of  the  committee  was  .adopted  by  a  vote  of  throe  to 
one,  and  the  Legislature  addressed  a  circular  letter  to  the  governors  of  the  other  New 
England  States,  inviting  the  appointment  of  delegates,  to  meet  in  Convention  at  an 
early  day,  it  said,  "to  deliberate  upon  the  dangers  to  which  the  states  in  the  east- 
ern section  of  the  Union  are  exposed  by  the  course  of  the  war,  and  which  there  is 
too  much  reason  to  believe  will  thicken  round  them  in  its  progress  ;  and  to  devise, 
if  practicable,  means  of  security  and  defense  which  may  be  consistent  witii  the  pres- 

phia  in  1T83,  and  studied  law.  He  wag  fond  of  literary  pitrsnits,  and  at  one  time  edited  the  Columbian  Magazine.  In  ISOl 
President  Jefferson  appointed  him  United  Slates  Attorney  lor  the  Eastern  Olstrict  of  Pennsylvania.  lu  October,  1814, 
he  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Treasnry,  and  in  March,  1S16,  assnmcd  the  additional  duties  of  Secretary  of  War.  In 
November,  1810,  he  resigned,  and  returned  to  the  practice  of  his  profession.    He  died  on  the  Iflth  of  January,  ISIT. 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1013 


jutenta  in  Now  Engluml. 

,o  1)0  iimdo  in  Au- 
•h  then  "  HOIK!  but 
mrtonii;iHtcrs,  and 
were,  early  in  Jan- 

■asurofl  for  giving 
I  to  raise,  by  con- 
nearly  sixty-tliree 
to  be  locally  em- 
this  pur|)(iM('  were 
treH  Avcre  more  fa- 
irosjjects  of  peace 
StateH.  NcuDiia- 
:ie  unfair  demands 
Y  little  promise  of 
lake  peace  excc]ii 
e  were  those  \vli<i 
■  to  posterity,  wlui 
iemis.  Wliile  tlu' 
eful,"  and  tiiat  of 
3W  England  Legis- 

matters  to  a  crisis 

defenses  had  bcuii 

But  the  President. 

irious  action  of  tlic 

movements  there. 

[^ral  Dearborn's  or- 

ng,  refused  to  ]my 

Similar  action 

imor  was  instantly 

ional  Ciovermnent. 

t  on  the  state  of 

on  the  part  of  tlie 

te  stood,  no  choice 

)0  thought  of,  and 

3m  the  people,  but 

.vpend  elsewhere. 

0  consider  the  pro- 

CCS  and  exigencies 

al  Constitution. 

denounced  it  as  a 

nion.     Tiieir  pro- 

;i  vote  of  three  to 

I'  the  other  New 

Convention  at  an 

states  in  the  east- 

,nd  which  there  is 

;  and  to  devise, 

ent  witii  the  pres- 


A  Conventtun  called  at  Uartford. 


CumpiMitlon  or  tbe  Convention. 


Iti  propoied  Work. 


mtr!an^fa(|a:;hw.  InlSOl 
Ivanin.  In  October,  1814, 
of  fiecrctary  of  War.  In 
Sthof  Jiinaary.lSlT. 


crviition  of  their  resources  from  total  ruin,  and  adapted  to  their  local  situation,  mu- 
tual relations  and  habits,  and  not  rejiugnant  to  their  obligations  as  members  of  the 
rnion."  They  also  proposed  a  consideration  of  some  amendments  to  the  Constiiii- 
tion  on  the  subject  of  slave  representation,  that  might  secure  to  the  New  England 
States  equal  advantages  with  others. 

The  i)r<»position  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  was  acceded  to,  and  on  Thursday 
morning,  the  15th  of  December,  I  si  4,  a  Convention,  composed  of  t\\  <iity-six  didegates, 
representing  Massachusetts,  Ct)nnecticut,  llhode  Island,  New  Ilanipshirc,  ami  Ver- 
mont, assembled  at  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  then  a  town  of  four  thousand  inhabit- 
ants, and  org.'inized  by  the  apj)ointmeiit  of  Ceorgc  Cabot,  of  Boston,  as  president  of 
that  body,  and  Theodore  Dwight  as  sei  retary.* 

The  sessions  of  the  Convention  continued  three  weeks,  and  wore  held  Avith  closed 
doors.  The  movement  had  created  much  alarm  at  the  seat  of  government,  especially 
because  at  about  that  time  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  appropriated  a  million 
dollars  toward  the  support  often  thousand  men  to  relieve  the  militia  in  service,  and 
to  be,  like  that  militia,  exclusively  under  state  control.  All  sorts  of  wild  rumors  and 
suggestions  were  put  afloat,  and  the 
government  found  it  convenient  to 
have  Major  (afterward  General)  T.  S. 
Jesup  at  Hartford,  with  his  regiment, 
at  the  opening  of  the  Convention, 
nominally  for  the  purpose  of  reeruit- 
hig  for  the  regular  army,  but  really  under  instructions,  no  doubt,  to  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  supposed  traitorous  conclave. 

On  the  second  day  of  the  session,  a  committee,  appointed  for  the  purpose,  submit- 
ted a  series  of  topics  proper  for  the  consideration  of  the  Convention,  which  were  as 
follows:  "The  powers  claimed  by  the  Executive  of  the  IFnited  States,  to  determine 
conclusively  in  respect  to  calling  out  the  militia  of  the  states  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States ;  and  the  dividing  of  the  LTnited  States  into  military  districts,  with  an 
officer  of  the  iirmy  in  each  thereof,  with  discretionary  authority  from  the  executive 
of  the  United  States  to  call  for  the  militia,  to  be  under  the  command  of  such  officer. 
The  refusal  of  the  executive  of  the  United  States  to  supply  or  pay  the  militia  of  cer- 
tain states,  called  out  for  their  defense,  on  the  grounds  of  their  not  having  been  called 
out  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  or  not  having  been,  by  the  Executive 
of  the  state,  put  under  the  command  of  the  commander  over  the  military  district. 
The  failure  of  the  government  of  the  United  States  to  supply  and  pay  the  militia  of 
the  states,  by  them  admitted  to  have  been  in  the  United  States  service.  The  report 
of  the  Secretary  of  War  to  Congress  on  filling  the  ranks  of  the  army,  together  with 
a  bill  or  act  on  that  subject.  A  bill  before  Congress  providing  for  classifying  and 
drafting  the  militia.  The  expenditure  of  the  revenue  of  the  nation  in  otfensive  oper- 
ations on  the  neighboring  provinces  of  the  enemy.  The  failure  of  the  government  of 
the  United  States  to  provide  for  the  common  defense,  and  the  consequent  obligations, 
necessity,  and  burdens  devolved  on  the  sc]  irate  states  to  defend  themselves,  together 
with  the  mode,  and  the  ways  and  means  in  their  power  for  accomplishing  the  object." 
Such  was  the  work  Avhich  the  Convention^  at  the  outset,  proposed  for  itself 

On  the  20th  of  December  a  committee  was  appointed  to  "  report  a  general  project 
of  such  measures"  as  might  be  proper  for  the  Convention  to  adopt ;  and,  four  days 
afterward,  they  adopted  a  report  that  it  would  be  expedient  for  the  Convention  to 

'  The  following  ore  the  rmmes  of  the  delegates :  George  Cabot,  Nathan  Dane,  William  Prcscott,  Harrison  Gray  Otis, 
Timothy  Blgelo'v,  Joahna  Thomas,  8amu<'l  Sumner  Wlltle,  Joseph  Lyman,  Stephen  Longfellow,  Jr.,  Daniel  Waldo,  Ho- 
(lijah  Baylies,  uud  George  Bliss,  from  Masmchunettfi ;  Chauncey  Goodrich,  John  Treadwell,  James  Hlllhouse,  Zephaniah 
Swift,  Nathaniel  Smith,  Calvin  Goddard,  and  Roger  Minot  Sherman,  from  ConnecHntt;  Daniel  Lyman,  Samuel  Ward, 
Edward  Manton,  and  Benjamin  Hazard,  from  Rhode  Mand;  Benjamin  West,  and  Mills  Olcott,  fi-om  A'cio  HavipsMre; 
IL  ''urn  Hall,  Jr.,  from  IVnnont. 


m 


1014 


nCTOBIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


HIgiittnrei  of  tbc  Member*  of  the  lUrtfurd  ConTcntlon. 


PropiiMil  AmeudmentK  tii  the  ruimtltiitlon. 


i 


if 


/   y 

prepare  a  general  statement  of 
the  iineonstitutional  attempts  of 
tlie  executive  government  of  tlic 
United  States  to  ii  fringe  upon 
the  rights  of  tlie  iniliv  idual  states 
in  regard  to  the  military,  etc. ; 
and  to  recommend  to  the  Legis- 
latures of  the  states  the  adoption 
of  the  most  effectual  and  decisive 
measures  to  protect  the  militia 
and  the  states  from  the  usurpa- 
tions contained  in  those  proceed- 
ings. Also  to  prepare  a  state- 
ment concerning  the  general  sub- 
ject of  state  defenses,  and  a  ree- 
omraendation  that  an  application 
be  made  to  the  national  goveni- 
ment  for  an  arrangement  with 
the  states  by  which  they  would 
be  allowed  to  retain  a  portion  of 
.2yf^^^-iyg__^  the  taxes  levied  by  Con- 
/  gress,  to  be  devoted  to 
the  expenses  of  self-de- 

FAO-BIHILE  OF  TUK  BIONATCKF-B  TO  TUR  BEPORT  OF  THE  UAKTFORD  OONVSNTION.  „  ,  ^  rm 

fense,  et  cetera,     lliey 
also  proposed  amendments  to  the  Constitution.' 

'  They  proposed,  by  umendmentB  to  the  Constitation,  to  accomplish  the  following  results :  1.  The  restriction  of  the 
power  of  Congress  to  declare  and  make  war.  2.  A  restraint  of  the  exercise  of  anlimited  power  by  Congress  to  make 
new  states  and  admit  them  into  the  Union.  8.  A  restraint  of  the  powers  of  Congress  in  laying  embargoes  and  restric- 
tions on  commerce.  4.  A  stipulation  that  a  President  of  the  United  States  slinll  not  be  elected  ft-om  the  same  state  two 
consecutive  terms.  6.  That  the  same  person  shall  not  be  elected  President  a  second  time.  C.  That  alterations  be  made 
concerning  slave  representation  and  taxation. 


^^^pc^ 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1112. 


1015 


nm  t()  the  Cunitltutlnn. 


AtUouromint  of  the  Hartrord  CuiiTenUoD. 


Himptclnni  rMpectluK  Ita  Wi>rk. 


The  Sabetane*  of  that  Work. 


/      >  y 


^. 


loral  statement  of 
itional  attomi)ta  of 
government  of  tlic 
\  to  ii  fringe  upon 
le  indiv  ulual  states 
le  military,  etc. ; 
nend  to  the  Lcgis- 
states  the  adoption 
cctual  and  decisive 
n-otect  the  militia 
from  the  usurpa- 
in  those  procced- 
preparo  a  statc- 
ng  the  general  siib- 
lefenses,  and  a  rec- 
that  an  application 
le  national  govorn- 
arrangement  with 
which  they  woiiW 
retain  a  portion  of 
ixes  levied  by  Con- 
,  to  be  devoted  to 
xpenses  of  sclf-de- 
et  cetera.    Tbey 


;  1.  The  restriction  of  the 
jwer  by  Congress  to  make 
ng  embargoes  and  rcstrk- 
d  from  the  same  state  two 
.  That  alterations  be  made 


The  laborH  of  the  Hartford  Convention  ended  on  the  4th  of  January,  1810,  with  a 
report  and  reHolutions,  Higncd  by  tlie  delegatCB  present,  to  be  laid  before  the  LegiMla- 
tureH  of  llie  rewpective  states  represented  in  the  Convention.  The  report  and  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  as  expressions  of  the  sentiments  of  the  Convention.'  On  the  fol- 
lowing morning,*  at  nine  o'clock,  after  prayer  by  tlie  Kev.  Dr.  Strong,  the  •Januarys, 
Conventi<»n  adjourned,  but  with  the  impression  on  the  part  of  the  mem-  '**"'• 

hers  that  circumstances  might  eom])el  it  to  reassemble.  For  that  reason  the  seal  of 
secrecy  was  not  removed  from  the  proceedings.  This  gave  wide  scope  for  coi  lecture 
concerning  them,  some  declaring  tliat  they  were  patriotic,  and  others  that  they  were 
treasonable  in  the  extreme.  Because  the  members  of  that  Convention  were  of  the 
political  party  to  which  the  Peace  Faction  belonged,  they  incurred  much  odium. 
They  and  the  party  became  the  target  at  which  the  shafts  of  sharpest  wit,  as  well  as 
bitter  denunciations,  were  hurled;  and  at  the  next  election  in  Massachusetts,  the  ad- 
ministration, or  Democratic  ^, 
party,  issued  a  h,ind-bill,  with  ~  "vNi^'^V z^^^- 
a  wood-cut  indicative  of  the  "" 
character  of  the  opposing  par- 
ties, a  copy  of  which,  on  a  re- 
duced scale,  is  given  in  the 
annexed  cut. 

lie  wiio  will  take  pains  to  in- 
quire, witiiout  prejudice,  will 
be  satisfied  that  the  twenty- 
six  eminent  men  who  com- 
posed the  Hartford  Conven- 
tion were  as  wise,  as  loyal, 
and  as  patriotic  as  the  aver- 
age of  the  legislators  and  pol- 
iticians of  that  day  or  since.  Tliey  rejjresented  the  conservative  sentiment  of  discon- 
tented New  England  during  a  season  of  great  trial.'' 

>  The  report,  moderate  bnt  firm,  able  In  constroctlon,  and  forcible  thongh  heretical  In  argnments  and  concluBlons, 
was  Immediately  published,  and  ey'.enslvcly  circulated  throughout  the  country.  It  was  read  with  the  greatest  avidity. 
It  disappointed  the  cxpectnllons  of  i..v  radical  BYdcnillats  and  the  Busplclous  Di-mocrntB.  The  few  dlsuulonists  of  New 
England  fouiid  In  it  no  promises  of  a  separation,  and  the  administration  party  jiercelved  in  It  no  signs  of  sedition  or 
treason.  It  presented  a  concise  view  of  the  current  and  past  policy  of  the  government,  and  summed  up  the  sentiments 
of  the  Convention  In  the  following  resolutions,  which  were  recommended  for  adoption  to  the  slate  Legislatures: 

"7ic«i(i'«/,  That  It  be  and  hereby  's  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  states  represented  In  this  Conven- 
tion to  adopt  all  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  effectually  to  protect  the  citizens  of  said  states  from  the  oi)eration 
nnd  elTiicts  of  all  acts  which  have  been  or  may  be  passed  bv  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  contain  pro- 
visions subjecting  the  mlUtla  or  other  citizens  to  forcible  ^i.  i<^s,  coDscrlptlons,  or  Impressments  not  authorized  by  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

"  Kmolrfd,  That  It  be  and  hereby  Is  recommended  to  t'  •"  'J  Leglslatnres  to  authorize  an  Immediate  tnd  earnest  ap- 
plication to  be  made  to  the  government  of  the  United  '  ■  •.  loquestlug  their  consent  to  some  arrangement  whereby 
the  said  states  may,  separately  or  In  concert,  be  etr.no  led  to  assnme  upon  themselves  the  defense  of  their  territory 
ngalnst  the  enemy;  and  a  reasonable  portion  c:  the  ii...e8  collected  within  said  states  may  be  paid  Into  the  respective 
treasuries  thereof,  and  appropriated  to  the  payment  of  the  balance  due  said  states,  and  to  the  fliturc  defense  of  the  same. 
The  amount  so  paid  into  the  said  treasuries  to  be  credited,  and  the  disbursements  made  as  aforesaid  to  be  charged,  to 
the  United  States. 

"  Itetohed,  That  it  bo  and  it  hereby  is  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  aforesaid  states  to  pass  laws  (where  It 
has  not  already  been  done)  authorizing  the  governors  or  commanders-in-chief  of  their  militia  to  make  detachments  of 
the  same,  or  to  form  voluntary  corps,  as  shall  be  most  convenient  and  conformable  to  their  Constitutions,  and  to  cause 
the  same  to  be  well  armed,  equipped,  and  disciplined,  and  held  in  readiness  for  service ;  and,  upon  the  request  of  the 
i;overnor  of  either  of  the  other  states,  to  employ  the  whole  of  such  detachments  or  corps,  as  well  as  the  regular  force 
uf  the  state,  or  such  part  thereof  as  may  be  required,  and  can  be  spared  consistently  with  the  safety  of  (he  state.  In  as- 
sisting the  state  making  such  request,  to  repel  any  invasion  thereof  which  shall  be  made  or  attempted  by  the  public 
enemy." 

There  were  other  resolutions,  bnt  they  referred  to  amendments  of  the  Constitution  already  alluded  to.  The  most  that 
ran  be  said  against  the  resolutions  just  quoted  is,  that  they  abandon  the  doctrine  of  a  consolidated  nation  formed  by 
ihe  ratiflcj^tlon  of  the  Constitution  by  the  people,  for  which  the  Washlngtonlan  Federalists  so  strenuously  contended, 
and  are  deeply  tinged  with  the  fatal  heresy  of  state  supremacy,  or,  at  least,  state  Independence,  which  has  produced 
fearful  effects  in  our  day. 

>  The  author  is  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Messrs.  K  B.  and  G.  C.  Kellogg,  of  Hartford,  Connecticut,  for  a  carelbl 
copy  of  the  signatures  of  the  members  of  the  Convention,  printed  on  the  opposite  page,  precisely  as  tbey  are  attached 


:r 


;!  li!    l 


■y^  «*»-(,..i^  s  ^'^^m^mmfwt 


1016 


I'ICTOKIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Sketches  of  the  MemborB  of  the  Hartford  Convention. 


i    "' 


While  the  country  was  agitated  by  the  political  events  just  recorded,  and  the  peo- 
ple were  despondent  because  of  the  seeming  rcnioteuess  of  p^ace  and  the  gloomy  as- 
pect of  public  affairs  in  general,  other  events  of  great  importance,  and  having  a  most 
powerful  influence  in  the  direction  of  peace,  were  occurring  on  the  southwestern  bor- 
ders of  the  republic.     Let  us  consider  them. 

We  have  seen  how  the  Creek  Indians  in  Alabama  were  led  into  war,  and  tlicrcby 
to  the  ruin  of  their  nation,  by  white  enemies  of  the  republic  and  the  nitiuonce  ofTe- 

to  the  address  and  rssohitlonB.    The  following  brief  notices  of  those  members,  compiled  from  sketches  made  by  Mr. 
Dwight,  'he  secretary  of  the  Convention,  will  give  the  render  some  idea  of  the  dignity  of  that  body : 

George  Cabot,  the  president  of  the  Conventii'i,  was  a  dcccendant  of  one  of  the  discovererH  of  the  Americiin  ciuti. 
nent  of  that  name.  He  wiis  a  warm  Whig  durii.g  the  Uevolntionary  wtruggle,  and,  soon  after  the  adoption  of  tlif  Sn- 
tional  Constitution,  was  chosen  a  senator  in  Congress  by  the  Legislature  of  Massacliusetts.  lie  was  a  pure-heiirtci] 
loffy-minded  citizen,  a  sound  statesman,  and  a  luau  l)olovetl  by  all  who  knew  liim. 

Nathan  Dane  was  a  lawyer  of  eminence,  and  was  also  a  Whig  in  the  days  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  a  r'-'prcsiiitn- 
tlve  of  Ma.«sachu8ett»  in  Congress  during  the  Confederation,  and  was  specially  noticed  for  his  services  in  proftiriu^.  [[,(, 
Insertion  of  a  provision  in  the  famous  Ordinance  of  17*7,  establishing  territorial  governments  ovt^r  the  Ti'rritorii's  i„,rili- 
west  of  the  Ohio,  which  forever  excluded  slavery  from  those  regions.  He  was  universally  esteemed  for  his  wisduiii  and 
integrity. 

William  Preecottwas  a  son  of  the  distinguished  Colonel  Prescott,  of  the  Ke  volution,  who  was  conspicuous  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Bunker  Hill.  He  was  an  aMe  lawyer,  first  in  Salem,  and  then  in  Boston.  He  served  with  distinction  in  both 
branches  of  the  Massachusens  Legislature. 

Harrison  Gray  Otis  was  a  native  of  Boston,  aid  member  of  the  family  of  that  name  distinguished  in  tlie  Hi  vdlmioii. 
He  was  a  lawyer  by  profession,  and  served  tl\e  public  ir  the  Massachusetts  Legislature  and  in  tlie  National  t  DiigrcBs, 
He  was  an  eloquent  speaker,  and  as  a  public  man,  as  well  as  a  privsite  citizen,  he  was  very  popular. 

Timothy  Bigelow  was  a  lawyer,  and  for  several  years  was  speaker  of  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives. 

Joshua  Thomas  was  judge  of  Probate  in  Plymouth  County,  Massachusetts,  and  was  a  man  of  unblemished  reputation 
in  public  and  private  life. 

Joseph  Lyman  was  a  lawyer,  and  for  several  years  held  the  office  of  sheriff  of  his  coimty. 

George  bliss  was  an  eminent  lawyer,  and  distinguished  for  his  learning,  industry,  and  integrity.  He  Wis  fevcrtil 
times  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature. 

Daniel  Waldo  was  a  resident  of  Worcester,  where  ho  established  himself  in  early  life  as  a  merchant.  He  was  n  stale 
senator,  but  would  seldom  consent  to  an  election  to  office. 

Samuel  Sumner  Wilde  was  a  lawyer,  and  was  raised  to  a  seat  on  the  bench  of  the  Snpreme  Court  of  MaeBn(lni«elt> 

Hodijah  Baylies  w.as  an  officer  in  the  Cimtlnental  Army,  in  «lii(;h  position  he  served  with  reputation,  lie  Wiis  fur 
many  years  juilge  of  Probate  in  the  county  in  which  he  lived,  aud  was  distinguished  for  sound  understanding,  tine  tal- 
ents, and  unimpeachable  integrity. 

Stei)hen  Longfellow,  Jr.  was  a  lawyer  of  eraiufuce  In  Portland,  Maine,  where  he  stood  at  the  head  of  his  iirofrsnion 
He  was  a  representative  in  Congress. 

Chauncey  Goodrich  was  an  eminent  lawyer,  and  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Conncc'icul  in 
both  of  its  branches.  lie  was  also  a  member  of  both  houMv  of  (VrngresB,  and  lieutenant  governor  of  Connecticut.  Ili-^ 
reputation  was  very  exalli'<l  as  a  pure  statesman  and  i.set'i;!  '^'izen. 

John  Treadwcll  was  in  public  stations  in  Connecticut  a  greater  part  of  his  life,  where  he  was  a  memuer  of  both  li  di- 
lative branches  of  the  government,  was  a  long  time  a  judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  was  both  liculiiiant 
governor  and  governor  of  the  state.    He  was  a  Whig  in  the  Revolution,  and  a  politician  of  the  Washington  schoi.l. 

Jan  es  Hilllionse  was  a  inuii  of  eminent  ability,  and  v.-idf-ly  known.  He  was  a  lawyer  of  celebrity,  served  ae  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Legislature  of  Connecticut,  md  was  for  more  than  twenty  years  either  a  senator  or  representative  in  Coii- 
grecs.  He  fou|^i  bravely  for  big  count'7  in  the  old  War  for  Independence,  and  was  always  active,  energetic,  anil  pub- 
lic-spirited. 

Zcphaniah  Swift  was  a  distinguished  lawyer.  He  served  as  sneaker  of  the  Connecticut  Assembly,  and  was  a  member 
of  Congress,  a  judge,  and  for  a  number  of  years  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Connecticnt. 

Nathaniel  Smith  was  an  extraordinary  man.  He  was  a  l,iwy»T  by  profession,  and  for  many  years  was  considered  as- 
one  of  the  most  distinguished  member  of  his  profession  in  Connecticut.  He  was  a  member  -if  Congress,  and  a  judge 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Connecticut.    His  whole  life  was  marked  by  purity  of  morals  and  love  of  country. 

Calvin  G<vidar(i  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  but  studied  and  practiced  law  in  Coiinoctitiit,  and  became  a  distin 
ffnighed  .  Uiy-en  of  that  state.  He  arose  to  greiit  eminence  in  his  profession,  and  was  in  Congress  four  years.  He  vm^ 
repeateilly  elected  a  member  nf  the  General  Assembly,  and  was  dppointtd  a  judge  of  tie  Sui,.>ime  Court  of  that  i-tati 

Rii;;i  I  Miuot  Sherman  was  another  distinguished  lawjer  .)f  (.lonnecticnt,  and  was  for  a  long  time  connected  with  tlic 
government  of  that  state.    He  was  a  man  of  highest  repntntlon  as  the  possessor  of  the  quailties  of  a  good  i  itiieu. 

Daniel  Lyman  wis  a  soldier  of  thi-  R,-volutlon,  and  rose  to  'he  rank  of  m^jer  In  the  Continental  Army.  After  ilic 
peace  he  settled  ii>  i  lawyer  in  Rhode  Island,  where  he  beca.:ie  distlugnlshed  for  talents  and  intCT.ity.  He  was  chief 
JoBtlce  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  that  st.ife 

Samuel  Ward  was  a  son  of  < tov?ru,,.r  Ward,  of  Rhode  Tslan  ',  and  at  the  age  of  ei^r'.itcen  years  was  a  captain  In  fio 
Continental  Array.  He  was  wilh  An  old  in  his  expedition  to  Quebec  in  1T75.  At  that  city  he  was  made  a  prisoner. 
Before  the  close  of  the  iv:uhc  rose  t<i  fiic  rank  of  colonol.  lie  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Couventhm  held  iitAnnap- 
Jls,  in  Maryland,  in  Uhd,  which  was  i  ..•  inception  of  the  Convention  which  ft-anied  the  National  Constitution. 

Benjamin  Hazard  was  a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  end  a  lawyer,  in  which  profession  he  was  eminent.  He  served  for 
many  years  in  the  Legislature  of  his  state. 

Edward  Manton  was  a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  aud  rarely  mingl>'a  la  ttio  political  dlgcasslons  of  his  day.  He  vsa  a 
man  of  sterling  worth  in  e-ery  rchUlon  in  life. 

Benjamin  West  was  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  and  a  lawyer  by  profession,  in  which  he  had  a  gord  reputiiilon. 

Mill.s  Olcott  was  a  nativB  of  New  H:irapBhlrp,  and  a  son  of  Chief  Justice  Olcott,  cf  thai  dtate.  He  was  a  lawyer  by 
piofessiim. 

William  Hall,  Jr.,  wis  a  natrv.-  of  Vermont.  Hie  business  was  that  of  a  merchant,  and  he  was  firequeatly  i<  meaibcr 
of  the  State  Legislature.    Hs  was  uaiverutlly  cs'-^enied  aud  respectfld  i>y  all  good  m«u. 


w 


OF  THE   WAR  OF   1812. 


1017 


cl,  and  the  pco- 
tlie  gloomy  as- 
having  a  most 
ith western  lioi- 

ar,  and  thereby 
influence  of  re- 


ketches  made  bv  Mr, 

I'  the  American  ronii- 
c  adoption  of  the  Na- 
e  was  a  pnre-heartcd, 

He  wttB  a  r'.'prcseiita- 
vices  in  yrociiriuj:  the 
■  the  Territories  unrlh- 
ed  for  hifi  wiKdom  aud 

oufpicnous  in  tlie  l)at- 
th  dletiuction  i;i  both 

bed  In  the  Kcvolutioii. 

he  National  (.'oiii.'rc8s. 

lar. 

;  of  Keprosentatives. 

nbleniished  reputation 


jrlly.    lie  w<;e  several 

chant,    no  was  a  state 

mrt  of  Mas«a('hir>ett(. 
eptilntlon.     llf  wun  for 
iinderstunilins:,  tine  lal- 

head  of  hie  profebnion. 

itiire  of  Connec'iculiii 
)r  of  C'ounecticul.   llii^ 

member  ofbothlcgle 
wac  both  licuteuaiil 
IViiKliington  school, 
ity,  sen-eil  as  ii  mem- 
prcfcnttttive  In  ('oli- 
ve, eDcrKetIc,  and  puli- 

bly,  and  wae  a  member 
t. 
ars  was  considered  as 

\)ni»reB!<,  and  a  judge 

f  ccnntry. 

and  l)ecainB  a  diBtin 
Bs  four  years.  He  wa.« 
ae  Court  of  that  rtate. 
me  ccmnccted  with  the 
of  a  Rood  ritiicn. 
ntal  Army.  Aflir  llie 
ity.    He  was  chief 

9  was  a  captain  in  the 
wap  raade  a  prinouer. 
cntion  hi'lii  at  Annop- 
CouBtitiitlou. 
nineut.    He  served  for 

ofhtadfty.    Hc»a»a 

a  gord  rcpntiillon. 
Ho  wsB  a  lawyer  by 

thiunently  »  mejito 


Cieneral  Jackaoo  recalled  into  active  Service. 


His  TifHIanec 


Hostile  Movnaent*  at  Penaacola, 


cumtha,  the  Indian  al- 
ly of  the  British  ;'  and 
we  left  General  Jaek- 
.  April,  son,"  who  had 
1814.  been  the  chief 
instrument  in  tlie  d<- 
struction  of  that  na- 
tion, resting  at  "die 
Ilerinitagi',"  !  is  man- 
sion and  cstii  •,  a  fe'w 
miles  from  N.ishvillc, 
in  Tennessee.  Fro'n 
that  pleasant  retreat 
he  was  soon  recalled 
to  active  duty,  having 
been  appointf  <f  &  ma- 
jor general  iu  the 
army  "^f  the  Uait«i 
States,*"  and 
coinmandL'r  of 


'  April. 


'rue  UKK.MITAOE"   IN   1M)1.» 


'  1814. 


the  Seventh  Military  District,  witli  his  Iread-quarters  at  Mobile,  which  post  the  Amer- 
icans liad  taken  posSefsion  of  as  early  as  April,  1812,^  when  the  Spaniards  retired  to 
Pensacola.  Jackson  was  instructed  to  stop  on  his  way  to  Mobile  to  make  sy  defini- 
tive treaty  with  the  remnant  of  the  Creek  nation,  which  he  did  at  Fort  Jackson*  on 
the  Mill  of  Aiignst.'^ 

.fackson's  vigilance  was  sleepless.  It  was  in  marked  contrast  with  the  slum- 
bering apathy  or  indifference  at  the  War  Department.  He  was  promptly  informed 
of  what  was  occurring  not  only  in  his  own  department,  but  in  the  whole  region 
around  him,  for  he  had  trusty  spies,  pale  and  dusky,  every  where.  Jle  had  observed 
with  indignation  and  alann  that  the  authorities  at  Pensacola,  with  usual  Spanish  du- 
plicity, while  professing  neutrality,  were  in  practical  alliance  with  the  Uritish  and  In- 
dians. Of  this  the  government  was  promptly  informed ;  but  .lacksiin  received  no 
responses  to  his  warnings.  He  continued  to  receive  evidences  of  gathering  danger 
at  Pensacola,  and  finally,  late  in  August,  the  mask  of  Spanish  neutrality  was  removed. 
Nine  British  ships  of  war  then  lay  at  anchor  in  tlie  harbor  there.  Marines  were  land- 
ed from  them  and  allowed  to  encamp  on  the  shore.  Their  commander,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Edward  Nichols,  was  made  a  welcome  guest  of  the  Spanish  governor,  and 
the  British  flag  was  unfurled  over  one  of  the  forts.  Indian  runners  were  sent  on 
swift  errands  among  the  neighboring  Creek  and  Seminole  Indians  to  invite  them  lo 
Pensacola,  there  to  be  enrolled  in  the  service  of  the  British  crown.  The  response  to 
their  call  was  the  speedy  gathering  of  almost  a  thousand  savages  at  that  Spanish  post, 
where  they  received  arms  and  ammunition  in  abundance  from  the  British  otticers. 
Tlien  went  forth  a  general  order  from  Nicht)ls  to  liis  soldiers,  followed  soon  afterward 
by  a  proclamation  to  the  inha^»itants  of  Louisiana  and  Kentucky,  both  of  which  re- 
vealed hostile  intentions.  To  his  troops  Nichols  spoke  of  their  being  called  upon  "  to 
perform  long  and  tedious  marches  through  wildernesses,  swamps,  and  water-courses," 
aud  ho  exhorted  them  to  conciliate  their  Indian  -iliies,  and  to  "never  give  them  just 
cause  for  offense."  In  hi?  proclamations  he  addressed  the  most  inflammatory  appeals 
to  the  prejudices  of  the  French  and  the  aiscontents  of  the  Kentuckians,  « Inch  a  seem- 
ing neglect  l»y  their  government  and  the  arts  of  politicians  had  engendered.*    In  fact, 

'  >  See  Chapter  XXXIIL  ^  ~  "^ 

'  Thl«  was  tlie  appeimnce  otThf  Hern-itagt  when  the  writer  vinlted  and  sketched  It  In  the  sprinfi;  of  1981. 
'  See  pn^'e  14!i.  «  See  page  TS2. 

*  The  B.'ltliih  counted  largely  npon  the  paeBlve  acqniettence,  If  uoi  actual  aselstBoce,  of  the  French  and  Spanish  lu^ 


\4 


fw 


1018 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Outlaws  at  Barataria  Hay. 


Their  Leader. 


Invitation  to  Join  ttie  British  Navf . 


Nichols,  with  a  strange  impi-udence,  seemed  to  take  particular  pains  to  proclaim  that 
the  land  and  naval  forces  at  Pensacola  were  only  the  van  of  far  more  formidable  ones 
composing  an  expedition  for  the  seizure  of  New  Orleans  and  the  subjugation  of 
Louisiana. 

There  was  another  revelation  of  impending  danger  made  to  the  Americans  at  this 
time,  and  this,  with  the  proceedings  at  Pensacola,  aroused  the  people  of  the  Soiiili- 
west,  and  the  civil  and  military  authorities,  to  the  greatest  vigilance  and  speedy  prep- 
arations to  meet  an  invasion.  This  was  an  attempt  on  the  part  o4'  the  British  to  ob- 
tain the  aid  of  a  community  of  outlaws  on  the  borders  of  the  Gulf  Those  were  pri- 
vateersmen  and  smugglers,  whose  head-quarters  were  on  a  low  island  called  Giand 
Terre,  six  miles  in  length  and  one  and  a  half  in  breadth,  which  lies  at  the  entrance  to 
Barataria  Lake  or  Bay,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  little  less  than  sixty  miles  southwest 
from  New  Orleans  in  a  direct  line.  From  that  island  there  is  a  water  communica- 
tion for  small  vessels  through  lakes  and  bayous  to  within  a  mile  of  the  Mississippi 
River,  just  above  New  Orleans.  Toward  the  Gulf  is  a  fine  beach,  and  to  it  inhabit- 
ants of  the  "  Crescent  City"  resort  during  the  heats  of  the  summer  months.  The  bay 
forms  a  sheltered  harbor,  in  which  the  privateers  of  the  Baratarians  (as  the  smug- 
glers were  called)  and  those  associated  with  them  lay  securely  f«om  the  besom  of  the 
"  Norther"  that  sweeps  occasionally  over  the  Gulf,  and  also  from  the  cannon  of  sliips 
^  of  war,  for  the  bay  was  inaccessible  to  such  ponderous  and  bulky  crafl  as  were  tlien 
used.  The  community  of  marauders  there  formed  a  regularly  organized  association, 
at  the  head  of  which  was  Jean  Lafitte,  a  shrewd  Frenchman  and  blacksmith  fiom 
Bordeaux,  and  late  resident  of  New  Orleans.  He  had  caused  a  battery  of  heavy  guns 
to  be  pointed  seaward  for  the  protection  of  his  company ;  and  there  might  be  seen  at 
all  times  shi'ewd  and  cautious  men  from  New  Orleans,  having  "  honorable  mention" 
in  that  community,  purchasing  at  cheap  rates  for  profitable  sales  the  rich  booty  of 
the  sea-robbers,  and  thereby  laying  broadly  the  foundations  of  the  fortunes  of  many 
a  wealthy  family  living  in  the  Southwest  when  the  Civil  War  brok'^  out  in  1801. 
Lafitte  became  Ijnown  in  history,  romance,  and  song  as  the  "  Pirate  of  the  Gulf,"  of 
whom  Byron  erroneously  said  he 

"  Left  a  corsair's  name  to  other  times,  ..    ;: 

,        ,,  ,  Linked  with  one  Tirtoe  and  a  thonsanU  crimes." 

He  was  not  a  corsair  in  the  meaning  of  the  law  of  nations  ;  and  his  crimes,  such  as 
they  were,  were  not  against  humanity,  but  were  violations  of  the  revenue  and  neu- 
trality laws  of  the  United  States.  "  I  may  have  evaded  the  payment  of  duties  at  the 
custom-house,  but  I  have  nev^r  ceased  to  be  a  good  citizen."  said  Lafitte,  on  one  oc- 
casion ;  and  then,  wi^li  the  usual  plea  of  a  culprit,  he  added, "  All  the  offenses  I  have 
ever  committed  have  been  forced  upon  mo  by  certain  vices  in  the  laws." 

The  fact  that  the  United  States  government  had,  by  legal  proceedings,  made  the 
Baratarians  outlaws,  and,  as  a  natural  consequence,  it  was  supjiosed,  the  bitter  ene- 
mies of  that  government,  caused  the  British  to  seek  an  alliance  with  them,  not  doubt- 
ing that  it  would  gladly  be  alforded.  Accordingly,  on  the  1st  of  Septeinbor," 
the  Brit  ish  sloop  of  war  Sophia,  Captain  Lockyer,  sailed  from  Pensacola  with 
dispatches  for  Jean  Lafitte,  among  which  was  an  invitation  from  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Nichols,  already  mentioned,  inviting  that  leader  and  his  band  to  enter  the  British 
Bovvice,  and  a  letter  from  Captain  W.  II.  Percy,  a  son  of  Lord  Beverly,  the  comniaiul- 
cc  of  the  British  squadron  nt  Pensacola,  in  which  Lafitte's  fears  were  appealed  to.' 
Lafitte  took  the  offered  documents,  and  was  assured  by  Lockyer  that  his  vessels  and 


'  1814. 


^nm 


#1  P 


habitants  of  Lonisiana,  who  iiad  l)ecn  opposed  to  the  rnle  of  the  ITnited  fltatcn  gove-nment,  and  also  npon  the  aid  of  Itic 
glaves,  whos»  freedom  was  to  l)e  proclaimed  when  the  British  sbonld  obtain  a  sure  foothold  on  the  borders  of  the  Mlf- 
■issippi  River  or  the  fliilf  of  Mexl''«. 

I  The  package  contained,  besides  tliese  two  letters,  Nichols's  proclamation  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Lonlslana,  nr.d  n 
copy  of  Captain  Percy's  orders  to  Captain  Lockyer,  in  which  the  latter  was  directed,  if  succcssftil  in  his  misalim.  la 
"concert  nieasnres  for  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy,  havliiR  an  eyn  to  the  jancture  of  the  small  armed  vusscla"  of  the 
Baraturiuus  wllb  those  of  tbti  BrUtah  "for  the  ea^ura  <i/  Mobik,"  etc. 


_i.r  ..II 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1019 


join  the  BrltlBh  Navy. 

o  proclaim  tl\ai 
formidable  ones 
subjugation  of 

mericans  at  this 
lo  of  the  South- 
ukI  Bjieedy  prep- 
lie  British  to  ob- 
These  were  ])ii- 
iid  called  Gniiiil 
,  the  entrance  to 
miles  southwest 
iter  communica- 
f  the  Mississippi 
md  to  it  inhiihit- 
lonths.     The  bay 
ns  (as  the  siniii:;- 
thc  besom  of  the 
B  cannon  of  ships 
raft  as  were  tlieii 
nized  association, 
blacksmith  from 
;rv  of  heavy  guns 
might  be  seen  at 
Dorable  mention" 
;he  rich  booty  of 
fortunes  of  nuxny 
■ok'^  out  in  isoi. 
!  of  the  Gulf,"  of 


is  crimes,  such  as 
revenue  and  iieu- 
of  duties  at  the 
,afitte,  on  one  oc- 
le  offenses  I  have 

W9." 

lings,  made  the 

.  till'  bitter  one- 
them,  not  doubt- 
Bt  of  September," 

Pcnsacoia  with 
eutenant  Colonel 
enter  the  Britisli 

y,  the  comniaiul- 
ere  ajipealed  to.' 
it  his  vessels  ami 


A  Leader  of  Smugglers  tunis  Patriot. 


Jackson  perceives  Mischief. 


Mobile  and  its  Defences. 


also  upon  the  iildoftho 

I  the  bord<!r8  of  the  Mlf- 

ints  of  Lonlslana,  nr.d  n 
•nsfii)  In  his  mission.  10 

II  armed  vossulb"  of  tlio 


WILLIAM    O.  C.  CLAIUOBNB, 


men  would  be  received  into  the  honorable 
service  of  the  Royal  Navy.  These  docu- 
ments Lafitte  sent  to  William  C.  C.  Clai- 
borne, then  governor  of  Louisiana,  with  a 
letter,  saying,  "  Though  proscribed  in  my 
adopted  country,  I  will  never  miss  an  occa- 
sion of  serving  her,  or  of  proving  that  she 
has  never  ceased  to  be  near  to  me."' 

Before  these  revelations  were  made,  Jack- 
son's sagacity  and  forecast,  when  consider- 
ing rumors  and  positive  information  that 
reached  him  from  time  to  time,  had  made 
him  suspicious  that  such  hostile  movements 
were  in  preparation  ;  and,  while  a  handfijl 
of  men  were  trampling  upon  the  national 
capital,  he  was  planning  a  scheme  for  crush- 
ing at  one  blow  the  tripie  alliance  of  Brit- 
ish, Spanish,  and  Indians  at  Pensacola,  and 
ending  the  war  in  the  Southwest.  Now, 
with  positive  testimony  of  danger  before 
him  (copies  of  the  documents  furnished  by 
Lafitte  having  been  sen*;,  to  iiim),  he  resolved  to  act  promptly,  without  the  advice  or 
sanction  of  iiis  government.^  He  squarely  accused  Manrequez,  the  Spanish  governor 
at  Pensacola,  Avith  ba^^  faith,  when  a  spicy  correspondence  ensued.  This  Jackson 
ended  by  saying  to  the  governor,  "  In  futui-e  T  beg  you  to  Avithhold  your  insulting 
charges  against  my  government  for  one  more  inclined  to  listen  to  slander  than  I  am ; 
nor  consider  me  any  more  a  diplomatic  character  unless  so  proclaimed  from  the  mouth 
of  my  cannon."  Then  he  sent  his  adjutant  general.  Colonel  Robert  Butler,  into  Ten- 
nessee to  beat  up  for  volunteers,  witli  a  determination  to  give  tangible  shape  to  the 
threat  contained  in  the  last  clause  of  his  letter.  In  a  very  short  time  no  less  than 
two  thousand  of  the  sturdy  young  men  of  Tennessee  were  ready  for  the  field. 

Meanwhile,  hostilities  had  actually  commenced  in  that  quarter.  When  Jackson 
reached  Mobile,  late  in  August,  he  was  satisfied  that  an  attempt  would  be  made  to 
seize  that  post  as  soon  as  tlic  great  expedition  of  Avhich  he  had  rumors  should  be  pre- 
pared to  move.  Mobile  was  then  only  a  little  village  of  wooden  houses,  with  not  a 
thousand  inhabitants,  with  no  defenses  against  artillery,  and  scarcely  sufficient  to 
withstand  an  attack  from  the  rifles  of  Indians.  At  the  entrance  to  Mobile  Bay,  thirty 
miles  from  the  village,was  Fort  Bowyer  (now  Fort  Morgan),  occupying  the  extremity 
of  a  narrow  sand  cape  on  the  eastern  side  of  that  entrance,  and  commanding  the  en- 
tire channel  between  it  and  Dauphin  Island.  It  Avas  a  small  work,  semicircular  in 
form  toward  the  channel,  and  of  redan  shape  on  the  land  side.  It  was  weak,  being 
without  bomb-proofs,  and  mounting  only  twenty  guns,  and  all  but  two  of  these  were 
12-pounders  and  less.  And  yet  this  wr.s  the  chief  defense  of  Mobile;  for,  the  enemy 
once  inside  of  the  bay,  there  would  be  no  hope  for  holding  the  post  with  the  troops 
then  at  hard.  So,  when  Jackson  perceived,  early  in  September,  that  a  speedy  move- 
ment against  Mobile  from  Pensacola  ^■>•as  probable,  he  threw  into  Fort  Bow  yer  one 
hundred  and  tlnrty  of  the  Second  regular  infantry,  under  Major  William  Lawrence, 

'  Lafltte  had  amaescd  a  large  fortune  l)y  his  lawless  pursuits,  and  perceived  the  dancer  that  menaced  his  trade,  his 
possessions,  and  his  liberty.  Already  bis  brother,  who  had  been  his  chief  ai;ent  In  New  Orleans,  w:is  in  prison  for  his 
offenses,  and  the  authorlllcs  of  the  United  Htotes  were  preparing  to  strike  a  withering  blow  nt  Baratarla.  Lafitte,  will- 
ing to  save  himself  miil  his  nossesslons,  and  preferring  to  be  called  a  patriot  rather  than  a  pirate,  asked  t^c  British  mcs- 
eengers  to  allow  him  a  few  days  for  consideration.  When  Lockyer  depa.ted  LaflUe  sent  the  documenfj  up  to  New  Or- 
leans, as  mentioned  In  the  text. 

»  An  order  was  actually  Issued  (Vim*  the  War  Department  authorizing  Jackson  to  seize  Pensacola,  but  it  did  not  reacU 
him  until  als  months  afterwiud,  when  the  war  had  ceased.  . ,  ^ 


\  i 


1020 


PICTOEIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


t<M  Howfj^  j|S««Mm 


ABritlafa  Hqnadruu  threnteus  it. 


PreparatlouH  for  Attack. 


one  of  t^  rri/M  i^^bmb  ■illiiiiiiii  i  im  the 
service.  At  tb«  aiiipe -tHne^iie  Hunt 
orders  for  '  '•■r^'  '^  *'-  toi«Btt.««t 
the    cni'olK  <  '.^MMlMMll, 

and  have  them  jted  imm<>»/*t^ly  to 
Mobile, 

Major  Lawrence  made  vigorous* 
preparations  to  resist  the  <ii'  ny  by 
strengthening  the  fort  as  niueli  as  pos- 
sible, and  providing  against  attacks 
upon  it  from  cannon  that  might  bo 
planted  upon  sand-hills  near,  which 
commanded  it.  These  preparations 
were  not  completed  when,  on  the 
morning  of  the  12  th  of  September, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Nichols  appeared 
on  the  peninsula,  in  rear  of  the  fort, 
with  one  hundred  and  thirty  marines 
and  si.Y  hundred  Indians,  the  latter 
led  by  Captain  Woodbine,  who  had 
been  attempting  to  drill  them  at  Pen- 
sac<^>^a.  Toward  evening  four  British 
vesselx  ')f  war  hove  in  sight,  and  an- 
chored within  six  miles  of  Mobile 
i'tihii.  Those  were  the  Hermes,  22  ; 
Sophia,  /  H ;  / '///'////,  «0 1  ftnd  Amtcon- 
</a,  18,  the  whole  undo/  /'/ipliiiii  I'or- 
(sy,  the  commander  of  the  stiuadron  i. 
of  nine  vessels  in  Pensacola  Bay,  ill- 
ready  mentioned,  of  which  these  were 
a  purt.  In  (he  presence  of  these  for- 
midable forces,  the  little  garrison  slept 
uj)on  th.'ir  arms  that  night. 

On  tlie  following  morning  Nichols  reconnoitred  the  fort  from  behind  the  sand-liills 
in  its  rear,  and,  dragging  a  liowitzer  to  a  sheltered  position  within  seven  Inmdri'd 
yards  of  the  work,  threv.'  some  shells  and  a  solid  shot  upon  it  without  much  etiect. 
Responses  from  Major  Lawrence  were  equally  harmless ;  but  when,  later  in  the  day, 
Percy's  men  attempted  to  cast  up  intrenchmer.ts,  LaAvrence's  guns  quickly  dispersyil 
them.  Meanwhile  several  light  boats,  engaged  in  sounding  the  channel  nearest  the 
fort,  were  dispersed  in  the  same  way. 

•  September  14,        The  succeeding  day"  was  similarly  employed ;  but  early  on  the  morn- 
1^'^-  iiig  of  the  15th  it  was  evident  to  the  garrison  that  an  assault  was  about 

to  be  made  from  land  and  water.  The  forenoon  wore  away,  while  a  stiff  brce/^e  was 
blowing,  and  when  it  slackened  to  a  slight  one  from  the  southeast,  toward  noon,  t lie 
ships  stood  out  to  sea.  They  tacked  at  two  o'clock  and  bearing  down  upon  the  foil 
in  order  of"  line  ahead,"  the  Hermes  (Percy's  flag-ship)  leading,  took  position  for  at- 
tack. The  Hermes  and  Sophia  lay  nearly  abreast  the  northwest  face  of  the  fort, 
while  the  Caron  and  Aiiaconda  were  more  distant.  Lawrence  then  called  a  council 
of  oflicers,  when  it  was  determined  to  resist  to  the  last,  and  not  to  surrender,  if  finally 
compelled  to,  unless  upon  the  conditions  that  officers  and  privates  should  retain  their 
armc  and  private  property,  be  protected  from  the  savages,  and  be  treated  as  prison- 

•  This  Is  from  the  portrait  of  General  Jackson  In  the  City  RiiU,  New  Ynr!:,  which  was  painted  by  order  of  the  Com- 
mon Coiinc'I  for  the  city  by  .Tnhn  Vanderlyn,  lu  1819,  whi'ji  Jackeou  waH  tifty-two  years  of  age. 


ANIIBEW   JACKSON.' 


OF   THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1021 


repiiratlous  for  Attiick. 


Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer. 


The  British  repnlsed. 


Effect  of  the  Repulco. 


Iiind  the  saiul-liills 
liu  seven  InindrcHl 
hoiit  much  eftect. 
,  Inter  in  the  day, 
(juickly  (lispersL'il 
lannel  nearest  tbe 

?aily  on  the  morn- 

I  assault  was  about 

1  a  stiff  breeze  was 

toward  noon,  tlio 

)wn  upon  the  fort 

pk  position  for  at- 

facc  of  the  fort, 

In  called  a  council 

lirrender,  if  finally 

Ihould  retain  tlair 

treated  as  prison- 


k-d  by  order  of  the  Com- 


ers of  war,     Tliis  being  their  resolution,  the  words  '■'■  DonUt  (jive  up  the  forV  Avere 
adopted  as  the  signal  for  the  day.' 

The  Ilemieb  drew  nearer  the  fort,  and  when  within  range  of  its  guns  the  two  24- 
pounders  were  opened  ui)on  her  without  much  eftect.  She  made  a  faint  reply,  and 
anchored  within  musket  range  of  the  work,  while  the  other  three  vessels  formed  in 
battle  line  under  a  heavy  fire.  It  was  now  half  past  four  in  the  afternoon.  The  four 
vessels  simultaneously  ojiened  fire,  and  the  engagement  became  general  and  fierce, 
for  broadside  after  broadside  was  fired  upon  tlie  fort  by  the  ships,  while  the  circular 
battery  was  Avorking  fearfully  upon  the  assailants.  Meanwhile  Captain  AVoodbiiie 
opened  fire  from  a  howitzer  and  a  12-poiinder  from  behind  a  sand  dune  seven  hun- 
dred yards  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  fort.  The  battle  raged  until  half  past  five, 
when  the  fiag  of  the  Hermes  Avas  shot  aAvay,  and  LaAvrence  ceased  firing  to  ascertain 
Avhether  she  had  surrendered.  This  humane  act  Avas  followed  by  a  broadside  from 
the  Caron,  and  the  fight  Avas  rencAved  Avith  redoubled  vigor.  Very  soon  the  cable  of 
tlif  Hermes  was  severed  by  a  shot,  and  she  floated  away  Avith  the  current,  her  head 
toward  the  fort,  and  her  decks  SAvept  of  men  and  every  thing  olse  by  a  raking  fire. 
Then  the  flag-staff"  of  the  fort  Avas  shot  aAvay  and  the  ensign  fell,  Avhen  the  ships,  con- 
trary to  tlie  humane  example  of  the  garrison,  redoubled  their  fire.  At  the  same  time. 
Woodbine,  sup]»osing  the  garrison  had  surrendered,  approached  Avilh  his  Indians, 
when  tliey  were  driven  back  in  great  terror  by  a  storm  of  grape-shot.  Both  sailors 
and  marines  found  the  garrison  in  full  A'igor,  and  only  a  fcAv  mimites  after  the  flag 
fell  it  was  seen  floating  over  the 
fort  at  the  end  of  a  sponge-st.",ff 
to  whi('li  Major  Lawrerce  had 
nailed  it. 

The  attacking  vessels,  batter- 
ed and  in  i>eril,  soon  AvitlidrcAv, 
cxfi  pting  the  helpless  Jlermes, 
wtii'l)  grounded  unon  a  sand- 
bank, when  Per(  'red  and 
ih/iiidoned  her.  At  almost  mid- 
night the  magazine  of  the  Her- 
mes exploded.  So  iided,  in  a 
repulse  of  the  British,  the  attack 
on  Fort  BoAvyer,  upon  which 
ninety-tAvo  pieces  of  artillery 
iiad  been  brought  to  bear,  and 
OA'er  thirteen  hundred  men  had 
been  arrayed  against  a  garrison  of  one  hundred  and  tliirty.  The  latter  lost  only 
eight  men,  one  half  of  Avhom  AATre  killed.  The  assailants  lost  two  liundred  and  thir- 
ty-tAvo  men,  of  Avhom  the  unusual  proportion  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-tAvo  Avere 
killed. 

The  result  of  the  strife  at  Mobile  Point  Avas  very  mortifying  to  the  British.  It 
was  Avholly  unexpected.  Percy  had  declared  that  he  should  alloAv  the  garrison  only 
twenty  minutes  to  capitulate.  That  garrison — that  handful  of  men — had  beaten  off 
his  ships  and  his  co-operating  land  force  with  ease.  Tiie  repulse  Avas  fatal  to  the 
l>restige  of  the  British  name  among  the  Indiuu".  and  a  large  portion  of  them  deserted 
their  allies  and  sought  safety  from  the  Avral'i  of  Jackson,  whom  they  feared,  by  con- 
cealment in  the  interior  of  their  broad  country,  Tlie  result  Avas  most  gratifying 
to  the  Americans,  and  gave  an  impetus  to  volunteering  for  the  defense  of  Noav  Or- 

'  Latour  says  that  the  officers  of  the  (rarrtKon  took  an  oath  not  to  recede  from  this  determination  In  any  case,  nor  on 
any  pretext,  and  that  in  the  event  of  the  death  of  one  of  them  all  the  oihi;re  ehouid  adhere  to  it.— fliotorica!  Mfnoir 
u/lhc  IPur  iu  West  Florida  and  LouUiaiu,,  by  Major  A.  La  Carrlere  Lafour. 


1022 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


lieception  of  the  BritiBh  at  Pcnsacola. 


Jackson  marchcH  on  that  Place. 


Violation  of  a  Flag  of  Truce. 


leans.  Jackson  wrote  a  commendatory  letter  to  Major  Lawrence,  andthat  officer 
received  one  also  from  Edward  Livingston,  chairman  of  the  Defense  Committee  of 
New  Orleans,  assuring  him  of  the  joy  and  gratitude  felt  by  the  inhabitants  of  that 
city  when  they  heard  of  his  gallant  defense  of  P'ort  Bowycr.  At  the  same  time  it 
was  resolved  to  present  to  Major  Lawrence  an  elegant  sword  in  the  name  of  the  cit- 
izens of  New  Orleans,' 

When  the  discomfited  British  returned  to  Pensacola  they  were  publicly  received 
as  friends  and  allies.  This  circumstance,  the  attack  on  P^ort  Bowyer,  and  the  revela- 
tions just  made  concerning  an  attempt  by  the  British  to  engage  a  band  of  outlaws  to 
assist  them  in  an  attempt  to  capture  New  Orleans,  which  we  shall  consider  presently, 
kindled  the  hottest  indignation  in  the  minds  of  Jackson  and  the  inhabitants  of  the 
•  September  21,  Soutliwcst.  The  general  issued"  a  fiery  proclamation  to  the  inhabitants 
^''"'  of  Louisiana  as  a  counterblast  to  that  of  Nichols,  in  which  he  set  fortli 

the  conduct  of  the  British  and  the  perfidy  of  the  Spaniards,  calling  them  to  arouse  in 
defense  of  their  threatened  country.  He  also  put  forth  an  address  on  the  same  day 
to  the  free  colored  people  of  Louisiana,  inviting  them  to  unite  with  the  rest  of  their 
fellow-citizens  in  defending  their  common  country  from  invaders.  The  people  were 
already  much  excited  by  the  threatening  aspect  of  aflairs.  and  these  appeals  aroused 
them  to  vigorous  action, 

Jackson  had  determined  to  march  on  Pensaccla  as  soon  as  the  Tennessee  Volunteers 
should  arrive,  and  break  up  that  rendezvous  of  the  enemies  of  the  republic.  The 
time  for  such  movement  was  looked  for  with  great  impatience.  It  was  even  weeks 
remote,  for  it  was  the  beginning  of  November  before  Jackson  had  his  forces  on  hand 
for  the  purpose.  These  were  assembled  .at  Fort  Montgomery,  due  north  from  Pensa- 
cola, four  thousand  strong,^  and  marched  for  the  doomed  fort  on  the  3d,'^ 
some  Mississippi  dragoons  in  advance.  The  whole  army  encamped  within 
two  miles  of  Pensacola  on  the  evening  of  the  6th,  when  Jackson  sent  Major  Pierre 
with  a  flag  of  truce  to  the  governor,  with  an  assurance  that  the  expedition  was  not 
to  make  war  upon  a  neutral  power,  nor  to  injure  the  town,  but  to  deprive  the  ene- 
mies of  the  republic  of  a  place  of  refuge.  He  was  instructed,  also,  to  demand  tlie 
surrender  of  the  forts.  But  when  the  flag  approached  it  was  fired  upon  by  a  12- 
I)Ounder  at  Fort  St.  Michael,  which  was  garrisoned  by  the  British,  and  over  whicli 
the  Spanish  and  British  flags  had  been  conjointly  waving  until  the  day  before.  Wlicii 
Pierre  reported  these  facts,  Jackson  sent  a  Spanish  prisoner,  whom  he  had  captured 
on  the  way,  to  the  governor,  with  a  message  demanding  an  explanation.  Manrequcz 
denied  all  knowledge  of  the  outrage,  and  gave  an  assurance  that  if  another  flag  should 
be  sent  it  would  be  respected.  Pierre  went  again  at  midnight,  and  submitted  to  the 
governor  a  proposal  from  Jackson  that  American  garrisons  should  be  admitted  into 
Forts  St.  Michael  and  Barancas  imtil  the  Spanish  government  could  procure  a  suf- 
ficient force  to  enable  it  to  maintain  its  neutrality  against  violations  of  it  by  the 
British,  who  had  possessed  themselves  of  the  fortresses,  notwithstanding  the  alleircil 
remonstrances  and  protests  of  the  Spanish  governor ;  also  that  the  American  trooji^ 
should  be  withdrawn  as  soon  as  such  a  respectable  force  should  arrive, 

Jackson's  proposition  was  reinjected  by  the  governor  after  consultation  with  liis 
chief  officers.  The  consequence  was,  that,  before  dawn,  troops  were  marching  uj)on 
Pensacola,  three  thousand  in  number,^  for  Jackson  had  resolved  to  have  no  fartlier 


''  November. 


1  Wllltam  Lawrence  was  a  native  of  Maryland.  He  entered  the  service  as>  second  llcntenant  of  Infantry  in  June,  ISOl. 
He  was  adjutant  in  1807,  captain  in  1810,  major  in  April,  1814,  and  wag  breveted  lieutenant  colonoi  for  his  gallant  ecrv- 
icci  at  if'ort  Bowyer.  He  was  made  full  llcntenant  colouol  in  1818,  and  in  1824  was  breveted  colonel  for  ten  years'  failb- 
ful  services.    He  was  made  full  colonel  in  IS'iS,  and  resigned  in  Jul;   1S31. 

a  These  consisted  of  about  one  thousand  logulars,  composed  of  the  Third,  Thirty-ninth,  and  Forty-fourth  Infantry, 
the  Tennessee  Voliuitners,  and  a  battalion  of  volunteer  dragoons  fror-.  the  Mississippi  Territory. 

5  The  right  of  the  column  consiiicd  of  Tennessee  Volunteers,  nndc-  General  Codec :  tho  centre,  of  the  Thirty-third 
and  Forty-fourth  regulars,  .luder  Major  Woodruff;  and  f<\e  left,  of  the  Tennessee  militia  and  Ohoctaw  Indians,  unilei 
Majors  Blue  and  Kennedy,  with  a  battalion  of  Mistissippi  dragions  commanded  by  Major  Hinds. 


OF  THE   WAR    OF    1812. 


1023 


Hon  of  a  Flag  of  Truce. 


The  Americans  In  Peusaculn. 


Flight  oftho  British  and  Indiana. 


New  Orleuna  aroancd. 


parley  with  the  authorities.  They  took  a  direction,  under  the  mask  of  some  mount- 
ed men,  to  avoid  the  fire  of  Fort  St.  Michael  and  the  ships  in  the  harbor.  Their 
course  lay  along  the  beach,  toward  the  east  part  of  the  town,  but  the  sand  was  so 
heavy  that  they  could  not  drag  the  cannon  through  it.  Tlien  the  centre  of  tlie  col- 
umn was  ordered  to  charge  into  the  town.  This  was  gallantly  done,  and  in  the  prin- 
til)al  street  they  were  met  by  a  two-gun  battery,  which  opened  upon  them  with  balls 
and  grape-shot,  while  a  shower  of  musketry  was  poured  upon  them  from  the  gardens 
and  liouses.  Captain  Laval  and  his  company  charged  the  battery  and  captured  it, 
when  the  frightened  governor  appeared  with  a  Avliite  flag,  and  made  promises  to 
comply  with  any  terms  Jackson  might  propose  if  he  would  spare  the  town.  An  in- 
stant surrender  of  all  the  forts  was  demanded  and  promised,  and  after  some  delay 
this  was  done.  But  Fort  Barancas,  six  miles  distant,  and  cominaiuling  the  harbor,  in 
which  the  British  ships  lay  (the  most  important  of  all  the  fortifications),  was  yot  in 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Tliis  Jackson  determined  to  march  suddenly  upon  the  next 
morning,  and,  seizing  it,  turn  its  guns  on  the  British  sliips,  and  capture  or  greatly  in- 
jure them  before  they  could  escape.  But  before  morning  the  fort  was  abandoned 
and  blown  up,  and  the  British  squadron  had  left  the  port,  bearing  away  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Nichols,  Captain  Woodbine,  and  a  considerable  number  of  Lidians,  with  the 
Spanish  commandant  of  the  fort,  and  its  garrison  of  about  four  hundred  men. 

Jackson  suspected  that  the  British,  who  had  so  suddenly  left  Pensacola,  had  re- 
turned to  make  another  attempt  against  Mobile  while  he  was  absent,  so  lie  immedi- 
ately withdrew,  and  hastened  with  his  troops  in  the  same  direction  by  way  of  Fort 
Montgomery,  leaving  Manrequez  indignant  because  of  the  flight  of  liis  British  friends, 
and  the  Indians  deeply  impressed  with  a  feeling  thjit  it  would  be  very  imprudent  to 
again  defy  the  wrath  of  Andrew  Jackson.  That  leader  had,  by  this  expedition,  ac- 
complished three  important  results,  namely,  the  expulsion  of  the  British  from  Pen- 
sacola ;  the  scattering  of  the  Lidians  through  the  forests,  alarmed  and  dejected  ; 
and  tiH-  punishment  of  the  Spaniards  for  much  perfidy.  lie  was  denounced  by  the 
Opposition,  and  was  not  fully  sustained  by  his  government,  in  thus  invading  the  ter- 
ritory of  a  neutral  without  orders ;  but  tlie  people  of  the  West  and  South,  and  the 
Democratic  newspapers,  applauded  his  act,  which  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
seemed  to  justify. 

Jackson  reached  Mobile  on  the  11th  of  November,*  where  he  found  mes- 
sages  urging  him  to  hasten  to  the  defense  of  New  Orleans.  The  revelations 
made  by  Lalltte  had  not  been  accepted  as  true  by  the  government  ofiicials ;  but  the 
people  believed  them,  and  held  a  large  meeting,  in  consequence,  at  tlie  St.  Louis  Ex- 
change, in  New  Orleans,  on  the  IGth  of  September.  They  were  eloquently  addressed 
by  the  late  Edward  Livingston,  then  a  leading  citizen  of  Louisiana,  who  urged  the 
iiiliabitants  to  make  immediate  prejjarations  to  repel  the  contemplated  invasion. 
They  appointed  a  Committee  of  Safety,'  composed  of  the  most  distinguished  citizens 
of  New  Orleans,  with  Li^^ingston  as  chairman,  who  sent  forth  a  stirring  address  to 
the  people.  Governor  Claiborne,  who,  like  Livingston,  believed  the  statements  of 
Lafitte,  fixjut  copies  of  the  British  papers  to  General  Jackson,  then  at  Mobile.  Then 
it  was  that  the  latter  issued  his  vigorous  counter-proclamation,  and  proceeded  to  the 
prosecution  of  measures  for  breaking  up  the  nest  of  enemies  at  Pensacola,  as  just  re- 
corded. 

Jackson  departed  for  NeAV  Orleans  on  the  21st  of  November,  and  arrived  thei'c  on 
the  2d  of  December,  making  his  head-quarters  at  what  is  now  80  (formerly  104) 
Royal  Street  (sec  engraving  on  next  page).  lie  found  the  city  utterly  defenseless, 
and  the  councils  of  the  people  distracted  by  petty  factions.  The  patriotic  Governor 
Claiborne  had  called  the  Legislature  together  as  early  as  the  5th  of  October.     The 


I  Thia  committee  consisted  of  Edward  Livingston,  Pierre  Foncher,  Dnssnn  tic  la  Croix,  Benjamin  Morgan,  George  Og- 
ilen,  Dominique  Bouligny, .'/.  A.  Dcstrehan,  John  Blauque,  und  Augustine  Macart..'. 


1024 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


!!■ 


^im 


Tlje  WcakucBs  of  New  UrlvaiiB. 


Jackson's  Arrival  hailed  with  Joy. 


Approach  of  the  Invaders. 


members  were  divided  into  several  factions,  and 
tliere  was  neitlier  union,  nor  harmony,  nor  confi- 
dence to  be  found.  Tlie  people,  alarmed  and  dis- 
trustful, complained  of  the  Legislature  ;  that  body, 
in  turn,  complained  of  tlie  governor ;  and  Claiborne 
comj)lained  of  both  the  Legislature  and  the  people. 
Money  and  credit  were  equally  wanting,  and  arms 
and  ammunition  were  very  scarce.  There  was  no 
effective  naval  force  in  the  adjacent  waters ;  and 
only  two  small  militia  regiments,  and  a  weak  bat- 
talion of  uniformed  volunteers,  commanded  by  Ma- 
jor Plauche,  a  gallant  Creole,  constituted  the  mil- 
itary force  of  the 
city.'  The  store- 
houses were  tilled 
with  valuable  mer- 
chandise, and  it 
would  be   natural 


^fi- ::^-^;    -:._ 


JAOKBON  8   I.ITV    llKAIP-yUAKTEUS. 


MAJdll    IM.AL'OIIK. 


for  the  owners  to  prefer  the  surrender 
of  the  city  at  once  to  a  seemingly  in- 
vincible foe,  to  incurring  the  risk  of 
the  destruction  of  their  property  by  a 
resistance  that  should  invite  a  fiery 
bombai'dment.  Li  every  aspect  tlie 
situation  was  most  gloomy  when  Jack- 
son arrived,  worn  down  witli  sickness, 
fatigue,  and  anxiety.  Ilis  advent  Avas 
hailed  with  great  joy  by  the  citizens, 
for  he  was  regarded  as  a  host  hi  him- 
self; and  the  cry  of  "  Jackson's  come ! 
Jackson's  come  !"  went  like  an  electric 
sjiark  in  eager  words  from  lip  to  lip, 
giving  hojjc  to  the  desponding,  courage 
to  the  timid,  and  confidence  to  the  patriotic. 

Jackson  did  not  rest  for  a  moment.  lie  organized  the  feeble  military  force  in  tlK 
city ;  took  measures  for  obstructing  the  large  bayous,  whose  waters  formed  conveiiioiit 
communications  between  the  Mississippi  near  New  Orleans  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
and  proceeded  to  inspect  and  strengthen  the  fortifications  in  the  vichiity  and  to  erect 
new  ones.  Fort  St.  Pliilip,  below  the  city,  was  the  object  of  his  s]>eeial  cai'e,  for  on 
that  he  mainly  relied  for  preventing  the  passage  of  the  river  by  the  vessels  of  the 
invaders. 

The  expected  enemy  soon  appeared.  The  army  that  captured  Washington  and 
was  repulsed  at  Baltimore  had  left  the  Chesajieake  toward  the  middle  of  October, 
three  thousand  strong,  and  sailed  away  for  the  West  Lidies  in  the  fleets  of  Admirals 
Cochrane  and  Malcolm.  These  were  soon  joined  by  over  four  thousand  troops  uinler 
General  Ke.n-ne,  a  gallant  young  Irish  officei-,  who  had  sailed  fr^mi  Plymouth  in  Sep- 
tember. The  combined  forces  were  assembled  in  Negril  Bay,  Jamaica,  and  in  over 
fifty  vessels  of  all  sizes  more  than  seven  th.ousand  land  troops  were  borne  across  tlu 
Gulf  of  Mexico  in  the  direction  of  New  Orleans.  They  left  Negi-il  Bay  on  the  20tli 
of  November,  and  first  saw  the  northern  shore  of  the  Gulf,  off  the  Chandeleur  Islaiuls, 

'  This  battalion  numbered  three  hnndrcfl  and  eiirhty-flve  moTi,  and  was  composed  of  the  companies  named  respect- 
Ively  Uvlann,  or  foot  dragoons,  under  Capialn  St.  Genre  ;  Francs,  Captain  Hudry  j  Louisiana  Bhtes,  Captain  Maunsf' 
WLife ;  and  Chaaseura,  Captain  Ouibert. 


PI) 


roach  of  the  InvurtcrH. 


OF  THE   WAU    OF    1812, 


1025 


nV    llKAli-WUAttfKUS. 

)refer  the  surrender 
to  a  seemingly  in- 
;urring  the  risk  of 
their  property  hy  a 
DuUl  invite  a  fiery 
I   every  aspect  the 
gloomy  when  Jack- 
down  with  sickness, 
y.     Ilis  advent  was 
joy  by  the  citizens, 
•d  as  a  host  in  him- 
)f  "  Jackson's  come ! 
went  like  an  electric 
irds  from  lip  to  lip, 
esponding,  courage 

military  force  in  tli' 

s  formed  convciiioiit 

the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 

icinity  and  to  erect 

i51>oei!il  care,  for  on 

y  the  vessels  of  the 

ed  Washington  nml 

middle  of  Octohcr, 

le  fleets  of  Admirals 

)usand  troops  mnUr 

in  Plymouth  in  Scj)- 

amaica,  and  in  over 

ere  borne  across  tlie 

ril  Bay  on  the  2(itli 

Chandeleur  Islands, 

le  companies  named  rcupect- 
iana  BhM,  Captain  MauBSf' 


The  British  deceived.         Preparntlons  to  receive  the  Invaden.         The  British  prepare  for  a  Fight  on  Lake  Barffne. 

hetwoen  the  month  of  the  Mississippi  and  Laho  Horgno,  in  the  midst  of  a  furious 
stoi-m,  on  the  Otli  of  December.  Music,  dancing,  tlieatrical  performances,  and  liilarity 
of  every  kind  had  been  indulged  in  diiring  the  i)aHsage  of  the  (iulf,  for  every  man  felt 
confident  that  an  easy  coiupiest  of  Louisiana  awaited  them.  Tlic  wives  of  many  ofii- 
cei's  accom])anied  tiiein,  and  were  filled  with  the  most  delightful  anticipations  of 
|)lcasure  in  the  beautifid  New  World  before  thom. 

The  Hritish  supposed  the  Americans  to  be  pi'ofi)undly  ignorant  of  their  expeclition. 
They  anchored  the  fieet  in  the  deep  channel  bet\r>'cn  Siiip  and  Cat  Islands,  near  the 
eiitraTice  to  Lake  Jiorgne,  ami  ])repared  small  vessels  for  the  transportation  of  troops 
over  the  shallow  waters  of  that  region  with  gi'cat  expedition,  hoping  to  surprise  and 
captui'c  New  Orleans  before  their  presence  siiould  be  fairly  suspected.  Tliey  were 
disappointed.  The  revelations  of  Lafitte  had  made  ofticers  and  people  vigilant ;  and 
eaily  in  December,  Commander  Daniel  T.  Patterson,'  then  commanding  the  naval  sta- 
tion at  New  Orleaii-,  was  warned  by  a  letter  from  Pensacola  of  the  apjjroach  of  a 
powerful  British  land  and  naval  armament.  That  vigilant  officer  immediately  sent 
out  five  gun-boats,  a  tender,  and  a  dispatcli-boat  toward  tiie  ])!isses  of  jMiiriana  and 
Ciiristian,  as  scouts  to  watch  for  the  enemy.  They  were  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
(late  Commodore)  Tliomas  Ap  Catesby  Jones,  who  sent  two  gun-boats,  under  the  re- 
spective commands  of  Lieutenant  M'Keever  and  Sailing-master  L^lrick,  to  Dauphin 
Island,  at  the  entrance  to  Mob  le  Bay,  to  catch  the  fii  it  intelligence  of  the  foe.  They 
discovered  the  great  fleet  on  tlie  10th  of  December,  and  hastened  to  report  the  fact  to 
Lieutenant  Jones.  Patterson  had  ordei'cd  tiiat  officer  to  take  such  position  as  M'ould 
enable  him,  in  tlie  event  of  the  enemy  making  their  way  into  Lake  Borgne,  to  cut  off 
their  barges  and  prevent  the  landing  of  troops.  If  Jones  should  be  liard  pressed,  he 
was  to  fallback  to  the  mud  fort  of  Petites  Coquilles,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Kigolets, 
between  Lakes  Borgne  and  Pontcliartrain,  and  shelter  his  vessels  under  its  guns. 

When,  on  the  arf'ternoon  of  the  10th,  the  fog  that  succeeded  the  storm  had  cleared 
away,  and  the  iJritish  fleet  were  in  full  view,  Jones  made  for  tlie  Pass  Christian  witli 
liis  little  flotilla,  where  he  anchored,  and  waited  the  ai)i)roach  of  the  invaders.  He 
was  discovered  by  the  enemy  on  the  i:3tli,  much  to  their  astonishment.  It  i.'as  evi- 
dent that  the  Americans  were  acquainted  Avith  the  intentions  of  the  British,  and  had 
made  preparations  to  meet  them,  Cochrane  immediately  gave  orders  for  a  cliange 
in  the  plan  of  operations.  It  would  not  do  to  attempt  the  landing  of  troops  while 
Amei'ican  gun-boats  were  patrolling  the  waters  of  Lake  Borgne.  So  he  prepared  a 
flotilla  of  almost  sixty  barges,  the  most  of  them  carrying  a  carronade  in  the  bow  and 
an  ample  number  of  armed  volunteers  from  the  fleet,  and  sent  them,  in  command  of 
Captain  Lockyer,  to  capture  or  destroy  tie  American  vessels.  These  were  observed 
by  Jones  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when,  in  obedience  to  orders,  he  proceeded 
with  his  flotilla  toward  the  Rigolets.  A  calm,  and  adverse  Avater  currents  would  not 
allow  liim  to  pass  the  channel  between  Point  Clear  of  the  main  and  Malheureux  Isl- 
and, and  there  he  andiored  at  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  14th.  Jones's  flag- 
ship was  a  little  sloop  of  eighty  tons,  and  the  other  ves- 
sels of  his  tiny  squadron  were  commanded  respectively 
by  Sailing-masters  Ferris  and  Ulrick,  and  Lieutenants 
M'Keever  and  Speddon.  The  total  number  of  men  was 
one  hundred  and  eighty-two,  and  of  guns  twenty-three. 


1  Daniel  T.  Patterson  was  born  In  the  State  of  New  Tork,  and  entered  the 
navy  as  a  miLlshipmau  in  ISon,  nndcr  Commodore  Bainljrid^e,  and  was  with 
that  ofllcer  as  a  captive  hi  Tripoli.  He  was  promoted  to  lieutenant  in  ls(i7, 
and  to  master  commandant  in  1813.  After  his  valuable  services  near  New 
Orleans  he  was  promoted  to  captain,  in  February,  1S15.  From  1828  to  1SS2  ho 
scrv»d  as  navy  commissioner,  and  from  1S;12  to  ISiis  commanded  a  squadron 
In  the  Mediterranean.  lie  died  while  in  command  of  the  navy  yard  at  Wash- 
inglnn  on  the  16th  of  August,  1S3!),  and  was  buried  in  the  Coiifrrcssionnl  Bury- 
ing-ground  aear  that  city,  where  a  Bmall,  neat  monument  marks  his  grave. 

3  T 


pattebson's  uondmemt. 


m 


1C26 


PICTOKlAi,    FIELD-BOOK 


I 
1 

Lj 

1 

i 
■  ! 

liiil&ii    ' 

^ 

Battle  uf  Hiirgei  and  Onn-boat«. 


Capture  of  the  Amerlcau  Floltlla. 


Prcparatloiu  to  attack  Mew  Orlttaot. 


With  a  cool  mornint;  Itroczo,  tin'  ISiitish  biii'LCPH,  containing  twelve  Imndrctl  men, 
bore  down  npon  Joih's'h  flotilla,  wliilu  the  tender, .  \llii/<itoi;  was  in  the  distance,  vainly 
endeavoring  to  join  the  AnierieanH.  The  barges,  with  six  oarH  on  each  side,  lornied 
a  long,  straight  line,  and  in  that  order  swept  rapidly  forward,  whilv  .lones  reserved  his 
fire  until  they  were  within  close  range.  Then  M'Keever  hurled  a  t'J-pound  ball  ovci 
the  water,  and  a  shower  of  grape-shot,  which  broke  the  liritish  line  ami  made  great 
confusion.  Hut  the  invaders  pushed  forward,  and  it  half  i)ast  eleven  o'clock  the  en- 
gagement became  general  and  desperate.  At  one  lime  Jiuies's  boat  was  ittackcd  by 
no  less  tlian  fifteen  barges.     The  Alligator  was  captured  early,  and,  by  the  force  of 


jT  ••ffunffaufjiu 


IS  BARQC 
ATTAOniN  OAPuJONES 


-1  ^_^;-.--'     ;... «rTWJKIIWI  t 


0 

O^T  or  THE  REAOH  OF  !>  P  *. 
I  


"jjite^ 


ONEMILI 


7Vae£,'  t.V.V/.V.£^V?'A!iAW««.Wi/^A*A 


ImM^ 


DEC.14TH.iei4.     W^ 


overwhelming  numbers,  the  British,  after  a  combat  of  almost  an  hour,  gained  a  com- 
plete victory.  It  was  at  the  cost  of  several  of  their  barges,  that  were  shattered  and 
sunk,  and  about  three  hundred  men  killed  and  wounded.  The  Americans  lost  only 
six  men  killed  and  thirty-five  wounded.  Among  the  latter  were  Lieuteuiints  Jones, 
M'Keever,  Parker,  and  Speddon.  The  British  commander  (Lockyer)  was  severely 
wounded;  so  also  was  Lieutenant  Pratt,  who,  under  the  direction  of  Cockburn,  had 
fired  the  national  buildings  of  Washingtoii  City  a  little  more  than  a  hundred  days 
before. 

The  capture  of  the  American  gnn-l)oats  gave  the  British  complete  control  of  Lake 
Borgne,  and  the  lighter  transports,  filled  with  troops,  immediately  entered  it.  Ship 
after  ship  got  aground,  until  at  length  the  troops  were  all  placed  in  small  boats  and 
conveyed  about  thirty  miles  to  the  Isle  des  Pois  (or  Pea  Island),  at  the  m<nith  of  the 
Pearl  liiver,  and  that  desert  spot  was  made  the  place  of  general  rendezvous.  Thoiv 
they  landed  between  the  16th  and  20th  of  December,  and  there  General  Keane  organ- 
ized his  army  for  future  operations. 

Cochrane  had  been  informed  by  some  former  Spanish  residents  of  New  Orleans 
that  at  the  northwestern  extremity  of  Lake  Borgne  there  was  a  bayou  (Bienvenu) 
navigable  for  large  barges  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  Mississippi  River,  just 
bck)W  New  Orleans.  He  sent  a  party  to  explore  it.  They  followed  this  bayou,  and 
a  canal  across  V^illere's  plantation,  to  a  point  half  a  mile  from  the  Mississippi  and  nine 
miles  below  tlu'  city,  and,  hastening  back,  reported  that  the  transportation  of  troops 
through  that  bayou  wan  feasible.  Vigorous  measures  were  immediately  adopted  for 
an  advance  upon  New  Orleans,  where  the  British  troops  were  assured  that  wealth  and 
ease  awaited  them.  They  Avere  encouraged  by  ex-ofticials  of  the  old  Spanish  gove* 
ment  of  Louisiana,  who  went  to  the  British  camp  from  New  Orleans  and  represented 
Jackson  as  ^mi  ignorant  tyrant,  letested  by  the  people,  and  void  of  any  efficient  means 
for  defending  the  city. 

Jack8<Hi  was  informed  of  the  capture  of  the  American  gun-boats  early  on  the  15th, 


OF   TliK   WAU    OF   1812. 


1027 


I  to  stuck  New  Orl«»ni. 

ve  hundred  mon, 
10  distance,  v:\iiily 
caoli  Hido,  luniii'd 
I  ones  reserved  liis 
I'J-poiind  ball  over 
0  and  made  ;j,n  iit 
en  o'clock  the  cm 
,t  was  ittacked  hy 
id,  by  tlK'  force  of 


Jucknun'i  Preparatloni  for  DeteiiM, 


A  grnud  Review. 


Ulapoiltton  of  Troopt, 


hour,  gained  a  eom- 
Iwere  shattered  ami 
inericans  lost  only 
Liontenantfi  Jones, 
kyor)  was  severely 
11  of  Cockbuni,  liml 
lan  a  hundred  days 

etc  control  of  Lake 

entered  it.     Sliiji 
in  small  boats  and 
at  the  mouth  of  tho 

ndezvous.     There 
iieral  Keane  organ- 
its  of  New  Orlenns 

bayou  (Hiinvenu) 
ssissippi  River,  just 
,ved  this  bayou,  ami 
Mississippi  and  niiu' 
,portation  of  troojjs 
diately  adopted  for 
red  that  wealth  and 
old  Spanish  gove-^ 
ans  and  represented 

any  efficient  means 

8  early  on  the  15th, 


when  returning  from  a  tour  of  observ.ntion  in  the  direction  of  the  l{iver  ("hef  Men- 
leur,  iiorllieastward  of  the  city.  He  at  once  pcireiveil  (lie  importance  of  securing 
ihe  passage  of  tiie  Chef  Meiiteur  Road,  that  crosses  the  plain  of  (ientilly  in  that  di- 
rection finm  the  city  to  tlie  strait  between  hakes  lioigne  and  I'oiileharl rain,  and  he 
ordered  Major  Lacosie,  with  his  niililia  battalion  of  colored  men  and  the  drai;o(ms  of 
Feliciana,  to  proceed  at  once  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  take  post  at  the  eontbience 
of  Hayoii  Sjuivage  and  the  River  ('hef  Menteur,  guard  the  road,  cast  up  a  redoubt  at 
its  terminus,  and  watch  and  ojipose  the  enemy,  lie  also  proceeded  to  fortify  and 
strengthen  every  point  of  approach  to  the  city;  sent  messengers  to  Generals  C'ott'ee, 
Ciinoll,  and  Thomas,  urging  them  to  hasten  to  New  Orleans  with  their  commands  as 
(|iiickly  as  ]iossiltle,  and  forwarded  a  dispatch  to  General  Winchester,  in  command  at 
Mobile,  directing  liim  to  bo  on  the  alert.  Then  he  appointed  the  18th  of  December 
tor  a  grand  review  of  all  the  remaining  troojis  in  New  Orleans,  in  front  of  the  old 
Cathedral  of  St.  Louis,  in  the  Place  d'Armes  (now  Jackson  S(piare),  one  of  the  yet  re- 
maining relics  of  the  Spanish  dominion  in  Louisiana.     It  was  a  memorable  day  in 


TlIK   l)I.l>   HI'AMhJI    (;ATUi:i>ItAI.  AMI   UUVh.U.NMKNT    IKIIBE.' 

Xcw  Orleans.  Tlie  whole  population  were  out  to  witness  the  spectacle.  The  imjiend- 
iiig  danger  was  great,  while  the  military  force  Avas  small  and  weak.  Strength  and 
resolution  were  (iommunicated  to  it  by  stirring  sentences  from  the  lips  of  Jackson, 
:ind  a  thrilling  and  eloquent  appeal  which  was  read  by  his  aid-de-camj),  Edward  Liv- 
inu'ston.^  The  enthusiasm  of  the  soldiers  and  citizens  was  intense;  anrl  J.acksoii,  tak- 
ini;  advantage  of  that  state  of  public  feeling,  silenced  the  distracting  voices  of  faction 
liy  declaring  martial  law  and  tlie  suspension  of  the  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas 
corpus. 

AVhcn  the  review  was  over.  Major  Plauche  was  sent  with  liis  battalion  to  the 

Bayou  St.  John,  northward  of  the  city;  and  at  its  mouth,  on  Lake  Pontcliartrain, 

Major  Hughes  was  in  command  of  Fort  St.  John.     The  Baratarians,  on  the  urgent 

;  solicitation   of  their  chief,  Lafittc,  were  accei)ted  as  volunteers,  mustered  into  the 

'  This  is  from  a  sketcli  made  by  the  author  in  April,  ISCl,  from  Jackson  Sqnnrc.  The  Qovernment  IIonBe  is  t>eeu  on 
I  llie  rljht. 

'  Edward  Livingston  was  born  on  the  Livineston  manor,  on  the  Hudson,  iu  I'M.  He  was  Rrnduated  at  Princeton 
[Collcjie  in  1781,  and  was  admitted  to  tho  bar  in  17S5.  He  was  elerled  to  a  sent  in  Congress  in  WM,  to  which  he  was  re- 
[  flortcd  nntil  1801,  when  President  Jefferson  a;)pointed  him  Unili'd  States  District  Attorney  for  New  York.  He  made 
I  New  Orleans  his  residence.  He  was  the  anthor  of  the  penal  codo  of  Louisiana,  adopted  in  1824.  He  was  <igain  in  C'on- 
LTess  in  ls23,  and  iu  the  National  Senate  in  1K2(>.  He  «  is  appointed  American  minister  to  the  French  Court  in  1833. 
f  He  died  at  his  residence  in  Duchess  County,  New  York,  on  the  23d  of  May,  1S37. 


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1028 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Temper  of  the  People. 


The  British  approach  the  MlBslRstppl. 


They  capture  a  Picket-guard. 


FOET  BT,  JOHN   IN   ISCl. 


ranks,  and  drilled  to  the  per- 
formance of  important  serv- 
ices, under  the  command  of 
Captains  Dominique  You,Be- 
luche,  Songis,  Lagaud,  and 
Co)  son,  at  Forts  Petites  Co- 
quillcs,  St.  Philip,  and  St. 
John.  The  people  cheerful- 
ly submitted  to  martial  law ; 
and,  in  the  languages  of  En- 
gland, France,  and  Spain,  the 
streets  were  made  to  resound 
Avith  "Yankee  Doodle,"  tlie 
"  Marseillaise  Hymn,"  and 
the" Chant du Depart."  The 
women  were  as  enthusiai-tic 
as  the  men,  and  at  windows, 
on  balconies,  in  the  streets, 
and  public  squares,  they  applauded  the  passing  soldiers  by  waving  of  scarfs  and 
handkerchiefs  and  uttering  cheering  words.  Martial  music  was  continually  heard, 
and  New  Orleans  appeared  more  like  a  military  camp  than  a  quiet  mart  of  commerce, 
Business  was  mostly  suspended,  and  the  Legislature  passed  a  law  for  prolonging  the 
term  of  payment  on  all  contracts  until  the  first  of  the  ensuing  May.  Military  rule 
was  complete.  Able-bodied  men  of  every  age,  color,  and  nationality,  excepting  Brit- 
ish, were  pressed  into  the  service ;  suspicious  persons  were  sent  out  of  the  city,  and 
no  one  was  allowed  to  pass  the  chain  of  sentinels  around  it  without  a  proper  official 
permission. 

While  these  preparations  for  the  reception  of  the  invaders  were  in  progress,  the 
Brijtish  were  making, unceasing  eiforts  to  press  forward  and  take  New  Orleans  by 
surprise.  They  had  determined  to  make  use  of  the  Bayou  Bienvenu  and  Villcre's 
Canal  for  the  purpose ;  but  with  all  their  exertions,  and  after  pressing  the  captured 
gun-boats  into  the  cervice,  they  could  not  muster  vessels  enough  fitted  to  navigate 
that  bayou  to  carry  more  than  one  third  of  the  army.  Keane  felt  so  confident  of 
success,  even  with  a  small  part  of  his  forc;>,  that  he  could  not  brook  farther  ilrday; 
and  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  December — a  rainy,  chilly,  cheerless  morning— a 
flotilla  filled  with  troops  set  out,  the  advance,  comprising  eighteen  hundred  men, 
commanded  by  L'eutenant  Colonel  Thornton,  who  had  been  wounded  at  Bladensburg. 
These  were  accompanied  by  General  Keane  and  his  staif  and  other  important, ofiiccrs, 
and  werp  followed  by  the  remainder.  Admiral  Cochrane  was  in  a  schooner,  at  a  prop- 
er distance  to  watch  and  direct  the  squadron.  All  day  and  all  night  they  were  out 
upon  the  lake  in  open  boats.  A  clear  sky  and  biting  frost  came  at  sunset,  and  tlu 
wet  clothing  of  the  soldiers  was  stiffened  into  icincss  by  the  cold  night  air.  Their 
discomforts  ended  in  a  measure  at  dawn,  when  they  reached  the  Fisherman's  Village 
(inhabited  by  Spaniards  and  Portuguese,  who  were  spies  and  traitors),  at  the  moutli 
of  the  Bayou  Bienvenu.  They  were  only  twelve  miles  from  New  Orleans,  and  not  a 
soul  in  that  city  suspected  their  approach. 

Yet  there  were  vigilant  eyes,  wide  open,  watching  the  invaders.  At  the  head  of 
the  Bayou  Bienvenu  was  the  plantation  of  General  Villere,  the  commander  of  the 
first  division  of  Louisiana  militia.  Jackson  had  instructed  his  son.  Major  Gabriel 
Viller6,  to  watch  that  bayou  with  a  competent  picket-guard.  He  did  so,  faithfully; 
but  when  the  British  landed  at  Fisherman's  Village  they  captured  the  most  of  them. 
It  proved  to  be  a  fortunate  circumstance,  for  these  men  so  magnified  the  number  of 
Jackson's  troops,  and  the  strength  of  the  defenses  around  New  Orleans,  that  they 


They  capture  a  Picket-guard. 

and  drilled  to  the  per- 
nce  of  important  serv- 
mder  the  command  of 
ihi8  Dominique  You,  He- 
,  Songis,  Lagaud,  and 
n,  at  Foils  Petites  Co- 
e's,  St.  Philip,  and   St. 
The  people  cheerful- 
bmitted  to  martial  law; 
in  the  languages  of  En- 
1,  France,  and  Spain,  the 
tB  were  made  to  resound 

"Yankee  Doodle,"  the 
irseillaise  Hymn,"  and 
^  Chant  du  Depart."  The 
len  were  as  enthusiat-tic 
le  men,  and  at  windows, 
balconies,  in  the  streets, 
)y  waving  of  scarfs  and 
c  -was  continually  heard, 
t  qniet  mart  of  commerce. 

a  law  for  prolonging  tlie 
uing  May.  Military  rule 
itionality,  excepting  Ihit- 

sent  out  of  the  city,  and 
b  without  a  proper  official 

lers  were  in  progress,  the 
md  take  New  Orleans  hy 
[u  Bienver.u  and  Villere's 
ter  pressing  the  captured 
■nough  fitted  to  navigate 
:eane  felt  so  confident  of 
not  brook  farther  .blay; 
,ly,  cheerless  mornii.  — a 
t  "eighteen  hundred  men, 
■wounded  at  Bladensburg. 
k  other  important. officers. 
Is  in  a  schooner,  at  a  proi> 
d  all  night  they  were  out  | 
t  came  at  sunset,  and  tlu  j 
Ihe  cold  night  air.     Tlieiv  ] 
|d  the  Fisherman's  Village 
lid  traitors),  at  the  moutli 
In  New  Orleans,  and  not  a 

avaders.  At  the  head  of  | 
fe,  the  commander  of  thi 
Jed  his  son,  Major  Gahricl 
hi.  He  did  so,  faithfully; 
iiptured  the  most  of  them, 
[magnified  the  number  of 
New  Orleans,  that  they 


OF  THE  WAR  OF   1812. 


1029 


The  BrltiBh  at  Villere's. 


Jackson  warned  of  Danger. 


The  Response  to  his  Call  for  Troops. 


moved  cautiously,  and  failed  to  surprise  the  vigilant  hero  in  the  city.  They  moved 
slowly  up  the  bayou ;  but  when  they  reached  Viller6'8  Canal  the  active  Thornton 
pushed  forward  with  a  detachment,  surrounded  the  mansion  of  the  plantation,  which 
b  in  sight  of  the  Mississippi,  and  succeedec"  in  capturing  Major  Villere.    He  soon  es- 


VILLEB^'S  MANSION.! 

caped,  fled  to  the  house  of  his  neighbor,  the  gallant  Colonel  De  la  Ronde,  and  in  a 
boat  they  hastened  across  the  Mississippi.  There,  at  the  stables  of  M.  De  la  Croix, 
one  of  the  Committee  of  Public  Safety  of  New  Orleans,  they  procured  fleet  horses, 
and  with  that  gentleman  rode  swiftly  up  the  levee  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  and 
crossed  again  at  New  Orleans  to  wavn  Jackson  of  the  approach  of  the  foe.  Augustus 
Rousseau,  an  active  young  Creole,  who  had  been  sent  by  Captain  Ducros,  was  already 
there.  He  iiad  reached  Jackson's  head-quarters  in  Royal  Street  with  the  startling 
intelligence  at  about  one  o'clock,  and  a  few  minutes  afterward  Major  Villere  and  his 
party  entered.  "  Gentlemen,"  said  Jackson  to  the  officers  and  citizens  around  him, 
"the  British  are  below;  we  must  fight  them  to-night !"  He  then  ordered  three  dis- 
charges  of  cannon  to  give  the  alarm,  and  sent  marohing  orders  to  several  of  the  mil- 
itary commanders. 

Jackso.i's  call  upon  Coffee,  Carroll,  and  others,  had  been  quickly  responded  to. 
Coffee  came  speedily  over  the  long  and  tedious  route  from  Fort  Jackson,  on  the  Ala- 
bama River,  to  Baton  Rouge,  and  was  now  encamped,  with  his  brigade  of  mounted 
riflemen,  on  Avart's  plantation,  five  miles  above  New  Orleans.  The  active  young 
Carroll,  who  had  left  Nashville  in  November  with  Tennessee  militia,  arrived  in  flat- 
boats  and  barges  at  about  the  same  time,  and  brought  into  camp  a  regiment  of  young, 
brave,  well-armed,  but  inexperienced  soldiers,  expert  in  the  use  of  the  rifle,  and  eager 
for  battle.  They  landed  on  the  22d  of  December,  ami  were  hailed  by  Jackson  with 
great  joy.  A  troop  of  horse,  under  the  dashing  young  Hinds,  raised  in  Louisiana, 
came  at  about  the  same  time. 

When,  in  the  afternoon  of  the  23d,  Jackson  issued  his  marching  orders,  Coffee's  bri- 
gade was  five  miles  above  the  city ;  Plauch6's  battalion  was  at  Bayou  St.  John,  two 
miles  distant ;  the  Louisiana  militia  and  half  of  Lacoste's  colored  battalion  were  three 
miles  ofl^,  on  the  Gentilly  Road ;  and  the  regulars  (Forty-fourth)  under  Colonel  Rosf;, 


1 

r 
^■1 

1 

1 

\\ 

i 

1 

i 

1 

k 


>  This  is  from  a  sketch  made  by  the  author  in  April,  ISO), 
trees,  were  the  sugiir-works  of  the  plantation. 


The  bul'.uiugs  seen  in  the  distance,  beyond  the  Avenue  of 


^S99 


'?;  I 


'       ii. 


1030 


PICTORIAL   FIEI.D-BOOK 


Jsckaon  moves  against  the  Invaders.     Tiietr  Camp  broken  up  by  the  CaroUtia.     American  Troops  hasten  to  the  Scene. 

with  Colonel  M'Rea's  artillery,  a  little  more  tlian  eight  hundred  strong,  were  at  Fort 
St.  Charles,  on  the  site  of  the  present  United  States  Branch  Mint  in  New  Orleans, 
and  in  the  city  barracks.  Within  an  hour  after  Jackson  was  informed  that  the  in- 
vaders were  on  the  direct  road  to  the  city,  along  the  river,  and  only  nine  miles  dis- 
tant, these  troops  were  all  in  motion  under  special  orders.  Carroll  and  his  Tenrtos- 
seeans  were  dispatched  to  the  upper  branch  of  the  Bayou  Bienvenu ;  farthor  up  tlu' 
Gentilly  Road  Governor  Claiborne  was  stationed  with  the  Louisiana  milit?a ;  an<l 
Coffee's  brigade,  Plauche's  and  D'Aquin's  battalions,  Hinds's  dragoons,  the  New  Or- 
leans Rifles,  under  Captain  Beale,  and  a  few  Choctaw  Indians,  commanded  by  Captain 
Jugeat,  were  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  Montreuil's  plantation,  and  hasten  to  Canal 
Rodriguez,  six  miles  below  the  city,  and  there  prepare  to  advance  upon  the  foe. 
Commodore  Patterson  was  directed  to  proceed  down  the  Mississippi  to  the  flank  of 
the  British  at  Villcre's  with  such  armed  vessels  as  might  be  in  readiness.  Such  was 
the  scanty  force  with  which  Jackson  proceeded  to  fight  a  foe  of  unknown  numbois 
and  strength. 

While  Jackson  was  assembling  his  troops,  the  invaders  were  making  ready  to  march 
on  New  Orleans  that  night  and  take  it  by  surpiise.  Thoy  sent  forward  a  negi'o  to 
distribute  a  proclamation,  signed  by  General  Keano  and  Admiral  Cochrane,  printed 
in  French  and  Spanish,  which  read  thus : 

" IiOtdsianians /  remain  quietly  in  your  homes;  your  .•slaves  shall  be  preserved  tu 
you,  and  your  property  respected.     We  make  war  only  against  Americans." 

Tl)';  British  were  bivouacked  on  the  highest  part  of  Villcre's  plantation,  at  the  side 
of  the  levee  and  on  the  plain ;  and  in  the  court  between  Villcre's  house  (in  Avhicli 
Keane  and  some  of  his  officers  made  their  head-quarters)  and  his  sugar-works'  they 
had  mounted  several  cannon.  They  were  in  fine  spirits.  Full  one  half  of  the  invad- 
ing troops  had  been  brought  to  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  only  nine  miles  from 
New  Orleans,  without  firing  a  gun  after  capturii,g  Jones's  flotilla,  and  they  believed 
their  near  approach  to  be  wholly  unknown,  and  not  even  suspected,  in  the  city.  They 
were  soon  undeceived. 

At  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  schooner  Carolina,  the  only  vessel  in  readiness 
at  New  Orleans,  commanded  by  Captain  Henley,  dropped  down  the  river,  and  an- 
chored off  Villcre's,  within  musket-shot 
distance  of  the  centre  of  the  British 
camp.  At  half  past  seven  she  opened 
a  tremendous  fire  from  her  batteries, 
and  in  the  course  of  ten  minutes  killed 
or  wounded  at  least  a  hundred  men. 
The  British  extinguished  their  camp- 
fires,  and  poured  upon  the  Carolina  a 
shower  of  bullets  and  Congrevo  rock- 
etfc,  but  with  no  serious  effect.  In  less 
than  half  an  hour  the  schoone';  drove 
the  enemy  from  their  camp,  and  pro- 
duced great  confusion  among  them. 
The  American  troops  in  the  mean  time, 
startled  by  the  concerted  signal  of  the 
Carolina's  cannonade,  were  moving  on, 
guided  by  Colonel  De  la  Ronde,  who 
was  a  volunteer  with  Beale's  riflemen, 
and  Major  Viller6,  who  accompanied 
the  commander  in -chief.  The  right, 
under  Jackson,  was  composed  of  the 


TENNIS  I>B   I.A   BONIIK. 


>  See  note  and  picture  on  page  1029. 


lean  Troops  haHten  to  the  Scene, 

eil  strong,  were  at  Fort 
Mint  in  New  Orleans, 
s  informed  that  the  in- 
,nd  only  nine  miles  dis- 
CarroU  and  his  Tennos- 
envenn  ;  fiirthor  up  tlio 
Louisiana  militia ;  and 
dragoons,  the  New  Or- 
commanded  by  Captain 
m,  and  hasten  to  Canal 
advance  upon  the  foe. 
saissippi  to  the  flank  of 
in  readiness.  Such  was 
le  of  unknown  numbers 

I  making  i-eady  to  marcli 
;ent  forward  a  negro  U 
miral  Cochrane,  printed 

3s  shall  be  preserved  to 
ist  Americans." 
's  plantation,  at  the  side 
illere's  house  (in  whicii 
d  his  sugar-works'  they 
ill  one  half  of  the  invad- 
)i,  only  nine  miles  from 
ptilla,  and  they  believed 
cted,  in  the  city.    They 

only  vessel  in  readiness 
own  the  river,  and  an- 


OF    THE    WAR    OF    1812. 


1031 


The  British  A'.armed  and  Cocf^ised. 


A  Night  Battle. 


regulars,  Plauche's  and  D'Aquin's  brigades,  M'Rea's  artillery,  and  some  marines,  and 
moved  down  the  road  alni>g  the  levee ;  while  the  left,  under  Coffee,  composed  of  his 
brigade,  Hinds's  dragoon.?,  and  Bealc's  rifles,  skirted  the  edge  of  a  cypress  swamp  for 
the  purpose  of  endeavoring  to  cut  off"  the  communications  of  the  invaders  with  Lake 
liorgne.  Such  was  the  simple  plan  of  the  battle,  on  the  part  of  the  Americans,  on 
the  night  of  the  23d  of  December,  3  81 4. 

The  alarm  and  confusion  in  the  British  camp,  caused  by  the  attack  of  the  Carolina, 
had  scarcely  been  checked  when  they  were  startled  by  the  crack  of  musketry  in  the 
direction  of  their  outposts.  Keane  now  gave  full  credence  to  the  tales  of  his  prison* 
(jrs  about  the  large  number  of  troops  —  "more  tlian  twelve  thousand"  —  in  New 
Orleans,  and  gave  the  dashing  Thornton  full  liberty  to  do  as  he  liked.  Thornton  at 
once  led  a  detachnw*nt,  composed  of  the  Eighty-fifth  and  Ninety-fitJ.h  Regiments,  to 
the  support  of  the  pickets,  and  directed  the  Fourth,  five  hundred  strong,  to  take  post 
on  Villere's  Canal,  near  head-quarters,  to  keep  open  the  communication  with  Lake 
Borgne.  Thornton  and  his  detachment  were  soon  met  by  a  resolute  column  under 
the  immediate  command  of  Jackson,  He  had  made  the  Canal  Rodriguez,  w^lich  con- 
nect ^  ;;»  Mississippi  with  the  cypress  swamp,  his  base  of  operations.  He  advanced 
with  a»  out  fifteen  hundred  men  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  perfectly  covered  with 
the  gloom  of  night.  Lieutenant  M'Clelland,  at  the  head  of  a  company  of  tho  Seventh, 
filing  through  De  la  Ronde's  gate,  advanced  to  the  boundary  of  Lacoste's  plantation, 
where,  under  the  direction  of  Colonel  Piatt,  the  quartermaster  general,  he  encoun- 
tered and  attacked  the  British  pickets,  who  were  posted  in  a  ditch  behind  a  fence, 
and  drove  them  back.  These  were  speedily  re-enforced,  and  a  brisk  engagement  en- 
sued, in  which  Piatt  received  a  wound,  and  M'Clelland  and  a  sergeant  were  killed. 

In  the  mean  time  the  artillerists  advanced  up  the  Levee  Road  with  the  marines, 
when  the  British  made  a  desperate  attempt  to  seize  their  guns.  There  was  a  fierce 
struggle.  Jackson  saw  it,  and  hastening  to  the  spot,  in  the  midst  of  a  shower  of  bul- 
lets, he  shouted, "  Save  the  guns,  my  boys,  at  any  sacrifice  !"  They  did  so,  when  the 
Seventh  Regiment,  commanded  by  Major  Pierre,  advanced,  and,  being  joined  by  the 
Forty-fourth,  the  engagement  became  general  between  them  and  Thornton's  detach- 
ment. Plaucho  and  D'Aquin  soon  joined  their  comrades,  and  the  tide  of  success 
turned  in  favor  of  the  Americans.  The  British,  hard  pressed,  fell  sullenly  back  to 
their  original  line  unmolested,  for  the  prudent  Ross,  commanding  the  regulars,  would 
not  allow  a  pursuit.  Had  it  been  permitted,  it  would  have  resulted,  as  was  after- 
ward discovered,  most  disastrously  for  the  invaders.  This  conflict  occurred  not  far 
from  De  la  Ronde's  garden. 

General  Coffee  in  the  mean  time  had  advanced  to  the  back  of  De  la  Ronde's  plan- 
tation, Avhere  his  riflemen  were  dismount- 


ed, and  their  horses  placed  in  charge  of  a 
hundred  men  at  the  canal  that  separated 
De  la  Ronde's  from  Lacoste's  farm,  the 
latter  now  the  propei'ty  of  D.  and  E.  Vil- 
Icre.  The  ground  was  too  much  cut  up 
with  ditches  to  allow  successful  cavalry 
movements,  and  Major  Hinds  and  his  men 
remained  at  one  of  them,  near  the  middle 
of  Lacoste's.  Coffee's  division  ext  mded 
its  front  <a&  much  as  possible,  and  n\oved 
in  silence,  while  Bealo  and  his  rifle  nen 
stole  around  the  enemy's  extreme  left,  on 
Villere's  plantation,  and  by  a  sudd^:,  move- 
ment penetrated  almost  to  the  '  cry  heart 
of  the  British  camp,  killing  so-  oral,  and 


ULUUSTE'b  liANSlUN. 


i  :  I  I  ': 


I 

I 

I 


i 


•'  .! 


1032 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


iM  * ; 


ii;  ;iiiiR;i 


The  British  fall  back  to  shelter. 


Strength  of  the  Combatants. 


Sir  De  Lucy  Evauii. 


making  otliers  prisoners.  By  a  blunder,  made  in  consequence  of  the  darkness,  a  .  im- 
ber  of  Beale's  men  were  captured.  In  the  mean  time,  Thornton,  with  the  Eighty- 
fifth,  fell  heavily  on  Coffee's  line,  and  for  some  time  a  battle  raged  fiercely,  not  in 
regular  order,  but  in  detachments,  squads,  and  often  duels.  In  the  darkness  fricids 
fought  each  other,  supposing  each  to  be  a  foe.  The  Tennesseeans  and  British  jiflc- 
men  were  almost  equally  expert  as  sharp-shooters ;  but  the  short  weapons  of  tho  En- 
lish  were  not  so  efficient  as  the  long  ones  of  tho  American  backwoodsmen.  The  Ten- 
nesseeans also  used  long  knives  and  tomahawks  vigorously.  At  last  the  British  fell 
back,  ond  took  shelter  behind  the  levee,  more  willing  to  incur  the  danger  of  shots 
from  the  Carolina  than  bullets  from  the  rifles  of  the  Tennesseeans.' 


AFFAIR  BELOW 


>  The  loBS  of  the  Americans  in  tbe  affair  on  the  night 
of  the  23d  of  December  was  tweniy-fonr  Itilled,  one  liun- 
dred  and  fifteen  wounded,  and  seventy-fonr  prisoners ; 
in  aii,  two  hundred  and  thirteen.  Among  the  liilled  was 
the  brave  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lauderdale,  of  Coffee's  bri- 
gade of  mounted  riflemen.  The  British  loss  was  about 
four  hundred  men.  According  to  the  most  careftal  esti- 
mates, the  number  of  Americans  engaged  in  the  battle 
vras  about  eighteen  hundred,  while  that  of  the  invaders, 
including  the  re-cnforceraents  that  came  during  the  en- 
gagement, was  about  twenty-five  hundred.  The  Caro- 
IvM  gave  the  Americans  a  great  advantage,  and  made 
the  effective  power  about  equal  to  that  of  the  foe. 

One  of  the  distinguished  British  ofBcers  wounded  in 
this  engagement,  and  who  yet  (1807)  survives,  was  Sir 
De  Lacy  Evans.  Ue  was  also  wounded  in  tlie  battie 
nearer  New  Orleans,  which  occurred  a  little  more  than 
a  fortnight  later.  Sir  De  Lacy  was  bom  in  Ireland  in 
1T87.  Be  entered  the  British  Army  in  the  East  Indies 
as  ensign,  and  served  there  fl"om  180T  to  1810  in  the  war 
again.  Ameer  Khan.  He  also  served  with  distinction 
in  Spain.  In  1814  he  became  brevet  iientenant  colonel 
of  a  West  India  regiment,  and  was  with  General  Ross  in 
the  battle  of  Bladeiisbur)^,  where  he  had  two  horses  shot 
under  him.  He  led  the  column  into  Washington  City. 
He  was  active  also  in  tllB  movement  on  Baltimore.  Aft- 
er his  second  wound  before  New  Orleans  be  was  sent 
home,  and  was  afterward  with  Wellington  at  Qnatre 
Bras.  When  the  Crimean  War  broke  out  he  was  ap- 
pointed lieutenant  general,  and  commanded  tbe  second 
division  of  the  British  Army.  He  greatly  distinguished 
himself  in  that  war.  For  his  per\'ices  there  he  received 
the  Grand  Cross  of  the  Bath,  a"-^  Louis  Napoleon  made  him  grand  officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honor. 


B  IIR  I.AOr   KVANS. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF   18  12. 


1033 


sir  De  Lttcy  EvauB. 

lie  darkne88,  a:  ..m- 
I,  with  the  Eighty- 
ged  fiercely,  not  in 
he  darkness  friends 
ns  and  British  ritie- 
weapons  of  tho  En- 
jodsraen.  Thf  Ten- 
last  the  British  fell 
the  danger  of  shots 


The  Americans  Withdraw. 


A  Sklrmiiib  on  JumoDvlUe'n  Plautallon, 


A  Memeuto  of  the  Buttle. 


During  the  engagement  the  second  division  of  the  British  arrived  from  Bayou  Bien- 
venu,  and  were  in  the  thickest  of  the  light  with  Coflee  for  a  while ;  but  the  fear  of 
being  cut  ofl'from  communication  with  the  lake  and  their  ships  made  the  enemy  too 
cautious  and  timid  to  achieve  what  their  superior  numbers  qualified  them  to  perform. 
They  kci)t  within  the  lines  of  iheir  camj),  and  by  concentration  presented  a  strong 
front.  Jackson  perceived  that  in  the  darkness,  intensified  by  a  fog  that  suddenly 
appeared,  he  could  not  follow  up  liis  victory  with  safety,  so  }ie  led  the  right  division 
back  to  the  main  entrance  to  De  la  llonde's  plantation,  while  Coffee  encamped  near 
De  la  Ronde's  garden.' 

It  was  about  half  past  nine  when  the  conflict  ceased,  and  at  half  past  eleven,  when 
ill  was  becoming  quiet  in  the  respective  camps,  musket-firing  was  heard  in  tho  direc- 
tion of  Jumonville's  plantation,  below  Villcre's.  It  was  caused  by  the  advance  of 
some  Louisiana  drafted  militia,  stationed  at  .i  sharp  bend  of  the  Mississippi  called  the 
English  Turn,  under  General  David  Morgan,  who  liad  insisted  upon  being  led  against 
the  enemy  when  they  heard  the  guns  of  the  Carolina  early  in  the  evening.  They 
met  some  British  pickets  at  Jumonville's,  exchanged  shots  with  *.hera,  encamped  there 
for  the  night,^nd  at  dawn  returned  to  their  post  at  the  English  Turn. 

>  In  the  room  of  the  Iliatorical  Society  of  Tennessee,  in  the  Civpltol  at  Nashville,  may  he  seen  an  interestinj;  memento 
of  the  battle  on  the  night  of  the  23d  of  Doceml-or,  1S14.  It  Is  a  tattered  flag  that  was  borne  through  that  battle  by  a 
company  from  Shelbyville,  Tennessee,  command-id  by  Captain  James  M  ,orc.  It  was  presented  to  that  com|)any  by  the 
women  of  Bedford  County.  It  is  of  silk,  of  the  pattern  of  the  nati(.nal  flap,  on  which  was  painted  a  gray  eagle  bearing 
a  national  shield,  and  a  ribbon  inscribed  Liiikrty  anh  ImEPENUEMCE.  Its  appearance  when  the  writer  made  a  sketch 
of  It  iu  the  spring  of  ISOl  is  indicated  iu  the  picture  below. 


mM 


,■    '] 

« ] '     i 

,  .l 

,|! 

fi-il 

' 

riCTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Jackaou'a  Work  not  yet  done. 


lie  ciiHtD  up  a  LInu  ufBerenBoa, 


TUo  Lcvcc  cut. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

"America's  glory,  which  dnzzled  the  world 

When  the  toils  of  our  sires  had  achieved  independence, 
Was  brightened  when  Jackson  her  banners  nnfnrled 
To  protect  the  dear  Ijoon  for  their  yrateful  descendants— 
When  the  conqueiors  of  Spain 
Crossed  the  boisterous  main. 
Boldly  threat'ning  to  rivet  onr  fetters  agalu ; 
But  a  happy  new  year  for  Columbia  begun 
When  our  Jackson  secured  what  our  Washington  won." 

Saucil  Woodwobtb. 

"  Whlte-wInged  Peace,  the  dove  from  heaven's  portal, 
''        Brought  with  its  olive-branch  a  song  immortul,  0 

That  filled  all  hearts  with  melody  supernal. 
While  yet  was  heard  the  battle  din  infernal." 

ROMPTNESS  and  vigor  marked  tlie  whole  conduct  of  General 
JackHon  at  the  critical  moment  we  are  considering.  By  liis  ad- 
vance to  meet  the  invaders  he  had  saved  New  Orleans  from  cap- 
ture, and  Louisiana  and  the  Mississippi  Valley  from  conquest. 
The  whole  country  blessed  him  for  the  act.  But  his  full  task 
Avas  not  accomplished,  and  he  knew  it.  A  host  of  veteran  sol- 
diers, fresh  from  the  battle-fields  of  Continental  Europe,  were  be- 
fore him,  and  they  were  not  likely  to  relinquish  the  footing  they 
had  gained  on  Amer-  , 

ican    soil    without    a  Vv^i^I^.^     v, 

desperate  struggle,  so  " 

he  prepared  for  it. 
Leaving  the  regulars 
and  some  dragoons 
at  De  la  Ronde's  to 
watch  the  enemy,  he 
fell  back  with  the  re- 
mainder of  his  armji^ 
to  Rodriguez's  Canal, 
and  sot  his  soldiers  to 
work  casting  up  in- 
trenchments  along  its 
line  from  the  river  to 
the  cypress  swamp. 
All  day  they  plied  the 
implements  of  labor 
with  the  greatest  vig- 
or. At  sunset  a  breast- 
work three  feet  in  height  appeared  along  the  entire  line  of  Jackson's  army;  and  the 
soldiers  spent  that  Christmas  eve  in  much  hilarity,  for  the  events  of  the  previous 
evening  had  given  them  the  confidence  of  veterans.  Li  the  mean  time,  Latour,  the 
chief  engineer,  had  cut  the  levee  in  front  of  Chalmette's  plantation,  so  as  to  flood  the 
plain  between  the  two  armies,  and  two  6-pounder8  were  placed  in  battery  at  tlio 
I  This  is  ft-om  a  sketch  made  by  the  author  in  April,  1801. 


DE   1.A   BONDK'b  mansion.' 


Tho  Lcvec  cut. 


L  WOOBWOETU. 

conduct  of  General 
(idering.  By  his  ad- 
!w  Orlonns  from  cap- 
nUey  from  conquest, 
t.     But  his  full  task 

host  of  veteran  sol- 
iital  Europe,  were  be- 
uish  the  footing  they 


ison's  army ;  and  the 
'ents  of  the  previous 
lean  time,  Latour,  the 
ion,  80  as  to  flood  the 
!ed  in  battery  at  the 


OF  THE  WAlt  OF   18  12. 


1035 


Effect  of  cutting  tlip  Levee.  A  gloomy  Day. 


Arrival  nf  General  Pakenham. 


Deatrnctlon  of  the  CoMilina. 


levee  to  command  the  road.  The  river  was  so  low  that  the  overflow  was  of  little 
account.  Behind  these  intrenehmeiits,  of  which  each  worker  was  j)r()ud,  Jackson's 
little  army  spent  the  Christnuis  day  of  1814  in  preparations  for  a  determined  defense 
of  New  Orleans  and  their  common  country.^  On  tiie  same  day  General  ^lorgan  re- 
ceived orders  to  evacuate  the  post  at  English  Turn,  ])hu'{i  his  cannon  and  a  hundred 
men  in  Fort  St.  Leon,  and  take  position  with  the  remainder  on  Flood's  jjlnntation, 
opposite  Jackson's  camp,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississi])))!.  The  cutting  of  the 
levee  at  Chalmettc's  and  Jumonville's  helped  the  enemy  more  than  it  did  the  Amer- 
icans, for  it  caused  the  almost  dry  canals  and  bayous  to  be  filled  with  sutticient  Avater 
to  allow  the  British  to  bring  up  their  heavy  artillery.  Had  the  jNIissisMppi  been  full, 
the  invaders  would  have  been  placed  on  an  island. 

Tliat  Christmas  day  dawned  gloomily  for  the  invaders.  The  events  of  •  December, 
the  sad"  had  greatly  depressed  their  spirits,  and  the  soldiers  ha<l  lost  con-  ***"• 
fidence  in  Keane,  their  commander.  The  sky  was  clouded,  the  ground  was  Avet,  and 
the  atmosphere  was  chilly,  and  shadowing  disappointment  Avas  seen  in  e.ery  face. 
The  gloom  AA'as  suddenly  dispelled  by  an  event  Avhich  gave  great  joy  to  the  Avhole 
army.  It  was  the  arrival  at  camp  on  that  gloomy  morning  of  Lieutenant  General 
Sir  Edward  Pakeidiam,  the  "Hero  of  Salamanca,"  then  only  thirty-eight  years  of 
age,  Avho  came  to  assume  the  chief  command  of  the  invading  army.  He  Avas  a  true 
soldier  and  an  honorable  man ;  and  the  charge  (which  might  be  justly  brought  against 
some  of  the  subordinate  commanders  in  that  army)  that  he  ottered  his  soldiers,  as  a 
rcAvurd  for  their  services,  in  the  cAcnt  of  their  capturing  New  Orleans,  "the  beauty 
and  booty"  of  the  city,  is  doubtless  AvhoUy  untrue,  for  his  character  Avas  the  very  op- 
posite of  the  infamous  Cockburn's.  There  is  proof  on  record  that  some  of  the  officers 
made  calculations  of  personal  profit  from  the  spoils  that  Ncav  Orleans  Avould  aftbrd. 
Pakenham  came  fresh  from  Europe,  Avith  the  prestige  of  eminent  success  as  a  com- 
mander, and  his  advent  at  Villere's  mansion^  Avas  hailed  with  delight  liy  officers  and 
soldiers.  He,  too,  Avas  delighted  Avhen  he  perused  the  list  of  the  regiments  Avhich  he 
was  to  command,  for  those  troops,  excepting  the  Ninety-third  and  the  colored  regi- 
ments, had  fought  all  through  the  Avar  on  the  Spanish  Peninsula. 

"While  Jackson  Avas  intrenching,  the  British  were  not  idle.  Thoy  Avere  employed, 
day  and  night,  in  preparing  a  heavy  b'ttery  that  should  command  the  Carolina.  It 
was  completed  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  and  at  seven  o'clock  a  heavy  fire  Avas 
opened  from  it  upon  the  little  schooner  from  several  twelve  and  eighteen  pounders, 
and  a  hoAvitzer.  They  hurled  hot  shot,  which  fired  the  Carolina,  when  her  crcAV  aban- 
doned her,  and  she  blew  up  with  a  tremendous  explosion.  The  t^chooiicr  Z/Ouisiana, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Thompson,  had  come  doAvn  to  aid  her,  and  Avas  in  great 
peril.  She  was  the  only  armed  vessel  in  the  river  remaining  to  the  Americans.  By 
great  exertions  she  was  towed  beyond  the  sphere  of  danger,  and  Avas  saved  to  play 
a  gallant  part  in  events  the  folloAving  day.  She  was  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  riv- 
er, anchored  nearly  abreast  of  the  American  camp. 

The  destruction  of  the  Carolina  gave  fresh  confidence  to  the  invaders,  and  Paken- 
ham issued  orders  for  his  whole  army,  then  eight  thousand  strong,  to  move  forAvard 
and  carry  the  American  intrenchments  by  storm.  He  had  arranged  that  army  into 
two  columns.  One  Avas  commanded  by  General  Keane,  and  the  other  by  General 
Gibbs,  a  good  and  experienced  soldier,  who  came  with  Pakenham  as  his  second  in 
command.  Toward  evening  the  entire  force  moved  forAvard,  driving  in  the  American 
pickets  and  outposts,  and  at  twilight  they  halted  on  the  plantations  of  Bienvenu  and 
Chalmette,  Avithin  a  fcAV  hundred  yards  of  the  American  lines.  There  a  part  sought 
repose,  while  others  commenced  the  construction  of  batteries  near  rhe  river.  Sleep 
was  denied  them,  for  all  night  long  Hinds's  troopers  and  other  active  Americans  an- 

■  The  common  Impression  that  Jnckson'fi  breastworks  wore  conetrncted  chiefly  of  cotton  biiles  Is  an  erroneons  one. 
A  few  were  used  at  tbo  end  next  the  river,  but  they  were  not  usefU),  and  were  rejected.  a  See  page  1029. 


i     1 

;■    ■    f 

A  J J. .3 


1036 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


B'i  t| 


Boat  of  War  iu  Loulaluua  and  Florida. 


\^  tr^'-^ — »"«»'«ijC-^,|==^ 


noyed  thoir  flanks  and  rear  with  quick,  sharp  attacks,  which  the  British  denounced 
"  barbarian  warfare." 


as 


OF  THE  WAK  OP   1812. 


1037 


Jni-kiinn  prepared  to  receive  the  Rrltlah, 


Thoy  advance  to  an  Attack. 


A  nevere  nattle. 


\ 


■X 


Jritish  denounced  as 


MAOAHT^'h,  JAOKHON'h    IIKAIl-gHAltTKlCH.' 


•MiV*,.. 


Jackson,  in  the  moan  time,  had  been  preparing  to  receive  them.  He  was  aware 
of  tile  arrival  of  Pa- 
Itoiiliam,  and  oxpoctod 
vijjorous  warfiiro  from 
liim.  His  head-(niar- 
ters  were  at  tho  spa- 
cious cliatcan  of  M. 
Macart<i,  a  wealthy 
Creole,  and  from  its 
wide  gnliery  and  a 
dormer  window,  seen 
in  the  accompanying 
picture,  aided  by  a  tel- 
escope, ho  had  a  full 
vievr  of  the  whole  field 
of  operations.  From 
thiit  chateau,  which  is 
yet  standing,  he  sent 
forth  his  orders.  They 
were  numerous  and 
prompt ;  for  that  night 
of  the  27th  of  December,  when  a  flushed  foe  in  his  immediate  front  was  ready  to 
pounce  with  tiger-like  fierceness  upon  liim  at  dawn,  was  an  exceedingly  busy  one  for 
the  commander-in-chief  He  had  caused  Chalmette's  buildings  to  be  blown  up  when 
the  enemy  a<lvanccd,  that  the  sweep  of  his  artillery  might  not  be  obstructed,  and  he 
had  called  to  the  line  sonie  Louisiana  militia  from  the  rear.  He  also  planted  heavy 
guns;  and  by  the  time  that  the  couchant  foe  was  ready  for  his  murderous  leap,  Jack- 
son had  four  thousand  men  and  twenty  i)iece8  of  artillery  to  receive  him,  while  the 
Louisiana  was  in  position  to  use  her  cannon  m  ith  signal  eflSect  in  co-operation  with 
the  great  guns  on  land. 

The  28th  dawned  brightly,  and  as  soon  as  the  light  fog  of  early  morning  had  passed 
away  a  battle  began.  The  enemy  approached  in  two  columns.  Gibbs  led  the  right, 
Avhich  kept  near  the  great  swamp,  throwing  out  a  skirmish  line  to  meet  those  of  the 
left  column,  commanded  by  Keaiie,  who  kept  close  to  the  river,  Avith  artillery  in  his 
front.  There  was  also  a  party  oi  skirmishers  and  light  infantry  detailed  from  Gibbs's 
command,  under  Colonel  Robert  Keniiie,  a  very  active  ofticer,  who  was  ordered  to  turn 
the  American  left  flank  and  gain  the  rear  of  their  camp.  Pakenham  and  his  staif 
rode  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  line.  At  this  moment  Jackson  saw,  with  great  satis- 
faction, I  band  of  rough-looking  armed  men  coming  down  the  road  from  the  direction 
of  the  city.  They  were  Baratarians,  under  You  and  Beluche,  who  had  run  all  the 
way  from  Fort  St.  John.  They  were  immediately  placed  in  charge  of  one  of  the  24- 
pounders,  and  performed  excellent  service.  They  were  folloAved  by  the  escaped  crew 
of  the  Carolina,  under  Lieutenants  Norris  and  Crawley,  who  were  placed  in  the  line 
as  managers  of  a  howitzer  on  the  right. 

The  British  under  Keane  advanced  in  solid  column,  in  the  face  of  a  galling  fire  of 
musketry,  when  they  were  suddenly  checked  by  the  opening  of  some  of  Jackson's 
heavy  guns  and  the  batteries  of  the  Louisiana,  Avhich  swept  their  line  obliquely  with 
terrible  effect.  More  than  eight  hundred  shots  were  hurled  from  her  guns  with  dead- 
ly power.  One  of  them  killed  and  wounded  fifteen  men.  At  the  same  time  the  Brit- 
ish rocketeers  were  busy,  but  their  missiles  did  very  little  damage,  and  tl  e  Americans 
soon  became  too  familiar  with  their  harmless  noise  to  be  much  affected  by  them. 

For  a  short  time  Keane's  men  endured  the  terrible  storm  that  was  thinning  their 
>  This  la  from  a  sketcb  made  by  the  author  in  April,  1S61. 


h  ( 


1088 


PICTORIAL   FIELU-BOOK 


TiM  BrttUb  vauquUbed  aud  repulwd. 


Tbejr  bold  a  (Jouudl  of  War. 


The  American  Llnea  of  Defeime. 


:i:i 


'      '   •      1 


■      *. 


H  ;i 


T  <i 


ranks,  wlu'ii  tlic  nmiiiti'imiice  of  tlit'ir  position  lii'Ciuno  men;  fool-liiinlincHs,  tiiid  Ihi-y 
wore  ordcrod  to  Hoeit  HJu'ltcr  iit  t'.e  littlo  faimlK.  Away  tiit-y  ran,  ja'il-inoll,  to  thcHe 
pljifUH  of  refuge,  and  in  mud  and  watiM-  ahnost  waist-deep  tliey  "leaned  forward,"  as 
one  of  their  eomj/anions  wrote,  "eoncialing  tlieinselves  in  the  rushes  wliieh  grew  on 
tlie  hanks  of  the  canal."  It  was  a  humiliating  position  for  "  Wellingtoirs  veterans" 
ill  the  faeo  of  a  few  rough  hackwoodsiiien,  as  they  regarded  Jackson's  troojjs.  Their 
hatteries  were  half  destroyed,  and  were  ahandoned,  and  the  shattered  colun.n,  thor- 
oughly repulu'd,  fell  hack  to  a  Hheltcr  behind  tho  ruins  of  Chulmettc's  buildings  and 
the  perfect  ones  of  IJienvcnu, 

(iil>bs  in  the  mean  time  wns  actively  engaged  on  tlie  British  riglit.  Tlie  gallant 
Ilennie  dashed  into  the  t'dge  of  tlie  swainj)  to  flank  the  American  left,  and,  driving  in 
tho  pickets,  approached,  within  a  hundred  yards  of  tho  lino  behind  which,  lay  Car- 
roll and  his  Tennessceaus.  Tho  movement  was  obser\(d  by  Carroll,  who  sent  Colo- 
nel Henderson,  with  two  hundred  Tennessoeans,  to  gain  Reniiie's  rear  and  cut  him 
off  from  the  main  body.  Advancing  too  fiir,  Henderson  encountered  a  large  IJritish 
lorce,  and  ho  and  five  of  Iiis  men  wore  killed,  and  several  were  wounded.  The  re- 
mainder retraced  their  steps.  Itennio  was  then  pressing  Carroll's  left  very  severely, 
when  Gibbs,  observing  tho  ficrconoss  of  tho  fight  on  the  part  of  Keanc's  column,  or- 
dered the  dashing  colonel  to  I'all  back  on  tho  main  line.  Uennio  reluctantly  obeyed, 
and  was  coinpoUed  to  be  an  idle  spectator  of  Keano's  disaster.  At  length  Pakeii- 
ham  ordered  a  general  retrograde  movement,  and  he  retired  to  his  head-<|uarters  at  Vil- 
lere's  deeply  mortified  by  the  failure  of  his  plans,  of  whose  success  ho  had  not  allowed 
liimself  to  doubt.  In  this  repulse  the  Louisiana,  Avhich  was  stationed  near  tho  right 
bank  of  the  Mississippi,  played  the  most  efficient  part,  and  lost  but  one  man  killed. 
Tho  loss  of  tho  Americans  was  nine  kiliod  and  eight  wounded.  The  British  loss  was 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty. 

Pakonhtim  called  a  coinicil  of  war,  when  it  was  resolved  to  bring  forward  heavy 
siege-guns  from  the  navy  before  making  anotlier  serious  attempt  to  carry  .Jackson's 
linos.  The  British  established  their  hospital  on  Jumonville's  plantation,  next  below 
Villero's,  and  prej)ared  for  heavy  work.  The  experience  of  tho  28th  had  given  Pa- 
konham  a  tost  of  the  spirit  of  his  opposers,  and  ho  was  convinced  that  the  task  before 
Jiim  was  not  only  difficult,  but  dajigorous,  and  that  the  very  salvation  of  his  army  de- 
pended upon  cautious  movoments,  courage,  and  perseverance. 

J,ack8on  was  busy  at  tho  same  time  strengt)  ening  his  position  at  Rodriguez's  Ca- 
.nal,  over  which  not  a  single  British  soldier  had  passed  except  as  a  prisoner.  He 
placed  two  12-pounder8  on  his  extreme  loft,  near  the  swamp,  in  charge  of  General 
Garrigue  Flauzac,  a  veteran  French  soldier  who  had  volunteered ;  and  also  a  six  and 
an  eighteen  pounder  under  Colonel  Perry.  His  lino  of  intrenchments  was  extended 
into  tho  swamj),  so  as  to  prevent  a  flank  movement.  Ho  ordered  a  lino  of  similar 
structure  to  bo  established  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Mississippi ;  and  Commander 
Patterson,  pleased  with  the  effects  of  the  guns  of  the  Louisiana  from  the  same  side, 
established  a  battery  behind  the  levee  on  Jourdan's  plantation,  which  he  armed  with 
heavy  guns  from  the  schooner,  and  manned  with  sailors  enlisted  or  pressed  into  the 
service  in  New  Orleans.  It  commanded  tho  front  of  Jackson's  lines,  and  soon  com- 
pelled the  British  to  abandon  Chalmette's  plantation  and  fall  back  to  the  line  be- 
tween Bienvenu's  and  De  la  Rondo's.  A  brick  '.;iln  on  the  bank  opposite  New  Or- 
leans was  converted  into  a  square  battery,  avIucm  was  armed  with  two  heavy  guns 
that  commanded  the  city  and  the  river  road,  and  )  laced  in  charge  of  Captain  Henley, 
of  the  Carolina.  At  Jackson's  head-quarters,  at  Macarte's,  was  a  company  of  young 
men  from  the  best  families  in  the  city,  under  Captain  Ogden,  who  constituted  his 
body-guard,  and  were  subservient  to  his  immediate  orders  alone.  These  were  posted 
in  Macarte's  garden.  There  was  incessant  activity  every  where  among  all  his  troops, 
for  his  own  spirit  was  infused  into  them.    The  Tennessee  riflemen,  in  particular,  de- 


OF   TlIK  WAK   OF    1813. 


1030 


rlcao  Llnea  of  Uercims, 


Itedoubu  tecretly  conitructed  bj  the  BritUb.       A  heavy  Fire  ftam  them.       J«ckwn  driven  from  bli  Ue»d-<iuart  -in. 


nlincsH,  and  llit-y 

(I'll-IlloU,  to   lllCHC 

lied  forward,"  an 
H  wliirh  grow  on 
igton'H  vet  oralis" 
i'h  troops.  Tlieir 
red  eoluu.ii,  tlior- 
e's  buildings  and 

;ht.  Tlie  gallant 
ft,  and,  driving  in 
I  whicli  lay  Car- 
11,  who  sent  Colo- 
i-ear  and  cut  liim 
,'d  a  large  Hritish 
juiuled.  The  re- 
eft  very  severely, 
.'aiic's  column,  or- 
liictantly  ol)eyed. 
At  length  P.iken- 
id-<iuarter8at  Vil- 
e  had  not  allowed 
led  near  the  right 
t  cue  :uan  killed, 
e  British  loss  was 

iig  forward  heavy 
[o  (larry  .Jackson's 
ation,  next  below 
!th  had  given  IV 
at  the  task  before 
)n  of  his  army  de- 

t  Rodriguez's  Ca- 

1  a  prisoner.     He 

harge  of  General 

md  also  a  six  and 

nts  was  extended 

a  line  of  similar 

and  Commander 

im  the  same  side, 

;h  he  armed  with 

pressed  into  the 

's,  and  soon  com- 

c  to  the  line  be- 

pposite  New  Or- 

two  heavy  guns 

Captain  Henley, 

irapany  of  young 

constituted  his 

'hese  were  posted 

ng  all  his  troops, 

in  particular,  de- 


OUALMKTTK'h  rLAMTATlON.I 

lighted  in  going  on  "hunts,"  .is  they  called  them — that  is  to  say,  expeditions  alone, 
to  i»ick  oif  sentinels  and  annoy  the  enemy.  This  was  carried  to  such  an  extent  on 
Jackson's  extreme  left  that  the  British  dared  not  post  sentinels  very  .lear  the  swamp. 
They  contented  themselves  with  throwing  up  a  strong  redoubt  in  that  direction, 
which  Captain  You  and  Lieutenant  Crawley  continually  battered  with  hea\y  shot 
from  their  cannon.  The  enemy  persevered,  and  at  the  close  of  the  month  had  several 
iiivat  guns  mounted  on  the  redoubt. 

On  the  31st  the  guns  of  the  new  redoubt  opened  vigorously  on  Jackson's  left ;  and 
that  night  the  whole  Hritish  army  moved  rai)idly  forward,  took  position  within  a  few 
hundred  yards  of  the  American  lines,  and  in  the  gloom  commenced  vigorous  work 
with  pickaxe  and  spade.  They  had  brought  up  heavy  sioge-guns  from  the  lake,  and 
all  night  long  that  army  labored  in  the  construction  of  redoubts  for  them,  under  the 
superintendence  of  Colonel  Sir  John  Burgoyne,  with  the  intention  "  nuikipg  an  im- 
mediate eftbrt  to  break  the  American  line.  Before  dawn  they  had  completed  three  sol- 
id demi-lunettes,  or  half-moon  battel  ies,  right,  centre,  and  left,  six  hundred  yards  from 
the  American  lines,  at  nearly  equal  distances  apart.  They  were  constructed  of  earth, 
hogsheads  of  sugar,  and  every  thing  that  might  produce  resistance;  and  u]joii  them 
were  placed  thirty  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance,  manned  by  picked  gunners  of  the  fleet, 
who  had  served  under  Nelson,  Collingwood,  and  St.  Vincent. 

These  works  were  hidden  by  "  ?avy  fog  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  January,  which 
hung  thickly  over  the  belligerei,  armies  until  after  eight  o'clock.  When  it  was  lifted 
by  a  gentle  breeze  the  British  opened  a  brisk  fire,  not  doubting  that  in  a  few  minutos 
the  contemptible  intrenchments  of  the  Americans  Avould  be  scattered  to  the  winds, 
and  that  the  army,  placed  in  battle  order  for  the  purpose,  would  find  it  an  easy  mat- 
ter to  rush  forward  and  take  them.  Every  moment  their  cannonade  and  bombard- 
ment became  heavier,  and  the  rocketeers  sent  an  incessant  shower  of  their  fiery  mis- 
siles into  the  American  lines.  Jackson's  head-quarters  at  Macarte's  was  a  special  tar- 
get. In  the  course  of  ten  minutes  more  than  a  hundred  balls,  shells,  and  rockets 
struck  the  building,  and  compelled  the  commander-in-chief  and  liis  staff  to  evacuate 
it.  The  marks  of  that  furious  assault  may  be  seen  in  all  parts  of  the  house  to 
this  day." 

>  This  l8  from  a  sketch  made  by  the  author  in  April,  1S60,  from  tho  foot  of  the  shaft  of  the  unfinished  monnment, 
aear  Jackson's  head-quarters  and  line  of  totrenchments.  This  shows  the  principal  field  on  which  the  batt'.es  in  De- 
cember and  January,  1S16,  were  foaght.  The  plain  Is  a  dead  level.  In  the  distance  !a  seen  the  Hue  of  the  swamp 
which  flanked  both  armies. 


M  ti 


'1867. 


Jackson,  in  the  mean  time,  had  opened  Ins  heavy  guns  on  the  assailants.  The  can- 
nonade was  led  oft' by  the  gallant  and  imperturbable  Humphrey  on  the  left,  followed 
by  tho  fierce  You  and  his  Baratarians — Crawley,  Norris,  Spotts,  and  the  veteran  Gar- 
rigue.  The  American  artillery  thundered  along  their  whole  line,  to  the  amazement 
of  the  British,  who  wondered  how  they  got  their  guns  and  gunners.  Pakenhara  soon 
saw  that  lie  had  underrated  the  strength  and  skill  of  his  adversary;  and  Cochrane, 
whose  gallant  tars  were  at  the  guns,  did  every  thing  in  his  power  to  encourage  them. 
The  conflict  became  terrible.    Batteries  on  the  Levee  fought  t\  '^h  Patterson  on  the 


OF  THE  WAR   OF    1812. 


1041 


ns  to  the  Britieh  Attnik. 


ry ;  and  Cochrane. 


Tbe  British  again  vanquished  and  repulsed. 


New  Arrangements  for  Attack. 


The  British  re-enforced. 


opposite  side ;  and  iu  them  were  kept  in  readines.t  red-hot  shot  for  the  destruction  of 
the  Louisiana,  if  she  should  come  within  i-ange  of  the  guns.  Pakenham  also  sent  a 
detachment  of  infantiy  to  attempt  the  turning  of  the  American  left,  in  the  swamp ; 
hut  they  were  driven  back  in  terror  by  Coffee's  Tennesseeans ;  so  only  the  battle  of 
the  batteries  went  on. 

Toward  noon  the  fire  of  the  British  visibly  slackened,  while  that  of  the  Americans 
was  unceasing.  The  demi-lunes  of  the  foe  were  crushed  and  broken.  The  sugar 
hogsheads  had  been  converted  into  splinters,  and  their  contents,  mingling  with  the 
moist  earth,  soon  lost  their  volume.  The  guns  not  dismounted  ■«  ere  careened,  and 
were  worked  with  great  difficulty ;  and  by  the  time  their  voices  ceased  altogether 
the  batteries  on  the  Levee  were  nearly  demolished.  The  invaders  abandoned  their 
works  at  meridian,  and  fled  in  inglorious  haste,  helter-skelter,  to  the  ditches,  in  search 
of  safety ;  and,  under  cover  of  the  ensuing  night,  they  crawled  sullenly  back  to  their 
camp,  dragging  with  them  over  the  spongy  ground  a  part  of  their  heavy  cannon,  and 
leaving  five  of  them  a  spoil  for  the  Americans.  Their  disappointment  and  chagrin 
were  intense,  and  it  was  equally  shared  by  officers  and  men.  Their  New- Year's  Day 
was  a  far  gloomier  one  than  that  of  Christmas.  They  had  been  without  food  or  sleep 
for  nearly  sixty  hours.  They  al)  cast  themselves  down  on  the  damp  ground,  too 
wearied  for  thought,  and  their  tnmbles  were  soon  ended  for  the  time  by  deep  slum- 
ber. Pakenham  was  in  his  old  quarters  at  Villerd's,  which  he  had  left  in  the  morn- 
ing with  ihe  confident  expectation  of  sleeping  in  New  Orleans  that  night  as  a  con- 
queror.' In  the  American  camp  there  was  great  joy  that  night.  It  was  intensified 
in  the  morning  by  the  arrival  of  Brigadier  General  John  Adair  with  intelligence  of 
the  near  approach  of  more  than  two  thousaad  drafted  militia  from  Kentucky,  under 
Major  General  John  Thomas.  They  arrive!  in  the  city  on  the  4th  of  January,  and 
seven  hundred  of  them  were  sent  to  the  front  under  Adair. 

Pakenham  was  disheartened,  but  he  by  no  means  despaired  of  success.  He  conceived 
the  bold  and  hazardous  plan  of  carrying  Jackson's  lines  on  both  sides  of  the  river  by 
storm.  Those  on  the  right  bank  had  been  strengthened,  but  were  feebly  manned, 
and  were  under  the  chief  command  of  General  Morgan.  Pakenham  resolved  to  send 
over  fifteen  hundred  infantry,  with  some  artillery,  and,  under  tho  cover  of  night,  at- 
tack Morgan,  carry  the  works,  occupy  them,  and,  from  batteries  there,  enfilade  Jack- 
son's line,  while  the  main  army  should  be  engaged  in  stonning  it.  The  transportation 
of  these  men  to  the  other  side  of  the  river  was  confided  to  Admiral  Cochrane,  who, 
in  opposition  to  the  opinions  and  wishes  of  the  army  officers,  set  the  wearied  soldiers 
and  sailors  to  work  widening,  and  deepening,  and  prolonging  to  the  Mississippi,  Vi)- 
lero's  Canal,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  over  boats  from  the  Bayou  Bienvenu,  instead 
of  dragging  them  on  rollers  as  they  had  heavier  cannon.  The  labor  was  completed 
on  the  7th,  when  the  army  was  in  fine  spirits  because  of  the  arrival,  the  day  before, 
of  a  considerable  body  of  re-enforcements  under  Major  General  John  Lambert,  a 
young  officer  of  Wellington's  army,  who  liad  sailed  from  England  toward  the  close 
of  October.  Pakenham's  own  regiment  (Seventh  Fusileers)  was  among  them ;  and 
the  army  that  confronted  Jackson  jow  consisted  of  ten  thousand  of  the  finest  sol- 
diers in  the  world.  These  were  divided  into  three  brigades,  and  placed  under  the 
respective  commands  of  Generals  Lambert,  Gibbs,  and  Keane. 

Pakenham's  plan  of  operations  fc*  the  new  attack  was  simple.  Colonel  Thornton 
was  to  cross  the  Mississippi  on  the  night  of  the  7th  with  the  Eighty-fifth  and  one 

>  The  forlorn  condition  of  these  troops,  as  a  body,  was  such  that  Jackson  was  at  a  loss  \o  determine  whether  their 
presence  shoald  be  considered  fortnnato  or  uufoi  tnnate  for  the  canse.  They  had  come  with  the  erroneous  belief  that  an 
smple  supply  of  arms  and  clothing  would  be  fumlB..  d  fhem  lX  New  Orleans,  and  alarge  number  of  thorn  were  sadly  defi- 
cient In  these.  Of  the  seven  hundred  sent  to  the  fk-onl  only  five  hundred  had  weapons  of  any  kind.  The  commisera- 
tion of  the  citizens  was  excited,  and  by  ai.'  appmprlation  by  the  Leglslatare  and  the  liberal  gifts  of  the  citizens  the  mm 
of  sixteen  thousand  dollars  was  speedily  raised,  with  which  goods  were  purchased  and  placed  in  the  willing  hands  of 
the  women  of  New  Orleans.  Within  a  week  these  were  converted  by  them  Into  blankets,  garments,  and  bedding.  The 
mea  ''onstitated  exceUont  raw  material  for  soldiers,  and  they  were  very  soon  prepared  for  efficient  service. 

8U 


If  iff 


'J'! 


mk 


'! 


1042 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


The  British  Plan  of  Attack. 


The  Americr  i  Line  of  Intrenchmente. 


Olepositton  of  Forces  on  it. 


West  India  regiment,  marines  and  sailors,  and  a  corps  of  rocketeers,  and  fall  upon  the 
Americans  before  the  dawn.  The  sound  of  his  guns  was  to  be  the  signal  for  General 
Gibbs,  with  the  Forty-fourth,  Twenty-first,  and  Fourth  regiments,  to  storm  the  Amer- 
ican left ;  while  General  Keane,  with  the  Ninety-third,  Ninety-fifth,  and  two  light 
companies  of  the  Seventh  and  Forty-third,  with  some  West  India  troops,  should 
threaten  the  American  right  suffic'ent  to  draw  their  fire,  and  then  rush  upon  them 
with  the  bayonet.  Meanwhile  the  two  British  batteries  nem  the  Levee,  which  tho 
Americans  destroyed  on  the  1st,  were  to  be  rebuilt,  well  mounted,  and  employed  in 
assailing  the  American  ri^fht  during  Keane's  operations.  Keane's  advance  corps 
were  furnished  with  fascines  to  fill  the  ditches,  and  scaling  ladders  to  mount  the  em- 
bankments. Such  was  the  substance  of  Pakenham's  General  Order  issued  on  the  Vth 
of  January,  1815. 
Jackson  penetrated  Pakenham's  design  on  the  6th,  and  prepared  to  meet  and  frus- 
trate it.  H»  s  line  of  de- 
fense, extending,  as  we 
have  observed,  from 
the  Mississippi  to  an 
impassable  cypress 
swamp,  a  mile  and  a 
half  in  length,  along 
the  line  of  tlie  half- 
choked  Rodriguez's 
Canal,  was  very  irreg- 
ular. In  some  places 
it  was  thin,  in  others 
thick;  in  some  places 
the  banks  were  high,  in 
others  very  low.  They 
had  been  cast  up,  not  by 
the  soldiery  alone,  nor 
by  the  slaves,  b>;t  by 
the  hands  of  civilians 

KKMAIN8  OF  RODBIOUKZ'S  OANAI.'  from     thc     Clty,    iuclud- 

ing  merchants  and  their  clerks,  lawyers  and  physicians  and  their  students,  and  many 
young  men  who  never  before  had  turned  a  spadeful  of  earth.  Along  this  line  artil- 
lery was  judiciousljr  placed.  On  the  edge  of  the  river  a  redoubt  was  thrown  up  and 
mounted  with  cannon,  so  as  to  enfilade  the  ditch  in  front  of  the  American  lines.  Be- 
sides this  there  were  eigi't  batteries,  placed  at  pi-oper  distances  from  each  other,  com- 
posed of  thirteen  guns  carrying  from  six  to  thirty-two  pound  balls,  a  howitzer,  and 
a  carronade.  Across  the  river  was  Patterson's  marine  battery  for  auxiliary  service 
in  the  defense  of  this  line,  mounting  nine  guns ;  and  the  Louisiana  was  prepared  to 
perform  a  part,  if  possible,  in  the  drama  about  to  open. 

Jackson's  infantry  wee  disposed  as  follows:  Lieutenant  Ross,  with  a  company  of 
Pierre's  Seventh  Regiment,  guarded  the  redoubt  on  the  extreme  right,  in  M'hich  tents 
were  pitched.  Between  Humphrey's  battery  and  the  river,  on  the  right,  Beale's 
New  Orleans  riflemen  were  stationed.  P^-om  their  left  the  Seventh  Regiment  ex- 
tended so  as  to  cover  another  battery,  and  connected  with  a  part  of  Plauche's*  bat- 
talion and  the  colored  corps  under  Colonel  Lacoste,  which  filled  the  interval  between 

«  This  is  a  view  of  the  cholced  canal  at  the  wood  that  sltirtB  the  levee,  sketched  by  the  author  in  April,  18(11.  There 
i«  a  lane,  near  the  end  of  which  stands  the  unfinished  monument  to  be  erected  in  commemoration  of  the  battles  here 
fought  and  the  victory  won  by  tho  Americans.  The  iiartly-Hnlshed  i>hBft  is  seen  on  the  left.  It  is  made  entirely  cf 
marble  from  Westchester  County,  New  York,  and  is  to  be  one  hundred  and  flfty  feet  in  height.  It  Is  erected  by  the 
State  of  Louisiana. 

»  Jean  B.  Plauch6  was  a  native  of  New  Orleans,  and  wafc  bom  there  when  it  was  a  Spanisii  colony.  He  was  a  French 
Creole,  and  tbrongb  life  bore  the  character  of  one  of  tho  most  esteemed  citizens  of  New  Orleans.    After  the  war  be  rt- 


OF   THE    WAR   OF   1812. 


1043 


lupoeition  of  Forces  on  It. 

I,  and  fall  upon  the 
signal  for  General 
o  storm  the  Amcr- 
fth,  and  two  light 
iia  troops,  should 
n  rush  upon  them 
3  Levee,  which  tlio 
i,  and  employed  in 
o's  advance  corps 
3  to  mount  the  em- 
ir issued  on  the  7th 

i  to  meet  and  frus- 
eit.    Hi=i  line  of  de- 
le, extending,  as  we 
e    observed,   from 
Mississippi  to   an 
passable    cypress 
imp,  a  mile  and  a 
f  in   length,  along 
line    of  the  half- 
oked    Rodriguez's 
iial,  was  very  irreg- 
,r.     In  some  places 
was  thin,  in  others 
ck;  in  some  places 
!  banks  were  high,  in 
lers  very  low.   They 
been  cast  up,not by 
soldiery  alone,  nor 
the  slaves,  b';t  by 
hands  of  civilians 
the  city,  includ- 
students,  and  many 
long  this  line  artil- 
was  thrown  up  and 
merican  lines.     Be- 
)m  each  other,  coni- 
,ll8,  a  howitzer,  and 
[or  auxiliary  service 
hia  was  prepared  to 

I  with  a  company  of 
^ght,  in  M'hich  tents 
the  right,  Beale's 
lenth  Regiment  ex- 
It  ofPlauche's^'bat- 
le  interval  between 

tthor  in  April,  1881.  There 
knratiot)  of  the  battles  liore 
tft.  It  Is  made  entirely  cf 
]elght.    It  Is  orestefl  by  the 

\  colony.    Ho  was  a  French 
eauR.    After  the  war  he  re- 


Character  of  the  American  Troops. 


Interior  Lines  of  Defense. 


The  Tombs  of  Plauchi  and  You. 


Batteries  Nos.  3  and  4  (see  map  on  page  1040),  the  guns  of  the  latter  being  covered  by 
D'Aquin's  free  men  of  color.  Next  to  D'Aquin  was  the  Forty-fourth  Regiment,  which 
extended  to  the  rear  of  Battery  No.  5.  The  remainder  of  the  line  (full  two  thirds  of 
its  entire  length)  was  covered  by  the  commands  of  Carroll'  and  Coffee.^  The  former 
had  been  re-enforced  that  day  (7th)  by  a  thou'jand  Kentuckians  under  General  Adair, 
and  with  him,  on  the  right  of  Battery  No.  7,  were  fifty  marines  under  Lieutenant 
Bellevue.  Coffee,  with  five  hundred  men,  held  the  extreme  left  of  the  line,  on  the 
edge  of  the  swamp,  where  his  men  were  compelled  to  stand  in  the  water,  and  to  sleep 
on  floating  logs  which  they  lashed  to  the  trees.  Captain  Ogden,  with  cavalry  (Jack- 
son's body-guard,,  was  at  head-quarters,  yet  at  Macarte's  chateau ;  and  on  De  Lerey's 
plantation,  ui  the  rear  of  it,  Hinds  was  stationed  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  mounted 
men.  Near  Pierna's  Canal  a  regiment  of  Louisiana  militia,  under  Colonel  Young, 
were  encamped  as  reserves. 

Jackson's  whole  force  on  the  New  Orleans  side  of  the  river  on  the  7th  was  about 
five  thousand  in  number,  and  of  these  only  two  thousand  two  hundred  were  at  his 
line.  Only  eight  hundred  of  the  latter  were  regulars,  and  mosiu  of  them  were  new 
recruits  commanded  by  young  oflicers.  His  army  was  formed  in  two  divisions,  the 
right  commanded  by  Colonel  Ross,  acting  as  brigadier,  and  the  left  by  Gcerals  Car- 
roll and  Coffee,  the  former  as  major  general  and  the  latter  as  brigadier  general.  A 
mile  and  a  half  in  the  rear  of  his  main  line  another  intrenchment  had  been  thrown 
up,  behind  which  the  weaker  members  of  his  army  were  stationed  with  pickaxes  and 
spades.  Tliis  line  was  prepared  for  a  rallying-point  in  the  event  of  disaster  following 
the  impending  conflict.  Jackson  also  established  a  third  line  at  the  lower  edge  of 
the  city.  General  Morgan,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  prepared  *o  defend  his 
lines  with  only  eight  hundred  men,  all  militia,  and  indifferently  armed.  On  his  left 
were  two  6-pounders,  in  charge  of  Adjutant  Nixon,  of  the  Louisiana  militia,  and  a  12- 
pounder  under  Lieutenant  Philibert,  of  the  navy.    Patterson's  battery,  in  Morgan's 

romed  his  vocation  ae  merchant.  He  generally  declined  public 
offlcee,  yet  he  was  induced  to  take  that  of  Lieutenant  Governor 
of  Louisinna.  He  died  in  Janaary,  I860:  "nd  in  an  elegant  tem- 
ple -  shaped  tomb  in  8t.  Louis  Cemetery  in  New  Orleans  his 
remains  rest  The  annexed  picture  of  the  tomb  is  from  a  sicetch 
made  by  the  author  in  April,  IbOl.  It  is  built  of  white  marble, 
with  black  inscription  tablets  in  fl"ont.  On  one  of  these  is  the 
following :  "  G^nt'ral  J.  B.  PLAConi;,  n6  h  la  Nouvelle  Orleans  le 
28  Janvier,  1785,  di  cedo  le  2  Janvier,  1800.  En  1814-'16  mi\)or  com- 
mandant le  batnillon  d'OrWans.  En  1860  lieutenant  gouvcmeur 
("iB  l'(5tflt  de  Louisinnc.  Homme  vertneux,  bon  pire  ct  bon  ci- 
toyen,  il  a  bien  miTitd  de  sa  patrie  et  legue  it  aa  famille  an  nom 

honorable." 
'  •  In  the  same  ceme- 

tery, and  not  farfrom 
the  tomb  of  the  Plau- 
chd  family,  was  that 
of  Dominique  You, 
mentioned  in  these 
pages  as  a  noble  de- 
fender of  New  Or- 
leans. On  bin  tomb, 
made  of  brick  and 
stuccoed,  the  writer 
found  the  following 
inscription    written  j,, 

,       J    J  _      1  1  PLAUOUt  S  TOMll. 

on  a  clouded  marble 

slab :  "  DoMiMQUB  Yon.  Intr^plde  guerrler  snr  la  terre  et  snr  I'onde,  il  sut 
dans  cent  combats  signaler  sa  valeur  j  et  ce  nouvcan  Bayard,  sans  reprocbe 
et  sans  peur,  aurait  pn,  sans  trembler,  voir  s'l^cronler  le  monde." 
>  Wil'iam  Carroll  was  bom  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  in  1778.  In  181B  ho 
became  ii.spectnr  get  ;ral  of  the  Tennessee  Militia  and  Volunteers  niider  Jackson.  He  v-as  commissioned  a  colonel, 
nnd  served  with  distinction  m  the  war  with  the  Creek  Indians.  He  left  the  service  at  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was 
Qovernor  of  Tennessee  A'ora  1821  to  1827,  and  from  1330  to  ISSfi.    He  iMed  on  the  22d  of  March,  1844, 

>  John  Coffee  was  a  native  of  Nottaway  County,  Virginia,  and  entered  'he  military  service  under  Jackson  in  1812.  He 
was  active  with  him  in  the  Creek  War,  and  in  the  attack  on  Pensacola  in  ;he  autumn  of  1814.  Ho  was  distinguished  in 
the  battles  near  New  Orleans.  In  March,  1817,  he  was  appointed  surveyor  of  public  lauds.  Hi  died  near  Flurencc,  In 
Alabama,  on  the  7tb  of  July,  1844 


l)OMINig"B   TOC'S  TOMB. 


ii.;  rinl 

I '       \     I         i. 


s 


1044 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


m 


>^m\ 


f  !■ 


i.    I 


HI' 

t     't  r, 


Position  of  the  Anny  on  the  Tth  of  January. 


A  Moseage  ft-om  Patterson. 


Jackson  calls  his  Staff  to  Action. 


rear,  could  render  him  no  service,  for  its  guns  were  turned  so  as  to  command  the 
plain  of  Chalmette,  in  front  of  Jackson's  line. 

Such  was  the  strength  and  position  of  the  two  armies  on  the  night  of  the  memora- 
ble 7th  of  January,  1815,  preparatory  to  the  great  conflict  on  the  following  day. 


It  was  not  until  the  afternoon  of  the  lih  that  Jackson  could  determine  with  any 
cfirtainty  whether  the  enemy  would  first  attack  his  own  or  Morgan's  line.  Then, 
from  the  gallery  of  head-quarters,  with  his  telescope,  he  could  see  such  preparations 
by  the  foe  as  convinced  him  that  his  own  line  would  first  feel  the  shock  of  battle ; 
and  when  the  darkness  of  uight  fell  he  could  distinctly  hear  the  sounds  of  labor  in 
reconstructing  the  British  batteries  which  the  Americans  had  destroyed.  His  pick- 
ets and  sentinels  were  strengthened,  and  sleepless  vigilance  marked  a  large  portion 
of  the  troops  behind  his  intrenchments  that  night.  The  Chief  lay  down  to  rest  on  a 
sofa,  after  a  day  of  great  fatigue,  surrounded  by  his  aids,  and  was  slumbering  sweet- 
ly when,  at  a  little  past  midnight,  he  was  awakened  by  an  aid  of  Commander  Pat- 
terson (Mr.  R.  D.  Shepherd),  who  had  been  sent  to  inform  the  general  that  there 
seemed  tc  be  positive  indications  in  the  British  camp  that  Morgan  was  to  be  first  at- 
tacked, and  that  he  needod  more  troops  to  maintain  his  position.  "  Hurry  back,"  said 
Jackson, "  and  tell  General  Morgan  that  he  is  mistaken.  The  main  attack  will  be  on 
this  side.  He  must  maintain  his  position  at  all  hazards."  Then,  looking  at  his  watch, 
he  spoke  aloud  to  his  aids, "  Gentlemen,  we  have  slept  long  enough.  Arise !  for  the 
enemy  will  be  upon  us  in  a  few  minutes.    I  must  go  and  see  Gcreral  Coffee."    One 


''    .-r 


OF  THE  WAR    OP   1812. 


1045 


1  calls  big  Staff  to  Action. 

}  to  command  the 

;l)t  of  the  memora- 
following  day. 


'^•*Hi 


h 


letermine  with  any 
rgan's  line.    Then, 
3  such  preparations 
he  shock  of  hattle ; 
sounds  of  labor  in 
stroyed.    His  pick- 
led a  large  portion 
y  down  to  rest  on  a 
slumbering  sweet- 
)f  Commander  Pat- 
general  that  there 
1  was  to  be  first  at- 
"  Hurry  back,"  said 
in  attack  will  be  on 
loking  at  his  watch, 
•h.     Arise!  for  the 
^eral  Coffee."    One 


Thornton  crosues  the  River  to  attack  Morgan. 


Advance  of  the  British  Line. 


Opening  of  Battle. 


of  his  first  orders  was  for  General  Adair'  to  send  over  five  hundred  Kentuckians  to 
re-enforce  Morgan. 

Let  us  observe  the  movements  in  the  British  camp  on  that  memorable  night. 

According  to  the  plan  already  me  itioned,  Colonel  Thornton  proceeded  to  cross  the 
Mississippi  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  Morgan.  He  marched  to  the  levee,  at  the 
end  of  the  newly-cut  canal  in  extension  of  Villcr6's,  and  there  waited  with  the  great- 
est impatience  the  arrival  of  the  boats  that  were  to  carry  him  and  his  troops  ov^r. 
The  banks  of  the  ditch  had  caved  in  in  some  places,  and  the  falling  of  the  water  in 
the  river  had  made  that  of  the  canal  so  shallow  that  the  sailors  were  compelled  to 
drag  the  boats  through  thick  mud  in  many  places.  It  was  three  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing before  even  a  sufficient  number  of  vessels  to  convey  one  half  of  the  detachment 
had  arrived.  Farther  delay  would  be  fatal  to  the  enterprise ;  so,  with  Pakenham's 
sanction,  Thornton  dismissed  half  of  his  force,  embarked  the  remainder,  and  crossed 
the  river  in  a  flotilla  commanded  by  Captain  Roberts,  of  the  Royal  Navy.  Ignorant 
of  the  fact  that  the  Mississippi  was  flowing  with  a  quiet,  powerful  current,  at  the  rate 
of  five  miles  an  hour,  and  making  no  provisions  for  this  obstacle  to  a  quick  and  direct 
passage,  they  were  landed,  aftnr  great  fatigue,  at  least  a  mile  and  a  half  below  their 
intended  point  of  debarkation.  Before  they  had  all  left  the  boats  the  day  dawned, 
and  the  roar  of  cannon  was  heard  on  the  plain  of  Chalmette. 

Pakenham  and  his  officers  had  passed  an  almost  sleepless  night,  and  at  the  time 
when  Jackson  aroused  his  slumbering  staff  the  divisions  of  Gibbs  and  Keane  were 
called  up,  formed  into  line,  and  advanced  to  within  four  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of 
the  American  intrenchments.  Lambert's  division  was  left  behind  as  a  reserve.  There 
stood  the  British  soldiers  in  the  darkness  and  the  cliiiiy  morning  air,  enveloped  in  a 
thick  fog,  and  anxiously  listening  for  the  booming  of  Thornton's  guns  in  his  attack 
on  Morgan.  He  was  yet  battling  with  the  ctsirent  of  the  Mi8si^  i>pl  Tediously  the 
minutes  and  the  hours  passed,  and  yet  that  signal-gun  remained  silent. 

Day  dawned  and  tlie  mist  began  to  disperse,  and  as  the  dull  red  line  of  the  British 
host  was  dimly  seen  in  the  early  morning  light  through  the  veil  of  moisture,  Lieuten- 
ant Spotts,  of  Battery  No.  7,  opened  one  of  his  heavy  guns  upon  it.  It  was  the  sifj- 
nal  for  battle.  As  the  fog  rolled  away  the  British  line  was  seen  stretching  two  thirds 
ucross  the  plain  of  Chalmette.  From  its  extreme  left  and  right  rockets  shot  high  in 
air,  and,  like  a  dissolving  view,  that  red  line  almost  disappeared  as  it  was  broken  into 
columns  by  companies. 

Gibbs  now  advanced  obliquely  toward  the  wooded  swamp,  with  the  Forty-fourth 
in  front,  followed  by  the  Twenty-first  and  Fourth,  terribly  pelted  by  the  storm  that 
came  from  Batteries  Nos.  6, 7,  and  8,  and  vainly  sought  shelter  behind  a  bulging  pro- 
jection of  the  swamp  into  the  plain.  These  batteries  poured  round  and  grape  shot 
incessantly  into  Gibbs's  line,  making  lanes  through  it,  and  producing  some  confusion. 
Tins  was  heightened  by  the  fact  that  the  Forty-fourth,  with  whom  had  been  intrust- 
ed fascines  and  scaling-ladders,  had  advanced  without  them.  To  wait  for  these  to  be 
brought  up  was  impossible  in  the  focus  of  that  cannonade.  So  Gibbs  ordered  them 
forward,  the  Twenty-first  and  Fourth  in  solid  and  compact  column,  covered  in  front 
by  blazing  rockets  and  cheered  by  their  own  loud  huzzas.  Whole  platoons  were 
prostrated,  when  their  places  were  instantly  filled  by  others,  and  the  column  pressed 
on,  without  pause  or  recoil,  toward  the  batteries  on  the  left,  and  the  long  and  weaker 
line  covered  by  the  Tennesseeans  and  Kentuckians. 

By  this  time  all  the  American  batteries,  including  Patterson's  on  the  right  bank 

>  John  Adair  was  bom  In  Sonth  Carolina  In  ITBT,  and  entered  the  military  service  nnder  General  St.  Clalr.  He  served 
nnder  Wilkinson  in  the  Northwest,  and  was  lieutenant  colonel  in  Scott's  division  in  1TD3.  He  was  for  two  years  United 
Stateu  Senator  ttom  Kentucky,  where  he  had  made  his  home.  He  was  volunteer  aid  to  Governor  Shelby  in  the  battle 
of  the  Thames,  and  in  1814  was  brigadier  generrl  of  Kentucky  militia.  He  left  the  service  at  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
was  Governor  of  Kentucky  (h)m  1820  to  18S4,  and  representative  In  Congress  fl-om  1S31  to  1838.  He  died  at  HarrodB- 
bnrg,  Kentucky,  on  the  19tb  of  Hay,  1S40. 


if  i 


!■  !ii 


\  l  ' 


'  .1 


i 


1046 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  of  New  Orleans. 


-I 


of  the  river,  were  in  full  play.  Yet  steadily  on  marched  Wellington's  veterans,  step- 
ping firmly  over  the  dead  bodies  of  their  slain  comrades  until  they  had  reached  a 
point  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  American  line,  behind  which,  concealed  from 
the  vie\v^  of  the  invaders,  lay  the  Tcnnesseeans  and  Kentuckians  four  ranks  deep. 
Suddenly  the  clear  voice  of  General  Carroll  rang  out.  Fire  I  His  Tennesseeans  arose 
from  cover,  and,  each  man  taking  sur»  aim,  delivered  a  most  destructive  volley  on 
the  foe,  their  bullets  cutting  down  scores  of  the  gallant  British  soldiery.  The  storm 
ceased  not  for  a  moment ;  for  when  the  Tennesseeans  had  fired  they  fjjll  back,  and  the 
Kentuckians  took  their  places,  and  so  the  four  ranks,  one  after  another,  participated 
in  the  conflict.  At  the  same  time  round,  grape,  aiid  chuin  shot  went  crashing  through 
the  ranks  of  the  British,  making  awful  gaps,  and  appalling  the  stoutest  hearts.  The 
line  began  to  waver,  and  would  have  broken  but  for  the  cool  courage  and  untiring 
energy  of  the  officers,  and  the  inspiriting  cry, "  Here  comes  the  Forty-fourth  with  the 
fascines  and  laddera !" 

A  detachment  of  the  Forty-fourth  had  indeed  come  with  scaling  implements,  and 
Pakenham  at  their  head,  who  encouraged  them  by  stirring  words  and  bold  deeds  for 
a  few  minutes,  when  his  bridle-arm  was  made  powerless  by  a  bullet,  and  his  horse  was 
shot  under  him.  He  at  once  mounted  the  black  Creole  pony  of  his  favorite  aid,  the 
now  (1867)  venerable  Sir  Duncan  M'Dougall,  of  London.'  Other  officers  fell,  until  there 
were  not  enough  to  command,  and  the  column  began  to  break  up  into  detachments, 
a  greater  part  of  them  falling  back  to  the  shelter  of  the  projecting  swamp.  There 
they  were  rallied,  and,  throwing  away  their  knapsacks,  they  rushed  forward  to  scale 
and  carry  the  works  in  front  of  Carroll  and  his  sharp-shooters.  At  the  same  time, 
Keane,  contrary  to  instructions,  but  with  zealous  concern  for  the  cause,  wheeled  his 
column  into  line  and  led  a  portion  of  it  to  the  assistance  of  the  right  wing.  Tht^ 
were  terribly  scourged  by  the  enfilading  fire  of  the  American  batteries  as  they  strode 
across  the  plain.  Among  them  was  the  Ninety-third  Regiment,  composed  of  nine 
hundred  sinewy  Highlanders,  who  had  won  victories  on  many  a  field  in  Continental 
Europe,  and  were  now  unmoved  by  the  storm  that  poured  in  such  fury  upon  them. 
Their  presence  and  example  encouraged  the  broker,  column  of  the  right,  which,  with 
these  Highlanders,  rushed  into  the  very  heart  of  the  tempest  from  Carroll's  rifles, 
having  Gibbs  on  their  right  and  Pakenham  on  their  left.  In  a  few  minutes  the  right 
arm  of  the  latter  was  disabled  by  a  bullet,  and  as  he  was  riding  to  the  rear  on  the 
led  pony,  shouting  huzzas  to  the  troops,  there  came  a  terrible  crashing  of  round  and 
grape  sliot  through  the  ranks,  that  scattered  dead  men  all  around  him.  One  of  the 
balls  passed  through  the  general's  thigh,  killed  his  horse,  and  brought  both  to  the 
ground.  Pakenham  was  caught  in  the  arms  of  his  faithful  aid,  Captain  M'Dougall, 
Avho  had  performed  a  similar  service  for  General  Ross  when  he  fell,  mortally  wound- 
ed, near  Baltimore  a  few  months  before.'^  The  commander  was  conveyed  to  the  rear 
in  a  dying  condition,  and  placed  under  a  venerable  live-oak  tree,  which  disappeared 
only  a  few  years  ago.     There  he  soon  expired  in  the  arms  of  M'Dougall. 

General  Gibbs  was  also  mortally  wounded,  and  died  the  next  day ;  and  Keane  was 
80  severely  shot  through  the  neck  that  he  was  compelled  to  leave  the  field.  Tlie 
command  was  then  assumed  by  Major  Wilkinson,  the  officer  of  highest  grade  left  in 
the  saddle.  Under  his  leadership  the  broken  battalions  endeavored  to  scale  the 
breastworks.  They  were  repulsed,  and  Wilkinson  fell  on  the  parapet  mortally 
wounded.  His  discomfited  men  fell  back,  and  all  of  the  assailants  withdrew  in  wild 
confusion.  Of  the  gallant  nine  hundred  Highlanders,  with  twenty-five  oflicers,  of  the 
Ifinety-third  Regiment  who  went  into  the  fight,  only  one  hundred  and  thirty  men 
and  nine  officers  could  be  mustered  at  its  close.  The  Twenty-first  Regiment  lost  five 
hundred  men,  and  every  company  came  out  of  the  terrible  conflict  a  mere  skeleton  in 
numbers. 


>  See  page  962. 


>  See  page  9B1. 


)n'8  veterans,  step- 
ley  had  reached  a 
ch,  concealed  from 
four  ranks  deep, 
rennessecans  arose 
tractive  volley  on 
diery.  The  storm 
Y  f«ill  back,  and  the 
other,  participated 
t  crashing  through 
utest  hearts.  The 
irage  and  untiring 
fty-fourth  with  the 

ig  implements,  and 

and  bold  deeds  for 

,,  and  his  horse  was 

lis  favorite  aid,  the 

cers  fell,  until  there 

into  detachments, 

ng  swamp.     There 

;d  forward  to  scale 

At  the  same  time, 

cause,  wheeled  his 

right  wing.     Thc^ 

iries  as  they  strode 

composed  of  nine 

ield  in  Continental 

h  fury  upon  them. 

right,  which,  with 

)m  Carroll's  rifles, 

minutes  the  right 

to  the  rear  on  the 

shing  of  round  and 

him.     One  of  the 

ought  both  to  the 

aptain  M'Dougall, 

,  mortally  wound- 

nveyed  to  the  rear 

which  disappeared 

)ugall. 

;  and  Keane  was 
ve  the  field.  Tlie 
ghest  grade  left  in 
ored  to  scale  the 
parapet  mortally 
withdrew  in  wild 
five  officers,  of  the 
id  and  thirty  men 
Regiment  lost  five 
a  mere  skeleton  in 

Bl. 


OF  THE  WAR    OF    1  8  i  2. 


1047 


Battie  of  New  Orleang. 


I  wl 


L( 


While  this  sanguinary  work  was  in  progress  on  the  British  right,  a  more  snccessftil 
movement,  for  a  time,  was  made  by  them  on  their  left.  Keane's  whole  division  moved 
when  he  led  the  Highlanders  to  the  right.    Nearly  a  thousand  men,  under  the  active 


h, 


1048 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


Battle  of  New  Orleana. 


i  r\ 


s 


Colonel  Rennie,  composed  of  the  Ninety-fifth  Rifles,  companies  of  the  Seventh,  Nine- 
ty-third, and  Forty-third  Infantry,  and  some  West  India  troops,  had  pushed  rapidly 
forward  near  tho  river  in  two  columns,  one  on  the  road,  and  the  other  nearer  the 
water,  under  shelter  of  the  leve?,  and,  driving  in  the  American  pickets,  succeeded  in 
taking  possession  of  the  unfinished  redoubt  on  Jackson's  extreme  right.  Tliey  drove 
out  the  Americans,  but  they  did  not  hold  it  long.  The  invaders  on  the  road  were 
terribly  smitten  by  Humphrey's  batteries  and  the  Seventh  Regiment,  and  were  kept 
in  check.  At  the  same  time  Rennie  led  the  column  along  the  water's  edge,  where 
they  were  greatly  annoyed  by  Patterson's  battery,  and,  with  several  other  oflicers, 
scaled  the  parapet  of  the  American  redoubt.  The  New  Orleans  Rifles,  under  Bcalc, 
now  poured  upon  these  officers  and  the  inmates  of  the  redoubt  such  a  terrible  fire  that 
nearly  every  man  was  killed  or  mortally  wounded.  Rennie  had  just  exclaimed 
"Hurrah,  boys,  the  day  is  ours !"  when  he  fell  to  rise  no  more. 

This  attacking  column  also  fell  back  in  great  disorder  under  cover  of  the  levee, 
and,  like  those  on  the  British  right,  sought  shelter  in  the  plantation  ditches  from  the 
terrible  storm  that  came  from  Jackson's  lines.  General  Lambert,  with  his  reserves, 
had  come  forward  on  hearing  of  the  disasters  to  Pakenhara,  Gibbs,  and  Keane ;  but 
he  was  in  time  only  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  battered  and  flying  columns,  and  not 

to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  The  fire  of  the  mus- 
ketry had  ceased  by  half  after  eight  in  the  morning,  but 
the  artillery  kept  up  their  fire  until  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  aftemoon.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that,  from  the  fliglit 
of  the  first  signal  rocket  of  the  British  to  the  close  of  the 
contest,  the  New  Orleans  Band  (stationed  near  the  centre 
of  the  line,  and  not  far  from  the  spot  where  the  monument 
now  stands,  and  where  the  American  standard  was  kept 
flying  during  the  struggle),  played  incessantly,  cheering 
the  troops  with  national  and  military  airs.  The  British, 
on  the  contrary,  had  no  other  musical  instrument  than  a 
bugle,  and  as  their  columns  advanced  no  drum  was  heard 
in  their  lines,  nor  even  the  stirring  tones  of  the  trumpet. 
From  their  first  landing  at  the  Fisherman's  Village,  the 
experience  of  that  army  had  been  almost  unbroken  drear- 
iness.' 

Let  us  now  turn  our  attention  to  the  movements  on  the 
right,  bank  of  the  Mississipp:. 

We  left  Colonel  Thornton  and  his  men  just  debarked, 
after  battling  with  the  current  of  the  Mississippi  for  some 
time.  Morgan  had  sent  forward  his  advance  of  less  than 
three  hundred  men  (one  third  of  whom  were  Arnaud's 
Louisiana  militia)  under  Major  Tessier,  and  the  remain- 
der, fatigued  and  poorly-armed  Kentuckians  under  Colonel  Davis,  chosen  from  those 
sent  over  on  the  7th  by  General  Adair,  were  directed  to  take  po8iti<)n  on  Mahew's 
Canal,  about  a  mile  in  advance  of  Morgan's  line,  near  which  it  was  supposed  the  Brit- 
ish would  land.  The  line  which  this  small  force  was  expected  to  hold  extended  from 
the  river  to  the  swamp,  a  distance  of  a  mile,  and  required  at  least  a  thousand  men 
and  severai  pieces  of  artillery  to  give  it  respectable  strength.  Davib's  troops  were 
placed  on  the  left,  resting  on  the  levee,  and  Tessier's  were  on  their  right,  extending 

>  Latonr  oays  tt  wbs  reported  tbat  there  were  diriBions  in  the  conncils  of  the  Brttteh  officers  concerning  the  point  of 
attack,  and  that  Admiral  Cochrane,  with  a  feeling  o>  contempt  for  the  American  militia,  ueclared  be  wonld  undertiike 
to  storm  Jackson's  lines  with  two  thoasand  sailors,  armed  only  with  swords  and  pistols.  This  confldeuce  in  the  iuviu- 
cibllity  of  the  British  on  this  occasion  contributed  largely  to  their  disaster. 

'  This  monument,  between  the  site  of  Jackson's  lines  and  bis  head-quarters  (Macart^'s),  was  nnflntshed  when  the 
writer  visited  the  spot  in  April,  1861.  Work  upon  it  bad  then  ceased.  The  stones  bad  been  laid  to  tlie  height  of  about 
seventy  feet    See  note  1,  page  1012. 


HONUUENT.' 


OF   THE   WAR   OP   1812. 


1040 


he  Seventh,  Nine- 
id  pushed  rapidly 
other  nearer  the 
kets,  succeeded  in 
ight.    Tliey  drove 
on  the  road  were 
jnt,  and  were  kept 
ater's  edge,  where 
eral  ctlier  officers, 
titles,  under  Beulc, 
I  a  terrible  fire  that 
ad  just  exclaimed 

cover  of  the  levee, 
m  ditches  from  the 
,,  with  his  reserves, 
as,  and  Keane ;  but 
ig  columns,  and  not 
rhe  fire  of  the  mus- 
in  the  morning,  but 
bout  two  oVlock  in 
;hat,  from  the  flight 
1  to  the  close  of  the 
)ned  near  the  centre 
rhere  the  monumt  ..t 

standard  was  kept 
icessantly,  cheering 
r  airs.  The  British, 
il  instrument  than  a 

no  drum  was  heard 
ines  of  the  trumpet, 
erman's  Village,  the 
lost  unbroken  drear- 

e  movements  on  the 

men  just  debarked, 
Mississippi  for  some 
advance  of  less  than 
hom  were  ArnancVs 
lier,  and  the  remain- 
is,  chosen  from  those 
)08iti<>n  on  Mahew's 
IS  supposed  the  Brit- 
hold  extended  from 
jast  a  thousand  men 
Davib's  troops  were 
leir  right,  extending 

cere  concerning  the  point  of 
lieclared  he  would  undertake 
This  confidence  In  the  Invln- 

'»),  was  unflnlehed  when  the 
Btt  laid  to  the  height  of  about 


Battle  of  New  Orleant. 


lu  ReiulU. 


to  the  Bwamp.  Both  watched  vigilantly  for  signs  of  the  coming  of  the  invaders. 
Their  vigilance  was  vain,  for  Thornton  landed  a  mile  below  them  under  cover  of 
three  gun-boats  under  the  command  of  Captain  Roberts. 

Pushing  rapidly  up  the  road,  Thornton  encountered  Morgan's  advance,  when  he 
divided  his  superior  force,  sending  a  part  to  attack  Tessier,  while  with  the  remainder, 
and  aided  by  Roberts's  carronades,  he  assailed  Davis.  Both  commands  were  soon 
put  to  flight,  and  fell  back  in  confusion  on  Morgan's  line.  Tessier's  men  could  not 
gain  the  road,  and  many  of  them  took  refuge  in  the  swamps,  where  they  suflored 
much  for  several  hours. 

When  Thornton  gained  the  open  fields  in  front  of  Morgan's  line  he  extended  his 
force,  and  with  the  sailors  in  column  on  the  road,  and  the  marines  placed  as  a  reserve, 
he  advanced  upon  the  American  works  under  cover  of  a  flight  of  rockets,  and  with 
the  aid  of  Captain  Roberts's  carronades.  As  the  sailors  rushed  forward  they  were 
met  by  volleys  of  grape-shot  ^'om  Philibert  which  made  them  recoil.  Seeing  this, 
Thorn  jn  dp  ?d  forward  with  the  Eighty-fifth,  and,  handling  the  men  with  great 
skill  and  celerity,  soon  put  the  Kentuckians  to  flight,  who  ran  in  wild  confusion,  and 
could  not  be  rallied.  Following  up  this  advantage,  Thornton  soon  drove  the  Louisi- 
anians  from  the  intrenchraents,  and  gained  possession  of  Morgan's  line  after  that  gen- 
eral had  spiked  his  cannon  and  cast  them  into  the  river.  He  next  made  for  Patter- 
son's battery,  three  hundred  yards  in  the  rear.  Its  guns,  which  had  been  playing  ef- 
fectually on  the  British  in  front  of  Jackson's  lines,  were  now  trailed  on  the  nearer  foo 
en  the  river  road.  But  Patterson,  threatened  by  a  flank  movement,  was  compelled 
to  give  way ;  so  he  spiked  his  guns,  and  fled  on  board  the  Louisiana,  while  his  sail- 
ors assisted  in  getting  her  into  the  stream,  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enemy. 

A  largo  number  of  the  troops  were  rallied  and  formed  on  the  bank  of  the  Boisger- 
vais  Canal,  and  prepared  to  make  a  stand  there.  But  the  British  did  not  advance 
beyond  Patterson's  battery.  There  Thornton  was  informed  of  the  terrible  disasters 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  soon  afterward  received  orders  from  General 
Lambert  to  rejoin  the  main  army.  Jackson,  in  the  mean  time  having  heard  of  Mor- 
gan's disaster,  sent  over  General  Humbert  (a  gallant  Frenchman  who  was  acting  as 
a  volunteer)  with  four  hundred  men  to  re-enforce  him.  Their  services  were  not 
needed.  Thornton  had  withdrawn,  and  at  twilight  re-embarked  his  troops.  That 
night  the  Americans  repossessed  their  works,  and  before  morning  Patterson  had  re- 
stored his  battery  in  a  better  position,  and  announced  the  fact  to  Jackson  at  dawn 
by  discharges  of  heavy  cannon  at  the  British  outposts  at  Bien Venn's.' 

After  the  conflict  had  ceased,  Jackson,  accompanied  by  his  staff",  passed  slowly 
alo  ig  his  whole  line,  addressing  words  of  congratulation  and  praise  to  the  oflicers 
and  men  every  where.  Then  the  band  struck  up  "  Hail,  Columbia,"  and  cheer  after 
cheer  for  the  hero  went  up  from  every  part  of  the  line.  These  were  echoed  from  the 
lips  of  excited  citizens  who  had  been  watching  the  battle  at  a  distance  with  the 
greatest  anxiety.  Then  the  soldiers,  after  partaking  of  some  refreshments,  tunied  to 
the  performance  of  the  sad  duty  of  caring  for  the  wounded  and  the  bodies  of  the 
dead,  which  thickly  strewed  the  plain  of  Chalmette  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  back  from 
the  front  of  Jackson's  lines.  These  were  the  maimed  and  slain  of  the  British  army. 
No  less  than  twenty-six  hundred  were  lost  to  the  enemy  in  that  terrible  battle,  of 
whom  seven  hundred  were  killed,  fourteen  hundred  were  woundeo.  and  five  hundred 
were  made  prisoners.  The  Americans  lost  only  eight  killed  and  thirteen  wounded ! 
The  history  of  human  warfare  presents  no  parallel  to  this  disparity  in  loss.  The 
Americans  were  thoroughly  protected  by  their  breastworks,  while  the  British  fought 
in  front  of  them  on  an  open  level  plain. 

1  The  loss  of  the  British  on  this  occasion,  In  killed  and  wonnded,  was  a  little  more  than  one  hundred.  The  Ameri- 
can" lost  one  man  killed  and  five  wounded.  On  that  side  of  the  Mississippi  the  British  acquired  their  sole  trophy  dar- 
ing their  efforts  to  capture  New  Orleans.  It  was  a  small  flag,  and  now  [IStT]  hangs  conspicuously  among  other  war 
trophies  In  Whitehall,  London,  with  the  Inscription,  "  Taken  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  January  8, 181B." 


\  i 


1060 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


I 


t 


!. 


\\ 


Tho  Burial  of  the  Dead. 


UlnpusltloD  uf  tliu  UiHllea  uf  the  •lulu  iirltlab  Offlcen. 


After  the  battle  General  Lambert  sent  a  flag  of  truce  aHking  for  an  armistice  in 
order  to  bury  his  deiul.  Jackson  f^ranted  it  on  the  condition  that  it  should  not  bo 
extended  to  openitionH  on  the  right  bunk  of  the  river.  The  result  of  this  exception 
was,  as  we  have  observed,  the  immediate  withdrawal  of  Thornton  from  Morgan's 
line.  On  the  following  morning  detachments  from  both  armies  were  drawn  up  three 
hundred  yards  in  front  of  the  American  lines,  when  the  dead  bodies  between  that 
]toint  and  the  intrenchments  were  carried  and  delivered  to  the  IJritish  by  the  Ken- 
tuckians  and  Tennesseeans  on  the  very  scaling-ladders  left  by  the  enemy  when  driv- 
en back.  The  British  then  carried  their  dead  to  a  designated  spot  on  IJienvenu's 
plantation  which  had  been  marked  out  as  the  cemetery  of  "the  Army  of  Louisiana." 
There  tliey  were  buried,  and  to  this  day  that  consecrated  "  God's  Acre"  has  never 
been  disturbed.  It  is  distinguislied  ir.  the  landscape  by  a  grove  of  small  cypress- 
trees,  and  is  a  spot  regarded  with  superstitious  awe  by  the  negroes  in  that  neighbor- 
hood.    The  wc  uided,  who   were 


^^r^m^:M 


l-KUAN-TBKEB. 


made  prisoners,  were  carefully  con- 
veyed to  New  Orleans,  where  they 
were  placed  in  the  barracks,  and 
tenderly  cared  for  by  the  citizens. 

The  bodies  of  tho  dead  British 
officers  were  carried  to  Villere's, 
the  licad-quarters,  in  whose  garden 
some  of  tlicm  were  buried  by  torch- 
light that  night  with  solemn  core- 
monies.  Those  of  Pakenham,Gibb9, 
Rennie.  and  one  or  two  other  offi- 
cers, were  disemboweled,  placed  in 
casks  of  rum,  and  sent  to  their 
friends  in  England.  Their  viscera 
Averc  buried  beneath  a  stately  pe- 
can-tree, which,  with  another  quite 
as  stately,  seen  in  the  annexed 
sketch,  was  yet  standing  in  vigor- 
ous health  on  the  lawn  a  few  yards 
from  Villere's  house  when  the  writ- 
er sketched  the  two  in  April,  1861. 
It  is  said  to  be  a  notable  fact  that 
this  tree,  fruitful  before  its  branches 
were  made  to  overshadow  the  re- 

The  tree  nearest  the  figure  of  the 


mains  of  the  invaders,  has  been  barren  ever  since, 
man  is  the  historic  one. 

While  the  armies  were  burying  their  dead  on  the  field  of  strife,  a  portion  of  the 
British  were  seeking  to  secure  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  below  New  Or- 
leans for  themselves  by  capturing  Fort  St.  Philip,  at  a  bend  of  tho  stream  seventy  or 
eighty  miles  below  the  city  in  a  direct  line,  and  which  was  considered  by  botli  par- 
ties as  the  key  of  Louisiana.  It  contained  at  that  time  a  garrison  of  three  hundred 
and  sixty-six  men,  under  Major  Overton,'  of  the  Rifle  corps,  and  the  crew  of  a  gun- 
boat which  had  been  warped  into  the  bayou  at  its  side.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th, 
at  about  the  time  when  disposition  was  being  made  of  the  British  dead  in  front  of 
Jackson's  lines,  a  little  squadron  of  five  hostile  vessels  appeared  near  the  fort.  Tliey 
consisted  of  a  sloop  of  war,  a  gun-brig,  and  a  schooner  {Herald,  Sophia,  and  Tender), 

I  Walter  H,  Overton,  orTennesBee,  entered  the  army  In  1808,  and  was  commissioned  a  major  in  Febmary,  1814.  For 
hla  gallantry  in  defending  Fort  St.  Philip  he  was  breveted  lieutenant  colonel.  He  resigned  in  ISIO.  He  was  a  member 
of  Congress  from  Lonisiana  from  1829  to  1831. 


OF  THE   WAR   OF   1812. 


1051 


he  ilaln  Brltiih  Ofllcen. 

ir  an  ariiiistico  in 
it  hIiouUI  nut  bo 
of  this  exception 
111  from  Morgan's 
e  drawn  up  three 
iea  between  that 
itish  by  the  Ken- 
.Miemy  when  driv- 
)ot  on  IJienvenu's 
my  of  Louisiana." 
I  Acre"  has  never 
of  small  cypress- 
in  that  ncighbor- 
mded,  who    were 
rere  carefully  con- 
rleans,  where  they 
the  barrpcks,  and 
r  by  the  citizens, 
the  dead  British 
rried  to  Villere's, 
i,  in  whoso  garden 
re  buried  by  torch- 
with  solemn  cere- 
rPakenham,Gibb9, 
or  two  other  offi- 
boweled,  placed  in 
mCL  sent  to  their 
id.     Their  viscera 
eath  a  stately  pe- 
4'ith  another  quite 
in   the   annexed 
standing  in  vigor- 
awn  a  few  yards 
ISO  when  the  writ- 
wo  in  April,  1801. 
notable  fact  that 
)cforo  its  branches 
rershadow  the  re- 
the  figure  of  the 

a  portion  of  the 
n  below  New  Or- 
Btream  seventy  or 
ered  by  both  par- 

of  three  hundred 
le  crew  of  a  gun- 
orning  of  the  9th, 

dead  in  front  of 
iv  the  fort.    Tliey 

>hia,  and  Tender), 

'  In  Febnmry,  1814.  For 
1816.    He  was  a  member 


Atlitck  on  Kurt  St.  Philip. 


Capture  of  Fort  B4>w]rer. 


Jackion's  Army  eutera  New  Orleani. 


and  two  bomb  vessels.  They  anchored  out  of  range  of  the  heavy  guns  of  the  fort, 
the  bomb  vessels  with  tlieir  broadsides  toward  St.  I'liilip.  At  three  o'clock  in  tlie 
afternoon  they  opened  fire,  ami,  fin<liiig  the^  had  the  range  of  the  fort,  eontiniu-d  tho 
bombardment,  with  little  interruption,  until  daybreak  of  the  IHth,  easting  more  than 
a  thousand  shells,  with  the  expenditure  of  twenty  thousand  jiounds  of  powder,  besides 
many  round  and  grape  shot.  For  nine  days  the  Americans  were  in  their  battery  (five 
days  without  shelter),  exposed  to  cold  rain  part  of  the  time.  The  proceeds  of  this 
expenditure  secured  by  tho  British  consisted  of  two  Americans  killed  and  seven 
wounded.  The  assailants  withdrew  on  the  18th  without  gaining  either  the  fort, 
spoils,  or  glory.' 


On  the  18th  of  January,  in  accordance  with  an  arrangement  made  the  previous 
diiy,  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  took  place;  and  on  the  lOtli  the  British,  under 
Lambert,  were  wholly  withdrawn  from  the  Mississippi,  having  stolen  noiselessly  away 
under  cover  of  darkness  the  previous  night.  They  .C'^hed  Lake  Borgne  at  dawn  on 
tho  19th,  but  they  were  yet  sixty  milos  from  their  fleet,  exponod  to  quite  keen  wintry 
air,  and  considerably  annoyed  by  mounted  men  under  Colonel  De  la  Hondo,  who  hung 
upon  their  rear.  There  they  remained  until  the  27th,  when  they  embarked,  and  two 
days  afterward  reached  the  fleet  in  tho  deep  water  between  Cat  aiki  Ship  Islands. 
The  vigilant  Jackson,  in  the  mean  time,  had  made  sucli  disposition  of  his  forces  as  to 
guard  every  approach  to  the  city,  for  ho  thought  the  foiled  enemy,  enraged  by  disap- 
pointment, might  attempt  to  strike  a  sudden  blow  at  some  other  quarter. 

When  the  British  departed  from  tho  vicinity  of  Now  Orleans  they  proceeded  to 
invest  Fort  Bowyer,*  yot  in  command  of  Major  Lawrence.'^    TJiey  be-    •Febmaryo, 
sieged  it  for  nearly  two  days,  when  the  gallant  Lawrence  was  compelled         ^*"*" 
to  surrender''  to  a  superior  force.     IVIobilo  was  then  at  tho  mercy  of  the    ^  February  12. 
foe ;  but  their  farther  conquests  were  arrested  by  news  of  peace,  brought  directly  to 
General  Lambert  by  a  ship  sent  from  England  for  the  purpose. 

On  the  21st  of  January,  Jackson,  with  tho  main  body  of  his  army,  entered  I~ew  Or- 
leans. They  were  met  in  tho  suburbs  by  almost  the  entire  population  of  all  ages  and 
80X08,  who  greeted  the  victors  as  their  saviors ;  and  they  entered  the  town  in  tri- 
umphal procession,  with  far  more  honest  pride  than  ever  swelled  the  bosoms  of  vic- 
torious conquerors  or  emperors  of  other  centuries  of  time.^ 

1  The  chief  sources  from  which  the  materials  for  the  account  of  the  battles  near  New  Orleans  were  drawn  were  the  of- 
flcial  reports  of  the  officers  engaged  In  them ;  Latonr's  Memoir  of  the  War  in  West  Florida  and  iMuiaiaita;  Judge  Walk- 
erV  Jaekmn  and  New  Orleans;  the  several  histories  of  the  War  of  1812 ;  and  numerous  statements  to  the  author,  oral 
aud  written,  by  actors  In  the  scenes.  >  Bee  page  1021. 

9  Two  days  afterward' New  Orleans  was  the  theatre  of  a  most  Imposing  spectacle.  At  the  request  of  ^^  nnrvM 
Jackson,  the  Abb6  Du  Bonrg,  Apostolic  Prefect  for  loulslana,  appointed  that  a  day  for  the  public  offer-  «'*D'""7  • 
lug  of  thanks  to  Almighty  Qod  for  bis  iuterpositlon  in  behalf  of  the  American  people  and  nationalitr.    The  dawn  was 


iKi 


ml 


1052 


PICTORIAL   FIELDi-BOOK 


Ilonori  aoritrded  to  Jickaon  knd  bli  Troop*. 


Tho  nowB  of  tho  Riillant  dofenso  of  Now  Orleans  produced  Ji  thrill  of  intense  joy 
throughout  tlie  land.  State  LegiHlaturoH  and  other  public  bodies  tiiankcd  the  hero 
who  commanded  tho  victoriouH  little  army.  A  small  medal  was  struck  and  exten- 
sively circtilated  among  tho  people.  Congress  voted  him  tho  thanks  of  tho  nation, 
and  ordered  a  ooinmemorativo  gold  medal  to  bo  given  him. 


OOLD  MCnAL  PEUBKNTUn  TO  JAOKRON.' 


greeted  by  tho  boomlnf;  of  cannon. 
It  was  a  bright  and  boautinU  winter 
morning  on  tho  vorge  of  tho  tropics. 
The  religious  ceremonies  wore  to  bo 
held  in  tho  old  Spanish  Cathedral, 
which  was  decorated  with  evergreens 
for  the  occasion. 

In  tho  centre  of  the  pnblic  sqnare, 
in  front  of  the  Cathedral,  where  the 
equestrian  statue  of  Jackson  now 
stands,  was  erected  a  temporary  tri- 
umphal arch,  supported  by  six  Corin- 
thian columns,  and  festooned  with 
flowers  and  evergreens.  Beneath  the 
arch  stood  two  beautlAil  little  girls, 
each  upon  a  pedestal,  an  1  holding  in 
her  hand  a  civic  crown  of  laurel.  Near 
them  stood  two  dimsels,  one  person- 
ifying Liberty  ai.J  the  other  Jiutiee. 
From  the  arch  to  the  church,  arranged 
in  two  rows,  stood  beautiful  girls,  all 
dressed  In  white,  and  each  covered 
with  a  blue  gauze  veil  and  bearing  a 
silver  star  on  her  brow.  These  per- 
sonified the  several  States  and  Terri- 
tories of  the  Union.  Kach  carried  a 
flag  with  the  name  of  the  state  which 
she  represented,  upon  it.  Each  also 
carried  a  small  basket  trimmed  with 
blue  ribbon  and  filled  with  flowers ; 
and  behind  each  was  a  lance  stuck  in 
the  ground  bearing  a  shield  on  which 
was  Inscribed  the  naici  and  legend 
of  the  state  or  territory  which  she 
represented.    These  were  linked  by 


^»!»w^'":;j^s^»^3?«»^^« 


BTATDK  or  JAUK80N    IN   FBOMT  Or  TUB  OATUEDBAL. 

evergreen  festoons  that  extended  ft"om  the  arch  to  the  door  of  tho  Cathedral. 

At  the  appointed  time,  Qeneral  Jackson,  accompanied  by  the  ofllcers  of  his  staff,  passed  through  the  gate  of  the  Grand 
Sqnare  fronting  the  river,  amid  the  roar  of  artillery,  and  was  conducted  between  lines  of  Planchi's  New  Orleans  battal- 
ion of  Creoles  (which  extended  ttom  the  gate  to  the  church)  to  the  raised  floor  of  the  arch.    As  he  stepped  upon  It  the 

1  On  one  side  of  the  medal  Is  a  profile  of  the  bust  of  Jackson,  and  on  the  other  a  flgure  of  Victory  seated,  supporting 
a  tablet  before  her  with  her  left  hand,  in  which  Is  also  a  lanrel  wreath.  She  is  making  a  record  of  the  triumph  on  the 
8th  of  January.  She  has  written  the  word  "  Orleans,"  when  she  Is  Interrupted  by  another  flgnre,  personating  Peace, 
who  holds  an  olive-branch  in  her  right  hand.  With  her  left  she  points  to  the  tablet,  as  if  directing  Victory  to  record 
the  peace  which  had  already  been  agreed  upon  by  the  belligerents.  Victory  is  in  the  act  of  listening.  The  inscriptions 
on  tho  medal  are  simple—"  majob  qknxbal  andbxw  jaossom.    battli  or  new  obleakb,  jahdabt  8, 1815.    besoldtioh 

or  OOHOBBSB,  TIBBDABT  2T,  1815." 


OF   THE   WAH   OF    1812. 


1063 


Runora  uf  i'oaca  dtareiiiirilcd. 


MRrtliil  I.nw  am)  mllllary  Diirlplliin  c<ii)tltuii>d. 


11  of  intense  joy 
lianki'd  tlic  hero 
TUck  niul  extcn- 
{g  of  the  nation, 


Wm 


WiO 


Iatueubal. 

Ingh  the  gute  of  the  Grand 
jicWs  New  Orlettns  battal- 
B  he  stepped  upon  it  the 

pTctory  seated,  supporting 
ord  of  the  triumph  on  the 
ignre,  personating  Peace, 
ilreotlng  Victory  to  record 
Itenlng.   The  InscripUone 

|rABY8,1816.     BESOtOnOH 


Although  no  one  bu|)- 
poscd  the  Hritish  would 
return,  JackHoii,  like  a 
true  soldier,  did  not  re- 
lax his  vigilance  and  dis- 
cii)line.  Martial  law  waH 
rigorously  maintained 
after  rumors  of  peace 
reached  New  Orleans 
through  seemingly  relia- 
ble sources.  lie  did  not 
feel  bound  to  bo  govern- 
ed by  rumors.  lie  retain- 
ed all  the  troops;  kept  up 
the  regular  discipline  of 
the  camp;  made  drafts 
and  bills  of  exchange  on 
his  government  as  usual 
for  funds  to  prosecute 
hostilities  (a  fac-simile  of 
one  of  which  is  given  in 
the  annexed  engraving), 
and  in  every  way  acted 
as  if  war  was  in  full  ca- 
reer. Finally  a  messen- 
ger arrived  from  Wash- 
•  March  0,     ington*    with 

^^^'^  an  official  an- 
nouncement of  peace. 
Jackson  was  then  in- 
volved in  a  contention 
with  the  civil  authori- 
ties. Tliis  culminated  in 
great  public  excitement.^ 
It  soon  ended,  and  on  the 
30th  of  March  the  "Hero 
of  New  Orleans,"  as  Jack 
son  was  ever  afterward 
called,  departed  from 
that  city  for  his  humble 
home  in  Tennessee,  a  log 
house  in  the  forest. 

I  visited  the  theatre 
of  war  around  New  Or- 
leans, with  a  young  kins- 
two  little  girls  leaned  gently  forward  and  placed  the  laurel  crown  upon  his  head.  At  the  same  moment  a  charming 
Creole  girl  (Miss  Kerr),  as  the  representative  of  Louisiana,  stepped  forward,  and  with  modesty  supreme  in  voice  and 
manner  addressed  a  few  congratulatory  words  to  the  chief,  eloquent  with  expressions  of  the  most  profound  gratitude. 
To  these  words  Jackson  made  a  brief  i«ply,  and  then  passed  ou  toward  the  church,  his  pathway  strewn  with  flowers  by 
the  sweet  representatives  of  the  states. 

At  the  Cathedral  entrance  the  honored  hero  was  met  by  the  Abb4  Du  Boarg  In  his  pontlflcal  robes,  and  supported  by 
a  college  of  priests  In  their  sacerdotal  garments.  The  abbi  addressed  the  general  with  eloquent  and  patriotic  discourse, 
after  which  the  chief  was  conducted  to  a  conspicuous  seat  near  tV.u  great  altar,  when  the  Te  Deum  Laudamua  was  chant- 
ed by  the  choir  and  people.  When  the  Imposing  pageant  was  over,  the  general  retired  to  his  quarters  to  resume  the 
stem  duties  of  a  soldier;  and  that  night  the  city  of  New  Orleans  blazed  with  a  general  illumination. 

>  The  story  of  Jackson's  difflcnlties  with  the  civil  authorities  may  be  told  in  a  few  words.    In  the  lieglslatnre  of  Lon- 


If'' 


1054 


PICTOItlAL    FIELD. BOOK 


'i-i 


inmttfl 

■' 

1 

i 

i     : 

'(I 

ll 

t 


i 


JocIuod'r  Obedieuce  io  Civil  Law. 


Scene  tu  tlie  old  Conrt-bouse. 


Biographical  SketcU  ofjacluon. 


woman  as  a  traveling  compjinion,  in  tho  month  of  April,  1861,  We  left  New  York 
on  the  28th  of  March  for  Baltimore,  from  which  city  we  passed  over  the  Baltimore 
arc!  Ohio  Railway  to  Parkersburg,  in  Virginia,  on  the  Ohio  River,  stopping  over 
night  at  Harper's  Ferry,  where,  tliree  weeks  later,  the  torch  of  civil  war,  then  just 
lighted,  made  sad  devastation.     We  crossed  the  Chio  River  at  Parkersburg,  and 

There  we  again  crossed  that  stream  to  Cov- 


journeyed  by  railway  to  Cincinnati 


^9'^^^^^ 


Iflana  wos  a  powerful  raction  pereonnlly  opposed  to  Jackson— eo  powe-''aI  tliat,  when  the  offlcert  and  troops  were 
thanked  by  that  body  on  the  2d  of  February,  the  name  of  their  chief  leader  was  omitted.  This  conduct  highly  Incensed 
the  people.  Thei.'  Indignation  was  inii  iisifled  by  a  seditious  publication,  pnt  forth  by  one  of  tho  members  of  the  Leg- 
islature, which  was  -alculated  to  products  d'eaffection  in  the  army.  This  was  a  nubile  matter,  and  Jackson  felt  bound  to 
notice  it.  He  ordere'J  tlie 
arrest  of  the  anthr-.',  and 
bis  trial  by  martial  law. 
Judge  Dominic  A.  Hall, 

of  the  Supreme  Cov.rt  of     ^^     w-     ».^    —        —         ^ •  x.,^ — >,^^     f_^    €^^l^<7  £^» 

the  United  States,  Issued 
a  writ  of  habeas  corpus 
in  favor  of  the  offender. 
Jackson  considered  this 
aviolation  of  martial  law, 
and  ordered  tae  arrest  of 
the  Judge  an  1  bis  expul- 
sion beyond  the  limits  of 
the  city.  The  judge,  in 
turn,  when  the  military 
law  was  revoked  on  tho 

13th  of  March,  in  consequence  of  the  official  proclamation  of  peace,  required  Jackson  to  appear  before  him  and  show 

cause  why  he  should  not  be 
punished  for  contempt  of  court. 
He  cheerfully  obeyed  the  sum- 
mons, »nd  entered  the  crowded 
court-room  In  the  old  Spanlsb- 
bullt  court  -  house,  209  Roynl 
Street,  in  citizen's  dress.  He 
had  almost  reacaed  the  bar  bo- 
fore  he  was  recognized,  when 
hj  was  greeted  with  huzzas  by 
a  thousand  voices.  The  judge 
was  alarmed,  and  hesitated. 
Jackson  stepped  upon  a  beuch, 
procured  silence,  and  then, 
turning  to  the  trembling  judge, 
said,  "  There  Is  no  danger  hei  e 
—  there  shall  be  none.  The 
same  hand  that  protected  this 
city  ft'om  outrage  against  the 
luviders  of  the  country  will 
shield  and  protect  this  court, 
or  perish  In  the  effort.  Proceed 
with  your  sentence."  With 
quivering  lips  the  judge  pro- 
u(mnced  him  guilty  of  con- 
tempt of  court,  and  fined  him  a 
thousand  dollars.  The  act  was 
greeted  by  a  storm  of  hisses. 
Jackson  Inimediutcly  drew  a 
check  for  the  amount,  handed 
It  to  the  marshal,  and  then  made  his  way  for  the  coort-house  door.  The  excitement  of  the  people  was  intense.  Tlicy 
lifted  Jackson  upon  their  shoulders,  bore  him  to  the  street,  and  then  the  immense  crowd  sent  up  a  shout  that  blanched 
the  cheeks  of  Judge  Hall,  and  gave  evidence  of  the  unbouuaed  popularity  of  the  heroic  soldier  who  was  so  prompt  In 
his  obedience  to  the  mandates  of  the  civil  law.  He  was  placed  in  a  carriage,  from  whlcii  the  people  released  the  horses 
and  draggea  it  themselves  to  Maspero's  house,  where  ho  addressed  the  populace,  urging  them  to  show  their  apprecia- 
tion of  the  blessings  of  liberty  and  free  government  by  a  willing  submission  to  the  authorities  of  their  country.  In  the 
mean  time  a  thousand  dollars  had  been  collected  by  voluntary  subscriptions  and  placed  to  his  credit  in  a  bank.  Jack- 
son oolltely  refused  to  accept  it,  and  begged  his  ft-icnds  to  distribute  It  among  the  relatives  of  those  who  had  fallen  In 
•  1843.  "'^  '"'^  battles.  Nearly  thirty  years  afterwaid  Congrnss  refunded*  the  sum,  i  j  interest,  amounting  in  all  to 
,  '  two  thousand  seven  hundred  dollart. 
Andrew  Jackson  was  bom  in  Mecklenburg  County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  IBth  of  March,  1T«T.  He  was  designed  by 
his  mother  for  the  Christian  ministry,  but  his  studies  were  interrupted  by  the  old  War  for  Independence,  whfie  tumults 
were  loud  in  the  region  wh'sre  the  boy  resided,  his  home  then  being  in  the  northern  part  of  South  Carolina.  He  went 
into  the  service  a  mere  !<td,  and  was  made  a  prisoner  in  ITOl.  His  mother,  his  only  surviving  parent,  died  at  that  time, 
and  he  was  left  alone.  He  studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to  tho  bar  In  1780.  He  settled  in  Tennessee,  and  at  Nash- 
ville, which  he  made  his  home  in  1700,  he  was  married  to  an  eT<'elle"t  woman.  In  1795  he  assisted  in  forming  a  Stale 
Constitution  for  Tenneusee.  He  was  the  flrst-elected  Congressman  fVom  that  state,  and  represented  it  in  the  Senate  of 
the  United  States  in  17C7.    He  was  soon  appointed  judgs  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Tennessee,  and  for  many  years  he 


TUK    OLI>   OOCET-UOCSE. 


OF   THE   WAll   OF    18  12. 


1055 


phlcal  Sketcii  of  Jackson. 

Ve  left  New  York 
ver  the  baltimore 
er,  stopping  over 
ivil  war,  then  just 
Parkersburg,  and 
at  stream  to  Cov- 


ofBcerc  and  troops  were 
Is  conduct  highly  incensed 
r  the  members  of  the  Leg- 
aud  Jackson  felt  bound  to 


Jonmey  f^om  Baltimore  to  Lexington,  in  Kentucky. 


'Ashland.' 


Clay's  Monument. 


Jackson's  Tomb. 


pear  before  him  and  show 
le  why  he  should  not  be 
Ished  for  contempt  of  court. 
:heerfully  obeyed  the  sum- 
is,  and  entered  the  crowded 
rt-room  in  the  old  Spanish- 
t  court -house,  209  Roynl 
let,  in  citizen's  dress.    He 
almost  rcacoed  the  bar  bc- 
he  was  recognized,  when 
•as  greeted  with  huzzas  by 
ousand  voices.    The  judge 
alarmed,  and  hesitated. 
[SOU  stepped  upon  a  bench, 
urcd    silence,   and   then, 
ing  to  the  trembling  judge, 
There  is  no  danger  hei  e 
iere  shall  be  none.    The 
_  nand  that  protected  this 
from  outrage  against  the 
(IcTs  of  the  country  will 
Id  and  protect  this  court, 
irlsh  in  the  effort.  Proceed 
your    sentence."    With 
ering  lips  the  judge  pro- 
iced  him   guilty  of  con- 
it  of  court,  and  fined  him  a 
sand  dollars.    The  act  was 
ted  by  a  storm  of  hisses, 
son  immedlutcly  drew  a 
for  the  amount,  handed 
leople  was  intense.    They 
up  a  shout  that  blanched 
ler  who  was  so  prompt  in 
leople  released  the  horses 
I  to  show  their  apprecia- 
of  their  country.    In  the 
8  credit  in  a  bank.    Jack- 
^f  those  who  had  fallen  in 
erest,  amounting  in  all  to 

T67.  He  was  designed  by 
spendeiice,  whf  ie  tumults 
South  Carolina.  He  went 
parent,  died  at  that  time, 
Tennessee,  and  at  Nash- 
isisted  Id  forming  a  State 
eented  It  In  the  Senate  of 
le,  aud  for  many  years  be 


ington,  and  traveled  southward  through 
a  beautiful  region  of  Kentucky  to  Lexing- 
ton, where  we  tarried  a  day  and  a  night. 
We  rode  out  to  Ashland,  the  residence  of 
Henry  Clay,  a  short  distance  from  the 
town,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  the  dwell- 
ing-place of  that  eminent  man  for  many 
years  before  his  death,  and  tendering  our 
respects  to  his  venerable  widow,  then  re- 
siding there.  We  were  met  by  disap- 
pointment. The  venerated  mansion  had 
been  demolished  by  a  son  of  the  states- 
man (James  B.  Clay),  and  upon  its  site 
stood  a  pretentious  brick  dwelling — so 
pretentious  that  persons  living  long  dis- 
tances from  it  went  to  see  it.  Mrs.  Clay 
was  too  feeble  to  receive  strangers,'  and  after  a  brief  interview  with  the  proprietor 
■S;.  of  the  estate  we  turned  with  sadness  from  the  shadows 

of  the  grand  old  trees  under  which  the  former  master 
delighted  to  loiter  in  his  retirement  from  public  life.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  his  son  did  not  conif  ly  with  the 
desires  of  the  people  of  Kentucky  that  the  mansion  at 
Ashland  should  belong  to  that  state,  and  be  preserved 
as  a  perpetual  memorial  of  her  honored  son. 

We  returned  to  Lexington,  and  rode  out  to  the  pub- 
lic cemetery  wherein  lie  the  remains  of  Henry  Clay  and 
his  family,  and  where,  on  the  verge  of  a  plain,  stands  a 
beuutiful  monument  (a  sketch  of  which  is  given  on  the 
next  page)  erected  to  the  memory  of  the  statesman. 


-«SS 


llOIll.F.V'S  onAvn.' 


JAgikSON  B  TOSIU. 


was  chief  military  commauderln  that 
section.  His  services  in  the  War  of 
1312  are  recorded  in  this  volume.  Ho 
rep'alned  in  the  service  some  time 
after  the  war.  In  1S21  he  was  ap- 
pointed Governor  of  the  Territory  of 
Florida,  and  in  U24  he  was  an  unsuc- 
cessful candidate  for  president  of  the 
Republic.  He  was  elected  to  that  of- 
fice in  1828,  and  served  two  consecu- 
tive terms.  In  1S3T  ht  retired  from 
public  life  forever,  and  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  his  days  at  the  "  Ilcrmlt- 
Bgc"  (see  page  1016),  where  he  died 
on  the  Sth  of  June,  1846.  Beneath  the 
roof  of  a  little  temple-like  structure 
in  the  garden  of  the  "Hermitage" 
rested  the  remains  of  Genera!  Jack- 
son, by  the  side  of  those  of  his  wife, 
when  the  author  visited  the  place  In 
the  spring  of  1801. 

'  Mrs.  Lncrctia  Hart  Clay  was  the 
daughter  of  Colonel  Hart,  of  Lexing- 
ton, and  sister  of  Captain  Hart,  who 
was  killed  at  Frenchtown  (s,-o  page 
380),  on  the  Raisin  River.  Mrs.  Clay 
had  eleven  children,  of  whom  only 
three  now  (180T)  survive.  She  died 
at  the  residence  of  her  son,  John  M., 
near  Lexington,  on  the  evening  of 
the  Cth  of  April,  1864,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-three  years. 

»  Tlie  slab  bears  these  few  words : 
"  General  Thomas  Boih.kt.  Born  4tli 
July,  nT2.    Died  Uth  June,  1883." 


■,:k\' 


liii 


:*fi 


:!  m 


1056 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Fraukfort  and  Its  Cemetery. 


Oraves  of  Daniel  Boone  and  hie  Wife. 


clay's  monument.' 


His  body  was  laid  by  the 
side  of  the  remains  of  his 
mother,  in  the  western  p,  "t 
of  the  cemetery;  and  not  far 
from  them  were  the  grave 
and  modest  little  monument 
of  General  Thomas  Bodley 
(see  preceding  page),  who 
was  the  deputy  quartermas- 
ter general  to  the  Kentucky 
Volunteers  under  General 
Harrison  in  1813,  with  the 
rank  of  major. 

From  Lexington  we  jour- 
neyed by  railway  through 
the  rich  "  blue-grass  region" 
to  Frankfort,  the  capital  of 
the  state.  It  is  on  the  Ken- 
tucky River,  and  is  the  cen- 
tre of  a  theatre  of  romantic 
events  in  the  early  history 
of  Kentucky,  in  which  Dan- 
iel Boone  and  his  compan- 
ions were  so  corspicuous. 

There  we  were  favored  with  the  company  and  kind  offices  of  General  Leslie  Combs, 

whose  gallant  services  in  the  War  of  1812  are  recorded  in  this  volume.    With  him 

we  visited  the  Frankfort  Cemetery,  on  the  high  right  bank  of  the  Kentucky  River,  a 

short    distance    from 

the    city,  where,  side 

by    side,  under    the 

shadows    of   magnifi- 
cent   sycamore  -  trees 

that  stood  there  when 

the   pioneers  were 

fighting  the  Indians, 

were    the    graves    of 

Daniel  Boone  and  his 

wife,  with  nothing  to 

mark  their  place   of 

sepulchre   but  little 

mounds  covered  with 

green  grass  and  wild 

flowers  of  the  woods.^ 

Not  far  from  these 

humble   graves   we 

found  the  fine  monu- 
ment  erected  to  the 

memory  of  Colonel  Richard  M.  Johnson,  delineated  on  page  496  ;  and  in  its  vicinity 

1  Tills  monnment  Is  of  white  marble.  It  is  composed  of  an  Egyptian  cenotaph,  upon  which  stands  a  Cor{ntb<an  cap- 
ital bearing  a  statue  of  the  statesman. 

•  These  graves  were  near  the  steep  bank  of  the  river,  which  the  Indians  in  Boone's  time  called  Kain-tnck-ee.  The 
bank  was  here  aboat  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  height.  Near  the  grnves  and  covering  a  slope  were  stumps,  stones, 
shmbliery,  and  vines,  purposely  left  with  nide  aspect  as  appropriate  to  the  resting-place  of  the  remains  of  the  pioneer. 
The  tall  shaft  seen  beyond  the  trees  In  the  picture  is  that  of  the  Soldiers'  Monument  given  on  the  next  page. 


8BAVES  or  nANIKL  UOONS  AMI)  niS  WIFK. 


niel  Boone  and  hU  Wife. 

was  laid  by  the 
le  remains  of  his 
I  the  western  p.  n 
letery;  and  not  far 
n  were  the  grave 
St  little  monument 
il  Thomas  Bodley 
seding  page),  who 
Leputy  quartei-mas- 
al  to  the  Kentucky 
irs   under  General 

in  1813,  with  the 
najor. 

Lexington  we  jour- 
y  railway  through 
"blue-grass  region" 
ifort,  the  capital  of 
;.    It  is  on  the  Ken- 
iver,  and  is  the  cen- 
thoatre  of  romantic 
n  the  early  history 
ttcky,  in  which  Dan- 
le  and  his  compan- 
ire  so  corspicuous. 
moral  Leslie  Combs, 
volume.    With  him 
Q  Kentucky  River,  a 


W 


Ich  Btands  a  Corinth'an  cap- 

le  called  Kaln-tnck-ee.  The 
fk  slope  were  Btumps,  stones, 
fthe  remains  of  the  pioneer. 
I  on  the  next  page. 


OF  THE  WAR   OF  1812. 


1061 


LoaisTllle  and  Nashville. 


A  Visit  to  the  Hermitage. 


Dr.  Felix  Robertson. 


stands  a  lofly  and  elegant  wliite 
marble  shaft,  upon  a  rich  pedes- 
tal, and  with  more  elaborated  sur- 
mountings,  that  was  erected  by  the 
State  of  Kentucky  in  commemora- 
tion of  its  deceased  soldiers  who 
had  served  in  any  war.*  We  spent 
much  of  the  day  in  that  "city  of 
the  dead,"  and  on  the  following 
morning  went  by  railway  to  Louis- 
ville, at  the  "  Falls  of  the  Ohio,"  so 
often  spoken  of  by  the  early  voya- 
gers on  that  stream.  Thence  we. 
traveled  by  the  same  means  to 
Nashville,  on  the  Cumberlsi  '  Riv- 
er, where  we  spent  the  liubbath, 
and  on  Monday  rode  out  to  the 
"  Hermitage,"  the  home  of  Andrew 
Jackson,''  about  twelve  miles  from 
the  city.  It  was  a  spacious  brick 
mansion,  built  in  1835,  after  the 
earlier  one  was  burned.  There  we 
were  hospitably  entertained  by 
Mrs.  Jackson,  wife  of  the  adopt- 
ed son  of  the  President,  who  per- 
mitted me  to  copy  from  the  origi- 
nal the  portrait  of  General  CoiFee 
seen  on  page  759.  Tliere  we  saw 
two  of  the  general's  old  house-serv- 
ants— Aaron  and  Hannah — the  for- 
mer nearly  eighty,  and  the  latter 

almost  seventy  years  of  age.  Hannah  went  with  us  to  the  tomb  of  the  patriot  in 
the  garden,  where  I  raade  the  sketch  seen  on  page  1056.  She  gave  us  many  inter- 
esting incidents  of  tlie  latter  days  of  her  old  master,  and  pointed  to  two  thrifty  wil- 
lows near  the  tomb  which  she  saw  him  plant  with  his  own  hand  a  few  evenings  after 
Ids  wife  was  buried  there. 

On  our  return  to  Nashville  toward  evening,!  passed  an  hour  with  the  late  venera- 
ble Dr.  Felix  Robertson,  a  portrait  of  whom  is  given  on  the  next  page,  whose  resem- 
blance to  Jackson  was  very  re^iarkable.  He  was  the  son  of  General  James  Robert- 
son (see  page  747),  and  was  the  first  white  child  bom  on  the  site  of  Nashville,  his 
mother  then  being  in  the  little  log  fort  there.  On  the  following  morning  we  departed 
by  railroad  for  New  Orleans,  going  by  way  of  Decatur,  in  Northern  Alabama,  then 
westward  to  Grand  Junction,  and  then  southward  to  the  "  Crescent  City."  We  ar- 
rived in  New  Orleans  at  noon  on  the  11th  of  April,  took  rooms  at  the  St.  Charles, 
and  remained  there  nearly  a  week,  visiting  places  of  historic  interest  in  and  around 
the  city,  and  gathering  materials,  by  the  use  of  pen  and  pencil,  for  the  narrative  of 
the  events  of  the  war  there,  given  in  this  and  the  preceding  chapter.  For  much  in- 
I;  and  in  its  vicinity      ■    formation,  and  for  facilities  for  acquiring  more,  I  am  greatly  indebted  to  the  kindness 


KPHTUOKT  BOLDIXBS'  HOMUMXIIT. 


>  This  mouoment  stands  npon  a  monnd.  Upon  the  bands  which  are  seen  embracing  the  sqnare  shaft  are  the  names 
of  battles,  and  beneath  each  are  the  names  of  soldics  who  foil  in  those- battles.  The  shaft  is  a  single  piece  of  marble. 
Upon  a  tablet  on  the  south  front  of  the  pedestal  is  a  gronp  in  relief,  composed  of  two  feminine  flgnre?,  one  on  each  side 
of  an  altar.  One.  with  an  open  book  in  her  hand,  represents  Hlntory ;  the  other,  with  a  short  Roman  sword  and  olive 
wreath,  represents  Victory.  The  other  hands  of  the  two  flgnres  arc  employed  in  holding  a  wreath  over  the  altar.  Al 
each  comer  of  the  top  of  the  pedestal  Is  an  eagle.  The  shaft  Is  sarmounted  with  a  figure  of  Fame,  with  anne  extended, 
nu4  holding  a  wreath  in  each  band.  '  See  page  iniT. 

3X 


11'^ 


Ih: 


!i  i 


1058 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


?=■  m 


HUtorlcal  Places  in  New  Orleans. 


One  of  Jackson's  UTe-gnardsmen. 


A  Visit  to  the  Batlle-ground, 


i  -f  - 


V!i  i 


M    i    'I 


est'    f,    -T 


of  Judge  Walker,  author  of  Jackson  and 
New  Orleans  /  the  late  General  H.  W. 
Palfrey,  who  was  a  participant  in  the 
battle ;  and  especially  to  Alfred  Hen- 
ner,  Esq.  (a  leading  lawyer  in  New  Or- 
leans), who  was  one  of  Jackson's  mount- 
ed life-guard,  and  was  engaged  in  active 
and  perilous  duty  on  the  memorable  8th 
of  January,  1815,*  It  was  chiefly  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  Henner  that  we 
found  the  various  localities  of  interest 
in  the  city  and  its  suburbs. 
•  April  12,  On  the  morning  after  our  ar- 
1861.  rival*  we  rode  down  to  the 
battle-ground  in  a  pleasant  barouche. 
General  Palfrey  had  made  arrangements 
to  accompany  us,  but  on  that  morning 
news  had  arrived  of  the  attack  of  insur- 
gents on  Fort  Sumter,  in  Charleston 
Harbor,  and  he  was  too  busy 

with  public  matters  to  go    J^V^    ^'  y^    ^-V'  ~         ~?*— »^ 

with  us.  That  outbreak  of  y^  ^^A?  //y  W/k/^^  yC^y'f'2^  ^ 
the  Great  Rebellion  ab-  /V^^^^^  (/ C^  C^^^^d^^M^^^^ 
sorbed  all  minds.  Our  driver  had  been  over  the  battle-ground  often,  and  was  a  com- 
petent guide,  so  we  rode  down  alone 
along  the  Levee,  the  water  in  the  brim- 
ful Mississippi  being  quite  four  feet 
higher  than  our  roadway,  with  only 
twenty-five  feet  thickness  of  earth  be- 
tween us  and  the  flood.  It  was  a 
clear  and  very  warm  day.  The  gar- 
dens were  full  of  blooming  roses,  and 
the  orange  hedges  around  them  were 
bright  with  the  golden  fruit.  Wo 
were  kindly  entertained  by  Madame 
]\[acart6,  at  Jackson's  head-quarters,- 
and  we  found  a  cordial  welcome  at 
the  Villero  mansion  by  the  family  of 
the  gra.nd8on  of  Governor  Villero, 
where  we  were  regaled  Avith  orange 
sherbet  and  the  delicious  elfe^  or  Japan 
plum,  trees  of  which,  full  of  the  fruit, 
formed  a  grove  near  the  house.^  Aft- 
er making  drawingH  of  that  mansion, 
the  pecan-trees,*  and  the  dwellings  of 
Lacoste*  and  De  la  Ronde,^  we  returned  to  Macarte's,  and  while  seated  on  the  base 

»  Captain  Ogdcn  was  the  cnmmander  of  the  Ufe-gnard.  The  officers  alone  were  nnlformed.  Mr.  Henner  was  one  of 
only  three  snrvivora  of  '.aat  guard  at  the  time  nf  my  visit,  the  other  two  being  Ex-Qoremor  nenry  Johnson  and  JniiiM 
Hopkins.  Tie  becs'je  a  resident  of  New  Orleans  In  1809,  when  the  city  contained  abont  14,000  Inhabitants.  He  wac 
there  in  1801,  hav).ig  been  sent  by  his  father  on  a  flat-boat  with  the  first  bales  of  cotton  ever  taken  to  that  city.  He 
placed  them  in  the  Jesnits'  warehouse,  on  the  site  of  the  St.  Charles  Hotel,  above  Canal  Street,  It  was  in  the  fields  ont- 
sidc  of  the  palisades,  which  then  occnpled  the  line  of  the  present  broad  Canal  Street.  '  See  page  103T. 

'  See  page  1029.  This  fi'nit  grows  In  clusters  like  cherries,  on  trees  about  the  size  of  cherry-trees,  and  overages  the 
site  given  In  the  engraving  at  the  head  of  the  opposite  page.  Some  are  larger.  When  ripe  it  U  of  a  yellow  color,  ami 
it  filled  with  a  boontifttl  supply  of  dellcioiu  acid  juice. 

*  e«e  page  lOfiO.  •  S«e  page  lOSl.  *  See  page  lOU. 


itrBED   UENNBB. 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


1050 


Bit  to  the  Battle-ground. 


Port  Sd'"*'''  taken  by  Insurgents. 


tTprising  of  the  People. 


ten,  and  was  a  cora- 
?e  rode  down  alone 
le  water  in  the  brim- 
[ing  quite  four  feet 
roadway,  with  only 
lickness  of  earth  be- 
flood.    It  was  a 
irra  day.    The  gar- 
looming  roses,  and 
around  them  were 
golden  fruit.    We 
•tained  by  Madame 
on's  head-quarters,- 
jordial  welcome  at 
m  by  the  family  of 
Governor  Villerc, 
galed  with  orange 
licioua  elfe,  or  Japan 
ich,  full  of  the  fruit, 
lar  the  house.  ^    Aft- 
igs  of  that  mansion, 
nd  the  dwellings  of 
seated  on  the  base 


id. 


u.  Mr.  Henner  wai  one  of 
Hcnrv  Johnson  and  Jnniw 
14,000  inhabitants.  He  was 
pver  taken  to  that  city.  He 
et.    It  was  in  the  fields  out- 

3  See  page  103T. 
irry-trees,  and  averages  the 
1  it  U  of  a  yeilow  color,  anti 

•  See  page  1084. 


Negotiations  for  Peace  proposed. 


of  the  monument  there,'  at  a  little  past  two 
o'clock,  sketching  the  plain  of  Chalmette,*  we 
heard  some  discharges  of  cannon  at  the  city. 
"  Fort  Sumter  is  doubtless  gone,"  I  said  to  my 
companion.  So  it  was.  The  news  had  reached 
the  city  at  that  hour,  and  these  cannon  were 
expressing  the  joy  of  the  secessionists  of  New 
Orleans.  On  our  return  we  found  the  city  alive 
with  excitement ;  and  during  our  stay  there,  a 
few  days  longer,  and  on  our  journey  northward 
to  the  Ohio  River,  we  saw  the  uprising  of  the 
insurgents  in  the  slave-labor  states  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  Civil  War.  After  crossing  the 
Ohio  River  and  journeying  eastward  through 
Ohio  State,  over  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  and 
through  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey  to  New 
York,»  we  saw  the  more  marvelous  uprising  of  the  loyal  people,  with  a  de-  .Mayi, 
termination  to  suppress  the  rebellion.  The  whole  country,  whether  on  the  ***'• ' 
mountain  tops  or  in  the  valleys,  seemed  iridescent,  for  the  national  flag,  with  its 
"  red,  white,  and  blue,"  was  every  where  seen.^ 

We  have  observed  that,  very  soon  after  the  battle  of  the  8th  of  January,  1815,  near 
New  Orleans,  rumors  reached  that  city  that  peace  had  been  concluded  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  that  an  official  notification  of  such  action  was 
speedily  given  to  General  Jackson.     It  was  a  consummation  ardently  desired  by  the 

Americans.    Tlicy  had  taken  up  arms 


JAPAH   PLim. 


JOHN    QUINOY    ADAMS. 


most  reluctantly,  after  the  gravest  prov- 
ocations, and  only  in  defense  of  the  in- 
dependence of  the  nation.  From  the  be- 
pinning  of  the  war  they  were  anxious 
jr  a  reconciliation  with  Great  Britain 
on  honorable  terms;  and  we  have  ob- 
served (page  470)  with  what  eagerness 
the  President,  at  an  early  period  of  the 
war,  acted  upon  a  proposition  for  the 
mediation  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia  to 
that  end,  by  appointing  James  A.  Bay- 
ard and  Albert  Gallatin  commissioners 
to  act  with  John  Quincy  Adams,*  then 
American  embassador  at  StPetersburg, 
in  negotiating  a  treaty  of  peace.  The 
British  government  refused  to  treat  un- 
der the  mediation  of  Russia,  but  offered 
to  open  negotiations  in  London,  or  in 
Gottenburg,  in  Sweden.  The  President 
accepted  the  proposition,  and  chose  the 


'  See  page  1048.         »  See  page  1089.         '  Sec  Losslng's  PMoritU  Field-book  of  the  Civtt  War,  Chapter  XIV.,  volOinc  i. 

'  Jolin  Qnlncy  Adams  was  bom  it  the  homestead  of  his  family  at  Qnincy,  MBSsachusetts,  on  the  11th  of  July,  176T. 
When  only  eleven  years  of  aj^e  he  accompanied  his  father  to  Europe,  and  was  much  in  the  society  of  diplomatists  and 
other  distinguished  men.  He  received  much  of  his  education  abroad,  and  when  only  fourteen  years  of  age  he  was  the 
private  secretary  of  Mr.  Dana,  United  States  minister  at  St.  Petersburg.  He  was  graduated  at  Harvard  University  in 
July,  1T8T,  ana  studied  law  and  entered  upon  its  practice  In  Boston.  He  took  an  active  part  in  politics.  In  1704  Wash- 
ington appointed  him  resident  minister  in  the  Netherlands.  He  afterw.ird  held  the  same  olflce  in  Portugal  and  Pms- 
Kla.  He  returned  to  Boston  in  1801,  and  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  Massachusetts  Senate.  He  was  sent  to  the  Na- 
tional Senate  in  180i).  In  1809  he  was  sent  as  minister  to  the  Russian  court,  where  he  was  a  great  favorite  with  the 
Emperor  Alexander.  He  was  at  the  head  of  the  American  commissioners  in  the  negotiation  of  the  treaty  of  pence 
at  Ghent  In  1814,  and  in  1815  be  wae  appointed  minister  vo  the  British  conrt    He  was  appointed  Secretary  of  State  In 


J  I 


1060 


PICTORIAL  FIELD-BOOK 


Peace  Commlnlonerg. 


Ncgotlatloiu  opened  at  Ghent. 


Adams,  Bayard,  Clay,  and  Oallatlu. 


r 


li-    i 


>       iS 


,  f 


Ih: 


i  i 


JAMES  A.  BATABD. 


latter  place  for  the  meeting.  The  ancient 
city  of  Ghent,  in  Southern  Netherlands 
(now  in  Belgium),  was  afterward  substi- 
tuted.' There  the  American  commission- 
ers assembled  in  the  summer  of  1814. 
These  consisted  of  John  Quincy  Adams, 
James  A.  Bayard,*  Henry  Clay,'  Jonathan 
Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatin.*  There  they 
were  joined*  by  the  British  com-  .  Angnsto, 
missioners,  Lord  Gambler,  Henry  **"• 
Goulburn,  and  William  Adams ;  and  Chris- 
topher Hughes,  Jr.,  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive of  men  in  social  life,  and  a  diplo- 
mat without  a  rival,  who  was  then  our 
charge  d'affaires  at  Stockholm,  was  ap- 
pointed secretary  to  the  American  com- 
missioners. 

Negotiations  were  speedily  opened,  when 
a  wide  difference  in  the  views  of  the  com- 
missioners of  the  respective  nations  threat- 


181T,  in  which  office  he  remained  nntll  he  took  the  chair  of  President  of  the  United  States  In  1926.  In  1831  he  was  elect- 
ed a  member  of  the  National  Honee  of  Representatives,  which  position  be  held  by  re-election  until  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred ki  the  Speaker's  Boom  at  the  Capitol  on  the  22d  of  February,  1848,  in  the  elghty-flrst  year  of  his  age.    His  last 


words  were,  "  This  Is  the  end  of  earth."  His  remains  were  buried  on  the  family  estate  at  Quincy.  In  the  accompany- 
ing picture  are  representations  of  the  blrthplnci-,  the  later  residence,  and  the  tomb  of  John  Quincy  Aclams. 

»  Qber-.i  IB  tne  capital  of  the  province  of  Bast  Flanders,  in  Belgium ;  Is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Scheldt  and 
Lv!,  and  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  localities  in  the  ancient  Netherlands. 

»  James  A.  Bayard  was  born  in  Philadelphia  on  the  2flth  of  July,  1T6T.  He  was  graduated  at  Princeton  in  1T84,  be- 
came a  lawyer  of  eminence,  and  took  a  scat  in  Congress  in  1T9T,  to  which  he  had  been  elected  by  the  Federalists.  He 
held  that  position  until  1804,  when  he  was  elected  to  the  National  Senate,  in  which  he  became  a  leader.  He  was  op- 
posed to  the  War  of  1813,  but  cheerfully  acquiesced  in  the  action  of  the  majority.  After  assisting  in  the  negotiation  of 
the  treaty  of  peace  he  went  to  Paris,  where  he  became  seriously  ill.  When  he  arrived  in  England,  on  his  way  home,  he 
was  met  with  the  commission  of  minister  to  Bnssia.  He  declined  the  honor,  hastened  home,  and  five  days  after  his  ar- 
rival (August  e,  1816)  he  died. 

»  Henry  Clay  (see  page  211)  was  bom  near  Hanover  Court-house,  in  Virginia,  on  the  18th  of  April,  1T7T.  He  was  edu- 
cated In  inferior  district  schools.  He  began  the  study  of  the  law  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty 
he  was  admitted  to  its  practice.  He  went  over  the  mountains  into  Kentucky,  and  settled  at  Lexington  in  1799.  With 
a  display  of  remarkable  talents,  he  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  as  a  politician,  with  vigor.  At  that 
early  period  he  worked  for  measures  for  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves,  and  through  life  was  an  advocate  of  the  abolition 
of  slavery  in  some  form.  He  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  Kentucky  Legislature  in  1803,  and  was  sent  to  the  National 
Senate  in  1806.  He  entered  the  House  of  Representatives  as  a  member  in  1811,  and  almost  immediately  afterward  was 
elected  its  speaker.  He  remained  In  Cofigress,  as  a  member  of  one  branch  or  the  other  of  that  body  (with  the  excep- 
tion of  four  years,  when  he  was  John  Quincy  Adams's  Secretary  of  State,  and  a  brief  retirement  thereafter),  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  at  Washington  City  on  the  29th  of  June,  1862. 

*  Alberi  Gallatin  was  bom  on  the  29th  of  January,  1T61,  in  the  city  of  Geneva,  Switzerland.  He  was  graduated  at  the 
University  of  Geneva  in  1TT9,  came  to  America  In  1T80,  and  entered  the  r  -.llitary  service  in  Maine.  After  the  Revolu- 
tion he  was  a  tutor  In  Harvard  College  for  a  while,  and  finally  settled  In  Western  Pennsylvania.  He  was  a  member  of 
the  Convention  to  revise  the  Constitution  of  that  state  in  ITSn,  and  was  elected  to  the  State  I.«giBlature.  He  was  chosen 
a  member  of  the  National  Senate  in  1T93,  bat,  being  ineligible,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  other  house,  and  became 


OF   THE  WAR   OF  1813. 


1061 


rd,  CUy,  and  Oallatlu. 

g.    The  ancient 
ra  Netherlands 
Tterward  substi- 
3an  commiBsion- 
immer  of  1814. 
Quincy  Adams, 
Clay,^  Jonathan 
in.*    There  they 
h  com-    •Angttste, 
Henry       *^**- 
lams ;  and  Chris- 
of  the  most  at- 
Ufe,  and  a  diplo- 

0  was  then  our 
ckholm,  was   ap- 

1  American  corn- 
lily  opened,  when 
fiewB  of  the  com- 
ve  nations  threat- 

26.  In  1831  he  was  elect- 
intll  his  death,  which  oc- 
ear  of  his  age.    His  last 


r^jtflS^ 


incy.    In  the  accompany- 

flncy  AtlaniB. 

faence  of  the  Scheldt  and 

1  at  Princeton  In  1T84,  be- 

i  by  the  Fcderallsta.    He 

jie  a  leader.    He  was  op- 

flng  In  the  negotiation  of 

ind,  on  his  way  home,  he 

id  five  days  after  his  ar- 

April,im.  Hewasedn- 
[and  at  the  age  of  twenty 
cxlngton  In  1799.  With 
ttan,  with  vigor.  At  that 
ladvocate  of  the  abolition 
I  was  sent  tr  the  National 
Imedlately  afterward  wai> 
Iftt  body  (with  the  excep- 
lient  thereafter),  nntU  his 

I  He  was  gradoatttd  at  the 
lalne.  After  the  Heroln- 
la.  He  was  a  member  of 
llslature.  He  was  chosen 
I  other  house,  and  became 


Delay  in  the  Negotlationa. 


Sympathies  of  the  People  of  Ghent  with  the  Americans. 


The  Treaty  concladed. 


ened  the  most  formidable  obstructions  to  agreement.    At  times  it  seemed  as  if  the 
effort  to  negotiate  a  treaty  would  be  fruitless.    The  discussions  continued  several 


VIEW  OF  TUE  CITY  Or  QUENT,  rKOli  TUE  SOUELDT. 

months.  The  leading  citizens  of  Ghent  (whose  sympathies  were  with  the  Ameri- 
cans') took  great  interest  in  the  matter,  and  mingled  their  rejoicings  with  the  com- 
missioners when  their  work  was  ended.^  That  result  was  reached  on  the  24th  of 
December,  1814,  when  a  treaty  was  signed  by  the  respective  commissioners.'  It  was 
immediately  transmitted  to  London  by  the  hands  of  Mr.  Baker,  secretary  to  Lord 

the  Republican  leader  of  It.  Jefferson  appointed  him  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  In  1801,  which  ofllce  he  held  until  1813, 
when  he  was  sent  to  St.  Petersburg  aa  a  commissioner  to  treat  for  peace.  His  communications  from  Europe  on  public 
affairs  at  that  time  were  mostly  written  in  cipher,  composed  of  numbers,  of  which  (copied  f^om  one  of  them  in  the  State 
Department  at  Waahbigton)  a  fac-simile  is  here  given  from  a  letter  dated  at  London,  June  13, 1814.   Each  number  rep- 

IS 44-  IZp.  S0(^J33S:  3o8.  8^^-  af/^  f(^0.  ///3o.  327.  SI 6  o-^^^ 
^.  /5^  /o4^.  /07S.  7o^.'ZCg'./42/,.22o-  /4Z3.JS76.  ^il8.  /3/  o.^ 
I3SS:  /o4j^./o33.  ^^i./433JS76.  id^.  6s6'$i.  looU-  lloZ.  1^18.  ^oo. 

resents  a  word  or  sentence,  perfectly  Intelligible  to  a  person  with  a  key.  Mr.  Oallatin  assisted  in  negotiating  the  treaty 
at  Ghent  He  remained  in  Europe,  and  ftom  1816  until  1823  he  was  our  resident  minister  at  the  French  court,  and  was 
employed  in  other  diplomatic  services.  He  declined  offices  of  high  honor  at  home,  and  remained  abroad  until  1828, 
when  he  returned  to  the  United  States,  and  fixed  his  residence  In  the  city  of  New  York,  where  he  engaged  in  the  busi- 
ness of  banking.  He  took  an  active  part  in  literary  pursuits,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Astoria, 
Long  Island,  on  the  12th  of  August,  1849,  he  was  President  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society. 

'  On  the  2Tth  of  October,  1814,  the  Academy  of  Sciences  and  Fine  Arts  at  Ghent  Invited  the  American  commissioners 
to  attend  their  exercises,  when  they  were  all  elected  honorary  members  of  the  Academy.  A  sumptuous  dinner  was  giv- 
en, at  which  the  Intendant,  or  chief  magistrate  of  Ghent,  offered  the  following  sentiment : 

"Owr  disKn^vfsAcd  ^ueste  and /elhnc-memben,  th*  Amerlean  ministers— may  they  succeed  In  making  an  honorable 
peace  to  secure  the  liberty  and  independence  of  their  country."  The  band  then  played  "  Hail,  Columbia."  The  British 
commissioners  were  not  present. 

'  After  the  treaty  was  concluded  the  American  commissioners  gave  a  dinner  to  the  British  commissioners,  at  which 
C3onnt  H.  Von  Steinhnyse,  the  Intendant  of  the  Department,  was  a  guest  Sentiments  of  mutual  friendship  were  offered. 
A  few  days  afterward  the  Intendant  gave  an  entertainment  to  the  commissioners  of  both  nations. 

'  On  the  next  two  pages  is  a  fac-simile  of  the  last  paragraph  of  the  treaty,  with  the  signatures  of  the  respective  com- 
missioners, and  representations  of  the  seals  set  opposite  their  names.  These  were  careftilly  copied  by  the  writer  fhim 
the  original  in  the  Department  of  State  at  Washington  City.  The  Impresaiona  of  all  the  seals  od  the  red  wax  were  im- 
perfect, as  the  engravbigs  represent  them. 


^ ; 


;|,  { 


!^    i  i 


1062 


PICTORIAL    FIELD-BOOK 


(•  :i 


f    I 


BIgnatures  and  8eali  to  the  Treaty  of  Peace. 


Gambler,  and  Mr.  Can-oil,  ouo  of  tbu  Hccretarios  of  tho  American  coiuniissionerB. 


c^y^t-^ . 


.Cftyf^  Oy'y^Ot 


-»5<i»-ZX 


i^^?-^*-^ 


a^-^^f^^t^ 


u  crn/n  dui/ytctf  JicLu/yyU 


OF  THE  WAR   OP  1818. 


1068 


in  comraissionerB. 


Ratlflcatlon  of  the  Treat;  of  Peace. 


ArrlTuI  of  the  News  In  New  York  >nd  WaahliiKtoii, 


.,  t 


ill 


I!!| 


Cy^^e^ ^aJU;z:> 


There  it  was  ratified  on  the  28th  of  the  same  month  by  the  Prince  Regent,  and  then 
sent  to  America  by  the  same  messen- 
gers. They  sailed  in  the  British  sloop 
of  war  Favorite  on  the  2d  of  January, 
1815.  She  arrived  at  New  York  on 
the  evening  of  Saturday,  the  11th  of 
February.  Mr.  Hughes  left  Ghent  with 
a  copy  of  the  treaty  at  the  same  time 
the  other  messengers  did,  proceeded  to 
the  Texel,  and  there  embarked  for  the 
Chesapeake  in  the  schooner  Transit. 
She  arrived  at  Annapolis  two  days  aft- 
er the  Favorite  reached  New  York, 
and  Mr.  Hughes'  was  at  Washington 
City  with  his  copy  of  the  treaty  before 
the  ratified  copy  arrived  there. 

News  of  the  arrival  of  the  Favorite 
soon  spread  over  the  city.  The  glad 
tidings  of  peace  which  she  brought 
were  wholly  unexpected,  and  produced 
the  most  intense  satisfaction.  No  one 
inquired  what  were  the  terms  of  the 
treaty;  it  was  enough  to  know  that 
peace  had  been  secured.    The  streets 


m 


11 


cy^y^  /^, 


>  Hr.  Hagbei  U  represented  as  a  man  of  very  attractive  personal  appearance,  exceedingly  active  In  body  and  mind, 
and  more  widely  known  personally  daring  his  long  residence  in  Europe  than  almost  any  other  man.   A  writer,  in  speak. 


1M4 


PICTORIAL    flELD-BOOK 


imolelDg*  becaOM  of  Peace. 


now  the  New*  wm  ipread  oTer  the  Cunnlry. 


lUJotcingt  Id  OrMt  Britain. 


(   , 


were  soon  filled  with  people,  and  a  placard  issued  from  one  of  the  newspaper  offiecB> 
and  thrown  out  of  the  window,  was  eagerly  caught  up  and  read  by  the  multitude, 
who  made  the  night  air  vocal  with  huzzas.  Cannon  thundered,  bells  rang,  and  bon- 
fires and  illuminations  lighted  up  the  city  until  ailcr  midnight.  Expresses  were  sent 
in  various  directions  with  the  glad  news.*  The  newspaperH  were  filled  on  Monday 
'Febrnaryia,  morning*  with  shipping  advertisements  and  commercial  announcements 
1815.  Qf  every  kind.     Government  stocks  advanced,^  and  coin  and  merchan- 

dise rapidly  declined.*  There  was  joy  all  over  the  land,  and  especially  along  the 
whole  maritime  frontier.  Banquets  and  illuminations  marked  the  public  satisfaction 
in  towns  and  cities.*  There  were  also  great  rejoicings  in  the  Canadas  because  of  the 
deliverance  of  the  provinces  from  the  terrors  of  invasion  by  which  they  had  been  dis- 
turbed for  almost  three  years ;  and  the  British  government,  appreciating  the  loyalty 
of  the  inhabitants  of  those  provinces,  as  manifested  in  their  gallant  defense  of  their 
territory  during  the  war,  caused  a  medal  to  be  struck  in  testimony  of  its  gratitude.* 
There  was  rejoicing  also  in  Great  Britain  because  of  peace,  especially  among  the 
manufacturing  and  mercantile  classes,  for  it  promised  returning  prosperity ;  and  a 
medal  was  struck  in  commemoration  of  the  great  event,  which  bore  upon  one  side 
the  words,  "trkaty  of  peace  and  amity  between  gueat  Britain  and  the  united 

STATES  OF  AMERICA,  SIGNED  AT  GHENT  DECEMBER  24,  1814,"  and  Upon  thc  Other  a  feiU- 

Ing  of  bim  said,  "  He  li  the  beat  known  man  in  the  world,  ft'om  New  York  to  Knmtschatka,"  and  woa  remiirkablo  for 
"Mying  more  wise  things,  strange  things,  droll  things,  than  ever  tongne  uttered  or  mind  conceived."  Ills  pcrsonnl 
popalarlty  made  him  a  most  skillAil  diplomat.  Ue  obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  most  profound  state  secrets,  .Tohn 
<}uincy  Ad.'^ras  said,  "by  no  improper  acts,  and  at  no  cost  of  secret  service  money,  but  by  the  art  of  making  friends  by 
his  goclul  qualities  wherever  hi  goes."— Adams's  speech  in  Congress,  September  4,  1841.  Mr.  Hughes  was  a  native  of 
Baltimore,  and  was  a  brother-in-law  of  Colonel  Armistead,  the  gallant  defender  of  Fort  M'Uenry.  He  died  in  Baltimore 
on  the  IStb  of  September,  1849. 

>  It  was  Issued  from  the  ofBce  of  the  Mereantil:  Adverttter,  on  a  slip  of  paper  Ave  by  six  inches  in  size,  and  was  posted 
and  scattered  all  over  the  city.  The  following  la  a  copy  of  one  of  these  placards,  in  the  possession  of  John  B.  Morean, 
Baq.,  of  New  Torlc  City : 

"  New  York,  Satorday  Evening,  9  o'clock,  February  11, 181B. 

"PEACE. 

"The  great  and  joyftal  news  of  PEACE  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  reached  this  city  tbia  evening  by 
the  British  sloop  of  war  Favorite,  the  Hon.  J.  U.  Mowatt,  Esq.,  commander,  In  forty-two  days  f^om  Plymouth. 

"Henry  Carroll,  Esq.,  Secretary  of  the  American  I.egation  at  Ghent,  Is  the  welcome  bearer  of  the  treaty,  which  was 
signed  at  Ghent  on  the  24th  December  by  the  respective  commissioners,  and  ratified  by  the  British  government  on  the 
SSth  December.  Mr,  Baker,  late  Secretary  to  the  British  Legation  at  Washington,  has  also  arrived  In  the  sloop  of  war 
with  a  copy  of  the  treaty  ratified  by  the  British  government." 

*  Mr.  Goodhue,  an  eminent  merchant,  sent  an  express  at  his  own  expense  ($225)  to  Boston  In  thirty-six  hours,  which 
scattered  the  glad  tidings  along  the  way,  Jacob  Barker  (see  page  986)  sent  an  express  in  like  manner  to  Governor 
Tompkins  at  Albany  in  twenty-foar  hours.  Mr.  Carroll,  on  bis  way  to  Washington  with  a  copy  of  the  treaty,  gave  the 
first  news  of  peace  to  Philadelphia,    Hngbes  bad  already  gladdened  Baltimore  with  the  tidings. 

*  Six  per  cents  rose  IVom  TO  to  86,  and  treasury  notes  from  92  to  98, 

*  Coin,  which  was  twenty-two  per  cent,  premium,  fell  to  two  per  cent,  in  the  conrse  of  forty-eight  hours.  Within  the 
same  time  sugar  fell  firom  $20  per  cwt  to  $12.fi0 ;  tea  f^om  $2.20  per  lb.  to  $1 ;  tin  horn  $80  n  box  to  $2S.  These  are 
mentioned,  among  scores  of  articles,  as  specimens  of  the  sudden  effect  of  the  news  on  commercial  values, 

*  Philadelphia  was  the  first  to  illuminate.  It  took  place  on  Wednesday  evening,  the  16th  of  February,  Robert  Whar- 
ton, the  mayor,  in  bis  proclamation  concerning  It,  suggested  t>>at,  as  the  religious  principles  of  the  Quakers  would  not 
permit  them  to  Illuminate,  the  police  should  see  to  It  that  ibey  should  be  protected  "  in  their  peaceful  rights,"  Thc 
mayor  directed  all  the  lights  to  be  extinguished  at  ten  o'clock.  On  that  occasion  brilliant  !!ghts  were  exhibited  bam 
the  top  of  a  shot-tower  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  in  height.  The  Illumination  in  New  York  took  place  ou  the  22d  of 
February,  On  the  evening  of  the  Iflth  of  March  a  "  superb  ball,"  as  the  newspapers  of  the  day  said,  was  given  at  Wash- 
ington Hall,  the  dancing-room  of  which  was  sixty  by  eighty  feet  In  size.  The  "number  of  ladles  and  gentlemen  was 
six  biudred."  The  room  was  so  arranged  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  a  beautiful  pavilion,  or  temple,  with  eighteen 
pillars,  on  each  of  which  was  the  name  of  a  state.  It  was  called  the  Temple  of  Concord,  On  one  side  of  the  room,  un- 
der a  canopy  composed  of  flags,  was  the  Bower  of  Peace,  surrounded  with  orange  and  lemon  trees  covered  with  fhilt. 
The  Evening  Pott  of  the  21st  of  March  said  of  the  scene  In  the  hall,  "  It  was  a  picture  of  female  beauty,  fashion,  and  ele- 
gance not  to  be  surpassed  in  any  city  in  the  Union,"  Among  the  most  active  women  at  this  entertainment  were  those 
who  composed  the  managers  of  the  Association  for  the  Relief  of  the  Soldiers  'n  the  Field,  formed  in  1814.  These  con- 
sisted of  Mrs,  General  Lewis,  Mrs,  William  Few,  Mrs,  David  Gelston,  Mrs.  Philip  Livingston,  Mrs,  Colonel  Lalght,  Mrs. 
Thomas  Morris,  Mrs.  Marlnus  Willet,  Mrs,  Williiim  Ross,  Mrs,  Nathan  Sanford,  Mrs,  Daniel  Smith,  Mrs.  L.  Bradlsh,  Miss 
M.  Bleecker,  Miss  H,  Lewis,  and  Miss  H,  E.  G.  Bradlsh. 

*  The  device  on  one  side  of  the  medal  is  emblematic  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  On  one  side  of  a  river  and 
lake  (l^t.  Lawrence  and  the  Lakes)  is  the  eagle,  representing  the  sovereignty  of  the  republic,  threatening  to  fly  over  into 
Canada,  whose  emblem  is  the  beaver.  There  the  British  lion  conchant  Is  seen,  emblematic  of  the  protecting  sovereignty 
of  Great  Britain,  The  device  on  the  other  side  explains  itself.  The  medal  was  made  by  Thomas  Wyon,  Jr,,  a  young 
engraver,  then  only  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  died  In  181T,  at  the  age  of  twenty-flve  years,  when  he  was  at  the  head 
of  his  pToftssion.  Copies  of  the  three  medals  here  mentioned  are  in  the  rare  numismatic  collection  of  Chas,  I,  Bushnell, 
Esq.,  of  New  York,  to  whose  courtesy  I  am  Indeuted  for  the  privilege  of  having  two  of  them  engraved  for  this  worlc 


lolcingt  In  Ureal  Britain. 

nowttpaper  offices' 
by  tho  multitude, 
ills  rung,  and  bon- 
icprcsscs  were  sent 
filled  on  Monday 
al  announceinentH 
oin  and  morchan- 
|)e«!ially  along  tho 
public  Batisfuction 
lias  because  of  the 
they  had  been  dis- 
nating  the  loyalty 
it  defense  of  their 
J  of  its  gratitude." 
ecially  among  tho 
prosperity;  and  a 
tore  upon  one  side 

N  AND  TUB  UNITED 

on  the  other  a  fem- 

"  and  wa»  remarkable  for 
H)iicelve(I."  Hl»  i)er«<)iml 
>roun<l  ntatc  secrets,  Juhii 
e  art  of  making  flrienda  by 
r.  na(?heB  was  a  native  of 
nry.    He  died  iu  Baltimore 

les  In  size,  and  was  posted 
lesslon  of  John  B.  Korean, 

clock,  February  11, 181U, 


■A  this  city  this  evening  by 

■om  Plymouth. 

of  the  treaty,  which  was 

Iritlsb  government  on  the 

■rived  in  the  sloop  of  war 

jin  thirty-six  honrs,  which 
lliko  manner  to  Governor 
]py  of  the  treaty,  gave  the 
Sl- 
eight honrs.    Within  the 
I  box  to  $26.    These  arc 

1  values. 

pebruary.    Robert  Whar- 

r  the  Quakers  would  not 

•  peacefkil  rights."    The 

Lhts  were  exhibited  f^om 

ftook  place  ou  the  22d  of 

|sald,  was  given  at  Wasli- 

dies  and  gentlemen  woe 

or  temple,  with  eighteen 

\me  side  of  the  room,  nn- 

Itrees  covered  with  fhiit. 

I  beanty,  fashion,  and  ele- 

ntertalnment  were  those 

tied  in  1814.    These  cor.- 

Irs.  Colonel  Lalght,  Mrs. 

Itb,  Mrs.  L.  Bradlsb,  Hiss 

I  one  ride  of  a  river  and 
leatenlng  to  fly  over  into 
\  protecting  sovereignty 
[mas  Wyon,  Jr.,  a  young 
irhen  he  was  at  the  head 
Hon  of  Chas.  I.  Bnahnel), 
graved  for  tbia  work. 


OF  THE  WAR   OP   1812. 


1065 


Uadalt  and  Pictn^'ea  In  Commemoration  of  Peace. 


RatlfletUoii  of  the  Treaty  by  the  Dnitnd  States  Senate. 


UKKAI.    Iir    (illAIIiniiR. 


inine  figure  standing  on  the  segment  of  a  globe,  bearing  the  cornucopia  of  plenty, 
and  holding  in  on.j  hand  tho  olive-branch  of  peace.  Partly  encircling  the  figure  were 
the  words, "  on  the  earth  peace,  good-will  to  men."  Another  medal  commemo- 
rative of  the  treaty  was  struck,  on  one  side  of  which  was  a  feminine  figure  standing 
upon  a  shell  in  tho  midst  of  tho  ocean,  with  the  olive-branch  in  one  hand  and  rays 
of  light  emanating  from  the  other.     Partly  inclosing  the  figure  were  tho  words, 

"  PEACE  HPREAD8  HEB  INFLUENCE  o'eR  THE  ATLANTIC  SHORE."      On  the  Other  sidc  WaS 

a  dove  surrounded  with  light,  and  desccndint,'  toward  a  wreath  of  palm  leaves  in- 


JUKDAL  COMMEMUUATIVK    OF   TUE  TREATY    Of   I'EAOK. 

closing  the  words  "  concord  between  great  britain  and  America."  A  fine  alle- 
gorical picture  was  painted  and  engraved  in  this  country  commemorative  of  the  war 
and  the  treaty  of  peace,  a  copy  of  which  is  given  on  the  next  page.' 

The  treaty  of  peace  was  ratified  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States  on  the  17th  of  February,  1815,  and  it  was  promulgated  the  nt^j  day  by  proc- 
lamation of  President  Madison.  It  did  not,  as  the  text  of  the  treaty  given  in  the 
Appendix  shows,  secure  to  the  Americans  that  immunity  from  Search  and  Impress- 
ment for  which  they  went  to  war,  and  for  this  reason  it  was  pointed  to  exultingly  by 
the  Opposition  as  a  proof  of  the  wisd'om  of  their  prophecies,  the  patriotism  of  their 

>  This  picture,  entitled  The  Ptare  of  Ghent,  1814,  and  Triumph  of  Amtriea,y/M  drawn  by  William  Planton  and  en- 
graved by  Chataiguler.  It  was  published  by  P.  Price,  .Ir.,  Philadelphia.  The  design  is  thus  described :  "Minerea  rep- 
resents the  wisdom  of  the  United  States,  Mercury  their  commerce,  HerevUa  their  force.  Minerea  dictates  their  condi- 
tions of  peace,  which  Mcrrunj  presents  to  Britannia,  and  Hereules  forces  her  to  accept  them.  On  the  shield  of  Minerva 
are  the  names  of  those  who  signed  the  treaty ;  on  tho  obelisk,  those  of  the  braves.  On  the  other  side  America  passes  in 
triumph  through  the  arch  on  her  way  to  the  Temple  of  Peace.  She  Is  attended  by  Victory,  and  followed  by  a  numerous 
train.  Several  trophies  are  seen,  and  in  the  bactigronnd  are  the  ruins  of  the  Capitol."  Below  the  picture,  in  a  circle 
composed  of  links,  on  each  of  which  is  the  name  of  a  state,  ie  the  following  luspriptioii :  "Under  the  presidency  of  Had- 
ison.    Monroe,  Secretary  of  State." 


'U'- : 


n 


loee 


riCTOUIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Allegoric*!  I'lctnre  of  the  Treatjr  of  Peace  and  Triumph  of  flmiflw 


in 


t       M 


i  (I. 


J  if      ,. 

■JPl'^liff'^nl^Hyil 

A          '  1 1  V ' 

.IT jiiv^'^  ;t "  U' 

1   jf "  41  liRKfiHlHii 

1       ill:! 

(  . 
% 

1     'ijIKi 

HMP"     'IIIIIUIIIII' 

iJJM 

he 

1 

^'Wi 

^4    .    - 

Ilk.  i!:>^» 

S-':»W*'%.)>'i|'^ 

^^ 

i      ''^\    ''■^•"4m^\      ' 

-..^K'   \^"y       \\ 

— .   "g-i:fl:Tl  '^'  S 

f  - 

■  isBlji  s;S^^^Sb,,-^^_ 

"  ■  ill. 

course,  and  the  truth  of  their  declarations  that  the  war  was  a  failure — "  waged  to  no 


OF  THE   WAR    OF   1813. 


1067 


HbeU  of  the  Treat;. 


PiulUon  of  tlM  Republic  tt  the  Cloae  of  the  Ww. 


Rexljaitmeut  of  National  Aflklre. 


lure — 


waged  to  uo 


end."'  It  by  no  moanH  Rocurcd  all  that  tho  Adminintratio''  hoj^d  for ;  yot,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  boon  of  pnaco,  it  gave  to  the  AnicricanH  advantiigus  to  be  derived  from  u 
final  Htftthini'nt  ofboundarinB  and  the  excluMivo  riglit  to  the  niivigation  of  tho  MIwhIb- 
sipld  l{ivur,  wliilo  it  took  from  them  the  important  privilege,  whieh  the  marinerH  of 
New  Kngland  had  always  enjoyed,  of  catching  and  curing  iiHh  on  tho  shores  of  tho 
Gulf  of  tSt.  Lawrence.*  It  also  Hccured,  iu  the  interoHt  of  our  common  humanity,  tlie 
co-operation  of  the  two  uatious  iu  efibrta  to  ouppross  the  iuhumau  aud  ua-Christian 
trailiG  in  slavoH. 

But  fur  more  Important  to  this  country  and  the  world  than  tho  Boourity  of  inci- 
dental advant.;^08  was  the  cHtablishment,  by  th<'  v.  ar,  of  the  positive  and  permanent 
iudependenco  of  tho  United  States,  and  with  it  a  guarantee  to  tho  postorities,  of  the 
perpetuation  and  growth  of  free  institutions.  (4reat  Britain  had  been  taught,  by  the 
lessons  of  tho  war,  that  tho  young  republic,  tho  offspring  of  her  oppressions,^  growing 
more  lusty  every  hour,  would  no  longer  tolerate  an  insult,  or  sufler  its  sovereignty  to 
bo  questioned  without  resenting  tho  offense;  and  she  was  corajHjlled  to  sign  a  bond, 
as  it  wei-o,  to  keep  tho  peace,  in  the  form  of  an  acknowledgment  that  she  had,  in  that 
republic,  a  formidable  rival  for  tho  supremacy  of  the  seas,  which  she  was  bound  to 
respect.  Her  aristocracy,  as  a  rule,  and  tho  public  writers  in  their  interest,  remained, 
as  before,  the  bitter  enemies  of  the  Kopublic.  They  condemned  the  treaty  because  it 
yielded  too  much  to  what  they  were  pleased  to  call  tho  "  insolent  Yankees,"*  and 
omitted  no  opportunity  to  disparage  and  libel  the  American  people  and  tho  American 
Republic.  It  was,  perhaps,  a  natural  exhibition  of  tho  weakness  and  selfishness  of  hu- 
man nature.  That  Republic,  with  its  free  iustitutions  and  equality  in  acknowledged 
citizenship,  was  and  is  a  perpetual  menace  against  tho  oxistcnco  of  privileged  classes, 
and  a  silent  but  potential  champion  of  the  rights  of  man  enunciated  in  its  j)rime  po- 
litical creed,  that "  all  men  are  created  equal."  Hence  it  is  that  tho  privileged  class- 
es of  the  Old  World  are  its  natural  enemies,  and  are  willing  to  disparage  its  institu- 
tions and  people  in  the  estimation  of  the  toiling  millions  who  are  struggling  for  the 
light  and  air  of  a  better  human  existence. 

When  the  treaty  of  peace  was  ratified,  tho  government  of  tho  United  States  took 
measures  immediately  for  tho  adjustment  of  national  affairs  in  accordance  with  the 
new  order  of  things.  An  appropriation  was  made  for  rebuilding  tho  public  edifices.* 
Plai  J  were  considered  for  the  maintenance  of  tho  public  credit  and  the  extinguish- 
ment of  the  national  debt,  then  amounting,  in  round  numbers,  to  |1 20,000,000.     The 

>  The  OppoB'Mon  newnpapers  contaiuod  gome  well-pointed  epigrams,  keen  satires,  and  genalne  wit,  aimed  at  the 
friends  of  the  wi  r,  and  iu  illnfitration  of  the  shortcomings  of  the  treaty ;  and  there  waa  also  an  abundance  of  coarre 
abuse  ponred  out,  through  the  same  channels,  upon  the  Administration.  The  usually  diguifled  Evening  Pout  bad  some 
severe  critlclsmai  and  Jostifled  the  following  stanza  in  its  Sew  Year'»  Aiidreu,  printed  a  few  weeks  before : 

"  Your  commerce  Is  wantonly  lost, 

Your  treasures  arc  wasted  and  gone ; 
You've  fought  to  no  end,  but  with  millions  of  cost, 
And  for  rivers  of  blood  you've  nothing  to  boast 

But  credit  and  nation  undone." 

>  The  treaty  provided  for  the  appointment  of  commissioners,  and  such  were  tho  final  results  of  their  labors. 

'  Half  a  century  before  (1705),  when  Charles  Townshend,  in  an  eloquent  speech  In  the  British  House  of  Commons, 
spoke  of  fhe  "ungrateftil  Americans" as  "children  planted  by  our  care,"  Colonel  Barri-,  in  an  indignant  reply, exclaim- 
ed, "They  planted  by  your  care  I  No  I  your  oppression  planted  them  in  America  ;  they  fled  from  your  tyranny  to  a 
then  uncultivated  and  inhospitable  wildemesf,  exposed  to  all  the  hardships  to  which  hnman  nature  is  liable." 

*  The  Luadon  Publie  Advertiser,  at  that  period,  fursished  many  Ulustratlona  of  the  feclhig  against  the  treaty.  The 
following  will  enfflce: 

"Advxbtibkhents  ExTKAosniHAaT. 

"Wanttd.— The  spirit  which  animated  the  conduct  of  Elizabeth,  Oliver,  and  William. 

"  />o«t.— All  idea  of  national  dignity  and  honor. 

"  fotind.— That  every  iuslgnlflcant  state  may  insult  Tray  which  tuied  to  call  herself  HisTana  or  tdb  Beab." 

»  The  value  of  the  public  buildings  destroyed  was  estimated  as  follows :  The  Capitol,  original  cost,  alterations,  etc., 
$78T,1«8.«8  i  President's  house,  including  all  cosU,  $.184.834 ;  public  offices.  Treasury,  State,  War,  and  Navy,  $it,613.8i ; 
making  a  total  of  $1,216,111.  The  walla  of  the  Capitol  and  of  the  President's  bouse  (see  pages  933  and  934)  remained 
strong*  and  only  needed  repairs.  It  was  estimated  that  $440,000  wonid  restore  them  to  their  condition  before  the  fire. 
No  estimate  was  made  of  the  value  of  the  pnblic  library  that  was  barned.  The  estimated  cost  of  rebuilding  the  navy 
yard  was  $62,370.  The  value  of  property  destroyed  at  that  establishment  was  estimated  at  $669,174.04,  of  which  $417,746. 
61  waa  movable  property.    See  page  934. 


w 


Hi 


m  M 


II 


II 


=fifi-^' 


1068 


PICTORIAL   FIELD-BOOK 


Redaction  a>  the  Armj. 


The  Nav". 


Privateer*. 


CapUves  released. 


Dartmoor  Prisoners. 


army  was  placed  on  a  peace  footing,  and  was  reduced  to  10,000  men,  by  which  reduc- 
tion about  1800  officers  were  compelled  to  leave  the  service.  The  navy  was  left 
where  it  stood,  with  an  additional  appropriation,  for  its  gradual  increase,  of  $200,000 
annually  for  three  years.  The  national  vessels  and  prtvateers  were  drawn  from  the 
ocean  as  speedily  as  possible,^  and  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  both  parties  were  released 
as  quickly  as  proper  arrangements  could  be  made  for  their  enlargement. 

In  connection  with  the  release  of  captives,  a  circumstance  occurred  at  a  ddpfit  for 
prisoners  in  England  which  caused  great  exasperation  on  the  part  of  the  American 
people.  That  d6p6t  was  situated  on  Dartmoor,  a  desolate  region  in  Devonshire, 
where  it  was  constructed  in  1809  for  the  confinement  of  French  prisoners  of  war.  It 
comprised  thirty  acres,  inclosed  within  double  walls,  with  seven  distinct  prison- 
houses,  with  inclosures.  At  the  time  of  the  ratification  of  the  treaty  of  peace,  there 
were  about  six  thousand  American  prisoners  there,  iiicluding  twenty-five  hundred 
impressed  American  seamen,  who  had  refused  to  fight  in  the  British  Navy  against 
their  countrymen,  and  were  there  when  the  war  broke  out  in  1812.  Some  had  been 
there  ten  or  eleven  yearo.  "rn-.-  place  was  in  charge  of  Captain  T.  G,  Shortland,  with 
a  military  guard.  That  officer  was  charged  with  much  unfeeling  conduct  toward 
the  prisoners,  accounts  of  which  reached  America,  from  time  to  time,  and  produced 
great  irritation  in  the  public  mind. 

There  was  much  delay  in  the  ralease  of  the  Dartmoor  prisoners.  It  was  nearly 
three  months  after  the  treaty  of  peace  had  been  signed  before  they  were  permitted 
•March 20,     to  know  the  fact.    From  that  time*  they  were  in  daily  expectation  of  re- 

1816.         lease.     Delay  caused  uneasiness  and  impatience,  and  there  was  evidently 

a  disposition  to  attempt  an  escape.     Symptoms  of  insubordination  appeared  on  the 

4th  of  April,  when  the  prisoners  demanded  b-ead  instead  of  hard  biscuit,  and  refused 

» A  riL    *°  receive  the  latter.    On  the  evening  of  the  eth,**  so  reluctantly  did  the  pris- 

onera  obey  orders  to  retire  to  their  quarters,  that,  when  some  of  them,  with 


DABTMOOB  PBISON   IN  ISlOw' 


>  The  whole  namber  of  Britlrh  vesf  els  of  every  class  captured  by  Americans  dnring  the  war  was  estimated  at  i  780. 
An  ofllclal  British  retnm  stated  that,  daring  the  same  time,  British  ships  bad  captnred  and  destroyed  168S  American 
vessels  of  every  clasn,  manned  by  npw;ird  of  18,(i<)0  eenmen.    See  puffe  lOOT. 

'  This  is  a  carefhl  copy  of  an  engraviUK  attached  to  a  Journal  nf  a  Yountf  Kan  <t/ Ma»»aehumtt»,  late  a  Surgeon  on 
board  an  Amerioan  Privateer,  who  was  a  prisoner  there  at  the  time  of  the  massacre,  and  an  eye-wltnesi  of  macb  of 


OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 


1069 


Dartmoor  Prl»oner«. 


Sad  Event  at  the  Dartmoor  Prisons, 


Prosperity  of  tbe  Repabllc. 


Its  Kelations  to  the  Nations. 


the  appearance  of  mutinous  intentions,  not  only  refused  to  retire,  but  passed  beyond 
the  prescribed  limits  of  their  confinement,  they  were  fired  upon,  by  orders  of  Captain 
Shortland,  for  the  purpose  of  intimidating  all.  This  firing  was  followed  up  by  the 
soldiers  without  the  shadow  of  an  excuse,  according  to  an  impartial  report  made  by 
a  commission  appointed  to  investigate  the  matter. '  Five  prisoners  were  killed  and 
thirty- three  were  wounded.  The  act  of  the  soldiers  was  regarded  by  the  Americans 
as  a  wanton  massac/e ;  and  when  the  British  authorities  pronounced  the  act  "justifi- 
able homicide,"  the  hottest  indignation  was  excited.  But  Time,  the  great  healer,  has 
interposed  its  balm,  and  the  event  appears  in  history  as  one  of  the  inevitable  cruel- 
ties of  ever-cruel  war. 

At  the  close  of  the  Second  Wae  fob  Independence,  the  events  of  which  are  re- 
corded in  this  volume,  our  Republic  had  achieved,  as  we  have  observed,  the  most  im- 
portant of  all  its  triumphs,  and  was  still  wealthy  with  the  fruits  of  a  wonderful  prog- 
ress in  the  space  of  twenty-five  years  since  its  nativity.'  It  then  started  afresh  upon 
a  grand  career  of  prosperity,  with  marvelous  resources  developed  and  undeveloped — 
known  and  unknown.  The  rulers  and  privileged  classes  in  other  lands  persisted  in 
calling  it  an  experiment,  and  were  ever  prophesying  the  failure  of  the  republican  prin- 
ciple in  government,  of  which  it  was  a  notable  example.  Recent  events  have  silenced 
all  cavil,  and  dispelled  all  doubts  on  that  point. 

Fifty  years  after  the  close  of  its  last  struggle  for  independence,  our  Republic 
emerged*  from  the  fiery  furnace  of  a  Civil  War  unparalleled  in  proportions 
and  operations  hitherto,  purified  and  strengthened  by  the  ordeal.  The  most 
skeptical  observer  of  that  trial  and  its  results  can  no  longer  consider  our  Govern- 
ment an  experiment.  It  is  a  demonstration.  Its  history  is  an  affirmative  answer 
to  the  question  whether  republican  institutions  have  elements  of  vitality  and  power 
sufiicient  for  the  demands  of  every  exigency  of  national  life.  Henceforth  it  will 
stand  before  the  nations  a  trusted  oracle  for  the  guidance  and  encouragement  of  all 
aspirants  in  other  lands  for  the  privileges  of  free  thought  and  action. 


what  he  recorded.  The  following  is  a  description  wf  the  picture :  A.  Surgeon's  House ;  B.  Captain  Shortland'a  Quar- 
ters ;  C.  Uospital ;  D.  Barracks ;  E.  Cachot,  or  Black-hole ;  F,  F,  F.  Ouard-houses ;  O,  G.  Store-houses.  The  Arabic 
numerals  refer  to  the  numbers  of  the  prisons  as  they  were  alluded  to  in  narratives  and  official  documents.  The  out- 
ward of  the  two  encircling  walls  of  stone  (of  which  the  prisons  were  built)  was  amlle  in  circumference.  The  inner  wall 
wag  used  as  a  military  walk  for  the  sentinel*.  Within  this  wall  were  iron  palisades,  ten  feet  In  height.  The  guard  was 
composed  of  a  little  more  than  two  thousand  well-dlsciplliied  militia,  and  two  companies  of  Royal  Artillery.  The  pic- 
ture not  opiy  gives  a  blrd's-«ye  view  of  the  post,  but  the  position  of  tbe  guards  at  the  time  they  fired,  and  of  the  killed 
where  they  feU. 

'  The  American  commisMoners  to  negotiate  the  treaty  of  peace,  then  in  London,  appointed  the  late  Charles  King, 
president  of  Columbia  College  (then  a  young  man,  who  was  on  a  visit  to  England),  a  commissioner  on  the  part  of  the 
Americans,  and  the  British  authorities  appointed  Francis  Seymour  Larpent  to  act  with  him. 

•  John  Bristed,  in  his  admirable  work  on  The  RemxirctA  of  the.  United  Staten,  published  in  ISIS,  gives  the  following  sum- 
mary of  the  real  and  personal  capital,  and  the  income  of  the  people  of  the  Repabllc,  at  abon^  the  time  of  the  close  of  the 
war: 

Real  Prnpertii.—VuhMc  lands,  600,000,000  acres,  a(  $2  an  acre,  $1,000,000,000 ;  cultivated  lands,  800,000,000  acres,  at  $10 
:.ii  acre,  $3,000,000,000 ;  dwelling-hon.ie8  of  all  kinds,  $1,000,000,000.    Total  of  real  property,  $6,000,000,000. 

Personal  Property. — Capital  to  the  holders  of  government  storks,  who  were  American  citizens,  $100,000,000;  banking 
stocks,  $100,000,000;  slaves,  1,600,000,  at  $160  tach,  $2'26,000,000 ;  shipping  of  all  kinds,  $226,000,000;  money,  farming 
stock  and  ntensils,  manufactures,  household  fiimiture  and  plate,  carriages,  and  every  other  siwcles  of  p»r8onal  proper- 
ty not  above  cnnmemted,  ,v1,660,000,ooo.  Total  of  personal  property,  $2,200,000,000.  Qrand  total  of  American  capital, 
in  real  and  personal  property,  $7,200,000,000. 


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i 

APPENDIX. 


TREATY  OF  PEACE  AND  AMITY 

BETWEEN  HIS  BRITANNIC  MAJESTY  AND  THE  TJNITBD  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

Hie  Britannic  Majesty  and  the  United  States  of  America,  desirons  of  terminating  the  war  which  has  unhappily  snb- 
slsted  between  the  two  cuantriee,  and  of  rectorlng,  upon  principles  of  perfect  reciprocity,  peace,  (Hendship,  and  good 
anderstanding  between  them,  have  for  that  purpose  appointed  their  respective  Plenipctcnthries — that  is  to  say :  His 
Britannic  Majesty,  on  his  part,  has  appointd  the  Right  Honorable  James  Lord  Qambier,  Inte  Admirai  of  the  White, 
now  Admiral  of  the  K«d  squadron  of  His  Majesty's  Fleet,  Henry  Goulburn,  Esq.,  a  member  of  the  Imperial  Parliament, 
and  Under  Secretary  of  State,  and  William  Adams,  Esq.,  Doctor  of  Civil  Laws ;  and  the  President  of  the  Uuited  States, 
by  a^d  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate  thereof,  has  appointed  John  Quincy  Adams,  James  A.  Bayard,  Henry 
Clay,  Jonathan  Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatin,  citizens  of  the  United  States— who,  after  a  reciprocal  communicatlou  of 
their  respective  fktll  powers,  have  agreed  upon  the  following  Articles: 

Articli  thx  Fibst. 

There  shall  be  a  firm  and  nnirersal  peace  between  His  Britannic  Majesty  and  the  United  States,  and  between  their 
respective  coantries,  territories,  cities,  towns,  and  people,  of  every  degree,  without  exception  of  places  or  persons.  All 
hostilities,  both  by  sea  and  land,  shall  cease  as  soon  as  this  treaty  shall  have  been  ratified  by  both  parties,  as  hereinafter 
mentioned.  All  territory,  places,  and  possessions  whatsoever,  taken  by  either  party  from  the  other  during  the  war,  or 
which  may  be  taken  after  the  signing  of  this  treaty,  excepting  only  the  islands  hereinafter  mentioned,  shall  be  restored 
without  delay,  and  without  causing  any  destruction  or  carrying  away  any  of  the  artillery  or  other  public  property  orig- 
inally captnred  in  said  forts  or  places,  and  which  shall  remain  therein  upon  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  this 
treaty,  or  any  slaves  or  other  private  property.  And  all  archives,  records,  deeds,  and  papers,  ei'her  of  a  pnblic  nature  or 
belonging  to  private  persons,  which  in  the  course  of  the  war  mny  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  ofBcers  of  either 
party,  shall  be,  as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  forthwith  restored  and  delivered  to  the  proper  authorities  and  persons  to 
whom  they  respectively  belong.  Such  of  the  islands  in  the  Bay  of  Passamaquoddy  as  are  claimed  by  both  parties  shall 
remain  in  the  possession  of  the  party  in  whose  occupation  they  may  be  at  the  time  of  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications 
of  this  treaty  until  the  decision  respecting  the  title  to  the  said  islands  shall  have  been  made  In  conformity  with  the  fourth 
article  of  this  treaty.  No  disposition  made  by  this  treaty  as  to  such  possession  of  the  islands  and  territories  claimed  by 
both  parties  shall  In  any  manner  whatever  be  constmed  to  affect  the  right  of  either. 

Abtiolx  thb  Skookd. 

Immediately  after  the  ratiflcations  of  this  treaty  by  both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  ordem  shall  be  sent  to  the 
armies,  squadrons,  officers,  subjects,  and  citizens  of  tlie  two  powers  to  cease  trom  all  hostilities.  And  to  prevent  all 
ctuses  of  complaint  which  might  Hrise  on  account  of  the  prizes  which  may  be  taken  at  sea  after  the  said  ratifications 
of  this  treaty,  it  is  reciprocally  agreed  that  all  vessels  and  effects  which  may  be  taken  after  the  space  of  twelve  days 
Irom  the  said  ratifications,  upon  all  parts  of  the  coast  of  North  America,  trom  the  latitude  of  twenty-three  degrees  north 
to  the  latitude  of  fifty  degrees  north,  and  as  far  eastward  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean  as  the  thirty-sixth  degree  of  west  longitude 
from  the  meridian  of  Oreenwlch,  shall  be  restored  on  each  side;  that  the  time  shall  be  thirty  days  in  all  other  parts  of 
the  Atlantic  Ocean  north  of  the  equinoctial  line  or  equator,  and  the  same  time  for  the  British  and  Irish  Channels,  for 
the  Qulf  of  Mexico,  .;nd  all  parts  of  the  West  Indies ;  forty  days  for  the  North  Seas,  for  the  Baltic,  and  for  all  parts  of  the 
Meditenanean ;  sixty  days  for  the  Atlantic  Ocean  south  of  the  equator  as  far  us  the  latitude  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope ; 
ninety  days  for  every  part  of  the  world  south  of  the  equator ;  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  days  for  all  other  parts  of 
the  world,  without  exception. 

ABTIOI.S  THE  Tntan. 

All  prisoners  of  war  taken  on  either  side,  as  well  by  land  as  by  sea,  shall  be  restored  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the 
rntifications  of  this  treaty,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  on  their  paying  the  debts  which  they  may  have  contracted  during 
their  captivity.  The  two  contracting  parties  respectively  engage  to  discharge,  in  specie,  the  advances  wUch  may  have 
been  made  by  the  other  for  the  sustenance  and  maintenance  of  snch  prisoners. 

AitTioi.1  mi  FomtTB. 
Wliercas  It  was  stlpnlated  by  the  second  art'.cJe  In  the  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thonsand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-throe, 
between  His  Britannic  Majesty  and  the  Uuited  States  of  America,  that  the  boundary  if  the  Uuited  States  should  compre- 
hend all  Islands  within  twen(  ■  leagues  of  any  part  of  the  shores  of  the  Cnlled  Staces,  and  lying  between  lines  to  be 
drawn  due  east  IKim  the  points  where  the  aforesaid  boundaries,  between  Nova  Scotia  on  the  one  part  and  East  Florida 
on  the  other,  shall  respectively  touch  the  Bay  of  Fnndy  and  the  AtlanMc  Ocean,  excepting  such  islands  as  now  are  or 
heretofore  have  been  within  the  limits  of  Nova  Scotia  i  and  whereas  the  several  Islands  in  the  Bay  of  Passamaquoddy, 
which  Is  part  of  the  Bay  of  Fnndy,  and  the  Island  of  Grand  Menan,  in  the  said  Bay  of  Fundy,  are  claimed  by  the  United 
States  as  oeing  comprehended  vrithin  their  aforesaid  boundaries,  which  said  islands  are  claimed  as  belonging  to  His 
Britannic  Majesty,  as  having  been  at  the  time  of  and  previcms  to  the  aforesaid  treaty  of  dne  thonsand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-three  within  the  limits  of  the  province  of  Nova  Scotia ;  In  order,  therefore,  finally  to  decide  upon  these  claims, 
it  is  agreed  that  they  shall  be  referred  to  two  CommlwioDers,  to  be  appointed  In  the  following  manner,  vti. :  One 


n  ■ 


V  r 


'h 


loii 


APPENDIX. 


Commissioner  shall  be  appointed  by  His  Britannic  HiOesty,  and  one  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  and  witli 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate  thereof;  and  the  said  two  Commlsstonera  so  appointed  shall  be  sworn  impartially 
to  examine  and  decide  upon  the  said  claims  according  to  snch  evidence  as  shall  be  laid  before  them  on  the  part  of  His 
Britannic  M^esty  and  of  the  United  States  respectively.  The  said  Commissioners  shall  meet  at  St.  Andrew's,  In  the 
Province  of  New  Brunswick,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjonm  to  such  other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  lit.  The 
said  Commissioners  shall,  by  a  declaration  or  repoi .  under  their  hands  and  seals,  decide  to  v/hlch  of  the  two  contracting 
parties  the  several  islands  aforesaid  do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the  trr-.  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of 
peace  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three.  And  if  the  said  Commissir  .srs  shall  agree  in  their  decision, 
both  parties  shall  consider  such  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  It  is  farther  agreed,  that  in  the  event  of  the  two  Com- 
missioners differing  upon  all  or  any  of  the  matters  so  referred  to  them,  or  in  the  event  of  both  or  either  of  the  said 
Commissioners  refusing  or  declining,  or  willfully  omitting  to  act  as  such,  they  shall  make.  Jointly  or  separately,  a  report 
or  reports,  as  well  to  the  government  vfUls  Britannic  Majesty  as  to  that  of  the  United  States,  stating  In  detail  the  points 
on  which  they  differ,  and  the  grounds  upon  which  their  reapcctive  opinions  have  been  formed,  or  the  grounds  ni«)n 
which  they,  or  either  of  them,  have  so  refused,  declined,  or  omitted  to  act.  And  His  Britannic  Mii)esty  and  the  Oovem- 
meut  of  the  United  States  hereby  agree  to  refer  the  report  or  reports  of  the  said  Commissioners  to  some  fHcndly  sover- 
eign or  state,  to  be  then  named  for  that  purpose,  and  who  shall  be  requested  to  decide  on  the  differences  which  may  be 
stated  in  the  said  report  or  reports,  or  upon  the  report  of  one  Commissioner,  together  with  the  grounds  upon  which  the 
other  Commissioner  shall  have  refhsed,  declined,  or  omitted  to  act,  as  the  case  may  be.  And  If  the  Commissioner  so 
refusing,  declining,  or  omitting  to  act  shall  also  willfully  omit  to  state  the  grounds  upon  which  he  has  so  done,  in  snch 
manner  that  the  said  statement  may  be  referred  to  such  friendly  sovereign  or  state,  together  with  the  report  of  such 
other  Commissioner,  then  such  sovereign  or  state  shall  Aeciie  ex  parte  upon  the  said  report  alone.  And  His  Britannic 
Majesty  and  the  Qovernment  of  the  United  States  engage  to  consider  the  decision  of  such  ft'iendly  sovereign  or  state 
to  be  final  and  conclusive  on  all  the  matters  so  referred. 

Abtic:.e  thx  Firm. 

Whereas  neither  that  point  of  the  highlands  lying  due  north  from  the  source  of  the  River  St  Croix,  and  designated 
In  the  former  treaty  of  peace  between  the  two  powers  as  the  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  nor  the  northwestern- 
most  bead  of  Connecticut  liivcr  has  yet  been  ascertained  ;  and  whereas  that  part  of  the  boundary-line  between  the 
dominions  of  the  two  powers  which  extends  from  the  source  of  the  River  St.  Croix  directly  north  to  the  almve-men- 
tloned  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  thence  along  the  said  highlands  which  divide  those  rivers  that  empty  themselves 
into  the  River  St.  Lawrence  from  those  which  fall  Into  the  Atlantic  Ocean  to  the  northwesterumost  head  of  Connecticut 
River,  thence  down  along  the  middle  of  that  river  to  the  forty-flfth  degree  of  north  latitude,  thence  by  a  line  due  west 
on  said  latitude  until  It  strikes  the  River  Iroquois  or  Cataraguy,  has  not  yet  been  surveyed,  it  Is  agreed  that  for  these 
several  purposes  two  Commissioners  shall  be  appointed,  sworn,  and  authorized  to  act  exactly  in  the  manner  directed 
with  respect  to  those  mentioned  in  the  next  preceding  article,  unless  otherwise  specified  in  the  present  article.  The 
said  Commissioners  shall  meet  at  St.  Andrew's,  In  the  Province  of  New  Brunswick,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn 
to  such  other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  The  said  Commissioners  shall  have  power  to  ascertain  and  deter- 
mine the  points  above  mentioned,  in  conformity  with  the  provisions  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-three,  and  shall  cause  the  boundary  aforesaid,  from  the  source  of  the  River  St.  Croix  to  the  River 
Iroquois  or  Cataraguy,  to  be  surveyed  and  marked,  according  to  the  said  provisions.  The  said  Commissioners  shall 
malie  a  map  of  the  said  boundary,  and  annex  to  it  a  declaration,  under  their  hands  and  seals,  certifying  it  to  be  the  true 
map  of  the  said  boundary,  and  particularizing  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  the 
northwesterumost  head  of  Connecticut  River,  and  of  snch  other  points  of  the  said  boundary  as  they  may  deem  proper. 
And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such  map  and  declaration  as  finally  and  conclusively  fixing  the  said  boundary.  And 
In  the  event  of  the  said  two  Commissioners  differing,  or  both  or  either  of  them  refusing,  declining,  or  willfully  omitting 
to  act,  such  reports,  declarations,  or  statements  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them,  and  such  reference  to  a  fi-lendly 
sovereign  or  state  shall  be  made,  in  all  respects,  as  in  the  latter  part  of  the  fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  full  a 
manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

Abtiolx  tue  Sixth. 

Whereas  by  the  former  treaty  of  peace  that  portion  of  the  boundary  of  the  United  States  ttora  the  point  where  the 
forty-fifth  degree  of  north  latitude  strikes  the  River  Iroqnois  or  Cataraguy  to  Lake  Superior  was  declared  to  be  "  along 
the  middle  of  said  river  into  Lake  Ontario,  through  the  middle  of  said  lake  until  it  strikes  the  communication  by  water 
between  that  lake  and  Iiake  Krie,  thence  along  the  middle  of  said  commiuication  Into  Lake  Erie,  through  the  middle  of 
said  lake  until  .  arrives  at  the  water  communication  into  Lake  Huron,  thence  through  the  middle  of  said  lake  to  the 
water  communication  between  that  lake  and  Lake  Superior ;"  and  whereas  doubts  have  arisen  what  was  the  middle  of 
the  said  river,  lakes,  and  water  communications,  and  whether  certain  islands  lying  in  the  same  were  within  the  domin- 
ions of  His  Britannic  Majesty  or  of  the  United  States:  In  order,  therefore,  finally  to  decide  these  doubts,  they  shall  be 
referred  to  two  Commissioners,  to  be  appointed,  sworn,  and  authorized  to  act  exactly  in  the  manner  directed  with  re- 
spect to  those  mentioned  in  the  next  preceding  article,  unless  otherwise  specified  in  this  present  article.  The  said 
Commissioners  shall  meet,  in  the  first  instance,  at  Albany,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjonm 
to  such  other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  The  said  Commissioners  shall,  by  a  report  or  declaration  under 
their  hands  and  seals,  designate  the  boundary  through  the  said  river,  lakes,  and  water  communications,  and  decide  to 
which  of  the  two  contracting  parties  the  several  Islands  lying  within  the  said  river,  lakes,  and  water  commnnlcations 
do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  one  thousand  seven  bnndred  and  eighty- 
three.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such  designation  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And  in  the  event  of 
the  said  two  Commissioners  differing,  or  both  or  either  of  them  refusing,  declining,  or  willfully  omitting  to  act,  such 
reports,  declarations,  or  statements  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them,  and  such  reference  to  a  fMendly  sovereign 
or  state  shall  be  made.  In  all  respects,  as  in  the  latter  port  of  the  fourth  article  Is  contained,  nn'd  in  as  full  a  manner  as 
if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

AbTIOIK  TBI  SXTXHTB. 

It  Is  fhrther  agreed  that  the  said  two  last-mentioned  Commissioners,  after  they  shall  .we  cvecnted  the  duties  as- 
signed to  them  in  the  preceding  article,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  upon  their  oaths,  impartially  to  fix  and 
determine,  according  to  the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  that 
part  of  the  boundary  between  the  dominions  of  the  two  powers  which  extends  from  the  water  communication  between 
Lake  Huron  and  Lake  Snjierior  to  the  most  northwestern  point  of  the  Lake  of  the  Woods,  to  decide  to  which  of  the  two 
parties  the  several  Islands  lying  In  the  lakes,  water  commimications,  and  rivers  forming  the  said  boundary  do  respect- 
ively l>elong,  in  conformity  with  the  true  Intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
three,  and  to  cause  such  parts  of  the  said  boundary  as  require  It  to  be  surveyed  and  marked.  The  snlil  Commissioners 
ihall,  by  a  report  or  declaration  nnder  their  hands  and  seals,  designate  the  boundary  aforesaid,  state  their  decision  on  the 


•«M 


npppp 


wmamm:-- 


APPENDIX. 


10T8 


I  United  SUteB,  ty  and  with 
1  shall  be  Bwora  Impartially 
ore  them  on  the  part  of  His 
tieet  at  St.  AndreWe,  In  the 
as  they  shall  think  flU    The 
yhlch  of  the  two  contracting 
Intent  of  the  said  tteoty  of 
hall  agree  in  their  decision, 
In  the  event  of  the  two  Com- 
)f  both  or  either  of  the  said 
olntly  or  separately,  a  report 
8,  stating  In  detail  the  polnU 
'ormed,  or  the  grounds  ni>on 
inlc  Miilesty  and  the  Govem- 
jners  to  some  frtendly  sover- 
the  differences  which  may  be 
the  grounds  upon  which  the 
And  If  the  Commissioner  so 
rhlch  he  has  so  done,  In  snch 
ether  with  the  report  of  such 
rt  alone.    And  Uls  Britannic 
i»  flrlendly  sovereign  or  state 


Iver  8t  Croix,  and  designated 
Scotia,  nor  the  northwestem- 
.e  bonndary-llne  between  the 
ictly  north  to  the  above-men- 
I  rivers  that  empty  themselves 
itemmost  head  of  Connecticut 
adc,  thence  by  a  line  due  west 
yod,  It  Is  agreed  that  for  these 
xactly  In  the  manner  directed 
:d  In  the  present  article.    The 
d  shall  have  power  to  adjourn 
power  to  ascertain  and  detcr- 
if  iieace  of  one  tho\i8and  seven 
le  Klver  St.  Croix  to  the  Klver 
The  said  Commissioners  shall 
eals,  certifying  It  to  be  the  true 
sst  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  the 
lary  as  they  may  deem  proper, 
ixlng  the  said  boundary.    And 
declining,  or  willfully  omitting 
and  such  reference  to  a  ft-lendly 
e  U  contained,  and  in  as  full  a 


ates  ttom  the  point  whero  the 
rlor  was  declared  to  be  "  along 
!B  the  communication  by  water 
ke  Krle,  through  the  middle  of 
the  middle  of  said  lake  to  the 
arisen  what  was  the  middle  of 
!  same  were  within  the  domln- 
ide  these  doubts,  they  shall  be 
1  the  manner  directed  with  re- 
thls  present  article.    The  said 
id  shall  have  power  to  adjourn 
a  report  or  declaration  under 
communications,  and  decide  to 
:eB,  and  water  communications 
and  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
uclusive.    And  in  the  event  of 
willfully  omitting  to  act,  such 
•ference  to  a  fHendly  sovereign 
aed,  an'd  in  as  full  a  manner  as 


1  liave  evecnted  the  duties  as- 
eir  oaths,  impartially  to  «x  and 
hundred  and  eighty-three,  that 
water  communication  between 
,  to  decide  to  which  of  the  two 
,  the  said  boundary  do  respect- 
and  seven  hnndred  and  eighty- 
ked.  The  said  Commlfsloners 
isald,  state  their  decision  on  the 


points  thus  referred  to  them,  and  particularize  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the  most  northf-estem  point  of  the  hake  of 
the  Woods,  and  of  such  other  parts  of  the  said  boundary  as  they  may  deem  proper.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider 
such  designation  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And  in  the  event  of  the  said  two  Commissioners  differing,  or 
both  or  either  of  them  refusing,  declining,  or  willfully  omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations,  or  statements  shall 
be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them,  and  snch  r'-ference  to  a  frtendly  sovereign  or  state  shall  be  made.  In  all  respects, 
OS  In  the  latter  part  of  the  fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  fUU  a  manner  as  If  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

Abtioli  thi  Eiqiitb. 

The  several  boards  of  two  Commissioners  mentioned  In  the  four  preceding  articles  shall  respectively  have  power  to 
appoint  a  secretary,  and  to  employ  such  surveyors,  or  other  persons,  as  they  shall  jndgo  necessary,  '^nplicates  of  all 
their  respective  reports,  declarations,  statements,  and  decisions,  and  of  their  accounts,  and  of  the  Journr.i  of  their  pro- 
ceedings, shall  be  delivered  by  them  to  the  agents  of  His  Britannic  Majesty  and  to  the  agents  of  the  United  States,  who 
may  be  respectively  appointed  and  authorized  to  manage  the  business  on  behalf  of  their  respective  governments.  The 
said  Commissioners  shall  be  respectively  paid  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  agreed  between  the  two  contracting  parties, 
such  agreement  being  to  be  settled  at  the  time  of  the  exchange  of  the  ratification  of  this  treaty.  And  all  other  ex- 
penses attending  the  said  Commissioners  shall  be  defrayed  equally  by  the  two  parties.  And  In  the  case  nf  death,  sick- 
ness, resignation,  or  necessary  absence,  the  place  of  every  such  Commissioner  respectively  shall  be  supplied  in  the  same 
manner  as  such  Commissioner  was  first  appointed,  and  the  new  Commissioner  shall  take  the  same  oath  or  affirmation, 
and  do  the  same  duties.  It  is  farther  agreed  between  the  two  contracting  parties  that  in  case  any  of  tin  islands  men- 
tioned in  ,iny  of  the  preceding  articles  which  were  In  the  possession  of  one  ol  the  parties  prior  to  the  coniiiiencement  of 
the  present  ^^^ar  between  the  two  countries  should,  by  the  decision  of  any  of  the  boards  of  Commlsslonore  aforesaid,  or  of 
the  sovereign  or  state  so  referred  to,  as  in  the  four  next  preceding  articles  contained,  fall  within  the  dominions  of  the 
other  party,  all  grants  of  land  made  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  war  by  the  party  having  had  such  possession 
shall  be  as  valid  as  if  such  island  or  Islands  had  by  such  decision  or  decisions  been  adjudged  to  l>e  within  the  domin- 
ions of  the  party  having  had  such  possession. 

Article  tue  Nintd. 

The  United  States  of  America  engage  to  put  an  end,  immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty,  to  hostili- 
ties with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians  with  whom  they  may  be  at  war  at  the  time  of  snch  ratification,  and  forth- 
with to  restore  to  such  tribes  or  nations  respectively  all  the  possessions,  rights,  and  privileges  which  they  may  have 
enjoyed  or  been  entitled  to  In  1811,  previous  to  such  hostilities :  Provided  (Uteaya,  that  such  tribes  or  nations  shall  agree 
to  desist  from  all  hostilities  against  the  United  States  of  America,  their  citizens  and  subjects,  upon  the  ratification  of 
the  present  treaty  being  notified  to  snch  tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist  accordingly.  And  His  Britannic  MfOesty 
engages,  on  his  part,  to  put  an  end.  Immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty,  to  hostilities  with  all  the 
tribes  or  nations  of  Indians  with  whom  he  may  be  at  war  at  the  time  of  snch  ratification,  and  forthwith  to  restore  to 
such  tribes  or  nations  respectively  all  the  possessions,  rights,  and  privileges  which  they  may  have  enjoyed  or  been  en- 
titled to  In  1811,  previous  to  such  hostilities:  Provided  always,  that  such  tribes  or  nations  shall  agree  to  desist  ft^im  all 
hostilities  against  His  Britannic  Majesty  and  his  subjects  upon  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty  being  notified  to 
such  tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist  accordingly. 

Abtiole  toe  Tenth. 

Whereas  tae  t^^rafflc  in  slaves  is  irreconcilable  with  the  principles  of  hnmanity  and  Justice,  and  whereas  both  His 
M^esty  and  the  United  States  are  desirous  of  continuing  their  efforts  to  promote  its  entire  abolition.  It  Is  hereby  agreed 
that  both  the  contracting  parties  shall  use  their  best  endeavors  to  accomplish  so  desirable  an  object. 

Abtiole  the  Eleventh. 

This  treaty,  when  the  same  shall  have  been  ratified  on  both  sides,  without  alteration  by  either  of  the  contracting 
parties,  and  the  ratifications  mutually  exchanged,  shall  be  binding  on  both  parties,  and  the  ratifications  shall  be  ex- 
changed at  Washington  in  the  space  of  four  months  from  this  day,  or  sooner  if  practicable. 

In  faith  whereof,  we,  the  respective  plenipotentiaries,  have  signed  this  treaty,  and  have  hereunto  affixed  our  seals. 

Done  In  triplicate,  at  Ghent,  the  twenty-fourth  (24tb)  day  of  December,  one  thousand  eight  hnndred  and  fourteen. 


[LS.] 

Oambieb. 

[L.8.] 

HenBV  GOCLBtTBN. 

CL.S.] 

William  Adams. 

tUS.] 

John  Quimcy  Adajis. 

[L.S.] 

J.  A.  Batabd. 

tUS.] 

H.  Clay. 

[L.8.] 

JONATBAN  RtrSSELL. 

[L.a] 

Aluibt  Oallatih. 

INDEX. 


Aeademy,  MIlttHry,  Weat  Point,  4KB. 

Ai>AiR,  John,  lilli ;  nketch  of,  844, 1((41,  l(k45. 

.IrfclJiid  ami  hibrrtu,  or1(;iii  of,  i)7. 

AiiAMS,  John,  Minister  I'leiilpoteiitiary  to  England,  19, 24 ; 
elected  Vice-President,  8H ;  difl'erH  from  .Iftferaon,  tis ;  liis 
opinions  on  ('overnment,  70;  propoeed  ua  second  Presi- 
dent, !l'i ;  elccied  President,  Oi! ;  Ilia  flrat  ineasnge,  116 1  up- 
fiolnt8W«8hiu(fton  coinnmuder-ln-chief,»8;  (ippointsWil- 
lam  Vane  Murray  iniulsler  to  France,  (Hi ;  opposed  l)v  his 
own  party,  liM);  traits  of  character  of,  loil;  diamlssea  dick- 
ering and  M'Henry  from  his  cabinet,  UKS. 

Adams,  John  (Ju iNcy,  hecomes  a  Uemocrat,  101 ;  votes  for 
the  embnreo,  \m,  T83,  7S0;  aketcb  of,  10D9;  peace  com- 
missioner, 1«M». 

AiiAMH,  William  E.,  776. 

AAena,  visit  to,  fMW  ;  description  of,  609. 

AdminUtralinn,  war  against,  IM. 

Africa,  Northern,  march  across,  125. 

A  fairs,  Civil,  In  1818,  7S3. 

Akin,  Lemuel,  Captain,  913. 

Alahima,  Oeneral  Coffee  in,  759. 

Alba»]i,  reception  of  the  first  captured  flag  there,  376. 
.  Aliikkt,  PniLir,  701. 
'  Alexandria,  plundering  of,  940. 

Alijierii,  Dey  (if,  tribute  to,  91 ;  he  Is  humbled,  lis. 

.l(]7J«r»,  diraculties  with,  89;  lets  corsairs  loose  (m  Unite ti 
States  commerce,  89 ;  pride  and  avarice  of  the  dey,  'M ; 
captives,  release  of,  91. 

AUeijiatue,  attempt  to  seduce  the  soldiers  from  their,  OSS. 

Allkn,  William  IIknkv,  commander  of  the  Argus,  714; 
death  of,  71(1;  monument  to,  "10;  sketch  of,  710, 

Allen,  Horatio,  engineer,  218. 

Aijuv,  Thomas  C,  sketch  of,  B20. 

,4jn<'iia,  privateer,  cruise  of,  1007. 

Aitieriean  Seamen,  British  Impressment  of,  SK,  142, 144,  247. 

American  Cmimiw-p,  effects  of  difflculties  with  Algiers,  89 ; 
elTect  of  Milan  decree  on,  154. 

Americnns,  their  indignation  against  the  French  Directory, 
9(i;  tlieir  prowess  respected,  099. 

Amifican  Shipn,  seizure  of,  IftH. 

Aiiurican  Walem,  British  cruisers  in,  164;  British  vessels 
ordered  to  leave,  159. 

American  Harbnrs,  preparations  to  defend,  159. 

American  l^cateerinij,  effects  of,  994 ;  effect  on  British  com- 
merce, IWHl. 

.Imericrt,  the  prosperity  of  her  commerce,  130;  the  only 
neutral  power,  152. 

AmhcrHlbiini,  vicinity  of,  299 ;  Ilarrison'a  army  at,  647. 

Andkrson,  Alkxanokb,  engraver,  786. 

Aniikrson,  Robkrt,  flSO. 

Anuits,  Samuel,  Lieutenant,  428. 

Annapolis,  Convention  at,  20  ;  naval  monument  at,  124. 

Api'lino,  Danieu  sketch  of,  800. 

AEruKB,  Sami'el  B.,  sketch  of,  002. 

.4ri;tM  goes  to  France,  715;  her  destruction  of  projierty 
tiiore,  715;  her  combat  with  the  I'elicau,  715;  surrender 
of,  710. 

Ariel,  the  pilot  of  the,  MS. 

Abmihteao,  QeoBUE,  General,  956;  honors  to,  060;  sketch 
of,  900. 

Armistice,  1812,  247 ;  effects  of,  3.83. 

Armstrong,  John,  American  minister  to  Prance,  102 ;  8ec- 
retarv  of  War,  472 ;  interferes  with  Ilarrlson'B  plans,  476; 
his  treatment  of  Harrison,  503  ;  his  Interview  with  Wil- 
kinson, fl.W;  visits  the  frontier,  032;  at  Sackctt'a Harbor, 
0;iS;  sketch  of,  1111 1. 

Ab.mstuoso,  Roiiebt,  Lieutenant,  death  of,  776. 

Ami II  (British)  in  Canada,  234:  Indicatio'is  of  advance  c' 
80<t. 

-4nHi/  (United  States),  augmentation  of,  217 ;  volunteers  for, 
821;  difllcultles  of  transportation  of,  3i?9;  divisions  in 
Northwest,  340;  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  3s3;  ofllcers 
killed  and  wounded  of,  395;  measures  for  strengthening 
the,  407  ;  character  of  the  chief  leaders  of,  066;  provislou 
for  the  increase  of,  T87;  reductiou  of,  1068. 

Arbdale,  John  Van,  17. 

Abtoib,  Count  i>',  00. 

Asp,  capture  of,  714. 

Assembly,  Sational,  of  France,  CO. 

ArsTiLL,  Jeremiah,  701;  llgbta  with  Dale,  770;  sketch  of, 
771. 

.4ti((o«e,battteof,708. 


Babik,  Fsanoib,  Colonel,  862. 

Baokw*,  Elki'Tdh,  sketch  of,  Oil. 

liaain  IVw,  911. 

Bailkv,  Dixon,  765. 

Bainihuixik,  W.,  Commodore,  goes  to  Algiers,  117;  com- 
mands the  squadron,  45S  ;  sketch  of,  469 ;  honors  to,  402 ; 
medal  to,  403 ;  a  search  for,  722. 

Ball,  Colonel,  his  light  with  Indians,  60O. 

Ilaltimare,  riot  In,  2411 ;  menaced  by  the  British,  944 ;  prep- 
arations for  the  defense  of,  948;  fortiflcatlous  at,  949; 
Battle  Monument  In,  901 ;  a  visit  to,  901. 

BAN(!itoKT,  Oeoroe,  oratlon  by, 540. 

Baiuiur,  British  march  on,  900;  destructlou  of  vessels,  901  • 
plundering  at,  9()1 ;  journey  to,  911. 

Dankinri  Cnpilal  of  United  Slates,  05. 

Barataria  Hay,  outlaws  at,  1018. 

Barbary  CiMist,  abandonment  of,  119. 

Barlnnj  rowers,  tribute  to  the,  110 ;  they  are  humbled,  128. 

Barino,  Alexander,  104 ;  his  Iiiquirij,  and  its  effect,  109. 

Barker,  .Ia<:oii,  sketch  of,  938. 

Barlow,  Joel,  94;  sent  niinister  to  France,  226;  action  on 
Milan  and  Berlin  decrees,  245;  residence  of,  942. 

Barney,  JosHPA,  Commodore,  flotilla  of,  920;  destruction 
of,  921;  gallant  defense  of  Washington,  930;  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner,  931 ;  sketch  of,  931 ;  In  the  Chesa- 
peake, 982. 

Barbie,  Hoiiert,  commander  of  the  Harmony,  898. 

Barron,  Jamfs,  Commodore,  In  Mediterranean,  124;  com- 
mands the  Chcsajieakc,  1,W,  167;  sketch  of,  159;  his  pun- 
i»liment,  159 ;  daughler  of,  088 ;  duel  of,  942. 

Barron,  Josepu,  misf  ion  of,  191. 

Babbv,  John,  commander  of  frigate  ITnitni  Statea,V)\. 

Hatama,  Veterans  of  the  Wai  on812  there,  670. 

Ilatterij,  proposed  revolving,  J74. 

IlatfU-i  flrst  of  the  war,  204. 

Ilatmi  Rmiye,  7.18. 

Hastile,  destruction  of,  01.        « 

Bayard,  James  A.,  7S3,  780;  peace  commissioner,  1060; 
sketch  of,  KKJII. 

Baylies,  Hoiiijaii,  1010. 

Hayonne  Decree,  Vii. 

Beall,  Reazin,  sketch  of,  343. 

Bkasley,  Daniel,  Major,  7.%2. 

Heaver  Dams,  flight  of  the  British  to,  600;  expedition 
against,  020;  battle  of,  020;  a  visit  to  the  battle-ground 
of,  083. 

Beckw  iTn,  Oknebal  Sib  Sidney,  070 ;  head-quarters  of,  083. 

Ileeknianluvii,  skirmish  at,  801 ,  802 ;  ride  tlirough,  881. 

Belknap,  William  Goldsmith,  Major,  sketch  of,  838. 

BELfOlIK,  1037. 

Ileleitlere,  chase  of  the,  436. 

Benkihot,  J.  B.,  Colonel,  ordered  to  guard  the  frontier,  307. 

Benton,  Thomas  H.,  742. 

Hkbesfobd,  .T.  p.,  captain  of  the  Poictiers,  461. 

Bebkeley,  Bishop,  34. 

Bmlin  Decree,  Issue  of,  160,  162 ;  revocation  of,  179 ;  nnre- 
l)ealed,  228. 

BiDDi.K,  James  S,,  U.  8.  N.,  463 ;  captain  nt Hornet,  990 ;  hon- 
ors to,  991 ;  sketch  of,  991 ;  medal  to,  991. 

BiDDi.E,  Thomas,  Captain,  wounded,  828. 

BiGELon',  Thomas,  lulO. 

Hit)  Sandy  CVrvX;,  Wools cv  at,  799;  British  in  pursuit,  7»9; 
battle  at,  800 ;  the  British  defeated,  800. 

BiNcaiAM,  A.  B.,  commander  of  the  LiUle  Belt,  184. 

Bird,  James,  cxecullon  of,  543. 

BissELL,  D.,  appointed  l)ri.i;adler  general,  792 ;  victory  at 
Lyon's  Creek,  846, 857. 

Bissiiopp,  Ceiii.,  428  ;  death  of,  028. 

Blauk  Hoof,  Shawuoesc  chief,  548. 

Black  Rock,  residence  of  Peter  B.  Porter,  420:  attacked  by 
the  British,  420;  expedition  against,  027:  repulse  of  the 
British,  027 ;  the  British  at.  036 ;  bad  conduct  of  the  mili- 
tia at,  030 ;  battle  near,  030 ;  Americans  repulsed,  037 ; 
destruction  of,  667 ;  British  attack,  830. 

Bladenslmrg,  battle-line  formed  near,  924;  the  field  of  ac- 
tion, 926;  arrangeniciits  for  battle  near,  927;  dueling- 
ground  of,  92S ;  battle  of,  930 ;  defeat  of,  937 ;  visit  to  bat- 
tle-ground of,  941. 

Blake,  General,  much  censured,  902. 

Blakeley,  Johnston,  Captain,  commander  of  the  Watp, 
979 ;  sketch  of,  980. 

Bi.KNKERuAiisETT,  ILa&man,  his  bome,  136. 


1076 


INDEX. 


I  .  ; 


Hi:  i; 


Bi.iBH,  OriiROi,  1016. ' 

Bli-rkail,-  of  the  European  cuiut,  161 ;  paper,  161 ;  proclamn- 
tloll  oi',  lOIKI. 

Blurk-huuKt  erected  in  1R12, 69T. 

Bi.oNiiiN  nt  Niagara,  8W. 

Wondy  Itun,  tlKht  of,  SOI ;  origin  of  the  name,  SOI. 

Bi.ooMKiKi.K,  •loHF.i-ii,  Hrlniulier  Gfiionil,  6;il». 

Bi.iiK  .Iaiikkt,  chief  of  tlie  HhawiiiM'se,  Mi,  47. 

Bi.YTiiK,  Hahuki.,  commander  of  ttie  llt/xer,  TIT ;  death  and 
fiini^ral  of,  TIH. 

BiKHhri.Kii,CnABLKii  O.,  «kotch  of,  fl'iO;  his  command  cap- 
tured, Oal 

BoNAi-ARTK,  Nai-oi.ron,  victories  in  Italy,  08  ;  vIctorleH  of, 
on  the  Danube,  96;  made  flrnt  consul,  KK);  maken  friend 
of  Oeorjfe  III.,  113;  hla  achievcnientu,  112;  hin  Influence 
In  Europe,  112;  hiu  insolence  toward  the  Ku);llah,  I'ifl; 
declared  consul  for  life,  \'20;  proclaimed  emperor,  128; 
Berlin  Decree,  120;  giveH  England  a  naval  rival,  lUit;  «ellH 
Louisiann,  lii3;  8ei«e»  Hanover,  151;  adheres  to  Conti- 
nental System,  162;  Milan  Decree,  164;  In  Hpain,  170 ; 
Armstrong  letter,  ITS;  seizes  American  vessels,  ITU;  his 
marcli  toward  Moscow,  2!lil ;  '•\  8paln,  446;  Invades  Kus- 
Ria,  4T0;  disasters  in  liussia,  4Tl ;  hnmbled,  78G;  abdi- 
cates the  throne,  864;  retires  to  Elba,  866. 

BnoHK,  Daniki,,  grave  of,  1060. 

Jl'irgne,  Lake,  Ilrltish  prepare  to  flght  at,  1025. 

Jliirodvw,  batllo  of,  4(16. 

/(I'Kfon,  reception  uf  Hull,  416;  expected  attack,  801 ;  alarm 
in,  802;  prciiarations  lor  ('efcnse,  8'.i2;  journey  to,  008; 
privateers  from,  007 ;  the  centre  of  illicit  trade,  1008 ; 
bankers  of,  1010. 

BoswKi.L,  William  E.,  Colonel,  in  command  of  the  boats, 
487. 

Bourn r.TTE,  Jobki-ii,  his  account  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  614. 

Iliiwyer,  Purt.attack  on,  1021. 

Bovii,  .John  P.,  Colonel,  104. 

BovLK,  •Jamp.b  a.,  Cai)tain,  T06. 

BKAnv,  Hi'uu,  Colonel,  sketch  of,  823. 

/lrntit/(ir(l,  town  of,  420 ;  departure  for,  026. 

Brant,  John,  sketch  of,  401 ;  tomb  of  the  fhmily  of,424 

Brrksk,  Samuel  L.,  Commodore,  statement  of,  8UT. 

liritiah  a^cialit,  interference  of,  61 ;  hostile  intentions  of, 
62;  alliance  with  Indians,  62;  bumbled,  65;  holding  pos- 
session of  Western  military  posts,  60 ;  goveniment,  dis- 
courtesy of,  03 ;  Orders  in  Council,  84;  armed  neutrality, 
84;  interference  of,  80;  outrages  of,  on  American  flag, 
102;  merchants,  their  Jealousy,  138;  their  pertldy  defend- 
ed by  English  writers,  130 ;  cruisers,  depredations  of,  140, 
141;  refune  to  listen  to  remonstrance,  146;  ministry, 
change  of,  140;  cruisers  in  American  waters,  164;  ships, 
deserters  from,  166 ;  their  surrender  reftised,  160-16S ;  ves- 
sels ordered  to  leave  American  waters,  169 ;  government, 
reparation  demanded  of,  ICO ;  provinces,  eulistraents  in, 
246;  government,  liaughty  assumption  of,  24T;  letters  of 
marque  and  reprii-iil,  248;  officers  In  Canada,  260;  their 
employment  or  Indians,  2ii ;  force  of,  2T9;  defeat  of, 
nt  Ain'guaga,  280;  commanders  purchase  scalps,  310; 
ashamed  to  call  Indians  their  allies,  860;  vessels,  seizure 
of,  on  Lake  Ontario,  SOT;  their  violation  of  neutrality, 
870;  squadron  at  Halifa.x,  430;  Indians  cross  the  Mau- 
mee,  483 ;  eflect.s  of  the  battle  of  Lake  Erie  on  the,  530 ; 
they  fly  to  Beaver  Dams  and  Burlington  Heights,  OoO ; 
they  destroy  their  own  property,  601 ;  at  La  Colte,  repulse 
of,  040 ;  number  and  position  of,  080 ;  they  resolve  on  vig- 
orous war,  flOT ;  strengthen  their  blockading  force,  (1T6 ; 
at  La  Coile,  TOO ;  battle  of  the  Chippewa,  810 ;  at  Lundy's 
Lane,  810;  their  line  of  battle,  S18;  repulsed  at  Otter 
Creek, 866;  at  Champlain, S69 ;  Beekmantown,  their  loss 
at,  803 ;  lose  comniand  of  Lake  Champlain,  8T4 ;  officers, 
graves  of,  8T9 ;  CJipture  Eastport,  890 ;  leave  Penobscot 
Bay,  903,  904;  move  on  Washington,  923;  advance  on 
Bladensburg,  926;  thoy  want  an  excuse  to  burn  Wash- 
ington, 932 ;  enter  Washington  and  destroy  public  build- 
lugs,  933;  their  barbarities  condemned  by  their  country- 
men, 934;  invasion,  original  object  of,  0.S6;  retreat  from 
Washington,  n3T :  appear  before  Fort  Washington,  939 ; 
in  Chesapeake  Bay,  944,  940 ;  repulse  of,  at  Baltimore, 
940;  land  at  North  Point,  060;  fleet  of,  approaches  Balti- 
more, 964, 968, 969 ;  repulsed  at  Fort  Bowver,  1021 ;  arrive 
at  New  Orleans,  1026 ;  defeated  there,  1049. 

BnOADNAX,  JoHM,  TT6. 

BiiooK,  General,  energy  and  vigilance  of,  273,  274;  before 
the  Canadian  Legislature,  2T6 ;  iuflurnce  of,  2T6;  procla- 
mation of,  2T6 ;  proceeds  tr)  Fort  Maiden,  2as ;  pecuniary 
aid  for,  283;  knighted,  202;  offers  amnesty  to  Indians, 
284 ;  at  Fort  George,  SWT ;  hostens  toward  Quecnstoii, 
S'.>8;  attacks  Wool,  .390;  death  of,  398;  funeral  nonors  to, 
406, 400 ;  his  monument,  414 ;  the  place  where  be  fell,  410. 

BruckoiUe  and  its  vicinity,  6Tfl. 

BiioKR,  Pmi.ir  Bowks  VenK,  captain  of  the  Shannon,  Tor> : 
gallantry  of,  TOT ;  sketch  of,  700 ;  honors  to,  TIO. 

Bbon8o:«,  Alvin,  his  captivity  and  release,  797. 

Bbooks,  .loiiN,  Lieutenant,  sketch  of,  626. 

Bbououam,  Hknbv,  M.P.,  109. 

Dbousk,  Pctkb,  survivor  of  tho  battle  of  Chrysler's  Farm, 
006. 

Urouni,  Fort,  Ruins  of,  876. 

BsowN,  Jaoob,  Cteueral,  60T;  hla  pos'tlon,  608  ;  assumes 


command  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  60S ;  a  visit  to  the  widow 
of,  017;  his  residence  at  Brownsville,  Ols;  carries  flotilla 
past  Prescott  in  the  night,  060;  invaues  Canada,  061 ;  be- 
comes generai-ln-chieJ,  792;  moves  toward  Niagara,  798; 
expects  the  co-operation  of  Chauncey,  813 ;  advances  to 
Fort  George,  814 ;  faiisback  to  Chippewa,  816;  wounded, 
823;  Indignation  of,  829;  orders  the  army  to  Lake  Erie, 
820 ;  resumes  command  of  the  army,  8.H0 ;  determines  to 
make  a  sortie,  837;  honors  awarded  to,  841 ;  the  freedom 
of  tlie  city  of  New  York  conferred  on,  841 ;  medal  award- 
ed by  Congress,  841. 

Bbown,  Kiuhaki),  Captain,  702. 

BiiowN,  Samukl  li.,  632. 

Bkownk,  Benjamin  F.,  survivor  of  Dartmoor  Prison,  908. 

Hbusu,  Captain,  ei-cort  sent  for,  286. 

Bryant,  Williau  Cullen,  writes  on  the  Embargo,  164 :  his 
ode,  282. 

BnoK-oNo-A-BKLAS,  chtcf  of  the  Datawares,  46, 4T. 

Buiin.GKOROK,  711. 

Buffalo  In  1812,  379 ;  heavy  force  there,  427 ;  New  York  mi- 
litia at,  636;  destruction  of,  637 ;  survivors  of  1812  there, 
847. 

Bunker  Hill  Uonument,  visit  to,  804. 

BuRiiECK,  U.,  Colonel,  sketch  of,  694. 

Bubooynk,  Sir  John,  1039. 

BuRKK,  Edhdnii,  reflections  of,  on  the  French  ReTolntioD, 
09. 

Burlmijhin  UeiqhU,  flight  of  the  British  to,  600 ;  expedition 
to,  028. 

Burnt  Corn  Crfk,  battle  of,  749. 

Burr,  Aaron,  Vice-President,  108 ;  hi"  duel  with  Hamilton, 
l;t6 ;  his  scheme  for  his  own  profit,  130 ;  deceives  .lackson 
and  Adair,  130 ;  is  suspected  of  treason,  137 ;  his  arrest 
and  trial,  137;  his  exile,  137 ;  acquittal  of,  162. 

Burrows,  William,  commander  of  the  Enlervrinr,  TIT ; 
sketch  of,  TIS ;  funeral  of,  T19 ;  medal  awarded  to,  T19. 

Byron,  8ib  Hiciiard,  captain  of  the  Belciilera,  435. 

Cabinet,  changes  in,  472, 1011. 

Cahot,  Gkokok,  1010. 

Cadet'n  (Iraij,  origin  of,  800. 

Caiioon,  Rkuuen,  survivor  of  1812, 006. 

Calabee  Jiiver,  battle  at  the,  770. 

Caldwkll,  SamdKi,  sketch  of,  662. 

Cakdunia,  the  affair  of,  386,  887. 

Calhoun,  John  C,  sketch  of,  216;  his  reply  to  .Undolpb, 
210;  bis  report  on  tlie  ciusea  of  the  war,  220;  ill  Com- 
mittee on  Foreign  Relations,  408. 

Cavipaign,  tlie  plan  of,  261. 

Campukll,  Gkorok  W.,  of  Tennessee,  1011. 

Caupukll,  Huou  O.,  Commodore,  740. 

Camimiell,  James,  004. 

Cami-iiei.l,  John  B.,  his  expedition  to  the  Missisaiuiwn, 
.340 ;  attack  ou  his  c^unp,  347 ;  distressing  retreat  to 
Greenville,  347. 

Cauaila,  people  very  unhappy  about  war,  244 ;  address  to 
the  Legislature  of,  244 ;  British  oftlcers  in,  269 ;  impa- 
tience of  United  States  army  to  invade,  200;  first  iuva- 
si(m  of,  262;  symptoms  of  disloyalty  in,  276;  boundary- 
line  of,  3V9 ;  second  attempt  to  invade,  393 ;  opposition 
to  invaders,  396 ;  third  invasion,  427, 429 ;  invasion  aban- 
doned, 431;  arrangement  for  fonrth  invasion  of,  644;  re- 
belliim  in,  682 ;  an  American  steamer  seized  for  the  benefit 
of  the  rebels,  683 ;  siege  of  a  garrisoned  wind-mill,  683 ; 
fate  of  captured  patriots,  684 ;  plans  for  a  fifth  invasion 
of,  685,  803,  804:  abandoned  by  the  Americans,  840;  ex- 
pedition of  Captain  Holmes  into,  849,  867,  876. 

Canning,  Geoboe,  161 ;  British  minister  of  Foreign  Afittirs, 
168 ;  his  offensive  letter  to  the  Americas  minister,  171. 

Canoe  Fight,  the,  709,  770,  771. 

Cabamalli,  IIamrt,  alliance  with,  126. 

Carden,  JonN  8.,  captain  of  the  Macedonian,  sketch  of,  466, 
466. 

Carleton  Tularut,  a  visit  to,  remains  of  fortiflcatious,  650 ;  In- 
teresting relics,  000. 

Canniujiiule  sung  iu  New  York,  81. 

Carolim,  Xiirthweatfrn,  revolt  of,  24. 

Carolina,  destruction  of  the,  1086. 

Caroline,  destruction  of  the,  880. 

Cabr,  Robert,  sketch  of,  040. 

Cascade  Creek,  block-house  near,  611. 

Cass,  Lewis,  Colonel,  202,  208,  264;  writes  energetic  letter 
to  the  government,  282;  crosses  the  Rimge,  2§*;  goes  to 
Washington,  292;  his  statement  of  the  surrender  of  De- 
troit, 293;  sketch  of,  293;  apiwlntcd  military  governor 
of  Michigan,  669. 

Casbin,  Stephen,  commander  of  the  Tieonderoga,  886;  re- 
ceives medal,  808;  sketch  of,  809. 

Castalian  Springs,  a  ride  to,  606 ;  appearance  of,  506. 

Castiiu,  filght  of  Americans  from,  898 ;  during  the  Revolu- 
tion, 902 ;  new  military  works  at,  903 ;  Vfiyage  to,  908 : 
mementoes  of  war  at,  IKIO ;  remains  of  fortiflcatious  near, 
910. 

Castlxreagu,  Lord,  Secretaiy  of  Foreign  Affairs,  iiSS. 

Chalnutte,  plantation  of;  battle  near,  1037 ;  British  repulsed, 
1038. 

CuAMrAOHT,  H.  DE,  Ft«Dch  minister  of  Foreign  Affoira,  ?'3, 
178, 179. 


'  Mrii 


d. 


.|m^^^ 


(A 


'f^U^M'XAkA^ 


U/o 


INDKX. 


1077 


8 :  a  vlBlt  to  the  widow 
Ulc,  01'*:  carries  flolUla 
ivttdCB  Canadii,  tlM  ;  "»- 
en  toward  Niagara,  TO3 ; 
ancev,  S18  ;  advaucca  to 
iiliipcwa,  81B ;  wounded, 
llie  army  ti>  Lake  Erie, 
rniy,  «!« :  dctermlneH  to 
Jed  to, Ml;  till-  freedom 
idon,s41;  medal  award- 


r  Dartmoor  Prison,  909. 

im  the  Embargo,  164 ;  hl» 

slawarcB,  40, 4T. 

here,  42T ;  New  York  ml- 
;  aurvivora  of  18W  there, 

M. 
104. 

n  the  French  Revolntlon, 
aritl8hto,600;  expcdiUon 

I  •  hi',  dnel  with  Hamilton, 
o'm.liiO:  decelveHJackBon 
Df  treason,  187;  his  arrest 
icqulttal  of,  162.  . 
r  of  the  k>iterpmf,ni : 
■  medal  awarded  to,  719. 
the  Beimdera,  436. 


12, 900. 
»2. 

15;  his  reply  to  .landolph, 
!S  of  the  war,  220 ;  In  Com- 
,408. 

lessee, 1011. 
ire,  740. 

Utlon  to  the  MisslBslnlwn, 
47;   distressing  retreat  to 

about  war,  244;  address  to 
\\*h  officers  In,  269 ;  Impa- 
r,  to  invade,  200;  flrst  luva- 
|sloyaltyin,275;  boundary- 
'  to  Invade,  UOS ;  opposition 
m  427, 429 ;  Invasion  abau- 
fourth  invasion  of,  644 ;  re- 
teamer  seized  for  the  beiient 
earrlKoned  wind-mlM,  o»» . 
•  plans  for  a  fifth  invasion 
^'ty  the  Americans,  846 ;  ex- 
ito,  849,  867,  876. 
iluister  of  Foreign  Affaire, 
American  minister,  171. 

Ih,  126.     .        ^  ^  .     .  .„ 
1  MacetUmian,  sketch  of,  486, 

1  of  fortifications,  688;  In- 
L24. 


V4  •  writes  energetic  letter 

£9  "the  Ronge,  2§S :  goes  to 

Kit  of  the  surrender  of  De- 

olnted  milltBry  governor 

r  the  Tieonderoga,  886;  re- 

1O9 

I  appearance  of,  60«. 

Ii,  8M :  during  the  Hevo In- 

L  at,  90a ;  vovage  to,  W8 ; 

lalns  of  fortifications  near, 

I  Foreign  AlTalrs,  888. 
lar,10O7;  BriUsh  repulaed. 

Iter  of  Foreign  AflWr*.  ?  "8, 


Chttmplain,  iMkf,  preparations  on,  789 ;  strngglo  for  the 
control  of,  swi ;  batlle  of,  sim,  H(;7,  STO;  American  victory 
complete,  871 ;  end  of  the  buttle  of,  878. 

CiiAMiM.iN,  Htki-iikk,  ComnioUore,  sketch  of,  623,  840,  .8ftl. 

Chanulrk,  ■IniiN,  General,  sketch  of,  008 ;  capture  of,  004. 

CiiiNNiNM,  Wii.i.iAM  Bi,i.Eav,  dlscourse  of,  282. 

CuiiPMAN,  John,  survivor  of  the  batlle  of  Lake  Krle,  627. 

CharUttown,  navy  yard  at,  IHI6. 

ChoMOtr  privateer,  cruise  of  the,  909. 

Chalhavi,  American  troopc  at,  649;  visit  to,  601. 

CuAiiNiiKY,  Ihaai-,  created  commander-in-chief  of  the  navy 
on  Iho  lakes,  870 ;  his  first  cruise,  871 ;  captures  three 
merchant  vessels,  872 ;  and  Perry,  relations  of,  614 ;  on 
lake  Outarlo,  686:  sails  for  Hackett's  Harbor,  001;  tries 
to  eni;a);e  HIr  James  Yeo,  048;  the  British  commander 
avoids  a  conflict,  048;  sickness  of,  816:  kept  fl-om  active 
service,  884;  his  squadron  leaves  Sackott's  Harbor,  886: 
tries  to  draw  out  ¥00,  886 ;  sketch  of,  880 ;  calls  for  mili- 
tia, 887. 

Chesapeake,  United  States  friitato,  watched  by  the  British 
squadron,  180 :  she  is  boarded,  1.^7  ;  fired  into  by  the  />o- 
pard,  167 ;  surrender  of  the,  168 ;  cruise  of  the,  701 ;  Law- 
rence in  command  of  the,  701 ;  condition  of  the,  704 ;  fight 
with  the  A'Aaniwn,  706;  capture  of  the,  707. 

Chempeake  Bay,  blockade  of,  007;  British  appear  In,  920; 
blockade  of,  982 ;  stirring  scenes  in,  714. 

Chicago,  Journey  ft-om,  297 ;  Its  name,  settlement,  and  posi- 
tion, 802 ;  ijarrlson  at,  303 ;  order  for  the  evacuation  of, 
806;  massacre  at,  survivors,  SU;  block-house  at,  312; 
great  growth  of,  812, 313. 

Cnirka»aw»,  747. 

Chillimthe,  destruction  of,  41 ;  description  of,  BOT. 

Chif>peiea,  Fori,  doomea  to  destruction,  001. 

Chippewa,  hattie  of  the,  809;  charge  of  the  Eleventh  Reel- 
ment  at,  8IO;  British  position  at,  811  ;  the  Americans  fiill 
back,  811 ;  sketches  ofsubordinate  officers  at  the,  812, 818, 
814,  828. 

Choetaies,  747 ;  pacification  of  the,  762 ;  the  allies  of  the,  762, 
777. 

Chbistv,  William,  sketch  of,  483. 

Chritrtera  Farm,  preparations  for  battle  at,  061 ;  position 
of  the  British  at,  062 ;  battle  of,  063 ;  visit  to  the  battle- 
ground of,  000. 

CHnvsTiB,  John,  Colonel,  892 ;  he  takes  Wool's  place,  401. 

CncBou,  Danikl  VV.,  Adjutant,  encounters  the  enemy  near 
Toussalnt  Island,  873 ;  sketch  of,  678. 

Cincinnati  in  1312, 470;  a  visit  to,  809. 

Cinlevilk,  607. 

C'laiuor.ne,  F,  L.,  Major,  In  the  Creek  country,  760;  his 
anxiety  about  the  settlers,  762  ;  sends  Kennedy  to  Port 
Mims,  767;  ordered  to  the  C,  !ek  country,  709;  deter- 
mines to  penetrate  it,  771 ;  traverses  Creek  country,  772. 

Claiborne,  Fort,  construction  of,  771. 

Claek,  Isaac,  790. 

Clay,  Gbkfn,  General,  brigade  of,  470 ;  moves  down  the 
Maumee,  486 ;  his  encounter  with  the  Indians,  487. 

Clay,  Henry,  appointed  to  fill  the  vniaut  sent  of  fJeneral 
John  Adair,  lot ;  chosen  speaker,  210;  advucates.war, 
223 ;  opposition  to  J.  Qiiiucy,  4<10  ;  second  time  chosen 
speaker,  733,  780;  tomb  of,  1066;  monument  to,  1080; 
peace  commissioner,  10«IO:  sketch  of,  1060. 

Clay,  Lcorktia  Hart,  sketch  of,  106S. 

CUii/Um,  visit  to,  004. 

Cfetiefand,  Ohio  troops  welcomed  to,  842 ;  journey  to,  8*0. 

Clinch,  Udnoan  L.,  sketch  of,  917. 

Clinton,  De  Witt,  220 ;  mayor  of  New  York,  842. 

Clinton,  Georuk,  Vice-President,  109 ;  nominated  for  Vice- 
President,  226 ;  his  death  and  tomb,  220. 

Coohrane,  Sir  Alexanueb,  commander  of  the  British 
squadron,  920. 

CooKuuBN,  Sir  Geoboe,  Admiral, made  second  in  command, 
607 ;  operations  of,  009,  070 ;  assails  Havi'e  de  Grace,  071 ; 
ascends  the  Sassafras  River,  074 ;  head-quarters  of,  083 ; 
Jn  the  Potomac  and  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  089 ; 
anchors  off  Ocracoke  Inlet,  089 ;  on  the  coast  of  Georgia, 
691 ;  lights  the  fires  at  Washington  with  his  own  hands, 
9.')S ;  infamous  conduct  of,  946 ;  lands  near  Baltimore,  060. 

Cooke,  John,  General,  769 :  separate  action  of,  700 ;  liills  on 
Hlllabee  town,  707 ;  massacre  of  its  people,  707. 

Coffee,  John,  In  Northe^a  Alabama,  769 ;  sketch  of,  1043. 

Coles,  J.  A.,  063. 

CohniHbi,  British,  snppoeed  republican  procllvltleB  of,  214. 

Columbrm,  city  of,  600. 

Couiis,  Leslie,  sufferings  of,  360 ;  commissioned  captain  of 
spies,  480:  sketch  of,  480 ;  his  voyage  down  the  Manmee, 
481 ;  is  attacked  by  Indians,  iSl. 

C&iMt,  privateer,  cruW  of,  9!i.n,  999. 

Cominerce,  cotton  king  of,  178k 

Commimioners,  Peace,  list  of,  4T1. 

Committee,  report  of,  on  Foreign  Relations,  212,  213, 468. 

Con/ederation,  Articles  of,  19,  28;  ratified  by  the  several 
status,  83. 

Conjianee,  capture  of  the,  809. 

Congrem,  United  States,  endeavors  to  oblige  England  to 
open  trade,  23 ;  dissolution  of,  34 ;  authorizes  the  raising 
or  troops,  40;  authorizes  Increase  of  regular  army,  60; 
arranges  the  executive  departments,  69 ;  reflises  to  con- 
firm uominatluns,  99 ;  actluu  tm  the  death  of  Washing- 


ton, 110;  Non-lmportatton  Act  passed,  148;  enlarges 
army  and  navy,  107 :  endeavors  to  find  supplies  for  the 
war,  28(1;  awards  vote  of  thanks  to  Elliott,  il88;  author- 
ises retullatlon,  409 :  awards  gold  medal  to  Hull,  440; 
awards  Kold  medal  to  Captain  Jones,  462 ;  to  Decatur, 
468 ;  to  Balnbriilge,  108 ;  silver  medals  to  his  ofltcers,  408 ; 
plan  proposed  fur  Increasing  the  army,  •UI6:  awards  gold 
medal  to  Croghaii,  804 :  to  Elliott,  6;t5 ;  to  Perry,  636 :  to 
Harrison,  667  :  to  Lawrence,  7(K) ;  silver  mediils  to  his  ofil- 
cers,  71MI;  to  Burrows  and  M'C'all,  719  ;  political  position 
of,  1H13,  7S8 ;  finds  means  to  prosecute  the  war,  784,  787 ; 
gold  medal  awarded  to  James  Miller,  820;  toHcott,  820: 
to  Gaines,  886 ;  to  Brown,  841 ;  to  Piirtcr  and  KIplcy,  842 : 
to  Henley  and  Casslu,  808 ;  to  Macomb,  878 ;  to  Macdon- 
oiigli,  878;  authorizes  a  floating  huttcrv,  970;  gold  medal 
to  BIddle,  991 ;  to  Stewart,  988 ;  to  Jackson,  1062. 

Congreiuiiiiuil  llurtjing^ground,  948. 

Com>e>-tievt,  governor  of,  refhses  to  comply  with  the  call  for 
trmips,  243 ;  charter  of,  840 ;  blockade  of  the  coast  of, 
094;  local  militia  of,  094. 

Coiuttellation  captures  Vliunirgejitf,  103. 

ConxtHMion,  United  States,  ratification  of,  38 ;  amendments 
of,  69 ;  proposed  amendments  of,  I014. 

Conntitutiiin,  a,  granted  to  the  French  people,  67. 

Cmutitulinn,  frigate,  101 ;  named  "OUI  /rOTWridtw,"  487;  cruise 
of,  437 ;  escape  from  the  (luerriere,  488 ;  second  cruise 
of,  44it ;  fight  with  the  Overriere,  44!1 ;  cruise  on  the  coast 
of  Brazil,  467;  battle  with  the  Jam,  4tKi;  arrival  at  Bos- 
ton, 401;  rtgure-bend  of  the,  906;  chased  Into  Marble- 
head  Bay,  983 ;  battle  with  Cgatie  and  X/<!i)an<— she  cap- 
tures both,  984. 

Conventiiiu,  Hartford,  1018-1016;  jketchea  of  members  of 
the,  101(1. 

Cmiventinn  to  propose  making  Maine  into  a  state,  24;  con- 
stitutional, and  members  of,  27-33. 

Coom  Rirer,  cries  for  help  from  the  banks  of,  700;  Jackson 
at,  703. 

Council,  Orders  in.  United  States  vessels  excluded  firom 
West  Indian  ports,  28  •  modlficatlini  of  the,  170 ;  main- 
tained, 17U ;  unrepealed,  226 ;  conditional  revocation  of 
the,  240. 

Cimnril,  Grand,  of  Indians,  61. 

CoviNOTON, Leonard,  General,  death  and  burial  of,  060. 

Coviiuitnn,  Fort,  visit  to,  004 ;  veteran  soldiers  at,  006 ;  at- 
tempt to  seize,  960. 

Craio,  Sir  Jauks,  governor  general  of  Canada,  220. 

r  'VNE,  William  nu>NTuoMERv,  commander  of  the /*tit<',  886 ; 
monument  to,  8S0. 

Craney  Mand,  landing  of  the  British,  073 ;  a  sharp  conflict, 
079;  British  driven  hack,  080;  visit  to,  i'86 ;  foruflcatlons 
on,  080. 

CRAttKORi),  W.  H.,  minister  to  France,  714. 

Craie/onlmiillf,,  198. 

Cbeauii,  Gerrarii  W.,  769. 

Credit,  public,  efforts  for  the  establishment  of,  64 ;  It  la  as- 
sailed, 1009. 

Creeks,  their  position,  T47 ;  civil  war,  748 ;  bravery  of  the, 
774-777 ;  defeated  at  the  battle  of  the  Horseshoe,  780 ; 
mined,  782. 

Owi  Countrji,  settlers  in,  760 ;  distress  In,  788  ■  affairs  in, 
701 ;  invaded  from  Georgia,  708-773. 

Crittenden,  Joun  J.,  sketch  of,  614. 

Croouan,  G.,  Major,  his  Instructions,  409 ;  disobeys  orders, 
600 ;  his  report  to  Harrlso'i,  604 ;  medal  presented  to, 
806;  reaches  Detroit,  867. 

CRDToiiriELii,  Stapleton,  Major,  080,  681,  082 ;  sends  die- 
patch  to  Governor  Barbour,  683;  takes  possoslon  of 
Hampton,  088. 

Cuhvr'n  mil,  engagement  at,  802 ;  ride  over,  881 ;  battle- 
ground of,  882. 

Ctimbertand  Head,  light-house  at,  870;  visit  to,  882. 

Cdmmimos,  James,  Colimel,  827. 

Owrrenej/,  paper,  20;  decimal,  adopted,  66;  paper,  In  France, 
74. 

Ccyler,  W.  Howe,  sketch  of,  887. 

Daores,  James  Rk.habi),  surrenders  to  Hull,  444. 

Dale,  Riohard,  Commodore,  In  the  Mediterranean,  118 ; 
monument  to,  1 19. 

Dale,  Samuel,  courage  and  honor  of,  761 ;  prcparcH  for  act- 
ive operations,  767 ;  wins  a  victory,  770 ;  sketch  of,  771. 

Dallas,  A.  J.,  sketch  of,  1011. 

Dana,  Samuel  W.,  162. 

Dane,  Nathan,  1016. 

Danish  fleet  destroyed  at  Copenhagen,  113. 

Dartinoor,  prison  of,  1008 ;  outrages  on  prisoners  there,  1060. 

/>at>trf  I'orter,  privateer,  cruise  of,  1003. 

Datiubon,  John,  928. 

Davioson.  Lcobetia  Maria,  child  poet,  grave  of,  SS4. 

Daviess,  Major,  gallantry  of,  204;  death  of,  206;  life  aud 
character  of,  207. 

Davis,  General,  mortally  wounded,  888. 

Davis,  S.  B..  Colonel.  609. 

Dacbhan,  'Jj'ptaln,  270. 

Dai/ton  and  Sandttakt/,  country  between,  264. 

Deabborn,  Hknby,  General,  appointed  commRDder-ln-chief, 
249;  residence  of,  260 :  slgni^  arinittice,  293;  instructodto 
make  demonstration?  on  the  frontier,  381 ;  on  ]jake  Qa* 


-•^^     i: 


1078 


I  N  I)  K  X. 


|i 


I'  A 


I,  '  » 


tnrlo,  BRfl;  nt  Furt  NliiRiirR,  WiT ;  expedition  ;  iniit  the 
BritUh  lit  Heaver  Uiiiiim,  iWO;  U  mvnvi\«t\  hy  S\  ilkliimiii, 
0!!»;  moves  lull)  <'iiiiiiilii,  tUIT;  end  oroxiwdliUiu,  IMI. 

Debt  of  Unilnl  SlaU'*,  17s|,  w  ;  isift,  KHII. 

iKailtir,  privateer,  criilrie  of,  UKW. 

DsrATirn,  8TK1MIKN,  C'oniiiiodore,  cnntiirea  U  Crojiable,  101 ; 
Ktillnntry  of,  121 ;  i-oiiinmiuler  or  the  Vnitnl  Slateii,  Vtft, 
4B«!;  vliaory  of, -WT  ;  nolil  medal  ijlven  to,  ■«>(< ;  iiltenilitn 
to  run  the  nlockiido  of  New  York,  iWI  ;  tlndn  ii  |)lure  of 
Rafety,  tWi;  cndeavorn  to  ^et  to  xea,  litift:  i{oc«  to  sen  In 
the  rrenlilenl,  UST ;  iikctch  of,  UMi ;  duel  umfdcalh  of,  W'^. 

Dk  t'irti,  fuiiH  of,  ar.t. 

Vtrreen,  Kreneh,  proponed  reviHtttlon  of,  ITS. 

Dk  i.a  ItoNnK,  Colonel,  UKIII. 

Delaware  llan,  pnlrhitiHm  on  the  shorex  of,  008;  blockade 
of,  iH)7. 

Iv(nuxirc«,  expedition  ajfaliiet  the,  "M. 

Devwcrali,  their  tactlcH,  1(17;  their  cunfldcuce  In  Jefferson, 
101 J  chief  leader."  of,  102. 

Dknihon,  Krkukkick,  wonndcd,  S96. 

I)k  Hott«niiijr(i,  .Major  (ioneral,BOO. 

Uk  Salaiikrhy,  a.,  0:iI). 

Dkhiia,  JoHKPii,  Kketch  of,  nn2. 

Uelroit  In  1S12,  200;  Bites  of  fortlflcatlons  In,  201 :  British 
before,  2S2 ;  breparatlons  for  af.aikln^;,  2,s4 ;  demand  for 
mirrcnder  of,  2Sfi:  homhardmeut  of,  '.NT,  2S8  ;  Kurrender 
of,  2.>«» ;  elTeelR  of  the  snrrender,  2(ili,  2111 ;  disposal  of  the 
nrlsoncrs,  2!i1;  Hrltish  occnimtion  of,  202;  a  .Sunday  in, 
297 ;  hesloKCd  by  Pontlac,  .'101 ;  cltlicns  of,  8(12 ;  siiireu- 
der  of,  746;  expedition  leaves,  Sfto. 

DiTTEiOK,  James,  veteran  of  1S12,  (124. 

DoMiiiNs,  Danik.i.,  sketch  of,  BO!'. 

DonoK,  KionAKo,  UrlKitdier  UenernI,  arrives  at  Watertown, 
New  York,  ;t7it. 

JMphm,  privateer,  cruise  of,  1000. 

D0NK1.S0N,  A.,  Colonel,  77B. 

Dorothea,  Danish  brijj,  destruction  of,  240. 

DotsKT,  Duke  of,  111. 

I)ouoi.A»H,  Davii>  B  ,  Lieutenant,  8211, 881. 

I)owNi!8,  .John,  sketch  of,  T2B ;  at  Valparaiso,  720. 

Drcumond,  Okokok  (Jokdo.n,  Lieutenant  Ueueral,  810,  SIS, 
810,  830. 

Dom.iiY,  William,  480. 

DiijMiil,  Ccmp,  907. 

DvBON,  Caplalu,  blows  up  Fort  Washtngtoo,  989. 

Kaoi.e,  Hknrv,  707. 

EoMtport  caiilured  by  the  British,  1814, 890. 

BnKKitmi,  IIknbv,  slielch  of,  <t1B. 

Hroiux'hai-a  in  ashes,  77:t. 

KiiLK,  Hakmon,  survivor  of  1312,801. 

Ei.iiRindK,  .losKiMi  C,  020. 

Ulrctiim,  Presidential,  404. 

HlmlorH,  method  of  choosini;,  108. 

KHzabethtnwn,  577. 

Ei.KBWATAWA,  liidiaii  propliet,  ISS;  his  vision,  189;  his 
treachery,  20H ;  disgrace  of,  200. 

Ei.uoTT,  J'kssk  I).,  Captain,  sent  to  Lake  Erie,  871,  !)8B;  co- 
operation of  military  \vltl|,  .1S,%;  sketch  of,  8S7  ;  re-en- 
forcements under,  6IS ;  strautfe  conduct  of,  026 ;  meeting 
with  I'crry,  628  ;  medal  nwaraed  to,  536. 

El.LSU DUTII,  Ol.lVKtt,  58. 

Kim  Orove,  cemetery  of,  914. 

Kbmrmil,  cemetery  of,  801. 

Ely,  ALyuKo,  Doctor,  800. 

Embargo,  the,  passed  in  Congress,  102 ;  effects  of,  10.1 ;  par- 
ty spirit  aroused  by,  108;  vlobitlons  of,  104,  108;  de- 
nounced, 100 ;  iufractlous  of  172 ;  war  proclaimed  as  the 
alternative  to,  174;  repealed,  176;  pro|)Osed,  222;  pa-s- 
sage  of,  228;  supplementary,  224;  opposition  to,  224;  a 
new  act  of,  786 ;  repealed,  780,  787. 

Emott,  .Ta.mkb,  21T. 

Kii'  "./at/,  liatlle  of,  774. 

iiii.  iH<i  refuses  to  be  just,  180;  a  regency  in,  283;  displays 
al  1  her  energy,  575. 

Bnct'chovcn  Creek,  battle  on,  776. 

£iik:  in,  British,  pulled  down,  17. 

Ent'  iprlm',  the,  i;rulse  of,  717  ;  her  conflict  with  the  Boxer— 
death  of  the  two  commanders,  717;  last  cruise  of,  720. 

Brii\  Fort,  doomed  to  de.strnction,  001 ;  captured  by  Amer- 
icans, 805  ;  armv  ordered  to,  Sii) ;  an  attack  on,  ^U'2,  888  ; 
battle  of,  884,  a8.'>,  S80,  S:i7,  S40 ;  blown  up,  840 ;  visit  to,  S47. 

Eri<;  iMke,  Perry  ordered  to,  509;  battle  of,  522  ;  tlrst  shot 
fired  l)y  Americans,  623  :  dose  of  the  battle  of,  525,  520, 
627, 52!) ;  sad  eftect  of  the  battle  of,  5:12 :  exultation  of  the 
Americans,  t>M ;  chief  veBSols  on,  542,  (AH,. 

Erie,  village  of,  510, 512 ;  menaced,  514, 615;  historic  places 
at,  687. 

Ebskink,  David  Montaoiik,  British  minister,  175, 170  ;  his 
arrangements  repudiated  l)y  his  ghvernmcnt,  177 :  makes 
arrangements  for  renewed  trade,  177;  recalled,  177 ;  bio- 
graphical sketch  of,  177. 

K»»ex,  cruise  of  the,  she  captures  the  Mfrt,  4.89,  440;  cap- 
tures the  Nncloii,  721,  722 ;  sails  for  the  Pacific,  723 ;  ar- 
rives at  Valparaiso,  728,  724 ;  captures  the  Georgiana  and 
other  whalers,  726;  captures  iho  .'frn/iya/Mrfa™,  720 ;  she 
is  crippled,  782 ;  surrender  of  the,  733. 

Europe  agaiuiil  France,  72. 


Evans,  Sir  Dk  Laov,  sketch  of,  1082. 

l-'air  llnern,  «'<« :  fort  at.  01.1. 

h'uHfn  '/'i>iiljrri>,  OHttle  of,  64. 

h'anlmm;  i\H)i-A\\\>,  0711. 

Fiifl-iliiii,  proclnniatiiui  of,  281,  282. 

Kaui.k.nkr, .Ta.mfs,  sketch  of,  078. 

thlrraliatH  and  Kepubli^all^  72;  tmuldn  among  the,  100; 
policy  of  the,  210;  patriotism  of  the,  217. 

h'liuh,  capture  of  the,  808. 

h'in;  Greek,  018. 

Kihk,.Jaiik/,  survivor  of  the  battle  of  Niagara,  84S, 

h'lan,  ttrnl  British,  taken,  370. 

Kl.ujkao,  (lAUKiiieK,  Oeiieral,  1088. 
I  /•'livt,  .lamaica  merchant,  cliase  of,  480;   British,  ships  of, 
007;    first  ajipearance  of,  007:   eiiti'is  Hampton  Ibiads, 
070;  alxiiit  New  York,  UV1 ;  surrender  of,  on  l.ake  Cham- 
plain,  870. 

Kl.KMINII,  Bknjamin,  KI8. 

Floriila,  East,  liimrrectlou  In,  740,  741 ;  West,  claimed  by 
the  r!':ted  Htatcs,  739. 

Flotilla,  American,  cai)ture  of,  1020. 

Ki.ocRNOV,  n*n(fMAH,  sketch  of,  748. 

Kuivo,  John,  Bilgadlcr  (ieiieral,  at  the  battle  of  Auttose, 
108  ;  at  Fort  Sirother,  777. 

Fdrmt  Lairn,  1  ciiielery  of,  847  ;  soldiers'  monuments,  848. 

I'ViiinnKT,  Dri.ANKV,  520;  sketch  of,  5;il. 

I''oiisvTii,  BKN.IAMIN,  Mijor,  870  ;  cxiiedltloii  of,  872  ;*open» 
jails  in  Elir.aliethlowii,  577,  7IM);  (feath  of,  857. 

Forlifieatimut,  British  frontier,  284. 

Fort»,  Bowyer,  loill ;  caiiliire  of,  1051 ;  Brown.  806, 882 ;  Cas- 
tlne,  908;  Cllntcui,  |I|3  ;  (Covington,  950  ;  Dearborn,  :^(I3, 
811;  Defiance,  .828 ;  remains  of,  832,  33Si  Erie,  8(18;  Pish, 
974;  fieorgc,  1109  ;  (Jratlot,  849;  (Jriswold,  898  ;  Jackson, 
1029;  Lee,  900;  Mackinaw,  2(18,  209;  M'lleury,  070,  947, 
II.M,  906;  Madison,  701;  Moiean,  S0»,  882  ;  Necessity,  257; 
PhfEUix,  913;  Pickirln.',  906;  Pierce,  756;  Pike.  017; 
Plattsbnrg,  801 ;  St.  Philip,  attack  on,  1051 ;  Scwail,  907; 
8<;olt,  8,82;  Stephenson,  497  ;  Stone  Mill,  Ml8;  Strong,  M12  ; 
Tompkins,  007 :  Toronto,  6S7, 588 ;  Trnmlinll,  090;  Wash- 
ington, 088,  925,  939 ;  Warbiirtou,  088 ;  Wayne,  60 ;  Wel- 
lington, 684. 

FosTKB,  AcmiBms  J.,  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  United 
Slates,  180. 

Fell  oiiKT,  M.,  French  minister,  88. 

Fox,  CnAiii.Ks  Jamkk.  premier  of  Kugland,  128, 149. 

Fiance,  friendship  of,  59;  revolutionary  movements  In,  00; 
i.narchy  In,  78 ;  paper  currency  in,  "4 ;  National  Conveii- 
1  Ion  established,  75;  overthrow  (f  the  monarchy,  75:  re- 
action, 88;  the  Directory  offended,  91 ;  difflcullics  with 
the  United  States,  !I2;  her  aci|Uisiiion  of  Spain,  98;  her 
arms  successfnl,  !i5 ;  prepaniiloiis  for  war  with,  90;  a 
minister  appointed  to,  ll» ;  three  envoys  sent,  100;  secret 
designs  of,  182, 138;  her  change  ol  policy,  16.8, 103,  180. 

Franiis,  .losiAii,  7M. 

Franklin,  Bknjamin,  19,  2T. 

FuASKii,  William,  004. 

/■Vrtiioii^  journey  to,  500. 

Frnirli  Creek,  American  camp  at,  049. 

FreiH'h  Hilln,  American  army  at,  068;  snfferlugs  at,  057; 
visit  to,  OM. 

Freiuhtown  threatened,  .861 ;  its  suffering  Inhabitants,  862 ; 
battle  and  massacre  of,  352;  nnlval  of  re-eoforcomouts, 
it5,f ;  fearful  night  at,  857  ;  In  1800,  300;  cajiturod,  070. 

Fiiiiaten,  building  of,  91. 

Frolic,  surrender  of  the,  450. 

Frontier,  Northern,  dose  of  hostlUticB  on  the,  1814,  88T. 

Fruit  Hill,  visit  to,  608. 

Fii.TON,  KoiiKKT,  sr.ggcsts  a  new  system  of  uaval  warfare, 
280 :  sketch  of,  242. 

Fnltim  the  Fiml,  floating  battery,  977. 

Gainks,  EiiMDNi)  P.,  Qeneral,  540 :  demands  the  surrender 
ofMobile,  74i1;  appointed  brigiidier  general,  7!12;  at  Sack - 
etfs  Harbor,  816;  takes  command  of  tlic  army,  831; 
sketch  ('1,881;  made  major  general,  ^.85;  gold  medal 
awarded  to,  8.85;  calls  the  baltlc  of  Lake  Erie  n  "hand- 
some victory,"  836. 

Ou.LATiN,  Aliikut, Scccctary  of  tlie  Treasury, 221,  7S3, 780 ; 
peace  commissioner,  1000;  sketch  of,  inOO. 

(xAr.i  SUA,  Jonas,  governor  of  Vermont,  030. 

(Jaiiaii<Hi<ii,  siiolls  taken  at,  373. 

(Urdinieb,  Bauent,  102 :  duel  of,  104. 

(Jaiidner,  CiiARLKB  Ic,  Miijor,  sketch  oi;  S04. 

(ivRDNER,  J.  M.,075. 

Ij-iural  A  nn»triinij,  privateer,  cruise  and  career  of,  1001, 1004. 

Gknet,  Citizen,  arrival  in  Charleston,  77;  recet>tlon,  79; 
iirivateers  commissioned  by,  79;  interview  with  Wash- 
ington, 80;  rebuked  by  .loffersrui,  81 ;  attempts  to  create 
a  iobellion,  82 :  recalled  to  France,  88 ;  sketch  of,  S3. 

(iKoiKiR  III.,  friendly  with  Bonaparte,  118. 

Oeokoe  IV.,  Pilnce  Regent,  283. 

Heorije,  Fort,  (ieneral  Brock  at,  897 ;  a  visit  to,  418 ;  expedi- 
tion against,  590 ;  cannonade  between  Fort  Niagara  and, 
597;  capture  of,  599;  invested  by  the  British,  022;  it  Is 
abandoned,  082,  815. 

(l.'oritid,  Cockburn  on  the  coast  of,  091 ;  her  trooiM  return 
to  their  frontier,  770. 


I  N  D  K  X. 


1079 


rouble  Rmoni?  the,  WO ; 
ilif,  'ilT. 

■  4;iO:  BrItUh,  "Mm  of, 
siitiirn  llaiii|it<>ii  Kiiiidi', 
Mider  of,  oil  Luko  Cliiim- 

,  T41 ;  We»t,  clntrocd  by 


It  ilio  battle  of  Aiittoie, 
dlors'  moiiumi'iiti),  S48. 

r,  Kii. 

ixpeilUlim  of,  an  ;«oi)eiiB 
dcalh  of,  ^T. 

f>l ;  Blown, S(», S82 ;  Cnii- 
'toii,  \M ;  beiirboni,  WIS, 
HM,  «:llt|  KHc,  WIS;  Kinh, 

(lrli>wi)lil,  S1I3 :  ■liicksoii, 
,  mi;  M'llciiry,  iITIi,  1147, 
1,  mil,  sS'2 :  NoiewHity,  iiftl ; 

I'lcrcc,  IIW;  Tike,  (IIT: 
ick  on,  liiM  :  Scwall,  HOT; 
>iicMill,  >-ii;i;  HlroiiL'.Mta; 
iH-  Tnimlmll,  O'.IB ;  W'nBh- 
.u,  088;  Wnyiic,  60;  Wcl- 

rnordliiary  to  the  Uultod 


Eiitilnntl,  V2S,  149. 
tioimiy  inovcmeiitn  In,  «•; 
I  in,  T4;  NalionnM'oiiven- 
,v  «  f  llip  nuinnvchy,  i5;  re- 
ikUmI,  111 :  diffl<-iiltlc!<  with 
nnisillon  of  Kimin,  113;  hoc 
liiiiK  for  war  with,  ««;  ft 
■0  I'livoyt'Pcnt,  U«i;  cecret 
i!  ol  policy,  1B3,  m,  ISO. 


(566;  enfferhigB  at,  (16T; 

frnrhig  lnhal)!tniit»,  BB2 ; 
-.jlviil  of  rtM'iirorcpmouts, 
mi,  aOO ;  cnptuicd,  010. 

UtloB  on  the,  1S14,  88T. 
eystem  of  uaval  warfare, 
97T. 

.  demands  the  imrrcnder 
dier  |.'«n(^ral,  VM :  at  Sack- 
iiiand  of  the  ariny,  N31  ; 
-'nnernl,  ^'M:  K"'''  """'','' 
lo  of  Lako  Erie  n  "hand- 


...Trcamuy,  221,783,786; 
,ch  of,  HKK). 
moiil,  039. 

,  liVl. 

jtch  oC,  S04. 

oeftud  career  of,  1001,1004. 
CBton,  77  ;  rece|)liou,  79 ; 
9;  interview  with  Wiwn- 
in,  81 ;  attem|:tH  to  create 
itc,  8a ;  nketch  of,  88. 
arte,  113. 

I7 ;  a  viclt  to,  418 ;  expedi- 

letwccn  Fort  Niagara  and. 

by  the  British,  022 ;  it  U 

kf,  iV.)l ;  her  trooiis  return 


Ofurffiann,  prlxe-nhlp,  'if>. 

Uekkv,  Ki.iiKiixiK,  noinlinitpd  for  Vlce-l're«ldcnt,4(U;  birth- 
place of,  IM17  ;  nioniiini'iit  to,  IMJt. 
()errj/-nuiiulrr,  hlntory  of  the,  ill. 
nhfnl,  treaty  of,  lOt'iO. 
UiHiiH,  (leniTal,  1037 ;  death  of,  1047. 

()lllHON,.l.,40a. 

OiiiHo.y,  Colonel,  morlnlly  wounded,  1^18. 
Oi.KUo,  .1.  H.,  aid  to  (liMiiTil  Brock,  2H8. 

(ll.KIO,  (tKOROK  l{.,  Hkl'tch  nf,  tl!l7. 

GUilie,  privateer,  crulfc  of  the,  996, 1008. 
Uoiin,viin,  Cai.vin,  1010. 

OoOItlllOll,  C'l  AI'NOKV,  1010. 

(iraiul  «iwr,  departnre  lor,  419;  miKBloii-honte  at,  421. 

(iBATiiir,  I'.,  cnnliieer,  474. 

Great  llrilaiii  refn^cB  to  wild  niinlBler  to  the  I'niled  Staten, 
24;  atleiniit  to  Kalii  JUHilce  from,  Oi! ;  Btroiit?  fei-liiiif 
auainnl,  INI;  triiiinphaiil,  U.'l;  ilt'clareH  war  au'iiiOMt 
France,  120;  cffectB  of  tho  declaration,  I'W ;  niiikcH  lu- 
■illtliiK  propoHltlon  fin-  trilinte,  liir>;  lier  einldaarleis  nt 
work,  IHM ;  acknowli!ili,'ed  naval  diiprcinacy  of,  4JI8. 

OicKooKV,  Franoih  II.,  sketch  of,  sM;  exploits  of,  SSfl. 

(iBirKiTii,  KiiwAiio,  Hear  Admiral,  807. 

(ionnoN,  ('aptnln,  169. 

floKBKi.iN,  Okuauo,  (UMieral,  902 ;  popularity  of,  908. 

UoMTnment  <if  the  Vuilml  Slalm,  newly  ordanizcd.Rs  :  Ita  pol- 
icy Indicated,  ^'< ;  putB  forth  vlgoronM  efTurlH  for  "iijirem- 
acy  on  the  Lakes,  IITO ;  sirance  apathy  of,  !)10;  1  alia  for 
troops  from  dKTcrenl  states,  918. 

Oiurrd,  SaHmml,  formation  of,  til ;  demorallzntloii  of,  07. 

irtirrrlrre,  llic,  Impresses  residents  of  .Maine,  181,  137;  light 
with  the  ( iiiiHliiHlioii,  443  ;  destruction  of,  448. 

Gun-boat,  Iron-clad,  1814, 970. 

Hall  Cnlunibia,  souk,  history  of,  97. 

Ilttli/iix,  British  squadron  at,  430;  British  expedition  leaves, 
897. 

IIai.i.,  a.,  Major  (Jeneral,  «il6. 

IIai.i.,  William,  Colonel,  74'.'. 

Hall,  William,  Jr.,  in  Hartford  Convention,  lOKi. 

Uamilton,  Alf.xam'Kii,  2ft,  29;  Hecrolary  of  the  Treasury, 
69;  protests  aifnlnst  teinporiziuK  wiih  the  national  hon- 
or, 04 ;  his  tinanclal  scheme  assa!' m1,  O.'k;  considers  the 
Eiiu'lish  «i)vernineiit  a  model  of  ex.,.:lleiice.  Oft ;  his  feud 
with. Jefferson,  71 ;  actln;; iiencrai-in-ehief, 98 ;  coudeinus 
eecession,  134;  his  death,  13."*. 

IIamiitom,  I'vei.,  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  sends  cipher  al- 
phabet to  (.'hauncev,  370. 

Hamilton,  vlliaite  of,  4i0 ;  visit  to,  026. 

Hamlin,  Hannuiai.,  Vice-President  of  United  States,  Oil. 

IIamitom,  W.,  Oeiieral,  haiiirhllness  of,  030;  inuiorious  re- 
treat of,  (W ;  bad  conduct  of,  0,M ;  censured,  (166 ;  disobe- 
dience of  orders,  050 ;  the  army  Is  relieved  of  his  pres- 
ence, 067. 

Hampinn  HiiaiiK,  defenses  at,  (108;  skirmish  in,  070;  Amer- 
icans at,  070;  landiii}'  of  the  Ilritish  near,  081 ;  a  severe 
skirmish,  ()8'J;  Americans  driven  from,  (Vs3;  a  visit  to, 
687 ;  destruction  diirinu  the  Civil  War,  088 ;  preparations 
to  oppose  the  British,  8ii<»;  the./o/m.4(/ai«s  at,  S'.KI;  Brit- 
ish arrive  at,  900  j  outrages  at,  901 ;  loss  of  property  at, 
902;  visit  to,  911. 

IlAMTaAMOK,  Major,  40,  60. 

Hanoks,  Ueulenant,  270. 

Uardv,  81U  Thomas  M.,  commander  of  the  British  squad- 
ron, flol  ;  allows  no  vessels  to  pass,  093;  appears  on  the 
New  Enitlaiid  coast,  890 ;  leaves  Eastport,  892. 

IIarmah,  .Ioseimi,  aeneral,41 ;  his  defeat,  43. 

Ilarpii,  privateer,  cruise  of  the,  1(H)3. 

llammm,  Furl,  buildiug  of,  196 ;  siege  of,  317 ;  Indians  driv- 
en from,  318. 

HAiittiBON,  Mas.  Anna,  wife  of  (Jen.  Harrison,  a  visit  to,  670. 

U.VKKIHON,  William  IIkniiy,  (Jeneral,  Joins  the  army,  60; 
governor  of  Indiana  Territory— liis  wise  admiiilstralion, 
187 ;  denounces  the  Indian  Prophet,  190 ;  concludes  treaty 
with  the  Indian  tribes,  I'.IO;  speech  of,  192;  calls  for  vol- 
untary aid,  194;  march  to  the  Wabash,  196,  200 ;  his  en- 
campment on  the  Tippecanoe  battle-ground,  202 ;  Itis 
camp  furiously  attacked  204  ;  victor  at  Tippecanoe,  206, 
208  ;  active  in  building  Iilock-hoiises,  321 ;  goes  to  Ken- 
tucky, 321 ;  made  brigadier  general,  322,  ,323  •  marches  to- 
want  Piqiia,  323 ;  his  intiuehce,  324 ;  his  army  In  the  vil- 
dernesg,  326;  calls  a  council  of  oflii'ers,  326,  320;  orders 
•Tennings  to  escort  duty,  328;  his  campaign  arrai.iied, 
329;  makes  urgent  appeals  for  supplies,  !12ii;  expedltiim 
aiwinst  the  Indians,  XVi ;  in  Central  Ohio,  332 ;  sutt'crlngs 
and  difflculties  of,  :t48  ;  his  arinv,  349  ;  at  Upper  Sandii?- 
ky,  361 ;  unjustly  censured,  3(i;i ;  his  army  nt  Maumee 
Rapids,  304,  473;  at  Cincinnati,  476  ;  inecaiitions  of,  478  ; 
his  note  to  General  Clay,  479 ;  his  aiiiircsses,  482 ;  his  de- 
fense of  Fort  MeiL's,  484;  his  plans  developed,  486;  or- 
ders a  sortie,  4.87 ;  Ills  head-quarters,  494  ;  council  of  war, 
499;  his  character  assailed  and  vindicated,  608 ;  visits 
Perry's  ship,  610,  MJ),  544;  at  Amiierstburg,  647;  his  ar- 
rangements for  the  battle  of  t  lie  Thames,  6,V2 ;  gold  medal 
awarded  to,  ttft'i  •  appoints  Cass  (rovernor  of  Mlchiiran, 
689;  effects  of  the  victories  of.  ft,Mi;  brief  outline  of  his 
career,«662 ;  leaves  the  army,  603  ;  sketch  of,  872  ;  tomb 
of,  673. 


IlARUownY,  Ear!  of  Lord  President  of  the  Council,  288. 

Il4in,  Natiianiicl  O.  T.,  death  and  sketch  of,  869 

llarl/iiril,  Ciuiventiou  at,  1MI8, 1016, 1010. 

Hartlrii'H  hiiiil,  640. 

Iliivrf  lie  liriiif,  threatened  by  Ihe  British,  070;  prepara- 
tions at,  071  ;  assailed  bv  Cockbiirn,  071 ;  landing  of  the 
Ilritish  ul,  072 ;  visit  to— historical  lisallties  there,  073. 

IIkalk,  Mrs.  Captain,  great  braverv  of,  309,  UlQk 

Hki'KKWKliikk,  Joiianka  Maria,  ii'l. 

IlKoKK»'KLi,|rn,  Hkv.  JollN,  iiloiu'er,  30. 

IIknlkv,  ItouKHT,  coiiiinamler  of  the  Kaiilr,  675 ;  sketch  of, 
807  ;  ri^ceives  medal  fi-om  Congress,  Hlis. 

IIknnkii,  Al»kki>,  1(168. 

Hknhy,  iIoiin,  his  mission  to  New  England,  220 ;  his  corre- 
spinidence,  221 ;  his  disclo.-iirc«,  222;  skelcli  of,  222. 

Iliilhlliirr,  privateer,  capture  < if  the,  736 ;  crulec  or  the,  Wfl. 

Ilillubiv  Tiiirn,  massacre  at,  707. 

IIilliiocsk,,Iami's,  1010. 

HiNiiMAN,  .Iai'oh,  81)2,  804,  8:i6. 

HoLine,  Thomas,  sketch  of  "  '8. 

lliillaiul  issues  a  decree  likt:  ,lie  Milan  Decree,  164. 

lloLLiNS,  Okokiik  N.,  sketch  of,  019. 

lliiLMKH,  Anna  B.,  914. 

Uoi.Mr.s,  Jf.rkmiaii,  rajitahi,  his  expedition  Into  Canadi, 
849;  returns  to  St.,lo^epli,8.W;  nails  his  flag  to  the  inaMt, 
894;  reopens  tire  on  tlie  Ilritish,  896;  the  hero  of  Ntou- 
IngKm,  914. 

HopK,  .Iank  a.,  daughter  of  Commodore  Barron.  008. 

Iloi'KiNS,  Hamiikl  (V.,  his  expedliion  au'ain»t  llie  Indians, 
338;  his  expedlthm  to  the  VVahash,  .'i30 ;  close  of  the  snll- 
Itary  career  of,  337. 

Ilnruoit,  the,  American  ship,  stranded  on  the  French  coast, 
16!l. 

Unmet,  the,  challenges  a  British  vcsel,  169 ;  her  contest 
Willi  the  /Vnn«*,  098 ;  her  light  with  the  /'e»»</t(/(i,  !I90 ; 
cruise  of,  992. 

Uirriuhiu;  battle  of  the,  779. 

Hoi  sTON,  Hami'KL,  wounded,  779  ;  sketch  of,  709. 

IIo»  AKo,  >Ikiia/.iki.,  801. 

Hull,  Aiiraiiam  K.,  Cantain,  grave  of,  827. 

Hl'LL,  IsAAo,  coninuiiider  of  the  ('muitituHou,  441  ;  sketch 
of,  442;  bis  coolne>s,  443;  his  reception  ill  Boston,  444; 
gives  np  the  coinuiaml  of  the  ('(iimtilutioii,  448  ;  presented 
with  a  gold  medal,  440. 

IIin.L,  William,  his  iuvasiou  of  Canada,  261  ;  made  briia- 
dier  general,  252;  takes  coniniHiid  of  Ohio  troops,  •>lt!>; 
inarcnes  toward  lletroit,267;  hears  of  declaral  ion  of  war, 
268;  capture  of  his  bairgau'c,  268 ;  his  army  at  Detroit, 
269 ;  determines  to  invade  C'anada,  2(Ki ;  heao-tiiiarters  of, 
202;  a  reconuoi^sallclMoward  Maiden,  203  ;  fall  of  Mack- 
inaw, 272;  nuitlnons  spirit  of  his  army,  272;  lond  com- 
plaints ULtainst,  277;  disposilion  to  deprive  iilin  of  his 
command,  282;  siirrenders  Detroit -a  laiMUier,  and  tak- 
en to  Fort  George,  291 ;  his  arrival  at  Montreal,  298 ;  cap- 
tivity of,  2ii4 ;  pard  ined  l)y  the  President,  296. 

IIcNTKR,  Gkorok  H.,  Major, '(109, 

HuNTKii,  .Iamks,  sketch  of,  602, 

Itijmn,  KcV(dutioiiary,  090. 

lmpremiti<'i)ti>,  arguments  against,  146. 

//i'/ijjmk/chcc,  Declaral  ion  of,  20;  engrossed  copy  of,  saved 
by  .Mrs.  Madison,  930. 

Imliana  Titritorii,  the,  187. 

ImiiaiiH,  councils  of,  39 ;  beset  with  British  emissaries,  46 ; 
confederacy,  efforts  to  form  one,  40;  alliance  with  the 
British,  62,  treaty  with, 57  ;  encroaciimeiitsun.  IsS;  their 
sui>erstltion  excited,  189;  signs  of  hortilily,  101,  192; 
friendly  deputation  from,  196;  defcm  i.i,  20(i";  alarming 
reports  coiiceruln;;,  267;  their  einijlMynient  by  the  Brit- 
ish, 271;  scouts,  279;  cimfe^ence  witii  Brock,  2Sii;  signs 
of  tnmble  with,  .304  ;  treaty  with,  3ii0;  Intention  to  mas- 
sacre the  whites,  .307;  treachery  ul,  308;  massacre  in 
Scott  C(mnty,  314 ;  nt  .Miami  Viliag,',  :;10, 318, 819 ;  towns, 
deslrnction  of,  325;  they  are  generally  hostile,  334,  348; 
chief  of  the  Six  Nations, 410;  cosiunies  and  weapons  of, 
421,  422,  426;  Wc'^lern,  massacre  by,  020;  murders  liy, 
037;  hostilities  of,  762;  leaders  of,  754 ;  rewarded  for  innV- 
der  by  the  British,  767;  destruction  of,  al  Talladega,  706- 
tliey  sue  for  peace,  700,  781. 

Itiimrijente,  the,  captured  by  the  OinnteUation,  103. 

fiiiurtecti(»t  In  the  Wyoming  Valley,  24. 

IiiiitirrectiDii,  Whisky,  quelled,  SS. 

Iiur,-piil,  the,  122;  tier  destruction,  123. 

/iivanwn,  elTecIs  of,  937. 

IiiviNo,  Wabiiinuton  his  prediction,  630 ;  rebuke  by,  S8T. 

UARp,  Gkohok,  .Major  General,  792,  843;  sends  tr(M)ps  to 
the  Niagara  tnuitier,  844;  lakes  command,  846,  864,  886, 
868 ;  leaves  his  camp  at  Cliamplain,  859. 

Jaokbon,  Antibew,  commander  of  tlie  Tennessee  militia, 
I'iti,  742,  74:1;  at  Natchez,  742 ;  returns  to  Nashville,  7-i*; 
pecuniary  troubles  of,  744 ;  nft'ers  his  services  to  the  gov- 
ernineut,' 7.'i8;  in  the  Held,  759;  marches  to  the  CiMwsa, 
700 ;  his  army  thvealeued  with  famine,  701,  702,  703; 
adopts  an  Indian  orphan,  703;  goes  to  the  relief  of  Tal- 
ladega, 704,  700;  ciuitiminlly  in  mot\on,  773,  TT4  ;  aston- 
ished at  the  bravery  of  the  I'leeks,  7V6 ;  at  Firt  Strothcr, 
776,  770,  777 ;  nt  the  Horseshoe,  779,  781 ;  releases  Wea^'' 


1080 


INDEX 


.i 


eraford,  T81 ;  recalled  tn  utlrs  irrrlce,  101T  s  gntm  to  Mo- 
bile, lOlV;  marcheii  to  PennacolH,  Um-  iiooii  tii  New  Or- 
leann,  IW8,  KIM;  preimrea  rnrdcronm,  KMT,  I1I8O;  at  work 
below  Now  Urieana,  HIM,  I'MT;  driven  rrom  hlR  beail- 
quartem,  WM;  battle  of  NewOrleiinn,  Um-,  cullii  hia  atuir 
Into  action,  1040;  entorit  Ni^w  (IrlcunH  with  liU  nrniy, 
lOftl ;  racelvea  iroUl  medal,  KIOJ ;  skotch  uf,  KiM:  tomb 
of,  IflU 
Jaokbon,  Ca*TaN,  TTB. 
Jaiikion,  PaANoia  J.,  BngUih  mlnlater,  ITT;  bli  mlacon- 

duct,  ITH. 
jAnaaoN,  WiLMAM,  mcretnry  of  the  Couventloa,  M. 
Jueohin  Club,  rormiuloii  of,  6T. 
JaaMnt,  Prenrh,  rail  of,  N«. 
Java,  wreck  and  capture  of,  440. 
Jay,  .loiiN,  Hiwclal  mlnlater  to  England,  8S;   treaty  with 

Great  Hrltiiln,  S(l. 
JtrncamiN  TnouAK,  Hecretary  uf  Foreign  AflTalr*,  DO ;  re- 
ception In  Now  York,  0*1,  IW  ;   dla);uHt  and  alarm  of,  TO; 
feud  with  l(Hmllton,Tl ;   rt^oiikea  Oenet,  SI,  n2  ;  elected 
Prealdeut,  1(M,  114;  foreahadowH  bla  policy,  IIS;  hIa  pup- 
nlarlty,  US;  hia  viewa  on  the  retroceaalon  ofLoulalann, 
IBl;  minora  Burr,  IM:  dlaantlaDictlon  at  the  acquittal  of 
Burr,  Ui ;  algna  the  embargo,  im ;  makea  provlaion  for 
streuKthiMiini;  the  army  and  navy,  lOT ;  compared  with 
New  Rnulaiid  dlaunionlHtH,  ITS. 
Juarr/rniivAH  Hidniy,  Colimel,  aketch  of,  HIK,  lOlB. 
.T«TT,  TniiMAS,  770. 

Juhn  Adnnu,  friirate,  capture  of,  880;  aacenda  the  Penob- 
scot, ttOH;  at  Hampden,  HttO;  mns  tlie  blockade,  1)7H ;  de- 
■tructlon  of.  l)7U. 
JoiiMNON,  O.  H.  M.,  Indian  chief, 42n, 421 ;  aketch  of.  4'i2. 
JuiixHON,  KuiiiAai)    M.,  1""'    laauea   addreaa   calibii;    for 
mounted  volunteera,  B'JS,  320;   bla  proposed  campaign, 
494,  406 ;  aketch  of,  406 ;  at  Kort  Strnhenaon,  49T ;  at  Mo- 
ravlau  Town,  681:  croasen  Detroit  Itlver,  ftiS;  gvcnt  ga\- 
lautry  at  the  battle  of  the  Thiimca,  CM ;   wounded  and 
conveyed  homeward,  0B7. 
JouNHoN,  William,  hlH  exploit*  among  the  Thonaaud  lal- 

anda,U02;  bin  heroic  daugbte.,  008. 
JouNBTOH,  JouN,  u  vUlt  to.  268,  810, 824. 
JoNCK,  Jaooii,  captain  of  the  Waup,  aketch  of,  440 ;  honors 
to— recelvea  gold  medal,  462. 

JoNKH,  TllOMAH  AP  CATK8BT,  102fi, 
JOMKH,  KoOKU,812. 

Jvdiciary  of  Uulted  States,  arrangement  of,  00. 
JcMONviLLK,  plantation  of,  sklrmisb  on,  1038. 

Kalnrama.  912. 

K'mp,  urivateer,  crnise  of,  1000. 

K»ntiuilc!i  frontier  threatened,  46 ;  her  wealth  and  patriot- 
iam,  .186 ;  aullerluge  of  her  anldlera,  88T,  ir 

Kentuekiaiig,  war  cry  of,  300;  vengeance  o' 

Kaaa,  William  John,  020. 

K«T,  Franiiih  8.,  author  of  "Star -apaugi  r,"  986. 

Key,  Philip  Babton,  102. 

Kino,  KuKim,  American  minintcr  to  GnKlauo,  148. 

Kingtton,  operations  near,  !l"2 ;  the  Brltiab  return  to,  TBS. 
.  KiNKiK,  Jou.N,  attacked  l>y  Indians,  8U4, 806, 306 ;  leaves  the 
fbrt,  806 ;  allowed  to  return  to  his  bouse,  810 ;  sketch  of, 
811. 
I  KiNziE,  JoBN  IL,  Mrs.,  312. 
IKnauoh,  .rAMKa,302,  308. 
I  Knox,  UxMBY,  Secretary  of  War,  89. 

la  Colte  MiU»,  repulse  '  if  the  British  at,  040, 068 ;  British  at, 
TOO :  baltle-ground  a%  TUl ;  British  troops  at,  860. 

La  Co»U,  plantation  of,  Little  at,  1031. 

Lapayrttk,  Marquis  de,0o,  01;  atMaubenge,T3;  before  the 
National  Assembly,  T4 ;  Imprisoned,  76. 

Lapittk,  Jean,  1018, 1010. 

Laket,  Upper,  proposed  expedition  to,  TSO,  860. 

La  Salle,  Marquis  de,  00, 

Lauguton,  John  B.,  298. 

Latalrtte,  K.  A.  F.,  skotch  of,  872. 

lawrenct,  flag-ship,  818;  scenes  onboard  of,  825,  C2(I;  sur- 
render of,  628. 

Lawrknor,  James,  captain  of  J/ocn*;,  698 ;  hrnors  to,  700; 
gold  medal  to,  TOO ;  in  command  of  the  Ch  mpeala;  701 ; 
last  oBIcIbI  letter  of,  T02 ;  chulleni^ed  by  Broke,  703 ;  ac- 
cepts, 704;  mortally  wounded,  TOiP;  bis  last  words,  TOO; 
sketch  of,T08;  respect  to  the  remains  of, Til;  monument 
to,  T13. 

Lawbenoe,  William,  1019 ;  sketch  of,  1022. 

lMtr»,  alien  and  sedition,  lOT. 

Leaijue,  contemplated  dissolntion  of,  24. 

Lkavbnwobtu,  Henry,  Colonel,  SOB ;  sketch  of,  816. 

Z«  CroyabU,  capture  of,  101 


gra/e  of,  SIC, 
I  riirk,  expedition  agalual,  6H6. 


L»,  MtSm  hospitality  of,  418. 

LiUATI,  TUOMAS  C,  Ll< 


,  Lieutenant,  T96. 
Lb  Rradx,  Benjamin,  tiS9. 
IdtSTEB^OHN,  Captain,  063. 
Mwia,  Blkba,  veteran  of  1813, 6T4 
Lbwis,  Moboan,  OTO. 
LBWia,  WuuAM,  sketch  of,  880 ;  in  Long  Island  Sonnd,  888, 

-ttvUton  Heights,  Lorett  at,  40T;  view  fh>m  Heights, 413; 
Tlllagt'  ot,  tin ;  railway  at,  888 ;  savage  atrocities  near,  048. 


.  Din.B,  Chief  of  the  Mlainis,  40, 4T ;  counsels  peace, 

l>H;  I  "     -    '  "■" 
LitlU  j 

LiVEaPfMiL,  Li>«i>,  int. 
Livin4ihtiin,  RiiwAai),  appoinled  to  sap«ribt«nd  the  par- 

•haae  of  Ixminlana,  182 ;  aketch  of,  102T. 
/xMifM,  Uovenimeiit,  IOOn. 

UHiAN,  John,  Captain,  services  and  death  of, 845. 
I.ONI1PELI.OW,  Samuel,  Jr.,  lOlO. 
Ijimii  lnUttul,  NM8. 
hmti  WikkU,  battle  at  the,  849. 
Uiek'h  I'kavkh  written  in  Indian,  42S. 
ImUmtv,  privateer,  cruise  of,  liNNI. 
lAMinana,  purchase  of,  182,  188  ■  tranafer  or  184;  luiurrec- 

ttonary  movement  In,  T8H ;  admission  of,  140. 
LimMaiui,  man-of-war,  108T. 
LiiiiiH  XVI.,  Ml ;  execution  of,  Tt. 
liovsTT,  JouN,  sketch  of,  4<lT. 

LuiiLow,  AuuusTiis  C,  respect  for  the  remain*  of,  Til. 
huntly't  iMtte,  N28. 
Lyman,  Daniel,  1016. 
Lyman,  Josepu,  1016. 
Lipm  Haven,  bay  of,  660. 
Lyon't  Crttk,  victory  at,  845. 

MAGABTt,  M.,  lOST. 

Maalmwwih,  privateer,  cruise  of,  IftOT. 

HAnmiNDUiiii,  TllOMAH,  l,ieuteiiuiit,041 ;  commander  of  the 
Sarataya,  WMl ;  his  announcement  of  victory,  8T1 ;  his  re- 
ception of  British  captives,  872;  medal  to,  MT8;  sketch  i>f, 

Maeetlnnian,  capture  of,  466 ;  at  New  York,  486. 

Mofkinack,  expedition  against,  2T0. 

Mackinaw,  Americans  determine  to  capture,  840. 

Mackiiuiw  Itttand,  battle  at,  860;  blockade  of,  861 ;  rarrender 
of,  271. 

Maudmii,  Alexaniieb,  790;  appointed  brigadier  general, 
792, 8011;  medal  awarded  to,  8X8;  sword  presented  to,  8TT 
sketch  of,  871. 

Ma(m>n,  Natiianiei.,  T84. 

Matlinun  Ikirraehi,  010. 

Mndimm,  F'rrt,  uttacli  on,  819. 

Madison,  Oeorhe,  sent  to  Quebec,  sketch  of,  880. 

Madison,  James,  20 ;  leader  of  the  House  of  Kepresenta- 
tlves,  88;  Secretary  of  State,  181 ;  elected  President,  100; 
as  a  politlclau,  173;  takes  presidential  chair,  176;  pro- 
claims that  trade  can  he  renewed,  170;  proclaims  the 
revocatiim  of  the  French  Decrees,  1711;  feeble  war  trump 
of,  211;  anxious  to  avoid  war,  212;  recommends  an  em- 
bargo, 210 ;  his  message,  221 ;  renominated  for  the  Presi- 
dency, 226 ;  his  accusatory  message,  220 ;  proclaims  war, 
228;  instructs  Mr.  Monroe  to  try  and  make  peace,  246; 
listens  to  Hull's  advice,  261 ;  re-elected,  408 ;  reviews  the 
troops,  924  ;  flight  of,  986. 

Maihson,  Mrs.  James,  patriotism  of,  930. 

Mamuuja,  battle  of,  280 ;  battle-ground  of,  281.  ^ 

Maiilen,  expedition  against,  4T8.  /v    .  ^  \  »  t.<,i 

iVdfotw,  Journey  to, OM.  r.>    ■'      '      _  I 

MaNTON,  KOWARII,  1016.  »--      ««  •«•...•-<' I 

Marblehtad,  006. 

Marctu  Hook,  camp  at,  90T. 

Maboy,  William  L.,  takes  flrst  British  flag,  8T6, 

Maeie  Antoinkttk,  Uneen  of  France,  ST. 

Marque  and  repriml,  letters  of,  248. 

ifararut»as  Inland*,  arrival  of  the  Eaex  at,  T2T ;  civil  war  Id, 

Mabsuall,  Secretary,  writes  to  Ruftis  King,  144. 

Mason,  J. ,  Ueneral,  788. 

Maiuachuselts,  Qovernor  of,  refuses  to  comply  with  requisi- 
tion for  trooiifl,  248. 

Matmere,  Indian,  268 ;  of  whites,  804 ;  at  Fort  Mlms,  T8T. 

Maumer.  Rapidn,  light  with  Indians  at,  848 ;  fortlfled  camp 
at,  474;  British  and  Indians  cross  the,  483,490, 491. 

Macrv,  John,  T2T. 

M'Artuub,  Ddnoan,  266,  266,  267;  goes  to  relieve  Miller, 
281;  crosses  the  Rouge,  286;  fulls  to  communicate  with 
Hull,  290 ;  his  raid  into  Canada,  852 ;  bravery  and  gener- 
osity of,  863. 

M'Call,  Euwabd  RtTTLiDox,  gallantry  of,  T18;  medal 
awarded  to.  Tie. 

M'DouALi,  Ltentenant  Colonel,  840. 

M'DouoALL,  Sib  Dunoan,  sketch  of,  081. 

M'Farlanh  mortally  wounded,  828. 

M  'Feely,  Geobue,  Commander,  420, 

H'GiLLivBAr,  Alexandib,  slcetch  of,  T84.  • 

M'Gi.a8sin,  Captain,  brave  exploit  of,  866w 

M'Gowan'H  I'axH,  works  at,  0T4. 

M'Orajnr'i)  Mill,  skirmish  at,  880. 

M'Hmnj,  Fort,  a  visit  to,  964. 

M'Intosh,  William,  sketch  of,  T6i 

M'Kek,  Colonel,  punishment  of,  54. 

M'Kbnxib,  William  Lton,  504. 

M'Laitb,  Allan,  revolutionary  veteran,  668. 

M'NAia,MATTUEw,  death  of,  TOT. 

M'Neil,  .John,  Mn)or,  800;  flank  movement  of,  810, 81T,  818, 
819 ;  sketch  of,  821. 

M'NiTT,  Sahdel,  gallantry  of,  611 ;  sketch  ot,  611. 

M'NuiT,  Jonathan,  revolutionary  veteran,  668. 


c- 


INDEX. 


1081 


1111(10  urlaoii- 
reniuln*  u(,  Wi;  vInU 


'or  the  ramatiM  of,  Tl  1. 


Vatex  at,  T2T ;  civil  war  Id, 

[uftii  King,  144. 

to  comply  with  requlal- 

^04 ;  at  Fort  Mlras,  76T. 
PS  at,  843 :  fortilled  camp 
Ibs  the,  483, 400, 4111. 

I;  goes  to  relieve  Miller, 
\IU  to  communicate  wltli 
,  852 ;  braver;  and  gener- 

illantry  of,  T18;   medal 


kran,  006. 

kvement  of,  810, 817, 818, 


M'QuraH,  marrh  of,  740. 

MlliK,  chief  Kiiglne^r,  okHch  of, SOB,  «(M,  SSft. 

Mkih",  (iovoriiDr  of  Ohio,  Itil;  pollrotn  iriwipn,  .'IKI. 

SIrtil',  l''i>rl,  477;  exi«'illlliin  iiKiiliiiit,  47'<,  i^'i;  ii«w  battery 
opened  on,  In4:   Aiui-rlciiiiK  (li'fuati-il  iiml  niado 
em,  IHU ;  Hurtle  from,  4H»t,  4Utt,  41>8 
to,  41)3. 

Mki.vin,  nnoauii  W.,  ikotch  nf,  ma, 

Mkikitt,  W.  H.,  (.'aptain,  at  Htony  Creek,  003;  italemont 
of,  «•.'«. 

Miami,  A'orf,  dHvantatlnnii  nround,  M:  built,  810;  manaacro 
<>r  prlHonerx  iit,  4j<II  :  rcinulnn  or,  401, 

MiaviiH,  rxjiPdllloii  ii);iiliii<t,  114(1. 

Mirhioan,  Hrltiiih  oocnputluu  of,  iWi. 

MifhiUiiiDUkiiutck,  ?«7. 

Milan  Drrrrf,  1(M ;  revocation  of,  170. 

Mililanj  l^failem  men  to  be  clionen  an,  219. 

Militia  of  NfW  York,  bad  fonduct  of,  4<W. 

Mii.i.iea,  Jahrii,  Lieutenant  (.'oloiicl,  vnO;  hla  men,  278; 
dketvo  of,  HtM);  gold  medal  awarded  to,  820 ;  triumph  of, 
830. 

MImii,  Fort,  K\ ;  crowded  with  rcfu)fpen,  7li.'l ;  fiiUe  conft- 
denci!  of  tlin  comniitnder  o',  7M;  Budden  iippoiiranco  of 
IndiiuiH,  7nn;  maamirre  In,  7M1;  number  uf  the  HJaln, 757. 

MiMH,  Nahiiki.,  house  of,  700. 

Mi'tiixuia,  t'urt,  410. 

JUixMiimipjH  Riwr,  event*  near,  834 ;  Britiah  approach,  1028  ; 
till!  levee  cut,  1(W4;  effect  of,  loilS. 

JlfoWld,  74<l ;  expedition  tt({«l""t,  741 ;  aurrendor  of,  by  the 
HiinniardH,  74l!;  threatened,  750 ;  lt«  defuiiaoa,  1010. 

Miihairk,  village  of  41!3. 

MoNHoi!,  Jamkh,  Mlniater  to  Franco,  Wl;  recalled,  OS;  as- 
slatH  In  the  purchnvo  of  U>uialana,  13'i,  155 ;  demnnda  rep- 
aration from  EnRland,  IfiO;  at  the  hiMid  of  the  War  De- 
partment, 340 ;  Secretary  of  Htate,  ns,  020, 1012. 

Mo.sTOOMKKY,  ■IiiiiN,  Oeneral,  aketch  of,  801. 

MoNTooMaav,  L.  P.,  770 ;  aketch  of,  7''0. 

MnoKRH,  Bknjamin,  MnJor  Ueneral,  860;  In  command  at 
Beckmantown,  801 ;  sketch  of,  870 ;  grave  of,  870;  resi- 
dence of,  HS3. 

MnoKK,  TiioM.iN,  poet,  601. 

Miiranian  Vku'ii,  501. 

MoHOAM,  Daniki.,  OonernI,  1088, 

MoaoAN,  Lom>wii)K,  aketch  of,  848, 

Miirifco,  xettletnout  of  difllcultli'a  with,  120. 

itoRHiH,  CuABLEH,  Commodore,  aketch  of,  000;  monument 
to,  001.  , 

MoKHiB,  GoDVKRNEnR,  gocB  to  Loudoo— Intorview  with  the 
I )iike  of  Leeda,  82 ;  recalled,  H5. 
.iiaa,  Sahvki.  F.  B.,  Inventor,  218, 
•lorNTKORT,  Jons,  akclch  of,  S'i4. 

.MUI.<lA8TRB,W.U.,fllO. 

MdRAT,  JoAOHiu,  occupies  MsdHd,  170, 

Mfrray,  J.,  (^)lonel,  034 ;  raid  of,  <M2. 

Mykr«,  MoHiiKOAi,  Captain,  gallantry  of,  048;  aketch  of,  864. 

Xathvllle,  return  of  Tennesace  troops  to,  744. 

Xautilitt,  capture  of,  4it6. 

J^^avaf  eiufa^enwnta,  io3. 

Xaval  Heri'uv,  reor;fanlzatlon  of,  156. 

Aai'o/  irar/aie,  between  Kraiice  and  the  United  States,  100. 

Navaiire,  Pktkb,  aketch  of,  41M). 

yavii,  British,  very  cautious  In  approaching  the  coast,  698 ; 
Hent  at  Halifax,  234,  4!S0. 

Audi/,  United  States,  Urat  steps  towards  Its  creation,  00 ; 
powerftil  opposition  to,  90 ;  Secretary  of,  Inatrnctloiis  to, 
102;  Increase  of,  103 :  reduced,  110, 168;  gunboats  ridi- 
culed, 108;  Huaucceaafiil  attempt  to  liicreaac,  218;  repulse 
Britiah  arjuadron  on  l.nkc  tliitarlo,  ;i(10 ;  commanders  of 
871;  mcaaures  for  atreiigthBiilny  the,  407;  stations  cf 
men-of-war  of,  4.14, 436 ;  Briti.sh  contempt  for,  4.')3;  weali- 
neas  of,  721 :  ships  of,  721 ;  n%'lected,  7h7 ;  on  Lake  On- 
tario, 704 :  list  of  ships,  794 ;  new  vessels  for,  978 ;  a',  the 
close  of  the  war,  092, 1(KJ8. 

A'oej/  yard,  Charlestown,  Hosa,,  906 ;  at  Wagbington,  de- 
«  stniction  of,  034. 

Nralr,  B.  J.,  Lieutenant,  878. 

A>rf,  privateer,  cruise  of,  1001. 

Nki.bon,  Loan,  victor  of  Trafalgar,  152. 

Seutral  itatiiniA,  tribute  exacted  from,  188. 

Xeutrality  violated  by  the  Britiah,  375. 

Sewark,  Ohio,  ancient  relics  at,  604;  Canada,  bnmlng  of, 
632;  snirerlnKS  of  the  Inhabitants  of,  633. 

jVew  Bedford,  880 ;  visit  to,  912. 

Sew  Ennland,  politicians  of,  propose  secesaion,  134 ;  dis- 
unionfsts  In,  172 ;  state  sovereignty  proposed  in,  173 ;  In 
1814,  888;  warfare  on  the  coast  of,  880;  sen-port  towns 
blockaded,  S!M) ;  visit  to,  004 ;  discontents  ii<,  1012. 

Nao  JIampsliire,  armed  mob  snrround  Legislature  of,  24 

Xfxo  Jertey,  Lecislature  of,  243. 

New  London,  blockade  of,  601 ;  torpedo  off  of,  693 ;  ceme- 
tery at,  090;  harbor  of,  696;  old  conrt-house  of,  607; 
blockade  of,  888. 

Sew  Orteans,  United  States  flrigate,  616. 

Sew  Orleans,  1004 ;  defenseless,  1023 ;  preparations  to  at- 
tack, 1026;  battleofijun-boiits  near,  1026;  American  lines 
of  defense  at,  1038;  battle  of,  1040,  i049 ;  battle-ground  of, 
visit  to,  1008. 


.V«u>atia)iera.  war  nf  the,  71. 

Xtw  York,  Hiaie  LfKlaialure  of,  anpport  national  gnvam- 
nient,241l;  enforcCB  revenue  lawa,  .166;  City,  reception  of 
Hull,  446;  blockaded,  075 ;  funiTnl  i  olcniiiUies  to  Law- 
rence In.  713;  relieved,  946;  great  excitement  In,  960; 
aaaUied  by  lla  n«lKhlM>ra,  9TU;  furtlllcatlout  round,  074. 

.V,U(/(ini,  battle  of,  824,  826. 

Siiiiiaru,  Fort,  account  of,  4<I8 ;  bombardment  of,  426,  427, 
507 ;  surrender  of,  633 ;  maaaacre  at,  034. 

Siatiara  /■'n.iifiiT.itNl,  301,512,  «19;  raids  ou,  026, 031;  deso- 
lation of,  «VA,  HtH;  u  visit  to,  ml. 

Suuiara  lilmr,  eventa  at  the  mouth  of,  408, 428 ;  tha  Amer- 
ican squadron  off  of,  697,  608,  804. 

Siagttni,  aettlnmeut  of,  880 ;  arrival  at,  412 :  lusueuilon 
bridge  at,  413,  828. 

Niciioi.As,  Koiixrt  CAaTRR,  sketch  of,  820, 

.Vm^i/iifiuA,  capital  of  the  Maniuesas,  728. 

Noon,  Darby,  Captain,  ride  of.  202. 

Sor/olk,  defenses  of,  «W,  1177;  attempt  to  Mlie  the  n«VT 
yard  at,  6H0 ;  a  visit  to,  Oh4  ;  British  consul  at,  686. 

Snrlh  Itriul.  settlement  at,  571. 

Sorth  Carolina,  nm»l  of,  t!ockl  urn  on,  680. 

.Vor/A  fuiiit,  battle  of,  962,  953 .  battle-ground  of,  visit  to, 
963. 

Oak  Hill  Cemftfr;i,H\. 

O'Connor,  .John  Mu'Uarl,  hrn-'  cry  of,  811, 

Ocraevke  Inlet,  Cockburu  off  of,  0n9. 

t*<;rf«wifttir(/,  attack  on,  374,  677,  578;  sarrender  of  Amerl- 
cana  at,  570,  5f>l ;  a  visit  to,  6S2,  684. 

OAm,  aettlement  of,  87  ;  adopts  a  State  Conatltntlon,  130; 
niUllary  preparatlona  In,  137;  organiiatlon  of  troops  of, 
252;  a  Journey  to,  563;  an  early  settler  In,  573. 

Ol.dOTT,  Mll.KS,  1010. 

Oi.ivKB,  W.,  Mi^jor,  carries  news  of  re-eufurcemonts  to  Fort 

Wavne,  314. 
(huiifu,  307. 

O'Nkil,  JouN,  071 !  his  sword  and  dwelling,  678. 
(hunulatfa,  village  of,  423. 
Ontario,  Furl,  attack  on,  798. 
t)ii/(iri», /,<iA.r,  305 ;  active  operations  on,  879, 413;  passage 

across,  595,  042 ;  capture  of  Aim^rlcan  vessels  on,  644 ;  the 

navy  on,  704. 
OsHoaNE,  Hrllkok,  sketch  of,  889. 
UsoKoi.A,  grave  of,  000. 
Osuooii,  Sahiiei.,  I'oatniaster  General,  69. 
OsuAWAUNAii,  Indian  Chief,  662. 
Onwefialehie,  Fori,  373. 
UKweijo,  British  fleet  at,  600 ;  the  de.'ensc  and  defender!  of, 

796;  capture  of,  7iMl ;  survivors  of  the  war  at,  797. 
Otia,  Harhibon  Ouay,  1008, 1016. 
Otib,  John,  8(K). 
Otter  Creek,  skirmish  at,  866, 
OvKBTOM,  Waltku  U.,  rketch  of,  1060. 

Paokit,  John  H.,  sketch  of,  828. 

Pahr,  Jamkb,  Captain,  906. 

Painr,  Tuomas,  60;  "Rights  of  Man,"  effects  of,  71 ;  vis- 
its France,  76 ;  writes  abusive  letter  to  Waehlugton, 
02,  SI 

Pakknbah,  Sir  Edward,  arrival  at  New  Orleans,  1086;  calls 
Council  of  War,  1088, 1041 ;  death  of,  1046. 

/"arts,  excitement  in,  60. 

Paris,  town  of,  420. 

Pabker,  Sir  Pktrr,  exploits  of,  046;  sketch  of,  046. 

J'arliavient,  British,  passes  ret  In  fa^or  of  neutrals,  1(0, 
Canadian,  house  of,  adorned  with  scalps,  601. 

Parsons,  Uhiier,  sketch  of,  617 ;  address  by,  040, 

/"artieii,  war  and  anti-war,  148. 

Patterson,  Uaniei.  T.,  sketch  of,  1026. 

I'atterwn  Park,  a  visit  to,  002. 

Pacldino,  Hiram,  sketch  of,  860. 

y'wicc.  Treaty  of,  18 ;  neglect  to  comply  with  conditions  of, 
19;  negotiated  with  Indian  tribes,  36;  secured,  67;  Party, 
organization  of,  230 ;  negotiations,  248 ;  commissioners 
to  "treat  for,  471,783;  part  V  for,  784;  rumors  of,  780 ;  pro- 
claimed in  the  United  Stales,  988 ;  Faction,  1008  ;  Treaty 
of,  1059;  commissioners  of,  1060;  Treaty  of,  concluded, 
1(M!1 :  rejoicings  for,  1064, 1006 ;  ratlflcatiou  of,  1068. 

Peacork  (EngllBh),  090. 

Peacock  (U.  S.),  her  flght  with  Jiper'ier, 9S1 ;  cruise  of,  092, 

Pearck,  Cbomu'Ei.l,  M. 

Peel  lalami,  061. 

Penn»ylvania,  Legislature  ol  sapports  national  govern- 
ment, 243 ;  votes  sword  to  Com.  Stewart,  980. 

Petwbumt,  voyage  up  the,  910. 

Peiutaeola,  march  of  M 'Queen  fl'om,749;  hostile  movements 
at,  1017 :  reception  of  British  at,  1022 ;  Americans  In, 
1023. 

PeopU,  exhanstion  of  the,  24. 

Pebkins,  ('onstantink,  778, 

Perkins,  Maria  T.,  keeper  of  Fort  Sewall,  907, 

Pebkins,  Simon,  General,  sketch  of,  330,  349. 

Pbbby,  O.  H.,  aiTival  at  Erie,  809. 611 ;  hastens  to  Channcey, 
812;  lack  of  mei:  513;  relotions toChauncey,B14;  recon- 
noiasance  by,  617 ;  prepares  for  battle,  618 ;  his  final  in- 
structions, 610 ;  sketch  of,  521 :  relative  position  of  the 
two  squadrons,  022 ;  abaudous  the  Lawrefict,  626 ;  meel- 


1082 


INDEX.  • 


Ins  with  Elllntt,  528 ;  brenkn  BritlRh  lino,  821) ;  "I'j  victory 

complete,  52U,  5ii(i ;  fiiirreiKler  of  Hriliiih  offlcerx  to,  ftSl ; 

Importnmi!  of  liis  victory,  Nta ;   hoiiorH  iiwardtul  to,  6!t6 ; 

mcilal  to,  5:in:   i>tHtue  to,  Mill;    hlH  prioonerH,  M'i ;   with 

Hiirrimiii  nt  Erie,  643 ;  hU  Bquaciroii  In  the  Thuracg,  64i>i 

effect  of  the  victories  of,  BOS ;  gallantry  of,  698. 
Philmlflph-M,  frltfiitc,  captnre  of,l2fl ;  demtruction  of,  121. 
Philadelphia,  reception  of  llull,  440;  preventa  O'Nell  with 

(!wor<l,073;  relieved,  U(j6;  public  meeting  In,  1)03 ;  fortill- 

cntlons  at,  »0S. 
PioKKKiNo,  Timothy,  Secretary  of  State,  143, 784. 
l*i(^gi)KT,  P>*N0I8,  sketch  of,  670. 
PiKK,  Zkhulon  Montoomkrv,  pioneer,  sketch  of,  686,  68T; 

death  of,  689 ;  la»t  moments  of,  6i)l ;  monument  to,  ijlti. 
PiNnKNKV,  CiiABLEH  CoTKHwoHTii,  appointed   minister  to 

France,  92;  ntters  the  memorable  sentence,  "MllliouE 

for  defense,  not  one  cent  for  tribnte,"  98. 
PiNoKNEv,  Thomas,  British  mi,)ibter,  04;  appointed  second 

in  command,  240.  \ 

PiNKNKv,  Wii.i.iAM,  Minister  to  England,  147, 149,106;  de- 
mands reparation  from  England,  l(i(i,  171. 
Pitt,  Wii.i.iAM,  21,  22. 

Pi.ATT,  C'liARi.KS  T.,  Commodore,  sketch  of,  807. 
Pi.ATT,  Isaac  C,  residence  of,  80!) ;  visit  to,  SS3. 
I'lalliiburii,  position  of  the  American  works  at,  sdfl;  British 

advance  on,  SOI,  803,  804,  875 ;  victory  at,  8i(i,  Mil,  SSO. 
PLADnHfe,jRAN  B.,  MiiloT,  1024 ;  sketch  of,  1(>42. 
PuMitm,  frigate,  J.  B.  Beresford  captain  of,  451. 
Polieii,  gnn-boat,  166. 

Poi.i.v,  John,  Captain,  veteran  of  1612, 379. 
Po.NTiAo,  Ottawa  chief,  20S,  801. 
PoRTEB,  David,  commander  of  Ksnex,  T21 ;   scnrches  for 

Balnbridge,  722, 720:  in  command  of  a  squadron,  7J6, 720; 

sails  for  Marquesas,  727,  728;  battle  with  the  natives,  720 ; 

at  Valparaiso,  730, 731 ;  hauls  down  his  Hag,  733 ;  honors 

to,  734 ;  death  and  inonHincnt,  7."4. 
PoiiTKii,  Petkb  B.,  residence  of,  426 ;  commands  New  York 

Volnntcers,  427 ;  harmless  duel  with  Smyth,  432 ;  Imrrles 

to  Black  Hock,  027, 807, 808;  sketch  of,  S3S;  receives  gold 

medal,  842. 
Portitiiumlh,  British  squadron  off,  891. 


\<A<fy^ 


Post,  .Ioiin  Fbkiierick,  Ukv.,  pioneer,  80. 
Piitotiuic  /I'l'rpc,  Cockburn  in,  ()S9. 


^imler  Millx,  Duponts',  900. 

1  KKDi.K,  Eiiu'ARi),  C\>inmodore,  appointed  to  the  command 
of  the  Mediterranean  Squadron,  120;  medal  to,  123; 
sketch  of,  123. 

Pkksikitt,  Wii.i.iAM  II.,  1016. 

J'renaitt,  visit  to,  5"i2. 

/'rfniilent,  frigate,  181 ;  on  a  cruise,  182;  conflict  with  lAttU 
Bell,  184;  cVuiso  of,  464;  runs  the  blockade,  737 ;  captnre 
of,  OSS. 

Piviiiiite  hir,  401 ;  the  harbor  of,  610. 

I'nK.V(viT,  Siii  Okiihof:,  Governor  (iencral  of  Canada,  216, 
273;  arrives  at  Prescott,  877 ;  dlsgracefni  retreat  of,  012, 
013 ;  allows  iirlsoucrs  to  return  on  parole,  780 :  orders 
trooiis  to  Plattsbur!",  804 ;  arrives  at  Isle  aux  Noix,  S6S ; 
cost  of  the  expedition  of,  879. 

Pbioe,  Kiimi\hi>,  09. 

Prinat  de  .\eii/ch(Uel,  privntcer,  cniieo  of,  1006. 

PiiiNOE  Hkoent,  Manifesto  of,  469. 

Piiinilr  llMute,  074. 

Prirakvring  at  the  close  of  the  war,  099. 

/'lie  :teerH  ordered  to  leave  American  waters,  81;  Injury  of, 
to  British  commerce,  214;  comn.i88ioned,993,  lOOS. 

ProclanuUion  concerning  British  seamen,  100 ;  of  renewed 
trade,  176. 

Pb<h)t.0r,  Henry,  Colonel,  jirepares  to  Invade  the  Mnnmee 
Valley,  477;  calls  savages  to  Maiden,  478;  dlr-heartencd, 
488 :  flight  of  British  and  Indians,  489, 40R ;  before  Fort 
Stephenson,  601 ;  fears  of,  540;  flight  of,  56it;  a  disgrace 
to  the  B.itish  army,  it65;  escape  of,  566 ;  rebuked  nuddr- 
splscd,  61)7;  his  punishment  considered  too  mild,  568; 
remnant  of  his  arm/,  658 ;  death  of,  56S. 

Protest,  signers  of,  229. 

Pi;hhamataiia,  Choctaw  chief, 712. 

Put-in-lhiu,  islands  around,  510. 

PiTTNAU,  Hiici  8,  founds  Marietta,  SO.  , 

Qiieeimtdn,  appearaiice  of  the  country,  147,  890  ;  skirmish 
near,  30.5;  Inndiug  of  Americans  nt,  395;  battle  of,  404, 
412;  vlllaae  of,  413. 

QtuvH^tim  HeifihtH,  lauding  at  the  fort  of,  304 ;  cai)ture  of, 
399  ;  battle  of,  403 ;  Brock's  monument  at,  414, 416. 

QuiN<v,.Jo8iAH,  162;  prophecy  of,  103;  denounces  the  who'c 
policy  of  Great  Britain  as  fallachnis,  100;  denounces  tlie 
War  Pa:ty,  174;  reasons  for  his  course,  217;  opiiosltlon 
of,  228;  called  "Josiah  the  First,"  228;  denounces  the 
policy  of  the  War  Party,  466, 406. 

Haiti  a;/,  the  first  traveler  on  a,  218. 

U,iitiii  Kivrr,  rc-pufor  aments  and  supplies  at,  270;  march 

toward,  279 ;  distrt  ss  on,  342. 
Raniioi.hi,  EiiMnNi>,  27;  Buggcsts  n  national  government, 

2S;  attorney  general,  6I>. 
Ha>')Oi.pii,  JoHN.one  of  the  six  secessionists,  148;  on  slav- 

iir),214;  s(  >ld»  the  Democrats,  215 ;  ;     itch  of  216;  Im- 
.  ii^ore«4ib«  ItJtise  to  net  with  cnntton,  V. ,.,  03'~ 


Remoerji,  FnrL  battle  of,  62. 

Heii  Jaokkt,  Indian  chief,  sketch  of,  802. 

Keonier,  French  minister  of  Jnstice,  163. 

llKiii,  Samuei.  C,  captain  of  the  Uinieral  Armatrung,  1004 

sketch  of,  1005. 
Rennib,  Koiikrt,  Colonel,  1037 ;  death  of,  1048. 
JiejireneiUaliveii,  Uoiue  o/— Imports  oud  exports,  68 ;  secret 

sessien,  227. 
Republic,  an  attempt  to  destroy  the,  220 ;  prospe.-' ,  y  of,  1009. 
Heimlulii'tui,  French  and  American  contrastca,  81. 
ItKY.Noi.iit,  RoiiEBT,  veteran  British  officer,  300. 
.';n«ii\  iMiiul,  Governor  of,  refuses  to  comply  with  requisi- 
tions for  troops,  243. 
BiAi.i.,  I'.,bu6;  re-enforced, 814;  c&pture  of, 819;  wonoded, 

825. 
RioiiARDviLi.E,  Indian  chief— birthplace  of,  44. 
Kii^HiK,  John,  828. 
Kichnumd,  scene  of  Bnrr's  trial,  13T. 
HiLKV,  Bennet,  84S. 
Ripi.^v,  Ei.EAZEB  W.,  appointed  brigadier  general,  T02, 804; 

tardiness  of,  813,  823 ;  attempts  to  abatidcm  Canada,  820; 

highly  spoken  of,  836,  S37 ;  received  gold  medal  and  other 

to>tiinonialB,  S42 ;  sketch  of,  842. 
RoiiERTS,  C'autalu,  270. 
KiuiERTSoN,  Fei.ix,  Dr.,  10,57. 
HoiiERTsoN,  James,  General,  sketch  of,  747. 
HoHiNsoN,  John  Bkveri.v,  Canadian  chief  Justice,  604. 
Jtiic':  Maiul,  n  visit  to,  001. 

RoiioKRS,  Georgr  W.,  Commodore,  burial-place  of,  090. 
RonoEiis,  J.,  Commodore,  sketch  of,  185;   takes  command 

ofllic/Y««iiMif,  181    he  is  assailed,  180;  squadron  of, 4.16; 

services  to  his  country, 730;  hiuiors  to, 737;  unsuccessnil 

cruise  of,  735;  captures  the  Hiiihiti/tr,  735. 
Rose,  II.  O.,  special  envoy  to  the  I'nited  States,  101.  m 

Ross,  General,  death  of,  052 ;  monument  where  he  fell,  904.  n'^ 
Ross,  James,  survivor  of  War  of  1812,  502.  * 

Iloimie,  privateer,  cruise  of,  094. 
H(iiuie'i)  Point,  journey  to,  005. 
RutsKi.L,  Jo,.ATiiAN,  minister  ta  England,  224,  T80;  peace 

commissioner,  1000. 
RrssELi,,  William,  Colonel— expedition  against  the  In- 
dians, 330. 
fiiiHMin  Invaded  by  Napoleon,  470 ;  proposes  to  mediate,  470; 

Emperor  of,  enters  Paris,  864. 

Sackelt'ii  Harbor,  SK;  British  designs  upon, 607;  Brown  as- 
snmes  command,  flOS ;  an  alami,  009 ;  chase  and  rapture 
of  American  vessels  at,  OlO;  destruction  of  public  slorcs, 
Oil;  militia  assembled,  012;  its  defenses,  614;  a  visit  to, 
015;  blockade  of,  708;  the  cable  at,  hoI. 

Salem,  fnnerai  solemnities  of  Lawrence  at,  712 ;  Its  harbor, 
000;  privateers  from,  097. 

Saniikrs,  J.,  captain  titjiinnn,  070. 

Naiul-.i^ki/,  a  visit  to,  6ii6,  5fl0. 

Saiuly  Creek,  a  visit  to  survivors  of  the  war  there,  SOI. 

Naranae  River,  British  troops  at,  873. 

SaratiKja,  flap-ship— lialtle  of  Lake  Champh  lU,  SOU. 

tSaratofja,  privateer,  cruise  of,  1000. 

SaROENT,  WlNTIIROP,  i!8. 

.Srt'i'i/  Jacic,  privateer,  cruise  of,  100<J. 

Stt'ili  St.  Marie,  m). 

Si-lihsner,  Fort,  remains  of,  380. 

SiatoValleji  o/,6m. 

Si  o1-r,Wl^FlEI.ll.  Lieutenant  General,  46;  arrives  ct  Fort 
Schlosser,  303 ;  ot  Lewiston,  894 ;  at  (^ueenston,  400 ; 
his  harangue  to  his  troops,  4<I2 ;  at  Niagara,  404, 406 ;  his 
bold  protection  of  fellow-prlsouers,  409 ;  maiehes  to  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor,  031;  appointed  brigadier  general,  792; 
moves  down  the  Niagara  River,  SOO;  rc-cnforred,  807; 
advances  to  nicet  the  lirltlsh,  SOS ;  ordered  to  Fort  (jeorge, 
817,818,819;  woHiirtcd,  823 ;  goes  to  Washington,  8:6; 
medal  awarded  to,  820,  appoir.ted  lieutenant  general,  820. 

fieoarge,  privateer,  cruise  of,  loot. 

8oi;i>i>ER,  John,  692. 

Search,  the  right  of,  assorted,  143. 

Sroobii,  LaI'Ha,  saves  British  troops,  G'A.  % 

Shadow,  |)rlvateer,  cruise  of,  900. 

Shannon,  438,  703  ;  flght  with  Chrmi-eake,  706. 

811AV8,  Daniel,  rebellion  ol'  ^'4. 

SiiEAFKE,  R.  H.,  approach  of  British  under,  401.402;  sketch 
of,  406 ;  escape  of,  500. 

SiiKFi'iELii,  LoBi>,  pamphlet  of,  23. 

BiiKL'iiinNK,  Earl  of,  21. 

SiiELiiv,  IsAAi,  Governor  n'  '.lentncky,  322;  his  appeal  to 
Kentucky,  384;  at  *'  .rtvlan  Town,  644,  561 ;  he  Is  pre- 
sented with  a  sw'.i,  646. 

HllKRIIROOKE,  81.    .  :>nN  CoPE,  807. 

HllEttMAN,  R<"'.iB  MiNOT,  1010. 

Suipp,  Edmund,  Jr.,  sketch  of,  601. 

8iioi.Es,  Stanton,  sketch  of,  641. 

SiioRTLAMi,  Ckptain,  comm"   dant  of  Dartmoor   Prison 

1009. 
SiiiiRRioK,  W11.1.IAM  Branfokii,  sketch  of,  676. 
Sidmouth,  liOBii,  Serrntttry  of  State,  283 
SignaU  metliod  of,  182, 183. 
Sims,  Lieutenant,  treachery  and  cowardice  of,  892. 
Skipwitii,  Pui.»  All,  7441. 
Slave,  a,  his  freedom  purchased  6y  his  wife,  687. 


iCAj^OVxJ     C.  ■   ^ 


INDKX 


1088 


ch  of,  802. 
Btice,  163. 
e  Uinieral  Armstrung,  1004 

;  death  of,  1048. 

>rt8  aud  exports,  &S ;  secret 

the, 220;  proBpc.-'.yoClOflJ. 

Clin  cDiitrnstcd,  81. 

ItlsU  officer,  3(Ki. 

loeg  to  comply  with  requlsi- 

:  cf>ptttreof,  819;  wounded, 

irtbplace  of,  44. 

,187. 

1  brigadier  general,  T02, 804; 
>t.«  to  nhniiaiin  Ciiuntin,  Siift; 
ceived  gold  medal  and  other 

S4'2. 


etch  of.  747. 

adian  chief  Justice,  604. 

lore,  burial-plncc  of,  096. 
ch  of,  186;  takes  commaiul 
^niU-d,  ISO;  pqiiadron  of, 4.16; 
honors  to,  737;  unsiiccci^iiriil 
7('(/irfv'»',  736. 

he  I'nitod  State?,  161.  M 

loiinmeiit  where  he  full,  U04.  /r  ^ 
>f  lSli>,  602.  ' 


ta  EaglRDd,  224,  786 ;  peace 
expedition  against  the  In- 
rO;  proposes  to  mediate, 470: 


Iceigns  npon,C07;  Brown  as- 
arni,  flOO:  chape  and  ciiptnrc 
destruction  of  public  stores, 
its  defenses,  014;  a  visit  to, 
ible  at,  KOI. 
■awrtMice  at,  712 ;  its  harbor, 

076. 

s  of  the  war  there,  sni. 

il,  S73. 

iilve  Chaniph  lU,  $U0. 

(HHI. 


7,1000. 


rV4t 


ieneral,  46;  arrives  pt  Fort 
I,  394 ;  at  t^uecuston,  400 ; 
1)2;  at  Niagara,  4<M,  4116;  his 
liners,  401' ;  niaiches  to  Sack- 
ed bripadier  jrciicral,  702  ■. 
|iver,  SOO;  re-ciifiirced,  807; 

?0S;  ordered  lorml  (icorse, 
);oc»  to  Washiniriiiii,  ^-^x 

,ted  lienteuant  general,  820. 

II. 

i). 

loops,  ewi.  « 

p<'<<nj.'«nif,  106. 

kish  under,  401.402;  sketch 


Intucky,  822;  his  appeal  to 
Ifown",  644,  661 ;  he  is  prc- 


hl. 

nut   of  Dartmoor   Prison 

Iketch  of,  670. 
]llc,  23S 

cowardice  of,  892. 

U  his  wife,  687. 


Slaves,  secret  organization  among,  090. 

Sloan,  James,  survivor  of  1H12,  847. 

.Smith,  Uerard  D.,  sketch  of,  812. 

Smith,  Johkpii,  sketch  of,  872. 

Smith,  Melanotiion,  sketch  of,  801.    ^.^ 

Smith,  Natiiamki.,  1010. 

Smith,  Samvkl,  sketch  of,  947. 

Smith,  Thomas  A.,  Brigadier  Oeneral,  799, 886. 

Smoot,  Hknjamin,  Colonel,  772. 

Smyth,  .Vlexanhku,  fJeneral,  bad  conuuc*  of,  389, 390;  snc- 
rccds  Van  Rensselaer,  410 ;  he  is  ridicn;ed,  411,427;  in- 
competency and  treachery  of,  430;  his  couicll  of  officers, 
431 ;  harmless  duel  with  Porter,  432. 

Soeietien,  Democratic,  80, 88 ;  VVasiiington  Benevolent,  864. 

Sodiu  Day,  the  British  at,  006,  («i6. 

South  Carolina — no  battle  fought  on  her  soil,  689 ;  secession 
of,  941. 

flpain,  62 ;  dislikes  purchase  of  Lonisiaiin,  134 ;  Issues  de- 
cree like  Milan  Decree,  164;  resists  Joseph  Bonaparte. 
170. 

SpAKKS,  Jakei),  LL.D.,  072. 

SvKNOEK,  Ambkosk,  inortally  wounded,  826. 

STANSiiRnnv,  ToniAB  B.,  Oeneral,  921. 

Statea,  League  of,  20 ;  tlieir  ((uotus  of  troops,  91S. 

"atar-Himiuilnl  llanrur,"  when  and  where  composed,  960. 

St.  Catheniu'K,  420  ;  a  vIbU  to,  023. 

St.  Ci.ask,  AiiTHiTU,  47;  battle  with  Indians,  48;  defeat  of, 
49;  rcsigniition  of,  50,  861. 

St.  Daviil'ti  ViUaiif,  burning  of,  815. 

St  Jimi'ph'ii,  Americans  determine  to  capture,  349. 

St  Lawrence  (British),  880. 

St.  iMvrencf,  tight  on  the,  370;  British  expedition  on,  374, 
670;  a  day  on  the,  682;  the  American  Hotilla  dofcends 
the,  064;  perilous  voyage  on,  660;  Rapids,  passage  of  the, 
665 ;  storm  on  the,  COO. 

St.  Mnr;'i>,  328. 

.SY.  MiciiaeVn,  defense  of,  946. 

St  Iteijin  captured  by  Americans,  374, 876;  avlslt  to,  877, 37S. 

Stephomm,  Fint,  to  be  attacked, 499 ;  summoned  to  surren- 
der, 601 ;  besieged,  602 ;  storming  of,  503 ;  site  of,  607. 

Stebiies,  Bauon,  gold  box  of,  916. 

Stevens,  Ehenkzek,  970. 

Stewa  rt,  t 'haui.ijb,  captain  of  Cniutitiitinn,  983 ;  honors  to, 
986 ;  sword  and  medal  to,  '.ISO ;  sketch  of,  980. 

Stoortin,  Thomas,  sketch  of,  5nii. 

Stone,  Colonel,  di:  missed  from  the  service,  SIB. 

Stoninqtim,  lionibnrdment  of,  K91 ;  British  siiuadron  off,  803 ; 
bom^iartiinent  of,  894,  896,  896 ;  ancient  name  of,  916. 

Stonii  Creak,  Americans  at,  002, 008 ;  battle  of,  603, 604,  606 ; 
a  visit  to,  026. 

Story,  .Toskph,  176. 

StreeV»  Cretk,  preparations  for  bottle  at,  806. 

Strong,  Oovernor  of  Massachu!<ctts,  denounces  the  war, 
783. 

Strnther,  Fnrt,  peril  of,  704,  767 ;  Jackson  at,  770. 

Swift,  J. «.,  sketch  of,  033. 

8wi  f-T,  (Sencral,  his  report  of  New  York  fortifications,  971. 

SwifT,  Zki'iianiah,  1010. 

Symmeb,  John  C'i.eveb,  36;  sketch  of,  678. 

Symme»'it  City,  671. 

Tallfidfua,  battle  of,  706, 

TnUiijiiKiM,  raid  to  the,  777. 

T(iU(whatche,  battle  of,  703. 

Tai.i.kvrani)  thinks  of  concillition,  99. 

Tarhei.i.,  Josei'h,  675. 

Tarontee,  the  affiiir  of,  264. 

Tattnall,  Johiah,  t'ommodore,  sketch  of,  615;  gallantry 
of,  0.S0. 

Taylor,  Boiiert  Beh.nard,  sketch  of,  077. 

Tavlou,  William  Vigkron,  sketch  of,  520. 

Taylor,  ZAiiHABv,ciminiander  at  Fort  Harrison,  317;  char- 
acter aud  servf  'es  of,  318 ;  sketch  of,  319. 
■:.  \Tea»er,  privateer,  destrnolioii  of,  1002. 

Teoumtii  A,  Indian  chief,  188;  his  craft,  189;  his  project  for 
a  confederation,  190;  goes  to  Viucennes,  192;  alarm  of, 
193;  his  influence  against  Americans, 267 ;  his  conference 
with  Brock,  283;  liis  intention  to  reduce  Fort  Wagner, 
813;  on  the  Mississiniwa,  iM";  at  Fort  Maiden,  477:  ills  re- 
bukeofProctor,489;,hisplanfcircaptnr'r ,  'cMelgs,498; 
his  chief  lieutenant,  651;  death  of,  666;  ills  ,/i,  tol,  l"!.',. 

Teleyram,  first,  2  US. 

Tmhe*»,c—it»  tr(M)pB  prepare  for  war,  742 ;  its  troops  on 
the  Ml.sBissippi,  74i),  768,  777. 

T.'rre  fluute,  19i. 

'I'ehrv,  Samuel,  862. 

IVxt  of  the  Treaty  of  Pejcc,  1071. 

Thame»  River.  British  and  Indians  fly  toward,  64i ;  Perry's 
squadron  on  the,  648,  M9 ;  hiitllc  of  the,  B6S,  664 ;  a  Jour- 
ney t(;  th«,  669 ;  a  visit  to  the  battle-field,  600,  661. 

Tiieobalu,  SaMIT.l,  sketch  of,  550. 

Tiidmab,  .1oh:<,  Major  Gcucral,  10.11. 

TuoMAB,  Joshua,  10!<!. 

TiUit,  the  Peace  of,  163. 

TmaRY,  Tiiom/.b,  commander  of  navy  yard,  Washlncton, 
!).(.;.,  93  V. 

Typpecnnoc,  battle-ground  of,  200,  202;  battle  of,  205;  bat- 
tle-grouud  of,  in  1860, 209. 


Tonn,  Charles  Scott,  aid-de-camp  to  Harrison,  sketch  of 

547,  666,  862. 
T<ile<lo,  description  of,  498 ;  Jonrney  to,  608. 
Tompkins,  Daniel  D.,  Oovernor  of  New  York,  639,  970. 
Too-Tn.»iA-BTiii!iiLK,  ludiau  chief,  747. 
Tortmto,  a  journey  to — veteran  of  1812, 692 ;  old  fort,  remains 

of,  693. 
Turimlo,  its  use,  228,  289 ;  in  New  York  harbor,  241 ;  alarm 

of  the  British  at,  693  ;  in  the  Potomac,  940. 
ToiTEN,  Joseph  G.,  403. 
TowaoN,  Natuan,  sketch  of,  809. 
Tra/altiar,  battle  of,  562. 
TraJHc,  illicit,  considered,  784. 
Traimjiorts,  British,  capture  of,  016. 
Tkant,  iTameb,  044. 

TrEADWELL,  JllIlN,  1016. 

Treamiry,  t'nitcd  StatcB,  114. 

Treait,  Joseph,  Captain,  sketch  of,  807. 

IVeaty,  Jay's,  with  Great  Britain,  violent  opposition  to, 

87;  between  Great  Britain  and  the  riiiled  States  in  1«14 

agreed  to,  160:  sigustnres  of  signers  of,  l(Ki3. 
Tripoli  blockaded,  119, 121, 122;  floating  mine  in  the  harbor 

of,  122;  its  explosion,  122;  peace  wl.h,  r.:6. 
Tkollope,  Mrs.,  at  Cincinnati,  41. 
TriMifiH,  want  of,  917. 

'1'rotter,  GRoKciK,  Lienteiiant  Colonel,  662.  . 

TRiixrijN,  cimimunder  of  ('(inntellaliim,  103;  his  flght  wtih 

the  French  frigate  ha  Vnijicaiiei;  104;  welcomed  at  l-oine 

—honored  by  Congress,  105.  , 

Ti'Nis,  Bey  of,  118. 

'I'l  ITER,  Colonel,  C(mduct  of,  332,  343. 
TiKKEY  Foot,  Indian  Chief,  death  of,  65. 

ITiiited  Staten,  19, 24 ;  difilcnItleB  with  Oveat  Britain,  24 ;  hit- 
ter feeling  of,  S4 ;  diffitiilties  with  Krance,  ii2 ;  prepares 
for  war  with  France,  98;  goveriiuiont  of  tlio,  102;  hi 
thrift,  188;  her  foreign  relallims,  140;  merchants  present 
memorials  to  Congress,  140, 141,  146;  her  frlei;dly  proiwi- 
sltions  unheeded,  ISO;  indignation  of  the  people,  185; 
coast  defenses  of,  236,  230,  237 ;  at  peace  with  the  world, 
m-.  power  broken,  913 ;  the  people  aroused,  320;  char?ei« 
against  the  government  of  the,  409;  prepares  for  a  vigor- 
ous prosecution  of  the  war,  670 ;  Peace  Party  hails  down- 
full  of  Napoleon  with  delight,  864;  flag  of  the,  1006. 

t'nitfd  Stat**,  frigate,  464, 466 ;  imprisoned  in  the  Tliamos, 
095. 

Upham,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  triumph  of,  839. 

ValiHirnim,  the  Kuva  arrives  there,  723  ;  friendliness  of  the 
Chilians,  724;  incidents  In  tlie  harbor  of,  T31. 

Van  i>e  Venter,  Chribtopher,  sketch  of,  0O4,  788. 

Van  Hohne,  Ti.oMAB  U.,  defeat  of,  270. 

Van  Meter,  Hrsrv,  912. 

Van  Nebs,  John  P.,  General,  920. 

Van  Renhbklaer,  Solomon,  General,  transferred  fnmi 
yueenston  to  Albiiny,  407  ;  ►ketch  of,  408;  letter  of,  942. 

Van  liENBBELAKR,  STEPHEN,  General,  appointed  command- 
er-in-chief, 381 ;  diplomacy  of,  !N3 ;  skelch  of,  383;  calls 
for  re-enforcements,  384:  proposal  to  Invade  Canada,  .'184; 
preparec  to  attack  (;ueen6town,3!'0;  renews  the  attempt 
to  invade  Canada,  392 ;  wounded,  890 ;  rcsiguution  of, 
410. 

Vansittart,  Chancellor  of  the  Excheiner,  233. 

Varntm,  Jobeph  B.,  Speaker  of  the  Hoise,  210. 

VAtrciiiAN,  William,  Captain,  sketch  of,  868;  fights  with  the 
Koyal  Georye.  308,  369. 

Vkazy,  Colonel,  674. 

Vietoria,  medal  of,  600. 

VIL..ERE,  Gaiiriel,  Miijor,  1028 ;  British  at  mansion  cf,ll2l. 

Viiuxtivfii,  return  of  the  army  to,  20(5. 

Vincent,  General,  001 ;  narrow  escape  of,  004. 

Virijinia,  Fort,  017. 

V'iryiniit,  Southwestern,  sympathizes  with  revolt,  24 ;  West- 
ern fr<nitiei-  of,  threatened,  46 ;  secession  of,  proposed, 
87  ;  Capes  of,  609. 

I'iryiniarm,  h<nior  Burr  for  his  duel  with  namilton.  135. 

Vol/uiiteerH,  call  for,  response  to,  252 ;  a  call  for,  475. 

VnooMAM,  Solomon,  41 1. 

WAiis-yoRTH,  Di.LiiB,  Colonelj 938. 

Waiibwobth,  Elijah,  General,  sketch  of,  840;   energy 

342,400.  ,/  .  -,  /      ,.   -^ 

Waliiai'h,  Adjutant  General,  663.  „.<..■■■■  ;■ 

Waliio,  Daniel,  1010. 

Wales,  I'binoe  or,  visit  of,  417. 

Walk-in-the-Wateh,  Indian  Chief,  279. 

Walworth,  Reibbn  H.,  sketch  of,  873. 

Wa-pifjli-hi-iu'lta,  Indian  village,  346. 

Wari"',  Aaron,  040. 

Wabo,  Samcel,  1010. 

Waii.;kn,Joun  B.,  Admiral,  607,679;  thanks  Captain  Broke, 

70'.i. 
Warrinoton,  Lewis,  sketch  of,  980;   commander  of  the 

I'mnxk.  980. 
W<{iihtniil<iii,  city  of,  in  great  peril,  910 ;  great  want  of  troops, 

91":    preoiiratlons  to  defend,  918;    General  Winder  in 

ccmimann  at,  918;  removal  of  the  public  records  of,  928. 

British  retreat  from,  937. 


of.W.V 


'I 


1084 


INDEX. 


Wtuhington,  Fort,  a  visit  to,  048. 

Wasuinoton,  Gkorok,  propoeed  a  confederation  of  a  com- 
merciiil  nature,  !i8;  choHcn  iireslrtent  of  llic  CJimvciiltou, 
26 ;  elected  Prcnideut,  33 ;  expression  of  indlgimtlon  of, 
49;  kiudiiosa  to  St.  Clair,  BOj  appointB  his  cabinet,  6'J: 
approves  Hamilton's  financial  scheme,  65;  wisdom  and 
prudence  of,  73;  difficulties  with  France,  77;  his  procla- 
mation of  neutrality,  78 ;  his  Interview  with  Genet,  80 ; 
attempt  to  intimidate,  87 ;  calm  and  falthfiil,  88 ;  Issues 
proclamation,  88;  recommends  a  navy,  90;  attacks  on 
character  of,  92,  close  of  administration  of,  92;  appoint- 
ed commander-in-chief,  98 ;  death  of,  109 ;  action  of  Con- 
Kjess  on  death  of,  110;  medal  lu  honor  of.  111;  sketch 
of  person  and  character  of,  111 ;  picture  of,  saved  by  Mrs. 
Madison,  936. 

War,  preparations  for,  216,  231 ;  predicted,  223 ;  declaration 
of,  228;  action  against,  243;  officers  of,  2B0;  first  blood 
shed  in  the,  267 ;  survivors  of  the,  361,416, 589;  prisoners 
of,  403;  first  shot  fired  afloat,  43S ;  vigorous  prosecution 
of,  876;  British  resolve  on,  (167 ;  Department  of,  793;  Sec- 
retary of,  919 ;  end  of,  992, 1007. 

Wait]),  cruise  of  the,  449;  fight  with  the  Frolic,  480;  captures 
the  AVimicer,  979;  combat  with  the  ^1  son,  080;  loss  of  the, 
with  all  ou  board,  980. 

Watawamu,  ancient  name  of  Stoniugton,  916. 

iratertotcn,  X  Y.,  arsenal  established  there,  866;  visit  to. 

Watts,  Oeobok,  812. 

Wayme,  Anthoict,  General,  appointed  commsnder,  60; 
visits  the  Indian  country,  51 ;  battle  of  Fort  Recovery,  62; 
expedition  down  the  Mauinee,  53;  makes  ofler  of  peace, 
63;  baKJcof  Fallen  Timbers,  64, 198. 

./oi'/w,  Fort  batt.'e  nesr,  42 ;  designs  against,  313 ;  attack 
on,  814;  siege  of,  .^16;  built,  310;  relief,  326. 

Weatherhfobd,  WiLi  lAH,  784 ;    deserted  by  his  warriors, 
f    772;  visits  Jackson,  7^,  782 ;  sketch  of,  782. 
•  Webstee,  Daniel,  232. 

Wellinoton,  Duke  of,  head  of  the  English  army,  283 ;  en- 
ters Paris,  884. 

Wells,  Captain,  death  of.  309. 

Wells,  Samcel,  Colonel,  sent  to  Elk  Ilart  Ri*!r,  826; 
marchch  for  Frcuchtown,  353. 

Wells,  Lestkb,  772. 

West,  Benjamin,  1016. 

White,  Roiiebt,  survivor  of  the  battle  of  Niagara,  8*3. 

Wjiitlook,  A.MI1B08E,  Major,  199. 

WuiTTLESEY,  Elisiia,  skctcli  of,  341, 943. 

Wilde,  Samckl  Sumnee,  1016. 

Wilderness,  the  army  in  the,  266 ;  transportation  in,  349. 


WiLKTHBON,  James,  General,  638 :  succeeds  General 
born,  029;  his  interview  with  Armstrong,  630;  at  Sac) 
Harbor,  630 ;  concentrates  his  forces,  0&  ;  his  exped 
leaves  Sackett's  Harbor,  646 ;  ou  the  St.  Lawrence, 
649  :  holds  councU  of  officers,  660,  661 ;  leaves  Nev 
leauB,  741:  conBldered  Incompetent, 789;  crosses  the 
ada  border,  790 ;  attacks  British  garrison,  791 ;  en 
military  career  of,  792. 

Williams,  Elxazab,  the  I^ost  Prince,  8T7, 876. 

Williams,  Jonathan,  sketch  of,  236. 
Wiliiiinijbm,  powder-mills  at,  906. 

WiNoiiraTEB,  James,  General,  arrival  of  at  Fort  Wa 
326 ;  march  of  through  the  wilderness,  326 ;  at  Fort 
ancc,  328 ;  his  troops  In  a  deplorable  condition,  880 ;  : 
understandings  with  brother  officers,  831;  re-enfc 
ments  for,  ;i45;  attempts  to  relieve  Topper,  844;  si 
troops  to  Fienchtown,  881 ;  arrival  of  relief  party  for, 
head -quarters  of,  888;  lack  of  vigilance  of,  864;  ta 
prisoner,  366 ;  sent  to  Quebec,  869. 
\f  iju-hej)ter,  Fort,  remains  ot,  333. 

Winder, William  H.,  General,  capture  of,  604, 854;  pn 
command  in  Washington,  918 ;  sketch  of,  91R,  919;  c 
for  troops,  920;  the  forces  at  his  command,  921;  Inv 
the  government  to  a  council,  928. 

Wood,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  mortally  wounded,  838. 

Wool,  John  E.,  General,  wounded,  896 ;  takes  comma 
896 ;  sketch  of,  397;  sent  to  meet  the  British,  862. 

WooLBEY,  commander  of  the  Oneida,  367 ;  prepares  for  fl 
on  Lake  Ontario,  867 ;  purchases  vessels  for  the  no 
871 ;  expedition  of,  798, 799. 

WoETii,  William  .Tenkinb,  General,  812. 

WoBTiiiNOToN,  TuoHAB,  skctch  of,  668. 

Wvllvb,  Major,  42. 

Wymniiuj  I'dZity,  refiigees  tcom,  62& 

Yankee,  privateer,  cmise  of,1000;  takes  valuable  prizes, IC 
"Fa?i*e«  Doodle,"  when  played  in  derision,  869. 
Yabnall,  John  J.,  sketch  of,  824. 
Yeo,  Sir  ,Tames,  challenges  Captain  Porter,  440 ;  commai 

British  squadron,  009;  sails  from  Kingston,  793 ;  cond 

of;  796;  sends  troops  to  Quebec,  368;  does  not  venture 

attack  Chauucey,  S86. 
York,  descent  on,  628;   battle  at,  689;  surrender  of,  6( 

abandoned  bv  the  Americans,  691. 
York,  Joseph,  bravery  of,  880 ;  sketch  of,  880. 
York,  Mrs.  Joseph,  bravery  and  patriotism  of,  680. 
YoD,  Dominique,  1037 ;  tomb  of,  1048.  j 

Yocno,  Gitilfobu  DnuLKY,  gallant  exploit  of,  874,  87 

sketch  of,  376. 


THE  END. 


A' 

•■St 


,  General,  B3S :  sncceeds  General  Dear- 
jrview  with  ArmBtroUK, 030;  at  Sacketf g 
centrales  hl8  forces,  0& ;  his  expedition 
^},"^,"'^'J*^'  ""  "'«  St.  Lawrefice,  048. 
ilof  officers,  «60,  m  ;  leaves  New  Or- 
[B^ed  incompetent,  T89j  crosses  theCan- 
, attacks  Bt^tlsh  garrison,  TBI;  end  of 

I,  the  Lost  Prince,  877, 876. 
iN,  sketch  of,  286. 
•-mills  at,  966. 

i.  General,  arrival  of  at  Fort  Wayne 
ongh  the  wilderuess,  328 ;  at  Fort  Defi; 
Tu"!,"  "l^P'orable  condition,  .-JSO ;  mis- 
dth  brother  officers,  831 ;  re-enforce- 
ttemi)t8  to  relieve  Tapper,  844 ;  sends 
Tko'  ^^ !  ""'v"!  of  relfef  pirty  for,  882 ; 
863;  lack  of  vigilance  of,  864;  taken 
t  to  Quebec,  869. 
nalns  of,  833. 

[.,  General,  capture  of,  604, 864;  pnt  in 
llnKton,918;  sketch  of,  918,  919;  calls 
le  forces  at  his  command,  931:  invites 
1  a  council,  926. 

olouel,  mortally  wounded,  838. 
leral,  wonnded,  390 ;  takes  command. 
;  sent  to  meet  the  British,  S«2. 
■L^^'-^^  Oueidn,  367 ;  prepares  for  fight 
SO' :  purchases  vessels  for  the  navy, 

NKiNS,  General,  812, 
AS,  sketch  of,  668. 

gees  from,  626. 

lise  of.lOOO ;  takes  valuable  prlzes,1001 

;n  played  in  derision,  869. 

;etch  of,  524. 

enges  Captain  Porter,  440;  commands 

TO;  sails  from  Kingston,  793;  conduct 

18  to  Quebec,  368 ;  does  not  venture  to 

j;  battle  at,  689;  surrender  of,  690- 
\merlcan8,  B91. 
y  of,  680 ;  sketch  of,  680. 
ravery  and  ijatriotism  of,  680. 
;  'omb  of,  1048. 
DULitY,  gallant  exploit  of,  874,  876; 


